bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Могућности унапређења продаје примјеном RFID технологије // Opportunity for Sales Promotion Using the RFID Technology
Authors: Латиновић Тихомир , Прерадовић Драгана
Published: December 2018

Резиме: Технологија идентификације путем радио-таласа (Radio Frequency Identifi cation - RFID) прeдстaвљa рeвoлуциoнaрни приступ у индустриjскoj кoнтрoли и имa вeлики пoтeнциjaл зa унaпрeђeњe прoдaje прaћeњeм диjeлoвa или циjeлих прoизвoдa крoз прoизвoдњу, склaдиштeњe, дистрибуциjу, тe нa крajу тoкoм циjeлoг лaнцa нaбaвкe (Landt, 2001). У рaду ћe бити прeдстaвљeни oснoвни кoнцeпти RFID систeмa, њихoвa улoгa у прeдузeћимa тргoвинскe дjeлaтнoсти и импликaциje нa пeрфoрмaнсe прoдaje. RFID систeми кoристe рaдиo-фрeквeнциje зa прeнoс пoдaтaкa из eлeктрoнских урeђaja дo читaчa, a зaтим читaч прoсљeђуje примљeнe пoдaткe кoнтрoлнoj jeдиници зa дaљу oбрaду. Oвe кoнтрoлнe jeдиницe мoгу бити пoвeзaнe сa ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) и CRM (Customer Relationship Management) систeмимa. У дaнaшњeм дигитaлизoвaнoм свиjeту, тeхнoлoгиja идeнтификaциje путeм рaдиo-фрeквeнциja пoстaje глaвни нaчин дигитaлнe идeнтификaциje зa људe, живoтињe, прeдмeтe, згрaдe, и друго.Summary: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a revolution in industrial control, because it has the potential to simplify and make more robust tracking of parts or part carriers through manufacture, storage, distribution, and at the end of the supply chain (Landt, 2001). RFID systems use radio waves to transfer data from electronic devices (TAG) to the reader, and then the reader forwards the received data to the control unit further processing. In today’s digitized world, radio frequency identification (RFID) is becoming a major way of digital identification for people, animals, objects, buildings, etc.
Финансијска конкурентност привреде Републике Српске // Financial competitiveness of the economy Republic of Srpska
Authors: Вученовић Саша , Миловановић Драган , Граховац Милан
Published: December 2018

Резиме: Конкурентност привреде подразумијева њену зарађивачку способност у односу на друге привреде у истој или другим земљама, односно њену способност привлачења инвестиција и прилагођавања друштвено-економским условима. У раду је дата анализа финансијске конкурентности привреде Републике Српске, по сегментима, малих, средњих и великих предузећа. С тим у вези, анализирали смо билансе стања и билансе успјеха предузећа привреде Републике Српске на бази података Агенције за посредничке, информатичке и финансијске услуге Републике Српске за период 2012-2013. година. Стога,, главни проблем истраживања гласи: „Колика је и каква финансијска конкурентност привреде Републике Српске?” Основни циљ рада је анализирати позицију предузећа Републике Српске према различитим показатељима финансијске конкурентности. У малим и средњим предузећима Републике Српске у периоду 2012−2013. година дошло је до раста капитала и смањења укупних обавеза, односно до побољшања финансијског положаја малих и средњих предузећа Републике Српске. С друге стране, у великим предузећима Републике Српске у периоду 2012-2013. година, дошло је до смањења капитала и повећања укупних обавеза, односно до погоршања финансијског положаја великих предузећа Републике Српске.Summary: The competitiveness of the economy including its earning capacity relative to other economies in the same or other countries, and its ability to attract investments and adjusting to the social and economic conditions. The paper presents an analysis of financial competitiveness of economy of the Republic of Srpska, by segment, of small, medium and large enterprises. In this regard, we have analysed the balance sheets and income statements of companies of the Republic of Srpska economy on the basis of data of the Agency for Intermediary, IT and financial services of the Republic of Srpska for the period 2012 to 2013. year. In this connection, the main problem of research as follows: „How much and what kind of financial competitiveness of the Republic of Srpska?” The main goal of this paper is to analyse the position of the Republic of Srpska companies according to various indicators of financial competitiveness. In small and medium enterprises of the Republic of Srpska in the period 2012-2013 . years there has been a growth of capital and reduction of total liabilities, or to improve the financial situation of small and medium enterprises of the Republic of Srpska. On the other side of the large enterprises of the Republic of Srpska in the period 2012-2013. years there was a reduction of capital and increase in total liabilities, or the deterioration of the financial position of large enterprises of the Republic of Srpska.
Контроверзе бете // Beta controversies
Authors: Орсаг Силвије , Микеревић Дејан
Published: December 2018

Резиме: Предмет овог рада су контроверзе о бета коефицијенту. У раду се расправља о проблемима везаним за њено историјско утемељење: како онима везаним за временску дужину узорка, тако и онима везаним за избор тржишног индекса. Приказани проблеми могу се ријешити одређивањем прилагођене бете, као и додатним прилагођавањима с пословном и финансијском полугом за прорачун фундаменталне бете предузећа. За приватне компаније која немају значајну историју тржишних приноса, бета се може утемељити поређенима са упоредивим јавним предузећима. Ова процедура је доминантна за одређивање бете на малим тржиштима у развоју каква су она у регији. Овај приступ се примјењује и за прорачун бете „одоздо на горе”.Summary: The subjects of this paper are controversies about beta coefficient. Paper discussed problems with historical estimation of beta, as well time length of sample as choosing market index. In addition paper showed simplified regression calculation of beta for Pliva d.d. stocks in excel. Presented problems can be solved with estimation of adjusted beta and addition adjustment by operating and financial leverage to calculate fundamental beta of the company. For the private companies which have no significant history of market yields beta can be establish by corporations with comparable public firms. This procedure is dominant to beta estimation for firms on small emerging markets as those in region. This approach is as well applied for bottom up beta calculations.
Анализа одрживе стопе раста нефинансијских компанија које котирају на Бањалучкој берзи // A Sustainable Growth Rate Analysis of Non-Financial Companies Listed on the Banja Luka Stock Exchange
Authors: Радивојац Горан , Kester George
Published: December 2018

Резиме: У свом истраживачком пројекту чије резултате објављујемо у овом чланку, прикупили смо одговарајуће податке, извршили њихову анализу и процијенили одрживост стопе раста нефинансијских компанија које котирају на службеном тржишту акција Бањалучке берзе. Одрживост раста сваке компаније можемо анализирати на неколико начина, али најједноставнији приступ подразумијева анализу максималне брзине раста прихода од продаје у контексту међусловљености и утицаја на профитабилност компаније, политику дивиденди, управљање имовином и финансијски левериџ. Приходи од продаје било које компаније не могу да расту по стопи већој од „одрживе” стопе раста, изузев ако је у кратком року раст подстакнут позитивним утицајем једног или више поменутих параметара повећања перформанси, или је раст стимулисан прибављањем додатног капитала. Summary: In this research project and paper, we propose to assess the sustainable growth rates of non-financial companies listed on the Banja Luka Stock Exchange. A company’s sustainable growth rate is the maximum rate its sales can grow, given the company’s profitability, earnings retention, asset management, and financial leverage. A company’s sales cannot grow at a rate higher than its sustainable growth rate unless one or more of these levers of performance increases or the company issues additional equity. Companies that grow at rates higher than their sustainable growth rates and finance the their asset growth with debt financing experience higher financial leverage that can lead to financial distress and ultimately bankruptcy.
Европска унија - криза и изазови развоја и опстанка // European union - the crisis and development challenges and survival
Authors: Жарковић Никола
Published: December 2018

Резиме: Економска криза је избрисала прогрес европских привреда остварен у годинама прије кризе. Стабилан привредни раст и раст запослености који су карактерисали деценију прије кризе су нестали. У условима раста и економског просперитета, асиметрија Европске уније и еврозоне није стварала веће проблеме. Међутим, економска криза у Европској унији је имала израженији интензитет и дуже вријеме трајања у односу на САД и неједнак интензитет на поједине земље чланице Европске уније. Криза је открила фундаменталне слабости Европске уније. Европска унија се налази пред великим изазовом: како обезбиједити просперитетан развој у будућности? Европској унији је потребан већи степен политичке и фискалне интеграције, веће улагање у истраживање и развој ради развијања економије утемељене на знању и иновацијама, квалитетније образовање, већи степен запослености и заштите животне средине. Европска унија треба ријешити сопствене слабости и даљњим процесом интеграција обезбиједити нове изворе снаге.Summary: The economic crisis has wiped out the progress of European economies achieved in the years before the crisis. Steady economic growth and employment growth that characterized the decade before the crisis are gone. In terms of growth and economic prosperity, the asymmetry of the European Union and the euro zone did not cause major problems. However, the economic crisis in the European Union had a stronger intensity and longer duration compared to the US and the unequal intensity of the individual Member States of the European Union. The crisis has revealed fundamental weaknesses of the European Union. The European Union is facing a great challenge, to ensure prosperous development in the future? The EU needs a greater degree of political and fiscal integration, greater investment in research and development to develop economies based on knowledge and, innovation, quality education, higher level of employment and protection of the environment. The European Union should solve their own weaknesses and further the process of integration to provide new sources of power.
Утицај трезорског система на финансијске извјештаје у јавном сектору // The Influence of Treasury System on Financial Statements in the Public Sector
Authors: Чегар Бобана
Published: December 2018

Резиме: Организација трезорског система доста је сложена с обзиром на многобројне функције које се обављају у оквиру трезора. Извршење једне од тих функција подразумијева и евидентирање трансакција у вези са прикупљањем и трошењем буџетских средстава што свакако има посљедице и на финансијске извјештаје буџетских корисника. Предмет овог рада је управо сагледавање утицаја трезорског система на финансијске извјештаје. На основу података прикупљених техником анкетног упитника и на основу метода анализе, индукције и дедукције на примјеру Републике Српске дошло се до резултата који показују да је увођење трезорског система олакшало доношење одлука и повећало квалитет финансијског извјештавања у јавном сектору, али да би превазилажењем техничких недостатака који тренутно постоје ефекти били још већи. У прва два дијела рада пружа се теоријски преглед основа финансијског извјештавања у јавном сектору и трезорског система пословања, док је у трећем дијелу приказана методологија истраживања и резултати до којих се дошло истраживањем.Summary: The organization of the treasury system is quite complex due to the fact that many functions performed within the treasury system. The execution of the one of these functions involves recording transactions relating to the collection and spending budget funds, which certainly will affect the financial statements of budget users. The subject of the paper is a consideration of the treasury system impact on the financial statements. Based on the data collected using the questionnaire technique and based on the methods of analysis, induction and deduction on the example of the Republic of Srpska, we came to the result that indicates the treasury system facilitate decision-making and in the same time increase the quality of financial reporting in the public sector, but if overcome technical deficiencies that currently exist, effects will be even greater. The first two parts of the paper provides an overview of the theoretical basis of financial reporting in the public sector and the treasury system, while the third section presents the methodology and the results obtained during research.
The Reasons for Additional Growth Limit of Consumer Non-Purpose Loans in the Banking Sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Jović Dragan
Published: December 2018

The growth in consumer non-purpose loans leads to the reduction in BiH current account balance and amplifies the current account deficit. According to regression models, the commercial loan has the same effect on the current account. However, in dynamic VAR models, a commercial loan has, either neutral influence on the current account balance, or contributes to its mild growth. A commercial loan is necessary for BiH economy, because the private sector is the main factor of the economic growth, while a consumer non-purpose loan generates mainly demand for import. When a credit growth is very low, the credit is economic and not free good and additional need for the direct regulation of credit appears, especially in countries with underdeveloped financial market. The share of private companies in the credit distribution is reduced and from the economic point of view, redistribution of loans can be made only at the expense of consumer loans. Additional growth limit on the consumer non-purpose loan, which is composed of 74.2% of total consumer loans, and 34.9% of all bank’s loans (10/2016), is one of the preconditions for the decrease of current account deficit, economic growth and economic development acceleration.
The Effects of the European Union Enlargement on Foreign Trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Krajišnik Milenko , Krčmar Aleksandra
Published: December 2018

In times of globalization, there is a worldwide trend of creating various regional economic integrations which aim to benefit for their members. Almost all of the countries belong to or aspire to belong to a group. One of them is Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a member of CEFTA since 2006, Bosnia and Herzegovina has built its foreign trade position together with other members, with which it has had exceptionally immense level of cooperation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to joining the European Union, but the accession process is facing a lot of difficulties and going slowly, so that the time of receiving full membership is completely uncertain.Croatian withdrawal from the zone of free trade for the sake of joining the European Union has had inevitably serious consequences for the rest of the countries, reflected in decreasing the volume of mutual trade, stricter standards for export and differences in tariff and non-tariff barriers relative to those that existed during the membership in the same integration. At the same time, there is a change for the new member of the European Union, which improves its trade relations with for-eign countries and confirms some theoretical standpoints on the effects of regionalintegration. Although mostly positive, these effects are not equally distributed to allmembers of the European Union.The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the European Union enlargementon the foreign trade positions of new member states, as well as the countrieswhich are in the accession process and have a significant exchange with the EuropeanUnion. Through the analysis of indicators of the member countries, a possibledirection of foreign trade development of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towardsfull membership in the European Union is presented.
Analysis of the Effects of the EU Official Development Assistance to the Western Balkans
Authors: Erić Ognjen
Published: December 2018

Official development assistance (ODA) implies the movement of capital with a minimum of one quarter of grant. It was established in the second half of the previous century, with the aim of getting developed countries to set aside a part of their gross domestic product (GDP) as an aid intended for developing countries. In the European Union, development assistance implies a policy which was established at the very beginning of the integration process, but it was not until the Treaty on the European Union was signed that it obtained its legal basis. Today, the European Union is a key partner of developing countries, and together with member states it ensures more than a half of the ODA assets. The countries of the Western Balkans are categorized among the developing countries and receive aid via loans and grants from developed countries and international institutions. The European Union’s support is divided into the aid intended for the countries that are in the process of accession and the aid which is meant for other, less-developed countries. The distinction between these two forms of assistance is very difficult, because the character of the support changes in the course of accession process. The scientific problem that this paper deals with pertains to identification of the intensity of the European Union Official Development Assistance and the level of development of the Western Bal-kans. The assets of the European Union’s assistance to the region of the WesternBalkans are necessary, yet not sufficient for achieving a higher level of developmentand the European standards in all directions.
Inflation, Employment and FDI in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Popović Goran , Ibrahimbegović Maja
Published: December 2018

The monetary policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter referred to as BIH) operates under the currency board system, responsible for strengthening the market economy and price stability. On the other hand, the economy of BIH is facing long-term unemployment, unfavorable business environment and feeble competitive position. This discourages economic development. Further retaining the currency board system in BIH attracts great interest. The paper analyzes the relation among inflation, unemployment and foreign direct investment (FDI). Statistical analysis (coefficient of correlation and simple linear regression (period 2004/2014)) indicates that there is no inversion similar to the Phillips curve between inflation and unemployment. Thus, it is implied that BIH renounces employment, aggregate demand and economic growth for the sake of stable prices. Moreover, the ratio of inflation and participation of FDI in GDP is inverse with a negligible correlation. Analyses demonstrate that there is no optimal combination of inflation and unemployment in BIH that would improve business environment and stimulate FDI and aggregate demand. Correlation and regression analyses fail to provide the arguments to statistically challenge the currency board as the monetary system model of BIH.
Неуронске мреже у прогнозирању економског раста као индикатора конвергенције интеграцијског процеса
Authors: Маркић Брано , Бијакшић Сања , Беванда Арнела
Published: December 2018

Економске интеграције потичу конвергенцију дохотка јер елиминишу пре-преке размијене међу чланицама, повећавају конкурентности, олакшавајуприступ развијеним технологијама, финансијским ресурсима, олакшавајуприступ новим знањима. Резултат је бржи раст дохотка сиромашнијихчланица, а то је један од главних економских разлога у корист интеграци-ја. Међутим, свака потенцијална чланица има одређене економске ресурсе,дату економску структуру која резултира одређеном стопом раста мје-реног промјенама бруто друштвеног производа. У раду се прогнозира еко-номски раст употребом умјетних неуронских мрежа. Резултати прогнозеомогућују реалну процјену „спремности” одређеног економског система даконвергира према нивоу просјечне развијености (просјечном БДП по главистановника) тако што се тај процијењени раст пореди са просјечним сто-пама раста земаља чланица интеграције. Рад полази од хипотезе да је мо-гуће израдити прихватљив модел процјене раста бруто друштвеног прои-звода употребом умјетних неуронских мрежа. Прогноза економског раста сетемељи на релативном доприносу пољопривреде, индустрије и услуга растубруто друштвеног производа. Поузданост прогностичког модела умјетнихнеуронских мрежа процјењује се на темељу грешке која се мјери на излазномслоју неуронске мреже. Може се закључити на основу резултата прогнозе дасе неуронска мрежа може ефикасно имплементирати у апликацијама про-цијене економског раста.
Значај и могућности вођења аутономне индустријске политике у контексту европских интеграција
Authors: Млинаревић Предраг
Published: December 2018

Након дугог периода у којем је било у својеврсном научном егзилу, питање индустријске политике се поново нашло у центру интересовања како академске, тако и укупне јавнoсти. Посљедња криза, због природе узрока који су до ње довели, у развијеним земљама очистила је пут за повратак концепту индустријске политике, битно промјенивши оптику посматрања ефективности њене примјене у подстицању привредног раста. Паралелно са овим процесом у развијеним земљама, земље у развоју, нарочито оне са неуспјешно спроведеном транзицијом, суочиле су се са потребом промјене постојећих модела раста. Модел заснован на потрошњи и увозу исцрпио је своје потенцијале и из угла његовог утицаја на текућа економска кретања, док је у дужем временском хоризонту постала више него очигледна његова неодрживост. Афирмација новог модела који би био заснован на инвестицијама и извозу претпоставља нужни процес реиндустријализације. У том смислу се отвара дилема: у ком облику и на који начин примијенити индустријску политику која би се ефектуирала кроз обнову производне основе.
Неживотно осигурање и економски раст: случај Босне и Херцеговине
Authors: Башкот Бојан
Published: December 2018

Модели векторске ауторегресије са егзогеном промјенљивом често се користе у макроекономској анализи, а самим тим и у анализирању односа између неживотног осигурања и низа макроекономских параметара. Наведени модел у овом раду примијењен је за анализирање односа између раста економије и неживотног осигурања у случају Босне и Херцеговине. Векторска ауторегресија пружила је резултате који су потврдили очекивање да неживотно осигурање има позитиван утицај на краткорочни економски раст.
Менаџерско рангирање и селекција пројеката
Authors: Вученовић Саша , Миловановић Драган , Мишић Игор
Published: December 2018

Модели квантификовања односа ризика и приноса инвестиционих пројеката, односно оцјене оправданости пројеката су често предмет посматрања научне и стручне заједнице. Осим проблема селекције пројеката, менаџери се све чешће сусрећу и са проблемом рангирања пројеката, који најчешће произлази из недостатка новчаних средстава за њихово финансирање. Економска криза довела је до раста неповјерења и тиме онемогућила лак приступ новчаним фондовима. Стога компаније све теже долазе до потребних средстава за финансирање инвестиционих пројеката, што приморава менаџере да рангирати пројекте који су добили позитивну оцјену приликом фазе селекције пројекта. Индекс профитабилности је савремена метода оцијене инвестиционих пројеката, која осим што пружа могућност селекције пројеката, омогућава да се они и рангирају.
The pipeline repertoire of Ig-Seq analysis
Authors: López-Santibáñez-Jácome Laura , Avendaño-Vázquez Selma Eréndira , Flores-Jasso Carlos Fabián
Published: December 2018

With the advent of high-throughput sequencing of immunoglobulins (Ig-Seq), the understanding of antibody repertoires and its dynamics among individuals and populations has become and exiting area of research. There are an increasing number of computational tools that aid in every step of the immune repertoire characterization. However, since not all tools function identically, every pipeline has its unique rationale and capabilities, creating a rich blend of useful features that may appear intimidating for newcomer laboratories with the desire to plunge into immune repertoire analysis to expand and improve their research; hence, all pipeline strengths and differences may not seem evident. In this review we provide an organized list of the current set of computational tools, focusing on their most attractive features and differences in order to carry out the characterization of antibody repertoires so that the reader better decides a strategic approach for the experimental design, and computational analyses of immune repertoires.
ERISNet: Deep learning network for Sargassum detection along the coastline of the Mexican Caribbean
Authors: Arellano-Verdejo Javier , Lazcano-Hernandez Hugo-Enrique , Cabanillas-Terán Nancy
Published: December 2018

Recently, Caribbean coasts have experienced atypical massive arrivals of pelagic Sargassum with negative consequences both ecologically and economically. Based on deep learning techniques, this study proposes a novel algorithm for floating and accumulated pelagic Sargassum detection along the coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Using convolutional and recurrent neural networks architectures, a deep learning network (named ERISNet) was designed specifically to detect this macroalgae along the coastline through remote sensing support. A new dataset which includes pixels values with and without Sargassum was built to training and testing ERISNet. Aqua-MODIS imagery was used to build the dataset. After the learning process, the designed algorithm achieves a 90 % of probability in its classification skills. ERISNet provides a baseline for automated systems to accurately and efficiently monitor algal blooms arrivals.
Quick analysis of the characteristic hydrogeological parameters of an aquifer, using empirical formulas and the implementation of the clay substrate map: the case study of the shallow aquifer of the S. Eufemia Lamezia plain (Central Calabria - Italy).
Authors: Cuiuli Enzo
Published: December 2018

In Calabria, there are few works of quantitative hydrogeology. Therefore, the present study aims to provide a contribution to the hydrogeological knowledge of the region and, in particular, of the shallow aquifer of the S. E. Lamezia plain, characterized by a multi-layer aquifer. The study area is located in the Tyrrhenian sector of the “Graben of Catanzaro, an important tectonic structure in the wider context of the Calabrian Peloritano Arc. The acquisition of new lithostratigraphic and hydrogeological data, related to drillings for water research, has allowed expanding the knowledge of the phreatic aquifer of S. E. Lamezia plain. In the study area, there is a high number of abusive wells without data, not declared and are made without a basic hydrogeological study. Therefore, they are free of flow rate tests and information about the drilling depth, stratigraphy and construction methods. However, a certain numbers of wells is authorized and the available data are: Stratigraphy, static and dynamic level, critical flow rare (Qc) and, in some cases, also the specific lowering (Δs). Therefore with these data, using empirical formulas, a quick analysis of the hydrogeological parameters characteristic of the aquifer it was done. Moreover, interpolating the stratigraphic data with a geostatistic method the map of the clay substrate was returned. In particular, the Transmissivity [T] and the Storage coefficient [S] were calculate with empirical formulas using well data. From the Transmissivity. the Hydraulic conductivity [K] is derived. The hydraulic gradient from the piezometric map graphically is calculated. The thickness of the saturated layer (b) of the aquifer was obtained directly from the stratigraphy of the wells surveyed or, in those cases in which stratigraphy was not known, from the differences between the values obtained from the isopiezometric map and the map of the clay substrate. In conclusion, this study, with the implementation of the clay substrate map and a quick analysis of the main hydrodynamic parameters, aims to provide a contribution to the definition of the hydrogeological model of the shallow aquifer of the Plain that represents a fundamental tool for the protection and the correct management of the water resource.
The contribute of the Italian hydrogeological community to the congress of the Italian Geological Society
Authors: Filippini Maria , Fiorillo Francesco , Rusi Sergio
Published: December 2018

Not available
Acque sotterranee nell’Etruria meridionale laziale. Una ricerca che perdura da millenni
Authors: Capelli Giuseppe , Mazza Roberto , Argentieri Alessio , Italiana Società Geologica
Published: December 2018

Questa breve nota analizza la capacità di ricerca, gestione e studio delle acque sotterranee da parte di popolazioni, civiltà e culture che si sono succedute per millenni nell’Etruria meridionale, nel versante tirrenico del Lazio, dall’antichità sino ai giorni nostri. Dei popoli antichi conosciamo le tecniche di captazione e canalizzazione, ma nulla sappiamo degli studi sulle acque sotterranee che pure devono aver preceduto tali manufatti.
Promoting integrative teaching through interdisciplinary arts and crafts collaboration between after-school clubs
Authors: Blagoeva Nadezda
Published: December 2018

This article presents an art-teacher-researcher’s perspective on issues related to project-based integrative visual arts teaching to primary school students attending after-school activities. Based on the theoretical assumption that contemporary art forms are a suitable pedagogical solution for integrative visual arts teaching, the study explores the transformation and materialisation of a conceptual contemporary art installation into a performance. The described processes reveal the potential of contemporary art forms for encouraging integrative teaching through multiprofessional collaboration, which enhances the simultaneous application of the four integrative teaching styles as defined by Bresler (1995): subservient, co-equal, affective and social. The study demonstrates how artistic multiprofessional collaboration, triggered by the contemporary art expression can, in practice, extend the integrative learning opportunities by putting the students into authentic creative processes.

The results of this action research confirm that after-school activities provide a favourable environment for quality integrative teaching as they give the freedom to plan educational thematic projects that allow active co-equal collaborations. Such projects unfold the possibilities for learning in collaboration through artistic expression and multidisciplinary discovery, which in turn fosters knowledge and skill transferability that go beyond the discipline-based school curriculum.
In end‐of‐year missive, NAATP continues message of change
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2018

“We, as an addiction treatment profession, are relatively young and we lag behind other professions generally and other health care services, in the establishment, implementation, and measurement of our core competencies. Our viability as a profession, moreover our effectiveness for our patients, demands that this now change.”
Activating Old Materials with New Architecture: Boosting Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells with H2O‐Assisted Hierarchical Electron Transporting Layers
Authors: Wang Fengyou , Yang Meifang , Zhang Yuhong , Yang Lili , Fan Lin , Lv Shiquan , Liu Xiaoyan , Han Donglai , Yang Jinghai
Published: December 2018

The breakthrough of organometal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on mesostructured composites is regarded as a viable member of next generation photovoltaics. In high efficiency PSCs, it is crucial to finely optimize the charge dynamics and optical properties matching between the perovskites and electron transporting materials to relax the trade‐off between the optical and electrical requirements. Here, a simple antipolar route with H2O as the additive is proposed to prepare hierarchical electron transporting layers to boost the efficiency of dopant‐free PSCs. The photovoltaic performance of the PSCs is enhanced owing to increased light‐scattering, improved Ostwald ripening, and photo‐generated electron extraction. Optimization of the H2O addition enables a valid power conversion efficiency of 19.9% (reverse scan: 20.02%) to be achieved. The device can retain more than 90% of its initial performance after storage in air more than 30 days. These results are inspiring in that they present that a mesoporous transporting layer could be easily re‐constructed to hierarchical architecture by the antipolar method to further improve the performance of PSCs.
Evolution in primates by “Catastrophic‐selection” interplay between enveloped virus epidemics, mutated genes of enzymes synthesizing carbohydrate antigens, and natural anti‐carbohydrate antibodies
Authors: Galili Uri
Published: December 2018

“Catastrophic‐selection” is an evolutionary mechanism, by which entire parental‐populations are eliminated but very few mutated offspring survive and replace extinct parental‐populations. The human natural anti‐carbohydrate antibodies, anti‐Gal and anti‐Neu5Gc suggest the occurrence of catastrophic‐selection events in primate evolution. Parental‐populations synthesizing corresponding carbohydrate‐antigens underwent extinction in viral epidemics, and few offspring survived. These offspring carried accidental mutations that inactivated carbohydrate‐antigen synthesis and produced natural‐antibody against the lost antigen. Such natural anti‐carbohydrate antibody was produced against environmental carbohydrate‐antigens (e.g., gastrointestinal bacteria). The carbohydrate‐antigen in infected parental‐populations was also synthesized on viruses by the host glycosylation‐machinery. The natural‐antibody in the offspring bound to the carbohydrate‐antigen on infecting viruses produced in parental‐populations, destroyed the viruses and protected these offspring from extinction. This process occurred in ancestral Old‐World monkeys and apes synthesizing α‐gal epitopes, which were replaced 20–30 million‐years‐ago by offspring lacking α‐gal epitopes and producing natural anti‐Gal antibody against this antigen, and later in hominins synthesizing the sialic‐acid antigen Neu5Gc, which were replaced by offspring lacking Neu5Gc and producing anti‐Neu5Gc antibody. A present‐day example for accidental mutations in very few humans that lost a common carbohydrate‐antigen and produce a natural antibody against it is the rare blood‐group “Bombay” individuals. These individuals lack the H‐antigen (blood‐group O) which is synthesized in all other humans, and produce the natural anti‐H antibody against blood‐group O. Overall, it is suggested that natural anti‐carbohydrate antibodies played a critical role in preventing complete extinction of mammalian species in epidemics of highly virulent viruses and may have similar role in future events.
Variation among the Dmanisi hominins: Multiple taxa or one species?
Authors: Rightmire G. Philip , Margvelashvili Ann , Lordkipanidze David
Published: December 2018

Objectives

There is continuing controversy over the number of taxa documented by the Dmanisi hominins. Variation may reflect age and sex differences within a single population. Alternatively, two (or more) distinct species may be present. Our null hypothesis states that just one population is represented at the site.

Materials and methods

We assess the likely sources of variation in endocranial capacity, craniofacial and mandibular morphology, and the expression of characters related to aging and sex dimorphism. We use the coefficient of variation and a modified version of Levene's test for equal variances to compare trait variation at Dmanisi with that in fossil hominins and modern Homo sapiens from Africa.

Results

Skull 5 presents a low, massive vault, and a muzzle‐like lower face. Other individuals have larger brains and more globular vaults. Despite such variation, the five crania share numerous features. All of the mandibles possess marginal tubercles, mandibular tori, and a distinctive patterning of mental foramina. Relative variation at Dmanisi is comparable to that in selected reference groups. Further growth anticipated in Skull 3, age‐related remodeling affecting the D2600 mandible, pathology, and sex dimorphism can account for much of the interindividual variation observed. The preponderance of evidence supports our null hypothesis.

Discussion

Sources of the variation within ancient Homo assemblages remain poorly understood. Skull 5 is a very robust male, with a brain smaller than that of both a juvenile (Skull 3) and a probable female (Skull 2). Skull 1 has the largest brain, but cranial superstructures do not clearly mark this individual as male or female. It is likely that the Dmanisi hominins represent a single paleospecies of Homo displaying a pattern of sex dimorphism not seen in living hominids.
Transfer of a low‐molecular‐weight compound between two immiscible polymers
Authors: Hachisuka Ryosuke , Inomata Toshiki , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: December 2018

We investigated plasticizer transfer between poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and its temperature dependence using laminated films comprising EVA and PLA, each containing equal amounts of a plasticizer [i.e., diethyl phthalate (DEP) or dibutyl phthalate (DBP)]. Because the miscibility between PLA and DEP is better than that between EVA and DEP, a large amount of DEP was detected in the PLA film after annealing the laminated films at 80 °C; that is, some DEP moved from the EVA film to the PLA film. Furthermore, more DEP migrated to the PLA film at 130 °C, suggesting that the difference in the interaction parameter with DEP between PLA and EVA is more pronounced at higher temperatures. In laminated films containing DBP, the DBP content in each film was almost equal after annealing at 80 °C, although DBP migrated from the PLA film to the EVA film at 130 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47386.
Docosahexaenoic acid‐thyroid hormone combined protocol as a novel approach to metabolic stress disorders: Relation to mitochondrial adaptation via liver PGC‐1α and sirtuin1 activation
Authors: Vargas Romina , Riquelme Bárbara , Fernández Javier , Álvarez Daniela , Pérez Ignacio F. , Cornejo Pamela , Fernández Virginia , Videla Luis A.
Published: December 2018

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 3,3′,5‐triiodothyronine (T3) combined protocol affords protection against liver injury via AMPK signaling supporting energy requirements. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that a DHA + T3 accomplish mitochondrial adaptation through downstream upregulation of PPAR‐γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α). Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given daily oral doses of 300 mg DHA/kg or saline (controls) for three consecutive days, followed by 0.05 mg T3/kg (or hormone vehicle) ip at the fourth day, or single dose of 0.1 mg T3/kg alone. Liver mRNA levels were assayed by qPCR, NAD+/NADH ratios, hepatic proteins, histone 3 acetylation and serum T3 and β‐hydroxybutyrate levels were determined by specific ELISA kits. Combined DHA + T3 protocol led to increased liver AMPK, PGC‐1α, NRF‐2, COX‐IV, and β‐ATP synthase mRNAs, with concomitant higher protein levels of COX‐IV and NRF‐2, 369% enhancement in the NAD+/NADH ratio, 47% decrease in histone 3 acetylation and 162% increase in serum levels of β‐hydroxybutyrate over control values. These changes were reproduced by the higher dose of T3 without major alterations by DHA or T3 alone. In conclusion, liver mitochondrial adaptation by DHA + T3 is associated with PGC‐1α upregulation involving enhanced transcription of the coactivator, which may be contributed by PGC‐1α deacetylation and phosphorylation by SIRT1 and AMPK activation, respectively. This contention is supported by NRF‐2‐dependent enhancement in COX‐1 and β‐ATP synthase induction with higher fatty acid oxidation resulting in a significant ketogenic response, which may represent a suitable strategy for hepatic steatosis with future clinical applications. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):271–278, 2019
Spatial modulation and cofactor engineering of key pathway enzymes for fumarate production in Candida glabrata
Authors: Chen Xiulai , Li Yang , Tong Tian , Liu Liming
Published: December 2018

Fumarate is a naturally occurring organic acid that is an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and has numerous applications in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. However, microbial fumarate production from renewable feedstock is limited by the intrinsic inefficiency of its synthetic pathway caused by week metabolites transportation and cofactor imbalance. In this study, spatial modulation and cofactor engineering of key pathway enzymes in the reductive TCA pathway were performed for the development of a Candida glabrata strain capable of efficiently producing fumarate. Specifically, DNA‐guided scaffold system was first constructed and optimized to modulate pyruvate carboxylase, malate dehydrogenase, and fumarase, increasing the fumarate titer from 0.18 to 11.3 g/L. Then, combinatorially tuning cofactor balance by controlling the expression strengths of adenosine diphosphate‐dependent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and NAD+‐dependent formate dehydrogenase led to a large increase in fumarate production up to 18.5 g/L. Finally, the engineered strain T.G‐4G‐S(1:1:2)‐P(M)‐F(H) was able to produce 21.6 g/L fumarate in a 5‐L batch bioreactor. This strategy described here, paves the way to develop efficient cell factories for the production of the other industrially useful chemicals.
Simultaneous determination of amitraz, chlordimeform, formetanate and metabolites in human blood by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with phospholipid‐removal pretreatment
Authors: Gao Xue , Sun Yongbin , You Haidan , Dai Yannan , Guo Hao , Zhao Qingbiao
Published: December 2018

In this study, a reliable ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method coupled with an easy, fast and effective sample pretreatment procedure was developed for simultaneous determination of amitraz, chlordimeform, formetanate and their metabolites in human blood. With the procedures of protein precipitation and a phospholipid‐removal step, the endogenous compound interference was significantly reduced, and matrix effects were significantly reduced. The linear ranges of matrix‐matched standard curves were from 0.5 to 1000 ng/mL with coefficients of determination >0.996. Very low limits of detection (0.05–0.12 ng/mL) and limits of quantitation (0.15–0.4 ng/mL) were achieved. Reasonable recoveries ranging from 88.1 to 103.5% were obtained. The intra‐day RSDs ranging from 3.2 to 8.6% and inter‐day RSDs ranging from 4.8 to 9.2% indicated good precision. With the introduction of a phospholipid‐removal step, the ME ranged from 90.1 to 98.5%. The established method was successfully applied to the analysis of a blood sample from a formetanate poisoning case. This method possesses the advantages of high sensitivity, reduced matrix effects and rapidity.
Case‐control study of heart rate abnormalities across the breast cancer survivorship continuum
Authors: Groarke John D. , Mahmood Syed S. , Payne David , Ganatra Sarju , Hainer Jon , Neilan Tomas G. , Partridge Ann H. , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Jones Lee W. , Mehra Mandeep R. , Nohria Anju
Published: December 2018

Background

Mechanisms underlying impaired exercise capacity and increased cardiovascular mortality observed in breast cancer (BC) patients remain unclear. The prevalence, functional, and prognostic significance of elevated resting heart rate (HR) and abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) in breast cancer (BC) requires evaluation.

Methods

In a single‐center, retrospective, case‐control study of women referred for exercise treadmill testing (ETT), 448 BC patients (62.6 ± 10.0 years) were compared to 448 cancer‐free, age‐matched controls. Elevated resting HR was defined as HR ≥80 bpm at rest. Abnormal HRR at 1‐minute following exercise was defined as ≤12 bpm if active recovery or ≤18 bpm if passive recovery. Association of these parameters with exercise capacity and all‐cause mortality was evaluated.

Results

Elevated resting HR (23.7% vs 17.0%, P = 0.013) and abnormal HRR (25.9% vs 20.3%, P = 0.048) were more prevalent in BC cohort than controls. In adjusted analyses, BC patients with elevated resting HR (−0.9 METs (SE 0.3); P = 0.0003) or abnormal HRR (−1.3 METs (SE 0.3); P < 0.0001) had significant reductions in metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved during exercise. Elevated resting HR was not associated with mortality. There was a trend toward increased mortality in BC cohort with abnormal HRR (adjusted hazard ratio 2.06 (95% CI 0.95‐4.44, P = 0.07)).

Conclusions

Women across the BC survivorship continuum, referred for ETT, have an increased prevalence of elevated resting HR and abnormal HRR relative to cancer‐free, age‐matched female controls. These parameters were associated with decreased exercise capacity. Strategies to modulate these abnormalities may help improve functional capacity in this cohort.
Physicochemical properties of hammer‐milled yellow split pea (Pisum Sativum L.)
Authors: Kaiser Amber C. , Barber Natsuki , Manthey Frank , Hall Clifford
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives

Incorporating pulse flours into cereal‐based foods is of interest due to demand for healthful convenience foods. Hammer milling was investigated as a method of pulse flour production. Yellow split pea at 9% and 11% moisture was hammer‐milled at two rotor speeds (34 and 102 m/s) and with nine mill screen apertures (0.84–9.53 mm).

Findings

Although reduction in flour moisture and protein was observed during milling, flour composition differences appeared to be due to the drying process rather than to milling. Median particle size was lowest (98 µm) when milling at 102 m/s rotor speed with 0.84 mm screen aperture. Flour particle size was negatively correlated with bulk density, redness, and yellowness and positively correlated with brightness. Damaged starch ranged from 0.1% to 1.4% and was lower at 102 m/s than at 34 m/s for small screen apertures. Peak and final viscosities were negatively correlated with particle size and were highest when milling at 102 m/s with 0.84 mm screen aperture.

Conclusions

Although seed moisture had some impact on flour quality, hammer mill settings were the most important factors in particle size reduction of yellow split pea. Particle size is a predictor of flour quality.

Significance and novelty

These relationships among hammer mill parameters, seed moisture, and flour quality are not extensively reported in the literature. Results can be used to provide processing guidance for pulse hammer milling.
Are liquid biopsies ready for primetime?
Authors: Emamekhoo Hamid , Lang Joshua M.
Published: December 2018

There is a fundamental need for predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers for patients with solid tumors. New liquid biopsies hold great promise, but their clinical usefulness has yet to be defined in prospective clinical trials.