bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Sensitivity Analysis for UNSATCHEM Simulations of Crop Production with Degraded Waters
Authors: Skaggs T.H. , Suarez D.L. , Corwin D.L.
Published: April 2014

One strategy for maintaining irrigated agricultural productivity in the face of diminishing resource availability is to make greater use of marginal quality waters and lands. A key to sustaining systems using degraded irrigation waters is salinity management. Advanced simulation models and decision support tools can aid in the design and management of water reuse systems, but at present model predictions and related management recommendations contain significant uncertainty. Sensitivity analyses can help characterize and reduce uncertainties by revealing which parameter variations or uncertainties have the greatest impact on model outputs. In this work, the elementary effects method was used to obtain global sensitivity analyses of UNSATCHEM seasonal simulations of forage corn (Zea mays L.) production with differing irrigation rates and water compositions. Sensitivities were determined with respect to four model outcomes: crop yield, average root zone salinity, water leaching fraction, and salt leaching fraction. For a multiple‐season, quasi‐steady scenario, the sensitivity analysis found that overall the most important model parameters were the plant salt tolerance parameters, followed by the solute dispersivity. For a single‐season scenario with irrigation scheduling based on soil water deficit, soil hydraulic parameters were the most important; the computed salt leaching fraction was also strongly affected by the initial ionic composition of the exchange phase because of its impact on mineral precipitation. In general, parameter sensitivities depend of the specifics of a given modeling scenario, and procedures for routine use of models for site‐specific degraded irrigation water management should include site‐specific uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. The elementary effects method used in this work is a useful approach for obtaining parameter sensitivity information at relatively low computational cost.
Relationship between Anisotropy in Soil Hydraulic Conductivity and Saturation
Authors: Zhang Z. Fred
Published: April 2014

Anisotropy in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is saturation‐dependent. Accurate characterization of soil anisotropy is very important in simulating flow and contaminant transport (e.g., radioactive nuclides at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site). A tensorial connectivity–tortuosity (TCT) concept describes the hydraulic conductivity tensor of the unsaturated anisotropic soils as the product of a scalar variable, the symmetric connectivity tortuosity tensor, and the saturated hydraulic conductivity tensor. In this study, a model based on the TCT concept is used to quantify soil anisotropy in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. The TCT model can describe different types of soil anisotropy; for example, the anisotropy coefficient can monotonically increase or decrease with saturation and can vary from greater than unity to less than unity and vice versa. Soil anisotropy is independent of soil water retention properties and can be characterized by the ratio of the saturated hydraulic conductivities and the difference of the tortuosity–connectivity coefficients in two directions. The anisotropy coefficient is log‐linearly proportional to the effective saturation. This log‐linear relationship allows the saturation‐dependent anisotropy to be determined using regression with the measurements of the directional hydraulic conductivities at a minimum of two water content levels, one of which may be at full saturation. The model was tested using measured or simulated directional hydraulic conductivities.
Coupling acoustic devices for monitoring combined sewer network sediment deposits
Authors: Carnacina I. , Larrarte F.
Published: April 2014

Combined sewer networks display some unique features that are not easily reproducible in the laboratory and have yet to be well understood. The transport of organic and mobile sediments, present in large quantities despite the use of optimal design practices, dramatically changes sewer flow patterns and the interaction between flow and sediment. To understand both the flow patterns and transport features of these complex environments, it is therefore necessary to install instrumentation in situ. For this paper, two distinct acoustic techniques were coupled in order to measure both the sediment interface and velocity. For this purpose, a 2 MHz rotating head acoustic profiler and a 10 MHz acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) were jointly installed to survey the position of sediment deposits and measure velocity patterns. Results were compared with measurements recorded in different environments, where both coarser and finer soft deposits were present. These results typically showed good agreement between the interfaces detected using velocity measurements on coarse deposits, while the presence of soft deposits demonstrated the need for coupling measurements techniques that can correctly assess the sediment interface.
Influence of shear on nitrification rates in a membrane bioreactor
Authors: Lou M. A. , Larsen P. , Nielsen P. H. , Bak S. N.
Published: April 2014

Grundfos BioBooster (GBB) installed and operated a membrane bioreactor (MBR) test plant in 2012. During the period it became evident that the nitrification rate was lower than expected and a study was carried out to investigate the possible reasons for the observed low-nitrification rate. Tests were conducted at a pilot plant and the effect of shear from the BioBooster membrane system and the pressure reduction component on the nitrification rate was investigated. The possible effect of selection of microbial communities caused by the filtration unit was also investigated. The results revealed an unchanged nitrification rate when exposed to shear from the filtration unit and the pressure reduction component. When testing the effect of selection, the nitrification rate was also unchanged.
Variability of Extreme Temperature in the Arctic - Observation and RCM
Authors: Matthes Heidrun , Rinke Annette , Dethloff Klaus
Published: April 2014

This paper discusses results of a simulation with the regional climate model HIRHAM for 1958-2001, driven by the ECMWF reanalysis (ERA40) data over the Arctic domain. The aim is to analyze the ability of the model to capture certain features of climate extremes derived from daily mean, maximum and minimum temperatures. For this purpose, a range of climate indices (frost days, cold and warm spell days, growing degree days and growing season length) was calculated from the model output as well as from ERA40 data and region-specific station data for Eastern and Western Russian Arctic for comparison. It is demonstrated that the model captures the main features in the spatial distribution and temporal development of most indices well. Though systematic deviations in the seasonal means occur in various indices (frost days, growing degree days), variability and trends are well reproduced. Seasonal mean patterns in frost days are reproduced best, though the model persistently calculates too many frost days. Seasonal means of cold and warm spell days are reproduced without systematic biases, though deviations occur in summer for cold spells and in spring and summer for warm spells due to an early spring warming in the regional climate model and a low variability of the daily maximum temperature over sea ice.
Diagnostic Error - Mini Review and Case Report of Patient Death Resulting from Delayed Diagnosis of Acute Prostatitis
Authors: Mrkoci Dragica K. , Chretien Katherine C.
Published: April 2014

A 57-year old man presenting with frequent and painful urination and negative initial urinalysis for infection was given a diagnosis of benign prostate hypertrophy, which was never revised by subsequent providers. Instead, the patient continued to be treated for urinary retention and pain. A potent NSAID, Toradol (ketorolac), was included in his regimen. One day prior to his demise, the patient was diagnosed with prostatic abscess and admitted for treatment with intravenous antibiotics. However the patient died on hospital day one from massive GI bleeding. Autopsy revealed an underlying peptic ulcer.

This case shines a light on diagnostic error: missed, wrong, or delayed diagnosis. It also uncovers the multifaceted nature of diagnostic errors and highlights the importance of system- related interventions, in particular, better communication between health care providers. Based on malpractice claims data, diagnostic error is the most frequent and costly of all medical mistakes, yet it remains one of the least studied areas of patient safety. While the field has some barriers to study, many opportunities exist for impact in the field of diagnostic errors
West Nile virus infection in humans and other vertebrates
Authors: Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic I. , Milosevic V. , Petrovic V. , Kovacevic G. , Radovanov J. , Cvjetkovic D. , Patic A. , Elez I. , Mikic Stefan , Petrovic T. , Lazic S. , Jovanovic-Galovic A. , Petric D.
Published: April 2014

The West Nile virus is an arthropod borne or ARBO virus from the Flaviviridae
family, which is maintained in nature in the transmission cycle between
hosting birds and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The virus is capable of
infecting different vertebrate species and 60 mosquito species. The infection
in humans can be asymptomatic or it can have different clinical
manifestations ranging from light febrile diseases to fatal
meningoencephalitis. This paper presents recent findings on the activity of
the West Nile virus in Europe, the USA and Serbia. Presented are the results
of serological testing of human populations and animals in Serbia, and the
methods of molecular diagnostics to prove the existence of the virus.
The contribution of gut microflora to paracetamol metabolism
Authors: Bojic Gordana , Milosevic Vesna , Gusman Vera , Povazan Anika , Stojancevic Maja
Published: April 2014

During the last decade, the important role of gut microflora as a special
organ of the gastrointestinal system in the metabolism of drugs is well
known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the gut
microecological population with enzymatic systems, especially beta-lyase, in
the metabolism of paracetamol in mice. Two groups of 20 white male
laboratory mice BALB/c, body weight 32+/-1.5 kg, were treated orally with
neomycin sulphate (500 mg/kg in saline solution) and saline solution (10
ml/kg) twice daily for three days. After the treatment, the animals were
given paracetamol dissolved in saline solution (200 mg/kg)
intraperitoneally. The total amount of excreted paracetamol in 8 hours?
collected urine was unchanged. A difference between treated and control mice
was observed regarding a highly significant reduction in the excretion of
3-methylthiometabolites. A decrease in the excretion of thiomethyl
metabolites was found in the control group compared to the experimental
mice. Gut microflora had a great influence on the formation of metabolic
precursors, thiomethyl-conjugates, and their oxidabile products. It is
obvious that the ecosystem of gut microflora has an important role in the
metabolism of paracetamol resulting in a significant reduction in the
excretion of 3-methylthioparacetamol by urine, the glucuronide and sulphate.
The effects of chronic manganese administration on blood pressure in rats
Authors: Lacramioara Serban , Hogas Mihai , Ciobica Alin , Dobrin Romeo , Petrariu Florin
Published: April 2014

Several trace elements, including manganese (Mn), affect the cardiovascular
system and are implicated in some cardiovascular disease mechanisms. The
effects of Mn on the vascular system, such as in the control of blood flow
and blood pressure, are not completely understood. Thus, the main objective
of the present study was to determine the effects of a 45-day exposure to two
different doses of Mn on blood pressure values of male Wistar rats. Our
results showed a significant time effect (p<0.001, ANOVA, repeated measures)
on the values of blood pressure measurements during 45 days of Mn treatment
of rats with two doses (3 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day). Additionally, we
observed significant differences in the values of blood pressure
measurements, especially on days 2 (p<0.001), 9 (p<0.05), 24 (p<0.05), 28
(p<0.01) and 43 (p<0.05). Further studies are necessary in order to establish
the mechanism and relevance of Mn in this area of research.

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/ABS161021104E
Leaf anatomical variation in Cephalaria laevigata (dipsacaceae) under different ecological conditions
Authors: Jakovljevic Ksenija , Kuzmanovic Nevena , Vukojicic Snezana , Lakusic D.
Published: April 2014

The results of a multivariate morphometric study of leaf anatomical
characters in different, geographically distant populations of the taxon
Cephalaria laevigata from Serbia and Romania are presented with the aim to
reveal the trends of population differentiation. Analyses were performed on a
cross-section of 105 leaves collected from 10 populations. In order to
establish the overall morphological variation and relationships between
individuals from all populations, principal component analyses and canonical
discriminant analysis were performed. Clustering analyses were carried out to
explore whether the observed anatomical differences are a result of adaptive
responses. Regression analysis was performed to identify the level of
correlation between leaf anatomical characters and basic orographic,
geological and bioclimatic habitat characteristics. Unexpectedly, in most of
the characters there was discrepancy between leaf anatomy and climatic
conditions, and the characters did not show significant regularities in the
variability of their dimension neither in the vertical profile nor in
relation to geological substrate.
Response factors to pegylated interferon-alfa/ribavirin treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients genotype 1b
Authors: Jovanovic-Cupic Snezana , Glisic S. , Stanojevic M. , Vasiljevic N. , Bojic-Milinovic T. , Bozovic A. , Dimitrijevic B.
Published: April 2014

Hepatitis C virus infection is the most common chronic blood-borne infection
and one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease. Knowing the
predictors associated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV)
combination therapy response is important for evidence-based treatment
recommendations. The goal of this study was to identify host and viral
factors of response to PEG-IFN/RBV treatment in chronic hepatitis C genotype
1b patients. We have examined the relationship between gender, age, level of
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), viral load and liver fibrosis progression on
therapy response. ALT level and viral load were evaluated before starting
treatment with combination therapy. The elevated levels of ALT and route of
HCV transmission were found to be significantly associated with the response
to therapy in HCV-infected patients. Our findings may be useful for
estimating a patient?s likelihood of achieving sustained viral response.
New occurrence and distribution of Nitella hyalina (DC.) Agardh (Characeae) and the first report on Nitelletum hyalinae Corillion 1957, in Croatia
Authors: Csiky J. , Purger Dragica , Blazencic Jelena
Published: April 2014

In 2011, a new population of the stonewort Nitella hyalina was found on the
island of Pag, in a pond between Novalja and Lun, near the cove of Dubac. At
the littoral, unshielded zone of this unnamed, small shallow lake Nitella
hyalina forms large monodominant patches or grows together with Potamogeton
trichoides Cham. et Schl. and P. nodosus Poir. We identified these stands as
the species? poor association of Nitelletum hyalinae Corillion 1957, a new
vegetation type of Croatia. Nitella hyalina is sparse in Europe and rather
rare on the Balkan Peninsula. It was previously detected only in two places
in Croatia. Considering its severely fragmented distribution and the fact
that at present it is known to exist at only three locations, Nitella hyalina
should be treated as an endangered (EN) taxon among the Charophytes of
Croatia.
Flora of xerothermic sites of the Zachodniowołyńska Dolina Bugu Special area of conservation (Eastern Poland): The influence of habitat on rare grassland species
Authors: Woch Marcin , Hawryluk Magdalena
Published: April 2014

The aim of the investigation was to study the flora of grasslands within the
Zachodniowo?y?ska Dolina Bugu Special Area of Conservation and to identify
the types of habitats with the highest concentration of grassland species. In
the years 2011-2012, floristic analyses covered the slopes of the valley of
the Bug river, balks and places of shallow bedrock deposition, roadsides, as
well as railway and earthwork sites. One hundred and fifty eight plant
species belonging to 37 families were found. Though considered extinct in
Polish flora, Dianthus collinus subsp. glabriusculus was discovered. Close to
half of the recorded species (47%) were grassland taxa and 15% rare and/or
protected plants, which make the studied area particularly valuable for the
conservation of biodiversity. The fewest grassland plants occurred on
habitats that are under the influence of agriculture, where the dominance of
nitrophilous and herbicide resistant plant species was observed.
Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human periodontal ligament
Authors: Miletic Maja , Mojsilovic S. , Okic-Djordjevic Ivana , Kukolj Tamara , Jaukovic Aleksandra , Santibaсez J.F. , Jovcic Gordana , Bugarski Diana
Published: April 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from human periodontal ligament
(hPDL-MSCs) and characterized by their morphology, clonogenic efficiency,
proliferation and differentiation capabilities. hPDL-MSCs, derived from
normal impacted third molars, possessed all of the properties of MSC,
including clonogenic ability, high proliferation rate and multi-lineage
(osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, myogenic) differentiation potential.
Moreover, hPDL-MSCs expressed a typical MSC epitope profile, being positive
for mesenchymal cell markers (CD44H, CD90, CD105, CD73, CD29, Stro-1,
fibronectin, vimentin, ?-SMA), and negative for hematopoietic stem cell
markers (CD34, CD11b, CD45, Glycophorin-CD235a). Additionally, hPDL-MSCs, as
primitive and highly multipotent cells, showed high expression of embryonic
markers (Nanog, Sox2, SSEA4). The data obtained provided yet further proof
that cells with mesenchymal properties can be obtained from periodontal
ligament tissue. Although these cells should be further investigated to
determine their clinical significance, hPDL-MSCs are believed to provide a
renewable and promising cell source for new therapeutic strategies in the
treatment of periodontal defects.
Desorption of metals from Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. Lichen using solutions simulating acid rain
Authors: Cuculovic Ana , Pavlovic Mirjana , Savovic Jelena , Veselinovic D.S.
Published: April 2014

Desorption of metals K, Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Ba, Zn, Mn, Cu and Sr from Cetraria
islandica (L.) with solutions whose composition was similar to that of acid
rain, was investigated. Desorption of metals from the lichen was performed by
five successive desorption processes. Solution mixtures containing H2SO4,
HNO3 and H2SO4-HNO3 were used for desorption. Each solution had three
different pH values: 4.61, 5.15 and 5.75, so that the desorptions were
performed with nine different solutions successively five times, always using
the same solution volume. The investigated metals can be divided into two
groups. One group was comprised of K, Ca and Mg, which were desorbed in each
of the five desorption processes at all pH values used. The second group
included Al, Fe, Zn, Ba, Mn and Sr; these were not desorbed in each
individual desorption and not at all pH values, whereas Cu was not desorbed
at all under any circumstances. Using the logarithmic dependence of the metal
content as a function of the desorption number, it was found that potassium
builds two types of links and is connected with weaker links in lichen.
Potassium is completely desorbed, 80% in the first desorption, and then
gradually in the following desorptions. Other metals are linked with one
weaker link (desorption 1-38%) and with one very strong link (desorption
below the metal detection limit).
The effect of low concentrations of ethanol on gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Wu Lingjiao , Chen Shaohua , Zhang Yu , Pan Hongming
Published: April 2014

Chronic alcohol consumption has been identified as a significant risk factor
for cancer in humans. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of
low concentrations of ethanol on gastric adenocarcinoma cell viability,
apoptosis, and changes in the expression of alcohol dehydrogenase with
ethanol treatment. Gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (MGC803, MGC823 and
SGC7901) were treated with different concentrations of ethanol (0.03125%,
0.0625%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%). An MTT
(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and flow
cytometry were used to analyze the effect of ethanol treatment on cell
viability and apoptosis. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression
of alcohol dehydrogenase in gastric carcinoma cells. Ethanol treatment
inhibited cell proliferation in gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines in a
significant dose-dependent manner. Ethanol was also able to induce the
apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Alcohol
dehydrogenase activity of gastric adenocarcinoma cells increased with the
increase in the concentration of ethanol. Ethanol inhibited cell viability
and growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines. Low concentrations of
ethanol also induced apoptosis and increased the expression of alcohol
dehydrogenase of the gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines.
Relevance of the body mass index in the cognitive status of diabetic patients with different alcohol-drinking patterns
Authors: Lacramioara Serban , Toarba Cristina , Hogas Simona , Covic A. , Ciobica A. , Chirita Roxana , Graur Mariana
Published: April 2014

Nowadays the general relevance of alcohol consumption in diabetes is
extremely controversial. There are recent reports that alcohol consumption
could result in a decreased incidence of diabetes, as well as other studies
demonstrating a positive association between alcohol consumption and type 2
diabetes; there are also reports arguing for an inverse association between
the two or for no correlation at all. The different results obtained in these
studies could be explained by the existence of several confounders that could
influence the outcome of the aforementioned studies. In this paper, we
studied the possible relevance of BMI as a confounder in the relationship
between alcohol consumption in diabetes and cognitive function, by analyzing
the correlations between BMI values in diabetic patients with different
alcohol drinking patterns and the subdomains from some main psychometric
tests, such as MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MOCA (Montreal
Cognitive Assessment). Our results provide evidence for BMI as a possible
confounder of the relationship between alcohol consumption in diabetes and
cognitive function. We found a significant increase (p<0.0001) in BMI values
in patients with diabetes compared to our control group. Most importantly,
significant correlations between BMI parameters in alcohol-consuming diabetic
patients and most of the subdomains for psychometric testing.
A new Pseudoscorpion from Bosnia: Roncus bosniensis n. sp. (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones)
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic S.B. , Makarov S.E. , Antic D.Z. , Ilic B.S.
Published: April 2014

A new species of troglobitic false scorpion, Roncus bosniensis n. sp.
(Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones), is described from inside an underground
habitat, the Jama Pored Puta Pit, nr. Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The
analyzed pseudoscorpion proves to differ from all other congeners, but is
closest to R. hajnehaj Curcic & Dimitrijevic. It is possible that the
subterranean pseudoscorpion analyzed represents a relict of an old tropical
faunal pattern of the Mediterranean.
On two new cave species of Pseudoscorpions (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from Herzegovina and Dalmatia
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic S.B. , Curcic Nina , Makarov S.E.
Published: April 2014

A careful analysis of samples of pseudoscorpions (Neobisiidae,
Pseudoscorpiones) from two underground habitats, one near Trebinje
(Herzegovina) and the other from the National Park Paklenica (Croatia), has
yielded two species of the genus Roncus L. Koch new to science, Roncus
tribunus n. sp. and R. argyrunti n. sp. Both new species are described
thoroughly, illustrated, and diagnosed. Some biogeographical and evolutionary
characteristics of the two taxa are briefly discussed.
Microchthonius kasteli n. sp. (Chthoniidae, Pseudoscorpiones): A new cave false scorpion from Croatia (Dalmatia)
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic S.B. , Curcic Nina , Makarov S.E. , Ilic B.S.
Published: April 2014

A new blind false scorpion, Microchthonius kasteli n. sp., from the
Micoletova Jama Pit, Rudine, nr. Kastel, Dalmatia, has been described. The
new pseudoscorpion is different from all other congeners. It is probable that
this new taxon is the remain of an old tropical soil fauna, which now
inhabits the subtropical area of the Mediterranean seaside. Morphometric
ratios, figures, and linear measurements of the new species are presented in
detail.
Effects of feed restriction on metabolic disorders in broiler chickens: A review
Authors: Sahraei M.
Published: April 2014

Continuous genetic selection and improvement in nutrition have led to a very
fast growth rate in modern strains of broiler chickens. Metabolic disorders
such as ascits, sudden death syndrome and leg problems are related to a rapid
early growth rate in poultry, especially in broilers, and their incidence can
be decreased by slowing early growth. The use of management tools to reduce
metabolic disorders that rely primarily on decreasing feed consumption, The
feed restriction programs is on of the main techniques in growth curve
manipulation for increasing production efficiency in broiler chicken in
alleviate the incidence of some metabolic disorders and can be used to
reduction the unfavorable effects of fast growth rate in broiler chicken
production industry, and could be profitable in broiler chickens production
efficiency. This article implicated on new findings in about different feed
restriction programs effects on these problems in broiler chickens.
Study on the performance of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the puerperal period of beef cows
Authors: Maslev Ts. , Hristova Ts. , Stoycheva S.
Published: April 2014

The effect of the intravenous injection of 100 mcg (2 ml)
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Ovarelin, Ceva) from the 1st to the 20th day
after calving of beef cows was monitored in the article, in regard to the
occurrence of the first oestrus and the possibilities for its controlling. It
was established that in the first minutes of intravenous application of
Ovarelin the concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) increased. By
increasing the number of days increased the amount of secreted LH. Maximum
effect of the injection of 100 mcg GnRH occurred between the 10th and 15th
day. The physiological dose (100 mcg) GnRH injected intravenously on the 1st
day after birth of cows led to increased content of LH in blood circulation.
Application of multivariate logistic regression model to assess factors of importance influencing prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in Nigerian goat breeds
Authors: Yakubu A. , Muhammed M.M. , Musa-Azara I.S.
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate the application of binary logistic
regression to assess the potential factors associated with the prevalence of
abortion and stillbirth in indigenous goat breeds in Nasarawa State, north
central Nigeria. 5,268 kidding records of does from a total of 105
traditional goat herders from the year 2010-2011 were utilized in the study.
The goats which were of West African Dwarf (WAD), Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH)
and WAD x RS crossbred (WR) genetic groups originated from different flocks
and were reared under the traditional extensive system. The risk factors
investigated were dam breed group, season, parity and number of foetuses. Of
the 5,268 kidding records, 570 (10.8%) and 520 (9.87%) were cases of abortion
and stillbirth, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that
season, parity and number of foetuses were the parameters of utmost
importance (P<0.05) influencing the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in
the four genetic groups investigated. The logistic regression models were
able to predict correctly 89.2 and 90.1% cases of abortion and stillbirth,
respectively. The present information may be exploited in management
practices to attenuate the incidence of abortion and stillbirth parturition,
thereby increasing the productivity of the animals.
Comparison seroprevalence of Salmonella spp. in large farms and individual producers in Serbia
Authors: Stojanac N. , Stevancevic O. , Savic B. , Stancic I. , Potkonjak A.
Published: April 2014

Salmonella is one of the most frequently reported food-borne (alimentary)
infections in the world. The study objective was to evaluate seroprevalence
of Salmonella spp. in the farrow-to-finish farms and individual producers.
Examined fattened pigs were divided into two groups: the first group was
comprised of fatteners from 4 large farms in northern Serbia, and fatteners
from the other group originating from individual producers from northern
Serbia and the region of eastern Serbia. Individual blood serum samples were
collected from 100 pigs per farrow-to-finish farms and 300 fattening pigs
from individual producers and analysed for the presence of Salmonella
antibodies. A blood serum sample from each pig was frozen, and blood serum
was examined for specific antibodies against Salmonella spp. using an
indirect ELISA. Salmonella seroprevalence ranging from 0% to 56% was found in
4 farrow-to-finish farms. Seroprevalence of 79% was found in individual
producers (300 blood serum samples). This study shows that the results of
serological tests for Salmonella were different (p<0.01) for slaughtered pigs
from farms and from individual producers. Pig production in Serbia is under
better supervision on large farrow-to-finish farms than in the individual
sector. This study is an introduction to reducing of public health risks
associated with Salmonella in pork.
Management practices effect on seed features of Italian ryegrass following storage period
Authors: Mandic V. , Simic A. , Vuckovic S. , Stanisavljevic R. , Tomic Z. , Bijelic Z. , Krnjaja V.
Published: April 2014

Italian ryegrass seed crop was established in 2007 with two sowing densities
(D1 = 60 cm row spacing and 5 kg ha-1 seeding rate; D2 = 20 cm row spacing
and 20 kg ha-1 seeding rate) and using two spring nitrogen rates (0 and 150
kg N ha-1). Seed germination and thousand seed weight (TSW) of Italian
ryegrass was observed in first production year. After harvest in June, seeds
were stored under standard storage conditions and sampled 90 days after
harvest (DAH), and then 2000 DAH. At 90 DAH, seeds were tested for TSW, as
well as germination energy and total germination percentage at incubation
temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 25?C. Ryegrass seeds had the best germination
energy 90 DAH at 20?C and maximum total germination at 15?C, which implies
that early autumn (September-October) is proper sowing period for freshly
harvested seeds of Italian ryegrass. Italian ryegrass seeds could maintain
satisfactory germination energy (59.3%) and total germination (77.3%) up to
2000 DAH. High seed quality was obtained and applied treatments did not
change seed quality significantly unlike storage period which had
considerable influence on seed quality. The data can serve for the
determination of a proper storage duration management between harvest and
sowing of the tested species under ambient conditions of Serbia.
On the structure of bidegreed graphs with minimal spectral radius
Authors: Belardo Francesco
Published: April 2014

A graph is said to be (?,?)-bidegreed if vertices all have one of two
possible degrees: the maximum degree ? or the minimum degree ?, with ? ? ?.
We show that in the set of connected (?,1)- bidegreed graphs, other than
trees, with prescribed degree sequence, the graphs minimizing the adjacency
matrix spectral radius cannot have vertices adjacent to ? - 1 vertices of
degree 1, that is, there are not any hanging trees. Further we consider the
limit point for the spectral radius of (?,1)-bidegreed graphs when degree ?
vertices are inserted in each edge between any two degree ? vertices.
α-ψ-Geraghty contraction type mappings and some related fixed point results
Authors: Karapınara Erdal
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we consider a generalization of ?-?-Geraghty contractions and
investigate the existence and uniqueness of fixed point for the mapping
satisfying this condition. We illustrate an example and an application to
support our results. In particular, we extend, improve and generalize some
earlier results in the literature on this topic.
The residual spectrum and the continuous spectrum of upper triangular operator matrices
Authors: Hai Guojun , Chen Alatancang
Published: April 2014

Let H and K be separable infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces. We denote by MC
the 2x2 upper triangular operator matrix acting on H ? K of the form MC = (A
C/0 B ). For given operators A ? B(H) and B ? B(K), the sets C?B?(K,H)
?r(MC) and C?B?(K,H) ?c(MC) are characterized, where ?r(?) and ?c(?) denote
the residual spectrum and the continuous spectrum, respectively
Fixed point theorems using cyclicweaker Meir-Keeler functions in partial metric spaces
Authors: Nashine Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we will present some fixed point results for mappings which
satisfy cyclic weaker (? ? ?)-contractions and cyclic weaker
(?,?)-contractions in 0-complete partial metric spaces. Our results
generalize or improve many recent fixed point theorems in the literature.
Examples are given to support the usability of our results.
New bounds for the companion of Ostrowski’s inequality and applications
Authors: Liu Wenjun
Published: April 2014

In this paper we establish some new bounds for the companion of Ostrowski?s
inequality for the case when f??L1[a, b], f???L2[a,b] and f??L2[a,
b], respectively. We point out that the results in the first and third cases
are sharp and that some of these new estimations can be better than the
known results.
Some inequalities generalizing Kato’s and Furuta’s results
Authors: Dragomir S.S.
Published: April 2014

In this paper we establish a four-operator inequality from which we recapture
as particular cases the Furuta?s inequality and Kato?s inequality as well as
we obtain other similar results of interest. Applications for numerical
radius inequalities and for functions of operators given by power series are
provided as well.
Ordering unicyclic graphs with large average eccentricities
Authors: Tang Yunfang , Zhou Bo
Published: April 2014

The eccentricity of a vertex u in a connected graph G is the maximum distance
from u to other vertices of G. The n-vertex unicyclic graphs with the i-th
largest average eccentricity are determined for all i up to [n/2]- 1 with
n ? 6.
Hosoya polynomials of general spiro hexagonal chains
Authors: Li Xianyong , Yang Xiaofan , Wang Guoping , Hu Rongwei
Published: April 2014

Spiro hexagonal chains are a subclass of spiro compounds which are an
important subclass of Cycloalkynes in Organic Chemistry. This paper addresses
general spiro hexagonal chains in which every hexagon represents a benzene
ring, and establishes the formulae for computing the Hosoya polynomials of
general spiro hexagonal chains.
SVEP and local spectral radius formula for unbounded operators
Authors: Aiena Pietro , Trapani Camillo , Triolo Salvatore
Published: April 2014

In this paper we study the localized single valued extension property for an
unbounded operator T. Moreover, we provide sufficient conditions for which
the formula of the local spectral radius holds for these operators.
On coverings with special points and monodromy group a Weyl group of type Bd
Authors: Vetroa Francesca
Published: April 2014

In this paper we study Hurwitz spaces parameterizing coverings with special
points and with monodromy group a Weyl group of type Bd. We prove that such
spaces are irreducible if k > 3d ? 3. Here, k denotes the number of local
monodromies that are reflections relative to long roots.
Weyl’s theorem for algebraically quasi-paranormal operators
Authors: Han Young , Na Won
Published: April 2014

Let T or T? be an algebraically quasi-paranormal operator acting on Hilbert
space. We prove : (i) Weyl?s theorem holds for f (T) for every f ? H(?(T));
(ii) a-Browder?s theorem holds for f (S) for every S ? T and f ? H(?(S));
(iii) the spectral mapping theorem holds for the Weyl spectrum of T and for
the essential approximate point spectrum of T.
On the harmonic index of bicyclic conjugated molecular graphs
Authors: Zhu Yan , Chang Renying
Published: April 2014

The harmonic index H(G) of a graph G is defined as the sum of weights 2/
d(u)+d(v) of all edges uv of G, where d(u) denotes the degree of a vertex u
in G. In this paper, we first present a sharp lower bound on the harmonic
index of bicyclic conjugated molecular graphs (bicyclic graphs with perfect
matching). Also a sharp lower bound on the harmonic index of bicyclic graphs
is given in terms of the order and given size of matching.
Pressureless sintering behavior of injection molded alumina ceramics
Authors: Liu W. , Xie Z.
Published: April 2014

The pressureless sintering behaviors of two widely used submicron alumina
(MgOdoped and undoped) with different solid loadings produced by injection
molding have been studied systematically. Regardless of the sinterability of
different powders depending on their inherent properties, solid loading plays
a critical role on the sintering behavior of injection molded alumina, which
greatly determines the densification and grain size, and leads to its full
densification at low temperatures. As compared to the MgO-doped alumina
powder, the undoped specimens exhibit a higher sinterability for its smaller
particle size and larger surface area. While full densification could be
achieved for MgO-doped powders with only a lower solid loading, due to the
fact that MgO addition can reduce the detrimental effect of the large pore
space on the pore-boundary separation.
Investigation of possibility for stabilization and valorization of electric ARC furnace dust and glass from electronic waste
Authors: Ranitovic M. , Kamberovic Z. , Korac M. , Gavrilovski M. , Issa H. , Andjic Z.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents investigation of possibility for electric arc furnace
dust (EAFD) and electronic waste (e-waste) valorization trough stabilization
process, in order to achieve concurrent management of these two serious
ecological problems. EAFD is an ineviTab. waste material coming from the
electric arc furnace steel production process, classified as a hazardous
waste. Furthermore, it is well known that residual materials generated in the
ewaste recycling process, like LCD (Liquid crystal displays) waste glass, are
not suiTab. for landfill or incineration. In this study, these two materials
were used for investigation of possibility for their valorization in ceramic
industry. Thus, an innovative synergy of waste streams from metallurgical and
e-waste recycling industry is presented. Investigation included a complex
characterization of raw materials and their mixtures, using chemical methods,
optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as methods for
determining the physical and mechanical properties. Based on these results,
it was found that material suiTab. for use in ceramics industry as a partial
substituent of quartzite and fluxing components can be produced. Besides
solving the environmental problem related to EAFD and LCD disposal, by
replacement of raw materials certain economic effects can be achieved.
The formation of different Mg-Al LDHs (Mg/Al=2:1) under hydrothermal conditions and their application for Zn2+ ions removal
Authors: Bankauskaite A. , Baltakys K.
Published: April 2014

The formation of different Mg-Al LDHs (Mg/Al = 2:1) under hydrothermal
conditions (200?C; 4-24 h) was investigated in the 4MgCO3?Mg(OH)2?5H2O -
?-Al2O3/Al(OH)3 - H2O and Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2?4H2O - ?-Al2O3 - H2O systems. It was
determined that chemical nature of the initial Mg containing components
changes the formation mechanism of the synthesis products during isothermal
curing. Magnesium aluminum hydroxide hydrate is crystallized by using
4MgCO3?Mg(OH)2?5H2O as starting material while hydroxide hydrate in the
Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2?4H2O presence. The sequence of the compounds formation is
presented. It should be noted that different modifications of Al containing
components have only a slight influence on the meixnerite-type LDH
hydrothermal synthesis. It was determined that after 45 min of sorption all
Zn2+ ions are incorporated into the crystal structure of hydrotalcite. It
should be underlined that crystallinity of the latter compound do not change
during ion exchange experiments. Thus, the latter compound can be used as
adsorbent for Zn2+ ion removal. Synthesized samples were characterized by
powder X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FT-IR), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM).
The luminescent properties of yttrium oxyapatite doped with Eu3+ ions
Authors: Jokanovic V. , Colovic B. , Jovic N.
Published: April 2014

The structural and luminescent properties of Ca2Y8(SiO4)6O2 (CYS) silicate
based oxyapatite doped with Eu3+ ions have been reported in this paper. The
sample was synthesized using reflux method assisted by urea subsequent
degradation. Very specific, sh?lland rope-like morphologies were observed by
SEM. The powder X-ray diffraction study revealed that the Eu3+: CYS system
crystallized in a hexagonal lattice structure (space group P63/m)
characteristic of oxyapatite. In the host oxyapatite structure, ? partial
replacement of Ca2+ ?nd Y3+ ions by luminescent active Eu3+ ions have been
done, and its photoluminescent spectra were analyzed. The performed analysis
indicate the presence of Eu3+ ions in both, nine-fold coordinated 4f, and
seven-fold coordinated 6h sites, showing a slight shift towards the blue area
in comparison to a typical spectra of other yttrium-silicate phases as hosts.
But the Learning Has Already Passed: Rethinking the Role of Time in E-Mediated Learning Settings
Authors: Khoo Elaine , Cowie Bronwen
Published: April 2014

Time takes on a different character when online teachers take advantage of the possibilities for interactions occurring over different scales of time. Online teachers' pedagogical link-making can help students see links between ideas across individual postings so that meaning making becomes cumulative and progressive. This article reports on a qualitative case study of a fully online postgraduate course in Educational Research Methods within a New Zealand tertiary institution where the intention was to develop a learning community. The study was framed within a lecturer-researcher collaborative approach to facilitate online lecturer development. Data collected from the online postings between lecturers and students, and among students and lecturer and student interviews, revealed how postings that point towards previous group ideas, current developing ideas and forward-focused ideas at pivotal points in the course supported student reflection, collaboration, and provided for socio-emotional support albeit in different ways and means. The authors argue that there is value in explicitly considering the mediating role of time when learning is understood as multidimensional and cumulative and provide implications for further research and practice.
Do Critical Audit Matter Paragraphs in the Audit Report Change Nonprofessional Investors' Decision to Invest?
Authors: Christensen Brant E. , Glover Steven M. , Wolfe Christopher J.
Published: April 2014

Both U.S. and international standard setters have recently proposed changes to the standard audit report, including a requirement to include a critical audit matter (CAM) paragraph. We examine how nonprofessional investors react to an audit report's CAM paragraph that is centered on the audit of fair value estimates. We perform an experiment with nonprofessional investors who are business school graduates who invest in individual stocks and analyze company financial data. We find that investors who receive a CAM paragraph are more likely to change their investment decision than are investors who receive a standard audit report (an information effect) or investors who receive the same CAM paragraph information in management's footnotes (a source credibility effect). We also find that the effect of a CAM paragraph is reduced when it is followed by a paragraph offering resolution of the critical audit matter. Our findings should be of interest to regulators and standard setters as they consider the feasibility of CAM paragraphs and whether and how to convey the resolution of critical audit matters.
Blurred Vision, Perilous Future: Management Fraud at Olympus
Authors: Dutta Saurav K. , Caplan Dennis H. , Marcinko David J.
Published: April 2014

In 2011, Japan was shocked by the revelation of a fraud at one of its most prominent companies, Olympus. What was more shocking was that the fraud was perpetrated by its Chairman of the Board and past president, Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, in collusion with several other Board members and officers. The whistleblower was Michael Woodford, a British citizen and the Company's first non-Japanese president and CEO. Woodford had held the post of president for just six months before he was precipitously fired at a Board of Director's meeting on October 14, 2011.

The case has been successfully used in both undergraduate and graduate courses that include intermediate financial accounting, advanced accounting, auditing, and forensic accounting. It demonstrates how poor governance structures allowed company executives and directors to circumvent accounting rules and hide investment losses for over two decades. The accounting topics include (1) methods of accounting for investments in financial instruments, (2) recognition and measurement of goodwill at the time of acquisition, and (3) consolidation accounting. The case requires students to link economic events to business decisions, and understand the financial reporting ramifications of those decisions. The case also requires students to critically analyze corporate governance mechanisms, and to consider the external auditor's responsibility for detecting and communicating financial statement fraud.
Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment with Different Weight for Attribute: Based on the Dina Model
Authors: Guo Lei , Bao Yu , Wang Zhuoran , Bian Yufang
Published: April 2014

An attribute weight calculation method which used a Bayesian network and the least squares distance method was proposed to assign different weights to different attributes in cognitive diagnosis. This method is independent of any specific cognitive diagnostic models, so it is practicable to consider attribute weight not only in the models with explicit expression but also in item response theory-based cognitive diagnostic methods. Simulation studies showed that the data fit for the least squares distance method was excellent and the weighted status can yield higher correct classification rates than the unweighted status. The weighted status had a promising performance in recognizing the knowledge states of examinees for various slippage probabilities under different attribute hierarchies. The numbers of items and attributes could also affect the examinees' classification accuracy.