bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Saoura Foggaras: Degradation of Hydraulic System Millennium Case of Beni Abbes, Ouakda, Beni Ounif and Lahmar (Algeria)
Authors: Remini Boualem , Rezoug Cherrif , Hamoudi Saaed
Published: August 2017

In this article, we studied, for the first time, the foggaras of Saoura. Five missions were carried out in the oases of Kerzaz, Lahmar, Boukais, Beni Ounif, Ouakda, and Beni Abbes during the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The first results showed that there was a difference between the foggaras of Touat and those of Saoura. The galleries of Saoura are much shorter than those of Touat and Gourara. On the contrary, the distribution of water from the Touat and Gourara foggaras is carried out per unit volume, whereas from the Saoura foggaras per unit time. The foggaras we visited are practically in a degraded condition. The contribution of modern technology (pumps and wells) in the oases of Saoura is the principal cause of the decline of the hydraulic system millennium.
Effects of Cluster Sets and Rest-Redistribution on Mechanical Responses to Back Squats in Trained Men
Authors: Tufano James J. , Conlon Jenny A. , Nimphius Sophia , Brown Lee E. , Petkovic Alex , Frick Justin , Gregory Haff G.
Published: August 2017

Eight resistance-trained men completed three protocols separated by 48-96 hours. Each protocol included 36 repetitions with the same rest duration, but the frequency and length of rest periods differed. The cluster sets of four (CS4) protocol included 30 s of rest after the 4th, 8th, 16th, 20th, 28th, and 32nd repetition in addition to 120 s of rest after the 12th and 24th repetition. For the other two protocols, the total 420 s rest time of CS4 was redistributed to include nine sets of four repetitions (RR4) with 52.5 s of rest after every four repetitions, or 36 sets of single repetitions (RR1) with 12 s of rest after every repetition. Mean (MF) and peak (PF) force, velocity (MV and PV), and power output (MP and PP) were measured during 36 repetitions and were collapsed into 12 repetitions for analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA 3 (protocol) x 12 (repetition) showed a protocol x repetition interaction for PF, MV, PV, MP, and PP (p-values from <0.001 to 0.012). No interaction or main effect was present for MF. During RR1, MV, PV, MP, and PP were maintained, but decreased throughout every 4-repetition sequence during CS4 and RR4. During CS4 and RR4, PF was less following a rest period compared to subsequent repetitions, whereas PF was maintained during RR1. These data indicate that rest redistribution results in similar average kinetics and kinematics, but if total rest time is redistributed to create shorter but more frequent sets, kinetics and kinematics may remain more constant.
Impact of the Polymorphism Near MC4R (rs17782313) on Obesity- and Metabolic-Related Traits in Women Participating in an Aerobic Training Program
Authors: Leońska-Duniec Agata , Jastrzębski Zbigniew , Zarębska Aleksandra , Smółka Wojciech , Cięszczyk Paweł
Published: August 2017

The C/T polymorphism (rs17782313) mapped 188 kb downstream of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) shows a strong relationship with an increased body mass index (BMI) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the information on polymorphism’s potential modifying effect on obesity- and metabolic-related traits achieved through training is still unknown. Therefore, we decided to check if selected body measurements observed in physically active participants would be modulated by the genotype. The genotype distribution was examined in a group of 201 Polish women measured for chosen traits before and after the completion of a 12 week moderate-intensive aerobic training program. A statistically significant relationship between the glucose level and the genotype was identified (p = 0.046). Participants with CC and CT genotypes had a higher glucose level during the entire study period compared with the TT genotype. However, our results did not confirm the relationship between the C allele and an increased BMI or other obesity-related traits. Additionally, we did not observe a near MC4R C/T polymorphism x physical activity interaction. However, our results revealed that majority of obesity-related variables changed significantly during the 12 week training program. The effect sizes (d) of these changes ranged from small to medium (d = 0.11-0.80), whereas the largest effect (d = 0.80; i.e. medium) was reported for the fat mass content (FM). We found a relationship between the near MC4R C/T polymorphism and an increased glucose level, and it is thus a candidate to influence type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, after the 12 week training program, participants with the C (risk) allele with fasting hyperglycemia had a normal glucose level. Although, this change was not statistically significant, it shows an important trend which needs further investigation.
Fundamental Tactical Principles of Soccer: a Comparison of Different Age Groups
Authors: Borges Paulo Henrique , Guilherme José , Rechenchosky Leandro , da Costa Luciane Cristina Arantes , Rinadi Wilson
Published: August 2017

The fundamental tactical principles of the game of soccer represent a set of action rules that guide behaviours related to the management of game space. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of fundamental offensive and defensive tactical principles among youth soccer players from 12 to 17 years old. The sample consisted of 3689 tactical actions performed by 48 soccer players in three age categories: under 13 (U-13), under 15 (U-15), and under 17 (U-17). Tactical performance was measured using the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). The Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Cohen’s Kappa tests were used in the study analysis. The results showed that the principles of “offensive coverage” (p = 0.01) and “concentration” (p = 0.04) were performed more frequently by the U-17 players than the U-13 players. The tactical principles “width and length” (p < 0.05) and “defensive unit” (p < 0.05) were executed more frequently by younger soccer players. It can be concluded that the frequency with which fundamental tactical principles are performed varies between the gaming categories, which implies that there is valuation of defensive security and a progressive increase in “offensive coverage” caused by increased confidence and security in offensive actions.
Evaluation of the Illinois Change of Direction Test in Youth Elite Soccer Players of Different Age
Authors: Negra Yassine , Chaabene Helmi , Amara Samiha , Jaric Slobodan , Hammami Mehréz , Hachana Younés
Published: August 2017

Change of direction ability is an essential pre-requisite in team sports athletes. The Illinois change of direction test has been routinely used for testing change of direction ability in soccer players. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Illinois change of direction test in young elite soccer players in terms of its reliability, usefulness and relationship with body size. A total of one hundred and ninety-four male, national-level soccer players were recruited. They were classified into four age groups (U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14). Participants were tested using the Illinois change of direction test twice, and basic indices of body size were obtained. The Illinois change of direction scores showed high relative and absolute reliability in all age groups (all intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.91, and the standard error of measurement was <5%). The usefulness analysis showed that the Illinois change of direction test could detect small changes in performance in the U-10 and U-12 groups. However, it could only detect moderate changes in performance in the U-8 and U-14 groups. Although the Illinois change of direction test detected significant performance differences among groups, scores were not significantly related to body size (-0.30<r<0.15; p > 0.05). Taking into account the test’s high reliability and the appropriate level of usefulness, these results might support the use of the Illinois change of direction test as a standard measure for quantifying change of direction ability in young soccer players.
Officiating Role Influences the Physical Match Activity Profiles of Rugby League Touch Judges and Referees
Authors: Pearce Leesa , Woods Carl , Sinclair Wade , Leicht Anthony
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the effect of the officiating role on physical activity profiles of rugby league match officials during match-play. Physical performance indicators were collated from 23 match officials, resulting in 78 observations. Match officials were categorised into two groups: referees and touch judges. Microtechnology facilitated the quantification of total distance (m), relative distance (m⋅min-1), maximum velocity (m⋅s-1), the percentage of high intensity running distance (% total > 3.01 m⋅s-1), walking distance (<1 m⋅s-1), jogging distance (1.01 – 3 m⋅s-1), fast jogging distance (3.01 - 5 m⋅s-1), and sprinting distance (>5 m⋅s-1). Multivariate analysis modelled the main effect of the officiating role with follow up univariate analyses identifying significant differences. A significant effect was noted (V = 750; F(8, 66) = 24.71; p < 0.05) with referees covering a greater total distance (7767 ± 585 vs. 7022 ± 759 m), relative distance (90 ± 6 vs. 82 ± 8 m⋅min-1), jogging distance (3772 ± 752 vs. 3110 ± 553 m), and fast jogging distance (2565 ± 631 vs. 1816 ± 440 m) compared to touch judges. Touch judges covered greater distances while sprinting (1012 ± 385 vs. 654 ± 241 m). Results provide important guidance in the development of training programs for match officials.
Balance Training Programs in Athletes – A Systematic Review
Authors: Brachman Anna , Kamieniarz Anna , Michalska Justyna , Pawłowski Michał , Słomka Kajetan J. , Juras Grzegorz
Published: August 2017

It has become almost routine practice to incorporate balance exercises into training programs for athletes from different sports. However, the type of training that is most efficient remains unclear, as well as the frequency, intensity and duration of the exercise that would be most beneficial have not yet been determined. The following review is based on papers that were found through computerized searches of PubMed and SportDiscus from 2000 to 2016. Articles related to balance training, testing, and injury prevention in young healthy athletes were considered. Based on a Boolean search strategy the independent researchers performed a literature review. A total of 2395 articles were evaluated, yet only 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. In most of the reviewed articles, balance training has proven to be an effective tool for the improvement of postural control. It is difficult to establish one model of training that would be appropriate for each sport discipline, including its characteristics and demands. The main aim of this review was to identify a training protocol based on most commonly used interventions that led to improvements in balance. Our choice was specifically established on the assessment of the effects of balance training on postural control and injury prevention as well as balance training methods. The analyses including papers in which training protocols demonstrated positive effects on balance performance suggest that an efficient training protocol should last for 8 weeks, with a frequency of two training sessions per week, and a single training session of 45 min. This standard was established based on 36 reviewed studies.
High-Speed 120 Gbps AMI-WDM-PDM Free Space Optical Transmission System
Authors: Upadhyay Kamal Kishore , Srivastava Saumya , Shukla N. K , Chaudhary Sushank
Published: August 2017

Free space optical (FSO) communication systems are gaining high popularity from the last decade due to its various advantages such as no license spectrum, low-cost implementation etc. In this work, 160 Gbps data is transmitted over 8 km FSO link by adopting alternate mark inversion (AMI), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and polarization division multiplexing (PDM) schemes. The results are reported in terms of Q factor, bit error rate, signal to noise ratio, total received power and eye diagrams.
Initial patient choice of a growth hormone device improves child and adolescent adherence to and therapeutic effects of growth hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Gau Maki , Takasawa Kei
Published: August 2017

Background:

It is thought that growth hormone (GH) therapy success depends on the patient’s adherence to their treatment regimen, but an optimal approach to improve adherence has not yet been established.

Methods:

To evaluate the effect of patient choice of a GH device on adherence to GH therapy, we carried out a retrospective longitudinal study of 46 GH deficient patients (24 boys, mean age of commencing GH therapy: 7.70±3.12 years) treated with recombinant GH therapy for 3 years, either with or without patient choice (n=28, 18, respectively).

Results:

The group comparison study for adherence, which evaluated the frequency of missed injections based on self-report, revealed that patient choice reduced the proportion of patients with low adherence 3 years after commencing GH therapy (33.3%–7.1%, p=0.042). Furthermore, this longitudinal study revealed that the patients with choice yielded significantly greater height standard deviation scores (SDS) (ΔHt SDS: 1.34±0.44 vs. 0.92±0.57, p=0.020) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) SDS (ΔIGF-1 SDS: 2.49±0.75 vs. 1.89±1.13, p=0.038) than those without choice.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that patient choice might improve adherence to GH therapy, which improves the therapeutic effects of GH therapy.
Transition from Legacy to Connectivity Solution for Infrastructure Control of Smart Municipal Systems
Authors: Zabasta A. , Kunicina N. , Kondratjevs K.
Published: August 2017

Collaboration between heterogeneous systems and architectures is not an easy problem in the automation domain. By now, utilities and suppliers encounter real problems due to underestimated costs of technical solutions, frustration in selecting technical solutions relevant for local needs, and incompatibilities between a plenty of protocols and appropriate solutions. The paper presents research on creation of architecture of smart municipal systems in a local cloud of services that apply SOA and IoT approaches. The authors of the paper have developed a broker that applies orchestration services and resides on a gateway, which provides adapter and protocol translation functions, as well as applies a tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs and online services.
Control of the Development of Swirling Airflow Dynamics and Its Impact on Biomass Combustion Characteristics
Authors: Barmina I. , Valdmanis R. , Zaķe M.
Published: August 2017

The development of the swirling flame flow field and gasification/ combustion dynamics at thermo-chemical conversion of biomass pellets has experimentally been studied using a pilot device, which combines a biomass gasifier and combustor by varying the inlet conditions of the fuel-air mixture into the combustor. Experimental modelling of the formation of the cold nonreacting swirling airflow field above the inlet nozzle of the combustor and the upstream flow formation below the inlet nozzle has been carried out to assess the influence of the inlet nozzle diameter, as well primary and secondary air supply rates on the upstream flow formation and air swirl intensity, which is highly responsible for the formation of fuel-air mixture entering the combustor and the development of combustion dynamics downstream of the combustor. The research results demonstrate that at equal primary axial and secondary swirling air supply into the device a decrease in the inlet nozzle diameter enhances the upstream air swirl formation by increasing swirl intensity below the inlet nozzle of the combustor. This leads to the enhanced mixing of the combustible volatiles with the air swirl below the inlet nozzle of the combustor providing a more complete combustion of volatiles and an increase in the heat output of the device.
Model for studying anti- allergic drugs for allergic conjunctivitis in animals
Authors: Nakazawa Yosuke , Oka Mikako , Takehana Makoto
Published: August 2017

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC), which is characterized by ocular itching, hyperemia, and edema, deteriorates quality of life. In this study, effects of anti-allergic drugs were evaluated by assessing eye-scratching behavior, the number of eosinophils in conjunctiva epithelial tissues, and concentrations of chemical mediators in the tears of the guinea pig model of ovalbumin (OA)-induced AC.

Methodology

On day 0, 3-week-old guinea pigs were sensitized by OA subconjunctival injections. On days 15, 17, and 19, OA solution was administered. Anti-allergic eye drops were administered 5 and 15 min before the final OA challenge on day 19. Scratching behavior within 1 h after OA exposure was studied. Eosinophils in the conjunctiva were stained with Giemsa reagent. Histamine and substance P (SP) concentrations in tears were measured using ELISA.

Results

Subconjunctivally injected guinea pigs were observed for clinical symptoms. Scratching responses significantly reduced with ketotifen or olopatadine treatment. Eosinophil numbers reduced in animals treated with ketotifen, levocabastine, or tranilast. Histamine and/or SP concentrations in tears were inhibited by some of these anti-allergic drugs.

Conclusions

It is important to assess the anti-allergic AC drugs objectively because there are several of these drugs currently available. This model allows for an objective evaluation of anti-allergic drugs for AC.
Stability Analysis of Radial Turning Process for Superalloys
Authors: Jiménez Alberto , Boto Fernando , Irigoien Itziar , Sierra Basilio , Suarez Alfredo
Published: August 2017

Stability detection in machining processes is an essential component for the design of efficient machining processes. Automatic methods are able to determine when instability is happening and prevent possible machine failures. In this work a variety of methods are proposed for detecting stability anomalies based on the measured forces in the radial turning process of superalloys. Two different methods are proposed to determine instabilities. Each one is tested on real data obtained in the machining of Waspalloy, Haynes 282 and Inconel 718. Experimental data, in both Conventional and High Pressure Coolant (HPC) environments, are set in four different states depending on materials grain size and Hardness (LGA, LGS, SGA and SGS). Results reveal that PCA method is useful for visualization of the process and detection of anomalies in online processes.
Bottom to Top Approach for Railway KPI Generation
Authors: Villarejo Roberto , Johansson Carl-Anders , Leturiondo Urko , Simon Victor , Seneviratne Dammika , Galar Diego
Published: August 2017

Railway maintenance especially on infrastructure produces a vast amount of data. However, having data is not synonymous with having information; rather, data must be processed to extract information. In railway maintenance, the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) linked to punctuality or capacity can help planned and scheduled maintenance, thus aligning the maintenance department with corporate objectives. There is a need for an improved method to analyse railway data to find the relevant KPIs. The system should support maintainers, answering such questions as what maintenance should be done, where and when. The system should equip the user with the knowledge of the infrastructure’s condition and configuration, and the traffic situation so maintenance resources can be targeted to only those areas needing work. The amount of information is vast, so it must be hierarchized and aggregated; users must filter out the useless indicators. Data are fused by compiling several individual indicators into a single index; the resulting composite indicators measure multidimensional concepts which cannot be captured by a single index. The paper describes a method of monitoring a complex entity. In this scenario, a plurality of use indices and weighting values are used to create a composite and aggregated use index from a combination of lower level use indices and weighting values. The resulting composite and aggregated indicators can be a decision-making tool for asset managers at different hierarchical levels.
Ergonomics Contribution in Maintainability
Authors: Teymourian Kiumars , Seneviratne Dammika , Galar Diego
Published: August 2017

The objective of this paper is to describe an ergonomics contribution in maintainability. The economical designs, inputs and training helps to increase the maintainability indicators for industrial devices. This analysis can be helpful, among other cases, to compare systems, to achieve a better design regarding maintainability requirements, to improve this maintainability under specific industrial environment and to foresee maintainability problems due to eventual changes in a device operation conditions. With this purpose, this work first introduces the notion of ergonomics and human factors, maintainability and the implementation of assessment of human postures, including some important postures to perform maintenance activities. A simulation approach is used to identify the critical posture of the maintenance personnel and implements the defined postures with minimal loads on the personnel who use the equipment in a practical scenario. The simulation inputs are given to the designers to improve the workplace/equipment in order to high level of maintainability. Finally, the work concludes summarizing the more significant aspects and suggesting future research.
Transient expression of green fluorescent protein in parasitic dodder as a tool for studying of cytoskeleton
Authors: Kaštier Peter , Martinčová Michaela , Fiala Roderik , Blehová Alžbeta
Published: August 2017

Dodder (Cuscuta) species cause severe agricultural damage in many countries throughout the world. To establish strategies for control of its growth and spreading it is important to study its life cycle and survival strategies. For these efforts genetic modification would represent a powerful tool. Here we report on Agrobacteriummediated transformation of dodder using green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to actin-binding protein as a vital marker. Since the shoot of germinating C. europaea contains a functional apical meristem and grows quickly comparing to the root-like structure, the shoot apex was used here as explant. The transgene expression was only transient, nevertheless it enabled to detect allocation of actin filaments and studying the cytoskeleton organization in dodder shoot apex. Transient expression of GFP appears to be a suitable method for studying Cuscuta development through cytoskeleton organisation that is presently largely unexplored.
Partial migration and decreasing migration distance in the Hungarian population of the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758): Analysis of 85 years of ring recovery data
Authors: Németh Zoltán
Published: August 2017

The Common Blackbird is a partial migrant throughout much of its range in Europe. That is, part of its breeding population migrates while the rest stays at the breeding ground for winter. Given the rapidly changing global climate, it is important to understand how migratory birds, including partial migrants, respond to shifting climatic conditions. In this study, I analyzed 85 years of ring recovery data of the Hungarian population of the Blackbird, ringed during the breeding season and recovered during migration or winter, with two objectives in mind: (1) to assess whether the Hungarian Blackbird population is also partially migratory, and (2) to test the prediction that Blackbirds have exhibited decreasing migration distances over the past decades as expected based on warming winter temperatures. Hungarian Blackbirds expressed both migratory and resident strategies, thus can be considered as partial migrants. Furthermore, Blackbirds had been recovered increasingly closer (-5.9 km/year) to their breeding grounds in the past decades. Age and sex had no effects on recovery distance. Provided that this trend continues, the adaptive benefits of migratory behavior may eventually be reduced to a level that selection will not maintain it in the population and the Hungarian population becomes entirely sedentary. Surprisingly, 88% of migrant recoveries were the result of shooting or hunting activities in Mediterranean countries, primarily in Italy, highlighting both the need to understand the effects of hunting pressure on migratory behavior at the population level in songbirds and the urgency to ban the killing of migratory birds in European countries.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Determining Coordinates of a Corner of a Building Measured in the RTN GNSS Mode, Having Applied the Innovative Algorithm of Vector Translation
Authors: Krzyżek Robert
Published: August 2017

The study evaluates the accuracy of determining coordinates of a corner of a building measured in the RTN GNSS mode (Real Time Network Global Navigation Satellite System) using the method of line-line intersection and having applied the algorithm of vector translation, developed by the author. The performed analysis of accuracy proved a high precision in determining the points subjected to studies. An important factor in the formation of a mean error regarding the position of the corner of a building, having used the algorithm of vector translation, is the assumption of correctness of the reference points, i.e. the so-called base points, determined in the RTN GNSS mode. In this case, the base points take the role of measurement control points. The mean error of the position of the corner of a building, taking into account the innovative solution, is at the level of several centimeters. The study results presented in the article allow to positively evaluate the algorithm of vector translation in terms of accuracy of determining the position of a corner of a building, measured in real time.
Remote Sensing to Estimate Saturation Differences of Chosen Building Materials Using Terrestrial Laser Scanner
Authors: Suchocki Czesław , Katzer Jacek , Panuś Arkadiusz
Published: August 2017

Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) method which is commonly used for geodetic applications has a great potential to be successfully harnessed for multiple civil engineering applications. One of the most promising uses of TLS in construction industry is remote sensing of saturation of building materials. A research programme was prepared in order to prove that harnessing TLS for such an application is viable. Results presented in the current paper are a part of a much larger research programme focused on harnessing TLS for remote sensing of saturation of building materials. The paper describes results of the tests conducted with an impulse scanner Leica C-10. Tests took place both indoors (in a stable lab conditions) and outdoors (in a real environment). There were scanned specimens of the most popular building materials in Europe. Tested specimens were dried and saturated (including capillary rising moisture). One of the tests was performed over a period of 95 hours. Basically, a concrete specimen was scanned during its setting and hardening. It was proven that absorption of a laser signal is influenced by setting and hardening of concrete. Outdoor tests were based on scanning real buildings with partially saturated facades. The saturation assessment was based on differences of values of intensity. The concept proved to be feasible and technically realistic.
Primary neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma in larynx: case report and literature review
Authors: Evsei Anca , Iosif Cristina , Enache Simona , Manea Claudiu , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: August 2017

Background. Neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx represent a rare group of neoplasms characterized by pathological and biological heterogeneity. The histological and immunohistochemical diagnosis is the most important step in the appropriate management of these tumors and the prognosis varies according to histological types. Conventional anatomical and functional imaging can be complementary for diagnosis, staging and monitoring of treatment response. Material and methods. Here we report on a case of a laryngeal neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma occurring in a 67-year-old man who was referred to our clinic for clinical reevaluation, diagnosis and treatment. The clinical presentation, the histopathological and immunohistochemical examination and management of this kind of tumor are highlighted. Conclusion. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are very aggressive neoplasms. Patients could benefit from surgery, but radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the treatment of choice. Very low incidence of neuroendocrine tumors in the larynx and specifically very poor prognosis of neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma encouraged an extensive literature review.
Stereological Evaluation of the Brains in Patients with Parkinson’s disease Compared to Controls
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Moghtaderi Ali , Mahmoudzadeh-Sagheb Hamidreza , Gorgich Enam Alhagh Charkhat
Published: August 2017

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder. A tetrad of bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural instability are the core features of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate stereological changes in the brain of patients with PD and compare them with that of healthy controls. This case-control study was conducted on 29 patients with PD and 12 controls (C) in Zahedan, Iran. All subjects enrolled into the study through the convenience sampling method. MRI images of the brains of two groups in frontal and sagittal axis with consecutive 5mm distance slices were captured. Parameters including total volume (V) and volume density (Vv) of different parts of the brain were estimated based on Cavalries’ point counting stereological method. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-Test applied for comparing the PD and C groups were used. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Our study showed that the volume of the brain and total volume and volume density (Vv) of cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, ventricles, hippocampus, pons, mid brain and superior cerebellar peduncles in the PD group did not indicate significant difference from the control group. Total volume of brain stem in PD group wasn’t significantly different from the control group. The volume density of brain stem (p= 0.012) and total volume and volume density of middle cerebellar peduncle (p< 0.0001) in PD group were significantly larger than the control group. This study shows that PD stereological parameters related to volume and volume density of middle cerebellar peduncle and volume density of brain stem were significantly larger in patients compared to the controls. Therefore, stereological parameters can be used for early diagnosis and probably for follow-up in patients with PD.
Involvement of inflammatory markers in pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Cocoi Alexandra Florina , Pop Dana , Cocoi Mihai , Serban Adela Mihaela , Vida-Simiti Luminita Animarie
Published: August 2017

Inflammation of the venous wall is involved in thrombogenesis, thrombus resolution, wall remodeling and the post-thrombotic syndrome. Different mechanisms are involved in both arterial and venous thrombosis and patients with atherothrombosis hold a higher risk of venous thrombosis. Although inflammation may represent the connection between arterial and venous thrombosis, it is not yet sure if it is the cause or consequence of venous thrombosis. Consequently, the relationships between inflammation markers as indicators of the inflammatory process and clinical venous thromboembolism need to be investigatd. For example, inflammation mediators such as the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), C Reactive Protein (CRP), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), matrix metalloproteinases and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) are all involved in thrombogenesis. Studies of venous thromboembolism on animal models proved that there are specific phases of the inflammatory process in venous thromboembolism and thrombus resolution. Knowing the molecular and immunologic mechanisms, identifying and understanding the inflammation markers which are relevant for venous thrombosis, can help to target specific pathways and to develop future therapies of this disease
Pitfalls in hemostasis exploration, a case report of a girl with Henoch-Schönlein type vasculitis
Authors: Arghirescu Smaranda , Boia Eugen , Ursu Emilia , Savescu Delia , Boc Madalina , Jinca Cristian , Serban Margit
Published: August 2017

The adequate performance and correct interpretation of assays for coagulation factor inhibitors play a critical role for the hemostasis laboratory. Both, false positive and false negative inhibitor assays may be reported, leading to erroneous patient’s management. Therefore, we decided to present a case with a spurious image of an exceptionally rare acquired combined haemophilia A, B and C, with severe factor ( F) VIII, IX and XI deficiency, associated with high titre anti - F VIII, IX and XI inhibitors in a 4 years old girl with Henoch-Schönlein type vasculitis. Finally, performing, beside coagulometric methods also antigenic ELISA assays, we had to invalidate the diagnosis. The performance of antiphospholipd antibodies clarified the diagnosis , finally concluding as definite diagnosis Transient Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome, with decisive impact on therapy and follow-up.
Stock Price Simulation Using Bootstrap and Monte Carlo
Authors: Pažický Martin
Published: August 2017

In this paper, an attempt is made to assessment and comparison of bootstrap experiment and Monte Carlo experiment for stock price simulation. Since the stock price evolution in the future is extremely important for the investors, there is the attempt to find the best method how to determine the future stock price of BNP Paribas′ bank. The aim of the paper is define the value of the European and Asian option on BNP Paribas′ stock at the maturity date. There are employed four different methods for the simulation. First method is bootstrap experiment with homoscedastic error term, second method is blocked bootstrap experiment with heteroscedastic error term, third method is Monte Carlo simulation with heteroscedastic error term and the last method is Monte Carlo simulation with homoscedastic error term. In the last method there is necessary to model the volatility using econometric GARCH model. The main purpose of the paper is to compare the mentioned methods and select the most reliable. The difference between classical European option and exotic Asian option based on the experiment results is the next aim of tis paper.
Primary Sources of Corporate Investment in Hungary
Authors: Katona Klára
Published: August 2017

This research aims to reveal how Hungarian companies have financed investments over the last two decades. Which financing strategy characterized them: was internal capital accumulation or external resources, such as bank loans or foreign capital the primary source of corporate investments? The study gives an overview of the conditions typical in the Hungarian financing and capital market over the last 25 years through an empirical analysis. Using a linear regression model, the paper examines the main investments sources among the top 5000 Hungarian firms according to revenues between 1996 and 2014. The model proved that the effect of loans in financing investments was significant and positive in all examined firms, independently from their ownership in the whole period. The rate of indebtedness of foreign companies was mainly attributable to local bank credits and not loans granted by mother companies.
Volatility Nexus Between Stock Market and Macroeconomic Variables in Bangladesh: an Extended GARCH Approach
Authors: Hasan Md. Abu , Zaman Anita
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the volatility of the Bangladesh stock market returns in response to the volatility of the macroeconomic variables employing monthly data of general index of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and four macroeconomic variables (Call Money Rate, Crude Oil Price, Exchange Rate and SENSEX of Bombay Stock Exchange) from January 2001 to December 2015. The results of GARCHS models reveal that the volatility of DSE return is significantly guided by the volatility of macroeconomic variables, such as, exchange rate and SENSEX. Specifically, volatility of the DSE is expected to 19% increase by 1% increase of exchange rate. Moreover, the volatility of the Bangladesh stock market returns is expected to dampen down by 2% with an increase in the volatility of Indian stock market of 1%. Thus, we can comment that adding exchange rate or stock returns of India in the GARCH model provides significant knowledge about the behaviour of the DSE volatility.
An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Economic Growth in the Western Balkans
Authors: Fetai Besnik Taip , Mustafi Besime Fekri , Fetai Ariana Besnik
Published: August 2017

The objective of this paper is to assess the main determinants and the policies that affect economic growth in the Western Balkan over the period 1994 to 2015. It employs techniques such as pooled OLS, fixed and random effects model, and Hausman-Taylor model with instrumental variables (IV). The study shows evidence of conditional convergence, indicating the need for an upward move in the steady state level. The results show that foreign direct investments, gross savings and domestic credit to the private sector have a positive effect on per capita growth. On the other hand, initial level of per capita growth, corruption, unemployment, and general government final consumption, have a negative relationship with per capita growth. The study also shows a puzzling result, that schooling is not a significant factor for growth in Western Balkans. The study also highlights the relevance of attracting more foreign direct investments and reduction in corruption.
Isolating of a putative glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from Calophyllum brasiliense, an important tropical forest tree
Authors: Patreze C. M. , Felix D. B. , Scarano F. R. , Alves-Ferreira M.
Published: August 2017

Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. has characteristics that made it an excellent candidate model for ecogenomics in rain forest trees such as widespread natural occurrence and geographical patterns of adaptive genetic variation. Besides, it is also becoming a popular species for reforestation efforts in Brazil. Although, very little is known about its genetic diversity and the molecular mechanisms involved genetic adaptation traits. The first difficulty in launching genetic studies in a wild wood species is the lack of an optimized protocol for RNA and DNA isolation. In this work we built the essential framework for molecular genetics research with C. brasiliense comparing four distinct methods of RNA extraction from of three different tissues: leaves, stems and roots. We also were successful in the isolation of genomic DNA by an optimized CTAB method. Finally, degenerated oligonucleotide primers were designed for isolating of the glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene of C. brasiliense from the corresponding gene in closely related species. This gene is commonly used in plants as reference in expression gene analysis by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Primers for RT-PCR were designed based on partial sequence obtained using degenerate primers designed. The optimized methods of RNA and DNA extraction combined with the identification, isolation and specific primer design for RT-PCR of a traditional Reference Gene provide the essential framework for molecular genetics research with C. brasiliense.
Variation in Floral Phenological Synchronization in a Clonal Seed Orchard of Pinus tabuliformis in Northeast of China
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xiaoru , Li Yue
Published: August 2017

Flowering phenology in an orchard is a crucial factor affecting the gene exchange among clones and consequently changing genetic composition of the seed crop. Pinus tabuliformis is now at the crucial period from first generation clonal seed orchards to advanced generation seed orchards in China. In this study, variation and stability in floral phenological synchronization of all the clones and possible mating pairs, in terms of an index of phenological overlap, were observed in a first generation clonal seed orchard which located in northeast of China. Results showed that significant variations occurred in the clones and mating pairs. This kind of variation was apparently related with temperature and humidity of the research site. With increasing age, levels of flowering synchronization were likely to rise in the clones and mating pairs. In general, the average flowering synchronization of male parents was slightly higher than that of female parents, female management in a seed orchard should be paied more attention. Flowering time was under strong genetic control and this genetic control was stronger in the female flowering process than of the males in terms of board sense heritability and year to year correlation analysis. Flowering synchronization of female parents was positively correlated between most years and can be a reliable reference for early and late predication in Pinus tabuliformis seed orchard during stage of initial seed harvest to stable seed production. According to their average levels of flowering synchronization, 49 clones in the first generation clonal seed orchard were divided into 11 different groups. Results of this paper provided the basic information for first generation seed orchard management and advanced seed orchard establishment of Pinus tabuliformis.
Optimisation of a multiplex PCR assay of nuclear microsatellite markers for population genetics and clone identification in Robinia pseudoacacia L.
Authors: Liesebach H. , Ewald E.
Published: August 2017

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a tree species native to North America. The multipurpose tree is cultivated worldwide, but causes problems due to its partially invasive character. The application of nuclear microsatellite loci has many aims in population genetic studies. Here we introduce a very cost-effective method for combining the information of 14 nuclear microsatellite loci into two multiplex PCR sets as a contribution to greater standardisation and more comparable results. Combined non-exclusion probabilities for clone identification using example populations are estimated at between 1.37*E-5 and 1.67*E-11, and for paternity analysis for 1.59*E-4. The detected weak linkage between some microsatellite loci is not considered to be a substantial restriction to the reliability of the set of markers in providing an appropriate method for fingerprinting and parentage analysis.
Provenance Variation in Radial Increment and Wood Characteristics Revealed by 30 Years Old Norway Spruce Comparative Trials
Authors: Şofletea N. , Budeanu M. , Pârnuţă G.
Published: August 2017

The performance of 33 Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] seed sources from the Romanian Carpathians was evaluated with respect to growth and wood characteristics in comparative trials located at two different site conditions: Avrig- outside of the natural range of Norway spruce and Bret¸cu - within the natural range of this species. The radial increment (RI), latewood percentage (LWP) and conventional wood density (CWD) traits were evaluated at age 30 years after plantation. Phenotypic correlations between the evaluated traits, on the one hand, and between the same traits and the geographic gradients of the origin of seed sources, on the other hand, were calculated. Analysis of variance showed significant (p<0.01) differences between seed sources for RI, while for LWP and CWD, the differences were highly significant (p<0.001). These results suggest that selection at seed sources level could be possible. The test sites influence the LWP and CWD, while the RI is almost similar in both sites. For RI, the most valuable populations are situated in the Eastern and Western Romanian Carpathians. The highest LWP was registered for the Eastern Carpathian populations, while the lowest was recorded for the Western Carpathian populations. The Southern Carpathian populations, characterized by a lower growth rate, had higher values for wood density.
Early Selection for Improving Volume Growth in Coastal Douglas-fir Breeding Programs
Authors: Ye T. Z. , Jayawickrama K. J. S.
Published: August 2017

Measurements on growth traits up to 41 years of age from 68 progeny sites in eight first-generation breeding zones of coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [MIRB.] FRANCO var. menziesii) in the US Pacific Northwest were used to investigate age trends of genetic parameters and to determine optimum age of selection. Heritabilities and age-age genetic correlations were estimated using univariate or bivariate mixed model analyses. Heritability estimates tended to increase with age for both total growth and growth increment traits. The estimates showed different age trends among breeding zones, but the differences were generally small. Age-age genetic correlations for total growth traits fitted Lambeth’s model surprisingly well, despite the data being collected from multiple breeding zones. Using rotation-age (i.e., 50yr) volume as the selection criterion, the greatest correlated gains per year were achieved by making family selection at juvenile ages (i.e., 9 for height, 13 for diameter, and 11 for volume). Similar results were obtained for within-family selection except that the optimum ages of selection were 2~4 years later than that from family selection, i.e., 11 for height, 15 for diameter and volume. Early selection on total height was always more efficient and had earlier optimum ages than on other growth traits. The optimum ages of early family selection on total growth were 4~11 years earlier than on the corresponding growth increment traits. It was also evident that the optimum ages of selection occurred later for slow-growth trials than for fast-growing trials.
Estimating coancestry within open-pollinated progenies of a dioecious species: the case study of Myracrodruon urundeuva
Authors: Moraes M. A. , Gaino A. P. S. , Moraes M. L. T. , Freitas M. L. M. , Sebbenn A. M.
Published: August 2017

Understanding the coancestry coefficient within openpollinated progenies has long been an area of interest because of the implications of coancestry on estimates of additive genetic variation, variance effective size and the number of seed trees required for seed collection for ex situ conservation, tree breeding and environmental restoration. This study compares three methods to calculate the coancestry coefficient within open-pollinated progenies of the dioecious tree species, Myracrodruon urundeuva, using six microsatellite loci. The methods compared were: i) correlated mating model (CMM) (RITLAND, 1989); ii) TWOGENER method (SMOUSE et al., 2001) to estimate the differentiation among pollen pools (TGM); and iii) HARDY et al.’s 2004 method using the estimate of coancestry from LOISELLE et al. (1995) (HLM) and from RITLAND (1996) (HRM). The data analysis was based on four data sets: two populations were composed of 12 progenies, two of 24 progenies, and all progenies consisted of 15 plants. The coancestry estimated using CMM ranged among populations from 0.145 to 0.158, using TGM it ranged from 0.153 to 0.181, using HLM from 0.153 to 0.162, and HRM from 0.144 to 0.147. To investigate the bias of the estimates of true relatedness within progenies we simulated two half-sib and two full-sib populations. The most accurate method found in the study was CMM because the estimated values presented no bias for true half- or full-sib progenies and these values were very similar to those expected (0.125 and 0.25, respectively). These results have significant implications for breeding and conservation programs because coancestry-within-progenies is a key parameter in assessing the variance effective size.