bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological weaknesses of the current R&D&I programmes evaluation in the Czech Republic
Authors: Čadil Vladislav
Published: July 2014

Stávající metodika i vlastní způsob hodnocení programů výzkumu, vý-voje a inovací (VaVaI) v České republice jsou nedostatečné. Cílem toho-to článku je na základě porovnání se způsobem a přístupy hodnocení programů VaVaI ve vybraných zemích EU s vyspělou evaluační kultu-rou poukázat na přetrvávající metodologické nedostatky v hodnocení programů VaVaI. Hlavním nedostatkem je, že hodnocení programů není integrální součástí jejich tvorby a realizace a není chápáno jako nástroj pro efektivní využívání veřejných prostředků. Hodnocení je prováděno pouze formálně na základě prostého popisu základních informací o programech a jejich výstupech s cílem splnit požadavky metodiky souhrn-ného hodnocení ukončených programů, která však není metodikou, ale spíše popisem průbřhu souhrnného hodnocení a obsahu zprávy z hodnocení. Nedostatečné hodnocení programů však není jen důsledkem nedostatečné metodiky, ale také nejednoznačného legislativního zakot-vení povinnosti poskytovatelů hodnotit programy a využívat výsledky hodnocení pro zefektivnění správy veřejných financí.
Composite Index of Local Government Employees Satisfaction
Authors: Jefmański Bartłomiej , Błoński Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

The paper proposes a structure of a composite Index of Local Government Employees Satisfaction (ESI) in Poland. The index provides a based on four sub-indices synthetic assessment of the level of employee satisfaction with the employment in local government offices. The sub-indices have been constructed using an exploratory factor analysis with the VARIMAX one. The ESI and sub-indices values have been normalized in the range of [0–100%], wherein higher ESI values indicate higher employee satisfaction. The proposed approach is used to assess the level of employee satisfaction with the employment in some local government units in the West Pomerania province. The analysis was based on the results of the measurements made in 2009–2010 by comparing the results of two groups of employees separated on the basis of a criterion of their place of employment.
Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis Using Topsis Method For Interval Data In Research Into The Level Of Information Society Development
Authors: Łatuszyńska Anna
Published: July 2014

When making choices and decisions, very seldom does the situation arise that a decision-maker very seldom bases their assessment of the options available on only one criterion. Frequently, many aspects of the available solutions are considered – both in terms of potential benefits and costs. In order to support decision makers, the Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is used for selecting the solution which is the best in several respects.

There are many methods of multi-criteria decision-analysis such as AHP, ELECTRE, PROMETHEE, VIKOR or TOPSIS. In the article a modification of the last of these methods is used. With the use of TOPSIS method with interval arithmetic the analysis of the level of information society (IS) development in the European Union countries between 2005 to 2010 is performed and its results are presented.
The Jackson Queueing Network Model Built Using Poisson Measures. Application To A Bank Model
Authors: Ciuiu Daniel
Published: July 2014

In this paper we will build a bank model using Poisson measures and Jackson queueing networks. We take into account the relationship between the Poisson and the exponential distributions, and we consider for each credit/deposit type a node where shocks are modeled as the compound Poisson processes. The transmissions of the shocks are modeled as moving between nodes in Jackson queueing networks, the external shocks are modeled as external arrivals, and the absorption of shocks as departures from the network.
Effects of Regular Physical Exercises in the Water on the Metabolic Profile of Women with Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Kasprzak Zbigniew , Pilaczyńska-Szcześniak Łucja
Published: July 2014

Recreational physical exercise in the water is predominantly based on aerobic metabolism. Since it involves both carbohydrate and lipid sources of energy, aqua aerobics has a beneficial effect on metabolism of these substrates. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a 3 month aqua aerobics training program on the metabolic profile of women with abdominal obesity. The study sample comprised 32 women aged 41-72 years. Somatic characteristics and variables characterizing carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were measured before the commencement and after the completion of the training program. During the 2nd measurement all mean anthropometric variables were found to be significantly lower (p<0.01). In the blood lipid profile, the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HOMAIR were significantly lower (p<0.01). Furthermore, the levels of fasting triglycerides, glucose and insulin were reduced significantly (p<0.05) after the training program. The aqua aerobics program contributed to positive changes in lipid metabolism, anthropometric variables, as well as the fasting insulin, glucose levels and insulin resistance index in women with abdominal obesity.
Game-Related Volleyball Skills that Influence Victory
Authors: Silva Miguel , Lacerda Daniel , João Paulo Vicente
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to identify the volleyball skills that discriminate in favour of victory. Twenty-four games (n=24) from the Senior Men's Volleyball World Championship played in Italy in 2010 were chosen and analyzed with Data Volley software. The discriminating function was used to identify the discriminating variables, using a canonical structuring coefficient of |SC| >.30. The results suggest that service points, reception errors, and blocking errors were the discriminating variables that identify the final outcome of the match (victory/defeat). Moreover, successful service points were the major variable most likely associated with match success (victory). In this sense, increasing the effectiveness of service should be a top priority in coaching elite volleyball teams.
Physical Fitness Differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman Junior Wrestlers
Authors: Demirkan Erkan , Kutlu Mehmet , Koz Mitat , Özal Mehmet , Favre Mike
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine physical fitness differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman junior wrestlers. One hundred twenty-six junior wrestlers, comprising 70 Freestyle and 56 Greco-Roman wrestlers, participated in this study. The somatic and physical fitness profile included body mass, body height, body mass index, body composition, flexibility, maximal anaerobic power of the legs and arms, aerobic endurance, hand grip strength, leg and back strength, and speed. No significant differences were found in the anthropometric and physical features between Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers. The Greco-Roman wrestlers had a significantly higher level of relative leg power, peak arm power, relative peak arm power, and relative average arm power than Freestyle wrestlers (p < 0.05). Greco-Roman wrestlers were significantly faster, had better agility, and had a greater level of leg strength than Freestyle wrestlers, but Freestyle wrestlers were more flexible than Greco-Roman wrestlers (p < 0.05). Discriminant function analysis indicated that peak arm power, agility, speed, and flexibility were selective factors for the differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the differences between these wrestling styles promote physical fitness differences in elite wrestlers. The results reflect specific features of each wrestling style.
Goals of Education: Protecting and Promoting Divergence and Sustainability
Authors: Parajuli Mahesh Nath
Published: July 2014

Editorial
Development of a Moral Judgment Measure for Veterinary Education
Authors: Verrinder Joy M. , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: July 2014

Veterinarians increasingly face animal ethics issues, conflicts, and dilemmas, both in practice and in policy, such as the tension between clients' and animals' interests. Little has been done to measure the capacity of veterinarians to make ethical judgments to prevent and address these issues or to identify the effectiveness of strategies to build this capacity. The objectives of this study were, first, to develop a test to identify the capacity of veterinarians to make ethical decisions in relation to animal ethics issues and, second, to assess students' perceptions of the usefulness of three methods for the development of ethical decision making. The Veterinary Defining Issues Test (VetDIT) was piloted with 88 first-year veterinary students at an Australian university. The veterinary students were at a variety of reasoning stages in their use of the Personal Interest (PI), Maintaining Norms (MN), and Universal Principles (UP) reasoning methods in relation to both human ethics and animal ethics issues and operated at a higher level of reasoning for animal than human ethics. Thirty-eight students assessed three methods for developing ethical decision-making skills and identified these as being helpful in clarifying their positions, clarifying others' positions, increasing awareness of the complexity of making ethical decisions, using ethical frameworks and principles, and improving moral reasoning skills, with two methods identified as most helpful. These methods and the VetDIT have the potential to be used as tools for development and assessment of moral judgment in veterinary education to address animal ethics issues.
Evidence for significant protein-like dissolved organic matter accumulation in Sea of Okhotsk sea ice
Authors: Granskog Mats A. , Nomura Daiki , Müller Susann , Krell Andreas , Toyota Takenobu , Hattori Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

Absorption and fluorescence of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in sea ice and surface waters in the southern Sea of Okhotsk was examined. Sea-water CDOM had featureless absorption increasing exponentially with shorter wavelengths. Sea ice showed distinct absorption peaks in the ultraviolet, especially in younger ice. Older first-year sea ice had relatively flat absorption spectra in the ultraviolet range. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) identified five fluorescent CDOM components, two humic-like and three protein-like. Sea water was largely governed by humic-like fluorescence. In sea ice, protein-like fluorescence was found in considerable excess relative to sea water. The accumulation of protein-like CDOM fluorescence in sea ice is likely a result of biological activity within the ice. Nevertheless, sea ice does not contribute excess CDOM during melt, but the material released will be of different composition than that present in the underlying waters. Thus, at least transiently, the CDOM introduced during sea-ice melt might provide a more labile source of fresher protein-like DOM to surface waters in the southern Sea of Okhotsk.
Snow thickness retrieval from L-band brightness temperatures: a model comparison
Authors: Maass Nina , Kaleschke Lars , Tian-Kunze Xiangshan , Tonboe Rasmus T.
Published: July 2014

The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite’s L-band (1.4 GHz) measurements have been used to retrieve Snow thickness over thick sea Ice in a previous study. Here we consider brightness temperature simulations for 2.5–4.5m thick Arctic multi-year Ice and compare the results of the relatively simple emission model (M2013) used previously for the retrieval with simulations from a more complex model (T2011) that combines a sea-Ice version of the Microwave Emission Model for Layered Snowpacks (MEMLS) with a thermodynamic model. We find that L-band brightness temperature is mainly determined by Ice temperature. In the M2013 model, Ice temperature in turn is mainly determined by surface temperature and Snow thickness, and this dependence has been used previously to explain the potential for a Snow thickness retrieval. Our comparisons suggest that the M2013 retrieval model may benefit from a more sophisticated thermodynamic calculation of the Ice temperature or from using independent temperature data (e.g. from 6 GHz channels). In both models, horizontally polarized brightness temperatures increase with Snow thickness while holding surface temperature, Ice thickness and Snow density near constant. The increase in the T2011 model is steeper than in M2013, suggesting a higher sensitivity to Snow thickness than found earlier.
Model Checking Properties on Reduced Trace Systems
Authors: Santone Antonella , Vaglini Gigliola
Published: July 2014

Temporal logic has become a well-established method for specifying the behavior of distributed systems. In this paper, we interpret a temporal logic over a partial order model that is a trace system. The satisfaction of the formulae is directly defined on traces on the basis of rewriting rules; so, the graph representation of the system can be completely avoided; moreover, a method is presented that keeps the trace system finite, also in the presence of infinite computations. To further reduce the complexity of model checking temporal logic formulae, an abstraction technique is applied to trace systems.
An Inexpensive, Fast and Sensitive Quantitative Lateral Flow Magneto-Immunoassay for Total Prostate Specific Antigen
Authors: Barnett Jacqueline , Wraith Patrick , Kiely Janice , Persad Raj , Hurley Katrina , Hawkins Peter , Luxton Richard
Published: July 2014

We describe the detection characteristics of a device the Resonant Coil Magnetometer (RCM) to quantify paramagnetic particles (PMPs) in immunochromatographic (lateral flow) assays. Lateral flow assays were developed using PMPs for the measurement of total prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum samples. A detection limit of 0.8 ng/mL was achieved for total PSA using the RCM and is at clinically significant concentrations. Comparison of data obtained in a pilot study from the analysis of serum samples with commercially available immunoassays shows good agreement. The development of a quantitative magneto-immunoassay in lateral flow format for total PSA suggests the potential of the RCM to operate with many immunoassay formats. The RCM has the potential to be modified to quantify multiple analytes in this format. This research shows promise for the development of an inexpensive device capable of quantifying multiple analytes at the point-of-care using a magneto-immunoassay in lateral flow format.
Antinociceptive Effect of Intrathecal Microencapsulated Human Pheochromocytoma Cell in a Rat Model of Bone Cancer Pain
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Guoqi , Wu Shaoling , Zhang Baiyu , Wan Qing , Yu Ding , Zhou Ruijun , Ma Chao
Published: July 2014

Human pheochromocytoma cells, which are demonstrated to contain and release met-enkephalin and norepinephrine, may be a promising resource for cell therapy in cancer-induced intractable pain. Intrathecal injection of alginate-poly (l) lysine-alginate (APA) microencapsulated human pheochromocytoma cells leads to antinociceptive effect in a rat model of bone cancer pain, and this effect was blocked by opioid antagonist naloxone and alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist rauwolscine. Neurochemical changes of cerebrospinal fluid are in accordance with the analgesic responses. Taken together, these data support that human pheochromocytoma cell implant-induced antinociception was mediated by met-enkephalin and norepinephrine secreted from the cell implants and acting at spinal receptors. Spinal implantation of microencapsulated human pheochromocytoma cells may provide an alternative approach for the therapy of chronic intractable pain.
Exome Sequencing in Fetuses with Structural Malformations
Authors: Mackie Fiona , Carss Keren , Hillman Sarah , Hurles Matthew , Kilby Mark
Published: July 2014

Prenatal diagnostic testing is a rapidly advancing field. An accurate diagnosis of structural anomalies and additional abnormalities in fetuses with structural anomalies is important to allow “triage” and designation of prognosis. This will allow parents to make an informed decision relating to the pregnancy. This review outlines the current tests used in prenatal diagnosis, focusing particularly on “new technologies” such as exome sequencing. We demonstrate the utility of exome sequencing above that of conventional karyotyping and Chromosomal Microarray (CMA) alone by outlining a recent proof of concept study investigating 30 parent-fetus trios where the fetus is known to have a structural anomaly. This may allow the identification of pathological gene anomalies and consequently improved prognostic profiling, as well as excluding anomalies and distinguishing between de novo and inherited mutations, in order to estimate the recurrence risk in future pregnancies. The potential ethical dilemmas surrounding exome sequencing are also considered, and the future of prenatal genetic diagnosis is discussed.
Breath Ethane Concentrations in Healthy Volunteers Correlate with a Systemic Marker of Lipid Peroxidation but Not with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Availability
Authors: Ross Brian , Glen Iain
Published: July 2014

Ethane in human breath derives from lipid peroxidation, specifically the reaction between omega-3 fatty acids and reactive oxygen species. It has been proposed to be a non-invasive marker of oxidative stress, a deleterious process which may play an important role in the pathophysiology of several common diseases. It is unclear, however, whether ethane concentration actually correlates with systemic oxidative stress or whether it is primarily a marker of airway biochemistry. To investigate this possibility the breath ethane concentrations in 24 healthy volunteers were compared to that of a systemic measure of oxidative stress, plasma hydroperoxides, as well as to blood concentrations of the lipophilic anti-oxidant vitamin E, and the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Breath ethane concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) positively correlated with blood hydroperoxide concentrations (rp = 0.60) and negatively with that of vitamin E (rp = −0.65), but were not correlated with either the total omega-3 fatty acid concentration (rp = −0.22) or that of any individual species of this fatty acid class. This data supports the hypothesis that breath ethane is a marker of systemic lipid peroxidation, as opposed to that of omega-3 fatty acid abundance.
Metabolic Profiling of Retrograde Pathway Transcription Factors Rtg1 and Rtg3 Knockout Yeast
Authors: Hashim Zanariah , Mukai Yukio , Bamba Takeshi , Fukusaki Eiichiro
Published: July 2014

Rtg1 and Rtg3 are two basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors found in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that are involved in the regulation of the mitochondrial retrograde (RTG) pathway. Under RTG response, anaplerotic synthesis of citrate is activated, consequently maintaining the supply of important precursors necessary for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis. Although the roles of Rtg1 and Rtg3 in TCA and glyoxylate cycles have been extensively reported, the investigation of other metabolic pathways has been lacking. Characteristic dimer formation in bHLH proteins, which allows for combinatorial gene expression, and the link between RTG and other regulatory pathways suggest more complex metabolic signaling involved in Rtg1/Rtg3 regulation. In this study, using a metabolomics approach, we examined metabolic alteration following RTG1 and RTG3 deletion. We found that apart from TCA and glyoxylate cycles, which have been previously reported, polyamine biosynthesis and other amino acid metabolism were significantly altered in RTG-deficient strains. We revealed that metabolic alterations occurred at various metabolic sites and that these changes relate to different growth phases, but the difference can be detected even at the mid-exponential phase, when mitochondrial function is repressed. Moreover, the effect of metabolic rearrangements can be seen through the chronological lifespan (CLS) measurement, where we confirmed the role of the RTG pathway in extending the yeast lifespan. Through a comprehensive metabolic profiling, we were able to explore metabolic phenotypes previously unidentified by other means and illustrate the possible correlations of Rtg1 and Rtg3 in different pathways.
Autophagy as a Possible Underlying Mechanism of Nanomaterial Toxicity
Authors: Cohignac Vanessa , Landry Marion , Boczkowski Jorge , Lanone Sophie
Published: July 2014

The rapid development of nanotechnologies is raising safety concerns because of the potential effects of engineered nanomaterials on human health, particularly at the respiratory level. Since the last decades, many in vivo studies have been interested in the pulmonary effects of different classes of nanomaterials. It has been shown that some of them can induce toxic effects, essentially depending on their physico-chemical characteristics, but other studies did not identify such effects. Inflammation and oxidative stress are currently the two main mechanisms described to explain the observed toxicity. However, the exact underlying mechanism(s) still remain(s) unknown and autophagy could represent an interesting candidate. Autophagy is a physiological process in which cytoplasmic components are digested via a lysosomal pathway. It has been shown that autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis and the progression of human diseases, and is able to modulate the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses. A growing amount of literature suggests that a link between nanomaterial toxicity and autophagy impairment could exist. In this review, we will first summarize what is known about the respiratory effects of nanomaterials and we will then discuss the possible involvement of autophagy in this toxicity. This review should help understand why autophagy impairment could be taken as a promising candidate to fully understand nanomaterials toxicity.
Development of Methods for Detection and Monitoring of Fire Disturbance in the Alaskan Tundra Using a Two-Decade Long Record of Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite Images
Authors: Jenkins Liza , Bourgeau-Chavez Laura , French Nancy , Loboda Tatiana , Thelen Brian
Published: July 2014

Using the extensive archive of historical ERS-1 and -2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, this analysis demonstrates that fire disturbance can be effectively detected and monitored in high northern latitudes using radar technology. A total of 392 SAR images from May to August spanning 1992–2010 were analyzed from three study fires in the Alaskan tundra. The investigated fires included the 2007 Anaktuvuk River Fire and the 1993 DCKN178 Fire on the North Slope of Alaska and the 1999 Uvgoon Creek Fire in the Noatak National Preserve. A 3 dB difference was found between burned and unburned tundra, with the best time for burned area detection being as late in the growing season as possible before frozen ground conditions develop. This corresponds to mid-August for the study fires. In contrast to electro-optical studies from the same region, measures of landscape recovery as detected by the SAR were on the order of four to five years instead of one.
Characterisation of a Marine Bacterium Vibrio Brasiliensis T33 Producing N-acyl Homoserine Lactone Quorum Sensing Molecules
Authors: Tan Wen-Si , Yunos Nina , Tan Pui-Wan , Mohamad Nur , Adrian Tan-Guan-Sheng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: July 2014

N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) plays roles as signal molecules in quorum sensing (QS) in most Gram-negative bacteria. QS regulates various physiological activities in relation with population density and concentration of signal molecules. With the aim of isolating marine water-borne bacteria that possess QS properties, we report here the preliminary screening of marine bacteria for AHL production using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as the AHL biosensor. Strain T33 was isolated based on preliminary AHL screening and further identified by using 16S rDNA sequence analysis as a member of the genus Vibrio closely related to Vibrio brasiliensis. The isolated Vibrio sp. strain T33 was confirmed to produce N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and N-(3-oxodecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C10 HSL) through high resolution tandem mass spectrometry analysis. We demonstrated that this isolate formed biofilms which could be inhibited by catechin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that documents the production of these AHLs by Vibrio brasiliensis strain T33.
In Vitro Evaluation of Fluorescence Glucose Biosensor Response
Authors: Aloraefy Mamdouh , Pfefer T. , Ramella-Roman Jessica , Sapsford Kim
Published: July 2014

Rapid, accurate, and minimally-invasive glucose biosensors based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) for glucose measurement have the potential to enhance diabetes control. However, a standard set of in vitro approaches for evaluating optical glucose biosensor response under controlled conditions would facilitate technological innovation and clinical translation. Towards this end, we have identified key characteristics and response test methods, fabricated FRET-based glucose biosensors, and characterized biosensor performance using these test methods. The biosensors were based on competitive binding between dextran and glucose to concanavalin A and incorporated long-wavelength fluorescence dye pairs. Testing characteristics included spectral response, linearity, sensitivity, limit of detection, kinetic response, reversibility, stability, precision, and accuracy. The biosensor demonstrated a fluorescence change of 45% in the presence of 400 mg/dL glucose, a mean absolute relative difference of less than 11%, a limit of detection of 25 mg/dL, a response time of 15 min, and a decay in fluorescence intensity of 72% over 30 days. The battery of tests presented here for objective, quantitative in vitro evaluation of FRET glucose biosensors performance have the potential to form the basis of future consensus standards. By implementing these test methods for a long-visible-wavelength biosensor, we were able to demonstrate strengths and weaknesses with a new level of thoroughness and rigor.
A Smart High Accuracy Silicon Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Temperature Compensation System
Authors: Zhou Guanwu , Zhao Yulong , Guo Fangfang , Xu Wenju
Published: July 2014

Theoretical analysis in this paper indicates that the accuracy of a silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor is mainly affected by thermal drift, and varies nonlinearly with the temperature. Here, a smart temperature compensation system to reduce its effect on accuracy is proposed. Firstly, an effective conditioning circuit for signal processing and data acquisition is designed. The hardware to implement the system is fabricated. Then, a program is developed on LabVIEW which incorporates an extreme learning machine (ELM) as the calibration algorithm for the pressure drift. The implementation of the algorithm was ported to a micro-control unit (MCU) after calibration in the computer. Practical pressure measurement experiments are carried out to verify the system’s performance. The temperature compensation is solved in the interval from −40 to 85 °C. The compensated sensor is aimed at providing pressure measurement in oil-gas pipelines. Compared with other algorithms, ELM acquires higher accuracy and is more suitable for batch compensation because of its higher generalization and faster learning speed. The accuracy, linearity, zero temperature coefficient and sensitivity temperature coefficient of the tested sensor are 2.57% FS, 2.49% FS, 8.1 × 10−5/°C and 29.5 × 10−5/°C before compensation, and are improved to 0.13%FS, 0.15%FS, 1.17 × 10−5/°C and 2.1 × 10−5/°C respectively, after compensation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system is valid for the temperature compensation and high accuracy requirement of the sensor.
Co‐isolation of extracellular vesicles and high‐density lipoproteins using density gradient ultracentrifugation
Authors: Yuana Yuana , Levels Johannes , Grootemaat Anita , Sturk Auguste , Nieuwland Rienk
Published: July 2014

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate intercellular communication by carrying bioactive molecules such as proteins, messenger RNA, and micro (mi)RNAs. Recently, high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) isolated from human plasma were also reported to transport miRNA to other cells. HDL, when isolated from human plasma, ranges in density between 1.063 and 1.21 g/mL, which grossly overlap with the reported density of EVs. Consequently, HDL and EV will be co‐isolated when using density gradient ultracentrifugation. Thus, more stringent isolation/separation procedures of EV and HDL are essential to know their relative contribution to the pool of circulating bioactive molecules.
STRATEGIES FOR MINIMIZING INFORMATION ASYMMETRIES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: PROJECT MANAGERS’ PERCEPTIONS
Authors: Ceric Anita
Published: July 2014

Communication risk is of crucial importance in construction projects. The situation in which one of the project parties is better informed than another is known as information asymmetry. This problem is addressed by the principal-agent theory. According to this theory, information asymmetries cause three problems: adverse selection, moral hazard, and hold up. The focus here is on strategies for minimizing information asymmetries in the construction phase. A survey of project managers was conducted to establish an understanding of the relative importance of risk-minimization strategies established in the literature: bureaucratic control (contracts), information systems, incentives (bonuses), corporate culture, reputation, and trust. The multi-attribute utility theory was used to analyze the responses. According to the project managers who participated in the survey, trust is the most important strategy in the construction phase, followed by bureaucratic control (contracts) and information systems.
VAR AND THE CROSS-SECTION OF EXPECTED STOCK RETURNS: AN EMERGING MARKET EVIDENCE
Authors: Chen Dar-Hsin , Chen Chun-Da , Wu Su-Chen
Published: July 2014

In this paper we investigate the explanatory power of the market beta, firm size, and the book-to-market ratio, as well as Value-at-Risk regarding the cross-sectional expected stock returns in a less developed stock market – Taiwan's stock market. The main purpose is to examine whether the Value-at-Risk factor has marginal explanatory power related to the Fama-French three-factor model. The empirical results show that Value-at-Risk can account for the average stock returns at both 1% and 5% significance levels based on cross-sectional regression analysis. Moreover, from the perspective of the time series regression, the Value-at-Risk factor can also demonstrate the variation of the stock market, especially for the larger companies in the Taiwan stock market.
AN INTEGRATED MODEL FOR EXTENDING BRAND BASED ON FUZZY ARAS AND ANP METHODS
Authors: Zamani Mahmoud , Rabbani Arefeh , Yazdani-Chamzini Abdolreza , Turskis Zenonas
Published: July 2014

Brand extension is one of the most popular strategies in marketing. This is due to the fact that consumers usually take into account the brand first because it indirectly reflects the design, quality, and functions. According to the significant role of brand in creating benefit and diminishing risk for a new product, this study intended to develop a novel model for selecting the most appropriate strategy in brand extension. However, there are a number of criteria influencing the possible strategies, and they often are interdependent. Therefore, a multi-criteria decision making model based on Analytic Network Process and Additive Ratio Assessment methods has been developed to systematically clarify the interdependent relationships among the evaluation criteria of brand extension and then, scientifically evaluate the feasible strategies and rank the priorities of brand extension strategies. The results of the proposed model show that “Production cost” is the most important factor, followed by “Quality of parent brand” and “Perceived risk” while “Ice cream” is the highest satisfaction of brand extension.
FLOOD PATTERN CHANGES IN THE RIVERS OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES
Authors: SARAUSKIENE Diana , KRIAUCIUNIENE Jurate , REIHAN Alvina , KLAVINS Maris
Published: July 2014

Estimation of both the frequency and variation of spring floods is a key issue for the assessment and management of flood risks. Changes in river floods in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been investigated in few national studies. However, there are no studies of the changes of flood patterns by using a common methodology for the rivers of this region. In this study flood pattern changes in the rivers of the Baltic countries were estimated applying trend and frequency analysis for the periods of 1922–2010, 1922–1960, 1961–2010 and 1991–2010, i.e. for the whole spring flood data sets, periods before and after 1960 (this year was considered as the beginning of the remarkable climate change), as well as for the two past decades. A comparative study of five probability distributions was performed in order to estimate which distribution at best represents statistical characteristics of the flood data. The results showed that maximum discharges of spring floods decreased over the whole studied period. Only some insignificant positive trends of maximum discharges were found in the last time period in continental and transitional rivers. Generalized extreme value distribution provided the best approximation to the maximum discharge data series of the rivers of Baltic countries for the whole observation period.
Adventitious shoot regeneration from leaves of apple rootstock ‘Pingyitiancha’ (Malus hupehensisvar.pinyiensis) and genetic fidelity of regenerated plantlets using SSR markers
Authors: Jin Wanmei , Wang Yuanhua , Wang Hua
Published: July 2014

Jin, W., Wang, Y. and Wang, H. 2014. Adventitious shoot regeneration from leaves of apple rootstock ‘Pingyitiancha’ (Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis) and genetic fidelity of regenerated plantlets using SSR markers. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1345–1354. Apple is one of the major fruit tree species in China, its cultivation area and total output rank first in the world. ‘Pingyitiancha’ (Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis) is a widely used rootstock for apple cultivation in China. Several factors affecting leaf regeneration were investigated. In this study, a successful adventitious shoot regeneration protocol for this cultivar was established. ‘Pingyitiancha’ leaves were a suitable source of explants for regeneration of adventitious shoots. The optimal adventitious shoot regeneration protocol involved subculturing seedling leaves for 30–35 d. The optimum medium was Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2.0 mg L−1thidiazuron and 0.2 mg L−1indole-3-butyric acid. Explants with the abaxial surface in contact with the medium kept for 14 d in the dark showed the highest regeneration percentage of adventitious shoots of explants (100%), and produced an average of 3.6 shoots per regenerating explant. Shoots regenerated from leaves were rooted on half-strength MS medium containing 0.4 mg L−11-naphthalene acetic acid. The rooting percentage was 94.4%. Using SSR markers, all banding profiles from regenerated plantlets were monomorphic and same to those of the mother plant. It showed that the uniformity of the in vitro regenerated plantlets was maintained.
Impacts of 48 years of consistent cropping, fertilization and land management on the physical quality of a clay loam soil
Authors: Reynolds W. D. , Drury C. F. , Yang X. M. , Tan C. S. , Yang J. Y.
Published: July 2014

Reynolds, W. D., Drury, C. F., Yang, X. M., Tan, C. S. and Yang, J. Y. 2014. Impacts of 48 years of consistent cropping, fertilization and land management on the physical quality of a clay loam soil. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 403–419. Soil physical quality (SPQ) is often ignored or under-monitored in long-term field studies designed to determine the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural practices. Accordingly, a suite of complementary soil physical and hydraulic parameters was measured using intact core samples to determine the SPQ of a Brookston clay loam under a long-term (48 yr) cropping, fertilization and land management study at Woodslee, Ontario. The SPQ under virgin woodlot, fertilized monoculture sod and unfertilized monoculture sod treatments was similar, with optimal SPQ occurring in the top 10–20 cm, but severely suboptimal SPQ occurring below 30 cm because bulk density (BD), relative field capacity (RFC) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS) were excessive, and because organic carbon (OC), air capacity (AC) and plant-available water capacity (PAWC) were critically low. The SPQ for fertilized and unfertilized monoculture corn under fall moldboard plow tillage was similar and substantially suboptimal throughout the top 40–50 cm due to high or excessive BD and RFC, critically low OC, low or critically low AC and PAWC, and KSthat varied erratically from excessive to critically low. The SPQ under fertilized and unfertilized corn–oat–alfalfa–alfalfa rotations (corn and second-year alfalfa fall plowed) was similar and largely non-optimal below 10 cm, but largely optimal in the top 10 cm due to the ameliorating effects of numerous biopores and crop roots. A bimodal soil water release function fitted to release curve data showed that PAWC was determined by soil matrix porosity (PM), and AC was determined by soil structure porosity (PS). Strong inverse linear correlations between BD vs. PM, BD vs. PSand BD vs. OC provided site-specific estimates of optimal ranges and critical limits for PAWC, AC and OC, respectively. Although SPQ changed substantially among treatments, the changes did not extend below 30-to 40-cm depth, and were largely unaffected by long-term annual fertilization. The SPQ below 30- to 40-cm depth was similarly poor across all treatments, and is likely an inherent characteristic of the soil.
Size estimates for the EIT problem with one measurement: the complex case
Authors: Beretta Elena , Francini Elisa , Vessella Sergio
Published: July 2014

In this paper we estimate the size of a measurable inclusion in terms of power measurements for a single applied boundary current. This problem arises in medical imaging for the screening of organs (see [17]). For this kind of problem one has to deal mathematically with the complex conductivity (admittivity) equation. In this case we are able to establish, for certain classes of admittivities, lower and upper bounds of the measure of the inclusion in terms of the power measurements. A novelty of our result is that we are also able to estimate the volume of an inclusion having part of its boundary in common with the reference body. Our analysis is based on the derivation of energy bounds and fine quantitative estimates of unique continuation for solutions to elliptic equations.
Mortality Due to Chagas Disease in Brazil According to a Specific Cause
Authors: da Nóbrega Aglaêr Alves , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes , Vasconcelos Ana Maria Nogales
Published: July 2014

A century after its discovery, Chagas disease (CD) is still considered a public health problem. Mortality caused by CD between 2000 and 2010 was described according to the specific underlying cause, year of occurrence, gender, age range, and region of Brazil. The standardized mortality rate decreased 32.4%, from 3.4% in 2000 to 2.3% in 2010. Most of the deaths (85.9%) occurred in male patients who were > 60 years of age caused by cardiac involvement. The mortality rate caused by cardiac involvement decreased in all regions of Brazil, except in the North region, where it increased by 1.6%. The Northeast had the smallest and the Central-West had the largest decrease. The mortality rate caused by a compromised digestive tract increased in all regions. Despite the control of transmission by vector and blood transfusions, CD should remain on the list of priority diseases for the public health service in Brazil, and surveillance actions cannot be interrupted.
Lineage II of Southeast Asian/American DENV-2 is Associated with a Severe Dengue Outbreak in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Williams Maya , Mayer Sandra V. , Johnson William L. , Chen Rubing , Volkova Evgeniya , Vilcarromero Stalin , Widen Steven G. , Wood Thomas G. , Suarez-Ognio Luis , Long Kanya C. , Hanley Kathryn A. , Morrison Amy C. , Vasilakis Nikos , Halsey Eric S.
Published: July 2014

During 2010 and 2011, the Loreto region of Peru experienced a dengue outbreak of unprecedented magnitude and severity for the region. This outbreak coincided with the reappearance of dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) in Loreto after almost 8 years. Whole-genome sequence indicated that DENV-2 from the outbreak belonged to lineage II of the southeast Asian/American genotype and was most closely related to viruses circulating in Brazil during 2007 and 2008, whereas DENV-2 previously circulating in Loreto grouped with lineage I (DENV-2 strains circulating in South America since 1990). One amino acid substitution (NS5 A811V) in the 2010 and 2011 isolates resulted from positive selection. However, the 2010 and 2011 DENV-2 did not replicate to higher titers in monocyte-derived dendritic cells and did not infect or disseminate in a higher proportion of Aedes aegypti than DENV-2 isolates previously circulating in Loreto. These results suggest that factors other than enhanced viral replication played a role in the severity of this outbreak.
Vector Competence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes vittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Senegal and Cape Verde Archipelago for West African Lineages of Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Diagne Cheikh T. , Faye Oumar , Guerbois Mathilde , Knight Rachel , Diallo Diawo , Faye Ousmane , Ba Yamar , Dia Ibrahima , Weaver Scott C. , Sall Amadou A. , Diallo Mawlouth
Published: July 2014

To assess the risk of emergence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in West Africa, vector competence of wild-type, urban, and non-urban Aedes aegypti and Ae. vittatus from Senegal and Cape Verde for CHIKV was investigated. Mosquitoes were fed orally with CHIKV isolates from mosquitoes (ArD30237), bats (CS13-288), and humans (HD180738). After 5, 10, and 15 days of incubation following an infectious blood meal, presence of CHIKV RNA was determined in bodies, legs/wings, and saliva using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Aedes vittatus showed high susceptibility (50–100%) and early dissemination and transmission of all CHIKV strains tested. Aedes aegypti exhibited infection rates ranging from 0% to 50%. Aedes aegypti from Cape Verde and Kedougou, but not those from Dakar, showed the potential to transmit CHIKV in saliva. Analysis of biology and competence showed relatively high infective survival rates for Ae. vittatus and Ae. aegypti from Cape Verde, suggesting their efficient vector capacity in West Africa.
Expertise, Time, Money, Mentoring, and Reward: Systemic Barriers That Limit Education Researcher Productivity—Proceedings From the AAMC GEA Workshop
Authors: Yarris Lalena M. , Juve Amy Miller , Artino Anthony R. , Sullivan Gail M. , Rougas Steven , Joyce Barbara , Eva Kevin
Published: July 2014

Background

To further evolve in an evidence-based fashion, medical education needs to develop and evaluate new practices for teaching, learning, and assessment. However, educators face barriers in designing, conducting, and publishing education research.

Objective

To explore the barriers medical educators face in formulating, conducting, and publishing high-quality medical education research, and to identify strategies for overcoming them.

Methods

A consensus workshop was held November 5, 2013, at the Association of American Medical Colleges annual meeting. A working group of education research experts and educators completed a preconference literature review focusing on barriers to education research. During the workshop, consensus-based and small group techniques were used to refine the broad themes into content categories. Attendees then ranked the most important barriers and strategies for overcoming them with the highest potential impact.

Results

Barriers participants faced in conducting quality education research included lack of (1) expertise, (2) time, (3) funding, (4) mentorship, and (5) reward. The strategy considered most effective in overcoming these barriers involved building communities of education researchers for collaboration and networking, and advocating for education researchers' interests. Other suggestions included trying to secure increased funding opportunities, developing mentoring programs, and encouraging mechanisms to ensure protected time.

Conclusions

Barriers to education research productivity clearly exist. Many appear to result from feelings of isolation that may be overcome with systemic efforts to develop and enable communities of practice across institutions. Finally, the theme of “reward” is novel and complex and may have implications for education research productivity.
High spatial resolution images for the analysis of the spatial structure of Pinus pinaster Aiton stands in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Merino de Miguel S. , Solana Gutierrez J. , Gonzalez Alonso F.
Published: July 2014

This paper analyses the spatial structure of the Pinus pinaster Aiton stands within Madrid province (Central Spain) by means of high spatial resolution images, as well as the relationship between texture indexes obtained from variograms, and dasometric features of forest stands. In order to carry out this research, some orthophotographs and an IKONOS satellite image were used. All these images corresponded to locations of the Spanish National Forest Inventory (NFI) sample plots for the species of interest. Image analysis was based on geostatistic tools and particularly on the variogram. Experimental variograms were calculated using the different data sets. The following step consisted on fitting mathematical functions to them in order to produce ideal variograms. These models were used to extract a set of variogram variables that might be useful for characterizing forest stands at different spatial resolutions. As a result, some significant relationships between variogram parameters and dasometric variables were found, but of limited predictive power. The latter reveals the diff iculties in applying such methodology when working on complex topographies and spatially heterogeneous forests as the Mediterranean.
Spatial valuation of recreation activities in forest systems: application to province of Segovia (Spain)
Authors: Voces González R. , Díaz Balteiro L. , López-Peredo Martínez E.
Published: July 2014

During the past few years there has been an important boost in the application of environment valuation techniques in forest ecosystems. In Spain, these studies have been characterized, among other features, by having been carried out in Protected Natural Areas and by not having included the spatial component of the territory. In this paper, it is aimed to make a valuation of the recreation activities for all the forest systems in a specific province (Segovia), integrating the space component by means of the CORINE Land Cover 2000 cartography. For that purpose, the results of 42 research works conducted in Spain have been taken, and, through a meta-analysis exercise, a model has been set up to estimate the willingness to pay for any recreation activity in the above forests. The model has different explanatory variables, including the inhabitants situated at a certain distance from the forest, the provincial income or the forest category associated with the CORINE polygon. The number of visitors has been obtained from the occupation degree of the accommodation in the rural dwellings of this province. Thus, the results obtained can be taken as being a low threshold of the recreation value associated with these ecosystems.