bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of bacterial populations in crop rotations with different proportion of cereals
Authors: Ondreičková Katarína , Babulicová Mária , Mihálik Daniel , Gubišová Marcela , Gubiš Jozef
Published: May 2014

Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the bacterial community diversity in crop rotations with different proportion of cereals (40%, 60% and 80%) and various fertilisation treatments (F1 - mineral fertiliser amendment + the application of organic fertiliser Veget® and F2 - mineral fertilisation) sampled on two dates (July and October 2012). No statistically significant differences in the number of terminal restriction fragments were detected by Fisher´s least significant difference between two types of fertilisation or among samples with different proportion of cereals. In contrast, statistically significant differences were detected between samples collected in July and October, when in October there was a 43.5% reduction in the number of bacterial species in comparison with July. Principal component analysis as well as cluster analysis showed that a higher similarity in composition of bacterial communities was present among all soil samples collected in July and two samples collected in October. Other samples collected in October were separated from each other. The results of this study demonstrated that bacteria abundance and community composition were not affected by the proportion of cereals and fertiliser used.
Restriction of Stable Bundles on an Abelian Surface. The C2 = 2 Case
Authors: Anghel Cristian
Published: May 2014

In this note we describe the restriction map from the moduli space of stable rank 2 bundles with c2 = 2 on a jacobian X of dimension 2, to the moduli space of stable rank 2 bundles on the corresponding genus 2 curve C embedded in X.
Variation in wing characteristics of monarch butterflies during migration: Earlier migrants have redder and more elongated wings
Authors: Satterfield Dara A. , Davis Andrew K.
Published: May 2014

The migration of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in North America has a number of parallels with long-distance bird migration, including the fact that migratory populations of monarchs have larger and more elongated forewings than residents. These characteristics likely serve to optimize flight performance in monarchs, as they also do with birds. A question that has rarely been addressed thus far in birds or monarchs is if and how wing characteristics vary within a migration season. Individuals with superior flight performance should migrate quickly, and/or with minimal stopovers, and these individuals should be at the forefront of the migratory cohort. Conversely, individuals with poor flight performance and/or low endurance would be more likely to fall behind, and these would comprise the latest migrants. Here we examined how the wing morphology of migrating monarchs varies to determine if wing characteristics of early migrants differ from late migrants. We measured forewing area, elongation (length/width), and redness, which has been shown to predict flight endurance in monarchs. Based on a collection of 75 monarchs made one entire season (fall 2010), results showed that the earliest migrants (n = 20) in this cohort had significantly redder and more elongated forewings than the latest migrants (n = 17). There was also a non-significant tendency for early migrants to have larger forewing areas. These results suggest that the pace of migration in monarchs is at least partly dependent on the properties of their wings. Moreover, these data also raise a number of questions about the ultimate fate of monarchs that fall behind
The Importance of Identification of M-BCRABL Oncogene and JAK2V617F Mutation in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Szántó Annamária , Pap Zsuzsanna , Pávai Z , Benedek I , Köpeczi Judit Beáta , Tunyogi Aliz- Beáta , Horváth Emőke , Lázár Benedek Erzsébet
Published: May 2014

Background: The elucidation of the genetic background of the myeloproliferative neoplasms completely changed the management of these disorders: the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome and/or the BCR-ABL oncogene is pathognomonic for chronic myeloid leukemia and identification of JAK2 gene mutations are useful in polycytemia vera (PV), essential thrombocytemia (ET) and myelofibrosis (PMF). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of molecular biology tests in the management of myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Materials and methods: We tested the blood samples of 117 patients between April 2008 and February 2013 at the Molecular Biology of UMF Târgu Mureș using RQ-PCR (for M-BCR-ABL oncogene) and/or allele-specific PCR (for JAK2V617F mutation).

Results: Thirty-two patients presented the M-BCR-ABL oncogene, 16 of them were regularly tested as a follow-up of the administered therapy: the majority of chronic phase patients presented decreasing or stable values, while in case of accelerated phase and blast phase the M-BCR-ABL values increased or remained at the same level. Twenty patients were identified with the JAK2V617F mutation: 8 patients with PV, 4 with ET, 3 with PMF, 4 with unclassifiable chronic myeloproliferative disease and 1 patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. There was no case of concomitant occurance of both molecular markers.

Conclusions: Molecular biology testing plays an important role in the management of myeloproliferative neoplasms: identification of the molecular markers confirms the final diagnosis, excluding secondary causes of abnormal blood count parameters. Regular monitoring of MBCR- ABL expression level is useful in the follow-up of therapeutic efficiency.
Short Segment Fixation Versus Short Segment Fixation With Pedicle Screws at the Fracture Level for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture
Authors: Anghel S , Márton D
Published: May 2014

Objective: The most prevailing surgical procedure in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures, Short Segment Fixation (SSF), is often followed by loss of correction or hardware failure which may be significant enough to require another surgical intervention. In order to take advantage of its benefits but to avoid or diminish the risk and impact of associated drawbacks, some other alternatives have been lately developed among which we refer to short segment fixation with intermediate screws (SSF+IS). This article provides a comparative picture over the effectiveness of the two above-mentioned surgical treatments, focusing on their potential to prevent the loss of correction.

Methods: After a systematic literature review over research papers published between 2000 and 2012, 14 articles which met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The relevant data extracted and compared for each subgroup of patients treated either with SSF or SSF+IS, were the weighted averages for the pre-operative, post-operative and last follow up kyphosis angles. We also considered common associated complications, operation time, and blood loss values for each surgical subgroups.

Results: The values for the loss of correction at the last follow-up were: 5.5° for SS and 7.4° for SSF+IS, which didn’t prove to be statistically different. With reference to other parameters, such as operation time, blood loss and correction attainment, the values did not present statistically significant differences, either. Regarding complications, we noticed that both SSF and SSF+IS display a similar incidence for hardware failure, screw breakages, superficial infections, deep venous thrombosis.

Conclusions: This paper concludes that, adding one or two screws at the fractured vertebra level (SSF+IS) does not bring forth a significant improvement compared to the traditional approach (SSF). Apparently, the blood loss depends mostly on the approach type (open or percutaneous) and less on the surgery type.
Implantation of Biventricular Cardiac Devices Using a Double Venous Approach — An Alternative Implantation Technique
Authors: Șoșdean Raluca , Pescariu S , Enache B , Macarie Ri , Marca Raluca
Published: May 2014

Background: A standard technique regarding venous approach for implantation of biventricular cardiac electrical devices used for cardiac resynchronization therapy implementation has not yet been established. We analyzed the safety and efficiency of implanting these devices using a double venous approach (cephalic and subclavian) by comparing it with the simple approaches, in order to overcome some of their inconvenients.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all 228 resynchronization patients implanted at the Timișoara Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine between January 1st, 2000 and January 1st, 2013. The 204 patients successfully implanted with biventricular pacemakers or defibrillators were divided according to the implantation techniques, and compared by complication rates and values of acute stimulationdetection thresholds. Group A featured a subclavian approach (48 patients), group B a cephalic approach (81 patients) and group C a double venous approach (76 patients).

Results: Adjusting for age, sex and device type there is no evidence in the data that complication rates are significantly different when using the different techniques: 6 complications (12.5%) in group A, 8 (9.87%) in group B and 5 (6.75%) in group C (p = 0.51). A slight downward trend was observed by using double venous approach. Values of acute stimulation-detection thresholds had no statistically significant differences neither (p = 0.36). Cephalic vein was of high quality in 59.8% of cases.

Conclusions: Subclavian and cephalic double venous approach implantation technique for biventricular devices proved to be feasible and at least as safe as single venous approach using subclavian or cephalic vein alone, and it can be used as a first resort technique.
Augmentation Strategies for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder with an Inadequate Response to Antidepressant Monotherapy
Authors: Moica Th , Gabos Grecu I , Gabos Grecu Marieta , Ferencz Melinda , Buicu Elena Gabriela , Sălcudean Andreea , Gabos Grecu C
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Major depressive disorder is a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms that coexist during a depressive episode and may reoccur at some point during the progression of the disease for the majority of patients. The purpose of the study was to investigate psychiatrists’ experience regarding the response to antidepressive treatment and their options regarding augmentation strategies in depression with incomplete response to antidepressant monotherapy.

Method: We applied an 18-item questionnaire containing multiple choice questions to adult psychiatrists working in ambulatories, hospitals or mental health centers.

Results: Fourty-two psychiatrists have agreed to answer the questionnaire. The majority of them were psychiatry specialists, between 35 and 49 years of age, working in an outpatient unit. For the majority of doctors, SSRIs (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) proved to be the first line treatment both for the first depressive episode and for recurrent depression, followed by SNRI (Serotonin and Noradrenalin Reuptake Inhibitors). Regarding the duration of maintenance treatment for the patients who achieved complete remission after the first episode of depression, the results showed a wide spectrum from 4 to 9 months.

Conclusions: Incomplete response to antidepressive monotherapy is very frequent both for the first depressive episode and for recurrent depression. Given the pharmacological profile that some atypical antipsychotic have, augmentation with atypical antipsychotics in patients with inadequate response to antidepressant monotherapy is a useful therapeutic strategy that should be considered.
MODELING ATMOSPHERE COMPOSITION AND DETERMINING EXPLOSIBILITY IN A SEALED COAL MINE VOLUME
Authors: Cheng Jianwei , Luo Yi
Published: May 2014

Explosions originated from or around the sealed areas in underground coal mines present a serious safety threat. The explosibility of the mine atmosphere depends on the composition of oxygen, combustible and inert gases. In additional, the composition in the inaccessible sealed areas change with time under various factors, such as gases emissions, air leakage, inert gases injected, etc. In order to improve mine safety, in this paper, a mathematical model based on the control volume approach to simulate the atmosphere compositions is developed, and the expanded Coward explosibility triangle diagram is used to assess the mine gas explosion risk. A computer program is developed to carry out the required computations and to display the results. In addition, the USBM explosibility diagram is also included in the program to serve as a double check.
SPECIFIC TYPES OF COAL MACERALS FROM ORZESZE AND RUDA BEDS FROM ”PNIÓWEK” COAL MINE (UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN – POLAND) AS A MANIFESTATION OF THERMAL METAMORPHISM
Authors: Adamczyk Zdzisław , Komorek Joanna , Lewandowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2014

Subject of the research were coal samples from the seams of Orzesze and Ruda beds from “Pniówek” coal mine. All samples represent methabituminous coal B, which present high vitrinite content (V mmf > 60%). Optical character of vitrinite from all analyzed coal samples is biaxial negative and it is characterized by low differentiation of bireflectance.

The experiments have shown that the coal rank of investigated samples is generally decreasing with increasing both depth of coal seams and the distance between sampling point and the Carboniferous roof. It may suggests inversion of coalification.

Specific types of macerals, typical for thermally metamorphosed coals have been found for all analysed coal samples.

It was found, presence of such components like: fluorescing bituminous substance (FBS) filling of cellular spaces in semifusinite, fusinite, and funginite; pseudomorphs after megaspores exhibiting strong bireflectance, and anisotropic semifusinite. Petrographic components with a structure similar to structure of coke and pyrolytic carbon were observed rarely. Presence of colotelinite grains which are visible darker, impregnated with bituminous substance and exhibiting weak fluorescence may be related with influence of temperature on coal. Carbonates occur as filling of cellular spaces in semifusinite, in examined coal samples and there are the effect of thermal alteration of coal.
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE OF ROCKS ON MICROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN LONG GATE ROADS AND GALLERIES IN COAL MINES
Authors: Cygankiewicz Janusz , Knechtel Józef
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the temperature of surrounding rocks on enthalpy and temperature of air flowing along several model mine workings. Long workings surrounded by non- -coal rocks as well longwall gates surrounded by coal were taken into consideration. Computer-aided simulation methods were used during the study. At greater depths the amount of moisture transferred into a mine working from the rock mass is two orders of magnitude smaller than the moisture that comes from external (technological) sources, mainly from coal extraction-related processes, therefore in the equation describing temperature changes only the terms representing the flux of heat from rocks were included. The model workings, for calculation purposes, were divided into sections, 50 m in length each. For each of the sections temperature of its ribs and temperature and stream of enthalpy of air flowing along it were calculated with the use of the finite differences method. For workings surrounded by non-coal rocks two variant calculations were carried out, namely with or without technological sources of heat. For coal surrounded workings (longwall gates) a new method for determination of heat from coal oxidation was developed, based on the findings by Cygankiewicz J. (2012a, 2012b). Using the results of a study by J.J. Drzewiecki and Smolka (1994), the effects of rock mass fracturing on transfer of heat into the air stream flowing along a working were taken into account.
Identification of friction and heat partition model at the tool-chip-workpiece interfaces in dry cutting of an inconel 718 alloy with cbn and coated carbide tools
Authors: Zemzemi F. , Rech J. , Salem W. Ben , Dogui A. , Kapsa Ph.
Published: May 2014

This paper aims at characterizing the frictional behaviour at the cutting tool-workmaterial interface during the dry machining of a Inconel 718 in its aged state with various coated carbide tools and c-BN tools. A specially designed open tribometer has been used to characterize friction coefficient, heat partition coefficient under extreme conditions corresponding to the ones occurring in cutting. The tribometer provides the evolution of the apparent friction coefficient and of the heat partition coefficient for a large range of sliding velocity and contact pressure. It has been shown that friction coefficient as well as heat partition coefficient decrease with sliding velocity or contact pressure. A threshold effect of the contact pressure has been highlighted. On the contrary, any sensitivity to coatings deposited on carbide has been observed, whereas c-BN leads to very low friction coefficients.
Investigation of technological effects of ball burnishing after cryogenic turning of hard steel
Authors: Żak Krzysztof , Grzesik Wit
Published: May 2014

This paper presents investigations of a sequential machining process which incorporates CBN hard turning with cryogenic pre-cooling of the workpiece (CHT) and ball burnishing (BB). The main goal of this study was to select machining conditions enhancing the quality of parts machined by hard turning including the surface roughness Ra of about 0.2 mm, good bearing properties and reducing the white layer. The obtained technological effects were characterized in terms of surface roughness, surface texture, microstructure alterations and micro-hardness distribution.
The effect of parity and date of service on the reproductive performance of Polish Large White × Polish Landrace (PLW × PL) crossbred sows
Authors: Knecht Damian , Duziński Kamil
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of the month of insemination on the reproductive performance of crossbred sows in moderate climates. The research material consisted of 309 primiparous and 625 multiparous (PLW×PL) sows kept on an industrial-scale farm. Analysis included 2457 litters obtained during a five-year period from 2006 to 2011. Statistically, the lowest number of piglets born alive and weaned was observed as a result of summer month insemination (July, August, September) compared to the winter months (February, March) (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). Inseminations in the first four months of the year resulted in a higher number of piglets born alive in second and following parities (P≤0.01). Statistically significant differences in litter size due to the month of insemination were observed for sows in parities 4 and 5-11 (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). The shortest farrowing interval was demonstrated for sows inseminated in November, the longest in January, March (P≤0.01) and April, July (P≤0.05). The results indicate that the insemination month of the sow may affect some reproductive parameters.
Effect of increased content of animal protein in feed mixtures based on extruded rice on rearing performance and blood parameters of piglets
Authors: Czech Anna , Pastuszak Jerzy , Kusior Grażyna
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three feed mixtures based on various feed components, including extruded rice, and differing in the source and level of animal protein on rearing performance and biochemical and haematological blood parameters of piglets in the peri-weaning period. The experiments covered 96 piglets, crosses of PIC hybrid sows with a P76 boar that were divided into three experimental groups. The piglets from group I received a prestarter diet based on extruded wheat and protein of both plant and animal origin, whilst those from groups II and III were fed prestarter diets containing: group II - extruded rice (protein as in group I), and group III - extruded rice with protein components of exclusively animal origin. The addition of extruded rice and the increased content of animal protein in feed mixture improved the rearing performance of piglets (higher body weight gains and more efficient feed conversion ratio). The feeding of piglets with the diets containing extruded rice and increased animal protein components (III group) was also observed to stimulate lipid metabolism, which resulted in reduced plasma levels of LDL-cholesterol and in increased percentage of HDL-cholesterol, which contributed to increased blood levels of urea compared to the other experimental groups.
Effect of Protein Concentrate Supplement on the Qualitative and Quantitative Parameters of Milk from Dairy Cows in Organic Farming
Authors: Horký Pavel
Published: May 2014

In our experiment, we studied the effects of protein concentrate addition on the qualitative and quantitative composition of milk in organically farmed dairy cows. A total number of 40 Holstein cows were divided into two groups. Live weight of dairy cows was around 625±25 kg. Average production efficiency of animals was 7600±50 kg milk for the lactation period. Animals of both groups received identical basal feed ration. The first experimental group of cows (n=20) received in the feed ration a protein concentrate from organic production (soybean cake 60%, sunflower cake 20%, linseed cake 20%) at 1 kg per head and day. The second group served as a control (n=20) without the addition of protein concentrate. The experiment lasted 30 days. The goal of the experiment was to investigate whether the addition of protein concentrate can affect individual milk components. The measured values show that the experimental group of dairy cows with the addition of protein concentrate exhibited increases in fat content by 7.4% (P≤0.05), in urea content by 83.1% (P≤0.001) and in citric acid content by 18.6% (P≤0.01), and decreases in free fatty acids by 54.9% (P≤0.001), in ECM by 5.5% (P≤0.05) and in FCM by 6.1% (P≤0.05). The control group of cows exhibited the citric acid content in milk increased by 20.0% (P≤0.05). The results indicate that the protein concentrate composed of soybean, sunflower and linseed cakes can affect the composition of milk from organically farmed dairy cows
Comparison of Two Methods of Housing Primiparous Cows
Authors: Winnicki Stanisław , Jugowar Jerzy Lech , Sobek Zbigniew
Published: May 2014

We researched the influence of two methods of housing primiparous cows on meeting estimated energy requirements. In herd A primiparous cows were kept in a separate technological group during the whole lactation period, whereas in herd B they were kept in technological groups together with multigravid cows. The whole herd A consisted of 400 cows, where the average annual yield was 10,200 kg of milk per cow. Herd B consisted of 250 cows, where the average annual yield was 8,500 kg of milk per cow. In 2010 and 2011 there were 200 primiparous cows in herd A, whereas in herd B there were 165 primiparous cows. The milk yield for 100 and 305 days of lactation was analysed. Meeting the cows’ demand for energy was determined on the basis of the percentage of protein in milk. In both herds primiparous cows were divided into milk yield classes for 100 days of lactation. Both the trend and the amount of variation in the content of protein in milk were found to be identical in both herds. The content of protein in milk increased as the milk yield decreased. This regularity could be observed at both lactation stages under analysis and the differences between the classes were statistically confirmed. During the first 100 days of lactation the estimated energy deficit comprised a much larger percentage of the cows than in the 305-day lactation period. The system of maintenance of primiparous cows (separately or together with multigravid cows) was not found to influence the milk yield or the estimated demand for energy
Correlations between the Harris Hip Score and the Visual Analogue Scale in the assessment of total hip replacement in hip dysplasia
Authors: S.G Zuh , Ö. Nagy , Ancuța Zazgyva , O.M. Russu , I. Gergely , T.S. Pop
Published: May 2014

Total hip replacement is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic interventions that can significantly improve the functional status and the quality of life of patients suffering from hip arthrosis. Recently patient satisfaction and patient-reported results of total hip arthroplasty are increasingly emphasised as important tools for the assessments of these interventions. For patients with arthrosis secondary to hip dysplasia, these evaluations can be more difficult, due to younger age and higher functional demands. In this study we compared the Visual Analogue Scale and the Harris Hip Score in order to determine the correlations between these instruments and analyse the possibility of replacing the Harris Score with the Visual Analogue Scale in evaluating the results of hip surgery in patients with dysplastic hips. Our study included 37 women and 4 men (53 hips), with a mean age of 50.96 years (35-58 years), followed for a mean of 4 years postoperatively. Both assessment instruments were used preoperatively and at the follow-up visits. We observed a positive correlation of the values of the Visual Analogue Scale and the Harris Hip Score both preoperatively and postoperatively, with correlation coefficients of +0.71(P <0.001) and +0.77 (P <0.001) respectively. Given these positive correlations, we assumed that the Visual Analogue Scale could replace the Harris Hip Score in the evaluation of patients after total hip replacement. Still it is recommended to combine the Visual Analogue Scale with objective measurements and radiological examination in order to identify significant postoperative changes.
Postpartum Hemorrhage after Cesarean Delivery - Causes and Management Statistics of „Prof. Dr. Panait Sîrbu „ Hospital- Bucharest
Authors: D.P. Pană , Carmen Georgescu , M. Mitran , Loredana Mitran
Published: May 2014

Postpartum hemorrhages represent a major cause of maternal mortality everywhere in the world and in Romania obstetrical hemorrhages are directly incriminated in 47.85% from the cases reported between 1975 -2010. This retrospective study over a period of five years (2008 - 2012) includes the clinical-statistical analysis of postpartum hemorrhages (PPH) registered in “Prof. Dr. Panait Sîrbu” Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bucharest. During the period under analysis there were 20204 births, out of which 13012 were vaginal and 7192 by caesarean section. There were 853 cases of postpartum hemorrhage with significant clinical manifestations, which required medical management, 4.22% of all births. In 459 cases there were reported hemorrhagic complications after caesarean section (6.368% of caesarean sections), representing 53.81% of postpartum hemorrhage. The severity of intra-operative and post-cesarean bleeding is due to its association to anesthetic risk, which is more important in cesarean, as well as to the associated pathology that indicated the caesarean section in the first place
Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Some Samples of Honey Produced by Beekeepers In Algeria
Authors: Adjlane Noureddine , Haddad Nizar , Laid Ameur Karima , Kesraoui Saida , Moussaoui Djamila
Published: May 2014

This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of 11 samples of locally produced honey harvested from bee colonies across different regions of Algeria. Honeys analyzed are characterized by their different floral origins. Want germs are total aerobic mesophilic flora, total coliforms, anaerobic bacteria Sulfito-Drive (clostridium), yeasts and moulds. Water content, pH, the concentration of hydroxymethylfurfural and sucrose content were also measured. For the physicochemical properties, most of the samples meet the requirements of Codex Alimentarius. Microbiological results showed that there is heterogeneity in the load of microorganisms sampled. Honeys have a low microbial profile. Total coliforms and clostridium were not detected in any sample. For counting the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), two local and imported samples have a concentration greater than the standard TAMF. Yeasts and moulds were also present but at low levels, and figures in all but three samples were below the norm.
Comparative Analysis of Whinnies of Czech Warmblood and Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Holeckova Stepanka , Policht Richard
Published: May 2014

Loud acoustic signals of mammals may contain information about their progenitors. There is a question whether such phenomenon is possible to expect in domestic animal breeds as well, since the time of breed establishment has been a rather long one. Therefore we tested whether a significant morphological distinction of a newly established horse breed and its important founding contributor differed in their vocalization. We analyzed 304 whinnies of 35 individual horses (197 whinnies of 23 individuals belonging to Czech Warmblood and 107 calls of 12 Thoroughbreds). Despite of the fact that the two breeds differed significantly in most of their morphological measurements (height at withers, thoracic perimeter, cannon bone perimeter, and body weight), they did not differ in any of the measured acoustic parameters (both frequency and temporal ones). Our results indicate that morphological distinction of Thoroughbred and Czech Warmblood was not accompanied by distinct vocalization.
Resource Productivity under Yam Based Crop Mixture in Crude and Non-Crude Oil Producing Communities of Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwosu Canice Sonny , Chidebelu Sonny Angus Nnaemeka Dixie
Published: May 2014

A study on resource productivity under yam based crop mixture (YBCM) in crude and non-crude oil communities was conducted in Imo State, Nigeria. The study assessed food crops’ outputs, evaluated costs and returns, and determined the allocative efficiency of resource use under YBCM system in crude and non-crude oil producing communities. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selection of respondents. Primary data were obtained using a set of questionnaire on 50 YBCM farmers each from crude and non-crude oil communities. Data were analyzed using percentages, gross margin and net profit analysis, multiple regressions, t-values, and gross returns/total costs ratio. Output levels of the food crop components in YBCM system in non-crude oil producing communities were statistically and significantly higher than those of the crude oil producing communities. This agreed with results of studies that showed reduction effects of gas flaring on food crop yields in the areas. There was higher profitability in YBCM enterprise in non-crude oil producing communities than in crude oil producing communities. However, the two critical resources in farming, land and labour, the YBCM farmers in crude oil producing communities allocated these resources better than the YBCM farmers in non-crude oil producing communities. Based on the study findings the Federal and State Governments, and other oil industry stakeholders should formulate appropriate policies, programmes and conduct detailed ecological research studies that will lead to higher farm output by YBCM farmers in crude oil producing areas.
Development Assistance and Poverty Reduction in Central Asia
Authors: Kment Petr , Krepl Vladimir , Kapila Patrick Francis
Published: May 2014

This article deals with official development assistance (ODA) in Central Asia and with relation of the ODA to the Millennium Development Goals. We look at present development in the sphere of poverty reduction and also at dependence between ODA and GDP growth in a selected country - Kyrgyzstan. ODA per capita and several other indicators are highest in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The time series using poverty ratio indicators for Kyrgyzstan shows that between 2004 and 2011 there was a decline in the percentage of population under the poverty line. The trend generated using analogous time series for Kazakhstan and Tajikistan is similar. However, the internal situation in the region of interest is unstable. The dependence between ODA and GDP growth apparently does not exist in the region of interest. Further aid would be appropriate to focus on development projects’ themes already successfully conducted in selected areas and selected social groups.
The assessment of specific physical fitness of children aged 8 and 9 years participating in tennis classes using the Jindrich Hoehm test
Authors: Szpala Agnieszka , Rutkowska-Kucharska Alicja , Syrewicz Paweł
Published: May 2014

Study aim: The purpose of the study was to use the Jindrich Hoehm test to evaluate physical fitness in boys and girls aged 8 and 9 years participating in tennis classes.

Material and methods: A total of 40 children divided into four sample groups participated in the study. The J. Hoehm test consisting of seven components was used to measure and assess the physical fitness of the research participants. This test is used in child and adolescent tennis training to assess specific physical fitness.

Results: The actual data showed significant differences between 8-year-old boys and girls that were established based on the test components assessing lower extremity strength capacity and the agility assessment test. In the group of children aged 9, the differences between boys and girls emerged in the test assessing lower extremity strength capacity as well as the test component assessing the forehand and backhand footwork movement technique. Inasmuch as the test component assessing lower extremity strength capacity showed differences between 8- and 9-year-old boys, no test demonstrated statistically significant differences between 8- and 9-year-old girls. Based on the normalized data, 8-year-old girls are physically fitter than 8-year-old boys. In the group of 9-year-old children, the relation is reversed. The children participating in the study display a low level of physical fitness.

Conclusion: The J. Hoehm test can be a useful tool for assessing the performance of tennis coaches.
An optimized scheduling algorithm on a cloud workflow using a discrete particle swarm
Authors: Jianfang Cao , Junjie Chen , Qingshan Zhao
Published: May 2014

In order to solve the problems of security threats on workflow scheduling in cloud computing environments, the security of tasks and virtual machine resources are quantified using a cloud model, and the users’ satisfaction degree with the security of tasks assigned to the virtual resources is measured through the similarity of the security cloud. On this basis, combined with security, completion time and cost constraints, an optimized cloud workflow scheduling algorithm is proposed using a discrete particle swarm. The particle in the particle swarm indicates a different cloud workflow scheduling scheme. The particle changes its velocity and position using the evolution equation of the standard particle swarm algorithm, which ensures that it is a feasible solution through the feasible solution adjustment strategies. The simulation experiment results show that the algorithm has better comprehensive performance with respect to the security utility, completion time, cost and load balance compared to other similar algorithms.
The Relationship Between Workers’ Financial Participation in Companies and Economic Results
Authors: Kozłowski Maciej
Published: May 2014

It is known that workers’ financial participation, primarily in the form of wider participation of employees in profits and ownership, has been used in enterprises from many years, but in practice the period of implementation of different forms of financial participation has taken place only in the last four decades. Workers’ participation in decision-making has a longer tradition, so it is well described in the literature, and its impact on the results achieved by companies are known through the many research projects conducted by researchers around the world and through detailed reports. Financial participation has not been the focus of so many papers, so the knowledge and information from this area is incomplete. This is because of the lack of comprehensive studies on the various forms of participation, their irregularity, the lack of cooperation between states in the exchange of information concerning the number of implemented solutions, etc. Of course, it is not possible to include all of the companies in research and the results cannot be generalized due to the different conditions and selection criteria in particular countries. Also, the ambiguous interpretation of the term “financial participation” by different authors and different institutions does not allow for setting up and developing the output database necessary to conduct the research and carry out comparisons. In the literature, programs of financial participation are treated as an incentive system, without taking into account the wider context and the relationships between these programmes and the results achieved by the company. This contribution aims to give some theoretical and scientific examples, which, by virtue of their nature and severity can contribute to the possible diverse research solutions to the problems facing businesses, especially in today's dynamic, global economy. After forty years of empirical research on the benefits of the implementation of various programmes of financial participation, the information provided, in principle, only in the form of reports, is not sufficient to express opinions on the development of forms of participation. At the same time, it is concluded that the programmes of financial participation have had a positive effect on the results achieved by companies, especially in terms of social benefits. Arriving at the above opinion has been additionally impeded by the different attitudes of the social partners to the issue of participation and participatory approaches, the absence of explicit data showing the relationship between implemented financial schemes and financial results, changes in the competitive position of enterprises, etc. The outlined theory concerning how the workers’ ownership affects economic performance achieved by a company unfortunately has not changed. This article is not to bring about fundamental changes, but to find new threads or directions of deliberation.
The Contribution of Agricultural Research and Development Station Secuieni, Neamţ County, Romania, to the Supply of Soybean Seed
Authors: Pomohaci Tr. I. , Pochişcanu Simona-Florina , Naie Margareta , Buburuz Alexandra-Andreea , Spânu Oana , Leonte Alexandra
Published: May 2014

In the 2008-2012 period, in the Seed production laboratory from Agricultural Research and Development Station (A.R.D.S.) Secuieni, Neamţ county, Romania, were cultivated three varieties of soybean, Granat, Eugen and Onix, created at A.R.D.S. Turda, Cluj county. These varieties were well adapted to the climatic conditions of A.R.D.S. Secuieni, obtaining yields of up to 3000 kg/ha. During 2008- 2012, the following amounts of seeds were produced: PB1(pre-basic seed 1): 11000 kg in 2008, 8700 kg in 2009, 6500 kg in 2010, 5600 kg in 2011 and 3800 kg in 2012; PB2 (pre-basic seed 2): 45900 kg in 2008, 39000 kg in 2009, 67000 kg in 2010, 32000 kg in 2011 and 27000 kg in 2012. The amount of seed from the biological category PB2 ensure, annual, the required for sowing 300- 700 ha of basic biological category, which is delivered to farmers for the sowing of about 5000-12000 ha. Both in the field of seed production as well as in the ecological testing field (comparative cultures of contest) Onix variety presented the greatest adaptability to the pedoclimatic conditions from the Central Moldavian Plateau, achieving the highest yields
Cycocel Priming and Foliar Application Affect Yield Components of Rapeseed (Brassica Napus L.)
Authors: Pourmohammad A. , Shekari F. , Soltaniband V.
Published: May 2014

A factorial based on RCBD experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of priming and foliar spray of cycocel on rapeseed yield components. Treatments were included; seed priming (0, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 μM) and foliar spray (0, 600, 1200 μM) with cycocel at development stage of flower buds. The results revealed that seed priming with cycocel significantly increased emerged plant number per plot, silique dry weight in the main stems and branches, plant dry weight, branches number, silique number in the main stems and branches, seed number in branches, 1000 seeds weight, and seed yield in non-stress conditions. Foliar application with cycocel also increased plant dry weight, 1000 seeds weight in branches, harvest index and seed yield. Moreover, interaction effect of priming and foliar application of cycocel increased plant dry weight and 1000 seeds weight with branches. CCC foliar application during the early stages of reproductive stage went to elevated plant dry weight and 1000 seeds weight in auxiliary branches and, also increased harvest index and grain yield. Mean comparison and interaction effects of traits also revealed that, appropriate levels of CCC had the meaningful effects on any agronomic and physiological trait. However, the most meaningful impact in most traits was traced in case with primed seed with 900 and 1500 μM CCC. Overall, owing to the present data, CCC priming under both normal and harsh conditions may raise the germination related traits, seedling establishment, plant growth and ultimately may goes to increased yield.
Effect of Transplanting Dates and Plant Population on Growth Parameters of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Raised from True Potato Seed (Tps)
Authors: Sen D. , Rakshit A. , Ghosh D.C.
Published: May 2014

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2007- 2008 and 2008-2009 at Paschim Medinipore, West Bengal to study the effect of transplanting dates and plant population on growth parameters of potato raised from TPS. Dry matter accumulation per plant was more in early transplanted (December 3) and sparsely populated (60 cm x 15 cm) crop. The highest leaf area index was observed in early transplanted crop with closer spacing (40 cm x 10 cm) at 60 days after transplanting. The highest crop growth rate, tuber bulking rate and tuber growth rate values were also recorded in early and closely transplanted TPS crop between 45- 60 days after transplanting during both the years under investigation
Analysis of the Liquid Flow in a Vessel with a Rotating Disk at the Liquid Surface
Authors: Suchecki Witold
Published: May 2014

This study is concerned with liquid flow induced by a disk which rotates steadily around its axis and touches the free surface of liquid contained in a cylindrical vessel. It is a simplified model of the flow in the inlet part of a vertical cooling crystallizer where a rotary distributor of inflowing solution is situated above the free surface of solution contained in the crystalliser. Numerical simulations of flow phenomena were conducted and the simulation results were interpreted assuming an analogy with Kármán’s theoretical equations. In a cylindrical coordinate system, the components of flow velocity were identified as functions of distance from the surface of the rotating disk. The experimental setup was developed to measure velocity fields, using digital particle velocimetry and optical flow. Conclusions concerning the influence of disc rotation on liquid velocity fields were presented and the experimental results were found to confirm the results of numerical simulation. On the basis of simulation data, an approximation function was determined to describe the relationship between the circumferential component of flow velocity and the distance from the disk.
Operation of an Adsorption Chiller in Different Cycle Time Conditions
Authors: Szyc Małgorzata , Nowak Wojciech
Published: May 2014

This paper is devoted to application of adsorption process for cooling power generation in a cooling devices. Construction and working principle of a water-silica gel adsorption chiller has been presented and the basic refrigeration cycle has been discussed. The article outlines behavior of a single-stage adsorption system influenced by changes in cycle time. The effect of cycle time and inlet chilled water temperatures on the main system performance parameters has been analysed
Application of the Laser Interferometry in Studies of Biophysical Model Systems
Authors: Wąsik Sławomir
Published: May 2014

In this paper some selected applications of laser interferometry method in studies of biophysical model systems are presented. With the aid of a laser interferometric method, specific experiments were performed, which confirm that the gravitational field significantly modifies the amount of transported substance and affects the concentration profiles as well as the time evolution of the concentration field. The laser interferometry was also used to investigation of diffusion of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin or ampicillin) into the water phase from mixtures of neutral or negatively charged liposomes, and antibiotic-liposome interactions. Differences in the diffusion kinetics of ciprofloxacin and ampicillin from liposomal solutions to the water phase were observed. Moreover, the amount of ampicillin and ciprofloxacin released from the anionic liposomal phase was higher than that from the neutral one.
Characteristics of the large corporation-based, bureaucratic model among oecd countries - an foi model analysis
Authors: Bartha Zoltán , Gubik Andrea S.
Published: May 2014

Deciding on the development path of the economy has been a delicate question in economic policy, not least because of the trade-off effects which immediately worsen certain economic indicators as steps are taken to improve others. The aim of the paper is to present a framework that helps decide on such policy dilemmas. This framework is based on an analysis conducted among OECD countries with the FOI model (focusing on future, outside and inside potentials). Several development models can be deduced by this method, out of which only the large corporation-based, bureaucratic model is discussed in detail. The large corporation-based, bureaucratic model implies a development strategy focused on the creation of domestic safe havens. Based on country studies, it is concluded that well-performing safe havens require the active participation of the state. We find that, in countries adhering to this model, business competitiveness is sustained through intensive public support, and an active role taken by the government in education, research and development, in detecting and exploiting special market niches, and in encouraging sectorial cooperation.
Evaluation of biodegradability of plastics bags in composting conditions
Authors: Vaverková Magdalena , Adamcová Dana , Kotovicová Jana , Toman František
Published: May 2014

Biodegradation of plastics bags advertised as 100%-degradable or certified as compostable was tested in composting conditions. Samples were placed into frames and inserted into one clamp within the compost pile to investigate the biodegradation. The plastics bags were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. The shopping bags were made of HDPE with the TDPA additive (sample 2), PP with an addition of pro-oxidants (d2w) (samples 1, 3) and materials certified as compostable (starch, polycaprolactone) (samples 4, 5, 6, 7). Control sample (cellulose filtering paper, sample 8) was to check the potential of biological decomposition in the tested environment. At the end of the 12-week experimental period it was found that the polyethylene samples with the additive (samples 1, 2, 3) had not been decomposed, their colour had not changed and that no degradation neither physical changes had occurred (did not biodegrade). Samples certified as compostable (samples 4, 5, 6, 7) were decomposed. The results at the municipal compost facility demonstrate that the compostable plastics biodegrade and polyethylene samples with the additive did not biodegrade in compost.