bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scheduling Linear Construction Projects with Constraints on Resource Availability
Authors: Biruk S. , Jaśkowski P.
Published: July 2017

Production rates for various activities and overall construction project duration are significantly influenced by crew formation. Crews are composed of available renewable resources. Construction companies tend to reduce the number of permanent employees, which reduces fixed costs, but at the same time limits production capacity. Therefore, construction project planning must be carried out by means of scheduling methods which allow for resource constrains. Authors create a mathematical model for optimized scheduling of linear construction projects with consideration of resources and work continuity constraints. Proposed approach enables user to select optimal crew formation under limited resource supply. This minimizes project duration and improves renewable resource utilization in construction linear projects. This paper presents mixed integer linear programming to model this problem and uses a case study to illustrate it.
Optimization of Polynomial Transition Curves from the Viewpoint of Jerk Value
Authors: Zboinski K. , Woznica P.
Published: July 2017

The aim of the presented paper is to show the results of shape optimization of railway polynomial transition curves (TCs) of 5th, 7th, and 9th degrees through the use of the full vehicle model and new criteria of assessement concerning the jerk value. The search for the proper shape of TCs means that in this work, the evaluation of TC properties is based on select quantities and the generation of such a shape through the use of mathematically understood optimization methods. The studies presented have got a character of the numerical tests. For this work, advanced vehicle models describing dynamical track-vehicle and vehicle-passenger interactions as well as optimization methods were exploited. In the software vehicle model of a 2-axle freight car, the track discrete model, non-linear descriptions of wheel-rail contact are applied. This part of the software, the vehicle simulation software, is combined with a library optimization procedure into the final computer program.
Studying the Technology of Creating Cortical Electrode Instruments using the Rapid Prototyping Technology
Authors: Ablyaz T. R. , Shumkov A. A. , Muratov K. R.
Published: July 2017

This paper shows the results of studying the technology of manufacturing cortical electrode-instruments (EI) with the use of indirect methods of the Rapid Prototyping technology. Functional EI prototypes were made by layered synthesis of the photopolymer material with the use of the stereolithography technology (SLA - Stereo Lithography Apparatus). The article is focused on two methods of indirect EI manufacturing. One of the EI prototypes was used for making a molded wax model for hot investment casting, followed by applying copper coating. The second prototype was used for applying copper plating to a prepared current-conductive layer. As a result of EDMing a steel workpiece, both EIs reached the desired depth, which is 1 mm. The copper plating applied to the EI preserves its integrity. Through the use of the casting technology, there is a possibility to cut the economic costs by 35%. Using a prototype with preliminarily applied conductive coating makes it possible to make geometrically-complex EIs.
The Application of ATD and DSC Methods to Study of the EN AC-48000 Alloy Phase Transformations
Authors: Piątkowski J. , Przeliorz R. , Szymszal J.
Published: July 2017

Tests concerning EN AC 48000 (AlSi12CuNiMg) alloy phase transition covered (ATD) thermal analysis and (DSC) differential scanning calorimetry specifying characteristic temperatures and enthalpy of transformations. ATD thermal analysis shows that during cooling there exist: pre-eutectic crystallization effect of Al9Fe2Si phase, double eutectic and crystallization α(Al)+β(Si) and multi-component eutectic crystallization. During heating, DSC curve showed endothermic effect connected with melting of the eutectic α(Al)+β(Si) and phases: Al2Cu, Al3Ni, Mg2Si and Al9Fe2Si being its components. The enthalpy of this transformation constitutes approx. +392 J g-1. During freezing of the alloy, DSC curve showed two exothermal reactions. One is most likely connected with crystallization of Al9Fe2Si phase and the second one comes from freezing of the eutectic α(Al)+β(Si). The enthalpy of this transformation constitutes approx. -340 J g-1. Calorimetric test was accompanied by structural test (SEM) conducted with the use of optical microscope Reichert and scanning microscope Hitachi S-4200. There occurred solution’s dendrites α(Al), eutectic silicon crystal (β) and two types of eutectic solution: double eutectic α(Al)+β(Si) and multi-component eutectic α+AlSiCuNiMg+β.
Effect of Degassing Treatment on the Interfacial Reaction of Molten Aluminum and Solid Steel
Authors: Triyono T. , Muhayat N. , Supriyanto A. , Lutiyatmi L.
Published: July 2017

The gas porosity is one of the most serious problems in the casting of aluminum. There are several degassing methods that have been studied. During smelting of aluminum, the intermetallic compound (IMC) may be formed at the interface between molten aluminum and solid steel of crucible furnace lining. In this study, the effect of degassing treatment on the formations of IMC has been investigated. The rectangular substrate specimens were immersed in a molten aluminum bath. The holding times of the substrate immersions were in the range from 300 s to 1500 s. Two degassing treatments, argon degassing and hexachloroethane tablet degassing, were conducted to investigate their effect on the IMC formation. The IMC was examined under scanning electron microscope with EDX attachment. The thickness of the IMC layer increased with increasing immersion time for all treatments. Due to the high content of hydrogen, substrate specimens immersed in molten aluminum without degasser had IMC layer which was thicker than others. Argon degassing treatment was more effective than tablet degassing to reduce the IMC growth. Furthermore, the hard and brittle phase of IMC, FeAl3, was formed dominantly in specimens immersed for 900 s without degasser while in argon and tablet degasser specimens, it was formed partially.
Effect of urea and tmao on lipid bilayers
Authors: Valerio J. , Bernstorff S. , Funari S.S.
Published: July 2017

We study the effect of the osmolytes, Urea and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) on POPE (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine) lipid membranes using SAXS/WAXS and DSC. Their antagonist effect is observed with TMAO stabilizing and Urea destabilizing the lipid bilayer, as seen by others in earlier researches.
Ceramides in the skin barrier
Authors: Vávrová K. , Kováčik A. , Opálka L.
Published: July 2017

The skin barrier, which is essential for human survival on dry land, is located in the uppermost skin layer, the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum consists of corneocytes surrounded by multilamellar lipid membranes that prevent excessive water loss from the body and entrance of undesired substances from the environment. To ensure this protective function, the composition and organization of the lipid membranes is highly specialized. The major skin barrier lipids are ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol in an approximately equimolar ratio. With hundreds of molecular species of ceramide, skin barrier lipids are a highly complex mixture that complicate the investigation of its behaviour. In this minireview, the structures of the major skin barrier lipids, formation of the stratum corneum lipid membranes and their molecular organization are described.
Fault Detection in Nonlinear Systems Via Linear Methods
Authors: Zhirabok Alexey , Shumsky Alexey , Solyanik Sergey , Suvorov Alexey
Published: July 2017

The problem of robust linear and nonlinear diagnostic observer design is considered. A method is suggested to construct the observers that are disturbance decoupled or have minimal sensitivity to the disturbances. The method is based on a logic-dynamic approach which allows us to consider systems with non-differentiable nonlinearities in the state equations by methods of linear algebra.
Tabu Search for the RNA Partial Degradation Problem
Authors: Rybarczyk Agnieszka , Hertz Alain , Kasprzak Marta , Blazewicz Jacek
Published: July 2017

In recent years, a growing interest has been observed in research on RNA (ribonucleic acid), primarily due to the discovery of the role of RNA molecules in biological systems. They not only serve as templates in protein synthesis or as adapters in the translation process, but also influence and are involved in the regulation of gene expression. The RNA degradation process is now heavily studied as a potential source of such riboregulators. In this paper, we consider the so-called RNA partial degradation problem (RNA PDP). By solving this combinatorial problem, one can reconstruct a given RNA molecule, having as input the results of the biochemical analysis of its degradation, which possibly contain errors (false negatives or false positives). From the computational point of view the RNA PDP is strongly NP-hard. Hence, there is a need for developing algorithms that construct good suboptimal solutions. We propose a heuristic approach, in which two tabu search algorithms cooperate, in order to reconstruct an RNA molecule. Computational tests clearly demonstrate that the proposed approach fits well the biological problem and allows to achieve near-optimal results. The algorithm is freely available at http://www.cs.put.poznan.pl/arybarczyk/tabusearch.php.
Short Period Storage Impact on Bioactive Constituents from Bilberries and Blueberries
Authors: Ştefănescu Ruxandra Emilia , Eșianu Sigrid , Laczkó-Zöld Eszter , Mare Anca , Tudor Bianca , Dogaru Maria Titica
Published: July 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess storage effects on anthocyanin and total polyphenol content in different bilberry and blueberry extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of these extracts. Materials and methods: Total phenolic content, total monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were determined in the first month and after three months storage of berries at either -20 °C or -50 °C. Two different solvents were used (methanol and 50% ethanol). Antibacterial activity was determined for the 3 months stored fruits using a microdilution method and was expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results: There were significant differences between the concentration in the first month and after three months storage in both types of fruit extracts. Regarding the extracting solvent, we noticed that total phenols were better extracted with 50% ethanol, while the total monomeric anthocyanin content was higher in the methanolic extracts. No significant or slightly significant differences were observed between the fruits stored at -20 °C or -50 °C. Ethanolic extracts showed the highest scavenging activity. Good antibacterial activity was observed on gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: Storage conditions are an important factor that can influence chemical composition of fruits. Although freezing is a good option for preservation, our study showed a high decrease in the concentration of total phenols and anthocyanins after only three months. The fruits have shown a high antioxidant activity and a good antibacterial effect. Further studies are needed for better understanding the changes that can appear during the storage.
Partial Least Squares Method in the Analysis of the Intensity of Damage in Prefabricated Large-Block Building Structures
Authors: Firek Karol , Rusek Janusz
Published: July 2017

The paper presents the research methodology aimed at determining the building damage intensity index as a linear combination of indices describing the damage to its individual components. The research base comprised 129 building structures erected in the large-block technology. The study compared the results of a standardized approach to data mining - PCA (Principal Components Analysis) with the procedure of the PLSR method (Partial Least Squares Regression). As a result of the analysis, a generalized form of the building damage index was obtained, as a linear combination of the damage to its components.
Geochemical Characteristics of the Bismuth and Antimony Occurrence in Some Coal Seams in the Lublin Coal Basin (LCB)
Authors: Parzentny Henryk R. , Róg Leokadia
Published: July 2017

The study included 24 samples of coal with 7 cores, boreholes (7 coal seams), made by the Polish Geological Institute in Warsaw at the site of a Chelm field and 6 coal samples taken from 2 decks in the Lublin Coal mine „Bogdanka“ S.A. in LCB. Based on performed tests found generally low levels of Sb and Bi in coal. In the vertical profile of the LCB contents of Bi and Sb in coal generally increases from coal seams younger to older age. Content of Bi in coal from roof part coal seams is usually higher, and ash content in the coal content of Sb are generally lower than in the carbon of the middle part decks. The content of Bi in the lateral coal deposits is unlikely to vary, and the gap in the coal content of Bi between the sampling regions coal do not exceed 1.7 g / Mg. In contrast gap Sb content in coal on the extent LCB is from 1.7 g / Mg of 5.8 g / Mg. The biggest influence on the content of Bi and Sb in coal from the LCB is probably organic matter in which these elements are scattered and do not form their own minerals.
The Influence of Fortification of Dark Chocolate with Sea Buckthorn and Mulberry on the Content of Biologically Active Substances
Authors: Godočiková Lucia , Ivanišová Eva , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: July 2017

The aim of our study was to assess the impact of mulberry (Morus nigra L.) and sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) addition on improvement of antioxidant characteristics of dark chocolate. For evaluation of total polyphenolic content we used Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, for total content of flavonoids spectrophotometric assay based on a formation of coloured flavonoid-aluminium complex was used and for the content of total phenolic acids was used method using Arnow’s reagent. Three different methods were also used for measuring the antioxidant activity of samples: DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power method and phosphomolybdate method. Obtained results showed, that compared to plain dark chocolate used as control, chocolate enriched with mulberry exhibited higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, enrichment with sea buckthorn didn’t show such significant improvement in antioxidant characteristics, but increased the levels of bioactive compounds despite the lower content of cocoa solids.
Yield Modelling of Oil-Bearing Rose Depending on Irrigation Regime
Authors: Nedkov Nedko , Zaykov Rangel , Matev Alexander , Ovcharova Antoniya , Kirchev Hristofor
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to be investigated “Yield - irrigation depth” relationship for white breading rose in the conditions of Kazanlak’s Valley (south part of Bulgaria). The field experiment was carried out during 2009 - 2011 period with following variants: 1) without irrigation; 2) irrigation with 50% of the irrigation depth; 3) irrigation with 75% of the irrigation depth; 4) full irrigation (100% of calculated irrigation depth). This relationship is established in two directions - for blossom and for oil, using the degree equation: Yi=1-(1-Yd)x(1-xi)n, (where Yi is the yield by irrigation depth xi, Yd - yield without irrigation, xi - relative irrigation depth and n - exponent). The results show that used equation presents very accurately the change of the yield depending on level of the irrigation depth. The value of “n” is from 1.0 to 1.2 and R>0.94. There is linear relationship (by R2>0.8), which allows predicting the yield of oil by data for yield of blossom.
The Effect of Storage and Age of Hens on the Quality of Table Eggs
Authors: Perić Lidija , Đukić Stojčić Mirjana , Bjedov Siniša
Published: July 2017

Quality of poultry products, especially eggs, is a very important issue for the consumers and for the processing industry. The aim of the present study was to examine the interaction between the storage time and age of laying hens and their effect on the quality of table eggs. Eggs from 34 and 59- wk-old Bovans Brown hens were sampled and stored in the refrigerator for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Significant effect of hen age (P<0.01) was found on egg weight, shell strength, albumen height and Haugh units (HU). Eggs from older hens had 2.58% higher mass compared to the eggs of young hens. Eggs from 59-weeks old hens had significantly lower shell strength (3.63 kg vs. 4.31 kg). Albumen height and HU were lower in eggs from the older hens compared to the young ones (5.7 mm vs. 7.11 mm for albumen height; 70.35 vs. 81.77 for HU). Significant negative effect of storage time was found on egg weight, albumen height, HU and yolk colour (P<0.01). The results indicated that egg quality characteristics monitored in this study decrease by hen age and during storage. The interaction effects between storage time and age of hens were significant only for yolk colour (P<0.05).
Zeichen – Bücher – Netze: Das Deutsche Buch- und Schriftmuseum der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek
Authors: Jacobs Stephanie
Published: July 2017

Die Sammlung, Ausstellung und wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung buch- und mediengeschichtlicher Zeugnisse ist die Aufgabe des Deutschen Buch- und Schriftmuseums. Im Fokus der Arbeit steht das Buch mit seinen zahllosen Gesichtern und Funktionen – auch nach dem Übergang ins Zeitalter der digitalen Netzwelt. Einerseits wissenschaftliche Dokumentationsstätte für Buchkultur und Mediengeschichte lädt das Museum andererseits mit seinen Ausstellungen und museumspädagogischen Programmen als ein lebendiger Ort kultureller Bildung und Vermittlung zum Verweilen ein.
Quality Assessment for the Sustainable Provision of Software Components and Digital Research Infrastructures for the Arts and Humanities
Authors: Buddenbohm Stefan , Matoni Markus , Schmunk Stefan , Thiel Carsten
Published: July 2017

Infrastructure for facilitating access to and reuse of research publications and data is well established nowadays. However, such is not the case for software. In spite of documentation and reusability of software being recognised as good scientific practice, and a growing demand for them, the infrastructure and services necessary for software are still in their infancy. This paper explores how quality assessment may be utilised for evaluating the infrastructure for software, and to ascertain the effort required to archive software and make it available for future use. The paper focuses specifically on digital humanities and related ESFRI projects.
Chinese Investments in Serbia—A Joint Pledge for the Future of the New Silk Road
Authors: Dimitrijević Duško
Published: July 2017

Following the political changes in 2000, Serbia has rapidly started to catch up with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in various aspects of the transition process. One of these very important aspects were foreign investments, both ‘direct’ and ‘portfolio’ ones, that had a significant impact on the development of Serbian economy by recovering economic structure and raising competitiveness in world markets, followed by improving the balance of payments and technological, scientific and managerial base. Foreign investments as an “economic engine” enable accelerated realization of national economic goals which include re-industrialization and renewal of industrial capacity. The openness of the Serbian market and the lack of financial resources allow China and other states concerned under favourable conditions invest in the development of Serbian economy. In this way, Chinese investments have become a driving force for the promotion of economic and other relations between the two countries. On the other hand, however, Chinese investments have proven to be an ideal test for the realization of the objectives of the development strategy of the ‘New Silk Road’ which among other things include the improvement of China’s position on world markets, including the EU market. For the proper understanding of Sino-Serbian relations, this study first gives a short explanation of the Chinese strategy of the New Silk Road. Then, it includes an analysis of Serbia’s position towards China. Analysis of the development of Serbian-Chinese economic relations, especially in the field of foreign investment and within the framework of multilateral cooperation mechanism ‘16+1’, occupies the central part of the study. The study concludes with an evaluation of comparative advantages and certain disadvantages for the Chinese foreign investment in Serbian economy, which in itself has certain significance for the realization of the New Silk Road strategy.
Cooperation Formats of China and Europe: Synergies and Divergences
Authors: Šteinbuka Inna , Muravska Tatyana , Kuznieks Andris
Published: July 2017

This contribution articulates the synergies and divergences of the various formats of cooperation between China and the European countries. The EU and China have a strong interest in each other’s flagship initiatives, namely the Investment Plan for Europe, and the One Belt, One Road Initiative (Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road). The authors argue that there are certain synergies between these initiatives. Furthermore, the new initiative EU-China Connectivity Platform is aimed to explore these synergies. The authors explore the recent developments in the EU-China investments, trade cooperation and the challenges of the ever-growing CEEC-China partnership in different formats, including the new platform of 16+1. The authors examine these implications in relation to the need to expand and adapt the content and approach of the EU-China Bilateral Investment agreement. The article concludes that the CEEC-China relation does not go against the EU; moreover, neither the CEE countries nor China have any motivation to try to weaken the EU.
Comparative Characteristics of Napsin A, TTF 1 and EGFR Mutation Expression in Mucinous Lung Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Genova Sylvia N. , Belovezhdov Veselin T. , Bichev Stoyan N. , Danev Vladimir H.
Published: July 2017

Background:Invasive mucinous lung adenocarcinomas are rare and account for 2%–10% of all lung adenocarcinoma cases. It is believed that Napsin A exhibits a weaker expression in mucinous adenocarcinomas compared with TTF1, but such correlation is still poorly researched.

Aim:The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of mucinous to nonmucinous adenocarcinomas and compare specificity and sensitivity of monoclonal Napsin A with TTF1 in mucinous adenocarcinomas and define the frequency of EGFR mutations.

Materials and methods:Eighty-four resected lung carcinomas were prospectively evaluated. All biopsies were analysed with p63, TTF1, monoclonal Napsin A, CK7, CK20 and CDX2 and were studied with real-time PCR technology.

Results:In resected material we detected 49/84 (58.3%) adenocarcinomas and selected 21 mucinous adenocarcinomas out of 46 non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (45.6%). The most common pattern of mucinous adenocarcinomas is papillary - 24% and colloidal - 24%, followed by acinar - 19.2% and lepidic - 19.2%. mNapsin A was positive in 18/21 (85.7%) mucinous adenocarcinomas v/s 17/21 TTF1 positive (80.9%). EGFR mutations were detected in 3/21 cases with mucinous adenocarcinomas (14.3%): mucinous papillary, mucinous acinar and “salivary gland-like”.

Conclusion:Our study demonstrates a high proportion of primary mucinous lung adenocarcinomas to primary non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. Sensitivity and specificity of mNapsin A and TTF1 did not show significant difference in pulmonary mucinous and non-mucinous adenocarcinomas, as mNapsin A gave greater sensitivity to mucinous adenocarcinomas. Our results indicate the same mutation frequency of EGFR in mucinous adenocarcinomas as mutation frequency detected in non-mucinous adenocarcinomas in the Bulgarian region.
Simultaneous Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Hernia Repair via Laparoscopy: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Shipkov Hristo D. , Mojallal Ali , Braye Fabienne
Published: July 2017

Background:Umbilical hernias (UH) are common in postpartum patients seeking abdominal contouring surgery and the question of simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair is raised. This presents, however, a risk to the umbilicus vascularisation with possible umbilical necrosis. To minimize this risk we associated abdominoplasty with laparoscopic UH repair. The aim of this study was to present the technique of simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair and the first results.

Materials and methods:Simultaneous abdominoplasty and laparoscopic mesh UH repair was analysed in the first 10 cases. The intervention was performed by a plastic surgeon and a general surgeon. It begins as a standard abdominoplasty with flap elevation, umbilicus detachment and diastasis repair, if indicated. The second stage is the UH repair via laparoscopy using an intraperitoneal mesh. The third stage consists of umbilical transposition and closure of the abdominoplasty incision.

Results:We had no complications at the umbilicus or the hernia mesh. In all cases, umbilical vascularisation was preserved and no hernia recurrence was noted.

Conclusions:Our first results suggest that the simultaneous UH repair with abdominoplasty is safe, minimizing the risk to the umbilicus blood supply. These first results encourage us to recommend this approach and perform a more detailed analysis of the whole series since our first case.
Striving for Better Medical Education: the Simulation Approach
Authors: Sakakushev Boris E. , Marinov Blagoi I. , Stefanova Penka P. , Kostianev Stefan St. , Georgiou Evangelos K.
Published: July 2017

Medical simulation is a rapidly expanding area within medical education due to advances in technology, significant reduction in training hours and increased procedural complexity. Simulation training aims to enhance patient safety through improved technical competency and eliminating human factors in a risk free environment. It is particularly applicable to a practical, procedure-orientated specialties.

Simulation can be useful for novice trainees, experienced clinicians (e.g. for revalidation) and team building. It has become a cornerstone in the delivery of medical education, being a paradigm shift in how doctors are educated and trained. Simulation must take a proactive position in the development of metric-based simulation curriculum, adoption of proficiency benchmarking definitions, and should not depend on the simulation platforms used.

Conversely, ingraining of poor practice may occur in the absence of adequate supervision, and equipment malfunction during the simulation can break the immersion and disrupt any learning that has occurred. Despite the presence of high technology, there is a substantial learning curve for both learners and facilitators.

The technology of simulation continues to advance, offering devices capable of improved fidelity in virtual reality simulation, more sophisticated procedural practice and advanced patient simulators. Simulation-based training has also brought about paradigm shifts in the medical and surgical education arenas and ensured that the scope and impact of simulation will continue to broaden.
Printed Antenna Array with Flat-Top Radiation Pattern
Authors: Milijić Marija R. , Nešić Aleksandar D. , Milovanović Bratislav D. , Nešić Dušan A.
Published: July 2017

A printed antenna array consisting of 10 wideband symmetrical pentagonal dipoles is presented. The feed network of impedance transformers is employed to provide appropriate amplitude and phase distribution necessary to obtain flat top beam pattern. The measured results demonstrate excellent radiation characteristics including 38° flat gain region with maximum ripple of 3.5 dB at the centre frequency. Furthermore, the proposed antenna that is placed in corner reflector with angle of 60° has good gain (17 dBi) and side lobe suppression (18.9 dB). Although it is designed at the centre frequencyfc=12 GHz, it was shown to be capable of shaping a good flat top radiation pattern within a fractional bandwidth at least 6 % of centre frequency. Also, proposed antenna features cheap, simple and easy fabrication that makes it suitable for mass production.
Biomimetic synthesis of two different types of renewable cellulosic nanomaterials for scaffolding in tissue engineering
Authors: Pooyan Parisa , Brewster Luke P. , Tannenbaum Rina , Garmestani Hamid
Published: July 2017

As a rapidly growing area in materials design, the biomimetic approach at the frontier between biology and materials science aims to introduce advanced materials with structural diversities and functional versatilities by mimicking remarkable systems available in nature. Inspired by the fascinating nanostructured assembly existing in the cell walls of different plant species, we designed two fully bio-based green nanomaterials reinforced with renewable polysaccharide nanoparticles in the form of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). In our initial design, the CNWs were incorporated into a cellulose acetate propionate matrix to form a bionanocomposite film, while in the second design the CNWs were entangled within a network of a collagenous medium to introduce a bionanocomposite hydrogel. Tensile and rheological measurements were carried out to study the system’s deformation as subjected to axial force or oscillatory shear. Biocompatibility was tested via incubation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cellsin vitro. Careful control of the processing conditions resulted in a three-dimensional rigid CNW network percolating within both biopolymer matrices, giving rise to an excellent performance at only a small fraction of CNWs at 3 wt.%. This study reveals that the fully bio-based green nanomaterials with enhanced mechanical percolation could construct a suitable platform for scaffolding in tissue engineering.
Synthesis of thienopyrimidine-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine hybrids
Authors: Park Jae Woo , Song Yang-Heon
Published: July 2017

New hybrid compounds, thienopyrimidinyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives, were efficiently synthesized by the three-component reaction of 3-phenyl-1-(thienopyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine, benzoylacetonitrile and an aromatic aldehyde in the presence of FeCl3 on basic alumina.
Effect of Addition of Antioxidant Flaxseed Polypeptide on the Rheological Properties of Native Maize Starch
Authors: Liu Yi , Ma Jie , Li Dong , Wang Li-jun , Adhikari Benu , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: July 2017

Effects of adding antioxidant flaxseed peptides (FP) on rheological properties of native maize starch (NMS) were investigated using temperature sweep and frequency sweep tests. The NMS concentration of 15 % (w/w) and FP concentrations of 0.2–1.0 % (w/w) were used. The FP samples were prepared by controlled hydrolysis flaxseed protein isolate with pepsin. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (53.25 %) was achieved at 22 % of hydrolysis. The onset gelatinization temperature (Tonset
) increased from 67°C to 76°C when the 1 % FP was present in the NMS–FP mixture. The storage modulus (G′) decreased significantly in the presence and increased in concentration of FP. The variation of G′ and loss modulus (G″) of NMS–FP mixtures with angular frequency was fitted well (R
2>0.97) Power law type models. The consistency coefficient (K′ and K″) decreased in the presence and increased in the concentration of FP. While the n′ increased with the presence FP, the n″ decreased. The NMS–FP mixtures produced physical gels (G′>G″). NMS-FP mixtures showed non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior in steady shear flow.
Methods of Raising Funds for Purchasing of New Cruise Ships by International Corporations
Authors: Kizielewicz Joanna
Published: July 2017

The world’s cruise corporations regularly purchase large, luxurious cruise ships. In accordance with the Cruise Line International Association, 33 new ocean cruise ships will be available on the market by 2020. These types of capital expenditures are associated with large financial outlays of up to $ 1 billion. The leading cruise corporations are not able to finance purchases of new units with their own resources and therefore look for different solutions. Available publications focus mainly on issues related to purchasing cargo ships, not cruise ships. The objective of the article is to identify sources of funding of new cruise ships. Our analysis identifies the average capital expenditure associated with purchasing new cruise ships and factors that influence it. The most popular methods for raising such capital are also provided. Our research methodology relies on data exploration method, a desk research method and comparative analysis.
Time-Dependent Drug Administration in Hypertension and its Effect on Blood Pressure Variability
Authors: Magdás Annamária , Podoleanu Cristian , Tusa Anna-Boróka , Găburoi Adina , Incze Alexandru
Published: July 2017

Background: Optimizing blood pressure variability seems to represent a new therapeutic target in the management of hypertension. It is emphasized that scheduling at least one antihypertensive agent at bedtime, has the ability to reduce blood pressure.

Aim of the study: We have proposed to test whether the divided treatment regimen also lowers blood pressure variability.

Material and methods: A number of 37 treated hypertensive patients were enrolled, who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) at inclusion and at 8 weeks after therapeutic intervention with divided treatment regimen. BPV was assessed using average real variability.

Results: The 24-hour systolic blood presure decreased from 139.5 ± 8.8 mmHg to 127.4 ± 8.9 mmHg (p <0.0001), and we noted a 2.1 mmHg drop in blood pressure variability (p <0.0001), as well as a two-fold increase in the percentage of dippers. After baseline ABPM assessment, in 15 cases an angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitor was scheduled at bedtime, and in 10 cases it was given twice a day. In 17 cases a thiazide diuretic was administered in the afternoon, and in 18 cases a calcium channel blocker was administered at bedtime.

Conclusions: For a more accurate management of patients with hypertension, the assessment of circadian blood pressure profile and the implementation of an individualized treatment that uses divided antihypertensive agents at bedtime or midday administration have the ability to optimize blood pressure control, restore dipper-profile, and decrease blood pressure variability.
The spatial distribution of gambling and its economic benefits to municipalities in the Czech Republic
Authors: Fiedor David , Szczyrba Zdeněk , Šerý Miloslav , Smolová Irena , Toušek Václav
Published: July 2017

Gambling is a specific type of economic activity that significantly affects many aspects of society. It is associated mainly with negative impacts on the lives of individuals and their families, but it also has a positive economic impact on the public budgets of states, regions and municipalities. In this article, we focus on a geographic assessment of the development of gambling in the Czech Republic, which is based on a spatial analysis of data on licensed games and data on the revenues of municipalities arising from gambling. It turns out that the occurrence of gambling is strongly influenced by binary centre/periphery dichotomy, with the exception of the Czech-Austrian and Czech-German border areas which are characterised by a high concentration of casinos resulting from more rigid regulation of gambling on the other side of the border. In this research, the authors develop an innovative scientific discipline within Czech human geography: The geography of gambling.
Workplace Innovation: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Construct Validation
Authors: Wipulanusat Warit , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Stewart Rodney A.
Published: July 2017

Workplace innovation enables the development and improvement of products, processes and services leading simultaneously to improvement in organisational performance. This study has the purpose of examining the factor structure of workplace innovation. Survey data, extracted from the 2014 APS employee census, comprising 3,125 engineering professionals in the Commonwealth of Australia’s departments were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA returned a two-factor structure explaining 69.1% of the variance of the construct. CFA revealed that a two-factor structure was indicated as a validated model (GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.08, RMR = 0.02, IFI = 0.98, NFI = 0.98, CFI = 0.98, and TLI = 0.96). Both factors showed good reliability of the scale (Individual creativity:α= 0.83, CR = 0.86, and AVE = 0.62; Team Innovation:α= 0.82, CR = 0.88, and AVE = 0.61). These results confirm that the two factors extracted for characterising workplace innovation included individual creativity and team innovation.
Does Decentralized Leadership Influence the Performance of Czech Museums?
Authors: Plaček Michal , Ochrana František , Půček Milan , Křápek Milan
Published: July 2017

This study tests whether decentralized leadership influences the efficiency of running selected cultural institutions, specifically museums in the Czech Republic. For the analysis, data from 2015 from 187 museums spread around the whole Czech Republic are used. The method for the evaluation of efficiency is data envelope analysis, and for identifying the influence of decentralized leadership, a regression analysis is used. Museums established by municipalities reach higher efficiency than museums established by regions and central government. The causes may be found in the ability to better estimate the local demand as well as in the rational behavior of municipalities that prefer a cost-minimization strategy. The benefits of decentralization cannot be seen only in the field of finance but also in reinforcing local traditions, trust and the effects of social capital that is generated by a strong regional cultural identity.
Knowledge Management and Czech Self-Governments: Empirical Investigations into the Application of Knowledge Management to Public Administration in the Czech Republic
Authors: Špaček David , Gatarik Eva
Published: July 2017

Although knowledge management has become the subject of an enormous quantity of articles and books in recent times, certain more problematic aspects of it remain neglected. Firstly, literature addressing knowledge management concentrates almost exclusively on business organizations and fails to provide details or recommendations adequate to effective application within the sphere of public administration. This holds especially true for Czech academic literature. Secondly, despite a reasonable number of articles on knowledge management in scientific journals, information about perceptions of knowledge-management activities, procedures and tools within organizations lacks detail. The purpose of this article is to investigate and summarize the activities, procedures and tools in use for dealing with knowledge within Czech self-governments and to discuss the main empirical findings. Although the quantitative survey herein does not provide fully representative data, it is still in a position to indicate that knowledge management in Czech public administration tends to be underdeveloped as well as undervalued.
Determination of ascorbic acid using differential pulse voltammetry method on aniline-co-para–aminophenol modified electrode
Authors: Parsa Ali , Tajik Maryam
Published: July 2017

The electro-synthesis of poly(aniline-co-para–aminophenol) on graphite electrode was examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV) over the potential window of −0.2 V to 1 V in phosphoric acid medium, which was comprised of potassium chloride and para–Toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) as electrolyte support. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify the electro-synthesized copolymer while impedance techniques were used to determine charge transfer resistance (Rct) in modified and unmodified electrodes. After this, the electro-catalytic effect of the modified electrode on ascorbic acid was examined using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and a very strong response was observed. A negative shift of about 0.33 V was found in the peak anodic potentials for ascorbic acid. Measurement using DPV indicated a proper response by the electrode to a wide range of ascorbic acid concentrations, from 0.0001 to 0.0004 M. The peak anodic currents for increased concentrations showed a proper linear range.
Bilingual development of theta in a child
Authors: Babatsouli Elena
Published: July 2017

There are issues concerning the bilingual development of a marked consonant in the literature that need to be clarified. While it is known that input frequency has a facilitative effect on monolingual development, its effects on bilingual development are not clear. Here, a child’s dense, longitudinal speech data from age 2;7 to 3;11 are examined in order to study the bilingual development of a marked consonant,
Mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus and related risk factors: a review
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Ying , Wang Xu-Gang
Published: July 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global epidemic disease and has become a significant health problem. Many studies have raised concern about the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with T2DM and even the Alzheimer’s disease patients with T2DM. The incidence of MCI is higher in individuals with T2DM than those without diabetes. Cognitive changes might affect everyday activities depending on the work and situation. Although the exact pathophysiology of MCI in T2DM is unclear, many studies suggest that the alterations in pathoglycemia, diabetic complications, related end products, and physical/psychological status are significant risk factors. In this article, we systematically overview the studies to illustrate the related risk factors of cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM. Further high quality studies and treatment need to be initiated and it will become incumbent on clinicians to identify and cure the earliest signs of clinical impairment.
Explicit Solutions and Conservation Laws of a Coupled Burgers’ Equation
Authors: Xue Bo , Li Fang , Li Yihao , Sun Mingming
Published: July 2017

Based on the gauge transformation between the corresponding 3×3 matrix spectral problems, N-fold Darboux transformation for a coupled Burgers’ equation is constructed. Considering the N=1 case of the derived Darboux transformation, explicit solutions for the coupled Burgers’ equation are given and their figures are plotted. Moreover, conservation laws of this integrable equation are deduced.
Appetite Regulations After Sprint Exercise Under Hypoxic Condition in Female Athletes
Authors: Kojima Chihiro , Kasai Nobukazu , Ishibashi Aya , Murakami Yukako , Ebi Kumiko , Goto Kazushige
Published: July 2017

Kojima, C, Kasai, N, Ishibashi, A, Murakami, Y, Ebi, K, and Goto, K. Appetite regulations after sprint exercise under hypoxic condition in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1773–1780, 2019—The present study determined changes in appetite-regulating hormones and energy intake after high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) under hypoxic conditions (HYP) in trained female athletes. Fifteen female athletes completed 3 trials on different days of either HIIT under HYP, HIIT under normoxic conditions (NOR), or rest in normoxia (CON). Exercise trials consisted of 2 successive sets of 8 repeated bouts of a 6-second maximal sprint separated by a 30-second rest. Blood samples were obtained to measure plasma acylated ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide–1 (GLP-1), and metabolite concentrations. Energy intake during an ad libitum buffet meal test was evaluated 30 minutes after exercise or rest. Plasma acylated ghrelin concentrations decreased significantly after exercise (p ≤ 0.001), but no difference was observed between the HYP and NOR. Plasma GLP-1 concentrations did not differ after exercise, with no difference between the HYP and NOR. Although absolute energy intake in the HYP (634 ± 67 kcal) and NOR (597 ± 63 kcal) was significantly lower than that in the CON (756 ± 63 kcal, p = 0.006), no difference was observed between the HYP and NOR. These results show that HIIT under hypoxic and NOR lowered plasma acylated ghrelin concentrations and energy intake.
Acute Neuromuscular and Endocrine Responses to Two Different Compound Exercises: Squat vs. Deadlift
Authors: Barnes Matthew J. , Miller Adam , Reeve Daniel , Stewart Robin J.C.
Published: July 2017

Barnes, MJ, Miller, A, Reeve, D, and Stewart, RJ. Acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses to two different compound exercises: squat vs. deadlift. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2381–2387, 2019—Anecdotally, it is believed that the deadlift exercise brings about greater levels of central fatigue than other exercises; however, no empirical evidence exists to support this view. In addition, little is known about the acute endocrine response to heavy deadlift exercise and how this may differ from other similar compound exercises. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and compare the acute, neuromuscular and endocrine responses to squat and deadlift exercises. Ten resistance-trained males completed 8 sets of 2 repetitions at 95% of 1 repetition maximum. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force of the quadriceps, along with measures of central (voluntary activation [VA] and surface electromyography) and peripheral (electrically evoked control stimulus) fatigue were made before and 5 and 30 minutes after exercise. In addition, salivary testosterone and cortisol were measured at these same time points. MVIC was reduced after the completion of both exercises (p = 0.007); however, no difference between exercises was evident. Similarly, although VA changed over time (p = 0.0001), no difference was observed between exercises. As a measure of peripheral fatigue, force from the control stimulus changed over time (p = 0.003) with a greater decrease evident after the squat (p = 0.034). Electromyography was reduced over time (p = 0.048) but no difference was seen between exercises. No change was seen in testosterone and cortisol. Although a greater absolute load and larger volume load were completed for the deadlift, no difference in central fatigue was evident between the 2 compound exercises. The greater peripheral fatigue observed after squat exercise may be due to the greater work completed by the quadriceps with this exercise. These results suggest that separate periodization, tapering, and programming considerations may be unnecessary when using the squat and deadlift to develop muscular strength.