bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUMAN HEALTH IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES: FORECAST AND RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT
Authors: Grigorieva Elena A.
Published: February 2020

AnnotaIntroduction. To prevent climate-dependent diseases, it is important to identify relationships in the system “Climate and weather - human vital activity”, which is especially important in present conditions of significant climate change. The purpose of the work is to probate the methodology of forecasting the adverse impact of extremely hot weather on human health in the South of the Russian Far East. Material and Methods. Analysis of the synoptic situations was made on the basis of meteorological data for one observation time to the 34 weather stations in the South of the Russian Far East for 2000-2012. Data on the general mortality rate (the entire population and separately for the age group of 65 years and older) in Khabarovsk for 2000-2012. To determine the characteristics of synoptic situations and their possible impact on the human body analysis of air masses and mortality was carried out. Results. The “mortality window” for the hot period of the year is revealed: it is shown that marine and continental tropical air masses are the most unfavorable for human health. It is shown that in the summer mortality in Khabarovsk increases by 12% when in the area of action of extremely hot and humid tropical marine air masses, by 11% - in the continental tropical air masses. Conclusion. The model of mortality forecast depending on weather conditions can be the basis for the development of the system for preventing the impact of extremely high temperatures on human health.ciya
O Papel do empreendedorismo na urbanização e industrialização da cidade de São Paulo: A formação da malha ferroviária Do interior paulista
Authors: Teixeira Palmira Petratti , Pereira Thais Cristina
Published: February 2020

O estudo da ?The São Paulo Railway Limited (SPR)? se torna tema instigante quando relacionado às transformações econÿmicas e sociais que ocorreram a partir da segunda metade do século XIX. Ao binÿmio café-ferrovia, acrescentamos a urbanização e a industrialização, passando pela Abolição e o advento da República. A estrada de ferro Santos a Jundiaí ou ?A Inglesa? ou a São Paulo Railway (SPR), retrato da consolidação do capitalismo em São Paulo e responsável, em grande parte, pela mudança do cenário urbano desta cidade.
Cafeteria Brasil café - a realização de um plano de negócios
Authors: Santos Lilian Maria de Souza , Fernandes João Carlos Lopes , Teixeira Carlos Henrique Souza , Pereira Caroline Pegorin , Dalberto Creusa Aparecida , Miranda Vanessa Moreira
Published: February 2020

A pesquisa desenvolveu um plano de negócio de forma a permitir a compreensão da montagem de uma pequena empresa, envolvendo tanto as estratégias do empreendedorismo quanto dos aspectos legais e implicações do mercado. A atividade envolveu a pesquisa de mercado, o desenvolvimento da missão, visão, valores, estratégias de gestão, plano de marketing, plano financeiro, quadro societário e informações sobre produtos. A estratégia da investigação foi iniciada com a pesquisa para identificação de oportunidade de mercado. As respostas da pesquisa foram tabuladas e analisadas evidenciando a viabilidade ou inviabilidade do referido negócio. A contribuição desta análise possibilitou a abertura de uma microempresa denominada ?Cafeteria Brasil Café?, tornando-se na realização de um sonho a partir de um estudo acadêmico.
Trajetória das microempreendedoras individuais na região metropolitana de Belém: crescimento pessoal, empoderamento feminino e a formalização de seus negócios
Authors: Navarro Flora da Silva , Martins Cyntia Meireles , Moreira Marcia Athayde , Vasconcellos Ana Maria Albuquerque
Published: February 2020

ÿ cada vez mais notório e gradativo o aumento dos negócios organizados por mulheres, daí sua importância no cenário econÿmico e a necessidade de estudá-lo, considerando as razões que as mulheres têm para empreender, as particularidades do trabalho, sua trajetória no mercado de trabalho, setores do empreendimento, gestão feminina e consequências para a sociedade. Assim, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender a atuação da mulher microempreendedora individual ? MEI, atuante na Região Metropolitana de Belém-Pa, considerando suas motivações para exercer a atividade empreendedora, a contribuição para o empoderamento feminino e as percepções acerca da formalização e do crescimento dos negócios. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória na essência, e para a consecução dos objetivos foram utilizadas como técnicas de investigação a análise documental, as entrevistas e o levantamento, realizadas em 2015, durante o atendimento às mulheres pelo Sebrae/Pa. Como resultado, foi possível observar que as MEIs estão atuando em atividades diversificadas, que elas desempenham a gestão de forma participativa, organizada e planejada e buscam conhecimentos úteis para o desenvolvimento do negócio. Foi demonstrada a importância que o empreendimento exerce sobre si e sobre a renda da família. A maioria das microempreendedoras pesquisadas alegou que implementou ações de inovação, reduziram desperdícios e vêm tomando consciência que essas atitudes devem servir de exemplo e serem divulgadas para avanço da sustentabilidade. Conclui-se que o empreendedorismo é uma alternativa viável de inclusão social e econÿmica para essas mulheres, destacando-se o crescimento pessoal, o empoderamento feminino e a contribuição para o desenvolvimento da região onde atuam.
Fabricação de uma evaporadora de metais como forma de agregar valor aos serviços do microempreendedor individual
Authors: Escudeiro Diego , Silva Luciano , Machado Reginaldo , Nogueira Willian Aurelio , De Arruda Antonio Carlos Santos , Garcia Moreira Raphael
Published: February 2020

Existe um mercado promissor de deposição de filmes finos metálicos para aplicações de alta tecnologia no Brasil. Esse mercado não tem sido explorado pelos microempreendedores por falta de um estudo de viabilidade básico da construção de equipamentos que possam evaporar metais com qualidade e controle. Neste trabalho, foi feito um estudo de viabilidade da construção de uma evaporadora de metais que foi construída para uma primeira avaliação prática. Os resultados sugerem que com investimentos da ordem de R$ 4.000,00 a R$ 15.000,00, é possível fabricar evaporadoras de filmes finos com qualidade industrial. Uma atenção especial deve ser dada ao circuito de vácuo para controle da qualidade do filme depositado. O mercado pode ser facilmente explorado no desenvolvimento e fabricação de placas de energia solar, deposição de camadas metálicas em vidros instalados em automóveis, antenas de satélites e até na fabricação de joias e bijuterias.
Criação de empresas e os elementos empreendedores
Authors: Picheth Sara Fernandes
Published: February 2020

Diante da grande importância atribuída ao estudo do empreendedorismo no meio acadêmico, este artigo tem por objetivo analisar o passo anterior à personificação do empreendedorismo na sociedade, isto é, a criação de empresas. Buscou-se responder as seguintes questões: quais os processos envolvidos nessa etapa? Quais variáveis devem ser abordadas? E como ocorre esse processo? Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica com dados secundários de alguns dos principais autores do campo que trabalharam o tema proposto. Com base no referencial exposto, pÿde-se observar que, apesar de o processo de criação ser um tema de grande importância no campo de empreendedorismo, proporcionando geração de valor ao mercado, o mesmo, assim como seu campo de um modo geral, apresenta-se altamente fragmentado. Abordagens divergentes e independentes sobre o mesmo assunto contribuem para essa fragmentação. Assim, a partir dos resultados já conquistados, torna-se mais necessário para as próximas pesquisas a busca por uma maior coesão dos estudos, a fim de neutralizar as diversas fragmentações do campo e erradicar as lacunas existentes.
Implementasi Model Pembelajaran POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) dengan Mengintegrasi Teknologi dalam Mengkonstruk Technological Literacy Mahasiswa Calon Guru IPA Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Budiman Deni Moh.
Published: February 2020

This research was conducted to test the effectiveness of the application of the learning model of POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) by integrating technology in constructing technological literacy of elementary school science teacher candidates. The study was conducted by comparing learning using the POE model by integrating technology in the experimental class with without integrating technology in the control class. The research method used was a quasi-experimental research design with The Randomized Pretest - Posttest Control Group Design. The sample of this research is the students of elementary science teacher candidates selected by cluster random sampling. The research instrument used in the form of a test device to measure technological literacy with a reliability index of 0.94. The results showed that significantly learning using the POE model by integrating technology was more effective in increasing technological literacy compared to learning without integrating technology.
BANJIR DAN UPAYA PENANGANAN PASCA KEMERDEKAAN TAHUN 1955 - 1971 DI TULUNGAGUNG
Authors: Kusairi Latif , Safitry Martina , Nikmah Faridhatun
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memaparkan bencana banjir dan upaya penanganan pasca kemerdekaan tahun 1955-1971 di daerah Tulungagung. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini kualitatif deskriptif dengan mendeskripsikan dalam bentuk kata banjir dan penanganannya pasca kemerdekaan. Adapun tipe yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini deskriptif interpretatif. Tempat yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah daerah Tulungagung. Subjek yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini masyarakat Tulungagung yang tahu dan mengalami banjir pasca kemerdekaan. Sumber data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini terbagi menjadi dua sumber, yaitu sumber primer dan sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian terdiri heuristik, kritik, interpretasi, dan historiografi. Hasil penelitian ini bahwa terjadinya banjir terdiri dari beberapa faktor yang menanggulangi, seperti meluapnya aliran Sungai Brantas, meletusnya Gunung Kelud, iklim cuaca, dan curah hujan yang tinggi, dll. Dalam upaya penanganan banjir dapat dilakukan dengan cara pembuat Terowongan Neyama, pembuatan bendungan, perbaikan terowongan, penampungan pasir di Gunung Kelud, penyempurnakan Parit Raya, pembuatan waduk Kali Ngasinan dan Kali Ngrowo, pembuatan pintu Kali Ngrowo dan Gesikan, perbaikan daerah pengaliran Kali Ngrowo dan Kali Ngasinan, dan meninggikannya tanggul yang berada di Sungai Brantas
REALISASI POLITIK ETIS DI BOJONEGORO PADA AWAL ABAD XX : KAJIAN SOSIAL EKONOMI
Authors: Hartono Mudji
Published: February 2020

Sebagaimana diketahui bahwa Kemerosotan kesejahteraan Penduduk pribumi Pulau Jawa melatarbelakangi lahirnya Politik Etis. Ratu Wihelmina, dalam pidao pembukaan di parlemen Belanda mengatakan bahwa Pemerintah kolonial Belanda di penghujung era Sistem Liberal. Memiliki tugas Moral, di dalam pidato tersebut tersirat pengakuan bahwa Pmerintah Belanda memiliki Hutang Budi (Ereschuld) yang merupakan tujuan utama, yaitu memperbaiki ekonomi koloni dan penduduk Pribumi dengan melaksanakan pembangunan Irigasi, Edukasi, dan Emigrasi. Tujuan penulisan ini adalah untuk mengungkap seberapa jauh politik Etis dilaksanakan di Bojonegoro? Kiranya permasalahan ini sampai saat sekarang masih relevan untuk diungkapkan, karena dari zaman kolonial Belanda hingga kini terdapat pola bencana yang sama dan berkelanjutan. Selain itu tulisan ini bermaksud untuk mensintesis fakta-fakta tentang Realisasi Kebijaksanaan Etis di Bojonegoro. Dalam mengungkap permasalahan tersebut di atas pendekatan sosiologi turut menerangkan seberapa jauh politik etis dilaksanakan di Bojonegoro.Kata kunci : Realisasi, Politik Etis, Bojonegoro
Hepatoprotective Effect of Citrus Sinensis Peel Extract Against Isoniazid and Rifampicin-induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats
Authors: Kosasih Edward , Chiuman Linda , Lister I Nyoman Ehrich , Fachrial Edy
Published: February 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death in developing countries. One of the problems in controlling TB disease is that most anti-tuberculosis drugs are hepatotoxic. Citrus sinensis peel extract is the rich source of secondary metabolites with high potential effectiveness as an antioxidant. In the present study, we evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Citrus sinensis peel ethanolic extract (CSPEE) on isoniazid and rifampicin-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Twenty five adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 each : control,  (INH+RIF) (50 mg/kg bw once a day for 14 days), (INH+RIF) + various dose of CSPEE (300, 450, 600 mg/kg bw).  CSPEE was given orally once a day for 14 days followed by administration of INH + RIF suspension. The measurement of serum ALT and AST were carried out on the 15th day. Histopathologic examination of the liver was also performed. The Serum ALT and AST of the rats that induced with INH + RIF were increased significantly (P<0.001) compare to those of control groups, and the histopathologic slides showed steatosis, vacuolation and necrosis of hepatic cells. The serum ALT and AST in groups treated with CSPEE were not significantly different (p>0.05) with those of control groups. The serum ALT and AST and histopathological examination of the liver of the group that administered 600 mg/kg CSPEE were closest to normal rats. Citrus sinensis peel extract exhibits hepatoprotective effect on liver injury induced with INH + RIF in Wistar rats.
Leo Strauss and His Neoconservative Disciples (on the Problem of the Sources and Genesis of Neoconservatism)
Authors: Blokhin Konstantin V.
Published: February 2020

The article discusses the problem of Leo Strauss’ influence on the political culture of the United States and analyzes the current historiographic situation pertaining to the problem. The authors demonstrate that both in the USA and in modern Russia the question of the degree and nature of L. Strauss’s influence on the neocons remains open. Meanwhile, it is obvious that Strauss had a significant impact on the formation of neoconservative ideology, which is manifested in the similarity of the basic ideas of the philosopher and his disciples. The formation of the philosopher’s views took place during the crisis of the Weimar Republic and the Nazis’ rise to power in Germany, which postulated Strauss’ idea about the need for strong democracy and its ability to defend itself against tyranny. The concept of strong democracy that can withstand totalitarianism and authoritarianism is one of the key ideas of neo-conservatism. The similarity of Strauss’ philosophical views to those of the neoconservatives is seen in criticism of the liberal world order and moral foundations of the West, which gave rise to relativism and nihilism. The conformity of neoconservative worldview, including and its variants, such as straussianism, to the ideas of Strauss is manifested in advocating the interests of Israel, which the founders of neo-conservatism view as an outpost of the Western world.
Más allá del haiku: la poesía "japonesa" de Octavio Paz
Authors: Martínez Tamara
Published: February 2020

A través de una comparación entre las formas poéticas japonesas y la poesía occidental, este trabajo estudia en qué modo Octavio Paz logró trascender dichas formas para crear su propia ‘poesía japonesa’ y en qué consiste la singularidad de esa parte de su producción poética. Para ello se han utilizado elementos creativos del propio Paz, parte de su obra ensayística así como autores cuya aportación en materia de teoría literaria contribuyó a hacer avanzar durante todo el siglo XX la teoría del lenguaje poético.
Relationship Between Content of Ketone Bodies in Milk and Milk Freezing Point of Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows in Early Lactation
Authors: Otwinowska-Mindur Agnieszka , Ptak Ewa , Kowalski Zygmunt , Sabatowicz Marta
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between milk β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetone (ACE) as well as parity and lactation stage and milk freezing point (MFP) in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in early lactation. Additionally, we studied the relationship between milk ketone bodies and daily milk yield (DMY), fat (MF) and protein (MP) content in milk. The data obtained from the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers, comprised 749,894 test day milk samples, collected between 6 and 60 days in milk (DIM) from 521,049 lactations of 514,066 cows. Milk BHB and ACE were determined using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technology. Four classes of parities were created: first, second, third, and fourth to seventh and two classes of lactation stage: 5–21 and 22–60 DIM. BHB was grouped into five classes: ≤0.05, 0.06–0.10, 0.11–0.20, 0.21–0.50 and >0.50 mmol/L, and ACE was also classified into five classes: ≤0.05, 0.06–0.10, 0.11–0.15, 0.16–0.30 and >0.30 mmol/L. Data on MFP, DMY, and MF and MP content were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and a linear model in which effects of parity, lactation stage, BHB and ACE classes were included, together with interactions between lactation stage and BHB classes, parity and BHB classes, lactation stage and ACE classes, and parity and ACE classes. The differences among parity, lactation stages, BHB and ACE classes in MFP, DMY, MF and MP were highly significant. There was a clear tendency for decreasing of MFP with increasing of BHB. Such a trend did not occur in case of ACE. DMY and MP decreased and MF increased with increasing BHB or ACE. In conclusion, since MFP can be measured relatively easily and is well related to milk BHB content, it may be used in the prediction of diagnostic models of ketosis based on milk composition.
Single Loci and Haplotypes in CAPN1 and CAST Genes are Associated with Growth, Biometrics, and in Vivo Carcass Traits in Santa Inês Sheep
Authors: Machado Alessandro Lima , Meira Ariana Nascimento , Muniz Evandro Neves , Azevedo Hymerson Costa , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Pedrosa Victor Breno , Pinto Luís Fernando Batista
Published: February 2020

µ-calpain (CAPN1) and calpastatin (CAST) genes play key roles in protein turnover. The present study aimed to identify the variants in these genes associated with growth and ultrasound carcass traits in Santa Inês sheep. A sample of 192 no full sibling Santa Inês lambs was used. Fragments of the CAST and CAPN1 genes were amplified and next-generation sequencing was performed in the MiSeq platform. Variants in the CAPN1 and CAST sequences were then detected using bioinformatic tools. Withers and croup heights, body length, thoracic and croup widths, thoracic and leg girths, body depth, carcass fat score, rib eye area, fat thickness, body weights were recorded at weaning and at 140 days post-weaning, and average daily gain post-weaning was calculated. Both single-locus and haplotype association analyses were performed with the model as follows: farm (2 levels), year (4 levels), the month of birth (12 levels), and the covariate age of the animal. The fragments amplified included 4,514 bp between the 20th and 23rd exons of CAST as well as 3,927 bp between the 12th and 21st exons of CAPN1. In these regions, 58 (CAST) and 45 (CAPN1) variants were identified. In the CAST gene, the single-locus analysis revealed 22 suggestive additive effects (P<0.05) on several growth and carcass traits. Moreover, haplotype substitutions were associated with rib eye area (–0.689±0.290), average daily gain (–23.6±10.4), thoracic girth (–2.72±1.27), body length (–3.38±1.49), and leg girth (–2.84±1.37). Regarding the CAPN1 gene, the single-locus analysis identified seven suggestive additive effects, while only one haplotype replacement effect on fat thickness (–0.0143±0.0053) was detected. The results of the present study suggest that variants in the CAPN1 and CAST genes are associated with growth and ultrasound carcass traits in Santa Inês sheep, which may be a source of information to improve knowledge regarding the genetic control of these traits.
To What Extent Does Photoperiod Affect Cattle Reproduction? Clinical Perspectives of Melatonin Administration – A Review
Authors: De Rensis Fabio , Morini Giorgio , Garcia-Ispierto Irina , López-Gatius Fernando
Published: February 2020

The seasonality of reproduction in most mammals is dictated by photoperiod, temperature and nutrition. Melatonin, mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, is generally accepted as the active mediator of photoperiod responses including reproduction. While non-pregnant heifers and cows show continuous sexual activity and are therefore not seasonal breeders, it has been suggested that photo-periodicity may influence the appearance of puberty in heifers and the onset of parturition. Further, the light/dark ratio may influence endocrine patterns of gestation and a shorter light period correlates with the incidence of twin pregnancies. This review considers specific aspects of the effects of photoperiod and melatonin on reproduction in dairy cattle and discusses the clinical applications of melatonin.
Optimization of α-Hydroxyketone and Pyrazine Syntheses Employing Preliminary Reactions of Glucose and Buffer Solutions
Authors: Ashraf-Khorassani Mehdi , Coleman William M. , Dube Michael F. , Taylor Larry T.
Published: February 2020

Glucose and selected phosphate buffers have been reacted employing systematic variations in reaction temperature and time (150–160 °C for 60–90 min) to optimize the yield of acetol. This mixture was reacted further with NH4OH, systematically varying reaction conditions and reagent ratios to optimize pyrazine yield. The highest yield of pyrazine was obtained when 1 g of glucose was reacted with 25 mL of buffer at 150–160 °C for 60 min, which in turn was reacted with 1 mL of concentrated aqueous NH4OH at 120–130 °C for 17–18 h. Higher temperatures and higher concentrations of glucose caused a decrease in the yield of pyrazines. The addition of hydrolyzed tobacco-derived F1 protein as a secondary source of nitrogen increased the yield of pyrazines by 2–10% depending on F1 protein concentration. Furthermore, the addition of any α-hydroxyketone, similar in structure to acetol, as a pure reagent to the reaction mixture not only increased the yields of pyrazine by ranging from 25–100 % depending on the reagent concentration, but also significantly altered the qualitative and quantitative distribution of the pyrazines. With all of the reaction parameters examined (reaction time, temperature, reagent ratios, etc.) the most significant impacts on both pyrazine yield and distribution were noted when: 1) glucose was pre-reacted with buffer, 2) hydrolyzed F1 protein was added as a second nitrogen source, and 3) when pure α-hydroxyketones were employed as co-reagents. Use of these reaction parameters was found to dramatically shift the pyrazine distribution toward higher molecular weight resulting in a pyrazine array having more desirable physical and sensory attributes.
May C-peptide index be a new marker to predict proteinuria in anemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Katipoglu Bilal , Comoglu Mustafa , Ates Ihsan , Yilmaz Nisbet , Berker Dilek
Published: February 2020

Objective. C-peptide is a reliable marker of beta cell reserve and is associated with diabetic complications. Furthermore, HbA1c level is associated with micro- and macro-vascular complications in diabetic patients. HbA1c measurement of diabetic patients with anemia may be misleading because HbA1c is calculated in percent by taking reference to hemoglobin measurements. We hypothesized that there may be a relationship between C-peptide index (CPI) and proteinuria in anemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between C-peptide levels and CPI in anemic patients with T2DM and proteinuria.

Methods. The patients over 18 years of age with T2DM whose C-peptide levels were analyzed in Endocrinology and Internal medicine clinics between 2014 and 2018 with normal kidney functions (GFR>60 ml/min) and who do not use any insulin secretagogue oral antidiabetic agent (i.e. sulfonylurea) were enrolled into the study.

Results. Hemoglobin levels were present in 342 patients with T2DM. Among these 342 cases, 258 (75.4%) were non-anemic whereas 84 (24.6%) were anemic. The median DM duration of the anemic group was statistically significantly higher in T2DM (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference found in proteinuria prevalence between non-anemic and anemic patient groups (p=0.690 and p=0.748, respectively). Anemic T2DM cases were corrected according to the age, gender, and duration of DM. C-peptide and CPI levels were not statistically significant to predict proteinuria (p=0.449 and p=0.465, respectively).

Conclusion. The present study sheds light to the association between C-peptide, CPI, and anemic diabetic nephropathy in T2DM patients and indicates that further prospective studies are needed to clarify this issue.
The use of ex vivo ovary culture for assessment of alterations in steroidogenesis following neonatal exposure to poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide methyl ether or titanium dioxide nanoparticles in Wistar rats
Authors: Scsukova Sona , Mlynarcikova Alzbeta Bujnakova , Rollerova Eva
Published: February 2020

Objectives. Rapid development and widespread application of different types of nanoparticles (NPs) may result in increased exposure of humans and animals to NPs. Recently, reproductive toxicity due to NP exposure has become a major component of risk assessment. Current data have suggested that NPs may pose adverse effects on male and female reproductive health by altering normal testis and ovarian structure, and sex hormone levels. To detect possible alterations in steroidogenesis in adult and infantile rats following neonatal exposure to polymeric poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide methyl ether (PEG-b-PLA) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs, whole ovary cultures were used.

Methods. Newborn female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected daily with two different doses of PEG-b-PLA NPs (20 and 40 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) or TiO2 NPs (1% LD50 TiO2=59.2 µg/kg b.w. and 10% LD50 TiO2=592 µg/kg b.w.) from postnatal day 4 (PND 4) to PND 7. The ovaries were collected on PND73 and PND15 of PEG-b-PLA- and TiO2 NP-treated rats, respectively, and their corresponding control animals. Minced ovaries were cultured in vitro in the absence (basal conditions) or presence of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH and luteinizing hormone, LH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (stimulated conditions) for 6 days. At indicated time intervals, culture media were collected for steroid hormone (progesterone, estradiol) analysis by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results. Basal progesterone and estradiol secretion by ovaries from adult rats (PND73) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in both PEG-b-PLA-treated groups after 3 days and 1 day of ex vivo ovary culture, respectively, compared with control group. With the presence of FSH/LH and IGF-1 in the culture medium, progesterone and estradiol production significantly increased (p<0.001) compared to basal levels. Stimulated progesterone production was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in PEG-b-PLA40-treated group after 3 days of culture compared with controls. After ex vivo culture of rat ovaries collected on PND15, basal progesterone and estradiol levels measured in the culture media did not differ between control and both TiO2 NP-treated groups. The ovaries from rats neonatally exposed to both doses of TiO2 NPs failed to respond to FSH/IGF stimulation in progesterone secretion at all time intervals.

Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that neonatal exposure to NPs in female rats may alter ovarian steroidogenic output (steroid hormone secretion) and thereby might subsequently induce perturbation of mammalian reproductive functions. Possible mechanisms (induction of oxidative stress, inflammation) of adverse effects of NPs on ovarian function should be further elucidated.
Knot soundness and occlusion time after the artificial pruning of oak
Authors: Mederski Piotr S. , Szczawiński Dariusz , Giefing Dieter F. , Naparty Kwiryn , Brunka Mariusz
Published: February 2020

Artificial pruning of trees can improve wood quality as well as enhance timber value. Currently, pruning is quite common when veneer timber or plywood is in demand. Cutting off branches, however, creates open wounds in the form of knots, which are exposed to infections. While the pruning of coniferous trees is well-studied, less research has been conducted on broadleaved trees. The objective of this study was to determine 1) if the artificial pruning of oak can lead to decaying knots, 2) if so, how big is the decaying zone around the unsound knot, and 3) how much time is needed for full knot occlusion after artificial pruning. 13- and 16-year-old oak trees located in northern Poland (Lidzbark Forest District) were choosen for this study. Ten years after pruning, sample trees were selected in order to determine if the knots were sound and how many years it had taken for each knot to occlude. The results were compared with those of knots on trees caused by natural pruning. In total, 419 and 104 knots resulting from artificial and natural pruning, respectively, were analysed. It was found that 95% of the artificially pruned knots had very little decay, showing an average of 1.13 cm of unsound knot zone. On the naturally pruned control trees, 98% of the knots were unsound with nearly double the amount of knot decay zone. Additionally, the artificially pruned knots needed less than five years to overgrow, while it took over eleven years for the naturally pruned knots to occlude. Therefore, pruning oak trees is recommended, even though a very small decay zone may appear on the knots, because it takes half the time for these artificial knots to occlude in comparison to unpruned trees.
„Du bist hier nicht zu Hause Du bist ein Außerirdischer!“1 Zur gestörten Kommunikation in der Novelle Die Spur des Bibliothekars von Johannes Gelich
Authors: Karlstedt Ana
Published: February 2020

Unmotivated and unprepared, an Austrian young man leaves his home town Vienna, only to dive into the unknown Romania. He already has images of this country in his mind. He is on his way towards the magical, dark, sparkling Transdanubien, about which he only knows clichés: that Romanians barely have anything to eat, that it is a country of gypsies, that the official language is Russian, that it is an anachronistic country par excellence. With this perspective, his relationship with local Ilina can only fail. This article follows along the lines of a complicated inter-cultural communication.
Mehrsprachigkeit und interkultureller Dialog in Temeswar
Authors: Dascălu-Romiţan Ana-Maria
Published: February 2020

In the context of globalisation and internationalisation, multilingualism and intercultural interaction are indispensable prerequisites that are desired in all areas. The focus of this paper is to highlight the importance and necessity of multilingualism and intercultural dialogue on the example of Timișoara. The beginnings and traces of multilingualism and the intercultural dimension of Timișoara can be traced based on the geography and history of the city alone. Considering these historical, political, social, cultural and economic prerequisites, this paper presents how the intercultural character and multilingualism of the Banat capital has led it to become a unique phenomenon in Europe, and how it has influenced the history and existence of this region of Romania. The good interethnic relations between the minorities shape the spirit of this city and have helped Timișoara become the European Capital of Culture 2021.The multicultural character of the city has also enabled the emergence of numerous cultural institutions, educational institutions, associations and organisations, which in turn promote this diversity of languages and intercultural interaction.
The Witch(ES) of Aiaia: Gender, Immortality and the Chronotope in Madeline Miller’s Circe
Authors: Macmillan Catherine
Published: February 2020

This article explores Madeline Miller’s Circe from the perspective of Bakhtin’s concept of the chronotope, the inseparability of space and time in fiction. The article focuses on the chronotopes of the road, the idyll and the threshold in the novel, and how these intersect with its themes of gender and immortality. The island of Aiaia acts as a threshold, transforming all who cross it. Circe’s life on the island, however, is a repetitive idyll; only at the end of the novel does she become a traveller on the road herself rather than just a stop on the way.
Lady into Fox (David Garnett, 1922): Un-Weaving a Tailor-Made Gender or Re-Taming the Shrew?
Authors: Fau Hélène
Published: February 2020

One day, while going for a walk with her husband, the young Mrs Tebrick turns into a fox. At first, they both try to keep things the way they were. The lady-fox dresses, drinks tea and plays cards with her husband until she breaks herself free of conventions and opts for a wild life in the forest which Mr Tebrick apparently accepts, claiming an unchanged marital love. One wonders though whether this metamorphosis sincerely unwinds the tailor-made gender Mrs Tebrick had to endorse in her marriage and whether Mr Tebrick’s full freedom of speech honestly echoes an agonistic discourse revealing injustice, a courageous parrhesiastic protest against compulsory gendered structures, Parrhesia being, according to Foucault, a “transhistorical possibility we have” to speak up against the powerful. In other words: Is David Garnett critically re-gendering “The Shrew”, un-weaving a tailor-made gender, or simply re-taming her anew for a XXth century readership?
Women Figures in George Macdonald’s and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fantasy Writings
Authors: Măcineanu Laura
Published: February 2020

It is an undisputed fact that George MacDonald’s fantasy books were among J.R.R. Tolkien’s many sources of inspiration when writing his Middle-earth epic. Among these, “The Princess and the Goblinˮ and “The Princess and Curdieˮ attracted my attention, through the figures of some interesting women who appear in both of them. This paper endeavours to draw a comparison between Tolkien’s outstanding female characters in “The Lord of the Ringsˮ and the earlier versions of the same feminine archetypes in the two MacDonald books, noting both points of similarity and differences, as well as the strong effect these women have upon other characters in the stories.
Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship: A Case Study in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Bhukuth Augendra , Terrany Bernard , Wulandari Ani
Published: February 2020

The article analyzes the practices of two NGOs aiming to empower women through entrepreneurship in the province of East Java with the capital city Surabaya, Indonesia. Both NGOs have similar goals: to improve the well-being of women as well as to empower them in their households, communities and businesses; however, they differ in methodologies. Thus, it is thought-provoking to compare the ways and means applied by both NGOs to empower women. Their methodologies are presented and analyzed in order to capture their strengths and weaknesses, following a qualitative study that was carried out in two villages in the surrounding areas of Surabaya, Indonesia.
Grieving those Who Still Live: Loss Experienced by Parents of Transgender Children
Authors: Testoni Ines , Pinducciu Manuela Anna
Published: February 2020

Transgender identity can be defined as the self-awareness of a discrepancy between the assigned sex at birth and the personal gender identity of an individual. This study assumed the constructionist perspective, focused on the influence of culture on sex-typing and the representations of gender in child development. This research considers how parents of transgender children emotionally handled the transition. Being faced with a child’s transgender identity may cause an emotional experience similar to mourning, in particular, ambiguous loss (Coolhart, Ritenour & Grodzinski 2018, McGuire et al. 2016, Norwood 2013). In this qualitative research, 97 associations dealing with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) issues were contacted to recruit participants from three different countries: Italy, Spain and U.S.A. The sample includes 18 parents of trangender people who completed an ad hoc questionnaire. A brief standard story was constructed about an experience of sexual transition, followed by some questions on the experience of parental mourning during the transgender transition of their children. The corpora were analysed in the three original languages, and the analysis was performed with Atlas.ti. From the qualitative analysis of the texts that describe parents’ experience, three fundamental elements emerged. The first is inherent to the mourning orientation to loss and the fear of death; the second to the disenfranchisement of mourning and transgender identity between family and society; and the third illustrates the final restorative outcome of mourning.
The neoliberal hybrid in East-Central Europe. The ‘treason of intellectuals’ and its current re-assessment
Authors: Ágh Attila
Published: February 2020

The Europeanised, progressive intelligentsia in East-Central Europe (ECE) made a fundamental mistake in the nineties that amounts in some ways to the ‘treason of intellectuals’ and the basic reassessment of these naïve illusions has only begun nowadays. Motivated by the radical change in the ‘miraculous year’ (1989) the progressive intellectuals uncritically accepted and supported the Europeanisation in that particular form as it entered into the chaotic days of the early nineties, since they naively thought that its negative features would automatically disappear. In good faith, they created an apology for the established neoliberal hybrid and they sincerely defended this perverse Europeanisation against the increasing attacks of the traditionalistnativist narrative. With this action they have been unwillingly drifting close to the other side by offering some ideological protection for the ‘really existing’ neoliberal hybrid instead of criticising this deviation from genuine democratisation in order to facilitate its historical correction. However, due to the emergence of the neoliberal hybrid, the ‘external’ integration by the EU has resulted in the ‘internal’ disintegration inside the ECE member states. There has been a deep polarisation in the domestic societies and after thirty years the majority of populations in the ECE countries feel like losers, and they have indeed become losers. This controversial situation needs an urgent reconsideration, which is underway both in the EU and in the ECE as a self-criticism of the progressive intelligentsia. Thus, this paper concentrates on the reconsideration of the main conceptual issues of Europeanisation and Democratisation in ECE.1
Between retrogression and progression – a proposal for a new method to recreate the historical building layout of settlement units
Authors: Kuna Jakub
Published: February 2020

The use of cartographic sources and methods are the basic tools of historical geography. One of the main research trends in this field is the analysis of the spatial layout and number of old settlement units. The confrontation of maps with historical data allows the drawing of a town’s area at a certain time to be studied. The retrogression (R) and progression (P) methods that are currently used are imperfect and the model created (map) is usually incomplete and its reliability is limited. In the author’s opinion, the joining of retrogression and progression (a new method; combined – K)1 increases the quality of cartographic reconstruction of natural and cultural landscapes. The use of basic mathematical methods from the scope of set operations means the component reliability of the researched cartographic model can be varied because the common part of the retrogression and progression cartographic model represents mutual verification of source data. Quantitative effectiveness assessments of retrogression (R), progression (P) and the combined method (K) can be made for countable elements (e.g. buildings). As part of the conducted study, the effectiveness of separate methods was calculated: R = 76% for retrogression, P = 59% for progression and K = R ∪ P = 85% for the combined method. The mutual verification of the methods (R ∩ P) included 45% of residential buildings. The author describes the proposition of a new method and the course of verification research.
Utility of microcalorimetry in describing the growth curve of C. albicans at different temperatures – indentifying the optimal growth temperature
Authors: Popa Mihnea , Popa Vlad , Şerban Bogdan , Nedelcu Radu , Creţu Bogdan , Cursaru Adrian , Cîrstoiu Cătălin
Published: February 2020

In comparison with other medical specialties, Orthopedics and Traumatology are continuously impressively developing, intrinsically connected to technological evolution. More than in other fields, in Orthopedics and Traumatology, the technological progress becomes obvious also by the frequent use of implants or osteosynthesis materials. By performing a simple search in the specialty literature, an exponential growth of arthroplasty surgeries in correlation with the life span of the population and implying a need that presupposes the increase of the quality of life, also by maintaining or improving mobility at a satisfying level, can be observed. At the same time, due to the increase in the number of traffic and sports accidents, the use of artificial joints and implants for osteosynthesis will constantly rise. The prostheses and the osteosynthesis materials used for the treatment of degenerative, traumatic or even esthetic pathologies are made of materials with a good biocompatibility.

Candida albicans is an optional anaerobic microorganism so the experiments performed with different volumes of environment were most likely influenced by the amount of oxygen, nutrient.

In the described research, we demonstrated that, using microcalorimetry, it is possible to identify this fungus in half the time required for classical microbiological identification. In addition, as our team has shown, there is the possibility of real-time antifungigram by using microcalorimetry.
A short-term retrospective analysis of the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of bone metastases
Authors: Cîrstoiu Monica , Munteanu Octavian , Georgescu Tiberiu , Arsene Luciana , Sajin Maria , Cîrstoiu Cătălin
Published: February 2020

Bone is a typical location of metastasis that usually reflects a negative outcome in oncologic patients. Once cancer has spread to the bones, it can rarely be cured, but sometimes it can be treated to minimize its rate of proliferation. Most skeletal metastases are produced by tumors originating in the breast and prostate. Osseous metastases are actually much more frequent than primary bone tumors, especially in adults. The diagnosis relies on signs, symptoms, and imaging techniques. This paper is a review of all cases of bone metastasis from our unit and a comprehensive review regarding the clinical approach and treatment of patients with such lesions.
Sarcopenia in cirrhosis: a systematic review
Authors: Calapod Ovidiu Paul , Marin Andreea Maria , Tribus Laura Carina , Fierbinţeanu-Braticevici Carmen
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Sarcopenia is a common complication and a frequently encountered feature in liver cirrhosis. Also, sarcopenia is a strong prognosis factor and a predictor of mortality in patients with advanced liver disease. However, in clinical practice, there are no well-established criteria for the diagnosis of this common complication of cirrhosis, the mechanisms which are involved are poorly understood and the possible therapeutic options are still undergoing randomized clinical trials.

Materials and methods. To summarize the actual understanding of sarcopenia in cirrhosis, a literature search was performed using PubMed, MedLine, and Web of Science, to find articles related to definition, physiopathology, and treatment of sarcopenia of these patients.

Results. A number of 30 papers that were suitable for this review were found. Most of them concluded that sarcopenia is a strong predictor of mortality, has a higher risk of hepatic encephalopathy and an increased health related cost in cirrhotic patients. The factors involved in this condition are far more complex than malnutrition and reduced protein intake, and include metabolic switch to the use of amino acids and fats to produce glucose. According to actual guidelines, beside moderate physical exercise and BCAA intake, therapeutic intervention with testosterone and ammonia-lowering therapies might have the potential to reverse sarcopenia in cirrhosis.

Conclusion. Improved understanding of factors such as underlying nutritional imbalances, amount of oral protein intake, dose, type and duration of supplementation and the compliance of physical exercise, should be the focus of further research with randomized controlled trials.
Asesmen Kenyamanan Taman pada Ruang Terbuka Publik di Kawasan Wisata Tepian Sungai Pangkajene
Authors: Burhanuddin Syarifah Fatma sari
Published: February 2020

This research aimed to investigate the ground comfort assessment at the public open space in tourist area of Pangkajene River banks. The research methods used were the qualitative and quantitative method by filling in questionnaires, observation, interviews, and documentation. The samples were chosen using the purposive sampling technique from the users of the park. The data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis, codification, data reduction, matriculation, cross tabulation, and the evaluation system using Likert scale. The research results indicated that the park was inconvenience with the parkconvenience being 61.97%. The effect of the street vendors had caused either positive or negative impacts on the park- the positive impact was that the park had become the largest culinary center in Pangkep town so that it could attract the tourists to visit the park, while the negative impact was that the park looked less beautiful and less hygiene.

Keywords: public open space, convenience, park, riverbanks