bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of FDG-PET Imaging for Risk Stratification of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in MEN1
Authors: Kornaczewski Jackson Elena R. , Pointon Owen P. , Bohmer Robert , Burgess John R.
Published: April 2017

Context:

Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) are at high risk of malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Structural imaging is typically used to screen for pNETs but is suboptimal for stratifying malignant potential.

Objective:

To determine the utility of fluorodeoxyglucose (18F) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for predicting the malignant potential of pNETs in MEN1.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

Tertiary referral hospital.

Patients:

Forty-nine adult patients with MEN1 carrying a common MEN1 mutation who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for MEN1 surveillance between 1 January 2010 and 30 September 2016.

Interventions:

Structural and functional imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, CT, ultrasonography, and 18F-FDG PET/CT) and surgical histopathology.

Main Outcome Measures:

pNET size, behavior, and histopathology.

Results:

Twenty-five (51.0%) of 49 patients studied had pancreatic lesions on structural imaging. Five (25%) of these had 18F-FDG-PET–avid lesions. In addition, two had solitary FDG-avid liver lesions, and one a pancreatic focus without structural correlate. Eight patients with pNETs underwent surgery (three FDG-avid lesions and five nonavid pNETs). The Ki-67 index was ≥5% in FDG-avid pNETs and <2% in nonavid pNETs. Overall, six of the eight (75%) patients with FDG-avid hepatopancreatic lesions harbored aggressive or metastatic NETs compared with one of 41 patients (2.4%) without hepatopancreatic FDG avidity [P < 0.001; sensitivity; 85.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.7% to 99.3%); specificity, 95.2% (95% CI, 84.2% to 99.2%)].

Conclusion:

18F-FDG PET/CT is an effective screening modality in MEN1 for identifying pNETs of increased malignant potential. Surgical resection is recommended for FDG-avid pNETs.
Renin Phenotypes Characterize Vascular Disease, Autonomous Aldosteronism, and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activity
Authors: Hundemer Gregory L. , Baudrand Rene , Brown Jenifer M. , Curhan Gary , Williams Gordon H. , Vaidya Anand
Published: April 2017

Context:

Mild cases of autonomous aldosterone secretion may go unrecognized using current diagnostic criteria for primary aldosteronism (PA).

Objective:

To investigate whether the inability to stimulate renin serves as a biomarker for unrecognized autonomous aldosterone secretion and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation.

Participants:

Six hundred sixty-three normotensive and mildly hypertensive participants, who were confirmed to not have PA using current guideline criteria and were on no antihypertensive medications.

Design:

Participants had their maximally stimulated plasma renin activity (PRA) measured while standing upright after sodium restriction. Tertiles of maximally stimulated PRA were hypothesized to reflect the degree of MR activation: lowest PRA tertile = “Inappropriate/Excess MR Activity;” middle PRA tertile = “Intermediate MR Activity;”; and highest PRA tertile = “Physiologic MR Activity.” All participants underwent detailed biochemical and vascular characterizations under conditions of liberalized sodium intake, and associations with stimulated PRA phenotypes were performed.

Results:

Participants with lower stimulated PRA had greater autonomous aldosterone secretion [higher aldosterone-to-renin ratio (P = 0.002), higher urine aldosterone excretion rate (P = 0.003), higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0.004), and lower renal plasma flow (P = 0.04)] and a nonsignificant trend toward lower serum potassium and higher urine potassium excretion, which became significant after stratification by hypertension status.

Conclusions:

In participants without clinical PA, the inability to stimulate renin was associated with greater autonomous aldosterone secretion, impaired vascular function, and suggestive trends in potassium handling that indicate an extensive spectrum of unrecognized MR activation.
Sec71 functions as a GEF for the small GTPase Arf1 to govern dendrite pruning of Drosophila sensory neurons
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Heng , Shi Meng , Liou Yih-Cherng , Lu Lei , Yu Fengwei
Published: April 2017

Pruning, whereby neurons eliminate their excess neurites, is central for the maturation of the nervous system. In Drosophila, sensory neurons, ddaCs, selectively prune their larval dendrites without affecting their axons during metamorphosis. However, it is unknown whether the secretory pathway plays a role in dendrite pruning. Here, we show that the small GTPase Arf1, an important regulator of the secretory pathway, is specifically required for dendrite pruning of ddaC/D/E sensory neurons but dispensable for apoptosis of ddaF neurons. Analyses of the GTP- and GDP-locked forms of Arf1 indicate that the cycling of Arf1 between GDP-bound and GTP-bound forms is essential for dendrite pruning. We further identified Sec71 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Arf1 that preferentially interacts with its GDP-bound form. Like Arf1, Sec71 is also important for dendrite pruning, but not for apoptosis, of sensory neurons. Arf1 and Sec71 are interdependent for their localizations on Golgi. Finally, we show that the Sec71/Arf1-mediated trafficking process is a prerequisite for Rab5-dependent endocytosis to facilitate endocytosis and degradation of the cell-adhesion molecule Neuroglian (Nrg).
Heart rate regulation in diving sea lions: the vagus nerve rules
Authors: Ponganis Paul J. , McDonald Birgitte I. , Tift Michael S. , Williams Cassondra L.
Published: April 2017

Recent publications have emphasized the potential generation of morbid cardiac arrhythmias secondary to autonomic conflict in diving marine mammals. Such conflict, as typified by cardiovascular responses to cold water immersion in humans, has been proposed to result from exercise-related activation of cardiac sympathetic fibers to increase heart rate, combined with depth-related changes in parasympathetic tone to decrease heart rate. After reviewing the marine mammal literature and evaluating heart rate profiles of diving California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), we present an alternative interpretation of heart rate regulation that de-emphasizes the concept of autonomic conflict and the risk of morbid arrhythmias in marine mammals. We hypothesize that: (1) both the sympathetic cardiac accelerator fibers and the peripheral sympathetic vasomotor fibers are activated during dives even without exercise, and their activities are elevated at the lowest heart rates in a dive when vasoconstriction is maximal, (2) in diving animals, parasympathetic cardiac tone via the vagus nerve dominates over sympathetic cardiac tone during all phases of the dive, thus producing the bradycardia, (3) adjustment in vagal activity, which may be affected by many inputs, including exercise, is the primary regulator of heart rate and heart rate fluctuations during diving, and (4) heart beat fluctuations (benign arrhythmias) are common in marine mammals. Consistent with the literature and with these hypotheses, we believe that the generation of morbid arrhythmias because of exercise or stress during dives is unlikely in marine mammals.
Multichannel Distribution Strategy: Selling to a Competing Buyer with Limited Supplier Capacity
Authors: Yang Zhibin (Ben) , Hu Xinxin , Gurnani Haresh , Guan Huiqi
Published: April 2017

We study the optimal distribution strategy of a supplier with limited capacity. The supplier may adopt the supplier-only role, be the solo seller in the market, or use the dual-channel strategy and compete with its downstream buyer. In comparison to the case of unlimited capacity, we show that the supplier, the buyer, and consumers may all benefit from the supplier’s limited capacity at the same time, leading to a “win-win-win” outcome. We also find that, under limited capacity, the downstream buyer may order the supplier’s entire capacity and strategically withhold some supply from being sold to the market even if there is no underlying supply-side or demand-side uncertainty. Our result points to a new form of strategic purchasing behavior by the buyer in the face of upstream and downstream competition. Interestingly, we show that while buyer withholding is always beneficial for the supplier, it can reduce the buyer’s profit under certain cases, although total supply chain profit is the first-best outcome. Also, counter to conventional antitrust concerns, buyer withholding at times may benefit consumers in spite of reduced downstream competition. Finally, in contrast to intuition, we find that the supplier’s benefit from investing in direct selling capability is highest when its capacity size is moderate and not large.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2702 .

This paper was accepted by Gad Allon, operations management.
Service Region Design for Urban Electric Vehicle Sharing Systems
Authors: He Long , Mak Ho-Yin , Rong Ying , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: April 2017

Emerging collaborative consumption business models have shown promise in terms of both generating business opportunities and enhancing the efficient use of resources. In the transportation domain, car-sharing models are being adopted on a mass scale in major metropolitan areas worldwide. This mode of servicized mobility bridges the resource efficiency of public transit and the flexibility of personal transportation. Beyond the significant potential to reduce car ownership, car sharing shows promise in supporting the adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs), because of these vehicles’ special cost structure with high purchase but low operating costs. Recently, key players in the car-sharing business, such as Autolib’, car2go, and DriveNow, have begun to employ EVs in an operations model that accommodates one-way trips. On the one hand (and particularly in free-floating car sharing), the one-way model results in significant improvements in coverage of travel needs and therefore in adoption potential compared with the conventional round-trip-only model (advocated by Zipcar, for example). On the other hand, this model poses tremendous planning and operational challenges. In this work, we study the planning problem faced by service providers in designing a geographical service region in which to operate the service. This decision entails trade-offs between maximizing customer catchment by covering travel needs and controlling fleet operation costs. We develop a mathematical programming model that incorporates details of both customer adoption behavior and fleet management (including EV repositioning and charging) under imbalanced travel patterns. To address inherent planning uncertainty with regard to adoption patterns, we employ a distributionally robust optimization framework that informs robust decisions to overcome possible ambiguity (or lacking) of data. Mathematically, the problem can be approximated by a mixed integer second-order cone program, which is computationally tractable with practical scale data. Applying this approach to the case of car2go’s service with real operations data, we address a number of planning questions and suggest that there is potential for the future development of this service.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2016.0611 .
Externalised locking compression plate as an alternative to the unilateral external fixator: a biomechanical comparative study of axial and torsional stiffness
Authors: Ang B. F. H. , Chen J. Y. , Yew A. K. S. , Chua S. K. , Chou S. M. , Chia S. L. , Koh J. S. B. , Howe T. S.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

External fixators are the traditional fixation method of choice for contaminated open fractures. However, patient acceptance is low due to the high profile and therefore physical burden of the constructs. An externalised locking compression plate is a low profile alternative. However, the biomechanical differences have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the axial and torsional stiffness of the externalised titanium locking compression plate (ET-LCP), the externalised stainless steel locking compression plate (ESS-LCP) and the unilateral external fixator (UEF).

Methods

A fracture gap model was created to simulate comminuted mid-shaft tibia fractures using synthetic composite bones. Fifteen constructs were stabilised with ET-LCP, ESS-LCP or UEF (five constructs each). The constructs were loaded under both axial and torsional directions to determine construct stiffness.

Results

The mean axial stiffness was very similar for UEF (528 N/mm) and ESS-LCP (525 N/mm), while it was slightly lower for ET-LCP (469 N/mm). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing in all three groups demonstrated no significant difference (F(2,12) = 2.057, p = 0.171). There was a significant difference in mean torsional stiffness between the UEF (0.512 Nm/degree), the ESS-LCP (0.686 Nm/degree) and the ET-LCP (0.639 Nm/degree), as determined by one-way ANOVA (F(2,12) = 6.204, p = 0.014). A Tukey post hoc test revealed that the torsional stiffness of the ESS-LCP was statistically higher than that of the UEF by 0.174 Nm/degree (p = 0.013). No catastrophic failures were observed.

Conclusion

Using the LCP as an external fixator may provide a viable and attractive alternative to the traditional UEF as its lower profile makes it more acceptable to patients, while not compromising on axial and torsional stiffness. Cite this article: B. F. H. Ang, J. Y. Chen, A. K. S. Yew, S. K. Chua, S. M. Chou, S. L. Chia, J. S. B. Koh, T. S. Howe. Externalised locking compression plate as an alternative to the unilateral external fixator: a biomechanical comparative study of axial and torsional stiffness. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:216–223. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.2000470.
Isolated posterior cruciate ligament tears: an update of management
Authors: Vaquero-Picado Alfonso , Rodríguez-Merchán E. Carlos
Published: April 2017

Isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears are much less frequent than anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Abrupt posterior tibial translation (such as dashboard impact), falls in hyperflexion and direct hyperextension trauma are the most frequent mechanisms of production. The anterolateral bundle represents two-thirds of PCL mass and is reconstructed in single-bundle techniques. The PCL has an intrinsic capability for healing. This is the reason why, nowadays, the majority of isolated PCL tears are managed non-operatively, with rehabilitation and bracing. Recent studies have focused on double-bundle reconstruction techniques, as they seem to restore knee kinematics. No significant clinical differences have been established between single versus double-bundle techniques, autograft versus allograft, transtibial tunnel versus tibial inlay techniques or remnant-preserving versus remnant-release techniques.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:89-96. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160009
Betaine Anhydrous versus Betaine Hydrochloride; Look-Alike Generic Names; Don't Give Zurampic without Allopurinol; Lantus Overdose Tied to Confusing Vial Label; More on Lipid Rescue
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: April 2017

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were receivedthrough the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMPWeb site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Deferasirox-Induced Serious Metabolic Abnormalities; Bicalutamide-Induced Heart Failure; Combination Ipilimumab and Nivolumab–Induced Lethal Myocarditis; Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim Eye Drop–Induced Anaphylaxis; Methylphenidate-Induced Diffuse Maculopapular Rash
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Compliance with Updated Sepsis Bundles to Meet New Sepsis Core Measure in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Ramsdell Taylor H. , Smith April N. , Kerkhove Eric
Published: April 2017

Background

The updated Surviving Sepsis Campaign care bundles are associated with improved outcomes in patients with sepsis, yet adherence to the bundles remains inconsistent. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has adopted similar care bundles as a core measure that went into effect with October 1, 2015 discharges.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess bundle compliance, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality before and after introduction of the new sepsis core measure.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 158 patients with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock from April 2015 to February 2016. The before group ( n = 48) consisted of sequential patients discharged from April 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015 (prior to core measure implementation), and the after group ( n = 110) consisted of sequential patients discharged from October 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016 (after core measure implementation).

Results

Significant improvement was seen in the after group compared to the before group for bundle compliance with the 3-hour (66.4% vs 31.3%; p < 0.01) and 6-hour (75.5% vs 41.7%; p < 0.01) components and the overall core measure (51.8% vs 16.7%; p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality was lower in the after group compared to the before group (14.5% vs 27.1%; p = 0.05), but this difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in LOS.

Conclusions

The study found a significant increase in compliance with the sepsis care bundles since the implementation of this core measure. Increased adherence to the care bundles may improve in-hospital survival.
Bezlotoxumab
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: April 2017

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433. The March 2017 monograph topics are crisaborole, insulin degludec/liraglutide, inclusion glargine/lixisenatide, nusimersen, and rucaparib. The MUE is on insulin GLP-1 combo.
Are Pharmacists Participating in Postdischarge Patient Reminders?
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: April 2017

In this column, we are making a short revisit to the technology that can assist in satisfaction of Meaningful Use criteria and can assist health systems that are increasing their population health initiatives to help improve outcomes while containing costs.
Constructive parchment destruction in medieval manuscripts
Authors: Ryley Hannah
Published: April 2017

This article argues that in the fifteenth century, many manuscripts were physically recycled, and that this recycling is symptomatic of interest in sustaining books. In the case studies explored here, unwanted or old texts became valued for the physical qualities of the parchment on which they were written. Case studies of recycled manuscripts, including flyleaves, pastedowns, limp covers and palimpsests, are presented to argue that many books were made (and re-made) in sustainable ways. Although recycled books, and bits of books, have been mentioned fleetingly by many scholars, and studied as treasures or for the scraps of text they preserve, this article focuses particularly on the practices and processes of medieval book recycling. Research into recycled books thus adds to the history of material culture, to the history of the book, and to debates about the sustainability and durability of media today: we can learn from the practices and processes of the past.
Antena Fraktal Koch dengan Catuan EMC pada UHF untuk Aplikasi Televisi Digital Terestrial
Authors: Wahyu Yuyu , Syakirotunnikmah Ukhty , Wijanto Heroe , Taryana Yana , Setiawan Arie
Published: April 2017

Televisi merupakan teknologi yang sudah ada sejak beberapa dekade yang lalu. Televisi kini mengalami perkembangan yang awalnya menggunakan modulasi analog, dewasa ini berkembang menggunakan modulasi digital yang harus diimbangi dengan perangkat antena yang handal. Dilatarbelakangi oleh penelitian sebelumnya, maka pada paper ini akan dirancang antena dengan bandwidth yang lebih lebar agar sesuai dengan rekomendasi dari KOMINFO. Pada paper ini, diajukan rancangan antena mikrostrip fraktal Koch iterasi kedua dengan teknik slot pada bagian groundplane-nya dengan pencatuan proximity melalui teknik EMC (electromagnetically coupled) menggunakan bahan material substrat FR4-epoxy dengan konstanta dielektrik bernilai 4,2 pada frekuensi 586 MHz. Perancangan dan simulasi dilakukan dengan menggunakan simulator perancangan antena berbasis Finite Integration Technique (FIT). Berdasarkan simulasi dan analisis yang telah dilakukan, menunjukkan bahwa dengan menggabungkan antara teknik pencatuan EMC dan fraktal Koch yang dimodifikasi menjadi slot pada bagian groundplane mampu meningkatkan bandwidth antenna dan didapatkan bandwidth pada VSWR ≤1,8 sebesar 228,6 MHz, gain pengukuran 2,09 dB, pola radiasi bidireksional dan polarisasi elips horizontal.
Optimasi Penentuan Posisi Evolved Node B Long Term Evolution pada BTS GSM yang Terpasang Menggunakan Fuzzy Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Prihatini Anisari Mei , P. Sholeh Hadi , - Rahmadwati
Published: April 2017

LTE (Long Term Evolution) atau yang disebut dengan teknologi 4G merupakan suatu teknologi telekomunikasi bergerak yang dikeluarkan oleh 3GPP Release 8 dan merupakan pengembangan dari HSDPA. Untuk membangun sebuah jaringan LTE di suatu daerah, penyelenggara jasa jaringan telekomunikasi harus membangun infrastuktur sistem komunikasi seluler baru. Salah satu aspek yang sangat berperan dalam pembangunan infrastruktur adalah pembangunan Evolved NodeB (ENodeB). Meningkatnya pembangunan menara ENodeB baru memberikan dampak pada faktor keamanan lingkungan, kesehatan masyarakat dan estetika lingkungan. Pada penelitian ini akan dilakukan optimasi untuk menempatkan ENodeB pada BTS yang telah terpasang menggunakan metode Fuzzy Evolutionary Algorithm (FEA). Hasil yang didapatkan adalah penempatan 58 ENodeB pada BTS yang telah terpasang. Performansi penempatan ENodeB menggunakan Fuzzy Evolutionary Algorithm sebesar 84%. Fuzzy Evolutionary Algorithm mencapai kestabilan pada nilai 84 dengan nilai optimalitas sebesar 100 dan trafik sebesar 68.
Design and Realization of Coupled Line Bandpass Filter Using Compact Structure at Frequencies of 3300 MHz – 3400 MHz for WiMAX Application
Authors: Santiko Arief Budi , Amrullah Yahya Syukri , Wahyu Yuyu , Maulana Muhammad Ilham , Setia Bambang
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the design of microstrip BPF (Bandpass Filter) for WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) application has been presented. The frequency band allocations for BWA (Broadband Wireless Access) in Indonesia are 2.3; 3.3 and 5.8 GHz. This microtrip BPF is designed using parallel coupled line in compact form and it has spesific parameter, i.e. 3.35 GHz center frequency, 400 MHz bandwidth, VSWR ≤ 2, -3 dB insertion loss and matching impedance between two port is 50 Ω. The Advanced Design System (ADS) software has been used during simulation and optimization. The simulation results show that return loss S11 and insertion loss S21 are -15.31 dB and -2.2 dB at 3.35 GHz respectively. For the design verification, the prototype of the proposed design wasfabricated and measured.The results of the fabrication approach of simulation results, which have return loss value S11and insertion loss S21 of the proposed microstrip filter are -18.20 dB and -2.91 dB at 3.35 GHz respectively. The result shows that the proposed design can be implemented forWiMAX communication system applications
Examination of basic motoric characteristics with different stretching exercises in football players
Futbolcularda farklı germe egzersizleri ile temel motorik özelliklerinin incelenmesi
Authors: Akyüz Öznur
Published: April 2017

To investigate acutely the effects of different stretching exercises on football players on the basic motoric properties (strength, flexibility, speed, balance and explosive force). 10 volunteer football players with an average age of 17 participated in the study. Three different measurements protocols were used in the study. The first measurement was performed without stretching exercise, the second measurement was performed after the static stretching exercise and the third measurement was performed after the dynamic stretching exercise. All measurements were carried out at Manisa Tarık Almış sports facilities. To determine the performances of volunteers; back strength, leg strength, hand grip strength, flexibility, 20 m. sprint and flamingo balance test. The Repeated Measures ANOVA test and the Bonferroni Test were used using the SPSS 23.0 package program to analyze the relationship between the performance of the study group and performance tests on different days and different protocols. When the three different methods applied to participants were compared; there is a statistically significant difference between sit and reach, speed and balance tests. As a result, there is a positive effect of stretching exercises on flexibility, sprint and dynamic balance skills. ÖzetFutbolcularda farklı germe egzersizlerinin temel motorik özellikler (kuvvet, esneklik, sürat, denge ve patlayıcı kuvvet) üzerine etkilerini akut olarak incelemektir. Çalışmaya yaş ortalamaları 17 olan 10 gönüllü futbolcu katılmıştır. Çalışmada 3 farklı ölçüm protokolü kullanılmıştır. Birinci ölçüm germe egzersizi yapmadan, ikinci ölçüm statik germe egzersizinden sonra ve üçüncü ölçüm dinamik germe egzersizinden sonra gerçekleştirildi. Tüm ölçümler Manisa Tarık Almış Spor Tesislerinde yapılmıştır. Katılımcıların performanslarını belirlemek için sırt kuvveti, bacak kuvveti, el kavrama kuvveti, esneklik, 20 m. sprint, flamingo denge testi uygulanmıştır. Araştırma grubunun farklı günlerde ve farklı germe egzersizlerini takiben uygulanan performans testlerinin aralarındaki ilişkiyi analiz etmek için SPSS 23.0 paket programından, Repeated Measures Testi ve Bonferroni Testi kullanılmıştır. Katılımcılara uygulanan three farklı ölçüm metodu karşılaştırıldığında; otur-eriş, sürat ve denge testleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık vardır (p<0.05). Sonuç olarak, germe egzersizlerinin esneklik, sürat ve denge üzerinde olumlu etkisi vardır.
On the structure of flat chains modulo p
Authors: Marchese Andrea , Stuvard Salvatore
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we prove that every equivalence class in the quotient group of integral 1-currents modulo p in Euclidean space contains an integral current, with quantitative estimates on its mass and the mass of its boundary. Moreover, we show that the validity of this statement for m-dimensional integral currents modulo p implies that the family of

(

m
-
1

)

{(m-1)}

-dimensional flat chains of the form pT, with T a flat chain, is closed with respect to the flat norm. In particular, we deduce that such closedness property holds for 0-dimensional flat chains, and, using a proposition from The structure of minimizing hypersurfaces mod 4 by Brian White, also for flat chains of codimension 1.
Some Steffensen-type inequalities
Authors: Alomari Mohammad W. , Hussain Sabir , Liu Zheng
Published: April 2017

In this paper, new inequalities connected with the celebrated Steffensen’s integral inequality are proved.
On the global Gan–Gross–Prasad conjecture for unitary groups: Approximating smooth transfer of Jacquet–Rallis
Authors: Xue Hang
Published: April 2017

Zhang proved the global Gan–Gross–Prasad conjecture for

U
⁡

(

n
+
1

)

×

U
⁡

(
n
)

\operatorname{U}(n+1)\times\operatorname{U}(n)

under some local conditions [19]. One of the conditions
is that the unitary groups are split at the archimedean places. We remove
this assumption at the archimedean places in this paper.
Capital Funded Models of Pension Insurance on Selected Examples Part 2
Authors: Sowiński Tomasz
Published: April 2017

In the first part of this study on the capital funded models of pension schemes, the economic concept [in theory] and the Chilean and Argentinian concepts of pensions schemes implemented in those countries were presented. On the one hand, extremely similar to each other, and on the other different with so many detailed solutions that it might as well be said they are completely dissimilar. If we chronologically consider the Chilean system as the primary one, than the Argentinian system is its mirror image, however, reflected in a mirror from the house of mirrors.

It is not an uncommon opinion that these are the only countries in which the capital funded model was implemented, but as it was concluded in the first part of the study, almost all of South America became in its own way an unusual testing ground for the implementation of the capital funded concept of pension insurance.

Just as the Chilean and Argentinian solutions seem apparently similar to each other, the solutions of the remaining countries in the scope of pension insurance have many variations, specific only to them or to the countries on that continent.

To provide a fuller comparison, the tabular summaries will include apart from the two already described countries, the following six countries: Peru, Columbia, Uruguay, Bolivia, Mexico and El Salvador, and also the already described solutions in Chile and Argentina to facilitate a more complete and simple analysis of the presented data.

The two best known and continuously analyzed pension insurance systems in South America are, similarly as the Polish and Swedish concepts, though with a definitely different distribution of accents, the Chilean and Argentinian systems. Both are the execution of the so-called capital funded model. Both were implemented in large capitalistic countries located on the same continent. In both countries, the previous pension system were at the verge of efficiency and their economic situation, economies and budgets were also in a state requiring intervention and repair programs.

It is worth analyzing even in those cases the differences between the implementation and execution methods and procedures of those pension insurance models that are similar in assumption, and what is very important, the effects or lack of effects in those elements of both implemented models with which they differed.
Risk Analysis in Documentary Letter of Credit Operation
Authors: Alavi Hamed
Published: April 2017

Documentary Letters of Credit are among most popular methods of payment used in international trade. They function as an irrevocable promise of issuing a bank to pay instead of an applicant buyer to a beneficiary seller under the condition that the beneficiary presents complying documents with terms and conditions of the credit to the bank. One of the reasons for the popularity of the LCs in international trade is shifting the payment risk from an individual buyer to a bank with a much stronger financial standing. However, LC operation in international trade is not free of risk. Despite the fact that two main principles of the Documentary Letter of Credit’s Operation (Principle of independence and principle of strict compliance) facilitate the process of international trade significantly, but still all parties involved in LC operation are supposed to be cautious about the existing risks relevant to their role in LC operation. Current paper tries to use legal principles of documentary credits and risk management theory in order to define existing risks to each party (beneficiary, applicant and bank) in international LC transaction and find an answer to the question of what are exposing risks for involved parties? For this purpose, the paper starts with an explanation of the two main principles of LC operation and moves forward with using the risk management theory to explain existing risks for each party in detail.
Knapsack problem for nilpotent groups
Authors: Mishchenko Alexei , Treier Alexander
Published: April 2017

In this work we investigate the group version of the well known knapsack problem in the class of nilpotent groups. The main result of this paper is that the knapsack problem is undecidable for any torsion-free group of nilpotency class 2 if the rank of the derived subgroup is at least 316. Also, we extend our result to certain classes of polycyclic groups, linear groups, and nilpotent groups of nilpotency class greater than or equal to 2.
Discussion on Modeling Capability for Macrosegregation
Authors: Wu Menghuai , Kharicha Abdellah , Ludwig Andreas
Published: April 2017

Macrosegregation originates from the solute partitioning at the liquid-solid interface and the relative motion between liquid and solid phases during solidification of metal alloys. A suitable macrosegregation model should incorporate solidification thermodynamics, crystal growth kinetics, multiphase computational fluid dynamics, and even thermal-structural mechanics. No current model includes all those phenomena, hence leading to assumptions having to be made. This paper discusses some modeling assumptions regarding the treatment of (1) diffusion kinetics of crystal growth, (2) crystal dendritic morphology and (3) solidification shrinkage. Theoretical analyses based on test calculations were made. We find that some previous models, which over-simplified some of the aspects mentioned above for the purpose of computational efficiency, can only be applied to study macrosegregation qualitatively. They lead to significant error estimations of macrosegregation. When the quantitative accuracy for macrosegregation is of primary importance, the multiphase-based models with an appropriate treatment of these aspects, despite the sophisticated computational requirements, are recommended.
Finite Element modeling of Mechanical Loading-Pumpkin Peel and flesh
Authors: Shirmohammadi Maryam , Yarlagadda Prasad KDV
Published: April 2017

Finite element (FE) models of uniaxial loading of pumpkin peel and flesh tissues were developed and validated using experimental results. The tensile model was developed for both linear elastic and plastic material models, the compression model was developed only with the plastic material model. The outcomes of force versus time curves obtained from FE models followed similar pattern to the experimental curves; however the curve resulted with linear elastic material properties had a higher difference with the experimental curves. The values of predicted forces were determined and compared with the experimental curve. An error indicator was introduced and computed for each case and compared. Additionally, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values were also calculated for each model and compared. The results of modeling were used to develop material model for peel and flesh tissues in FE modeling of mechanical peeling of tough skin vegetables. The results presented in this paper are a part of a study on mechanical properties of agricultural tissues focusing on mechanical peeling methods using mathematical, experimental and computational modeling.
The Influence of Financial Market Development on Economic Growth in BRICS Countries
Authors: Wait Charles , Ruzive Tafadzwa , le Roux Pierre
Published: April 2017

The debate about the influence of financial market development on economic growth has been ongoing for more than a century. Since Schumpeter [1912] wrote about the happenings on Lombard Street there has been growing interest in the way financial market development affects economic activity and growth. As development issues have deepened, inquiry into the finance-growth nexus has also grown, with recent research focusing on various aspects of financial crisis and developments in the BRICS economies. This study investigates the influence of financial market development on the higher growth of BRICS as compared to non-BRICS counterparts. The research utilizes the Generalised Method of Moments and an extended endogenous growth model to estimate the influence of a set of financial market indicators. We find that higher private sector levels of credit and financial depth in the BRICS economies contributed to the economic growth of those economies.
In Search of Apprehending Customers’ Value Perception
Authors: Stępień Beata
Published: April 2017

The article clarifies the concept of value for customer, demonstrates challenges related to the concept itself and its measurement and sheds new light on the consequences of conceptual and metric choices. The analysis focuses on three points: first, it shows, how the definition and delineation of customer perceived value (CVP) implies the choice of certain measurement tools, but does not necessarily reveal the essence of the measured construct. Second, it provides a quantitative measure of CVP components showing the functional interconnections between them without presenting their causal relations. Third, it suggests the priority of a theoretical conceptualization over any technical craft considerations in CVP measurement.

The article begins with mapping and deconstructing the value concept, which is followed by a critical discussion of its measurement challenges. Mixed methodology for empirical exploration of CVP construct is recommended here, being as the approach that blends quantitative methods with a deeper understanding of CVP provided by qualitative tools.
FPGAs for data processing: Current state
Authors: Teubner Jens
Published: April 2017

To escape a number of physical limitations (e.g., bandwidth and thermal issues), hardware technology is strongly
trending toward heterogeneous system designs, where a large share of the application work can be off-loaded to
accelerators, such as graphics or network processors.

In the database domain, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) were recently discovered as a powerful class of
co-processors. Data-intensive tasks can benefit from their very high bandwidth paired with a very low
latency.

However, a number of challenges still have to be solved before FPGA-accelerated systems can go mainstream. Applications
must leverage the massive parallelism provided by FPGAs; algorithms must be re-designed with awareness for
communication; and new abstractions are needed to make system development effective.

In this article, we report on some of the results we obtained working toward solutions to these challenges. They have
been carried out in the context of the Avalanche project, a pioneer in the use of FPGAs for database applications.
Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOP) to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
Authors: Fang C , Megharaj M , Naidu R
Published: April 2017

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been recently listed as emerging contaminants (ECs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to their human and environmental health concerns. In the last 10 years, their detection and remediation have progressed significantly. Herein, we critically review recent developments in electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) towards their remediation. Particular attentions are paid to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which present the main concerns of PFASs at this time. Due to the persistence of those PFASs, other remediation approaches may experience difficulty in degrading them, whilst EAOP has demonstrated success. The fundamentals of EAOP are highlighted and the scale-up application is discussed regarding the future research directions.
The Notion of Entropy in an Economic Analysis: the Classical Examples and New Perspectives
Authors: Vozna Liudmyla Yu.
Published: April 2017

This article deals with the notion of entropy in its applicability to economics. Briefly, it regards some classical cases of such a use as the labour concept of Podolinsky and the bioeconomics of Georgescu-Roegen. This article also attempts to apply the concept of entropy to the analysis of market structures in the example of the perfect competition model. Thus, the article asserts that if we compare different entropy concepts with the main characteristics of a market with perfect competition, we must conclude that the latter is a structure with the maximum level of entropy. But maximum entropy means the system’s death. So, as a system, a perfectly competitive market cannot exist. Despite economists recognise the unreality of such a market from an empirical point of view, the application of the entropy concept helps us to repeat this approval also as a methodological one. The use of the entropy concept as a methodological instrument helps to question some other economic models, too.
Participatory potato seed production: a breakthrough for food security and income generation in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Chindi Abebe , Shunka Egata , Solomon Atsede , Gebremedhin W. Giorgis , Seid Ebrahim , Tessema Lemma
Published: April 2017

Quality seed is one of the major bottlenecks hampering the production and productivity of potato not only in Ethiopia but also in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since the 1970’s, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research has generated a number of improved potato production technologies such as improved varieties with accompanying agronomic practices, crop protection measures, postharvest handling techniques and utilization options. The developed technologies were promoted from 2013-2015 via technology promotion and popularization to the Wolmera, Adea-Bera and Ejere districts with the objective of creating awareness and up scaling of improved potato production and utilization technologies. The Potato Improvement Research Program and the Research and Extension Division of Holetta Research Center in collaboration with extension staff of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) undertake this activity. The farmers were selected and organized in Farmer Field Schools and all stakeholders were engaged before distributing potato seeds and planting on selected farmers’ fields for demonstrating of potato production technologies. A total of 899 farmers and 40 agricultural experts were trained and 27.7, 9 and 5.5 tons of quality seeds of Gudanie, Jalenie and Belete potato varieties, respectively, were delivered as a revolving seed with their recommended agronomic packages; this amount of seed covered 21.1 ha. A total of 16 farmer groups from Wolmera, 7 from Adea-Berga, and 11 from Ejere participated. They produced over 434 tons of relatively clean seed and constructed 8 diffused light stores. In addition to the demonstration of improved potato varieties, information dissemination was also an important component of the program to raise awareness for a large numbers of potato growers through farmers’ field days, pamphlets, and mass media. Each year about three field days were organized and more than 1500 pamphlets were distributed to farmers invited from neighboring districts and ‘Kebeles’ to enhance speed. Through this intervention farmers are now harvesting a yield of about 26-34 t/ha up from 8t/ha when they were using inferior quality potato seed; this has made the farmers in the intervention area more food secure especially during the usually food scarce months of August to October when cereal crops are generally yet to mature. The farmers are also getting additional income from the sale of excess potato and are able to better meet other necessary costs like school fees, for their children.
Effect of Storage Methods and Period on the Physiological and Nutrient Components of Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus) in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Ezeocha Chinelo Vanessa , Ironkwe Adanma G.
Published: April 2017

Livingstone potato production in Nigeria is faced with the challenge of high postharvest losses. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of some storage methods on the physiological and nutritional quality of livingstone potato. Potatoes were separated and stored using eight different methods: potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with sand under the shade (T1), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with ash under the shade (T2), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with rice husk under the shade (T3), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with a wood shavings under the shade (T4), potatoes spread on a bamboo platform under the shade(T5), potatoes spread on a raffia palm platform under the shade(T6), potatoes spread on concrete pavement inside the barn (T7), potatoes spread on the ground under the shade(T8), potatoes buried under the ground (T9). T8 was used as the control treatment. Temperature and relative humidity of the environment was monitored, the roots were weighed monthly to access the weight loss, sprouting and rot were observed visually and proximate composition of the stored roots were evaluated using standard methods. The lowest percentage weight loss was observed in samples stored in a pit covered with wood ash and those covered with river sand. Samples stored in pits and covered with wood shavings, wood ash and river sand had the lowest percentage of sprouting (1.63%, 3.45% and 6.06% respectively). The dry matter content increased with storage period in all the storage methods. The starch yield varied in the different storage methods with the samplescovered with river sand (13.45%) and the samples buried underground in the field(10.53%) giving the highest starch yield at the end of the storage period. Samples stored under rice husk had the highest ash content (4.77%) while the crude fibre and crude protein contents were highest in the samples spread on raffia palm. The results showed that spreading on the floor or on top of pavements are not good storage methods for living stone potato, however, storage in pits with alternate layers of river sand, wood ash and wood shavings are the best storage methods for livingstone potato.
Electrochemical methods for synthesis of organoelement compounds and functional materials
Authors: Gafurov Zufar N. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Yakhvarov Dmitry G.
Published: April 2017

The new efficient and environmentally safe methods for preparation of various classes of organic and organoelement compounds, including organonickel sigma-complexes and organophosphorus compounds bearing P–C bonds have been created using the electrochemical methods. The synthetic application of the elaborated techniques towards the process of formation of new carbon-carbon, carbon-metal and carbon-phosphorus bonds are discussed. The mechanisms of the proposed processes and the nature of the formed in the overall electrochemical process intermediates are disclosed. The elaborated methods operated in the principals of “green chemistry” can be considered as an efficient alternative to some classical methods for preparation of active catalysts, biologically active molecules and new polynuclear complexes displaying practically useful properties.