bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Particle Swarm Optimization Based Fuzzy Clustering Approach to Identify Optimal Number of Clusters
Authors: Chen Min , Ludwig Simone A. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Fuzzy clustering is a popular unsupervised learning method that is used in cluster analysis. Fuzzy clustering allows a data point to belong to two or more clusters. Fuzzy c-means is the most well-known method that is applied to cluster analysis, however, the shortcoming is that the number of clusters need to be predefined. This paper proposes a clustering approach based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). This PSO approach determines the optimal number of clusters automatically with the help of a threshold vector. The algorithm first randomly partitions the data set within a preset number of clusters, and then uses a reconstruction criterion to evaluate the performance of the clustering results. The experiments conducted demonstrate that the proposed algorithm automatically finds the optimal number of clusters. Furthermore, to visualize the results principal component analysis projection, conventional Sammon mapping, and fuzzy Sammon mapping were used
Group Decision Making using Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Matrix and Confident Weight of Experts
Authors: Das Sujit , Kar Samarjit , Pal Tandra 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
This article proposes an algorithmic approach for multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems using interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft matrix (IVIFSM) and confident weight of experts. We propose a novel concept for assigning confident weights to the experts based on cardinals of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets (IVIFSSs). The confident weight is assigned to each of the experts based on their preferred attributes and opinions, which reduces the chances of biasness. Instead of using medical knowledgebase, the proposed algorithm mainly relies on the set of attributes preferred by the group of experts. To make the set of preferred attributes more important, we use combined choice matrix, which is combined with the individual IVIFSM to produce the corresponding product IVIFSM. This article uses IVIFSMs for representing the experts’ opinions. IVIFSM is the matrix representation of IVIFSS and IVIFSS is a natural combination of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) and soft set. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is validated using a case study from real life
Study of Exhaust Emissions Reduction of a Diesel Fuel Operated Heater During Transient Mode of Operation
Authors: Miklánek Ľubomír , Gotfrýd Ondřej 
Published: January 2015

SHRNUTÍ
Naftová nezávislá topení se obecně používají jako nezávislý zdroj tepla kdekoliv, kde je k dispozici zdroj nafty a elektrické energie. Vzhledem k faktu, že účinnost budoucích spalovacích motorů se bude zvyšovat a pro ohřev prostoru pro cestující tak zbude k dispozici ještě méně tzv. odpadního tepla, význam nezávislých zdrojů tepla dál poroste.
Současné emisní předpisy pro nezávislá topení nejsou v Evropě natolik přísná, jako emisní předpisy pro spalovací motory. Předpisy se týkají emisí ve výfukových plynech pouze v tzv. ustálených režimech, nikoli v režimech přechodových, jako je studený start a vypnutí topení. A právě ve zmiňovaných dvou přechodových režimech konvenčního typu nezávislého naftového topení dochází k razantnímu nárůstu emisí CO, HC a také kouřivosti (především emisí bílého kouře).
Obsahem tohoto článku je studie možných řešení, použitelných pro nezávislá naftová topení s cílem eliminovat zvýšené emise škodlivin a také kouře během studeného startu a vypínání topení.
Institutional innovations in the Forest industry in Russia: a case study of Irkutsk province
Authors: Dayneko Dennis V. , Gustafson Eric J. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Multiple global changes are impacting Russia today. Economic transformations in Russia have prompted the establishment of new business relations, which are based on innovations in the economic, institutional and ecological spheres, including within the Forest industry. This paper focuses on the Forest sector in Irkutsk province and beyond, examining the basic problems related to the institutional innovations in the Forest industry of the province, and the major factors and conditions influencing the dynamics of institutional innovations. A brief historical background and analysis of institutional structures are also presented.
Demographic types of small cities in Poland
Authors: Kamińska Wioletta , Mularczyk Mirosław 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the demographic types of all small cities in Poland in 2013 and to identify the standards of their spatial diversity. The following questions were posed: Which demographic types are dominant among the small cities of Poland? Is there a relation between a specific demographic type and the size of the city? Does the structure of small cities according to their demographic types relate to their distance from main roads and urban agglomerations? The study applied the Webb’s typology, the K. Doi leading element method, the departure from average indicator, and the nonparametric Chi squared test. The spatial regularities were identified based on the created maps.
The results of the study show that small cities of Poland in 2013 were represented by all demographic types, but most of them were regressive. They were established in 80% of small cities. The main element determining the population trends of small cities was the negative migration balance, which was observed in 80% of the surveyed areas. It was also established that the population of small cities has a slight impact on population trends. The most important aspect of their development is the distance from agglomerations and main roads.
High Stability and Low Emissions Burners Using Karlowitz Effect in Conical Burners
Authors: Antonescu Nicolae , Stanescu Paul-Dan 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The conical tunnel burner is an improvement of the cylindrical tunnel burner because, by maintaining all its advantages by means of burning intensification, it may also insure the flame stabilization in a wide range of regulation with considerable diminished pressure losses. Technical applications for the conical furnace burner can vary due to the limited dimensions required by the system, as well as the important thermal loads, and also because of the burning stability characteristic that spreads over an important range of regulation. The low costs required by the burner, generated mainly by its simple construction, also raise the interest for this technical solution. A physical model is proposed for the ignition and flame front stabilization. The flame front stabilization contains different steps from the ignition moment to final flame front stabilization, with specific flame front geometries and specific locations along the burner axis. The installation realised by the authors allowed the experimental study of the burning process in conical furnaces, in order to determine the temperature fields and the flame profiles. The physical model developed for this new type of application and the experimental data sets obtained (along with their interpretation) make the subject of this paper.
Influence of Dynamic Analysis Methods on Seismic Response of a Buttress Dam
Authors: Ilinca Cornel , Vârvorea Răzvan , Popovici Adrian 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The seismic analysis of a buttress dam with 73.50 m height is performed by the spectral analysis method and the direct time integration method. An accelerogram with 0.1g maximum acceleration was applied horizontally, in the upstream - downstream direction, at the bottom of the dam-foundation finite element mesh. The hydrodynamic effect of the reservoir was considered according to the added mass procedure (Westergaard relation). ABAQUS software was used to make the analyses. The same type of finite element C3D20R was used for the mesh of the dam body and of the foundation. The comparison of the results is made on the displacements, the stress state and the sliding stability on the dam-foundation contact in the full reservoir hypothesis. The comprehensive analysis concluded that both methods had provided close results for the considered case study. The spectral analysis method revealed itself to be more conservative compared to the direct time integration method.
Simulation of Two High Pressure Distribution Network Operation in one-Network Connection
Authors: Perju Sorin , Mihailovici Mădălin , Stănescu Ioana 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The programs developed by the water supply system operators in view of metering the branches and reducing the potable water losses from the distribution network pipes lead to the performance reassessment of these networks. As a result the energetic consumption of the pumping stations should meet the accepted limits. An essential role in the evaluation of the operation parameters of the network performance is played by hydraulic modeling, by means of which the network performance simulation can be done in different scenarios. The present article describes the concept of two high-pressure network coupling. These networks are supplied by two repumping stations, in which the water flows were drastically reduced due to the present situation
Determination of Wheel-Rail Contact Characteristics by Creating a Special Program for Calculation
Authors: Sebeşan Ioan , Zakaria Yahia 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The authors in this paper describe the steps of creating a special program in GUI tool in Matlab. The program is designed to calculate the main properties of wheel-rail contact zone, such as: contact ellipse dimensions, normal stress and friction coefficients. All the relevant equations, which were introduced by different researchers, are firstly presented and modified to be applicable to the programming environment, and then the program was built. In the end, the program working quality is discussed and some expected future developments on this program are suggested. The proposed program can make the comparison between theoretical and experimental results, when they are available, easier and faster.
Effect of weather conditions on light-trap catches of Trichoptera in Hungary (Central Europe)
Authors: Nowinszky László , Kiss Ottó , Puskás János 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
The study deals with the effect of weather conditions on the light trap catch of 2 caddisflies (Trichoptera) species: Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum and Setodes punctatus. We found that the light trap catch of both species increased when the daily maximum temperature, minimum and average values of temperature was higher. The results can be written down with second- or third-degree polynomials. The fluctuation in temperature had no clear influence on the catch. The hydrothermal quotient has a strong influence on the catch of both species. Precipitation has no significant influence on the catch of the tested species.
The effect of growing mixtures of spring barley cultivars on pest occurrence and yields
Authors: Tratwal Anna , Roik Kamila , Bocianowski Jan 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
. Experiments were conducted in the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons at two locations differing in their edaphic and meteorological conditions to assess the effects of mixtures of spring barley cultivars on the occurrence of harmful pests and yields. The most significant pests in the experiment on spring barley in pure sowings and mixtures were cereal leaf beetles (Oulema spp.), with bird cherry-oat aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi) and grain aphids (Sitobion avenae) being somewhat fewer in number. With some mixtures, numbers of cereal leaf beetle larvae, bird cherryoat aphids and grain aphids in comparison with pure stands were reduced. Grain yields from mixtures increased in comparison with those from pure sowings up to 6.48 dt·ha-1 in 2010 and up to 3.99 dt ha-1 in 2011.
Local changes in communities of wild bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea, Apiformes): 30 years later
Authors: Banaszak Józef , Ratyńska Halina 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Changes in communities of wild bees (Apiformes) were studied in relation to changes in vegetation in six permanent plots (natural forest habitats in the Wielkopolska National Park, and semi-natural habitats in the agricultural landscape near Turew) at the end of four decades (starting from the late 1970s). In 2008-2010, as many as 100 species of Apiformes were recorded there, which is more than reported in earlier decades. The most stable bee communities were those in forest habitats (oak-hornbeam forest, oak forest). Substantial qualitative and quantitative changes in vegetation and bee communities were recorded only after the renaturalisation of a former xerothermic grassland, which had become overgrown with shrubs and trees as a result of plant succession. Human interference (e.g. the felling of some trees growing along a road, clearance of understorey shrubs, ploughing of roadside margins) at selected refuge habitats in the agricultural landscape led to short-term fluctuations in bee abundance and diversity, but an increasing trend in abundance was noted.
German Grocery Discounters: Dynamics and Regional Impact. the Case of Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)
Authors: Jürgens Ulrich 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Grocery discount stores have long dominated developments in the German food retail sector, and they continue to grow. This paper discusses the reasons for this long-term success based on internal decision-making parameters such as price, adjustment of product range, choice of location, and size of new stores. The result is significant customer acceptance, but also adverse developments viewed critically in various governance constellations. The paper is based on expert interviews and a comprehensive collection of data on grocery discount stores and supermarkets in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein
The Challenging Task of Governing Cross-Border Investment in Peripheral Regions: Polish Investors in Northeast Germany
Authors: Kinder Sebastian , Lis Kamil , Peiker Wolfdietrich , Suwala Lech 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The article investigates the challenging task of governing cross-border investment in peripheral regions. The main objective is to identify common opportunities and obstacles in the Pomerania Euroregion by taking the case study of Polish citizens/ entrepreneurs investing in northeast Germany. This relatively new phenomenon is accompanied by large uncertainties and risks, and lacks further empirical insights. At the same time it breaks new ground, creates alternatives, calls for the development of efficient modes of cross-border cooperation and addresses mutual governance issues on an inter-regional basis between manifold stakeholders on both sides of the border. The case study summarises findings from fieldwork, elaborates a quantitative and qualitative assessment of cross-border governance measures within formal and informal institutions, and tries to formulate policy recommendations for prospective approaches
Transnational Metropolitan Development Strategies and Governance in a Post-Socialist Setting: The Case of Szczecin
Authors: Tölle Alexander 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The integration of cities and their regions into transnational networks has become a key municipal strategy, with the creation of a metropolitan governance structure being seen in this context as a fundamental element. The Szczecin Metropolitan Area constitutes an example of meagre results in intercommunal cooperation in post-socialist East-Central Europe. This has its repercussions on the task of creating cross-border metropolitan governance structures including adjacent German counties, a task which, in turn, may help to overcome development barriers. This becomes apparent particularly in the process of defining joint development objectives as well as an image for the cross-border metropolitan region
Mild hyperthermia influence on Herceptin® properties
Authors: Escoffre Jean-Michel , Deckers Roel , Sasaki Noboru , Bos Clemens , Moonen Chrit 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background. Mild hyperthermia (mHT) increases the tumor perfusion and vascular permeability, and reduces the interstitial fluid pressure, resulting in better intra-tumoral bioavailability of low molecular weight drugs. This approach is potentially also attractive for delivery of therapeutic macromolecules, such as antibodies. Here, we investigated the effects of mHT on the stability, immunological and pharmacological properties of Herceptin®, a clinically approved antibody, targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) overexpressed in breast cancer.
Results. Herceptin® was heated to 37°C (control) and 42°C (mHT) for 1 hour. Formation of Herceptin® aggregates was measured using Nile Red assay. mHT did not result in additional Herceptin® aggregates compared to 37°C, showing the Herceptin® stability is unchanged. Immunological and pharmacological properties of Herceptin® were evaluated following mHT using HER-2 positive breast cancer cells (BT-474). Exposure of Herceptin® to mHT preserved recognition and binding affinity of Herceptin® to HER-2. Western-blot and cell proliferation assays on BT-474 cells showed that mHT left the inhibitory activities of Herceptin® unchanged.
Conclusions. The stability, and the immunological and pharmacological properties of Herceptin® are not negatively affected by mHT. Further in-vivo studies are required to evaluate the influence of mHT on intra-tumoral bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of Herceptin®.
Prognostic value of some tumor markers in unresectable stage IV oropharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy
Authors: Soba Erika , Budihna Marjan , Smid Lojze , Gale Nina , Lesnicar Hotimir , Zakotnik Branko , Strojan Primoz 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to investigate how the expression of tumor markers p21, p27, p53, cyclin D1, EGFR, Ki-67, and CD31 influenced the outcome of advanced inoperable oropharyngeal carcinoma patients, treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy.

Patients and methods. The pretreatment biopsy specimens of 74 consecutive patients with inoperable stage IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy were in retrospective study processed by immunochemistry for p21, p27, p53, cyclin D1, EGFR, Ki-67, and CD31. Disease-free survival (DFS) was assessed according to the expression of tumor markers.

Results. Patients with a high expression of p21 (≥10%), p27 (>50%), Ki-67 (>50%), CD31 (>130 vessels/mm2) and low expression of p53 (<10%), cyclin D1 (<10%) and EGFR (<10%) (favorable levels - FL) had better DFS than patients with a low expression of p21 (<10%), p27 (≤50%), Ki-67 (≤50%), CD31 (<130 vessels/mm2) and high expression of p53 (≥10%), cyclin D1 (≥10%) and EGFR (≥10%) (unfavorable levels - UL). However, statistical significance in survival between FL and UL was achieved only for p27 and cyclin D1. DFS significantly decreased with an increasing number of markers with an unfavorable level per tumor (1–4 vs. 5–7) (78% vs. 32%, respectively; p = 0.004). The number of markers per tumor with UL of expression retained prognostic significance also in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions. Statistical significance in survival between FL and UL emerged only for p27 and cyclin D1. The number of markers per tumor with UL of expression was an independent prognostic factor for an adverse outcome.
Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Treatment on Insulin Resistance
Authors: Mogoş Tiberius , Dondoi Carmen , Chelan Claudia-Valeria , Iacobini Andra , Buzea Mihaela 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and aims: Insulin resistance (IR) is a common pathogenic factor of several diseases: diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, etc. There are many therapeutic factors involved in decreasing IR. Among them we mention metformin, pioglitazone, physical activity, weight loss, diet, etc. In the last decade, there are more observations of the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids on IR. The most powerful seem to be omega-3 fatty acids. In our study, we wanted to asses if the administration of omega-3 fatty acids is involved in modifying IR. Materials and methods: We evaluated 126 diabetic patients with IR from January 2011 until July 2014. The study was open-label and non-randomized. For the determination of IR we used the HOMA-IR method. Results: For both males and females there was a regression of HOMA-IR during the 4 weeks of treatment with omega-3 and also after 2 weeks after stopping the administration of these fatty acids. The decrease of HOMA-IR was statistically significant (p<0.05). The statistic result observed in the next 2 weeks after stopping administration of omega-3 was also significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the omega-3 fatty acids can reduce IR. The greater the IR, the smaller the results for the same dose of omega-3. The effect of these fatty acids on IR continues after the end of treatment.
Acute Abdomen in Diabetic Patients – Analysis of Complications and Mortality
Authors: Dejeu Dănuț , Dejeu Viorel , Babeș Aurel 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and Aims. We aimed to analyze the complications and mortality of acute abdomen cases in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. Materials and Method. This observational, retrospective, cohort study was conducted between 2008 - 2011, on a total of 4021 cases with acute abdomen admitted to the Surgical Ward I of the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Oradea. Of these, 488 were diabetic patients and 3533 non-diabetics. Results. Women represented the majority in both groups (62.24% respectively 58.40%). Entero-mesenteric infarction and acute pancreatitis were more common in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics. Peritonitis was more frequent in non-diabetics, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003). In diabetic patients the postoperative morbidity was 36.27%, significantly higher than in non-diabetic patients (14.43%). The mortality was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in nondiabetics (9.84% vs. 5.38%). Average length of stay in Surgical Ward I is 3.8 days. For non-diabetic patients, mean hospitalization for acute abdomen was 5.1 days, and for diabetics 7.8 days. Conclusions. This study showed important differences between diabetics and non-diabetic patients in the clinical evolution, complications, mortality and length of hospitalization.
The Impact of Psychological Interventions on the Quality of Life of Diabetes Mellitus Patient
Authors: Oieru Dana Sonia , Popa Amorin Remus , Vlad Ionuţ 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and aims: The theory regarding the psychological factors as etiologic agents that trigger the somatic diseases has gained more and more ground in the past few years, successfully repeating that the human being is a bio-psycho-social entity. In order to render the psychological interventions more efficient in the management of the psychosomatic diseases, this research aims to detect and modify, even treat throught psychological interventions those configurations of the early maladaptive schemes and coping styles that stick form together in the so-called acquired vulnerability which makes the person liable to an inappropriate reaction against stress, and also to track the effects of these changes on somatic indicators of diabetes mellitus. Material and methods: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired T-test were used for analysing subjects` responses at three psychological instruments, evolution of blood pressure, body mass index, drug units, hospitalisation days, medical leave days, depressive symptoms before and after 10-12 psychological interventions sessions. Results: Results draw the attention once again upon the multiple directions of intervention and especially of prevention in case of the psychosomatic disease, in particular diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Psychological intervention in the early stages of diabetes is a major contributor to the management of this disease.