bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lean Information Management: Criteria For Selecting Key Performance Indicators At Shop Floor
Authors: Iuga Maria Virginia , Kifor Claudiu Vasile , Rosca Liviu-Ion
Published: September 2015

Most successful organizations worldwide use key performance indicators as an important part of their corporate strategy in order to forecast, measure and plan their businesses. Performance metrics vary in their purpose, definition and content. Therefore, the way organizations select what they think are the optimal indicators for their businesses varies from company to company, sometimes even from department to department. This study aims to answer the question of what is the most suitable way to define and select key performance indicators. More than that, it identifies the right criteria to select key performance indicators at shop floor level. This paper contributes to prior research by analysing and comparing previously researched selection criteria and proposes an original six-criteria-model, which caters towards choosing the most adequate KPIs. Furthermore, the authors take the research a step further by further steps to closed research gaps within this field of study.
Testing The Performance Of A Single-Phase Autotransformer On MATLAB/Simulink
Authors: Panu Mihai Gheorghe , Viorel Alina Cristina
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a virtual laboratory for testing a single-phase autotransformer using MATLAB Simulink environment. The model is implemented according to a practical laboratory used at electric machines’ discipline for the undergraduate level in electrical engineering. The model presented herein is a copy of a practical experiment for an autotransformer made in the test laboratory. The rating of the autotransformer is taken to be 2 kVA, 230/0÷230 V, and it was set at a transformer ratio of 1.5. The used model is a linear one and run for a pure resistive load test. In the same time, it was aimed the simulation accuracy as it was used a linear model, neglecting the magnetic saturation effect.
In-Factory Learning – Qualification For The Factory Of The Future
Authors: Quint Fabian , Mura Katharina , Gorecky Dominic
Published: September 2015

The Industry 4.0 vision anticipates that internet technologies will find their way into future factories replacing traditional components by dynamic and intelligent cyber-physical systems (CPS) that combine the physical objects with their digital representation. Reducing the gap between the real and digital world makes the factory environment more flexible, more adaptive, but also more complex for the human workers. Future workers require interdisciplinary competencies from engineering, information technology, and computer science in order to understand and manage the diverse interrelations between physical objects and their digital counterpart. This paper proposes a mixed-reality based learning environment, which combines physical objects and visualisation of digital content via Augmented Reality. It uses reality-based interaction in order to make the dynamic interrelations between real and digital factory visible and tangible. We argue that our learning system does not work as a stand-alone solution, but should fit into existing academic and advanced training curricula.
Air Contamination With Fungals In Museum
Authors: Scarlat Iuliana , Haiducu Maria , Stepa Raluca
Published: September 2015

The aim of the studies was to determine the level and kind of fungal contamination of air in museum, deposits patrimony, restoration and conservation laboratories and their effects on health of workers. Microbiological air purity was measured with a SAS-100 Surface Air System impactor. The fungal contamination was observed in all 54 rooms where we made determinations. The highest levels of fungal were recorded at rooms with hygroscopic patrimony objects, eg carpets, chairs, upholstered chairs, books etc. The most species identified included under common allergens: Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Mucor. There fungal species belonging to the genus identified in this study, can trigger serious diseases museum workers, such as for example Aspergillus fumigatus, known allergies and toxic effects that may occur. In some places of the museum, occupational exposure limit values to fungi present in the air in the work environment, recommended by the specialized literature, have been overcome.
Assessment Of Occuring Risk Of Major Industrial Accidents With Taking In View Of Malevolence Actions
Authors: Vasilescu Gabriel-Dragoş , Ghicioi Emilian , Kovacs Attila , Rus Daniela-Carmen , Gheorghiosu Edward , Jitea Ciprian
Published: September 2015

The main objective of this paper is to develop the infrastructure of the risk assessment methodology of major accidents in terms of considering the acts of malevolence.
Environmental Aspects Regarding The Incremental Forming Process
Authors: Tera Melania
Published: September 2015

Future technologies should aim at reducing the consumption of raw materials and energy, avoid technical losses, to save energy and mineral resources, to minimize the emissions and waste, eliminate any irrational use of all resources and also to minimize the environmental impact. The paper present from environmental point of view both a classic forming process such as deep-drawing and incremental forming process. The paper gives an overview of the main environmental aspects regarding the incremental forming process.
Aspects Regarding The Possibility To Use “Neural Networks” In The Selection Of The “R & D” Strategy In The “Nonconventional Technologies” Field
Authors: Marinescu Simona-Ioana , Titu Mihail
Published: September 2015

The paper referes to the possibility of using neural networks in selecting the “Research-Development” strategy, in the nonconventional technologies field. It presents a selection and the main key elements of the Research and Development (R & D) strategies, applicable in the nonconventional technologies (NT) field and, thus, the specific analytical elements of such a methodology. It also refers to the possibility of using neural networks (“NN”) up to the level of taking managerial decisions regarding the manufacturing processes. Research Objectives: Defining components from the neuron ‘s structure into the organizational systems, in order to select ptime strategies for the organizational management. Expected Results: Transposing the entire methodology in a software.
Industrial Application Of Psyllium: An Overview
Authors: Khaliq Rehana , Tita Ovidiu , Antofie Maria Mihaela , Sava Camelia
Published: September 2015

Plantago ovata is economically an important medicinal plant commonly cultivated in different parts of India, Pakistan and Iran and some part of Europe. It has a long history of traditional uses with healing properties. There are various applications of seed husk and its marketable products for medicine and industrial uses. The seed husk is commonly called as psyllium or isabgol has a potential role in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal and bowel diseases. The intent of this review was to highlight the industrial uses of psyllium for the food products and therapeutic purposes. There is also considerable interest of local people, scientific communities and industries in the medical and food supplement application of psyllium husk and mucilage with specific health benefits.
The Global Sustainability Index: An Instrument For Assessing The Progress Towards The Sustainable Organization
Authors: Grecu Valentin
Published: September 2015

There is rarely an optimal solution in sustainable development but most frequently a need to build compromises between conflicting aspects such as economic, social and environmental ones and different expectations of stakeholders. Moreover, information is rarely available and precise. This paper will focus on how to use indicators to monitor sustainable development, integrating the information provided by many of them into a complex general sustainability index. Having this general indicator is essential for decision makers as it is very complicated to evaluate the performance of the organization based on multiple indicators. The objective of this paper is to find mathematical algorithms for simplifying the decision-making process by offering an instrument for the evaluation of the sustainability progress.
Protective Footwear And The Risk Of Slipping In Older Workers – Definitions, Achievements, Recommendations
Authors: Irzmańska Emilia
Published: September 2015

Foot slippage is the most widespread unforeseen event causing falls on the same level, and a potentially contributing factor to falls from height and falls to a lower level. Statistical data on the number of slip-related accidents at work show the importance of the problem of slipping and indicate the need to continuously improve preventive measures designed to reduce injuries related to slipping, tripping, and falling (STF) on the same level. It is therefore necessary to continuously and insightfully analyze the causes of falls and undertake efforts to eliminate the occurrence of slip- and trip-induced workplace accidents. The occurrence of slips and trips is primarily related to the type and quality of floor surfaces, but it also depends on the biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs in the transitional phases of walking gait, sole material and tread, human factors such as age, weight, and motor and vision function, the ability to adapt to the floor surface conditions, as well as on a number of factors linked to the workplace environment and work organization. This problem is going to escalate as a result of the higher retirement age, due to which many persons over the age of 60 will have to continue working, often in hazardous conditions.
Investigation Of Sound Absorption Properties Of Bark Cloth Nonwoven Fabric And Composites
Authors: Rwawiire Samson , Tomkova Blanka , Gliscinska Eulalia , Krucinska Izabella , Michalak Marina , Militky Jiri , Jabbar Abdul
Published: September 2015

The quest for sound-absorbing materials that are not only environmentally friendly, but also sustainable is the foremost reason for natural fibre-acoustic materials. Bark cloth is a natural non-woven fabric that is largely produced from Ficus trees. An exploratory investigation of bark cloth a non-woven material and its reinforcement in epoxy polymer composites has been fabricated and investigated for the sound absorption properties so as to find the most suitable applications and also to see whether bark cloth can be used in some applications in place of man-made fibres. Three types of material species were investigated with their respective composites. The fibre morphology showed bark cloth to be a porous fabric that showed promising sound absorption properties at higher frequencies. The sound absorption results of four-layer material selections of Ficus natalensis, Ficus brachypoda and Antiaris toxicaria bark cloth showed sound absorption coefficient of 0.7; 0.71 and 0.91 at f > 6400 Hz, respectively. The bark cloth reinforced laminar epoxy composites had reduced sound absorption coefficients, which ranged from 0.1 to 0.35, which was attributed to decreased porosity and vibration in the bark cloth fibre network.
Antifungal activity of some botanical extracts on
Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Rongai Domenico , Pulcini Patrizio , Pesce Barbara , Milano Filomena
Published: September 2015

The present paper describes the antifungal
activity of some plant extracts on the development of
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. The best extracts
were selected to be tested as a phytofungicide to control
crop diseases, with the ultimate goal of developing a
green alternative to synthetic fungicides. Using the
conidia germination assay, of the 24 plant extracts
tested, 15 reduced conidia germination and 6 completely
inhibited germination. Extracts of Rivina humulis,
Brassica carinata, Brunfelsia calyicina, Salvia guaranitica
and Punica granatum showed good antifungal activity.
The relationship between total phenolic content (TPC) in
each plant extract tested and the percentage of mycelial
growth inhibition showed a significant correlation (R2
= 0.69), while no correlation was found between total
flavonoid content (TFC) and percentage mycelial growth
inhibition. Among all extracts tested, Punica granatum
and Salvia guaranitica showed the best inhibitory effect
against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici . Our results
indicate that plant extracts with a good antifungal activity
generally had a high level of total polyphenolic content
and titratable acidity, and low values of pH.
The Microbiome: Evolutionary Perspective and
Symbiogenesis
Authors: Islas-Rodríguez Alfonso Enrique , Carballo-Lago Lorena
Published: September 2015

The main function of the Immune System
(IS) in metazoans is to protect them against invading
microorganisms, which are considered from this
perspective as competitors that reduce the availability of
resources, cause tissue damage and essentially threaten
their adaptability. This relationship is seen as a low
intensity perpetual armed war, related to the hypothesis of
the “Red Queen”. This view suggests that the metazoans’
IS has evolved under a selective pressure imposed
by microorganisms of the microbiota, that whether
infectious or not, have co-evolved with the host’s IS in an
evolutionary symbiogenesis, with reciprocal interactions
that have developed local immunity. The microbiota
changes with age and communicates with the brain.
The above mentioned implies that we are witnessing
the birth of a new scientific discipline that could
be termed microbial anthropology, and several
perspectives that includes the change of our perception
of health and established the fundamentals for the use of
microorganisms as therapeutic agents. In order for these
therapies to succeed considerable information must be
available about our microbiota, such as changes during
pregnancy, the effects of antibiotic use, new methods for
in vitro cultivation and the host-commensal dynamics.
Winston Churchill And The European Union
Authors: Troitiño David Ramiro , Chochia Archil
Published: September 2015

Given Winston Churchill’s influence and achievement as a writer, historian, adventurer, soldier, artist, and politician, his participation in the European integration process is crucial to understanding the entire scope of the project in its origins. Churchill was a fundamental voice promoting the Franco-British Union, a promoter of the European Communities, and an active participant of the Congress of Europe, embryo of the Council of Europe. This article analyzes Churchill’s view of European integration through his political speeches, in particular those delivered in Zurich and in The Hague, his ideas about the League of Nations and the United Nations, his understanding of the British Empire, and the special relations between the UK and the USA. His participation in the process of uniting Europe in its early stages provides us with essential information about the original plans for the creation of a united Europe and understanding the traditional British approach to the EU, including the current position of the conservative government led by Cameron.
Jurisdiction Collisions In The Criminal Proceedings Of European Union Member States
Authors: Jurka Raimundas , Zajančkauskienė Jolanta
Published: September 2015

Employing systematic document analysis and other methods, this article analyses a long-standing and still relevant issue related to the interpretation and application of the law regulating relationships in the field of European Union criminal justice within the framework of the national criminal proceedings that are taking place in EU member states. The article places special emphasis on the explanation and application of the principle of mutual recognition within the framework of one of the newest instruments of international cooperation in the European Union criminal proceedings meant to prevent conflicts of exercise of jurisdiction and to solve issues arising between two or more member states. The analysis of conflicts of exercise of jurisdiction provided in this paper is not limited to a mere explanation of the concept as such, but includes an essential analysis of other related issues, such as the principle of mutual recognition, its influence on the recognition of criminal proceedings as parallel proceedings, and including other aspects related to the matching of the form of national criminal proceedings with the criminal proceedings taking place in another member state. Finally, significant attention is given to one of the objectives in terms of prevention and solution of conflicts of exercise of jurisdiction, namely, the ne bis in idem principle and its application in case of parallel criminal proceedings taking place in two or more member states. One of the key conclusions offered here is that in order to eliminate conflicts of exercise of jurisdiction, positive law in the process of conflicts of jurisdiction must become an effective measure in criminal justice; however, only on the condition that at least a minimum likelihood in the form of criminal proceedings adopted by different EU members states is ensured as a precondition necessary to enable a smooth application of the principle of mutual recognition.
Analysis of wrist bone motion before and after SL-ligament resection
Authors: Eschweiler Jörg , Stromps Jan Philipp , Rath Björn , Pallua Norbert , Radermacher Klaus
Published: September 2015

The analysis of the three-dimensional motion of wrist joint components in the physiological and injured wrist is of high clinical interest. Therefore, the purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the motion of scaphoid, lunate and triquetrum during physiological wrist motion in flexion and extension, and in radial- and ulnar-deviation, with those motion patterns after complete resection of the scapho-lunate-ligament. Eight fresh frozen cadaver wrists were carefully thawed and prepared for the investigation with an electromagnetic tracking system by implantation of measurement coils with 6 degrees of freedom. Electromagnetic tracking enabled the motion analysis of the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum bones with respect to the fixed radius in three planes of passive motion. After scapho-lunate-ligament injury changes in the translational and rotational motion pattern especially of the scaphoid bone occurred in dorsal-volar directions during flexion and extension, radial- and ulnar-deviation, and during rotation around the radio-ulnar- and longitudinal-axis of the wrist.
Vision-based parking lot occupancy evaluation system using 2D separable discrete wavelet transform
Authors: Kłosowski M. , Wójcikowski M. , Czyżewski A.
Published: September 2015

A simple system for rough estimation of the occupancy of an ad-hoc organized parking lot is presented. A reasonably simple microprocessor hardware with a low resolution monochrome video camera observing the parking lot from the location high above the parking surface is capable of running the proposed 2-D separable discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based algorithm, reporting the percentage of the observed parking area occupied by cars. A simple calibration is needed – the mask covering all the areas outside the parking lot must be prepared. The proposed system has been tested on the dedicated FPGA-based hardware in real conditions and proven immune to scene and light changes. As it is discussed in the paper, it can be used in low-power wireless sensor networks.
Indoor positioning based on foot-mounted IMU
Authors: Guo H. , Uradzinski M. , Yin H. , Yu M.
Published: September 2015

The paper presents the results of the project which examines the level of accuracy that can be achieved in precision indoor positioning by using a pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) method. This project is focused on estimating the position using step detection technique based on foot-mounted IMU.

The approach is sensor-fusion by using accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers after initial alignment is completed. By estimating and compensating the drift errors in each step, the proposed method can reduce errors during the footsteps. There is an advantage of the step detection combined with ZUPT and ZARU for calculating the actual position, distance travelled and estimating the IMU sensors’ inherent accumulated error by EKF. Based on the above discussion, all algorithms are derived in detail in the paper. Several tests with an Xsens IMU device have been performed in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.

The final results show that the dead reckoning positioning average position error did not exceed 0.88 m (0.2% to 1.73% of the total traveled distance – normally ranges from 0.3% to 10%), what is very promising for future handheld indoor navigation systems that can be used in large office buildings, malls, museums, hospitals, etc.
The selected problems of controllability of discrete-time switched linear systems with constrained switching rule
Authors: Babiarz A. , Czornik A. , Klamka J. , Niezabitowski M.
Published: September 2015

In this paper the controllability problem for discrete-time linear switched systems is considered. The main goal is to find a control signal that steers any initial state to a given final state independently of the switching signal. In the paper, it is assumed that there are some constraints posed on the switching signal. Moreover, we present a necessary and sufficient conditions of some kinds of controllability. Three types of controllability, namely: from zero initial state to any final state, from any initial state to zero final state and from any initial state to any final state are considered. Finally, three illustrative examples are shown.
Control system architecture for the investigation of motion control algorithms on an example of the mobile platform Rex
Authors: Janiak M. , Zieliński C.
Published: September 2015

This paper presets the specification and implementation of the control system of the mobile platform Rex. The presented system structure and the description of its functioning result from the application of a formal method of designing such systems. This formalism is based on the concept of an embodied agent. The behaviours of its subsystems are specified in terms of transition functions that compute, out of the variables contained in the internal memory and the input buffers, the values that are inserted into the output buffers and the internal memory. The transition functions are the parameters of elementary actions, which in turn are used in behaviour patterns which are the building blocks of the subsystems of the designed control system. Rex is a skid steering platform, with four independently actuated wheels. It is represented by a single agent that implements the locomotion functionality. The agent consists of a control subsystem, a virtual effector and a virtual receptor. Each of those subsystems is discussed in details. Both the data structures and the transition functions defining their behaviours are described. The locomotion agent is a part of the control system of the autonomous exploration and rescue robot developed within the RobREx project.
Theranos phenomenon − part 2
Authors: Li Michelle , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: September 2015

Theranos’ Chief Executive Officer recently published a paper in
Aesthetic Literacy: Observable Phenomena And Pedagogical Applications For Mobile Lifelong Learning (MLLL)
Authors: Gallagher Michael Sean , Ihanainen Pekka
Published: September 2015

This paper proposed a method for developing capacity for lifelong learning in open spaces, defined here as places without predefined learning structures or objectives, through the cultivation of aesthetic literacy. This discussion will be situated within fieldwork performed by the authors in Helsinki, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia, in 2013. Based on the researchers’ experience in the field of teacher education and workshops they have conducted on mobile learning, the empirical context for this discussion focuses on data generated from the research methods of participatory observation (ethnography), autoethnography, reflective concept analysis and artistic subjectivity. These methods and the data generated as a result collect to produce insight into how aesthetic literacy sits within the cross-section of open space, mobile learning, and lifelong learning,

Aesthetic literacy, appropriated and broadened from its original focus as capacity for “reading” or making meaning from artistic material (discussed in Gale, 2005 as the “living of lyrical moments”), is positioned in this paper as a means of making meaning in open spaces through alignment and attunement. This paper presents pragmatic methods for pedagogically cultivating learning in open spaces through a focus on aesthetic literacy. The pedagogical advantages of such an approach and its applicability to lifelong learning, particularly lifelong learning activated through mobile technology (or mobile lifelong learning-mLLL), follows along with recommendations for further research. The applicability of such research is for teachers, learners, or researchers who are looking for methods for making use of open spaces for learning, or to cultivate learners who actively seek learning in the “rhythms of the everyday” (Lankshear & Knobel, 2011).

The aim of the article is to produce fresh insights into the academic discussion about the nature of open space, mobile learning and lifelong learning as seem from the point of view of aesthetic literacy, insights we believe have distinct pedagogical advantages for mLLL.

Focal Area: Informal arenas of learning – learning opportunities in daily life and the workplace; Learning process design, teaching methodologies
Variability of southern sweet-grass (Hierochloë australis /Schrad./ Roem. & Schult.) wild growing populations occurring in eastern Poland
Authors: Bączek Katarzyna , Angielczyk Mirosław , Przybył Jarosław L. , Kosakowska Olga , Ejdys Marcin , Węglarz Zenon
Published: September 2015

Southern sweet-grass is a perennial grass distributed through north-eastern Europe. In Poland, this rare, partially protected plant grows wild in well-lit coniferous or mixed forests. Its leaves, rich in coumarin compounds, are used for aromatization of alcohols. Taking into account high demand on this raw material and decrease in the number of southern sweet-grass populations it is recommended to introduce the plant into cultivation systems. In this study 12 populations of southern sweet-grass were selected and assessed in terms of their cultivation usefulness. The presence of associated plant species growing on its natural sites was investigated as well as light irradiance on those stands. The species was found in 3 types of forest communities. Air dry mass of leaves per plant varied in analyzed populations from 1.73 to 11.07 g. They were significantly diversified in the total content of coumarins (0.36–0.96%), flavonoids (0.09–0.26%) and polyphenolic acids (0.13–0.29%). The diversity concerning the content of coumarin, a quality indicator of leaves, was even higher. The content of this compound varied from 52.03 to 275.74 mg/100 g d. m. Among the analyzed populations, the most interesting seem to be population No. 12 (Jedwabno) and population No. 10 (Ruciane) characterized with relatively high mass of leaves and the highest content of the identified active compounds, including coumarin.
Antiradical activity and amount of phenolic compounds in extracts obtained from some plant raw materials containing methylxanthine alkaloids
Authors: Sroka Zbigniew , Janiak Maria , Dryś Andrzej
Published: September 2015

Raw materials containing methylxanthine alkaloids such as yerba mate, guaraná, white and green tea, coffee seeds, chocolate and cacao seed powder and extracts obtained from these raw materials were investigated for their antioxidant features and the amount of phenolic compounds. The level of phenolic compounds was measured with the colorimetric method using Folin-Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent and antioxidant features was determined with the use of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical). Amounts of phenolic compounds were presented in percentages per mass of extracts and mass of raw materials. Antiradical potential was shown as the number of TAUDPPH
units per mg of extracts and g of raw materials. The highest number of antiradical units TAUDPPH
as well as the amount of phenolic compounds was calculated for white tea and its extracts and lowest for chocolate. The correlation coefficient between the content of phenolics and antiradical features of raw materials is equal to r=0.994.
Hydroisomerization of Biomass Derived n-Hexadecane Towards Diesel Pool: Effect of Selective Removal External Surface Sites from Pt/ZSM-22
Authors: Thaker Abhijeet H. , John Mathew , Kumar Kishore , Kasture Mahesh W. , Parmar Snehalkumar , Newalkar Bharat L. , Parikh Parimal A.
Published: September 2015

Influence of dealumination of zeolite ZSM-22 (Si/Al ratio of 45) by treating it with oxalic acid on its catalytic performance in n-hexadecane hydroisomerization reaction was studied. This reaction is an attempt in the direction of green and sustainable source of diesel via improving the cold-flow properties of deoxygenated vegetable oils. Pt (0.5 wt%) on ZSM-22 treated with 1 M oxalic acid afforded highest yields of the mono-branched paraffins. This improved is attributed to selective removal of active sites on external surface of zeolite crystals (responsible for undesired cracking reactions) using the bulkier dealuminating agent, oxalic acid. Thus, pore-mouth key-lock mechanism was brought to play the role to cause high selectivity to mono-branched isomers. Preferential external site deactivation was inferred from mesitylene cracking results. Effects of operating parameters such as temperature, and space velocity on product distribution also were studied. Also, kinetics of the reactions involved too has been in brief reported.
An Artificial Potential Field Based Mobile Robot Navigation Method To Prevent From Deadlock
Authors: Weerakoon Tharindu , Ishii Kazuo , Nassiraei Amir Ali Forough
Published: September 2015

Artificial Potential Filed (APF) is the most well-known method that is used in mobile robot path planning, however, the shortcoming is that the local minima. To overcome this issue, we present a deadlock free APF based path planning algorithm for mobile robot navigation. The Proposed-APF (P-APF) algorithm searches the goal point in unknown 2D environments. This method is capable of escaping from deadlock and non-reachability problems of mobile robot navigation. In this method, the effective front-face obstacle information associated with the velocity direction is used to modify the Traditional APF (T-APF) algorithm. This modification solves the deadlock problem that the T-APF algorithm often converges to local minima. The proposed algorithm is explained in details and to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the simulation experiments were carried out in the MATLAB environment. Furthermore, the numerical analysis of the proposed approach is given to prove a deadlock free motion of the mobile robot.
Influence of Cyp2c19*2 Gene Variant on Therapeutic Response During Clopidogrel Treatment in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis/ Uticaj cyp2c19*2 varijante gena na terapijski odgovor u toku primene klopidogrela kod bolesnika sa stenozom karotidne arterije
Authors: Bačković Dragana , Ignjatović Svetlana , Rakićević Ljiljana , Kusić-Tišma Jelena , Radojković Dragica , Čalija Branko , Strugarević Evgenija , Radak Đorđe , Kovach Mirjana
Published: September 2015

Background: Despite the proven clinical effect of oral antiplatelet drugs, a considerable number of patients do not have an adequate response to clopidogrel. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function variant allele on clopidogrel responsiveness in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Methods: One hundred and twelve patients with carotid artery stenosis undergoing endarterectomy were included in this one-year prospective study. All of them received clopidogrel (75 mg daily) for at least 30 days after the intervention. They were followed from the moment of hospital admission. CYP2C19*2 genotyping was performed by TaqMan Assay. The influence of CYP2C19*2 variant allele on clopidogrel platelet reactivity was determined using multiple-electrode aggregometry (MEA).

Results: Genotyping results showed that 82 (73.2%) patients were homozygous for wild type, 29 (25.9%) were heterozygous for the CYP2C19*2 allele and 1 (0.9%) was CYP2C19*2 homozygous. After 24 hours, among those with the wild type 29.3% were clopidogrel responders, and in those with the CYP2C19*2 alleles 10%. In the wild type group, 74.4% were clopidogrel responders after 7 days of taking the drug; 82.9% after 30 days of clopidogrel introduction, respectively. In patients with the CYP2C19*2 alleles the number of responders increased up to 46.7% after 7 days; 53.3% after 30 days of taking the drug, respectively. The risk for being a low-responder is higher for the patients heterozygous for the CYP2C19*2 allele vs. wildtype (OR 4.250, 95% CI 1.695-10.658, P<0.01).

Conclusions: The CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function variant allele has significant influence on clopidogrel response in patients with carotid artery stenosis undergoing endarterectomy.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nitric oxide in Patients with Schizophrenia. A pilot study/ Dijagnostička tačnost moždanog neurotrofičkog faktora i azot-monoksida kod obolelih od shizofrenije.Pilot studija
Authors: Djordjević Vidosava B. , Lazarević Dušan , Ćosić Vladan , Knežević Marinela Z. , Djordjević Vidosava B. , Stojanović Ivana , Djorgevič Vladimir
Published: September 2015

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) play multiple roles in the developing and adult CNS. Since BDNF and NO metabolisms are dysregulated in schizophrenia, we measured these markers simultaneously in the blood of schizophrenics and assessed their diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with schizophrenia classified according to demographic characteristics, symptomatology and therapy and 39 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. BDNF was determined by the ELISA technique while the concentration of nitrite/nitrate (NO-2/NO-3) was measured by the colorimetric method.

Results: Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower (20.38±3.73 ng/mL, P=1.339E-05), whilst plasma NO-2/NO-3concentrations were significantly higher (84.3 (72-121) mmol/L, P=4.357E-08) in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy controls (25.65±4.32 ng/mL; 60.9 (50-76) mmol/L, respectively). The lowest value of BDNF (18.14±3.26 ng/mL) and the highest NO-2/NO-3concentration (115.3 (80-138) mmol/L) were found in patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGA). The patients diseased before the age of 24 and the patients suffering for up to one year had significantly lower serum BDNF levels than those diseased after the age of 24 and the patients who were ill longer than one year. Both BDNF and NO-2/NO-3showed good diagnostic accuracy, but BDNF had better ROC curve characteristics, especially in patients with negative symptomatology.

Conclusions: BDNF and nitrite/nitrate showed inverse changes in schizophrenic patients. The most pronounced changes were found in patients treated with second-gene - ration antipsychotics. Although BDNF is not specific of schizophrenia, it may be a clinically useful biomarker for the diagnosis of patients expressing predominantly negative symptoms.
The latent cytomegalovirus decreases telomere
length by microcompetition
Authors: Polansky Hanan , Javaherian Adrian
Published: September 2015

Reduced telomere length has been associated
with aging and age-related diseases. Latent infection with
the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) induces telomere shortening
in the infected cells. Latent CMV infection may cause
reduced telomere length via GABP transcription factor
deficiency, according to the Microcompetition Theory.
Microcompetition and viral-induced transcription factor
deficiency is important since most people harbor a latent
viral infection.
Unsteady MHD boundary layer flow and heat
transfer over the stretching sheets submerged in
a moving fluid with Ohmic heating and frictional
heating
Authors: Hua Huichun , Su Xiaohong
Published: September 2015

This paper is devoted to the analysis of the unsteady
magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow
and heat transfer on a permeable stretching sheet embedded
in a moving incompressible viscous fluid. The combined
effects of Ohmic heating, thermal radiation, frictional
heating and internal heat absorption/generation
are taken into account. The governing time dependent
nonlinear boundary layer equations are converted into a
systemof nonlinear ordinary differential equations by similarity
transformations. Some analytical results that give
the characteristics of the velocity field in the boundary
layer are presented and proved. The governing equations
are then solved by using the shooting technique along with
the fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The analytical properties
proved in this paper are consistent with those obtained
by the numerical method. Furthermore, the effects
of the various parameters on the velocity and temperature
fields are presented graphically and discussed in detail.
Painlevé analysis and exact solutions of bosonized N = 1 supersymmetric Burgers equation
Authors: Ren Bo
Published: September 2015

Based on the bosonization approach, the N = 1
supersymmetric Burgers (SB) system is transformed to a
coupled pure bosonic system. The Painlevé property and
the Bäcklund transformations (BT) of the bosonized SB
(BSB) system are obtained through standard singularity
analysis. Explicit solutions such as the muti-solitarywaves
and error functionwaves are provided for the BT. The exact
solutions of the BSB system are obtained from the generalized
tanh expansion method.
Thermodynamic properties of semiconductor compounds studied
based on Debye-Waller factors
Authors: Van Hung Nguyen , Toan Nguyen Cong , Ba Duc Nguyen , Vuong Dinh Quoc
Published: September 2015

Thermodynamic properties of semiconductor
compounds have been studied based on Debye-Waller factors
(DWFs) described by the mean square displacement
(MSD) which has close relation with the mean square relative
displacement (MSRD). Their analytical expressions
have been derived based on the statistical moment method
(SMM) and the empirical many-body Stillinger-Weber potentials.
Numerical results for the MSDs of GaAs, GaP, InP,
InSb, which have zinc-blende structure, are found to be
in reasonable agreement with experiment and other theories.
This paper shows that an elements value for MSD is
dependent on the binary semiconductor compound within
which it resides.
Structural autonomy and aspectual import: A new(er) Spanish Progressive
Authors: Berry Grant M.
Published: September 2015

The current study analyzes distributional frequencies of the Spanish Progressive construction (
Sports utility semiotics: A semantic differential study of symbolic potential in automobile design
Authors: Wilson Andrew , Haładewicz-Grzelak Małgorzata
Published: September 2015

The article aims to illuminate the issue of symbolic potential in postmodern society through a semiotic study of car design. In Baudrillard’s terminology, we explore the experience and sociological and psychological materiality of objects that, being above objects’ perceptible materiality, constantly modify the integrity of technological systems (Baudrillard 2005 [1968]: 6). The target concepts are analyzed through Baudrillard’s lens of symbolic capital and his technological system of objects, coupled with the method of semantic differential (SD; e.g., Osgood 1979, 1981) against the insights of Tartu semiotics. Such a complex framework helps to establish affective attitudes of the subjects towards scales selected for their perceptual saliency. The analysis is based on the responses of students in a Polish university who were administered an instrument comprising 14 concepts and 37 scales. The results of statistical analysis yield a semantic space with two factors: potency and activity/dynamism, which we shall call social prestige. At this stage of the analysis we could not determine the evaluation factor. The scales that loaded significantly showed that there is indeed an increment of perceptual saliency in both extracted factors in the case of target stimuli (pickups and SUVs).
Exact Travelling Wave Solutions of the Nonlinear Evolution Equations by Auxiliary Equation Method
Authors: Kaplan Melike , Akbulut Arzu , Bekir Ahmet
Published: September 2015

The auxiliary equation method presents wide applicability to handling nonlinear wave equations. In this article, we establish new exact travelling wave solutions of the nonlinear Zoomeron equation, coupled Higgs equation, and equal width wave equation. The travelling wave solutions are expressed by the hyperbolic functions, trigonometric functions, and rational functions. It is shown that the proposed method provides a powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear wave equations in mathematical physics and engineering. Throughout the article, all calculations are made with the aid of the Maple packet program.
Fano Antiresonance and Kondo Resonance for Electronic Transport Through a Laterally Coupled Carbon-Nanotube Quantum-Dot System
Authors: Huo Dong-Ming
Published: September 2015

We present nonequilibrium Green function calculations for electronic transport through a laterally coupled carbon-nanotube quantum-dot system. In this system, a one-dimensional double carbon nanotube quantum dot attached to polarised electrodes forms a main channel for electronic tunnelling. Each carbon nanotube quantum dot in the main channel couples to a dangling carbon nanotube quantum dot. Then, the conductance spectrum is calculated. The insulating band and resonance peak in this spectrum, due to Fano antiresonance and Kondo resonance, are discussed. The intradot electron’s Coulomb interaction effect on the insulating band is also investigated. By controlling the coupling coefficient between the quantum dots, we can realise mutual transformation between Kondo resonance and Fano antiresonance at the Fermi level. The spin-orbit coupling and magnetic field’s influence on the Kondo resonance peak are discussed in detail. Finally, spin magnetic moment and orbital magnetic moment of electrons in the quantum dot by applying parallel magnetic field are also predicted.
Sonochemical synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles catalyzed by ZrP2O7 nanoparticles and regioselective conversion into new 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles
Authors: Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Paymard-Samani Soleiman , Zahedi Safura , Shahbazi-Alavi Hossein
Published: September 2015

The ultrasound-assisted preparation of 2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) acrylonitrile derivatives via a one-pot multi-component method is described successfully using ZrP2O7 nanoparticles as a catalyst. Readily available tetrazoles can be transformed into the corresponding 1,5- and 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles. 2,4′-Dibromoacetophenone gave the corresponding 2,5-disubstituted derivative as the only isomer. Synthesis of tetrazole derivatives with excellent yields in short times, a wide range of products under ultrasound irradiation, environmental benignity and a simple work-up procedure are some of the important features of this protocol.
Changing expression and subcellular distribution of karyopherins during murine oogenesis
Authors: Mihalas Bettina P , Western Patrick S , Loveland Kate L , McLaughlin Eileen A , Holt Janet E
Published: September 2015

Mammalian oocyte growth and development is driven by a strict program of gene expression that relies on the timely presence of transcriptional regulators via nuclear pores. By targeting specific cargos for nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, karyopherin (KPN) proteins are key to the relocation of essential transcription factors and chromatin-remodelling factors into and out of the nucleus. Using multiple complementary techniques, here we establish that KPNA genes and proteins are dynamically expressed and relocalised throughout mouse oogenesis and folliculogenesis. Of the KPNAs examined (Kpna1, Kpna2, Kpna3, Kpna4, Kpna6, Kpna7, Kpnb1, Ipo5 and Xpo1), all were expressed in the embryonic ovary with up-regulation of protein levels concomitant with meiotic entry for KPNA2, accompanied by the redistribution of the cellular localisation of KPNA2 and XPO1. In contrast, postnatal folliculogenesis revealed significant up-regulation of Kpna1, Kpna2, Kpna4, Kpna6 and Ipo5 and down-regulation of Kpnb1, Kpna7 and Xpo1 at the primordial to primary follicle transition. KPNAs exhibited different localisation patterns in both oocytes and granulosa cells during folliculogenesis, with three KPNAs – KPNA1, KPNA2 and IPO5 – displaying marked enrichment in the nucleus by antral follicle stage. Remarkably, varied subcellular expression profiles were also identified in isolated pre-ovulatory oocytes with KPNAs KPNA2, KPNB1 and IPO5 detected in the cytoplasm and at the nuclear rim and XPO1 in cytoplasmic aggregates. Intriguingly, meiotic spindle staining was also observed for KPNB1 and XPO1 in meiosis II eggs, implying roles for KPNAs outside of nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. Thus, we propose that KPNAs, by targeting specific cargoes, are likely to be key regulators of oocyte development.
Regulation of Notch Signaling by an Evolutionary Conserved DEAD Box RNA Helicase, Maheshvara in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Surabhi Satya , Tripathi Bipin K , Maurya Bhawana , Bhaskar Pradeep K , Mukherjee Ashim , Mutsuddi Mousumi
Published: September 2015

Notch signaling is an evolutionary conserved process that influences cell fate determination, cell proliferation, and cell death in a context-dependent manner. Notch signaling is fine-tuned at multiple levels and misregulation of Notch has been implicated in a variety of human diseases. We have characterized maheshvara (mahe), a novel gene in Drosophila melanogaster that encodes a putative DEAD box protein that is highly conserved across taxa and belongs to the largest group of RNA helicase. A dynamic pattern of mahe expression along with the maternal accumulation of its transcripts is seen during early stages of embryogenesis. In addition, a strong expression is also seen in the developing nervous system. Ectopic expression of mahe in a wide range of tissues during development results in a variety of defects, many of which resemble a typical Notch loss-of-function phenotype. We illustrate that ectopic expression of mahe in the wing imaginal discs leads to loss of Notch targets, Cut and Wingless. Interestingly, Notch protein levels are also lowered, whereas no obvious change is seen in the levels of Notch transcripts. In addition, mahe overexpression can significantly rescue ectopic Notch-mediated proliferation of eye tissue. Further, we illustrate that mahe genetically interacts with Notch and its cytoplasmic regulator deltex in trans-heterozygous combination. Coexpression of Deltex and Mahe at the dorso-ventral boundary results in a wing-nicking phenotype and a more pronounced loss of Notch target Cut. Taken together we report identification of a novel evolutionary conserved RNA helicase mahe, which plays a vital role in regulation of Notch signaling.