bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fundamental group of the orbit space
Authors: Hattab Hawete
Published: September 2016

Let G be a subgroup of the group Homeo(X) of homeomorphisms of a topological space X. Let

G
¯

$\bar G$

be the closure of G in Homeo(X). The class of an orbit O of G is the union of all orbits having the same closure as O. We denote by

X
/

G
˜

$X/\widetildeG$

the space of classes of orbits called the orbit class space. In this paper, we study the fundamental group of the spaces X/G,

X
/

G
¯

$X/\bar G$

and

X
/

G
˜

$X/\widetildeG$
Uniqueness of a Polynomial and a Differential Monomial Sharing a Small Function
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Ahamed Molla Basir
Published: September 2016

In this paper taking a question in [1] into background we investigate the uniqueness of a non-constant polynomial with the differential monomial generated by a non-constant mermorphic function f. Our result will also extend a result of Banerjee-Majumder[2] given earlier. An open question is also posed, in the paper, for future investigation.
Positive Solutions of a Nonlinear Fourth-order Integral Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Benaicha Slimane , Haddouchi Faouzi
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the existence of positive solutions for a nonlinear fourth-order two-point boundary value problem with integral condition is investigated. By using Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem on cones, sufficient conditions for the existence of at least one positive solutions are obtained.
On the Ψ-Conditional Exponential Asymptotic Stability of Nonlinear Lyapunov Matrix Differential Equations
Authors: Diamandescu Aurel
Published: September 2016

It is proved (necessary and) sufficient conditions for Ψ– conditional exponential asymptotic stability of the trivial solution of nonlinear Lyapunov matrix differential equations
Polish Democracy Under Threat? An Issue of Mere Politics or a Real Danger?
Authors: Jankovic Sava
Published: September 2016

Poland has recently experienced a constitutional crisis. The crisis involves the role of the Law and Justice Party (PiS) in the election of judges and amendments to the Constitutional Tribunal Act which threatens the independence of the Tribunal. The situation is exacerbated by changes in the media, civil service, police, and prosecution laws introduced by the ruling party. This article analyses the changes, as well as the domestic and international reactions to the crisis, and considers whether the heavy criticism of the PiS is justified, or whether it results from, for instance, specific characteristics of the Polish political system and an unfavourable opinion in Europe about the Law and Justice party.
Application of graph databases for transport purposes
Authors: Czerepicki A.
Published: September 2016

The article presents an innovative concept of applying graph databases in transport information systems. The model of a graph database has been presented together with implementation of data structures and search operations in a graph. The transformation concept of relational model to a graph data model has been developed. The schema of graph database has been proposed for public transport information system purposes. The realization methods have been illustrated by the use of search function based on the Cypher query language.
Dual synthesis of Petri net based application specific logic controllers with increased safety
Authors: Tkacz J. , Bukowiec A. , Adamski M.
Published: September 2016

In the paper, design flow of the application specific logic controllers with increased safety by means of Petri nets is proposed. The controller architecture is based on duplicated control unit and comparison results from both units. One specification of control algorithm is used by means of Petri net for both units. The hardware duplication is obtained during dual synthesis process. This process uses two different logic synthesis methods to obtain two different hardware configurations for both control units. Additionally, the dual verification is applied to increase reliability of the control algorithm. Such design flow simplifies the process of realization of control systems with increased safety.
Analysis of dynamical properties of object tracking system elements
Authors: Kuś Z.
Published: September 2016

The goal of this paper was to determine necessary dynamical conditions for the object tracking task. Developing these conditions required examining dynamical relationships between the UAV, camera head, disturbances and tracked object. This analysis was conducted in order to assess whether a given UAV-camera head set was suitable for a given object tracking task. The study assumed that the UAV was equipped with a flight trajectory control system. We discussed the methods of the dynamical properties description and finding a range of application for a particular set “UAV-camera head”. For each dynamical element of the examined system, we proposed a method of computing the parameters of the simulation model which corresponded to the behaviour of the real elements. In order to describe the range of the applications for the UAV-camera head set, we defined the space Ω – all combinations of the parameters which characterized the dynamics of the disturbance and object. Moreover, this study developed the method of selecting the subspace Ωs which described acceptable parameters of the object’s and disturbance’s dynamics. This paper presented the example of proper object tracking in the case of meeting the dynamical conditions and the example of losing the object in the opposite case.
Analysis of positivity and stability of fractional discrete-time nonlinear systems
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: September 2016

The positivity and asymptotic stability of the fractional discrete-time nonlinear systems are addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the fractional nonlinear systems are established. The proposed stability tests are based on an extension of the Lyapunov method to the positive fractional nonlinear systems. The effectiveness of tests is demonstrated on examples.
Si/ZnO nanorods with Ag nanoparticles/AZO heterostructures in PV applications
Authors: Gwóźdź K. , Płaczek-Popko E. , Gumienny Z. , Zielony E. , Pietruszka R. , Witkowski B. S. , Wachnicki Ł. , Gierałtowska S. , Godlewski M. , Chang L. B.
Published: September 2016

Our studies focus on test structures for photovoltaic applications based on zinc oxide nanorods grown using a low-temperature hydrothermal method on a p-type silicon substrate. The nanorods were covered with silver nanoparticles of two diameters – 20–30 nm and 50–60 nm – using a sputtering method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the deposited nanoparticles had the same diameters. The densities of the nanorods were obtained by means of atomic force microscope (AFM) images. SEM images and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the nanorods. Photoluminescence measurements proved the good quality of the samples. Afterwards an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method was used to grow ZnO:Al (AZO) layer on top of the nanorods as a transparent electrode and ohmic Au contacts were deposited onto the silicon substrate. For the solar cells prepared in that manner the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics before and after the illumination were measured and their basic performance parameters were determined. It was found that the spectral characteristics of a quantum efficiency exhibit an increase for short wavelengths and this behavior has been linked with the plasmonic effect.
Facile preparation of copper impregnated aluminum pillared montmorillonite: nanoclays for wastewater treatment
Authors: Tepmatee P. , Siriphannon P.
Published: September 2016

Copper impregnated aluminum pillared montmorillonites (Cu-iAlpill-MMTs) were prepared by adding Cu2+solution into dried aluminum polyohydroxy cation intercalated montmorillonite using various Cu2+concentrations, i.e. 4, 7, 10 and 13 wt% and then calcining at 500°C. The Cu-iAlpill-MMTs possessed slit-liked mesopores with pore diameters of 3.3–3.8 nm and ~6–35 nm as observed from the nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The mesopore quantities of Cu-iAlpill-MMTs gradually decreased with the increase of impregnated Cu2+concentrations. The impregnated CuO occupied not only the interior interlayers, but also the exterior surfaces of Cu-iAlpill-MMTs. The Cu-iAlpill-MMTs with 10 and 13 wt% of impregnated Cu2+could inhibit the growth ofEscherichia coli. The Cu-iAlpill-MMTs effectively acted as the heterogeneous catalyst for removal reactive orange 16 (RO16) in Fenton or photo-Fenton oxidation treatments. The higher impregnated Cu2+and/or the longer treatment time brought about the higher percentage of RO16 removal.
Analytical description of power losses in a transformer operating in the dual active bridge converter
Authors: Barlik R. , Nowak M. , Grzejszczak P. , Zdanowski M.
Published: September 2016

The paper presents an analytical approach to the determination of power losses in a high-frequency transformer operating in the dual active bridge (DAB). This transformer, having two single-phase transistor bridge inverters, couples two DC circuits that significantly differ in voltages (280 V and 51 V ±20%). Power losses in the core and windings of the planar transformer 5600 VA /100 kHz were calculated taking into account changes in the value and direction of the energy flow between the coupled DC circuits. These circuits represent storage or renewable energy sources and intermediate circuits of the converters used in distributed generation systems. Calculations were performed using the Steinmetz’s and Dowell’s equations. The analytical results have been verified experimentally.
Diophantine equation based model of data transmission errors caused by interference generated by DC-DC converters with deterministic modulation
Authors: Bojarski J. , Smolenski R. , Lezynski P. , Sadowski Z.
Published: September 2016

The assurance of the electromagnetic compatibility of sensitive smart metering systems and power electronic converters, which introduce high-level electromagnetic interference is important factor conditioning reliable operation of up to date power systems. Presented experimental results have shown that currently binding, frequency domain tests are ineffective for the evaluation of data transmission error hazards. The proposed in this paper mathematical, time-domain model, based on Diophantine equation, enables evaluation of data transmission errors caused by interference introduced by DC-DC power electronic interfaces with deterministic modulation. In the paper there have been presented possible application areas for the proposed model.
Sensitivity of transient temperature field in domain of forearm insulated by protective clothing with respect to perturbations of external boundary heat flux
Authors: Mochnacki B. , Ciesielski M.
Published: September 2016

The problem discussed in the paper is numerical modeling of thermal processes in the domain of biological tissue secured by a layer of protective clothing being in thermal contact with the environment. The cross-section of the forearm (2D problem) is treated as non-homogeneous domain in which the sub-domains of skin tissue, fat, muscle and bone are distinguished. The air gap between skin tissue and protective clothing is taken into account. The process of external heating is determined by Robin boundary condition and sensitivity analysis with respect to the perturbations of heat transfer coefficient and ambient temperature is also discussed. Both the basic boundary-initial problem and the sensitivity problems are solved by means of control volume method using Voronoi polygons.
Experimental studies of the quality of embossed characters of the Braille alphabet
Authors: Barczyk R. , Jasińska-Choromańska D.
Published: September 2016

The paper presents studies pertaining to the quality of embossed characters of the Braille alphabet used, among other applications, for tagging drug labels. The following parameters of embossed inscriptions were measured: height, diameter of the dots and surface roughness (18 samples with various combinations of their values). 48 blind individuals assessed the quality of the printed text. Statistical analysis proved that a text with dots having height of 0.9 millimeter, diameter of 1.6 millimeters and roughness Ra of about 1 micrometer to be the best. The samples had been made using two different methods of rapid prototyping: PolyJet and SLS. 3D printing is increasingly popular and the studies proved the usefulness of these methods for labeling with embossed inscriptions, due to the repeatability, durability and quality they ensure. The assessing group of blind individuals was comprised of 24 persons 14–17 years old and other 24 persons aged over 60 who were not proficient in reading Braille alphabet, This allows to conclude that a text featuring the above values of the parameters will be easy to read for the majority of blind persons.
Low-power low-area techniques for multichannel recording circuits dedicated to biomedical experiments
Authors: Kmon P.
Published: September 2016

This paper presents techniques introduced to minimize both power and silicon area of the multichannel integrated recording circuits dedicated to biomedical experiments. The proposed methods were employed in multichannel integrated circuit fabricated in CMOS 180nm process and were validated with the use of a wide range of measurements. The results show that both a single recording channel and correction blocks occupy about 0.061 mm2 of the area and consume only 8.5 μW of power. The input referred noise is equal to 4.6 μVRMS. With the use of additional digital circuitry, each of the recording channels may be independently configured. The lower cut-off frequency may be set within the range of 0.1 Hz–700 Hz, while the upper cut-off frequency, depending on the recording mode chosen, can be set either to 3 kHz/13 kHz or may be tuned in the 2 Hz–400 Hz range. The described methods were introduced in the 64-channel integrated circuit. The key aspect of the proposed design is the fact that proposed techniques do not limit functionality of the system and do not deteriorate its overall parameters.
Fuzzy interpretation for temporal-difference learning in anomaly detection problems
Authors: Sukhanov A.V. , Kovalev S.M. , Stýskala V.
Published: September 2016

Nowadays, information control systems based on databases develop dynamically worldwide. These systems are extensively implemented into dispatching control systems for railways, intrusion detection systems for computer security and other domains centered on big data analysis. Here, one of the main tasks is the detection and prediction of temporal anomalies, which could be a signal leading to significant (and often critical) actionable information. This paper proposes the new anomaly prevent detection technique, which allows for determining the predictive temporal structures. Presented approach is based on a hybridization of stochastic Markov reward model by using fuzzy production rules, which allow to correct Markov information based on expert knowledge about the process dynamics as well as Markov’s intuition about the probable anomaly occurring. The paper provides experiments showing the efficacy of detection and prediction. In addition, the analogy between new framework and temporal-difference learning for sequence anomaly detection is graphically illustrated.
Developing automatic recognition system of drill wear in standard laminated chipboard drilling process
Authors: Kurek J. , Kruk M. , Osowski S. , Hoser P. , Wieczorek G. , Jegorowa A. , Górski J. , Wilkowski J. , Śmietańska K. , Kossakowska J.
Published: September 2016

The paper presents an automatic approach to recognition of the drill condition in a standard laminated chipboard drilling process. The state of the drill is classified into two classes: “useful” (sharp enough) and “useless” (worn out). The case “useless” indicates symptoms of excessive drill wear, unsatisfactory from the point of view of furniture processing quality. On the other hand the “useful” state identifies tools which are still able to drill holes acceptable due to the required processing quality. The main problem in this task is to choose an appropriate set of diagnostic features (variables), based on which the recognition of drill state (“useful” versus “useless”) can be made. The features have been generated based on 5 registered signals: feed force, cutting torque, noise, vibration and acoustic emission. Different statistical parameters describing these signals and also their Fourier and wavelet representations have been used for defining the features. Sequential feature selection is applied to detect the most class discriminative set of features. The final step of recognition is done by using three types of classifiers, including support vector machine, ensemble of decision trees and random forest. Six standard drills of 12 mm diameter with tungsten carbide tips were used in experiments. The results have confirmed good quality of the proposed diagnostic system.
Automatic tuning of a resonant circuit in wireless power supply systems for biomedical sensors
Authors: Blakiewicz G. , Jakusz J. , Jendernalik W. , Szczepański S.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a tuning method of a resonant circuit suited for wireless powering of miniature endoscopic capsules is presented and discussed. The method allows for an automatic tuning of the resonant frequency and matching impedance of a full wave rectifier loading the resonant circuit. Thereby, the receiver tunes so as to obtain the highest power efficiency under given conditions of transmission. A prototype receiver for wireless power reception, fabricated in in AMS CMOS 0.35 μm technology, was used to verify correct operation of the proposed tuning. The prototype system produces a stable supply voltage, adjustable in the range of 1.2–1.8 V at a maximum output current of 100–67 mA, which is sufficient to power a typical endoscopic capsule.
Development board of the autonomous semi-passive RFID transponder
Authors: Jankowski-Mihułowicz P. , Węglarski M. , Pitera G. , Kawalec D. , Lichoń W.
Published: September 2016

The idea of multiband development board designed to support and advance the technique of battery-less autonomous semi-passive RFID transponders is presented in the paper. The extra function of harvesting energy from the electromagnetic field of different radio communications systems, the ultra efficient power conditioner and the energy storage block are applied in the proposed construction. The facility of utilizing gathered energy is provided to support designers in developing applications of automatic object identification. Since the evaluation board is to work without a galvanic cell, the particular emphasis is put on the mechanisms that improve energy efficient operation of the whole electronic circuit. The construction principles and operation modes (charging, cold start, sleep with charging, sleep, measurement and cut-off) of the storage unit are described in depth in the paper. The preproduction batch of the demonstrators has been manufactured on automated assembly line at ELMAK Ltd. Company, according to the elaborated model. It confirms that the author’s demonstrator of the battery-less autonomous semi-passive transponder can be reproduced on an industrial scale. On the basis of the preproduction series, the performance parameters of the final product have been estimated. The presented study should significantly contribute to the RFID technique therefore the authors set up the evaluation process of marketing research and product commercialization.
Buckling and post-buckling behaviour of shallow – nearly flat cylindrical panels under axial compression
Authors: Magnucka-Blandzi E. , Magnucki K.
Published: September 2016

The paper is devoted to buckling problem of axially compressed shallow cylindrical panels. Governing differential equations of the nonlinear theory of shallow cylindrical shells are analytically solved. Critical stresses and equilibrium paths of the panels with small curvatures are analytically studied. The formula of the critical stresses for almost flat, cylindrical panels is derived. The “shallowness” of the panel is given by the parameter α and formulae are derived for a range of this parameter. The range of values of sectorial angle for these panels is also defined.
The Polish Regional Labour Market Welfare Indicator And Its Links To Other Well-being Measures
Authors: Ręklewski Marek , Ryczkowski Maciej
Published: September 2016

We propose and construct an indicator of labour market well-being in Poland for the year 2013. The indicator is positively related to the degree of civilizational welfare, social welfare, material welfare and psychological wellbeing in Poland. We conclude that ameliorating the labour market situation improves the quality of the public’s life. The link between our labour market indicator and the total fertility rate turned out to be statistically insignificant.
Numerical Solution of Parabolic Problems Based on a Weak Space-Time Formulation
Authors: Larsson Stig , Molteni Matteo
Published: September 2016

We investigate a weak space-time formulation of the
heat equation and its use for the construction of a numerical scheme.
The formulation is based on a known weak space-time formulation, with
the difference that a pointwise component of the solution, which in
other works is usually neglected, is now kept. We investigate the role
of such a component by first using it to obtain a pointwise bound on
the solution and then deploying it to construct a numerical scheme.
The scheme obtained, besides being quasi-optimal in the

L
2

${L^{2}}$

sense, is also
pointwise superconvergent in the temporal nodes. We prove a priori error estimates and we present numerical experiments to empirically support our findings.
Effect of Soil Management Systems on the Vegetative Growth Potential of Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Paunović Svetlana M. , Nikolić Mihailo , Miletić Rade
Published: September 2016

This experiment evaluated the effect of soil management systems on the vegetative growth potential of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars. Three soil management systems were used: I – bare fallow i.e. continuous tillage; II – sawdust mulch, and III – black polyethylene foil mulch. Six black currant cultivars were included: ‘Ben Lomond’, ‘Ben Sarek’, ‘Titania’, ‘Čačanska Crna’, ‘Tisel’ and ‘Tiben’. The highest values of vegetative growth parameters were obtained in 'Čačanska Crna' and 'Ben Lomond' and the lowest in 'Ben Sarek'. Bare fallow and sawdust mulch treatments showed no differences in the tested parameters, whereas significantly lower values were recorded under foil mulch treatment.
Microbial Activity in Forest Soil Under Beech, Spruce, Douglas Fir and Fir
Authors: Hajnal-Jafari Timea , Đurić Simonida , Stamenov Dragana , Vasić Verica , Hackenberger Davorka
Published: September 2016

The aim of this research was to investigate the microbial activity in forest soil from different sites under deciduous and coniferous trees in Serbia. One site on Stara planina was under beech trees (Fagus sp.) while another under mixture of spruce (Picea sp.) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga sp.). The site on Kopaonik was under mixture of beech (Fagus sp.) and spruce (Picea sp.) trees. The site on Tara was dominantly under fir (Abies sp.), beech (Fagus sp.) and spruce (Picea sp.). The total number of bacteria, the number of actinobacteria, fungi and microorganisms involved in N and C cycles were determined using standard method of agar plates. The activities of dehydrogenase and ß-glucosidase enzymes were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The microbial activity was affected by tree species and sampling time. The highest dehydrogenase activity, total number of bacteria, number of actinobacteria, aminoheterotrophs, amylolytic and cellulolytic microorganisms were determined in soil under beech trees. The highest total number of fungi and number of pectinolytic microorganisms were determined in soil under spruce and Douglas fir trees. The correlation analyses proved the existence of statistically significant interdependency among investigated parameters.
Evaluation of Sunflower Genotypes for Ornamental Use
Authors: Mladenović Emina , Cvejić Sandra , Čukanović Jelena , Žeravica Gordana , Jocić Siniša
Published: September 2016

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a species with interspecies variability, especially in qualitative traits. From horticultural point of view it is important to choose genotypes with desired characteristics. Knowing of genotypes characteristics is essential to choose the correct genotypes that can be used in gardens and like cut flowers. Present research was carried out at Institute of Field and Crops at Rimski Šančevi in Novi Sad, Serbia. Experiment included four genotypes of ornamental sunflower. Significant variation for morphological traits were observed. Qualitative characteristics such as flower color, also showed great variability. Base on the results all genotypes can be recommended as garden plants and cut flowers.
Erigeron acris subsp. baicalensis (Asteraceae), a new combination in Asian Erigeron
Authors: Pliszko Artur
Published: September 2016

Erigeron acris subsp. baicalensis (Botsch.) A. Pliszko is proposed as a new combination for Asian E. baicalensis Botsch.
Stoneflies (Plecoptera) of the Javorníky Mts (Czech Republic)
Authors: Kroča Jiří
Published: September 2016

The investigation of three streams in the Moravian part of the Javorníky Mts in 2003 and 2006–2009 brings the first records of Plecoptera in these mountains. A total of 28 species and were found (30 % of the recent fauna of the Czech Republic), among which species of the upper parts of streams predominate. This result corresponds to the nature of the habitat on which researches have been carried out. One endangered species (Leuctra cf. major), two vulnerable species (Dinocras cephalotes, Perla marginata) and one near threatened species (Leuctra quadrimaculata) were recorded. Comparing the recorded species to those of the neighbouring mountains, it can be assumed that the fauna of stoneflies of the Javorníky Mts may contain more than 40 species and can form a continuous transition between the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts and the Bílé Karpaty Mts (including the Vizovická vrchovina Highlands).
Some new records of chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the Czech Republic
Authors: Bitušík Peter , Trnková Katarína
Published: September 2016

Six chironomid species:Paraboreochlus minutissimus(Strobl, 1894),Trissopelopia longimanus(Staeger 1839),Boreoheptagyia monticola(Serra-Tosio, 1964),Cricotopus(s.str.)similisGoetghebuer 1921,Heleniella serratosioiRinge, 1976,Krenosmittia camptophleps(Edwards, 1929), were recorded in Czech Republic for the first time. The pupal exuviae were collected in July 2009 from Otava River in the vicinity of Rejštejn village in the central part of the Bohemian Forest. The notes on known distribution and ecology of the species are presented.
Global analysis of threat status reveals higher extinction risk in tropical than in temperate bird sister species
Authors: Reif Jiří , Štěpánková Klára
Published: September 2016

Given increasing pressures upon biodiversity, identification of species’ traits related to elevated extinction risk is useful for more efficient allocation of limited resources for nature conservation. Despite its need, such a global analysis was lacking in the case of birds. Therefore, we performed this exercise for avian sister species using information about their global extinction risk from IUCN Red List. We focused on 113 pairs of sister species, each containing a threatened and an unthreatened species to factor out the effects of common evolutionary history on the revealed relationship. We collected data on five traits with expected relationships to species’ extinction risk based on previous studies performed at regional or national levels: breeding habitat (recognizing forest, grassland, wetland and oceanic species), latitudinal range position (temperate and tropics species), migration strategy (migratory and resident species), diet (carnivorous, insectivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous species) and body mass. We related the extinction risk using IUCN threat level categories to species’ traits using generalised linear mixed effects models expecting lower risk for forest, temperate, omnivorous and smaller-bodied species. Our expectation was confirmed only in the case of latitudinal range position, as we revealed higher threat level for tropical than for temperate species. This relationship was robust to different methods of threat level expression and cannot be explained by a simple association of high bird species richness with the tropical zone. Instead, it seems that tropical species are more threatened because of their intrinsic characteristics such as slow life histories, adaptations to stable environments and small geographic ranges. These characteristics are obviously disadvantageous in conditions of current human-induced environmental perturbations. Moreover, given the absence of habitat effects, our study indicates that such perturbations act across different tropical environments. Therefore, disproportionally higher conservation effort in the tropics compared to the temperate zone is urgently needed.
On the methodology of feeding ecology in fish
Authors: Saikia Surjya Kumar
Published: September 2016

Feeding ecology explains predator’s preference to some preys over others in their habitat and their competitions thereof. The subject, as a functional and applied biology, is highly neglected, and in case of fish, a uniform and consistent methodology is absent. The currently practiced methods are largely centred on mathematical indices and highly erroneous because of non-uniform outcomes. Therefore, it requires a relook into the subject to elucidate functional contributions and to make it more comparable and comprehensive science. In this article, approachable methodological strategies have been forwarded in three hierarchical steps, namely, food occurrence, feeding biology and interpretative ecology. All these steps involve wide ranges of techniques, within the scope of ecology but not limited to, and traverse from narrative to functional evolutionary ecology. The first step is an assumption-observation practice to assess food of fish, followed by feeding biology that links morphological, histological, cytological, bacteriological or enzymological correlations to preferred food in the environment. Interpretative ecology is the higher level of analysis in which the outcomes are tested and discussed against evolutionary theories. A description of possible pedagogics on the methods of feeding ecological studies has also been forwarded.
Knowledge management vs business process management in contemporary enterprises
Authors: Bitkowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2016

The main objective of this paper is to identify the system of knowledge management in contemporary process organizations in business process perspective, especially with regard to technological and social conditions. Methodology is based on literature analysis and case studies. The integration of knowledge management technologies, concepts and methods into organizational business processes is challenging research issue today. The concepts of knowledge management and business process management should be analyzed jointly in the contemporary enterprises. Despite of the growing interest among researchers and practitioners of the concept of the knowledge management referring to business process management there is a lack of articles in this area. Appropriate approach to the modelling of knowledge management processes, as well as the use of IT tools, and a motivation system are of key importance for the introduction of this solution in organizations.
Incremental Localization Algorithm Based on Regularized Iteratively Reweighted Least Square
Authors: Yan Xiaoyong , Yang Zhong , Liu Yu , Xu Xiaoduo , Li Huijun
Published: September 2016

Incremental localization algorithm is a distributed localization method with excellent characteristics for wireless network. However, its estimated result is generally influenced by the heteroscedasticity arising from cumulative errors and the collineation among anchor nodes. We have proposed a novel incremental localization algorithm with consideration to cumulative errors and collinearity among anchors. Using iteratively reweighted and regularized method, the algorithm reduces the influences of errors accumulation and avoids collinearity problem between anchors. Simulation experiment results show that compared with the previous incremental localization algorithms, the proposed algorithm obtains a localization solution which not only has high accuracy but also high stability. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is suitable for different deployment environments and has high adaptability.
Tropane alkaloids as substrates and inhibitors of human organic cation transporters of the SLC22 (OCT) and the SLC47 (MATE) families
Authors: Chen Jiayin , Brockmöller Jürgen , Seitz Tina , König Jörg , Tzvetkov Mladen V. , Chen Xijing
Published: September 2016

Tropane alkaloids and their derivatives are anticholinergic drugs with narrow therapeutic range. Here we characterize the organic cation transporters from the SLC22 (OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3) and the SLC47 families (MATE1 and MATE2-K) as potential mediators of the renal and extra-renal excretion, the two major roads of elimination of these substances. All analyzed compounds inhibited and the quaternary amine derivatives ipratropium and trospium were strongly transported by OCTs and MATEs. Overexpression of OCTs or MATEs in HEK293 cells resulted in an up to 63-fold increase in the uptake of ipratropium (K
m of 0.32 μm to OCT2 and V
max of 3.34 nmol×mg protein−1×min−1 to MATE1). The transcellular transport of ipratropium was 16-fold higher in OCT2-MATE1 and 10-fold higher in OCT1-MATE1 overexpressing compared to control MDCKII cells. Genetic polymorphisms in OCT1 and OCT2 affected ipratropium uptake and clinically relevant concentration of ondansetron and pyrithiamine inhibited ipratropium uptake via MATEs by more than 90%. This study suggests that OCT1, OCT2 and MATEs may be strongly involved in the renal and extra-renal elimination of ipratropium and other quaternary amine alkaloids. These substances have a notoriously narrow therapeutic range and the drug-drug interactions suggested here should be further critically evaluated in humans.
Structural and lipid-binding characterization of human annexin A13a reveals strong differences with its long A13b isoform
Authors: Fernández-Lizarbe Sara , Lecona Emilio , Santiago-Gómez Angélica , Olmo Nieves , Lizarbe María Antonia , Turnay Javier
Published: September 2016

Annexin A13 is the founder member of the vertebrate family of annexins, which are comprised of a tetrad of unique conserved domains responsible for calcium-dependent binding to membranes. Its expression is restricted to epithelial intestinal and kidney cells. Alternative splicing in the N-terminal region generates two isoforms, A13a and A13b, differing in a deletion of 41 residues in the former. We have confirmed the expression of both isoforms in human colon adenocarcinoma cells at the mRNA and protein levels. We have cloned, expressed, and purified human annexin A13a for the first time to analyze its structural characteristics. Its secondary structure and thermal stability differs greatly from the A13b isoform. The only tryptophan residue (Trp186) is buried in the protein core in the absence of calcium but is exposed to the solvent after calcium binding even though circular dichroism spectra are quite similar. Non-myristoylated annexin A13a binds in a calcium-dependent manner to acidic phospholipids but not to neutral or raft-like liposomes. Calcium requirements for binding to phosphatidylserine are around 6-fold lower than those required by the A13b isoform. This fact could account for the different subcellular localization of both annexins as binding to basolateral membranes seems to be calcium-dependent and myristoylation-independent.
Koncesívnosť v súčasnej Ruskej lingvistike
Authors: Sokolová Jana
Published: September 2016

The study focuses on the research of concessivity in two centres; namely in the Petersburg typological school and in the Moscow school of semantics. It presents the methodology and the results of the analyses of main representatives of the schools. Both schools address concessivity from the perspective of the semantics of concessive operators. In Russian studies, the main attention is given to the conjunction хотя (‘although’) and its elaborations are based on two directions: a) from the perspective of the semantics of causes and effects; b) from the perspective of the semantics of condition. An interpretative basis of the causal relations is formed by the semantic components ‘because’ (‘потому что’), ‘therefore’ (‘поэтому’) and ‘it causes’ (‘влияет’). Interpretations of the aspect of condition corresponds to the semantic component ‘if…so’ (‘если…то’).
Genomische Aberrationen in caninen Mammakarzinomen und deren Nachweis in zellfreier plasmatischer DNA
Authors: Brenig Bertram
Published: September 2016

Tumoren des Gesauges sind die haufigste Krebsart bei Hundinnen, die eine grose histopathologische Variabilitat aufweisen. Jedoch ist uber die genaue genomische Zusammensetzung dieser Tumore nur wenig bekannt. ImRahmen einer Studie haben wir Mammakarzinome von funf Hundinnen mit modernen Hochdurchsatzsequenzierungstechnologien auf strukturelle und Kopienzahlveranderungen im Vergleich zum somatischen Genom analysiert und diese mit einer „droplet“ digitalen PCR (ddPCR) validiert. Neben chromosomalen Aneuploidien konnten auserdem kleinere Deletionen und interchromosomale Fusionen in den Tumoren nachgewiesen werden. Haufig waren von den Aberrationen bekannte Oncogene, wie cMYC und KIT, betroffen. In vier der Tumoren konnte eine Deletion des proximalen Endes von Chromosom 27 nachgewiesen werden, in der das Tumorsuppressorgen Prefoldin 5 (PFDN5) gelegen ist. Mittels ddPCR konnte diese Deletion in 50%derMammakarzinome (N = 20) detektiert werden. Zum Nachweis der Deletion in zellfreier plasmatischer DNA wurde eine Bruchpunkt spezifische PCR entwickelt. Bei einerHundin konnten spezifische Signale noch ein Jahr nach der Operation festgestellt werden, welche auf eine Lungenmetastase zuruckzufuhrenwaren. Durch Sequenzierung der zellfreien plasmatischen DNA konnte gezeigtwerden, dass samtliche chromosomalenAberrationen auch im Blut der Hundinnen nachweisbar waren. Neben spezifischen caninen zeigten die identifizierten Veranderungen Ahnlichkeiten mit humanen Tumoren. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es moderne Hochdurchsatzsequenzierungstechnologien erlauben individuelle Tumormarker zu identifizieren, die eine gezielte Uberwachung der Tumorentwicklung und Metastasierung ermoglichen.
Financial Constraints and the Response of Business Investment to Monetary Policy Shocks
Authors: Haase Timothy J.
Published: September 2016

In this study I investigate what impact monetary policy shocks have on firms’ fixed investment, the less liquid portion of gross investment that requires more planning. I account for firms facing financial constraints firms by utilizing a common measure of asset size, which is used in previous literature. I use two exogenous, continuous series of monetary policy shocks to show that constrained firms have statistically different responses to policy than unconstrained firms. Specifically, I find that constrained firms’ fixed investment significantly responds more to monetary policy shocks than unconstrained firms.
Importance of Macroprudential Policy Implementation for Safeguarding Financial Stability
Authors: Vučinić Milena
Published: September 2016

The crisis pointed to the necessity for strong and stable financial system resistant to potential risks and shocks. Macroprudential policy is used to identify, monitor and asses systemic risks to financial stability. Therefore, it is very important to create effective and efficient macroprudential policy. To achieve this, it is crucial to create a strong institutional framework.

This paper deals with the importance of macroprudential policy for financial system stability. The first part of the paper explains the macroprudential policy and its connection with other economic policies. The second part refers to the necessity of building strong institutional framework and the importance of providing clear responsibilities for macroprudential policy, as long as precise determination of responsibilities is very suggested and important for further functioning and policy implementation. Responsibilities for macro-prudential policy and macroprudential supervision defers among countries.
Affirmation of the Legal Status of Taxpayers in Montenegro
Authors: Božović Srđa
Published: September 2016

Public needs cannot be adequately funded without a clear and legally based affirmative legal status of taxpayers. The promotion and protection of their rights and regular fulfilment of tax obligations by taxpayers is the basis of fiscal and financial stability of the country and other public collectivities. It is essential for Montenegro to overcome the traditional gap between taxpayers and tax administration through their partnership. At the same time, we must not jeopardize the basic purpose of taxation - legal and timely payment of taxes. Simple and stable tax regulations and a non-discriminating and subtle approach to building tax discipline and development of tax morale should serve that purpose.
Detecting Fraudulent Interviewers by Improved Clustering Methods – The Case of Falsifications of Answers to Parts of a Questionnaire
Authors: De Haas Samuel , Winker Peter
Published: September 2016

Falsified interviews represent a serious threat to empirical research based on survey data. The identification of such cases is important to ensure data quality. Applying cluster analysis to a set of indicators helps to identify suspicious interviewers when a substantial share of all of their interviews are complete falsifications, as shown by previous research. This analysis is extended to the case when only a share of questions within all interviews provided by an interviewer is fabricated. The assessment is based on synthetic datasets with a priori set properties. These are constructed from a unique experimental dataset containing both real and fabricated data for each respondent. Such a bootstrap approach makes it possible to evaluate the robustness of the method when the share of fabricated answers per interview decreases. The results indicate a substantial loss of discriminatory power in the standard cluster analysis if the share of fabricated answers within an interview becomes small. Using a novel cluster method which allows imposing constraints on cluster sizes, performance can be improved, in particular when only few falsifiers are present. This new approach will help to increase the robustness of survey data by detecting potential falsifiers more reliably.
Multivariate Beta Regression with Application in Small Area Estimation
Authors: Souza Debora F. , Moura Fernando A. S.
Published: September 2016

Multivariate beta regression models for jointly modelling two or more variables whose values belong in the (0,1) interval, such as indexes, rates or proportions, are proposed for making small area predictions. The multivariate model can help the estimation process by borrowing strength between units and obtaining more precise estimates, especially for small samples. Each response variable is assumed to have a beta distribution so the models could accommodate multivariate asymmetric data. Copula functions are used to construct the joint distribution of the dependent variables; all the marginal distributions are fixed as beta. A hierarchical beta regression model is additionally proposed with correlated random effects. We present an illustration of the proposed approach by estimating two indexes of educational attainment at school level in a Brazilian state. Our predictions are compared with separate univariate beta regressions. The inference process was conducted using a full Bayesian approach.
Effectiveness of the chemical stabilizers of Talaromyces flavus in biological control of tomato and greenhouse cucumber vascular wilt disease
Authors: Bahramian Donya , Naraghi Laleh , Heydari Asghar
Published: September 2016

Fungal antagonist,Talaromyces flavus, is one of the most important biological agents of soil-borne fungal diseases including Verticillium and Fusarium wilt. In this study, to increase the effectiveness ofT. flavusisolates obtained from greenhouse cucumbers and field grown tomatoes five chemical stabilizers were evaluated. Based on the results of previous studies, the most effective substrate for the growth, sporulation and stability ofT. flavusisolates related to the above-mentioned plants was a mix of rice bran and peatmoss. Different chemical stabilizers were mixed with the above-mentioned substrate containing spore suspensions of variousT. flavusisolates. For each plant, a completely randomized experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with seven treatments and three replications. The results of this study indicated that treatments containing sodium nitrate and D-cycloserine were more effective than those containing other stabilizers. The overall results of this study suggest that the use of some chemical stabilizers may enhance the biocontrol potential of fungal antagonists in controlling different plant diseases including Verticillium and Fusarium wilt.
Unconventional alternatives for control of tomato root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Hamza Amany , Mohamed Ahmed , Derbalah Aly
Published: September 2016

This study was done to assess the antifungal effect of some biocontrol agents effective microorganisms (EMs1), Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus pumilus, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, black cumin and wheat germ oils as well as the recommended fungicide (flutolanil) against root rot of tomato. Moreover, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) examination was completed to identify the bioactive compounds in plant oils (dark cumin and wheat germ). Also the impact of these medicines on some biochemical and growth parameters of tomato was examined. Flutolanil was the best treatment followed by dark cumin, TiO2, EMs1, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus pumilus and wheat germ oil, individually in both test seasons. The outcomes demonstrated a marked increase in each biochemical character (chlorophyll substance, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase) and plant development (height and fresh and dry weight) under all the tried treatments in comparison to the controls.