bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of eugenol against aluminiuminduced toxicity in the rat brain
Authors: Said Mahmoud M. , Rabo Marwa M. Abd 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Aluminium (Al) is a neurotoxic metal that contributes to the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of dietary eugenol supplementation against aluminium (Al)- induced cerebral damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal controls, rats fed a diet containing 6,000 μg g-1 eugenol, rats intoxicated daily with aluminium chloride (84 mg kg-1 body weight) p. o. and fed either a basal diet or a eugenol-containing diet. Daily oral administration of Al for four consecutive weeks to rats significantly reduced brain total antioxidant status (TAS) (11.42±0.31 μmol g-1 tissue, p<0.001) with a subsequent significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation (MDA) (32.55±1.68 nmol g-1 tissue, p<0.002). In addition, Al enhanced brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) (46.22±4.90 U mg-1 protein, p<0.001), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (118.72±11.32 pg mg-1 protein, p<0.001), and caspase 3 (Casp-3) (8.77±1.26 ng mg-1 protein, p<0.001) levels, and in contrast significantly suppressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (82.74±14.53 pg mg-1 protein, p<0.002) and serotonin (5-HT) (1.54±0.12 ng mg-1 tissue, p<0.01) levels. Furthermore, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining was noticed in the striatum of Al-intoxicated rats, compared with untreated controls. On the other hand, co-administration of dietary eugenol with Al intoxication restored brain BDNF (108.76±2.64 pg mg-1 protein) and 5-HT (2.13±0.27 ng mg-1 tissue) to normal levels, enhanced brain TAS (13.43±0.24 μmol g-1 tissue, p<0.05), with a concomitant significant reduction in TNF-α (69.98±4.74 pg mg-1 protein) and Casp-3 (3.80±0.37 ng mg-1 protein) levels (p<0.001), as well as AChE activity (24.50±3.25 U mg-1 protein, p<0.001), and increased striatal GFAP immunoreactivity, compared with Al-treated rats. Histological findings of brain tissues verified biochemical data. In conclusion, eugenol holds potential as a neuroprotective agent through its hydrophobic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, as well as its neurotrophic ability against Al-induced brain toxicity in rats.
Antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides against Aspergillus flavus NRRL 3251
Authors: Kovač Tihomir , Kovač Marija , Strelec Ivica , Nevistić Ante , Molnar Maja 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic effects of two series of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides on Aspergillus flavus NRRL 3251 were studied. Fungi were grown in YES medium for 72 h at 29 °C in the presence of 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg mL-1of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides: one series with substitution in position 7 and another with substitution in position 4 of the coumarin core. Dry mycelia weight determination was used for antifungal activity estimation, while the aflatoxin B1 content in YES media, determined by the dilute and shoot LC-MS/MS technique, was used for the antiaflatoxigenic effect estimation. Standard biochemical assays were used for oxidative status marker (TBARS, SOD, CAT, and GPX) determination in A. flavus NRRL 3251 mycelia. Results show that 7-substituted-coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides possess a better antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity than 4-substituted ones. The most prominent substituted compound was the compound 3, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-((4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy)acetyl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide, which completely inhibited aflatoxin production at the concentration of 10 μg mL-1. Oxidative stress response of A. flavus exposed to the selected compounds points to the modulation of oxidative stress as a possible reason of aflatoxin production inhibition.
Moral reasoning and its correlates in job applicants
Authors: Proroković Ana , Nikolić Matilda , Šimić Nataša 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the applicability of the Test of Moral Reasoning (TMR) in the selection of job applicants and to see how it correlated with education, intelligence, and the “big five” personality traits. The study included 210 participants (132 women and 78 men) who applied for various positions in the banking sector. Our findings have confirmed the applicability of TMR for recruitment because they showed that TMR did not allow the candidates to fake their responses. Furthermore, they have confirmed Kohlberg's views that general intelligence and education are the main determinants of moral development (positive correlation), whereas tendency towards socially desirable responding showed a negative correlation.
The impact of concentration and administration time on the radiomodulating properties of undecylprodigiosin in vitro
Authors: Petrović Sandra , Vasić Vesna , Mitrović Tatjana , Lazović Saša , Leskovac Andreja 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUndecylprodigiosin pigment (UPP) is reported to display cytotoxic activity towards various types of tumours. Nevertheless, its efficacy in modifying the cellular response to ionising radiation is still unknown. In this study, the radiomodulating effects of UPP were investigated. The effects of UPP were assessed in vitro by treating cultures of human peripheral blood with UPP and ionising radiation using two treatment regimens, the UPP pre-irradiation treatment and UPP post-irradiation treatment. The activity of UPP was investigated evaluating its effects on the radiation-induced micronuclei formation, cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. The redox modulating effects of UPP were examined measuring the catalase activity and the level of malondialdehyde, as a measure of oxidative stress. The results showed that UPP effects on cellular response to ionising radiation depend on its concentration and the timing of its administration. At low concentration, the UPP displayed radioprotective effects in γ-irradiated human lymphocytes while at higher concentrations, it acted as a radiosensitiser enhancing either mitotic catastrophe or apoptosis depending on the treatment regimen. The UPP modified redox processes in cells, particularly when it was employed prior to γ-irradiation. Our data highlight the importance of further research of the potential of UPP to sensitize tumour cells to radiation therapy by inhibiting pathways that lead to treatment resistance.
Costs of occupational injuries and illnesses in Croatia
Authors: Bađun Marijana 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Apart from influencing the quality of life, occupational injuries and illnesses can pose a large economic burden to a society. There are many studies that estimate the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses in highly developed economies, but the evidence for other countries is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the financial costs of occupational injuries and illnesses to Croatian government and employers in 2015. Workers were excluded due to the lack of data. Costs were estimated by analysing available data sources on occupational health and safety. Financial costs were grouped in several categories: medical costs, productivity losses, disability pensions, compensation for physical impairment, administrative costs, and legal costs. Unlike in other studies, the costs of compliance with occupational safety and health regulations were also investigated. In 2015, financial costs to employers were twice higher than costs to the government (HRK 604.6 m vs HRK 297 m). Employers additionally covered around HRK 300 m of compliance costs. Taking into account that financial costs of occupational injuries and illnesses are significant, even without including the costs to workers, policy makers should put additional efforts into their prevention. A prerequisite is transparency in Croatian Health Insurance Fund’s expenditures, as well as more detailed data on lost days from work by industries, causes of injury etc. Organisations in charge of occupational health and safety and policy makers should observe relevant statistics in monetary terms too.
A Novel Method for the Design of Switching Surfaces for Discretized MIMO Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Luis-Delgado José Darío , Al-Hadithi Basil Mohammed , Jiménez Agustín 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDesigning variable structure control with sliding mode (VSC-SM) control schemes needs a switching function or a sliding surface which guarantees the global stability of the closed-loop system. Despite the fact that a wide range of design approaches has been proposed for solving this mathematical problem, the number of proposed methodologies for nonlinear systems is not very extensive, especially for discrete time nonlinear MIMO systems, and most of them require some coordinate system transformation. Therefore, it is not an easy task to find a design scheme that can be applied to discrete time nonlinear MIMO systems. The proposed methodology introduces a mathematical tool: a switching surface equation for a class of MIMO nonlinear systems through an explicit equation without any coordinate transformation. This equation makes use of an implicit linearizing process via the Taylor expansion that allows the use of linear procedures for the design of switching surfaces and the forward Euler method to obtain a discrete time dynamics representation. An illustrative example is included to show the advantages of the proposed design methodology.
Construction of Algebraic and Difference Equations with a Prescribed Solution Space
Authors: Moysis Lazaros , Karampetakis Nicholas P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper studies the solution space of systems of algebraic and difference equations, given as auto-regressive (AR) representationsA(σ)β(k) = 0, whereσdenotes the shift forward operator andA(σ) is a regular polynomial matrix. The solution space of such systems consists of forward and backward propagating solutions, over a finite time horizon. This solution space can be constructed from knowledge of the finite and infinite elementary divisor structure ofA(σ). This work deals with the inverse problem of constructing a family of polynomial matricesA(σ) such that the systemA(σ)β(k) = 0 satisfies some given forward and backward behavior. Initially, the connection between the backward behavior of an AR representation and the forward behavior of its dual system is showcased. This result is used to construct a system satisfying a certain backward behavior. By combining this result with the method provided by Gohberget al. (2009) for constructing a system with a forward behavior, an algorithm is proposed for computing a system satisfying the prescribed forward and backward behavior.
Minimum Energy Control of Descriptor Fractional Discrete–Time Linear Systems with Two Different Fractional Orders
Authors: Sajewski Łukasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Reachability and minimum energy control of descriptor fractional discrete-time linear systems with different fractional orders are addressed. Using the Weierstrass–Kronecker decomposition theorem of the regular pencil, a solution to the state equation of descriptor fractional discrete-time linear systems with different fractional orders is given. The reachability condition of this class of systems is presented and used for solving the minimum energy control problem. The discussion is illustrated with numerical examples.
Hybrid Switching Controller Design for the Maneuvering and Transit of a Training Ship
Authors: Tomera Mirosław 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper presents the design of a hybrid controller used to control the movement of a ship in different operating modes, thereby improving the performance of basic maneuvers. This task requires integrating several operating modes, such as maneuvering the ship at low speeds, steering the ship at different speeds in the course or along the trajectory, and stopping the ship on the route. These modes are executed by five component controllers switched on and off by the supervisor depending on the type of operation performed. The desired route, containing the coordinates of waypoints and tasks performed along consecutive segments of the reference trajectory, is obtained by the supervisory system from the system operator. The former supports switching between component controllers and provides them with new set-points after each change in the reference trajectory segment, thereby ensuring stable operation of the entire hybrid switching controller.
The study also presents designs of all controller components, which are done using a complex mathematical model of the selected ship, after its simplification depending on the type of controller. The developed control system was tested on the training ship Blue Lady and used to train captains at the Ship Handling Research and Training Center near Iława in Poland.
The conducted research involved an automatic movement of the ship from one port to another. The performed transit route required the ship to leave the port, pass the water area, and berth at the port of destination. The study revealed good quality of the designed hybrid controller.
Saturating Stiffness Control of Robot Manipulators with Bounded Inputs
Authors: Rodríguez-Liñán María del Carmen , Mendoza Marco , Bonilla Isela , Chávez-Olivares César A. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A saturating stiffness control scheme for robot manipulators with bounded torque inputs is proposed. The control law is assumed to be a PD-type controller, and the corresponding Lyapunov stability analysis of the closed-loop equilibrium point is presented. The interaction between the robot manipulator and the environment is modeled as spring-like contact forces.
The proper behavior of the closed-loop system is validated using a three degree-of-freedom robotic arm.
Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Time–Delayed Systems with Application to Biological Models
Authors: Kruthika H.A. , Mahindrakar Arun D. , Pasumarthy Ramkrishna 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper, we analyse the local stability of a gene-regulatory network and immunotherapy for cancer modelled as nonlinear time-delay systems. A numerically generated kernel, using the sum-of-squares decomposition of multivariate polynomials, is used in the construction of an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional for stability analysis of the networks around an equilibrium point. This analysis translates to verifying equivalent LMI conditions. A delay-independent asymptotic stability of a second-order model of a gene regulatory network, taking into consideration multiple commensurate delays, is established. In the case of cancer immunotherapy, a predator–prey type model is adopted to describe the dynamics with cancer cells and immune cells contributing to the predator–prey population, respectively. A delay-dependent asymptotic stability of the cancer-free equilibrium point is proved. Apart from the system and control point of view, in the case of gene-regulatory networks such stability analysis of dynamics aids mimicking gene networks synthetically using integrated circuits like neurochips learnt from biological neural networks, and in the case of cancer immunotherapy it helps determine the long-term outcome of therapy and thus aids oncologists in deciding upon the right approach.
Machine–Learning in Optimization of Expensive Black–Box Functions
Authors: Tenne Yoel 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Modern engineering design optimization often uses computer simulations to evaluate candidate designs. For some of these designs the simulation can fail for an unknown reason, which in turn may hamper the optimization process. To handle such scenarios more effectively, this study proposes the integration of classifiers, borrowed from the domain of machine learning, into the optimization process. Several implementations of the proposed approach are described. An extensive set of numerical experiments shows that the proposed approach improves search effectiveness.
Analysis of an MAP/PH/1 Queue with Flexible Group Service
Authors: Brugno Arianna , D’Apice Ciro , Dudin Alexander , Manzo Rosanna 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA novel customer batch service discipline for a single server queue is introduced and analyzed. Service to customers is offered in batches of a certain size. If the number of customers in the system at the service completion moment is less than this size, the server does not start the next service until the number of customers in the system reaches this size or a random limitation of the idle time of the server expires, whichever occurs first. Customers arrive according to a Markovian arrival process. An individual customer’s service time has a phase-type distribution. The service time of a batch is defined as the maximum of the individual service times of the customers which form the batch. The dynamics of such a system are described by a multi-dimensional Markov chain. An ergodicity condition for this Markov chain is derived, a stationary probability distribution of the states is computed, and formulas for the main performance measures of the system are provided. The Laplace–Stieltjes transform of the waiting time is obtained. Results are numerically illustrated.
A Relation of Dominance for the Bicriterion Bus Routing Problem
Authors: Widuch Jacek 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A bicriterion bus routing (BBR) problem is described and analysed. The objective is to find a route from the start stop to the final stop minimizing the time and the cost of travel simultaneously. Additionally, the time of starting travel at the start stop is given. The BBR problem can be resolved using methods of graph theory. It comes down to resolving a bicriterion shortest path (BSP) problem in a multigraph with variable weights. In the paper, differences between the problem with constant weights and that with variable weights are described and analysed, with particular emphasis on properties satisfied only for the problem with variable weights and the description of the influence of dominated partial solutions on non-dominated final solutions. This paper proposes methods of estimation a dominated partial solution for the possibility of obtaining a non-dominated final solution from it. An algorithm for solving the BBR problem implementing these estimation methods is proposed and the results of experimental tests are presented.
Dimension Reduction for Objects Composed of Vector Sets
Authors: Szemenyei Marton , Vajda Ferenc 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Dimension reduction and feature selection are fundamental tools for machine learning and data mining. Most existing methods, however, assume that objects are represented by a single vectorial descriptor. In reality, some description methods assign unordered sets or graphs of vectors to a single object, where each vector is assumed to have the same number of dimensions, but is drawn from a different probability distribution. Moreover, some applications (such as pose estimation) may require the recognition of individual vectors (nodes) of an object. In such cases it is essential that the nodes within a single object remain distinguishable after dimension reduction. In this paper we propose new discriminant analysis methods that are able to satisfy two criteria at the same time: separating between classes and between the nodes of an object instance.
We analyze and evaluate our methods on several different synthetic and real-world datasets.
Abnormal Prediction of Dense Crowd Videos by a Purpose–Driven Lattice Boltzmann Model
Authors: Xue Yiran , Liu Peng , Tao Ye , Tang Xianglong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn the field of intelligent crowd video analysis, the prediction of abnormal events in dense crowds is a well-known and challenging problem. By analysing crowd particle collisions and characteristics of individuals in a crowd to follow the general trend of motion, a purpose-driven lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) is proposed. The collision effect in the proposed method is measured according to the variation in crowd particle numbers in the image nodes; characteristics of the crowd following a general trend are incorporated by adjusting the particle directions. The model predicts dense crowd abnormal events in different intervals through iterations of simultaneous streaming and collision steps. Few initial frames of a video are needed to initialize the proposed model and no training procedure is required. Experimental results show that our purpose-driven LBM performs better than most state-of-the-art methods.
Projection–Based Text Line Segmentation with a Variable Threshold
Authors: Ptak Roman , Żygadło Bartosz , Unold Olgierd 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDocument image segmentation into text lines is one of the stages in unconstrained handwritten document recognition. This paper presents a new algorithm for text line separation in handwriting. The developed algorithm is based on a method using the projection profile. It employs thresholding, but the threshold value is variable. This permits determination of low or overlapping peaks of the graph. The proposed technique is shown to improve the recognition rate relative to traditional methods. The algorithm is robust in text line detection with respect to different text line lengths.
Area–Oriented Technology Mapping for LUT–Based Logic Blocks
Authors: Kubica Marcin , Kania Dariusz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
One of the main aspects of logic synthesis dedicated to FPGA is the problem of technology mapping, which is directly associated with the logic decomposition technique. This paper focuses on using configurable properties of CLBs in the process of logic decomposition and technology mapping. A novel theory and a set of efficient techniques for logic decomposition based on a BDD are proposed. The paper shows that logic optimization can be efficiently carried out by using multiple decomposition. The essence of the proposed synthesis method is multiple cutting of a BDD. A new diagram form called an SMTBDD is proposed. Moreover, techniques that allow finding the best technology mapping oriented to configurability of CLBs are presented. In the experimental section, the presented method (MultiDec) is compared with academic and commercial tools. The experimental results show that the proposed technology mapping strategy leads to good results in terms of the number of CLBs.