bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geogenic Contamination: Hydrogeochemical processes and relationships in Shallow Aquifers of Ibadan, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Amanambu Amobichukwu Chukwudi
Published: January 2016

The result of the spatial analysis as applied to the hydrogeochemical data set in the shallow aquifer of Ibadan provides an insight into the underlying factors controlling hydrogeochemical processes in the area. A total of thirty drinking water samples (six samples each from the five major lithologic formations of the study area) were collected from shallow aquifers during the rainy and dry season. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and the Beckan DU-7500 single beam spectrophotometer were used to determine concentrations of arsenic, iron and fluoride in drinking water samples and the concentrations of other chemical parameters that could affect the concentrations of the geogenic contaminants including Ca, Mg, Na and SO4
2− were also analysed. pH and TDS were also determined. The Pearson Correlation and Factor Analysis were used to examine the relationship between the geogenic contaminants and concentration of other hydrogeochemical parameters while isopleth maps were drawn to ascertain lines of equal geogenic concentration (Isogeogenic lines). Factor analysis reduced the dataset into three major components representing the different sources of the contaminant. Major contributors to factor 1 and 3 (Salinization and Sulphate factors respectively) are natural phenomena while factor 2 is partly geogenic. The Isogeogenic lines show places of equal geogenic concentration and also with 3D Elevation modelling showed a high peak of Arsenic and Fluoride in the Sango area. The correlation test showed that there is a positive relationship between As and SO4
2− 0.889 (P < 0.05) and also a positive relationship between As and Mg 0.43 (P < 0.05). The significant relationship between As and SO4
2−, shows a partly geogenic source resulting from the reduction of sulphate to sulphide for the mobilization of As. The positive relationship between Fluoride and pH 0.242 (P > 0.05) implies that the concentration of F within the rock formation depends on high pH value.
An attempt to assess the results of air temperature measurements from automatic weather stations in comparison to glass thermometer measurements in the context of weather types
Authors: Urban Grzegorz
Published: January 2016

In the article, an attempt was undertaken to compare the results of air temperature measurements made using automatic weather stations (AWS) to those of glass thermometers. The analysis considered the aspect of weather types. On the basis of simultaneous measurements carried out with the use of AWS and glass thermometers, the accuracy of measurements for 6 synoptic stations of IMGW-PIB was assessed. The stations represented the Lower and Opole Silesia regions. Mean differences in mean monthly and seasonal air temperature values (T) between AWS and glass results are not high. They are equal to ±0.1°C, only rarely reaching −0.2°C. In cold seasons and in particular months as well, they are negative. On an annual scale, differences hardly ever occur. No connection between mean difference for mean air temperature and weather types was found. The values of mean differences for mean monthly and seasonal maximum air temperature (Tx) are equal to ±0.1°C (except Śnieżka). The differences for T and Tx are of low significance, being within the normal range. Mean differences for mean monthly and seasonal minimum air temperature (Tn) are usually positive. In warm seasons they can reach 1.1°C. In the case of most of the stations under consideration, for positive differences for Tn, an increase in average (from +0.1°C to +0.5°C) and high (+0.5°C to +1.0°C) differences is noticed. The only exceptions are the Śnieżka and Opole stations. The differences for each category are not regular, therefore no universal corrections can be implemented.
Research and Practice: Partners and/or Competitors?
Authors: Berrová Eva , Jeřábek Milan , Jüttler Grit Krause
Published: January 2016

Innovations, innovation potential and innovation transfer are very actual topics in many fields of people’s activities. This problematic intersects very broad spectrum of disciplines, from regional development crossing economy to much specified business management and engineering. In the geographical studies this theme appears most often in the connection to social economic situation, internal or external potential and regional development on different hierarchical levels. This paper summarizes the results of research (questionnaires and interviews), which was carried out in the same time on both sides of the border (in the Usti region and in the Central Saxony1). It was held under the cross border project “Innovation potential as a factor of increasing of the competitiveness of the Czech-Saxon borderland” (INPOK). Target respondents were on both sides the same: subjects from practices (companies), research and development institutions (high schools, universities, research institutes), then the public administration (above all the municipalities) and the regional actors (for example the economic chambers). We have focuses on analyzing the general framework conditions of the Czech-Saxon borderland, its strengths and weaknesses in the connection with active cross border cooperation above all between the research and practice field with the stress on the innovation behaviour in the study area.
Multilevel Models for the Analysis of Angle-Specific Torque Curves with Application to Master Athletes
Authors: Carvalho Humberto M.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper was to outline a multilevel modeling approach to fit individual angle-specific torque curves describing concentric knee extension and flexion isokinetic muscular actions in Master athletes. The potential of the analytical approach to examine between individual differences across the angle-specific torque curves was illustrated including between-individuals variation due to gender differences at a higher level. Torques in concentric muscular actions of knee extension and knee extension at 60°·s-1 were considered within a range of motion between 5°and 85° (only torques “truly” isokinetic). Multilevel time series models with autoregressive covariance structures with standard multilevel models were superior fits compared with standard multilevel models for repeated measures to fit anglespecific torque curves. Third and fourth order polynomial models were the best fits to describe angle-specific torque curves of isokinetic knee flexion and extension concentric actions, respectively. The fixed exponents allow interpretations for initial acceleration, the angle at peak torque and the decrement of torque after peak torque. Also, the multilevel models were flexible to illustrate the influence of gender differences on the shape of torque throughout the range of motion and in the shape of the curves. The presented multilevel regression models may afford a general framework to examine angle-specific moment curves by isokinetic dynamometry, and add to the understanding mechanisms of strength development, particularly the force-length relationship, both related to performance and injury prevention.
Rating of Perceived Exertion and Physiological Responses in Water-Based Exercise
Authors: Santana Pinto Stephanie , Lima Alberton Cristine , Zaffari Paula , Lusa Cadore Eduardo , Kanitz Ana Carolina , Veiga Liedtke Giane , Peikriszwili Tartaruga Marcus , Martins Kruel Luiz Fernando
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present study was to relate the overall rating of perceived exertion (RPE-overall) with cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular variables during stationary running with the elbow flexion/extension performed with water-floating equipment. The sample consisted of eleven women that performed the water-based exercise at submaximal cadences. The heart rate, oxygen uptake, ventilation, and electromyographic signal (EMG) from biceps brachii (%EMG BB), triceps brachii (%EMG TB), biceps femoris (%EMG BF) and rectus femoris (%EMG RF) muscles were measured during the exercise, and the overall RPE was measured immediately following its completion. The Pearson product-moment linear correlation was used to investigate associations between the variables analyzed in the present study. Significant relationships were observed between the RPE-overall and all the cardiorespiratory variables, with the r values ranging from 0.60 to 0.70 (p<0.05). In addition, the RPE-overall showed a significant (p<0.05) relationship with %EMG BB (r=0.55) and %EMG BF (r=0.50). These results suggest an association between the RPE-overall with all cardiorespiratory and two neuromuscular variables during the execution of a water-based aerobic exercise using water-floating equipment.
Effects of Regular Recreational Exercise Training on Serum ANGPTL3-Like Protein and Lipid Profile in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Smol Ewelina , Kłapcińska Barbara , Kempa Katarzyna , Fredyk Artur , Małecki Andrzej
Published: January 2016

Evidence of the role of ANGPTL3, a liver-secreted glycoprotein, in serum lipid turnover, led us to hypothesize that this protein may be involved in modification of the lipid profile induced by exercise-training. Given the lack of data regarding this issue, the main goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of regular participation in a recreational physical activity program on serum ANGPTL3 and selected lipid profile measures in young, apparently healthy female and male adults. We compared serum ANGPTL3, lipid profile measures, common lipid ratios, the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and glucose in fasting blood samples derived from 22 active physical education students including active females (AF, N=6) and males (AM, N=16) with samples from 28 relatively sedentary agematched peers, including female (SF, N=9) and male (SM, N=19) individuals not involved in any regular physical conditioning program. Despite high inter-individual variability of serum ANGPTL3, there was a general tendency toward higher serum ANGPTL3 and HDL-C in women compared to men, but without significant differences related to their physical activity status. Based on both routine lipid profile measures and lipid ratios, all participants had normal lipid profiles, normal glycemia, as well as favorable anthropometric indices not suggesting increased cardiometabolic risk. However, lower levels of the TG/HDL-C ratio and AIP in physically active compared to relatively sedentary participants, reflecting the predominance of large, buoyant LDL particles, strongly support the view of beneficial healthpromoting effects of regular participation in recreational sport activities.
Effect of Kinesiotape Applications on Ball Velocity and Accuracy in Amateur Soccer and Handball
Authors: Müller Carsten , Brandes Mirko
Published: January 2016

Evidence supporting performance enhancing effects of kinesiotape in sports is missing. The aims of this study were to evaluate effects of kinesiotape applications with regard to shooting and throwing performance in 26 amateur soccer and 32 handball players, and to further investigate if these effects were influenced by the players’ level of performance. Ball speed as the primary outcome and accuracy of soccer kicks and handball throws were analyzed with and without kinesiotape by means of radar units and video recordings. The application of kinesiotapes significantly increased ball speed in soccer by 1.4 km/h (p=0.047) and accuracy with a lesser distance from the target by -6.9 cm (p=0.039). Ball velocity in handball throws also significantly increased by 1.2 km/h (p=0.013), while accuracy was deteriorated with a greater distance from the target by 3.4 cm (p=0.005). Larger effects with respect to ball speed were found in players with a lower performance level in kicking (1.7 km/h, p=0.028) and throwing (1.8 km/h, p=0.001) compared with higher level soccer and handball players (1.2 km/h, p=0.346 and 0.5 km/h, p=0.511, respectively). In conclusion, the applications of kinesiotape used in this study might have beneficial effects on performance in amateur soccer, but the gain in ball speed in handball is counteracted by a significant deterioration of accuracy. Subgroup analyses indicate that kinesiotape may yield larger effects on ball velocity in athletes with lower kicking and throwing skills.
Recursive-Rule Extraction Algorithm With J48graft And Applications To Generating Credit Scores
Authors: Hayashi Yoichi , Tanaka Yuki , Takagi Tomohiro , Saito Takamichi , Iiduka Hideaki , Kikuchi Hiroaki , Bologna Guido , Mitra Sushmita
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to generate more concise rule extraction from the Recursive-Rule Extraction (Re-RX) algorithm by replacing the C4.5 program currently employed in Re-RX with the J48graft algorithm. Experiments were subsequently conducted to determine rules for six different two-class mixed datasets having discrete and continuous attributes and to compare the resulting accuracy, comprehensibility and conciseness. When working with the CARD1, CARD2, CARD3, German, Bene1 and Bene2 datasets, Re-RX with J48graft provided more concise rules than the original Re-RX algorithm. The use of Re-RX with J48graft resulted in 43.2%, 37% and 21% reductions in rules in the case of the German, Bene1 and Bene2 datasets compared to Re-RX. Furthermore, the Re-RX with J48graft showed 8.87% better accuracy than the Re-RX algorithm for the German dataset. These results confirm that the application of Re-RX in conjunction with J48graft has the capacity to facilitate migration from existing data systems toward new concise analytic systems and Big Data.
Efficacy of oral vs. intratympanic corticosteroids in sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Swachia Kavita , Sharma Dinesh , Singh Jatinder
Published: January 2016

Background: The current standard treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) comprises of tapered course of oral corticosteroids. Intratympanic steroids are introduced as another modality of treatment, but management of SSNHL continues to be debatable. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of steroids given orally and by the intratympanic route.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-labeled study was conducted involving 42 patients. These were randomly divided into two groups; group I patients received oral prednisone tapered over 14 days, and group II patients were treated with intratympanic methylprednisolone (40 mg/mL). One milliliter of the drug solution containing 40 mg of the drug (40 mg/mL) was injected into the middle ear cavity through the trans-tympanic route. The drug was injected twice a week for 2 weeks. The total duration of the study was 60 days, and hearing outcome was assessed on the basis of change in pure tone average.

Results: An improvement of 18.24±8.72 dB was recorded in group I patients treated with oral prednisone in comparison to 14.68±12.88 dB improvement in group II. Statistically significant improvement in hearing was observed in both groups, but it was not significant when group I and group II were compared.

Conclusions: The post-treatment outcomes among patients who receive either oral prednisone or intratympanic methylprednisolone within 2 weeks of onset of symptoms were comparable. The outcomes were affected by degree of hearing loss and association of SSNHL with vertigo.
Evaluating the Variations in Employment Relations Across Developing! Economies:	A Degrees of Informalisation Approach
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: January 2016

Conventionally, cross-national variations in employment relations systems have been compared by analysing the different characters of their formal economies (e.g., whether they are control, market or mixed economies). Recognising the persistence and even growth of informal employment, this paper examines the cross-national variations in the degree of informalisation of employment relations and then evaluates critically whether such variations are associated with: under-development (modernisation theory); high taxes, corruption and state interference (neo-liberal theory), or inadequate state intervention to protect workers from poverty (political economy theory). Reporting International Labour Organisation surveys of informal employment in 41 developing economies, the finding is that the share of the non-agricultural workforce in informal employment ranges from 83.6 per cent in India to 6.1 per cent in Serbia. Evaluating critically how these cross-national variations can be explained, support is found for the modernisation and political economy theses that associates greater informalisation with under-development and inadequate state protection of workers from poverty and the neo-­liberal corruption thesis. No evidence is found that greater informalisation is associated with the neo-liberal theses of higher taxes and more state interference. The theoretical and policy implications are then discussed.
Determinants Of Foreign Direct Investment In Transition Economies, With Special Reference To Macedonia: Evidence From Gravity Model1
Authors: Dauti Bardhyl
Published: January 2016

This paper accounts for the main determinants of Foreign Direct Investment stocks to 5-South East European Countries and the 10-New Member States of the European Union countries by using an augmented Gravity Model, for the purpose of calculating the potential levels of FDI stock in Macedonia. The study takes into account country specific institutional factors that determine foreign investors’ decisions from 20 core OECD countries to invest in SEE-5 and EU-NMS-10 countries. From the results of the study we find that gravity factors (market size and distance), institutional related factors (control of corruption, corruption perception index, regulatory quality, transition progress and WTO membership) and other traditional determinants of FDI (schooling, bilateral exports) appear to significantly determine inward FDI stock to the SEE region and new EU member states. The GMM estimates suggest that bilateral FDI stock is subject to persistence effects. The study additionally confirms the relatively strong gravitational character of Macedonia’s inward FDI stock.
Impact Of Financial Crisis On Hedging Effectiveness Of Futures Contracts: Evidence From The National Stock Exchange Of India
Authors: Gupta Kapil , Kaur Mandeep
Published: January 2016

The present study examines the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the hedging effectiveness of three index futures contracts traded on the National Stock Exchange of India for near, next and far month contracts over the sample period of January 2000 – June 2014. The hedge ratios were calculated using eight methods; Naive hedging, Ederington’s Model, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, Vector Autoregressive, Vector Error Correction Methodology, Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity, Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity and Threshold Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity. The study finds an improvement in hedging effectiveness during the post-crisis period, which implies that during the high-volatility period hedging effectiveness also improves. It was also found that near month futures contracts are a more effective tool for hedging as compared to next and far month contracts, which imply that liquidity is a more important determinant of hedging effectiveness than hedge horizons. The study also finds that a time-invariant hedge ratio is more efficient than time-variant hedging. Therefore, knowledge of sophisticated econometrical tools does not help to improve hedge effectiveness.
Pubertal outcome in a female with virilizing adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Breidbart Emily , Cameo Tamara , Garvin James H. , Hibshoosh Hanina , Oberfield Sharon E.
Published: January 2016

Adrenocortical tumors are neoplasms that rarely occur in pediatric patients. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is even more uncommon, and is an aggressive malignancy with 5-year survival of 55% in a registry series. There is a lack of information on long-term endocrine outcome in survivors. We describe a 10-year follow-up in a patient who presented at 3 years 5 months with a 1-year history of axillary odor and 6 months’ history of pubic hair development with an increased clitoral size. Androgen levels were increased and a pelvic sonogram revealed a suprarenal mass of the left kidney. The tumor was successfully removed. At 6 years 11 months, androgen levels increased again. Workup for tumor recurrence was negative and the findings likely represented early adrenarche. The patient had menarche at an appropriate time and attained a height appropriate for her family.
Fruit selection of a binturong (Arctictis binturong) by focal animal sampling in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Nakabayashi Miyabi , Ahmad Abdul Hamid , Kohshima Shiro
Published: January 2016

We investigated fruit selection of a radio-collared female binturong (
Influence of Underhood Flow on Engine Cooling Using 1-D And 3-D Approach
Authors: Bolehovský Ondřej , Novotný Jan
Published: January 2016

Shrnutí

Tato prace se zabyva numerickou simulaci kompletniho systemu chlazeni spalovaciho motoru (GT-SUITE), ktera zahrnuje i simulaci prouděni v motorovem prostoru pomoci vypočetně nenaročne simulace. Podrobny model spalovaciho motoru je rozšiřen o model chladiciho okruhu a ten je pote spojen se zjednodušenym modelem motoroveho prostoru, ktery je pomoci aplikace GT-COOL vytvořen jako 3-D model a pote přeložen do 1-D podoby. Ve dvou ustalenych režimech odpovidajicich různe rychlosti jizdy vozidla a zatiženi motoru byly zkoumany přistupy pomoci 1-D řešeni řazeni tepelnych vyměniků a zminěneho 3-D přistupu využivajici model motoroveho prostoru. Tyto simulace prokazaly nevhodnost 1-D přistupu při řešeni prouděni na tepelnych vyměnicich v motorovem prostoru a pomohly prozkoumat relativně nenaročnou metodu simulace prouděni v motorovem prostoru, ktera umožňuje podchytit vzajemnou interakci mezi modely chladiciho systemu a spalovaciho motoru a problematiku řazeni tepelnych vyměniku v motorovem prostoru.
Circular Samples as Objects for Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Mathematical Simulation, Experimental Results
Authors: Frollo Ivan , Krafčík Andrej , Andris Peter , Přibil Jiří , Dermek Tomáš
Published: January 2016

Circular samples are the frequent objects of "in-vitro" investigation using imaging method based on magnetic resonance principles. The goal of our investigation is imaging of thin planar layers without using the slide selection procedure, thus only 2D imaging or imaging of selected layers of samples in circular vessels, eppendorf tubes,.. compulsorily using procedure "slide selection". In spite of that the standard imaging methods was used, some specificity arise when mathematical modeling of these procedure is introduced. In the paper several mathematical models were presented that were compared with real experimental results. Circular magnetic samples were placed into the homogenous magnetic field of a low field imager based on nuclear magnetic resonance. For experimental verification an MRI 0.178 Tesla ESAOTE Opera imager was used.
Crystal structure of (E)-4-nitro-2-(((3-(tetrahydro-8λ4-[1,3,2]oxazaborolo[2,3-b][1,3,2]oxaborol-8-yl)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenol – water (1/2), C17H18BN3O5·2H2O
Authors: Ge Chunhua , Liu Juanjuan , Xü Zhe , Zhang Yang , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: January 2016

The title compound has been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Crystal structure analysis reveals that the boron atom is tetrahedrally bonding with one carbon atom, one nitrogen atom, and two oxygen atoms. The bond between nitrogen atom and boron atom is a coordination bond.
Uranium and neodymium partitioning in alkali chloride melts using low-melting gallium-based alloys
Authors: Melchakov Stanislav Yu. , Maltsev Dmitry S. , Volkovich Vladimir A. , Yamshchikov Leonid F. , Lisienko Dmitry G. , Osipenko Aleksandr G. , Rusakov Mikhail A.
Published: January 2016

Partitioning of uranium and neodymium was studied in a ‘molten chloride salt - liquid Ga-X (X = In or Sn) alloy’ system. Chloride melts were based on the low-melting ternary LiCl-KCl-CsCl eutectic. Nd/U separation factors were calculated from the thermodynamic data as well as determined experimentally. Separation of uranium and neodymium was studied using reductive extraction with neodymium acting as a reducing agent. Efficient partitioning of lanthanides (Nd) and actinides (U), simulating fission products and fissile materials in irradiated nuclear fuels, was achieved in a single stage process. The experimentally observed Nd/U separation factor valued up to 106, depending on the conditions.
The effect of SO3-Ph-BTBP on stainless steel corrosion in nitric acid
Authors: Wilbraham Richard J. , Boxall Colin
Published: January 2016

SO3-Ph-BTBP is a hydrophilic tetra-N-dentate ligand proposed for An(III)/Ln(III) separation by solvent extraction, and a candidate for use in future advanced reprocessing schemes such as GANEX and SANEX. We present the first study of the effect of SO3-Ph-BTBP on the corrosion behavior of stainless steels. Specifically, studies have been performed using steels and conditions equivalent to those found in relevant nuclear reprocessing flow sheets. SO3-Ph-BTBP has been shown to have little effect on either steel passivation or reductive dissolution. However, if driven cathodically into a region of hydrogen evolution at the electrode surface or conversely anodically into a region of transpassive dissolution, observed currents are reduced in the presence of SO3-Ph-BTBP, suggesting corrosion inhibition of the steel potentially through weak absorption of a SO3-Ph-BTBP layer at the metal-solution interface. The lack of any observed corrosion acceleration via complexation of Fe3+ is surprising and has been suggested to be due to the slow extraction kinetics of SO3-Ph-BTBP as a result of a requirement for a trans- to cis-conformational change before binding.
Crystal structures and conformers of CyMe4-BTBP
Authors: Lyczko Krzysztof , Ostrowski Slawomir
Published: January 2016

The crystal structure of new conformation of the CyMe4-BTBP ligand (ttc) has been presented. The ttt conformer of this compound in a form of THF solvate has been also crystallized. The geometries of six possible conformations (ttt, ttc, tct, tcc, ctc and ccc) of the CyMe4-BTBP ligand have been modeled in the gas phase and in solutions (MeOH and H2O) by DFT calculations using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) method. According to the calculations, in the three different media the conformers with trans orientation of the N atoms in the bipyridyl moiety are the most stable.
The status of the Hoopoe (Upupa epops) in Hungary: a review
Authors: Halmos Gergő , Nagy Károly , Karcza Zsolt , Szép Tibor
Published: January 2016

The Hoopoe is a widespread species in Hungary with the strongest populations on the Great plains. The fact that in 2015 it became ‛The Bird of the Year’ in Hungary offers the possibility to summarise the information about the distribution, population size, dispersion, migration as well as the nature conservation status of the Hoopoe population breeding in Hungary. In the period of 1999–2014 the number of breeding pairs and trend of population level was estimated based on the Common Bird Census database. The population size was estimated as 13,500–17,500 pairs with a stable trend (slope=−1.3%, SE=2.5%) over 1999–2014. There is very limited information on migration from bird ringing, only 8 recoveries between 1928–1963 indicate, that the Hungarian population is migrating on a south-southeast direction in autumn, wintering in the eastern parts of the Sahel, possibly in Chad and Sudan and migrates back in spring following a loop migration pattern further to the east. The main conservation issues are agricultural intensification impacting feeding possibilities, lack of nesting cavities and hunting during migration.
Sex and age dependent migration phenology of the Pied Flycatcher in a stopover site in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Harnos Andrea , Lang Zsolt , Fehérvári Péter , Csörgő Tibor
Published: January 2016

Very little is known about Pied Flycatchers crossing the Carpathian Basin. We give a comprehensive picture about its migration based on the data collected during the past 26 years (1989–2014) at a stopover site in Hungary: (1) sex and age related phenological changes over the years, (2) sex, age and size dependent migration patterns during and (3) between migration periods, (4) sex and age composition in spring and in autumn and their change over years.

The timing of spring migration shifted to earlier dates in the case of males, while that of females did not change implying an increasing rate of protandry. In autumn the timing did not change, but juveniles leave the area earlier than adults. The average wing length increased during the past decades in spring in the case of both sexes. In autumn, wing length did not change significantly during the years, but it increased during the seasons in all age and gender groups.

The proportion of males is about 60% in spring and among juveniles in autumn, and it is around 39% in the adult group in autumn. The male ratio diminishes during spring, but it does not change during the autumn season. The average wing of adults is shorter in spring than in autumn. Based on this fact and the different sex ratios in the two seasons we may hypothesize that Pied Flycatchers are loop migrants on this area, and even the sexes of the same population take different routes.
Autumn crane migration and climate change in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Végvári Zsolt
Published: January 2016

Weekly counts of roosting cranes were conducted between 2006–2014 in all significant stopover sites of Common Cranes (Grus grus) in Hungary, as an extension of the survey programme performed in Hortobágy National Park since 1994. As a result, I detected consistently asymmetrical migration phenologies in Hortobágy, indicating a superposition of several migration waves. Cranes used nearly 60 roost sites in Hortobágy with the largest ones situated in extensive fishponds. In contrast, cranes migrating in Körös-Maros National Park started to overwinter regularly, increasingly roosting in dry wetlands. In Kiskunság cranes tended to stage for shorter periods than in Körös-Maros, with the largest flocks to be observed in Lake Fehér of Szeged fishponds and additionally in a number of alkali lakes. Cranes observed in the Borsodi Mezőség region are considered satellite flocks staging in Hortobágy, as shown by irregular fluctuations.

As a probable result of climatic variability, cranes migrating in Hortobágy have shown the advancement of first arrival dates and exhibited significant, positive relations with local mean monthly temperatures. Additionally, we detected a positive relationship between the Julian date of autumn migration peak and winter mean of the North-Atlantic Oscillation, indicating later autumn arrivals during warmer periods.
Voice and daytime calling of Scops Owls (Otus scops)
Authors: Mikkola Anita , Mikkola Heimo
Published: January 2016

The Scops Owl (Otus scops) is one of the least studied owls in Europe and its loud and monotonous calls are not well documented. This paper summarises published alarm-like calls and presents data on daytime calling recorded in Lesencetomaj, Hungary between 9th and 17th September 2012. Calls were similar to the sound of an alarm on a reversing truck. The bird was most active around midday (11–13 hrs) and in the afternoons between 15–17 hrs. No calling occurred before 09.00 or after 19.15 o’clock. Weather affected the intensity of calls and particularly high autumn temperatures are suggested as a possible reason for this unusual activity.
The first detailed ornithological description of the island of Žirje (Croatia)
Authors: Purger Jenő J.
Published: January 2016

Ornithofauna of the island of Žirje has not been explored yet. During an early and late survey in September of 2013 and 2014 altogether 50 bird species were recorded, 34 and 41 species was noted including both migratory and resident species in the two parts of the month, respectively. Nine species appeared only at the first half, while 16 species were registered only at the second half of the mouth. The results of this preliminary survey showed the obvious need for more intensive research of the island’s bird fauna, with special attention on nesting and wintering birds.
Hitchhikers’ guide to analysing bird ringing data
Authors: Harnos Andrea , Fehérvári Péter , Csörgő Tibor
Published: January 2016

Bird ringing datasets constitute possibly the largest source of temporal and spatial information on vertebrate taxa available on the globe. Initially, the method was invented to understand avian migration patterns. However, data deriving from bird ringing has been used in an array of other disciplines including population monitoring, changes in demography, conservation management and to study the effects of climate change to name a few. Despite the widespread usage and importance, there are no guidelines available specifically describing the practice of data management, preparation and analyses of ringing datasets. Here, we present the first of a series of comprehensive tutorials that may help fill this gap. We describe in detail and through a real-life example the intricacies of data cleaning and how to create a data table ready for analyses from raw ringing data in the R software environment. Moreover, we created and present here the R package; ringR, designed to carry out various specific tasks and plots related to bird ringing data. Most methods described here can also be applied to a wide range of capture-recapture type data based on individual marking, regardless to taxa or research question.
Phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc and copper in relation to total flavonoids in medicinal herbs and their infusions originating from Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine / Fosfor, żelazo, mangan, cynk i miedź w relacji do sumy flawonoidów w ziołach leczniczych i naparach pochodzących z Polski, Litwy i Ukrainy
Authors: Konieczyński Paweł , Wesołowski Marek
Published: January 2016

The aim of the investigation was is to identify differences in an elemental composition (P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and their total flavonoids contents of medicinal herbs originating from 9 botanical species, harvested in Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. Metallic elements were determined by FAAS technique in mg∙kg-1 of dry weight (d. wt) in the order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu in plant materials, and in infusions: Mn > Zn > Fe > Cu. The ratio of water-soluble form to total amount of a metal was as follows: 66.2% for Cu, 22.4% for Mn, 19.7% for Zn and 3.8% for Fe. The contents of P total, P inorganic and total flavonoids were determined by UV/Vis spectroscopic methods. By using of analysis of variance, correlation and cluster analyses it has been shown that a significant impact on the diversity of samples has the genetic factor - belonging to a particular botanical species of medicinal plant. The origin of investigated plants proved to be statistically significant only in the case of total Fe concentration, which was higher (α < 0.05) for the samples grown in Ukraine. A number of significant correlations was also obtained (r > 0.7) between: P total - P inorganic, Mn total - Mn extractable and Cu total - Cu extractable, also ( r > 0.5) between: total flavonoids - Cu extractable, P total - Cu total, P total - Cu extractable, P inorganic - Zn total. Moreover, comparison of the results of P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu determination in infusions of medicinal plants with the norms of RDA has shown that a significant amount (several percentage) of Mn and Cu can be supplemented to human organism with 2 cups of infusions prepared from Helichrysi inforescentia and Hyperici herba.
The effectiveness of stability training of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in ballroom dancers with low back pain
Authors: Małecki Jacek , Kokosz Mirosław , Saulicz Edward , Świat-Borowczyk Izabela
Published: January 2016

Background: Low back pain is a common problem in ballroom dancers. In the United States of America about 23% of all injuries in dancers is low back pain. Low back pain in dancers can be related to the extended position of the spine during dancing. The activity of the abdominal muscles, such as transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles can play significant role in the pathomechanics of the problem. These muscles are important for stability of the pelvis and the lumbar spine. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of stability exercises of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in reducing low back pain among ballroom dancers.

Material/Methods: 30 professional dancers (mean age of 19 years) both males and females participated in the research. Subjects were randomised into two groups. Dancers from the first group continued normal dance training with extra stability training (the experimental group). Participants from the second group continued normal dance training only, without any modifications (the control group). The pain rate was measured by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. The stability muscles activity was estimated with the biofeedback pressure unit in supine and prone position.

Results: After 6 weeks of stability trainings in dancers from experimental group low back pain significantly decreased and the stability muscles activity improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Results of the study show that stability exercises can be effective in reducing low back pain in ballroom dancers. However, prolonged observations and research comparing different training regimens (e.g. general exercises or Pilates) are needed.
Elimination of the risks of falls in the elderly from the point of view of physiotherapy
Authors: Rottermund Jerzy , Knapik Andrzej , Warmuz- Wancisiewicz Aneta , Saulicz Mariola
Published: January 2016

Background: Man is exposed to falls performing daily activities, their effects turn out to be more severe especially in the later decades of life. After 60 years, it appears to be a larger number of fractures resulting in the limitation of physical fitness, health complications and life threatening. Therefore, prevention efforts conducted in the form of an in-depth analysis of the falls’ causes which already happened, control of health and proper treatment, conducting systematic, interesting and varied physical activities - in conjunction with education and mental change in a determined way they can and should reduce the risk of falls of the elderly.
The control and optimization of the curing process of epoxy coatings: a case of poly(glycidoxy siloxane) resins
Authors: Jeliński Tomasz , Cysewski Piotr , Makarewicz Edwin
Published: January 2016

Coatings from poly(glycidoxy siloxane) resins were developed and their mechanical properties examined. Three different resins with varying numbers of methyl siloxane and glycidyl siloxane units were tested. Crystallinity was found to be a very important indicator of the mechanical properties of coatings, as the parameters such as cupping and hardness were linearly dependent on the degree of crystallinity of coatings. The method involving the spectrophotometric determination of unbounded amine curing agent was successfully applied as a way of optimizing the curing process both for expected mechanical properties and for ecological aspect. It was found that the resin with 50 methyl siloxane and 25 glycidyl siloxane units was the most appropriate for technological use because of the preferred mechanical properties and stability of technological parameters. Interestingly, this type of resin was characterized by the lowest degree of crystallinity. The curing conditions leading to the optimal product corresponded to 30 min of curing at 120°C or 20 min at 140°C. Under such conditions, the amount of released unbounded amine was the lowest. It was also found that poly(glycidoxy) siloxane resins may be ecologically valuable since the release of amine from this type of resins is smaller than that from a typical epoxy resin.
The Changing Landscape of Local Information Space in the Czech Republic: Consequences for Local Political Communication
Authors: Hájek Roman
Published: January 2016

Due to the emergence of Internet-based media channels the character of local information spaces in the Czech Republic has undergone a remarkable change. Traditionally, dominant information sources: daily newspapers and municipally-owned media have become challenged by a variety of online sources run by groups of active citizens. Based on a systemic analysis of the local media sector and interviews conducted with representatives of local activist groups this paper discusses the consequences of these processes for local political communication. From the activists’ perspective, the new communication environment has significantly influenced the character of the mutual relationship between different participants in local political communication. Trust between journalists and activists: the basis for their cooperative relationship, faces decline, whereas the self-confidence of activists in negotiations with politicians has increased. Online media also allow the activists to break the existing information monopoly and engage citizens in public affairs. These changes have resulted in the professionalisation of communication skills for the activists, who are thus able to become more important participants in political communication.
Emotion regulation strategies in trauma-related disorders: pathways linking neurobiology and clinical manifestations
Authors: del Río-Casanova Lucía , González Anabel , Páramo Mario , Van Dijke Annemiek , Brenlla Julio
Published: January 2016

Emotion regulation impairments with traumatic origins have mainly been studied from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) models by studying cases of adult onset and single-incident trauma exposure. The effects of adverse traumatic experiences, however, go beyond the PTSD. Different authors have proposed that PTSD, borderline personality, dissociative, conversive and somatoform disorders constitute a full spectrum of trauma-related conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the neurobiological findings covering this posttraumatic spectrum is needed in order to develop an all-encompassing model for trauma-related disorders with emotion regulation at its center. The present review has sought to link neurobiology findings concerning cortico-limbic function to the field of emotion regulation. In so doing, trauma-related disorders have been placed in a continuum between under- and over-regulation of affect strategies. Under-regulation of affect was predominant in borderline personality disorder, PTSD with re-experiencing symptoms and positive psychoform and somatoform dissociative symptoms. Over-regulation of affect was more prevalent in somatoform disorders and pathologies characterized by negative psychoform and somatoform symptoms. Throughout this continuum, different combinations between under- and over-regulation of affect strategies were also found.
Assessment of Hydroxyproline Levels in Non-Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers During Recovery. A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Alamshah Seyed Mansour , Hemmati Aliasghar , Nazari Zahra
Published: January 2016

Background and aims: Proline hydroxylation is essential for collagen synthesis in wound healing. Therefore, hydroxyproline quantification may be a suitable marker of wound healing in diabetic tissue. Material and method: This is a prospective casecontrol clinical study including 90 referral patients from our clinics in Golestan hospital affiliated to Jundishapour Medical University, Ahwaz-Iran, during a period of 18 months. Three groups were recruited: intervening diabetics with non-ischemic foot ulcers, diabetics without foot ulcers (normal diabetics) and non-diabetics without foot ulcers (normal non-diabetics) as control groups (n=30 per group). 500 mg of granulation tissue from ulcers after treatment and 500 mg of normal skin from both control groups were taken for the measurement of hydroxyproline levels. Results: 13 (43.3%) males and 17 (56.7%) females in trial group were analysed. There was no significant differences in age, gender, and BMI between groups. Mean hydroxyproline concentration in wound granulation tissue (140.44 μg/g) was statistically different from the mean concentration in the skin content of normal diabetics (173.22 g/g,) and the skin content of nondiabetics (178.83 μg/g) (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the mean values of normal diabetics and non-diabetics (p=0.63). Conclusion: Our results showed the presence of a lower quantity of hydroxyproline in diabetic patients with foot ulcers compared to control groups. This raises the issue of its effectiveness in delaying the repair process in diabetics. Therefore, compensating for tissue hydroxyproline deficit can be a clue in improving diabetic tissue repair.
Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile Among Algerian Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Tiboura Ghania , Khaled Boumediene Meghit , Diaf Mustapha , Semeria Sarah , Bouanani Ghizlane
Published: January 2016

Background and aims: We designed this study to assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on serum lipid profile among type 2 diabetic patients. Material and Methods: The study was carried out in July 2014 (Ramadan 1421). The total duration of fasting was 17 hours a day. The investigation involved 80 patients. The mean age of the patients was 56± 8 years. The dietary survey lasting three days was recorded. The anthropometric and the biochemical parameters were measured in all subjects before (T1) and during (T2) the fasting month of Ramadan and results were compared using student t-test. Results: There was a significant decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels during T2 (0.35±0,08 g/L) compared to T1 (0.38±0,11 g/L). Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) decreased significantly during fasting compared to pre-fasting days while apo B increased during T2 (p˂0.05). The dietary fat consumption increased during Ramadan; especially for the saturated one (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that fasting month of Ramadan could be beneficial for some patients with type 2 diabetes who are well controlled and balanced. However, some of them may be at risk of cardiovascular complications in which dyslipidemia can be the leading cause.
Effect of Masticatory Forces Transmitted by Dental Implants on the Mandibular Bone of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Juncar Raluca-Iulia , Juncar Mihai , Gligor Florin-Onişor , Popa Amorin-Remus
Published: January 2016

Background and Aims: Diabetes mellitus is considered to be one of the most important diseases of our society, affecting a considerable proportion of the adult population. Currently, dental implant treatment of diabetic patients is controversial, the main controversy being related to changes that occur in the jaw bones of the diabetic patient and the ensuing side effects. This preliminary study aims to evaluate the response of mandibular bone to masticatory forces transmitted by dental implants in diabetic patients. Material and Method: 11 dental implants placed in the mandible were selected, and mandibular bone resorption as a result of masticatory forces transmitted by them was evaluated. Results: The mean bone resorption rates were the following: 2.72% at the time of dental implant exposure, 10% at 3 months from dental implant exposure, and 13.63% at 6 months from exposure. Conclusions: No significant changes in mandibular bone response to the action of dental implants were found in diabetic patients compared to standard response reported in non-diabetic patients.