bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study on the nursery culture of hatchery-reared sub-adult cupped oyster, Crassostrea iredalei (Faustino, 1932), in an earthen pond and a mangrove canal
Authors: Chueachat Premwadee , Tarangkoon Woraporn , Tanyaros Suwat
Published: April 2021

A comparative study on the nursery culture of the spat of the tropical oyster, Crassostrea iredalei, in an earthen pond and a mangrove canal was conducted over two months. The results revealed no differences in the absolute growth rate determined by shell width between the two culture sites (P < 0.05). Sub-adult oysters cultured in the mangrove canal showed a higher absolute growth rate in shell length and a higher daily growth rate than the oysters cultured in the earthen pond (P < 0.05). The mean survival rate of sub-adult oysters cultured in the earthen pond (99.8 ± 0.2%) was significantly higher than for those cultured in the mangrove canal (66.7 ± 31.4%). Decreased density from the loss of sub-adult oyster nursery culture in the mangrove canal led to higher growth performance than in the earthen pond. However, no difference was found for the fraction of oysters larger or smaller than 5 cm for the two culture sites (P < 0.05). A significant difference was noted in the Condition Index (CI) between the two culture sites (P < 0.05). The high primary productivity in mangroves is a major supporter of higher CI in sub-adult oysters cultured in mangrove canals versus in earthen ponds. Water exchange in the earthen pond to maintain calcium and magnesium concentrations resulted in no differences in the shell compressibility of sub-adult oysters compared with those cultured in the mangrove canal.
Opportunistic alien catfish: unexpected findings in the diet of the alien species Ictalurus punctatus in Central Italy
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Azzini Martina , Fribbi Ivan , Inghilesi Alberto F. , Tricarico Elena
Published: April 2021

Alien fish species are known for the negative impacts they can have on native species and their ability to shape recipient communities. One such case is the North American channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Raf.), in the Arno River in central Italy. During river bank reconstruction, specimens of this species (n=40) were collected, and the stomach content was analysed. As a result, we highlight the opportunistic feeding behavior of this alien species that is responding rapidly to newly available resources and also poses a threat to native species.
In vivo Antioxidant and Hepato-Protective Properties of Stem Bark Methanol Extract of Vitex doniana
Authors: Mailafiya Simon C. , Kolawole Sherifat O. , Adeniyi Abdulazeez K. , Muhammed Bala A. , Ismail Abdulfatai , Alawode Adenike R. , Lawal Bashir
Published: April 2021

The harmful effects that accompany the use of orthodox antioxidant medicine have necessitated the hunt for inherent antioxidants from plants extracts. In the present study, the in vivo antioxidant and hepato-protective activities of Vitex doniana against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in albino rats were investigated. The hepato-protective activities of the methanol extract of Vitex doniana stem bark were compared with Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug. Twenty-five (25) male albino adult rats were grouped into five (5) each. Group 1 and 2 was used as the normal and negative control respectively. Group 3-5 were treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg methanol extract of Vitex doniana stem bark and 100 mg/kg Silymarin respectively. Results indicated that elevated levels of serum ALT, AST and ALB, and reduced serum SOD, GST and CAT in CCl4-hepatotoxic rats was an evidence of impairment in liver function. Administration of methanol extract of Vitex doniana stem bark (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) and standard control drug Silymarin (100 mg/kg) have no significant (P>0.05) effect on CCl4- induced elevations of the ALT and AST levels while the reduction in albumin concentration, total proteins, SOD, GST and CAT due to CCl4 was reversed. In conclusion, Vitex doniana exhibited significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in CCL4 induced liver damage in rat, and thus could be used and incorporated in the development of new and effective antioxidant drugs.
Geophysical Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Diesel Contamination at a Telecommunication Mast in Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Olayiwola Olaseeni , Tokunbo Fagbemigun , Bosede Ojo , Joel Amosun , Ajibola Oyebamiji
Published: April 2021

An appraisal of the groundwater vulnerability to contamination risk at Adebayo in Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria, was carried out using the electrical resistivity method of geophysical prospecting. Two traverses of length 100 m each were established for both vertical electrical sounding (VES) and dipole-dipole. Six (6) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D dipole-dipole profiling techniques of the electrical resistivity method were adopted for the geophysical investigation. The results show variations in resistivity values, depicting four to five geologic layers: the topsoil, laterite, weathered layer, fractured, and the fresh basement. It was observed from the correlation of the geoelectric section and 2-D resistivity image along traverse 1 (TR1) that the groundwater in the study area flows towards the southwestern part, and the fractured basement serves as a migration pathway to the diesel oil in the same direction as groundwater flow. The fractured basement (Well 2) with no lateritic cover has higher resistivity values compare to the fracture zone that was found directly under the mast which was overlain by the laterite. Comparing the resistivity values of Well 1 and 2, Well 2 that was drilled into the fractured basement has more traces of the contaminant than Well 1.
Cellulose fibers extraction from Ulva lactuca from the Black Sea
Authors: Tirpan Doiniţa-Roxana Cioroiu , Koncsag Claudia Irina , Dobre Tănase
Published: April 2021

Cellulose fibres are known for their good mechanical properties, therefore they are used as fillers in structural composite materials, including as nanofibrils in nanomaterials. Also, they are biocompatible, non-toxic and biodegradable, reason for their use in the food industry as packaging materials or in obtaining medical materials. One source of cheap, easy- to- extract cellulose is the algal mass of Ulva lactuca, one of the most frequent species found in the Black Sea. In this study, cellulose extraction from Ulva lactuca was achieved by a simple low cost physical-chemical treatment. Freshly harvested seaweed was dried at 45 °C for 48 hours, transformed into a fine powder in order to increase the contact surface between the solvents and the alga. Extraction of lipids and chlorophyll took place in Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol. Successive steps of chemical treatment, having in view removal of hydrosoluble ulvans, pigments and hemicellulose lead to a yield of 15.36% in dry matter (DM) of cellulose-rich insoluble fraction proving that Ulva Lactuca species is a viable alternative resource in cellulose production.
Existence and uniqueness of positive solution for nonlinear difference equations involving p(k)-Laplacian operator
Authors: Moghadam Mohsen Khaleghi , Wieteska Renata
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we deal with the existence of at least one and of at least two positive solutions as well the uniqueness of a positive solution for an anisotropic discrete non-linear problem involving p(k)-Laplacian with Dirichlet boundary value conditions. The technical approach for the existence part is based on a local minimum theorem and on a two critical points theorem for differentiable functionals, and for uniqueness part is based on a Lipschitzian continuous condition on the nonlinearity term.
Hyperideal theory in ordered Krasner hyperrings
Authors: Omidi Saber , Davvaz Bijan
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study some properties of ordered Krasner hyper-rings. Also we state some definitions and basic facts and prove some results on ordered Krasner hyperring (R, +, ·, ≤). In particular, we introduce the concepts of prime hyperideals and semiprime hyperideals of an ordered Krasner hyperring and present several examples of them.
East-Central Europe in the Writing of James Clarence Mangan
Authors: Sturgeon Sinéad
Published: April 2021

This study explores the significance of East-Central Europe in a range of James Clarence Mangan’s poetry and prose from 1838–1847, focusing particularly on his depiction of Biedermeier Vienna (in the short story “The Man in the Cloak”), revolutionary uprisings in Poland and Albania (in the poems “Siberia” and “Song of the Albanian”), and his translations from the work of Bohemian-born Viennese poet Joseph Christian Freiherr von Zedlitz (1790–1862). I argue that Mangan’s interest in this region is twofold. On the one hand, it stems from the amenability of East-Central European culture and writing to the themes and tropes of the gothic, a genre central to Mangan’s imagination; on the other, from an underlying affinity in the historical position of the Irish and East-European poet in negotiating complex and contested politics of identity. While Mangan is a poet keenly conscious of “the importance of elsewhere,” and closely engaged in contemporary continental politics, I suggest that these European elsewheres also function as Foucauldian heterotopias, mythopoetic mirrors that enable the poet both to participate in Irish cultural nationalism and to register his dissent and distance from it.
Spatial differentiation of public administration employees due to professional burnout
Authors: Bąk Iwona , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

The paper presents the results of classifying public administration employees in terms of level of occupational burnout, taking into account their place of residence, gender and age. One of the methods of multidimensional statistical analysis – classification trees – was used as a research tool. Two dependent variables are defined. The first has only two variants, defined as “no occupational burnout” and “occupational burnout”, which characterise all respondents. The second dependent variable was limited to those respondents diagnosed with occupational burnout and has four variants corresponding to intensity of burnout. The obtained results indicate the differentiation of voivodeships (first-order administrative regions) in terms of the level of the studied phenomenon.
Analytical Study on the Behaviour of Composite Space Truss Structures with Openings in a Concrete Slab
Authors: Naveen Kumar P. , Prakash R. , Sangeetha Palanivelu
Published: April 2021

A space truss structural system is a three-dimensional arrangement of linear elements in a pyramid pattern forming a Double Layer Grid (DLG) system. Space trusses are an elegant and economical means of covering larger areas such as roof systems, in a wide variety of applications such as a stadium, aircraft-hanger, assembly hall, etc. The major problem encountered in using the space truss as a roofing system is the sudden failure of the whole structure due to critical buckling of the top chord member. Earlier research has shown that the optimal solution to overcome such a failure is by providing a small thickness of concrete slab over the space truss, so that the space truss with concrete slab (Composite Space Truss) will act as a floor system for the multi-storey building. For better ventilation and lighting in the building, the need for openings in the composite space truss is unavoidable; however, providing an opening in the concrete slab will reduce the load carrying capacity of the structure. The analysis of a composite space truss of size 30m x 30m with all possible locations of openings for four different support conditions was carried out using ANSYS in order to study the load - deflection behaviour. Further, the ductility factor and energy absorption capacity of the composite space truss with different locations of slab openings were compared.
Walnut Kernel administration to mothers during pregnancy and lactation improve learning of their pups. Changes in number of neurons and gene expression of NMDA receptor and BDNF in hippocampus in 80 days rat pups
Authors: Mahmoodian Zahra , Shekaari Majid Asadi , Soleimani Mansooreh , Ahmadi-Zeidabadi Meysam , Moradi Fatemeh , Akbarnejad Zeinab , Esmaeilpour Khadijeh , Kalantaripour Taj Pri
Published: April 2021

Walnut (Juglans regia) from the Juglandaceae family contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acid, vitamin E and melatonin, hence its consumption is beneficial to would be mothers and their offspring. The current study was designed to determine the possible mechanism of walnut consumption by mothers during pregnancy and lactation and the positive effects on learning and memory processes in their offspring. Wistar adult female rats were placed into three groups: control (fed with pellet, 20 g daily during pregnancy and lactation), CASE 1 [fed with Walnut Kernel (WK) 6% of food intake during pregnancy and lactation] and CASE 2 (fed with WK, 9% of food intake during gestation and lactation). In order to evaluate offspring learning and memory, the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was performed for their adult offspring at 80 days of age. Histological and molecular studies were utilized in order to discover the protective mechanism and efficacy of WK consumption. The results revealed that learning was significantly improved in the females of CASE 2, in comparison to controls, while there was no difference in memory among the different groups. In addition, the number of neurons significantly increased in the CASE 2 group compared to the control group. However, the molecular study demonstrated that there was no significant difference among the study groups. The results herein show that feeding mothers with WK may improve the learning competence of their pups and increase the number of neurons in both sexes.
The effect of Ketogenic diet on vitamin D3 and testosterone hormone in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Almsaid Hayder , Khalfa Hydar Muhsin
Published: April 2021

A keto diet is well-known for being a low carb diet in which the body produces ketones in the liver to be used as energy. When something high in carbs is eaten, the body will produce glucose and insulin. Glucose is the easiest molecule for the body to convert and use as energy, so it will be chosen over any other energy source. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a ketogenic diet on type 2 diabetic patients and the effect it has on testosterone, vitamin D3, HDL, LDL levels, in comparison to non-ketogenic diet subjects. In the study, Type 2 diabetic patients undergoing a keto diet were selected and serum D3 levels and testosterone levels were examined and compared with control subjects. The result show a significant increase in testosterone hormone in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 following a Ketogenic diet (mean± Std. Error 427.4±2.52) as compared with the control group (mean ± Std. Error 422.2±0.24) and as compared with patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who are not following a Ketogenic diet (mean± Std. Error 151.4±1.41). The results show no significant level in LDL level in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 following a Ketogenic diet (mean ± Std. Error 78.53±0.17), as compared to a control group (mean ± Std. Error 75.0.3±0.14) and no significant level in HDL level in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 following a Ketogenic diet (mean± Std. Error 46.3±1.55), as compared with a control group (mean ± Std. Error 46.2±2.43), and with patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who are not following a Ketogenic diet (mean ± Std. Error 45.1±1.55). The results show a significant increase in vitamin D3 level in patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 who are following a Ketogenic diet (mean ± Std. Error 53.5±0.32), as compared with a control group (mean± Std. Error 57±0.24), and with patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who are not following a Ketogenic diet (mean ± Std. Error 25.1±1.55). Herein, normal vitamin D3 levels in patients corresponds to normal testosterone hormone levels. In conclusion, this study shows that in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, following a ketogenic diet has a positive effect on the patients’ health.
Reversal effect of Solanum dasyphyllum against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Ilesanmi Omotayo B. , Efe Obade , Odewale Temitope T. , Atanu Francis O. , Adeogun Esther F. , Akinmoladun Afolabi C. , Olaleye Tolulope M.
Published: April 2021

We earlier reported the protective effect of Solanum dasyphyllum against cyanide neurotoxicity. In furtherance to this, we investigated the protective effect of S. dasyphyllum against rotenone, a chemical toxin that causes brain-related diseases. Mitochondria fraction obtained from the brain of male Wistar rats was incubated with various solvents (hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, and methanol) extracts of S. dasyphyllum before rotenone exposure. Mitochondria respiratory enzymes (MRE) were evaluated along with markers of oxidative stress. The inhibition of MRE by rotenone was reversed by treatment with various fractions of S. dasyphyllum. The oxidative stress induced by rotenone was also reversed by fractions of S. dasyphyllum. In addition, the ethylacetate fraction of S. dasyphyllum was most potent against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. In conclusion, S. dasyphyllum is rich in active phytochemicals that can prevent some neurotoxic effects of rotenone exposure. Further study can be done in an in vivo model to substantiate our results.
Assessment of safety and effectiveness of oral morphine on patients attending pain and palliative care: a study on Indian population
Authors: Jayan Sreelakshmi , Stephen Stephy , Koshy Kevin Tom , Abraham Nikhil John , Daniel Sunitha , Anila K N
Published: April 2021

Opioid analgesics remain the corner stone of effective management of moderate to severe pain. Morphine in its oral and parenteral form is one of the most affordable options left to treat severe cancer pain in most Palliative centres in India. The main objective of our study was to assess the safety and effectiveness, as well as the prescribing pattern of immediate release oral morphine on the Indian population attending Pain and Palliative Care in a multi-speciality hospital. Within the sample population, 74.8% of all patients achieved a pain score reduction of less than or equal to 3 within the 72nd hour. Although the mean baseline pain score was similar in the cancer (8.23±0.75) and the non-cancer (8.26±0.98) group, the mean pain score at the 24th and 72nd hours were significantly different (5.6±1.29 in cancer and 5.09±1.26 in the non-cancer group within the 24th hour, followed by 3.66±1.479 and 3.12±0.88 after the 72nd hour, respectively). The majority of the patients (58.3%) were prescribed at a frequency of 5 mg every 4th hourly, with double dose at bedtime. A similar prescribing trend was seen in both the cancer and non-cancer groups. Moreover, 14 patients underwent dose escalation – with 12 belonging to the cancer group, while 11 patients falling under the cancer group required a switch to different therapy. The major adverse drug reactions (ADR) observed in both study groups were constipation (89.2%), fatigue (37.4%), dry mouth (36%) and nausea/vomiting (23%). The severity of nausea/vomiting and sleepiness was higher in the cancer group whereas itching was more predominant among the non-cancer group.
The role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in virus-related cancers: a mini review
Authors: Dworzanska Anna , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

The modulation of the host innate immune system is a well-established carcinogenesis feature of several tumors, including human Epstein-Barr (EBV) and Papillomavirus-(HPV) related cancers. These viruses are able to interrupt the initial events of the immune response, including the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines, and inflammation. The aim of the study is to review current data and summarize knowledge on the TLRs and their role in the development of cancer, especially viral-related cancers (EBV and HPV). Research work shows a correlation between the TLRs polymorphism and the development of oropharyngeal and gastric cancer (GC), especially related to viral infections. Many studies suggest the important role for TLRs in inflammatory, autoimmune disease and human cancers. However, further efforts are necessary to draw a precise conclusion.
Optimization of the composition of solid dispersion of quercetin
Authors: Kovalevska Inna , Ruban Olena , Kutova Olga , Levachkova Julia
Published: April 2021

Increasing the solubility of drugs is one of the most important problems in pharmacy, because most manufactured pharmaceutical substances are sparingly soluble. Typically, such compounds represent Classes II and IV in the biopharmaceutical classification system, which is based on the classification of pharmaceutical substances by solubility and permeability. For poorly soluble substances, the limiting step of the absorption process is usually the degree and dissolution rate, so in the pharmaceutical development, much attention is paid to their improvement. To solve this problem, the technology of solid dispersions creation is used. The aim of the work was to optimize the composition of quercetin solid dispersion, whose therapeutic use is limited due to its degree of solubility in an aqueous medium.

Objects of the study were samples of solid dispersions of quercetin with different carriers: polyethyleneoxide-6000, β-cyclodextrin and polyvinylpyrrolidone obtained in a ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 by liquid phase method, with and without the addition of a solvent. As a solvent, ethanol was used. To determine the optimal composition of solid dispersions, a mathematical planning method using the MathCad package and Excel software was used.

In the work, a dispersion analysis was performed upon the results of the experimental studies. The ranked series of advantages of the carrier and solvent influence on solubility of solid dispersions samples are shown. To determine the amount of carrier in the solid dispersion, the theory of multi-vector optimization was applied. According to the results of the conducted studies, the optimal value of quercetin and PEO-6000 ratio is 1:2.

The obtained results can be used in the development of the composition and technology of solid dispersions of active pharmaceutical ingredients insoluble in the aqueous medium.
Peculiarities of the effects of a high-calorie diet on the structural components of the lymph nodes and under melatonin correction
Authors: Harapko Tetiana , Mateshuk-Vatseba Lesia
Published: April 2021

Obesity is a chronic recurrent disease that is manifested by excess accumulation of adipose tissue and is a consequence of an imbalance in energy utilization and consumption in persons with or without hereditary predisposition. The purpose of the study is to study the morphometric and histological changes of the parenchyma of the lymph nodes of rats in experimental obesity and under the conditions of melatonin correction. The study was performed on 66 white rats of reproductive age. Microanatomy of the structural components of lymph nodes of white rats under physiological norms was examined in 10 intact animals. Experimental animals were divided into 4 groups. Eight weeks after the experimental animals were on a high calorie diet (HCD), there was a significant decrease in the relative area of the cortical substance in the parenchyma of the lymph nodes of white rats of males and females by 10.3% and 8.3%, respectively, and an increase in the relative area of the medullary substance by 16.1% and 13.2%, respectively, compared to an intact group of animals.

The relative area of the cortical substance in the parenchyma of the lymph nodes of white rats, which were for two weeks on HCD, then six weeks on HCD and melatonin, exceeds the parameters of the intact group of animals by only 3.2% in males and 3.5% in females. The relative area of the medullary substance is less than that of the intact group of animals by 5.0% in males and 5.5% in females. Under the conditions of melatonin correction it is found that the germinal centers of the secondary lymph nodes in the cortical substance are slightly increased. Trabecules extending from the capsule are clearly expressed and thickened, while arteries and arterioles show thickened walls and are full-blooded. Moreover, the veins are enlarged and full-blooded.
A massive malignant phyllodes tumor – case study
Authors: Madej-Czerwonka Barbara
Published: April 2021

The paper aims to introduce the case of an extensive breast malignancy – phyllodes tumor. This type of breast neoplasm is relatively rare. Indeed, it accounts for only 0.3-1% of all breast malignant tumours. In the paper, patient, disease, and treatment methods were described and evaluated. The efficacy of surgical treatment and adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) was assessed based on literature data. The authors concluded that late diagnosis of phyllodes tumor causes the necessity of mastectomy and radiotherapy and aggravates the prognosis.
The study of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of raw materials of Heliopsis helianthoides (l.) sweet
Authors: Pavlenko-Badnaoui Mariia , Protska Viktoriia , Burda Nadiia , Zhuravel Iryna , Kuznetsova Viktoriia
Published: April 2021

Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we studied the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of bioactive substances in the roots, leaves, flowers and seeds of Heliopsis helianthoides. The results of our study showed the presence of 5 phenolic compounds in its roots, 4 phenolic compounds in its leaves, 10 phenolic compounds in its flowers and 8 phenolic compounds in its seeds. The highest content of identified compounds was found in the leaves of this plant – 3192.20±79.78 mg/kg. The dominating hydroxycinnamic acid was chlorogenic acid. This had its highest concentration (1537.21±38.43 mg/kg) in the Heliopsis helianthoides leaves. Among flavonoids, luteolin prevailed in the roots, apigenin-7-glucoside prevailed in the seeds and rutin prevailed in the leaves and flowers. Maximum rutin content (1426.64±35.67 mg/kg) was found in the Heliopsis helianthoides leaves.

Antioxidant activity study in vitro uncovered the substantial antioxidant potential of bioactive substances (BASs) in all tested samples of the raw materials, being within the limits of 2.81-8.13 mg/g. Most active in this respect were Heliopsis helianthoides leaves. The obtained data indicate the feasibility of the development of new antioxidant active drugs on the basis of raw materials of Heliopsis helianthoides.
Scutellaria baicalensis – a small plant with large pro-health biological activities
Authors: Wojtunik-Kulesza Karolina , Kasprzak-Drozd Kamila , Sajdlowski Daniel , Oniszczuk Anna , Swiatkowski Wojciech , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika
Published: April 2021

Scutellaria baicalensis, known also as Huang-Qin is a traditional Chinese plant used in medicine for at least 2000 years. The plant is widely distributed in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Russia, and is listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia. The interest in Huang-Qin results from various biological activities which are primarily related to secondary plants metabolites consisting of flavonoids, phenolic compounds and terpenes. It is known that the compounds are active against numerous diseases and protect the organism against harmful pathogenic agents. Particular attention is paid to baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A – which are characteristic secondary metabolites of the plant. In this paper, we focused on phytochemical analysis and selected biological activities used in periodontal and cardiovascular problems. The presented studies confirm the ability of Huang-Qin to scavenge free radicals, moreover, that it presents anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities.
Demonstration of a Multiple Drift Net for Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Porter Michael D. , Kennedy Seth , Sechrist Juddson
Published: April 2021

The distribution of drifting semi-buoyant fish eggs within a river is useful for understanding the ecology of pelagic-broadcast spawning fish. The vertical position of semi-buoyant eggs in the water column is an important parameter describing transport processes for these species. We designed a multiple drift net (five rectangular nets attached to a frame) to vertically divide the water column into stacked horizontal layers to sample drifting semi-buoyant particles. We deployed the multiple drift net gear beside Moore egg collectors in a wadeable channel to sample the vertical distribution of semi-buoyant polyacrylamide gel beads as surrogates for fish eggs in the water column. The vertical distribution of beads was predominantly found in the deeper nets of the multiple drift net gear while the surface nets and Moore egg collectors had fewer beads which is similar to the results in other studies of pelagic-broadcast spawning fish. The multiple drift net gear is a tool that demonstrates the capability to sample the water column under variable flow conditions (depth, velocity and turbulence) for field data on the vertical distribution of drifting eggs (or surrogates). These empirical data can quantify drift patterns of eggs for modeling transport and retention in pelagic-broadcast spawning species.
A Discourse Analysis of News Media Articles on the Polish ‘Rule of Law Crisis’
Authors: Dersley Stephen
Published: April 2021

The article identifies the discursive characteristics of news media texts covering Poland’s ‘constitutional crisis’. Following the conception of discourse presented in Laclau and Mouffe (1985), i.e. as an articulatory practice that conveys meaning through a structured system of positions and differences, the article highlights some features of English-language news media texts (e.g. from the Guardian, Telegraph, Economist, Financial Times, New York Times, Washington Post) that can be described as typical. The following features are identified: a lecturing tone, the use of structural oppositions, immediate rebuttals, misrepresentation, appeals to expertise, and the sovereignty taboo. These features are diagnosed as contributing to the narrow discursive range covered by news articles. To shed light on this narrow range, the article presents three conflicting positions from Polish legal theory that address the issues of constitutional courts, the rule of law and national sovereignty: Ryszard Piotrowki’s legal constitutionalism, Paweł Bała and Adam Wielomski’s Schmitt-inspired position, and Adam Sulikowski’s reading of the constitutional courts as an instrument of hegemonic discourse. In the conclusion it is suggested that news media discourse would benefit from demonstrating a greater awareness of other discourses, and from developing a more generous, balanced approach to presenting and addressing their claims.
The Threat to the Life of the Nation as an Introductory Premise of the Derogation of Obligations in the Domain of Human Rights
Authors: Jasudowicz Tadeusz
Published: April 2021

The subject of the study is the issue defined in international documents by the term “threat to the life of the nation” as a preliminary condition for departing from obligations in the field of human rights. This premise was adopted both in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as in similar regulations for individual continents, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

However, on a practical basis, this issue has raised and continues to raise multiple interpretation doubts. In the presented considerations, various aspects of this problem are presented in the light of the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.

On the basis of these, it can be assumed that one cannot identify the category of the nation with the categories of the state and//or the population, since each of these categories has its due autonomy; while on the other hand, they accompany, coexist and remain in mutual relations and interaction. Hence, in international norms, both the treaty provisions and the treaty bodies in their rulings consistently confirm “the life of the nation” as the fundamental protected value, which does not prevent them from associating this value with values important for the state as such and for the population/society.

The classic model of this approach has already been established by the ECtHR in the Lawless case, where the Court described a derogation situation as “an exceptional crisis or emergency situation that affects the entire population and poses a threat to the organized life of the community that comprises the state
A new perspective on the usefulness of the Rorschach test in psychological assessment.Reflections on the short version of the test (Basic Rorschach)
Authors: Hunca-Bednarska Anna
Published: April 2021

The Rorschach test is the most well-known psychological test ever invented; it has captured the imagination of entire generations of clinicians, researchers, artists, writers, and ordinary participants in mass culture. Yet, no psychological test has faced such heavily emotional criticism. The drastically ambiguous status of this test in the community of psychologists can be call an identity crisis. This is the diagnosis presented in the book titled Assessment Using the Rorschach Inkblot Test by James P. Choca and Edward D. Rossini, American professors of clinical psychology currently affiliated with the Roosevelt University in Chicago. It was this book that inspired the present article. Choca and Rossini claim that the crisis associated with the use of the inkblot test stems from the lack of understanding of what the essence of this test actually is and from its improper usage. They also indicate realistic and practical ways to overcome this crisis.
Faced with the excessively elaborate systems for processing and interpreting the material obtained using the test, the authors attempt to create a short version of the inkblot test (Basic Rorschach). In the short version it is possible to use a smaller number of categories or even limit oneself to use only four plates instead of ten. Choca and Rossini admit that the Basic Rorschach requires further studies; they are also willing to give psychologists a great degree of freedom and the possibility of deciding what to take into account and what to ignore in the interpretation of results.
They also propose to introduce a new final phase of the test, which, in a way, involves the examinee in the process of analyzing his or her responses. In this paper I address the changes proposed by the authors, concerning both the procedure and the manner of categorizing and interpreting responses. For this purpose, I use own clinical experience and the results of my empirical research.

Keywords: Rorschach test, short version, Follow-Up Phase, psychological assessment.
A Liberating Experience. On Becoming a Work of Art
Authors: Jerrentrup Maja Tabea
Published: April 2021

The art of bodypainting that is fairly unknown to a wider public turns the body into a canvas - it is a frequently used phrase in the field of bodypainting that illustrates the challenge it faces: it uses a three-dimensional surface and has to cope with its irregularities, but also with the model’s abilities and characteristics. This paper looks at individuals who are turned into art by bodypainting. Although body painting can be very challenging for them - they have to expose their bodies and to stand still for a long time while getting transformed - models report that they enjoy both the process and the result, even if they are not confident about their own bodies. Among the reasons there are physical aspects like the sensual enjoyment, but also the feeling of being part of something artistic. This is enhanced and preserved through double staging - becoming a threedimentional work of art and then being staged for photography or film clips. This process gives the model the chance to experience their own body in a detached way. On the one hand, bodypainting closely relates to the body and on the other hand, it can help to over-come the body.
Reference in Fiction
Authors: Friend Stacie
Published: April 2021

Most discussions of proper names in fiction concern the names of fictional characters, such as ‘Clarissa Dalloway’ or ‘Lilliput.’ Less attention has been paid to referring names in fiction, such as ‘Napoleon’ (in Tolstoy’sWar and Peace) or ‘London’ (in Orwell’sNineteen Eighty-Four). This is because many philosophers simply assume that such names are unproblematic; they refer in the usual way to their ordinary referents. The alternative position, dubbedExceptionalismby Manuel García-Carpintero, maintains that referring names make a distinctive semantic contribution in fiction. In this paper I offer a positive argument for Non-Exceptionalism, relying on the claim that works of both fiction and non-fiction can express the same singular propositions. I go on to defend my account against García-Carpintero’s objections.
Minding Strangers’ Business
Authors: Benziman Yotam
Published: April 2021

When should we interfere in the course of a stranger’s life? While philosophers have discussed at length extreme cases of assisting poor people in famine stricken countries, much less attention has been given to casual, everyday episodes. If I overhear two people discussing a place they are about to visit, and know that it is closed for renovation, should I interfere and tell them so? If I stand next to a customer who has not been given enough change in the supermarket, should I point that out or mind my own business? Using the Kantian notions of love and respect, I answer such questions. I claim that Kant’s terminology is ill-suited for instructing us how to deal with others with whom we are personally involved, but is important for our encounters with strangers. I suggest that we take seriously Kant’s claim that we are “united in one dwelling place”. When around others, keep an open eye to the possibility that they might need help. If there is good reason to suppose that you may help, knock on their door. Let them decide whether they want to open it. They are totally entitled to decline the offer, but should keep in mind that it was given as part of the joint venture of living together with others. The interference should therefore not be regarded as an infringement of privacy.
Insulin receptor substrate 1 gene expression is strongly up-regulated by HSPB8 silencing in U87 glioma cells
Authors: Hnatiuk Oksana S. , Tsymbal Dariia O. , Minchenko Dmytro O. , Khita Olena O. , Viletska Yulia M. , Rundytska Olha V. , Kozynkevych Halyna E. , Maslak Hanna S. , Minchenko Oleksandr H.
Published: April 2021

Objective. The aim of the present investigation was to study the expression of genes encoding IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) and some other functionally active proteins in U87 glioma cells under silencing of polyfunctional chaperone HSPB8 for evaluation of the possible significance of this protein in intergenic interactions.

Methods. Silencing of HSPB8 mRNA was introduced by HSPB8 specific siRNA. The expression level of HSPB8, IRS1, HK2, GLO1, HOMER3, MYL9, NAMPT, PER2, PERP, GADD45A, and DEK genes was studied in U87 glioma cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results. It was shown that silencing of HSPB8 mRNA by specific to HSPB8 siRNA led to a strong down-regulation of this mRNA and significant modification of the expression of IRS1 and many other genes in glioma cells: strong up-regulated of HOMER3, GLO1, and PERP and down-regulated of MYL9, NAMPT, PER2, GADD45A, and DEK gene expressions. At the same time, no significant changes were detected in the expression of HK2 gene in glioma cells treated by siRNA, specific to HSPB8. Moreover, the silencing of HSPB8 mRNA enhanced the glioma cells proliferation rate.

Conclusions. Results of this investigation demonstrated that silencing of HSPB8 mRNA affected the expression of IRS1 gene as well as many other genes encoding tumor growth related proteins. It is possible that the dysregulation of most of the studied genes in glioma cells after silencing of HSPB8 is reflected by a complex of intergenic interactions and that this polyfunctional chaperone is an important factor for the stability of genome function and regulatory mechanisms contributing to the tumorigenesis control.
A Review of Economic and Environment Indicators and Energy Efficiency: Evidence from the EU and Serbia
Authors: Jednak Sandra , Minović Jelena , Kragulj Dragana
Published: April 2021

Energy is a globally important factor of production - the growth of population and income increase energy consumption, so there is an urge to decrease it. However, there are different ways to reduce energy consumption, and one of them is energy efficiency. The aim of the paper is to give a theoretical review of energy efficiency and its benefits. The purpose of the paper is the analysis of economic and environmental indicators and energy efficiency in EU27 (after 2020) and Serbia. The trends of energy efficiency, GDP per capita and GHG emission are shown for the observed countries. The European and Serbian policies and targets for energy efficiency are presented and also the level these countries have reached the set targets. In order to see the relationship between energy efficiency, GDP per capita and GHG emission, the correlation among all variables is applied. The results show that energy efficiency is higher in EU27 than in Serbia. Even though Serbia had energy efficiency increase during the observed period (1995-2018), it lags behind the EU27. However, there is a positive correlation between energy efficiency and GDP and GHG emission in both EU27 and Serbia.
English communicative competence and predominant language for online use through smartphones in Croatia as compared to Slovenia
Authors: Varga Mirna , Jurkovič Violeta , Sierocka Halina
Published: April 2021

The study explores which languages are predominant in the online use among the targeted participant population in Croatia and Slovenia and examines the association between the participants’ smartphone online use of English and preferred subtitling mode with their perceived communicative competence in English. The findings indicate that in both nationality groups the use of English prevails in receptive language activities, in particular listening and audio-visual reception, while mother tongues are mainly used for productive and interactive activities. Participants who prefer English when engaging in online informal activities through their smartphones and who use English or no subtitles when watching video content also assess their competence in English to be on higher levels.
Bitcoin as a New Currency
Authors: Brzeszczyński Janusz , Gajdka Jerzy , Schabek Tomasz
Published: April 2021

Research background: Bitcoin is the most popular financial instrument within the new cryptocurrencies class, which emerged in the wake of the financial crisis of 2007/2008.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of Bitcoin from the perspective of the Polish market investor. More specifically, the aim of the empirical research presented in this study has been twofold: (1) comparison of Bitcoin with other currencies using returns and risk captured by the standard deviation of returns and (2) assessment of the sensitivity of the BTC/PLN exchange rate to the NBP’s monetary policy announcements.

Results: Bitcoin appears to be weakly related to other currency exchange rates against the Polish zloty and the monetary policy announcements of the National Bank of Poland (NBP) have, effectively, no influence on the determination of the BTC/PLN exchange rate.

Novelty: We discuss extensively the Bitcoin as a new asset on the financial market and we present the investigation of the BTC/PLN reactions to the monetary policy announcements in Poland, which is a novel analysis for this instrument using the Polish market data.
Basic characteristics of microhabitats of snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii) in Western Hungary
Authors: Kenyeres Zoltán , Bauer Norbert , Cservenka Judit , Szabó Szilárd , Tóth Sándor
Published: April 2021

Following the rediscovery after 200 years of Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri in 2017, we carried out data collection its habitats regarding vegetation, microclimate, and soil on two prominent dolomite hills of the Eastern Bakony. Data collections were carried out in habitat mosaics (xerothermic forest edges on the plateaus, karst shrub forests in south-facing exposure, dry grasslands among forest patches on the plateaus, rocky grasslands in south-facing exposure) of three sampling blocks. Vegetation was examined by phytosociological relevés, microclimate from April to November continuously by TMS-2 dataloggers, and soil by laboratory analyses focused mainly on percentage of different fractions. According to our results a) shrub forests with a south-facing exposure provide a cooler microclimate with temperated fluctuation in the spring–early summer and late summer–early autumn periods; b) plateau grasslands and shrubs are characterised by looser soil structure. Based on our results, heterogeneous habitat character of forest–grassland mosaics of the Pannonicum can mitigate the expected negative effects of climate change on reptiles.
Plant species occupy different habitats on the fortress walls in Elbasan, Albania
Authors: Gjeta Ermelinda , Titus Jonathan , Titus Priscilla
Published: April 2021

Vegetated walls are an important habitat for urban biodiversity. We conducted an analysis of the plant species that grow on the Elbasan, Albania fortress walls. Walls vary in age from 4th to 21st century, and in composition. On 71 walls we assessed 2787 plants of 35 species and recorded plant size, presence of flowers or fruits, height from the ground, crevice depth, wall aspect, wall age and composition, and distance to nearest opposing wall. Eleven species, two of which were ferns, composed 93.8% of the plants. The vast majority of plants flowered and fruited on the walls. Plant density ranged from 0.1–70 plants/m2. Species distributions varied significantly based on height on the wall, crevice depth, aspect and distance to the opposing wall. These differences may be influenced by dispersal mechanisms, moisture, substrate composition, and other important environmental factors. For example, Antirrhinum majus was generally found high on south facing walls in deep cracks whereas Umbilicus rupestris was found lower on north facing walls in shallower cracks. It is important that older walls colonized by plants be maintained such that a native flora can persist where natural rocky features are lacking.
Conservation, restoration and biodiversity of Palaearctic grasslands – Editorial to the 6th EDGG special issue in Hacquetia
Authors: Valkó Orsolya , Labadessa Rocco , Venn Stephen
Published: April 2021

This special issue is a collection of articles about the conservation, restoration and biodiversity of Palaearctic grasslands and was initiated by the Eurasian Dry Grassland Group at the 15th Eurasian Dry Grassland Conference (EDGC), held at Graz, Austria in 2019. The papers in this special issue cover a range of grassland habitats from montane dry grasslands to lowland sandy grasslands, feathergrass steppes and meadow steppes, and focus on the biodiversity values, conservation issues and restoration prospects of Palaearctic grasslands. We hope that the articles in this special issue will contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of grasslands and support their more effective conservation.