Parameterized complexity of the MINCCA problem on graphs of bounded decomposability

In an edge-colored graph, the cost incurred at a vertex on a path when two incident edges with different colors are traversed is called reload or changeover cost. The "Minimum Changeover Cost Arborescence" (MINCCA) problem consists in finding an arborescence with a given root vertex such that the total changeover cost of the internal vertices is minimized. It has been recently proved by G\"oz\"upek et al. [TCS 2016] that the problem is FPT when parameterized by the treewidth and the maximum degree of the input graph. In this article we present the following results for the MINCCA problem: - the problem is W[1]-hard parameterized by the treedepth of the input graph, even on graphs of average degree at most 8. In particular, it is W[1]-hard parameterized by the treewidth of the input graph, which answers the main open problem of G\"oz\"upek et al. [TCS 2016]; - it is W[1]-hard on multigraphs parameterized by the tree-cutwidth of the input multigraph; - it is FPT parameterized by the star tree-cutwidth of the input graph, which is a slightly restricted version of tree-cutwidth. This result strictly generalizes the FPT result given in G\"oz\"upek et al. [TCS 2016]; - it remains NP-hard on planar graphs even when restricted to instances with at most 6 colors and 0/1 symmetric costs, or when restricted to instances with at most 8 colors, maximum degree bounded by 4, and 0/1 symmetric costs.Comment: 25 pages, 11 figure

Tracing a phase transition with fluctuations of the largest fragment size: Statistical multifragmentation models and the ALADIN S254 data

A phase transition signature associated with cumulants of the largest fragment size distribution has been identified in statistical multifragmentation models and examined in analysis of the ALADIN S254 data on fragmentation of neutron-poor and neutron-rich projectiles. Characteristics of the transition point indicated by this signature are weakly dependent on the A/Z ratio of the fragmenting spectator source. In particular, chemical freeze-out temperatures are estimated within the range 5.9 to 6.5 MeV. The experimental results are well reproduced by the SMM model.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Multifragmentation and Related Topics (IWM2009), Catania, Italy, November 2009

Prevalence of monogenic diabetes amongst Polish children after a nationwide genetic screening campaign

Aims/hypothesis The aim of this study was to study dynamic changes in the prevalence of different types of diabetes in paediatric populations in Poland, with a specific focus on monogenic diabetes (MD). Methods Using epidemiologic data (PolPeDiab Collaboration) and nationwide genetic test results (TEAM Programme), we compared the prevalence of type 1, type 2 and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) and MD. Genetically confirmed MD included MODY, neonatal diabetes and Wolfram and Alström syndromes. The study covered all children aged 0-18 years treated for diabetes between 2005 and 2011 in three regions, inhabited by 23.7% (1,989,988) of Polish children, with a low prevalence of childhood obesity (<5%). Results The prevalence of type 1 diabetes showed a continuous increase, from 96 to 138/100,000 children. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and CFRD also increased, from 0.3 to 1.01/100,000 children and from 0.1 to 0.95/100,000 children, respectively. The prevalence of MD was stable at between 4.2 and 4.6/100,000 children, accounting for 3.1-4.2% of children with diabetes, with glucokinase (GCK)-MODY being the most frequent type, amounting to 83% of patients with MD. The percentage of positive test results decreased with the number of referrals, suggesting that children with the highest probability of MD were referred initially, followed by those with a less clear-cut phenotype. The prevalence of neonatal diabetes equalled 1 in 300,000 children. Conclusions/interpretation The prevalence of MD in a paediatric population with a low prevalence of obesity remains stable and is nearly fivefold higher than that of type 2 diabetes and CFRD, justifying a need for increased access to genetic diagnostic procedures in diabetic children

The effects of diet and feeding techniques on growth factors and meat quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The study was conducted for 134 days. Common carp fry (60g ± 0.3g) were fed using two different diets containing only plant protein sources, without any animal protein inclusions. Diets were administered by two different methods: an automatic band feeder (diet 28/7 F and 28/15 F) for 12 hours a day (9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.) and by hand (diet 28/7 H and 28/15 H) once a day (at 9 am). Weight, Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Fat Retention Index (FR) and Protein Retention Index (PR) were statistically higher in fish fed with the automatic feeder. On the contrary, the value of FCR was statistically higher in fish fed by hand. Diet composition did not have significant influence on growth performance. Survival rate was not statistically different among groups (85-96%). There was no significant effect of feeding method or diet on meat quality, such as color and fat content

Generation of Vorticity Near Topography: Anticyclones in the Caribbean Sea

Mesoscale anticyclonic eddies dominate the sea-surface height variability in the Caribbean Sea. Although it is well established that these anticyclones are formed near the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea, which is demarcated by the Lesser Antilles, the source of their anticyclonic vorticity remains unclear. To gain insight into this source, we analyze the fluxes of vorticity into the Caribbean at its eastern boundary using a high-resolution numerical model. We find that the anticyclonic vorticity in the eastern Caribbean Sea predominantly originates from regions where intense ocean currents flow close to the Lesser Antilles. More specifically, St. Lucia and Grenada are hotspots for vorticity generation. The local generation rate scales with the amplitude of the volume transport through the passages between these islands. This finding is in contrast with the view that anticyclonic North Brazil Current (NBC) rings in the Atlantic Ocean are the main source of anticyclonic vorticity in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Our analyses reveal that the direct contribution of the vorticity of the NBC rings is of lesser importance than the local generation. However, the collision of upstream NBC rings with the Lesser Antilles increases the volume transport through the passages into the Caribbean Sea, so that their presence indirectly leads to enhanced local production of anticyclonic vorticity. This process is an example of the importance of vorticity generation near topography, which is ubiquitous in the oceans, and expected to be important whenever currents and steep topography meet

Influence of the balanced scorecard on the science and innovation performance of Latin American universities

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Knowledge Management Research & Practice on 2019, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14778238.2019.1569488[EN] Pressure on the education system to meet society's needs has led some universities to adopt organisational performance measurement systems as strategic control tools. One of the most commonly used systems in business is the balanced scorecard (BSC). For Latin American universities, the urgent task of increasing the quantity and quality of research and innovation has led these universities to update their essential processes. A suitable control system is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of these new policies. Based on strategic management theory, this study focuses on the implementation of a BSC method in Latin American public universities. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of BSC implementation on universities? research and innovation performance. The results reveal similar patterns of indicators to measure performance in public universities. Furthermore, these indicators develop favourably following implementation of the BSC.Peris-Ortiz, M.; García-Hurtado, D.; Devece Carañana, CA. (2019). Influence of the balanced scorecard on the science and innovation performance of Latin American universities. Knowledge Management Research & Practice. 17(4):373-383. https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2019.1569488S373383174Agostino, D., & Arnaboldi, M. (2012). Design issues in Balanced Scorecards: The «what» and «how» of control. European Management Journal, 30(4), 327-339. doi:10.1016/j.emj.2012.02.001Al-Ashaab, A., Flores, M., Doultsinou, A., & Magyar, A. (2011). A balanced scorecard for measuring the impact of industry–university collaboration. Production Planning & Control, 22(5-6), 554-570. doi:10.1080/09537287.2010.536626Ankrah, S., & AL-Tabbaa, O. (2015). Universities–industry collaboration: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 31(3), 387-408. doi:10.1016/j.scaman.2015.02.003Broadbent, J., & Laughlin, R. (2009). Performance management systems: A conceptual model. Management Accounting Research, 20(4), 283-295. doi:10.1016/j.mar.2009.07.004Chen, S., Yang, C., & Shiau, J. (2006). The application of balanced scorecard in the performance evaluation of higher education. The TQM Magazine, 18(2), 190-205. doi:10.1108/09544780610647892Ferreira, A., & Otley, D. (2009). The design and use of performance management systems: An extended framework for analysis. Management Accounting Research, 20(4), 263-282. doi:10.1016/j.mar.2009.07.003Franceschini, F., & Turina, E. (2011). Quality improvement and redesign of performance measurement systems: an application to the academic field. Quality & Quantity, 47(1), 465-483. doi:10.1007/s11135-011-9530-1Gibbert, M., Ruigrok, W., & Wicki, B. (2008). What passes as a rigorous case study? Strategic Management Journal, 29(13), 1465-1474. doi:10.1002/smj.722Ittner, C. D., Larcker, D. F., & Randall, T. (2003). Performance implications of strategic performance measurement in financial services firms. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 28(7-8), 715-741. doi:10.1016/s0361-3682(03)00033-3Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2001). Transforming the Balanced Scorecard from Performance Measurement to Strategic Management: Part II. Accounting Horizons, 15(2), 147-160. doi:10.2308/acch.2001.15.2.147Khalid, S., Knouzi, N., Tanane, O., & Talbi, M. (2014). Balanced Scoreboard, the Performance Tool in Higher Education: Establishment of Performance Indicators. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116, 4552-4558. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.984Kraus, K., & Lind, J. (2010). The impact of the corporate balanced scorecard on corporate control—A research note. Management Accounting Research, 21(4), 265-277. doi:10.1016/j.mar.2010.08.001Langfield-Smith, K. (1997). Management control systems and strategy: A critical review. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 22(2), 207-232. doi:10.1016/s0361-3682(95)00040-2Lawrence, S., & Sharma, U. (2002). Commodification of Education and Academic LABOUR—Using the Balanced Scorecard in a University Setting. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 13(5-6), 661-677. doi:10.1006/cpac.2002.0562Lee, B., Collier, P. M., & Cullen, J. (2007). Reflections on the use of case studies in the accounting, management and organizational disciplines. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, 2(3), 169-178. doi:10.1108/17465640710835337Neely, A., Gregory, M., & Platts, K. (1995). Performance measurement system design. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 15(4), 80-116. doi:10.1108/01443579510083622Philbin, S. (2008). Process model for university‐industry research collaboration. European Journal of Innovation Management, 11(4), 488-521. doi:10.1108/14601060810911138Pritchard, R. D., Roth, P. L., Jones, S. D., & Roth, P. G. (1990). Implementing feedback systems to enhance productivity: A practical guide. National Productivity Review, 10(1), 57-67. doi:10.1002/npr.4040100107Ridwan, R., Harun, H., An, Y., & Fahmid, I. M. (2013). The Impact of the Balanced Scorecard on Corporate Performance: The Case of an Australian Public Sector Enterprise. International Business Research, 6(10). doi:10.5539/ibr.v6n10p103Sayed, N. (2013). Ratify, reject or revise: balanced scorecard and universities. International Journal of Educational Management, 27(3), 203-220. doi:10.1108/09513541311306440Spender, J.-C. (2014). Business Strategy. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686544.001.0001Tangen, S. (2005). Analysing the requirements of performance measurement systems. Measuring Business Excellence, 9(4), 46-54. doi:10.1108/13683040510634835Villarreal Larrinaga, O., & Landeta Rodríguez, J. (2010). EL ESTUDIO DE CASOS COMO METODOLOGÍA DE INVESTIGACIÓN CIENTÍFICA EN DIRECCIÓN Y ECONOMÍA DE LA EMPRESA. UNA APLICACIÓN A LA INTERNACIONALIZACIÓN. Investigaciones Europeas de Dirección y Economía de la Empresa, 16(3), 31-52. doi:10.1016/s1135-2523(12)60033-1Wiersma, E. (2009). For which purposes do managers use Balanced Scorecards? Management Accounting Research, 20(4), 239-251. doi:10.1016/j.mar.2009.06.00