bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Talent to Professional Football – Youthism in German Football
Authors: Grossmann Bettina , Lames Martin
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the German youth academies conducted by the clubs of 1st and 2nd Bundesliga and the role of the U17 Bundesliga as a part of the German talent development programme in football. We examined all 821 U17 Bundesliga players born in 1993 and tracked their career development until season 2012/13. It was found that less than 10% were able to sign a contract for a professional team in Germany (1st, 2nd and 3rd league), while more than 45% quit playing football before advancing onto senior level. 29 out of 36 (80.6%) 1st Bundesliga players born in 1993 (season 20012/13) were trained in a professional youth academy, two players were educated in a 4th league club and five players were transferred from a foreign country. Youth academies and the U17 Bundesliga are crucial for the development of German talents, since a very good football education with weekly challenges in league is beneficial. However, one can be worried about the physical as well as mental and emotional stress those young players are exposed to, which might lead to an earlier end of their careers.
Early Success is Key to Winning an IRB Sevens World Series
Authors: van Rooyen Michele
Published: January 2016

The Rugby Sevens World Series concludes with the team who accumulated the most points in the season being crowned champions. The objective of every team is to win their matches, but it is questionable whether winning every tournament is essential to winning a Series. The purpose of this study was: i) to determine the number points that must be accumulated in order to win the Series and if the sequence of point accumulation was important; and ii) to determine the performance of the 5 most successful nations between 1999/2000 and 2011/2012. Data collected from the IRB Sevens website included the Series points scored after each tournament and at the end of the season and the tier (Cup, Plate, Bowl or Shield) of the last match played for the Series winner, 2nd and 3rd placed teams and New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Samoa and England. Winners accumulated 83.5% (± 5.5) of the points available per season, 2nd and 3rd teams had 69.9% ± 8.1 and 61.2% ± 4.6 points respectively. New Zealand averaged 76.9% ± 13.8, Fiji 65.5% ± 12.3, South Africa 55.8% ± 12.1, England 50.8% ± 21.5, and Samoa 49.3% ± 17.5. Winning teams (and New Zealand and Fiji) accrued points faster than other teams with over 50% of points won at halfway point in the season. New Zealand had the greatest probability of winning cup quarter or final matches; Fiji was more likely to win semi-finals. No team has won every tournament during a season but a successful start is vital for a Series winner.
Nineteenth-century America through the Eyes of John Gennadius
Authors: Christopoulos Marianna D.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this article is to unfold and analyze the view of America held by
John Gennadius [Ioannis Gennadios], one of the most important diplomats of nineteenthcentury
Greece. Having spent most of his life in England as a member of the Greek legation,
which he served for more than 20 years, Gennadius was influenced by the ongoing British
discussion of the “American miracle”. His perception was, however, fostered during two
visits to America, a professional one (1888) and a private one (1893-1894). He was involved
in American political life as the official negotiator of the Greek government, but also
enjoyed the culture, witnessed the wealth and the galloping development and made many
acquaintances. All of this made an impression on him. He commented on the importance
of British influence on American civilization, acknowledged the material and intellectual
progress of its people and foresaw the potential of its thriving economy in world politics.
On Implementing the Competence-Based Approach When Teaching Mathematics Through Case-Method at the Economics University
Authors: ����� c , Rylov Alexander , �������  , Konnova Larisa
Published: January 2016

Within the terms of multilevel training the to-be-economists are being taught to solve complex problems, comprising such tasks, as the analysis, forecasting

and decision making in the real world. At that, the training standards place the main emphasis on the learners� ability to apply knowledge, skills

and personal qualities (i.e. competences) in future professional activities, rather than on the educational content to be mastered. Competence-based

approach is shaped through mastering various disciplines in the course of solving cross-disciplinary tasks. Of such nature are the cases, while the whole

instrumental toolkit for mastering cases relies on the case-study method, or case-method.

The authors assume, that the competences, stipulated by the Advanced Mathematics curriculum for bachelors in Economics, can be developed by means

of the above mentioned case-method.

The experiment, aimed at teaching the fi rst-year students of the Financial University, as described in the paper, is based on implementing the competence-

based approach in training the to-be-economists.
Pharmacognostical Standardization and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) of Root of Saccharum officinarum Linn. (Poaceae)
Authors: Jayalakshmi S. , Satpathy Swaha , Patra Arjun
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the pharmacognostical characteristics of the roots of Saccharum officinarum Linn. (poaceae) to establish standardized parameters. Macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical evaluation; preliminary phytochemical analyses and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile were done for qualitative phytochemical evaluation. Roots are grey to blackish brown, fibrous, solid, jointed, odour and taste not distinct. Transverse section of both thin and fairly thick root showed presence of epidermal, hypodermal layers, aerenchymatous cortex and a wide stele. Powder microscopy revealed presence of long thick walled fibers with pointed ends, vessels and tracheids with reticulate, scalariform and bordered pitted walls and thin walled parenchyma cells. Physicochemical parameters viz. percentage of moisture content (9.3% w/w), total ash (7.5% w/w), acid insoluble ash (5.0% w/w), water soluble extractive (6.9% w/w) and ethanol soluble extractive (3.8% w/w) were also determined. Various groups of phytoconstituents found in the plant are carbohydrate, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenolic compound. HPTLC profile of hydroalcoholic extract showed presence of twelve different components in the solvent system, chloroform: methanol (9:1, v/v). The different salient diagnostic features established in this study will help for proper identification and standardization of the drug in crude form, and then the plant material can be used for further studies.
A Lagrange series approach to the spectrum of the Kite
Authors: Van Mieghem Piet
Published: January 2016

A Lagrange series around adjustable expansion points to compute the eigenvalues of graphs, whose characteristic polynomial is analytically known, is presented. The computations for the kite graph P_nK_m, whose largest eigenvalue was studied by Stevanovic and Hansen [D. Stevanovic and P. Hansen. The minimum spectral radius of graphs with a given clique number. Electronic Journal of Linear Algebra, 17:110â117, 2008.], are illustrated. It is found that the first term in the Lagrange series already leads to a better approximation than previously published bounds.
Soluble CRTC3: A Newly Identified Protein Released by Adipose Tissue That Is Associated with Childhood Obesity
Authors: Prats-Puig Anna , Soriano-Rodríguez Pilar , Oliveras Glòria , Carreras-Badosa Gemma , Espuña Sílvia , Díaz-Roldán Ferran , de Zegher Francis , Ibáñez Lourdes , Bassols Judit , Puig Teresa , López-Bermejo Abel
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) is found in adipocytes, where it may promote obesity through disruption of catecholamine signaling. We wished to assess whether CRTC3 is a soluble protein secreted by adipose tissue, explore whether CRTC3 is detectable and quantifiable in the circulation, and ascertain whether CRTC3 serum concentrations are related to metabolic markers in children.

METHODS

Explants of adipose tissue from 12 children were cultured to study adipocyte cell size and the secretion of CRTC3 (immunoblot and ELISA). We also performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal study in 211 asymptomatic prepubertal white children at age 7 years, 115 of whom were followed up at age approximately 10 years. We measured circulating concentrations of CRTC3 and studied associations between serum CRTC3 and metabolic markers.

RESULTS

Measurable concentrations of CRTC3 were found in conditioned media of adipose tissue explants and in serum samples. CRTC3 concentrations in visceral adipose tissue were negatively associated with adipocyte cell size and positively related to adipocyte cell number (P < 0.05). In the cross-sectional study, higher CRTC3 concentrations were associated with higher body mass index (P = 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.003), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.007) and lower high molecular weight adiponectin (P = 0.003). In the longitudinal study, serum concentrations of CRTC3 at age approximately 7 years were associated with changes in waist circumference (β = 0.254; P = 0.004; r = 0.145) and high molecular weight adiponectin (β=-0.271; P = 0.014; r = 0.101), respectively, at age approximately 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

CRTC3, a newly identified protein that is related to childhood obesity, is present in the circulation, partly as a result of adipose tissue secretion. Higher serum CRTC3 concentrations are related to and predict a poorer metabolic profile in children.
Authorial visions: Saverio Costanzo’s negotiation with auteurism
Authors: Tabanelli Roberta
Published: January 2016

This article presents Italian film-maker Saverio Costanzo as an example of contemporary auteur. I argue that critical discourse on authorship within the cinema of the third millennium should look at how contemporary directors engage with the idea and the practice of authorship. In this article, I will discuss how in Costanzo’s films elements of auteurism intertwine with diverse formal and thematic motifs and create an idiosyncratic cinematic corpus able to engage critically with various traditions of Italian cinema. In particular, I will examine three common parameters of Costanzo’s cinema: the construction of confined spaces in the mise-en-scène, the display of post-human bodies, and the genre hybridity of his films. My goal is to highlight how Costanzo’s authorial voice dialogues with auteurism by embracing principles of art cinema and simultaneously destabilizing and revitalizing them with a skilful blend of genres, traditions and postmodernity.
Un conjunto de materiales de La Serreta de Alcoy
Authors: Abad Casal Lorenzo
Published: January 2016

El estudio de una phiale mesomphala de Cales en el Museo Arqueológico de Alcoy nos ha permitido la identificación de un conjunto de materiales de finales del siglo III a.C., compuesto por cerámica de Cales, de barniz negro e ibérica, y diversos objetos de metal, hueso y terracota. Todo ello se encontró en un departamento de La Serreta de Alcoy. Se hacen, además, algunas reflexiones sobre la presencia en la Península Ibérica de las cerámicas de barniz negro. La decoración de esta última, a base de erotes entre plantas, y su asociación con un vasito caliciforme, permite plantear asimismo determinados problemas acerca de su significado y de la recepción y asimilación, por los iberos, de modelos extrapeninsulares.
El poblado de la Edad del Bronce de la Mola Alta de Serelles (Alcoy, Alicante)
Authors: Trelis Martí Julio
Published: January 2016

El objeto de este artículo es la revisión y actualización de uno de los poblados más característicos de la Cultura del Bronce Valenciano, la Mola Alta de Serelles, al igual que publicamos algunos materiales del mismo aún inéditos. De entre todos, podemos destacar el análisis de los restos constructivos conservados hasta la actualidad, la tipología del material cerámico, y en general el estudio que hacemos de la metalurgia, la industria lítica, ósea, etc.
Hueso con grabados paleolíticos de la Cova de les Cendres (Teulada, Alicante)
Authors: Villaverde Bonilla Valentín
Published: January 2016

El hallazgo de un hueso decorado con una cierva en la Cova de les Cendres (Teulada, Alicante) permite constatar que la secuencia artística de la España mediterránea se completa hasta las últimas etapas del Paleolítico superior, de acuerdo con su propia evolución industrial, y replantear el tema de las relaciones entre el arte del Magdaleniense Superior-Final y el del Epipaleolítico Antiguo.
La hoz de la Edad del Bronce del Mas de Menente (Alcoi, Alacant). Aproximación a su tecnología y contexto cultural
Authors: Juan Cabanilles Joaquim
Published: January 2016

La hoz del Mas de Menente constituye, dentro del marco del Mediterráneo occidental europeo, uno de los pocos ejemplares de este tipo de herramientas prehistóricas que es posible reconstruir gracias a haberse conservado parte de su mango en madera. El estudio de este mango, así como de las probables armaduras constitutivas, permite un acercamiento más directo a la tecnología de la hoz en las últimas etapas de la Prehistoria reciente en el ámbito peninsular, concretamente a aquellas que corresponden al Bronce Valenciano. Para entender el caso de Menente en su justo contexto crono-cultural, ha sido necesario pasar revista a la evolución de las hoces en el mismo ámbito.
El Cerrico Redondo (Montealegre del Castillo), Las Peñuelas (Pozo Cañada-Chinchilla) y la mina de D. Ricardo (Tiriez-Lezuza): tres yacimientos de la Edad del Bronce en Albacete
Authors: Simón García José Luis
Published: January 2016

Se estudian tres yacimientos de la Edad del Bronce en el término de Almansa (Albacete), excavados parcialmente hace muchos años. Su larga perduración, los materiales que proporcionan y los lugares donde se ubican parecen atestiguar una economía ganadera y transhumante.
Elementos para una delimitación entre vettones y carpetanos en la provincia de Toledo
Authors: González-Conde Puente María Pilar
Published: January 2016

El límite territorial entre Vettones y Carpetanos no tiene un reflejo preciso en las fuentes clásicas, por lo cual es necesario introducir en su análisis elementos de tipo epigráfico y arqueológico. Así la zona de hallazgos de esculturas de toros y verracos, presentes en el mundo vettón, pero no en el carpetano, y el uso de la onomástica, permiten sugerir una hipótesis para establecer los límites geográficos entre ambos pueblos sobre la base de sus diferencias culturales.
Dos nuevas inscripciones y algunas correcciones a la epigrafía romana de la provincia de Alicante
Authors: Rabanal Alonso Manuel Abilio , Abascal Palazón Juan Manuel
Published: January 2016

Se completan algunos datos de inscripciones publicadas en el número anterior, al tiempo que se estudian nuevas inscripciones inéditas.
Sobre arquitectura ibérica y dependencias sacras: un modelo tipificado a debate
Authors: Prados Martínez Fernando
Published: January 2016

En este trabajo analizamos un módulo arquitectónico que se empleó frecuentemente en los santuarios ibéricos y en los espacios sacros de carácter urbano. Se trata de un tipo de construcción que se detecta en Oriente en edificios religiosos fenicios y que posteriormente se repite en núcleos púnicos del Mediterráneo central. Esta estructura presenta, por lo general, una planta cuadrangular con una división interna que crea dos ámbitos, uno mayor, donde se realizaron los ritos, celebraciones religiosas y reuniones y otro menor, que, dado el material que ha sido exhumado y su disposición secundaria, se puede identificar con la sacristía. La aparición de este tipo de construcción en los santuarios ibéricos a partir de mediados del siglo IV a.C. coincide plenamente con la introducción de divinidades y con la incorporación de cultos y ceremonias púnicas en la Península.
El escarabeo egiptizante de La Alcudia (Elche, Alicante)
Authors: Escolano Poveda Marina
Published: January 2016

En este artículo se realiza un estudio del escarabeo de La Alcudia (Elche, Alicante) con el objetivo de aportar una interpretación del entalle de su base que lo acerque a modelos mediterráneos y clarificar su origen y datación.
Evidencias de un taller de vidrio en la ciudad romana de Augustobriga (Talavera la Vieja, Cáceres)
Authors: Aguilar-Tablada Marcos Blanca María , Sánchez de Prado María Dolores
Published: January 2016

Recientes trabajos de prospección llevados a cabo en la antigua ciudad de Augustobriga (Cáceres), han permitido descubrir un fragmento de molde destinado a la decoración de la botella prismática de vidrio. El descubrimiento e identificación de este molde nos permiten situar, en este sitio, un taller de vidrio que trabajaría en relación con un alfar. Este hallazgo reviste gran importancia, ya que se trata, hasta el momento, del único molde localizado no sólo en España sino en toda la Península Ibérica, donde los indicios sobre talleres vidrieros siguen siendo muy escasos.
Tesorillos del s. III d.C. en la Península Ibérica (IV)
Authors: Martínez Mira Isidro
Published: January 2016

Este trabajo es la continuación de otros tres que aparecieron previamente con el mismo título, siendo su finalidad recopilar todos los tesorillos numismáticos del siglo III d.C. hallados y publicados en la Península Ibérica. Sus datos se han reunido en fichas tipo que resumen sus características principales y permiten una rápida consulta.
Nuevos hallazgos monetarios en Elda y Monforte del Cid (Alicante)
Authors: Abascal Palazón Juan Manuel , Alberola Belda Antonio
Published: January 2016

Se presentan nuevos descubrimientos monetarios de las partidas de Melic (Elda) y EDAR (Monforte del Cid), como complemento a los hallazgos monetarios en el valle del Vinalopó publicados en 1998.
De Hispania a al-Andalus: dinámica de cambio cultural a la luz de la arqueología
Authors: Gutiérrez Lloret Sonia
Published: January 2016

El número 27 de la revista lucentum incluye una serie de artículos sobre la lectura arqueológica del cambio cultural en la formación de al-Andalus. Son los resultados de un seminario celebrado en la Universidad de Alicante, cuya edición y publicación se debe al encuentro de varias voluntades personales y colectivas de las que creo obligado dar cuenta en estas líneas. En primer lugar está la voluntad de la propia revista, lucentum, creada al tiempo que la misma Universidad de Alicante, como medio de expresión de las Áreas de Prehistoria, Arqueología e Historia Antigua, y que en estos 26 años de vida ha sido el principal vehículo de transferencia del conocimiento científico generado por la investigación histórica y arqueológica de nuestro ámbito. La revista a lo largo de estos años y como reflejo de la evolución conceptual de las disciplinas que se difunden a través de ella, se ha abierto a las innovaciones, perspectivas y planteamientos que han ido modelando unos contenidos académicos inicialmente centrados en la antigüedad, en beneficio de una visión diacrónica más amplia que acoge también el aporte de la arqueología a la reflexión histórica de las sociedades postclásicas.
El aprovisionamiento de materiales para la construcción de ambientes domésticos de época emiral: el reempleo de ornamentos en el Tolmo de Minateda
Authors: Sarabia Bautista Julia
Published: January 2016

El Tolmo de Minateda se ha convertido en los últimos años en un asentamiento idóneo para el estudio de los procesos de cambio sufridos por la sociedad hispanovisigoda tras la llegada de la población islámica a la península. Sin embargo, existe un periodo transitorio en el que es muy difícil definir materialmente el grado de islamización de esas sociedades, siendo el análisis de las técnicas arquitectónicas de ese momento uno de los posibles indicadores de dicho fenómeno.
Toponimia antigua de Contestania y Edetania
Authors: Curchin Leonard A.
Published: January 2016

En este análisis de los antiguos topónimos de Contestania y Edetania se busca establecer sus raíces lingüísticas correctas. Como resultado podemos obtener conclusiones importantes sobre los distintos sustratos del perfil lingüístico de esta región costera. Hay cantidades importantes de nombres ibéricos, griegos y latinos, que representan la sucesión de estas culturas en la zona del estudio. Sin embargo, la proporción más grande (35% del total) consta de topónimos indoeuropeos, que podría corresponder a un sustrato de asentamiento preibérico.
Continuidad y cambio en los asentamientos rurales romanos del nordeste de la provincia de Segovia
Authors: López Ambite Fernando
Published: January 2016

Tras un periodo de despoblación coincidente con las campañas romanas de principios del siglo I a.C., las campiñas de la zona nordeste de la provincia de Segovia serán explotadas de forma poco intensa a partir de pequeños asentamientos rurales localizados en las proximidades de la calzada Termes-Duratón, en la parte sur de la zona de estudio: estos poblados estarían vinculados a la oligarquía urbana de Termes. Esta situación perdurará durante el bajo imperio, con una estabilidad en el número de asentamientos, hasta un momento muy tardío, probablemente en el siglo V, cuando se abandonan los poblados de las campiñas y la población se desplazada a las zonas montañosas anteriormente despobladas (Serrezuela de Pradales); posteriormente, el poblamiento visigodo volverá a reocupar estas campiñas.
Mobilizing digitized museum specimen records to highlight important animal pollinators in East Africa
Authors: Otieno Nickson E , Njoroge Kenneth , Agwanda Bernard , Gikungu Mary , Mauremooto John
Published: January 2016

There is an increasing global demand for existing natural history information for use in education, conservation, and policy formulation. Museum specimen collection records, being voluminous, are particularly significant in addressing such demands. This is even more critical in developing countries where daily human life is intimately linked to the environment. We demonstrate how existing museum specimen collection records were mobilized to highlight important animal pollinators in three East African countries. The bulk of the records were obtained from a Specify database of existing zoological collections held at the National Museums of Kenya, and the rest were from such alternative sources as published material, discussions with pollination experts, and online taxonomic portals and other tools. Identified to genus or species level, pollinator-ranking criteria encompassed region-wide distribution, number of plants pollinated, importance index of plants pollinated, and plant dependency on pollination. Overall, insects, especially Apis mellifera, were the most important pollinators in the region, pollinating the largest number of plants of diverse domestic, socioeconomic, and ecological significance. The results underscore potential use of specimen record-based informatics to guide agricultural and economic policy in East Africa.
Best practices for genetic resources associated with natural history collections: Recommendations for practical implementation
Authors: Zimkus Breda M , Ford Linda S
Published: January 2016

Researchers associated with natural history museums have made the collection of genetic resources a priority due to their importance in molecular studies, but often the long-term curation of these collections is difficult due to decentralized curation over multiple storage locations and lack of community best practice guidelines for their stewardship. Unlike traditional natural history specimens, the research utility of genetic samples increases with lower storage temperatures and fewer freeze–thaw events and, in addition, their use is consumptive. Collection managers must, therefore, maximize the research potential of each sample by carefully considering use on a case-by-case basis. This paper presents standardized guidelines accumulated for the management of genetic collections associated with natural history collections. These recommended practices are informed by general standards for biorepositories and augmented by information unique to natural history collections with the goal of providing a foundation for those curating genetic samples. Information pertains to all aspects of genetic sample curation and will assist those in making decisions regarding how to collect, store, track, process, and distribute genetic specimen samples. These guidelines also will allow users to make informed decisions regarding how to apply and improve the curation of their collection given their institution's goals and available resources.
Carbon Stocks in Mangrove Ecosystems of Musi and Banyuasin Estuarine, South Sumatra Province (Stok Karbon Ekosistem Mangrove di Estuarin Musi dan Banyuasin, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan)
Authors: Melki Melki , Isnaini Isnaini
Published: January 2016

Hutan mangrove di daerah estuari mampu menghasilkan stok karbon yang sangat besar sebagai daerah perlindungan dan pemulihan yang efektif sebagai strategi mitigasi perubahan iklim yang efektif. Pemilihan ekosistem pesisir dalam strategi mitigasi memerlukan kuantifikasi stok karbon untuk menghitung emisi atau penyerapan berdasarkan waktu. Penelitian ini menghitung stok karbon pada ekosistem Musi Estuari Waters (MEW) dan Banyuasin Estuari Water (BEW), Provinsi Sumatera Selatan pada tipe vegetasi yang berbeda dan hubungan variabel lingkungan dengan stok karbon. Di tujuh lokasi dalam MEW dan BEW sampel vegetasi dan tanah. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah nilai yang lebih tinggi dari stok karbon di vegetasi dari lokasi III/MEW (7.600,92 mg.ha-1), stok karbon dalam tanah dari lokasi II/MEW (61.081,87 mg.ha-1) dan stok karbon di ekosistem dari lokasi II (64.548,54 mg.ha-1). Mangrove A. marina merupakan yang paling baik menyimpan stok carbon termasuk antara vegetasi dan tanah karena toleransi salinitas yang rendah. Kata kunci: mangrove, karbon, estuari, Musi, Banyuasin Mangrove forests in estuarines can have exceptionally large carbon stocks and their protection and restoration would constitute an effective mitigation strategy to climate change. Inclusion of coastal ecosystems in mitigation strategies require quantification of carbon stocks in order to calculate emissions or sequestration through time. This study quantified the ecosystem carbon stocks of the Musi Estuarine Waters (MEW) and Banyuasin Estuarine Water (BEW), Province of South Sumatra into different vegetation types and examined relationships of environmental variables with carbon stocks. At seven sites within MEW and BEW of vegetation and soil samples. The results that the higher value of carbon stock in vegetation from Site III/MEW (7.600,92 mg.ha-1), the carbon stock in soil from Site II/MEW (61.081,87 mg.ha-1) and carbon stock in ecosystem from Site II (64.548,54 mg.ha-1). Mangrove of A. marina the best to explain carbon stocks included both vegetation and soil because they can tolerate lower salinity. Keywords: mangrove, carbon, estuarine, Musi, Banyuasin
Exploring goals and motivations of Māori heritage language learners
Authors: Te Huia Awanui
Published: January 2016

Motivations of Māori heritage language learners are explored within this qualitative study. Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is currently classed as endangered (Reedy et al., 2011), which calls for the exploration of the motivational experiences of Māori heritage language learners. A total of 19 interviews with beginner, intermediate and advanced level learners were conducted. Results demonstrated how Māori heritage learners were motivated to learn due to their cultural heritage connection to the language and to other ingroup members. This study explores some of the motivations why Māori heritage language learners learn te reo Māori. For this group of indigenous language learners, cultural and language revitalisation are tied to language motivation. Furthermore, the ability to participate in cultural practices was central to language motivations.
Status in varstvo belohrbtega detla Dendrocopos leucotos v Sloveniji/ The status and conservation of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Slovenia
Authors: Denac Katarina , Mihelič Tomaž
Published: January 2016

The paper summarizes current knowledge on the population size, habitat, conservation status and conservation measures for the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Slovenia. The species is an extremely rare forest specialist species. It inhabits mostly Dinaric beech Fagus sylvatica forests from Trnovski gozd, Nanos, Javorniki Mts and Mt Snežnik to the Kočevsko region and Gorjanci Mts. The species is also present in the Zasavje region and Mt Boč. The majority of the population (80%) inhabits the altitudinal belt between 700 and 1400 m a.s.l. The size of the Slovenian breeding population is currently estimated at 100-150 breeding pairs. Using the new survey playback method, we expect to find the species at additional sites. The highest densities were recorded on Mt Snežnik (0.7 breeding pairs/km2 in the Zatrep - Planinc forest reserve, 0.6 breeding pairs/km2 at Gomance) and in the Gorjanci Mts (0.6-0.9 breeding pairs/km2 in the Kobile forest reserve). The species inhabits beech and mixed forests with an important percentage of dead trees. The volume of dead trees was measured only at few sites inhabited by the species and ranged from 42 to 283 m3/ha. Signs of foraging were detected mainly on beech snags and stumps; all nests were found in upright beech snags. In Slovenia, the species is threatened by the low percentage of dead deciduous trees in forests, the construction of new forest roads, the increased annual timber harvest and a weak network of forest reserves. The proposed conservation measures include increasing the amount of dead deciduous trees in managed forests, increasing the area of forest reserves and halting the construction of new forest roads.
Redke vrste ptic v Sloveniji v letu 2014 – Poročilo Nacionalne komisije za redkosti /Rare birds in Slovenia in 2014 – Slovenian Rarities Committee's Report
Authors: Hanžel Jurij
Published: January 2016

This report by the Slovenian Rarities Committee presents records of rare bird species in Slovenia in 2014, with some addenda for previous years. The numbers in brackets refer to the number of records (first number) and individuals (second number) recorded between 1 Jan 1950 and 31 Dec 2013. Since 1 Jan 2013, submission to the Committee has been required for 37 additional species, 17 of which are regional rarities. Records of these species are not numbered, since records from previous years were not collected by the Committee. One new species was added to category C5: Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus. One species, Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis, was added to category E. Breeding was confirmed for Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata and Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus; the two species were thus transferred to subcategory E*. Other notable observations were the third and fourth records of Black Vulture Aegypius monachus, fourth and fifth records of Gannet Morus bassanus, fourth record of Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus and fourth record of Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi. The flocks of four Gannets and 23 Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus have been the largest recorded in Slovenia to date. The list of birds recorded in Slovenia (as of 31 Dec 2014) contains 385 species (369 in category A, 7 in category B, 9 exclusively in category C; 4 species are both in categories A and C). Category D contains 6 species, while category E contains 34, two of which are classified into subcategory E*. These two categories are not part of the list.
Trki ptic v stekleno pročelje poslovne stavbe v Ljubljani (osrednja Slovenija) jeseni 2012/ Bird collisions with glass façade of a commercial building in Ljubljana (central Slovenia) in autumn 2012
Authors: Šumrada Tanja
Published: January 2016

From 28 Sep to 7 Oct 2012, bird collisions with the glass façade of a commercial building in the centre of Ljubljana were monitored. The observations lasted 45-60 minutes in the morning (7.00-10.00 hrs), around midday (11.00-14.00 hrs) and in the afternoon (15.00-18.00 hrs). Behaviour of all birds and scavengers, which could potentially be looking for bird carcasses in the vicinity of the building, was noted. In 27.25 hours of observation, 16 collisions (3 resulting in death, 13 cases with birds flying away seemingly unharmed) and 19 near collisions, when birds avoided the building at the last moment before collision, were recorded. The total collision rate was 0.59 collisions per hour of observation. All birds that collided with the building, except Feral Pigeon Columba livia f. domestica, were passerines, among which tits Paridae predominated (62.5% of birds that collided with the building). The glass façade functioned as a mirror, reflecting tree crowns from across the street. Data show that most collisions occurred in the middle part of the building during the morning. Among potential scavengers, domestic cat Felis domesticus and Hooded Crow Corvus cornix were observed. The latter regularly flew around the building during the observation period, possibly looking for bird carcasses.
Estimation of Young’s Modulus of the Porous Titanium Alloy with the Use of Fem Package
Authors: Rotta G. , Seramak T. , Zasińska K.
Published: January 2016

Porous structures made of metal or biopolymers with a structure similar in shape and mechanical properties to human bone can easily be produced by stereolithographic techniques, e.g. selective laser melting (SLM). Numerical methods, like Finite Element Method (FEM) have great potential in testing new scaffold designs, according to their mechanical properties before manufacturing, i.e. strength or stiffness. An example of such designs are scaffolds used in biomedical applications, like in orthopedics’ and mechanical properties of these structures should meet specific requirements. This paper shows how mechanical properties of proposed scaffolds can be estimated with regard to total porosity and pore shape.
New localities of Orobanche bartlingii Griseb. in the Silesian-Cracow Upland as a result of the spread of Libanotis pyrenaica (L.) Bourg. due to the changes in land use
Authors: Babczyńska-Sendek Beata , Błońska Agnieszka , Skowronek Izabela
Published: January 2016

Human activity is a factor strongly influencing the current state of vegetation. The abandonment of traditional land use enables uncontrolled secondary succession. Libanotis pyrenaica, a host plant for Orobanche bartlingii, is a great example of species that spread as a result of this process, especially in the area of the Silesian-Cracow Upland. The aim of this study is to show that the expansion of L. pyrenaica caused by changes in land use promotes spreading of O. bartlingii - a species rare in Poland and Europe. During the field research conducted in the last decade, further localities of O. bartlingii were found. The gathered data were summarized to supplement the known distribution of the species and to present floristic and ecological characteristics of the phytocenoses with the participation of L. pyrenaica and O. bartlingii.
Male and female reproductive success in natural and anthropogenic populations of Malaxis monophyllos (L.) Sw. (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Jermakowicz Edyta , Ostrowiecka Beata , Tałałaj Izabela , Pliszko Artur , Kostro-Ambroziak Agata
Published: January 2016

In the presented study, male and female reproductive success was analyzed in relation to the population size, floral display and pollinators’ availability in natural and anthropogenic populations of the orchid Malaxis monophyllos (L.) Sw. Our results indicated significant differences between all investigated populations in parameters of floral display, including heights and number of flowers per inflorescence, as well the number of flowering individuals and their spatial structure. Additionally, populations differed both in male (pollinia removal) and female (fruit set) reproductive success, but only the fruit set clearly differentiated anthropogenic and natural populations. Despite the average flower number per plant being significantly higher in two of the anthropogenic populations, it was not related to the fruits set, which was significantly lower there. Moreover, our preliminary study concerning the potential pollinators of M. monophyllos showed a higher contribution of flies in natural habitats than in anthropogenic ones. Thus, we can suspect that the main factors influencing the level of female reproductive success in M. monophyllos populations are abundance of effective pollinators, as well as flower visitors, which may have resulted in a different level of pollen discounting in populations. Therefore, further studies concerning breeding system and pollination as important forces that shape demographic processes in M. monophyllos populations are necessary. Our results also indicate that suitable conservation methods in M. monophyllos should always include the preservation of potential pollinators, especially in these new, secondary habitats.
The effect of different habitat conditions on temporal and spatial variation in selected population properties of the rare plant species Trollius europaeus L.
Authors: Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt Kinga , Kozak Maciej , Kozłowska-Kozak Katarzyna
Published: January 2016

The investigations presented here were carried out in years 2013-14, in a Molinietum caeruleae meadow with interrupted plant cover caused by animal activity (patch I); abandoned Molinietum caeruleae meadows with untouched plant canopy, dominated by species with considerable height of the above-ground parts (patches II-VI); as well as the edge (patch VII) and the interior (patch VIII) of a birch woodlot. The height of standing vegetation and soil moisture increased in subsequent patches, whereas the light availability at ground level showed inverse tendency. The abundance of Trollius europaeus subpopulations in all studied patches was rather low. In patch I, juvenile individuals dominated, while in other stands - flowering adults prevailed. The lack of temporal variability in the number of basal leaves observed in patches III, IV, V, VI and VII might be due to lack of available area necessary for clonal proliferation of ramets, while the increase of basal leaves number in other sites might suggest unlimited iterative growth. The dimensions of basal leaves in consecutive years were constant in majority of subpopulations, while they showed strong spatial variability increasing gradually from patch I to patch VII and, subsequently, decreasing in patch VIII. The substantial dimensions of basal leaves may enable better light capture in sites with great level of lateral shade, while smaller dimensions in patches located within a woodlot may be due to shade from above created by trees. Lack of temporal variability and presence of substantial spatial variability in the number and height of generative stems, as well as flower production might enhance chances for successful pollination in a competitive environment. Significant changes of follicle number in time and space suggest successful process of pollination in all patches excluding patch VIII. The weak condition of the ramet clusters in patch I is not compensated by considerable seedling recruitment, whereas the satisfactory state of the ramet clusters in patches II-VIII may not suffice for the long-term maintenance of populations in colonized areas.
KIR And HLA Haplotype Analysis in a Family Lacking The KIR 2DL1-2DP1 Genes
Authors: Vojvodić Svetlana , Ademović-Sazdanić D.
Published: January 2016

The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene cluster exhibits extensive allelic and haplotypic diversity that is observed as presence/absence of genes, resulting in expansion and contraction of KIR haplotypes and by allelic variation of individual KIR genes. We report a case of KIR pseudogene 2DP1 and 2DL1 gene absence in members of one family with the children suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Killer cell immunoglo-bulin-like receptor low resolution genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencespecific primers (SSP)/sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) method and haplotype assignment was done by gene content analysis. Both parents and the maternal grandfather, shared the same Cen-B2 KIR haplotype, containing KIR 3DL3, -2DS2, -2DL2 and -3DP1 genes. The second haplotype in the KIR genotype of the mother and grandfather was Tel-A1 with KIR 2DL4 (normal and deleted variant), -3DL1, -22 bp deletion variant of the 2DS4 gene and -3DL2, while the second haplotype in the KIR genotype of the father was Tel-B1 with 2DL4 (normal variant), -3DS1, -2DL5, -2DS5, -2DS1 and 3DL2 genes. Haplotype analysis in all three offsprings revealed that the children inherited the Cen-B2 haplotype with the same gene content but two of the children inherited a deleted variant of the 2DL4 gene, while the third child inherited a normal one. The second haplotype of all three offspring contained KIR 2DL4, -2DL5, -2DS1, -2DS4 (del 22bp variant), -2DS5, -3DL1 and -3DL2 genes, which was the basis of the assumption that there is a hybrid haplotype and that the present 3DL1 gene is a variant of the 3DS1 gene. Due to consanguinity among the ancestors, the results of KIR segregation analysis showed the existence of a very rare KIR genotype in the offspring. The family who is the subject of this case is even more interesting because the father was 10/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched to his daughter, all members of the family have the “best” donor KIR-B content and the presence of a rare KIR genotype with KIR 2DP1-2DL1 genes absence.
Biosensors based on oxidative enzymes for detection of environmental pollutants
Authors: Rebollar-Pérez Georgette , Campos-Terán José , Ornelas-Soto Nancy , Méndez-Albores Alia , Torres Eduardo
Published: January 2016

In recent years, the continuous and accumulative discharge of toxic and contaminating compounds to the environment makes necessary to propose precise and quick methods for their detection and quantitation. Especially when one considers that the environmental impact of some of these emerging contaminants has not been clearly determined. Enzyme-based biosensors are an interesting alternative when inspecting different pollutants present in the environment in a quick, efficient, automatized, and economic way. Oxidative enzymes such as peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases (laccases and tyrosinases) are versatile and highly functional enzymes used for analyte recognition. Therefore, these enzymes are considered attractive and interesting biomolecules to act as recognition elements in biosensors. In this regard, detection of pollutants such as pesticides, phenols, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical compounds by using oxidative enzymes as recognition elements in biosensors is a versatile field, and it is the focus of the present review.
Methane decomposition over Fe supported catalysts for hydrogen and nano carbon yield
Authors: Fakeeha Anis Hamza , Ibrahim Ahmed Aidid , Naeem Muhammad Awais , Khan Wasim Ullah , Abasaeed Ahmed Elhag , Alotaibi Raja L. , Al-Fatesh Ahmed Sadeq
Published: January 2016

Production of hydrogen, being an environmentally
friendly energy source, has gained a lot of attention in the
recent years. In this article, iron-based catalysts, with
different active metal loadings, supported over magnesia
and titania are investigated for hydrogen production via
catalytic decomposition of methane. The catalytic activity
and stability results revealed that magnesia supported
catalysts performed better than titania supported
catalysts. Hydrogen reduction temperature of 500°C was
obtained suitable for catalyst activation. For magnesia
supported catalysts, only higher loadings i.e., 30% and
40% Fe-Mg catalysts showed reasonable activity, while all
titania supported catalysts presented less activity as well
as deactivation. Among all the catalysts, 30% Fe/MgO
catalyst displayed better activity. The formation of carbon
nanofibers was evidenced from morphological analysis.
FESEM and TEM images showed the generation of nonuniform
carbon nanofibers with broader diameter. The
catalysts were characterized using different techniques
such as BET, H2-TPR, O2-TPO, XRD, TGA, FESEM and TEM.
An Android Security Policy Enforcement Tool
Authors: Cotterell Kathryn , Welch Ian , Chen Aaron
Published: January 2016

The Android operating system (OS) has become the dominant smart phone OS in recent years due to its accessibility, usability and its open-source philosophy. Consequently, this has also made it a popular target for attackers who aim to install malware on Android devices and take advantage of Android’s coarsegrained, non-revoking permission system. This project designs, implements and evaluates a security tool named COMBdroid, which addresses these security concerns in Android by enforcing fine-grained, user-defined policies. COMBdroid modifies an application before installation, allowing it to override points of security vulnerabilities at run-time. As a proof of concept we have implemented three policies in COMBdroid. This paper documents the development process of COMBdroid, deriving design decisions from the literature review, detailing the design and implementation, and proving the program’s effectiveness through evaluation.
Application for Displaying Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery in Real-time Implementation and Results
Authors: Borowiec Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

The paper presents implementation and results of the application for displaying SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imagery operating in real-time. The application performs SAR imagery formation and displays results in real-time after receiving of preprocessed data via an SAR processing application. The application was used in SARape (Synthetic Aperture Radar for all weather penetrating UAV application) project founded by the European Defence Agency. The real-time operation is achieved thanks to implementation based on multithreading.
The Influence of the Solid Waste Landfill Existence on the Environmental and Economic Situation of Petrůvky Village (Czechia)
Authors: Lichovníková Veronika , Šťastná Milada , Kotovicová Jana , Vaverková Magdalena , Adamcová Dana
Published: January 2016

The landfill of municipal solid waste is a waste management equipment that can represent the risks to the environment because it serves a waste disposal, and thus there is a risk of potential leakage of undesirable substances into the surrounding (mainly aquaeous) environment. This risk is minimized when a precise construction and subsequent operation and closure of landfills are abided. And thus a negative impact on the surrounding components of the environment is eliminated. The landfill represents a considerable source of funds for the operating community. The acquired funds can then be used for the reconstruction of public municipal buildings, municipal greenery revitalization, maintainance of public utilities, or improvement of public amenities and as a support for voluntary associations. MWS Petrůvky is an example of such a waste disposal facility, which was founded in 1994 and whose operation is a significant income used to support rural development.
On Generalized Orlicz Sequence Spaces Defined by Double Sequences
Authors: Kolk Enno
Published: January 2016

S.D. Parashar and B. Choudhary defined in 1994 certain paranorms for some Orlicz sequence spaces. Their ideas are applied later for topologization of various generalized Orlicz sequence spaces. The author determines in 2011 some alternative F-seminorms (which are also paranorms) for such spaces. In this paper these results are extended to generalized Orlicz sequence spaces defined via double sequences..