bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murcianos en el siglo XVIII ¿huraños o sociables?
Authors: Peñafiel Ramón Antonio
Published: April 2016

El artículo pretende mostrar la realidad del panorama general y puntos concretos de sociabilidad del pueblo murciano en una época y momento determinados. Utilizando para ello tanto las formas de distracción y relación características como las opiniones –a veces realmente desfavorables– de viajeros con otros conceptos y modos distintos de entender la vida.
Una forma alternativa de la piedad popular: las cofradías de vía sacra en Granada
Authors: López-Guadalupe Muñoz Miguel Luis
Published: April 2016

El florecimiento de hermandades de vía sacra, sobre todo en el siglo XVII, debe relacionarse con las fecundas propuestas espirituales y devocionales del siglo anterior. La práctica de la vía sacra fue un contrapunto a las estaciones de penitencia, más populares y profanas. Por eso, fueron impulsadas desde distintos sectores del clero, sobre todo los franciscanos. En Granada hubo hasta una decena de estas cofradías de vía sacra, cuya huella se rastrea hasta el siglo XIX. Por entonces, respondían al modelo convencional de cofradías y derivaban hacia el mutualismo entre sus miembros.
Redención y luchas de poder a la hora de «aplacar el brazo de la divina justicia»: el caso de las rogativas en el Elche del s. XVIII
Authors: García Torres Adrián
Published: April 2016

La imposibilidad de protegerse de los desastres naturales y climáticos aunado al miedo que generaban, posicionaron a las soluciones espirituales como las prácticas más utilizadas contra estos enemigos. El dominio por parte de la Iglesia católica de las diversas ceremonias y todo lo que ello significaba, pasó a ser un nuevo foco de conflicto con el poder civil. El presente estudio rastrea las formas con que se accedía a dichos remedios, la tipología de éstos y los choques de preeminencia que generaron en la villa de Elche en el Setecientos.
Locust problem in the ottoman empire in world war one
Authors: Candeğer Ümmügülsüm
Published: April 2016

Humankind has faced many disasters since the beginning. It is evident that some of the disasters have occurred because of natural reasons but some others happen because of man who destroyed the balance of nature. Humankind has been in an endless struggle with the nature. Fighting with the disasters like earthquake, flood, fire, plaque, famine and locust outbreaks can be in two ways; The first way of struggling such disasters is prevention and the second one is recovering the loss after the incident. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the war known as the disaster created by humankind and locust plaque as the natural disaster.Locust invasion was one of frequent problems that occurred repeatedly in Ottoman Empire. Affecting Western and Southern Anatolia and Arab Provinces, it made life miserable for people living there especially in the period between the last quarter of XIX. Century and the first quarter of XX. Century and it turned into a major disaster. Locust disaster caused material and non-material damage to either local people or to the state. Swarms of locust which devoured farmlands of thousands acres damaged the crops in the area destroying the livelihoods of local people. Therefore, people whose crop fields were devastated faced famine. Considering the fact that the country was involved in the World War One, the disaster became worse. When the parliament records of the period were examined, it is seen that the First Turkish Parliament held congress over the issue and heated debates took place.In the first part of the study, we will be focusing on the dangers of locusts in terms of agriculture. The effects of locust plaque in Western and Southern Anatolia and the treatments local people applied to solve the problem will be discussed by examining the archival files. In the second part of the research, examining the archives of the first parliament, the debates about the locust plaque in the parliament, the decisions made after the debates or enacted laws and enforcement of these laws will be examined.
Musculoskeletal Disorders in Broadcasting Engineers: The Role of Ergonomic Factors and Work Organization
Authors: Vangelova K. , Tzenova B. , Stanchev V.
Published: April 2016

The rate of musculoskeletal disorders is increasing in white collar workers and often is discussed in relation to ergonomic and work organization issues. The aim of the study was to follow the rate and determinants of musculoskeletal disorders in broadcasting engineers under shift work. Job analysis and ergonomic evaluation of the workplaces of 168 broadcasting engineers, working different shift work schedules, was carried. The self reported working conditions, psychosocial and ergonomic factors were followed. Questioning for distribution and localization of musculoskeletal complaints and diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders was carried. Data were analyzed with variation, correlation and regression analysis. A lot of ergonomic and work organization problems, simultaneous work on two monitors, changes of workplace during the shift were found. More than 50% of the employees were not content with shift work schedules, 38.7% worked often under time pressure and 23.8% in non-ergonomic work posture. A high incidence of musculoskeletal complaints mainly in the region of the back and neck was found. 35.1% of the employee reported musculoskeletal disorders, determined by non-ergonomic work posture, problems in shift work schedules, lack of control and decision making in a highly significant model. Measures for improving workplace ergonomics and work organization were proposed in order to reduce stress, fatigue and health risks in broadcasting staff.
Prevalence Rate of Musculoskeletal Discomforts Based on Severity Level Among Office Workers
Authors: Shariat A. , Tamrin Sh. Bahri Mohd , Arumugam M. , Danaee M. , Ramasamy R.
Published: April 2016

There are a variety of body aches that fall under the umbrella term of Musculoskeletal Discomforts (MSDs). These can be distinguished based on the level of pain suffered by the patient, ranging from mild and sporadic to serious, constant and fatal. It has been suggested that a link exists between MSDs and risk factors involving one’s occupational conditions and physicality. Examining the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal discomforts based on the severity among office workers was the main objective of this study. In order to achieve this objective, we had, in February 2015, selected from a population of 20 000 Malaysian office workers, 753 subjects within the age range of 20-50 years who have had a minimum of a year’s working experience. For this study, a form of structured questionnaire, known as the Cornell questionnaire, has been evaluated and put to use. Under the watch of the researchers, the subjects were instructed to complete the questionnaire in the morning before they begin their respective jobs. Based on their responses, the Cornell questionnaire has revealed that at least one case of severe pain in the neck, shoulder or lower back, respectively, is suffered by 69.7% of the subjects. In the case of neck-related aches, 15% low pain, whereas 51% involved mild pain and 33.9% were cases of severe pain. That being said, 19.3% low pain in the lower back, while 50.7% suffered from mild pain and 30% had severe pain in the same region. Percentages of 34.9% for high severity, 45.4% for mild severity and 19.7% for low severity were simultaneously reported in the shoulder section. In a nutshell, the study has revealed that, in comparison with body aches in the arms, knees, upper back, forearms, wrists, hands, hips and thighs, the subjects are more vulnerable to body aches in the neck, shoulders and lower back.
Etiologic Characteristics of Enterocolitis in Hospitalized HIV-Infected Patients for 3-Year Period (2013-2015)
Authors: Yancheva N. , Strashimirov D. , Elenkov I. , Tchervenyakova T. , Tomova P. , Tcvetkova N. , Yankova M. , Tomov T. , Nikolova M.
Published: April 2016

Diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal symptom in HIV-infected patients. The incidence and severity of diarrhea increase with progression of the immune defi ciency. In the literature, 30-60% of the patients with diarrhea among HIV-infected individuals remain without specified etiological agent. The aim of this article is to present the incidence of enterocolitis among hospitalized HIV-infected patients over a 3-year period and the degree of etiological clarifi cation of the cause. The results of our analyses showed that 63% of the hospitalized HIV-infected patients for this period were with enterocolitis. Only in 30% of these patients etiological agent was isolated. The reasons for this are mainly financial constraints and, therefore, virological investigations and further endoscopic and histopathological examination of the patients with negative for bacteria and parasites stool samples, were not performed. In the cases with isolated pathogen, an etiological treatment was carried out in parallel with highly active antiretroviral therapy, while in unsubstantiated cases an empirical treatment was carried out. Advanced immune defi ciency was associated with more severe course and worse prognosis of the enterocolitis. The treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy, which leads to improvement of the immune status of the patients, is essential for the output of enterocolitis in HIV-infected patients.
Effect of Alcohol to Oral Health
Authors: Peycheva K. , Boteva E.
Published: April 2016

According to the World Health Organization there are almost two billion people worldwide who consume alcohol on a regular basis. It’s a common abuse and almost 80 million are diagnozed with “alcohol abuse disorders” (WHO 2002, 2004). Excessive alcohol consumption is related to more than 60 different medical conditions, as suicide, homicide and different forms of accidents. Some conditions are acute, while other conditions such as liver cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis, haemorrhagic stroke and various forms of cancer, are chronic consequences. Non-carious destructions of teeth like dental erosion are also associated with frequent alcohol consumption, because of precipitation of salivary proline-rich proteins caused by polyphenols present in most alcoholic drinks. The high concentration of organic and inorganic acids and the habit of keeping the alcoholic drink in the mouth can cause chronic inflammations of the soft tissues in the mouth and can increase the negative side effects from metals of crowns, bridges, orthodontic devises and various restorations. A literature review has been made due to the authors clinical observations and experiences.
Approaches towards training in human risk management of surgical technology
Authors: Geissler Norman , Machno Andrej , Sánchez-Peralta Luisa F. , Pagador José Blas , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M. , Korb Werner
Published: April 2016

A safe application of modern surgical technology and computer-assisted surgery devices is based on an operation by adequately trained surgeons who are familiar with the benefits and limitations of the devices. We analyzed the in-depth interviews with seven Spanish and 10 German surgeons. Together with other studies, this analysis highlights the need for specific training in technological competence for surgeons. One way to train technological competence is to help surgeons understanding the basic principles of medical devices as well as explaining the basic concepts of risk analysis and risk management. Based on this premise, a stage model for risk assessment was developed and adapted for the training of surgeons. This was developed further into a train the trainer (TTT) concept, which was then evaluated for two example cases. During TTT-training, the
Concentrations and uptake of micronutrients by oat and pea in intercrops in response to N fertilization and sowing ratio
Authors: Neugschwandtner Reinhard W. , Kaul Hans-Peter
Published: April 2016

Intercropping is of increasing interest in temperate regions. This study assessed the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization and sowing ratio on concentrations and uptake of micronutrients copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in grain and residue of oat and pea in three substitutive intercrops on a fertile soil in eastern Austria. N increased grain concentrations of Cu and Zn in oat and pea but decreased the nutrient harvest indices especially for pea. Intercropping did not affect grain concentrations of oat but those of pea were increased in one year in intercrops with a lower pea share. Residue concentrations of Cu and Zn in oat were increased in intercrops with lower oat share. Pea residue concentrations of all four micronutrients were affected by intercropping. Slightly higher grain nutrient yields could be obtained for Mn and Zn in oat-dominated unfertilized intercrops, whereas the residue micronutrient yields were higher in all intercrops compared to pure stands because of generally higher nutrient concentrations in intercrops. Consequently, advantages of oat–pea intercrops for increasing micronutrient yield in grain were limited, but intercropping can be a strategy for increasing the micronutrient yield in residue that can be used for ruminant feeding.
A Concept of Accounting Quality from Accounting Harmonisation Perspective
Authors: Legenzova Renata
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is to assess if and how a concept of accounting quality differs from perspectives of various types of organisations affected by the accounting harmonisation process. Accounting harmonisation is commonly associated with worldwide adoption of IFRS by public interest companies. However, in the EU this process is much broader and also involves efforts to harmonise accounting standards for non-listed companies and public sector organisations. Analysis of the previous scientific research revealed that accounting quality was commonly assessed from IFRS users’ perspective and approximated with the quality of financial statements. However, based on the interviews with experts of Lithuanian accounting market, the concept of accounting quality for small and medium companies and public sector institutions is ambiguous and still needs to be clarified. Definition of accounting quality only as the quality financial statements is too narrow as financial disclosure is not that important for such companies. For non-listed companies and public sector organisations, other aspects and factors, such as qualification of accountants, supervision of accounting and reporting, overall and managers’ perspective on importance of accounting, have more importance while defining accounting quality.
Sampling Rate Impact on the Tuning of PID Controller Parameters
Authors: Laskawski Michal , Wcislik Miroslaw
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with an analysis of automatic control system with continuous and discrete PID controllers. A method of tuning the parameters of the continuous controller is presented, which is optimal according to the ITAE criterion. The behavior of control systems with discrete controllers whose parameters were tuned using the mentioned method are described. The impact of changes in the sampling period of controlled signal on the control quality is shown. Changes of the values of optimal parameters of discrete PID controllers in relation to changes of the sampling rate of controlled signal are characterized.
Influence of Self-Similar Traffic Type on Performance of QoS Routing Algorithms
Authors: Czarkowski Michał , Kaczmarek Sylwester , Wolff Maciej
Published: April 2016

Providing a Quality of Services (QoS) into current telecommunication networks based on packet technology is a big challenge nowadays. Network operators have to support a number of new services like voice or video which generate new type of traffic. This traffic serviced with QoS in consequence requires access to appropriate network resources. Additionally, new traffic type is mixed with older one, like best-effort. Analysis of these new and mixed traffic types shows that this traffic is self-similar. Network mechanisms used for delivery of quality of services may depend on traffic type especially from the performance point of view. This paper presents a feasibility study done into the effect of traffic type influence on performance of routing algorithm while the routing algorithm is treated as one of the mechanisms to support QoS in the network.
Periparturient Period in Terms of Body Condition Score and Selected Parameters of Hormonal Profiles
Authors: Vargová M. , Kováč G.
Published: April 2016

The majority of all diseases in dairy cows occur during the period from three weeks before parturition to three weeks after parturition, in the periparturient or transitional period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of selected parameters of: the hormonal profiles, the body condition score (BCS) and their interrelationships. The study was carried out on 15 dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle, from three weeks before to nine weeks after parturition, which were divided into six groups. The concentrations of leptin during ante partum increased from 23.08 ± 10.58 ng.ml−1 to 26.80 ± 11.47 ng.ml−1, then gradually decreased (P > 0.05), and conversely, the concentrations of ghrelin before parturition were found to be decreasing and during the postpartal period, the concentrations increased, with the highest value of 35.94 ± 16.85 pg.ml−1. In the case of insulin, we found the opposite tendency of ghrelin. We observed significantly higher values of BCS in dry cows than in cows after parturition (P < 0.001). Comparing the BCS and the parameter of the hormonal profiles, we found both positive and negative correlations: leptin and ghrelin (r = −0.235, P < 0.05), and BCS and insulin (r = 0.232, P < 0.05), and BCS and leptin (r = 0.360, P < 0.001). The interrelationships between the hormones and the body condition score, provided evidence that the variations in concentrations of leptin, ghrelin and insulin were related to variations in the BCS.
Impact of Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba extracts on expression level of transcriptional factors and xenobiotic-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Bogacz Anna , Karasiewicz Monika , Dziekan Karolina , Procyk Danuta , Górska-Paukszta Małgorzata , Kowalska Aleksandra , Mikołajczak Przemysław Ł. , Ożarowski Marcin , Czerny Bogusław
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Despite widespread use of Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba, the data on the safety as well as herb-drug interactions are very limited. Therefore, we postulate that P. ginseng and G. biloba may modulate the activity and content of cytochrome P450 isozymes involved in the biotransformation of diverse xenobiotic substances. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the influence of herbal remedies on the expression level of CYP enzymes and transcriptional factors. Methods: Male Wistar rats were given standardized Panax ginseng (30 mg/kg p.o.) or standardized Ginkgo biloba (200 mg/kg p.o.) for 3 and 10 days. The expression in liver tissue was analyzed by realtime PCR method. Results: Our results showed a decrease of CYP3A1 (homologue to human CYP3A4) mRNA level after P. ginseng extract treatment. The CYP2C6 (homologue to human CYP2C9) expression was also reduced. Additionally, after 10 days of the treatment with P. ginseng an increase of CYP1A1 (homologue to human CYP1A1) and CYP1A2 (homologue to human CYP1A2) expression was observed. Moreover, G. biloba extract also caused an increase of expression level for CYP1A1, CYP2C6, CYP3A1 and CYP3A2. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that herbal extracts can modulate the expression of transcriptional factors and CYP enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and chemical carcinogenesis.
In Search of Excellence in E-Customer Logistics Service
Authors: Ocicka Barbara , Raźniewska Marta
Published: April 2016

The e-commerce market has been developing very rapidly and changing traditional distribution systems. The development of online channels is matched by a similar evolution of companies’ logistics systems. As a consequence, logistics processes management now significantly influences e-customer service quality, which has emerged as a competitive advantage. The main goal of this paper is to identify e-commerce business models, modern distribution channels and management tools that would facilitate a continuous improvement in e-customer logistics service. Based on the literature and interviews with e-commerce services providers, we provide a plethora of good and best practices useful for managers in the rapidly developing and highly competitive e-commerce business.
Minimal permutation representations of semidirect products of groups
Authors: Easdown David , Hendriksen Michael
Published: April 2016

We provide formulae for the minimal faithful permutation degree

μ
⁢

(
G
)

${\mu(G)}$

of a group G that is a semidirect product of an elementary abelian p-group by a group of prime order q not equal to p.
These formulae apply to the investigation of groups G with the property that there exists a nontrivial group H such that

μ
⁢

(

G
×
H

)

=

μ
⁢

(
G
)

${\mu(G\times H)=\mu(G)}$

, in particular reproducing the seminal examples of Wright (1975) and Saunders (2010). Given an arbitrarily large group H that is a direct product of elementary abelian groups (with mixed primes), we construct a group G such that

μ
⁢

(

G
×
H

)

=

μ
⁢

(
G
)

${\mu(G\times H)=\mu(G)}$

, yet G does not decompose nontrivially as a direct product.
Equivalence limits of reference intervals for partitioning of population data. Relevant differences of reference limits
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Arzideh Farhad
Published: April 2016

Reference limits need to be compared with each other for two main purposes: to evaluate the clinical relevance of a possible difference, if limits are obtained from the same population but at different time periods, or to check if limits derived from two different subpopulations can be considered as identical. The comparison of reference limits required for the periodic reviewing of applied reference limits and for checking the transferability of reference limits adopted from external sources according to international standards is an example for the first case. In the second case, a decision is intended whether the full population has to be partitioned (stratified) into the subpopulations under consideration (e.g. males and females). In both situations, differences may be due either to analytical errors, to biological differences or to both effects. The difference between reference limits may be acceptable if it is within permissible limits. For establishing permissible limits, the concept of equivalence limits was adopted to assess the relevance of differences between two reference limits. The concept bases on the permissible uncertainty at a particular reference limit. The permissible uncertainty is quantified by the permissible analytical standard deviation derived from the empirical biological variation as recently proposed. It is defined separately for lower and upper reference limits. The concept proposed can be condensed to simple equations.
Lithuania’s Foreign Policy Under the Eastern Partnership Programme in 2009–2014: From Small State Policy Tto Smart State Strategy
Authors: Milta Maksimas
Published: April 2016

The article addresses Lithuania’s foreign policy vis-à-vis the Eastern Partnership programme in 2009-2014 from the perspective of small states’ abilities to influence decision making processes within the European Union. The author aims at revealing the puzzle of Lithuania’s marginal capacities of absolute power being disproportional to the output of its foreign policy towards implementation of the Eastern Partnership programme and hence utilising “smart state strategy” conceptualised by Anders Wivel. The novelty of the study rests on expansion of applying the smart state strategy towards the post-negotiation stage of the policy implementation. The article contributes to the debate over the applicability of the “smart state strategy” approach towards the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, by arguing that Lithuania’s foreign policy vis-à-vis the Eastern Partnership programme in 2009-2014 does indeed serve as an example of such behaviour, however recognising Lithuania’s initial shift from utilising “small state policy” to “smart state strategy”.
River response to climate and sea level changes during the Late Saalian/Early Eemian in northern Poland – a case study of meandering river deposits in the Chłapowo cliff section
Authors: Moskalewicz Damian , Sokołowski Robert J. , Fedorowicz Stanisław
Published: April 2016

Fluvial sediments in the Chłapowo cliff section were studied in order to reconstruct their palaeoflow conditions and stratigraphical position. Lithofacies, textural and palaeohydraulic analyses as well as luminescence dating were performed so as to achieve the aim of study. Sedimentary successions were identified as a record of point bar cycles. The fluvial environment probably functioned during the latest Saalian, shortly after the retreat of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet. Discharge outflow was directed to the northwest. The river used the older fluvioglacial valley and probably was directly connected to the Eem Sea. Good preservation and strong aggradation of point-bar cycles were related to a rapid relative base level rise. The meandering river sediments recognised showed responses to climate and sea level changes as illustrated by stratigraphical, morphological and sedimentological features of the strata described. The present study also revealed several insights into proper interpretation of meandering fluvial successions, in which the most important were: specific lithofacies assemblage of GSt (St, Sp) → Sl → SFrc → Fm (SFr) and related architectural elements: channel/sandy bedforms CH/SB → lateral accretion deposits LA → floodplain fines with crevasse splays FF (CS); upward-fining grain size and decreasing content of denser heavy minerals; estimated low-energy flow regime with a mean depth of 1.6–3.3 m, a Froude number of 0.2–0.4 and a sinuosity of 1.5.
Geochemistry of rare earth elements in the Baba Ali magnetite skarn deposit, western Iran – a key to determine conditions of mineralisation
Authors: Zamanian Hassan , Radmard Kaikosrov
Published: April 2016

The Baba Ali skarn deposit, situated 39 km to the northwest of Hamadan (Iran), is the result of a syenitic pluton that intruded and metamorphosed the diorite host rock. Rare earth element (REE) values in the quartz syenite and diorite range between 35.4 and 560 ppm. Although the distribution pattern of REEs is more and less flat and smooth, light REEs (LREEs) in general show higher concentrations than heavy REEs (HREEs) in different lithounits. The skarn zone reveals the highest REE-enriched pattern, while the ore zone shows the maximum depletion pattern. A comparison of the concentration variations of LREEs (La–Nd), middle REEs (MREEs; Sm–Ho) and HREEs (Er–Lu) of the ore zone samples to the other zones elucidates two important points for the distribution of REEs: 1) the distribution patterns of LREEs and MREEs show a distinct depletion in the ore zone while representing a great enrichment in the skarn facies neighbouring the ore body border and decreasing towards the altered diorite host rock; 2) HREEs show the same pattern, but in the exoskarn do not reveal any distinct increase as observed for LREEs and MREEs. The ratio of La/Y in the Baba Ali skarn ranges from 0.37 to 2.89. The ore zone has the highest La/Y ratio. In this regard the skarn zones exhibit two distinctive portions: 1) one that has La/Y >1 beingadjacent to the ore body and; 2) another one with La/Y < 1 neighbouring altered diorite. Accordingly, the Baba Ali profile, from the quartz syenite to the middle part of the exoskarn, demonstrates chiefly alkaline conditions of formation, with a gradual change to acidic towards the altered diorite host rocks. Utilising three parameters, Ce/Ce*, Eu/Eu* and (Pr/Yb)n, in different minerals implies that the hydrothermal fluids responsible for epidote and garnet were mostly of magmatic origin and for magnetite, actinolite and phlogopite these were of magmatic origin with low REE concentration or meteoric water involved.
Influence of Meat Type, Sex and Storage Time on Fatty Acid Profile of Free Range Dalmatian Turkey
Authors: Mauric Maja , Starcevic Kristina , Mencik Sven , Ostovic Mario , Kabalin Anamaria Ekert
Published: April 2016

Dalmatian turkey is a slow growing breed kept in free range systems. It is a type of “old fashioned poultry” whose meat is present on the market and accepted by consumers. However, no information about its meat quality and fatty acid profile is available. The chemical composition of the meat was influenced by gender and meat type and these differences could be important from the consumer’s point of view. Fatty acid composition was characterized by the predominance of n6 fatty acids, especially C18:2n6 and a high n6/n3 ratio. Increased time of storage strongly reduced the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC PUFA) and increased atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices (AI and TI) in thigh tissue. The content of beneficial n3 PUFA was influenced by meat type, with lower values of C18:3n3 and higher values of LC PUFA in the breast compared to the thighs. The potential intake of LC PUFA of comercial turkey in the human diet was lower in comparison to poultry fed with complete feed mixtures. An interesting fact was the higher DHA values in comparison with DPA values in breast tissue, which is characteristic of old poultry breeds. The Dalmatian turkey is a highly valued traditional product and an important archaic breed for gene preservation and biodiversity. Nevertheless, Dalmatian turkey meat could be even further improved by minimal dietary manipulation to become a product with additional health promoting effects.
Seasonal variation in the diet of the grey goral (Naemorhedus goral) in Machiara National Park (MNP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Nasra , Anwar Maqsood , Oli Madan K. , Pine William E. , Sarwar Misbah , Hussain Iftikhar , Awan Muhammad Siddique
Published: April 2016

Understanding food habits of wild ungulates is of paramount importance to ecology and wildlife management. We studied the food habits of grey gorals (Naemorhedus goral) using microhistological techniques at two sites (Machiara and Serli Sacha) that differed in livestock grazing pressure in the Machiara National Park (MNP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan during 2012–2013. Serli Sacha had 53 livestock units/km2while Machiara had 27 livestock units/km2in the habitat of grey gorals. Dietary diversity was higher in Machiara (21 plant species) than at Serli Sacha (15 plant species) but the frequency of plant species consumed by grey goral varied seasonally (p<0.05). Grey gorals consumed mostly forbs (75.57%) during summer (dominated byPoa annua,Geranium wallichianumandRheum australe) and mostly browse (38.19%) during winter (dominated byBerberis vulgaris, Skimmia laureolaandViburnum nervosum). Grey gorals strongly preferredG. wallichianumin both sites during summer season. Wildlife managers at MNP should focus on increasing diversity of plant species and on reducing livestock grazing as it generally reduces plant diversity and also directly compete withN. goralfor limited forage.
Dynamic Response Control of Three-Layered Annular Plate Due to Various Parametres of Electrorheological Core
Authors: Pawlus Dorota
Published: April 2016

The paper presents dynamic responses of annular plate composed of three layers. The middle layer of the plate has electrorheological properties expressed by the Bingham body model. The plate is loaded in the plane of facings with time-dependent forces. The electrorheological effect is observed in the area of supercritical plate behaviour. The influence of both material properties and geometrical dimensions of the core on plate behaviour is examined. The problem is solved analytically and numerically using the orthogonalization method and the finite difference method. Comparison of the results obtained using the finite difference and the finite element methods for a plate in critical state is shown. The numerical calculations are carried out for axisymmetric and asymmetric plate modes. The presented diagrams show the plate reaction to the changes in values of plate parameters and indicate that the supercritical control of plate work is possible.
Comparison of Selected Formulations for Multibody System Dynamics with Redundant Constraints
Authors: Pękal Marcin , Fraczek Janusz
Published: April 2016

This paper compares selected optimization-based methods for the analysis of multibody systems with redundant constraints. The following numerical schemes are examined: direct integration method, Udwadia-Kalaba formulation, two types of least-squares block solution method and Udwadia-Phohomsiri formulation. In order to compare efficiency of the algorithms, a series of simulations is performed on two exemplary McPherson struts. In the first variant, the mechanism has no redundant constraints whereas the other is overconstrained. Three constraint stabilization schemes are also compared in terms of integration errors.
Investigation of Friction and Wear Mechanisms of TiAlV Coated Carbide Against Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Using Pin-On-Disc Tribometer
Authors: Grzesik Wit , Małecka Joanna , Zalisz Zbigniew , Zak Krzysztof , Niesłony Piotr
Published: April 2016

The tribological behavior of the PVD-TiAlN coated carbide inserts in dry sliding against two-phase (α-β) titanium alloy,Ti6Al4V grade, was investigated. A modified pin-on-disc device was used to conduct experiments under variable normal load and sliding speed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray micro-analyses by EDS were applied for observations of wear scars and wear products. It was revealed that the increase of sliding speed contributes to decreasing the friction coefficient under a low normal force, whereas the increase of the normal loading causes the friction coefficient is less sensitive to changes in the sliding speed and its values are equal to μ = 0.26-0.34. The adhesive nature of wear along with severe abrasive action of the Ti alloy were documented.
Influence of Suspended Equipment on the Carbody Vertical Vibration Behaviour of High-Speed Railway Vehicles
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina
Published: April 2016

The equipment mounted on the carbody chassis of the railway vehicles is a critical component of the vehicle in terms of ride comfort. The reason for that is their large mass, able to visibly influence the vibrations mode of the carbody. The paper examines the influence of the equipment upon the mode of vertical vibrations of the carbody in the high-speed vehicles, reached on the basis of the frequency response functions of the acceleration in three carbody reference points - at the centre and above the bogies. These functions are derived from the numerical simulations developed on a rigid-flexible coupled model, with seven degrees of freedom. As a rule, the results herein prove the influence of the equipment mounting mode (rigid or elastic), along with the speed regime, upon the level of vibrations in the carbody reference points, at the resonance frequency of the symmetrical bending mode. Similarly, it is also demonstrated how the equipment mass and the damping degree of the suspension system affect the level of the vibrations in the carbody.
Implant materials modified by colloids
Authors: Zboromirska-Wnukiewicz Beata , Wnukiewicz Witold , Kogut Krzysztof , Wnukiewicz Jan , Rutowski Roman , Gosk Jerzy , Kasprzyk Krzysztof
Published: April 2016

Recent advances in general medicine led to the development of biomaterials. Implant material should be characterized by a high biocompatibility to the tissue and appropriate functionality, i.e. to have high mechanical and electrical strength and be stable in an electrolyte environment – these are the most important properties of bioceramic materials. Considerations of biomaterials design embrace also electrical properties occurring on the implant-body fluid interface and consequently the electrokinetic potential, which can be altered by modifying the surface of the implant. In this work, the surface of the implants was modified to decrease the risk of infection by using metal colloids. Nanocolloids were obtained using different chemical and electrical methods. It was found that the colloids obtained by physical and electrical methods are more stable than colloids obtained by chemical route. In this work the surface of modified corundum implants was investigated. The implant modified by nanosilver, obtained by electrical method was selected. The in vivo research on animals was carried out. Clinical observations showed that the implants with modified surface could be applied to wounds caused by atherosclerotic skeleton, for curing the chronic and bacterial inflammations as well as for skeletal reconstruction surgery.
Structural stability, electronic structure and magnetic properties of the new hypothetical half-metallic ferromagnetic full-Heusler alloy CoNiMnSi
Authors: Elahmar M.H. , Rached H. , Rached D. , Benalia S. , Khenata R. , Biskri Z.E. , Bin Omran S.
Published: April 2016

We investigated the structural stability as well as the mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of the Full-Heusler alloy CoNiMnSi using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. Two generalized gradient approximations (GGA and GGA + U) were used to treat the exchange-correlation energy functional. The ground state properties of CoNiMnSi including the lattice parameter and bulk modulus were calculated. The elastic constants (Cij) and their related elastic moduli as well as the thermodynamic properties for CoNiMnSi have been calculated for the first time. The existence of half-metallic ferromagnetism (HM-FM) in this material is apparent from its band structure. Our results classify CoNiMnSi as a new HM-FM material with high spin polarization suitable for spintronic applications.
Nonlinear optical interactions in silicon waveguides
Authors: Kuyken B. , Leo F. , Clemmen S. , Dave U. , Van Laer R. , Ideguchi T. , Zhao H. , Liu X. , Safioui J. , Coen S. , Gorza S.P. , Selvaraja S. K. , Massar S. , Osgood R. M. , Verheyen P. , Van Campenhout J. , Baets R. , Green W.M. J. , Roelkens G.
Published: April 2016

The strong nonlinear response of silicon photonic nanowire waveguides allows for the integration of nonlinear optical functions on a chip. However, the detrimental nonlinear optical absorption in silicon at telecom wavelengths limits the efficiency of many such experiments. In this review, several approaches are proposed and demonstrated to overcome this fundamental issue. By using the proposed methods, we demonstrate amongst others supercontinuum generation, frequency comb generation, a parametric optical amplifier, and a parametric optical oscillator.
Progress in ultrafast laser processing and future prospects
Authors: Sugioka Koji
Published: April 2016

The unique characteristics of ultrafast lasers have rapidly revolutionized materials processing after their first demonstration in 1987. The ultrashort pulse width of the laser suppresses heat diffusion to the surroundings of the processed region, which minimizes the formation of a heat-affected zone and thereby enables ultrahigh precision micro- and nanofabrication of various materials. In addition, the extremely high peak intensity can induce nonlinear multiphoton absorption, which extends the diversity of materials that can be processed to transparent materials such as glass. Nonlinear multiphoton absorption enables three-dimensional (3D) micro- and nanofabrication by irradiation with tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses inside transparent materials. Thus, ultrafast lasers are currently widely used for both fundamental research and practical applications. This review presents progress in ultrafast laser processing, including micromachining, surface micro- and nanostructuring, nanoablation, and 3D and volume processing. Advanced technologies that promise to enhance the performance of ultrafast laser processing, such as hybrid additive and subtractive processing, and shaped beam processing are discussed. Commercial and industrial applications of ultrafast laser processing are also introduced. Finally, future prospects of the technology are given with a summary.
Ultrafast optical imaging technology: principles and applications of emerging methods
Authors: Mikami Hideharu , Gao Liang , Goda Keisuke
Published: April 2016

High-speed optical imaging is an indispensable technology for blur-free observation of fast transient dynamics in virtually all areas including science, industry, defense, energy, and medicine. High temporal resolution is particularly important for microscopy as even a slow event appears to occur “fast” in a small field of view. Unfortunately, the shutter speed and frame rate of conventional cameras based on electronic image sensors are significantly constrained by their electrical operation and limited storage. Over the recent years, several unique and unconventional approaches to high-speed optical imaging have been reported to circumvent these technical challenges and achieve a frame rate and shutter speed far beyond what can be reached with the conventional image sensors. In this article, we review the concepts and principles of such ultrafast optical imaging methods, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and discuss an entirely new class of applications that are possible using them.
Preparation, properties and potential applications of a photocurable varnish with pleasant limonene smell
Authors: Bednarczyk Paulina , Wróblewska Agnieszka , Czech Zbigniew , Malko Mariusz Władysław , Rozwadowski Zbigniew , Markowska-Szczupak Agata
Published: April 2016

Photocurable materials which are obtained on the basis of urethane acrylate resins are often used in the industry for the production varnishes or protective coatings. The main disadvantage which is connected with the utilization of these varnishes is their unpleasant smell during the process of production and curing. This work presents the photocurable varnish which was obtained on the basis of aliphatic urethane acrylate and R-(+)-limonene. The utilization of this raw materials allows to obtain the smelling coatings. The aim of this work were the studies on the influence of limonene molecules on the mechanical properties of the UV-cured coatings. These studies showed that the coatings with limonene molecules retain their properties, and are characterized by the very good adhesion, cohesion and high gloss. These kinds of varnishes can be applied for preparation of appropriate protective coatings on the surface of wood, metals, and nail plates. These protective coatings have not only pleasure smell but also can have the bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The studies performed with Escherichia coli ATCC29425 and Candida albicans confirmed these properties.
Safety and efficacy of a Ventralight ST echo ps implant for a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair – a prospective cohort study with a one-year follow-up
Authors: Stetsko Taras , Bury Kamil , Lubowiecka Izabela , Szymczak Czesław , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Śmietański Maciej
Published: April 2016

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has become popular technique. Every year, companies are introducing new products Thus, every mesh prior to introduction in clinical settings should be tested with a dedicated tacker to discover the proper fixation algorithm.

was to assess the safety and efficacy of the Ventralight ST implant with an ECHO positioning system and a dedicated fixation device, the SorbaFix stapler, in a prospective cohort of patients.

The study was a prospective single centre cohort study with a one-year followup period. Fifty-two patients received operations for a ventral hernia using a laparoscopic IPOM mesh – Ventralight ST ECHO PS. The size of the mesh and the fixation method were based on mathematical considerations. A recurrence of the hernia and pain after 1, 2 and 12 months were assessed as the primary endpoints.

Two recurrences were noted, one in parastomal and one in a large incisional hernia. Pain was observed in 22 patients (41%) and mostly disappeared after 3 months (7%). The intensity of pain was low (VAS <2). However, 2 patients still experienced severe pain (VAS>6) until the end of the study.

The Ventralight ST Echo PS implant fixed with a Sorbafix stapler is a valuable and safe option for a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. In our opinion, the implant could be used in all patients due to the hernia ring diameter. According to the mathematical models and clinical practice, we do not recommend this implant in orifices with a width larger than 10 cm.
Results of auricular helical rim reconstruction with post-auricular tube flap
Authors: Iljin Aleksandra , Lewandowicz Edward , Antoszewski Bogusław , Zieliński Tomasz
Published: April 2016

was to present our experience with post-auricular tube flap (ptf) and clinical evaluation of the results following auricular helical rim reconstruction with this technique in patients after trauma.

We analyzed the results in 12 patients who underwent three-staged auricular helical rim reconstruction with ptf following trauma in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery between 2005-2014. The patients were followed-up for at least 1 year. We evaluated early and long-term results after surgery including plastic surgeon’s and patient’s opinion.

Postoperative results were satisfactory (very good) in 10 cases, both in the opinion of the plastic surgeon and patients. Transient venous congestion of the helix occurred in two cases (16.6%). This complication did not have any influence on estimation of the results after surgery. Delayed wound healing in the poles of the reconstructed helical edge, as well as non-aesthetic helical scars with imperfections of helical rim, were seen in another two patients (16.6%).

1. Post-auricular tube flap reconstructions after helical rim trauma allowed for complete restoration of contour, size and orientation of the helix and the whole operated ear, which confirms the efficiency of the applied technique. 2. Reconstructive surgery with post-auricular tube flap in patients with auricular helical rim defects contributed to postoperative satisfaction in both patients and doctors’ estimations.
Retroperitoneal abscess with retained gall-stones as a late complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Kamiński Mateusz , Nowicki Michał
Published: April 2016

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the golden standard, considering treatment of cholelithiasis. During the laparoscopic procedure one may often observe damage to the gall-bladder wall, as well as presence of gall-stones in the peritoneal cavity, as compared to classical surgery. These gall-stones may be associated with the occurrence of various complications following surgery. The study presented a rare case of a retroperitoneal abscess, as a consequence of retained gall-stones, in a female patient who was subject to laparoscopic cholecystectomy two years earlier.