bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hen age and storage time on egg weight loss and hatchability results in turkeys
Authors: Stępińska Monika , Mróz Emilia , Krawczyk Magdalena , Otowski Kamil , Górska Alina
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of egg water loss during storage and incubation on hatch rates in heavy-type broad-breasted white BUT Big 6 turkeys. Turkey hens started laying eggs at 30 weeks of age. In weeks 2, 8, 16 and 21 of the laying season, 1512 eggs were selected randomly and divided into 4 groups of 378 eggs each. The groups of eggs were stored for 7, 10, 13 or 17 days before incubation. At the beginning and end of the storage period and on days 9, 15, 21 and 24 of incubation, eggs were weighed to determine the percent water loss relative to the egg’s weight. Four incubation cycles of 378 eggs each were performed for each storage period. A total of 16 incubation cycles were carried out (4 weeks of the laying season × 4 egg storage periods) and the following parameters were determined (%): egg fertilization, dead embryos, unhatched eggs and hatchability results from fertilized eggs. The percentages of dead embryos and unhatched poults with physical defects and abnormal position were determined in hatchery waste from each incubation cycle. Egg water loss varied throughout storage and reached 0.57% of total egg weight after 7 days, 0.79% after 10 days, 0.87% after 13 days and 1.28% after 17 days (P≤0.05). After 7 days of storage, egg water loss during a 15-day and 21-day incubation period reached 5.76% and 8.72%, and lower values were noted after 17 days of storage (P≤0.05). Egg water loss of 1.28% during storage resulted in a high rate of early embryonic mortality (14.81%) and a low hatch rate (72.12%) (P≤0.05). High water loss in stored eggs contributed to a higher percentage of congested embryos. During storage, egg water loss reached 0.72% in week 2 of the laying season, 0.78% in week 8 and ≥1% in weeks 16 and 21 of the laying season (P≤0.05). Egg water loss during a 21-day incubation period was similar in weeks 2, 8 and 16 of the laying season, and lower in week 21 (P≤0.05). The hatchability of turkey eggs was lowest in weeks 16 and 21 of the laying season (P≤0.05). Low water loss during incubation contributed to a high rate of late embryonic mortality (13.2%). High water loss during egg storage is accompanied by lower water loss during incubation. Water loss should be monitored after storage and on days 15 and 21 of incubation to evaluate water metabolism in hatching eggs.
Effect of β-lactoglobulin gene polymorphism, lactation stage and breed on milk traits in Chios and Karagouniko sheep breeds
Authors: Triantaphyllopoulos Kostas A. , Koutsouli Panagiota , Kandris Athanassios , Papachristou Dimitris , Markopoulou Kalliopi E. , Mataragka Antonia , Massouras Theofylaktos , Bizelis Iosif
Published: November 2016

The animal selection with favourable phenotypes of the past has been, currently, replaced by the genotype selection on quantitative traits, assisted by the expanding molecular techniques in the context of livestock improvement. In this study, the c.112T>C polymorphism in exon II of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) gene was investigated in Karagouniko and Chios sheep breeds by using polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and possible associations with milk traits were examined. In total, 125 blood DNA samples were isolated for PCR-RFLP analysis and the respective 217 milk samples′ composition profile was obtained. The goodness of fit test to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) for β-LG genotypes was estimated and associations found between β-LG genotypes and raw milk composition. Two alleles and three genotypes were observed (AA, AB and BB) in both breeds, and Chios breed significantly deviated (P≤0.05) from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Conclusively, linear mixed model analysis on samples, from both breeds collectively, showed significant effects of β-LG genotype on lactose percentage and somatic cell count (SCC), lactation stage on daily milk yield and protein, while the breed effect was significant only on daily milk yield.
Production, carcass characteristics and valuable cuts of purebred Simmental and Simmental × beef breed crossbred bulls in Finnish beef cattle population
Authors: Huuskonen Arto , Pesonen Maiju
Published: November 2016

The objective of the present research was to study the potential for improvement of growth and carcass traits through Simmental (Si) × beef breed crossbreeding compared to purebred Si bulls in Finnish beef cattle population. The data collected from Finnish slaughterhouses included observations of 6 224 purebred Si bulls plus Si × beef breed crosses. For estimating valuable cuttings, a separate dataset including in total 314 bulls was also collected. The estimated average daily carcass gain of the purebred Si bulls was 686 g/d and it improved by 3 and 6% with Si×Blonde d’Aquitaine and Si×Charolais crossbreds, respectively. Carcass conformation improved by using Blonde d’Aquitaine, Limousin and Charolais crossbreeding compared to the pure Si bulls. Si×British breed crossbreds (Angus and Hereford) had poorer carcass gain and produced poorer conformed carcasses compared to purebred Si bulls. Furthermore, the yield of subcutaneous fat was higher in the Si×Angus and Si×Hereford bulls than in the purebred Si bulls.
Setzung von Rechtsnormen unter Berücksichtigung der Praxis: Das Beispiel des Strafrechts
Authors: Kuhlen Lothar
Published: November 2016

The article examines - with a multitude of examples - the complex method, in which criminal rules evolve in contemporary law. This happens in a continuing process, to which - in addition to the citizens - the legislator, criminal courts and the Federal Constitution Court contribute. The courts are not confined to applying the laws enacted by the legislator, which would be in accordance to a simple model of the separation of powers. The laws rather have to undergo an on-road test by the courts, during which they can prove to be practicable, difficult to handle or not practicable at all and therefore void. The legislator for his part takes note of the judicature and that often brings him to make further decisions. These include the abstaining from establishing new laws, the (plain or modifying) reception of some jurisdictional opinions, the changing of laws against their jurisdictional interpretation and the transformation of other than the jurisdictionally interpreted laws. All in all the criminal law proves to be a good example for the incremental evolution of norms, which occurs in a specific division of labour between the legislator, the criminal courts and the Federal Constitution Court.
„Gentlemen in, Genuine Knowledge out“? Zum Status wissenschaftlicher Normen für die Erkenntnissicherung
Authors: Huber Lara
Published: November 2016

Case studies in the history of science and technology have shown that scientific norms, so called standards, contribute significantly to the evolution of scientific practices. They arise predominantly, but not exclusively, on the basis of interactions with instruments of measurement and other technical devices. As regards experimental practices standards are mandatory preparatory procedures in a variety of designs, including the inbreeding and genetic engineering of experimental organisms (e.g. transgenic mice). I claim that scientific norms not only regulate mere technical preconditions of research but also guide experimental practices, for example with regard to the stabilisation and validation of phenomena. Against this background, the paper introduces different kinds of scientific norms and elaborates on the question if they are means to epistemic ends (e.g. stability).
History of dentistry in central Serbia
Authors: Jeremić Marko , Vuković Ana , Marković Dejan , Vuković Rade , Stanojlović Ninoslav
Published: November 2016

History of dentistry in the Central Serbian District of Jagodina has been influenced by traditional medicine for centuries. Development of dentistry in the region of Jagodina was slow, the level of oral and general hygiene was low and the sanitary prevention was absent. Trained physicians started to practice medicine and dentistry in the first half of the nineteenth century and they were educated in abroad universities. However, common people used to address to these physicians only when the traditional medicine were unable to help. Until the end of the World War II, common, mostly rural people, with the urgent dental treatment need were usually referred to the barbers, healers or empirics in the nearby villages rather than the dentists. Medications used for the urgent dental treatment were balsams and solutions made of herbs. After the World War II, the dental technicians who finished special courses started to practice dentistry. In 1947 the Regional Dental Office in Jagodina was opened and in 1955 the first Doctor of Dental Medicine who graduated from the School of Dental Medicine of University of Belgrade was employed. Nowadays, the Department of Dentistry represents is an important and independent part of the Health Care Centre in Jagodina.
Investigation of antioxidant capacity of several luting cements processes by HPMC method
Authors: Ilić Dragan , Obradović-Đuričić Kosovka , Medic Vesna , Poštić Srđan , Gorjanović Stanislava , Pastor Ferenc , Radović Katarina
Published: November 2016

Background: Free radicals (FR) occur in oral cavity where lot of food was transferred to through entire life under specific saliva conditions. Many enzymes, microorganism, alcohol beverages, nicotine and other harmful or indifferent substances when in contact to oral tissues might provoke oxidation process under specific condition creating FR's. The similar role might have various dental materials. Aim of the study was to record the level of antioxidant (AO) activity of several permanent (P) luting cements alone or combined with quercetin AO substance. Materials/Methods: P cements were Zn-phosphate, Zn-polycarboxilate, GIC and composite resin cement. They were prepared as original prescription and their variant by 1% weight addition of quercetin. AO activity of cements was measured by HPMC test evaluated by Student t test. Results: There were statistically significant differences among Zn-phosphate, Zn-polycarboxilate and resin dental cements (p > 0,05). GIC displayed significantly higher AO values (p < 0,01) versus other three cements. There were no difference in AO capacity between sample of original P cements and their corresponding quercetin variants (p > 0,05). Conclusions: Conventional GIC displayed the most powerful AO activity among P luting cements. Addition of 1% antioxidant quercetin did not improve AO capacity of investigated cements.
Positivity properties of metrics and delta-forms
Authors: Gubler Walter , Künnemann Klaus
Published: November 2016

In previous work, we have introduced δ-forms on the Berkovich analytification of an algebraic variety in order to study smooth or formal metrics via their associated Chern δ-forms. In this paper, we investigate positivity properties of δ-forms and δ-currents. This leads to various plurisubharmonicity notions for continuous metrics on line bundles. In the case of a formal metric, we show that many of these positivity notions are equivalent to Zhang’s semipositivity. For piecewise smooth metrics, we prove that plurisubharmonicity can be tested on tropical charts in terms of convex geometry. We apply this to smooth metrics, to canonical metrics on abelian varieties and to toric metrics on toric varieties.
A construction of complete complex hypersurfaces in the ball with control on the topology
Authors: Alarcón Antonio , Globevnik Josip , López Francisco J.
Published: November 2016

Given a
closed complex hypersurface

Z
⊂

ℂ

N
+
1

{Z\subset\mathbb{C}^{N+1}}

(

N
∈
ℕ

{N\in\mathbb{N}}

) and a compact subset

K
⊂
Z

{K\subset Z}

, we prove the existence of a pseudoconvex Runge domain D in Z such that

K
⊂
D

{K\subset D}

and there is a complete proper holomorphic embedding from D into the unit ball of

ℂ

N
+
1

{\mathbb{C}^{N+1}}

.
For

N
=
1

{N=1}

, we derive the existence of complete properly embedded complex curves in the unit ball of

ℂ
2

{\mathbb{C}^{2}}

, with arbitrarily prescribed finite topology. In particular, there exist complete proper holomorphic embeddings of the unit disc

𝔻
⊂
ℂ

{\mathbb{D}\subset\mathbb{C}}

into the unit ball of

ℂ
2

{\mathbb{C}^{2}}

.
These are the first known examples of complete bounded embedded complex hypersurfaces in

ℂ

N
+
1

{\mathbb{C}^{N+1}}

with any control on the topology.
SLC22A2 – mapping genomic variations within South African indigenous and admixed populations
Authors: Pearce Brendon , Jacobs Clifford , Hoosain Nisreen , Benjeddou Mongi
Published: November 2016

Background:

The SLC22A2 gene is a polyspecific transporter that mediates the electrogenic transport of small organic cations with different molecular structures. Furthermore, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SLC22A2 are clinically significant because they can alter the transport of substrate drugs and may, thus, influence the efficacy and toxicity thereof. Additionally, further studies have reported that SLC22A2 is responsible for 80% of the total metformin clearance. Therefore, loss-of-function variants of SLC22A2 could affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of metformin. Although it is widely accepted that African populations harbor a greater amount of genomic diversity compared to other populations, limited information is available regarding genetic polymorphisms in SLC genes among African populations, specifically those related to impaired functional activity of hOCT2. Therefore, the aim of this study was to map known impaired function variants in the SLC22A2 gene.

Methods:

Development of multiplex SNaPshot™ genotyping assay for 20 previously reported SLC22A2 nonsynonymous SNPs and the assessment of baseline allele frequencies of these variants in 140 Cape Admixed, 148 Xhosa and 152 Zulu individuals residing in Cape Town, South Africa.

Results:

We identified three nonsynonymous SNPs, namely, A270S, R400C and K432Q in the population studied at minor allele frequencies of 6.1%, 3.4% and 0.7%, respectively. The most frequently observed haplotypes across all three populations were CATAATGCGTACGCGCGACG (~85%), CATAATGATTACGCGCGACG (~7%) and CATAATGAGTACGCGCGACG (~4.5%).

Conclusions:

In addition to SNPs, the haplotypes identified in this study can in future also aid in identifying associations between causative genetic variants and drug response. This study contributes in filling the gap that exists with regards to genetic information about important variations in organic cation transporter genes for the indigenous populations of South Africa.
Anthropological Critique and Framing of Suburban Enclaves: Case of Neighbourhood X
Authors: Butko Matej
Published: November 2016

The main point of this article is conceptualization of newcomers within specific suburb in perimeter of Bratislava. The analysis with fruitful and extensive base of evidence provides a connection between the western suburban community theories and local actual and discursive strategies in various topics. The content of this article consists of analysis of bonding, residential and motivational strategies of newcomers, and a wide conceptualization of them, including a class concept and a bounding character of socialization. Additional analytical and evidential asset of this article is the perceptiveness that provides us the ‘other-than-actual’ evaluative perspective. This perception is provided by other inhabitants outside of the researched Neighbourhood X. This evidence, which is connected to the theory of leisure class consumption, is therefore the perceptive side of the core definition of enclaves in residentially excluded neighbourhood. This article offers conclusions of a specific field experience and broadens not only the existing suburban community theories, but also the works that try to conceptualise significant traits of suburban enclaves.
Study of rheological behaviour of wines
Authors: Trávníček Petr , Burg Patrik , Krakowiak-Bal Anna , Junga Petr , Vítěz Tomáš , Ziemiańczyk Urszula
Published: November 2016

This study deals with rheological properties of various wine varieties. Samples of the following wines were used for this experiment: André, Cabernet Moravia, Laurot, Saint Laurent, Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc, Müller Thurgau, and Riesling Italico. These samples were obtained from wine produced from the grapes collected in the Czech Republic (Morava region, subregion Velke Pavlovice). In the first phase, the chemical composition of the samples was determined. The following chemical parameters were determined: total acidity, pH, content of the alcohol, reduced sugars, free SO2, total SO2, and volatile acids. In the second phase of the study, the physical properties of the samples were determined and the samples of the wines were subjected to rheological tests. These tests consisted in determination of apparent viscosity in relation to temperature, hysteresis loop tests, and apparent viscosity related to time. The dependence of the shear rate on the shear stress was described with the Herschel-Bulkley mathematical model. The experiment yielded the following findings: seven out of the eight samples behaved as non-Newtonian fluids at low temperature (5°C); non-Newtonian behaviour was changed into Newtonian at the temperature higher than 10°C; non-Newtonian behaviour was characterised as thixotropic behaviour; the degree of thixotropy is relatively small and reaches 1.85 Pa s-1 ml-1.
Rapid selection of a representative monitoring location of soil water content for irrigation scheduling using surface moisture-density gauge
Authors: Mubarak Ibrahim , Janat Mussadak , Makhlouf Mohsen , Hamdan Altayeb
Published: November 2016

Establishing a representative monitoring location of soil water content is important for agricultural water management. One of the challenges is to develop a field protocol for determining such a location with minimum costs. In this paper, we use the concept of time stability in soil water content to examine whether using a short term monitoring period is sufficient to identify a representative site of soil water content and, therefore, irrigation scheduling. Surface moisture-density gauge was used as a means for measuring soil water content. Variations of soil water content in space and time were studied using geostatistical tools. Measuring soil water content was made at 30 locations as nodes of a 6×8 m grid, six times during the growing season. A representative location for average soil water content estimation was allocated at the beginning of a season, and thereafter it was validated. Results indicated that the spatial pattern of soil water content was strongly temporally stable, explained by the relationship between soil water content and fine soil texture. Two field surveys of soil water content, conducted before and after the 1st irrigation, could be sufficient to allocate a representative location of soil water content, and for adequate irrigation scheduling of the whole field. Surface moisture-density gauge was found to be efficient for characterising time stability of soil water content under irrigated field conditions.
Sepsis-Associated Coagulopathy
Authors: Scarlatescu Ecaterina , Tomescu Dana , Arama Sorin Stefan
Published: November 2016

Systemic inflammatory activation in sepsis often leads to coagulation activation, but the relationship is bilateral, as coagulation also modulates the inflammatory response. This close associate has significant consequences for the pathogenesis of microvascular thrombosis and organ dysfunction in sepsis. While coagulation activation can be beneficial for immune defense, it can also be detrimental once it becomes widespread and uncontrolled. The knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the interaction between infection and coagulation may lead to the better timing for the administration of targeted antithrombotic therapies in septic patients. This brief review highlights the pathophysiologic pathways leading to the prothrombotic state in sepsis and the mechanisms that play a role in the interaction between infection and coagulation.
Extracorporeal Life Support and New Therapeutic Strategies for Cardiac Arrest Caused by Acute Myocardial Infarction - a Critical Approach for a Critical Condition
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Popovici Monica Marton , Glogar Dietmar
Published: November 2016

This review summarizes the most recent developments in providing advanced supportive measures for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the results obtained using these new therapies in patients with cardiac arrest caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Also detailed are new approaches such as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), intra-arrest percutaneous coronary intervention, or the regional models for systems of care aiming to reduce the critical times from cardiac arrest to initiation of ECPR and coronary revascularization.
Persistent Ductus Arteriosus in Critically Ill Preterm Infants
Authors: Ognean Maria Livia , Boantă Oana , Kovacs Simona , Zgârcea Corina , Dumitra Raluca , Olariu Ecaterina , Andreicuţ Doina
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is found with increased incidence in preterm infants, significantly affecting neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.

Aim: To evaluate the association between the presence of PDA and the severity of clinical condition at birth in critically ill preterm infants, with gestational ages (GA) ≤ 32 weeks and severe respiratory distress.

Methods: All preterm infants with GA ≤ 32 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Clinical County Emergency Hospital, Sibiu between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015 were included in the study. These were categorized as Group 1 [Preterm infants with PDA; n=154] and Group 2 [Preterm infants without PDA; n=186]. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected in the National Registry for Respiratory Distress Syndrome for all children, and data related to prenatal period, clinical characteristics at birth i.e GA, weight, gender, Apgar scores, and clinical features such as resuscitation at birth, surfactant administration, need and duration of respiratory support, neonatal sepsis, complications associated with prematurity, and death, were analyzed.

Results: Group 1 infants had significantly lower GA and birth weights, were more often out born (p=0.049, HR 1.69), and had significantly lower Apgar scores at 1 and 10 minutes (p=0.022, p=0.000). They presented a significantly higher need for surfactant administration (42.9% vs 24.7%, p<0.0001) and respiratory support (96.8% vs 90.3%, HR 3.19, p=0.019 for need of CPAP and 22.1% vs 10.8%, HR 2.35, p=0.004 for mechanical ventilation). Duration of respiratory support was also significantly higher in the Group 1 (7.6%±7.5 vs. 5.1±3.8 days, p<0.0001 for CPAP and 20.1±22.5 vs. 12.0±15.7 days, p<0.0001 for mechanical ventilation).

Conclusion: In very preterm infants, PDA may be associated with a critical clinical condition leading to serious complications. The presence of PDA after the seventh day of life was associated with an increased need for respiratory support, both CPAP and mechanical ventilation, increased severity of the respiratory distress syndrome, requiring a longer duration of respiratory support, and increased the hospitalization length. In very preterm infants, PDA presence was also associated with a higher rate of severe complications and death, indicating the need for a careful and proper management of these critical cases in neonatal intensive care units.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in Child. A Case Report and a Review from Literature
Authors: Grama Alina , Mărginean Oana Cristina , Meliț Lorena Elena , Georgescu Anca Meda
Published: November 2016

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is the medical term used to define a skin condition induced by the exfoliative toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. The disorder is also known as Ritter disease, bullous impetigo, neonatal pemphigus, or staphylococcal scarlet fever. The disease especially affects infants and small children, but has also been described in adults. Prompt therapy with proper antibiotics and supportive treatment has led to a decrease in the mortality rate.

The current case report describes the clinical progress of a patient with generalized erythema and fever, followed by the appearance of bullous lesions with tendency to rupture under the smallest pressure, and with extended areas of denudation.

The patient aged four years and six months was admitted to our clinic to establish the aetiology and treatment of a generalized bullous exanthema, followed by a skin denudation associated with fever and impaired general status.

Based on clinical and paraclinical examinations a diagnosis of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome was established which responded favourably to antibiotic treatment, hydro-electrolytic re-equilibration, and adequate local hygiene.

Staphylococcal infection can represent a problem of significant pathological importance sometimes requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving paediatricians, dermatologists, infectious diseases specialists, and plastic surgeons.
Congenital Heart Disease Requiring Maintenance of Ductus Arteriosus in Critically Ill Newborns Admitted at A Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cucerea Manuela , Simon Marta , Moldovan Elena , Ungureanu Marcela , Marian Raluca , Suciu Laura
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) have been reported to be responsible for 30 to 50% of infant mortality caused by congenital disabilities. In critical cases, survival of newborns with CHD depends on the patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA), for maintaining the systemic or pulmonary circulation. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and side effects of PGE (prostaglandin E) administration in newborns with critical congenital heart disease requiring maintenance of the ductus arteriosus.

Material and method: All clinical and paraclinical data of 66 infants admitted to one referral tertiary level academic center and treated with Alprostadil were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1: PDA dependent pulmonary circulation (n=11) Group 2: PDA dependent systemic circulation (n=31) Group 3: PDA depending mixed circulation (n=24)

Results: The mean age of starting PGE1 treatment was 2.06 days, 1.91 (+/−1.44) days for PDA depending pulmonary flow, 2.39 (+/−1.62) days for PDA depending systemic flow and 1.71 (+/1.12) for PDA depending mixing circulation. PEG1 initiation was commenced 48 hours after admission for 72%, between 48-72 hours for 6%, and after 72 to 120 hours for 21% of newborns detected with PDA dependent circulation. Before PEG1 initiation the mean initial SpO2 was 77.89 (+/− 9.2)% and mean initial oxygen pressure (PaO2) was 26.96(+/−6.45) mmHg. At the point when stable wide open PDA was achieved their mean SpO2increased to 89.73 (+/−8.4)%, and PaO2 rose to 49 (+/−7.2) mmHg. During PGE1 treatment, eleven infants (16.7%) had apnea attacks, five children (7.5%) had convulsions, 33 (50%) had fever, 47 (71.2%) had leukocytosis, 52 (78.8%) had edema, 25.8% had gastrointestinal intolerance, 45.5% had hypokalemia, and 63.6% had irritability.

Conclusions: For those infants with severe cyanosis or shock caused by PDA dependent heart lesions, the initiation and maintenance of PGE1 infusion is imperative. The side effects of this beneficial therapy were transient and treatable.
A corpus-based analysis of textbooks used in the orientation course for immigrants in Germany: Ideological and pedagogic implications
Authors: Leung Ray C. H.
Published: November 2016

Contextualized within immigrants’ acquisition of specialized knowledge about the host country at the institutional level, this article examines a 64295-word corpus of textbooks written for participants of the orientation course in German politics, history and culture. Corpus-based techniques (“keyness,” collocation and qualitative examination of concordance lines) are deployed to explore the corpus. The findings reveal that the collocational patterns of the identified keywords construct particular world views vis-à-vis Germany. For instance, the keyword DDR [German Democratic Republic (GDR), aka East Germany] frequently co-occurs with negatively connoted lexis while collocates of the keywords denoting present-day Germany (e.g., Bundesrepublik Deutschland [Federal Republic of Germany] and Staat [nation, country, state]) facilitate the portrayal of Germany as a nurturing welfare state that is popular among foreigners. It is argued that such discursively-construed opposition between the “bad” GDR and the “good” Federal Republic of Germany helps to legitimize the German reunification. Furthermore, it is found that certain keywords (e.g., Sie [you], Kurs [course, class] and z.B. [e.g.]) are “metadiscourse resources” (Hyland, 2005). Their pedagogic effects are discussed in relation to the ideological implications of the research findings.
EFL teacher professional change in India
Authors: Toraskar Helen B.
Published: November 2016

This article examines teacher professional change and compares two 10thstandard English as a Foreign Language teachers employed in a Marathi-medium secondary school in Pune (India) at different stages in their careers. Wenger’s (1998) three interconnected Community of Practice dimensions (i.e. mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoire) highlight pertinent facets of the teachers’ professional lives as viewed from the sociocultural perspective (Vygotsky, 1978). Case study methodology was utilized within a qualitative, ethnographic research paradigm. The aim is to uncover how the two EFL teachers engage in their professional community of practice and their career trajectories. Firstly, the data analysis indicates that periphery member status is established through active engagement in the professional community which creates trajectories along which novices may travel. Secondly, the accessing and sharing of information, ideas and experiences is beneficial for all members as it strengthens professional relationships and reconfirms already existing members’ central position. Lastly, active engagement in a professional community of practice offers a means of potential growth for novice teachers and central members. Access to communal resources such as new knowledge, stories and artifacts is acquired and aids in establishing novices’ competency.
Marketing masculinity, branding the book: Current gender trends in the presentation of selected boys’ adventure novels
Authors: Robertson Janice
Published: November 2016

Chris Bradford’s Young Samurai series, and his more recent Bodyguard Series draw on a strong sense of hegemonic masculinity to secure popularity for the protagonist. The success of these books is particularly interesting when one considers the gender agendas that are embraced by modern western society and the extent to which general opinion has altered in terms of the performance of masculinity.

According to John Stephens in Ways of Being Male: Representing Masculinities in Children’s Literature and Film (2002, p. x), a problem for boys, both in narrative fictions and in the world, is that hegemonic masculinity ‘appears simultaneously to propose a schema for behaviour and to insist on their subordination as children, to conflate agency with hegemonic masculinity, and to disclose that, for them, such agency is illusory. These paradoxes are currently being increasingly dealt with as a theme in children’s literature and film’. My paper will discuss these apparent paradoxes in Chris Bradford’s novels in the context of a 21st century child readership.
Asymptomatic Unilateral Ovarian Leiomyoma in a German Shepherd Bitch
Authors: Pecile Alessandro , Groppetti Debora , Grieco Valeria , Barella Gabriele , Moioli Melania , Faverzani Stefano
Published: November 2016

This report shows for the first time clinical imaging (ultrasound and computed tomography), histological and immunohistochemical findings of an ovarian leiomyoma, coincidentally diagnosed in an asymptomatic unmated nulliparous ten year-old German shepherd bitch concurrently suffering from multiple mammary tumors. A thorough examination allowed the differentiation of ovarian leiomyoma from other spindle cell tumors. An accurate description of the diagnostic procedures useful in the managing of ovarian leiomyoma could provide valuable information to veterinary practitioners. Indeed, despite its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, ovarian leiomyoma may also affect the dog with an unknown potential risk.
Local TaxCompetition in Poland?
Authors: Swianiewicz Paweł , Łukomska Julita
Published: November 2016

The concept of tax competition has been successfully applied in an analysis conducted in several European countries, but so far it has not been systematically tested either in Poland or in other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. There are two types of competition discussed in the article: classic competition for mobile tax base and ‘yardstick competition’, in which local politicians compete for political capital being related to the comparison of tax rates with neighbouring municipalities. It is expected that in Poland the ‘yardstick competition’ is more important from the classic competition for the mobile tax base.
Risk management method for small photovoltaic plants
Authors: Kirova Milena , Velikova Preslava
Published: November 2016

Risk management is necessary for achieving the goals of the organization. There are many methods, approaches, and instruments in the literature concerning risk management. However, these are often highly specialized and transferring them to a different field can prove difficult. Therefore, managers often face situations where they have no tools to use for risk management. This is the case with small photovoltaic plants (according to a definition by the Bulgarian State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission small applies to systems with a total installed power of 200 kWp). There are some good practices in the energy field for minimizing risks, but they offer only partial risk prevention and are not sufficient. Therefore a new risk management method needs to be introduced. Small photovoltaic plants offer plenty of advantages in comparison to the other renewable energy sources which makes risk management in their case more important. There is no classification of risks for the exploitation of small photovoltaic systems in the available literature as well as to what degree the damages from those risks could spread. This makes risk analysis and evaluation necessary for obtaining information which could aid taking decisions for improving risk management. The owner of the invested capital takes a decision regarding the degree of acceptable risk for his organization and it must be protected depending on the goals set. Investors in small photovoltaic systems need to decide to what degree the existing risks can influence the goals previously set, the payback of the investment, and what is the acceptable level of damages for the investor. The purpose of this work is to present a risk management method, which currently does not exist in the Bulgaria, so that the risks and the damages that could occur during the exploitation of small photovoltaic plants could be identified and the investment in such technology – justified.
Effective energy planning for improving the enterprise’s energy performance
Authors: Păunescu Carmen , Blid Laura
Published: November 2016

The global pressing need to protect the environment, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide has prompted the enterprises to implementing both individual energy saving measures and a more systematic approach to improve the overall enterprise’s energy performance. Energy management is becoming a priority as enterprises strive to reduce energy costs, conform to regulatory requirements, and improve their corporate image. As such, enterprises are encouraged to manage their energy related matters in a systematic manner and a more harmonized way, to ensure continual improvement on their energy efficiency. Despite the increasing interest in energy management standards, a gap persists between energy management literature and current implementation practices. The release of the ISO 50001 international standard was meant to help the organizations develop sound energy management systems and effective process-based energy management structures that could be recognized through third-party certification. Building on the energy management literature and energy management standards, the current paper presents the essential steps the enterprises should take to practically design a sustainable energy management system. Also, by using multiple case studies of enterprises that have implemented an ISO 50001 energy management system, it introduces a structured approach that companies can use to effectively develop their energy planning and improve energy performance. The key components of the enterprise’s energy planning are discussed, as well as practical examples of energy objectives and performance indicators from various industries are offered. The paper shows that by establishing an effective energy planning system, this will efficiently meet demands for achieving energy performance indicators and international certification.
Public reactions towards wind energy instalments. Case study: Romania and the Netherlands
Authors: Nichifor Maria Alexandra
Published: November 2016

Wind energy experienced an exponential development in the past two decades, forming a main source of energy today, but also a frequently encountered issue of debate due to the increased proximity of wind turbines to citizens’ residence, especially in the case of the Western part of the European Union. Although the benefits of renewable sources of energy represent a compulsory effort towards ensuring sustainable energy strategies for the future, due to the increased pressure of balancing climate change, limitation of traditional energy resources and economic competition, the expansion of wind parks has caused strong reactions of local communities in many regions leading to the reorganization of public exposure strategies of many companies in the field. This research intends to offer a sample of public perceptions of wind turbines depending on several influence factors, based on the answers of 64 Dutch citizens and 40 Romanian respondents. Through the implementation of the Delphi method based on questionnaires and interviews, an overview of perceptions towards placement of wind turbines in the two analyzed countries has been offered, providing significant answers to the influence factors of public reactions for or against wind turbines. The main results of the research revealed the importance of financial benefits in increasing public acceptance of wind farms, as well as several subjective factors, such as the visual impact of wind turbines and onshore or offshore placement, that contribute to a positive or negative behavior of citizens towards it.
Education, outreach and the OPCW: growing partnerships for a global ban
Authors: Ballard Joseph , Forman Jonathan E.
Published: November 2016

The Chemical Weapons Convention remains a landmark international treaty. It was the first multilateral agreement to ban an entire class of weapons of mass destruction and include a strict verification regime to monitor compliance. Scientists were not only deeply engaged in the negotiation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, but have been central to the life of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) ever since it came into existence almost 20 years ago. Over that time, during which the OPCW focused primarily on its mission to oversee the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles, the organization has relied on a very committed core of scientific expertise – from within and outside – to help guide it. As that core task comes to a close, the Organization faces a new challenge: ensuring that chemical weapons do not return. Meeting that challenge will require new approaches to the OPCW’s mission.
Homer’s Epigraph:Iliad7.87–91
Authors: Strauss Clay Jenny
Published: November 2016

The author argues thatIliad7.87–89 where Hector imagines an epitaph that will redound to his own glory implies a knowledge of writing and should in any case be central to any discussion of writing in Homer.
Collaborative Relationships Among Couples: Frames of Interaction During Everyday Household Activities
Authors: Arcidiacono Francesco
Published: November 2016

The analysis of collaborative exchanges of couples during their household activities is at the core of this paper. Although the management of responsibilities around household tasks is a potential source of contention within the decision-making process about home activities, another complementary perspective considers practices of communication during household activities as ways to build or reinforce the family educational processes. Our goal is to capture these daily interactions as indicators of collaborative relationships among couples, exemplifying how communicative exchanges contribute to the creation of frames for family participation in routines. In the first part of the paper, a review of issues regarding the division of labor within the family setting will be introduced in order to examine how these aspects relate to the ongoing negotiation of responsibilities and expectations between women and men. Thereafter, the methodological design of the study will be presented, as well as the qualitative analysis of data based on the argumentative topic model. A discussion of participants’ responsibilities in household tasks will be presented as indicators of their collaborative relationships during everyday activities. Lastly, implications for family studies will be highlighted in order to illustrate how family members ascribe meanings during routines.
Analytical Model of the Anisotropic Dimensional Change on Sintering of Ferrous PM Parts
Authors: Cristofolini I. , Corsentino N. , Larsson M. , Molinari A.
Published: November 2016

This work proposes an analytical model developed from experimental data to describe the anisotropic dimensional change on sintering. Axial-symmetric iron parts differing for geometry and sintering conditions have been investigated, aiming at highlighting the influence of geometry. The specimens were measured in the green and sintered state by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The dimensional changes of height, external diameter and internal diameter were derived from measurement results. The anisotropy of the dimensional variations has been studied with reference to the isotropic dimensional change derived from the change in volume of the parts. The influence of geometry and sintering temperature was highlighted. To properly describe the dimensional variations in the compaction plane, the dimensional change of the external diameter versus the dimensional change of the internal one has been analysed. By means of the experimental data, a reliable analytical relationship has been found, dependent on the parts geometry. An anisotropy parameter has been identified, which allows relating the dimensional change in the compaction plane and in the axial direction to the isotropic dimensional change. This parameter depends both on geometry and on sintering conditions. By means of the anisotropy parameter an analytical model for the anisotropic behaviour has been developed.
Off-record politeness in Sophocles: The patterned dialogues of female characters
Authors: Catrambone Marco
Published: November 2016

This paper tests the applicability of Brown and Levinson’s concept of off-record politeness on a specific sub-set of patterned dialogues in Sophocles’ extant tragedies, i.e., those involving the participation of female speakers. Brown and Levinson’s framework still provides the most suitable model for empirical analysis, but with refinements concerning the interrelation between emic and etic politeness, the notion of face, the extension of analysis to longer stretches of conversation, and the absolute ranking of the super-strategies. The survey suggests that a strict connection between the use of off record and the mitigation of FTAs can be established quite straightforwardly and that the hearer’s reactions to off record can help to identify the valid instances of the phenomenon. Moreover, it is argued that (a) female speakers frequently resort to off record, most notably in cross-sex interactions with men invested with high power; (b) few restricted categories of male speakers, i.e., strangers and lower-status characters, do use off-record politeness towards women; (c) off record in same-sex interactions among female characters is limited to when the imposition is of extraordinary seriousness.
The stranger on the threshold. Telemachus welcomes Athena in Odyssey 1.102–143: a case study of polite interaction in ancient Greek culture
Authors: Mari Francesco
Published: November 2016

Homeric epics are rich in paradigmatic scenes, where it is not inappropriate to look for examples of Greek polite social behaviour. This paper proposes an analytical framework to study ancient Greek politeness, and applies it to a famous scene of the
Formation, stability and structural characterization of ternary MgUO2(CO3)3
2− and Mg2UO2(CO3)3(aq) complexes
Authors: Lee Jun-Yeop , Vespa Marika , Gaona Xavier , Dardenne Kathy , Rothe Jörg , Rabung Thomas , Altmaier Marcus , Yun Jong-Il
Published: November 2016

The formation of ternary Mg-UO2-CO3 complexes under weakly alkaline pH conditions was investigated by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and compared to Ca-UO2-CO3 complexes. The presence of two different Mg-UO2-CO3 complexes was identified by means of two distinct fluorescence lifetimes of 17±2 ns and 51±2 ns derived from the multi-exponential decay of the fluorescence signal. Slope analysis in terms of fluorescence intensity coupled with fluorescence intensity factor as a function of log [Mg(II)] was conducted for the identification of the Mg-UO2-CO3 complexes forming. For the first time, the formation of both MgUO2(CO3)3
2− and Mg2UO2(CO3)3(aq) species was confirmed and the corresponding equilibrium constants were determined as log β0
113=25.8±0.3 and log β0
213=27.1±0.6, respectively. Complementarily, fundamental structural information for both Ca-UO2-CO3 and Mg-UO2-CO3 complexes was gained by extended EXAFS revealing very similar structures between these two species, except for the clearly shorter U-Mg distance (3.83 Å) compared with U-Ca distance (4.15 Å). These results confirmed the inner-sphere character of the Ca/Mg-UO2-CO3 complexes. The formation constants determined for MgUO2(CO3)3
2− and Mg2UO2(CO3)3(aq) species indicate that ternary Mg-UO2-CO3 complexes contribute to the relevant uranium species in carbonate saturated solutions under neutral to weakly alkaline pH conditions in the presence of Mg(II) ions, which will induce notable influences on the U(VI) chemical species under seawater conditions.