Search

Background and Purpose: Business process simulation (BPS) model is based on real-life data form sources like databases, observations and interviews. It acts as “as-is” business scenario can used for reengineering. The main challenge is to gather relevant data and to develop simulation model. Research aims to elaborate BPS model and to systematically assess how close to reality it is. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research has been performed in Polish telecommunications company. Authors investigate technical process of expanding cellular network. After elaborating “as-is” model, authors use ADONIS simulation tool to run a series simulations and confront simulation results with actual historical events. After this, assessment whether computer simulation model can precisely map real-life business process - and consequently act as credible basis for process improvement - is made. Results: The simulation model has been constructed with data from the WfMS database, observations, staff knowledge and their experience. Fully equipped simulation model is found to allow reconstructing the historical execution of business activity with low margin for error. Some limitation were identified and discussed. Conclusion: BPS is not a popular approach for process reengineering and improvement yet. Data collection issues for BPS that require adopting process mining techniques and additional information sources are among the reasons for that. In our study, computer simulation outputs are compatible with historical events. Hence the model reflects the business reality and can be taken as a reference model while redesigning the process. Ozadje in namen: Simulaciski model poslovnih procesov (Business Process Simulation - BPS) temelji na virih resničnih podatkov, kot so podatkovne zbirke, opazovanja in intervjuji. Deluje kot dejabski ("kot-je") poslovni scenarij in se lahko uporablja za reinženiring. Glavni izziv pri tem je zbrati ustrezne podatke in razviti simulacijski model. Namen raziskave je razviti BPS je model in sistematično oceniti, kako blizu realnosti je. Metodologija / pristop: Raziskava je bila izvedena v okviru poljskega telekomunikacijskega podjetja. Avtorji raziskujejo tehnični proces širitve mobilnega omrežja. Po izdelavi "kot-je" modela so avtorji uporabili simulacijsko orodje Adonis da so izvedli serijo simulacij in primerjali rezultate simulacije z dejanskimi zgodovinskimi poteki. Nato so ocenili ali simulacijski model dovolj dobro preslika realnost in - posledično – je uporaben kot verodostojna osnova za izboljšanje procesa. Rezultati: Simulacijski model je bil izdelan s podatki iz podatkovne zbirke WfMS, opazovanj zaposlenih in avtorjevih znanj in izkušenj. V celoti razvit simulacijski model omogoča rekonstrukcijo zgodovinskega poteka poslovne dejavnosti z nizko stopnjo napake. Ugotovljene in komentirane so nekatere omejitve. Zaključek: BPS še ni eden od priljubljenih pristopov za proces za prenovo in izboljšanje poslovnih procesov. med Med razlogi za to je dejstvo, da zbiranje podatkov za izvedbo BPS zahteva, da uporabimo tehnike rudarjenja podatkov in dodatne vire informacij. V naši raziskavi so se računalniški simulacijski rezultati pokazali skladni z zgodovinskimi dogodki. Zato model odraža poslovno realnost in se lahko uporabi kot referenčni model pri prenovi procesa.

Exosomes are intercellular messengers with a high potential for diagnostic and therapeutic utility. It is believed that exosomes present in body fluids are responsible for providing signals which inhibit immune cells, interfere with antitumor immunity, and thus influence the response to treatment and its effect. One of the most interesting issues in exosome studies is proper addressing of their cargo composed of nucleic acids and proteins. Effective and selective isolation of extracellular vesicles and identification of proteins present in exosomes has turned out to be a challenging aspect of their exploration. Here we propose a novel approach that is based on isolation of exosomes by mini-size-exclusion chromatography which allows efficient, rapid, and reliable isolation of morphologically intact and functionally active exosomes without the need of ultracentrifugation. The purpose of this chapter is to describe a simple and high-throughput method to isolate, purify, and identify exosomal proteins using a mass spectrometry approach. The proposed protocol compiles the expertise of two research groups specialized in exosome research and in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The protocol combines differential centrifugation followed by ultrafiltration, centrifugation-based filtration, and gel filtration on Sepharose 2B in order to obtain exosomal fractions characterized by only low contamination with albumin.

Das Projekt "Denken lernen – Probleme lösen (DLPL)" widmet sich im Schuljahr 2017/2018 der Etablierung von Education Innovation Studios (EIS) an Pädagogischen Hochschulen in Österreich. Ziel ist es, die informatische Grundbildung bereits in der Primarstufe zu stärken. Das Projektteam von DLPL, unter der Leitung der PH Wien in Kooperation mit der PH NÖ, koordiniert die österreichweite EIS-Einrichtung und Etablierung einer EIS-Community. Insgesamt 13 Pädagogische Hochschulen, 100 Volksschulen und zahlreiche weitere Partner nehmen an dem Projekt teil. Es ist geplant, eine österreichweite CMS-Plattform zu etablieren, die als zentrale Anlaufstelle für alle Beteiligten dient und im Sinne der OER-Strategie qualitativ hochwertige didaktische Konzepte und Unterrichtsmaterialien unter CC-Lizenz bereitstellt, um langfristig und nachhaltig eine aktive EIS-Community in Österreich zu etablieren. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über das Projekt und die angestrebten Ziele., Medienimpulse, Bd. 55 Nr. 2 (2017): 2/2017 - Digitale Grundbildung

Proteomics profiling of tissue specimens representative for major types of thyroid cancers: papillary (classical and follicular variant), follicular, anaplastic and medullary, as well as benign follicular adenoma, was performed using shotgun LC-MS/MS approaches. A combination of Orbitrap and MALDI-TOF approach allowed to identify protein products of 3700 unique genes and revealed large differences between medullary, anaplastic and epithelium-derived differentiated cancers (papillary and follicular). Proteins characteristic for medullary and anaplastic cancers included factors associated with neuroendocrine functions and factors typically associated with advanced malignancies, respectively. Proteomes of different types of epithelium-derived differentiated cancers and follicular adenoma were compared using multi-enzyme LC-MS/MS approach, which revealed products of 4800 unique genes. A comparable overall similarity of follicular cancers to both variants of papillary cancers was found. Moreover, follicular adenoma showed higher overall similarity to follicular cancer than to either variant of papillary cancer. Proteins discriminating differentiated thyroid neoplasms included factors associated with lipid and hormone metabolism, regulation of gene expression and maintenance of DNA structure. Importantly, proteome data matched several features of transcriptome and metabolome profiles of thyroid cancers contributing to systems biology of this malignancy.

For a better understanding of the physiological background of microspore embryogenesis (ME), the protein profile was analyzed in four winter triticale DH lines, which show extremely different embryogenic potential. The analysis were conducted with anthers at the phase of development optimal for ME induction and then after low temperature (LT, 3 weeks at 4 °C) ME-inducing tillers treatment. The sub-proteome of anthers was mapped by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The protein species significantly more abundant (at least 2-fold) in responsive DH lines after LT treatment were chosen for identification by MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. In total, 31 protein species were successfully identified as involved in the determination of microspore competence, stress response and in the regulation of ME induction. Microspore competence required sufficient energy supply and efficient system of cell protection that determine survival under prolonged LT stress treatment. LT stress was associated with increased accumulation of proteins typical for cell defence against oxidative stress (e.g., l-ascorbate peroxidase), chaperons (e.g., HSP70) and other enzymes/factors ensuring protein biosynthesis, stability and active cell divisions. Also here, effective cell defence required undisturbed energy supply. Among proteins that accumulated differentially in accordance with microspore embryogenic potential again the most important role seems to be played by the enzymes ensuring energy production and determining ability of plant stress adaptation. Two protein species (enolase, 12S storage protein), proposed earlier as candidates for markers of embryogenesis in other in vitro plant culture systems confirmed their utility for triticale anther cultures.

In the paper an implementation of an elementary fractional order, integro-differential operator at PLC platform is discussed. The considered element is approximated with the use of discrete CFE approximation. The operator we deal with is a crucial part of fractional order PID controller. Guidelines to PLC implementation with the use of object-oriented approach presented by IEC 61131.3 standard are given also. As an example the implementation at SIEMENS SIMATIC S7 1200 platform is presented. As a reference the analytical response of element was applied, the quality of model was estimated with use of typical MSE cost function. Results of experiments show, that the PLC implementation of the fractional order element is possible to make with the use of object-oriented approach and the accuracy of approximation is determined by its order.

In the paper an accuracy analysis for non integer order, discrete, state space model of heat transfer process in one dimensional plant is presented. The proposed model is a discrete version of time - continuous, non integer order, state space model proposed previously by Authors. The discretization of integro/differential operator was done with the use of backward difference method. The accuracy and convergence of the discussed model was considered as a function of model order and memory length necessary to proper estimation of non integer order operator. Tests were done with the use of PLC and SCADA based experimental system. Results of experiments show that the proposed, discrete model assures the good performance in the sense of MSE cost function, but its size is relatively high.

The paper is intended to present a possibility of modeling a heat transfer process in one dimensional plant with the use of new, non integer order, discrete models. The proposed models have the form of hybrid transfer functions, containing both integer and non integer order parts. The integer order part represents a pure delay, the non integer order part is modeled with the use of CFE approximant. The proposed models were compared to step responses of real experimental plant with the use of typical MSE cost function. Results of experiments show that a good accuracy can be achieved for relatively low order of model.

Experimental research, in which mortars prepared with reactive aggregates have been exposed to different conditions, has been performed. The samples have been stored in water or 1 M NaOH water solution at 80 °C. Based on the observed strains, ASR extent has been calculated. Mathematical model of combined action of hygro-thermal, chemical and mechanical phenomena has been developed to analyze evolution of the ASR reaction. It is based on mechanics of multiphase porous media. Development of the ASR depends on the alkali content. Diffusion of alkalis from the cement paste to the aggregate grains is considered. Both external alkali sources and alkali binding by the formed ASR gel are taken into account. The proposed mathematical model has been validated by comparison with the experimental results.

Exosomes are intercellular messengers with a high potential for diagnostic and therapeutic utility. It is believed that exosomes present in body fluids are responsible for providing signals which inhibit immune cells, interfere with antitumor immunity, and thus influence the response to treatment and its effect. One of the most interesting issues in exosome studies is proper addressing of their cargo composed of nucleic acids and proteins. Effective and selective isolation of extracellular vesicles and identification of proteins present in exosomes has turned out to be a challenging aspect of their exploration. Here we propose a novel approach that is based on isolation of exosomes by mini-size-exclusion chromatography which allows efficient, rapid, and reliable isolation of morphologically intact and functionally active exosomes without the need of ultracentrifugation. The purpose of this chapter is to describe a simple and high-throughput method to isolate, purify, and identify exosomal proteins using a mass spectrometry approach. The proposed protocol compiles the expertise of two research groups specialized in exosome research and in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The protocol combines differential centrifugation followed by ultrafiltration, centrifugation-based filtration, and gel filtration on Sepharose 2B in order to obtain exosomal fractions characterized by only low contamination with albumin.

L’ouvrage de Delphine Saurier rend compte de l’évolution conjointe de figures de personnes illustres, de lieux les célébrant et d’associations les faisant vivre. Elle décrit ainsi comment la Société des Amis de Marcel Proust et des Amis de Combray (SAMPAC) nourrit des rapports étroits, depuis sa création en 1950, avec la construction de la figure de Marcel Proust au travers de La Maison de tante Léonie et du Musée Proust. De même, elle rend compte de la façon dont le Musée Curie a été mise en...

Metallurgy processes are associated with many hazardous and toxic factors, including heavy metals. Exposure to heavy metals can cause damage to different organs, which can be observed through variation in the concentration of proteins in serum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in a serum protein profile of copper smelters exposed to As, Cd and Pb ions, and xenobiotics present in tobacco smoke. A 2.3-fold higher Pb concentration in the blood and a 2.8-fold greater As concentration have been observed in the urine of non-smoking smelters compared to a control group. In the blood of smoking smelters, Cd concentration was 2-fold higher than in non-smoking ones. Serum proteins were separated by capillary electrophoresis, and in the group of non-smoking smelters, a higher amount of α1-globulins was observed. In the group of smoking smelters, fewer α1-globulins were noted. Furthermore, a greater amount of α2-globulins in the serum of smoking and non-smoking workers in relation to the control grou...

Mitochondria are crucially important for maintaining not only the energy homeostasis, but the proper cellular functions in a general sense. Impairment of mitochondrial functions is observed in a broad variety of pathological states such as neoplastic transformations and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation. Currently, in parallel to the classical drug design approaches, there is an increasing interest in the screening for natural bioactive substances, mainly phytochemicals, in order to develop new therapeutic solutions for the mentioned pathologies. Dietary phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin and sulforaphane are very well tolerated and can effectively complement classical pharmacological therapeutic regimens. In this paper we disscuss the effect of the chosen phytochemicals (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane) on various aspects of mitochondrial biology, namely mitochondrial biogenesis, membrane potential and reactive oxygen species production, signaling to and from the nucleus and unfolded protein response.

The gas permeability and strength properties of the concrete and cement mortar with three different dosages of polypropylene fibers were tested. The obtained results confirm a significant influence of the fibers on the increase of permeability of cement-based materials heated above 180°C. At the same time, no influence of the polypropylene fibers content on the compressive and flexural strengths, and the fracture energy of the heated cement composites was observed. The measured material parameters were used in the computer simulations of complex physical phenomena in heated concrete, confirming efficiency of the polypropylene fiber admixture in reducing pore pressure in the material exposed to fire conditions.

A comparative study has been made of three home-made bonded silica columns for the separation of the components of bovine milk casein (α-, β- and κ-casein). A gradient elution HPLC procedure is now proposed for separation of the protein components, and the tests conducted have confirmed the superiority of columns based on diol-bonded silica over octadecyl- or amine-bonded silica. A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) has been utilized as a detector for off-line identification of the components of the casein fractions. The method selected enables effective and rapid separation of the casein components, together with their detailed MS characterization.

The Mountain Black-eye (Chlorocharis emiliae) is an endemic white-eye (Zosteropidae) of Borneo with a unique ‘‘sky island’’ distribution. We compared mitochondrial ND2, ND3, Cytb, and control region DNA sequences (2,194 nucleotides) to study the phylogeographic relationships of five populations of this species that span its range: Mounts Kinabalu, Trus Madi, Murud, Mulu, and Pueh. These comparisons showed that black-eyes are divided into two main clades that correspond generally to subspecific morphological groups: one in Sabah, Malaysia (Kinabalu and Trus Madi), and one in Sarawak, Malaysia (Murud, Mulu, and Pueh). The genetic and morphologic subdivision of black-eyes disputes the expected merging of populations during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), when montane forest presumably expanded and provided the opportunity for currently isolated populations to intermingle. Instead the genetic aging of black-eye populations indicates they diversified long before the LGM, and either did not expand sufficiently in range during the LGM to reach one another, or were reproductively isolated by the time of the LGM and thus prevented from interbreeding. Moreover, the subdivision between black-eyes in Sabah and Sarawak means that this species (and probably several other montane species) has a phylogeographic structure remarkably similar to Borneo’s lowland bird populations, which are presumed to have evolved under different paleo-geographic conditions. The similar phylogeographic pattern found in both montane and lowland species requires that we rethink the causes of bird population diversification on the island of Borneo.

A ruthenium metathesis catalyst Ru1 bearing a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) ligand is used in the ethenolysis reaction of biosourced 90% pure undistilled ethyl oleate or technical fatty acid methyl esters mixture with grade 3 ethylene, to yield 1‐decene and valuable terminal unsaturated 9‐decenoic acid ester. Under optimized conditions (25 ppm of catalyst Ru1, 20 bar, 50 °C, 2 h, use of metal scavenger/quenching agent, SnatchCat), the title reaction proceeds with high productivity (up to 70% conversion) and selectivity, and is tested in scale up to 1 L, with the exclusion of a glovebox or Schlenk techniques usage, and the ethenolysis products are isolated by fractional distillation. In addition, a large‐scale synthesis of Ru1 is presented. Practical Applications: Decreasing availability of fossil organic feedstock and current policies of the European Union drives scientists to look for alternative sustainable sources of fine chemicals. In this context, olefin metathesis based ethenolysis of transesterified seed oils studied herein shows a significant potential as a sustainable way to obtain valuable products, such as 1‐decene and valuable terminal unsaturated 9‐decenoic acid ester. Unlike other published studies on ethenolysis, in the present work, the focus is on optimizing this reaction under industrially practical conditions, thus utilizing an air‐stable catalyst, technical grade oleic substrates, grade 3 ethylene, and excluding the use of a glovebox or Schlenk techniques.

The start of a rally is of particular importance in the doubles disciplines, as the receiving double may take the initiative in the rally with an aggressive return. To do so, the shuttlecock must b...