bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some homological properties of category 𝒪. IV
Authors: Coulembier Kevin , Mazorchuk Volodymyr
Published: September 2016

We study projective dimension and graded length of structural modules in parabolic-singular blocks of the BGG category

𝒪

{\mathcal{O}}

.
Some of these are calculated explicitly, others are expressed in terms of two functions.
We also obtain several partial results and estimates for these two functions and relate them to monotonicity properties for quasi-hereditary algebras.
The results are then applied to study blocks of

𝒪

{\mathcal{O}}

in the context of Guichardet categories, in
particular, we show that blocks of

𝒪

{\mathcal{O}}

are not always weakly Guichardet.
With Whom Do Nations Trade? – The Fading Distance
Authors: Michaely Michael , Wajnryt David
Published: September 2016

Distance has conventionally been considered a major determinant of the direction of international trade. This contrasts, intuitively, with the generally-acknowledged fact that transportation costs are only a minor component of prices in international trade. The present study estimates the impact of distance on mutual trade flows in alternative, more direct methods than those employed traditionally in the literature. In particular, it looks at the “intensity ratio” in mutual trade; and asks to what extent its deviation from the size expected under an assumption of “neutrality” may be explained by mutual distances. It is found that, by and large, distance is a minor determinant of the trade of nations with each other. It is of some significance when trade flows within quite short ranges are concerned; but beyond these, the impact of distance on trade largely fades away.
An Analysis of the Impact of Valve Closure Time on the Course of Water Hammer
Authors: Kodura Apoloniusz
Published: September 2016

The knowledge of transient flow in pressure pipelines is very important for the designing and describing of pressure networks. The water hammer is the most common example of transient flow in pressure pipelines. During this phenomenon, the transformation of kinetic energy into pressure energy causes significant changes in pressure, which can lead to serious problems in the management of pressure networks. The phenomenon is very complex, and a large number of different factors influence its course. In the case of a water hammer caused by valve closing, the characteristic of gate closure is one of the most important factors. However, this factor is rarely investigated. In this paper, the results of physical experiments with water hammer in steel and PE pipelines are described and analyzed. For each water hammer, characteristics of pressure change and valve closing were recorded. The measurements were compared with the results of calculations perfomed by common methods used by engineers - Michaud’s equation and Wood and Jones’s method.

The comparison revealed very significant differences between the results of calculations and the results of experiments. In addition, it was shown that, the characteristic of butterfly valve closure has a significant influence on water hammer, which should be taken into account in analyzing this phenomenon. Comparison of the results of experiments with the results of calculations? may lead to new, improved calculation methods and to new methods to describe transient flow.
Possible Applications of Hardening Slurries with Fly Ash from Thermal Treatment of Municipal Sewage Sludge in Environmental Protection Structures
Authors: Falacinski Paweł , Szarek Łukasz
Published: September 2016

In Poland, in recent years, there has been a rapid accumulation of sewage sludge - a by-product in the treatment of urban wastewater. This has come about as a result of infrastructure renewal, specifically, the construction of modern sewage treatment plants. The more stringent regulations and strategic goals adopted for modern sewage management have necessitated the application of modern engineering methodology for the disposal of sewage sludge. One approach is incineration. As a consequence, the amount of fly ash resulting from the thermal treatment of municipal sewage sludge has grown significantly. Hence, intensive work is in progress for environmentally safe management of this type of waste.

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the possibility of using the fly ash that results from municipal sewage sludge thermal treatment (SSTT) as an additive to hardening slurries. This type of hardening slurry with various types of additives, e.g. coal combustion products, is used in the construction of cut-off walls in hydraulic structures.

The article presents the technological and functional parameters of hardening slurries with an addition of fly ash obtained by SSTT. Moreover, the usefulness of these slurries is analysed on the basis of their basic properties, i.e. density, contractual viscosity, water separation, structural strength, volumetric density, hydraulic conductivity, compressive and tensile strength. The mandated requirements for slurries employed in the construction of cut-off walls in flood embankments are listed as a usefulness criteria.

The article presents the potential uses of fly ash from SSTT in hardening slurry technology. It also suggests directions for further research to fully identify other potential uses of this by-product in this field.
Photoluminescence Properties of Eu3+-activated Silicate Phosphors
Authors: Öztürk Esra
Published: September 2016

The silicate-type and Eu3+-activated Sr3SiO5 and Mg3SiO5 were prepared through the high temperature solid state reaction method under an open atmosphere. DTA/TG analysis was conducted to obtain information about the thermal behaviors of the mixed reactants. Using the DTA/TG results, the sintering process was achieved and the phase properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of the same activator (Eu3+) and co-dopant (Dy3+) on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of the host lattices were investigated by using a photoluminescence spectrometer.
Simulation Model for Prediction of Transient Performance Characteristics of Single–Phase Shaded Pole Motor
Authors: Sarac Vasilija , Atanasova-Pacemska Tatjana
Published: September 2016

Paper proposes mathematical model of single phase shaded pole motor suitable for analysis of motor dynamic behavior. Derived mathematical model from d–q reference frame theory is applied at motor simulation model. Derived simulation model enables analysis of transient performance characteristics of motor currents, speed and electromagnetic torque under different operating regimes. Obtained results from the simulation are compared with data from analytical calculations based on method of symmetrical components and data from experiment for the purpose of verification of the simulation model. Simulation model is useful for studying the effect of parameters on motor starting and running characteristics at different types of loads.
Digitally Controllable Current Amplifier and Current Conveyors in Practical Application of Controllable Frequency Filter
Authors: Polak Josef , Jerabek Jan , Langhammer Lukas , Sotner Roman , Dvorak Jan , Panek David
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the simulations results in comparison with the measured results of the practical realization of the multifunctional second order frequency filter with a Digitally Adjustable Current Amplifier (DACA) and two Dual-Output Controllable Current Conveyors (CCCII +/−). This filter is designed for use in current mode. The filter was designed of the single input multiple outputs (SIMO) type, therefore it has only one input and three outputs with individual filtering functions. DACA element used in a newly proposed circuit is present in form of an integrated chip and the current conveyors are implemented using the Universal Current Conveyor (UCC) chip with designation UCC-N1B. Proposed frequency filter enables independent control of the pole frequency using parameters of two current conveyors and also independent control of the quality factor by change of a current gain of DACA.
Models of Pilot Behavior and Their Use to Evaluate the State of Pilot Training
Authors: Jirgl Miroslav , Jalovecky Rudolf , Bradac Zdenek
Published: September 2016

This article discusses the possibilities of obtaining new information related to human behavior, namely the changes or progressive development of pilots’ abilities during training. The main assumption is that a pilot’s ability can be evaluated based on a corresponding behavioral model whose parameters are estimated using mathematical identification procedures. The mean values of the identified parameters are obtained via statistical methods. These parameters are then monitored and their changes evaluated. In this context, the paper introduces and examines relevant mathematical models of human (pilot) behavior, the pilot-aircraft interaction, and an example of the mathematical analysis.
Identification of Nonlinear Cascade Systems with Noninvertible Piecewise Linear Input and Backlash Output Nonlinearities
Authors: Vörös Jozef
Published: September 2016

The paper deals with the parameter identification of cascade nonlinear dynamic systems with noninvertible piecewise linear input nonlinearities and backlash output nonlinearities. Application of the key term separation principle provides special expressions for the corresponding nonlinear model description that are linear in parameters. A least squares based iterative technique allows estimation of all the model parameters based on measured input/output data. Simulation studies illustrate the feasibility of proposed identification method.
Statistical Properties of Real–Time Amplitude Estimate of Harmonics Affected by Frequency Instability
Authors: Bellan Diego , Pignari Sergio A.
Published: September 2016

This work deals with the statistical characterization of real-time digital measurement of the amplitude of harmonics affected by frequency instability. In fact, in modern power systems both the presence of harmonics and frequency instability are well-known and widespread phenomena mainly due to nonlinear loads and distributed generation, respectively. As a result, real-time monitoring of voltage/current frequency spectra is of paramount importance as far as power quality issues are addressed. Within this framework, a key point is that in many cases real-time continuous monitoring prevents the application of sophisticated algorithms to extract all the information from the digitized waveforms because of the required computational burden. In those cases only simple evaluations such as peak search of discrete Fourier transform are implemented. It is well known, however, that a slight change in waveform frequency results in lack of sampling synchronism and uncertainty in amplitude estimate. Of course the impact of this phenomenon increases with the order of the harmonic to be measured. In this paper an approximate analytical approach is proposed in order to describe the statistical properties of the measured magnitude of harmonics affected by frequency instability. By providing a simplified description of the frequency behavior of the windows used against spectral leakage, analytical expressions for mean value, variance, cumulative distribution function, and probability density function of the measured harmonics magnitude are derived in closed form as functions of waveform frequency treated as a random variable.
Extra Mass Flux in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Ván Peter , Pavelka Michal , Grmela Miroslav
Published: September 2016

The conditions of existence of extra mass flux in single-component dissipative nonrelativistic fluids are clarified. By considering Galilean invariance, we show that if total mass flux is equal to total momentum density, then mass, momentum, angular momentum and booster (center of mass) are conserved. However, these conservation laws may be fulfilled also by other means. We show an example of weakly nonlocal hydrodynamics where the conservation laws are satisfied as well although the total mass flux is different from momentum density.
Texture and composition of the Rosa Marina beach sands (Adriatic coast, southern Italy): a sedimentological/ecological approach
Authors: Moretti Massimo , Tropeano Marcello , Loon A.J. (Tom) van , Acquafredda Pasquale , Baldacconi Rossella , Festa Vincenzo , Lisco Stefania , Mastronuzzi Giuseppe , Moretti Vincenzo , Scotti Rosa
Published: September 2016

Beach sands from the Rosa Marina locality (Adriatic coast, southern Italy) were analysed mainly microscopically in order to trace the source areas of their lithoclastic and bioclastic components. The main cropping out sedimentary units were also studied with the objective to identify the potential source areas of lithoclasts. This allowed to establish how the various rock units contribute to the formation of beach sands. The analysis of the bioclastic components allows to estimate the actual role of organisms regarding the supply of this material to the beach. Identification of taxa that are present in the beach sands as shell fragments or other remains was carried out at the genus or family level. Ecological investigation of the same beach and the recognition of sub-environments (mainly distinguished on the basis of the nature of the substrate and of the water depth) was the key topic that allowed to establish the actual source areas of bioclasts in the Rosa Marina beach sands. The sedimentological analysis (including a physical study of the beach and the calculation of some statistical parameters concerning the grain-size curves) shows that the Rosa Marina beach is nowadays subject to erosion.
Isotope characterisation of deep aquifers in the Gwda catchment, northern Poland
Authors: Kotowski Tomasz , Satora Stefan
Published: September 2016

We present the results of isotope measurements (δ18O, δ D, δ13CDIC and 14C) and chemical analyses (TDS, TOC, HCO3
-, SO4
2-, Cl-, NO3
-, NH4
+, Ca2+, Mg2+ Na+ and K+) conducted on groundwater samples collected from deep Cenozoic aquifers. These aquifers are the basic source of drinking water at numerous localities within the study area in northern Poland. Most of the δ18O determinations are characterised by low variability (i.e., > 70 per cent of δ18O are between -9.5‰ and -9.2‰). In most cases tritium activity was not detected or its content slightly exceeded the uncertainty of measurement (from ±0.3 T.U. to ± 0.5 T.U.). On average, 14C activity is twice higher than that under similar conditions and in hydrogeological systems. The δ13CDIC values fall within the -13.6‰ to -12.8‰ range. A slight variability is observed when considering all isotope and chemical data within the study area and under these hydrogeological conditions. In general, the results of isotope and chemical analyses seem to be homogeneous, indicating the presence of closely similar groundwaters in the system, irrespective of geological formation. It is likely that there is a significant hydraulic connection between shallow and deep aquifers in the Gwda catchment, which indicates the potential for seepage of pollutants from shallow Pleistocene to deep Miocene aquifers. This can endanger the latter by e.g., high concentrations of NO3
-, SO4
2- and Cl- ions from shallow aquifers within the Gwda catchment.
The Influence of Preload on the Work of Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Authors: Kaczor Jarosław , Raczyński Andrzej
Published: September 2016

Optimum values of preload can be achieved in well-tried constructions and then applied in similar structures. For new structures, it is recommended to calculate the preload force and to test the correctness of calculation by means of experiments. In practice it may be necessary to introduce corrections, because not all real work parameters can be precisely known. Credibility of calculations depends, first of all, on the consistence between the assumptions concerning temperature conditions during work and elastic deformations of cooperating elements – first of all of a holder – and the real work conditions. The aim of the study is to determine how preload influences the work of a system of angular ball bearings, in relation to durability of bearing, moment of friction and rigidity of the bearing.
Performance Comparison of the Optimized Inverted Joined Wing Airplane Concept and Classical Configuration Airplanes
Authors: Sieradzki Adam , Dziubiński Adam , Galiński Cezary
Published: September 2016

The joined wing concept is an unconventional airplane configuration, known since the mid-twenties of the last century. It has several possible advantages, like reduction of the induced drag and weight due to the closed wing concept. The inverted joined wing variant is its rarely considered version, with the front wing being situated above the aft wing. The following paper presents a performance prediction of the recently optimized configuration of this airplane. Flight characteristics obtained numerically were compared with the performance of two classical configuration airplanes of similar category. Their computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were created basing on available documentation, photographs and some inverse engineering methods. The analysis included simulations performed for a scale of 3-meter wingspan inverted joined wing demonstrator and also for real-scale manned airplanes. Therefore, the results of CFD calculations allowed us to assess the competitiveness of the presented concept, as compared to the most technologically advanced airplanes designed and manufactured to date. At the end of the paper, the areas where the inverted joined wing is better than conventional airplane were predicted and new research possibilities were described.
Evaluation of Early Surgical Treatment Results Considering Venous Leg Ulcers
Authors: Andrejuk Paulina , Błach Justyna , Dudek Ewa , Nogalski Adam
Published: September 2016

Lower leg ulcers are characterized by a chronic and recurrent course, being considered as a difficult therapeutic problem. Based on epidemiological data chronic ulcers concern 0.2 to 2% of the Western European population. The above-mentioned problem affects women more often than men, and increases with age. Treatment and recurrence prevention methods remain under discussion and research.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the early surgical treatment results of venous leg ulcers at the Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin.

Material and methods. We evaluated patients hospitalized at the Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin during the period between 2009-2014. Inclusion criteria were as follows: venous leg ulceration, full documentation. The study group comprised 62 patients subjected to treatment for leg ulcerations, including 35 women and 27 men, aged between 30 and 94 years. The treatment method included the excision of the ulcers with the deep fascia, and the implantation of the mesh graft (thickness of skin) directly into the exposed muscle.

Results. Amongst patients evaluated at discharge, the healing of the transplant was as follows: in case of 44 patients 90-100%, in 8 patients - 75-89%, in 5 patients 50-74% and in 5 patients less than 50%. The predominating bacteria collected from ulceration samples was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32%) and Staphylococcus aureus (35%).

Conclusions. The patient outcome shows that surgery is an effective method considering treatment of venous leg ulcers. Earlier qualification for this type of surgery will improve patient outcome.
Evaluation of the Surgery Wound Healing Process Using Self–Adaptive Skin Suture or Mechanical Stapler
Authors: Sztuczka Ewa , Jackowski Marek , Żukowska Wioletta
Published: September 2016

Wound healing is a complex and time-phased process. The occurrence of numerous negative conditions as well as external factors have a significant influence on the risk of potential complications. Preparing the patient for surgery, attention should be paid to a number of factors determining the proper healing process.

The aim of the study was to compare the results of the early period of surgical wound healing process with access via laparotomy using techniques, which are self-adaptive sutures and mechanical staplers used for skin closure.

Material and methods. The study included 120 patients divided into three groups, according to the degree of wound continence, in accordance with the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Exclusion criteria based on objective analysis were applied for patients with a higher risk of complications. In all cases the skin layer was closed with monofilament suture or single-patient use stapler. A ten-day observation of the wound healing process was implemented. The study was randomized.

Results. In the case of patients groups identified as a “Clean Wound” and “ Clean / Infected Wound” no significant differences were discovered. In the group “Contaminated/Infected Wound” significantly higher percentage of wound-healing complications were reported (p < 0.05) for which monofilament sutures was used.

Conclusions. The study showed, that mechanical stapler is recommended for contaminated/infected surgical wounds due to significantly lower risk of complications. In the case of wounds divided as a “Clean” and “Clean/Infected” type of suturing material has no significant effect on wound healing.
Assessment of Abdominal Belts Impact on the Lungs Ventilation and Their Application in Early Physiotherapy after Major Abdominal Surgery – Prospective Trial
Authors: Czyżewski Piotr , Hryciuk Dominika , Dąbek Aneta , Szczepkowski Marek
Published: September 2016

Early physiotherapy is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of patients after major abdominal surgery (MAS). Accelerated mobilization should be safe and requires the use of appropriate techniques. Most of the physiotherapists and surgeons recommends using abdominal belts. Opponents claim that belts have an adverse effect on lungs ventilation.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of abdominal belt on lung ventilation efficiency in the early period after MAS.

Material and methods. The study involved 20 patients after MAS. Including 9 women and 11 men, aged between 40 to 90 years (x̅ 66.7). In the scheduled 7 patients and urgent 13. All of them were in the early period after surgery. Dynamic spirometry was performed twice in the postoperative period. For the first time wearing a belt, and then without the belt in the same group. Evaluated the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). For the analysis uses the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and Spearman’s rank correlations. P values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results. The value of the ventilation indicators measured wearing abdominal belt were slightly lower than the values evaluated without the belt. The results are shown in percent predicted for age and gender, FEV wearing belt 52%, without belt 53%; FEV1 59% vs 61%; PEF 46% vs 51%. There were no statistically significant differences

Conclusions. There were no significant negative influence of abdominal belt on lungs ventilation in early period after MAS. There was no correlations between age, body mass index and changes in ventilation indicators.
Unity to the Greater Glory of God. Promising Paradigms in Current Ecumenism
Authors: Raedel Christoph
Published: September 2016

Rather than lamenting a crisis of the Ecumenical movement the author suggests that the reader look at promising paradigms that become apparent within the present changes and challenges of World Christianity. He identifies six promising trends, as Christians of different traditions recognize partners in common witness beyond their own church traditions (1), evangelical and Pentecostal churches rise in significance (2), ecumenism becomes increasingly shaped by biographical experience and personal encounter (3), a spiritual ecumenism for the witness in the world emerges (4), the reality of martyrdom deepens the sense of Christian unity (5) and the search for the truth of the Gospel is not given up (6). In their overlapping and sometimes contradictory evidence these paradigms prove Ecumenism to be alive and, therefore, changing its face.
Conversion of Churches into Mosques in the Early Ottoman Historiography (XVth Century). A Selective Evaluation of Sources
Authors: Gheorghe Adrian
Published: September 2016

The present study proposes a relativization of the concept of tolerance by the Ottoman in the early classical period. The research method leaves from the premise according to which the historiographical productions reveal the „taste“, expectations and thus the recipient public’s ideals and attitudes. The rise of Ottoman historiography coincides with the state’s proclamation as a great power. The study analyses the chronicles till the reign of Bayezid II and discusses only historical synthesis of this period. This is the time of searches and synthetization of ideological arguments and also a time in which different groups tried to impose themselves as great contributors. The quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the early ottoman sources confirms an aggressive line against the churches, but she does not impose herself as dominant.
Die Entscheidungsvergessenheit der Organisationsforschung. Plädoyer für eine operative Entscheidungsforschung
Authors: Groddeck Victoria von , Siri Jasmin , Mayr Katharina
Published: September 2016

In der Organisationsforschung verliert der Entscheidungsbegriff zunehmend an Bedeutung. Durch die Betonung von Praxisgebundenheit und irrationalen Eigenlogiken gerät das spezifisch Organisationsförmige zugunsten situativer Analysen aus dem Blick. Dagegen versucht dieser Artikel, den Entscheidungsbegriff zu revitalisieren und argumentiert, dass eine operative Lesart der Luhmannschen Organisationstheorie das Potential birgt, sowohl praktischen Ordnungsaufbau zu beobachten, als auch zeigen zu können, dass und wie das Organisationsförmige durch eine operative Bezugnahme auf Entscheidungen entsteht. Illustriert wird diese Herangehensweise anhand eines Vergleichs dreier Studien zu unterschiedlichen Organisationstypen (Parteien, Krankenhäusern, Unternehmen), der die Entfaltung von Entscheidungsparadoxien als ein praktisch zu bewältigendes Problem wertet, welches anhand verschiedener Strategien empirisch gelöst wird.
Medien managerialer Entscheidung: Decision-making „at a glance“
Authors: Hoof Florian
Published: September 2016

Wie die Figur des „Entscheidens“ zu einer selbstverständlichen Grundkonstante des Management werden konnte, verfolgt dieser Artikel im Rahmen einer Fallstudie zum „decision-making at a glance“, einer Entscheidungskonfiguration, die sich zwischen 1880 und 1930 herausbildet. Die Fallstudie dient darüberhinaus dazu, ein Theoriedesign zu entwickeln, das beschreibt, wie sich bestehende Organisationsstrukturen und -praxis einerseits durch Neuerungen im Bereich der Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien, der Organisations- und Managementtheorie und andererseits durch eine veränderte Selbstbeobachtung ihrer eigenen Entscheidungsstrukturen verändern. Der Forschungsrahmen fokussiert auf die dabei involvierten Medien managerialer Entscheidungen und perspektiviert sie als Systeme der Selbstbeobachtung industrieller Organisationen. Diese erlauben es dem Management, die sie umgebende Unsicherheit zu markieren, sie so in ein berechenbares Risiko umzuwandeln und anschließend als produktive Ressource für Entscheidungsakte zu operationalisieren. Diese Entwicklungsdynamiken werden in Anlehnung an Ansätze der Wahrnehmungspsychologie Fritz Heiders und der „infrastructural studies“ zu einem Phasenmodell abstrahiert, das als Heuristik für die Untersuchung längerfristiger Entwicklungen in wirtschaftlichen Organisationsformen unter einer „soziomateriellen“ Perspektive dient.
Joint Risk Design in Swiss Middle-Sized Service Companies: Frameworks and Management Practices
Authors: Meissner Jens O.
Published: September 2016

Today’s social reality will doubtless alter the risk management practices of organizations of all kinds. Whereas large companies and public institutions serve as role models and have the resources to apply standards or develop and set them by themselves, mid-sized businesses usually do not have this possibility. Instead, they apply management practices that base on existing management routines and their typical organizational characteristics. But how do these practices look like? And what is the semantic program that is performed by the organization to manage the risks? This empirical paper contains the analysis of typical risk management practices in mid-sized service companies in Switzerland. The study relies on open, qualitative interviews with top level decision-makers resulting in the description of the characteristics of six companies. The analysis shows that these firms mainly focus on project risk management, and combine it with a strong focus on business speed and agility, the smart combination of their talent pool in teams, the application of a non-bureaucratic governance style and a conscious acceptance of a high degree of intuition in management decisions. This research contributes to a better understanding of the risk design of mid-sized business organizations as very important societal units in splitting, pooling, distributing and addressing their risks.
A Changing Face of Mainstream Economics? Agentenbasierte Modellierungen in der Makroökonomik
Authors: Pahl Hanno
Published: September 2016

Die Soziologie ökonomischen Wissens und der Wirtschaftswissenschaften stellte lange Zeit ein vernachlässigtes Forschungsfeld dar, das erst in der jüngeren Vergangenheit deutlichere Konturen angenommen hat. Der vorliegende Text versteht sich als Beitrag zu diesem Forschungsfeld und präsentiert eine Fallstudie zur modernen Makroökonomik. Wie verlaufen Prozesse von Wissenschaftswandel in einer Disziplin, die sowohl durch einen starken Einbezug in politische Steuerungskontexte als auch durch eine Fokussierung auf mathematische Modellierung gekennzeichnet ist? Durch Rekurs auf Experteninterviews mit Ökonomen sowie auf einschlägige Literatur werden Durchsetzungschancen und -hindernisse eines alternativen Modellierungs- bzw. Simulationsparadigmas (agentenbasierte Modellierung) ausgelotet. Agentenbasierte Modellierung setzt den in der modernen Makroökonomik ubiquitären Bezug auf die Walrasianische Allgemeine Gleichgewichtstheorie (und ihre diversen Fortentwicklungen, wie die Theorie rationaler Erwartungen) kontingent und konfrontiert makroökonomisches Denken mit ungewöhnlichen Formen von Komplexität.
A double clustering algorithm for financial time series based on extreme events
Authors: De Luca Giovanni , Zuccolotto Paola
Published: September 2016

This paper is concerned with a procedure for financial time series clustering, aimed at creating groups of time series
characterized by similar behavior with regard to extreme events.
The core of our proposal is a double clustering procedure: the former is based on the lower tail dependence of all the possible pairs of time series, the latter on the upper tail dependence. Tail dependence coefficients are estimated with copula functions.
The final goal is to exploit the two clustering solutions in an algorithm designed to create a portfolio
that maximizes the probability of joint positive extreme returns while minimizing the risk of joint negative extreme
returns. In financial crisis scenarios, such a portfolio is expected to outperform
portfolios generated by the traditional methods.
We describe the results of a simulation study and, finally, we apply the procedure to a dataset composed of the 50 assets included in the EUROSTOXX index.
High fibrosis indices in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with shunt-dependent post-traumatic chronic hydrocephalus
Authors: Hao Xu , Junwen Wang , Jiaqing Li , Ran Li , Zhuo Zhang , Yimin Huang , Wei Jiao , Wei Sun , Ting Lei
Published: September 2016

Objective

A possible relationship between fibrosis along the route of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and the subsequent development of hydrocephalus has been indicated in previous studies. These changes in the fibrosis index may reflect the severity of hydrocephalus and could potentially become a diagnostic tool. The object of this study was to analyze the levels of procollagen type I C-terminal propeptide (PICP), procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN) in the CSF of patients with post-traumatic hydrocephalus and determine the significance of their presence.

Subjects and methods

Forty-four patients were included in the study: 24 patients with shunt-dependent post-traumatic hydrocephalus (group A - hydrocephalus group); ten brain trauma patients without any sign of hydrocephalus (group B - trauma group); ten patients without brain trauma and hydrocephalus (group C - normal control group). CSF levels of PICP, PIIINP, HA, LN and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Levels of PICP, PIIINP, HA, and LN in the group of hydrocephalus patients were significantly higher than those in the post-trauma patients without hydrocephalus (p < 0.05) and normal control patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, the increased levels of PICP, PIIINP, HA, and LN were positively correlated with the level of TGF-β1 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We demonstrated an increase of fibrosis factors including PICP, PIIINP, HA, and LN, that was positively correlated with TGF-β1 levels. This indicates an important role for the process of fibrosis in the development of post-traumatic chronic hydrocephalus and shows the potential utility of PICP, PIIINP, HA, and LN as a diagnostic index in shunt-dependent post-traumatic chronic hydrocephalus.
What does it take to be a copula?
Authors: Dalmi Gréte
Published: September 2016

This paper argues that copular sentences without an overt copular predicate do project a VP with a phonologically null head, hence so-called “verbless” copular sentences are illusory. Data from Standard Arabic, Spanish, Maltese, Russian, Jamaican Creole, Finnish and Hungarian copular sentences are used to support this claim. It is also claimed here that variation between the habitual property vs.ad hocproperty interpretations (traditionally called the individual level vs. stage level distinction) of non-verbal predicates found in copular sentences is closely related to the choice of the copula in multiple BE-system languages. Whilst the current accounts explain this variation by introducing an abstract aspectual operator or an incorporated abstract preposition in the functional layer of the copular predicate, the present proposal derives these interpretive differences from the presence or absence of an OPaltalternative state operator, which can bind the temporal variable of non-verbal predicates in two ways.

Negation and temporal adverbials show scope ambiguity in copular sentences. They either take scope over the whole proposition or only over the non-verbal predicate. Such interpretive differences are demonstrated in Russian and Hungarian in Section 4 of this paper, however, they are taken to be valid cross-linguistically. These amibiguities cannot be explained under the “verbless copular sentence” account but fall out naturally from the “zero copula” analysis.

The “alternative state” approach can be extended to dream narratives and other nonveridical contexts, which serve as alternative triggers. The existing analyses have nothing to say about such contexts.
Man of the Land: Unearthing the Original Noah
Authors: Dershowitz Idan
Published: September 2016

The original biblical Noah was not affiliated with the Flood. An early edition of J told of a devastating famine that afflicted the entire earth from the days of Adam and Eve until it was brought to an end on account of Noah. The Proto-J narrative was supplemented with a version of the popular Babylonian Flood story, ironically transforming a story of drought into a tale of torrential rain. It is this Noah who is referenced in Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah – not the familiar Flood hero.
Josephs zweiter Traum
Authors: Schmid Konrad
Published: September 2016

Joseph’s second dream (Gen 37,9) does not merely duplicate his first one, but presents Joseph as a presumptuous dreamer, who is venerated even by the sun, the moon, and the stars. This gesture is otherwise reserved for God alone. The second dream serves as an exposition of a narrative thread in the Joseph Story regarding Joseph’s character development, a narrative thread that ends in Gen 50,19 where he explicitly distinguishes between himself and God.
Zechariah 1,3a, Zechariah’s introduction, and the Former Prophets
Authors: Seufert Matthew
Published: September 2016

There is a tension caused by the incompatibility of the syntax and context of Zechariah 1,3a. This article proposes that an allusion to the earlier prophetic stream eases that tension. Further, it examines Zechariah’s method of allusion in this verse, based upon the allusive character of the surrounding introductory verses (1,1–6).
The Lexical Enigma of מָנוֹן and the Problem of Dating the Hezekian Collection
Authors: Samet Nili
Published: September 2016

A survey of the Hezekian collection points to seven proverbs (including Prov 29,21) which show clear signs of LBH, and two proverbs which require further study. These 7−9 late proverbs comprise approximately 5−7 % of the total 137 proverbs included in the Hezekian collection. The remaining proverbs, by contrast, do not reflect a late date. The conclusion presented in the article is, that the Hezekiah’s men were by no means the last editors of this collection.
An essential step of kinetochore formation controlled by the SNARE protein Snap29
Authors: Morelli Elena , Mastrodonato Valeria , Beznoussenko Galina V , Mironov Alexandre A , Tognon Emiliana , Vaccari Thomas
Published: September 2016

The kinetochore is an essential structure that mediates accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis. While many of the kinetochore components have been identified, the mechanisms of kinetochore assembly remain elusive. Here, we identify a novel role for Snap29, an unconventional SNARE, in promoting kinetochore assembly during mitosis in Drosophila and human cells. Snap29 localizes to the outer kinetochore and prevents chromosome mis‐segregation and the formation of cells with fragmented nuclei. Snap29 promotes accurate chromosome segregation by mediating the recruitment of Knl1 at the kinetochore and ensuring stable microtubule attachments. Correct Knl1 localization to kinetochore requires human or Drosophila Snap29, and is prevented by a Snap29 point mutant that blocks Snap29 release from SNARE fusion complexes. Such mutant causes ectopic Knl1 recruitment to trafficking compartments. We propose that part of the outer kinetochore is functionally similar to membrane fusion interfaces.
Steric hindrance of SNARE transmembrane domain organization impairs the hemifusion‐to‐fusion transition
Authors: D'Agostino Massimo , Risselada Herre Jelger , Mayer Andreas
Published: September 2016

SNAREs fuse membranes in several steps. Trans‐SNARE complexes juxtapose membranes, induce hemifused stalk structures, and open the fusion pore. A recent penetration model of fusion proposed that SNAREs force the hydrophilic C‐termini of their transmembrane domains through the hydrophobic core of the membrane(s). In contrast, the indentation model suggests that the C‐termini open the pore by locally compressing and deforming the stalk. Here we test these models in the context of yeast vacuole fusion. Addition of small hydrophilic tags renders bilayer penetration by the C‐termini energetically unlikely. It preserves fusion activity, however, arguing against the penetration model. Addition of large protein tags to the C‐termini permits SNARE activation, trans‐SNARE pairing, and hemifusion but abolishes pore opening. Fusion proceeds if the tags are detached from the membrane by a hydrophilic spacer or if only one side of the trans‐SNARE complex carries a protein tag. Thus, both sides of a trans‐SNARE complex can drive pore opening. Our results are consistent with an indentation model in which multiple SNARE C‐termini cooperate in opening the fusion pore by locally deforming the inner leaflets.
Early detection of biochemically occult autonomous thyroid nodules
Authors: Brusca N , Virili C , Cellini M , Capriello S , Gargano L , Salvatori R , Centanni M , Santaguida M G
Published: September 2016

Objective

Autonomously functioning thyroid areas may be associated with subclinical or overt hyperthyroidism, but may exist even in the presence of normal TSH. This study was aimed at comparing the rate of autonomously functioning areas and their cardiac sequelae in patients with nodular goitre studied with the usual and a novel approach.

Design and methods

In total 490 adult outpatients with thyroid nodular goitre, living in a mild iodine-deficient area, were selected in our referral centre for thyroid diseases from 2009 to 2014 on the basis of a suspicion of thyroid functional autonomy. They were divided in three groups according to a non-conventional approach (excessive response to thyroxine treatment: group 1) or conventional approach (low/normal TSH with clinical suspicion or low TSH: groups 2 and 3). All patients of the study with the suspicion of thyroid functional autonomy underwent thyroid scan with radioactive iodine (I131) uptake (RAIU).

Results

The percentage of confirmed thyroid functional autonomy was 319/490, being significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (81.5 vs 64.7 vs 52.6%; chi-square P < 0.0001). However, the diagnosis with non-conventional approach was made at a significant earlier age (P < 0.0001). Cardiac arrhythmias as well as atrial fibrillation were similarly detected by conventional and non-conventional approaches (chi-square test: P = 0.2537; P = 0.8425).

Conclusions

The hyper-responsiveness to thyroxine treatment should induce the suspicion of thyroid functional autonomy at an early stage, allowing to detect autonomous functioning areas in apparently euthyroid patients.
Myometrial cytokines and their role in the onset of labour
Authors: Sivarajasingam S P , Imami N , Johnson M R
Published: September 2016

Human labour is an inflammatory event, physiologically driven by an interaction between hormonal and mechanical factors and pathologically associated with infection, bleeding and excessive uterine stretch. The initiation and communicators of inflammation is still not completely understood; however, a key role for cytokines has been implicated. We summarise the current understanding of the nature and role of cytokines, chemokines and hormones and their involvement in signalling within the myometrium particularly during labour.
Crustáceos decápodos de la cuenca del Río Sinú, Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Quirós Rodríguez Jorge Alexander , Ballesteros Correa Jesús , Pastor Sierra Karina , Dueñas Ramírez Pedro
Published: September 2016

Para evaluar la composición, abundancia y distribución de los crustáceos decápodos en la cuenca del río Sinú, departamento de Córdoba (Colombia), se estudiaron ocho localidades: cuatro en el río Sinú y cuatro en el complejo cenagoso del bajo Sinú. Para ello, se realizaron seis muestreos entre abril de 2005 y mayo de 2006. En total se registraron 458 crustáceos decápodos distribuidos en tres familias, seis géneros y ocho especies. La familia mejor representada fue Trichodactylidae con cuatro géneros y cuatro especies, seguida de Palaemonidae con un género y tres especies, mientras que de la familia Atyidae solo registró una especie. Especies como Macrobrachium carcinus y M. acanthurus, presentaron el rango más amplio de distribución, siendo características tanto para el rio Sinú como para el CCBS. Entre las especies identificadas, Atya crassa en el río Sinú y Trichodactylus quinquedentatus en el CCBS son nuevos registros para el departamento de Córdoba.
The evolution of opsins and color vision: connecting genotype to a complex phenotype
Authors: Bloch Natasha I
Published: September 2016

Entender la base genética de los rasgos adaptativos es un paso crítico en el estudio de los procesos evolutivos. Para estudiar la conexión entre genotipo y fenotipo es importante definir el fenotipo a diferentes niveles: desde las proteínas que se construyen con base en un gen, hasta las características finales presentes en un organismo. Las opsinas y los fotopigmentos son elementos primordiales de la visión y entender cómo han evolucionado es fundamental en el estudio de la visión en los animales como un caracter derivado de selección natural o sexual. Este artículo se enfoca en este sistema, en el que se pueden conectar genotipo y fenotipo, como ejemplo de fenotipo complejo para ilustrar las dificultades de establecer una relación clara entre genotipo y fenotipo. Adicionalmente, este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir el funcionamiento del sistema de fotorrecepción, con énfasis particular en las aves, con el fin de enumerar varios factores que deben ser tenidos en cuenta para predecir cambios en la visión a partir del estudio de los fotopigmentos. Dado que los modelos basados en la visión de aves son cada vez más usados en diversas áreas de la biología evolutiva tales como: selección de pareja, depredación y camuflaje; se hace relevante entender los fundamentos y limitaciones de estos modelos. Por esta razón, en este artículo discuto los detalles y aspectos prácticos del uso de los modelos de visión existentes para aves, con el fin de facilitar su uso en futuras investigaciones en diversas áreas de evolución.
The levels of selection debate: taking into account existing empirical evidence
Authors: Marín César
Published: September 2016

Por más de cinco décadas la visión neo-darwinista dominante de la selección natural es que esta actúa únicamente a nivel génico y organísmico, pero la ignorada evidencia empírica de selección multinivel ocurriendo en la naturaleza obtenida durante los últimos cincuenta años no es consecuente. Un largo intercambio de argumentaciones matemáticas y teóricas sobre los niveles en los que actúa la selección natural constituye lo que se denomina como el “debate de los niveles de selección”. La gran cantidad de evidencia empírica, estudiada mediante métodos de genética cuantitativa, específicamente el análisis contextual, indica que la selección natural actúa en niveles de la jerarquía biológica por encima y por debajo del nivel del gen y organismo, desde el nivel molecular hasta el ecosistémico, apoyando así lo que se denomina la teoría de selección multinivel. Más allá de argumentos teóricos, si se examina cuidadosamente la evidencia empírica de selección multinivel y los resultados del análisis contextual, se resuelve de forma sencilla el debate de los niveles de selección: la selección natural ocurre en la naturaleza en diferentes niveles de la jerarquía biológica. Este texto ofrece una revisión general de dicha evidencia empírica.
A model of desertion. From a principal-agent theory perspective
Authors: Castillo Valencia María Del Pilar , Balbinotto Giácomo
Published: September 2016

This article studies the nature of the trade-off between incentives and enforcement mechanisms that an Armed Illegal Organization (AIO)'s leadership, which is the principal, offers to its operatives, who act as agents. This principal-agent model focuses on both the expected benefits and costs for those who decide to stay or defect from the armed organization, in an uncertain context in which desertion is encouraged by an external agent who is providing incentives aimed at fostering operatives' individual desertion. Given a parameterization of the model, we find the optimal transfer system using the constrained minimization routine fmincon in MATLAB's optimizations toolbox. Once we obtain a numerical version of the contract, we use the computational tool to simulate the behavior of agents who are facing the probability of being punished and how this could encourage agents to not make any effort.