bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Original Article. Prevalence of HPV16 IgG Antibody and Rt-Pcr DNAdetection in Patients with Laryngeal Carcinoma and Cervical Dysplasia
Authors: Nikolov Georgi N. , Karcheva Milena D. , Tsvetkov Chavdar A. , Valkov Alexandar V. , Rashev , Tihomir R. , Blazhev Alexandar B.
Published: April 2017

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is well documented that high-risk (HR)-HPVtypes are etiologically associated with some cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate HPV16-DNApositivity and prevalence of Ig Gantibody against HPV16 in patients with laryngeal carcinoma and precancerous lesions of cervix uteri in Pleven region, Bulgaria. Material/Methods: We performedacross-sectional study and investigated clinical materials. Attached is real-time PCR-analysis for detection of HPV16-DNA. HPVspecific antibody response by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for detection and quantification of specific Ig Gantibodies in serum were used. Results: For the six-month period, 30 samples were collected and tested. Fourteen of them were found in patients with carcinoma of the larynx and sixteen - in patients with various lesions of cervix uteri.We found that six patients (42.8%) in the first group and eight patients (50%) in the second group were HPV16-DNA-positive. Different age groups were affected. The sera analyzed in this study showed that seven patients (50%) with carcinoma of the larynx were seropositive of whom four (57%) were males. Fourteen of the females with dysplasia (88%) were seropositive. Matching DNApositivity and antibody response were found in 29%of the patients with laryngeal cancer. The match was found in 50%of the females with cervical dysplasia. Conclusions: Real-time PCRisarapid, cost-effective method for detection of HPVs.Ahigh level of seropositivity was found in the two groups of patients.
Original Article. Urinary Tract Desobstruction in Patients with Malignant Neoplasms of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Kolev Nikolay H. , Vanov Alexander , Dunev Vladislav R. , Kotsev Rumen P. , Stoykov Boyan A. , Al-Shargabi Fahd , Stratev Strati S. , Atanasov Jitian A. , Sachdeva Manish , Tonchev Pencho T. , Iliev Sergey D. , Radev Vladimir R.
Published: April 2017

Cancer of the cervix causes internal, external compression or both of the upper urinary tract in 50-60%of patients in advanced stages. Retrograde stenting is the most widely used technique for desobstruction of the upper urinary tract in urology practice. Diversion of urine flow is an alternative, achieved by nephrostomy of one or both kidneys.We studied retrospectively 33 women with upper urinary tract obstruction caused by carcinoma of the uterine cervix operated on between March 2014 and March 2015 in the urology clinic at the University Hospital in Pleven, Bulgaria. Apercutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) was placed in 17 patients, and 11 patients hadaretrograde catheterization with ureteral stent type JJ. Five patients were treated with both methods. Placement ofa JJstent was the first choice procedure for all patients since it providesabetter quality of life. PNSimproves renal function faster than retrograde JJstenting. Therefore, the first method of choice for patients with an untreated primary cervical, uterine cancer is the placement of PNS. Retrograde JJstenting is the method of choice in patients who undergo surgery and radiation therapy withoutarelapse of the disease.
Music, Rhetoric, and the Edification of the Church in the Reformation: The Humanist Reconstruction of Modulata Recitatio
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ah
Published: April 2017

This article elucidates the rhetorical framework within which the new culture of popular sacred music flourished in both Protestant and Catholic Reformations, focusing on modulata recitatio, the ancient manner of ecclesiastical singing reconstructed by the humanists as an embodiment of musica divina. It discusses how metrical psalmody and oratorios, originating from the modulata recitatio and aimed at edifying the laity, paved the way for modern hymnody and church cantatas respectively – the new music which facilitated the promotion of Christian spirituality and virtue by appealing to emotion. Considering the cultural development of popular sacred music the article demonstrates that in combining moral education with Christian devotion the modulata recitatio lies at the heart of lay spiritual music shaped by the Reformation.
Niels Hemmingsen and the Construction of a Seventeenth-Century Protestant Memory
Authors: Sommer Mattias Skat
Published: April 2017

Danish reformer Niels Hemmingsen was a Lutheran, but owing to Pan-Protestant sentiments that became apparent in his later writings, he found an appreciative audience in non-Lutheran Western Europe during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. This article argues that the early modern European reception of Hemmingsen and his theology should be seen as an attempt to construct him as part of a Protestant memory. It also argues that in order to understand the dynamics behind the reception of Hemmingsen’s ideas, one has to consider the geopolitics of early modern Denmark. Due to her strategic setting in Northern Europe, Denmark played a vital role in controlling commerce and politics between the North and Baltic Seas. Arguing for a “Western” perspective, the article shows how Hemmingsen’s case substantiates that the Danish Reformation involved both importing Lutheranism from the South (Saxony), and exporting it to the West (The Low Countries, England).
Predictive value of plasma parameters in the risk of postpartum ketosis in dairy cows
Authors: Cao Yu , Zhang Jiang , Yang Wei , Xia Cheng , Zhang Hong-You , Wang Yan-Hui , Xu Chuang
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The predictive value of selected parameters in the risk of ketosis and fatty liver in dairy cows was determined.

Material and Methods: In total, 21 control and 17 ketotic Holstein Friesian cows with a β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration of 1.20 mmol/L as a cut-off point were selected. The risk prediction thresholds for ketosis were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: In the ketosis group, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity and concentration of PON-1 and glucose (GLU) were decreased, and aminotransferase (AST) activity as well as BHBA and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) contents were increased. The plasma activity and concentration of PON-1 were significantly positively correlated with the level of plasma GLU. The plasma activity and concentration of PON-1 were significantly negatively correlated with the levels of AST and BHBA. According to ROC curve analysis, warning indexes of ketosis were: plasma PON-1 concentration of 46.79 nmol/L, GLU concentration of 3.04 mmol/L, AST concentration of 100 U/L, and NEFA concentration of 0.82 mmol/L.

Conclusion: This study showed that the levels of PON-1, GLU, AST, and NEFA could be used as indicators to predict the risk of ketosis in dairy cows.
Amoeba Management System Transformation in the Light of Organisational Change Literature
Authors: Urban Wieslaw
Published: April 2017

The object of this study is the system of amoebas founded originally in Japanese Kyocera. The study aims to identify milestones of the transformation in a company organisational system to the Amoeba Management System (AMS). The study takes a conceptual research approach. It starts from the analysis of available sources on the AMS, identifies the most challenging points of this system, and afterwards, based on organisational change literature, formulates the main steps of transformation towards AMS. The following milestones of AMS implementation emerge from organisational change theories: (1) the preparation for AMS, (2) the change of organisational structure, (3) the design and introduction of a new accounting system, (4) the introduction of inner prices between amoebas, and (5) the transformation of the organisational culture. At the end of the study, the most important issues for future research are listed.
Optimization of Safety Instrumented System Design and Maintenance Frequency for Oil and Gas Industry Processes
Authors: Redutskiy Yury
Published: April 2017

Oil and gas industry processes are associated with significant expenditures and risks. Adequacy of the decisions on safety measures made during early stages of planning the facilities and processes contributes to avoiding technological incidents and corresponding losses. Formulating straightforward requirements for safety instrumented systems that are followed further during the detailed engineering design and operations is proposed, and a mathematical model for safety system design is introduced in a generalized form. The model aims to reflect the divergent perspectives of the main parties involved in oil and gas projects, and, therefore, it is formulated as a multi-objective problem. Application of black box optimization is suggested for solving real-life problem instances. A Markov model is applied to account for device failures, technological incidents, continuous restorations and periodic maintenance for a given process and safety system configuration. This research is relevant to engineering departments and contractors, who specialize in planning and designing the technological solution.
The Effect of the Safety Stock on the Occurrence Probability of the Stock Shortage
Authors: Korponai János , Tóth Ágota Bányainé , Illés Béla
Published: April 2017

The objective of the logistics management is to guarantee the stock level required for the adequate handling of production at the lowest possible level of costs and risks. The main purpose of the paper is to present the relations between stock level and risk of shortages. As a result of the research, the introduction of the safety stock is the solution to cover the effects of the uncertain factors in the supply chain. The theoretical approach of the model assumes a deterministic operational environment, in practice, however, there are several unpredictable factors influencing the operation of the production company. By using the periodic and continuous review models, the paper presents the effects of demand changes and stochastic length of replenishment time on the risk of stock availability. We need to quantify a service level which determines the accepted probability of the shortage occurrence.
The Effects of R&D and Innovation Capabilities on the Thai Automotive Industry Part’s Competitive Advantage: A SEM Approach
Authors: Chamsuk Wawmayura , Fongsuwan Wanno , Takala Josu
Published: April 2017

A structural equation model was used to verify both the direct and indirect influences on research and development and innovation capabilities that affect Thai automotive parts enterprises competitive advantage. Thailand’s automotive sector is a major driver of the economy with a multi-thousand network of both domestic and international companies contributing a significant amount to both domestic and Asian economic growth. After peaking in 2013 and reaching the Top 10 automotive nations, there has been a slide backwards. Competition is fierce and the pace of change ever quickening. Therefore, the researchers sought to determine how the automotive parts sector needed to improve in capability, skills and infrastructure to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. From the structural equation model analysis of 220 regional automotive parts sector managers and use of AMOS software, it was determined that research and development combined with innovation plays key roles in the industry’s profitability and survivability. Additionally, there must be support across a wide sector of the economy, including universities, government agencies and institutions. Once championed as the ‘Detroit of Asia’, Thailand’s recognized success as a global automotive hub is a classic case of a well-executed industrial plan but that lead can potentially slip away without embracing new technologies and innovative thinking.
Entry Barriers and Nonprofit Founding Rates: An Examination of the Milwaukee Voucher School Population
Authors: Andersson Fredrik O. , Ford Michael
Published: April 2017

In this study we examine how formal barriers to entry correlate with levels and changes in the founding rate of new voucher schools in Milwaukee. Drawing from a unique dataset covering founding attempts and successful foundlings of voucher schools since the early 1990s we show how formal institutions regulating entrepreneurial efforts have an impact on both attempts and success rates. For example, our analysis indicates that the removal of the non-sectarian school requirement led to an increase in entrepreneurial attempts. Likewise, we find that erecting of institutional barriers in the form of a formal third party approval process, proved to have an impactful effect on the founding success rate of new voucher schools. Our research also illuminate how a majority of entrepreneurial attempts, about 70 percent in the case of the new voucher schools in Milwaukee, fail somewhere between the stage of entrepreneur intent and actual establishment of the organization.
From lab to life: Making storable orange-fleshed sweetpotato purée a commercial reality
Authors: Bocher Temesgen , Low Jan W. , Muoki Penina , Magnaghi Antonio , Muzhingi Tawanda
Published: April 2017

Research in Rwanda demonstrated that orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) purée (steamed, mashed roots) was an economically viable, vitamin A enhancing ingredient in baked products when the purée was produced and used in the same bakery. Having a storable, packaged OFSP purée produced by a firm to supply bakers is an alternative model. Vacuum-packed OFSP purée with preservatives with a four-month shelf-life at 23°C was developed by the International Potato Center under laboratory conditions in 2015. Turning it into a commercial reality required developing a public-private partnership to establish an OFSP purée-bread value chain. The phases in developing the chain are described. Cost-benefit assessment focuses on two points along the chain: the farmers producing roots for the purée factory and purée production. The first OFSP bread began to be marketed in six Tuskys’ stores in June 2015 at a premium price (5 Ksh above its regular bread), reaching 20 stores by August 2016. OFSP bread was well-received by consumers. Purée production became profitable (18% profit margin) when we shifted from using peeled to unpeeled roots--the new product being a “high fiber” purée. Commercial OFSP purée production has been improved and is poised for profitable, larger-scale output.
The problem of obesity in adolescent primary school students from rural and metropolitan areas
Authors: Lintowska Agnieszka , Filipczak Agnieszka , Dadacz Joanna , Lwow Felicja
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are health problems that particularly increase the risk of metabolic diseases, being a disease entity itself. It is confirmed that nutritious mistakes and hypokinesia constitute the basic threats in alimentary obesity.

The aim of the study: An attempt was made to evaluate the frequency of prevalence of obesity due to consumption habits and motor preferences of children aged 12-13 residing in the Tarłów Commune representing a rural area and children from the Primary School in Wrocław representing a metropolitan area.

Subjects and methods: The scope of the study covered 148 children from both rural and metropolitan areas. The children were divided into 4 groups of 37 based on gender and place of living. BMI indicator and centile charts prepared in OLAF studies for the Polish population were used to evaluate the level of obesity. Custom surveys concerning consumption habits and children motor activity were used to evaluate lifestyle habits. The results of the study were subjected to statistical evaluation using Statistica v. 10 software.

Results: Within the studied group of children aged 12-13 obesity and overweight occurred among 30% of girls and 25% of boys, whereas a tendency for more frequent occurrences of overweight was observed within girls (26%) and obesity within boys (5%). Everyday diet among the studied group depends on their place of living. Girls from a metropolitan area more frequently ate high-fiber products, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins relative to girls from the rural area. Differences in preferred forms of physical activity based on gender were shown.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need to implement education and preventive or health promotion programs in the field of obesity prevention in rural areas, with special attention to physical activity and modification of consumption habits.
Quality of life and sexual activity of women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Stadnicka Grażyna , Pilewska-Kozak Anna B. , Łepecka-Klusek Celina , Pałucka Klaudia , Kostrzewska Karolina
Published: April 2017

Aim. The aim of this study was to search for a correlation between the quality of life and the sexuality of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Material and methods. The research was made with the use of the WHOQOL)-BREF questionnaire and the FSQ-28 scale. It included 72 women diagnosed with the (PCOS).

Results. A better quality of life in the areas of psychology, social and background relations turned out to be to a moderate degree connected with the reactivity increase on the particular sexual reaction stages, excluding the sexual arousal domain. “Pain” and “relations with a partner” domains had a negative correlation with the given domains of the quality of life. The statistically significant correlation p<0.05 was observed between the overall quality of life and the following domains of the sexual response cycle: desire, lubrication, arousal, orgasm, foreplay and the relations with a partner.

Conclusions. 1. All domains of the quality of life of women with PCOS are significantly connected with the majority of domains of the sexual response cycle. 2. The domains of the sexual response cycle are significantly differentiated by the sense of the quality of life. The perception of health in that respect is irrelevant.
Holistic treatment of the patient in palliative care – The nurses view
Authors: Filej Bojana , Kaučič Boris Miha , Žvanut Boštjan , Saje Mojca
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Man is a unique, unrepeatable whole in space and time and that is why he requires a holistic treatment, taking into account physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors. The balanced factors can ensure human well-being and his quality of life. Integrated treatment is especially important for patients in palliative care, which was the basic starting point of our research. In our research we wanted to establish whether the patients in palliative care are treated holistically from the perspective of the nurses and where are the specific aspects of palliative care (psychological, physical, social and spiritual) more visible - in the hospitals or in the home environment.

Material and methods. The questionnaire survey was based on the empirical quantitative methodology; a descriptive causal non-experimental method was used. The number of the included sample was 127 nurses (92 hospital nurses, 35 community nurses). To test the differences between the groups (hospital, community nursing), the single factor analysis of variance was used. All the research participants were ensured anonymity and they had the right to withdraw from the study before or during the questionnaire completion.

Results. The physical aspect of the treatment was statistically significantly higher assessed by nurses in a hospital setting (̅χ =3.83; s=1.012; p=0.042). The psychological and spiritual aspects were higher assessed in community nursing setting and social aspect in hospital setting.

Conclusions. Our research has highlighted the shortcomings of the holistic approach in palliative care. Nurses need in-depth knowledge and skills as well as practice within each holistic domain to perform quality treatment of palliative patients.
The Needs of the Elderly in Health Care – Contexts
Authors: Pabiś Małgorzata , Kuncewicz Dorota
Published: April 2017

Aim. The objective of the study was presentation of the needs of the elderly in the context of changes of these needs conditioned by the demographic processes. Analyses also covered the projected demographic changes and a wider context, e.g. social and cultural.

Material and methods. Statistical, demographic and medical data were analyzed by the methods of descriptive statistics with particular consideration of the population aged over 65. Analyses also covered the relevant literature concerning problems of the elderly. On account of the wide thematic range, the content was selected concerning seniors’ health needs and the development of their changes; subsequently, the effects of these changes were analyzed with particular emphasis on the population aged over 65.

Results. The development of changes concerning the Polish population aged over 65 within five analysed years (2011-2015) showed an upward tendency (by 14.12%). It is estimated that this tendency will continue within the next 35 years (2015-2050). In 2015, the percentage of the population aged over 65 was 15.81%, while in 2020 and 2050 it is projected to be 18.87% and 32.69% respectively. The ultimate demand for health care is affected not only by the demography and morbidity - related factors, but also by social and cultural ones. The lack of acceptance for the process of ageing, old age and death does not build space for culture, in which care of the elderly is a natural part of life. Increasingly more often, for various reasons, the family does not undertake care of an elderly person. The lack of consideration of these reasons, their complexity and therefore, the lack of attempts to change them, may result in an increased demand for an institutional care.
PeerFlow: Secure Load Balancing in Tor
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Jansen Rob , Hopper Nicholas , Segal Aaron , Syverson Paul
Published: April 2017

We present PeerFlow, a system to securely load balance client traffic in Tor. Security in Tor requires that no adversary handle too much traffic. However, Tor relays are run by volunteers who cannot be trusted to report the relay bandwidths, which Tor clients use for load balancing. We show that existing methods to determine the bandwidths of Tor relays allow an adversary with little bandwidth to attack large amounts of client traffic. These methods include Tor’s current bandwidth-scanning system, TorFlow, and the peer-measurement system EigenSpeed. We present an improved design called PeerFlow that uses a peer-measurement process both to limit an adversary’s ability to increase his measured bandwidth and to improve accuracy. We show our system to be secure, fast, and efficient. We implement PeerFlow in Tor and demonstrate its speed and accuracy in large-scale network simulations.
Cross-Cultural Privacy Prediction
Authors: Li Yao , Kobsa Alfred , Knijnenburg Bart P. , Carolyn Nguyen M-H.
Published: April 2017

The influence of cultural background on people’s privacy decisions is widely recognized. However, a cross-cultural approach to predicting privacy decisions is still lacking. Our paper presents a first integrated cross-cultural privacy prediction model that merges cultural, demographic, attitudinal and contextual prediction. The model applies supervised machine learning to users’ decisions on the collection of their personal data, collected from a large-scale quantitative study in eight different countries. We find that adding culture-related predictors (i.e. country of residence, language, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions) to demographic, attitudinal and contextual predictors in the model can improve the prediction accuracy. Hofstede’s variables - particularly individualism and indulgence - outperform country and language. We further apply generalized linear mixed-effect regression to explore possible interactions between culture and other predictors. We find indeed that the impact of contextual and attitudinal predictors varies between different cultures. The implications of such models in developing privacy-enabling technologies are discussed.
Bedload transport in two creeks at the ice-free area of the Baranowski Glacier, King George Island, West Antarctica
Authors: Sziło Joanna , Bialik Robert J.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a unique case study and methodology for measurements of the bedload transport in the two, newly created troughs at the forefield of the Baranowski Glacier: Fosa and Siodło creeks. The weather conditions and the granulometric analysis are presented and discussed briefly. Rating curves for the Fosa and Siodło creeks are presented for the first time for this region. Changes of the bedload transport as well as water discharge and water velocity at both creeks are investigated. The hysteresis for the relationships between rate of bedload transport and water discharges were identified showing that for both creeks for the higher water levels a figure of eight loop may be easily recognized. Moreover, a new method for the calculation of bedload transport rate, based on the weighted arithmetic mean instead of the arithmetic mean, is proposed.
Non Nutritive Sweeteners - Current Perspective
Authors: Jain Deepak , Chhabra Pulkit , Aggarwal Hari Krishan
Published: April 2017

High sugar diet plays a major contributing role in the increased prevalence of obesity and vital health concerns such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), ischemic heart disease (IHD), hypertension, and cerebrovascular stroke. Therefore increased obesity related mortality has resulted in a surge of weight loss diets and products including non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). NNS are food supplements that imitate the effect of sugar in taste with lesser calories. This has led to the increased global use of NNS. Diabetic subjects can enjoy the taste of meals by including NNS without increasing calorie intake. Various NNS are available in the market, giving a wide range of choice available to the diabetics. Their use has both pro and cons, therefore its use must be decided by the physician depending upon clinical profile of the patient. Judicious use of artificial sweeteners can thus help patients to lead a healthy and prosperous life without compromising with taste.
Dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroidism requires assessment of small dense low density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C)
Authors: Saric Maida Seferovic , Jurasic Miljenka-Jelena , Sovic Slavica , Kranjcec Bojana , Glivetic Tatjana , Demarin Vida
Published: April 2017

Background. Usually both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are related to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease development. The relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism has been widely investigated but the findings remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the lipid profile in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) in comparison to controls and to determine the association of SHypo and dyslipidemia in attempt to find importance of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) in atherosclerosis. Material and methods. In this study we included 100 women, aged 30 to 70 years that were divided into subgroups according to their age. According to the values of levels of thyroid hormones they were divided into euthyroid (control) group (n = 64) and (newly discovered) subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) group (n = 36). A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid profile, including small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) were determined. Body weight and height were measured and BMI calculated. History of the current illness, medication, alcohol consumption and cigarettes smoking were noted. Results. Changed lipid profile as well as elevated triglycerides and sdLDL-C were observed in the group with subclinical hypothyroidism compared to the control group. Conclusions. It is important to determine serum lipid levels, especially serum sdLDL-C levels at an early stage of subclinical hypothyroidism, since they represent atherogenic LDL particles and are better indicators for dyslipidaemia in subclinical hypothyroidism and the development of atherosclerosis with potential complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Comparison of Available Technologies for Fire Spots Detection via Linear Heat Detector
Authors: Miksa František , Nemlaha Eduard
Published: April 2017

It is very demanding to detect fire spots under difficult conditions with high occurrence of interfering external factors such as large distances, airflow difficultly, high dustiness, high humidity, etc. Spot fire sensors do not meet the requirements due to the aforementioned conditions as well as large distances. Therefore, the detection of a fire spot via linear heat sensing cables is utilized.
Embedded PLC Webserver and Possibilities of its Utilization
Authors: Kopček Michal
Published: April 2017

The concept Industry 4.0 is a top theme of recent times. Even if it represents the so-called 4th industrial revolution its main ideas could be used also to support the education of subjects from IT and automation. Furthermore, the basic IT and web technologies inherited by this concept are very well known to students. This paper introduces the embedded webserver of PLC and the options for its optimal utilization. The web server is essentially a simple and widely well-known technology, therefore it was chosen as an example.
Note on the Sensitivity of Simulated Solutions of the Nonlinear Singularly Perturbed Dynamical System on the Used Different Rewriting into a System of First Order Differential Equations
Authors: Liška Vladimír , Šútova Zuzana , Pavliak Dušan
Published: April 2017

In this paper we analyze the sensitivity of solutions to a nonlinear singularly perturbed dynamical system based on different rewriting into a System of the First Order Differential Equations to a numerical scheme. Numerical simulations of the solutions use numerical methods implemented in MATLAB.
Preprocessing Raw Data in Clinical Medicine for a Data Mining Purpose
Authors: Peterková Andrea , Michaľčonok German
Published: April 2017

Dealing with data from the field of medicine is nowadays very current and difficult. On a global scale, a large amount of medical data is produced on an everyday basis. For the purpose of our research, we understand medical data as data about patients like results from laboratory analysis, results from screening examinations (CT, ECHO) and clinical parameters. This data is usually in a raw format, difficult to understand, non-standard and not suitable for further processing or analysis. This paper aims to describe the possible method of data preparation and preprocessing of such raw medical data into a form, where further analysis algorithms can be applied.
A Proposal for Production Data Collection on a Hybrid Production Line in Cooperation with MES
Authors: Znamenák Jaroslav , Križanová Gabriela , Iringová Miriam , Važan Pavel
Published: April 2017

Due to the increasing competitive environment in the manufacturing sector, many industries have the need for a computer integrated engineering management system. The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a computer system designed for product manufacturing with high quality, low cost and minimum lead time. MES is a type of middleware providing the required information for the optimization of production from launching of a product order to its completion. There are many studies dealing with the advantages of the use of MES, but little research was conducted on how to implement MES effectively. A solution to this issue are KPIs. KPIs are important to many strategic philosophies or practices for improving the production process. This paper describes a proposal for analyzing manufacturing system parameters with the use of KPIs.
Application of Numerical Simulation for the Analysis of the Processes of Rotary Ultrasonic Drilling
Authors: Naď Milan , Čičmancová Lenka , Hajdu Štefan
Published: April 2017

Rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) is a hybrid process that combines diamond grinding with ultrasonic machining. It is most suitable to machine hard brittle materials such as ceramics and composites. Due to its excellent machining performance, RUM is very often applied for drilling of hard machinable materials. In the final phase of drilling, the edge deterioration of the drilled hole can occur, which results in a phenomenon called edge chipping. During hole drilling, a change in the thickness of the bottom of the drilled hole occurs. Consequently, the bottom of the hole as a plate structure is exposed to the transfer through the resonance state. This resonance state can be considered as one of the important aspects leading to edge chipping. Effects of changes in the bottom thickness and as well as the fillet radius between the wall and bottom of the borehole on the stress-strain states during RUM are analyzed.
The Stability of Wedm
Authors: Šimna Vladimír
Published: April 2017

This paper is focused on the effect of generator’s parameters on the stability of WEDM process that is expressed by the length of time of cutting until the wire electrode breaks. This paper provides an overview of the current research articles dealing with the causes of the wire electrode’s rupture and the options of control and regulation of the process. The aim was to clarify the impact of input parameters to the cutting process, and to find those parameters making the process as fast as possible and stable. The experiment was performed on the machine of Agie Charmilles Robofil 310. As input factors were selected pulse width, time between two pulses, servo voltage, pulse current, short pulse time and frequency. Due to the fact that it is necessary to assess the impact of several input parameters, Taguchi experimental design was selected. L27 matrix was used. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for evaluation.
Reduction of Milling Time by Using CAQ Technologies
Authors: Zaujec Rudolf , Pokorný Peter , Šimna Vladimír , Vopát Tomáš , Urminský Ján , Bodišová Petra
Published: April 2017

The paper is focused on reducing machining time by using 3D optical scanner of ATOS Triplescan II. Workpiece was a forging die, which was renovated by hard facing. The contribution deals with comparing the CAM simulation of roughing process according to the STL model imported from ATOS, and simulation without thus-defined workpiece. The results indicate a significant improvement of machining time based on CAQ technology and usage of the ATOS device for measuring the errors of weld deposit.
Analysis of Energy Efficiency and Financial Profitability for an Active Filter Equipment Used for Large Industrial Consumer
Authors: Oprea G. , Andrei H. , Predusca G. , Silaghi M.
Published: April 2017

The aim purpose of this paper is to analyze the efficiency of active filtering equipment use for a large industrial consumer connected to the national power system. Based on data acquisition system the technological process of the consumer is identified and modeled, and then is optimized from energy consumption point of view. The compensation of power factor by reducing the consumption of reactive power and the filtering methods for current harmonics are due by using active filters. The measurements of the power quality parameters with active filter installed, being compared with the ones without filter, confirm the results of research and clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the implemented solution. To prove the effectiveness of the investment is developed a financial and economic calculation, making a benefit and cost ratio, calculation which clearly proves the profitability of this investment.
The Analysis of Optical Fiber Links
Authors: Predusca G. , Circiumarescu D. , Stanciu E. , Stroe S.
Published: April 2017

Telecommunication industry is based on the optic fibre technology used as a transmitter, providing very high transmission speeds (40Gbps). For the maintenance of the optic fibre network there are various instruments for testing and measuring, having diversified capabilities. The paper aims to analyse some events that occurred in optic fibres.
Solution for Inspection of Power Energy Equipment Using Augmented Reality
Authors: Ghita O. M. , Grigorescu S. D. , Andrei H. , Calin N.
Published: April 2017

The advance in the field of augmented reality (AR) allows newer approaches to traditional activities, such as service, maintenance or intervention in various field operations. The idea of this paper is to present the design for an innovative AR platform which is currently under development and is designed to be used in Electrical Power Stations. Field data from sensors and additional information stored in QR tags placed on equipment’s are transmitted to a server and from here to the AR equipment’s carried by the intervention personnel. In this case, real time data can be displayed, enhancing the perception of team members and providing additional info that can help them to fulfill their mission.
Strength and Muscular Adaptations After 6 Weeks of Rest-Pause vs. Traditional Multiple-Sets Resistance Training in Trained Subjects
Authors: Prestes Jonato , A. Tibana Ramires , de Araujo Sousa Eduardo , da Cunha Nascimento Dahan , de Oliveira Rocha Pollyanna , F. Camarço Nathalia , Frade de Sousa Nuno M. , Willardson Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2017

Prestes, J, Tibana, RA, de Araujo Sousa, E, da Cunha Nascimento, D, de Oliveira Rocha, P, Camarço, NF, Frade de Sousa, NM, and Willardson, JM. Strength and muscular adaptations after 6 weeks of rest-pause vs. traditional multiple-sets resistance training in trained subjects. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S113–S121, 2019—The purpose of this study was to compare the longitudinal effects of 6 weeks of rest-pause vs. traditional multiple-set resistance training (RT) on muscle strength, hypertrophy, localized muscular endurance, and body composition in trained subjects. Eighteen trained subjects (mean ± SD; age = 30.2 ± 6.6 years; weight = 74.8 ± 17.2 kg; height = 171.4 ± 10.3 cm) were randomly assigned to either a traditional multiple-set group (n = 9; 7 men and 2 women; 3 sets of 6 repetitions with 80% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and 2-minute rest intervals between sets) or a rest-pause group (n = 9; 7 men and 2 women). The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups in 1RM strength (rest-pause: 16 ± 11% for bench press, 25 ± 17% for leg press and 16 ± 10% for biceps curl vs. traditional multiple-set: 10 ± 21% for BP, 30 ± 20% for LP and 21 ± 20% for BC). In localized muscular endurance, the rest-pause group displayed significantly greater (p < 0.05) repetitions, only for the LP exercise (rest pause: 27 ± 8% vs. traditional multiple-set: 8 ± 2%). In muscle hypertrophy, the rest-pause group displayed significantly greater (p < 0.05) thickness, only for the thigh (rest-pause: 11 ± 14% vs. traditional multiple-set: 1 ± 7%). In conclusion, RT performed with the rest-pause method resulted in similar gains in muscle strength as traditional multiple-set training. However, the rest-pause method resulted in greater gains in localized muscular endurance and hypertrophy for the thigh musculature.
Influence of a Cluster Set Configuration on the Adaptations to Short-Term Power Training
Authors: Morales-Artacho Antonio J. , Padial Paulino , García-Ramos Amador , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , Feriche Belén
Published: April 2017

Morales-Artacho, AJ, Padial, P, García-Ramos, A, Pérez-Castilla, A, and Feriche, B. Influence of a cluster set configuration on the adaptations to short-term power training. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 930–937, 2018—This study investigated the effects of a traditional (TT) vs. cluster (CT) resistance training on the lower-body force, velocity, and power output. Nineteen males were allocated to a CT or a TT group and took part of a 3-week resistance training (2 weekly sessions). CT involved 6 sets of 3 × 2 repetitions (30 seconds rest every 2 repetitions and 4 minutes 30 seconds between sets). TT comprised 6 sets of 6 continuous repetitions (5 minutes rest between sets). Before and after the training period, force (F
25, F
50, F
75), velocity (V
25, V
50, V
75), and power (P
25, P
50, P
75) were obtained during the countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise at 3 external loading conditions (25, 50, and 75% of body mass). Individual linear regressions were used to determine the force–velocity profile including the Slope, estimated maximal theoretical force (F
0), velocity (V
0), and power (P
0). After CT, very-likely moderate increments in P
25 were observed compared with TT (p = 0.011, ES = 0.55) because of a very-likely moderate rise in V
25 (p = 0.001, ES = 0.71). No significant differences were observed in any of the F-v profile variables between the TT and CT groups (p ≥ 0.207, ES ≤ 0.31). Our results suggest that 3 weeks of muscle power training including cluster set configurations are more efficient at inducing velocity and power adaptations specific to the training load.
Deception of Ambient Temperature Does Not Elicit Performance Benefits During a 5 km Run in Hot, Humid Conditions
Authors: Hanson Nicholas J. , Carriveau Danielle M. , Morgan Holly E. , Smith Amanda R. , Michael Timothy J. , Miller Michael G.
Published: April 2017

Hanson, NJ, Carriveau, DM, Morgan, HE, Smith, AR, Michael, TJ, and Miller, MG. Deception of ambient temperature does not elicit performance benefits during a 5 km run in hot, humid conditions. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2250–2257, 2018—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of deception of ambient temperature on 5 km performance in recreational runners. Eleven participants (6 men, 5 women) each performed three 5 km runs in a random order consisting of a control trial (CON) in temperate conditions (21° C, 43% RH), a hot humid trial (HOT; 31° C, 65% RH) and a deception trial (DEC; 31° C, 65% RH), where participants were told it was 5° C lower than it actually was. Overall completion time was recorded at the end of trials; thermal sensation (TS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and core temperature (TC) were recorded each kilometer. Participants completed the 5 km run faster in the CON condition (23:18 ± 2:05; mean ± SD) compared with DEC (p = 0.005) and HOT (p = 0.014). There was no difference in completion time (p = 0.554) between DEC (25:11 ± 2:41) and HOT (24:25 ± 2:47). Similarly, TS was lower in the CON condition (5.7 ± 0.2) compared with DEC and HOT (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively) and no differences were seen between the DEC (6.4 ± 0.2) and HOT (6.5 ± 0.2) conditions. No differences in RPE (p = 0.115) or rise in TC (p = 0.289) were seen between the 3 conditions. Deception of the environmental conditions did not positively affect 5 km running performance, and no differences were seen in physiological or psychological variables.
Strength and Diversity of Inhibitory Signaling Differentiates Primate Anterior Cingulate from Lateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Medalla Maria , Gilman Joshua P. , Wang Jing-Yi , Luebke Jennifer I.
Published: April 2017

The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the primate play distinctive roles in the mediation of complex cognitive tasks. Compared with the LPFC, integration of information by the ACC can span longer timescales and requires stronger engagement of inhibitory processes. Here, we reveal the synaptic mechanism likely to underlie these differences usingin vitropatch-clamp recordings of synaptic events and multiscale imaging of synaptic markers in rhesus monkeys. Although excitatory synaptic signaling does not differ, the level of synaptic inhibition is much higher in ACC than LPFC layer 3 pyramidal neurons, with a significantly higher frequency (∼6×) and longer duration of inhibitory synaptic currents. The number of inhibitory synapses and the ratio of cholecystokinin to parvalbumin-positive inhibitory inputs are also significantly higher in ACC compared with LPFC neurons. Therefore, inhibition is functionally and structurally more robust and diverse in ACC than in LPFC, resulting in a lower excitatory: inhibitory ratio and a greater dynamic range for signal integration and network oscillation by the ACC. These differences in inhibitory circuitry likely underlie the distinctive network dynamics in ACC and LPC during normal and pathological brain states.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play temporally distinct roles during the execution of cognitive tasks (rapid working memory during ongoing tasks and long-term memory to guide future action, respectively). Compared with LPFC-mediated tasks, ACC-mediated tasks can span longer timescales and require stronger engagement of inhibition. This study shows that inhibitory signaling is much more robust and diverse in the ACC than in the LPFC. Therefore, there is a lower excitatory: inhibitory synaptic ratio and a greater dynamic range for signal integration and oscillatory behavior in the ACC. These significant differences in inhibitory synaptic transmission form an important basis for the differential timing of cognitive processing by the LPFC and ACC in normal and pathological brain states.
A pilot interventional study to evaluate the impact of cholecalciferol treatment on HbA1c in type 1 diabetes (T1D)
Authors: Perchard R , Magee L , Whatmore A , Ivison F , Murray P , Stevens A , Mughal M Z , Ehtisham S , Campbell J , Ainsworth S , Marshall M , Bone M , Doughty I , Clayton P E
Published: April 2017

Background

Higher 25(OH)D3 levels are associated with lower HbA1c, but there are limited UK interventional trials assessing the effect of cholecalciferol on HbA1c.

Aims

(1) To assess the baseline 25(OH)D3 status in a Manchester cohort of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). (2) To determine the effect of cholecalciferol administration on HbA1c.

Methods

Children with T1D attending routine clinic appointments over three months in late winter/early spring had blood samples taken with consent. Participants with a 25(OH)D3 level <50 nmol/L were treated with a one-off cholecalciferol dose of 100,000 (2–10 years) or 160,000 (>10 years) units. HbA1c levels before and after treatment were recorded.

Results

Vitamin D levels were obtained from 51 children. 35 were Caucasian, 11 South Asian and 5 from other ethnic groups. 42 were vitamin D deficient, but 2 were excluded from the analysis. All South Asian children were vitamin D deficient, with mean 25(OH)D3 of 28 nmol/L. In Caucasians, there was a negative relationship between baseline 25(OH)D3 level and HbA1c (r = −0.484, P < 0.01). In treated participants, there was no significant difference in mean HbA1c at 3 months (t = 1.010, P = 0.328) or at 1 year (t = −1.173, P = 0.248) before and after treatment. One-way ANCOVA, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI and diabetes duration showed no difference in Δ HbA1c level.

Conclusion

We report important findings at baseline, but in children treated with a stat dose of cholecalciferol, there was no effect on HbA1c. Further studies with larger sample sizes and using maintenance therapy are required.