bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia: potential options for resource-limited countries
Authors: Rumman Nisreen , Jackson Claire , Collins Samuel , Goggin Patricia , Coles Janice , Lucas Jane S.
Published: January 2017

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a genetic disease of ciliary function leading to chronic upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms. The diagnosis is frequently overlooked because the symptoms are nonspecific and the knowledge about the disease in the primary care setting is poor. Additionally, none of the available tests is accurate enough to be used in isolation. These tests are expensive, and need sophisticated equipment and expertise to analyse and interpret results; diagnosis is therefore only available at highly specialised centres. The diagnosis is particularly challenging in countries with limited resources due to the lack of such costly equipment and expertise.

In this review, we discuss the importance of early and accurate diagnosis especially for countries where the disease is clinically prevalent but diagnostic tests are lacking. We review the diagnostic tests available in specialised centres (nasal nitric oxide, high-speed video microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and genetics). We then consider modifications that might be considered in less well-resourced countries whilst maintaining acceptable accuracy.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The gastro protective effects of Cibotium barometz hair on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: AL-Wajeeh Nahla Saeed , Hajerezaie Maryam , Noor Suzita Mohd , Halabi Mohammed Farouq , Al-Henhena Nawal , Azizan Ainnul Hamidah Syahadah , Kamran Sareh , Hassandarvish Pouya , Shwter Abdrabuh N. , karimian Hamed , Ali Hapipah Mohd , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen
Published: January 2017

Background

Cibotium barometz is a medical herb used traditionally in the Malaysian peninsula for several ailments, including gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was assessment the anti-ulcer effects of C. barometz hair on ethanol-induced stomach hemorrhagic abrasions in animals. Seven groups of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered 10% Tween 20 in the normal control and ulcer control groups, and omeprazole 20 mg/kg and 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz hair extract in the experimental groups. After 60 min, the normal control group of rats was orally administered 10% Tween 20, while absolute ethanol was orally administered to the groups of ulcer control, omeprazole and experimental groups. Stomachs of the rats were examined macroscopically and histologically. Homogenates of stomachs were used to evaluate endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities.

Results

Rats pre-fed with plant extract presented a significant decrease in the sore area, increased pH of gastric contents and preserved stomach wall mucus compared to the ulcer group. Histologically, rats pre-fed with C. barometz hair extract showed mild to moderate disruptions of the surface epithelium while animals pre-fed with absolute ethanol showed severe disruptions of the stomach epithelium with edema and leucocyte penetration of the submucosal layer. A Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining revealed that each rat pre-treated with the plant extract displayed an intense uptake of stomach epithelial glycoprotein magenta color compared to the ulcer control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that rats pre-fed with the plant extract showed an up-regulation of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and down-regulation of Bax proteins compared to ulcer control rats. Homogenates of the stomach tissue demonstrated significant increases in the endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activity and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) in rats pre-treated with C. barometz hair extract compared with the ulcer control rats. In acute toxicity, the liver and kidney revealed no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects histologically.

Conclusions

The gastric cytoprotective action of C. barometz hair extract might be attributed to antioxidants, an increase in gastric pH, stomach mucus preservation, increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes, decreased lipid peroxidation, up-regulation of HSP70 and down-regulation of Bax proteins.
Coherence in Hong Lou Meng and its English translations: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Li Xi , Wu Canzhong
Published: January 2017

Coherence can be studied from both logical and textual perspectives in systemic functional linguistics. The logical and textual metafunctions together contribute to the coherence of a text. Coherence is realized through clause complexes and cohesive chains at the lexicogrammatical level from the logical and textual meanings. Clause complex reflects the logical development of the text, while cohesive chains are the threads of a coherent text. The clauses that are involved in cohesive chains take a more important role in forming a coherent text than others, and thus have the potential to reveal the features of coherence realization.

This research aims to explore the realization of coherence in a Chinese novelHong Lou Mengand its two English translations,The Dream of the Red Mansions(by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang) andThe Story of the Stone(by David Hawkes), or more specifically, the distribution of logico-semantic types in both the Chinese (ST) and the English texts (TT). The research shows that there are both similarities and differences between the ST and the TTs on the one hand, and between the TTs on the other, and that the differences are related to the styles of translators.
Systematic evaluation of markers used for the identification of human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Bharathan Sumitha Prameela , Manian Kannan Vrindavan , Aalam Syed Mohammed Musheer , Palani Dhavapriya , Deshpande Prashant Ajit , Pratheesh Mankuzhy Damodaran , Srivastava Alok , Velayudhan Shaji Ramachandran
Published: January 2017

Low efficiency of somatic cell reprogramming and heterogeneity among human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) demand extensive characterization of isolated clones before their use in downstream applications. By monitoring human fibroblasts undergoing reprogramming for their morphological changes and expression of fibroblast (CD13), pluripotency markers (SSEA-4 and TRA-1-60) and a retrovirally expressed red fluorescent protein (RV-RFP), we compared the efficiency of these features to identify bona fide hiPSC colonies. The co-expression kinetics of fibroblast and pluripotency markers in the cells being reprogrammed and the emerging colonies revealed the heterogeneity within SSEA-4+ and TRA-1-60+ cells, and the inadequacy of these commonly used pluripotency markers for the identification of bona fide hiPSC colonies. The characteristic morphological changes in the emerging hiPSC colonies derived from fibroblasts expressing RV-RFP showed a good correlation between hiPSC morphology acquisition and silencing of RV-RFP and facilitated the easy identification of hiPSCs. The kinetics of retroviral silencing and pluripotency marker expression in emerging colonies suggested that combining both these markers could demarcate the stages of reprogramming with better precision than with pluripotency markers alone. Our results clearly demonstrate that the pluripotency markers that are routinely analyzed for the characterization of established iPSC colonies are not suitable for the isolation of pluripotent cells in the early stages of reprogramming, and silencing of retrovirally expressed reporter genes helps in the identification of colonies that have attained a pluripotent state and the morphology of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
An essential role of CBL and CBL-B ubiquitin ligases in mammary stem cell maintenance
Authors: Mohapatra Bhopal , Zutshi Neha , An Wei , Goetz Benjamin , Arya Priyanka , Bielecki Timothy A. , Mustaq Insha , Storck Matthew D. , Meza Jane L. , Band Vimla , Band Hamid
Published: January 2017

CBL and CBL-B ubiquitin ligases are negative regulators of tyrosine kinase signaling with established roles in the immune system. However, their physiological roles in epithelial tissues are unknown. Here we used the MMTV-Cre-mediated Cbl gene deletion on a Cbl-b-null background as well as a tamoxifen-inducible mammary stem cell (MaSC)-specific Cbl/Cbl-b double knockout (DKO), using Lgr5-GFP-CreERT, to demonstrate a mammary epithelial cell-autonomous requirement of CBL and CBL-B in the maintenance of MaSCs. Using a newly engineered tamoxifen (TAM)-inducible Cbl/Cbl-b deletion model with a dual fluorescent reporter (Cblflox/flox; Cbl-bflox/flox; Rosa26-CreERT; mT/mG), we show that Cbl/Cbl-b DKO in mammary organoids leads to hyper-activation of AKT-mTOR signaling with depletion of MaSCs. Chemical inhibition of AKT or mTOR rescued MaSCs from Cbl/Cbl-b DKO induced depletion. Our studies reveal a novel, cell-autonomous, requirement of CBL and CBL-B in epithelial stem cell maintenance during organ development and remodeling through modulation of mTOR signaling.
A phantom study for ground-glass nodule detectability using chest digital tomosynthesis with iterative reconstruction algorithm by ten observers: association with radiation dose and nodular characteristics
Authors: Miyata Katsunori , Nagatani Yukihiro , Ikeda Mitsuru , Takahashi Masashi , Nitta Norihisa , Matsuo Satoru , Ohta Shinichi , Otani Hideji , Nitta-Seko Ayumi , Murakami Yoko , Tsuchiya Keiko , Inoue Akitoshi , Misaki Sayaka , Erdenee Khishigdorj , Kida Tetsuo , Murata Kiyoshi
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To compare detectability of simulated ground-glass nodules (GGNs) on chest digital tomosynthesis (CDT) among 12 images obtained at 6 radiation doses using 2 reconstruction algorithms and to analyze its association with nodular size and density.

Methods:

74 simulated GGNs [5, 8 and 10 mm in diameter/−630 and −800 Hounsfield units (HU) in density] were placed in a chest phantom in 14 nodular distribution patterns. 12 sets of coronal images were obtained using CDT at 6 radiation doses: 120 kV–10 mA/20 mA/80 mA/160 mA, 100 kV–80 mA and 80 kV–320 mA with and without iterative reconstruction (IR). 10 radiologists recorded GGN presence and locations by continuously distributed rating. GGN detectability was compared by receiver operating characteristic analysis among 12 images and detection sensitivities (DS) were compared among 12 images in subgroups classified by nodular diameters and densities.

Results:

GGN detectability at 120 kV–160 mA with IR was similar to that at 120 kV–80 mA with IR (0.614 mSv), as area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.798 ± 0.024 and 0.788 ± 0.025, respectively, and higher than six images acquired at 120 kV (p < 0.05). For nodules of −630 HU/8 mm, DS at 120 kV–10 mA without IR was 73.5 ± 6.0% and was similar to that by the other 11 data acquisition methods (p = 0.157). For nodules of −800 HU/10 mm, DS both at 120 kV–80 mA and 120 kV–160 mA without IR was improved by IR (56.3 ± 11.9%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

CDT demonstrated sufficient detectability for larger more-attenuated GGNs (>8 mm) even in the lowest radiation dose (0.17 mSv) and improved detectability for less-attenuated GGNs with the diameter of 10 mm at submillisievert with IR.

Advances in knowledge:

IR improved detectability for larger less-attenuated simulated GGNs on CDT.
Nephrotoxicities
Authors: Goldstein Stuart L.
Published: January 2017

Nephrotoxic medication exposure is nearly ubiquitous in hospitalized patients and represents one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the hospitalized setting. Although provision of medications that are nephrotoxic has led to improved outcomes in terms of treatment of underlying illness, unnecessary nephrotoxic medication exposure can be viewed as a potentially modifiable adverse safety event if AKI can be prevented. The advancements in electronic health record development, standardization of AKI definitions, and the ability to identify AKI risk and development in near real time provide opportunities to reduce harm from nephrotoxicity.
Þekkingarmiðað lýðræði – þegar þekking lýðsins ræður
Authors: Ólafsson Jón
Published: January 2017

Í þeirri lýðræðisvakningu sem varð á Íslandi eftir hrun mátti sjá hvernig ólíkir hópar byggðu lýðræðiskröfur og ákall um meira eða dýpra lýðræði á ólíkum hugmyndum um lýðræði. Kjarni þessara krafna var þó hinn sami: meira lýðræði þýddi aukin áhrif almennings á ákvarðanir og stefnumótun. Þannig undirstrikaði hin almenna umræða um lýðræði þann skilning að virkt samráð við almenning sé nauðsynlegur hluti lýðræðislegra stjórnarhátta. Í þessari grein er gerð tilraun til að varpa ljósi á ólíkt inntak lýðræðiskröfunnar eftir málefnum hverju sinni og athyglinni einkkum beint að þekkingarmiðuðu lýðræði. Því er haldið fram að þótt enn sé ekki hægt að segja að þekkingarmiðað lýðræði byggi á veigamiklum empíriskum rökum, þá bjóði það upp á áhugaverðustu leið samtímans til að hugsa um lýðræðisnýjungar.
Hagnýting persónuupplýsinga á Facebook hjá eftirlitsstofnunum
Authors: Hafstað Sigurður G. , Gunnlaugsdóttir Jóhanna
Published: January 2017

Markmið rannsóknarinnar var að kanna hvernig upplýsingar, sem aflað var á Facebook, væru nýttar við opinbert eftirlit með einstaklingum hér á landi. Tilgangur rannsóknar var meðal annars að varpa ljósi á formlega og óformlega notkun slíkra upplýsinga og greina umfang hennar. Við rannsóknina voru tekin hálfstöðluð viðtöl við sérfræðinga sem störfuðu hjá tilteknum úrskurðar- eða eftirlitsstofnunum. Þá átti sér stað greining á stjórnvaldsúrskurðum til þess að kanna hvernig stofnanir byggðu ákvarðanir á upplýsingum sem aflað var á Facebook. Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar sýndu að upplýsingar á Facebook hafa verið nýttar við opinbert eftirlit hér á landi. Slíkar upplýsingar hafa verið formleg ákvörðunarástæða í einhverjum tilvikum. Þá kom í ljós að stofnanir, sem tóku þátt í rannsókninni, höfðu einnig nýtt upplýsingar með óformlegum hætti meðal annars til þess að fá betri tilfinningu fyrir tilteknum málum, bera kennsl á einstaklinga, afla upplýsinga um ferðir þeirra, eða til þess að hafa uppi á fólki.
Logros educativos: ¿Es relevante el género de los estudiantes?
Authors: Ibañez Martín María María , Formichella María Marta
Published: January 2017

Existen diferentes factores que influyen sobre los resultados educativos de los estudiantes y conocerlos puede colaborar a la hora de tomar decisiones de política. En este contexto, el presente trabajo analiza si existen diferencias en los logros escolares explicadas por el género de los estudiantes. Para ello, se utilizan datos de las pruebas PISA correspondientes a todas las ondas en las que Argentina ha participado y una metodología econométrica de tipo multinivel trivariado. Se halla evidencia a favor de la existencia de discrepancias en los logros educativos entre varones y mujeres.
Reducing the mast vibration of single-mast stacker cranes by gain-scheduled control
Authors: Hajdu Sándor , Gáspár Péter
Published: January 2017

In the frame structure of stacker cranes harmful mast vibrations may appear due to the inertial forces of acceleration or the braking movement phase. This effect may reduce the stability and positioning accuracy of these machines. Unfortunately, their dynamic properties also vary with the lifted load magnitude and position. The purpose of the paper is to present a controller design method which can handle the effect of a varying lifted load magnitude and position in a dynamic model and at the same time reveals good reference signal tracking and mast vibration reducing properties. A controller design case study is presented step by step from dynamic modeling through to the validation of the resulting controller. In the paper the dynamic modeling possibilities of single-mast stacker cranes are summarized. The handling of varying dynamical behavior is realized via the polytopic LPV modeling approach. Based on this modeling technique, a gain-scheduled controller design method is proposed, which is suitable for achieving the goals set. Finally, controller validation is presented by means of time domain simulations.
Comparison of Titanium Metal Matrix Composite Surface Layers Produced During Laser Gas Nitriding of Ti6Al4V Alloy by Different Types of Lasers
Authors: Lisiecki A.
Published: January 2017

The article presents the results of a comparative study of the nitriding process of titanium alloy substrate using two lasers with different characteristics of laser beams. One of the applied lasers was a high power diode laser emitting at a dominant wavelength of 808 nm, with a rectangular laser beam spot, and multimode energy distribution across the spot. The second laser was a solid state Yb:YAG disk laser emitting at a wavelength of 1.03 μm, with a circular beam spot, characterized by near Gaussian energy distribution across the spot. In a case of both lasers single stringer beads with a similar width and at similar energy input were produced. As a result of melting of the substrate with a laser beam in a pure gaseous nitrogen atmosphere composite surface layers with in situ precipitated titanium nitrides embedded in the metallic matrix of titanium alloy were produced, in both cases. However, the surface topography and structure is different for the surface layers produce by different lasers at the same processing parameters and width of laser beams.
Sliding Wear Behaviour and Corosion Resistance to Ringer’s Solution of Uncoated and DLC Coated X46Cr13 Steel
Authors: Scendo M. , Radek N. , Konstanty J. , Staszewska K.
Published: January 2017

Sliding wear properties and corrosion resistance in Ringer’s solution of uncoated and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated X46Cr13 steel was tested. The Raman spectra showed that the DLC film was successfully coated by plasma assisted CVD method onto the steel surface. The wear test, carried out using a ball-on disk tribometer, revealed that the DLC coating show better resistance to sliding wear and lower friction coefficient against a 100Cr6 steel ball than five times softer X46Cr13 steel. The oxidation kinetic parameters were determined by means of both the gravimetric and electrochemical method. It was found that the DLC coating markedly decreased the rate of corrosion of the X46Cr13 steel, irrespective of the corrosion mechanism involved.
The Influence of the Model Selected Parameter Measurement Error on the Accuracy of Heat Transfer Coefficient Determination Method for Contact between Rolls and the Cast Strand
Authors: Rywotycki M.
Published: January 2017

The paper presents a heat transfer model between two surfaces which are in contact under an external force. The developed heat transfer boundary condition model has been obtained using a new methodology for determining heat flux transferred between two solid surfaces. The methodology consists of two parts: experimental and numerical one. The experimental part involves measurements of temperature at specific points in two samples brought into contact. The numerical part uses an inverse method and the finite element method to calculate the heat flux at the interface.

The effect of uncertainty of input parameters for the calculation of heat transfer coefficient has been analysed. These have included: thermal conductivity, specific heat and location of thermocouples. Verification calculation with new value of input parameters for their impact on the accuracy of the solution has been done.

The calculations have been performed using original software which uses the inverse method and FEM.
Assessment of the Harmfulness of Moulding Sands with Alkyd Resin Subjected to the High Temperature Influence
Authors: Holtzer M. , Dańko R. , Żymankowska-Kumon S. , Kubecki M. , Bobrowski A.
Published: January 2017

Out of moulding sands used in the foundry industry, sands with organic binders deserve a special attention. These binders are based on synthetic resins, which ensure obtaining the proper technological properties and sound castings, however, they negatively influence the environment. These resins in their initial state these resins are not very dangerous for people and for the environment, thus under an influence of high temperatures they generate very harmful products, being the result of their thermal decomposition. Depending on the kind of the applied resin, under an influence of a temperature such compounds as: furfuryl alcohol, formaldehyde, phenol, BTEX group (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene), and also polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be formed and released.

The aim of the study was the development of the method, selection of analytical methods and the determination of optimal conditions of formation compounds from the BTEX and PAHs group. Investigations were carried out in the specially designed set up for the thermal decomposition of organic substances in a temperature range: 500 – 1 300°C at the laboratory scale. The object for testing was alkyd resin applied as a binding material for moulding sands. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of compounds were performed by means of the gas chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Comparative dimensional study between panoramic X-ray (OPG) and cone beam CT (CBCT)
Authors: Tonea Marinela , Ivanciu Crina , Trascu C. , Dogioiu F.C. , Damian I. , Cosconel Cristiana , Epistatu D.
Published: January 2017

During daily practice, we find various situations in which the 1/1 correspondence between panoramic x-ray (OPG) and reality seems not to be respected. In the studied literature, there are articles on this subject, but our study was made based on cases in a highly frequented dental imaging clinic in Bucharest. The study was carried out on a number of 24 patients selected from the radiology department. Using Romexis Viewer software, with soft’s specific feature, measurements have been made (in approximately horizontal and approximately vertical axis) in three different areas: anterior, bicuspid and molar. Various results have been obtained, depending on the studied area. CBCT measured length of anterior teeth was higher than that measured on OPG, in the majority of cases. Molar width (mesio-distal distance) parameter variation was very small between OPG and CBCT.
Contribution to the knowledge of flies from the families Empididae and Hybotidae (Diptera) from selected Sites of Community Importance in the area of the Pieniny Mts (Slovakia)
Authors: Weele Ruud van der , Hrivniak Ľuboš , Manko Peter , Oboňa Jozef
Published: January 2017

A species inventory of Diptera from the families Empididae and Hybotidae from 5 selected Sites of Community Importance in the Pieniny Mts. (Slovakia) is presented. The checklist comprises 43 taxa (34 taxa of the family Empididae and 9 species of the family Hybotidae), including first records of Empis (E.) ciliatopennata Strobl, 1893 and Hilara curtisi Collin, 1927 for the territory of Slovakia. The species-richness of the empidid fauna in Slovakia is increased to 285 species by this paper.
Population expansion of some bird species in the city of Wrocław
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz
Published: January 2017

During the years 2002-2010, distribution and numbers of eight bird species were studied in the whole city of Wrocław, SW Poland (293 km2). The estimation for these species are as follow: Streptopelia turtur: 3 breeding pairs, Upupa epops: 1, Cuculus canorus: 49, Emberiza hortulana: 7, Luscinia megarhynchos: 214-286, Phoenicurus phoenicurus: 87-118, Turdus pilaris: 105-150, Hippolais icterina: 136-181. In comparison with 1980‘s and 1990’s, a rapid increase in the numbers P. phoenicurus, and T. pilaris, and a slight increase of L. megarhynchos and Cuculus canorus were documented. T. pilaris began to breed in the city in the end of 1990‘s. The increase may indicate that the habitats in Wrocław improved both in regard to food availability, nesting sites and other environmental requisitions. The increase in the numbers recorded for C. canorus, P. phoe-nicurus, and L. megarhynchos may also be a result of good conditions prevailing in their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identification of environmental factors explaining the total nitrogen concentration in mosses collected in the Moravian Silesian borderlands
Authors: Pavlíková Irena , Plášek Vítězslav , Hladký Daniel , Tomšejová Kateřina , Jančík Petr
Published: January 2017

Mosses as biomonitors of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition were collected from 41 locations in the Moravian Silesian borderlands. Total N concentrations were determined via elemental analysis. Site-specific and local factors were investigated using geostatistical and statistical analyses at a local scale. To assess the correlation between moss N concentrations and chosen factors, Spearman Rank Correlation Analysis was used. Then Exploratory Regression was applied in order to find the factors explaining the spatial distribution pattern of N concentrations. The correlation analysis for the chosen factors showed the strongest correlation between the total N concentrations in mosses and the 7-day precipitation (rs = -0.54), the Forested land use within 0.5 km radius around the site (rs = -0.33) and the Agricultural land use within 0.5 km radius around the site and 1 km respectively (rs = 0.34 and rs = 0.31). The accurate regression model comprised four factors: the 7-day precipitation, the 3-month precipitation, Forested land use within 0.5 km radius and Agricultural land use within 0.5 km radius around the site, with calculated adjusted R-squared = 0.49. Analyses also identified the dependence of the total N concentration on the moss species but the statistical data set is considered too small to make further conclusions.
The effectiveness of thermotherapy in the elimination of Varroa destructor
Authors: Bičík Vítězslav , Vagera Jiří , Sádovská Hana
Published: January 2017

Linhart‘s thermosolar hive was tested on its efficiency in suppressing the mite Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman 2000 in honey bee colonies. It has been experimentally verified that thermotherapy is highly effective in suppressing Varroa destructor. When the temperature of the brood chamber is allowed to reach and is maintained at 40 - 47 °C (104 - 116,6 °F) over a period of 2.5 hours, mortality of the mites in the sealed brood is virtually absolute, whereas bee brood withstands this temperature unharmed. Since thermotherapy is carried out with an open entrance, it is advisable to repeat the heating treatment cycle in order to achieve a highly effective elimination of the mites throughout the entire bee colony. The second treatment should be conducted after the remaining mites, which were carried by adult bees not present in the hive during the initial thermotherapy, transferred back to the brood. This occurs about 10 - 12 days after the first treatment.
Improving the Performance of CPU Architectures by Reducing the Operating System Overhead (Extended Version)
Authors: Zagan Ionel , Gaitan Vasile Gheorghita
Published: January 2017

The predictable CPU architectures that run hard real-time tasks must be executed with isolation in order to provide a timing-analyzable execution for real-time systems. The major problems for real-time operating systems are determined by an excessive jitter, introduced mainly through task switching. This can alter deadline requirements, and, consequently, the predictability of hard real-time tasks. New requirements also arise for a real-time operating system used in mixed-criticality systems, when the executions of hard real-time applications require timing predictability. The present article discusses several solutions to improve the performance of CPU architectures and eventually overcome the Operating Systems overhead inconveniences. This paper focuses on the innovative CPU implementation named nMPRA-MT, designed for small real-time applications. This implementation uses the replication and remapping techniques for the program counter, general purpose registers and pipeline registers, enabling multiple threads to share a single pipeline assembly line. In order to increase predictability, the proposed architecture partially removes the hazard situation at the expense of larger execution latency per one instruction.
Selection Methodology of Energy Consumption Model Based on Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Nakhodov Vladimir , Baskys Algirdas , Skeie Nils-Olav , Pfeiffer Carlos F. , Dmytro Ivanko
Published: January 2017

The energy efficiency monitoring methods in industry are based on statistical modeling of energy consumption. In the present paper, the widely used method of energy efficiency monitoring “Monitoring and Targeting systems” has been considered, highlighting one of the most important issues — selection of the proper mathematical model of energy consumption. The paper gives a list of different models that can be applied in the corresponding systems. The numbers of criteria that estimate certain characteristics of the mathematical model are represented. The traditional criteria of model adequacy and the “additional” criteria, which allow estimating the model characteristics more precisely, are proposed for choosing the mathematical model of energy consumption in “Monitoring and Targeting systems”. In order to provide the comparison of different models by several criteria simultaneously, an approach based on Data Envelopment Analysis is proposed. Such approach allows providing a more accurate and reliable energy efficiency monitoring.
Managing an Ethical Dilemma
Authors: Figar Nadica , Đorđević Biljana
Published: January 2017

An ethical dilemma is a situation of making a choice between two or more alternatives. An agent is in unpleasant and difficult situation because he/she often needs to make a choice between ethical and unethical alternatives, and when it comes to the ethical alternatives, he/she should choose the best one. Selection reflects to a large number of principals, so this situation causes conflicts between different levels of ethical dilemmas, but also the conflicts within the same level. These conflicts can be solved by applying the hierarchy and priority rules which are incorporated in the procedure and, in particular,in the strategy for solving the ethical dilemmas. Through many case studies this paper points out the importance of an ethical dilemma in making business decisions, the so-called business ethical dilemma. It is the result of the incompatibilities between altruism, egoism and the common good. Neglecting the need for establishing the compatibility not only creates an ethical dilemma, but it becomes deeper, which is firstly manifested through the loss of reputation of the company, then through decreasing the financial results, and, in the worst case, in closing the company. Therefore, an ethical dilemma must be continuously managed.
The Importance of Mobile Banking in the Nisava District
Authors: Stojanović Miloš , Đorđević Marina
Published: January 2017

Changes in the world of technology have enabled banks to use new channels for distribution of banking services to its clients. With the appearance of of smart phones, WEB mobile banking is developed,and it provides a possibility for greater integration between the bank and the client. WEB mobile banking is increasingly gaining in importance, especially in developed countries, while this process in our country is much slower. The aim of this paper is to point out the benefits that WEB mobile banking offer to users, but also to point out its weak presence in the Nisava District and Serbia in general. Also the identification of the main reasons forweak presence of mobile banking in our region, aims to point out in which way can in the future this banking be quickly disseminated among users. In order to achieve the defined objectives, the authors used descriptive method, method of compilation, comparison, deduction and induction and statistical method which is used for testing of independence between variables and calculation of coefficient of contingency.
Small Towns in Serbia – The “Bridge” Between the Urban and the Rural
Authors: Filipović Marko , Kokotović Kanazir Vlasta , Drobnjaković Marija
Published: January 2017

The study presented in this paper deals with the definition and role of small towns in the spatial development of the Republic of Serbia. An analysis of the profiles of small towns was performed and they were compared based on their spatial and population characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine the role of small towns in the development of settlement networks and the balanced population development of a country as a whole by identifying their specific features and establishing a ranking of their importance in local and regional contexts.
Applied Cognitive Construction Grammar: A usage-based approach to the teaching of phrasal verbs (and other constructions)
Authors: Torres-Martínez Sergio
Published: January 2017

The current article presents a case for a constructionist turn in pedagogical grammar. To that end, the framework termed Applied CognitiveConstruction Grammars (ACCxG) is introduced as a means to arrive at a systematic characterization of linguistic constructions in general and of phrasal verbs (PVs) in particular. Hence, PVs are defined as motivated pairings of form and meaning (constructions) embedded in semantic networks in which metaphorical meanings are motivated by more basic ones. In order to illustrate this proposal, a classification of PVs (which is deemed to align with L2 learners’ robust category formation abilities) is introduced. Furthermore, the tenets of a constructionist task-based type of pedagogy are outlined as a proposal for further research in the field of pedagogical construction grammar.
The role of fungus Beauveria bassiana in reducing the number of Pissodes castaneus (Col., Curculionidae) in young forests
Authors: Skrzecz Iwona , Popowska-Nowak Elżbieta , Wolski Robert , Sowińska Alicja , Jabłoński Tomasz , Pezowicz Elżbieta , Tumialis Dorota , Przewłoka Iwona
Published: January 2017

Small banded pine weevil Pissodes castaneus is one of the most dangerous pests of Pinus sylvestris plantations and thickets. The lack of effective and environmentally safe methods of limiting the number of the pest justified to undertake the studies aimed at the laboratory and field evaluation of biological activity of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana used to reduce the numbers of small banded pine weevil.

In laboratory, the beetles were reared on the sections of fresh Scots pine twigs that were treated with five suspensions containing from 1 × 104 to 1 × 108 conidia of B. bassiana in 1 ml. During the 3-week rearing, insect mortality was determined and median lethal concentration LC50 was calculated. The field treatments consisted of spraying 4-year-old P. sylvestris trees with two formulations of fungus containing 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 of suspension. Treatments consisted of spraying 4-year-old P. sylvestris trees with two fungus formulations containing 1 × 108 conidia ml−1.

High insecticidal activity of B. bassiana was found because the pathogen caused the death of 14-94% of P. castaneus beetles, LC50 = 6.51 × 105 conidia ml−1. Field treatments did not result in the reduction of plant damage caused by small banded pine weevil; therefore, the spraying of trees with B. bassiana cannot be recommended to protect the young stands of P. sylvestris against pest.
Application of GGE biplot graphs in multi-environment trials on selection of forest trees
Authors: Ukalski Krzysztof , Klisz Marcin
Published: January 2017

In the studies on selection and population genetics of forest trees that include the analysis of genotype × environment interaction (GE), the use of biplot graphs is relatively rare. This article describes the models and analytic methods useful in the biplot graphs, which enable the analyses of mega-environments, selection of the testing environment, as well as the evaluation of genotype stability. The main method presented in the paper is the GGE biplot method (G - genotype effect, GE -genotype × environment interaction effect). At the same time, other methods have also been referred to, such as, SVD (singular value decomposition), PCA (principal component analysis), linear-bilinear SREG model (sites regression), linear-bilinear GREG model (genotypes regression) and AMMI (additive main effects multiplicative interaction). The potential of biplot method is presented based on the data on growth height of 20 European beech genotypes (Fagus sylvatica L.), generated from real data concerning selection trials and carried out in 5 different environments. The combined ANOVA was performed using fixed- -effects, as well as mixed-effects models, and significant interaction GE was shown. The GGE biplot graphs were constructed using PCA. The first principal component (GGE1) explained 54%, and the second (GGE2) explained more than 23% of the total variation. The similarity between environments was evaluated by means of the AEC method, which allowed us to determine one mega-environment that comprised of 4 environments. None of the tested environments represented the ideal one for trial on genotype selection. The GGE biplot graphs enabled: (a) the detection of a stable genotype in terms of tree height (high and low), (b) the genotype evaluation by ranking with respect to the height and genotype stability, (c) determination of an ideal genotype, (d) the comparison of genotypes in 2 chosen environments.
Platform Specific FPGA Based Hybrid Active Power Filter for Power Quality Enhancement
Authors: Dash Santanu Kumar , Ray Pravat Kumar
Published: January 2017

Elimination of harmonics by the use of power filters is required for power quality improvement; provides a wide area for the researchers to develop efficient power filters with improved control platforms. This paper motivates the implementation of the embedded control platform for better control of the power filters for faster elimination of harmonics. Although many embedded processors fascinates the implementation of the control techniques but finding the feasible platform is a great task. Software implementations are feasible for most of the power electronics converters but the hardware design with required digital hardware is a challenging task. The present paper deals with the development of the control technique for the Hybrid Active Power Filter with Xilinx System Generator Platform. The virtual FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) platform provided by the Xilinx System Generator has the ability to generate better switching signals for the control of the power filter to generate compensating signal for elimination of harmonics to maintain the power quality in the distribution lines. Experimental results obtained by the setup developed in the Power System Laboratory presents the effectiveness of the Embedded Platform. Various source voltage conditions also simulated and performance is verified for the developed Hybrid Active Power Filter.
The role of the media in the promotion of breastfeeding
Authors: Bień Agnieszka , Rzońca Kozak , Zarajczyk Marta , Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna J. , Kozak Agnieszka
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Breastfeeding is the optimal method of nourishing newborns and infants, as provided in guidelines and recommendations issued by both maternal and child health organizations and associations. For this reason, breastfeeding should be promoted and supported through educating the population. Various media outlets (television, radio, the Internet, press) have become an integral part of people’s daily life and an important source of information on health.

Aim. The present study aimed at determining the role of the mass media in the promotion of breastfeeding.

Material and methods. The study was conducted between January and April 2015 on 262 women. The study used a diagnostic survey with questionnaires. The researchers used a self-designed questionnaire. The software used for databases and statistical analysis was STATISTICA 9.1 (StatSoft, Poland).

Results. A statistical analysis has shown that married women (p=0.00168), women with higher education (p=0.04007), women who had their own businesses (p=0.04482) and those who had given birth to one child (p=0.00093) stated that information on breastfeeding was available in the media. The women surveyed pointed to the media (56.13%) as the source of information on breastfeeding, while the Internet (82.07%) was the most popular medium used by the respondents to look for information on breastfeeding. The participants believed that the media should focus on promoting the benefits of breastfeeding for the child (94.27%).

Conclusions. The media are the most popular source of information on breastfeeding. The media should promote breastfeeding mainly through providing information on the benefits for the child. The Internet is the most popular medium to look for information on breastfeeding.
Use of common stimulants and awake bruxism – a survey study
Authors: Berger Marcin , Litko Monika , Ginszt Michał , Alharby Hassan , Szkutnik Jacek , Majcher Piotr , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Bruxism, the most detrimental parafunctional activity of the masticatory system can cause various temporomandibular joint disorders, as well as masticatory muscle disorders. It is important to identify factors aggravating bruxism, which can be easily eliminated and ease control of the disorder.

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between the use of common stimulants - nicotine, caffeine and selfreports of awake bruxism.

Material and methods. 113 dental students (83 females, 30 males) aged 21-29 were examined. In order to diagnose awake bruxism subjects were asked questions from the Oral Behaviors Checklist. Patients were also asked about daily/weekly frequency of cigarette smoking and coffee as well as caffeine-containing beverages consumption.

Results. Cigarette smoking was positively associated with self-reported awake bruxism. There was no link found between caffeine consumption and parafunctional activities.

Conclusion. Cigarette smoking, but not caffeine consumption, may be a risk factor for awake bruxism. However, this association should be further assessed in the presence of confounding factors, such as psychological distress.
Caries prevention programs for children based on the current health care system in Poland
Authors: Perzanowska Ewa , Chałas Renata , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: January 2017

Prevention is the most effective element of measures to promote oral health. The authors have conducted an analysis of the current health system in Poland with particular emphasis put on caries prevention focused on children. It is worth noting that in the first days of life a midwife introduces „the area of dental prophylaxis“. In subsequent years of life i.e. 2, 4, 6, 10, 13, 16, 19, both the dentist and the primary care doctor provide prophylactic services. More preventive actions are organized in primary school (grades I-VI), where group fluoride prophylaxis and education in oral health are carried out by a nurse/school hygienist. The effects of preventive measures, as measured by epidemiological studies presented among others in the reports from the Monitoring of Oral Health by the Ministry of Health, show that the adopted regulations are unsatisfactory. It is necessary to carry out a public information campaign on the negative consequences of neglecting disease prevention and the consequences of incorrect early treatment of oral cavity diseases and their influence over the proper development of children.
Transthoracic ultrasonography for the immunocompromised patient. A pilot project that introduces transthoracic ultrasonography for the follow-up of hematological patients in Romania
Authors: Frinc Ioana , Ilies Petru , Zaharie Florin , Dima Delia , Tanase Alina , Petrov Ljubomir , Irimie Alexandru , Berce Cristian , Lisencu Cosmin , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Bojan Anca
Published: January 2017

In the past decade, there has been significant progress in clinical hematology with the discovery of targeted molecules and thus the achievement of both hematologic and molecular responses. Nevertheless, chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for many types of hematological malignancies. Aggressive chemotherapy leads to immunosuppression, accompanied by a high rate of infections and an increased rate of treatment-related mortality. Invasive fungal infections as well as more common bacterial and viral infections are frequent in immunocompromised patients as they are difficult to diagnose and treat. Pleuropulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients are diagnosed using clinical examination, imaging and laboratory tests. Many laboratory tests are run for several days before a final result is given and are expensive. Computer tomography is a reliable technique, but it is encumbered by high irradiation and high cost, and can assess lesions larger than 1 cm. Transthoracic ultrasound is a modern method, used in the diagnostic algorithm of pleuropulmonary pathology. It allows the diagnosis of small lesions, can be performed at the patients’ bedside, with acceptable costs and no irradiation. A fast, informed and accurate medical decision is essential for a favorable outcome in immunosuppressed patients with an adjacent infection. In the current case series we present the implementation of a new protocol for the follow-up of immunocompromised patients using transthoracic ultrasonography, of great potential use in the clinic.
Outdoor activities: A space released from 'chains' of competition results
Authors: Miletić Vladimir , Rajković Željko , Vidaković Hadži
Published: January 2017

Due to misinterpretation of sport results achievements, many victims have fallen in recent past. Energy focused toward an opponent can be transformed to achieving success in another way (aikido, kung-fu yoga...). Goal of sport competition is mastering an opponent, but goal and philosophical approach of outdoor activities is mastering self limitations and increasing self abilities. Influence of commercialization of sport as upgraded part of society is negative in several different ways, starting with alienation of all participants of sport until degeneration of management process. Sport outdoor activities are not comfortable with numerical system of values forced upon them. The example of outdoor activities is a great tool to perceive the entire future of phenomenology of competition, which show us tendency of forthcoming end. In relation to this, we can reassess definition of sport itself where dominant role is a competition as its integral part.
Nanoparticles Ecotoxicity on Daphnia magna
Authors: Khoshnood Reza , Jaafarzadeh Neamat , Jamili Shahla , Farshchi Parvin , Taghavi Lobat
Published: January 2017

In recent years, development of nanotechnology as well as the toxicity potential of nanomaterials on the environment has received much attention. In order to assess the potential toxic impact of nanoparticles on aquatic environments, we used three kinds of nanoparticles, including titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper oxide (CuO), and zinc oxide (ZnO) on an aquatic model species, Daphnia magna. In fact, Daphnia magna was exposed to different concentrations for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h at 20-25°C. All the important water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) were controlled to meet the standard requirements during the experiment. The LC50 values for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were estimated statistically using Probit methods. The LC50 48 h values for TiO2, CuO, and ZnO were 171.88 mg/l, 6.62 mg/l, and 3.23 mg/l, respectively.
An Improved Bound for the Star Discrepancy of Sequences in the Unit Interval
Authors: Larcher Gerhard , Puchhammer Florian
Published: January 2017

It is known that there is a constant c > 0 such that for every sequence x
1, x
2, . . . in [0, 1) we have for the star discrepancy

D
N
*

$D_N^* $

of the first N elements of the sequence that

ND
N
*

≥
c
⋅
log
⁡
N

$ND_N^* \ge c \cdot \log N$

holds for infinitely many N. Let c
∗ be the supremum of all such c with this property. We show c
∗ > 0.065664679 . . . , thereby slightly improving the estimates known until now.