bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Axiomatic Design Approach for Nonlinear Multiple Objective Optimizaton Problem and Robustness in Spring Design
Authors: Feyzioglu Ahmet , Kar A. Kerim 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper gives general information about multi-objective, axiomatic and robust design approaches and considersasolution model of nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem based on applyinganew robust design approach. Both axiomatic and robust design approaches were used complementarily inacase study with distinct multi-objectives. In this case study, the main target was achieving each objective optimum to minimize the mass and the shear stress ofaspring by integrating robustness and durability at the design stage due to trade off between objectives. This spring problem was examined using the independence axiom of the axiomatic design methodology. Also, semangularity and reangularity concepts were used and design matrices were formed to find coupled and decoupled solutions. It was observed that there were some acceptable design parameter values for which the design became decoupled. Graphical and numerical results were checked to see if they were compatible with each other. Finally, this decoupled design was given appropriate tolerances by using robust design method. This way,arobust and durable spring was designed which would satisfy the given specifications with minimum cost in the existing literature from the view point of axiomatic design approach.
Mutation: A New Operator in Gravitational Search Algorithm Using Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Kherabadi Hossein Azadi , Mood Sepehr Ebrahimi , Javidi Mohammad Masoud 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) isanovel meta-heuristic algorithm. Despite it has high exploring ability, this algorithm faces premature convergence and gets trapped in some problems, therefore it has difficulty in finding the optimum solution for problems, which is considered as one of the disadvantages of GSA. In this paper, this problem has been solved through definingamutation function which uses fuzzy controller to control mutation parameter. The proposed method has been evaluated on standard benchmark functions including unimodal and multimodal functions; the obtained results have been compared with Standard Gravitational Search Algorithm (SGSA), Gravitational Particle Swarm algorithm (GPS), Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO), Clustered Gravitational Search Algorithm (CGSA) and Real Genetic Algorithm (RGA). The observed experiments indicate that the proposed approach yields better results than other algorithms compared with it.
The Struggle of Benchmarking and Ranking Gender Equality: The Case of the European Institute for Gender Equality
Authors: Valkovičová Veronika 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The aim of this article is to explore the conceptualisation of benchmarking, ranking and good practice sharing tools within European Union gender equality policymaking. In the first part, the article looks at these soft law measures applied within intergovernmental cooperation. Stemming from the extensive body of literature, the study approaches these measures as a form of scientific knowledge, which is diversely applied within policymaking. Next, the article directs various points of criticism at these policymaking tools through different variables that may hinder knowledge use. The second section of this article further focuses on the Open Method of Coordination and the role of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) in relation to gender equality policies. The empirical part of this article is focused on the criticism of EIGE’s External Evaluation Report and the different conceptualisations of scientific knowledge use which are presented within this audit document. As such, this article aims to contribute to a new conceptualisation of the technocratic tools of benchmarking, ranking and good practice sharing within the highly ideological area of gender equality policies.
Poisson manifolds of compact types (PMCT 1)
Authors: Crainic Marius , Fernandes Rui Loja , Martínez Torres David 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This is the first in a series of papers dedicated to the study of Poisson manifolds of compact types (PMCTs). This notion encompasses
several classes of Poisson manifolds defined via properties of their symplectic integrations. In this first paper we establish some fundamental
properties and constructions of PMCTs. For instance, we show that their Poisson cohomology behaves very much like the
de Rham cohomology of a compact manifold (Hodge decomposition, non-degenerate Poincaré duality pairing, etc.)
and that the Moser trick can be adapted to PMCTs. More important, we find unexpected connections between PMCTs and symplectic topology: PMCTs
are related with the theory of Lagrangian fibrations and we exhibit a construction of a non-trivial
PMCT related to a classical question on the topology of the orbits of a free symplectic circle action.
In subsequent papers, we will establish deep connections between PMCTs and integral affine geometry,
Hamiltonian G-spaces, foliation theory, orbifolds, Lie theory and symplectic gerbes.
Novel therapeutic approaches of natural oil from black seeds and its underlying mechanisms against kidney dysfunctions in haloperidol-induced male rats
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Abubakar Opeyemi K. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background:
Antipsychotic drugs could be nephrotoxic in schizophrenia patients.

Methods:
The present study investigated the protective effect of oil from black seed on kidney dysfunctions using several biological approaches in adult rats. The animals were divided into six groups (n=10): normal control rats; haloperidol (HAL)-induced rats: induced rats were pre-, co- and post-treated with black seed oil (BSO), respectively, and the last group was treated with the oil only. The treatment was done through oral administration, and the experiment lasted 14 days.

Results:
Therapeutic administration of HAL to rats caused reduction in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins mediated by stable OH˙ and DPPH free radicals. K+, Na+ and MDA contents as well as 51 nucleotidase, aldose-reductase activities were increased with corresponding decrease in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in HAL-induced toxicity rats. Contrariwise, differential treatments with BSO prevented and reversed the nephrotoxicity by depleting K+, Na+, MDA contents and aldose-reductase activity, and AMP hydrolysis with increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the PMFs of rat kidney. The cytotoxicity of HAL elicited on both inner renal cortex and outer medulla was equally alleviated by combined active molecules of oil from black seed (OBS). However, pre-, co- and post-treatment demonstrate significant approaches in averting nephrotoxicity of neuroleptic drug (HAL) via several biological mechanisms.

Conclusions:
This study therefore validates the use of black seed oil as therapy particularly for individuals with renal dysfunctions.
Development of drainage system in the Czech landscape – identification and functionality assessment by means of remote sensing
Authors: Tlapáková Lenka 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Subsurface drainage systems are very important type of meliorative measures in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, their functions are perceived differently in the Czech society. We can distinguish point of view of landowner, farmer, water manager or environmentalist. With regard to the climatic changes or new praxis of agricultural, there must be assessed changed conditions in relation to existing drainage systems. It has connection with the next strategy of their funding and management. Therein, in the Czech Republic, farmer has dominating position, instead of the state or landowner that would be probably more correct.
The paper presents results of user demands survey, conditions of drainage systems, their services and defects. New technologies, mainly remote sensing, and their use for identification and survey of drainage systems are presented too. Land drainage measures changed the whole landscape in the Czech Republic (agricultural intensification, loss of natural habitats and natural water flows etc.). In context of hydrological extremes′ rising and drainage systems′ ageing, existence of drainage systems must be solved. It means their maintainance for purpose of agricultural production, or, on the contrary, their elimination with the view of nature habitats′ recovery. Both solutions must differ in accordance with the different landscape characteristics of the Czech Republic.
Irrigation engineering in Spain and how it has changed the country’s landscape
Authors: García-Asensio José M. , Ayuga Francisco 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIrrigation is a rural development technique widely extended in, and affecting the landscape of, areas of Mediterranean climate. In Spain, irrigation accounts for ⅔ of all water use. The country has over 3.5 million ha of irrigated land, some 15% of all its agricultural land. Valley bottoms and riversides are the landscapes most commonly associated with irrigation in Spain, followed by peninsular coastal and interior plains, basins, hollows and depressions. This paper describes the engineering infrastructures associated with irrigation, the structures involved in water capture, transport, storage and distribution, and water use and drainage in the irrigated lowlands of Spain. It also examines the environmental impact of such water use. Several descriptors are proposed to describe its association with the landscape.
Application of the Likert and Osgood Scales to Quantify the Qualitative Features of Real Estate Properties
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Gaca Radosław 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe variables used in statistical research can be measured on different scales. According to Stevens the most common division of measurement scales distinguish four main types: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. The chosen scale of measurement implies further the possibility of applying certain statistical methods. For socio-economic research it is frequent that among independent variables appear variables of a qualitative nature. This study presents the idea of the application of the Likert and Osgood scales for the evaluation and quantification of qualitative variables in the real estate valuation process.Taking into account the fact that the property features used in the process of estimating its value are very often measured on weak scales, this research attempted to apply the aforementioned scales to measure the qualitative features of real estate property. Additionally, all the qualitative data can be expressed only on nominal or ordinal scales. This means that they cannot be uncritically treated as metrical variables and their measurement scale implies the possible application of mathematical operations and statistical instruments. On the other hand, by analysing the type and the character of the qualitative features of the property, we can observe a substantial connection of such features with the assessment of their level of intensity expressed as a semantic interval or the acceptance level of a given phenomenon. This paper attempts to show how to apply the scales developed to measure attitudes in order to quantify the qualitative features of real estate property in the valuation process and shows the interval character of the data measured by the Osgood scale through comparison among three correlations specific for the mentioned type of scale.
Neural Networks Modelling of Municipal Real Estate Market Rent Rates
Authors: Muczyński Andrzej , Walacik Marek 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper presents the results of research on the application of neural networks modelling of municipal real estate market rent rates. The test procedure was based on selected networks trained on the local real estate market data and transformation of the detected dependencies – through established models – to estimate the potential market rent rates of municipal premises. On this basis, the assessment of the adequacy of the actual market rent rates of municipal properties was made. Empirical research was conducted on the local real estate market of the city of Olsztyn in Poland. In order to describe the phenomenon of market rent rates formation an unidirectional three-layer network and a network of radial base was selected. Analyses showed a relatively low degree of convergence of the actual municipal rent rents with potential market rent rates. This degree was strongly varied depending on the type of business ran on the property and its’ social and economic impact. The applied research methodology and the obtained results can be used in order to rationalize municipal property management, including the activation of rental policy.
An Analysis of Conditional Dependencies of Covariance Matrices for Economic Processes in Selected EU Countries
Authors: Janiga-Ćmiel Anna 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper looks at the issues related to the research on and assessment of the contagion effect. Based on several examinations of two selected EU countries, Poland paired with one of the EU member states; it presents the interaction between their economic development. A DCC-GARCH model constructed for the purpose of the study was used to generate a covariance matrix Ht
, which enabled the calculation of correlation matrices Rt
. The resulting variance vectors were used to present a linear correlation model on which a further analysis of the contagion effect was based. The aim of the study was to test a contagion effect among selected EU countries in the years 2000–2014. The transmission channel under study was the GDP of a selected country. The empirical studies confirmed the existence of the contagion effect between the economic development of the Polish and selected EU economies.
Economic Polarization Across European Union Regions in the years 2007–2012 at NUTS 2 Level
Authors: Piętak Łukasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the economic polarization in countries of the EU at NUTS 2 level in the years 2007–2012. The studies have to decide on positive or negative verification of the hypothesis, which states that the economic crisis of 2008–2013 had an influence on rising economic polarization in EU countries. The method used in this article is an application of some measures of economic polarization and inequality of income distribution. The carried out research did not allow for the positive verification of the hypothesis. Only in a few countries did the economic crisis have an influence on a reduction of the middle class. In most cases the economic collapse did not play any role in the raising of the economic polarization index. The statistical data used in this paper was taken from the following databases: Statistical Yearbook of the Regions – Poland from 2009 to 2013 and Eurostat – Regional statistics by NUTS classification*.
The Changing Role of the Service Sector in an Innovation-Oriented Economy
Authors: Gryczka Marcin 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The development of a service economy and the more and more noticeable phenomenon of servicization have become inseparable elements in the evolution of the modern economy. The goal of this paper is to analyse the impact of servicization on selected economies, both in terms of GDP and employment structure, as well as on changes in foreign trade. The secondary, but still important aim is to examine the relationship between servicization and innovation processes. Based on the conducted research, it can be stated that the process of servicization occurs in both developed post-industrial economies and increasingly often in developing countries. Moreover, the analysis of the relationship between the general level of innovation in the economy and the degree of its servicization, showed that in many countries higher innovation is often associated with a stronger role of the service sector in the economy. The dynamics of structural change taking place in the “deagrarianization-deindustrialization-servicization” chain is therefore substantially influenced by technological progress.
Inflammatory Myopathies with Cutaneous Involvement: from Diagnosis to Therapy
Authors: Dourmishev Lyubomir A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) include various disorders of skeletal muscles with or without skin involvement. The most common types are dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis (IBM) and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM). Dermatomyositis subdivides into various clinical forms such as juvenile, amyopathic or paraneoplastic dermatomyositis, scleromyositis, overlap or anti-synthetase syndromes, etc.Recently, numerous new antibodies defining the characteristic clinical phenotype have been described as anti-MDA5 antibodies associated with interstitial lung disease and amyopathic dermatomyositis or anti-TIF1γ antibodies as markers for paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. Moreover, new clinical entities as drug-induced dermatomyositis are presumed, since some medications may induce, or trigger inflammatory myopathies.Knowledge of the complex methods and techniques required to diagnose the disease is of great importance in clinical practice. The variety of clinical variants needs diagnosis because of the differing prognosis and therapeutic modalities.
Emulsion of Chloramphenicol: an Overwhelming Approach for Ocular Delivery
Authors: Ashara Kalpesh C. , Shah Ketan V. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background: Ophthalmic formulations of chloramphenicol have poor bioavailability of chloramphenicol in the ocular cavity.
Aim: The present study aimed at exploring the impact of different oil mixtures in the form of emulsion on the permeability of chloramphenicol after ocular application.
Materials and methods: Selection of oil mixture and ratio of the components was made by an equilibrium solubility method. An emulsifier was chosen according to its emulsification properties. A constrained simplex centroid design was used for the assessment of the emulsion development. Emulsions were evaluated for physicochemical properties; zone of inhibition, in-vitro diffusion and ex-vivo local accumulation of chloramphenicol. Validation of the design using check-point batch and reduced polynomial equations were also developed. Optimization of the emulsion was developed by software Design® expert 6.0.8. Assessment of the osmolarity, ocular irritation, sterility testing and isotonicity of optimized batch were also made.
Results: Parker Neem®, olive and peppermint oils were selected as an oil phase in the ratio 63.64:20.2:16.16. PEG-400 was selected as an emulsifier according to a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Constrained simplex-centroid design was applied in the range of 25-39% water, 55-69% PEG-400, 5-19% optimized oil mixture, and 1% chloramphenicol. Unpaired Student’s t-test showed for in-vitro and ex-vivo studies that there was a significant difference between the optimized batch of emulsion and Chloramphenicol eye caps (a commercial product) according to both were equally safe.
Conclusion: The optimized batch of an emulsion of chloramphenicol was found to be as safe as and more effective than Chloramphenicol eye caps.
Diagnostic Dilemmas in Hepatitis C Virus Infection for Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Komitova Radka T. , Atanasova Maria V. , Pavlova Toska A. , Nyagolov Monica Sh. , Ivanova Aneta V. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in dialysis patients. The diagnosis of HCV infection in these patients is predominantly based on laboratory tests because of the specificity of the clinical course of the disease.Aim: The present prospective study aimed at determining very accurately the prevalence rate of HCV infection in patients on dialysis by simultaneously testing them for anti-HCV and for HCV RNA levels.Materials and methods: For the present cross-sectional longitudinal study we recruited and followed up 93 patients from St George University Hospital Hemodialysis Unit between July 2013 and December 2014. All patients were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA. The anti-HCV negative patients were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA at least twice at intervals of 6 months or more (up to 12 months). Anti-HCV antibodies were identified using a third generation ELISA assay. Commercial kits for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect HCV RNA in the plasma and mononuclear cells. Aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transpeptidase levels were studied to find if liver inflammation was present.Results: The total seroprevalence in 68 patients was 20.6% (14). Of these, 10 patients were viremic (HCV RNA+/anti-HCV+), and 4 patients (5.9%) had discordant results (anti-HCV+/HCV RNA-). Acute hepatitis was detected in one patient. Duration of dialysis in HCV viremic patients was longer than that in aviremic patients (p=0.005).Conclusions: The present study suggests that HCV infection in dialysis patients can be diagnosed more accurately if these patients are tested using two diagnostic methods - a serological test and a biomolecular assay. Further studies with larger sample size may prove the feasibility of such approach for all dialysis patients in this country.
Breed-Specific Haematologic Reference Values in Adult Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Humid Tropics of Nigeria
Authors: Daniel-Igwe G. , Okwara N. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
One hundred (50 males and 50 females) B-not strain indigenous turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo, were used to determine the reference values for their haematological parameters. The turkeys were housed in the poultry unit and jugular venepunctures were used to collect their blood. The haematological parameters were determined using standard procedures. The mean values of: the packed cell volume (PCV; 37.29 ± 0.37 %), red blood cell (RBC) counts (2.50 ± 0.44 × 106.µl−1), haemoglobin concentration (Hbc; 10.89 ± 0.34 g.dl−1), mean corpuscular volume (MCV; 150.63 ± 0.73 fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH; 44.29 ± 1.78 pg), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC; 29.10 ± 0.73 g.dl−1), and white blood cell (WBC) counts (12.41 ± 0.83 × 103 µl−1) were determined. No significant differences were found between the male and female B-not strain turkeys in this study. The results will help in the interpretation of cases of disease when there are variations in the values and serve as baseline data for B-not strain of turkeys in the humid tropics.
MalasseziaversusCandidain Healthy Dogs
Authors: Sihelská Z. , Pangrácová Piterová M. , Čonková E. , Harčárová M. , Böhmová E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe generaMalasseziaandCandidainclude yeasts which are members of the normal mycobiota of the skin and mucosal sites of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These yeasts are associated with a variety of dermatological disorders and also systemic diseases in humans and other animals. This study confirms the occurrence ofMalasseziaandCandidaspecies in healthy dogs. Samples were collected from different body sites: external ear canal, interdigital area, skin of the axilla and of the neck, and the oral and rectal mucosae. The isolates were identified using phenotypic methods (biochemical-physiological and morphological characteristics). The presence of yeasts were investigated in the specimens from 70 healthy dogs.Malasseziaspecies were isolated in 44 dogs from which 84Malasseziaisolates were obtained. Only oneCandidaisolate was obtained from the dogs examined. It was found thatCandidadoes not occur in dogs normally andMalasseziawas the main colonizing yeast in healthy dogs.