bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and Prognostic Particularities of the Implications of the Presence of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Patients with Periodontal Disease
Authors: Yero Ieremie Lia Maria , Lazăr Luminița , Ciurba Adriana
Published: May 2015

Periodontal disease can have significant effects by increasing the circulating levels of TNF-α, therefore its prevention and treatment is important in maintaining the overall health of the body. Objective: The aim of our research was to assess the differences in the salivary concentration of TNF-α between patients with periodontal disease and those free of the disease and to studz whether it can represent an indicator of the evolution of periodontal disease. We also aimed to assess the practical applicability of the method for the determination of this cytokine in the saliva. Materials and methods: Our study included two groups of subjects, the first group consisting in patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, while the control group included subjects free of periodontal disease. TNF-α concentration was determined with the ELISA test for human TNF-α and the results were expressed in pg/ mL. The data were statistically processed with GraphPad software and the statistical nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied. Results: We observe nearly double values of the TNF-α salivary level in the group of patients suffering from periodontal disease compared to the subjects free of periodontal disease, which allows us to notice that saliva analysis is a useful and safely enough method for the diagnosis and follow-up in the development of periodontal disease. Conclusion: The salivary level of TNF-α in patients with periodontal disease is not only an indicator of periodontal disease progression, but also a reflection of the pathogen potential that periodontal disease may have on the overall health of the body.
Some stability results on global solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Gallagher Isabelle
Published: May 2015

In these notes we present some results concerning the existence of global smooth solutions to the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations set in the whole space. We are particularly interested in
the stability of the set of initial data giving rise to a global smooth solution.
A note on exp-function method combined with complex transform method applied to fractional differential equations
Authors: Guner Ozkan , Bekir Ahmet , Bilgil Halis
Published: May 2015

In this article, the fractional derivatives in the sense of modified
Riemann–Liouville and the exp-function method are used to construct exact
solutions for some nonlinear partial fractional differential equations via
the nonlinear fractional Liouville equation and nonlinear fractional
Zoomeron equation. These nonlinear fractional equations can be turned into
another nonlinear ordinary differential equation by complex transform
method. This method is efficient and powerful in solving wide classes of
nonlinear fractional order equations. The exp-function method appears to be
easier and more convenient by means of a symbolic computation system.
Congenital syphilis in the skeleton of a child from Poland (Radom, 18th–19th century AD)
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Mańkowska-Pliszka Hanna , Palczewski Piotr , Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota
Published: May 2015

An incomplete skeleton of a 3-year-old child with suspected congenital syphilis was found in the Radom area of Poland. Squama frontalis and zygomatic bones are characterized by significant bone loss. Radiographic pictures show a geographic destructive lesion of a serpiginous shape surrounded by a zone of reactive osteosclerosis in the squama frontalis. The radiographic findings included a slight widening and contour irregularities of the distal humeral metaphyses. The appearance of teeth did not suggest Hutchinson teeth, but the examination of the permanent molars showed signs of mulberry molars. Two teeth were tested for the presence of mercury. Chemical analysis did not indicate mercury accumulation (enamel: 0.07 μg/g, dentine: 0.14 μg/g, bone: 0.11 μg/g). Mercury values obtained for the examined samples were similar to those that are typical of healthy teeth in today’s individuals.
Species Structure of Plants in the Báb Forest Clearcuts
Authors: Pilková Ivana
Published: May 2015

In the paper we have summarized the results of a research which was realized in the Báb forest (Veľký Báb, Nitra upland). The target of the research is the evaluation of species composition in the clearcuts in 2012. In the Báb forest, during spring records there were 80 and during summer records 102 taxa of taxons recorded. The woody plants of spring and summer reports were mainly represented by typical forest species. Moreover, these are woody plants of forest open parts and there are also two invasive woody Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia plants documented. During the summer reports, three new woody plants Clematis vitalba, Lonicera caprifolium, Ulmus minor appeared in the herb layer. Herbs are represented during the spring reports by typical spring ephemeroids, geophytes and forest herbs presenting the spring synusia. During the summer reports, ephemeroids are absent and there were new species, mainly Alliaria petiolata, Convallaria majalis, Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum, Melica nutans of forest herbs reported. In the clearcut areas also clearcut, synanthropic, mainly Cirsium vulgare, Lamium purpureum, Sambucus ebulus, Serratula tinctoria, Torilis japonica and invasive species Aster lanceolatus, A. novi-belgii agg., Erigeron annuus ssp. annuus, Impatiens parviflora occurred. Generally, we can state that the diversity of clearcut plant taxa is high. Taxa are represented by forest woody plants, woody plants of clearcuts, forest open parts and forest edges. Within clearcut herbs, there are typical forest species of oak-hornbeam forests represented, species of clearcuts and human-influenced posts and there are also invasive taxa found
The Public Administration Accounting in the Light Public Finance Managements Reform and Changes of the New Accounting Directive of the European Parliament and the European Council
Authors: Košovská Iveta , Váryová Ivana , Ferenczi Vaňová Alexandra , Krajčírová Renáta
Published: May 2015

The role of public administration accounting is to secure a database of relevant information essential for the management of public finances and need for presenting of operations results of our country within the European Union (EU). The accounting of public administration entities should provide a true and fair view on the assets and liabilities, as well as the financial situation and the use of public appropriations. After the entry of the Slovak Republic (SR) to the European Union (EU) the International Public Sector Accounting Standards began to be applied in our legislation. They provide a uniform basis for the data consolidation as well as more efficient information for the economic decisions of individual users
Modernization of the Method of Line-Line Intersection Using Rtn Gnss Technology for Determining the Position of Corners of Buildings
Authors: Krzyżek Robert
Published: May 2015

Carrying out measurements of buildings with RTN GNSS technology in difficult environmental conditions appears to be a major challenge for many surveyors. Achieving the required accuracy of the position of a building structure is often a difficult, and sometimes even an impossible task to perform. This paper presents an innovative solution to increase the reliability of determining the coordinates of building corners, by modernizing the results obtained from the indirect method of measurement of line-line intersection by the socalled half-angle method. Generally speaking, the half-angle method is to verify the angular values in determined points (corners of buildings) from the method of intersection of the base point lines. Optimization of this method involves reducing deformation of a building, which has been determined in real time, taking into account only the classical method of line-line intersection. In order to obtain optimized measurement results, the conversion of the obtained results to the convergent values relative to the most probable coordinates is performed. Based on a detailed comparative and statistical analyses, it can be concluded that the modernized method of line intersection, employed in the RTN GNSS mode with the half-angle method, greatly improves the reliability of determining corners of buildings (X and Y coordinates), as well as provides an exact reflection of the geometric shape of a structure.
Morphological - lesional aspects of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis
Authors: Popa M. F. , Candea Lavinia-Simona , Parlica I.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present a case of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis in a young patient with a history of acute articular rheumatism with bivalvular damage which required prosthetic mitral twin disc and tricuspid annuloplasty that, despite effective anticoagulation treatment, shows a high degree of mitral valve obstruction with severe hemodynamic disturbances that ultimately led to death.

The particularity of the case lies in the development of thrombosis in twin disc prosthesis type, complication that, in the literature, is cited as being more rarely met than the cases of single-disc prosthesis.
Die Form übersetzen: Zur (De)konstruktion des literarischen Sinnes
Authors: Cwik von Mateusz
Published: May 2015

This contribution highlights the conditions of translating literature by way of exemplary samples from German and Japanese literature and theory. The problem of the (in)translatability of literature is discussed from three angles, with an emphasis on the aspect of language. The first part is concerned with the construction of meaning in literature. It considers the meaning of a literary text to be a composite construct built from different semantic forms. This interpretation of meaning as a construction integrating divergent semantic relations enables a systematic exploration of the problems encountered in the translation of literature in the dimension of language. The second and third part of the paper concern themselves with extralinguistic perspectives on the (in)translatability of literature. Literary meaning is in part also conditioned by the historical evolution of aesthetic norms, and by the norms of reception of literary works, both of which are culturally determined.
Assessing The Effect Of Pressing Matrix Diameter And Compacting Pressure On Density And Durability Of Pellets
Authors: Macák Miroslav , Nozdrovický Ladislav , Maga Juraj , Hussein Affan Othman
Published: May 2015

Pellets made of biomass for energy purposes can be considered as a significant type of biofuel. The efficiency of biopellets depends upon many factors; therefore, in our paper we have focused our attention on measuring the physical properties of biopellets made from lucerne hay and maize stover. The chemical composition of biomass materials is characterised. Biopellets were made on the hydraulic press and their durability was measured on the own instrument designed according to the ASABE S269.4 standard. As the biomass particle size plays an important role in the process of pellets producing, the particle size distribution was determined. According to our experiments, both pressure and diameter had no effect on the durability of pellets for both materials, especially with the pressure force of 100 MPa and 125 MPa, whereas with increasing the pressure force to 150 MPa for the die diameter 20 mm for both lucerne hay and maize stover, a significant increment occurred in the durability of pellets.
Intermediate Images
Authors: Paech Joachim
Published: May 2015

Starting from a definition of the word ‘picture’ as a real-world object that shows other objects on its surface as a representation of its image, I propose that the intermediality of pictures of all kinds is only possible through their images, after they have been separated from their material basis or foundation (for example, a painting in its physical reality can never be directly connected with a movie). In all technical reproductions of images, such as printing processes, an image is taken from a negative matrix in order to realize multiple prints of the same representation. The most effective model of this procedure is photography: photographic images can easily be connected with their media forms to produce other, more complex forms, such as magazines, printed books, or films. Intermediate images in the form of matrices - sometimes transparent (e.g. in the light beam of a film projection), sometimes opaque - are required to transform one pictorial media form into another. Finally, for the digital matrix-image, there is no longer any difference between the matrix and the image: the matrix has become its own image, which can be linked to all other media forms.
Intermedia and Intermittency
Authors: Veres Bálint
Published: May 2015

It is commonly known that medial reflections have been initiated by attempts to secure the borders of discrete medial forms and to define the modus operandi of each essentialized medial area. Later on, the focus of study has shifted to plurimedial formations and the interactions between predefined medial genres. In the last few decades, taxonomic approaches to various multi-, inter-, and transmedial phenomena dominated the discussions, which offered invaluable support in mapping the terrain, but at the same time hindered the analysis of the ephemeral, time-dependent aspects of plurimedial operations. While we explore the properties of each medial configuration, we lose sight of the actual historical drivers that produce ever-new configurations. My thesis is that any discourse on intermediality should be paralleled by a discourse on cultural intermittency, and consequently, media studies should involve an approach that focuses on the “ecosystem” of the constantly renewing media configurations from the point of view of their vitalizing potential and capability to trigger heightened experiences. This approach draws much inspiration from K. Ludwig Pfeiffer’s media anthropology that gives orientation in my paper.
Induced label graphoidal graphs
Authors: Sahul Hamid Ismail , Joseph Mayamma
Published: May 2015

Let G be a non-trivial, simple, finite, connected and undirected graph of order n and size m. An induced acyclic graphoidal decomposition (IAGD) of G is a collection ψ of non-trivial and internally disjoint induced paths in G such that each edge of G lies in exactly one path of ψ. For a labeling f : V → {1, 2, 3, . . . ,n}, let ↑ Gf be the directed graph obtained by orienting the edges uv of G from u to v, provided f(u) < f(v). If the set ψf of all maximal directed induced paths in ↑ Gf with directions ignored is an induced path decomposition of G, then f is called an induced graphoidal labeling of G and G is called an induced label graphoidal graph. The number ηil = min{|ψf| : f is an induced graphoidal labeling of G} is called the induced label graphoidal decomposition number of G. In this paper we introduce and study the concept of induced graphoidal labeling as an extension of graphoidal labeling.
Statistical complexity and generalized number system
Authors: Fülöp Ágnes
Published: May 2015

We apply the concept of statistical complexity to understand the dynamical behaviour of the time series by the probability distribution. This quantity allows to distinguish between the random, regular motion and the structural complexity in finite systems. We determined the numerical approximation of the statistical complexity of the Lozi attractor and the generalized number system
Recognition of split-graphic sequences
Authors: Chat Bilal A. , Pirzada Shariefudddin , Iványi Antal
Published: May 2015

Using different definitions of split graphs we propose quick algorithms for the recognition and extremal reconstruction of split sequences among integer, regular, and graphic sequences.
Intercultural Reflections on Translating Petőfi onto Serbian Language
Authors: Németh Ferenc
Published: May 2015

Only six years subsequent to Petőfi’s disappearance, i.e. his death, in 1855 the Petőfireception took on in Serbian literature, when Jovan Jovanović Zmaj translated the poem A csárda romjai (Razorena čarda [The Ruins of the Inn]). From that point on, Petőfibecame part of Serbian literature as well: famous and popular, to such an extent that there was hardly a Serbian poet who would not engage in translating at least one of Petőfi’s poems. Sava Babić, who made an account of the Petőfitranslations published between 1855 and 1980, listed as many as 658 entries in his bibliography. Translating Petőfi’s poems, according to literary historians, “proved an outstanding bridge between the lives of the two neighbouring nations” (Nagy 1994).1 These poems substituted for what Serbian literature lacked-the Serbian folk epic poem. Towards the end of the 19th century, the reception of Petőfi’s poetry in Serbian literature virtually bloomed into a cult, namely because his poems of patriotic and social themes as well as his revolutionary poetry quite complied and were even consonant with the increasingly aggressive patriotism of the so-called New Serbian Youth (Nova omladina). In the second half of the 20th century, the receptive attitude towards his poetry waned significantly. The study looks into the characteristics and effects of the translations of Petőfi’s poetry from its ‘literary transfer,’ its receptive situation, up to the intensification of its popularity and folklorization. In fact, it analyzes the literary/cultural transfer which fulfilled certain needs and conjunctures, but which was surprisingly integrated into the Serbian literary tradition of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Ion Valjan: With the Voice of Time. The Hypostasis of a Romanian Belle Epoque
Authors: Custură Ştefania Maria
Published: May 2015

Ion Valjan is the literary pseudonym of Ion Al. Vasilescu (1881-1960), famous lawyer, playwright, writer of memoirs, publicist and politician. Dramatic author in the line of Caragiale, he was the manager of The National Theatre in Bucharest between 1923 and 1924, and general manager of theatres between 1923 and 1926. He wrote drama, he collaborated with Sburătorul, Vremea, Rampa, being appreciated by the exigent literary critique of the inter-war period. After the war, in 1950, he was involved in a political trial, accused of high treason, espionage for Great Britain, and got sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, where he died. Valjan is the author of the only theatrical show, played in a communist prison, Revista Piteşti 59. Ion Valjan’s memoirs, With the Voice of Time. Memories, written during the Second World War, represent a turn back in time, into the age of the author’s childhood and adolescence, giving the contemporary reader the chance to travel in time and space, the end of the nineteenth century and the first two decades of the past century projecting an authentic image, in the Romanian version of a Belle Epoque, interesting and extremely prolific for the Romanian cultural life. Also, evoking his childhood years spent in cities by the Danube (Călăraşi, Brăila, Turnu-Severin), Valjan unveils the harmonious meeting of different peoples and their mentalities, which transform the Danube Plain into an interethnic space of unique value.
Interpretation – Artistic Reproduction – Translatability. Theoretical Queries
Authors: Pieldner Judit
Published: May 2015

Along Wolfgang Iser’s considerations-formulated in his work entitled The Range of Interpretation-we can speak about translation whenever a shift of levels/registers takes place. Literary interpretation is essentially an act of translation. As Iser points out, the register to which interpretation translates always depends on the subject matter that is translated. Translation does not repeat its subject matter, making it redundant, but transposes it into another register while the subject matter itself is also tailored by the interpretive register. The presentation aims to discuss the question of translatability in relation to the hermeneutical concept of application, and proposes to rethink the issue of change of the medium of artistic expression in the light of the concept of artistic reproduction as posited by Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics in his seminal work Truth and Method.
Translation of Irony in the Hungarian Subtitles of Downton Abbey
Authors: Ajtony Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes to analyse ironic utterances in the British TV series Downton Abbey (Season One) by comparing the English source text (ST) irony found in the script of the film to its subtitled variant of the Hungarian target text (TT). First the literature of the domain is surveyed in order to draw attention to the difficulty of rendering irony in audiovisual subtitles which emphasises that, as a multidisciplinary area, it involves not only audio and visual, but also verbal and non-verbal factors. This section is followed by a brief survey of irony theories highlighting the incongruence factor of irony, which also needs to be rendered in the TT After offering an outline of the story, several examples of ironic utterances are discussed, applying the dynamic equivalence method.
Reflections on the Status of Hungarian Loanwords in Old Romanian Translations
Authors: Pál Enikő
Published: May 2015

Translation has always been important for religion as a way of preaching God's word. The first Romanian translations of religious texts, including the first (although incomplete) translation of the Bible, date from the sixteenth century. In this early period of Romanian writing, Romanian translators encountered several problems in conveying the meaning of these texts of a great complexity. Some of the difficulties were due to the source texts available in the epoch, others to the ideal of literal translation, to the principle of legitimacy or to the relatively poor development of Romanian language which limited the translators' options. The present study focuses on the causes and purposes for which lexical items of Hungarian origin interweave old Romanian translations. In this epoch, Hungarian influence was favoured by a complex of political, legal, administrative and socioculturel factors, sometimes even forced by these circumstances. On the one hand, given the premises of vivid contacts between Romanians and Hungarians in the regions where the old Romanian translations (or their originals) can be located, a number of Hungarian loanwords of folk origin penetrated these texts. On the other hand, when using Hungarian sources, translators have imported useful source language caiques and loanwords, which have enriched Romanian language.
Transaction Costs and Institutions: Investments in Exchange
Authors: Nolan Charles , Trew Alex
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a simple model for understanding transaction costs – their composition, size and policy implications. We distinguish between investments in institutions that facilitate exchange and the cost of conducting exchange itself. Institutional quality and market size are determined by the decisions of risk adverse agents and conditions are discussed under which the efficient allocation may be decentralized. We highlight a number of differences with models where transaction costs are exogenous, including the implications for taxation and measurement issues.
Aspergillus-fermented Jatropha curcas seed cake: proximate composition and effects on biochemical indices in Wistar rats
Authors: FAOZIYAT SULAIMAN ADENIKE , AMINA AHMED EL-IMAM MUSTAPHA , ADEYEMO AFEEZ ADEYEMI , MUHAMMED RIHANAT BUKOLA , SULAIMAN ABIODUN MUINAT , ALIYU ABDULFATTAH ORELOPE , ADEYEMI OLUYOMI STEPHEN
Published: May 2015

This study evaluated Jatropha curcas seed cake fermented by Aspergillus niger for use as a potential source of protein in animal feed production. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (A–D, of 3 rats each) and fed different protein-rich diets for 4 weeks. Group 1 (control) was fed with soybean as a protein source, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were given feeds supplemented instead with Aspergillus-fermented J. curcas, unfermented J. curcas, and a mix of Aspergillus-fermented J. curcas and soybean (1:1), respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed, and their serum and vital organs were harvested for further analyses. Proximate analyses of the various diet combinations showed significant (P < 0.05) variations in crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, and ash content. Enzyme assays (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase) in rat serum and tissue homogenates indicate that the detoxification of J. curcas kernel cake by A. niger fermentation is viable and promising. Body weight generally did not differ significantly between the groups, but all rats put on weight in week 1 (Group 2 most strongly). The initial weight gain was followed by a slight decreasing trend in all groups in weeks 2–4, probably due to an adaptation mechanism. One rat fed with the unfermented cake (Group 3) died in week 2, confirming that the cake is not safe for direct consumption until it is processed. Our data support further use of Aspergillus-fermented J. curcas as an alternative protein source in animal feed preparation.
Mites (Acari, Mesostigmata) from rock cracks and crevices in rock labirynths in the Stołowe Mountains National Park (SW Poland)
Authors: KAMCZYC JACEK , SKORUPSKI MACIEJ
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to recognize the species composition of soil mites of the order Mesostigmata in the soil/litter collected from rock cracks and crevices in Szczeliniec Wielki and Błędne Skały rock labirynths in the area of the Stołowe Mountains National Park (part of the Sudetes in SW Poland). Overall, 27 species were identified from 41 samples collected between September 2001 and August 2002. The most numerous species in this study were Veigaia nemorensis, Leptogamasus cristulifer, and Gamasellus montanus. Our study has also confirmed the occurrence or rare mite species, such as Veigaia mollis and Paragamasus insertus. Additionally, 5 mite species were recorded as new to the fauna of this Park: Vulgarogamasus remberti, Macrocheles tardus, Pachylaelaps vexillifer, Iphidosoma physogastris, and Dendrolaelaps (Punctodendrolaelaps) eichhorni.
The EU's Convergence Dilemma
Authors: Notermans Ton
Published: May 2015

As economic stagnation continues to mark the EU in the fifth year of the euro zone crisis, political support for integration is waning. The European Parliament elections of 2014 returned a hitherto unparalleled number of Eurosceptic MEPs, with EU-critical parties becoming the largest ones in several Member States. Much of this Euroscepticism is driven by economic polarisation between core and peripheral countries. While an increasing number of voters in the northwestern creditor countries resent having to foot the bill for what they consider economic mismanagement in the periphery, voters in peripheral countries increasingly rebel against what they deem to be an economically catastrophic Diktat from Germany and its allies. Continued political support for European integration will hinge on successful income convergence in the EU but the current dilemma is that such policies might not be politically feasible. Periods of rapid convergence would seem to suggest that success depends on two main policy strategies. First, a monetary policy that promotes credit for productive purposes, leaves inflation control to other instruments, and employs selective credit rationing to prevent asset booms. Second, a vertical industrial policy prioritising selected industrial sectors. The first policy conflicts with the present framework of euro zone monetary policy, but that framework was only installed in the first place because many peripheral countries were desperately in search of an external constraint on domestic distributional conflict. Industrial policies, in turn, require a sufficient degree of state autonomy from business elites in order to be effective, but it is highly questionable whether most states in the EU possess such autonomy. Though there are, as yet hesitant, signs of a reorientation of both monetary and cohesion policy in the EU, the question of the institutional and political preconditions for their successful implementation has been largely neglected.
China's Dilemmas on the Road to Reforms Under Xi Jinping
Authors: Värk Juhan
Published: May 2015

On 15 November 2012, at the plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping was elected the Party' general secretary, whereas he also became the chairman of the influential Central Military Commission. Too eager to wait to be inaugurated as President of the People' Republic of China in March 2013, the new national leader announced that in the following decade he is guided by the main objective of his predecessor Hu Jintao to double the prosperity of the people by the year 2020 and to keep the country' economy stable and growing fast. Unfortunately, it will be difficult for the new leader of China to implement his intentions, since, presumably, the country' new leadership will be from the older generation, hardliners, and, most importantly, politically conservative. But the difficulties lie in carrying out economic reforms because of rampant corruption and shadow banking in the central apparatus and in regions.

According to the World Bank' analysis, China has become the world' largest economy. But the large expenditures to military reform and environmental protection are not sufficient for Xi Jinping to accomplish the goal to raise significantly the poor living standards of Chinese people. China has also faced difficulties in complying with the basic principles of its foreign policy, especially after the annexation of Crimea and its incorporation into the Russian Federation by China' strategic partner, Russia. In the past, China has carried out campaigns against “Americanization”, although with no tangible results. Thus, the leaders of today' China are faced with a number of dilemmas.
Two Competing Normative Trajectories in the Context of the First Baltic Gay Pride Parade in Lithuania
Authors: Mažylis Liudas , Rakutienė Sima , Unikaitė-Jakuntavičienė Ingrida
Published: May 2015

For a long time post-Soviet space has been perceived as homophobic and intolerant of LGBT persons. The three Baltic States - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - as former Soviet republics and current members of the European Union, represent the space where a strong homophobic post-Soviet atmosphere competes with pro-LGBT Western influence. This article examines how the first LGBT Pride Parade (which occurred in Vilnius in 2010) is reflected in Lithuanian media portals. The article also presents the broader context of LGBT issues by reviewing legal changes and Lithuanian political parties’ programs. Our analysis of the media and other sources is based on three arguments: 1) that the LGBT pride parade in Vilnius became the most important event for reflecting LGBT issues in the media and society; 2) it might have not been possible without support and influence from external institutions; and 3) the LGBT parade revealed the division of two competing normative trajectories in Lithuania. The reconstructed trajectories in the article are based on the theoretical framework of new institutionalism, media analysis, interviews and focus groups. Construction of the LGBT campaign and counter-campaign seem delimited rather than approaching them as value normative consensus. However, the way in which LGBT persons are reflected within the Lithuanian media is remarkably different in comparison with the early post-Soviet period. The Baltic gay pride parade “for equality” and external (Western) support for it were highly visible in the media, influenced a significant debate on the topic not otherwise experienced in Lithuania, and (re)introduced a question about the perception of ‘normality’ within society. These debates also raise the question of how norms and institutions change and adapt within society.
Vulnerability Assessment of Participants in Lithuanian Criminal Proceedings in the Context of EU Regulations
Authors: Ažubalytė Rima , Zajančkauskienė Jolanta
Published: May 2015

Despite the applicable general principles and essential standards provided for in the law, the right of vulnerable persons (i.e. children under 18 years of age and vulnerable adults, for example, adults with mental disabilities) to a fair hearing at different stages of criminal proceedings in the EU is not yet ensured to the full extent. Based on both EU and Lithuanian legal regulation, this article will review only the principal provisions concerning the allocation of victims, suspects, and accused persons to the category of “vulnerable persons”. Due to the scope of the article, the vulnerability identification procedure falls outside this research.

EU and national legislation suggest that early identification of vulnerability allows for the provision of specific protection measures during criminal proceedings. Analysis of EU and Lithuanian normative acts suggests that minor victims are a priori considered vulnerable and specific protection measures must apply in their case. Meanwhile, the vulnerability of adult victims and their specific protection needs are not assessed at any stage of the proceedings in Lithuania, although the Code of Criminal Procedure provides for certain specific protection measures for victims who, due to a public hearing or questioning, may be subject to “psychological trauma or other serious consequences”. Given future EU requirements concerning suspected or accused children and current recommendations concerning the consideration of suspected or accused adults as vulnerable participants of the proceedings, Lithuanian legal regulations in this area must be improved.
Local Tourism Initiative in an Eastern Himalayan Village: Sustainable Ecotourism or Small-scale Nature Exploitation?
Authors: Datta Debajit , Banerji Suranjana
Published: May 2015

Many famous tourism destinations of the eastern Himalayas have become severely polluted and environmentally vulnerable due to decades of unsustainable mass tourism practices. The recent popularization of the so called 'ecotourism destinations' as alternatives to these degraded sites have raised considerable debate among academia, planners and decision makers regarding community based development and environmental conservation. In this study, the newly initiated tourism ventures of a mountainous village named Silerigaon located in this region were evaluated as a case study through participatory appraisals among tourists and local residents to comprehend whether these ventures could truly be termed as ecotourism initiatives. Results derived from the analyses of the primary data collected through these appraisals showed that although the area possessed pristine natural environment and excellent scenic beauty, lack of proper civic amenities and physical infrastructure was hindering the development of sustainable tourism. Here, tourism activities had notably contributed to the increase in annual savings of community members but these financial gains had not equally transcended to all spheres of sustainable community based development. Till now, the activities have lacked the systematic long-term planning required for sustainable ecotourism and nature conservation. Accordingly, these could not be designated as ecotourism activities in their present orientation and capacity. In this regard, several necessary corrective measures to transform these activities into proper ecotourism ones have been suggested.
Mechanisms of Densification of the City in the Neoliberal Economy - a Case Study: the Surroundings of the Eastern Part of the Former Airport Runway Rakowice-Czyżyny in Cracow
Authors: Hołuj Dominika , Hołuj Artur
Published: May 2015

The article is a case study of land use planning in the surroundings of the eastern side of the runway of the former airport Rakowice-Czyżyny in Cracow. The area was chosen because it is an example reflecting the history of many urban spaces that are well connected externally, well equipped in infrastructure, and favourably located in the city. They are now the scene of an intense market game, which arrogates to itself the almost unlimited right to determine the land use. Therefore, a study was conducted to verify the knowledge in that field. The analysis was based, inter alia, on differentiated source materials (including historical ones), a survey of press materials (mostly local ones), interviews with residents, the field analysis carried out in the research area and data analysis (primary market of real estate). The chosen example allowed the authors to confirm the theorems on the growing threats to the spatial order in a situation of struggle between supporters of neoliberal urbanism and broadly defined new urbanism. The latter cannot exist without spatial planning but since1990 in Poland we have been able to observe a crisis in this area. It leads to chaotic, too concentrated development in urban areas. This demonstrates that while the criticism of the new urbanism is in some dimensions justified, it cannot be used to legalize voluntary land development. This possibility of social and political permission for arbitrariness generates an “appetite” for space understood primarily as an economic good.
Between Sacralization and Festivalization of Public Spaces: a Case Study of the Cavalcade of the Three Kings in Poland
Authors: Przybylska Lucyna
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the paper is the identification and interpretation of the dynamically developing contemporary mass event called the Cavalcade of the Three Kings (Orszak Trzech Króli). It was organised for the first time in 2009 in Warsaw. On the 6th of January 2014, about 630, 000 inhabitants of 177 towns and villages, singing Christmas carols and wearing colourful crowns on their heads, publically celebrated the religious feast of Epiphany. In the author's opinion, the cavalcades can be perceived as a new phenomenon in public spaces placed between sacralization and festivalization because they have some components of religious events and festivals but they are neither. They seem to be a new hybrid event, with religious and festive elements.
Heat tolerance indicators in Pakistani wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
Authors: Khan Sami U. , Din Jalal U. , Qayyum Abdul , Jan Noor E. , Jenks Matthew A.
Published: May 2015

The effect of high temperature stress on six wheat cultivars exposed to 35-40 °C for 3 h each day for five consecutive days was examined. High temperature significantly affected total proline, soluble protein content, membrane stability index (MSI), yield, and various yield components, and had a direct effect on growth and other physiological attributes of wheat at anthesis and the milky seed stages. The wheat cultivar AS- 2002 achieved better osmotic adjustment by accumulating more leaf proline. Higher MSI was also observed in AS-2002, as well as Inqalab-91. The anthesis growth stage was found to be more sensitive to heat stress than seed development at the milky stage. Overall heat stress reduced yield 75% at anthesis and 40% at the milky stage. AS-2002 performed better on the basis of yield and yield components. Seed weight per spike was highest in AS- 2002, and lowest in SH-2002. The cumulative response of AS-2002 was better on the basis of physiological and yield attributes. In addition to yield, plant breeders should also include proline and MSI as selection parameter in the breeding program for development of heat tolerant wheat cultivars. Most of the evaluated wheat cultivars/lines were developed for cultivation in the rainfed areas of Pakistan.
Morphological and anatomical features of seeds of Turkish Romulea taxa (Iridaceae) and their taxonomic significance
Authors: Karaismailoğlu Mehmet Cengiz
Published: May 2015

This paper reports on the assessment of morphological (macro and micro) and anatomical characters of seeds of Romulea taxa distributed in Turkey with the use of oneway analysis of variance, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Morphological characteristics such as size, shape, color and surface of seeds were examined with the use of light and scanning electron microscopes. Thicknesses of testa and phytomelan layer, sizes of embryo in seeds were studied anatomically. The outcomes revealed that taxa were similar in some aspects such as color and shape of seeds. However, seed size, thickness of testa and phytomelan layer, shape of the epidermal cells in testa and sizes of embryo were different among taxa, and have taxonomic value in the distinction of these taxa from each other. In addition, the seed surfaces were more or less different for the examined taxa on an interspecific level. Consequently, seed morphology and anatomy with a few exceptions demonstrated diversity and they had taxonomic importance in terms of distinguishing among species.
Carbon gain optimization in five broadleaf deciduous trees in response to light variation within the crown: correlations among morphological, anatomical and physiological leaf traits
Authors: Catoni Rosangela , Gratani Loretta , Sartori Francesco , Varone Laura , Granata Mirko U.
Published: May 2015

Leaf trait variations in five deciduous species (Quercus robur, Corylus avellana, Populus alba, Acer campestre, Robinia pseudoacacia) growing in an old broadleaf deciduous forest in response to light variation within the tree crown was analyzed. Net photosynthetic rate (PN), leaf respiration rate (R) and the photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency were, on average, more than 100% higher in sun than in shade leaves. A. campestre and C. avellana sun leaves had the highest specific leaf area (SLA, 156.0 ± 17.9 cm2 g-1) and the lowest total leaf thickness (L, 101.9 ± 8.8 μm) underlining their shade-tolerance. Among the shade-intolerant species (Q. robur, P. alba and R. pseudoacacia), Q. robur had the lowest SLA and the highest L in sun leaves (130.6 ± 10.0 cm2 g-1 and 160.8 ± 9.6 μm, respectively) since shade-intolerant species typically have thicker leaves. The higher PN decrease in respect to R decrease from sun to shade leaves attested the higher sensitivity of PN than R to light variations within the crown. This determined a 69% lower R/PN in sun than in shade leaves. This result is further attested by the significant correlation between PN and the relative photosynthetic photon flux density. The shade-tolerant species have a 76% higher R/PN ratio than the shade-intolerant ones. The measured leaf phenotypic plasticity (PI = 0.35) was in the range of broadleaf deciduous species. Plasticity is a key trait useful to quantify plant response to environmental stimuli. It is defined as the ability of a genotype to produce different phenotypes depending on the environment. Among the considered species, Q. robur showed the highest PI (0.39) and P. alba the lowest (0.29). Knowledge on phenotypic plasticity is important in making hypotheses about the dynamics of the studied forest in consideration of environmental stress factors, including invasive species competition and global climate change.
Echinochloa colona (L.) Link (Poaceae), a new species in the flora of Croatia
Authors: Hruševar Dario , Mitić Božena , Sandev Dubravka , Alegro Antun
Published: May 2015

During floristic research into the eastern parts of Mt Medvednica (NW Croatia), in the period from 2007 to 2010, the neophyte taxon Echinochloa colona (L.) Link was found. Since E. colona is not included in plant identification handbooks, a new determination key for the two closely related taxa of genus Echinochloa, presented in Croatia, has been prepared, and the biology of this new alien plant is briefly discussed.
Small-flowered bittercress, Cardamine parviflora L. (Brassicaceae), a new species of the Croatian flora
Authors: Prlić Dragan
Published: May 2015

Cardamine parviflora L. was discovered in April 2014 during the study of vascular flora and habitats in the area of Slatina (Slavonia region). It was found in a flooded forest of narrow-leaved ash, in the vicinity of the villages Medinci and Novi Senkovac. The species here grows in wet soil but partially submerged populations were also observed. It presents a new species of the Croatian flora and expands the floristic inventory of Slatina and its surroundings. Other valuable taxa have also been recorded in the area, such as Carex riparia Curtis and Ophioglossum vulgatum L.
Is drought altering plant populations in the mountainous region of Northeastern Mexico?
Authors: García Jaime F. , Jurado Enrique
Published: May 2015

Mortality in six plant species was examined in the vegetation of a mountain region in Northeastern Mexico and hypotheses of survival pathways within populations in the ecosystem were tested. Significant differences in the general mortality pattern were found among species indicating species-specific responses to stress gradients. Average mortality differed among species: Yucca carnerosana, 33.8%; Pinus cembroides, 29.9%; Larrea tridentata, 25.9%; Hechtia podantha, 13.7%; Agave lechuguilla, 13.0%; and Thelocactus santaclarensis, 9.0%. Within populations, mortality increased with water stress and survivorship increased with less stressful environments. Results from this study may be useful for the development of a management plan to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest vegetation in this mountain community.
Volumetric strains of cement-based mortars caused by ice formation in terms of frost resistance diagnostics
Authors: Rusin Z. , Świercz P.
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the volumetric strain test results of differently composed cement mortar samples during the phase transformation of water into ice, and juxtaposes the results with other relevant indicators, such as the water absorption and the degree of filling pores with water. It also presents the possibility of using these observations in terms of frost resistance diagnostics. The investigation covered non-airentrained mortars, which were also subjected to the vacuum treatment and vibration to reduce the air content. It was found experimentally that the volumetric strain of mortar samples soaked in water under vacuum at ΔV/V < 2‰ means the mortar of high frost resistance. ΔV/V > 4‰ indicates that the mortar requires air-entraining regardless of the microstructure and kind of cement.
Modelling of concrete carbonation; is it a process unlimited in time and restricted in space?
Authors: Czarnecki L. , Woyciechowski P.
Published: May 2015

The aim of the article is mathematical modelling of the carbonation process that has been based on results of research conducted both in accelerated and natural conditions. The article covers short characteristic of carbonation, its processes and effects. Also critical review of articles that concern carbonation mathematical models was included in the paper. Assuming the self-terminating nature of carbonation the hyperbolic model of carbonation was formulated. Such a model describes the carbonation progress as the process unlimited in time but with the restricted range in concrete depth that is limited by the value of a model asymptote. Presented results cover research on carbonation of concrete with a different water-cement ratio and different types of binders and duration times of early curing. Investigations have been conducted as accelerated (1% concentration of CO2) as well as in long-term exposures in natural conditions. The obtained results confirmed statistically that hyperbolic model is a well-founded approach when the modelling concrete carbonation process is concerned