bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traducción del diseño concurrente al proyecto de arquitectura.
Authors: Flórez Millán Luis Álvaro , Ovalle Garay Jairo Hernán , Forero La Rotta Leonel Augusto
Published: June 2015

La ingeniería concurrente viene de la exploración de procesos industriales, y busca mejorar el rendimiento y la eficiencia en la fabricación de objetos. El diseño concurrente transforma este proceso, produciendo ideas generadoras y multidisciplinares que giran de forma simultánea en torno a un proyecto. Este artículo presenta la conceptualización en torno al diseño concurrente desde lo metodológico y procedimental, y busca brindar herramientas para optimizar el desarrollo y la articulación del conocimiento, asumiendo el papel de traductor de los procesos tomados de la ingeniería concurrente aplicándolos al proyecto arquitectónico. Para esto, el texto se dividióen tres partes. La primera recopila algunas definiciones concernientes a diseño y concurrencia. Posteriormente, estos conceptos son integrados en la construcción de una definición propia, que sirve de marco para la tercera parte donde se aplican, tomando como campo de exploración el Programa de Arquitectura de la Facultad de Diseño de la Universidad Católica de Colombia.
Domestic hydrogen installation in Poland – technical and economic analysis
Authors: Cholewiński Maciej , Tomków Łukasz
Published: June 2015

The application of renewable energy sources poses the problems connected with output volatility. In order to decrease this effect the energy storage technologies can be applied, particularly fuel cells connected with hydrogen storage. In this paper the application of SOFC system for a household in Poland is proposed. Economic and technical analysis is performed. It was found that the proposed installation is profitable after 25 years of operation when compared with conventional solution - heat pumps and gas-fired boilers
Thermal analytical winding size optimization for different conductor shapes
Authors: Wojda Rafal P.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is to derive an analytical equations for the temperature dependent optimum winding size of inductors conducting high frequency ac sinusoidal currents. Derived analytical equations are useful designing tool for research and development engineers because windings made of foil, square-wire, and solid-round-wire windings are considered. Temperature dependent Dowell’s equation for the ac-to-dc winding resistance ratio is given and approximated. Thermally dependent analytical equations for the optimum foil thickness, as well as valley thickness and diameter of the square-wire and solid-round-wire windings are derived from approximated thermally dependent ac-to-dc winding resistance ratios. Minimum winding ac resistance of the foil winding and local minimum of the winding ac resistance of the solid-round-wire winding are verified with Maxwell 3D Finite Element Method simulations
Coupled wave-equation and eddy-current model for modelling and measuring propagating stress-waves
Authors: Peussa Tommi , Belahcen Anouar
Published: June 2015

The coupling of the propagating stress wave with the eddy current model is presented. The applied stress produces magnetization in the sample that can be measured outside the sample by measuring the resulting magnetic flux density. The stress and flux density measurements are made on a mechanically excited steel bar. The problem is modelled with the finite element method for both the propagating wave and the eddy current. Three aspects are considered: eddy current model using magnetization from the measurements, coupled wave and eddy current models, and coupled different dimensions in the wave model. The measured stress can be reproduced from the measured flux density by modelling. The coupled models work both for stress and flux couplings as well as for the different dimensionality couplings.
Voltage induced by currents in power-line sagged conductors in nearby circuits of arbitrary configuration
Authors: Budnik Krzysztof , Machczyński Wojciech , Szymenderski Jan
Published: June 2015

The study presents a calculation method of the voltage induced by power-line sagged conductor in an inductively coupled overhead circuit of arbitrary configuration isolated from ground. The method bases on the solution utilizing the magnetic vector potential for modeling 3D magnetic fields produced by sagging conductors of catenary electric power lines. It is assumed that the equation of the catenary exactly describes the line sag and the influence of currents induced in the earth on the distribution of power line magnetic field is neglected. The method derived is illustrated by exemplary calculations and the results obtained are partially compared with results computed by optional approach
Particle filter in power system state estimation – bad measurement data and branch disconnection
Authors: Kozierski Piotr , Lis Marcin , Owczarkowski Adam , Horla Dariusz
Published: June 2015

An approach to power system state estimation using a particle filter has been proposed in the paper. Two problems have been taken into account during research, namely bad measurements data and a network structure modification with rapid changes of the state variables. For each case the modification of the algorithm has been proposed. It has also been observed that anti-zero bias modification has a very positive influence on the obtained results (few orders of magnitude, in comparison to the standard particle filter), and additional calculations are quite symbolic. In the second problem, used modification also improved estimation quality of the state variables. The obtained results have been compared to the extended Kalman filter method
Conductance-controlled global-compensation-type shunt active power filter
Authors: Szromba Andrzej
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a load equivalent conductance based control method for a shunt active power filter. The principle of energy balance in the circuit, which means between supplying source - active filter - load, is used to obtain the control formula. The natural inertia of the active filter action is exploited, so no PI regulators are needed. The active filter can compensate for non-active current and, additionally, can stabilise the supplying source active power. In a case of generating loads energy harvesting is possible. The presented method is useful as well for voltage-source as current-source inverter based active filters, and for DC system as well as for AC single- or three-phase one.
Dynamic response improvement of hybrid system by implementing ANN-GA for fast variation of photovoltaic irradiation and FLC for wind turbine
Authors: Izadbakhsh Maziar , Rezvani Alireza , Gandomkar Majid
Published: June 2015

In this paper, dynamic response improvement of the grid connected hybrid system comprising of the wind power generation system (WPGS) and the photovoltaic (PV) are investigated under some critical circumstances. In order to maximize the output of solar arrays, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is presented. In this paper, an intelligent control technique using the artificial neural network (ANN) and the genetic algorithm (GA) are proposed to control the MPPT for a PV system under varying irradiation and temperature conditions. The ANN-GA control method is compared with the perturb and observe (P&O), the incremental conductance (IC) and the fuzzy logic methods. In other words, the data is optimized by GA and then, these optimum values are used in ANN. The results are indicated the ANN-GA is better and more reliable method in comparison with the conventional algorithms. The allocation of a pitch angle strategy based on the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) and comparison with conventional PI controller in high rated wind speed areas are carried out. Moreover, the pitch angle based on FLC with the wind speed and active power as the inputs can have faster response that lead to smoother power curves, improving the dynamic performance of the wind turbine and prevent the mechanical fatigues of the generator
A transformer winding deformation detection method based on the analysis of leakage inductance changes
Authors: Jiansheng Li , Fengbo Tao , Chao Wei , Yuncai Lu , Peng Wu , Mengzhou Zhu , Miao Yu
Published: June 2015

The detection of transformer winding deformation caused by short-circuit current is of great significance to the realization of condition based maintenance. Considering the influence of environment and measurement errors, an online deformation detection method is proposed based on the analysis of leakage inductance changes. First, the operation expressions are derived on the basis of the equivalent circuit and the leakage inductance parameters are identified by the partial least squares regression algorithm. Second, the amount of the leakage inductance samples in a detection time window is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation thought, and then the samples in the confidence interval are obtained. Last, a criteria is built by the mean value changes of the leakage inductance samples and the winding deformation is detected. The online detection method considers the random fluctuation characteristics of the leakage inductance samples, adjust the threshold value automatically, and can quantify the change range to assess the severity. Based on the field data, the distribution of the leakage inductance samples is analyzed to obey the normal function approximately. Three deformation experiments are done by different sub-winding connections and the detection results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method
Computer modeling of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells - a tool for in silico experiments
Authors: Metz Júlia , Szilágyi T. , Perian M. , Orbán-Kis K.
Published: June 2015

Objective. In silico experiments use mathematical models that capture as much as possible from the properties of the biological system under investigation. Our aim was to test the publicly available CA1 pyramidal cell models using the same simulation tasks, to compare them, and provide a systematic overview of their properties in order to improve the usefulness of these models as a tool for in silico experiments.

Methods. Parameters describing the morphology of the cells and the implemented biophysical mechanisms were collected from the Model DB database of Sense Lab Project. This data was analyzed in correlation with the purpose for which each particular model was developed. Multicompartmental simulations were run using the Neuron modeling platform. The properties of the action potentials generated in response to current injection, the firing pattern and the dendritic back-propagation were analyzed.

Results. The studied models were optimized to explore different physiological and pathological properties of the CA1 pyramidal cells. We could identify four broad classes of models focusing on: (i) initiation of the action potential, firing pattern and spike timing, (ii) dendritic backpropagation, (iii) dendritic integration of synaptic inputs and (iv) neuronal network activity. Despite the large variation of the active conductances implemented in the models, the properties of the individual action potentials were quite similar, but even the most complex models could not reproduce all studied biological phenomena.

Conclusions. At the moment the “perfect” pyramidal cell model is not yet available. Our work, hopefully, will help finding the best model for each scientific question under investigation.
Eficacy of trichloroacetic acid peel versus 15% topical azelaic acid gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris – a comparative study
Authors: Al Hussein Stela Mariana , Buicu F. , Maier Dalila , Al Hussein H. , Ciurba Adriana , Al Hussein Hamida , Dogaru Maria Titica
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel with 15% azelaic acid gel, a standard antiacne topical treatment.

Materials and methods: 51 patients aged between 16-40 years, with mild and moderate acne, were randomized into two groups. Before the treatment were investigated the patients clinical features and hygienic habits, the previous antiacne treatments and feed-back to them. No cases under treatment with contraceptive pills or antiacne medication that could interfere with the results, were included. For a period of eight weeks, 27 patients (group A) were treated with 15% azelaic acid gel, twice daily, and 24 patients (group B) underwent four sessions of 20% TCA peels, at 14 days interval. The efficacy was evaluated by acne lesions counting, at baseline and at 8 weeks. Adverse effects incidence (erythema, local skin irritation), as well as the satisfaction degree of patients, were investigated.

Results: Was observed a mean reduction in the number of acne lesions of 32,36% for the group A and 69,36% for the group B. There was no statistically significant difference between the average number of acne lesions before treatment between the two groups. The mean number of acne lesions after the treatment was significantly different (p<0,0001), 20% TCA peels showed superior results than 15% azelaic acid gel. Additionally, 96% of patients who underwent TCA peels were very satisfied with the results obtained.

Conclusions: TCA peel is an efficient and well tolerated method for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Correlations between depression, cognitive status, functional scores, disability and lesion load in multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta 1a
Authors: Maier Smaranda , Bălașa Rodica , Bajko Z. , Maier Anca , Șchiopu Bianca , Buruian M.
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Depression and cognitive impairment are the most frequent mental disorders in multiple sclerosis (MS) and represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to analyse the main determinants of depression in multiple sclerosis.

Materials and methods: Thirty-two patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), treated with Interferon Beta 1a, without relapses and corticosteroid treatment in the last 30 days, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 35.4±9.2 years, M/F ratio 0.33. Depression level was evaluated by the Romanian version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the cognitive function with Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test 3 (PASAT 3), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). The functional status and disability level of the patients were evaluated with Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Expanded Disability Status Scale. In all patients a cerebral MRI with intravenous contrast administration was performed using a 1.5T MRI device.

Results: Twenty-three patients were free of depression (score 1-10), 4 patients presented mild mood disturbance (score 11-16), 3 borderline clinical depression (score 17-20) and 2 moderate depression (score 21-30). The mean BDI score was 8.71±7.16. BDI score correlated significantly with EDSS (R=0.38, p=0.03), PASAT 3 (R=-0.42, p=0.01), SDMT (R=-0.58, p=0.0007), Timed 25-Foot Walk (R=0.43, p=0.01) and 9-Hole Peg Test (R=0.45, p=0.008). From the EDSS functional scores, significant correlations were found with the urinary score (R=0.4, p=0.01) and sensitive score (R=0.49, p=0.004). BDI score correlated significantly with the total number of T2 lesions (R=0.31, p=0.05) while there was no correlation with the number of active lesions.

Conclusions: The main determinants of depression in RRMS patients are the cognitive impairment, the affection of fine hand movements (9-HP), gait impairment (T25FT) and bladder and sensitive dysfunction.
A Novel Disease Caused by Increase of the Lifespan: Chronic Cutaneous Insufficiency Syndrome or Dermatoporosis
Authors: Badea M.A. , Morariu S.H. , Sin Anca
Published: June 2015

Nowadays we are witnessing an increase in the medium lifespan caused by improved living conditions. The main factor in skin ageing is represented by the chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, however long term use of systemic or topical corticosteroids could produce similar effects on the skin. Chronic cutaneous insufficiency syndrome or dermatoporosis was described in 2007, being caused by a decreased activity of the hyaluronic acid, the main component of the extracellular matrix. This mechanism translates clinically through atrophy in the forearms or calves. Other injuries develop on this background including skin dissecting hematoma, which is a medical emergency. Therapeutic attitude consists of local application of preparations containing hyaluronic acid and retinaldehyde and discerning use of corticosteroid therapy. Photoprotection has a certain role in preventing the disease. While today dermatoporosis is a little known dermatosis even among dermatologists, in the future we will see a significant increase in the incidence of the disease and its gravity.
The Management of the Patient with Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen and a Negative Initial Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Vida A.O. , Szöllősi A. , Maier A. , Boja B.M. , Orsolya Mártha
Published: June 2015

Background: The prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer amongst men. An elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level can lead to PCa suspition, thus the confirmation has to be a histopathological one. However, not all increased PSA level means prostate cancer.

Material and Method: This retrospective study presents the results of 422 ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (PB) performed at the Clinic of Urology Târgu- Mureş, between 2011-2012. Inclusion criteria: patients with at least one negative PB and an elevated value of PSA.

Results: In a two year period, from the total of 422 PB (100%), in 179 (42.42%) patients the histopathological result was “negative”. In 154 (86%) of cases ultrasound guided biopsies were performed, mostly with an initial 6 core (98- 54.74% of patients). Average PSA level was 13.45 ng/ml (0.49-100 ng/ml), the histological findings confirmed PCa in 52.58% cases, normal prostatic tissue in 141 cases (78.77%), atypical small acinar proliferation in 12 patients (6.70%), prostate atrophy in 11 males (6.14%), benign prostatic hyperplasia in 10 cases (5.59%) and prostatitis in 5 cases (2.80%). In 30 cases (16.75%) rebiopsy was performed with a number of 10- 12 cores.

Conclusions: In order to increase PCa detection we should perform more cores during PB. In „negative” histopathological cases PSA should be monitorised and the biopsy should be repeated after 6 to 8 weeks from the initial biopsy. Patient’s compliance plays a vital role in the follow-up of the procedure
Factors Determining the Susceptibility of Cows to Mastitis and Losses Incurred by Producers Due to the Disease – A Review
Authors: Litwińczuk Zygmunt , Król Jolanta , Brodziak Aneta
Published: June 2015

The aim of the paper was to discuss the factors determining the susceptibility of cows to mastitis, the most important for breeders, including losses incurred by milk producers due to the disease. Inflammations of mammary gland are common and the most awkward problem which dairy farmers face around the world. In the case of clinical udder inflammation, it is estimated that the cost of mastitis is about 200 € per cow with fluctuations from 100 even up to 1000 €. Resistance, i.e. the susceptibility of cows to mastitis, is conditioned genetically. The possibility of BoLA and lactoferrin gene polymorphism, using in the selection cows resistant to mastitis, is indicated. Bacteria inhabiting the mammary gland, and the living environment of animals are primarily the main etiological factor. Moreover, many authors indicate the differences between breeds of cows in resistance to mastitis. High-productive breeds are generally more susceptible to the udder inflammation, in comparison to the local breeds. The greatest reduction in milk yield is observed in the case of these breeds, and especially in Holstein-Friesian breed, in which the decline of daily yield at somatic cell count (SCC) amounting above 500,000 per ml of milk can reach 25%. The probability of mastitis occurrence increases with an age of cows and following lactation, and dry period is a time of increased risk. Higher incidence of inflammation is also associated with abnormalities in the construction of the udder (unevenly developed quarters, too long or too short teats). In recent years, a possible relationship between feeding system of cows with their resistance to udder infections has been reported. It is emphasized that a deficiency of selenium and vitamins A and E in the ration may contribute to the increase in the number of mastitis incidences. There are, however, unclear opinions of various authors on the effect of automatic milking system on udder health.
Effect of Feed Restriction on Performance, Carcass Composition and Physicochemical Properties of the M. Pectoralis Superficialis of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Połtowicz Katarzyna , Nowak Joanna , Wojtysiak Dorota
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed restriction on carcass composition, breast meat quality and microstructure of the m. pectoralis superficialis of broiler chickens. A total of 315 day-old female broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 105 birds each in 3 pen replicates. They were fed ad libitum as the control (I), and restricted for 6 h/day (from 08:00 to 14:00 h) as group II (3 and 4 weeks of age) and group III from 4 to 5 weeks of age. On day 42 of growth, 6 broilers with average body weight were chosen from each group for slaughter to analyse dressing percentage, carcass quality, physicochemical properties of breast muscles, including pH, colour (CIE L*a*b*), expressible juice, drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force, texture (TPA) and chemical composition, as well as histochemical profile of the m. pectoralis superficialis. Temporary feed restriction did not significantly alter the final body weight, dressing percentage and the proportion of breast and leg muscles, but increased the proportion of abdominal fat. No differences were found in the microstructure of the m. pectoralis

superficialis of restricted and ad libitum fed chickens. Restricted feeding had an effect on water holding capacity and tenderness of breast muscles, and a non-significant effect on texture parameters and chemical composition. Restricted feeding of chickens changed their meat quality to a greater extent when applied from 3 to 4 weeks compared to analogous procedures introduced from 4 to 5 weeks of age.
Evaluation of the Usefulness of Hybrid Rye in Feeding Polish Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows in Early Lactation
Authors: Pieszka Marek , Kamyczek Marian , Rudzki Bartosz , Pieszka Magdalena
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of feeding a hybrid rye grain in rations for dairy cows during the first 100 days of lactation on body condition, milk yield and milk composition. Feeding cows with concentrates containing in its composition 25% or 40% of the ground hybrid rye did not decrease the intake of concentrate or PMR rations as compared to the control group. The introduction of 25% or 40% of the rye hybrid variety Visello to the concentrates did not reduce the milk yield of the cows during the first 100 days of lactation. No significant differences in the chemical composition of the milk were observed. The cows fed rye maintained their weight and body condition during the first 100 days of lactation at the same level. The addition of hybrid rye grains in the amount of 25% to concentrate had no significant effect on the fatty acid profile of the milk whereas 40% of rye improved fatty acids composition by decreasing C18:0 and increasing C18:1 n-9 in the milk.
Effects of Two Enzyme Feed Additives on Digestion and Milk Production in Lactating Egyptian Buffaloes
Authors: Morsy Tarek A. , Kholif Ahmed E. , Kholif Sobhy M. , Kholif Abdelkader M. , Sun Xuezhao , Salem Abdelfattah Z. M.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two commercial enzyme products on milk production in Egyptian buffaloes. Twenty-one lactating buffaloes (570±15 kg BW) were divided into three groups (n=7) in a randomized block design for four months. Buffaloes were fed a total mixed ration containing 60% forage [rice straw and berseem hay (Trifolium alexandrinum)] and 40% concentrates with either no enzymes added (Control) or an addition of 40 g of Veta-Zyme Plus® (VET) or 40 g of Tomoko® (TOM ) enzyme product per day for each buffalo. Enzyme addition did not affect feed intake (P>0.05), but increased the digestibility of nutrients (P<0.05) and serum glucose concentration (P=0.011). Furthermore, the addition of VET increased milk (P=0.017) and fat corrected milk (P=0.021) yields, fat content (P=0.045), total unsaturated fatty acid (P=0.045) and total conjugated linoleic acid (P=0.031) contents in milk and decreased the content of total saturated fatty acids (P=0.046), while the addition of TOM increased milk total protein (P=0.023) and true protein (P=0.031) contents. The two enzyme products both resulted in higher concentrations of lysine (P=0.045) and total essential amino acids (P=0.036) in milk. It was concluded that addition of commercial fibrolytic enzyme products (i.e. Veta-Zyme Plus® and Tomoko®) to the diet of early lactating buffaloes enhanced nutrient digestibility and milk production and quality.
The effect of a probiotic preparation containing Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-6737 on egg production and physiological parameters of laying hens
Authors: Sobczak Alicja , Kozłowski Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

A total of 288 Lohmann Brown laying hens were randomly divided into two groups (9 replicates of 16 birds each). The hens were housed in three-tier battery cages for 26 weeks, including a two-week pre-laying period. All birds were fed iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets, and had free access to water. Control group (C) hens were fed a basal diet, and experimental group (BS) hens received a basal diet supplemented with a commercial probiotic preparation of Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA- 6737 at 1×108 CFU/kg feed. The number and weight of eggs laid, feed intake, feed conversion, egg quality, the fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of yolk lipids, and selected blood biochemical parameters of hens were determined throughout the experiment. No significant differences (P>0.05) were noted between the groups in average egg weight, laying performance (%), daily feed intake or feed conversion. Eggs laid by BS group hens received significantly higher scores for yolk color (Roche yolk color fan) and albumen quality (Haugh units), and they were characterized by a significant improvement in shell thickness and breaking strength (P<0.05) in comparison with eggs laid by control group hens. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between the groups in the fatty acid profile of yolk lipids, except for a significant increase (P<0.05) in oleic acid concentrations in group BS. No significant differences (P>0.05) were noted between the groups in selected blood biochemical parameters of laying hens. Group BS eggs had a significantly lower (P<0.05) cholesterol content of yolk lipids. It can be concluded that a probiotic preparation containing Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-6737 had a beneficial influence on selected performance parameters of laying hens, egg quality and the cholesterol content of yolk lipids.
Molecular characterization of Setaria digitata from Mithun (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Chamuah Jayanta Kumar , Sakhrie Aseno , Lama Sanjeevini , Chandra Subhas , Chigure Gajanan M. , Bauri Ram Krishna , Jacob Siju S.
Published: June 2015

Mithun is a strongly built hill animal of Southeast Asia and plays an important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the tribal population. Setaria digitata isolated from peritoneal cavity of mithun both from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland were characterized based on conserved region of 12SrDNA, 28SrDNA and ITS-2 and mitochondrial gene CoxI. Based on sequence analysis, it was found to be 99% similarity with Srilankan isolate of S. digitata.
Eye fluke infection status in Baltic cod, Gadus morhua, after three decades and their use as ecological indicators
Authors: Mehrdana Foojan , Marana Moonika H. , Skov Jakob , Bahlool Qusay Z.M. , Sindberg Diana , Mundeling Mai , Overgaard Bettina C. , Kania Per W. , Buchmann Kurt
Published: June 2015

Eye flukes of the genus Diplostomum were recorded with a prevalence of 7.4% and a mean intensity of 11.9 (range 1-75) parasites per fish in eye lenses of a total of 188 Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, sampled in the Southeastern Baltic Sea from March 2013 to February 2014. A slight decrease of infection level, among the fish with body length ranging from 30 to 89.5 cm, was found when data were compared to a corresponding survey in the 1980s. Due to imprecise species identification of eye flukes based on morphometric analyses we present, as a baseline for further studies, rDNA sequences from a subsample of 19 eye flukes based on sequencing of a part of 18S, ITS-1, 5.8S, ITS-2 and part of 28S. We discuss the use of eye fluke recordings in Baltic cod as an environmental indicator due to the dependence of the parasite´s life cycle on biotic (occurrence of snail and bird hosts) and abiotic (temperature and salinity) parameters.
Aplectana dubrajpuri sp. nov. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Dubrajpur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India
Authors: Sou Sujan K. , Nandi Anadi P.
Published: June 2015

Aplectana dubrajpuri sp. nov., recovered from the rectum of Indian bull frog, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, collected from Dubrajpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, is described and illustrated. This species is characterised by absence of gubernaculum and differs from other species of Aplectana which lack a gubernaculum (viz. A. akhrami, A. artigasi, A. chilensis, A. crossodactyli, A. crucifer, A. delirae, A. meridionalis, A. papillifera, A. praeputialis, A. tarija and A. vercammeni) by smaller size of males and females, absence of somatic papillae in females and number and distribution of caudal papillae in males which include 3 pairs precloacal, 1 pair adcloacal, 14 pairs postcloacal and a single unpaired small papilla on the upper lip of cloaca. Aplectana dubrajpuri sp. nov. represents 51
Trypanosoma cruzi DTU TcII presents higher blood parasitism than DTU TcI in an experimental model of mixed infection
Authors: Sales-Campos Helioswilton , Kappel Henrique Borges , Andrade Cristiane Pontes , Lima Tiago Pereira , Castilho Alessandra de , Giraldo Luis Eduardo Ramirez , Lages-Silva Eliane
Published: June 2015

Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc), the causative agent of Chagas disease, affects millions of people worldwide. One of the major characteristics of T. cruzi is related to its heterogeneity due to the variability of its biological properties, parasite growth rates, infectivity, tissue tropism, morbidity and virulence among different isolates observed during experimental or human infection. Moreover, presence of mixed infections in the same host in endemic areas is a matter of study due to its impact on clinical manifestations and disease progression. In this study, we evaluated the biological behavior of two Tc I strains AQ1-7 (AQ) and MUTUM (MT) and one Tc II strain (JG) during the acute phase of infection, in unique and mixed infections. A patent blood parasitism was detected only in mice inoculated with JG strain . In addition blood parasitism parameters (peak and average blood parasitism) were positively associated when JG and AQ strains were combined. In contrast, a negative association was observed in the JG+MUTUM group. The predominance of TcII strain over TcI strains was highlighted using the LSSP-PCR technique, which was performed in samples from hemoculture. Thus, this study showed important biological differences between different T. cruzi strains and discrete typing units (DTUs) in acute phase. Finally, we observed that blood parasitism during early period of infection seems to be more related to DTU than to a specific strain.
Molecular phylogeny and ultrastructure of Myxobolus cf. cuneus, a parasite of patinga hybrid and Henneguya pseudoplatystoma, a parasite of pintado hybrid
Authors: Milanin Tiago , Maia Antônio Augusto Mendes , Silva Márcia Ramos Monteiro , Carriero Mateus Maldonado , Adriano Edson Aparecido
Published: June 2015

Through morphological, histopathological and ultrastructural analysis of Myxobolus cuneus Adriano, Arana et Cordeiro, 2006 and Henneguya pseudoplatystoma Naldoni, Arana, Maia, Ceccarelli, Tavares, Borges, Pozo et Adriano, 2009 were identified infecting pacu respectively (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and hybrid pintado (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans x Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) taken from Brazilian fish farms. The present study describes 18S rDNA sequencing of Myxobolus cf. cuneus infecting the spleen of farmed patinga, a hybrid fish resulting from the crossing of P. mesopotamicus x Piaractus brachypomus, and H. pseudoplatystoma found in farmed hybrid pintado from the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study also provides new details of the host-parasite interface of M. cf. cuneus, which reveal that the plasmodial wall is composed of a single membrane connected to the plasmodium ectoplasm by numerous pinocytic canals. The plasmodia also displayed asynchronous development but had disporic pansporoblasts at different developmental stages; immature and mature spores were found at different depth levels of the plasmodium. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis showed that M. cf. cuneus appeared as a sister species of Henneguya pellucida Adriano, Arana et Cordeiro, 2005 in a sub-clade composed mainly of myxosporean parasites of characiforms, and that H. pseudoplatystoma clustered in a sub-clade composed of Henneguya/Myxobolus spp. parasites of siluriform fish.
Dirofilariasis – an emergent human parasitosis in Romania
Authors: Arbune Manuela , Dobre Michaela
Published: June 2015

Changing vector habitats due to climate change increase the risk of less common vector-borne diseases spreading to temperate areas. An example of such a disease is dirofilariasis. The present article is a case presentation of ocular dirofilariasis. The peculiarities of this case and its implications to public health are presented herein, in addition to a literature review of the epidemiological data regarding dirofilariasis in dogs and humans. A16-year-old adolescent, who had never travelled outside Galaţi County, was admitted to the hospital’s pediatric department with conjunctival edema, foreign body perception, redness and local pain in the left eye. A parasitological exam identified Dirofilaria repens. The outcome of the condition was favorable. Although canine dirofilariasis is more often encountered by veterinary practices, only few human cases had hither to been reported in Romania, none in Galaţi County. A national Romanian prevalence study on dirofilariasis in animals is called for in order to improve the management of the disease, both in veterinary and human medicine.
New species of Prosotocus (Digenea; Pleurogenidae) and other helminths in Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Punjab, India
Authors: Bursey Charles R. , Rizvi Anjum N. , Maity Pallab
Published: June 2015

Prosotocus punjabensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Pleurogenidae) from the intestine of the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae), from Punjab, India is described and illustrated. Prosotocus punjabensis sp. nov. is the 13
Variations in cercarial production and the level of in vitro activation of metacercariae of two different isolates of Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Januszkiewicz Kamil , Norbury Luke J. , Wilkowski Przemysław , Zawistowska-Deniziak Anna , Wesołowska Agnieszka , Wedrychowicz Halina
Published: June 2015

Fasciola hepatica infections cause large economic losses and are a serious veterinary medicine problem in many regions of the world. Recent studies examining fascioliasis in the bison population from Bialowieza National Park have shown that the prevalence of infection with this parasite is up to 100%. Liver flukes isolated from bison from Bialowieza National Park in Poland were compared with a fluke strain originally obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge, UK, to determine variations in cercarial production and establish the ability of their metacercariae to activate in vitro. Some small differences in cercarial production between the two isolates are shown, while significant differences in the ability of their metacercariae to activate in vitro were observed.
Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) naturally infecting introduced European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in northern Patagonia: phenotype, prevalence and potential risk
Authors: Cuervo Pablo F. , Cataldo Sophia Di , Fantozzi M. Cecilia , Deis Erika , Isenrath Gabriela Diaz , Viberti Gabriela , Artigas Patricio , Peixoto Raquel , Valero M. Adela , Sierra Roberto Mera y , Mas-Coma Santiago
Published: June 2015

Fascioliasis has recently been included in the WHO list of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases. Besides being a major veterinary health problem, fascioliasis has large underdeveloping effects on the human communities affected. Though scarcely considered in fascioliasis epidemiology, it is well recognized that both native and introduced wildlife species may play a significant role as reservoirs of the disease. The objectives are to study the morphological characteristics of Fasciola hepatica adults and eggs in a population of Lepus europaeus, to assess liver fluke prevalence, and to analyze the potential reservoir role of the European brown hare in northern Patagonia, Argentina, where fascioliasis is endemic. Measures of F. hepatica found in L. europaeus from northern Patagonia demonstrate that the liver fluke is able to fully develop in wild hares and to shed normal eggs through their faeces. Egg shedding to the environment is close to the lower limit obtained for pigs, a domestic animal whose epidemiological importance in endemic areas has already been highlighted. The former, combined with the high prevalence found (14.28%), suggest an even more important role in the transmission cycle than previously considered. The results obtained do not only remark the extraordinary plasticity and adaptability of this trematode species to different host species, but also highlight the role of the European brown hare, and other NIS, as reservoirs capable for parasite spillback to domestic and native cycle, representing a potentially important, but hitherto neglected, cause of disease emergence.
Molecular characterization of muscle-parasitizing didymozoid from a chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus
Authors: Abe Niichiro , Okamoto Mitsuru
Published: June 2015

Didymozoids found in the muscles of marine fish are almost always damaged because they are usually found after being sliced. Therefore, identifying muscle-parasitizing didymozoids is difficult because of the difficulty in collecting non-damaged worms and observing their organs as key points for morphological identification. Moreover, muscle-parasitizing didymozoids are not easily found because they parasitize at the trunk muscles. Therefore, muscle-parasitizing didymozoid classification has not progressed because there are few opportunities to detect them. Our recent report was the first to describe the usefulness of sequencing analysis for discrimination among muscle-parasitizing didymozoids. Recently, we found a didymozoid in the trunk muscle of a chub mackerel Scomber japonicus. The present study genetically compares the present isolate with other muscle-parasitizing didymozoids. The present isolate differs markedly from the previously unidentified didymozoid from an Atlantic mackerel S. scombrus by phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA. It also differs from other muscle-parasitizing didymozoids from other host species based on phylogenetic analyses of 18S, 28S rDNAs, and coxI loci. These results suggest that sequencing analysis is useful for the discrimination of muscle-parasitizing didymozoids. Combining the present data with earlier data for sequencing analysis, muscle-parasitizing didymozoids from seven marine fish species were classified as seven species. We proposed appellations for six distinct muscle-parasitizing didymozoids for future analysis: sweetlips fish type from Diagramma pictum and Plectorhinchus cinctus, red sea bream type from Pagrus major, flying fish type from Cypselurus heterurus, Atlantic mackerel type from Scomber scombrus, chub mackerel type from S. japonicus, and purple rockcod type from Epinephelus cyanopodus.
The autotelic involvement of attention induced by EEG neurofeedback training improves the performance of an athlete’s mind
Authors: Mikicin Mirosław
Published: June 2015

immediate feedback concerning brain activity on autotelic engagement attention and the performance of athletes’ minds.

Material and methods: the experimental group (25 subjects) underwent twenty neurofeedback-EEG training sessions (in the relaxation armchair) and athletic training for four months (every 7 days). The control group (25 subjects) underwent athletic training sessions. Before and after the four months of neurofeedback-EEG training sessions, the athletes were evaluated using an involvement questionnaire and Kraepelin’s work curve test.

Results: the results of the analysis showed that changes in autotelic engagement were observed with an improvement in the performance of the mind (p < 0.01), which points to increased speed and mental work speed and efficiency. Among three measures of performance, we observed a significant correlation between the total number of addition operations in the test with autotelic experience (r = 0.769).

Conclusions: neurofeedback-EEG training opens up new opportunities for improvement in the performance of athletes’ minds.
Diatoms of the Dojkinci River (Stara Planina Nature Park, Serbia)
Authors: Krizmanić Jelena , Ilić Marija , Vidaković Danijela , Subakov-Simić Gordana , Petrović Jelena , Cvetanović Katarina
Published: June 2015

Diatom samples were collected during July 2010 at 15 localities from different types of substrate (stone surfaces, sand, mud, filamentous algae and submerged mosses) from the Dojkinci River. During the research period, 124 taxa were determined within 43 genera. Among numerous common diatoms we recorded three taxa for the first time in Serbia: Brachysira intermedia (Øst.) Lange-Bertalot, Chamaepinnularia mediocris (Krass.) Lange-Bertalot and Navicula tridentula Krass. Also, we observed 21 taxa which are rarely recorded taxa for Serbia. The most interesting was Diatomella balfouriana Grevill. that was previously known only from the River Tisa near Titel. In the studied material, it was identified only in samples collected from the surface of boulders with mosses at the third locality. Their morphology, distribution and ecology are presented in this paper.
Cylindruria
Authors: Caleffi Alberta , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

The morphological analysis of urine sediment is an essential part of urinalysis and casts are important elements of urinary sediment. Their shape is typically cylindrical, with extremities often rounded. Casts form within the renal tubules and are made of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THG). Under some physiological or pathological conditions THG fibrils aggregate giving rise to casts, whose formation is favoured by a number of factors including high urine osmolality and/or low pH. Casts can be found in normal subjects, in non-renal conditions, such as fever, dehydration, and acute heart failure as well as in virtually all renal diseases. Casts can be classified on the basis of their morphology as hyaline, granular, waxy, fatty, cellular (leukocytic, erythrocytic, epithelial), containing crystals or microorganisms, pigmented and mixed. As the correct identification of casts is crucial for an accurate and timely diagnosis of renal disorders, laboratory professionals should be trained to identify and classify casts properly.
The JESSICA Initiative: An Instrument for Urban Sustainable Development. Examples of Urban Regeneration in Silesia (Poland) and Central Moravia (Czech Republic)
Authors: Tarnowska Katarzyna , Rosiek Janusz
Published: June 2015

This article presents the practical possibilities associated with implementation of the JESSICA initiative in selected regions of Poland and the Czech Republic. i.e. in Silesia (Poland) and Central Moravia (Czech Republic). The post-socialist nature of these regions was determinative of their backwardness in terms of socio-economic development, as well as available infrastructure. Nonetheless these regions are different to a large extent, because Silesia is a typical post-industrial area, where the mining industry has been in operation for many years. After significant limitation of the scale of its economic operations, many areas and objects remain unused. They can be revitalized and then used to contribute to more sustainable socio-economic development of the region. In turn, Central Moravia represents a geographical area which has been adversely affected by the effects of the ongoing economic crisis. To some extent, Silesia suffers from similar problems as Central Moravia, but it also encounters some specific difficulties arising from its post-industrial character. For this reason, there was a necessity to properly identify opportunities to support projects financed from the JESSICA initiative in the analyzed regions, as well as to adapt the scope of these projects to the specific socio-economic conditions in the regions under investigation.
Research on the white pottery, stamped hard pottery, and proto- porcelains unearthed at Erlitou
Authors: Lu Xiaoke , Li Weidong , Luo Hongjie , Xu Hong , Zhao Haitao , Yuan Jing
Published: June 2015

The earliest proto-porcelains in northern China known to date have been unearthed at Erlitou Site in Yanshi City, Henan Province. This archaeological evidence is very important for the exploration of the origin of proto-porcelain in China. As research subjects, the white pottery, stamped hard pottery and proto-porcelain samples unearthed at Erlitou Site are analyzed by systematical experimental methods to determine their chemical compositions, baking temperatures, phase compositions and micro-structures, and then the raw materials and baking technology of these samples are discussed. In addition, the characteristics and origin of proto-porcelain from Erlitou Site were also studied.
Some Open Questions in the Numerical Analysis of Singularly Perturbed Differential Equations
Authors: Roos Hans-Görg , Stynes Martin
Published: June 2015

Several open questions in the numerical analysis of
singularly perturbed differential equations are discussed. These include whether certain convergence results in various norms are optimal, when supercloseness is obtained in finite element solutions, the validity of defect correction in finite difference approximations, and desirable adaptive mesh refinement results that remain to be proved or disproved.
Molybdenite Re-Os dating of Mo-Th-Nb-REE rich marbles: pre-Variscan processes in Moldanubian Variegated Group (Czech Republic)
Authors: Drábek Milan , Stein Holly
Published: June 2015

In an effort to contribute to the discussion concerning the age of rocks of the Moldanubian Variegated Group, we have undertaken Re-Os dating of molybdenite of banded carbonatite-like marbles (CLM) from the graphite mine Václav at Bližná (Southern Bohemia), which belong to the metamorphic sequence of this group. The Re-Os model ages for the molybdenites range between 493 and 497 Ma and apparently correspond to the early stages of metamorphism connected with pre-Variscan rift-related tectono-metamorphic events, which affected and recrystallized sedimentary CLM material rich in Mo-Th-Nb-REE. The molybdenite bearing carbonatite like marbles situated in the footwall of Bližná graphite mine have been interpreted as carbonates with a large share of volcano-detritic material derived from contemporaneous primitive alkaline (carbonatite-like) volcanism deposited in a shallow marine lagoonal environment. There is no geological evidence for the participation of fluids mobilized from host rocks in the formation of the CLM. Because the Re-Os chronometer in molybdenite is demonstrably stable through later Variscan facies metamorphism, the molybdenite chronometer has not been affected by subsequent thermal overprints associated with the Variscan orogeny.
Amino-funtionalised metal xanthates
Authors: Hill Michael S. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Molloy Kieran C. , Stanton David C.
Published: June 2015

The amino-functionalised xanthate NaS