bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Study on Battery State of Charge Estimation Using Kalman Filter
Authors: Asghar Furqan ,   School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Kunsan National University, Talha Muhammad , Kim Sung Ho , Ra In-Ho ,   Department of Control and Robotics Engineering, Kunsan National University,   Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Kunsan National University
Published: November 2016

Low power dissipation and maximum battery run-time are crucial in portable electronics and EV’s. Battery characteristics and performance varied at different operating conditions. By using accurate, efficient circuit and battery models, designers can predict and optimize battery runtime, current state of charge (SOC) and circuit performance. A great factor in determining the stability of battery system lies within the state of charge estimation. Failing to predict SOC will cause overcharge or over discharge which potentially will bring permanent damage to the battery cells. Open circuit voltage (OCV) has been widely used to estimate the state of charge in estimation algorithms. This paper proposed an accurate and comprehensive battery state of charge (SOC) estimation method by using the Kalman filter. First, Kalman filter for Li-ion battery state of charge estimation was mathematically designed. Then Electrical battery model is being implemented with Kalman filter in matlab Simulink to estimate the exact battery state of charge using estimated battery open circuit voltages. The proposed model shows that system is estimating battery state of charge more accurately than commonly used methods which can help to improve battery performance and lifetime.
Computer-Generated Emotional Face Retrieval with P300 Signals of Multiple Subjects
Authors: Fan Junwei ,   Information Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Touyama Hideaki ,   Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University
Published: November 2016

Applying brain signals to human-computer interaction enables us to detect the attention. Based on P300 signals – one type of event-related potential – enables brain-machine interface users to select desired letters by means of attention alone. Previous studies have reported the feasibility of P300 signals in enabling a single subject to realize novel information retrieval. In the recent collaborative EEG study of multiple subjects has enabled classification to detect attention in a markedly improved way. Here we propose emotional face retrieval using P300 signals of 20 subjects. As a result, the F-measure under the condition of a single subject was a standard deviation of 0.636 ± 0.05 and an F-measure of 0.886 with multiple subjects. In short, emotional face retrieval classification is improved with collaborative P300 signals from multiple subjects. This technique could be applied to life logs, computer-supported cooperative work, and neuromarketing.
Geometric Relation-Based Cognitive Sharing for Flying and Ground Mobile Robot Cooperation
Authors: Cai Yifeng ,   Department of Micro-Nano System Engineering, Nagoya University, Sekiyama Kosuke
Published: November 2016

Cognitive sharing of objects is fundamental in a heterogeneous robot system composed of a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a ground robot. Since the viewpoint of a UAV is greatly different from a ground robot, they may have different perceptions about the same objects. That makes it difficult to realize cognitive sharing. In this paper, we proposed a cognitive sharing method which is based on Geometric Relation-based Triangle Representations. The method is able to make a UAV and a ground robot identify the same object from similar objects without sharing appearance information in unstructured environment. To copy with the problem of increasing computational cost for the recognition of objects in the Region of Interest, entropy evaluation is employed to evaluate and select unique representations. We illustrated the proposed method with robots in real world.
Applying Intelligent Adaptation to Remote Cloud Datacenter Backup
Authors: Chang Bao Rong ,   Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Tsai Hsiu-Fen , Guo Cin-Long ,   Department of Marketing Management, Shu-Te University
Published: November 2016

HBase and Cassandra are two most commonly used large-scale distributed NoSQL database management systems; especially applicable to a large amount of data processing. Regarding remote data backup, each kind of datacenter has its own backup strategy to prevent the risks of data loss. With Thrift Java, this paper aims to implement in-cloud high efficient remote datacenter backup applied to in-cloud NoSQL databases like HBase and Cassandra. The binary communications protocol technology from Apache Thrift is employed to establish the graphical user interface instead of the command line interface so as to ease data manipulation. In order to control the network traffic flow smoothly, intelligent adaptation using ANFIS and PSO is employed to tune the parameters of NoSQL databases during the remote data backup to improve QoS in the network. The stress test has taken on strictly data reading/writing and remote backup of a huge amount of data to verify the effectiveness. Finally, the performance evaluation of a variety of benchmark databases has been done by performance index. As a result, the proposed HBase approach outperforms the other databases.
Prototype Development of Image Editing Systems Available for Visually Impaired People and Consideration of Their User Interfaces
Authors: Takagi Noboru ,   Department of Intelligent Systems Design Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Morii Shingo , Motoyoshi Tatsuo ,   INTEC Inc.
Published: November 2016

For example, when sighted scholars study mathematics and physics etcetera, they need to access visual information, e.g., graphs and pictures. Furthermore, sighted people can express their own ideas and opinions visually. On the other hand, blind people can access visual information if it is expressed tactilely, but find it difficult to express their ideas and opinions visually. We are therefore developing a computer-aided system enabling blind people to draw their own figures on their own. This system consists of a matrix braille display to edit computer line drawings. The matrix braille display enables the blind to feel a tactile graphic during editing. After explaining two input methods for elementary plane shapes, we discuss two methods for scrolling tactile graphics to make the matrix braille display large enough to show tactile graphics in sufficient detail. We then show experimental results for using input and scrolling, and conclude with discussion on the usability of input and scrolling.
Analysis of Water Quality of Lake Hachiroko in Japan Using a Fuzzy Multiple Regression Model with ALOS AVNIR-2 Data
Authors: Wang Dejian ,   Dalian Nationalities University, Kageyama Yoichi , Nishida Makoto , Shirai Hikaru ,   Graduate School of Engineering and Resource Science, Akita University
Published: November 2016

The distribution of water pollution is often assessed by remote sensing. In this study, we develop a fuzzy multiple regression model and analyze water quality using data collected by the Advanced Visible and Near Infrared Radiometer type-2 (AVNIR-2) of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite at different time points. We conduct a fuzzy multiple regression analysis of the AVNIR-2 data and direct measurements of the local water quality of Lake Hachiroko in Japan. The relationship between the AVNIR-2 and water quality data are analyzed by solving both min and max problems. We compare the estimated water quality maps with the actual distributions in the study area, and determine that the proposed method enables us to derive water quality conditions effectively from the AVNIR-2 data. Furthermore, by comparing maps created using AVNIR-2 data collected at different times, we obtain results revealing temporal changes in water quality. In addition, we compare maps created using the fuzzy multiple regression and fuzzy regression models. We demonstrate that the former offers a greater number of solutions and provides more details about water quality.
A Novel Approach for Determining Distributed Generations Penetration Level Using Least Square Minimization (LSM) Curve Fitting
Authors: Dosano Rodel D. ,   College of Information and Communications Technology, West Visayas State University, Mabaquiao Nemia H. , Gallega-Hisole Godelyn , Cabacas Regin A. , Ra In-Ho ,   Department of Electrical Engineering, Iloilo Science and Technology University,   School of Computer, Information and Communication Engineering, Kunsan National University
Published: November 2016

With the publicized benefits offered by renewable energy resources, more and more households embrace the utilization of stand-alone installations ranging from small to medium scale systems. In literature, several studies provide insights on the effects of integration of renewable energy (RE) resources to the distribution systems but have inadequacy of considering the penetration levels. Moreover, RE cost reductions, increasing costs of traditional energy sources, and Renewable Portfolio Standards have created the possibility of significant increase of penetration levels of distributed RE generation being installed on distribution systems. To aid in the evaluation and assist with these expansions, new analysis tools are needed. In particular, new RE high-penetration analysis tools and procedures need to be developed and integrated with existing conventional methods. This paper presents a simulation based study on distribution system with and without integration of RE sources. It takes into account of the impending effects of these RE integrations in the distribution system. This paper emphasizes a novel method of determining the penetration level of Distributed Generation using least square minimization (LSM) method. The studies were tested using IEEE 123 bus distribution test feeder and actual data from an existing distribution system to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach.
Optimization of Gravity-Stable Surfactant Flooding
Authors: Lu Jun , Pope Gary A.
Published: November 2016

Horizontal surfactant floods are inherently unstable without mobility control. However, a vertical surfactant flood can be stabilized by gravity if the velocity is below the critical velocity. A modified stability theory was validated by comparison with a series of surfactant-displacement experiments. These experiments also demonstrate that the critical velocity can be increased by optimizing the viscosity of the microemulsion that forms when the surfactant solution mixes with the oil in the porous medium. The microemulsion viscosity is sensitive to formulation variables such as the amount and type of co-solvent added to the surfactant solution. By changing surfactant components, co-solvents, and the concentration of the co-solvents, we were able to successfully control the microemulsion viscosity at optimum salinity to optimize the critical velocities in each surfactant flood. The experiments with optimized microemulsions show that the surfactant-flood velocity can be significantly increased and still recover nearly 100% of the oil.
Comparison of the claims reserves methods by analyzing the run-off error
Authors: Ettore D’Ortona Nicolino , Melisi Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

The variability of claim costs represents an important risk component, which should be taken into account while implementing the internal models for solvency evaluation of an insurance undertaking. This component can generate differences between future payments for claims and the provisions set aside for the same claims (run-off error). If the liability concerning the claims reserve is evaluated using synthetic methods, then the run-off error depends on the statistical method adopted; when it is not possible to study analytically the properties of the estimators, methods based on stochastic simulation are particularly effective. This work focuses on measuring the run-off error with reference to claims reserves evaluation methods applied to simulated run-off matrices for the claims settlement development. The results from the numerical implementations provide the authors with useful insights for a rational selection of the statistical-actuarial method for the claims reserve evaluation on an integrated risk management framework. The setting of the analysis is similar to that adopted in other studies (Stanard, 1986; Pentikainen and Rantala, 1992; Buhlmann et al., 1980), however, it differs for estimation and simulation methods considered and for the statistics elaborated in the comparison.
Keywords: run-off error, outstanding claims reserves, stochastic simulation
Formation of the optimal portfolio of insurer’s services of the voluntary types of insurance
Authors: Levchenko Valentyna , Ostapenko Myroslav
Published: November 2016

The article studies the possibility of using optimization modelling to form the optimal structure of insurance services’ portfolio of insurance companies. Based on the data of net insurance payments and profitability of the voluntary types of insurance in 2005-2015, the authors conducted their analysis according to the possibility to be included in the general insurance portfolio of the insurance company. The optimization model is based on the approach developed by G. Markowitz. The formation of insurance services portfolio is conducted by solving the optimization problem to maximize the portfolios’ profitability or to minimize the portfolio’s risks. The obtained results can be used in making strategic decisions by the management regarding the development of insurance companies.
Keywords: insurance company, insurance service, insurance portfolio, portfolio optimization
Urbanization and Condition of Urban Slums in India
Authors: Chimankar Digambar Abaji
Published: November 2016

The present paper attempted to study the urbanization in India and condition of urban slums in terms of water, sanitation, electricity, garbage collection and health care, and education which are supposed to be basic minimum needs for the slum dwellers. India is going through the process of rapid urbanization because of industrialization like other third world countries.  The percent of urbanization increase from 27.8 percent in 2001 to 31.1 percent in 2011 census. The increase in the percentage of population in urban areas is because of natural growth, rural to urban migration and the reclassification of village and towns. The share of the slum population in the total urban population of the country was 18.3 percent in 2001 while in 2011 it was 17.4 percent. The condition of urban slums in India is to be improved so as to make them better for living.
Youth Migration in Indonesia: Decision to Move and to Choose of Destination Areas
Authors: Malamassam Meirina Ayumi
Published: November 2016

Using intercensal population survey data, this paper examines migration behavior of youth in Indonesia aged 15 to 24 years old. Logistic regressions are employed to understand factors influencing youth’s decision to migrate as well as their choice of destination areas. The study findings suggest that migration preferences are determined by both the individual characteristics as well as the development level in both areas of origin and destination. It is also shown that education plays an important role in youth migration in Indonesia, not only in improving individual’s capacity to migrate, but also in prompting migration to big cities. In addition, youth migrants tend to move to areas with similar characteristics or similar cultural background to their areas of origin. For most of young people, migration is considered as an attempt for gaining upward social mobility, thus the prevalence of youth migration to less developed areas is low.
Indonesia’s Forest Resource Monitoring
Authors: Margono Belinda Arunarwati , Usman Ahmad Basyirudin , . Budiharto , Sugardiman Ruandha Agung
Published: November 2016

Forest cover in term of distribution, extent and types, is major information required to manage the forest resources. Notably for Indonesia, which covers by approximately 98 Mha (>50%) forests, consist of 93 Mha (49.6%) natural forest and 5 Mha (2.6%) plantations forest. The forests are invaluable, including significantly preserve carbon, maintain unique biodiversity, support water and mineral cycle, as well as support local and global community. Here we report efforts have been made for years in the Ministry of Forestry for providing land cover information. Those efforts are including early development, data sources selection, method employed, techniques, and classification scheme, as well as problem encountered and approach for improvements.
Urban Socio-Economic Variables and Intra-Urban Trips in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Olayiwola Solanke Muse
Published: November 2016

This study examines the relative influence of socio-economic variables of urban centers on intra-city tripgeneration. Data were collected on sixteen socio-economic variables and household trip generation in fourteen urbancenters of the state. The nature and degree of relationships between socio-economic variables and trips generated wereestablished through simple bivariate correlation technique. Multiple regression analysis was used to explain variablesthat predict trips generated. The principal component analysis was used to resolve observed collinearity problem in regressionanalysis.There is a strong significant positive correlation between trip generated and 13 out of sixteen socio-economicvariables. The principal component analysis on the socio-economic variables produced two components: socialand commercial component and industrial development component.The two components explain 58.68% of variationin intra-urban trips generated (F=7.830, P≤0.50), (F=13.982, P≤0.50). The industrial development component does notprovide significant explanation.The study emphasizes the need for proper planning and effective monitoring of developingof socio-economic variables in cities because of their critical influence on trip generation.
New Cities In Urban And Regional Development Planning Oyesiku K; Lagos, Nigeria. Longman (2010) Pp 353. Isbn 978 978 026 3577 (Paper Back) Includes Index, Photos, Notes, Tables And Figures, Appendix And References. Price N1,500.00. Approx. $10.00.
Authors: Lawal Mohammed Olaitan
Published: November 2016

For a long time, cities have been regarded as the main source of economic growth and development. However, increased size and density of cities have generated high land costs, rent and transport cost, congestion and pollution, and increased social disorganization. The condition is even worse in developing countries – urban migration, over-utilization of housing and infrastructure, persistent slums, and squatter settlements. This books represents a comparative study between the USA and Nigeria related to characteristics of the cities in both countries. This book tries to address the question “How has the United States of America and Nigeria have been able to address the problems of ‘swollen’ cities and metropolitan growth?”. Outcome of several planned new communities and cities in both countries is of paramount importance to the contribution of knowledge on physical planning approaches globally. The most significant discussion are shown in the final chapter, by giving examples of policy implications and comments on new cities in national and regional development as well as urban and regional development and planning strategy in the global context.
Evaluating The Integrated Environmental Management Of Municipal Solid Waste In Osaka City, Japan
Authors: Widowati Sintha Prima
Published: November 2016

Many state-of-the-art concepts and technologies on managing MSW have been developed for years. However, in Indonesia, the practice may still be insufficient because of the institutional capacity issue. This study aimed to evaluate the integrated environmental management for municipal solid waste in Osaka City, Japan. Method in use was descriptive analysis by literature review using official document “Environmental Management in Osaka City for Fiscal Year 1999” by Osaka City Environmental Bureau. Result showed Osaka City was adopting and modifying the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) suggested by Tchobanoglous et al. [1993] hierarchically using “Waste Reduction Principles” and establishing “Environmental Management Bureau” to handle the integrated solid waste management practice. More importantly, the implementation of ISWM was completely supported by the central government by law which was The Waste Disposal and Public Cleaning Law and by regulation which was the task distribution among central, prefectural and municipal government in managing the solid waste. These approaches were proven to be effectively implemented from top to bottom level thus should be recommended to the government of Indonesia.
The Livelihood Analysis in Merapi Prone Area After 2010 Eruption
Authors: Nofrita Susy , Krol B.G.C.M. Bart
Published: November 2016

As stated in Regent Regulation No. 20 Year 2011 about Merapi Volcano Disaster-Prone Area, Merapi eruption in 2010 affected larger area than before included Kalitengah Lor, Kalitengah Kidul and Srunen hamlet which was now categorized as prone area zone III or the most dangerous area related to Merapi volcano hazard and was forbidden to live at. But its local people agreed to oppose the regulation and this area had been 100% reoccupied. This research examined about the existing livelihood condition in Kalitengah Lor, Kalitengah Kidul and Srunen that had been changed and degraded after 2010 great eruption. The grounded based information found that 80% of households sample were at the middle level of welfare status, meanwhile the high and low were at 13% and 7% respectively. Each status represented different livelihood strategy in facing the life in prone area with no one considered the Merapi hazard, but more economic motivation and assets preservation. The diversity in strategy was found in diversification of livelihood resources which were dominated by sand mining, farming and dairy farming.
Capabilities and Gaps Assessments of Urban Air Quality Manage-ment in Uganda
Authors: Kiggundu Amin Tamale
Published: November 2016

Today, large cities across the globe are facing a pervasive problem of air pollution.  The purpose of this study is to assess the capabilities and gaps in urban air quality management in Uganda as well as proposing strategies for curbing air pollution. This study applied face to face interviews, targeting key informants such as the environmental experts, urbanization researchers and officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Results show that rapid motorization, continued dependence on fossil fuels, open waste burning, biomass burning, industrialization, bushfires and urbanization are the key causes of air pollution in Uganda. To reduce air pollution and improve urban air quality it is critical to promote non-motorised mass transport, increase electricity access, regulate open waste burning, establish laboratories, strengthen local research and training capacity, promote collaborations, introduce more fuel efficient vehicles and periodic vehicle inspection and carry out public awareness campaigns about air pollution.
Travel Characteristics and Commuting Pattern of Lagos Metropolis Residents: an Assessment
Authors: Babatunde OSOBA, Samson
Published: November 2016

Urban travel is not solely the function of travel, but also on people’s participation in activities and how these were done. This study utilized 2,500 households’ samples in Lagos metropolis. The questionnaire about intra-city trip patterns was administered in direct proportion to the population size of each Local Government Areas (LGAs). Systematic sampling technique was used to select every tenth building on the identified streets. lt is observed that more than 95% of residents depends on roads, while less than 5% depends on Rail and Ferry. Work and business trips characterized the weekdays, while social, shopping and recreation trips dominate the weekends. This situation leads to too many vehicular traffic on the roads during the peak periods, leading to congestion and loss of valuable man-hours. Transportation planners in Lagos need to develop alternative intra-city transportation systems.
Climate Change Dynamics and Imperatives for Food Security in Nigeria
Authors: Onafeso Olumide D. , Akanni Cornelius O. , Badejo Bamidele A.
Published: November 2016

Decadal variability in African rainfall is projected from General Circulation Models (GCMs) to continue under elevated greenhouse gas scenarios. Effects on rain intensity, spatio-temporal variability of growing seasons, flooding, drought, and land-use change impose feedbacks at regional-local scales. Yet, empirical knowledge of associated impacts on crop yield is limited; thus, we examined the imperatives for food security in Nigeria. Bivariate correlation and multiple regression suggests impending drought in the northern region where livestock farming is predominant. Relative contributions of climate independent variables in determining crop yield by backward selection procedures with stepwise approach indexed the impacts of annual climate variability by a parameter computed as annual yield minus mean annual yield divided by the standard deviation. Results show Z-distribution approximately 5 to + 5, when < 3 or > 3 indicate impacts significant at 95% confidence levels. In conclusion, we established the interwoven relationship between climatic change and food security.
Land Use Planning for Brackish Water Shrimp Ponds in The North Coast of Tuban, Indonesia
Authors: Widiatmaka Widiatmaka , Ambarwulan Wiwin , Setiawan Yudi , Purwanto Muhamad Yanuar Jarwadi , Taryono Taryono , Effendi Hefni
Published: November 2016

Shrimp is a commodity that is increasingly in demand. The limited land resources implies the need of effective land use planning. The objective of this study was to assess land suitability for brackish water shrimp ponds, which then will be recommended for pond development in the north coast of Tuban, Indonesia. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) were used to obtain the weight of the different criteria consisted of soil characteristics, topographic, water quality, and infrastructure criteria. The suitable land for brackish water shrimp ponds was determined by weighted overlay in GIS. The results show that the study area contains highly suitable land for brackish water shrimp ponds. Land use and land cover map was interpreted from 2014 SPOT 5 imagery. The area recommended for brackish water shrimp pond wasdelineated by taking into account the suitability and the constraints of land use and land cover.
DAMPAK PENGALIHAN FUNGSI LAHAN SAWAH PADA PRODUKSI PADI SAMPAI TAHUN 2018 DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP KETAHANAN PANGAN WILAYAH (Studi di Kecamatan Jaten Kabupaten Karanganyar Propinsi Jawa Tengah)
Authors: Wibowo Catur Setyo
Published: November 2016

Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam penulisan tesis ini adalah untuk memperkirakan luasan lahan sawah yang telah dialih fungsikan ke non-sawah di Kecamatan Jaten sampai dengan tahun 2018, mengetahui faktor penyebab pengalihan fungsi lahan sawah di Kecamatan Jaten, mengetahui dampak pengalihan fungsi lahan sawah terhadap produksi padi dalam rangka Ketahanan Pangan di Kecamatan Jaten sampai tahun 2018.Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif dengan metode kuantitatif yang didiskripsikan dalam bentuk tabel dan grafik untuk menggambarkan dampak pengalihan fungsi lahan sawah terhadap produksi padi dalam rangka ketahanan pangan di wilayah Kecamatan Jaten Kabupaten Karanganyar. Adapun jenis data yang diperlukan adalah data primer dan data sekunder baik yang bersifat kualilalif maupun kuantitatif.Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, pengalihan fungsi lahan sawah di Kecamatan Jaten semakin meningkat, hal ini dipengaruhi oleh letak geografis yang strategis, Pertumbuhan Penduduk dan Kebutuhan Perumahan, perkembangan industri, dan faktor individu Petani. Penyusutan lahan sawah secara nyata berpengaruh terhadap berkurangnya produksi padi secara total. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan hasil uji statistik yang menunjukkan penurunan produksi padi sampai dengan tahun 2018 sebesar 6.309,8 ton atau sekitar -2,9 persen/tahun. Berdasarkan tingkat konsumsi beras penduduk sesuai dengan Susenas tahun 2013, maka diperkirakan pada tahun 2020 Kecamatan Jaten  akan mengalami kekurangan produksi beras.
Prevalence and Contents of Advance Directives of Patients with ESRD Receiving Dialysis
Authors: Feely Molly A. , Hildebrandt Daniel , Edakkanambeth Varayil Jithinraj , Mueller Paul S.
Published: November 2016

Background and objectives

ESRD requiring dialysis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates, including increased rates of cognitive impairment, compared with the general population. About one quarter of patients receiving dialysis choose to discontinue dialysis at the end of life. Advance directives are intended to give providers and surrogates instruction on managing medical decision making, including end of life situations. The prevalence of advance directives is low among patients receiving dialysis. Little is known about the contents of advance directives among these patients with advance directives.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients receiving maintenance in–center hemodialysis at a tertiary academic medical center between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2012. We collected demographic data, the prevalence of advance directives, and a content analysis of these advance directives. We specifically examined the advance directives for instructions on management of interventions at end of life, including dialysis.

Results

Among 808 patients (mean age of 68.6 years old; men =61.2%), 49% had advance directives, of which only 10.6% mentioned dialysis and only 3% specifically addressed dialysis management at end of life. Patients who had advance directives were more likely to be older (74.5 versus 65.4 years old; P<0.001) and have died during the study period (64.4% versus 46.6%; P<0.001) than patients who did not have advance directives. Notably, for patients receiving dialysis who had advance directives, more of the advance directives addressed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (44.2%), mechanical ventilation (37.1%), artificial nutrition and hydration (34.3%), and pain management (43.4%) than dialysis (10.6%).

Conclusions

Although one-half of the patients receiving dialysis in our study had advance directives, end of life management of dialysis was rarely addressed. Future research should focus on improving discernment and documentation of end of life values, goals, and preferences, such as dialysis–specific advance directives, among these patients.
Treatment of the early postoperative complications following liver transplantation
Authors: Rummo O.
Published: November 2016

Despite considerable reduction of the lethality rate after ortotopic liver transplantation and owing to the achievements in modern surgery, immunology and anesthesiology, the early postoperative complications still occur in nearly 70 % and can significantly compromise patient survival.The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and causes of early post-transplantation complications and to develop effective means for their prophylaxis and treatment.Materials and methods. Within the period from 03.04.2008 to 01.07.2014, altogether 260 liver transplantations were performed in 252 recipients in the Republican Center for organ and tissue transplantation (Minsk, Belarus: of them 209 (81.2 %) according to the classic technique, 46 (17.7 %) cavaplasty and 5 portal transposition (2.4 %).Thirty-six liver transplantations (13.9 %) were performed in children before 18 years of age. The strategy of peri-operative techniques and immune-suppressive therapy were the same for all patients.Results. Vascular complications occurred in 44 cases (16.9 %), biliary complications in 46 (17.7 %), acute kidney injury in 47 (18.1 %), primary non-functioning after 3 liver transplantations (1.2 %), early allograft dysfunction in 71 (27.3 %) cases, and bacterial complications after 66 (25.4 %) liver transplantations. Predictors of early allograft dysfunction were thermal ischemia and graft steatosis. Three-year patients’ survival was 85 %.Conclusion. The main cause of death was multiple organ failure developed in a sign of bacterial complications and early allograft dysfunction. Significant role in early postoperative complications prophylaxis acts interdisciplinary prevention of nosocomial infection.
Effects of the neurogenic cells supernatant on the tumor-inducing ability of glioma 101.8 in rats
Authors: Lyubich L. , Lisyany M.
Published: November 2016

The use of neurogenic stem cells (NSCs) and neurogenic progenitor cells (NPCs) is one of the areas of brain and spinal cord lesions cell therapy. Intensive research of NSCs biology has revealed their tumor-tropic properties. Great migration potential and integration of NSCs in places of pathology in the central nervous system allows to consider their application as a means of targeted therapy of tumors. Antitumor properties of NSCs substantiate the development of treatment strategies for malignant gliomas using NSCs.The aim was to study the effect of rat neurogenic cells supernatant (NCS) on the tumor-inducing ability of glioma 101.8 cells at the intracerebral implantation in rats.Brain glioma 101.8 was modeling by intracerebral injection of 101.8-glioma cells suspension. NCS was received from whole rat brain tissue on 14th (E14) day of gestation.Modification of 101.8-glioma cells suspension by means of incubation with NCS (0.02 and 0.1 mg/ml) reduced the tumor-inducing ability of tumor cells, postponing the time of tumor clinical manifestations debut and increasing the lifetime of experimental animals.Under conditions of glioma induction with tumor cells, previously modified by NCS, cytotoxic activity of immune cells of tumor-bearing animals in MTT-test with allogeneic 101.8-glioma cells was increased.
Effects of human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells and Interleukin-10 on behavioural responses of rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Tsymbaliuk V , Velychko O. , Pichkur O. , Verbovska S. , Pichkur L. , Shuvalova N.
Published: November 2016

On the rat model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), as analogue of multiple sclerosis of human, we studied the effect of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells and interleukin-10 on the functional parameters of the CNS.Materials and methods. EAE was induced with spinal cord homogenate of rats with complete Freund’s adjuvant. MSCs were isolated by the explants technique from Wharton’s jelly of the human umbilical cord and cultured up to two passages. Recombinant IL-10 was administered intravenously on the day 10 after induction of EAE and subocipitally on the day 17 at a dose of 0.2 mg per animal. Cell transplantation performed subocipitally on the day 17 at a dose of 106 cells per animal. Behavioral reactions studied in the “open field” test three times: on the day 12, 15 and 24 after the induction of EAE.Results. Induced EAE results in significant changes in adaptive behavior of rats on the 12th day as suppression of orienting-exploratory and activation of emotional activity. The application of MSCs and IL-10 has normalized the rates of cognitive activities (orienting-exploratory activity) and emotional sphere (the level of fear, anxiety).Conclusion. Combined treatment of induced EAE in rats with interleukin-10 and human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells is effective at correction of behavioral responses of animals.
Changes of intracardiac hemodynamics in patients with decreased myocardial contractility at transplantation of cord blood stem cells
Authors: Gabrielyan A. , Yakushev A. , Matyashchuk A. , Domanskiy T. , Kudlay I. , Romanova S. , Shymova A.
Published: November 2016

Experiments on animals have shown an effectiveness of cord blood stem cells (SCs) in restoration of myocardial contractility. But there is not enough information about the use of this SCs type at heart lesion in people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of cord blood SCs transplantation on impaired myocardial contractility of patients with chronic heart failure.Materials and methods. According to the data echocardiography we analyzed the changes of intracardiac hemodynamics in patients with decreased myocardial contractility, who underwent intravenous transplantation of cord blood stem cells in case of ineffective traditional conservative therapy schemes of heart failure (HF).Results. Left ventricular ejection fraction before cord blood stem cells transplantation was 22.0 ± 5.0 %, 1 month after SC transplantation – 22.3 ± 6.5%, and in 3 months – 28.5 ± 7.8 % (p < 0.05). The average stroke index increased from 21.3 ± 3.5 ml/m2 before transplantation up to 29.0 ± 8.5 ml/m2 3 months after transplantation SC (p < 0.05). Statistically significant changes of diastolic function parameters (index e’, E/A, E/e’) and venous stasis have not been established. Before transplantation local cell contractility index (LCI) of basal and middle segments was 2.43 points; 1 month after transplantation LCI decreased to 2.38, and after 3 months – up to 2.18 points (p <0.05).Conclusion. In a short term (1-3 months) after transplantation of cord blood cells there was demonstrated a partial restoration of parameters that characterize left ventricular systolic function, and a significant improvement of impaired heart rate mechanics. No negative effects, complications and side effects have been recorded in short periods of observation after transplantation of cord blood cells.
Cell technologies in treatment of human intervertebral disc hernia: perspectives
Authors: Ustymenko A.
Published: November 2016

The intervertebral disc hernia is distinguished one of the diseases of the human locomotor apparatus that causes pain, neurological deficit and functional disorders.Inefficency of concervative treatment and repeated appeals for medical help after surgery have urged on the need for exploration of some new more effective methods of treatment aimed not only at weakening degenerative processes and pain but also at renewing disc function and its height maintenance. Achievements of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering promote development of new efficient methods of cell therapy. The results of their application in experimental studies on animals give us hope for their successful use in humans.
Stem cells in nail unit of mammalians
Authors: Kalmukova O.
Published: November 2016

The review analyzes the current state of experimental studies on the ability to obtain and cultivate stem cells from the nail organ and their possible involvement in the regeneration of a limb. It has been known that the nail unit consists of a pool of undifferentiated cells which provide sustained growth and nail repair throughout life. But, nowadays the issue of stem cell niche localization in the nail organ remains unresolved. Also, researchers demonstrated involvement of these cells in the restoration of amputated limbs, in particular, through activation of certain signaling pathways (Wnt, BMP, Notch), and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, but the detailed mechanism of this process is poorly understood. It is supposed that the nail organ has two sources of undifferentiated cells of different origin: the proximal nail fold and the dorsal part of the nail matrix (K15+, K19+, PHLDA1+); and onychodermis (CD10+, CD34–). However, these markers are not generally accepted, so the search for markers combinations for exhaustive and complete characterization of stem cells from the nail organ continues.
Legislative regulation of the banking of umbilical cord blood stem cells, other human cells and tissues and clinical trials with their use in the different countries of the world
Authors: Nasadyuk C. , Makhinya A. , Shabliy V. , Vyalykh Z. , Zadorozhna V. , Martynenko S.
Published: November 2016

The article highlights the experience and peculiarities of legislative regulation of umbilical cord blood and tissue banking in the different countries of the world as well as clinical trials with their application. The approaches to licensing and legislative regulation of the business activities of the cord blood banks in Ukraine are also described.
Towards an affective history of Yugoslavia
Authors: Petrovic Tanja
Published: November 2016

The article discusses the necessity for the diversification of (hi)stories of
Yugoslavia, arguing for the importance of incorporating the affects and
experiences of Yugoslavia?s citizens into the historical narratives.
Acknowledging the difficulties emerging form the fact that what is
articulated as historical narrative is still part of the experience for
millions of citizens of post-Yugoslav societies, the article reflects upon
the potential for and obstacles to an affective history of socialist
Yugoslavia through the lens borrowed from German sociologist Georg Simmel. It
particularly refers to - and makes use of - two sets of Simmel?s ideas. The
first concerns the nature of material and the way we are making a story out
of it - more precisely, the relationship between history and experience, life
and representation. The second is about the perspective from which we look
at, approach, and synthesize this material. Simmel?s reflections on history
and form offer a very useful tool to look at the Yugoslav case and also help
de-essentialize and normalize Yugoslav history, making the anxieties that
characterize it part of a much broader discussion about history, its nature,
and its internal contradictions.
The first UN world conference on women (1975) as a cold war encounter: Recovering anti-imperialist, non-aligned and socialist genealogies
Authors: Bonfiglioli Chiara
Published: November 2016

The essay addresses contemporary discussions on women?s transnationalism and
women?s agency by looking at the first conference of the UN Decade for Women
held in Mexico City in 1975, and at its specific embedding in Cold War
geopolitics. Through an engagement with different feminist and activists
voices, and particularly with the less visible anti-imperialist, Non-Aligned
and socialist genealogies of women?s activism expressed during the meeting,
the essay argues that the paradigm of Western feminist knowledge production
needs to be revisited, in order to encompass multiple forms of women?s
political agency that are not expressed through the liberal framework of
women?s individual autonomy from the state. By juxtaposing Betty Friedan?s
and Vida Tomsic?s stances during the Mexico City event, the paper shows that
women?s political agency during the Cold War era took different forms, which
included both the refusal and the acceptance of women?s activism within
existing national and international institutions.
A relationship between relativism and nazism. Fact or fiction?
Authors: Böhnigk Volker
Published: November 2016

According to a certain view that is dominant in historical research, the
wide-spread racial doctrines of the twenties and thirties of the last century
is said to have advanced relativism. It is argued, that relativism then
became the foundation of National Socialist ideology. In the last instance,
relativism is accused of having contributed to the Nazi doctrine of racial
extermination. Relativism has a long philosophical tradition. The aim of this
investigation is to find out how many of the philosophers who supported
National Socialism actually held relativistic views. I will show that the
assumed correlation between Relativism and National Socialism is a momentous
fiction, which paved the way for an (intentional) misrepresentation of the
relationship between science and National Socialism.
Political messianism and democracy: On possibility of political self-transformation of democracy
Authors: Pavicevic Djordje
Published: November 2016

The article deals with the relation of political messianism to ongoing debate
on the crisis of democracy. The conceptual framework of political messianism
is the convenient analytical tool because it makes the concept of crisis a
starting point for formulating a different politics of redemption. Three
conceptions of political messianism are being analyzed: as a revolutionary
policies, as critical tool, as well as open possibility of radical changes.
It shows in all three cases that deep beliefs play an important role in
politics and that it is not possible to immunize political order from them.
The second part of the paper points to the significance of these insights for
understanding the discourse on the crisis of democracy which important part
represents the loss of faith in the ability of democratic institutions to
formulate a framework for meaningful political actions of citizens. As a
result, there has been a transformation of the concept of democracy which now
sees political actions of citizens-amateurs as a nuisance. Such a condition
produces tensions which are burdening the functioning of democratic regimes.
In conclusion, it is noted that contemporary democracies are not able to
restore faith in the fundamentals of its existence as long as they insist on
the primacy of the form of democracy, which in the meantime has become the
norm, but fails to convince the citizens in their intrinsic values.
Tesla’s high voltage and high frequency generators with oscillatory circuits
Authors: Cvetic Jovan
Published: November 2016

The principles that represent the basics of the work of the high voltage and
high frequency generator with oscillating circuits will be discussed. Until
1891, Tesla made and used mechanical generators with a large number of
extruded poles for the frequencies up to about 20 kHz. The first electric
generators based on a new principle of a weakly coupled oscillatory circuits
he used for the wireless signal transmission, for the study of the discharges
in vacuum tubes, the wireless energy transmission, for the production of the
cathode rays, that is x-rays and other experiments. Aiming to transfer the
signals and the energy to any point of the surface of the Earth, in the late
of 19th century, he had discovered and later patented a new type of high
frequency generator called a magnifying transmitter. He used it to examine
the propagation of electromagnetic waves over the surface of the Earth in
experiments in Colorado Springs in the period 1899-1900. Tesla observed the
formation of standing electromagnetic waves on the surface of the Earth by
measuring radiated electric field from distant lightning thunderstorm. He got
the idea to generate the similar radiation to produce the standing waves. On
the one hand, signal transmission, i.e. communication at great distances
would be possible and on the other hand, with more powerful and with at least
three magnifying transmitters the wireless transmission of energy without
conductors at any point of the Earth surface could also be achieved. The
discovery of the standing waves on the surface of the Earth and the invention
of the magnifying transmitter he claimed his greatest inventions. Less than
two years later, at the end of 1901, he designed and started to build a much
stronger magnifying transmitter on Long Island near New York City (the
Wardenclyffe tower) wishing to become a world telecommunication center.
During the tower construction, he elaborated the plans for an even stronger
transmitter based on new principles. Due to lack of the funds Tesla was
forced to sell or to return the devices and apparatus, he gathered in the
Wardenclyffe tower facility, which intended to use to operate the tower. He
left the tower in 1907 and since then he was mainly engaged in inventions
that were not directly related to the electrical engineering. The unfinished
magnifying transmitter on Long Island was demolished in June 1917 by the
American government.