bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Cereals in Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Nutrition
Authors: Marković Goran , Madić Milomirka , Bokan Nikola , Ćirković Miroslav
Published: September 2016

Due to their high carbohydrate content, cereals are the main source of energy in human, livestock and fish diets, with wheat and maize being the most commonly used crops. Although these two crops, along with rice, satisfy about 50% of human energy requirements, it is necessary to introduce other crops, which are of minor commercial importance. This necessity has been intensified by the growing needs of aquaculture, particularly with respect to carbohydrate requirements. Cereal grains account for an average of 35-45% of the feed ration for common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Experiments have been conducted on the use of barley, triticale and rye as substitutes for wheat and maize. The grains of these replacement cereals are preliminarily subjected to gelatinisation due to the high content of crude starch. Results indicate the possibility of partial or complete substitution (for maize) in some fish feeds. The usability (feed value) of cereals in fish nutrition is ranked in the order: wheat > triticale > maize > barley > rye.
The first records of Senecio inaequidens along motorways in Poland and Slovakia
Authors: Kocián Petr
Published: September 2016

The paper reports on finds of the invasive species Senecio inaequidens along motorways in Poland and Slovakia. The species was already mentioned in the floras of both countries but until recently there had been no reports from motorways there. In 2015, a large population of Senecio inaequidens was found along the A4 motorway in Poland. In 2013, it was collected along the D2 motorway in Slovakia. Intensive road traffic is probably the main vector of Senecio inaequidens invasion along motorways in Central Europe. Motor vehicles can carry the propagules over long distances. The newly recorded sites along the A4 in Poland and the D2 in Slovakia are part of the species’ invasion eastwards. It is assumed that Senecio inaequidens will continue to spread along motorways in both countries and in the region as a whole.
Building partnerships with suppliers as a new trend in management
Authors: Weiss Elżbieta , Tyszkiewicz Rafał
Published: September 2016

The main objective of the paper is to show the importance of building partnerships with suppliers, and to present the results of research verifying the following hypothesis: Most of the furniture industry companies in Lower Silesia take into account the partnership relations with suppliers in their formulated business strategy. The study was carried out using CATI method and included a research sample consisting of 110 enterprises of Lower Silesia. Enterprises were selected using the purposive sampling method. Selection of companies was based on factors such as: regional differences, basic products and the activity period, size organizational and legal form, basic profile of activity. Interviews with companies’ managers were based on an anonymous survey questionnaire. A time frame of research included 2 phases: phase I – exploratory phase: February – May 2013 and phase II – the essential phase: up to early 2014.

The studs has confirmed the formulated hypothesis. Most of the companies of the furniture industry have developed an overall strategy in the form of official or unofficial documents. They are characterized by a high degree of diversity, both in terms of accepted legal form, number of employees, year of establishment, business profile and range of operation. They see the impact of relationships with suppliers on the modernization of the products in the context of improving their quality. Deepening and ordering problems in the field of building partnerships with suppliers in terms of the overall business strategy formulation may be considered a theoretical contribution of this work. The results of the study should help companies in building partnerships with suppliers appropriately using the proposed roadmap; conducting quantitative and qualitative research, to assess the impact of the company's overall strategy on the relationships with suppliers.
Analysis of clusterization and networking processes in developing intermodal transportation
Authors: Sinkevičius Gintaras , Ginevicius Romualdas , Jarašūnienė Aldona
Published: September 2016

Analysis of the processes of clusterization and networking draws attention to the necessity of integration of railway transport into the intermodal or multimodal transport chain. One of the most widespread methods of combined transport is interoperability of railway and road transport. The objective is to create an uninterrupted transport chain in combining several modes of transport. The aim of this is to save energy resources, to form an effective, competitive, attractive to the client and safe and environmentally friendly transport system.

Under the modern conditions of globalization and integration into the European Union, the processes of networking are becoming increasingly important. In the context of intensive changes in the life of the society and business development processes, networking processes inevitably make influence on intermodal transportation. Therefore, the processes of clusterization, networking and integration have a significant impact on international economic area, including the development of a single social, scientific, technological information and transport system.
How Internet of Things Influences Human Behavior Building Social Web of Services via Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Komarov Mikhail , Konovalov Nikita , Kazantsev Nikolay
Published: September 2016

The paper discovers potential human interactions with growing amount of internet of things (IoT) via proposed concept of Social Web of Services (classical social web with smart things - daily life objects connected to the internet). To investigate the impact of IoT on user behaviour patterns we modelled human-thing interactions using agent-based simulation (ABM). We have proved that under certain conditions SmartThings, connected to the IoT, are able to change patterns of Human behaviour. Results of this work predict our way of living in the era of caused by viral effects of IoT application (HCI and M2M connections), and could be used to foster business process management in the IoT era.
Hydrolysis of green nanocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in acid solution
Authors: Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Chinh Nguyen Thuy , Giang Nguyen Vu , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai , Lam Tran Dai , Thu Le Van , Quang Ngo Dai , Hoang Thai
Published: September 2016

Green nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid), chitosan, and polyethylene glycol (PLA/CS/PEG) were prepared by the solution method. The content of PEG was 2–10 wt.% compared with the weight of PLA. The characterization and morphology of the nanocomposites before and after hydrolysis in acid solution were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrolysis of PLA/CS/PEG nanocomposites in acid solution for different times was also investigated. The shift of C=O, CH3 groups in FTIR spectra of PLA/CS/PEG nanocomposites before and after hydrolysis was clearly observed. The SEM images of the nanocomposites indicate that PEG plays a role in improving the interaction between PLA and CS, resulting in limiting the permeability of acid solution into the structure of the nanocomposites in the presence of PEG. The obtained results after 28 days of testing in the acid solution show that the PLA/CS/PEG8 nanocomposite (containing 8 wt.% of PEG) had the lowest weight loss with the highest regression coefficient (R2=0.9614).
Polymeric (anion-π)n interactions in crystals of 2-(2,4,6-trioxo-[1,3,5]triazinan-1-yl)ethylammonium iodide
Authors: Sączewski Franciszek , Gdaniec Maria , Mazalon Weronika
Published: September 2016

2-(2,4,6-Trioxo-[1,3,5]triazinan-1-yl)ethyammonium halides 3–5 were prepared starting from 2-(methylthio)-7,8-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(6H)-thione (1). First, compound 1 was S4-methylated to give 2,4-bis(methylthio)-6,7-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]-triazine (2) which, in turn, was hydrolyzed with corresponding aqueous solution of hydrogen halide. X-ray crystallographic study revealed that in crystals of 2-(2,4,6-trioxo-[1,3,5]triazinan-1-yl)ethylammonium iodide (5) a chain of alternatively arranged anions and cations extending along [001] is formed through polymeric (anion-π)n interactions.
Characterization of a new toxin from the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae: the ribotoxin anisoplin
Authors: Olombrada Miriam , Medina Pilar , Budia Flor , Gavilanes José G. , Martínez-del-Pozo Álvaro , García-Ortega Lucía
Published: September 2016

Metarhizium anisopliaeis an entomopathogenic fungus relevant in biotechnology with applications like malaria vector control. Studies of its virulence factors are therefore of great interest. Fungal ribotoxins are toxic ribonucleases with extraordinary efficiency against ribosomes and suggested as potential insecticides. Here we describe this ribotoxin characteristic activity inM. anisopliaecultures. Anisoplin has been obtained as a recombinant protein and further characterized. It is structurally similar to hirsutellin A, the ribotoxin from the entomopathogenHirsutella thompsonii. Moreover, anisoplin shows the ribonucleolytic activity typical of ribotoxins and cytotoxicity against insect cells. HowMetarhiziumuses this toxin and possible applications are of interest.
Effect of B2O3 on Volume Stability and Strength of Corundum-based Castables
Authors: Zhang Chuanyin , Ye Guotian , Shang Xuejun , Zhai Pengtao , Chen Liugang
Published: September 2016

Calcium aluminate cements (CAC) with 0.21 wt% B2O3 and without B2O3 were used as binders of corundum-based castables. The properties of the castables with and without B2O3 after heat treatment at 110 °C, 1,100 °C and 1,450 °C were investigated, with emphasis on studying the effect of B2O3 in CAC on the volume stability and high temperature strength of the castables. It is found that a very small amount (about 0.01 wt%) of B2O3 introduced by the cement alleviates the expansion of the castables after firing at 1,450 °C and decreases the high-temperature strength of castables as the presence of B2O3 should generate liquid phase.
The L2-acquisition of the German particle doch
Authors: Hogeweg Lotte , de Hoop Helen , Ramachers Stefanie , van der Slik Frans , Wottrich Verena
Published: September 2016

Discourse particles are notoriously difficult to acquire for second language learners. It has been argued that this difficulty is caused by a lack of equivalent concepts in the learner’s native language. In this article we compare the acquisition of the German particle doch by speakers of Dutch and speakers with a native language other than Dutch. Like German, Dutch has a rich inventory of discourse particles and one of them can be considered the cognate of doch: toch. We performed our investigation by means of an online cloze test among 85 Dutch students of German and 76 learners of German with a first language other than Dutch. We tested five different functions of doch, some of which overlapped with the functions of Dutch toch and some which did not. Our results indicate that it is beneficial to have similar particles in one’s mother tongue but we did not find evidence that it is extra beneficial to have form-meaning equivalents between the L1 and L2.
Learning and Reasoning in Unknown Domains
Authors: Strannegård Claes , Nizamani Abdul Rahim , Juel Jonas , Persson Ulf
Published: September 2016

In the story Alice in Wonderland, Alice fell down a rabbit hole and suddenly found herself in a strange world called Wonderland. Alice gradually developed knowledge about Wonderland by observing, learning, and reasoning. In this paper we present the system Alice In Wonderland that operates analogously. As a theoretical basis of the system, we define several basic concepts of logic in a generalized setting, including the notions of domain, proof, consistency, soundness, completeness, decidability, and compositionality. We also prove some basic theorems about those generalized notions. Then we model Wonderland as an arbitrary symbolic domain and Alice as a cognitive architecture that learns autonomously by observing random streams of facts from Wonderland. Alice is able to reason by means of computations that use bounded cognitive resources. Moreover, Alice develops her belief set by continuously forming, testing, and revising hypotheses. The system can learn a wide class of symbolic domains and challenge average human problem solvers in such domains as propositional logic and elementary arithmetic.
Dictionaries of Critically Endangered Languages: Focus on Users
Authors: Ivanishcheva Olga Nikolajevna
Published: September 2016

The article describes specific features of dictionaries of endangered languages from the perspective of their user. Dictionaries of the Saami language – the language of the indigenous minority of the North – are used to describe the anthropocentric, cognitive and pragmatic approach to lexicographical description of culture. The article shows that the focus on the dictionary user becomes especially critical for the endangered languages. It proves that the purpose of such dictionaries is not only to preserve the knowledge that the speakers of the endangered language and bearers of the culture still keep, but also to revitalize this knowledge. The article states that contemporary lexicography must consider several factors for making an endangered language dictionary: the present state of the language in the language community and the scope of background knowledge of a language speaker that represents everyday level of the world cognition by indigenous minority. The article shows that the most relevant type of dictionary for the endangered languages is both a learner’s dictionary and a linguoculturological dictionary (active type). We emphasize that on the one hand the Saami dictionaries describe a culture that is often unknown even to most Saami culture bearers and on the other hand, the dictionaries are also intended for Saami who have no command of the native language. The peculiarities of the relevant dictionary comprise the fact that alongside the translation in the basic part of the dictionary there is a culturological commentary that as fully as possible reflects the knowledge of language speakers.
Neuropharmacological evaluation of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-yl) methanone (6g) on lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety models in mice
Authors: Bhatt Shvetank , Mahesh Radhakrishnan , Devadoss Thangaraj , Jindal Ankur
Published: September 2016

Background:

5-HT3 receptor antagonists play a key role in the management of psychiatric disorders such as, depression and anxiety. They may act through modulation of serotonergic transmission. In the present study, a novel and potential 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 6g (4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-yl) methanone, which exhibited good log P (3.08) and pA
2 (7.5) values was screened for its anxiolytic property in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced anxiety models.

Methods:

LPS, an endotoxin, present in the cell wall of Gram negative bacteria was injected 0.83 mg/kg, i.p. as a single dose to induce anxiety-like symptoms in mice. Compound 6g (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard fluoxetine (FLX) (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were injected to treatment groups for 7 days and evaluated in various behavioral paradigms such as elevated plus maze (EPM), light and dark (L/D) test, and open field test (OFT). Their effects on serotonin levels in mice brain were also examined.

Results:

The results showed that LPS induced anxiety-like symptoms in mice, as indicated by a significantly decreased percentage open arm entries and percentage time spent in open arms in EPM; decreased time spent in light area and number of transition between chambers in L/D test; decreased ambulation and rearing scores in OFT. Compound 6g (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) and FLX treatment (20 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) reversed the LPS-induced behavioral changes and significantly affected all the behavioral parameters mentioned above. In addition 6g (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) and FLX treatment (20 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) increased the levels of serotonin in mice brain.

Conclusions:

Compound 6g produced anxiolytic-like effects in various anxiety paradigms in LPS-treated mice as well as restored the decreased serotonin levels in mice brain.
Influence of Market Values of Enterprise on Objectivity of the Altman Z-Model in the Period 2006-2012: Case of the Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Serbia
Authors: Postolov Kiril , Milenkovic Ivan , Milenkovic Dragana , Iliev Aleksandra Janeska
Published: September 2016

The Altman’s model is a multiple discriminant analysis bankruptcy model that uses ordinarily accepted criteria that may provide a useful decision rule to predict financial distress in firms. In this research, we outline the construction and interpretation of the Z-Score influenced by the stock movement for the period of six years in the Republics of Macedonia and Serbia. Research focuses determining the influence of the market value of companies and if it could be related to potential bankruptcy of companies at specific markets.
Monitoring the Quality of Services in Electronic Banking
Authors: Jovovic Radislav , Lekic Elvis , Jovovic Miroslav
Published: September 2016

Successful development of electronic banking is in direct correlation with the quality of services in electronic banking. Therefore, it is necessary that the banks are familiar with the attributes of electronic services on which clients assess the bank’s quality and client’s satisfaction with them, in order to be able to monitor, correct and improve the performance of electronic banking. We start from the hypothesis that there are already developed theoretical models for measuring the quality of e-banking services but they must be adjusted to the specific environment that is analysed in order to obtain reliable and quality information. The qualitative and quantitative research methods are applied in this paper in order to a get adjusted theoretical model (instrument) for measuring the quality of electronic banking services. As a result of the conducted analysis, the initial theoretical model has been modified, so that the final version of the model (instrument) for measuring quality of online banking allows obtaining reliable data, and information in the particular environment. And the results are: significant information about the quality of e-banking, modified theoretical model, information about the dimensions of quality of e-banking, customer satisfaction, and pathways and guidelines for the improvement of e-banking. The measuring of quality of electronic banking services in not one time activity but repeated one, as permanent monitoring strategy. This research is widely applicable even though it was conducted in the context of Montenegrin e-banking, since most of the banks in Montenegro are owned by well-known European banks, and it is expected that the obtained knowledge and information can be generalized.
Using Data Mining to Predict the Occurrence of Respondent Retrieval Strategies in Calendar Interviewing: The Quality of Retrospective Reports
Authors: Belli Robert F. , Miller L. Dee , Baghal Tarek Al , Soh Leen-Kiat
Published: September 2016

Determining which verbal behaviors of interviewers and respondents are dependent on one another is a complex problem that can be facilitated via data-mining approaches. Data are derived from the interviews of 153 respondents of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) who were interviewed about their life-course histories. Behavioral sequences of interviewer-respondent interactions that were most predictive of respondents spontaneously using parallel, timing, duration, and sequential retrieval strategies in their generation of answers were examined. We also examined which behavioral sequences were predictive of retrospective reporting data quality as shown by correspondence between calendar responses with responses collected in prior waves of the PSID. The verbal behaviors of immediately preceding interviewer and respondent turns of speech were assessed in terms of their co-occurrence with each respondent retrieval strategy. Interviewers’ use of parallel probes is associated with poorer data quality, whereas interviewers’ use of timing and duration probes, especially in tandem, is associated with better data quality. Respondents’ use of timing and duration strategies is also associated with better data quality and both strategies are facilitated by interviewer timing probes. Data mining alongside regression techniques is valuable to examine which interviewer-respondent interactions will benefit data quality.
Management of soil-borne diseases of organic vegetables
Authors: Shafique Hafiza Asma , Sultana Viqar , Ehteshamul-Haque Syed , Athar Mohammad
Published: September 2016

With the rising awareness of the adverse effects of chemical pesticides, people are looking for organically grown vegetables. Consumers are increasingly choosing organic foods due to the perception that they are healthier than those conventionally grown. Vegetable crops are vulnerable to a range of pathogenic organisms that reduce yield by killing the plant or damaging the product, thus making it unmarketable. Soil-borne diseases are among the major factors contributing to low yields of organic produce. Apart from chemical pesticides there are several methods that can be used to protect crops from soil-borne pathogens. These include the introduction of biocontrol agents against soil-borne plant pathogens, plants with therapeutic effects and organic soil amendments that stimulate antagonistic activities of microorganisms to soil-borne diseases. The decomposition of organic matter in soil also results in the accumulation of specific compounds that may be antifungal or nematicidal. With the growing interest in organic vegetables, it is necessary to find non chemical means of plant disease control. This review describes the impact of soil-borne diseases on organic vegetables and methods used for their control.
Bentonite diminishes DON-induced changes in bone development in mink dams
Authors: Tomaszewska Ewa , Muszyński Siemowit , Dobrowolski Piotr , Kostro Krzysztof , Taszkun Iwona , Żmuda Andrzej , Blicharski Tomasz , Kędzia Paweł
Published: September 2016

Introduction:The aim of this study was to determine the effect of deoxynivalenol (DON), given alone or with bentonite (which eliminates mycotoxicity) in the diet of mink dams throughout mating, pregnancy, and lactation period to pelt harvesting, on the mechanical properties and geometry of their long bones.

Material and Methods:The minks were randomly assigned into two groups: a control group (not supplemented with DON, n = 15) and a group fed naturally DON-contaminated wheat and divided into three sub-groups (each sub-group n = 15), depending on bentonite dose: 0 M – sub-group fed naturally DON-contaminated wheat at a concentration of 3.7 mg kg−1alone; 2 M – sub-group fed naturally DON-contaminated wheat at a concentration of 3.7 mg kg−1and bentonite at a concentration of 2 kg 1000 kg−1; 0.5 M – sub-group fed naturally DON-contaminated wheat at a concentration of 3.7 mg kg−1and bentonite at a concentration of 0.5 kg 1000 kg−1.

Results:The DON treatment reduced the length of the femur compared to the control group and reduced the bone weight dependently on the amount of bentonite supplementation. However, DON treatment reduced the MRWT and CI of the femur, irrespective of the bentonite supplementation, compared to the control. The total BTD and BMC decreased in all DON-treated groups (irrespective of the bentonite supplementation). Furthermore, the densitometric analysis showed that the main changes in BMD and BMC indicated bone loss in the proximal and distal parts of bone covering the trabecular bone; whereas when bentonite was given at the dose of 2 kg 1000 kg−1an increase in the whole BMD and BMC was observed in the femoral midshaft.

Conclusion:Analysis of the geometrical parameters seems to indicate that endosteal resorption was delayed after bentonite supplementation. The addition of bentonite diminished the DON action on bone homeostasis in the mink dams. Thus bentonite could prevent DON-induced bone loss in a dose-dependent manner.
Apoptosis in natural rabies virus infection in dogs
Authors: Vural Sevil Atalay , Bozkurt Mehmet Fatih , Ozkara Ali , Alcigir Mehmet Eray , Ilhan Fatma Sayin
Published: September 2016

Introduction: In the present study apoptosis was investigated in the cornu ammonis and cerebellum of 10 dogs naturally infected with rabies virus. Diagnosis of rabies was based on the results of fluorescent antibody staining and experimental inoculation.

Material and Methods: The paraffin tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, avidin-biotin complex peroxidase (ABC-P), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) methods.

Results: Histopathological examination revealed encephalomyelitis of varying severity and the presence of Negri bodies. Dense rabies antigens were determined in the motor neurons with ABC-P method. On the other hand, Bcl-2 protein and Bax protein gave positive reaction in seven and five cases, respectively. TUNEL staining demonstrated very marked apoptotic changes in the nuclei of neurons localised deep in the substantia alba of the cerebellum. Similar changes were also determined in perivascular mononuclear cells and glia cells within the substantia alba. No apoptopic changes were found in the motor neurons of the cornu ammonis.

Conclusion: The absence of apoptotic changes in the neurons was considered to be the consequence of the necrotic changes that developed in these neurons.
Parapoxvirusorf virus infection induces an increase in interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-α, and decorin in goat skin fibroblast cells
Authors: Wang Lingling , Lu Bingzhou , Zheng Haixue , Zhang Keshan , Liu Xiangtao
Published: September 2016

Introduction:Orf virus (ORFV) is a prototypeParapoxvirusspecies in the Poxviridae family that causes serious zoonotic infectious disease. Goat skin fibroblast (GSF) cells are the major host targets of ORFV. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are known to play a vital role in immune response during viral infections. However, the manner of variation over time of their level of expression in GSF cells remains unclear.

Material and Methods:In this study, quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay chips were used to detect changes in the levels of these cytokines expressed and secreted in GSF cells after ORFV infection.

Results:Results showed that the expression of IL-8, TNF-α, and decorin was upregulated in the cell lysates, and that secreted decorin and IL-8 were significantly increased in cell supernatant.

Conclusion:The results provided possible approaches to elucidation of how ORFV infection initiates host cell immune response.
Intestinal helminths of raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Augustów Primeval Forest (north-eastern Poland)
Authors: Karamon Jacek , Samorek-Pieróg Małgorzata , Moskwa Bożena , Różycki Mirosław , Bilska-Zając Ewa , Zdybel Jolanta , Włodarczyk Magdalena
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in the Augustów Primeval Forest (north-eastern Poland), with particular regard to zoonotic parasites.

Material and Methods: Intestines from 53 raccoon dogs and 66 red foxes were examined with the use of sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). Samples of faeces from 51 red foxes and 50 raccoon dogs were examined with the use of flotation method.

Results: Parasitic helminths were found by SCT in 98.5% of red foxes and 96.2% of raccoon dogs. Both species were infected with: Alaria alata (93.9% and 94.3%, respectively), hookworms (68.2% and 83.0%), Apophallus spp. (7.6% and 15.1%), Mesocestoides spp. (57.6% and 24.5%), Taenia spp. (40.9% and 1.9%), and Toxocara/Toxascaris nematodes (33.3% 15.1%). Echinococcus multilocularis was detected only in red foxes (6.1%), but trematodes Echinostomatidae and nematodes Molineus spp. only in raccoon dogs (18.9% and 41.5%, respectively). Additionally, Capillaria spp. eggs were detected by flotation method in 78.4% of foxes and 20.0% of raccoon dogs.

Conclusion: The study showed a very high percentage of red foxes and raccoon dogs infected with intestinal helminths in the Augustów Primeval Forest. Moreover, dangerous zoonotic parasites also were found, which should be taken into consideration in the assessment of infection risk for humans in this region.
Multiplex real-time PCRs for detection of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli in carcasses of slaughtered animals
Authors: Denis Edyta , Bielińska Katarzyna , Wieczorek Kinga , Osek Jacek
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The study objective was to develop and evaluate a new TaqMan multiplex real-time PCR method for Salmonella, L. monocytogenes, and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) detection in slaughtered animal carcasses.

Material and Methods: The procedure included an enrichment step, DNA extraction, and two multiplex real-time PCRs. The first PCR detected the invA and hly genes of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes respectively, the second the vtx1, vtx2, and eae genes of VTEC.

Results: The validation of this method resulted in 100% relative sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as compared to the reference ISO methods. The limit of detection per swab sample was established at 1 cfu for Salmonella and L. monocytogenes and 2 cfu for VTEC. The authors analysed 265 slaughterhouse-collected swabs from cattle, pig, and poultry carcasses. Among 125 from cattle, 51 were positive for VTEC, 29 for Salmonella, and 1 for L. monocytogenes. Among swabs from pig carcasses (n = 95), three, two, and one sample were positive for these pathogens respectively. None of the microorganisms tested for was identified in 45 samples of poultry origin.

Conclusion: The obtained results showed that the method developed can rapidly identify the main bacterial pathogens that may contaminate carcasses of food-producing animals.
Isolation and characterisation of peroxiredoxin 6 promoter from sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Liu Nan-Nan , Liu Zeng-Shan , Lu Shi-Ying , Hu Pan , Zhang Ying , Fu Bao-Quan , Li Yan-Song , Zhou Yu , Zhang Yu , Ren Hong-Lin
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) is a bifunctional protein and a unique 1-Cys Prdx of the peroxiredoxin family. The expression and regulation of Prdx6 are implicated in numerous physiological and pathological processes.

Material and Methods: Eight stepwise truncated DNA fragments obtained from the 5′-flank region of the Prdx6 gene were prepared and subcloned into the pSEAP2-Enhancer vectors. To investigate the transcriptional activity of the truncated DNA fragments, the recombinant plasmids were transfected into the COS-1 cells and the transcriptional activity was measured via assaying the expression of the reporter gene of the secreted alkaline phosphatase.

Results: A 3.4 kb 5′-upstream flank region of the Prdx6 gene was cloned and sequenced. The region from −108 nt to −36 nt of the 5′-flanking region of the Prdx6 gene contained basal transcriptional activity.

Conclusion: This result provides the basis for further studies on the gene regulation of the Prdx6-mediated biological processes and on screening for the transacting factors that interact with cis-acting elements of the Prdx6 gene promoter.
Immunophenotypic characterisation and cytogenetic analysis of mesenchymal stem cells from equine bone marrow and foal umbilical cords during in vitro culture
Authors: Mazurkevych Anatoliy , Malyuk Mykola , Bezdieniezhnykh Natalia , Starodub Lyubov , Kharkevych Yuriy , Brusko Evgen , Gryzińska Magdalena , Jakubczak Andrzej
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The objective of the study was immunophenotypic and cytogenetic analysis of mesenchymal stem cells from equine bone marrow and foal umbilical cords during in vitro culture.

Material and Methods: The mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from equine bone marrow of three horses and from foal umbilical cords of six foals. The cells were cultured in CO2 incubators by standard procedure. Quantitative abnormalities of chromosomes, i.e. aneuploidy and polyploidy, and structural aberrations, i.e. breaks in chromosomes and chromatid, were taken into account during the study.

Results: The results of cytogenetic analysis of equine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells at the third and fourth passages indicated that the level of karyotype variability of these cells corresponded to the spontaneous level of karyotype variability typical of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of this species. Equine bone marrow contained several clones of stem cells that differed in the expression of specific nuclear markers characteristic of proliferating cells.

Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells from foal umbilical cords during in vitro cultivation are characterised by quantitative abnormalities of the chromosomal apparatus.
Anti-fertility effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) seed in male Wistar rats
Authors: Mansouri Esrafil , Asadi-Samani Majid , Kooti Wesam , Ghasemiboroon Maryam , Ashtary-Larky Damoon , Alamiri Fatima , Afrisham Reza , Noohi Zahra Hasanzadeh
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the anti-fertility effect of fennel (Foeniculim vulgare Mill) seed extract in male rats.

Material and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group received distilled water and the experimental groups were orally administered 1 ml of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel seed in four doses of 35, 70, 140, and 280 mg/kg/b.w. daily for 60 days. After the last gavage, the rats were anaesthetised and the caudal part of the right epididymis was used for sperm counting. After fixation of the testes, microscopic sections were prepared and histological changes were evaluated.

Results: The number of spermatogonia after doses of 140 and 280 mg/kg and Sertoli cells after a dose of 140 mg/kg decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The number of primary spermatocytes and sperm count decreased significantly in the experimental groups (70, 140, and 280 mg/kg) when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, thickening of the basement membrane, cell apoptosis, and irregular arrangement of the germinal epithelium were observed in the experimental groups.

Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic fennel seed extract at these doses could reduce reproductivity and has anti-fertility activity in male rats.
National and Regional Identity in Kaliningrad Oblast from the Cross-border Perspective
Authors: Zieliński Miłosz J.
Published: September 2016

The article analyses the notion of national and regional identity of contemporary inhabitants of Kaliningrad Oblast, as seen by local government officials, NGO activists and researchers living and working in the Polish cities of Elbląg and Gdańsk. For the purposes of the article, nine in-depth interviews were chosen conducted. The article takes into account interviewees’ opinions based on their experience, everyday cooperation with institutions and private contacts with individuals from Kaliningrad Oblast. The main question addressed is to what extent inhabitants of Kaliningrad Oblast are perceived to be different from their compatriots from other regions of Russia in matters constituting national community: narrative of history, tradition, symbols etc. The role of the Local Small Border Traffic Agreement (LBTA) between Poland and Russia, which has served as an important means of facilitating cross-border contacts, was also evaluated. The article demonstrates that despite come regional peculiarities the most prevailing level of identity in Kaliningrad Oblast is that related to the feeling of belonging to the Russian nation.
Magnetite Nanoparticles Prepared By Spark Erosion
Authors: Maiorov M. , Blums E. , Kronkalns G. , Krumina A. , Lubane M.
Published: September 2016

In the present research, we study a possibility of using the electric spark erosion method as an alternative to the method of chemical co-precipitation for preparation of magnetic nanoparticles. Initiation of high frequency electric discharge between coarse iron particles under a layer of distilled water allows obtaining pure magnetite nanoparticles.
Impact of ICTs on Innovation Activities: Indication for selected European countries
Authors: Zoroja Jovana
Published: September 2016

The development and usage of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has particularly increased in the last two decades, while at the same time showing great potential to improve the efficacy of business processes, facilitate and drive innovations, and therefore increase competitiveness. Innovation activities represent an important factor for social and economic change as well as for increasing competitive advantages at both the national and firm levels. This paper focuses on the role that ICTs play in the innovation performance of selected European countries. Using data drawn from the Eurostat and Global Competitiveness Index (2007–2011) and panel regression analysis, research results indicate that ICTs have a significant impact on business innovation activities.
Analyzing Hotel Innovation Behavior in the Balaton Region of Hungary to Identify Best Practices
Authors: Gyurácz-Németh Petra , Horn Nikolett , Friedrich Nóra
Published: September 2016

The goal of the research is to investigate the hotel innovation behavior in one of the most important tourism regions of Hungary. The Lake Balaton Region is a very popular area of the country with quite a short season (from the middle of June to August 20). The region is the second most visited area based on the number of guests and guest nights in Hungary. The topic of innovation plays a growing role in the Hungarian hotel sector as well, because competition is very high and keeping guests and employees can be a great challenge. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative research. The qualitative research aimed to identify the best practices of the Hotel Európa Fit****superior which introduced an “innovation by inspiring” strategy and applies several types of innovation in a highly recommended way. The respondents of the questionnaire included 28 hotel general managers (52% of the 54-person sample). The results showed a strong relationship between the type of the hotel and the number of innovations as well as the type of the hotel and the frequency of innovation.
Assessment of myocardial metabolic rate of glucose by means of Bayesian ICA and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods in small animal PET imaging
Authors: Berradja Khadidja , Boughanmi Nabil
Published: September 2016

In dynamic cardiac PET FDG studies the assessment of myocardial metabolic rate of glucose (MMRG) requires the knowledge of the blood input function (IF). IF can be obtained by manual or automatic blood sampling and cross calibrated with PET. These procedures are cumbersome, invasive and generate uncertainties. The IF is contaminated by spillover of radioactivity from the adjacent myocardium and this could cause important error in the estimated MMRG. In this study, we show that the IF can be extracted from the images in a rat heart study with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) by means of Independent Component Analysis (ICA) based on Bayesian theory and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling method (BICA). Images of the heart from rats were acquired with the Sherbrooke small animal PET scanner. A region of interest (ROI) was drawn around the rat image and decomposed into blood and tissue using BICA. The Statistical study showed that there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between MMRG obtained with IF extracted by BICA with respect to IF extracted from measured images corrupted with spillover.
Preparation and characterization of poly (amide-ester-imide)/Na+-MMT nanocomposite via ultrasonic method
Authors: Mirsafaei Razieh , Kolahdoozan Majid
Published: September 2016

The novel poly (amide-ester-imide) (PAEI)/Na+-MMT (montmorillonite) nanocomposites were synthesized by ultrasound-assisted technique successfully. PAEI/Na+-MMT nanocomposites with various content of Na+-MMT were applied to enhance the dispersion of the clay layers with polymer matrix. Water-soluble PAEI containing poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG-6000) was prepared, and nanocomposites with various content of Na+-MMT (5, 10, 15, and 20 mass %) were fabricated by ultrasonic method to produce nano-scale composites. The effects of Na+-MMT on the nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and for thermal properties. XRD approved the structure information of the synthesized nanomaterials, and it was shown that the interlayer spacing increased with clay loading. The magnitude of dispersion of the clay in the nanocomposite matrix was investigated by TEM and SEM images. The results indicated that the lateral dimension of Na+-MMT particles in composites was approximately 100 nm, and the nanomaterials are well dispersed in the polymer matrix to produce exfoliated structure in polymer/nanocomposite. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms that PAEI/Na+-MMT nanocomposites show superior thermal stability with respect to the pure PAEIs.
Surface complexation modeling of U(VI) sorption on GMZ bentonite in the presence of fulvic acid
Authors: Zheng Jie , Luo Daojun , Qiao Yahua , Wang Liang , Wu Wangsuo , Zhang Chunming , Ye Yuanlv
Published: September 2016

In this work, experiments and modeling for the interactions between uranyl ion and GMZ bentonite in the presence of fulvic acid are presented. The results demonstrated that FA is strongly bound to GMZ bentonite, and these molecules have a very large effect on the U(VI) sorption. The results also demonstrated that U(VI) sorption to GMZ bentonite in the presence and absence of sorbed FA can be well predicted by combining SHM and DLM. According to the model calculations, the nature of the interactions between FA with U(VI) at GMZ bentonite surface is mainly surface complex. The first attempt to simulate clay interaction with humus by the SHM model.
The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge and Development of Complications in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Korkut Deniz , Ergor Gul , Kaner Gulsah , Kurklu Nilgun Seremet
Published: September 2016

Background and Aims: Diabetes is increasing rapidly in Turkey as most countries in the world. The prevention of complications which is the main aim in the treatment of diabetes can be accomplished partly with nutrition education. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutrition knowledge (NK) and complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: 280 patients with 8-20 years of diabetes duration who applied to diet outpatient clinic were recruited. The questionnaire was prepared by the investigators to assess the NK. A score was calculated on the scale of 100. The complications were determined based on hospital records and patients’ selfreport. Results: 63.2% of participants were female and 36.8% were male. The most common complications in participants were retinopathy (56.1%) and neuropathy (42.9%). The mean NK score was 80.2±11.7. At least one complication was seen in 85.0% of the participants. There was no significant difference for having any complication in patients with adequate and inadequate NK. However the risk of diabetic foot, and coronary artery disease was significantly higher in women with inadequate NK. Conclusion: NK is quite high in long term diabetic patients. However no effect of the NK on the development of complications could be shown. The difference of effect between men and women could be due to the fact that food is mostly prepared by women thus not much chance of the knowledge of men to be reflected on his eating habits. The knowledge difference among female patients was seen in the results as; in women with inadequate NK, the prevalence of diabetic foot and CAD was significantly higher.
A-voiding representation:Eräugnisand inscription in Celan
Authors: Buhanan Kurt
Published: September 2016

This essay deals with the poetry of Paul Celan, particularly focusing on the event of appearing of the negative as that which a-voids representation. The key term here is “Eräugnis,” a term with important resonances between Celan’s poetry and the thought of Alain Badiou, whose evental philosophy centers on the void. Another immediate point of reference is Martin Heidegger, whose thought and language permeates Celan’s work, and it is likely from Heidegger that Celan takes his impetus in thinking through the problem of representing the void. In readings of poems like “Heute und Morgen,” “Welchen der Steine du hebst,” and “Mandorla,” I argue that Celan is grappling with the appearing of the negative in its function as foundational figure for representation. Celan tropes the negative in his poetry, and this essay explores the theoretical and philosophical implications of this negative visuality.
Una “buena” manera de hablar acerca de grados:biencon adjetivos en español
Authors: Pastor Alberto , Armstrong Grant
Published: September 2016

This article provides a detailed description of the syntactic and semantic properties of the degree termbienin Spanish, which appears in expressions such asun jugador bien alto, and proposes a novel analysis that captures those properties. We propose thatbienis a degree operator that is generated as a Deg head and binds the degree argument of a gradable adjective by means of an evaluative predicate we label GOOD. We define a “good degree” as one that evaluates a property with respect to a comparison class that exceeds a prototypical or expected standard.Un jugador bien altois a player that is tall in a way that exceeds a prototypical or expected way of being tall for a player. It is argued that such an analysis not only accounts for the mixed set of properties thatbienhas, which overlap with certain degree modifiers, elatives and exclamatives, but does so in terms of a manner component (the predicate GOOD), which is part of the lexical meaning thatbienhas maintained in its evolution from manner adverb to degree term.
Retrospective evaluation of high school primary physical activities and adulthood physical activity need satisfaction
Authors: Bice Matthew R. , Ball James W. , Parry Thomas , Adkins Megan
Published: September 2016

Presumably, individuals are taught skills throughout their primary education that are required to live a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifespan. The primary purpose of this study was to assess adult psychological need satisfaction in relation to high school participation. Participation included university employees and students of two mid-sized universities and members of a state health organization. Participants (n = 512) completed the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise (PNSE) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The current study found modest associations between measured motivation constructs on physical activity levels. Standardized coefficients report competence and autonomy had a significant effect on physical activity in predicting adult physical activity levels. Results of this study provide insight into the determinants underlying the development of physical activity tendencies in adults and suggest high school physical education and sport participation have an equal influence on adult physical activity levels.