bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sources of variation in haematocrit in the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis)
Authors: Boross Nóra , Markó Gábor , Laczi Miklós , Garamszegi László Zsolt , Hegyi Gergely , Herényi Márton , Kiss Dorottya , Nagy Gergely , Rosivall Balázs , Szöllősi Eszter , Török János
Published: February 2014

The haematocrit rate of the blood shows the individual physiological state. As the haematocrit grows, the higher erythrocyte number results in more efficient oxygen uptake capacity which can lead to better performance and probably a better survival rate of an individual. Hence we assume that the high value of haematocrit reflects good health state. Altogether 308 blood samples were collected from a wild population of Collared Flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis) in two breeding stages during a period of 2008-2010. We tried to elucidate the relationship between condition and haematocrit level of an individual and studied the haematocrit changes of an individual between years. The haematocrit values differed between years. Females had higher haematocrit values than males in 2010 but not in 2009. At courtship the haematocrit level of males was higher, than during nestling care. The different environmental effects and energy demands of the individuals may be the driving force behind the observed changes in haematocrit level. Analysing the changes between two years, there was a positive correlation between changes in condition index and haematocrit of individuals. The haematocrit values of an individual were repeatable between years. This finding suggests that haematocrit can be informative about the individual’s general health state.
Energetic Refurbishment of Historic Brick Buildings: Problems and Opportunities
Authors: Zagorskas Jurgis , Paliulis Gražvydas Mykolas , Burinskienė Marija , Venckauskaitė Jūratė
Published: February 2014

Building standards for energy effectiveness are increasing constantly and the market follows these changes by constructing new buildings in accordance with standards and refurbishment of the existing housing stock. Comprehensive trends in European construction market show tremendous increase in building retrofit works. It can be predicted that after the end of this decade, more than half of the construction works in European cities will be taking place in existing buildings, pushing the construction of new buildings to a less important role. Such a growth in building refurbishment works is creating a demand for suitable materials, retrofitting techniques and research. The differences between refurbishment of new-build projects and historical or valuable buildings are insufficiently recognized - mostly the buildings without further cultural preservation requirements are studied. This article covers the theme of refurbishment measures in historical buildings - the specific measures like inside insulation which are allowed due to the valuable façade or other heritage preservation requirements. An overview of other innovative methods for energy saving in existing buildings and their potential is given.
On the nonlocal Cauchy problem for semilinear fractional order evolution equations
Authors: Wang JinRong , Zhou Yong , Fečkan Michal
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we develop the approach and techniques of [Boucherif A., Precup R., Semilinear evolution equations with nonlocal initial conditions, Dynam. Systems Appl., 2007, 16(3), 507–516], [Zhou Y., Jiao F., Nonlocal Cauchy problem for fractional evolution equations, Nonlinar Anal. Real World Appl., 2010, 11(5), 4465–4475] to deal with nonlocal Cauchy problem for semilinear fractional order evolution equations. We present two new sufficient conditions on existence of mild solutions. The first result relies on a growth condition on the whole time interval via Schaefer fixed point theorem. The second result relies on a growth condition splitted into two parts, one for the subinterval containing the points associated with the nonlocal conditions, and the other for the rest of the interval via O’Regan fixed point theorem.
Inhibition of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus by a plasma needle
Authors: Miletić Maja , Vuković Dragana , Živanović Irena , Dakić Ivana , Soldatović Ivan , Maletić Dejan , Lazović Saša , Malović Gordana , Petrović Zoran , Puač Nevena
Published: February 2014

In numerous recent papers plasma chemistry of non equilibrium plasma sources operating at atmospheric pressure has been linked to plasma medical effects including sterilization. In this paper we present a study of the effectiveness of an atmospheric pressure plasma source, known as plasma needle, in inhibition of the growth of biofilm produced by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Even at the lowest powers the biofilms formed by inoculi of MRSA of 104 and 105 CFU have been strongly affected by plasma and growth in biofilms was inhibited. The eradication of the already formed biofilm was not achieved and it is required to go to more effective sources.
Personal Documents as Data Sources for Social Sciences. A Review of History of Uses, Ethical, Methodological and Epistemological Considerations
Authors: Cucu-Oancea Ozana
Published: February 2014

This article envisages critically present the use of the personal documents, looking from a historical perspective at how it was practiced in different paradigms in the humanistic-social sciences. The exposé also considers the methodological and the ethical implications of using the method, underlining, in this respect, the aspects related to the preservation and reuse of the materials of this kind. By putting into balance the trumps and downsides of the personal documents method, the article highlights, in fact, the importance of using the personal documents method in studying a wide range of specific problems of the humanistic-social sciences. The ultimate purpose of the article is, therefore, that of prompting the social scientists to look more carefully and more trustingly at the alternative of choosing the personal documents method, as a potential powerful tool for sociological research, providing them, at the same time, with possible directions in discerning between the favourable and unfavourable situations for using it.
Gender Beliefs Measurement. How a Slightly Different Wording of the Same Question Changes the Story
Authors: Constantin Andreea
Published: February 2014

Slightly different wordings are known to introduce important differences in the way people understand and answer survey questions and, moreover, in the quality of the items (Billiet 1991). This is what may happen also in the case of two wordings used to measure the attitude people express towards the effect of the women’s job on their children. The aim of this study is to assess which of the two almost similar items, assumed to tap this kind of attitudes, produces a better measurement in terms of validity, reliability and overall quality. For this purpose I employ original data and use OLS models as well as SQP analysis. The findings reveal some surprising differences between the two items. This study starts with a short introduction, followed by the description of the method and the presentation of the findings. A short discussion concludes the text, focusing on implications for future studies.
Understanding and Fighting Poverty – Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach and Related Theories
Authors: Knech Alban
Published: February 2014

This article scrutinises the usefulness of Sen’s capability approach and other related theories for understanding poverty and traceability of social-welfare interventions. In addition to the capability approach three macro level approaches are discussed: the welfare regime approach of Esping-Andersen, the social investment approach and a new resource theory. While the strength of the capability approach is the interpretation of worldwide data, and welfare regimes better explain the tangible function of welfare institutions, the social investment approach focuses on the meaning of human capital. Resource theory describes the welfare interventions by analysing their effects on equipping individuals with a broad range of resources. Two further approaches show the mode of operation of micro level interventions. Resource orientation and empowerment are social work techniques which improve the situation of disadvantaged people by emancipation. The article concludes that macro level and micro level considerations must be combined to understand, and then fight poverty
ANALYSIS OF OPERATION OF ARCH FRICTIONAL JOINT LOADED WITH THE IMPACT OF FREELY FALLING MASS
Authors: Brodny Jarosław
Published: February 2014

Yielding support, commonly applied to secure dog headings, is made of carrying elements in the form of steel frames and friction props. Yielding capacity of this support is realized in frictional joints, which due to their geometry can be divided to straight and arch joints. Occurring in steel frames arch frictional joints are characterized with more complex loading state than straight joints used in friction props. In the article, there is presented an analysis of the state of stress and deformation of the arch frictional joint, which was carried out on the model of these joints using finite element method. The scope of the analysis included two methods of loading of arch frictional joint, namely its axial compression and bending. In both cases, joints were loaded dynamically with the impact of freely falling mass. Arch joints with and without passive pressure were submitted to an axial compression. Physical model of the frictional joint was developed on the basis of a system applied during the stand tests. To solve mathematical model an explicit integration method was used. As a result of analyses carried out, temporal courses of force transmitted through the frictional joint, and displacements of section sliding down were determined. On the basis of the temporal courses, dependences between maximum value of force transmitted through the frictional joint and the height from which the impact mass falls down were determined. Distributions of reduced stresses in elements of frictional joint were also determined and the state of deformation was described. In order to emphasize the difference between straight and arch frictional joints, also an analysis of internal forces in arch frictional joint depending on its geometrical parameters without and with passive pressure was presented.
COMPARISON OF GEO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WHITE ROCK SALT AND PINK ROCK SALT IN KŁODAWA SALT DIAPIR
Authors: Kolano Malwina , Flisiak Danuta
Published: February 2014

Within the boundaries of the Salt Mine “Kłodawa”, rock-salts and potassium-magnesium salts occur at different stratigraphic levels. The present article introduces strength-strain properties of white rock salt, building the nucleus of northeastern edge anticline, and pink rock salt that belongs to the series of youngest rock salt. On the grounds of the research on strength and strain parameters (uniaxial compressive and tensile strength, triaxial shear strength, modulus of elasticity and Poisson ratio) there is presented, in the article, variation of basic parameters determining geo-mechanical properties of rock salt in Kłodawa salt diapir.
GEOSTATISTICAL HYDROGEOCHEMICAL 3D MODEL FOR KŁODZKO UNDERGROUND WATER INTAKE AREA PARAMETERS OF UNDERGROUND WATERS
Authors: Namysłowska-Wilczyńska Barbara
Published: February 2014

The paper presents the first stage of research on a geostatistical hydrogeochemical 3D model dedicated to the horizontal and vertical spatial and time variation in the topographical, hydrological and quality parameters of underground water in the Kłodzko water intake area. The research covers the period 1977-2012. For this purpose various thematic databases, containing original data on coordinates X, Y (latitude and longitude) and Z (terrain elevation and time - years) and on regionalized variables, i.e., the underground water quality parameters in the Kłodzko water intake area determined for different analytical configurations (22 wells, 14 wells, 14 wells + 3 piezometers), were created. The data were subjected to spatial analyses using statistical methods. The input for the studies was the chemical determination of the quality parameters of underground water samples taken from the wells in the water intake area in different periods of time. Both archival data (acquired in the years 1977-1999, 1977-2011) and the latest data (collected in November 2011 and in January 2012) were analyzed. First, the underground water intake area with 22 wells was investigated. Then in order to assess the current quality of the underground water, 14 wells out of the 22 wells were selected for further chemical analyses and a collection siphon wall was included. Recently, three new piezometers were installed in the water intake area and so new water samples were taken, whereby the databases were supplemented with new chemical determinations. The variation in the topographical parameter (terrain elevation) and in the hydrogeological parameters: water abstraction level Z (with and without the land layout being taken into account) and the depth of occurrence of the water table, was examined. Subsequently, the variation in quality parameters was studied on the basis of data coming from 22 wells, then 14 wells and finally from 14 wells and 3 piezometers. The variation in: Fe, Mn, ammonium ions NH4 +, nitrite anion NO3 - and phosphate anion PO4 -3 content values, total organic carbon (TOC) C content, the pH reaction and temperature (°C) of the water was investigated. The basic statistics and distribution histograms of the topographical, hydrogeological and quality parameters (22 wells, 14 wells, 14 wells + 3 piezometers; the years: 1977-1999, 2011, 2011-2012) were estimated and detailed characteristics of the variation in the parameters in the whole underground water intake area over the years were obtained. Generally, the behaviour of the underground water quality parameters has been found to vary in space and time. Thanks to the multidirectional spatial analyses of the variation in the quality parameters in the Kłodzko underground water intake area some regularities in the variation in water quality have been identified.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF GEOMECHANICAL PARAMETERS VARIABILITY ON UNDERGROUND EXCAVATIONS STABILITY USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD
Authors: Pytel Witold , Świtoń Joanna
Published: February 2014

Recognition of properties of the rock mass surrounding a mineral deposit is particularly important for the mining operations at greater depths. Since the rock mass is usually not homogeneous, and its parameters have characteristics of randomness, underground workings safety issue should always be analysed taking into account the dispersion of the values of these parameters around their mean values. In order to assess the impact of geotechnical parameters uncertainty on the excavation stability one uses the appropriate statistical approach. In this paper, by analysing successive combinations of geomechanical parameters of the rock in the measured range, we examined the effect of their variability on risk of underground excavation instability using response surface method.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BOTTOM ASH – DREDGED MATERIAL MIXTURES IN LABORATORY TESTS
Authors: Bałachowski Lech , Sikora Zbigniew
Published: February 2014

Bottom ash from EC Gdańsk and dredged material taken from the mouth of The Vistula were mixed to form an engineering material used for dike construction. Mixtures with different bottom ash content were tested in laboratory to determine its basic physical and mechanical properties. The optimum bottom ash-dredged material mixture, built in the corps of the test dike, contains 70% of ash. The optimum bottom ash content in the mixture was chosen taking into account high internal friction angle, good compaction and reduced filtration coefficient. The maximum dry density of the mixtures was measured in Proctor test for the mixtures formed in laboratory and on samples taken from the test dike. Minimum and maximum void ratio were also determined.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE DE-ICING SALT ON THE DETERIORATION OF ROCK MATERIALS USED IN MONUMENTAL BUILDINGS
Authors: Kłopotowska Agnieszka Katarzyna , Łukaszewski Paweł
Published: February 2014

The de-icing salt has been used for decades to increase safety on the roads and sidewalks. In Poland, mainly the sodium chloride is used in order to maintain the roads in good condition during winter. Like other salts used for surface de-icing, it depresses the freezing point to lower temperatures and has an additional thermal effect by an exothermic reaction. However, this salt causes the accumulation of chlorides in the walls and stone buildings contributing to the deterioration of these facilities.

The paper addresses the issue of the influence of salt solutions on the structure and geomechanical properties of rocks at negative temperatures. The study was conducted on the basis of cyclic tests which simulate complex action of both the negative temperature and the salty environment. The conditions for the tests were chosen so as to reflect the actual conditions of the winter in Poland. During the tests, the longitudinal wave propagation velocity, changes in weights of the samples as well as visual changes were recorded which allowed continuous tracking of occurring changes. At the end of the tests, the rock samples were subjected to uniaxial compressive tests. For this purpose, four lithological types were chosen, representing the sedimentary rocks: clastic and carbonate, widely used in stone constructions.
CLOSING SUFFIXES IN OLD ENGLISH: A STUDY BASED ON RECURSIVE AFFIXATION
Authors: Alonso Roberto Torre , Rodríguez Darío Metola
Published: February 2014

This paper takes issue with the lexicon of Old English and, more specifically, with the existence of closing suffixes in word-formation. Closing suffixes are defined as base suffixes that prevent further suffixation by word-forming suffixes (Aronoff & Furhop 2002: 455). This is tantamount to saying that this is a study in recursivity, or the formation of derivatives from derived bases, as in anti-establish-ment, which requires the attachment of the prefix anti- to the derived input establishment.

The present analysis comprises all major lexical categories, that is, nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs and concentrates on suffixes because they represent the newest and the most productive process in Old English word-formation (Kastovsky 1992, 2006), as well as the set of morphemes that has survived into Present-day English without undergoing radical changes. Given this aim, the data retrieved from the lexical database of Old English Nerthus (www.nerthusproject.com) comprise 6,073 affixed (prefixed and suffixed) derivatives, including 3,008 nouns, 1,961 adjectives, 974 adverbs and 130 verbs. All of them have been analysed in order to isolate recursive formations.
TREASURE AND SPIRITUAL EXILE IN OLD ENGLISH JULIANA: HEROIC DICTION AND ALLEGORY OF READING IN CYNEWULF’S ART OF ADAPTATION
Authors: Olesiejko Jacek
Published: February 2014

The present article studies Cynewulf’s creative manipulation of heroic style in his hagiographic poem Juliana written around the 9th century A.D. The four poems now attributed to Cynewulf, on the strength of his runic autographs appended to each, Christ II, Elene, The Fates of the Apostles, and Juliana are written in the Anglo-Saxon tradition of heroic alliterative verse that Anglo- Saxons had inherited from their continental Germanic ancestors. In Juliana, the theme of treasure and exile reinforces the allegorical structure of Cynewulf’s poetic creation. In such poems like Beowulf and Seafarer treasure signifies the stability of bonds between people and tribes. The exchange of treasure and ritualistic treasure-giving confirms bonds between kings and their subjects. In Juliana, however, treasure is identified with heathen culture and idolatry. The traditional imagery of treasure, so central to Old English poetic lore, is inverted in the poem, as wealth and gold embody vice and corruption. The rejection of treasure and renunciation of kinship bonds indicate piety and chastity. Also, while in other Old English secular poems exile is cast in terms of deprivation of human company and material values, in Juliana the possession of and preoccupation with treasure indicates spiritual exile and damnation. This article argues that the inverted representations of treasure and exile in the poem lend additional strength to its allegorical elements and sharpen the contrast between secular world and Juliana, who is an allegorical representation of the Church.
COMING TO TERMS WITH A PAGAN PAST: THE STORY OF ST ERKENWALD
Authors: Schustereder Stefan
Published: February 2014

The poem of St Erkenwald and his encounter with the body of a pagan judge preserved in a tomb underneath St Paul's Cathedral has never provoked an intense scholarly discussion. During the past two decades, however, the poem has altogether lost the scarce attention it used to receive. This is surprising in regards to its outstanding quality but also because of a number of peculiar characteristics the text has in comparison with other works written during the Middle Ages. Arguing for the importance of the historical details provided by the poem, my article takes a number of these peculiarities into account and suggests a new reading of the poem. In this approach, I do not dismiss the major topics of the earlier scholarly discussions, mostly focused on the poem's theological and stylistic topics or its presumed sources. My article rather presents an additional reading from the perspective of a literary history, thus arguing that the poem of St Erkenwald can be placed within a discourse tradition to which a number of earlier authors contributed, the most famous among them being the Venerable Bede. While the poem addresses a variety of theological and stylistic topics and is of course influenced by its contemporary religious and social developments, it also contributes to one of the fundamental problems of English identity in the Middle Ages: coming to terms with a pagan origin.
A Concept of General Meaning: Selected Theories in Comparison to Selected Semantic and Pragmatic Theories
Authors: Kalisz Roman
Published: February 2014

The paper discusses a concept of general meaning with reference to various relevant semantic and pragmatic theories. It includes references to Slavic axiological semantics (e.g. Krzeszowski (1997); Puzynina (1992)), Wierzbicka’s (e.g. 1980, 1987) atomic expressions and classical pragmatics theories, such as speech acts, Gricean theory of conversational implicature, politeness theory and and relevance theory.
Performing Anaphora in Modern Greek: A Neo-Gricean Pragmatic Analysis
Authors: Chiou Michael
Published: February 2014

The paper addresses the problem of interpreting anaphoric NPs in Modern Greek. It includes a proposal of a novel analysis based on the systematic interaction of the neo- Gricean pragmatic principles of communication, which provides a neat and elegant approach to NP-anaphora resolution. The findings of this study provide evidence for an account of NP-anaphora in terms of the division of labour between syntax and pragmatics and more accurately in terms of the systematic interaction of the neo-Gricean pragmatic principles.
Vascular plant biodiversity of floodplain forest geobiocoenosis in Lower Morava river Basin (forest district Tvrdonice), Czech Republic
Authors: Maděra Petr , Řepka Radomír , Šebesta Jan , Koutecký Tomáš , Klimánek Martin
Published: February 2014

This paper presents an evaluation of full-area floristic mapping of floodplain forest in Tvrdonice forest district (Židlochovice Forest Enterprise) based on a single forest stand inventory. The study area encompasses 2,200 ha of forests, where 769 segments were inventoried, and 46,886 single records about presence of vascular plant species were catalogued. We found 612 species (incl. subspecies and hybrids), out of which 514 were herbs, 98 were woody plants, 113 were endangered species and 170 were adventive species. The average area of a segment is 2.86 ha. The mean number of species per segment is 60.97 in a range of 4-151.
Fatal chytridiomycosis and infection loss observed in captive toads infected in the wild
Authors: Baláž Vojtech , Kubečková Martina , Civiš Petr , Rozínek Roman , Vojar Jiří
Published: February 2014

A parasitic fungus,Batrachochytrium dendrobatidisis now recognised as an important factor in the amphibian biodiversity crisis. Toad species of the genusBufoare among those susceptible to infection by the pathogen in Europe. The aim of this study was to observe the presence and impact of infection in adults of two toad species collected for captive breeding. The total number of animals included in the study was 162, but only subsets were used for sampling at different occasions (35 specimens in the initial sampling in summer 2011, 48 post hibernation during winter 2011, and 31 in summer 2012, after all toads in captivity were treated with itraconazole). We performed TaqMan real-time quantification PCR to detect and quantify the pathogen. We found that a large infection load was linked to mortality in a single adult green toad (Bufo viridis). However, low infection loads observed in fiveB. viridisand five natterjack toads (B. calamita)were lost over time, with no apparent adverse effect. Intraconazole treated animals were all clear of infection. As infection in these two toad species either led to mortality or recovery, it seems unlikely they could act as permanent carriers ofB. dendrobatidisand therefore persistence of the pathogen is likely maintained by different host species. This is the first study to date that has detected infection and observed its impact and persistence in wild-infected toads in Europe.
Determination of minimum effective doses of luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin for intrafollicular treatment to induce ovulation in dairy heifers
Authors: Malá Jana , Beckers Jean-Francois , de Sousa Noelita Melo , Indrová Eva , Lopatářová Miloslava , Doležel Radovan , Ševelová Helena , Čech Svatopluk
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum effective intrafollicular doses of luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin in order to induce ovulation in cycling dairy heifers that have not yet been adequately established. Application of 10, 5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 µg luteinizing hormone as well as 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 international units (IU) of human chorionic gonadotropin in dominant follicles was performed on day 7 of the oestrous cycle. Control animals were given luteinizing hormone (12.5 mg and 25 mg) or human chorionic gonadotropin (2000 IU) intravenously. Accessory corpus luteum on day 14 of the oestrous cycle was considered as an evidence of ovulation. Ovulation was observed in 2 out of 3 heifers in each treatment group (n = 3) after administration of 10–0.1 µg luteinizing hormone (except for 0.5 µg – ovulation in 3 of 3 heifers), in all heifers after administration of 10–0.01 IU human chorionic gonadotropin as well as in all control heifers. Administration of 0.01 µg and 0.001 µg luteinizing hormone as well as of 0.001 IU human chorionic gonadotropin did not result in ovulation. Higher progesterone concentration on day 14 vs. day 7 of the oestrous cycle was found after all treatments. Nevertheless, the differences were significant (P < 0.05) only after intrafollicular treatments with 5, 1 and 0.001 µg luteinizing hormone as well as 10, 1 and 0.01 IU human chorionic gonadotropin. In conclusion, minimum efficient doses for intrafollicular treatment of the dominant follicles in cycling heifers capable of inducing ovulation were 0.1 µg of luteinizing hormone and 0.01 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin. This is the first study describing the intrafollicular luteinizing hormone administration in cycling dairy heifers.
The effect of selected ovulation-inducing preparations on post-stripping mortality and reproductive indicators of farmed European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.)
Authors: Turek Jan , Randák Tomáš , Velíšek Josef , Podhorec Peter , Kouřil Jan
Published: February 2014

An experiment on the effects of hormonal preparations (Gonazon™ and Supergestran containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone) on the course of reproduction of farmed grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.) broodstock and their post-stripping mortality was performed at the hatchery in spring 2009. Four-year-old marked grayling females (n = 80) were randomly divided into four groups. The fish were intramuscularly injected with Supergestran at a dose of 30 μg·kg-1 body weight (Group 1), with GonazonTM at a dose of 30 μg·kg-1 (Group 2) and with saline 0.9% NaCl (Group 3), while fish of Group 4 were left without treatment (control group). No effect of treatment on the total number of ovulated females (70–80%) was found at the end of the stripping period. Slightly higher (non-significant) percentage of ovulated fish in the first stripping time (3 days post injection) was observed in fish treated with Gonazon. The 30-days post-ovulatory mortality remained unaffected by hormone treatments in all groups. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found in the fertilization rate of egg samples from the first stripping time. The highest fertilization rate (98.6%) was found in fish treated with Supergestran, lower fertilization rates (61% and 65%) in fish treated with saline and control, respectively, and the lowest fertilization rate (39%) in fish treated with Gonazon. Other reproductive indicators remained unaffected by treatment in all groups. Based on our results, Supergestran is the most suitable preparation for the enhancing of artificial reproduction efficiency of farmed European grayling in fishery practice. The study brings important information about artificial reproduction of grayling broodstocks reared in controlled conditions.
Histometric and biochemical properties of the thyroid gland in sheep with high iodine supplementation
Authors: Peksa Zdeněk , Trávníček Jan , Konečný Roman , Jelínek František , Dušová Hana , Hasoňová Lucie , Pálka Václav
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate histometric and biochemical properties of the thyroid gland of sheep supplemented with high doses of iodine. The study was conducted on ewes (n = 12) and gimmers (n = 12) of Sumava mountain sheep; each group was subdivided into two groups (group A and B) of six animals. Feed of group A was supplemented with 3 mg iodine/kg of dry matter; group B was given 5 mg iodine/kg dry matter. The iodine in feed mineral supplement was in the form of calcium iodide. The ewes were at first carrying, subsequently lambing, lactating and finally remained barren. The experiment ended after 11 months, when all animals were slaughtered and a sample of the thyroid gland was taken for histometric examination and determination of iodine content by modified colorimetric method. Prior to the slaughter, blood samples were collected for determination of thyroidal hormones and the thyroid-stimulating hormone in blood serum. Thyroid glands of sheep from group B showed higher thyroid weight, larger follicles, higher percentage of large follicles and lower follicular cells compared to groups A. Normal or lower content of triiodothyronine and thyroxine, lower content of their free fractions and bordering or elevated concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone were detected in blood serum of all four groups. This trend can signalize the tendency of lowering activity of the thyroid gland. The results of this long-term study show impacts of higher iodine intake on the structure and function of the thyroid gland in sheep.
Genetic background of aggressive behaviour in dogs
Authors: Proskura Witold Stanisław , Frost Anna , Gugała Leonard , Dybus Andrzej , Grzesiak Wilhelm , Wawrzyniak Justyna , Uchman Sylwia
Published: February 2014

The background of aggression is very complicated and the basis of its occurrence has not been well explained yet. It is thought that tendency to aggressiveness is an effect of both environmental and genetic factors. Aggression is a very undesirable behavioural trait in dogs living with humans. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between two polymorphisms: DRD4 intron II VNTR and C/T substitution in exon I HTR2B genes and aggressive behaviour in dogs. The VNTR polymorphism in the DRD4 gene was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis following PCR amplification, whereas C/T substitution in the HTR2B gene was analysed using amplification created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (ACRS-PCR). A total of 121 dogs of several breeds were analyzed. All animals were classified based on a veterinary interview and observation in two groups: aggressive (n = 21) and non-aggressive (n = 100). Significant differences in DRD4 genotype frequencies between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs were observed (P < 0.05). The study provides a clear evidence of an association of VNTR polymorphism within intron II of the DRD4 gene with the occurrence of aggressive behaviour in dogs. Moreover, the findings give good justification for further research aimed at evaluation of the possibility of using this genetic marker in Marker-assisted Selection.
Some possible factors affecting horse welfare assessment
Authors: Fejsáková Magdaléna , Kottferová Jana , Dankulincová Zuzana , Haladová Eva , Matos Raquel , Miňo Igor
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of various stimuli that confound interpretation of assessed indicators of horse welfare during rest and working period by the use of non-invasive methods of sampling. In total, 40 horses of different breeds and used for different purposes in Slovakia were used. The following indicators were tested: concentration of cortisol in saliva and 11,17-dioxoandrostanes in faeces measured by Elisa methods, heart rate and heart rate variability recording with the Polar Heart Rate Monitor and presence of stereotypical behaviour assessed with a horse questionnaire survey. The evaluated physiological responses were mostly affected by the type of work undertaken, especially horse movement intensity (P < 0.001) and horse equipment used during the working period (P < 0.01). Horses that showed stereotypical behaviour were less stressed during rest (P < 0.05) compared to horses without stereotypical behaviour. Horse breed, age, sex and stabling conditions affected only some of the heart rate indicators. The type of riding style had no fundamental influence on evaluated indicators. These observations highlight the difficulties in determining the welfare status in horses, since measurements can be affected by many factors that need to be investigated for achieving relevant outcomes. This is the first study in Slovakia focusing on the evaluation of horse welfare by non-invasive sampling.
Nutrition Information-seeking Behaviour of Low-income Pregnant Maghrebian Women
Authors: Legault Anik , Marquis Marie
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Nutrition information-seeking behaviour was explored among low-income pregnant Maghrebian women living in Montreal. Environmental factors likely to influence nutrition information-seeking behaviour during pregnancy are discussed.

Methods

Data were collected in face-to-face interviews with 14 primigravid pregnant women recruited via the Montreal Diet Dispensary, a nonprofit agency with the mission of promoting health among low-income pregnant women. Data collection was part of a larger project on pregnant women’s nutrition decision-making.

Results

Environmental factors likely to influence informationseeking behaviour were identified. They were grouped within two major themes: culture and interactions with individuals from the social environment. The culture theme was divided into three minor themes: eating habits, food beliefs, and religious beliefs. The interactions with individuals from the social environment theme was divided into two minor themes: interactions with health care providers and interactions with family members.

Conclusions

Understanding the influence of these environmental factors should help registered dietitians tailor communication strategies to pregnant immigrant women’s specific information needs.
Children’s Food Intake: A Comparison of Children’s and Parents’ Reports
Authors: Vereecken Carine , Maes Lea
Published: February 2014

Purpose

In longitudinal studies, parents are the most accurate source of information on young children’s dietary intake; for older children, questioning children themselves may be more appropriate. However, if parental reports for young children and self-reports of older children are to be used in the same analyses, the measures must be comparable.

Methods

During school hours, fourth and sixth graders in 14 Flemish (Belgium) primary schools completed an online 15- item food frequency questionnaire with a retest questionnaire one to two weeks later; parents completed a paper-and-pencil or online questionnaire. Test-retest data were available for 286 children; children’s tests could be matched to parents’ reports for 275 children.

Results

On average, test-retest correlations were 0.68 (grade 4: 0.63; grade 6: 0.71) and correlations between children’s and parents’ reports were 0.44 (grade 4: 0.39; grade 6: 0.49). No systematic differences were found between the test and retest. Comparison of children’s and parents’ reports resulted in significant differences for six of the 15 items.

Conclusions

Low consensus between parents’ and children’s reports for several items may impede comparisons at a group level. Additionally, the results indicate more optimal dietary assessment in sixth graders.
Use of Mobile Device Applications In Canadian Dietetic Practice
Authors: Lieffers Jessica R.L. , Vance Vivienne A. , Hanning Rhona M.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

A cross-sectional web-based survey of dietitians was used to explore topics related to mobile devices and their applications (apps) in Canadian dietetic practice.

Methods

A survey was drafted, posted on SurveyMonkey, and pretested with dietitians and dietetic interns. Dietitians of Canada (DC), a supporter of this work, promoted the survey to members through its monthly electronic newsletters from January 2012 to April 2012.

Results

Of 139 dietitians who answered some survey questions, 118 finished the survey; this represents a response rate of approximately 3%. Overall, 57.3% of respondents reported app use in practice, and 54.2% had a client ask about or use a nutrition/food app. About 40.5% of respondents had recommended nutrition/food apps to clients. Respondents were enthusiastic about apps, but many described challenges with use. From the survey data, three themes emerged that can affect dietitians’ use of apps and whether they recommend apps to clients: mobile device and app factors (access to information/ tools, content quality, usability, accessibility/compatibility, and cost), personal factors (knowledge, interest, suitability, and willingness/ability to pay), and workplace factors.

Conclusions

Apps are now infiltrating dietetic practice. Several factors can affect dietitians’ use of apps and whether they recommend them to clients. These findings will help guide future development and use of apps in practice.
Conversion of high sacral to midsacral amputation via S-2 nerve preservation during partial S-2 sacrectomy for chordoma
Authors: Saigal Rajiv , Lu Daniel C. , Deng Donna Y. , Chou Dean
Published: February 2014

Chordomas of the sacrum require en bloc resection to reduce the risk of recurrence, but this may sacrifice nerves vital to bladder, bowel, and sexual function. High, mid-, and low sacral amputations have been previously classified based on nerve root sacrifice, not bony amputation. Sacrifice of the S-2 nerves or those above results in a high sacral amputation, but preserving the S-2 nerves converts it into a midsacral amputation. Preservation of the S-2 nerves has been shown to improve functional outcome, despite the bony osteotomy being unchanged. Thus, keeping the same bony amputation while preserving the S-2 nerve roots may allow for improved functional outcome while still achieving the same goal of oncological resection. Preservation of the S-2 nerves may be particularly difficult during amputation at the S-2 pedicle or above, and the authors describe their technique for preserving the S-2 nerves during partial sacrectomy at or just above the S-2 pedicle. Four cases of sacral chordoma resections are presented to illustrate the technique.
Modelling the trajectory of the corpses of mountaineers who disappeared in 1926 on Aletschgletscher, Switzerland
Authors: Jouvet Guillaume , Funk Martin
Published: February 2014

In this paper we reconstruct the space–time trajectory beneath the surface of Aletschgletscher, Switzerland, of the corpses of three mountaineers that disappeared in March 1926 and reappeared at the glacier surface in June 2012. Our method integrates the time-dependent velocity field of an existing full-Stokes glacier model, starting at the point where the corpses were found at the glacier surface. Our main result is that we were able to localize the immersion location where the brothers presumably died. As a second result, the upstream end point of the computed trajectory emerges very close to the glacier surface in 1926, giving a new and global validation of the glacier model in space and time. Testing the sensitivity of the immersion location obtained with respect to the model and other uncertainties indicates an area of 0.6% of the entire glacier area where the accident could have occurred. Our result suggests that death was not caused by an avalanche or a fall into a crevasse; instead, it is likely that the mountaineers became disoriented in prolonged severe weather conditions and froze to death.
Copper, Cadmium, Chromium and lead bioaccumulation in Stinging Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and freshwater mussel, Lamellidens corrianus Lia and to compare their concentration in sediments and water of Turag river
Authors: Mandal Suman , Ahmed Abu Tweb Abu
Published: February 2014

The present study was carried out to determine the level of bioaccumulation of some heavy metals namely Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Lead (Pb) in freshwater fish Stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis Bloch, 1794) and freshwater Mussel (Lamellidens corrianus Lia, 1834) collected from Turag river during the months of October to December 2010. The accumulation levels were then compared with the concentration levels of sediments and water of the same river. In H. fossilis the average bioaccumulations were Cu 13.27 ± 2.47 mg/kg ; Cd 0.215 ± 0.208 mg/kg ; Cr 1.46 ± 0.431 mg/kg and Pb 0 mg/kg in dry weight while Cu 31.90 ± 6.202 mg/kg ; Cd 0.182 ± 0.025 mg/kg ; Cr 0.0367 ± 0.039 mg/kg and Pb 3.865 ± 1.041 mg/kg in dry weight of L. corrianus. Average concentration of metals in sediments of Turag river were Cu 54.95 ± 9.218 mg/kg ; Cd 0.05 ± 0.011 mg/kg ; Cr 5.575 ± 0.608 mg/kg and Pb 34.89 ± 5.554 mg/kg in dry weight and in water these levels were Cu 0.0253 ± 0.024 ppm ; Cd 0.0012 ± 0.001 ppm ; Cr 0.2335 ± 0.044 ppm and Pb 0.1169 ± 0.041 ppm. The bioaccumulation level of heavy metals in Turag river were higher than the FAO approved standard level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17862 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 231-238, December 2013
Visceral Leishmaniasis with Generalized Involvement of Lymph Nodes in a 55-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Rahim A , Moniruzzaman M , Khan FI , Rahman MM
Published: February 2014

A 55-year-old woman was presented with fever, splenomegaly, generalized lymphadenopathy and weight loss. The patient came from Sreepur, an endemic region of Kala-azar in Bangladesh. About 2 years back, the patient presented with fever and splenomegaly and on investigation, ICT for Kala-azar was found positive. Thus the patient was diagnosed as a case of visceral Leishmaniasis and was treated with Miltefosin in full dosage form. The condition was improved with the treatment. After about a year of treatment the patient again developed fever and splenomegaly? this time was also generalized lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsy showed non-Hodgkins lymphoma and bone marrow study showed the presence of LD-bodies. FNAC from cervical and epitrochlear lymph nodes showed the presence of LD bodies without the presence of any malignant cells, so she was diagnosed as a case of treatment failure of visceral Leishmaniasis with lymphatic involvement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v10i2.17961 J Sci Found, 2012;10(2):80-84
Role of Strong versus Weak Networks in Small Business Growth in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Kozan M. , Akdeniz Levent
Published: February 2014

The study tests whether strong rather than weak ties account for small business growth in Turkey. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire filled out by the owners of small firms operating in four cities. Growth is comprised of two main areas, production expansion and knowledge acquisition. Results show that strong ties are positively related to both types of growth. In contrast, loose ties have no effect on small business growth in either area. This finding is attributed to the influence of the collectivistic nature of the mainstream Turkish culture, where owners of small businesses are likely to rely on in-groups rather than out-groups for advice and for financial support. Implications of relative absence of weak ties for small business growth and innovation in emerging economies are discussed. The findings suggest that culture should be included as a contingency variable in future studies of network strength and growth relationship. The paper also discusses the possible moderating role of affective and cognition-based trust in the relation of strong and weak ties to small business growth.
Miniaturized Bioaffinity Assessment Coupled to Mass Spectrometry for Guided Purification of Bioactives from Toad and Cone Snail
Authors: Heus Ferry , Otvos Reka , Aspers Ruud , Van Elk Rene , Halff Jenny , Ehlers Andreas , Dutertre Sébastien , Lewis Richard , Wijmenga Sybren , Smit August , Niessen Wilfried , Kool Jeroen
Published: February 2014

A nano-flow high-resolution screening platform, featuring a parallel chip-based microfluidic bioassay and mass spectrometry coupled to nano-liquid chromatography, was applied to screen animal venoms for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor like (nAChR) affinity by using the acetylcholine binding protein, a mimic of the nAChR. The potential of this microfluidic platform is demonstrated by profiling the Conus textile venom proteome, consisting of over 1,000 peptides. Within one analysis (<90 min, 500 ng venom injected), ligands are detected and identified. To show applicability for non-peptides, small molecular ligands such as steroidal ligands were identified in skin secretions from two toad species (Bufo alvarius and Bufo marinus). Bioactives from the toad samples were subsequently isolated by MS-guided fractionation. The fractions analyzed by NMR and a radioligand binding assay with α7-nAChR confirmed the identity and bioactivity of several new ligands.
From Random Motion of Hamiltonian Systems to Boltzmann’s H Theorem and Second Law of Thermodynamics: a Pathway by Path Probability
Authors: Wang Qiuping , El Kaabouchiu Aziz
Published: February 2014

A numerical experiment of ideal stochastic motion of a particle subject to conservative forces and Gaussian noise reveals that the path probability depends exponentially on action. This distribution implies a fundamental principle generalizing the least action principle of the Hamiltonian/Lagrangian mechanics and yields an extended formalism of mechanics for random dynamics. Within this theory, Liouville’s theorem of conservation of phase density distribution must be modified to allow time evolution of phase density and consequently the Boltzmann H theorem. We argue that the gap between the regular Newtonian dynamics and the random dynamics was not considered in the criticisms of the H theorem.