bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initiatives for promoting innovation among Local Action Groups in Romania
Authors: Pocol Cristina Bianca , Kassai Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2016

The LEADER programme introduced a completely new approach to rural development philosophy, methodology and practice in the EU Member States. One of the most important features of this approach is facilitating innovation, which can provide new responses to the persistent problems in rural areas. Innovation must be understood in a wider sense in this initiative. The paper focuses on the assessment of innovation knowledge and initiatives among LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) in Romania. The research was undertaken in June 2016. A number of 67 LAGs were interviewed by means of a face-to-face questionnaire. The research area covered seven development regions of Romania. The collected data was analysed using SPSS programme. The results of the study show that there is a need for more innovative projects developed by LAGs in the ongoing programme period 2014-2020, which differs from those funded by the National Rural Development Programme of the 2007-2013 period. Communities’ problems are to be addressed by the implementation of innovative measures and by using local resources.
Effect of Nutritive Media and PH on in vitro Mycelial Growth of some Pleurotus eryngii Strains
Authors: Zagrean Alexandru Valentin , Sbirciog Gicuta , Buzatu Mihaela Alina , Mandru Iuliana
Published: December 2016

The mycelial growth rate of 4 strains of Pleurotus eryngii was first studied on different culture media - MEA, PDA and WEA (wheat extract agar). In the next experiment, we checked the mycelial growth on the same medium but at 3 different pHs. MEA medium ensured the highest growth rates for all the strains under test, followed by PDA. Pery-G strain showed the fastest growing rate on MEA (5.79 mm day-1) and PDA (3.04 mm day-1), respectively. Test concerning the mycelium growth on PDA at different initial pH values (5.5, 6.0, 6.5) showed the preference of our P.eryngii strains for media with weak acid to the neutral reaction , the optimal values being 6.0. There were no big differences among mycelium growing rates of the same strain for the three pH variants
Aspects Regarding the Establishment of the Scale Coefficient in the Case of Distances Measurements in an Geodetic Network
Authors: Ortelecan Mircea , Salagean Tudor , Pop Nicolae , Ficior Diana , Deak Jutka , Luput Ioan
Published: December 2016

The paper analyzes the possibility to establish the coefficient of scale towards the total station scale triangulation network in the conduct of geodetic and topographic observations in the points with known coordinates (old points) or points whose coordinates we want to determine (new points). The purpose of the study is undertaken to simplify computing operations to reduce distances measured from the topographic surface to the Stereo 70 projection plan.
Effect of Different Types of Fertilization on Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis Crop
Authors: Angeli Cristina , Cheimona Nicolina , Kakabouki Ioanna , Kontopoulou Charis Konstantina , Tabaxi Ioanna , Papandreou Anastasia , Pachi Vasiliki , Drossinou Ioulia , Papastylianou Panayiota , Bilalis Dimitrios J
Published: December 2016

A field experiment was conducted at Pylos, Greece to compare the effect of different types of fertilization on yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) crop. The conventional treatment plots were fertilized with an inorganic fertilizer, whereas the organic treatments plots received organic compost. Data analysis confirmed no significant correlation between plant height and type of fertilization, but there was significant correlation between length of pods and type of fertilization. In particular, morphological characteristics of yardlong bean were enhanced by inorganic fertilization in comparison with the organic fertilization.  Organic farming increased significantly the number on root nodules in comparison with conventional farming.
THE EFFECT OF BLOOD AND MILK SERUM ZINC CONCENTRATION ON MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN DAIRY COWS
Authors: Davidov Ivana , Erdeljan Mihajlo , Radinovic Miodrag , Kovacevic Zorana , Jurakic Željka
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood and milk zinc concentration on somatic cell count and occurrence of subclinical mastitis cases. The study was performed on thirty Holstein cows approximate same body weight, ages 3 to 5 years, with equally milk production. Blood samples were taken after the morning milking from the caudal vein and milk from all four quarters was taken before morning milking. All samples of blood and milk were taken to determined zinc, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. 37.67% (11/30) cows have blood serum zinc concentration below 7µmol/l, and 63.33% or 19/30 cows have blood serum zinc concentration higher then 13µmol/l. Also 30% (9/30) cows have somatic cell count lower then 400.000/ml which indicate absence of subclinical mastitis, but 70% (21/30) cows have somatic cell count higher then 400.000/ml which indicate subclinical mastitis. Results indicate that cows with level of zinc in blood serum higher then 13 µmol/l have lower somatic cell count. Cows with lower zinc blood serum concentration then 7 µmol/l have high somatic cell count and high incidence of subclinical mastitis. According to results in this research there is no significant effect of milk serum zinc concentration on somatic cell count in dairy cows.
Hemato-Biochemical studies on Egyptian Buffaloes and Calves naturally infected with Foot and Mouth Disease Virus serotype SAT 2
Authors: Mahmoud Essam A , Neamat-allah Ahmed N.F
Published: December 2016

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of all cloven footed domestic and wild animals. This work was planned to study the different markers for diagnosis of FMDV serotype Sat2 in adult buffaloes and calves including clinical, hematological and biochemical examinations. A total number of sixty animals were divided into four groups. The first group was apparently healthy adult buffaloes, while the second was naturally infected adult buffaloes, a third group was apparently healthy suckling calves and finally the fourth group was naturally infected suckling calves. The recorded clinical signs were fever, salivation, loss of appetite, depression, lameness, blisters or vesicles, erosions and ulcers in the mucosa of the mouth, tongue, lips, gums, pharynx, palate and between the claws. Anemia, leucopenia, lymphopenia and monocytopenia were recorded in infected adult buffaloes and calves. Myocardial injury proved by presence of degenerated myocardial fibers and lymphocyte cell infiltration with a significant increase in cardiac markers like cardiac torponin I, CPK and LDH in addition to a significant hyperkalemia, hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia in buffaloe calves. Moreover, electrophoresis showed hyoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinemia in infected animals. It could be concluded that the elevation of cardiac markers emphasized that FMD is more severe in young calves than adult animals. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate the prognosis of FMD infection in calves by these markers.
Endocrine and behavioural response of dog in stress situations
Authors: Țurcanu Natalia , Papuc Ionel
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Visit to the veterinary doctor for different reasons constitutes an unpleasant/negative or perhaps stressed experience for the dog. The stress could modify the physiological function and mask the symptom of an illness, or make the dog aggressive (1). Aims: Comparing the endocrine and behavioral response of dogs during the visit to the veterinary hospital and during activities in other places that are not related to stress (workplace, park). Materials and Methods: Six dog were taken in consideration, as indicators of stress there were used urinary cortisol, and behavioral observations. Results: Five of six dogs got high values of urinary cortisol after the visit to the veterinary clinic comparing with the values obtained in working spaces/park – areas that were familiar for dogs. Behavioral data’s have indicated a hesitating behavior at the entrance of the clinic and also in the examination room for all dogs, but the levels of intensity range individually for each dog. The results of the „Clinic Dog Stress Scale” classify behavior of dogs in following categories: 1 dog had score of 1 point that means a calm, relaxed dog; 2 dogs-3 points that means a middle level of stress, the dog is tense but cooperative; 2 dogs got 4 points-very tense, difficult to maneuver, and one dog 5 points that means a high level of distress.. Conclusion: Studding behavior relating with stress and the endocrine response at the veterinary visit it has importance for animal, owner and veterinary doctor. There is also a correlation between the stress manifestation and urinary cortisol.
Neovascularization in canine mammary carcinoma – a case report
Authors: Irimie Alexandra , Pop Alexandru Raul , Ilaș Vlad Alexandru , Purdoiu Robert , Cătoi Cornel
Published: December 2016

The frequency of mammary tumors in canines is three times higher than in women. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a noninvasive clinical method, that uses special contrast agents (CAs), their role being to layout the microvasculature of different lesions. The aim of this particular method, in this case, was to establish if we can evaluate the malignancy of a mass, given the fact that neovascularization is a malignancy marker. The case is represented by a Silky Terrier breed female dog, 5 years old, that was presented initially with an enlarged polycystic mammary gland and a nervous lactation. The female was initially diagnosed with polycystic mastosis. After 2 more months the mass became denser and enlarged. Before the ovariohisterectomy and unilateral mastectomy surgeries have taken place, a B-Mode standard ultrasound, CEUS and a pulmonary X-ray were performed. Our results integrate this case in “fast in” and “slow in” (type 2 curve). The histological diagnosis was established as a simple cystic papillary carcinoma with a malignancy grade 2. The mean value of the MVD was 13.75 which is a low MVD. We cannot determine a correlation between CEUS and a tumor’s malignancy, and so further studies are needed.
THE IMPACT OF THE STORAGE PLATFORMS FOR HOUSEHOLD WASTE BINS ON THE ENVIRONMENT DEPENDING ON THEIR EMPLACEMENT
Authors: Gașpar Cristina Mirabela , Tibru Ioan
Published: December 2016

The large amount of stored waste is still a big concern for Romania and according to the legislative provisions, until 16th of July 2016, it has to be reduced at 35% from the total amount of waste stored in 1995 (2). Attempting this goal depends on the extent to which the population perceives the need of selective collection, recycling and residue minimization and on the way in which the local authorities facilitates the proper conduct of this process and ensures compliance with the hygiene and public health standards in relation to the location of household waste pre-collection containers.The aim of this paper was to verify if the previsions contained in the Order no. 119/2014, for the aproval of Hygiene and public health standards regarding the population’s living environment, are complied with.In this regard, there were conceived questionnaires concerning the emplacement of storage platforms for containers used for selective collection of household waste, containing the requirements stipulated in Chapter 1 – Hygiene standards regarding the housing areas, article 4, point a) (1).It has been found that in the living areas taken into study, the requirements stipulated in Order no. 119/2014, for the aproval of Hygiene and public health standards regarding the population’s living environment, in Chapter 1 – Hygiene standards regarding the housing areas, article 4, point a), are not fully respected.
The metabolic profile in laying hens of the Rosso race after 180 days of feed supplement with organic selenium
Authors: Raduta Adrian , Curca Dumitru
Published: December 2016

Selenium is a trace mineral with antioxidant proprieties, which, by mediating  the glutathione, indirectly protects the hemoglobin against the risk of oxidation by peroxides through three antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalaseThe experiment was done on 20 laying chicks from the Rosso race, 6 weeks old at the start. The chicks were divided in 2 batches, and one of the batches received feed enriched with organic selenium (Sel-Plex). After 180 days, biological samples were colected by cubital vein puncture and hematological and biochemical determinations were made. The results were tabled, graphically represented and biostatistically interpreted. In the experimental batch significant growths were observed in the erythrocyte constants: erithremie, hemoglobinemy, hematocrite and MCH. Of the biochemical markers significant growths were observed in: ascorbinemic acid, alkalin phospahasis and selenium. The following parameters dropped significantly : proteinemia, amylase and MCV. Changes were also observed in cholesterol, calcium, magnesium and other parameters, but without statisticaly value. In the present paper we have shown the beneficial role of organic selenium on some haematological and biochemical markers, resulting in a growth of erythropoiesis, and at the same time a intensification of the metabolic processes in the experimental group.
Effects of Pre and Probiotic on Growth Performance and Haematological Parameters in Pigs
Authors: Szakacs Andrei Radu , Matei Sorana , Stefanut Laura , Moni Zoltan , Macri Adrian
Published: December 2016

The present study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with feed supplements (prebiotics and probiotics) on pig performance, the feed conversion ratio and some haematological parameters.The research was conducted on hybrid pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] in a farm from Sălaj County, Romania. Pigs of 11 weeks (n = 200) were divided into 4 equal groups: a group fed with the probiotic, a prebiotic-fed group, a control group and a synbiotic (pre- and probiotic) treated group. The control group was fed with a feed without the specified additives. Probiotic treated group was fed the same feedstuff but containing the additive Beta Plus® Ultra (Biochem)( 5.12x1012 CFU / kg - Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750, 5.12x1012UFC / kg - Bacillus licheniformis (DSM 5749 ) and 921 g of betaine), in an amount of 1 kg / tonne of feed.  Prebiotic group had added to the feed an extract derived from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (TechnoMos® - Biochem) in a dose of 250 g / ton of feed. The weight of 25 pigs in each compartment was recorded 9 times (over 85 days). Animal health was evaluated via clinical, haematological, and parasitological examinations. 5 rectal swabs were collected on day 11 and day 77 and faeces samples were taken in day 77 from each investigated group. Growth rate, feed consumption and some haematological parameters were measured.The body weight, average total weight gain and feed conversion rate increase by the dietary inclusion of the both pre and probiotic (p˃0.05). In the compartment treated with prebiotic the weight of the pigs has increased by 1030 g/day compared with 982 g/day value recorded in the control group. The average feed consumption was 3.21 kg/day in the control group while the group treated with prebiotic was only 2.99 kg/day. Feed conversion rate for all treated groups were lower than the one of control. Haematological parameters varied in physiological limits of species.Conclusion: These products show promising effects as an alternative for antibiotics in order to eliminate the use of these drugs as growth-promoting additives.
Human-Animal Relationship: A Comparative Study in Working and Breeding Horses
Authors: Popescu Silvana , Borda Cristin , Oros Daniela , Sandru Dana Carmen , Spinu Marina , Giupina Radu , Diugan Eva
Published: December 2016

The importance of a good human-horse relationship in every equestrian discipline is recognized by the specialists all over the world. The aim of the study was to comparatively assess the behavioural response towards humans in different horse categories, in two seasons. The human-animal relationship was investigated during a year, in two different seasons in working horses (171 in the winter, 168 in the summer), stallions (62 in the winter, 66 in the summer) and broodmares and young horses (137 in the winter, 146 in the summer). Using specific methods, the general attitude of the horses was evaluated (apathetic or alert) and their reactions (aggressiveness, fear/avoidance, indifference, friendliness) to the: (1) assessors’ approach (2) walking besides and (3) the attempt of touching the animal. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The value of minimal significance was considered at P < 0.05. The proportion of the apathetic horses recorded in this study varied from 0% to 3.23% depending on the assessed category and season, without statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). For the behavioural responses (aggressiveness, fear, indifference or friendly response), statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among the assessed horse categories. The season had no significant influence on the variability of responses in the behavioural tests in none of the horse categories. The results indicate an inadequate human-animal relationship in all the studied horse categories, with negative implications on the welfare of the animals. This problem has low remedial possibilities, because it needs human mentality change of those working with horses.
Aronia Melanocarpa Antioxidant Potential against Chromium VI Induced Morphological Changes in Endocrine Pancreas
Authors: Savici Jelena , Brezovan Diana , Muselin Florin
Published: December 2016

AbstractHexavalent chromium is known as strong oxidizing agent, enters the cells easily and generates reactive oxygen species. It was demonstrated that Cr VI is toxic for liver, kidney, skin, nervous system, female and male reproductive systems. However, chromium effects on pancreas are less studied.Aronia melanocarpa fruits are rich in phenolic constituents: anthocyanins, procyanidins and phenolic acids, which demonstrated to have anti-oxidative, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activities.Considering the aforesaid the present study was carried out in idea to see if Cr VI induces structural changes in pancreas, given it’s property of inducing ROS formation in cells, and if aronia extract can play a protective role.The study was carried out on white Wistar rats divided in 5 groups and exposed as follows: C – control –distilled water, Cr group – potassium dichromate, hexavalent chromium compound, in distilled water, 75 ppm for three months; CrA group - 75 ppm Cr VI + extract of A. melanocarpa for three months; Cr2 group - 75 ppm Cr VI for three months followed by one month of distilled water; CrA2 group 75 ppm Cr VI for three months followed by one month of extract of A. melanocarpa. At the end of exposure period pancreas was collected and prepared for histological analysis.Hexavalent chromium administration induced morphological and functional changes in endocrine pancreas cells. Microscopic examination of histological slides from pancreas revealed the size and number reduction of Langerhans islets and presence of degenerative lesions. Experimental group that received Cr VI combined with aqueous extract of Aronia presented almost normal architecture of endocrine cells, even more vascular changes occurred too, probably responsible for repairing phenomena.
Assessing the intralobular ducts in mouse mandibular gland
Authors: Matosz Bianca , Ruxanda Flavia , Rus Vasile , Miclăuș Viorel
Published: December 2016

In order to quantify the types of intralobular ducts, we used five adult male mice, sacrificed by cervical dislocation, after exposure to anesthetic. After euthanasing the animals, the mandibular glands were histologically processed. We sectioned the tissue at 5 µm thickness and stained the slides using Goldner’s trichrome staining procedure. We captured images on four different microscopic fields for each animal, subsequently counting each type of intralobulary duct. The granular ducts were the most numerous, followed by the intermediary ones and striated ducts with the lowest number.
REVERSE PDA – LESS COMMON TYPE OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS -CASE REPORT
Authors: Scurtu Iuliu , Pestean Cosmin , Lacatus Radu , Lascu Meda , Mircean Mircea , Codea Razvan , Popovici Cristian , Purdoiu Robert , Giurgiu Gabril
Published: December 2016

Introduction: PDA represents one of the most frequently diagnosed type of congenital heart disease. Ductus arteriosus is a normal structure in foetal life, which permits shunting of oxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery into the aorta. Failure of sealing after birth is an abnormal condition and is called patent ductus arteriosus. In normal PDA, due to fact that systemic pressure is fivefold higher than pulmonary circulation, blood is shunted from the aorta into the pulmonary artery. In reverse PDA, pulmonary artery pressure does not drop after birth, and blood will be shunted form right to left. Aims: We want to evaluate clinical, haematological, ECG and echocardiographic changes in case of reverse PDA. Materials and Methods: Two-year old female Bichon Frise was referred to our clinic with signs of effort intolerance and dyspnoea for more than a year. ECG was performed in the right lateral recumbency using a digital device and echocardiography was done with Esaote MyLab40 Vet with a phased array transducer matched with the size of the dog (7.5 MHz). Results: We identified a dog with a good body score, quite alert and without any sign of illness. Haematological investigation underlined polycythaemia and very high PCV. The ECG revealed a normal sinus rhythm with a deep S wave, changes consistent with right ventricle enlargement.  Right atrial dilation and right ventricle hypertrophy were found on cardiac ultrasonography. The right ventricle free wall was hypertrophied and interventricular septum was flattened, changes consistent with increased pressure on the right side of the heart. The left heart was small. Positive diagnosis was done, performing “bubble study” and identification of contrast bubble within the abdominal aorta.   Conclusion: Reverse PDA is a rarely diagnosed congenital heart disease. Polycythaemia in young dogs could raise the suspicion of reverse PDA.  For positive diagnosis, echocardiography and bubble study are required. ECG is not a sensitive tool for diagnosis.
Microbiological Hazards Assessment of Psychrotrophic Microflora in Bovine Carcasses Slaughtered in North West Romania
Authors: Vida Silviu , Dan Sorin Daniel , Tabaran Alexandra , Reget Oana Lucia , Fat Alina Ioana , Mihaiu Marian
Published: December 2016

Gram negative bacteria have the greatest capacity to spoil the meat if kept under aerobic conditions, therefor the members of the genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobater, Psychrobacter and Moraxella, will form the dominant microflora. The purpose of this study was to assess the contamination level with psychrotropic microflora of bovine carcasses in order to prove how the results could be used to improve the slaughter process. The research was carried out between January-December 2015, in two slaughterhouses from North West Romania.  The research material was represented by 144 meat samples (slaughterhouse A, n=72, slaughterhouse B, n=72). Weekly, 3 samples were collected from refrigerated carcasses, and examined for total psychrotrophic counts (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and Yersinia. From statistical processing of recorded data was established that mean log TPC from the surface of refrigerated carcasses has presented different values, ranged between 3.70±0.20 log CFU/cm2 and 6.90±0.43 log CFU/cm2. Initial surface microflora of bovine carcasses was represented by germs from the following genera: Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Serratia, Hafnia, Proteus and Escherichia. Microbiological hazard assessment reveals the key role of psychotropic microorganisms in the spoilage of meat, if the monitoring system of the slaughtering process is not functioning properly.
Potentially Useful Biomarkers For Obesity
Authors: Simion Violeta-Elena , Amfin Adriana , Parvu Monica , Soescu Silvia
Published: December 2016

The mechanism of obesity is a complex one, while in regulating feeding behavior there are other factors that act, among which the hypothalamic centers, the metabolic balance of the internal environment, information’s digestive system, endocrine system or adipose tissue response. The study on a group of cats aimed to evaluate specific biochemical parameters of lipid metabolism – cholesterol, triglicerides, LDL, HDL, including a parameter less assessed in medical veterinary practice – apolipoprotein B (Apo-B). Increased levels of this parameter are found in disorders such as obesity, hiperlipoproteinemia, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes etc. The results revealed significant disorders of lipid metabolism with predisposition to obesity, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease.
Correlative analysis of the freezing point and of the microbial content of milk produced by indigenous cows bred in a sub-Carpathian mountain area
Authors: Blidar Ramona , Someșan Rodica , Muntean Sergiu Adrian , Nasalean Alina , Ognean Laurent
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Mountainous geo-climatic conditions exert major beneficial influences on the health and welfare of lactating cows and by default on the compositional and microbiological parameters of milk and also on the sensory characteristics of traditional milk products from those areas. Aims: Through research in this paper we propose to analyze new criteria for evaluation of freshness and health of milk obtained in conditions of sub-Carpathian mountain areas, based on the freezing point - TNG (total number of germs) correlation. Materials and methods: During a time of 2 years there were investigated physicochemical (analyzer Ekomilk M) and microbiological (with automatic system Soleris) milk samples commodity from the mountain area Gurghiu Valley. Milk samples were taken from cows of indigenous breed belonging to traditional households (n=650), to microfarms (n=11) and commercial farms (n=2). From each source were analyzed 10 samples of milk each month, having a total of 240 sample/lot or 720 per entire amount of processed milk. According to the followed objectives, the interpretations were mainly focused on development of the freezing point and of TNG. Statistical analysis was focused on the correlations between these parameters and seasonal influences. Results: The evolution of the freezing point was characterized by insignificant statistically differences (p = 0.071) and very close mean values (between - 0.5660C and - 0.5650 C) among 3 samples and by significant statistically differences (p = 0.0001) between winter seasons with the highest values (- 0.5600C) and autumn, with the lowest levels (-0.5710C). Regarding the evolution of the microbial content of raw milk is important to note the oscillations of TNG, which are influenced by variables: sampled and season. At the level of the lot, TNG has reached higher levels (71.210 CFU/mL) in the case of milk from individual farms. The evolution of the seasonal influences revealed minimal levels (64.300 CFU/mL) in summer and the maximum levels in the autumn (76.720 CFU/mL), with statistically significant differences (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: We believe that seasonal patterns, with statistically significant differences, marked by significant decreases of the freezing point during autumn, associated with minimum values of TNG in summer and maximal in autumn, support the implementation of the freezing point - TNG correlation in the evaluation of the freshness and health of milk obtained in mountainous areas.
Induction and estrous synchronization during the non-breeding season in Saanen goats
Authors: Blaga Petrean Anamaria Luciana , Bogdan Liviu , Andrei Sanda , Bogdan Ileana , Raţiu Mihai , Bogdan Sidonia
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to perform the induction and estrous synchronization of Saanen goats in the non-breeding season. The study was conducted from July 2014 - April 2015 on 77 Saanen goats, aged between 1.5 to 5 years. The goats were divided into three experimental groups: in group I (n =37 goats) intravaginal sponge (Ovigest) containing 60 mg of MPA was left in the vagina for 14 days. Immediately after sponge removal the animals received two injections: prostaglandin (Prosolvin) at the dose of 0.75 mg (1 ml)/animal and PMSG hormone (Folligon) at the dose of 500 IU/animal. In group II (n=20) induction and estrous synchronization was performed using synthetic prostaglandin (Proliz - 1 ml containing 0.2 mg isopropyl ester of cloprostenol and 9 mg benzyl alcohol) at the dose of 0.5 ml/animal. The group III (n=20) was considered the control group and estrous synchronization was performed using fertile bucks. In group I the results showed that all goats expressed signs of estrous. The average value of the estrous interval was 33 hours and the average of estrous duration was 20 hours. The number of kids obtained in group I was 94, and prolificacy was P (%) = 2.54. In group II and III was not observed occurrence of estrous. Induction and estrous synchronization show economic benefits by shortening the time needed for pregnancy installation, possibility of births grouping, preparation and organization of mating, only if we use a hormone associated protocol and we rigorous respect therapy steps.
Principles and guidelines of deterioration modelling for water and waste water assets
Authors: Yuan Xian-Xun
Published: December 2016

Deterioration modelling is an important analytical component in risk-informed infrastructure asset management. Many asset managers find it very challenging because of its technicality, paucity of deterioration data and difficulty in model selection. Traditional approaches emphasised the mean deterioration trend and heeded too little the characterisation of uncertainty involved. This paper attempts to revert this trend and bring stochastic deterioration modelling back to focus. Following a systems approach, the author argues that deterioration modelling involves not only the data-driven process that asset managers have traditionally perceived, but also a system analysis that carries the empirical deterioration modelling at the level of performance data up to the level of the performance hierarchy at which decisions are made. In addition, deterioration modelling is an important and integral component of risk analysis, and therefore, the characterisation and quantification of aleatory uncertainty and epistemic uncertainty become an essential component of deterioration modelling. Moreover, deterioration data include not only hard data collected from inspection and condition assessment, but also soft data that can be gleaned from expert opinions, design manuals and professional judgements. Although mainly for water and waste water assets, the principles, guidelines and model selection flow chart are equally applicable to other infrastructure assets.
Fewer but Better: Sudden Stops, Firm Entry, and Financial Selection
Authors: Ates Sina T. , Saffie Felipe E.
Published: December 2016

We incorporate endogenous technical change into a real business cycle small open economy framework to study the productivity costs of sudden stops. In this economy, productivity growth is determined by the entry of new firms and the expansion decisions of incumbent firms. New firms are created after the implementation of business ideas, yet the quality of ideas is heterogeneous and good ideas are scarce. Selection of the most promising ideas gives rise to a trade-off between mass (quantity) and composition (quality) in the entrant cohort. Chilean plant-level data from the sudden stop triggered by the Russian sovereign default in 1998 confirm the main mechanism of the model, as firms born during the credit shortage are fewer, but better. The quantitative analysis shows that four years after the crisis, 12.5% of the output deviation from trend is due to permanent productivity losses. Distortions in the entry margin account for 40% of the loss, and the remainder is due to distortion in the expansion decisions of incumbents.
Impact of the Boko Haram Insurgency on the Child's Right to Education in Nigeria
Authors: Isokpan Aisosa Jennifer , Durojaye Ebenezer
Published: December 2016

This paper is focused on the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria on the child’s right to education. The impact of armed conflict on the child’s right to education is discussed in the coIntext of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. The article concludes by assessing how the Nigerian government, in line with its obligations under international law, has lived up to its obligations to ensure the realization of the child’s right to education in the face of the insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country. Concrete recommendations are made to the Nigerian government with regard to addressing the impact of the insurgency on the rights of the child.
Digital Care: Agency and Temporality in Young People’s Use of Health Apps
Authors: Trnka Susanna Helen
Published: December 2016

This paper draws from interviews with 21 young New Zealanders, ages 16-24, to examine how health apps shape young people’s experiences of themselves as agentive subjects in relation to their physical and mental wellbeing. Focusing on the intended and unintended effects of health apps, I examine how digital care technologies recast the spatiality and temporality of healthcare, enabling new ways of constituting and tracking health, expanding possibilities of interactive exchanges with others, and redistributing a sense of agency and control. In many ways, the forms of self-governance that health apps engender are no different from other moves to promote increased self-responsibility that are cultivated as part of advanced liberalism. However, I argue that by collapsing the spatial and temporal relations of technology use, health apps not only heighten opportunities for adopting self-responsibility, but also, as many young people attest, promote the feeling that there is no escaping from them. The result is that for many young people having a sense of control and responsibility over their health comes to be calibrated against not only the inherent inter-sociality of care (i.e. young people’s desires to both give and receive care to and from others), but also the health and fitness “demands” seemingly made upon them by technology itself.
Building Better Ecological Machines: Complexity Theory and Alternative Economic Models
Authors: Bier Jess , Schinkel Willem
Published: December 2016

Computer models of the economy are regularly used to predict economic phenomena and set financial policy. However, the conventional macroeconomic models are currently being reimagined after they failed to foresee the current economic crisis, the outlines of which began to be understood only in 2007-2008. In this article we analyze the most prominent of this reimagining: Agent-Based models (ABMs). ABMs are an influential alternative to standard economic models, and they are one focus of complexity theory, a discipline that is a more open successor to the conventional chaos and fractal modeling of the 1990s. The modelers who create ABMs claim that their models depict markets as ecologies, and that they are more responsive than conventional models that depict markets as machines. We challenge this presentation, arguing instead that recent modeling efforts amount to the creation of models as ecological machines. Our paper aims to contribute to an understanding of the organizing metaphors of macroeconomic models, which we argue is relevant conceptually and politically, e.g., when models are used for regulatory purposes.
Assessing Threats and Conservation Status of Historical Centers of Oak Richness in California
Authors: Easterday Kelly Jane , McIntyre Patrick J , Thorne James H , Santos Maria J , Kelly Maggi
Published: December 2016

Oak trees are emblematic of California landscapes, they serve as keystone cultural and ecological species and as indicators of natural biological diversity. As historically undeveloped landscapes are increasingly converted to urban environments, endemic oak woodland extent is reduced, which underscores the importance of strategic placement and reintroduction of oaks and woodland landscape for the maintenance of biodiversity and reduction of habitat fragmentation. This paper investigated the effects of human urban development on oak species in California by first modeling historical patterns of richness for eight oak tree species using historical map and plot data from the California Vegetation Type Mapping (VTM) collection. We then examined spatial intersections between hot spots of historical oak richness and modern urban and conservation lands and found that impacts from development and conservation vary by both species and richness. Our findings suggest that the impact of urban development on oaks has been small within the areas of highest oak richness but that areas of highest oak richness are also poorly conserved. Third, we argue that current policy measures are inadequate to conserve oak woodlands and suggest regions to prioritize acquisition of conservation lands as well as examine urban regions where historic centers of oak richness were lost as potential frontiers for oak reintroduction. We argue that urban planning could benefit from the adoption of historical data and modern species distribution modelling techniques primarily used in natural resources and conservation fields to better locate hot spots of species richness, understand where habitats and species have been lost historically and use this evidence as incentive to recover what was lost and preserve what still exists. This adoption of historical data and modern techniques would then serve as a paradigm shift in the way Urban Planners recognize, quantify, and use landscape history in modern built environments.
Re-Thinking Housing: From Physical Manifestation of Colonial Planning Policy to Community-Focused Networks
Authors: McCartney Shelagh
Published: December 2016

Current housing systems and policies for First Nations communities in Canada produce a physical manifestation of ongoing colonialism: the house. Examinations of the physical community and house yield an understanding of deeply systematized imperial struggles between Indigenous communities and planning as a discipline. Indigenous families are in crisis as the housing system and Federal planning policies have not allowed for the provision of adequate nor appropriate homes. The recent independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission has begun a civic discussion, accompanied by a new federal government looking to begin a new relationship with Indigenous peoples—here we explore how planning can be a leader in this shift. The ‘contact zone’ is used as an operational lens to examine the ways discourse is used to shape the existing housing system. An interdisciplinary and global approach informs interventions in the existing housing system and policies, creating a community-driven model, and uncovering a reimagined role for the planner.
Methods of assessment hydropower potential of the rivers (the example of Ukrainian Carpathians rivers)
Authors: Obodovskyi O. , Danko K. , Pochaievets O. , Obodovskyi Yu.
Published: December 2016

Based on current realities of the massive need of alternative sources of energy and energy-efficiency and energy-saving the algorithm and method of determining hydropower potential of rivers were presented in the article. Approbation of the algorithm and methodology was made on streams Ukrainian Carpathians. The approach of determining hydropower potential by defining its four components was proposed based on the results of approbation. The four components are – total, environmental, technically possible and economically effectively hydropower potentials. This approach provides an estimate of potential energy resources streams, taking into account the potential loss energy capacity, helps prevent these losses and the efficient use of hydropower. Sequence determination of total hydropower potential, as indicative of full theoretical energy characteristics of river flow was justified. Expediency definition and concept of assessing the ecological and particularly technically feasible hydropower potential has been proven. Criteria expert risk of losses technically possible hydropower potential of watercourses was proposed. The scheme of distribution basin hydropower potential has been presented and analyzed in the article. The scheme provides forecasting algorithm changes hydropower, given the prospects of global climate change and fluctuations in water flow as a consequence.
Application Block’s table in the study of recreational and geographical disciplines
Authors: Beydyk A.
Published: December 2016

A number adapted to the geography (recreational resource component, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO World Heritage and the “Seven Wonders” of Ukraine) Block’s tables and reasonable possibility of their use in geographical, historical, structural and geographical, geographic and tourist historical and archaeological disciplines. The use of active learning methods, including adapted to the geographical perspective Block’s tables, promotes concentration, development, training of attention and thinking (individual and group) and supports the objective perception of natural factors, socio-political, economic phenomena and processes. A Block 25 version of the table in the regions of Ukraine and seven tourist-geographical macro-regions of World (version are integrated systematization World Heritage World), which act reference links and recreational resource framework of Ukraine and the world. Technology use spreadsheets unit can be used as a classical geographic (economic and social geography, physical geography of continents and oceans, local history, geography, world economy) and structural and geographical (market activity of tourist businesses, recreational facilities, recreational and tourist resources, geography tourism) disciplines. Use tables Schulte was a definite step in the development of psycho-pedagogical and mnemonics technologies used in geography. Application Block’s table in geographic disciplines considered as part of the trend outlined above. The proposed table of American psychologist John Block your time compared with thermometers. Although it does not measure the temperature, and the person’s attention, the primary task she had a, like a thermometer: send a signal of danger. With a simple test to determine whether he is able, who will test to become a driver? The task of containing a table is a sequential search numbers from 10 to 59 (of 50 cells) at a fixed time. The best result is a search when each number of “takes” of 10-20 seconds. In addition, the analysis of strengths and weaknesses adaptation tables Block to the educational process, based on a realization of a number of educational experiments.
Research methods in ukrainian scientific schools of human geography: identification and study
Authors: Oliynyk Ya. , Shevchuk S.
Published: December 2016

The article reveals the methodological foundations comprehensive study of scientific schools in the Ukrainian human geography. Material research study identifies the main stages of scientific schools in the Ukrainian human geography: identifying complex sources, analysis and synthesis of primary information, ordering data and formulating new laws. The first time the identification of scientific schools in the Ukrainian human geography by identifying their key organizational characteristics, and their experience of studying in Ukrainian scientific schools of human geography allowed the authors to formulate the basic stages of identifying scientific schools, highlighting its key components. Using the proposed method allows to determine the composition of scientific schools identify their founders and current leaders to follow the implementation of the research program of the school, the impact of its work and contribution to the development of Ukrainian human geography. The authors also developed a technique to identify and assess the effectiveness of current scientific schools in the Ukrainian human geography, which is based on the method of expert assessments and method of regional study and personal research schools in the Ukrainian human geography, based on sociological method. The results of the author’s research is to develop methods of scientific research in the public schools of geography, which involves several key steps. Initially, the study collects evidence, inventory, description, formation of aggregate information on the human-geographic research school. Then, the analysis of primary data that reflects the functioning of scientific schools in the national human geography. Based on the findings and results of the analysis of baseline data by their ordering, ordering that the formal genetic, territorial and other aspects, which in turn allows you to identify specific empirical laws. The next step, based on historical and comparative methods is to identify the main patterns of functioning and development of scientific schools in the Ukrainian human geography.
Fragments of Desire
Authors: Smith Trudy Lynn , Engle Karen
Published: December 2016

Abstract | The text-essay by Karen Engle, “Fragments of Desire,” and photo-essay by Trudi Lynn Smith, “Finding Aid: NxW,” together form a conversation intended to explore connections between photography, truth, impossibility, and failure within photography in present-day Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada. In response to the provocation of this special issue, Smith selected pieces from her archival artwork Finding Aid and mailed it to Engle, who wrote the essay in response to her encounter with the archive. When Smith received the essay, she created a photo-essay from the archive in response to Engle’s text.Résumé | L’essai de Karen Engle « Fragments de désir » et le reportage photo de Trudi Lynn Smith forment une conversation ayant pour but d’explorer la connexion entre photographie, vérité, impossible et échec dans la photographie contemporaine du parc national Waterton Lakes. En réponse au défi posé par cette édition spéciale, Smith a sélectionné des images de son œuvre archivistique Finding aid puis les a envoyées à Engle qui a écrit son essai à partir de son interaction avec ces documents d’archives. Suite à la réception de l’essai, Smith a créé le reportage photo à partir des archives en réponse au texte d’Engle.