bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Speech Recognition Rate through Analysis Parameters
Authors: Eringis Deividas , Tamulevičius Gintautas 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Speech signal is redundant and non-stationary by nature. Because of vocal tract inertness these variations are not very rapid and the signal can be considered as stationary in short segments. It is presumed that in short-time magnitude spectrum the most distinct information of speech is contained. This is the main reason for speech signal analysis in frame-by-frame manner. The analyzed speech signal is segmented into overlapping segments (so-called frames) for this purpose. Segments of 15-25 ms with the overlap of 10-15 ms are used usually.
In this paper we present results of our investigation of analysis window length and frame shift influence on speech recognition rate. We have analyzed three different cepstral analysis approaches for this purpose: mel frequency cepstral analysis (MFCC), linear prediction cepstral analysis (LPCC) and perceptual linear prediction cepstral analysis (PLPC). The highest speech recognition rate was obtained using 10 ms length analysis window with the frame shift varying from 7.5 to 10 ms (regardless of analysis type). The highest increase of recognition rate was 2.5 %.
Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo Bilobae) leaf extraction products in the light of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) requirements
and medium of diversified polarity (εM)
Authors: Nowak Elżbieta , Nachajski Michał Jakub , Zgoda Marian Mikołaj 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Model maidenhair tree (Ginkgo bilobae) leaf extracts were created basing on medium of diversified polarity (εM). Chromatographic analysis was performed with the HPLC method, with the so-called dry residue remaining after evaporating the dissolving agent from saturated aqueous solutions and from 0.1 mol HCl. Viscosity measure and surface activity estimations were conducted on phase boundary. Then, basic values of viscosity ([η], Mη) and hydrodynamic values (Ro, Robs., Ω) were calculated. Moreover, reference quercetin and rutin (rutoside) were used to mark the conversion contents of flavonoids in produced extracts with the UV method.
Antimicrobial activity of Capparis spinosa as its usages in traditional medicine
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese , Mahboubi Atefeh 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Capparis spinosa roots and fruits are traditionally used for the treatment of diseases such as diarrhea and hemorrhoids. In the 10th century, farmers also used aqueous extract from its roots for disinfecting their plants’ seeds. Due to widespread use of this plant in traditional medicine, we evaluated different extracts (aqueous, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate) of fruits and roots of this plant against bacteria and fungi causing infections in plants or humans. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts from fruits and roots and the antioxidant activity were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution assay in fluid medium. Among different extracts from roots and fruits, root ethyl acetate and fruit methanol extracts had higher total phenolic content, while fruit ethyl acetate extract contained higher total flavonoid content. The higher antioxidant activity was shown for roots ethanol extract (IC50=88 μg/ml). As its traditional uses, roots aqueous extract from C. spinosa exhibited inhibitory effect against bacteria and fungi with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With the exception of fruit aqueous extract, other extracts (methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate) from fruit and root exhibited good activity against microorganisms, especially fungi. This study reveals the traditional uses of roots and fruit extracts as antimicrobials agent.
Effect of Nutritionally Relevant Doses of Long-Chain N-3 Pufa on Lipid Status, Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in an Average Middle-Aged Serbian Population / Uticaj Preporučenih Doza Dugolančanih N-3 Masnih Kiselina Na Lipidni Status, Oksidativni Stres I Markere Inflamacije Kod Ispitanika Srednjih Godina
Authors: Đuričić Ivana , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena , Miljković Milica , Kerkez Mirko , Đorđević Vladimir , Đurašić Ljubomir , Šobajić Slađana 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackground: This study investigated the effects of a nutritionally relevant intake of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids derived from oily fish or a fish oil supplement on selected cardiovascular risk factors in average middle-aged individuals.Methods: Thirty-three participants were randomized to receive salmon (oily fish) providing 274 mg EPA + 671 mg DHA/day or a commercial fish oil supplement providing 396 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA/day in a cross-over trial over an 8-week period separated by a 6-month washout period. Blood samples were collected before and after each intervention and lipids, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were determined.Results: Plasma levels of EPA, DHA and total n-3 fatty acids significantly increased after both interventions. A decreasing trend in triglycerides was more pronounced with salmon than with the fish oil supplement, but the changes noticed were not significant. Although there were no relevant changes in inflammatory marker concentrations at the end of both interventions, significant negative correlations were noticed between total plasma n-3 fatty acids and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule and Creactive proteinconcenthroughout the whole intervention period (p<0.05). Among the oxidative stress parameters, intervention with salmon showed a prooxidative effect through a superoxide anion increase (p=0.025). A relevant positive correlation was also found between its concentration and total plasma n-3 fatty acids (p<0.05). Other oxidative stress markers were not significantly influenced by the dietary interventions applied.Conclusion: Following two sets of recommendations for n- 3 fatty acids intake aimed at the general public had only a moderate effect on the selected cardiovascular risk factors in average healthy middle-aged subjects over a short-term period
C-Reactive Protein Predicts Progression of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Popović Ljiljana , Lalić Katarina , Vasović Olga , Radojković Danijela Drašković , Rajković Nataša , Singh Sandra , Stošić Ljubica , Čivčić Miodrag , Hinić Ljiljana Škorić , Vujić Tatjana Petrović 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Background: Previous studies have indicated that high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a risk factor for the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the possible predictive significance of hs-CRP for the development and progression of PAD in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Methods: The study included 80 patients previously diagnosed with T2D, aged 45–70 years, divided into group A (T2D patients with PAD; n=38) and group B (T2D patients without PAD; n=42). After five years, all the patients were re-examined and divided into subgroups depending on de novo development of PAD or progression of previously diagnosed PAD. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement was used for PAD diagnosis and hs-CRP was determined by nephelometry.
Results: We found significantly higher hs-CRP levels in group A compared to group B, but only at baseline. Among the patients in group A, those with later progression of PAD (subgroup A1) had the highest levels of hs-CRP at baseline, although not significantly different from those in subgroup A2 (non-progressors). In contrast, hs-CRP level was significantly higher in subgroup B1 (progressors) in comparison to subgroup B2 (non-progressors) at both the first and second exam. Of all the investigated metabolic parameters, hs-CRP was the only independent predictor of PAD progression (OR=0.456, 95% CI=0.267–0.7815, p=0.004). The cut-off point for hs-CRP was 2.5 mg/L (specificity 75% and sensitivity 73.3%) with the relative risk for PAD of 2.93 (95% CI=1.351–6.3629).
Conclusions: Our study implies that hs-CRP can be used as a reliable predictor for the progression of PAD in patients with T2D.
Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress in Stable Renal Transplant Recipients with Respect to the Immunosuppression Protocol – Differences or Similarities? / Oksidativni I Nitrozativni Stres U Odnosu Na Imunosupresivni Protokol Kod Pacijenata Sa Stabilnom Funkcijom Presađenog Bubrega – Razlike I Sličnosti
Authors: Cvetković Tatjana , Veličković-Radovanović Radmila , Stojanović Dijana , Stefanović Nikola , Ignjatović Aleksandra , Stojanović Ivana , Sladojević Nikola , Pavlović Dušica 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackground: The aim of the study was to evaluate parameters of oxidative and nitrosative stress as well as antioxidative parameters in a group of renal transplant recipients with stable graft function and no clinical signs of cardiovascular disease. We also aimed to determine the correlations among these parameters and to evaluate potential differences in all the biomarkers with regard to the immunosuppression protocol.Methods: We enrolled 57 renal transplant recipients and 31 controls who were age and sex matched with the renal transplant recipients. All of the patients included in this study had post-renal transplant surgery at least 12 months earlier and were on standard immunosuppressive therapy. In this study, we determined thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma and red blood cells and advanced oxidation protein products, nitrosative stress parameters (asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine - ADMA and SDMA), and antioxidative parameters (total SH groups and catalase activity).Results: The results of our study demonstrated that the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress were significantly increased compared to the healthy population (p<0.01 except for plasma catalase activity p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between: ADMA and SDMA (p<0.01); ADMA and nitrates (p<0.05); SDMA and nitrates (p<0.05); between OS parameters in the experimental group; AOPP and SH groups (p<0.05) and TBARS in plasma and SH groups (p<0.01), SDMA and AOPP (p< 0.05); SDMA and TBARS in plasma (p<0.05); SDMA and SH groups (p<0.01); nitrates and SH groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: There was no significant difference in oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters with respect to the immunosuppressive protocol.
Evaluating Mode Effects in Mixed-Mode Survey Data Using Covariate Adjustment Models
Authors: Vannieuwenhuyze Jorre T.A. , Loosveldt Geert , Molenberghs Geert 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The confounding of selection and measurement effects between different modes is a disadvantage of mixed-mode surveys. Solutions to this problem have been suggested in several studies. Most use adjusting covariates to control selection effects. Unfortunately, these covariates must meet strong assumptions, which are generally ignored. This article discusses these assumptions in greater detail and also provides an alternative model for solving the problem. This alternative uses adjusting covariates, explaining measurement effects instead of selection effects. The application of both models is illustrated by using data from a survey on opinions about surveys, which yields mode effects in line with expectations for the latter model, and mode effects contrary to expectations for the former model. However, the validity of these results depends entirely on the (ad hoc) covariates chosen. Research into better covariates might thus be a topic for future studies.
Assessment of metal concentrations in tap-water – from source to the tap: a case study from Szczecin, Poland
Authors: Górski Józef , Siepak Marcin 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe and Mn were determined in June 2010 for 100 tap-water samples, collected directly at consumers in the older part of the city of Szczecin (Poland). Increased concentrations of metals were thus detected. This concerns mainly Fe (19% of samples showed concentrations above drinking-water quality standards) and Pb (5%). In some samples, the maximum admissible concentration levels for Mn, Cu and Ni were also exceeded. This was not the case for Al, despite the use of aluminium compounds during water treatment; the Al concentrations in treated water were, however, significantly higher than in raw water.
It was also found that (1) the corrosive properties of water (low alkalinity and increased concentration of sulphates), (2) the water-treatment processes causing a decrease of the pH and an increase of the CO2, and (3) transport of the treated water over long distances (30 km) provide favourable conditions for the leaching of metals from water-pipe networks. The type of material used in domestic plumbing and the content of Ce, Fe, Mn, Ni and Cd in the tap-water at consumers show a correlation. The high content of Pb is mainly a result of lead pipes connecting the network to the buildings
Investigation Into the Accuracy of 3D Surface Roughness Characteristics
Authors: Kumermanis M. , Rudzitis J. , Mozga N. , Ancans A. , Grislis A. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The existing standards for surface roughness cover only two dimensions, while in reality this is three-dimensional (3D). In particular, the 3D surface roughness parameters are important for solving the contact surface mechanics problems as related to the accuracy of 3D surface roughness characteristics. One of the most important factors for determination of 3D characteristics is the number of data points (NDP) on the x- and y-axes (i.e. in cut-off length). The NDP has a profound effect on the accuracy of measurement results, measuring time and volume of the output data (especially along the y-axis, where the NDP is identical to the number of parallel profiles). At a too small NDP the results will be incorrect and with too broad scatter, while a too large NDP - though not enlarging the range of basic information - considerably increases the measuring time. Therefore, the aim of the work was to find the optimal NDP for such surface processing methods as grinding, spark erosion and shot methods of surface treatment.
Reliability Assessment of a Turbogenerator Coil Retaining Ring Based on Low Cycle Fatigue Data
Authors: Olmi Giorgio , Freddi Alessandro 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Turbogenerator coil retaining rings are shrunk-fitted onto the rotor over the coils, in order to restrain them against the centrifugal force. They are typically subjected to low cycle fatigue, with a cycle being completed at every machine switch-on and switch-off. The subject of this paper consists in the determination of the failure probability of a coil retaining ring. The failure mode of the ring cracking, when it swells in tension, due to the centrifugal force is here considered. The reliability assessment is preceded by the study of the input variables affecting the low-cycle fatigue load and of their stochastic distributions. This question is tackled by the experimental determination of the static, cyclic and fatigue curves of the involved material and by the application of a statistical model to compute related parameters and their standard deviations. Upon the determination of variable distributions, the probability of failure is estimated in the form of a cumulative distribution function by a computationally efficient methodology, based on the Advanced Mean Value approach. The obtained results account for the material response and the local stressstrain states at the most loaded coil retaining ring region. The determined probability at the end of the machine life, in the order of 10-12, is compatible with reference values for structures under fatigue in the mechanical and aeronautical fields.
Collision-Free Trajectory Planning for Mobile Manipulators Subject to Control Constraints
Authors: Pajak Grzegorz , Pajak Iwona 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A method of planning collision-free trajectory for a mobile manipulator tracking a line section path is presented. The reference trajectory of a mobile platform is not needed, mechanical and control constraints are taken into account. The method is based on a penalty function approach and a redundancy resolution at the acceleration level. Nonholonomic constraints in a Pfaffian form are explicitly incorporated to the control algorithm. The problem is shown to be equivalent to some point-to-point control problem whose solution may be easier determined. The motion of the mobile manipulator is planned in order to maximise the manipulability measure, thus to avoid manipulator singularities. A computer example involving a mobile manipulator consisting of a nonholonomic platform (2,0) class and a 3 DOF RPR type holonomic manipulator operating in a three-dimensional task space is also presented.
Free Vibration of Piezo-Nanowires Using Timoshenko Beam Theory with Consideration of Surface and Small Scale Effects
Authors: Oveisi Atta 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper investigates the influence of surface effects on free transverse vibration of piezoelectric nanowires (NWs). The dynamic model of the NW is tackled using nonlocal Timoshenko beam theory. By implementing this theory with consideration of both non-local effect and surface effect under simply support boundary condition, the natural frequencies of the NW are calculated. Also, a closed form solution is obtained in order to calculate fundamental buckling voltage. Finally, the effect of small scale effect on residual surface tension and critical electric potential is explored. The results can help to design piezo-NW based instruments.
MRI to delineate the gross tumor volume of nasopharyngeal cancers: which sequences and planes should be used?
Authors: Popovtzer Aron , Ibrahim Mohannad , Tatro Daniel , Feng Felix Y. , Haken Randall K. Ten , Eisbruch Avraham 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Background. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to be better than computed tomography for defining the extent of primary gross tumor volume (GTV) in advanced nasopharyngeal cancer. It is routinely applied for target delineation in planning radiotherapy. However, the specific MRI sequences/planes that should be used are unknown.
Methods. Twelve patients with nasopharyngeal cancer underwent primary GTV evaluation with gadolinium-enhanced axial T1 weighted image (T1) and T2 weighted image (T2), coronal T1, and sagittal T1 sequences. Each sequence was registered with the planning computed tomography scans. Planning target volumes (PTVs) were derived by uniform expansions of the GTVs. The volumes encompassed by the various sequences/planes, and the volumes common to all sequences/planes, were compared quantitatively and anatomically to the volume delineated by the commonly used axial T1-based dataset.
Results. Addition of the axial T2 sequence increased the axial T1-based GTV by 12% on average (p = 0.004), and composite evaluations that included the coronal T1 and sagittal T1 planes increased the axial T1-based GTVs by 30% on average (p = 0.003). The axial T1-based PTVs were increased by 20% by the additional sequences (p = 0.04). Each sequence/plane added unique volume extensions. The GTVs common to all the T1 planes accounted for 38% of the total volumes of all the T1 planes. Anatomically, addition of the coronal and sagittal-based GTVs extended the axial T1-based GTV caudally and cranially, notably to the base of the skull.
Conclusions. Adding MRI planes and sequences to the traditional axial T1 sequence yields significant quantitative and anatomically important extensions of the GTVs and PTVs. For accurate target delineation in nasopharyngeal cancer, we recommend that GTVs be outlined in all MRI sequences/planes and registered with the planning computed tomography scans.
Searching for primaries in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of unknown primary and clinically suspected NET: Evaluation of Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT and In-111 DTPA octreotide SPECT/CT
Authors: Schreiter Nils Friedemann , Bartels Ann-Mirja , Froeling Vera , Steffen Ingo , Pape Ulrich-Frank , Beck Alexander , Hamm Bernd , Brenner Winfried , Röttgen Rainer 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Background. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of In-111 DTPA octreotide SPECT/CT and Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT for detection of primary tumors in patients with either neuroendocrine tumor of unknown primary (NETUP) or clinically suspected primary NET (SNET).
Patients and methods. A total of 123 patients were included from 2006 to 2009, 52 received Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT (NETUP, 33; SNET, 19) and 71 underwent In-111 DTPA octreotide SPECT/CT (50; 21). The standard of reference included histopathology or clinical verification based on follow-up examinations.
Results. In the NETUP group Ga-68 DOTATOC detected primaries in 15 patients (45.5%) and In-111 DTPA octreotide in 4 patients (8%) (p < 0.001); in the SNET group, only 2 primaries could be detected, all by Ga-68 DOTATOC. In patients with NETUP, primary tumors could be found significantly more often than in patients with SNET (p = 0.01). Out of these 21 patients 14 patients were operated.
Conclusion. Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT is preferable to In-111 DTPA octreotide SPECT/CT when searching for primary NETs in patients with NETUP but should be used with caution in patients with SNET.
Neuromuscular Aspects of Anticipation in Preparing the Body for the Contact Structure in Motrice Performance
Authors: Botezatu Cristina , Andrei Carmen , Hillerin Pierre Joseph de 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Anticipation is a crucial factor in acquiring motor skills. Generally, the anticipation involves the presence of a proactive control. The success of some actions in the sporting events depends on the player’s ability to quickly perceive the situations and to react immediately on them. In this context, anticipation refers to the response triggered by a stimulus before it appears. The difference between the anticipation and reaction rest in the fact that the reaction occurs after the stimulus appears, as for the anticipation, the neuromuscular mobilization occurs before the moment triggered by the appearance of the stimulus. Both concepts are interrelated. Therefore, an optimal anticipation will lead to an apparently very good reaction response, using different, by nature and location, mechanisms in the psycho-neuromotor chain. The goal of this research paper is to highlight certain objective elements in the dynamic training of the body forfuture contact and, after that to obtain an indicatory optimal anticipation, with the intention to use it in the primary selection phase in sports, demanding highly coordination skills.