bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Municipal Websites in the Local Public Debate
Authors: Winsvold Marte
Published: February 2017

The proliferation of digital communication spaces is expected to have the paradoxical effect of both enhancing pluralism as well as causing a fragmentation of the public political debate. The question addressed in this paper concerns the position of one such space of communication in the local public debate - municipal websites. Four Norwegian municipalities are studied, and the role of their websites is assessed by evaluating the visibility and the extent to which the contents of these websites affect the agenda of the local media. The study indicates that even though the municipal websites are not particularly visible to the citizens, they still influence the public political agenda by being a source of information to the press. As the communication taking place on the municipal websites spills over to the media and thereby reaches the majority of the citizens, the websites can not be said to lead to a fragmentation of the public debate. Whether or not the websites contribute to the pluralism of the public debate is however uncertain.
The Intermedial Practises of Fandom
Authors: Nikunen Kaarina
Published: February 2017

The article1discusses formations of fan cultures in terms of intermediality. It examines the construction and consumption of media in three different Finnish fan groups: the fans of Xena: The Warrior Princess (XWP), fans of Ally McBeal and the fans of Finnish TV-host Marco Bjurström. The construction of intermedial relations of each fan group interestingly reveals the institutional and technological spaces of shaping the pleasures of media.

The intermedial relations of researched fan groups vary according to a traditional use of media to a use of new media. The intermedial relations in XWP fan culture were produced mainly between television and the Internet. This intermedial connection provided space for fans’ self-definition, community and fan production. Intermedial relations in the case of Ally McBeal were encouraged by the media companies between television and tabloid papers as well as between television and the Internet depicting the show as topical and trendy. However audiences were mostly engaged with only television and Ally McBeal didn’t nurture multiple uses of media. Again in the case of Bjurström, the relation between television and tabloids and the particular portrait type of media coverage constructs this fandom as a traditional star-fan relationship.
Shallow and Static or Deep and Dynamic?
Authors: Engebretsen Martin
Published: February 2017

The Scandinavian countries are top ranked with regard to Internet access and general interest in news reading. Are they also showing the way for journalistic development through their utilization of new media technology?

The article offers results from an empirical study of 12 major, Scandinavian news sites, examining both the journalistic content and the presentation formats of 95 online news stories. Comparisons are made between print and online versions of news stories, and between paper-based sites and TV-based sites. The study concludes that the potentials of creating a more broad-spectre, user-controlled, dynamic and dialogic form of journalism are utilized only to a very modest degree - or not at all. On the other hand, the idea of online news being mere “shovel-ware”, recycled from a sibling newspaper or collected from external news agencies, is not to be fully trusted. The article also offers a conceptual framework for description and explanation of mass media genre development, based on social semiotic theory.
City Branding – All Smoke, No Fire?
Authors: Stigel Jørgen , Frimann Søren
Published: February 2017

Successful corporate branding requires that questions related to communication, publicity, and organizational structures are addressed. An uncritical adoption of approaches known from traditional product branding will inevitably give problems as the properties of tangible commodities and services with their relatively concrete dimensions are absent when the main question is one of values.

Furthermore, when the relatively straightforward identification and power structures of corporations and consumers are replaced by the more diversified structures of city government, their populations, and potential visitors, problems seem to multiply in what has become known as city branding.

This analysis of the communicational aspects of two Danish provincial towns’ branding efforts examines both their internally and externally directed communication. It demonstrates that an insufficient understanding of - or willingness to face - these differences will inevitably hamper such branding efforts because of the consequential inconsistencies.

Finally, paths to more effective city branding are indicated.
Mediating the Web as a Public Space
Authors: Ridell Seija
Published: February 2017

Amidst the commercial hype that has come to surround the internet in recent years, there has been much excitement about the democratic promise of the net and a growing wave of various e-democracy projects. It is thought that the ICTs and the world wide web in particular will enable more direct forms of citizen participation, especially at the local level, foster reciprocal interaction between citizens and decision-makers and create new spaces for public discussion and debate.

Despite the claims of interactivity, the agenda for most online democracy projects has been set and their purposes of communication defined by institutionalized and powerful actors. The disparity between the rhetoric and the reality of web-assisted democracy is bound to persist unless the compartmentalized and hierarchic practices of public communication are challenged both theoretically and in practice.

This article suggests that in order to tap the democratic potential of the web, we need to address the question of genre. As genres offer the cultural interfaces through which people make sense of and use the web, like other media, bottom-up alternatives to dominant online genres are needed in order to create more citizen-oriented spaces of public communication on the web.

By drawing upon an experimental project where academic research co-operated with local grassroots citizen groups and actively mediated interaction on the web across social boundaries and power hierarchies, the article aims to demonstrate the socio-cultural significance of civic web genres.
The Third-Person Effect
Authors: Johansson Bengt
Published: February 2017

This article focuses on people’s beliefs about how other people’s political attitudes are shaped and examines how the hypothesis of a third-person effect is related to non-mediated sources of information such as personal experience and interpersonal communication. Also presented are results on the perceived impact of different media such as television, newspapers and political advertising. A representative sample of the Swedish population answered a national survey during the period November - December 2001, and the results show general support for a third-person effect. Mediated information sources and interpersonal communication are believed to influence others more than oneself. Personal experience, on the other hand, is believed to be more important for oneself than for other people, and first-person effects were found among people with a high level of education or a strong political interest. Thus, one conclusion is that people tend to believe their own picture of politics is more dependent on personal experience and that others’ political attitudes are more dependent on mass media or people in their social environment.
The Implications of Digitalization for Job Descriptions, Competencies and the Quality of Working Life
Authors: Rintala Niina , Suolanen Sanna
Published: February 2017

Radio and television program production are being digitalized, but we are still not very familiar with the implications of digitalization for journalistic professions. A qualitative case study was conducted in order to understand how journalistic job descriptions and competencies change with digitalization and how these changes are experienced in terms of the quality of working life. The results suggest that changes in job descriptions can occur in different ways: by transferring tasks from one job description to another, by fusing two or more job descriptions or by adding new tasks to the traditional job descriptions. Changes in competencies were brought about by the digitalization of production technology, changes in job descriptions and the emergence of new media and new working practices. The job descriptions of journalists became more post-bureaucratic, whereas those of editors remained bureaucratic. Especially changes in competencies were experienced as stressful. The interviewees also experienced that the quality of the programs had decreased, at least during the early phases of digitalization.
Complexation of vanadium with amidoxime and carboxyl groups: uncovering the competitive role of vanadium in uranium extraction from seawater
Authors: Wang Cong-Zhi , Wu Qun-Yan , Lan Jian-Hui , Chai Zhi-Fang , Wu Guo-Zhong , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: February 2017

At present, amidoxime-based adsorbents are considered to be the most promising materials for extraction of uranium from seawater. However, the high concentrations of transition metals especially vanadium strongly compete with uranium in the sequestration process, which is extremely limited the commercial use of amidoxime-based adsorbents. In this work, the coordination modes, bonding nature, and stabilities of possible vanadium(IV) (VO2+) and (V) (VO2
+, VO3+, V5+) complexes with amidoximate (AO−), carboxyl (Ac−), glutarimidedioximate (HA−) and deprotonated glutarimidedioximate (A2−) on single and double alkyl chains (R=C13H26) are systematically explored by quantum chemical calculations. Different from the uranyl (UO2
2+) complexes, the AO− groups of the vanadium(IV) and (V) complexes prefer to coordinate as monodentate and chelate ligands, while few species with AO− groups in η2-binding mode have been observed in the vanadium complexes. Besides, the vanadium complexes are predicted to have obvious covalent metal-ligand bonds. According to thermodynamic stability analysis, all the vanadium complexes with AO−, Ac−, HA− and A2− ligands on double alkyl chains are found to be more stable than corresponding complexes with ligands on a single chain. The synergistic effect of the amidoxime and carboxyl groups can be observed in most of VO2
+ and VO3+ complexes with mixed ligands (AO−/Ac−). The vanadium(IV) and (V) complexes are more stable than the corresponding uranyl complexes, and the adsorption capability of the amidoxime-based adsorbents toward vanadium(V) ions decrease in the order of VO2
+>VO3+> V5+. The dioxovanadium cation VO2
+ is predicted to form multinuclear vanadium complex in the sequestration process, possibly resulting in higher stable VO2
+ complexes. Therefore, the higher complexation ability of the amidoxime-based adsorbents toward vanadium over uranium is probably due to the differences in the coordination modes and bonding nature. The current results might provide important clues for rational design of efficient ligands in sequestration of uranium from seawater.
Reflections of Antiquity in the Greek Education of the 20th Century
Authors: Petraki Anastasia G.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this article is to examine the educational theories and practices of ancient Greece, to investigate a few of the explicit links that the modern Greek state has made to these and to discuss some of the more implicit parallels that can be discerned in the present Greek educational system. To some extent, it will be an investigation of the contemporary traces that remain from the ancient civilisation. Furthermore, it will be examined how the Modern Greek state achieves political ends through its attempts to embody in the citizen the reconstructed values of a glorious past, while characteristics of ancient Greek educational systems, still existing in the Modern Greek educational system, will be discussed.
International Tax and Global Justice
Authors: Dagan Tsilly
Published: February 2017

Inequality, as well as the scope of the duty of justice to reduce it, has always been a central concern of political justice. Income taxation has been seen as a key tool for redistribution and the state was the arena for discussions of justice. Globalization and the tax competition it fosters among states change the context for the discussion of distributive justice. Given the state’s fading coercive power in taxation and the decreasing power of its citizenry to co-author its collective will due to global competition, we can no longer assume that justice can be realized within the parameters of the state. International tax policy in an effort to retain justice often opts for cooperation as a vehicle to support distributive justice. But cooperation among states is more than a way for them to promote their aims through bargaining. Rather, it is a way for states to regain legitimacy by sustaining their very ability to ensure the collective action of their citizens and to treat them with equal respect and concern. The traditional discussion in international taxation seems to endorse a statist position — implicitly assuming that when states bargain for a multilateral deal, justice is completely mediated by the agreement of the states. In contrast, this Article argues that such a multilateral regime intended to provide the state with fundamental legitimacy requires independent justification. Contrary to the conventional statist position, I maintain that cooperating states have a duty to ensure that the constituents of all cooperating states are not treated unjustly because of the agreement. I argue that not only cosmopolitanism but political justice too requires that a justifiable cooperative regime must improve (or at least not worsen) the welfare of the least well-off citizens in all cooperating states. I explain that cooperation alone is no guarantee of improved welfare and that certain transfer payments between rich and poor countries might be required to ensure this.
Income Inequality: Not Your Usual Suspect in Understanding the Financial Crash and Great Recession
Authors: Drennan Matthew P.
Published: February 2017

Rising income inequality was a major factor in the surge of household debt that brought on the financial crash and Great Recession. Other studies have identified rising household debt as a cause of the crash but not income inequality as a cause of the rising debt. Here the unusual rise in household debt post 1995 is documented. Econometric evidence links rising income inequality to the rise of household debt. Consumer expenditure data shows that prices of major necessities —shelter, healthcare and education—rose faster than inflation as demand by high-income households surged. In order to maintain their consumption of such necessities, lower-income households resorted to massive borrowing. Their rising debt precipitated the financial crash and Great Recession. That link was overlooked by mainstream economists because they adhere to a theory of household consumption that posits no role for income inequality.
Putting Distribution First
Authors: Hockett Robert
Published: February 2017

It is common for normative legal theorists, economists and other policy analysts to conduct and communicate their work mainly in maximizing terms. They take the maximization of welfare, for example, or of wealth or utility, to be primary objectives of legislation and public policy. Few if any of these theorists seem to notice, however, that any time we speak explicitly of maximizing one thing, we speak implicitly of distributing other things and of equalizing yet other things. Fewer still seem to recognize that we effectively

To attend systematically to this form of inter-translatability, with a view in particular to that which maximization formulations latently prescribe that we distribute and equalize, might be called “putting distribution first.” It is explicitly to recognize the fact that all law and policy are implicitly as equalizing and citizen-defining as they are aggregative and maximizing, and to trace the many salient consequences that stem from this fact. It is likewise to recognize that all law and policy treat us as equals in some respects and as non-equals in other respects. Putting distribution first by attending explicitly to these “respects” yields greater transparency about how well or poorly our laws and policies manage to identify, count, and treat us as equals in the

This Article works to lay out with care how to put distribution first in normative legal and policy analysis. The payoffs include both a workable method by which to test proposed maximization norms systematically for their normative propriety, and an attractive distributive ethic that can serve as a workable normative touchstone for legal and policy analysis. Indeed, the Article concludes, much — though not yet quite all — of our law can illuminatingly be interpreted as giving inchoate expression to just such an ethic.
What’s Law Got to Do with It? Crisis, Growth, Inequality and the Alternative Futures of Legal Thought
Authors: Lothian Tamara
Published: February 2017

The most striking economic and political fact of the past forty years has been the dramatic increase in economic and political inequality throughout the advanced economies. This Article considers this development as an occasion to explore the contribution of contemporary law and legal thought to the problem of inequality. I focus on two main themes: the naturalization of the present institutional form of the regulated market economy, and the naturalization of the present low-energy form of democracy. I argue that in each case, the absence of structural vision in law prevents us from understanding the sources of and remedies for inequality. We must rescue the insight from the compromise and begin to develop a better way of thinking about law and the economy, if we are to understand and address the rise of inequality. Therefore, three programmatic implications are suggested in this Article regarding three domains: politics, production and finance.
Susanne Langer and the Woeful World of Facts
Authors: Felappi Giulia
Published: February 2017

Susanne Langer is mainly known as the American philosopher who, starting from her famous Philosophy in a New Key (1942), worked in aesthetics and famously saw art as the product of the human mind’s most important, distinctive and remarkable ability, i.e., the ability to symbolise. But Langer’s later consideration of the connection between art and symbol is propagated by an early interest in the logic of symbols themselves. This rather neglected early part of Langer’s thought and her early interests and lines of reasoning, which she somehow abandoned later on to dedicate herself exclusively to the study of art, are the topic of this paper.
Women in Early Analytic Philosophy: Volume Introduction
Authors: Van der Schaar Maria , Schliesser Eric
Published: February 2017

Introduction to the special issue including papers about Susan Stebbing, Susanne Langer and Maria Kokoszyńska.
Effect of Moderate- Versus High-Intensity Interval Exercise Training on Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Inactive Latin-American Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Tordecilla-Sanders Alejandra , Téllez-T Luis A. , Camelo-Prieto Diana , Hernández-Quiñonez Paula A. , Correa-Bautista Jorge E. , Garcia-Hermoso Antonio , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: February 2017

Ramírez-Vélez, R, Tordecilla-Sanders, A, Téllez-T, LA, Camelo-Prieto, D, Hernández-Quiñonez, PA, Correa-Bautista, JE, Garcia-Hermoso, A, Ramírez-Campillo, R, and Izquierdo, M. Effect of moderate- versus high-intensity interval exercise training on heart rate variability parameters in inactive Latin-American adults: a randomized clinical trial. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3403–3415, 2020—We investigated the effect of moderate versus high-intensity interval exercise training on the heart rate variability (HRV) indices in physically inactive adults. Twenty inactive adults were randomly allocated to receive either moderate-intensity training (MCT group) or high-intensity interval training (HIT group). The MCT group performed aerobic training at an intensity of 55–75%, which consisted of walking on a treadmill at 60–80% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax) until the expenditure of 300 kcal. The HIT group ran on a treadmill for 4 minutes at 85–95% peak HRmax and had a recovery of 4 minutes at 65% peak HRmax until the expenditure of 300 kcal. Supine resting HRV indices (time domain: SDNN = SD of normal-to-normal intervals; rMSSD = root mean square successive difference of R-R intervals and frequency domain: HFLn = high-frequency spectral power; LF = low-frequency spectral power and HF/LF ratio) were measured at baseline and 12 weeks thereafter. The SDNN changes were 3.4 (8.9) milliseconds in the MCT group and 29.1 (7.6) milliseconds in the HIT group {difference between groups 32.6 (95% confidence interval, 24.9 to 40.4 [p = 0.01])}. The LF/HFLn ratio changes were 0.19 (0.03) milliseconds in the MCT group and 0.13 (0.01) milliseconds in the HIT group (p between groups = 0.016). No significant group differences were observed for the rMSSD, HF, and LF parameters. In inactive adults, this study showed that a 12-week HIT training program could increase short-term HRV, mostly in vagally mediated indices such as SDNN and HF/LFLn ratio power. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02738385 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01796275, registered on March 23, 2016.
Computational Architecture of the Parieto-Frontal Network Underlying Cognitive-Motor Control in Monkeys
Authors: Caminiti Roberto , Borra Elena , Visco-Comandini Federica , Battaglia-Mayer Alexandra , Averbeck Bruno B. , Luppino Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

The statistical structure of intrinsic parietal and parieto-frontal connectivity in monkeys was studied through hierarchical cluster analysis. Based on their inputs, parietal and frontal areas were grouped into different clusters, including a variable number of areas that in most instances occupied contiguous architectonic fields. Connectivity tended to be stronger locally: that is, within areas of the same cluster. Distant frontal and parietal areas were targeted through connections that in most instances were reciprocal and often of different strength. These connections linked parietal and frontal clusters formed by areas sharing basic functional properties. This led to five different medio-laterally oriented pillar domains spanning the entire extent of the parieto-frontal system, in the posterior parietal, anterior parietal, cingulate, frontal, and prefrontal cortex. Different information processing streams could be identified thanks to inter-domain connectivity. These streams encode fast hand reaching and its control, complex visuomotor action spaces, hand grasping, action/intention recognition, oculomotor intention and visual attention, behavioral goals and strategies, and reward and decision value outcome. Most of these streams converge on the cingulate domain, the main hub of the system. All of them are embedded within a larger eye–hand coordination network, from which they can be selectively set in motion by task demands.
The Arcuate Nucleus: A Site of Fast Negative Feedback for Corticosterone Secretion in Male Rats
Authors: Leon-Mercado Luis , Herrera Moro Chao Daniela , Basualdo María del Carmen , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Escobar Carolina , Buijs Ruud M.
Published: February 2017

Variations in circulating corticosterone (Cort) are driven by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), mainly via the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (ANS) directly stimulating Cort release from the adrenal gland and via corticotropin-releasing hormone targeting the adenohypophysis to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Cort feeds back through glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). Here we show in male Wistar rats that PVN neurons projecting to the adrenal gland do not express GRs, leaving the question of how the ANS in the PVN gets information about circulating Cort levels to control the adrenal. Since the arcuate nucleus (ARC) shows a less restrictive blood–brain barrier, expresses GRs, and projects to the PVN, we investigated whether the ARC can detect and produce fast adjustments of circulating Cort. In low Cort conditions (morning), local microdialysis in the ARC with type I GR antagonist produced a fast and sustained increase of Cort. This was not observed with a type II antagonist. At the circadian peak levels of Cort (afternoon), a type II GR antagonist, but not a type I antagonist, increased Cort levels but not ACTH levels. Antagonist infusions in the PVN did not modify circulating Cort levels, demonstrating the specificity of the ARC to give Cort negative feedback. Furthermore, type I and II GR agonists in the ARC prevented the increase of Cort after stress, demonstrating the role of the ARC as sensor to modulate Cort release. Our findings show that the ARC may be essential to sense blood levels of Cort and adapt Cort secretion depending on such conditions as stress or time of day.
Focal Solute Trapping and Global Glymphatic Pathway Impairment in a Murine Model of Multiple Microinfarcts
Authors: Wang Minghuan , Ding Fengfei , Deng SaiYue , Guo Xuequn , Wang Wei , Iliff Jeffrey J. , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: February 2017

Microinfarcts occur commonly in the aging brain as a consequence of diffuse embolic events and are associated with the development of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, the manner in which disperse microscopic lesions reduce global cognitive function and increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease is unclear. The glymphatic system, which is a brain-wide perivascular network that supports the recirculation of CSF through the brain parenchyma, facilitates the clearance of interstitial solutes including amyloid β and tau. We investigated whether glymphatic pathway function is impaired in a murine model of multiple microinfarcts induced by intraarterial injection of cholesterol crystals. The analysis showed that multiple microinfarcts markedly impaired global influx of CSF along the glymphatic pathway. Although suppression of global glymphatic function was transient, resolving within 2 weeks of injury, CSF tracers also accumulated within tissue associated with microinfarcts. The effect of diffuse microinfarcts on global glymphatic pathway function was exacerbated in the mice aged 12 months compared with the 2- to 3-month-old mice. These findings indicate that glymphatic function is focally disrupted around microinfarcts and that the aging brain is more vulnerable to this disruption than the young brain. These observations suggest that microlesions may trap proteins and other interstitial solutes within the brain parenchyma, increasing the risk of amyloid plaque formation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMicroinfarcts, small (<1 mm) ischemic lesions, are strongly associated with age-related dementia. However, how these microscopic lesions affect global cognitive function and predispose to Alzheimer's disease is unclear. The glymphatic system is a brain-wide network of channels surrounding brain blood vessels that allows CSF to exchange with interstitial fluid, clearing away cellular wastes such as amyloid β. We observed that, in mice, microinfarcts impaired global glymphatic function and solutes from the CSF became trapped in tissue associated with microinfarcts. These data suggest that small, disperse ischemic lesions can impair glymphatic function across the brain and trapping of solutes in these lesions may promote protein aggregation and neuroinflammation and eventually lead to neurodegeneration, especially in the aging brain.
Steroid hormone analysis in diagnosis and treatment of DSD: position paper of EU COST Action BM 1303 ‘DSDnet’
Authors: Kulle A , Krone N , Holterhus P M , Schuler G , Greaves R F , Juul A , de Rijke Y B , Hartmann M F , Saba A , Hiort O , Wudy S A , _ _
Published: February 2017

Disorders or differences in sex development (DSD) comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions with an atypical sex development. For optimal diagnosis, highly specialised laboratory analyses are required across European countries. Working group 3 of EU COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action BM 1303 ‘DSDnet’ ‘Harmonisation of Laboratory Assessment’ has developed recommendations on laboratory assessment for DSD regarding the use of technologies and analytes to be investigated. This position paper on steroid hormone analysis in diagnosis and treatment of DSD was compiled by a group of specialists in DSD and/or hormonal analysis, either from participating European countries or international partner countries. The topics discussed comprised analytical methods (immunoassay/mass spectrometry-based methods), matrices (urine/serum/saliva) and harmonisation of laboratory tests. The following positions were agreed upon: support of the appropriate use of immunoassay- and mass spectrometry-based methods for diagnosis and monitoring of DSD. Serum/plasma and urine are established matrices for analysis. Laboratories performing analyses for DSD need to operate within a quality framework and actively engage in harmonisation processes so that results and their interpretation are the same irrespective of the laboratory they are performed in. Participation in activities of peer comparison such as sample exchange or when available subscribing to a relevant external quality assurance program should be achieved. The ultimate aim of the guidelines is the implementation of clinical standards for diagnosis and appropriate treatment of DSD to achieve the best outcome for patients, no matter where patients are investigated or managed.
Exotic mite family (Parholaspididae Evans, 1956) introduced to Hungary: First record of Holaspina alstoni (Evans, 1956) from Hungarian greenhouses (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: Kontschán J. , Szederjesi Tímea
Published: February 2017

The species Holaspina alstoni (Evans, 1956) from the family Parholaspididae Evans, 1956 was collected in the soils of three different Hungarian greenhouses. This is the first record of this family, the genus and the species in Hungary. A new key to the European parholaspidid mites is presented.
Biofilm formation by persistent and non-persistent Listeria monocytogenes strains on abiotic surfaces
Authors: Magalhães R. , Ferreira V. , Biscottini G. , Brandão T.R.S. , Almeida G. , Teixeira P.
Published: February 2017

Contaminated food with Listeria monocytogenes is the predominant route of transmission of listeriosis to humans, a severe illness with a high mortality rate. Food processing environments can be colonized by persistent strains, repeatedly isolated for months or years. This study aimed to investigate the biofilm formation capacity of six strains of L. monocytogenes that persisted for long periods in two cheese processing plants in comparison to seven strains isolated sporadically from the same plants. Persistent strains produced more biofilm than non-persistent strains on stainless steel and silicon rubber surfaces; no significant differences were observed on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In a polystyrene microtiter plate assay with crystal violet staining, no evidence was found that persistent strains have higher ability to form biofilm than non-persistent strains, and no correlation was identified between biofilm formation in the microtiter plate and on the three other surfaces tested.
Effect of long-chain inulin and modified starch on the physicochemical and rheological properties of doogh (Iranian yogurt drink)
Authors: Karim M. , Alimi M. , Shokoohi S. , Fazeli F.
Published: February 2017

In this research, simultaneous contribution of long-chain inulin (0–2.34%) and modified starch (0–0.58%) on the physical stability and rheological properties of doogh within 30 days of production was studied. Increased concentration of both hydrocolloids redounded to improvements in physical stability, apparent viscosity, flow behaviour, and viscoelastic properties compared to the control sample. Fitting the data to Herschel—Bulkley model showed a decrease in flow behaviour index, while consistency coefficient (k) increased. Furthermore, for samples containing inulin and starch, G′ was greater than G″, unlike control sample. Indeed, contribution of long-chain inulin at concentrations above 1.18% and modified starch at above 0.3% promote the formation of gel network structure. The expected viscosity increases in the continuous phase in the presence of starch, and also the interactions established between inulin and yoghurt casein aggregates seem to be responsible in the improvement observed in physical characteristics of the product. Among the concentrations studied here, two samples, containing 2% inulin and 0.5% modified starch and 1.18% inulin and 0.58% modified starch, respectively, were recognized as functional doogh samples presenting premier physicochemical and rheological properties.
Differences in gut microbiota activity (antimicrobials, potential mutagens, and sterols) according to diet
Authors: Olejníková P. , Kaszonyi A. , Šimkovič M. , Lakatoš B. , Kaliňák M. , Valachovičová M. , Birošová L.
Published: February 2017

The human endogenous intestinal microbiota is an essential “organ” in providing nourishment, regulating epithelial development, and instructing innate immunity. Even though lots of scientists have evaluated the content of gut microbiota from various points of view, we examined the content of intestinal microbes in the group of healthy middle aged volunteers (40–60) form Slovakia. We have compared faecal cultivable microbiota of vegetarians and omnivores. We have found that the composition of the human microbiota is fairly stable, and it seems that the major microbial groups on species level that dominate the human intestine are conserved in all individuals regardless of dietary habits. Beside the microbial content we have examined the faecal samples also for the presence of antimicrobial active compounds, potential mutagens, and faecal sterols.
Distribution extension of Hypsiboas curupi Garcia, Faivovich & Haddad, 2007 (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) for Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil
Authors: Fontana Rodrigo B. , Sangalli Laís , Zanella Noeli
Published: February 2017

Hypsiboas curupi Garcia, Faivovich & Haddad, 2007 is a threatened species usually found along streams in the Atlantic Forest of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. We report a new record of this species, expanding its distribution to the municipality of Casca in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Archaeoastronomy on Inca Sites in the Argentine Northwest
Authors: Leibowicz Ivan , Moyano Ricardo , Ferrari Alejandro , Acuto Félix , Jacob Cristian
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we present results of astronomical and landscape analysis at four Inca sites located in the Nevados de Cachi area, North Calchaquí Valley, Salta Province, Argentina. Selection criteria took into consideration the existence of certain traits of paramount importance amongst Inca architecture, such as ushnu platforms, gnomons and a particularly interesting petroglyph located in a high-altitude sanctuary. Results show that the location and spatial layout of certain Inca settlements, as well as certain structures within, were designed and located based on astronomical observation patterns centred on solstices, equinoxes and lunar standstills.
Shadows, Stones and Solstices
Authors: Pritchard Olwyn
Published: February 2017

This paper records the results of a survey of stone pairs in southwest Wales. The aim of the research was to determine whether the positioning of the megaliths could reflect an intention on the part of the builders to mark particular points in the solar year. The author hypothesises that some of the sites were constructed in such a way as to facilitate the creation of a particular shadow phenomenon within the confines of the monument itself, designed to be viewed at one or both solstices. During the course of the study, it became apparent that the locations of some monuments also facilitated observations of solstice sunrises or sunsets coinciding with topographical features (such as hills or outcrops) on the local horizon, in addition to the shadow phenomena. There was also some, although less, indication of an interest in the equinoxes.
Emerging Trends in Construction Organisational Practices and Project Management Knowledge Areas: Proceedings of the 9th cidb conference proceedings
Authors:   University of Cape Town
Published: February 2017

The cidb Act mandates the cidb to support human resource development in the construction industry by establishing best practices and advising organs of the state on human resource development in relation to the construction industry. To achieve this, the cidb has since 2004 been collaborating with universities that offer construction management related qualifications to host a successful postgraduate conference series. The cidb is pleased to welcome you to this 9th edition of the cidb Postgraduate Conference hosted by the Department of Construction Economics and Management of the University of Cape Town, in partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It is my belief that you will enjoy the conference that comes at a very critical time in our transformation journey as an industry. The main theme of this conference is: Emerging trends in construction organisational practices and project management knowledge areas. These have a direct bearing on the transformation journey of the country as we grapple with how best to create a just, fair and inclusive society where all are equally valued for their contributions, to the nation building project. I sincerely hope that as you debate the emerging trends in construction organisational practices, you will pay special attention to issues of transformation of the industry as well as your roles as academics. The cidb encourages all participants to work together collectively to transform this industry.
Primäres malignes Melanom im Gehirn eines 7 Monate alten Schafs (Ovis aries f. domestica)
Authors: Hafner-Marx Angela , Breuer Wolfram
Published: February 2017

Vorgestellt wird ein bislang nicht beschriebener Fall eines malignen Melanoms im Gehirn eines Schafs. Ein wegen Ataxie euthanasiertes, erst 7 Monate altes, weibliches Schaf wurde pathologisch-anatomisch und histopathologisch untersucht. Sowohl das Gehirn als auch das Schädeldach waren von einem malignen Melanom infiltriert. Metastasen fanden sich in Leber und Nieren. Auch histomorphologisch zeigte das Melanom die Charakteristika einer malignen Neoplasie. Die kongenitale Ansammlung von Melanozyten in der Hirnhaut des Schafs (kongenitale Melanose) ist eine regelmäßig beobachtete Pigmentanomalie, die sich im vorliegenden Fall als Ausgangspunkt des Melanoms anbietet. Das geringe Alter des vorgestellten Tieres legt diesen Zusammenhang nahe. In Fällen von diagnostisch unklaren Erkrankungen sollte auch bei landwirtschaftlichen Nutztieren einschließlich des Schafs ein neoplastisches Geschehen differenzialdiagnostisch in Betracht gezogen werden.
Wykorzystanie środków zwrotnych na realizację inwestycji gmin w województwie małopolskim
Authors: Kik Iwona , Marona Bartłomiej , Nalepka Adam
Published: February 2017

The main objective of this study was to identify the determinants of the choice of repayable funds to finance investments made by municipalities in Poland and to assess the use of repayable funds by the municipalities of Małopolska Province. According to the research hypothesis, urban communities more often than other types of municipalities finance their investments by repayable funds. To achieve the article’s objectives and test the hypothesis, an analysis of the subject literature and empirical research was carried out based on data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office and the Regional Chamber of Audit in Cracow. Cluster analysis was performed in order to verify the hypothesis. The objects of this study were all 182 of the municipalities in Małopolska Province.
The Quality of Salted Potato Chips Available on the Polish Market
Authors: Halagarda Michał , Suwała Grzegorz
Published: February 2017

Potato chips are a commonly known snack eaten by people of all ages. Due to the high fat and salt content, as well as acrylamide and trans fatty acids resulting from high temperature frying, they are considered to be unhealthy. Nevertheless, they have a desirable taste, often improved by the addition of monosodium glutamate, and are therefore frequently consumed.On the Polish market there are many food companies that produce potato chips. It is therefore an important foodstuff on the market. However, prices and nutritional values can differ significantly. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of salted potato chips available on the Polish market. For this purpose, seven products offered by different producers were chosen. Samples were collected from four production batches, and the nutritional values and acid and peroxide values were analysed. Sensory quality, then number of damaged or structurally defective chips and the integrity of the packaging were examined. The results show that the nutrients and sensory quality of salted potato chips available on the Polish market differ significantly.
Możliwości wykorzystania metody TVScore do oceny znakowania opakowań na przykładzie suplementów diety
Authors: Kabaja Bartłomiej
Published: February 2017

In the light of the growing importance of product packaging in a producer’s communication with consumers, it is of the utmost importance that the information packaging is meant to convey be made as accessible as possible. The aim of this article was to introduce the TVScore method, adapt it to the conditions in Poland and implement with its use an assessment of the product labeling of chosen dietary supplements. This group was chosen for the research for several reasons, including the steady growth in sales the market has seen and the consistently low level of satisfaction consumers feel with regard to supplement packaging. Nine items were selected to evaluate the packaging of dietary supplements marketed to boost immunity to illness. The results show that the largest number of cases with labeling deemed problematic involved packaging with fonts that were too small to read and packaging with a glossy surface.
Predatory Invitations from Journals: More Than Just a Nuisance?
Authors: Clemons Mark , de Costa e Silva Miguel , Joy Anil Abraham , Cobey Kelly D. , Mazzarello Sasha , Stober Carol , Hutton Brian
Published: February 2017

Physicians and academic researchers are frequently targeted with spam invitations to submit manuscripts to predatory journals. This study was conducted to understand the nature and characteristics of these invitations. All spam e-mails received by an academic medical oncologist over a 3-month period were collected and categorized. Presumed predatory journal invitations were analyzed and cross-checked against Beall’s list of “potential, probable, or possible predatory” journals and publishers. Invitations to submit to predatory journals were the most common single type of spam received.
Probabilistic stability analyses of undrained slopes with linearly increasing mean strength
Authors: Zhu D. , Griffiths D. V. , Huang J. , Fenton G. A.
Published: February 2017

Based on recently published deterministic solutions as a benchmark, the random finite-element method is used here to investigate the influence of spatial variability on the undrained stability of normally consolidated random slopes, where the mean strength increases linearly with depth while the coefficient of variation remains constant. Results are presented in the form of charts that give the mean and standard deviation of a dimensionless stability number. Using the charts presented in this note, engineers can obtain a preliminarily assessment of the probability of failure of normally consolidated clay slopes.
Inter-firm Relationships and Asset Prices
Authors: Ramirez Correa Carlos
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a novel link between the propagation of shocks within production networks and asset prices. It develops a dynamic network model in which the propagation of firm cash-flow shocks via inter-firm relationships affects the economy's equilibrium asset prices. When calibrated to match key features of customer-supplier networks in the United States, the model generates long-run risks, high and volatile risk premia, and a low and stable risk-free rate. Consistent with data from firms in manufacturing and service industries, the model predicts that central firms in the network command lower risk premiums than peripheral firms, and that firm-level return volatilities exhibit a high degree of co-movement.
Investigating Museum Visitors’ Value and Behavior for Cultural Tourism Convergence: Extension of Value-Attitude-Behavior Theory and the Moderating Role of Perceived Price
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Kim Joo-Hyun , Han Hee-Sup
Published: February 2017

In the present study, we developed an extended Value-Attitude-Behavior (VAB) model in order to clearly understand museum visitors’ post-purchase decision-making process. A field survey was conducted throughout major museums located in Seoul, Korea. A total of 310 usable responses were utilized to achieve the objectives of this research. Results of the structural analysis revealed that knowledge and relational values positively affected visitor attitude. This attitude subsequently had both a positive and negative influence on positive and negative anticipated emotions, respectively. In addition, it was found that while positive anticipated emotion exerted a significant impact on the revisit intention, negative anticipated emotion was not significantly related to intention. A close examination of the indirect relationships among variables indicated that positive attitude and positive anticipated emotion played a partial mediating role in the proposed theoretical framework. Moreover, findings from the test for metric invariance showed that the perceived price moderated the knowledge value.
HotSHOT DNA extraction v1
Authors: Lunt Dave
Published: February 2017

Rapid, cheap, and effective DNA extraction for PCR. Easily scaled up to 96-well plates. This originates with Truett et al (2000) PMID:10907076 This protocol is very well tested by many labs for subsequent PCR amplification. For PCR it does not matter that DNA also has protein, is in low concentration, and is fragmented. This is a very robust DNA preparation method. It is not difficult to do 960 DNA extractions per day (10 plates), the major determinant is tissue handling. Notes: Prepare alkaline lysis solution fresh each day Neutralizing solution is stable at room temperature for long periods (months-years) Tris-HCL is NOT Tris-base The main cause of failure is too much tissue for the volume of alkaline lysis solution