bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El comercio marítimo de Alicante hacia Valencia en el segundo cuarto del Seiscientos (1626-1650)
Authors: Blanes Andrés Roberto
Published: April 2016

Este artículo trata de introducirnos en lo que debió ser el comercio marítimo exportador alicantino destinado a la capital del Turia en gran parte del reinado de Felipe IV (1626-1650); teniendo como laboratorio la documentación de la Serie Petge de Mar (perteneciente a la sección Maestre Racional; custodiada en el Archivo del Reino de Valencia), pudiendo conjeturar con relativa facilidad características y cuestiones diversas de la dinámica mercantil que se estableció entre ambas ciudades; Alicante como. expedidora de productos de diversa índole y, Valencia, como receptora y consumidora de ellos. Un mundo visto desde el observatorio que es el puerto-playa del Grao de Valencia, donde, a modo de calidoscopio, nos pondrá en contacto con un universo formado por diferentes tipos de embarcaciones y los patrones que las dirigían; artículos (tan trascendentales en este comercio como los cereales, el pescado o los minerales) o a los hombres vinculados en este intercambio mercantil, tanto desde la ladera expedidora como importadora; teniendo, siempre, como testigo el mar Mediterráneo.
Aportes culturales de los Moriscos en Túnez
Authors: Bahri Raja Yassine
Published: April 2016

Tras la expulsión de 1609, aproximadamente 80.000 moriscos llegan a Túnez. Se trata de una gran cantidad de gente para un país pequeño y además devastado por los conflictos. Los moriscos serán acogidos de forma positiva por las autoridades religiosas y políticas del país, que les ofrecerán las mejores posibilidades físicas y espirituales para su instalación. De esta forma, los moriscos podrán instalarse tanto en la capital como en diversas zonas del país, dedicándose a lo que eran ya desde España sus actividades principales: la agricultura, la artesanía y el comercio, aunque también algunos moriscos tendrán una vida de escritores. La instalación morisca en Túnez propiciará que hayan dejado unas huellas en distintos campos de la vida tunecina que aún hoy son bastante distinguibles.
Una reflexión sobre la expulsión de los moriscos valencianos y la repoblación
Authors: Ardit Lucas Manuel
Published: April 2016

La historiografía sobre los moriscos y su expulsión ha estado determinada por todo un conjunto de prejuicios ideológicos. Los contemporáneos de la expulsión, al menos los que tuvieron ocasión de expresarse por escrito, adoptaron una posición que podemos llamar moriscófoba. Consideraban que la población morisca valenciana era económicamente poco relevante, dado el carácter minifundista y atrasado de la agricultura que practicaban. Al mismo tiempo pensaban que su población crecía a un ritmo mayor que la cristiana, debido al matrimonio universal y precoz que practicaban, ya que las que llamaban «cargas del matrimonio» eran para ellos poco exigentes y no practicaban el celibato. Los historiadores y publicistas del siglo XIX, fundamentalmente los liberales, adoptaron una actitud moriscófila, fundada en una percepción absolutamente contraria. Los moriscos eran una minoría económicamente muy activa y eficiente. Por lo tanto, su expulsión el año 1609 supuso un grave quebranto. Sin embargo los historiadores conservadores, interesados en la canonización del patriarca Ribera, mantuvieron el punto de vista moriscófobo. Los historiadores actuales han oscilado entre la moriscofilia y la moriscofobia, pero por razones menos ideológicas, como una explicación de un supuesto atraso económico valenciano, consecuencia de la expulsión de los moriscos y una repoblación que reforzó el régimen señorial.
Medicina y minería en el Almadén del siglo XVIII: Joseph Parés y Franqués (Mataró, 1720- Almadén, 1798)
Authors: Gil Bautista Rafael
Published: April 2016

La aproximación que vamos a realizar al ilustrado galeno, D. Joseph Parés y Franqués, inicia su recorrido en la ciudad de Mataró, continua con su formación universitaria en Huesca y tras un breve periplo por tierras castellanas y andaluzas, en las que también se incluyen algunas villas del Campo de Calatrava, termina llegando a Almadén en 1759. Allí emparentará con unas de las familias más relevantes y se implicará durante una quincena de años en distintos cargos municipales. Durante casi 40 años ejercerá su profesión, tanto como médico de la villa, como de la Real Cárcel de Forzados. Esto último le permitirá conocer de primera mano la dura realidad minera, las pésimas e insalubres condiciones en las que tenían que trabajar aquellos infelices y las repercusiones del hidrargirismo sobre su salud. De todo ello nos ha legado un legado cultural de estimable valor.
La desamortización y enajenación del dominio de Sueca a finales del antiguo régimen: la presencia de Godoy como duque y señor de Sueca
Authors: Rosado Calatayud Luis M.
Published: April 2016

La concesión del ducado de Sueca a Manuel Godoy y la adquisición, mediante pública subasta del término y las pertenencias de esta villa, provocó importantes cambios en la jurisdicción y administración de la anterior posesión de la Orden de Montesa. La modificación en las condiciones de la compra, confirieron al Príncipe de la Paz los mismos privilegios de los que disfrutaba el Rey como Gran Maestre y Administrador Perpetuo, lo que acabó generando tensiones con los vecinos, terratenientes y el propio Ayuntamiento.
La reforma de la fiesta religiosa en el Cádiz de fines del siglo XVIII
Authors: Morgado García Arturo
Published: April 2016

Durante la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII hubo en España varios esfuerzos por reformar la fiesta religiosa, guiándose por preocupaciones de carácter doctrinal y por consideraciones de orden público. Este trabajo analiza este proceso en el Cádiz fini-dieciochesco.
Tras la tempestad, no llegó la calma: el Medio Vinalopó ante los temporales de septiembre de 1793
Authors: García Torres Adrián
Published: April 2016

Las lluvias torrenciales del 7 y 8 de septiembre de 1793 afectaron de forma considerable a las tierras meridionales valencianas. El presente estudio analiza sus repercusiones en el Medio Vinalopó y los problemas que acarreó la ulterior reconstrucción de las infraestructuras viarias e hidráulicas en la villa de Aspe.
El quartiere o barrio de la embajada de España en Roma durante el siglo XVIII
Authors: Barrio Gozalo Maximiliano
Published: April 2016

A pesar de la abolición de las jurisdicciones exentas de los embajadores extranjeros en Roma a finales del siglo XVII, en el XVIII se restablecen. El barrio de la embajada española se afianza durante la guerra de Sucesión y se consolida después, hasta el punto que en 1725 el gobernador de Roma acuerda con el ministro español su demarcación y jurisdicción, que con pequeñas modificaciones subsiste hasta el siglo XIX. A través de la documentación española y vaticana, se estudia su evolución durante el siglo XVIII y se describen los signos de esta realidad.
Los muebles con secreto: esconder, exhibir, aprender
Authors: Piera Miquel Mónica
Published: April 2016

El hombre de todos los tiempos ha tenido la necesidad de esconder objetos de valor. Con este fin se han diseñado muebles con sistemas de seguridad y con compartimentos secretos, siendo los cofres y posteriormente los escritorios los más comunes en la Edad Moderna. Los cofres se desarrollan como contenedor seguro para el transporte y también para la vivienda. El escritorio, por su parte, es un mueble que nace en el siglo XVI para la misma finalidad, pero evoluciona en mueble de representación y, en el caso de algunos ejemplares alemanes valorados en España, se convierten en gabinetes de curiosidades que demostrarán la cultura del propietario y ofrecerán conocimiento.
El regalo prevenido: norma y persuasión en la vida cotidiana de la edad moderna
Authors: Fargas Peñarrocha Mariela
Published: April 2016

Se aborda aquí el regalo como acto político que rige ciertos episodios de lo cotidiano individual y familiar en el marco de la mentalidad y cultura del antiguo régimen hispánico. El regalo puede ser pensado tanto para conservar o disciplinar el ideal del recto obrar, ajustado a las normas morales y mediante el cultivo de las virtudes personales, como para poner fin a cualquier desvío del mismo o conducir unas determinadas relaciones hacia un fin previsto. En el regalo, el yo y la alteridad, el individuo y su entorno, la familia, la comunidad, estrechan sus lazos. La conservación del buen orden mediante disciplina y ajuste a las reglas morales y la persuasión, se manifiestan, pues, en tanto distintas caras del regalo, como acto político que pone en relación individuo y entorno.
Solidaridad ante la adversidad: algunos ejemplos de la resistencia de los jesuitas españoles y su entorno social contra la política antijesuita del marqués de Pombal (1759-1768)
Authors: García Arenas Mar
Published: April 2016

El proceso de expulsión de los jesuitas portugueses fue seguido con una gran expectación en España, tanto por los círculos anti-jesuitas como por los jesuitas españoles y sus partidarios. El presente trabajo expone algunos de los ejemplos que muestran la implicación de los jesuitas españoles y su entorno social en la defensa y auxilio de los jesuitas portugueses para neutralizar la política antijesuita auspiciada por el Secretario de los Negocios del Reino portugués, el futuro marqués de Pombal.
Divulgación: Antropología y economía: apuntes para el debate desde las ciencias económicas
Authors: Demonte Norberto Gabriel
Published: April 2016

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar un conjunto de temas donde se entrecruzan las visiones de la economía y la antropología y se discuten en primer lugar sus límites disciplinares. Seguidamente, se abordan algunos enfoques de la antropología económica marxista y se analiza el concepto de habitus en relación con la toma de decisiones económicas. Finalmente, se reseña un caso etnográfico que cuestiona ciertos supuestos naturalizados acerca del consumo.
Divulgación: Caracterización y evolución del empleo asalariado formal creado por empresas del sector privado en la Provincia de Santa Fe (2007–2013)
Authors: Carné Martín
Published: April 2016

Sirviéndose de una novedosa —y aún poco explorada— fuente de información ofrecida por el Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de la Provincia de Santa Fe (constituida a partir de registros administrativos del Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino), el presente trabajo tiene por objetivo caracterizar el segmento más grande (y muchas veces menos conocido) de ocupados: el de asalariados formales (con descuento jubilatorio) registrados por empresas del sector privado (en este caso, empresas con domicilio fiscal en dicha provincia). La tarea se plantea tanto para el nivel agregado provincial, las cinco regiones en que se organiza administrativamente el territorio santafesino y los aglomerados Gran Rosario y Gran Santa Fe a partir de las variables tamaño y actividad económica de la empresa empleadora. Asimismo, analiza su evolución durante el período 2007–2013, años en los que, según algunos economistas, referentes políticos y comunicadores, la economía argentina habría perdido capacidad de generar empleo genuino en el sector privado
Response surface methodology for optimal immobilization of Aspergillus niger ATCC 1015 lipase by adsorption method
Authors: Osho Michael , Popoola Tope , Adeleye Tolulope , Adetunji Christianah
Published: April 2016

Optimization of Vegetable Sponge (Luffa aegyptiaca) (VS) - immobilization conditions of Aspergillus niger ATCC 1015 lipase on Solid State Fermentation (SSF) was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Four independent variables (temperature, pH, enzyme loading and enzyme stability) were optimized using Central Composite Design of RSM for lipase production in a solid rice bran-physic nut cake medium. The optimal immobilization conditions obtained were 45 °C, pH 7.0, 2.5% (w/v) enzyme loading and 32.5% (v/v) enzyme stability (using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent) resulted into lipase activity of 98.6 Ug-1. The result demonstrates the potential application of vegetable sponge under SSF system in immobilizing lipase, thus contributed to efficiency of the use of this biomatrix as an immobilizing agent. The statistical tools employed predicted the optimal conditions for the production of the immobilized lipase thus revealing the full potential of the support.
The transformation of sacrifice theme in opera repertoire
Opera repertuvarında kurban temasının dönüşümü
Authors: Öğüt Evrim Hikmet
Published: April 2016

The concept of sacrifice, with roots in pre-historic times, not only has sustained its primary meaning throughout the history but also has gained secondary meanings besides its ritual, religious and divine features. While various aspects of the concept can be found in the opera repertoire, the mentioned transformation can be traced particularly in the context of human sacrifice.In parallel with the transformation of opera repertoire from 18th to 20th centuries, this study, examining a selection of the opera repertoire with the concept of human sacrifice; with a chronological perspective, aims to present the new meanings of the concept of sacrifice and the act of human sacrifice have gained.Not covering a musicological analysis of the operas, this study aims to draw attention to the historical sense of and the dynamic character of the opera as well as, to the methods applied when dealing with the subject of human sacrifice, which is a tough and pre-modern subject in contrast to opera as a “modern” artistic form.  Özetİnsanlık tarihiyle yaşıt olan kurban kavramı tarih öncesinden günümüze gelen süreç içinde birincil anlamını koruduğu gibi, ritüel boyutundan, dini ve kutsal boyutlardan sıyrılarak ikincil anlamlar kazanmıştır. Opera repertuvarı incelendiğinde kavramın pek çok farklı görünümünü bulmak mümkün olduğu gibi, söz edilen dönüşümü özellikle insan kurban etme bağlamında takip etmek mümkündür.Temel olarak, opera repertuvarında insan kurban edilmesini konu alan örneklerden bir seçme üzerinde duracak olan bu çalışma, kronolojik bir bakışla, kurban kavramının ve insan kurban etme düşüncesinin kazandığı yeni anlamları, opera anlayışının 18. yüzyıldan 20. yüzyıla gelen süreçte geçirdiği değişime paralel olarak sunmayı amaçlamaktadır.Çalışma, söz edilecek operalara ilişkin müzikbilimsel bir incelemeyi içermemekle birlikte, opera gibi çoksesli Batı müzik geleneğinin merkezinde yer alan ve “modern” olarak adlandırılabilecek olan bir türün, özellikle insan kurban edilmesi gibi zorlu ve modern-öncesi bir konuyu ele alırken baş vurduğu yöntemlere, operanın tarihselliğine ve dinamik karakterine dikkat çekmeyi amaçlamaktadır
Alive and kicking, or, living on borrowed time? – Microsatellite diversity in natural populations of the endangered Ulmus minor Mill. sensu latissimo from Croatia
Authors: Zebec Marko , Idžojtić Marilena , Šatović Zlatko , Poljak Igor , Liber Zlatko
Published: April 2016

The main objective of this research was to assess the genetic diversity of 5 natural field elm populations in Croatia. The study results suggest that the observed populations are characterized by a satisfactory amount of heterozygosity, and that the impact of the Dutch elm disease on the amount of genetic diversity in the sampled populations is currently negligible. However, one population displayed a significant excess of heterozygosity, implying a genetic bottleneck. The existence of a very clear genetic differentiation between the continental and the Mediterranean populations of Ulmus minor in Croatia was noticed.
Epilithic diatom assemblages and environmental quality of the Su Gologone karst spring (centraleastern Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Lai Giuseppina G. , Padedda Bachisio M. , Wetzel Carlos E. , Lugliè Antonella , Sechi Nicola , Ector Luc
Published: April 2016

Karst springs are considered among the most vulnerable groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Despite their ecological value and importance as strategic water sources, Mediterranean karst springs are still poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to analyse the epilithic diatom assemblages and to test their usefulness as indicators of environmental quality on the Su Gologone spring (central-eastern Sardinia, Italy), a biotope of great natural value and a precious source of drinking water. A total of 89 diatom taxa were found with 25 new records for Sardinian running waters. Species richness, Shannon-Wiener and Pielou indices showed good biotic integrity. The dominant taxa were alkaliphilous, halophobous-oligohalobous exigent, xeno- oligosaprobic and characteristic of oligotrophic waters. The eutrophication/pollution index − diatom based (EPI-D) and the Navicula Nitzschia Surirella indices indicated respectively an excellent/good biological water quality and a low physical disturbance. However, the biological and chemical oxygen demand, and the microbiological variables (E. coli, fecal and total coliforms) revealed an organic contamination of the water, although moderate. The judgment provided by the EPI-D should be verified after updating of the index. In fact, 10 taxa found in this study are not currently considered by the EPI-D method.
Impact of nickel on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) root plasma membrane, ROS generation, and cell viability
Authors: Pavlovkin Ján , Fiala Roderik , Čiamporová Milada , Martinka Michal , Repka Vladimír
Published: April 2016

The present study investigated the impact of nickel (Ni2+) on trans-membrane electrical potential (EM) and permeability properties of plasma membrane (PM) in epidermal cells of adventitious grapevine roots. The relationship between disturbances of membrane functionality and the production of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and cell viability after the exposure of roots to Ni2+ was also studied. Treatments with 0.1-5 mmol L-1 NiCl2 induced a concentration-dependent transient PM depolarization, which was recovered to the initial resting potential within 50-70 min in the presence of Ni2+. Longer (up to 24 h) exposure of roots to 1 mmol L-1 of Ni2+ hyperpolarized the EM by approximately 17 mV. Application of the highest 5 mmol L-1 concentration of Ni2+ during longer treatments (up to 48 h) resulted in the increase of membrane permeability; however the EM, cell viability, and superoxide content remained unaffected. The increase in the formation of hydrogen peroxide was time- and concentration- dependent and maximum production was recorded after 180 min of Ni2+ treatment. We can conclude that oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance in the generation and/ or removal of hydrogen peroxide in the root tissues of grapevine was the major cause of Ni2+ toxicity.
A comparison of the influences of flotation and wet sieving on certain carbonized legume and cereal remains
Authors: Mareković Sara , Šoštarić Renata
Published: April 2016

In order to determine the influence of recovery techniques with water (flotation and wet sieving) on carbonized plant remains, a certain amount of wheat, barley, millet, horsebean and lentil macrofossils from archaeological sites was taken and treated with water. Moist recovery was also applied to in-laboratory, artificially, charred barley, millet and lentil samples. After the treatments, the investigated remains were re-counted and the percentages of still recognizable remains for every plant species and for each method were recorded. Comparisons were made of the sensitivities of the investigated species and of the differences in the degree of macrofossil breakup depending on the method of recovery. Our investigation proved that flotation is a less aggressive method than wet sieving and that barley, horsebean and wheat carbonized macrofossils are resistant to moist treatments, while the breakup percentage of lentil and millet (from archaeological sites) is higher than 30%, which should be taken into account when deciding on the (non)use of water recovery in the investigations.
Development of a System Dynamics Model for Evaluation of the Impact of Integration of Renewable Energy Sources on the Operational Efficiency of Energy Supply Facilities: Theoretical Background
Authors: Balodis Māris , Skribans Valērijs , Ivanova Poļina
Published: April 2016

Nowadays, energy companies operate in a highly competitive environment. To maintain the leader position, as a reaction to various changes energy companies must take appropriate steps in a timely manner.

Correct assessment of the situation ensures implementation of adequate measures. The situation can be assessed correctly by using a complex approach and/or analysing it according to the specific circumstances. The complex approach also envisages designing of an appropriate model, which studies the impact of changes on the research object, while dealing with the object within a system and as part of the system.

The article gives a theoretical background of the system dynamics model in order to evaluate the impact of integration of renewable energy sources (RES) on the operational efficiency of energy supply facilities (power and heat supply) on the national and regional levels, as well as provides the first modelling results.
Organisational Innovations in Crisis Management of Project-Based Enterprises
Authors: Głodziński Eryk , Marciniak Stanisław
Published: April 2016

Organisational innovations and crisis management have a lot in common. Crisis may come in many various forms. It can be a result of economic slowdown or recession influencing the industry and, therefore, some of its organisations. However, firm disaster can be a result of wrong management decisions or unexpected events. Each form of crisis has its own causes, which influence the company in a number of ways. The main objectives of the paper are to describe the nature of crisis management in project-based enterprises and to define the scope and role of organisational innovations in it. The conducted research shows that the organisational innovations are the crucial elements of crisis response strategies. Applying organisational innovations, the entity can gain short-term benefits because they aim at improving the flexibility and adaptability of the company and the supervision of the running projects
Investigation of Stock Market Integration in the Baltic Countries
Authors: Deltuvaitė Vilma
Published: April 2016

Recent rapid development of the Baltic stock markets raises the question about stock market integration level in these countries. Some empirical aspects of the Baltic stock market integration have been analysed in the scientific literature, however, a comprehensive analysis on the Baltic stock market integration level is still missing. The aim of the paper is to assess the regional integration level of the Baltic stock markets. The research object is stock markets in the Baltic countries. The following research and statistical methods have been applied in this study: the systemic and comparative analysis of the scientific literature, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, dynamic conditional correlation generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model, Granger causality test, generalized impulse response analysis, Johansen cointegration test, autoregressive distributed lag model and error correction model. The main findings of this empirical study are (a) all three Baltic stock markets are closely related markets, (b) however, the Latvian stock market is more isolated at the regional level comparing to other two Baltic stock markets (c) whereas Estonian and Lithuanian stock markets are more interrelated.
Evaluation of the Correlation Between Formative Tests and Final Exam Results – Theory of Information Approach
Authors: Rutkowski Jerzy
Published: April 2016

Today, computerization of the Assessment Program is a norm, numerous advantages of Computer-Assisted Assessment (CAA), both formative and summative, can be enlisted. Motivating students to systematic work and Self- Regulated Learning seems to be the biggest challenge faced by the teacher. This motivation can be reached by providing students with clear information that shows an evident effectiveness of formative quizzes, undisputable correlation between student engagement in taking formative quizzes and the final exam result. It is proposed to evaluate this effectiveness quantitatively in the field of Information Theory, using the Discrete Memoryless Channel description of relationship between the set of quizzes taken and the set of exam results. The Case Study is presented and if proves high correlation between these two sets.
CBM Experiment Local and Global Implications
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S. , Zabołotny Wojciech M.
Published: April 2016

The research area of the compressed baryonic matter - CBM experiment (FAIR/GSI in Darmstadt) is subnuclear physics, thus hadron-baryon and quark-gluon, and the essence of phase transitions in the area of hot nuclear matter, and dense strongly interacting matter. Our interest in this paper are mainly considerations on the impact of such large infrastructural experiments and possibilities they give to local, smaller but very active, university based research groups and communities. Research and technical input from such groups is depicted on the background of the CBM detector infrastructure and electronic instrumentation just under design and test fabrication for this experiment. An essential input to this research originates from Poland via the agreed in-kind contribution. The areas of expertise of these groups are: superconductivity, structural large scale cabling, precision machined parts, RF and microwave technology, analog and advanced digital electronics, distributed measurement and control systems, etc.
Influence of Salvia Officinalis Essential Oil on Digestion Parameters and Intestinal Microflora of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Marcin A. , Levkut M. , Revajová V. , Šoltysová B. , Naď P.
Published: April 2016

This study was aimed at the comparison of the effects of dietary applications of sage essential oil (Salvia officinalis L.) on some digestive enzyme activities in the chyme of the jejunum, digestive characteristics, and selected bacterial microflora in the caecum. Seventy, one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated into two equal groups for 42 days. The feed mixture of the experimental group was supplemented with the essential oil at the level of 2.306 g.kg−1. This supplementation was absent in the control feed mixture. The main volatile compounds were analysed: Eucalyptol 85, alpha-thujon 148, betathujon 72, camphor 149 and borneol 37 g.kg−1. The digestive enzyme activities in the chyme of the jejunum increased as follows: amylolytic on days 16 (P < 0.01) and 29 (P < 0.001) as well as cellulolytic on days 16 (P < 0.05), 29 (P < 0.001), and 42 (P < 0.01). The proteolytic activity decreased on day 16 (P < 0.01). The intake of the additive, increased the digestibility of crude fibre (P < 0.01) on days 16, 29 and 42. The apparent assimilable mass coefficient of crude protein, corrected for protein catabolism, was increased in the experimental group on days 29(P < 0.05) and 42 (P < 0.01). The counts of Escherichia coli in the caecum decreased (P < 0.05) on days 29 and 42. The supplementation of chickens with the sage essential oil increased the crude fibre digestibility, the amylolytic and cellulolytic activities in the chyme of the jejunum, and decreased the counts of E. coli in the caecum.
Intestinal Mucus Layer and Mucins (A Review)
Authors: Tarabova L. , Makova Z. , Piesova E. , Szaboova R. , Faixova Z.
Published: April 2016

The gastrointestinal tract, like the urinary, respiratory, reproductive tracts and the surface of the eye, has large surface areas which are in contact with the exterior environment. The mucosal tissues in the gastrointestinal tract are exposed to large number of exogenous, water or food born microbiota. Therefore, they serve as access routes for different types of bacteria, parasites, viruses, enzymes and toxins. In order to protect the mucosal tissues against pathogens and aggressive enzymes, which are necessary in digestive processes, they are covered by a resident microbial flora and also by a viscoelastic adherent mucous gel layer. The mucus layer acts as the first line of defense against threats and also as a positive environment for beneficial endogenous microbiota adapted for symbiotic living. The quantity and quality of mucus layers varies throughout the gastrointestinal tube and is often changed and disrupted during the occurrence disease. A disturbed mucus layer in the intestine can result in changes in the whole organism, such as: impaired immunity, loss of weight and weak food conversion, which is important, especially in food animals. That is why several researchers have focused on these changes, both in humans and other animals, to find out methods and countermeasures, which will facilitate the best protection for the mucus layer in the intestine. In this review, we describe the composition and function of the mucus layer and mucins in the intestine.
The Effect of Lupin (Lupinus Angustifolius) Supplementation on Adaptation of Ewes after Short Transport Stress
Authors: Sopková D. , Andrejčáková Z. , Vlčková R.
Published: April 2016

Vehicle transportation represents acute stress to animals with release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids from the adrenal gland resulting in impaired metabolic state. Such changes in metabolism may be reduced by the application of suitable feed supplement. The aim of this study was to test the effects of lupin supplementation applied after 1-hour transportation. Ewes in the control group (n = 7) were fed on trefoil-grass silage and hay, while the diet of the experimental group (n = 7) was supplemented with lupin groats (Lupinus angustifolius, var. SONET; 500 g per head per day) for 8 days. In both groups, blood was collected on the day of transportation and on Days 6 and 11 thereafter. Total blood parameters were assayed using spectrophotometry and fractions of protein, cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase using agarose electrophoresis. Lupin increased the albumin: globulin (ALB : GLB) ratio and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration and reduced serum cholesterol and lactate, however it had no effect on body weight, body condition score (BCS), plasma glucose, serum protein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or alkaline phosphatise (ALP). Lupin may therefore be used as suitable feed supplement for sheep at times of high nutrient requirement.
Arteries of the Cervical Spinal Cord in the European Hare
Authors: Maženský D. , Flešárová S.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to describe the blood supply to the cervical spinal cord in the European hare using the dissection technique. This study was carried out on 10 adult European hares. The arterial system of the cervical spinal cord was injected using Batson’s corrosion casting kit No. 17. The presence of the ventral radicular branches of the rami spinales entering the ventral spinal artery in the cervical region was observed in 62.1 % as left-sided and in 37.9 % of the cases as right-sided. There were two dorsal spinal arteries located on the dorsal surface of the cervical spinal cord in 70 % of the cases, and no dorsal spinal artery in 30 % of the cases. The presence of the ventral radicular branches of the rami spinales that reached the spinal cord, was observed in 66.2 % of the cases on the left side and in 33.8 % of the cases on the right side. Based on our results, we can conclude that there is high variability of the blood supply to the cervical spinal cord in the European hare.
Antimicrobial activity of leaf and flowering cones of Abies cilicica ssp. cilicica (Pinaceae) crude extracts
Authors: Saleh Basel , Al-Mariri Ayman
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Abies cilicica ssp. cilicica is an endemic species grown naturally in Syria. This taxon could be a potential and promising source of antimicrobial activity. Objective: Methanolic, ethanolic and acetonic extracts of leaf (LE) and flowering cones (FE) of A. cilicica ssp. cilicica plant were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against 3 bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and two fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) pathogens. Methods: A. cilicica antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc-diffusion method (zone of inhibitions-ZIs), activity index (AI) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (Microdilution broth susceptibility assay). Similarly, ciprofloxacin (10 mg/ml) and nystatin (5 μg/ml) antibiotics were used as a standard for the antimicrobial activity of bacteria and fungi isolates, respectively. Results: Data revealed that the acetone FE with highest ZIs and lowest MICs showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens, while, ethanol LE was the lowest potent extract against all tested microorganisms. P. vulgaris bacteria was considered as the most sensitive isolate by showing the lowest MICs value of 0.52 μg/ml, whereas, A. niger fungus was pronounced as the most tolerant isolate by expressing the highest MICs value of 26.67 μg/ml. Conclusion: The current investigation proved the potential activity of A. cilicica extracts as an antibacterial and an antifungal source grown naturally in Syria.
Inhibition of glycoxidative modification of proteins by some substances of natural origin
Authors: Grzebyk Ewa , Piwowar Agnieszka
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are the main products of glycoxidative modification in diabetes. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the natural substance with the strongest antiglycoxidative properties among dietary supplements or medicines available without prescription in Poland. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA), vitamin C (VC), aminoguanidine (A), quercetin (Q) and green tea (GT) were tested in vitro in comparison to controls in glycation, oxidation and glycoxidation processes. The decreased AGE and AOPP concentrations were measured as markers of these processes. Results: AGE level was reduced by 72% by VC and at least by 43% by all examined substances in the glycation process. AOPP was reduced by 99% by VC and at least by 40% by all examined substances in the oxidation process. Formation of AGE/AOPP was inhibited by 61% by Q and by 97% by A, and at least 49/88% by all examined substances, respectively. This lowering of AGE/AOPP level was statistically significant (p<0.001) for all test substances in comparison to the positive control C(+). Conclusion: All examined substances are able to inhibit glycative, oxidative and glycoxidative modification of proteins in different degrees depending on their concentration.
Vulnerability at the Heart of the Ethical Implications of New Biotechnologies
Authors: Salin Pascal
Published: April 2016

Human activities have become more and more internationalized in the course of recent decades and globalization is a major fact of our time. Latest changes in economics, politics and technology are not always well understood and well accepted. Many people consider globalization as detrimental since it is assumed that it destroys jobs in developed countries because of the alleged competition from low-wage countries, and that it could lead to a “standardization” of lifestyles and even cultures. Some wrongly believe that given these dangers, the economic globalization should be accompanied by globalized economic policies, that actually curb freedom of trade. Our article clarifies the meaning of freedom of trade and competition, underlines the fact that there are two radically opposed approaches to integration and discusses, finally, accomplishments or projects concerning taxation, regulations, monetary integration and banking union.
Women’s Status among Households in Southern Ethiopia: Survey of Autonomy and Power
Authors: Regassa Nigatu , Tsegaye Gete
Published: April 2016

This study examined two key dimensions of women’s status (autonomy and intimate partners violence) in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia based on regional data collected from five randomly selected zones and one city administration; namely, Sidama, Hadya, Gamo Gofa, South Omo, Bench Maji and Hawassa City Administration. The analysis revealed that while joint decision is fairly high, women’s independent decision making on key household domains is generally low. Significant proportions of women in the region are exposed to violence by their partners ranging from insult to heavy physical injury. The fact that nearly half of the women experienced insult and close to a quarter of them faced beating is indicative of the low status of women in society. The regression analysis indicated that seven variables determine the occurrence of violent acts against women in the study area, namely household size, education, access to radio, value of children index, wealth index and level of women autonomy. On the other hand, decision making autonomy is affected by wealth status, household size, access to radio and sex preference index. Finally, the study highlighted the importance of addressing the limited technical and operational capacities to implement gender policy and legal frameworks effectively and efficiently.
Exploring the Infra-Ordinary (the “Oblique Glance” as Autobiographical Strategy)
Authors: Popa Catrinel
Published: April 2016

This article aims at analyzing the relationship between intertextual and autobiographical memory in Georges Perec and Radu Cosaşu’s writings, revealing several of their characteristics, similarities and paradoxes. Starting from the assumption that almost every book Georges Perec ever wrote (regardless of whether essays, autobiographical accounts, travel sketches, screen plays or novels), carries the stamp of his struggle to construct a plural identity (trying to harmonize his Jewish-Polish origin, the legacy of traumatic past-experiences - his father’s death on the battle field when he was less than six, his mother’s deportation to Auschwitz and her subsequent death etc.), and that for Cosaşu the identity “quest” is central, too, I intend to demonstrate that obliquity represents in both situations a key-concept. Moreover, when reading their childhood recollections, Georges Perec’s notes on his journey to London or Radu Cosaşu’s account of his puzzling travel to Moscow in 1968, we notice that the strategy of the oblique glance gradually generates a sort of “industrial production” of screen-memories or rather the memory of a whole generation. Besides, we can envisage the possibility of understanding their exploration of the “infra-ordinary” as an occasion for reconsidering the various interplays between writing and remembering, intertextuality and imagination, or - as Perec puts it - between “space as inventory” and “space as invention”.
Low testosterone levels in aging men may mediate the observed increase in suicide in this age group
Authors: Rice Timothy R. , Sher Leo
Published: April 2016

This short communication suggests that there may be biological in addition to psychosocial reasons underlying the rise in suicide among older men. Testosterone, the major male sex hormone, has attracted interest as a putative biological mediator of suicide risk, but observational data have been mixed. Age stratification may reveal that high levels of testosterone in adolescents and young adults but low levels in the elderly may mediate suicide risk. A putative age-testosterone-suicide differential may be mediated by divergent central nervous system architecture between adolescents and the elderly. Whereas the prefrontal and prefontal-limbic connectivity underdevelopment observed in adolescents may render vulnerability to testosterone-mediated increases in impulsivity as a risk factor for suicide, declining function of dopaminergic striato-thalamic reward pathways in the aging cohort may render older men vulnerable to the loss of testosterone’s protective effects against anhedonia, thereby increasing suicide risk through a different biological pathway. Further research is needed regarding the role of hypotestosteronemia in elderly suicide.
The Role of Government and Markets in the Strategy “Europe 2020” of the European Union: A Robust Political Economy Analysis
Authors: Wandel Jürgen
Published: April 2016

The EU’s current ten year strategy “Europe 2020” aims to set out a vision of a European social market economy for the 21st century that will promote economic growth with social and ecological attributes. This article analyzes the roles ascribed to the government and the market and the extent this role allocation is suitable to enhance growth of the European Union’s member states. Based on a robust political economy framework it is argued that this new economic policy concept is in essence a technocratic approach and a form of selective interventionism. As such it suffers from three major shortcomings: (1) it underestimates the difficulties of gathering and analyzing the relevant information necessary for steering the economy in the desired direction, (2) it encourages rent-seeking rather than productive entrepreneurship, and (3) it may cause a subtle transformation of the societal order through the diminution of individual liberties. It is contended that while an interventionist policy approach meets the preferences of large parts of the population, not the least in Germany, it is unlikely to boost economic growth and employment in the EU.
The Elasticity-Based Approach to Enterprise Innovation
Authors: Karbowski Adam
Published: April 2016

The goal of this paper is to present a formal model of firm innovation that simultaneously analyzes innovation factors characteristic to the Schumpeterian strand of industrial organization literature and the know-how strand. Corporate R&D intensity serves here as an input measure of firm innovation. R&D intensity can be defined as a ratio of firm’s R&D spending to the firm’s sales (total revenues). On the basis of formal analysis it is found that R&D intensity is fully determined by three complementary factors, i.e. a firm’s technological competence (supply-side factor), consumer preference for quality and price of a product (demand-side factor), as well as a moderator factor associated with the knowledge spillovers, which occur between competing firms in the industry. Since the above factors are expressed in terms of elasticities, the presented model is called an elasticity-based model of firm innovation. Further, within the model framework, it is shown how horizontal R&D cooperation alleviates the free-rider problem that can discourage a firm’s innovation activities. It is next postulated that horizontal R&D cooperation can be effectively treated as a complementary tool (to such traditional solutions as patent protection and public research subsidies) for solving the problem of negative externalities in an industry with pervasive knowledge spillovers.
Living with Terrorism: Unimaginable Nightmare or Prospective Reality
Authors: Kahan Jerome H.
Published: April 2016

Nine days after the transformational 9/11 attacks, President G.W. Bush proclaimed that the nation is fighting a Global War on Terror (GWOT), an attention-grabbing phrase designed as a rallying cry for America to win the battle against al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations threatening our homeland as well as our allies and interests abroad. Eight years later, President Obama inherited what had become an even more dangerous situation, which led to the unexpected and courage attack that felled bin Laden and splintered al Qaeda. However, this success was short-lived when the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) suddenly emerged as our primary terrorist adversary – a new and brutal threat that President Obama vowed to “degrade and ultimately destroy” by doing what it takes to win the war against this and other terrorist organizations. While there has been some progress in halting and reversing ISIS territorial gains with the US providing support to newly trained Iraqi forces, this terrorist organization is not fully contained and far from being destroyed.
New data on Callovian (Middle Jurassic) belemnites and palynomorphs from the Northern Caucasus, southwest Russia
Authors: Dzyuba Oksana S. , Goryacheva Anna A. , Ruban Dmitry A. , Gnezdilova Victoria V. , Zayats Pavel P.
Published: April 2016

Palaeontological data on the Caucasus are highly important for large-scale stratigraphical and palaeobiogeographical assessment of the northern Tethyan margin, but this information is often scarce and not available in English. Field studies in the Northern Caucasus have now permitted to amass some new data. Two belemnite species are described from the stratotype section of the Kamennomostskaja Formation (Callovian, Middle Jurassic) near the town of Kamennomostskij in Adygeja (Northern Caucasus). These are Belemnopsis subhastata (von Zieten, 1831) and Rhopaloteuthis ominosa Gustomesov, 1968. The latter is a rare species, and the present find allows new insights into its taxonomy. A palyno-logical analysis of the belemnite-bearing sample was carried out, and a diverse assemblage of dinocysts, acritarchs and prasinophytes, plus pollen and spores recognised. The most abundant palynomorphs are Micrhystridium and Classopollis. Data on belemnites coupled with those on palynomorphs indicate the early Callovian age of the sample level. This interpretation differs slightly from previous conclusions based on ammonites and dinocysts. If this age is correct, the degree of condensation of Callovian deposits in the section studied was lesser than previously assumed.
Peat decomposition – shaping factors, significance in environmental studies and methods of determination; a literature review
Authors: Drzymulska Danuta
Published: April 2016

A review of literature data on the degree of peat decomposition – an important parameter that yields data on environmental conditions during the peat-forming process, i.e., humidity of the mire surface, is presented. A decrease in the rate of peat decomposition indicates a rise of the ground water table. In the case of bogs, which receive exclusively atmospheric (meteoric) water, data on changes in the wetness of past mire surfaces could even be treated as data on past climates. Different factors shaping the process of peat decomposition are also discussed, such as humidity of the substratum and climatic conditions, as well as the chemical composition of peat-forming plants. Methods for the determination of the degree of peat decomposition are also outlined, maintaining the division into field and laboratory analyses. Among the latter are methods based on physical and chemical features of peat and microscopic methods. Comparisons of results obtained by different methods can occasionally be difficult, which may be ascribed to different experience of researchers or the chemically undefined nature of many analyses of humification.
Data acquisition with the APEX hyperspectral sensor
Authors: Vreys Kristin , Iordache Marian-Daniel , Bomans Bart , Meuleman Koen
Published: April 2016

APEX (Airborne Prism EXperiment) is a high spectral and spatial resolution hyperspectral sensor developed by a Swiss-Belgian consortium on behalf of the European Space Agency. Since the acceptance of the instrument in 2010, it has been operated jointly by the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO, Mol, Belgium) and the Remote Sensing Laboratories (RSL, Zurich, Switzerland). During this period, several flight campaigns have been performed across Europe, gathering over 4 Terabytes of raw data. Following radiometric, geometric and atmospheric processing, this data has been provided to a multitude of Belgian and European researchers, institutes and agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Facility for Airborne Research (EUFAR) and the Belgian Science Policy Office (BelSPO). The applications of APEX data span a wide range of research topics, e.g. landcover mapping (mountainous, coastal, countryside and urban regions), the assessment of important structural and (bio)physical characteristics of vegetative and non-vegetative species, the tracing of atmospheric gases, and water content analysis (chlorophyll, suspended matter). Recurrent instrument calibration, accurate flight planning and preparation, and experienced pilots and instrument operators are crucial to successful data acquisition campaigns. In this paper, we highlight in detail these practical aspects of a typical APEX data acquisition campaign.