bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenolic Contents, in vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Genista microcephala Coss. & Dur.
Authors: Maanani Djamila , Segueni Narimane , Rhouati Salah , Çakmak Yavuz Selim , Asan-Ozusaglam Maltem , May Abdghani , Zellagui Amar , Akkal Salah
Published: December 2018

This study was carried out to determine the phenolic contents as well as to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Genista microcephala. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were quantified. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by various in vitro tests, including Ferric Ion Reducing Activity (FRP), Cuprac Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), and total antioxidant capacities (TAC). The antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate and butanolic extracts of G. microcephala in addition of fatty acids content of different parts of the studied plant was evaluated against human pathogenic bacteria, fish bacteria and two yeast. The used methods were agar diffusion method and the determination of minimal bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MBC and MFC). No significant difference was found between the two used solvents on total phenolic content (TPC). While, difference in total flavonoid content (TFC) were found to be significant. Ethylene acetate extract was the most actif regarding antioxidant assay. The tested activity seems to be due to the high content of this extract on isoflavonoids. The tested extracts demonstrated the lowest inhibition concentration for B.cereus RSKK 863.
Sex estimation using foot measurements, stature and body mass index (BMI) in a Nigerian population
Authors: Ogbonnaya Iroanya Onyekachi , Frank Egwuatu Tochukwu , Olasubomi Sonaike Adeola , David Uwaezuoke Nduka
Published: December 2018

Identification of dismembered bodies recovered in disasters or crime scene is very important in forensic. This study was carried out to ascertain if foot size, body weight, height, stature and BMI can be used to predict sex using tape rule and Stadiometer scale. 150 subjects between 18 - 25yrs were recruited. Independent T-test, Pearson Correlation, Linear and Multiple Regression Analysis were determined using SPSS version 23. All measurements were higher in male than female and there was significant (p≤0.05) difference in the sex. The average foot length of 257.39mm was used to determine sex of the subjects. All foot lengths ≤ 257.39mm were presumed to belong to females while all values > 257.39mm was presumed males. Foot size and weight had the highest correlation values. Foot length gave better estimation of sex than foot breadth, BMI and weight. Results of Multiple regression equation was better than linear regression equation. In forensic anthropology, foot size has been used to predict sex. Limitation of this study is the formulae generated can only be applied to Nigerians aged 18-25 yrs. Studies should be carried out on diverse population for future inferences
Experimental setup for light-to-heat NIR conversion measurements of gold nano-particles’ solutions
Authors: Uzunov Nikolay , Bello Michele , Melendez-Alafort Laura , De Nardo Laura
Published: December 2018

In recent years, there is a constantly increasing interest in the application of nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and cancer therapy. In this respect, the most promising nano-objects at present are the gold nanoparticles. A very convenient and powerful property of these objects is their ability to increase their temperature under electro-magnetic irradiation with certain wavelength. In our research we have directed our efforts toward particular nano-objects specifically sensitive to electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared region (NIR). In order to study the photothermic properties of the solutions of gold nanoparticles in the NIR we constructed a specific electronic setup consisting of a laser system with interchangeable laser diodes with different wavelength NIR light, a thermally-insulated cuvette-holder compartment with temperature measuring probes and a NIR spectrometer to control the stimulated fluorescence emission of the nanoparticles’ solutions. The temperature measurement compartment with the thermal-insulated cuvette holder was designed to maintain the solutions’ temperature at a fixed value right before the moment of laser irradiation. To maintain the measurement setup at a fixed temperature before the irradiation we used a thermal stabilized system based on two Peltier cells with electronic temperature control. The temperatures of the ambient air and the temperature of the cuvette walls were continuously measured in order to make corrections about the temperature dissipation during the irradiation.
Preparation and characterization of a porous material from an Algerian desert sand
Authors: Mecheri G. , Hafsi S. , Gherraf N.
Published: December 2018

The objective of the present work is to prepare and characterize a porous material using quite particular and localized dunar sand (erg) of the desert near the El-Oued (south-east of Algeria). The porous material is prepared according to the mechanism of co-operative self-assembly. The method consists of polymerizing a silicic precursor (sodium silicate obtained by alkali fusion of sand with the sodium carbonate) around micelles of surfactant in an acid aqueous solution according to the sol-gel process. The elimination of the surfactant by calcining at high temperature leads to the final material which was characterized by XRF, XRD, MEB-EDX, FTIR and BET techniques.
Comparative analysis of Nature Park Shumen Plateau and Shumen City Park as green spaces
Authors: Koynova Teodora
Published: December 2018

The green areas play a significant role in keeping the urban population healthy. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in the urban and peri-urban parks lately. The Nature Park Shumen plateau and Shumen City Park are an important green area for residents of Shumen city. The aim of this study was to make comparative analysis of the qualities of the Nature Park Shumen Plateau and the Shumen City Park as green spaces.

For quality assessment 10 criteria were used. The criteria were grouped in four categories - Green space placement, Green space use, Environment and Biodiversity. Five-point Likert scale was used to determine satisfaction with each of the 10 criteria. Nine experts did the evaluation of the criteria.

In category “Green space placement”, the Nature Park Shumen Plateau and the Shumen City Park had very similar evaluations however there were big differences in the individual criteria. According to the category “Green space use, both parks showed rather similar results. Concerning the category „Environment”, the Nature Park Shumen Plateau received slightly higher assessment and the category “Biodiversity” was ranked as twice higher.

The results show that the Nature Park Shumen Plateau and the Shumen City Park possess good quality as a green area, as the Nature Park Shumen Plateau was higher assessed compared to the Shumen City Park.
Elemental composition of surface soils in Nature Park Shumen Plateau and Shumen City, Bulgaria
Authors: Koleva Vanya , Koynova Teodora , Dragoeva Asya , Natchev Nikolay
Published: December 2018

Anthropogenic activities cause environmental pollution and alter biogeochemical cycles. Soils in cities and their vicinity are exposed to different pollutants. Nature Park Shumen Plateau is a protected area situated in the proximity of Shumen (Bulgaria). The aim of this research was to compare elemental composition of surface soil samples from Nature Park with two areas in Shumen city.

Soil samples from seven sites on the territory of Nature Park and from two urban sites were collected. The elemental composition of the samples was determined using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence technique. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to interpret the complex data.

The content of 24 elements was determined: Br, Y, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Pb. Results presented here and previously showed that concentrations of heavy metals Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb are below the upper limit according to Bulgarian legislation. Concentrations of Mn and Fe in samples from Nature Park were comparable to the literature data reported for unpolluted areas. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis show similarity of the content of 24 elements between samples from Nature Park and from Shumen city. These findings are in accordance with our previous positive results from Allium-test: cytogenetic endpoints showed a presence of harmful compounds in Nature Park soils.

The content of heavy metals in the surface soils studied show a lack of environmental risk for Nature Park. However, a similar distribution pattern of the investigated elements in the park and two anthropologically influenced areas in Shumen city indicated a potential hazard in Nature Park.
Chromatographic Retention Modeling of Alkylazoles by QSRR Approach
Authors: Moskovkina M. N. , Bangov I. P.
Published: December 2018

The Quantitative Structure Retention Relationship (QSRR) approach has been applied to model the gas chromatographic retention of 16 alkyloxazoles and 16 alkylthiazoles on three capillary columns with different polarities. The potential of the Charge-related Topological Index (CTI) developed by one of the authors (I.B.) was investigated as a descriptor in QSRR linear multivariate regressions. Calculated values of atomic charges and the indication of the presence of substitutions in different positions in the solute structures are used to generate regressions. Analysis of the equations derived proves their ability to describe and evaluate the participants in the chromatographic separation process. The present quantitative characterization of the chromatographic retention of alkylazoles shows the potentials of deriving QSRR models to exhibit the retention intermolecular interactions.
Diversity and distribution of testate amoebae (Amoebozoa, Rhizaria) in reservoirs, Northeastern Bulgaria
Authors: Davidova Rositsa , Sevginov Senay
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study is to describe the testate amoebae fauna in seven reservoirs in the Northeastern Bulgaria and to investigate the relationship of taxonomic diversity and abundance of these organisms to the some characteristics of the reservoirs. A total of 52 species, varieties and forms belonging to 15 genera were identified in the benthal of the coastal zone. There are significant differences in species richness and abundance between the testacea of different reservoirs. Number of taxa was significantly higher in the Beli Lom (29 species and 12 genera) and Loznitsa (22 species and 13 genera). Most of the reservoirs - Kara Michal, Bogdantsi, Isperih, Lipnik and Brestovene have extremely poor fauna compared to other similar reservoirs. This is confirmed by the low values of the Shannon-Weaver diversity index, which varied between 1.04 and 2.396, as well as by the other indices used to assess the environmental conditions in the reservoirs. The data of the regression analysis showed that a relation between age, surface area and water volume of the reservoirs and the species richness and abundance of testacea is not established.
Renovation of Wooden Buildings in Riga
Authors: Viļuma Antra
Published: December 2018

The wooden architecture of the 19th century is mentioned in the UNESCO World Heritage description of Riga among the criteria that makes the Capital city of Outstanding Universal Value. So far, 3 500 wooden buildings in the city have survived. This paper summarizes information on the renovation of four wooden buildings. The aim of this paper is to give a closer overview on the impact of ownership, funding source and location in the city of the building on the process of renovation and architectural change. The internationally approved renovation principles in the renovation of wooden buildings in Riga are not often taken into account.
A Single Layer Functional Link Artificial Neural Network based on Chebyshev Polynomials for Neural Evaluations of Nonlinear Nth Order Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Ara Asmat , Razzaq Oyoon Abdul , Khan Najeeb Alam
Published: December 2018

Bearing in mind the considerable importance of fuzzy differential equations (FDEs) in different fields of science and engineering, in this paper, nonlinear nth order FDEs are approximated, heuristically. The analysis is carried out on using Chebyshev neural network (ChNN), which is a type of single layer functional link artificial neural network (FLANN). Besides, explication of generalized Hukuhara differentiability (gH-differentiability) is also added for the nth order differentiability of fuzzy-valued functions. Moreover, general formulation of the structure of ChNN for the governing problem is described and assessed on some examples of nonlinear FDEs. In addition, comparison analysis of the proposed method with Runge-Kutta method is added and also portrayed the error bars that clarify the feasibility of attained solutions and validity of the method.
Splitting with Different Growth Rates for Linear Discrete-time Skew-evolution Semiflows in Banach Spaces
Authors: Borlea Diana
Published: December 2018

In this paper we intend to study three concepts of (h, k)-splitting for skew-evolution semiflows, which model discrete-time variational systems in Banach spaces. We also aim to give connections between them, emphasized by counterexamples and we propose an open problem.
η-Ricci Solitons on Kenmotsu 3-Manifolds
Authors: De Krishnendu , De Uday Chand
Published: December 2018

In the present paper we study η-Ricci solitons on Kenmotsu 3-manifolds. Moreover, we consider η-Ricci solitons on Kenmotsu 3-manifolds with Codazzi type of Ricci tensor and cyclic parallel Ricci tensor. Beside these, we study φ-Ricci symmetric η-Ricci soliton on Kenmotsu 3-manifolds. Also Kenmotsu 3-manifolds satisfying the curvature condition R.R = Q(S, R)is considered. Finally, an example is constructed to prove the existence of a proper η-Ricci soliton on a Kenmotsu 3-manifold.
Related G-metrics and Fixed Points
Authors: Gaba Yaé Ulrich O.
Published: December 2018

For a single valued mapping T in a G-complete G-metric space (X, d), we show that if Tn
,for some n> 1, is a contraction, then T itself is a contraction under another related G-metric d′. We establish moreover that if T is uniformly continuous, then d′ is G-complete.
η-Ricci Solitons on Quasi-Sasakian Manifolds
Authors: Ghosh Sujit
Published: December 2018

The object of the present paper is to study η-Ricci solitons in a 3-dimensional non-cosymplectic quasi-Sasakian manifolds. We study a particular type of second order parallel tensor in this manifold. Beside this we consider this manifold satisfying some curvature properties of Ricci tensor.
Expanding the Applicability of Stirling’s Method under Weaker Conditions and Restricted Convergence Regions
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Parida P.K.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we have provided sufficient conditions to study semilocal and local convergence of the Stirling’s method. The method is used to find fixed points of nonlinear operator equation. We assume Lipschtiz continuity type conditions on the first Fréchet derivative of the operator but no contractive conditions as in earlier works. This way expand the applicability of this method. Here we introduce a new type of majorizing sequences instead of usual majorizing sequences and recurrence relations. Finally the paper will be concluded with numerical examples and a favorable comparison with known results.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Hybrid Mixed Type Nonlinear Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Saluja Gurucharan Singh
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we introduce a new two-step iteration scheme of hybrid mixed type for two asymptotically nonexpansive self mappings and two asymptotically nonexpansive non-self mappings in the intermediate sense and establish some strong convergence theorems for mentioned scheme and mappings in Banach spaces. Our results extend and generalize the corresponding results recently announced by Wei and Guo [16] (Comm. Math. Res. 31(2015), 149-160) and many others.
Ricci Solitons in β-Kenmotsu Manifolds
Authors: Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2018

The object of the present paper is to study Ricci soliton in β-Kenmotsu manifolds. Here it is proved that a symmetric parallel second order covariant tensor in a β-Kenmotsu manifold is a constant multiple of the metric tensor. Using this result, it is shown that if (ℒVg +2S)is ∇-parallel where V is a given vector field, then the structure (g, V, λ) yields a Ricci soliton. Further, by virtue of this result, we found the conditions of Ricci soliton in β-Kenmotsu manifold to be shrinking, steady and expending respectively. Next, Ricci soliton for 3-dimensional β-Kenmotsu manifold are discussed with an example.
Assessment of remote sensing and GIS application in identification of land suitability for agroforestry: A case study of Samastipur, Bihar, India
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Uddin Md Meraj , Goparaju Laxmi
Published: December 2018

Agroforestry provides the foundation for climate-smart agriculture to withstand the extreme weather events. The aim of the present study was to identify the land of Samastipur, Bihar, India for agroforestry, based on GIS modeling concept utilizing various ancillary (soil fertility) and satellite data (DEM, wetness, NDVI and LULC) sets. This was achieved by integrating various thematic layers logically in GIS domain. Agroforestry suitability maps were generated for the Samastipur district of Bihar, India which showed 48.22 % as very high suitable, 22.83 % as high suitable, 23.32% as moderate suitable and 5.63% as low suitable. The cross evaluation of agroforestry suitability with LULC categories revealed that the 86.4 % (agriculture) and 30.2% (open area) of land fall into a very high agroforestry suitability category which provides the huge opportunity to harness agroforestry practices if utilized scientifically. Such analysis/results will certainly assist agroforestry policymakers and planner in the state of Bihar, India to implement and extend it to new areas. The potentiality of Remote Sensing and GIS can be exploited in accessing suitable land for agroforestry which will significantly help to rural poor people/farmers in ensuring food and ecological security, resilience in livelihoods.
Climate change and its impact on Forest Fire in the state of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India: Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Goparaju Laxmi
Published: December 2018

We have examined the climate and forest fire data using Remote Sensing and GIS in the state of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India. The significant high forest fire events were observed in district of Pauri Garhwal (22.4%) followed by Naini Tal (16.4%), Tehri Garhwal (8.5%), Almora (7.7%), Chamoli (5.8%), Dehra Dun (4.6%), Uttarkashi (4.3%), Champawat (4.2%), Haridwar (3.6%), Una (3.4%), Bageshwar (3.1%), Udham Singh Nagar (2.9%), Sirmaur (2.7%), Solan (2.3%), Kangra (2.1%), Pithoragarh (1.7%) and Shimla (1.2%). The LULC forest category “Deciduous Broadleaf Forest” occupied 17.2% of total forest area and retain significantly high forest fire percent equivalent to 44.7% of total forest fire events. The study revealed that 79% of forest fire incidence was found in the month of April and May. The fire frequency was found highest in the month of April (among all months) whereas it was spread over the five grids (in the count) where the fire frequencies were greater than 100. The average monthly analysis (from January to June) for maximum temperature (°C), precipitation (mm), solar radiation (MJ/m^2), wind velocity (meter/sec.), wet-days frequency (number of days) and evapotranspiration (mm/day) were found to be in the range of (9.90 to 26.44), (26.06 to 134.71), (11738 to 24119), (1.397 to 2.237), (1.46 to 5.12) and (3.96 to 8.46) respectively. Rapid climate/weather severities which significantly enhance the forest fire events were observed in the month of April and May. The analysis of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) values of climate parameters showed a significant correlation with forest fire events. The analysis of predicted (2050) climate anomalies data (RCP-6) for the month of April and annual precipitation manifest the significant rise in April temperature and reduction in annual precipitation observed over large part of high forest fire grids will certainly impact adversely to the future forest fire scenario.
Content of Plastid Pigments in the Needles of Pinus Pallasiana D. Don in Different Forest Growth Conditions of Anti-Erosion Planting
Authors: Bessonova Valentina , Grytsay Zoya
Published: December 2018

The influence of different forest growth conditions on the content of plastid pigments in Pinus pallasiana D. Don needles in the anti-erosion planting of the steppe zone of Ukraine was investigated. The reduction in the total chlorophyll a and b concentration in the pine needles in the area with insufficient water supply (xerophilous and mesoxerophilous hygrotopes) was found, compared with more favourable conditions for water supply (mesophilous hygrotope). The reduction in the content of green pigments in arid conditions is due to chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll b showed high resistance to moisture deficiency. There is an increase in the concentration of carotenoids in pine needles in forest growth conditions with insufficient water supply (xerophilous and mesoxerophilous), compared with more favourable conditions (mesophilous), which can be explained by the adaptive role of these pigments in the processes of stabilising the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus in adverse environment, and it is considered as a protective reaction of P. pallasiana to the effects of drought.
Influence of Salinity on Physiological Response of the Bearded Horse Mussel Modiolus barbatus and Noah’s Ark Shell Arca noae
Authors: Vlašić Matea , Glavić Nikša , Bolotin Jakša , Hrustić Enis , Radić Iris Dupčić
Published: December 2018

Bearded horse mussel Modiolus barbatus and Noah’s ark shell Arca noae are a species of interest for the diversifying shellfish aquaculture on the south-eastern coast of the Adriatic. In this study, oxygen consumption (OC), total ammonia excretion (TAM) and clearance rate (CR) responses to the changes in seawater salinity (37, 30, 25 and 20) were investigated in the laboratory. There is a statistically significant influence of salinity on oxygen consumption and TAM excretion of Noah’s ark shell, while the time of exposure to different salinities is significantly correlated to TAM excretion by the bearded horse mussel. Mean OC of Noah’s ark shell ranged from 0.14 ± 0.06 to 0.54 ± 0.27 mg O2g−1h−1 and that of bearded horse mussel from 0.18 ± 0.17 to 0.26 ± 0.14 mg O2g−1h−1. Mean values of TAM excretion of Noah’s ark shell ranged from 2.14 ± 1.52 to 7.22 ± 6.04 μmol g−1 h−1 and for bearded horse mussel from 0.98 ± 0.53 to 2.78 ± 2.96 μmol g−1 h−1. Salinity and exposure time have a significant influence on the CR of Noah’s ark shell, whilst salinity has been found to be the determining factor for the bearded horse mussels’ CR. Mean values of Noah’s ark shell CR ranged from 0.96 ± 0.54 to 4.18 ± 1.15 l h−1g−1 and for bearded horse mussel from 2.43 ± 0.99 to 4.23 ± 0.84 l h−1g−1. Higher oxygen consumption to total ammonia excretion (O:N) ratios at lower salinities indicated the use of proteins as a metabolic substrate for both species. Noah’s ark shell has greater energy expenditure related to respiration and TAM excretion than the bearded horse mussel.
Importance of Wetland Refugia in Agricultural Landscape Provided Based on the Community Characteristics of Small Terrestrial Mammals
Authors: Kalivodová Michaela , Kanka Róbert , Miklós Peter , Sládkovičová Veronika Hulejová , Žiak Dávid
Published: December 2018

Intensification of agriculture has led, among other negative consequences, also to drying out of wetlands. Nevertheless, some of the wetland biotopes were preserved as small spots. This paper discusses the importance of those areas serving as refugia for small terrestrial mammals. Because small terrestrial mammals in the middle of food webs, they serve as an indicator for the presence of food sources (plants and invertebrates) and suggest the potential of the area as a living space for predators. The experiment took place at lowland agricultural landscape with wetland patches in west and west-east Slovakia (Záhorská and Podunajská nížina lowlands) using catch-mark-release method from 2015 to 2017. The importance was assessed according to abundance, biodiversity, persistence of species during seasons and habitat preference of small terrestrial mammals and equitability of the biotopes. Overall 368 individuals belonging to 12 species were recorded. The lowest abundance and diversity were registered at field biotopes where Apodemus sylvaticus was the most abundant. Microtus arvalis, Clethrionomys glareolus and Sorex araneus dominate at wetland biotopes. The higher biodiversity and abundance of small mammals were recorded at the wetland refugia. The results, together with position of small mammals in food webs, lead to conclusion that the wetland refugia are important habitats for the overall preservation of biodiversity and maintaining them is a part of the strategy for sustainable agriculture.
Land Snails in the Slovak Open-Air Garden Centres
Authors: Krumpálová Zuzana , Holienková Barbora
Published: December 2018

In last decades, the number of non-native land snails increased up to 15 percentages; they create more than eight percent of all the Slovakian species. Trend of newly established snail species corresponds with increases in the average temperatures as well as the intensity of foreign trade, suggesting a synergistic effect of both climatic conditions and socioeconomic factors. The research of the open-air garden centres in Slovakia confirmed both factors. We report here some of the newly established populations of sixteen mollusc species. In the old garden centres, the number of species as well as the number of individuals decreased slightly. Area of the garden centre has a very high impact on both abundance and species diversity. The size and age of garden centre proportionally influences the composition of mollusc assemblages. Two new species Cornu aspersum and Cepaea nemoralis were noticed for the first time in Slovakia. The recent findings of the introduced populations demonstrate the potential of this snail to colonise new areas.
Woody Species Diversity, Regeneration and Socioeconomic Benefits Under Natural Forest and Adjacent Coffee Agroforests at Belete Forest, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yasin Hana , Kebebew Zerihun , Hundera Kitessa
Published: December 2018

The southwest Ethiopian Afromontane moist forests are recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots as they are the centres of origin and domestication of Arabica coffee. But they are under threat due to deforestation and conversion to coffee farms. Coffee agroforests are believed to buffer the natural forest from these threats. The study was conducted to investigate the importance of coffee agroforest adjacent to Belete forest southwest Ethiopia. Vegetation data were collected from 68 plots (34 each) and socioeconomic data were collected from 136 households (68 each). The results showed that statistically, there were no significant differences between the natural forest and adjacent coffee agroforests in the species composition, species richness and Shannon diversity index of the woody species(P > 0.05). The socioeconomic benefit result showed a number of forest products that are collected from the coffee agroforest. There were statistically significant differences between the natural forest and coffee agroforest in the forest income and the Simpson Diversification Index of the households (p < 0.05). Coffee agroforests contribute to the conservation of woody species through the retention of woody species and reducing pressure on the natural forest. Therefore, the socioeconomic benefits of coffee agroforests must take into account the conservation of woody species in linking the conservation and development arena.
Critical Analysis of Satellite Data of NSIDC, NOAA NESDIS in Determining the Spatial Distribution of Ice on Lakes
Authors: Baklagin Nikolaevich Vyacheslav
Published: December 2018

The process of formation and rotting of ice on lakes is an integral part of the hydrological cycle of many lakes. The conditions of the ice regime significantly influence the ecological system of lakes. The article includes calculation and analysis of errors in the determination of the spatial ice distribution (spatial resolution of 4–6 km) on Lake Onego, Lake Ladoga, Lake Segozero and Lake Vigozero within the period of 2006−2017 according to National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NOAA NESDIS) data with regard to reliable Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data (spatial resolution of 500 m). It was established that within the monitoring period, NSIDC data have the minimum mean values of errors in determining the spatial distribution of ice on lakes (3−10%) compared to NOAA NESDIS data (11−19%) and are also of more practical interest in estimating the ice coverage of lakes. The dependence of the mean value of errors that occur in the determination of the spatial distribution of ice (according to NSIDC, NOAA and NESDIS data) on the actual value of ice coverage (according to MODIS) was revealed. The results show that the NSIDC data allow estimating adequately the phases of the ice regime; however, the formation of a daily time series of ice coverage during freeze-up and break-up phases is possible only with a significant error (mean value of absolute deviations according to MODIS data is up to 35%).
New Concepts for Rural Development in the Strategies and Policies of the European Union
Authors: Adamowicz Mieczysław , Zwolińska-Ligaj Magdalena
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of the analysis is the concept of rural development in the European Union countries and its connection with the evolution of the common agricultural policy and the transformation of the cohesion policy. The aim of the study is to discover and assess the scale and method of supporting the rural development in the European Union countries through common agricultural policy and to present the underlying theoretical-cognitive and political-practical premises for shaping rural development strategies.

Materials and methods: The official documents and subject literature are submitted for critical analysis and evaluation by authors.

Results: This paper presents methods of defining and classifying rural areas and rural development through common agricultural policy and cohesion policy. It specifically outlines the concepts of multi-functional and intelligent development linked to the Europe 2020 strategy and the Cork political declarations. The new concept of smart villages and rural-urban partnership is also presented.

Conclusion: The processes of rural policy separation and the need for creating national methods of the coordination of community policies and the use of European funds are indicated.
Intelligent Development of the Countryside – The Concept of Smart Villages: Assumptions, Possibilities and Implementation Limitations
Authors: Guzal-Dec Danuta
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The article presents the concept of smart villages formulated in EU documents. Its purpose is to characterize the concept of smart villages - its assumptions, possibilities and implementation limitations.

Materials and methods: Literature studies and the analysis of documents.

Results: A comparative analysis of the smart villages and smart city concept was performed. The theoretical foundations and the determinants of its implementation were discussed.

Conclusions: The concept of smart villages provides an answer to the search for ways of implementing the concept of sustainable development. The concept is in the initial phase of its formulation and application. It is intended to strengthen the territorial capital of the countryside, while social and technological innovations are a tool for its implementation. Among the barriers to implementing this concept the following ones have to be mentioned: low openness of the rural community to change, low innovation capacity and low level of social capital, low capacity of the local markets, spatial distance, poorly developed transport and communication network.
Regional Differentiation of the Absorption of Modernization of Agricultular Holdings Under the Funding of the 2007-2013 RDP: Changing Work Efficiency in Agriculture
Authors: Nowak Anna , Kobiałka Anna , Klikocka Hanna
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of this paper is Measure 121 of the 2007-2013 RDP, called Modernisation of agricultural holdings. The objective of the study was to present the diversification of regional absorption of aid funds used under this measure and to assess the correlation between the scale of the use of these funds and the level of labor productivity in agriculture.

Materials and methods: On the basis of the GUS data, the regional differentiation of the absorption of aid funds from the analyzed measure and labor productivity in agriculture were assessed. The relation between these categories was determined based on Pearson’s linear correlation index.

Results and conclusions: A strong regional diversification of labor productivity in agriculture and the level of utilization of European Union funds directed at modernization of agricultural holdings was observed. There is a relation between the scale of the utilization of funds under Measure 121 of the RDP and the efficiency of labor factor. It can therefore be assumed that the form of support investigated is a significant stimulus for the increase in the level of work efficiency.
Selected Economic Issues in the Protection of Biodiversity of Farm Animals
Authors: Krawczyk Józefa
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of this research was to determine changes in the population of native animal breeds and to indicate the importance of subsidies under agri-environmental programs. The study concerned the years 1999-2017.

Materials and methods: The research was based on the documentation of the National Research Institute of Animal Production (PIB). An assessment of the population size of native animal breeds was carried out depending on the amount of subsidies from the national subsidy up to 2004 and from agri-environmental programs since 2005.

Results: Since the integration of Poland with the European Union and the mobilization of funds from agri-environmental programs, a successive increase in the number of farm animals covered by the protection program has been noted.

Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated a considerable, but not exclusive dependence of the dynamics of the growth of the livestock population covered by the protection program on the amount of subsidies for breeders. The preservation of EU subsidies through agri-environmental programs in the years to come is the basis for maintaining the upward trend in the abundance of native livestock populations. Also, a greater increase in the number of animals than in the number of new beneficiaries using agri-environmental programs was observed, and this is a situation conducive to breeding work. National surveys show that native breeds are a source of obtaining products with pro-health, regional and traditional properties, for which the demand is growing, and which can also help to protect the biodiversity of farm animals.
Tourist Attractiveness of Protected Areas in the Podlaskie Province in the Opinion of its Residents
Authors: Pietrzak-Zawadka Joanna , Zawadka Jan
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The article explores the issue of protected areas in the Podlaskie Province with particular reference to Natura 2000 areas. Its purpose is to investigate the familiarity of those areas as well as the perception of their attractiveness among the inhabitants of the Podlaskie Province.

Materials and methods: Surveys conducted in the study involved 275 adult inhabitants of the Podlaskie Province. The selection of the research sample was accidental.

Results: The meaning of the Natura 2000 concept was widely known among the respondents. These areas were considered to be attractive to tourists and quite often visited by the respondents. The most popular were the Bialowieza, Augustow and Knyszyn Forests. Hiking, cycling and canoeing were held most often in those areas

Conclusions: Natura 2000 areas in the Podlasie Province constitute a valuable and popular tourist destination. What they need is proper tourism organization so as to give visitors an opportunity to get acquainted with their most important values, as well as ensure sustainable tourism and area protection.
”Slow City” as a Local Development Model
Authors: Zadęcka Ewa
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The goal of the article is to characterize the “slow city” model, its assumptions, conditions and effects of its implementation in Polish conditions. It also aims to present intelligent solutions in using own resources of small cities.

Materials and methods: The article was based on the study and synthesis of Polish and foreign literature and a review of strategic documents of Polish cities belonging to Cittaslow.

Results: The article fills the existing gap in the area of contemporary strategies for the development of small towns. It describes the “slow city” model, on the basis of which small cities belonging to the Cittaslow city network are developing. Intelligent solutions in the use of endogenous own resources of small cities are also presented.

Conclusions: The analysis carried out made it possible to state that the “slow city” model is useful in the development of small towns. It guarantees optimal and intelligent use of endogenous resources of a small town. However, the review of the strategic documents of the cities of “slow city” shows that these cities affect, like most small cities, negative socio-economic phenomena.
The Concept of E-Tourism in the Smart City Assumption as an Opportunity for the Development of Tourism in Wałbrzych
Authors: Detyna Beata , Mroczek-Czetwertyńska Agnieszka
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The main objective of the article is to recommend some solutions in the area of e-tourism which could be introduced by the local government in Wałbrzych as part of activities initiated in 2017 for the development of the Smart City concept.

Materials and methods: The implementation of the objective required a detailed analysis and evaluation of the “Strategy for Sustainable Development of Wałbrzych City until 2020”as well as the key task areas of the Smart City Program Council set up in the city, including Task Teams implementing projects of smart urban solutions. In the course of the research, a literature review was also conducted to explore the ways of defining the concept of e-tourism.

Results: As a result of the literature research, the authors emphasized different aspects (dimensions) of e-tourism and described the e-tourism model for tourist consumption. The analysis of the strategic municipal documents showed that they did not contain any direct references and plans regarding the development of activities in the area of e-tourism. The current study offers recommendations for the growth of e-tourism in Wałbrzych.

Conclusions: In the context of the realisation of “Smart City for the city of Wałbrzych” program, the concept of e-tourism, according to the authors, is an opportunity for the development of tourism in the city and in the region. The catalogue of possible solutions is open and their implementation requires taking into account the needs of different groups of stakeholders, including people with disabilities and the elderly.
Quantitative Methods for the Evaluation of Institutional Work Performance Based on the Example of Cleaning Services Market in Russia and in Poland
Authors: Chernovalov Aliaksandr V. , Kuźmicki Marek , Chernovalov Pavel A.
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The article compares cleaning services markets in Warsaw and Moscow. The productivity of work is the subject of the research, but not in the traditional neoclassical interpretation, but within the institutional economy. The aim of the article is to show new ways of analyzing work productivity using institutional methodology.

Materials and methods: The article uses a conventional method, which is a combination of institutional and neoclassical methodology. It covers sociological research tools and statistical methods of data processing used for quantitative analysis as part of the institutional approach.

Results: Similar parameters of human capital indicators were obtained in the employees of both markets. The indicators of opportunism in the representatives of the employees of the Moscow market are much higher, which significantly reduces the quantitative values of the institutional work productivity in Eastern markets.

Conclusions: In order to increase institutional work productivity in Eastern European markets (Russia) and to reduce opportunistic behavior of transaction participants, it is necessary to modernize institutional environment in these countries.
Non-Economic Factors Affecting Employment in Non-Governmental Organizations
Authors: Frączek Piotr , Pater Patrycja
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the paper is to identify non-economic factors influencing employment in non-governmental organizations in the Subcarpathian Province.

Materials and methods: Surveys were conducted in a group of 30 people managing non-governmental organizations.

Results: In the Subcarpathian Province, the factors not connected to economy that encourage involvement in the work of non-governmental organisations include education, marital status, labour market activity, gender, religiousness, and moral authority associated with charitable activities. The factors such as age, personal experience of difficult life situations, or observing charity activities done by family members and friends have an insignificant effect on the involvement in the work of nongovernmental entities.

Conclusions: The activities of state institutions of social policy whose goal is to increase the participation of citizens in the third sector entities should aim to give them an opportunity of obtaining the highest level of education possible, stable employment in the labour market, as well as creating conditions for families to function properly. Moreover, public institutions should conduct social campaigns to show citizens that working in the third sector enriches their social and personal life.
Optional Payments of the First Pillar Under Cap Vs the Average Amount of Support Per Farm
Authors: Sadłowski Adrian
Published: December 2018

Subject and purpose of work: The article analyses the influence of optional instruments applied in Poland as part of the first pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy on the average support provided to farms in individual provinces.

Materials and methods: The study was based on data from the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture as well as quantitative and analytical methods, especially simulations and comparative variant analysis.

Results: The optional instruments applied in Poland increased the average support provided to farms in central and eastern Poland. The average amount of support paid per farm would have been bigger in northern, western and southern provinces if optional instruments had not been implemented. Primarily, the introduction of both redistributive payment and production-related support (all forms of this support taken together) resulted in a decrease in the average aid per holding in the same group of provinces and at the same time an increase in this size in other provinces (compared to the situation in which the amounts for financing these instruments would be distributed under the single area payment).

Conclusions: The analysis of the influence of redistributive payment and coupled support on the average amount of financial aid per farm in individual provinces shows that the consequences of using these instruments were very similar to each other in their effect on the variable under study.
Helminths of mustelids with overlapping ecological niches: Eurasian otter Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758), American mink Neovison vison Schreber, 1777, and European polecat Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Nugaraitė D. , Mažeika V. , Paulauskas A.
Published: December 2018

This study presents the helminthological data on three mustelid species with overlapping ecological niches in Lithuania. In general, 14 helminth species or higher taxa were reported from all mustelids: Isthmiophora melis, Strigea strigis metacercariae, Pseudamphistomum truncatum, Alaria alata mesocercariae, Phyllodistomum folium, Opisthorchis felineus, Metametorchis skrjabini, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia martis, Aonchotheca putorii, Crenosoma schachmatovae, Eucoleus aerophilus, Molineus patens, and Nematoda g. sp. The largest number of helminths was detected in M. putorius (11) and N. vison (10) from wetlands; 7 helminths were detected in M. putorius from forests, and 8 in N. vison and 4 in L. lutra from water bodies. Habitat-related differences were found in the abundance and prevalence of E. aerophilus in M. putorius. M. putorius has higher indices of infection by I. melis, S. strigis metacercariae, and E. aerophilus compared to N. vison in wetlands. Differences in the abundance and prevalence of P. truncatum among N. vison and L. lutra in water bodies have been observed. Helminths detected in N. vison in the present study are native European parasites.
First report of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in an imported dog in Lithuania
Authors: Sabūnas V. , Radzijevskaja J. , Sakalauskas P. , Paulauskas A.
Published: December 2018

Over the past decade, increasing numbers of autochthonous cases of heartworm infection have been reported in the countries of Eastern Europe where previously only imported cases were described. In this report we have described the first clinical case of Dirofilaria immitis infection in an imported dog in Lithuania.

In 2018, a 5-year-old male Spanish greyhound (Spanish galgo) was imported to Lithuania from southern Spain and referred to a small animal veterinary clinic in Vilnius for wellness screening. Circulating microfilariae and female antigens of D. immitis were detected using the Knott’s test and SNAP 4Dx Plus Test (IDEXX Laboratories, Portland, USA). The diagnosis was confirmed using molecular analysis. Treatment according to the guidelines recommended by the American Heartworm Society was applied. This is the first confirmed report of canine heartworm infection in an imported dog in Lithuania. Heartworm-infected dogs transported to North-Eastern Europe from endemic areas could act as microfilarial reservoirs for the local mosquito population, which could increase the risk of spreading the disease.