bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ranking Causal Anomalies for System Fault Diagnosis via Temporal and Dynamical Analysis on Vanishing Correlations
Authors: Cheng Wei , Ni Jingchao , Zhang Kai , Chen Haifeng , Jiang Guofei , Shi Yu , Zhang Xiang , Wang Wei
Published: June 2017

Detecting system anomalies is an important problem in many fields such as security, fault management, and industrial optimization. Recently, invariant network has shown to be powerful in characterizing complex system behaviours. In the invariant network, a node represents a system component and an edge indicates a stable, significant interaction between two components. Structures and evolutions of the invariance network, in particular the vanishing correlations, can shed important light on locating causal anomalies and performing diagnosis. However, existing approaches to detect causal anomalies with the invariant network often use the percentage of vanishing correlations to rank possible casual components, which have several limitations: (1) fault propagation in the network is ignored, (2) the root casual anomalies may not always be the nodes with a high percentage of vanishing correlations, (3) temporal patterns of vanishing correlations are not exploited for robust detection, and (4) prior knowledge on anomalous nodes are not exploited for (semi-)supervised detection. To address these limitations, in this article we propose a network diffusion based framework to identify significant causal anomalies and rank them. Our approach can effectively model fault propagation over the entire invariant network and can perform joint inference on both the structural and the time-evolving broken invariance patterns. As a result, it can locate high-confidence anomalies that are truly responsible for the vanishing correlations and can compensate for unstructured measurement noise in the system. Moreover, when the prior knowledge on the anomalous status of some nodes are available at certain time points, our approach is able to leverage them to further enhance the anomaly inference accuracy. When the prior knowledge is noisy, our approach also automatically learns reliable information and reduces impacts from noises. By performing extensive experiments on synthetic datasets, bank information system datasets, and coal plant cyber-physical system datasets, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
CACTI 7
Authors: Balasubramonian Rajeev , Kahng Andrew B. , Muralimanohar Naveen , Shafiee Ali , Srinivas Vaishnav
Published: June 2017

Historically, server designers have opted for simple memory systems by picking one of a few commoditized DDR memory products. We are already witnessing a major upheaval in the off-chip memory hierarchy, with the introduction of many new memory products—buffer-on-board, LRDIMM, HMC, HBM, and NVMs, to name a few. Given the plethora of choices, it is expected that different vendors will adopt different strategies for their high-capacity memory systems, often deviating from DDR standards and/or integrating new functionality within memory systems. These strategies will likely differ in their choice of interconnect and topology, with a significant fraction of memory energy being dissipated in I/O and data movement. To make the case for memory interconnect specialization, this paper makes three contributions.

First, we design a tool that carefully models I/O power in the memory system, explores the design space, and gives the user the ability to define new types of memory interconnects/topologies. The tool is validated against SPICE models, and is integrated into version 7 of the popular CACTI package. Our analysis with the tool shows that several design parameters have a significant impact on I/O power.

We then use the tool to help craft novel specialized memory system channels. We introduce a new relay-on-board chip that partitions a DDR channel into multiple cascaded channels. We show that this simple change to the channel topology can improve performance by 22% for DDR DRAM and lower cost by up to 65% for DDR DRAM. This new architecture does not require any changes to DIMMs, and it efficiently supports hybrid DRAM/NVM systems.

Finally, as an example of a more disruptive architecture, we design a custom DIMM and parallel bus that moves away from the DDR3/DDR4 standards. To reduce energy and improve performance, the baseline data channel is split into three narrow parallel channels and the on-DIMM interconnects are operated at a lower frequency. In addition, this allows us to design a two-tier error protection strategy that reduces data transfers on the interconnect. This architecture yields a performance improvement of 18% and a memory power reduction of 23%.

The cascaded channel and narrow channel architectures serve as case studies for the new tool and show the potential for benefit from re-organizing basic memory interconnects.
PocketThumb
Authors: Dobbelstein David , Winkler Christian , Haas Gabriel , Rukzio Enrico
Published: June 2017

We present PocketThumb, a wearable touch interface for smart-eyewear that is embedded into the fabrics of the front trouser pocket. The interface is reachable from outside and inside of the pocket to allow for a combined dual-sided touch input. The user can control an absolute cursor with their thumb sliding along the fabric from the inside, while at the same time tapping or swiping with fingers from the outside to perform joint gestures. This allows for resting the hand in a comfortable and quickly accessible position, while performing interaction with a high expressiveness that is feasible in mobile scenarios. In a cursor-based target selection study, we found that our introduced dual-sided touch interaction is significantly faster in comparison to common single-sided absolute as well as relative touch interaction (~19%, resp. ~23% faster). The effect is largest in the mobile conditions standing and walking (up to ~31% faster).
BiliScreen
Authors: Mariakakis Alex , Banks Megan A. , Phillipi Lauren , Yu Lei , Taylor James , Patel Shwetak N.
Published: June 2017

Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst survival rates amongst all forms of cancer because its symptoms manifest later into the progression of the disease. One of those symptoms is jaundice, the yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice is only recognizable to the naked eye in severe stages, but a ubiquitous test using computer vision and machine learning can detect milder forms of jaundice. We propose BiliScreen, a smartphone app that captures pictures of the eye and produces an estimate of a person's bilirubin level, even at levels normally undetectable by the human eye. We test two low-cost accessories that reduce the effects of external lighting: (1) a 3D-printed box that controls the eyes' exposure to light and (2) paper glasses with colored squares for calibration. In a 70-person clinical study, we found that BiliScreen with the box achieves a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.89 and a mean error of -0.09 ± 2.76 mg/dl in predicting a person's bilirubin level. As a screening tool, BiliScreen identifies cases of concern with a sensitivity of 89.7% and a specificity of 96.8% with the box accessory.
Determinants of postprandial plasma bile acid kinetics in human volunteers
Authors: Fiamoncini Jarlei , Yiorkas Andrianos M. , Gedrich Kurt , Rundle Milena , Alsters Sanne I. , Roeselers Guus , van den Broek Tim J. , Clavel Thomas , Lagkouvardos Ilias , Wopereis Suzan , Frost Gary , van Ommen Ben , Blakemore Alexandra I. , Daniel Hannelore
Published: June 2017

Bile acids (BA) are signaling molecules with a wide range of biological effects, also identified among the most responsive plasma metabolites in the postprandial state. We here describe this response to different dietary challenges and report on key determinants linked to its interindividual variability. Healthy men and women ( n = 72, 62 ± 8 yr, mean ± SE) were enrolled into a 12-wk weight loss intervention. All subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and a mixed-meal tolerance test before and after the intervention. BA were quantified in plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry combined with whole genome exome sequencing and fecal microbiota profiling. Considering the average response of all 72 subjects, no effect of the successful weight loss intervention was found on plasma BA profiles. Fasting and postprandial BA profiles revealed high interindividual variability, and three main patterns in postprandial BA response were identified using multivariate analysis. Although the women enrolled were postmenopausal, effects of sex difference in BA response were evident. Exome data revealed the contribution of preselected genes to the observed interindividual variability. In particular, a variant in the SLCO1A2 gene, encoding the small intestinal BA transporter organic anion-transporting polypeptide-1A2 (OATP1A2), was associated with delayed postprandial BA increases. Fecal microbiota analysis did not reveal evidence for a significant influence of bacterial diversity and/or composition on plasma BA profiles. The analysis of plasma BA profiles in response to two different dietary challenges revealed a high interindividual variability, which was mainly determined by genetics and sex difference of host with minimal effects of the microbiota.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Considering the average response of all 72 subjects, no effect of the successful weight loss intervention was found on plasma bile acid (BA) profiles. Despite high interindividual variability, three main patterns in postprandial BA response were identified using multivariate analysis. A variant in the SLCO1A2 gene, encoding the small intestinal BA transporter organic anion-transporting polypeptide-1A2 (OATP1A2), was associated with delayed postprandial BA increases in response to both the oral glucose tolerance test and the mixed-meal tolerance test.
Mitochondrial Genomic Backgrounds Affect Nuclear DNA Methylation and Gene Expression
Authors: Vivian Carolyn J. , Brinker Amanda E. , Graw Stefan , Koestler Devin C. , Legendre Christophe , Gooden Gerald C. , Salhia Bodour , Welch Danny R.
Published: June 2017

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and polymorphisms contribute to many complex diseases, including cancer. Using a unique mouse model that contains nDNA from one mouse strain and homoplasmic mitochondrial haplotypes from different mouse strain(s)—designated Mitochondrial Nuclear Exchange (MNX)—we showed that mtDNA could alter mammary tumor metastasis. Because retrograde and anterograde communication exists between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, we hypothesized that there are differential mtDNA-driven changes in nuclear (n)DNA expression and DNA methylation. Genome-wide nDNA methylation and gene expression were measured in harvested brain tissue from paired wild-type and MNX mice. Selective differential DNA methylation and gene expression were observed between strains having identical nDNA, but different mtDNA. These observations provide insights into how mtDNA could be altering epigenetic regulation and thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of metastasis. Cancer Res; 77(22); 6202–14. ©2017 AACR.
Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis Undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy in Intensive Care Units: A Five-Million Population-Based Study in the North-West of Italy
Authors: Mariano Filippo , Pozzato Marco , Inguaggiato Paola , Guarena Cesare , Turello Ernesto , Manes Massimo , David Paola , Berutti Silvia , Consiglio Valentina , Amore Alessandro , Campo Andrea , Marino Angela , Berto Mauro , Carpani Paola , Calabrese Giovanni , Gherzi Maurizio , Stramignoni Emanuele , Martina Guido , Serra Andrea , Comune Luciano , Roscini Elisabetta , Marciello Antonio , Todini Vincenzo , Vio Patrizia , Filiberti Oliviero , Boero Roberto , Cantaluppi Vincenzo
Published: June 2017

Background: Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a severe complication of drug administration with significant morbidity and mortality. So far no study in large population areas have examined the incidence, clinical profile and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI)-MALA patients admitted in intensive care units (ICUs) and treated by renal replacement therapy (MALA-RRT). Methods: Retrospective analysis over a 6-year period (2010-2015) in Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions (5,305,940 inhabitants, 141,174 diabetics treated with metformin) of all MALA-RRT cases. Results: One hundred and seventeen cases of AKI-MALA-RRT were observed (12.04/100,000 metformin treated diabetics, 1.45% of all RRT-ICU patients). Survival rate was 78.3%. The average duration of RRT was 4.0 days at mean dialysis effluent of 977 mL/kg/day. At admission most patients were dehydrated, and experienced shock and oliguria. Conclusion: Our data showed that MALA-RRT is a common complication, needing more prevention. Adopted policy of early, extended, continuous and high efficiency dialysis could contribute to an observed high survival rate. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at http://www.karger.com/?doi=471917.
Novel diatom species (Bacillariophyta) from the freshwater discharge site of Laguna Diablas (Island Isabela = Albemarle) from the Galapagos
Authors: BĄK MAŁGORZATA , KOCIOLEK JOHN P. , LANGE-BERTALOT HORST , ŁOPATO DARIA , WITKOWSKI ANDRZEJ , ZGŁOBICKA IZABELA , SEDDON ALISTAIR W.R.
Published: June 2017

The Diablas wetlands are found on the south coast of Isabela Island on the Galapagos archipelago, consisting of one main lagoon and a series of smaller pools and lagoons. Recent studies have revealed a freshwater-brackish diatom assemblage in the Diablas wetlands, containing a relatively large number of novel taxa. This study gives formal description of seven new diatom taxa found in one sample from the Diablas wetlands. The sampling site contains floating moss at the mouth of a freshwater-brackish stream connecting the lagoon to the sea, with a salinity of around ca. 7 psu. The diatom assemblage in this sample, represented by genera observed in increased water conductivity (salinity), e.g. Luticola, also includes those which occur mostly in lower pH “soft waters”, e.g. Eunotia and Frustulia, and some marine taxa found in lower relative abundances (as Achnanthes parvula, Opephora cf. pacifica and Actinoptychus sp.). The new species are: Luticola galapagoensis, Luticola darwinii, Frustulia galapagosaxonica, Eunotia pacificomonodon, Eunotia isabelensis, Eunotia feremiserabilis and Pinnularia valdecontroversa. Some of the new taxa are morphologically similar to well-known Holarctic taxa but differ in terms of size and other metric data. The work continues to indicate the Diablas wetlands contain a diverse network of diatom habitats and associated assemblages of novel diatom species.
A new combination in Qualea subg. Amphilochia (Vochysiaceae) from Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: SAMPAIO THIAGO HENRIQUE SILVA , TELES ARISTÔNIO MAGALHÃES
Published: June 2017

The Cerrado domain is located almost exclusively in the Central Plateau of Brazil and covers some 2 million km2 (Ratter et al. 1997), and is also considered one of the 25 most important terrestrial hotspots of the world due to the high diversity and endemism (Myers et al. 2000, Marinho-Filho et al. 2002, Mittermeier et al. 2004, Carmignotto et al. 2012). Among the most important plant families in terms of species abundance in Cerrado, Vochysiaceae stands out as characterizer element of the domain, and by the bioaccumulation of aluminum (Haridasan 1982, Haridasan & Araújo 1998).
Nupela major sp. nov., a new diatom species from Maolan Nature Reserve, central-south of China
Authors: YU PAN , YOU QINGMIN , KOCIOLEK J. PATRICK , LOWE REX , WANG QUANXI
Published: June 2017

Nupela major sp. nov., a new species of the diatom genus Nupela, is described from Maolan Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China. Observations were made using light and scanning electron microscopy documenting the size, shape and ultrastructure of the new species. Valves of the monoraphid frustules are elliptical-lanceolate with more or less cuneate, subtlety protracted ends. The raphe valve has a linear-lanceolate axial area and an irregularly-shaped central area. Striae appear intermittent or disrupted. The rapheless valve has a linear-lanceolate axial area widening in the center to form an asymmetrical central area that can in some specimens reach to the valve margin. The rapheless valve has a contoured valve face, with deep indentations in the axial area. The species is assigned to Nupela by virtue of its external occlusions on the areolae, and compared with similar species in the genus. The new species is found on stones beneath a waterfall and associated with a moss community.
Review of Red Sea Xenisthmus Snyder (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae), with description of a new species
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , MAL AHMAD O.
Published: June 2017

Three species of the xenisthmid genus Xenisthmus Snyder are recorded from the Red Sea. Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger), the only described species previously known from the Red Sea, is reported on the basis of eight specimens from Egypt, Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. Xenisthmus oligoporus new species is described from four specimens, 17.7–25.0 mm SL, from Sudan and Saudi Arabia. It is distinguished from all other congeners in having a reduced number of cephalic sensory pores and 14–15 segmented rays in the second dorsal fin. Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall is newly recorded from the Red Sea on the basis of 13 specimens from Eritrea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The new specimens of this species are described and compared with previously known specimens, the holotype and eight paratypes from the Arabian (= Persian) Gulf. All three species are described in detail and illustrated with colour photographs. An identification key to the species is also provided.
Detection and Attribution of Multivariate Climate Change Signals Using Discriminant Analysis and Bayesian Theorem
Authors: Paeth Heiko , Pollinger Felix , Ring Christoph
Published: June 2017

Detection and attribution methods in climatological research aim at assessing whether observed climate anomalies and trends are still consistent with the range of natural climate variations or rather an indication of anthropogenic climate change. In this study, the authors pursue a novel approach by using discriminant analysis to enhance the distinction between past and future climates from state-of-the-art climate model simulations. The method is based on multivariate fingerprints that are defined in the space of several prominent climate indices representing the thermal, dynamical, and hygric aspects of climate change. Attribution is carried out by means of a Bayesian classification approach.

The leading discriminant function accounts for more than 99% of total discriminability, with temperature variables, extratropical precipitation, and extratropical circulation modes mainly contributing to the discriminant power. The misclassification probability between probability density functions of past and future climates is substantially reduced by the discriminant analysis: from >50% to <15%. Since the mid-1980s, the observed anomalies of the considered climate indices are more or less consistently attributed to a climate under strong radiative forcing, projected for the first half of the twenty-first century. The authors also assess the sensitivity of their results to different emissions scenarios from the CMIP3 and CMIP5 multimodel ensembles, seasons, prior probabilities for the early twenty-first-century climate, estimates of the observational error, low-pass filters, variable compositions, group numbers, and reference data.
Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe
Authors: Rashedi Alexandra S. , de Roo Saskia F. , Ataman Lauren M. , Edmonds Maxwell E. , Silva Adelino Amaral , Scarella Anibal , Horbaczewska Anna , Anazodo Antoinette , Arvas Ayse , Ramalho de Carvalho Bruno , Sartorio Cassio , Beerendonk Catharina C.M. , Diaz-Garcia Cesar , Suh Chang Suk , Melo Cláudia , Andersen Claus Yding , Motta Eduardo , Greenblatt Ellen M. , Van Moer Ellen , Zand Elnaz , Reis Fernando M. , Sánchez Flor , Terrado Guillermo , Rodrigues Jhenifer K. , Marcos de Meneses e Silva Joao , Smitz Johan , Medrano Jose , Lee Jung Ryeol , Winkler-Crepaz Katharina , Smith Kristin , Ferreira Melo e Silva Lígia Helena , Wildt Ludwig , Salama Mahmoud , del Mar Andrés María , Bourlon Maria T. , Vega Mario , Chehin Maurício Barbour , De Vos Michel , Khrouf Mohamed , Suzuki Nao , Azmy Osama , Fontoura Paula , Campos-Junior Paulo Henrique Almeida , Mallmann Peter , Azambuja Ricardo , Marinho Ricardo M. , Anderson Richard A. , Jach Robert , Antunes Roberto de A. , Mitchell Rod , Fathi Rouhollah , Adiga Satish Kumar , Takae Seido , Kim Seok Hyun , Romero Sergio , Grieco Silvana Chedid , Shaulov Talya , Furui Tatsuro , Almeida-Santos Teresa , Nelen Willianne , Jayasinghe Yasmin , Sugishita Yodo , Woodruff Teresa K.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In the accompanying article, “Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions.

Methods

We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed.

Results

We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms.

Conclusion

Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients.
Inspecting the Mechanism: Leverage and the Great Recession in the Eurozone
Authors: Martin Philippe , Philippon Thomas
Published: June 2017

We provide a comprehensive account of the dynamics of eurozone countries from 2000 to 2012. We analyze private leverage, fiscal policy, labor costs, and spreads, and we propose a model and an identification strategy to separate the impact of credit cycles, excessive government spending, and sudden stops. We then ask how periphery countries would have fared with different policies. We find that countries could have stabilized their employment if they had followed more conservative fiscal policies during the boom. Macroprudential policies and an early intervention by the central bank to prevent market segmentation and reduce fiscal austerity would also have significantly reduced the recession. (JEL E24, E32, E58, E62, F33, F42, H61)
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНО-ЛИЧНОСТНЫХ КАЧЕСТВ БУДУЩИХ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ В ТЕХНИЧЕСКОМ УНИВЕРСИТЕТЕ
Authors: Levitskaya Irina Aleksandrovnа
Published: June 2017

Формирование профессионально-личностных качеств будущих специалистов является одной из основных задач профессионального образования. Институциональная трансформация общественных отношений является фундаментом инновационной профессиональной подготовки квалифицированных кадров народного хозяйства. Профессиональная подготовка и организация образовательной деятельности в современных социокультурных реалиях выступает как процесс становления профессионально-личностных качеств и формирования ценностно-смыслового отношения к социокультурному пространству. Рассмотрены формы работы, направленные на формирование профессионально-личностных качеств будущих инженеров на примере технического университета. Установлено, что актуализация становления профессионально-личностных качеств обеспечивается вовлечением субъектов образовательного процесса в активную познавательную деятельность, совместным решением социальных проблем, развитием субъектного потенциала будущих специалистов, освоением различных социальных ролей. Показаны возможности данного подхода для анализа особенностей и проблем становления профессионально-личностной позиции.
Identification, Confirmation, and Replication of Novel Urinary MicroRNA Biomarkers in Lupus Nephritis and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Cardenas-Gonzalez Mariana , Srivastava Anand , Pavkovic Mira , Bijol Vanesa , Rennke Helmut G , Stillman Isaac E , Zhang Xiaolan , Parikh Samir , Rovin Brad H , Afkarian Maryam , de Boer Ian H , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Waikar Sushrut S , Vaidya Vishal S
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing the underlying etiology of CKD, but the procedure carries complication risks. The aim of this study was to identify novel noninvasive biomarkers correlating with kidney function and histopathology in biopsy-proven CKD patients.

METHODS

We profiled 2402 urinary microRNAs (miRNAs) to identify and confirm differentially expressed miRNAs associated with kidney function and histopathology in patients with diabetic nephropathy (n = 58) or lupus nephritis (n = 89), important etiologies of CKD, compared with healthy controls (n = 93 and 119, respectively). Top performing miRNAs were then measured in 2 independent multi-institutional cohorts of patients with diabetes mellitus with (n = 74) or without nephropathy (n = 71) and systemic lupus erythematosus with (n = 86) or without (n = 37) nephritis.

RESULTS

In patients with diabetic nephropathy, miR-2861, miR-1915-3p, and miR-4532 were down-regulated (>10-fold, P < 0.0001) and were associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.01) and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (P < 0.05). The c-statistics for miR-2861, miR-1915-3p, and miR-4532 were 0.91, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively. In lupus nephritis patients, miR-3201 and miR-1273e were down-regulated (>3-fold, P < 0.0001) and associated with endocapillary glomerular inflammation (P < 0.01), with c-statistics of 0.97 and 0.91, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified novel miRNAs that correlate with histopathological lesions and functional markers of kidney damage to facilitate sensitive, specific, and noninvasive detection of diabetic nephropathy and lupus nephritis.
Potencial ornamental de Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam
Authors: Prestes Daniele Kiel Penteado , Cuquel Francine Lorena , Negrelle Raquel Rejane Bonato
Published: June 2017

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. (Tropaeolaceae) conhecida popularmente como crem é uma planta herbácea, geófita, trepadeira volúvel nativa do sul do Brasil. Em alguns locais onde ocorrem, os tubérculos do crem são apreciados na culinária regional como condimento ardido. Além disso, é apontada na literatura como potencialmente ornamental. Visando subsidiar a validação de crem como recurso ornamental, apresenta-se resultado de pesquisa que avaliou o crescimento e desenvolvimento dessa espécie, quantificou seu potencial ornamental com base em características agromorfológicas e analisou a aceitabilidade desta espécie junto a comerciantes e potenciais consumidores do mercado floricultor. O potencial ornamental foi validado tanto pelas características morfológicas quanto pela aceitação de comerciantes e consumidores de flores.
Investigating the relationship between credit risk indicators and timely fulfillment of the customers' obligations (a case study of bank sepah branches in east Azerbaijan and Ardabil regions)
Authors: Azimi Dariosh , Badavar Nahandi Younes
Published: June 2017

This research was conducted with the aim to investigate and identify the relationship between credit risk indicators and timely fulfillment of the legal customers’ obligations of Sepah Bank. To do this, credit data and financial ratios of 370 cases of Sepah’s Bank legal customers who had used credit services of Sepah Bank branches in East Azerbaijan and Ardabil regions during a period from 2012-2014 were collected. In this respect, data related to 27 financial ratios as explanatory variables of 370 cases of the mentioned sample were extracted from their credit files and were selected to be tested after performing required refinement and classifying in two groups of extracted data from audited and unaudited financial statements. Then the relationships between these variables and timely fulfillment of obligations were investigated using logistic regression method and considering the significance of the independent variables at 95% confidence level. The results of the research showed that accounting, current, and acid test ratios, working capital, return on total assets, return on equity and gross profit to sell listed in unaudited financial statements group and current ratio/ liquidity ratio, current assets ratio, accounts receivable turnover ratio, return on total assets, debt-to-equity ratio, debt to asset ratio, current debts to equity ratio listed in audited financial statements group have a significant relationship with timely fulfillment of the customers' obligations.
Depositional facies model and reservoir characterization of USANI field 1, Niger delta basin, Nigeria
Authors: Aigbadon Godwin , Okoro A.U , Una Chuku , Azuka Ocheli
Published: June 2017

The 3-D depositional environment was built using seismic data. The depositional facies was used to locate channels with highly theif zones and distribution of various sedimentary facies. The integration core data and the gamma ray log trend from the wells within the studied interval with right boxcar/right bow-shape indicate muddy tidal flat to mixed tidal flat environments. The bell–shaped from the well logs with the core data indicate delta front with mouth bar, the blocky box- car trend from the well logs with the core data indicate tidal point bar with tidal channel fill. The integration of seismic to well log tie display a good tie in the wells across the field. The attribute map from velocity analysis revealed the presence of hydrocarbons in the identified sands (A, B, C, D1, D2, D4, D5). The major faults F1, F2, F3 and F4 with good sealing capacity are responsible for hydrocarbon accumulation in the field. Detailed petro physical analysis of well log data showed that the studied interval are characterized by sand-shale inter-beds. Eight reservoirs were mapped at depth intervals of 2886m to 3533m with their thicknesses ranging from 12m to 407m. Also the Analysis of the petrophysical results showed that porosity of the reservoirs range from 14% to 28 %; permeability range from 245.70 md to 454.7md; water saturation values from 21.65% to 54.50% and hydrocarbon saturation values from 45.50% to 78.50 %. The by-passed hydrocarbons were identified and estimated in low resistivity pay sands D1, D2 at depth of 2884m – 2940m, sand D5 at depth of 3114m – 3126m respectively. The model serve as a basis for establishing facies model in the field.
Composition of fatty acids and tocopherols in peels, seeds and leaves of Sea buckthorn
Authors: Burčová Zuzana , Kreps František , Schmidt Štefan , Jablonský Michal , Ház Aleš , Sládková Alexandra , Šurina Igor
Published: June 2017

Peels, seeds and leaves of the Sea buckthorn were extracted by methanol and chloroform and characterized in terms of the fatty acids (FA) and tocopherol composition. All morphological parts of Sea buckthorn contained these biologically active compounds useful in medicine, pharmacology, human nutrition and cosmetics. The highest amount of α-tocopherol was found in peels (1103 mg kg-1). The lowest content of α-tocopherol was found in leaves (659 mg kg-1). Delta-tocopherol was found in higher amount in peels 1757 mg kg-1. Seeds contained 95 mg kg-1 of delta-tocopherols. Gamma-tocopherol was found in seeds (459 mg kg-1), peels (188 mg kg-1) and in leaves (587 mg kg-1). β-tocopherol was present only in seeds (171 mg kg-1). Unsaturated fatty acids were dominant in all morphological parts of Sea buckthorn. The highest amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (92 rel. %) were determined in seeds. Dominant fatty acids of seeds were linoleic acid (37 %), α-linolenic acid (30 %) and vaccenic acid (20 %). Leaves were rich in α-linolenic acid (51 %). Dominant fatty acids of peels were oleic acid (16 %), palmitic acid (33 %) and palmitoleic acid (29 %).
The study of the influence of micro-environmental signals on macrophage differentiation using a quantitative Petri net based model
Authors: Rżosińska Katarzyna , Formanowicz Dorota , Formanowicz Piotr
Published: June 2017

The complexity of many biological processes, which, thanks to the development of many fields of science, becomes for us more and more obvious, makes these processes extremely interesting for further analysis. In this paper a quantitative model of the process of macrophage differentiation, which is essential for many phenomena occurring in the human body, is proposed and analyzed. The model is expressed in the language of Petri net theory on the basis of one of the three hypotheses concerning macrophage differentiation existing in the literature. The performed analysis allowed to find an importance of individual factors in the studied phenomenon.
Serum proteins and lipids in mild form of calf bronchopneumonia: candidates for reliable biomarkers
Authors: Kovačić Marijana , Marković Dragana , Maslovarić Irina , Obrenović Sonja , Grujić-Milanović Jelica , Arsić Aleksandra , Milanović Zorana , Savić Olivera , Fratrić Natalija , Ilić Vesna
Published: June 2017

Calf bronchopneumonia is complex multifactorial disease and for its accurate diagnosis and therapy, besides clinical examination, microbiologic, hematologic and biochemical analyses could be necessary. In general, additional analyses are not implemented, mainly because the disease biomarkers are not defined.

To establish which analysis might be useful for determining the severity of the disease, we analyzed 23 three-month old calves with mild clinical signs of bronchopneumonia and 15 age-matched healthy calves.Pasteurella multocidawas isolated from deep nasal swabs of diseased calves. Peripheral blood erythrocyte and leukocyte count of bronchopneumonic and healthy calves showed no difference. Serum proteins, lipoproteins and lipids were analyzed with spectrophotometry, agarose gel electrophoresis, non-reducing SDS-PAGE, gel zymography, and thin-layer chromatography. The bronchopneumonic calves had an increased level of circulating immune complexes and α globulins, which contain some of the positive acute phase proteins. In diseased calves the increased concentration of total γ globulins (IgG), due to an increased concentration of anionic γ globulins (predominately IgG1), was detected. The increased concentration of anionic γ globulins followed by increased concentration of transferrin (negative acute phase protein) and HDL cholesterol, decreased concentration of LDL-cholesterol, unchanged activity of matrix metalloproteases and leukocyte counts might reflect the obvious absence of generalized inflammation. A positive correlation was found between the acquired results and the appearance of mild clinical signs. Therefore, we believe that the parameters analyzed in the peripheral blood could be applied as reliable disease markers to distinguish between severe (inflammatory) and mild forms of calf bronchopneumonia and to predict a better outcome for these calves.
Development of PCR-based identification of Salmonella enterica serovars
Authors: Kiskároly Ferenc , Morić Ivana , Đokić Lidija , Vasiljević Branka , Šenerović Lidija , Mišić Dušan
Published: June 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate and adapt the PCR-based protocol that utilizes the developed serotype-specific primers to identify Salmonella enterica species and its serotypes that are most frequently isolated from poultry samples in Vojvodina. Using the slide agglutination test, 64 and 33 out of 107 Salmonella isolates were identified as S. Infantis and S. Enteritidis, respectively, while ten isolates were identified as eight different Salmonella serovars. Using the same isolates, presence of 993-bp (bcfC gene), 636-bp (steB gene) and 293-bp (sdf locus) amplicons in multiplex PCR unambiguously identified 31 isolates as S. Enteritidis. Two isolates identified as Enteritidis in slide agglutination test were not identified as such in PCR-based approach since they both were missing 293-bp long PCR product. Thirty-nine isolates produced a 727-bp amplicon in the specific simplex PCR, and thus were identified as S. Infantis. The greatest discrepancy in comparison to the results of conventional serotyping has been observed in the case of S. Infantis, since 25 more isolates were noted as S. Infantis by conventional serotyping. Seven isolates, with unexpected PCR profiles stayed unidentified by molecular typing, although they were serotyped as S. Typhimurium (1) and S. Infantis (6). S. Gallinarum serovar has to be additionally confirmed, since it shares the same PCR profile with S. Livingstone. Clearly, PCR-based identification has to be thoroughly checked, verified and adapted if it is to be applied as the routine identification protocol.
Critical Appraisal of Published Qualitative Research Papers in the Field of Nursing Management by Iranian authors: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Heydari Abbas , Vafaei Seyed Majid , Bakhshi Mahmoud
Published: June 2017

The growing number of doctoral graduates in nursing management, together with more focus on qualitative studies, has contributed to the development of qualitative studies. This study aimed to provide a critical appraisal of qualitative research papers in the field of nursing management by Iranian authors, published in national and international journals.

In a cross-sectional study, international and Persian electronic databases were used for a systematic search of the relevant literature using the keywords: qualitative studies, nursing management, and Iran. Criteria provided by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) for the qualitative studies checklist was used for quality appraisal of the included studies.

Of the 22 qualitative studies appraised, 48% had used grounded theory and 22% had adopted the research method of content analysis. The mean score for ethical consideration was 1.66 out of 4. The mean scores for rigor and research credibility were 5.123 out of 9 and 1.66 out of 4, respectively. In terms of research purpose and methodology, mean scores were 3.33 out of 4 and 2.22 out of 3, respectively. Quality of research design obtained the mean score of 2.66 out of 6 and the score for method of data collection was 4.44 out of 7.

Results showed that quality of the published qualitative studies in the field of nursing management by Iranian authors seemed not appropriate and the most significant weakness was related to the partial compliance with ethical principles.
Physical Activity in Adolescent with Mental Retardation: Is Adapted Basketball Training Adequate Stimulus to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Sport Skills Performance?
Authors: Kocić Miodrag , Bojić Ivana , Aleksandrović Marko , Ignjatović Aleksandar , Radovanović Dragan
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of an adapted basketball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mental retardation (MR). Fifty adolescents with mild MR who participated in this study were divided in two groups. Experimental group (n = 25; mean ± SD age: 15.7 ± 0.9 years) performed the adapted training program, four times per week during eight weeks. A control group (n = 25; mean ± SD age: 15.9 ± 0.8 years) followed ordinary physical education classes and continued with their normal lifestyle. Exercise testing included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), monitoring of heart rate frequency and sport skills performance test battery.

Results showed a significant difference between groups pre- and post-treatment in 6MWT distance. The experimental group experienced a 10% increase in covered distance pre- to post-testing (p < 0.05), whereas controls had no significant changes in the same period. Conducted adapted training also resulted in significant improvement in examined sport skills performance. However, this kind and duration of experimental procedure did not result in significant differences in anthropometric variables and heart rate frequency. This study demonstrated that adapted basketball training is an adequate stimulus for improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mild MR. The advantage of this type of adaptive training program is that it does not require a large financial input, but only the engagement of a qualified and dedicated physical education professor.
Application of Bayesian Networks for Forecasting Future Model of Farm
Authors: Grotkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: June 2017

Comparative analyses in the national scale were carried out in 300 individual farms from Małopolskie and Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in order to search for relations between the production intensity level, work performance and land efficiency and factors which shape them. The analyses concerned the use of Bayesian modelling algorithms for forecasting development of various economic and agricultural indicators which decide on the intensity and competitiveness of agriculture. The paper constitutes the second stage of research, which was preceded with previous preparation of data for modelling with the use of an exploratory overview of available data and TwoStep Cluster Analysis (Grotkiewicz et al., 2016). Based on the analyses, which were carried out, networks were built which present the relations between the analyzed variables, and conditional similarities were verified.
The Analysis of the State Space of Management Process in the Industry Applying Expert Systems
Authors: Ivanova Irina Dmitrevna , Sergutenko Andreev Viktorovich , Kamiński Jan Radosław , Kuboń Maciej
Published: June 2017

The article includes analysis of expert system application possibilities in the environment of production processes control. Such concepts as artificial intelligence, expert system, intellectual factor, state space were used. The object of the research consisted of the mechanism of controlling an enterprise (manager). These mechanisms were analysed from the point of view of state space. The graph method was used to visualize information presentation. Analysis of control processes of an enterprise was carried out by determination of their state space. The concept of state space itself is completed with numerous measurement values (parameters) under influence of which the process of task solution takes place. Moreover, the concept of static and dynamic elements of state space of the control system is applied. It was shown that dynamic elements enable the quality presentation of space, which without including other restrictions leads to extension of its impact, which confirms that a given system has an intelligent factor.
Quasi-conformal curvature tensor with respect to a semi-symmetric non-metric connection in a Kenmotsu manifold
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Siddiqi Mohammad Danish , Shahid Mohammad Hasan
Published: June 2017

The objective of the present paper is to study some new results on quasi-conformal curvature tensor in a Kenmotsu manifold with respect to a semi-symmetric non-metric connection.
A precise mass function in the excursion set approach
Authors: Del Popolo Antonino
Published: June 2017

In the present paper, using previous results from Del Popolo papers, we show how the mass function evolution can be obtained in the framework of a spherical collapse model, which has been modified to take account of dynamical friction, the cosmological constant, and angular momentum which proto-structures acquire through tidal interaction with neighbouring ones. We found an improved barrier which is in excellent agreement with simulations. The quoted barrier is used to calculated the mass function. In the case of the ΛCDM paradigm, our mass function is in good agreement (within some %) with the mass function of Klypin’s Bolshoi simulation for the virial mass range 5 × 109 − 5 × 1014h−1M⊙, and 0 ≾ z ≿ 10. Similar agreement is obtained with Tinker’s mass function, and Castorina’s simulations.
The Role of Public Relations in the Delivery of Forestry Services in Ghana
Authors: Boateng Kofi Ampadu , Hlaváčková Petra
Published: June 2017

Public Relations (PR) is a natural, vital as well as persistent component of human social relationship. It may involve a campaign designed to develop goodwill for an individual or an organisation. There are, however, few researches relating to public relations and delivery of forestry services. The aim of this study was to examine the role public relations play in the delivery of forestry services with Ghana as case study. In order to obtain the relevant information for this research, an interview schedule was developed and used to gather information from regional heads and a set of questionnaire administered to the rest of the participants through random sampling. The research further affirmed that PR increases consumer awareness and identified radio and television to be the commonest PR tools used by the Ghana Forestry Commission (GFC). The study concluded that PR to a greater extent is the foundation of an organisation and its activities influence the execution and delivery of services. GFC is, however, urged to explore other inexpensive yet effective PR tools and strategies in order to broaden their reach.
On controllability of second order dynamical systems – a survey
Authors: Klamka J. , Wyrwał J. , Zawiski R.
Published: June 2017

The paper presents a survey of recent results in the area of controllability of second order dynamical systems. Controllability problem for finite and infinite dimensional, linear, semilinear, deterministic and stochastic dynamical systems (with delays and undelayed) is taken into consideration. Different types of controllability are discussed.
Perfect observer resistant to the changes of dynamics of the standard linear system
Authors: Sławiński M. A.
Published: June 2017

The article presents a class of perfect observers for standard continuous-time linear systems. Observers are resistant to significant changes in the dynamics of the system. The value of poles of the system can be unlimited as long as their number does not change and the conditions presented in this article are satisfied. There are presented numerical examples and simulations results.
Comparative study of fault-tolerant performance of a segmented rotor SRM and a conventional SRM
Authors: Sun X. , Xue Z. , Han S. , Chen L. , Xu X. , Yang Z.
Published: June 2017

Due to the separation of magnetic field, electrical isolation and thermal isolation, motor drives possess a high fault-tolerance characteristic. In this paper, comparative study of mutual inductance between the proposed segmented rotor switched reluctance motor (SSRM) and the conventional switched reluctance motor (SRM) is carried out first, illustrating that the proposed SSRM has less mutual inductance between phases than the conventional SRM. In addition, if winding faults or power converter faults lead to phase failure, a comparative analysis on fault-tolerant performance under phase failure condition between the proposed SSRM and the conventional SRM is simulated in detail using the finite element method (FEM). Simulation results reveal that dynamic performance of the proposed SSRM, including output torque and phase current, is better than that of the conventional SRM. That is, the capacity of operating with the fault under phase failure condition in the proposed SSRM is superior to that in the conventional SRM.