bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation eines Trainingsprogrammszur Förderung der sprachlichen Kompetenzenvon Schülerinnen und Schülernim letzten Hauptschuljahr
Authors: Wagner Kai , Stark Robin , Krause Ulrike-Marie , Gutenberg Norbert
Published: December 2013

The present study aims at preparing students in the ninth grade of secondaryschool for apprenticeships by promoting their linguistic competencies.The study compares lower-track secondary school students who weretrained within a problem-based learning environment and a control groupof untrained higher-track students. Besides, effects of gender, native language,and migration background on the effectiveness of the training wereanalyzed, as well as correlations between linguistic sub-competencies(reading, writing, speaking, listening). The results suggest that the interventionwas successful. After the training, the performance level of lowertrackstudents matched the level of higher-track students with respect toessential linguistic competencies.
Individual Differences in Music Reward Experiences
Authors: Mas-Herrero Ernest , Marco-Pallares Josep , Lorenzo-Seva Urbano , Zatorre Robert J. , Rodriguez-Fornells Antoni
Published: December 2013

Music is one of the most pleasant human experiences, even though it has no direct biological advantage. However little is known about individual differences in how people experience reward in music-related activities. The goal of the present study was to describe the main facets of music experience that could explain the variance observed in how people experience reward associated with music. To this end we developed the Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire (BMRQ), which was administrated to three large samples. Our results showed that the musical reward experience can be decomposed into five reliable factors: Musical Seeking, Emotion Evocation, Mood Regulation, Social Reward, and Sensory-Motor. These factors were correlated with socio-demographic factors and measures of general sensitivity to reward and hedonic experience. We propose that the five-factor structure of musical reward experience might be very relevant in the study of psychological and neural bases of emotion and pleasure associated to music.
Smetana's “Vyšehrad” and Mythologies of Czechness in Scholarship
Authors: Pierre Kelly St.
Published: December 2013

Scholars have long framed similarities between Bedřich Smetana's “Vyšehrad” (the first movement of Má vlast) and Zdeněk Fibich's symphonic poem Záboj, Slavoj, and Luděk as a threat to Smetana's originality. In his biography of the composer, for example, Brian Large moved to “exonerate” Smetana from charges of “plagiarism” by arguing that Smetana began “Vyšehrad” at least two years before Záboj's premiere in 1874; not six months later as Smetana's diary attests. Rather than regarding these works' similarities as a problem, this discussion embraces their close relationships as a starting point. Situating both symphonic poems and their reception within the discourses generated by a powerful organization called the “Umělecká beseda” (“Artistic Society,” or UB, in which both Smetana and Fibich participated) illuminates the larger intellectual and aesthetic space from which they emerged. Such a process of contextualization reveals how both composers' works constructed each other and uncovers Smetana not as a “lone genius”—a composer untainted by influence—but as a participant in a shared conversation. Ultimately, this examination opens up new understandings of Smetana and his “Vyšehrad” and invites scholars to reengage with the deliberate subjectivity of Czechness and historiography more broadly.
ARX/Arx is expressed in germ cells during spermatogenesis in both marsupial and mouse
Authors: Yu Hongshi , Pask Andrew J , Hu Yanqiu , Shaw Geoff , Renfree Marilyn B
Published: December 2013

The X-linked aristaless gene,ARX, is essential for the development of the gonads, forebrain, olfactory bulb, pancreas, and skeletal muscle in mice and humans. Mutations cause neurological diseases, often accompanied by ambiguous genitalia. There are a disproportionately high number of testis and brain genes on the human and mouse X chromosomes. It is still unknown whether the X chromosome accrued these genes during its evolution or whether genes that find themselves on the X chromosome evolve such roles.ARXwas originally autosomal in mammals and remains so in marsupials, whereas in eutherian mammals it translocated to the X chromosome. In this study, we examined autosomalARXin tammars and compared it with the X-linkedArxin mice. We detectedARXmRNA in the neural cells of the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain, and olfactory bulbs in developing tammars, consistent with the expression in mice.ARXwas detected by RT-PCR and mRNAin situhybridization in the developing tammar wallaby gonads of both sexes, suggestive of a role in sexual development as in mice. We also detectedARX/ArxmRNA in the adult testis in both tammars and mice, suggesting a potential novel role forARX/Arxin spermiogenesis.ARXtranscripts were predominantly observed in round spermatids.ArxmRNA localization distributions in the mouse adult testis suggest that it escaped meiotic sex chromosome inactivation during spermatogenesis. Our findings suggest thatARXin the therian mammal ancestor already played a role in male reproduction before it was recruited to the X chromosome in eutherians.
When does compensation lead to forgiveness?
Authors: Papp Gábor , Kovács Judit , Pántya József , Kiss Nóra
Published: December 2013

Az interperszonális elutasítás komoly következményekkel járó sérelem, erós negatív érzéseket válthat ki. A megbocsátás egy lehetséges módja annak, hogy ezektól a kellemetlen érzésektól megszabaduljunk, a sérelmet követó jóvátételi törekvések pedig elósegíthetik a megbocsátást. Tanulmányunkban az elutasítást követó jóvátétel megbocsátásra gyakorolt hatását annak függvényében vizsgáljuk, hogy a jóvátétel mennyire teljes körű, illetve kinek a döntése alapján érkezik vagy nem érkezik. A kutatásunk újszerűsége, hogy az intézményesen rendelt, illetve a sértó fél által hozott jóvátételi döntés hatását abban az esetben is vizsgálja, amikor a jóvátételi döntés nemleges.Kérdóíves kutatást végeztünk 323 fó részvételével. Az eredményeink azt mutatták, hogy a jóvátétel elósegíti a megbocsátást, de a teljes körű jóvátétel nem bizonyult hatékonyabbnak a részleges jóvátételnél. Továbbá az intézményesen rendelt jóvátétel inkább elósegítette a megbocsátást, mint az a jóvátétel, ami a sérelmet okozó féltól származott. A tanulmányunkban az eredmények gyakorlati alkalmazhatóságáról is beszámolunk.
Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Treating Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Syed Ehsan Ullah , Wasay Mohammad , Awan Safia
Published: December 2013

Background/Objective:

Recent literature has identified links between vitamin B12 deficiency and depression.We compared the clinical response of SSRI-monotherapy with that of B12-augmentation in a sample of depressed patients with low normal B12 levels who responded inadequately to the first trial with the SSRIs.

Methods:

Patients with depression and low normal B12 levels were randomized to a control arm (antidepressant only) or treatment arm (antidepressants and injectable vitamin B12 supplementation).

Results:

A total of 199 depressed patients were screened. Out of 73 patients with low normal B12 levels 34 (47%) were randomized to the treatment group while 39 (53%) were randomized to the control arm. At three months follow up 100% of the treatment group showed at least a 20% reduction in HAM-D score, while only 69% in the control arm showed at least a 20% reduction in HAM-D score (p<0.001). The findings remained significant after adjusting for baseline HAM-D score (p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Vitamin B12 supplementation with antidepressants significantly improved depressive symptoms in our cohort.
Comparison of Growth Performance, Body Composition, Body Conformation
and Meat Quality Between Three Genetic Pig Lines
Authors: Permentier Liesbet , Maenhout Daniël , Broekman Konrad , Deley Wouter , Perre Vincent Van de , Verbeke Geert , Geers Rony
Published: December 2013

Growth performance, body composition, body conformation and meat quality were evaluated in crossbred pigs
originating from three sire lines selected for leanness and conformation. The crossbred P, which was based on Belgian
Piétrain had a leaner carcass and a better ham conformation compared to the other crossbreds. The presence of the halothane
gene resulted in poorer meat quality in comparison to the homozygous halothane negative crossbred. Body composition
and body conformation were not correlated. Hence, information on both body composition and body conformation
is needed to characterize genetic lines in order to determine the true commercial value of pig carcasses, especially when
meat quality has to be taken into account.
Anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from nearly Kaehler manifolds
Authors: Ali Shahid , Fatima Tanveer
Published: December 2013

We extend the notion of anti-invariant and Langrangian Riemannian submersion to the case when the total manifold is nearly Kaehler. We obtain the integrability conditions for the horizontal distribution while it is noted that the vertical distribution is always integrable. We also investigate the geometry of the foliations of the two distributions and obtain the necessary and sufficient condition for a Langrangian submersion to be totally geodesic. The decomposition theorems for the total manifold of the submersion are obtained.
On controllability for Sturm-Liouville type differential inclusions
Authors: Cernea Aurelian
Published: December 2013

We consider a second-order differential inclusion and we obtain sufficient conditions for h-local controllability along a reference trajectory.
Discussing Variance Analysis with the Performance of a Basketball Team
Authors: Strawser William R. , Strawser Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2013

While current cost and managerial accounting texts devote extensive coverage to comparisons of actual and expected costs, relatively scant attention is devoted to analyzing comparable differences in revenues. Methods commonly used to identify differences between actual and expected revenues include the calculation of variances such as the sales price (SPV), sales quantity (SQV), and the sales mix (SMV) variances. We decided to approach the discussion of these variances in an innovative setting by presenting the SQV and SMV in the context of analyzing the performance of a basketball team, providing a setting that is both appropriate and interesting for illustrating revenue variances. Also, there are trade-offs in the choice between two of these “revenue” sources, for example, should the shooter attempt a two- or a three-point shot? Other relevant questions propel the decomposition of the SQV into the market size (MSV) and market share (MShV) variances. Was the game an offensive showdown, tallying numerous shots, or a defensive lock-down with relatively few shots? How effective was the team in controlling the ball and scoring a dominant proportion of shots? Feedback from students indicates that this illustration provides an interesting and comprehensive discussion of revenue variances. Using this and similar settings, a better understanding of quantity and mix variances, and the impact of these variances on improving performance, may be obtained.
Interactions Between Zinc Transporter-8 Gene (SLC30A8) and Plasma Zinc Concentrations for Impaired Glucose Regulation and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Shan Zhilei , Bao Wei , Zhang Yan , Rong Ying , Wang Xia , Jin Yilin , Song Yadong , Yao Ping , Sun Changhao , Hu Frank B. , Liu Liegang
Published: December 2013

Although both SLC30A8 rs13266634 single nucleotide polymorphism and plasma zinc concentrations have been associated with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), their interactions for IGR and T2D remain unclear. Therefore, to assess zinc-SLC30A8 interactions, we performed a case-control study in 1,796 participants: 218 newly diagnosed IGR patients, 785 newly diagnosed T2D patients, and 793 individuals with normal glucose tolerance. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, and hypertension, the multivariable odds ratio (OR) of T2D associated with a 10 µg/dL higher plasma zinc level was 0.87 (95% CI 0.85–0.90). Meanwhile, the OR of SLC30A8 rs13266634 homozygous genotypes CC compared with TT was 1.53 (1.11–2.09) for T2D. Similar associations were found in IGR and IGR&T2D groups. Each 10 µg/dL increment of plasma zinc was associated with 22% (OR 0.78 [0.72–0.85]) lower odds of T2D in TT genotype carriers, 17% (0.83 [0.80–0.87]) lower odds in CT genotype carriers, and 7% (0.93 [0.90–0.97]) lower odds in CC genotype carriers (P for interaction = 0.01). Our study suggested that the C allele of rs13266634 was associated with higher odds of T2D, and higher plasma zinc was associated with lower odds. The inverse association of plasma zinc concentrations with T2D was modified by SLC30A8 rs13266634. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and clarify the mechanisms underlying the interaction between plasma zinc and the SLC30A8 gene in relation to T2D.
Fetal Autopsy Findings of Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome with a Unique BRAF Mutation
Authors: Terry Jefferson , Rauen Katherine A. , Nowaczyk Malgorzata J. M.
Published: December 2013

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a RASopathy phenotypically characterized by facial, cardiac, and ectodermal abnormalities. The extent to which this phenotype is expressed in the affected fetus is unclear, and a better understanding of the fetal autopsy findings in CFC syndrome could facilitate diagnosis and understanding of the developmental effects of dysregulated BRAF activity. Here we describe the fetal autopsy findings in a case of CFC syndrome in a 17-week fetus with a novel BRAF mutation that demonstrates potential similarities and differences with the postnatal presentation of CFC syndrome.
Evaluation of Symmetric Neutral-Atmosphere Mapping Functions Using Ray-Tracing Through Radiosonde Observations
Authors: Souri A.H. , Sharifi M.A.
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to compare the validity of six recent symmetric mapping functions. The mapping function models the elevation angle dependence of the tropospheric delay. Niell Mapping Function (NMF), Vienna Mapping Function (VMF1), University of New Brunswick- VMF1 (UNB-VMF1) mapping functions, Global Mapping Function (GMF) and Global Pressure and Temperature (GPT2)/GMF are evaluated by using ray tracing through 25 radiosonde stations covering different climatic regions in one year. The ray-traced measurements are regarded as “ground truth”. The ray-tracing approach is performed for diverse elevation angle starting at 5° to 15°. The results for both hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic components of mapping functions support the efficiency of online-mapping functions. The latitudinal dependence of standard deviation for 5° is also demonstrated. Although all the tested mapping functions can provide satisfactory results when used for elevation angles above 15°, for high precision geodetic measurements, it is highly recommended that the online-mapping functions (UNBs and VMF1) be used.The results suggest that UNB models, like VMF have strengths and weaknesses and do not stand out as being consistently better or worse than the VMF1. The GPT2/GMF provided better accuracy than GMF and NMF. Since all of them do not require site specific data; therefore GPT2/GMF can be useful as regards its ease of use.
Monitoring of the Aquatic Environment of an Industrial Area with Multiple Sources of Pollution
Authors: Pietrucin Dorota
Published: December 2013

Chemical plants are important objects of hydrogeological research, due to their potentially large impact on the soil and water environment. The topic of this paper is one of the oldest chemical plants in northern Poland, owned by the ‘Zachem’ company and located in the city of Bydgoszcz. The plant is located on a 500 ha property. This area has isolated about a dozen landfills for different types of wastes. In order to make a proper estimation of the influence of a chemical plant on its environment we must first identify the geological and hydrogeological conditions, and also the character of its land-use. Field investigations must be preceded by in-depth historical studies of the plant’s development and the technologies used within, and an identification of historical and present contamination sources. The author describes the current condition of the plant’s groundwater monitoring and indicates the direction of modernization and further development. This paper presents the problems faced when designing a groundwater monitoring network for industrial areas.
EOQ Revisited with Sustainability Considerations
Authors: Arslan M. Can , Turkay Metin
Published: December 2013

The economic order quantity (EOQ) model is a pure economic model in classical inventory control theory. The model is designed to find the order quantity so as to minimize total cost under a deterministic setting. In this study, we revise the standard EOQ model to incorporate sustainability considerations that include environmental and social criteria in addition to the conventional economic considerations. We propose models for a number of different policies and analyze these revised models. Based on our analysis, we show how the triple bottom line considerations of sustainability be appended to traditional cost accounting in EOQ model. We also provide a number of useful insights for decision and policy making practices.
Primal–Dual Type Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Kaliszewski Ignacy , Miroforidis Janusz
Published: December 2013

A new, primal-dual type approach for derivation of Pareto front approximations with evolutionary computations is proposed.

At present, evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms derive a discrete approximation of the Pareto front (the set of objective maps of efficient solutions) by selecting feasible solutions such that their objective maps are close to the Pareto front. As, except of test problems, Pareto fronts are not known, the accuracy of such approximations is known neither.

Here we propose to exploit also elements outside feasible sets with the aim to derive pairs of Pareto front approximations such that for each approximation pair the corresponding Pareto front lies, in a certain sense, in-between. Accuracies of Pareto front approximations by such pairs can be measured and controlled with respect to distance between such approximations.

A rudimentary algorithm to derive pairs of Pareto front approximations is presented and the viability of the idea is verified on a limited number of test problems.
Genetic Algorithm Modification for Production Scheduling
Authors: Brzęczek Tomasz , Nowak Dariusz
Published: December 2013

Scheduling of production soundly affects its capacity especially if system does complex production jobs. In the theoretical part of the article an overview of the scheduling methods proposed in the literature was presented. In this paper it was stated a variant of job shop problem, in which jobs can overlap in some machines and omit others. Authors designed and presented here genetic algorithm to optimize solution of such a problem. The algorithm finds jobs sequence priority and in accordance with it schedules operations and calculates their completion time. An adequate problem was met in an examined plant, where 20 production jobs consisted of 11 to 20 operations assigned to at most 15 machines. Such big parameter numbers are crucial for big formal models and their solution algorithms. The designed algorithm proved to deal with parameters scale, as it found the schedule with 23,8% shorter jobs completion time in comparison with FIFO heuristic, that has been used so far by the plant.
Continuous field soil moisture content mapping by means of apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measurement
Authors: Nagy Viliam , Milics Gábor , Smuk Norbert , Kovács Attila József , Balla István , Jolánkai Márton , Deákvári József , Szalay Kornél D. , Fenyvesi László , Štekauerová Vlasta , Wilhelm Zoltán , Rajkai Kálmán , Németh Tamás , Neményi Miklós
Published: December 2013

A soil moisture content map is important for providing information about the distribution of moisture in a given area. Moisture content directly influences agricultural yield thus it is crucial to have accurate and reliable information about moisture distribution and content in the field. Since soil is a porous medium modified generalized Archie’s equation provides the basic formula to calculate moisture content data based on measured ECa. In this study we aimed to find a more accurate and cost effective method for measuring moisture content than manual field sampling. Locations of 25 sampling points were chosen from our research field as a reference. We assumed that soil moisture content could be calculated by measuring apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) using the Veris-3100 on-the-go soil mapping tool. Statistical analysis was carried out on the 10.791 ECa raw data in order to filter the outliers. The applied statistical method was ±1.5 interquartile (IRQ) distance approach. The visualization of soil moisture distribution within the experimental field was carried out by means of ArcGIS/ArcMAP using the inverse distance weighting interpolation method. In the investigated 25 sampling points, coefficient of determination between calculated volumetric moisture content data and measured ECa was R2 = 0.87. According to our results, volumetric moisture content can be mapped by applying ECa measurements in these particular soil types.
Dynamic capabilities and knowledge management
Authors: Krzakiewicz Kazimierz
Published: December 2013

Dynamic capabilities and knowledge management The dynamic capabilities concept was formed and has been developed by integration of evolutionary theory, transaction cost theory, and the organisational learning and tacit knowledge concepts. As a result, it helps to weaken essential dichotomies of the strategic management theory, especially those relating to „internal and external” factors, a task that is of particular topical interest in today’s environment.

The concept has at the centre of its attention the knowledge of the firm on how to manage its resources proactively in order to form new asset combinations and thereby capture economic rent. This knowledge is of particular importance if firms are to compete in the knowledge economy. The dynamic capabilities paradigm opens up perspectives for the all-encompassing analysis of various business strategy aspects, especially those that are crucial in ensuring a firm’s longterm success, such as entrepreneurship, change management or knowledge-based competitiveness. The concept of dynamic capabilities reveals what in fact amounts to a new mechanism of developing competitive advantages, one that is characteristic of innovative, informationdriven economy. This mechanism is founded not just on the firm’s pool of tacit knowledge (its key strategic asset), but primarily on the firm’s ability to capture economic returns from its knowledge assets.

An argument may be put forward that the dynamic capabilities concept is at the core of a new strategy paradigm being formulated, and forms part of a new stage in strategic management theory
Pathologies connected with the work of IT specialist in the organizational system of the company
Authors: Haber Lesław , Garwol Katarzyna
Published: December 2013

Pathologies connected with the work of IT specialist in the organizational system of the company In the article are described the dangers to which the IT specialists, working for many hours with the usage of computer, Internet, and the cellular phone in the organizations of different type, are exposed to. At the beginning there was described the influence of digitalization to the changes in the system of organization management. In the further part one can find the trial of the answer to the question what is the place and the role of the IT specialists in the organizations. Then there are presented the results of the research carried out by the authors concerning the sources of dangers connected with the long work of IT specialists in the organization with the usage of achievements of the modern information technology.
Equity as a fundamental economic category in light of accounting standards
Authors: Nowak Edward
Published: December 2013

Equity as a synthetic measure of enterprise performance in light of accounting standards Equity is one of the fundamental economic categories which describe the financial position of an enterprise. Equity is a synthetic and complex value which is formed under the influence of multiple factors. The volume and structure of equity depends not only on the actions taken in various areas of activities pursued by a given enterprise but also on external factors. The information about equity is used by various stakeholders in a given enterprise when making economic decisions. Therefore, the method of determining equity and presenting information about it is subject to Polish and international accounting and financial reporting regulations. The present paper presents the essence of equity as a synthetic measure of enterprise performance in light of accounting standards and laws.
The influence of the selected factors on the financial liquidity of the enterprises quoted on the NewConnect market
Authors: Jędrzejczak-Gas Janina
Published: December 2013

The influence of the selected factors on the financial liquidity of the enterprises quoted on the NewConnect market It is for evaluation of the financial liquidity that financial liquidity ratios are applied; in particular the current ratio, which is a relation of current assets to current liabilities. However, this indicator does not provide wide interpretative possibilities in synthetic terms. It is a structural system, which is called „a pyramid of indicators”, that provides much greater interpretative possibilities and allows for determining. The purpose of this article is to present a proposal of a system of factors shaping the financial liquidity and to examine the strength and the influence direction of these factors on the financial liquidity of the companies quoted on the NewConnect stock exchange and ranked among construction companies. It is in order to accomplish this objective that the correlation analysis and the linear regression methods were applied.It results from the analysis of the correlation coefficient that the directions of changes of the financial liquidity and of the turnover of the current liabilities as well as of the financial liquidity and of the structure of the sources of financing the assets were significantly similar (harmonized). However, there was no linear correlation between the financial liquidity and the structure of assets as well as between the financial liquidity and the indicator of financing the sales revenue with external capital. The regression model created on the example of the enterprises belonging to the construction industry showed that the most important factor shaping the level of the financial liquidity is the share of the current assets in the total assets (X1). It is from the point of view of the β ratio that the structure of sources of financing assets (X4) is the most essential for the financial liquidity.
IT Solutions in Transport Management of Liquid Fuels. Case Study of Grupa Lotos
Authors: Witkowski Jarosław , Weremij Tomasz
Published: December 2013

The aim of the article is to present innovative IT solution for monitoring transport in the process of fuel distribution, which was implemented in Grupa Lotos in January 2013. Hardware and software requirements of the system as well as the functional and task-oriented structure were described in the article. In contrast with other standard applications supporting the management of liquid fuel supply chain it is a unique solution, which considerably contributes to a significant reduction of the levels of losses and extraordinarily increases the safety and quality of delivered goods. It is a tool which may become an important source of competitive edge during stagnation in the market of fuels.
Towards a Participatory, Co-operative and Sustainable Information Society?
Authors: Verdegem Pieter , Fuchs Christian
Published: December 2013

Sweden - like the other Nordic countries - is recognized as a leading IT nation. For this reason it is important to evaluate the specificities of Swedish policy discourses on the information society. The development of the information society has been a key topic in policy debates since the mid-1990s. More recently, new concepts such as ‘sustainable’ or ‘green knowledge society’ have emerged. This puts forward new questions about which type of information society we aim to achieve.

The present article contributes to the theoretical foundations of information society policies by introducing the notion of a participatory, co-operative, and sustainable information society (PCSIS). We apply this notion to Swedish policymaking by investigating ICT policy discourses. We also make a comparison with the recently launched Digital Agenda, the grand vision of the European Commission regarding the future of the information society.

Our overall conclusion is that Swedish and European visions can be labeled as dualistic and reductionist approaches, respectively. This means that both approaches fail to come up with a more elaborated perspective on the information society that links the key aspects participation, co-operation and sustainability in a convincing way. A dialectical approach, i.e. an approach that considers sustainability in multidimensional and interdependent aspects, is currently lacking in both Swedish and European policymaking.
Ironic Crisis Communication?
Authors: Vigsø Orla
Published: December 2013

Humour and irony are normally not recommended within crisis communication. So when the main Swedish rail company SJ in January 2011 issued three short videos taking an ironical stance on the company and its damaged reputation, it attracted a great deal of attention. But the good will generated by this unexpected irony was apparently never fully understood by the management, and was thus lost or directly undermined by their subsequent communication.

This article addresses the specific case of SJ’s crisis communication in early 2011, with particular interest in the question of the use of humour and irony in a crisis situation.
Changes of Physically-Chemical Parameters of 'Nante' Carrot Hybrids During Storage in Traditional Conditions
Authors: Augšpole Ingrīda , Rakčejeva Tatjana , Grāmatiņa Ilze
Published: December 2013

The current research focuses on changes of physically-chemical parameters of 'Nante' carrot hybrids during storage in traditional conditions. Quality parameters during carrot storage for six months at temperature 8 ± 2 oC and relative air humidity 85 ± 1 % were evaluated using standard methods: soluble solids (digital refractometer), dietary fibre (AOAC 985.29), ascorbic acid (iodometric) and firmness (TA.XT.plus Texture Analyser). Before storage, hybrids 'Nante/Berlikum', 'Nante/Maestro' and 'Nante/Bolero' had higher soluble solid content: 1.6 times higher comparing with hybrid 'Nante/Forto' and 1.2 times higher compared with hybrid 'Nante/Champion'. These hybrids also had higher ascorbic acid content: 2.0 times higher than in 'Nante/Forto' and 'Nante/Champion'. Significant differences were not found in dietary fibre content and firmness of non-stored carrots. Substantial differences were observed in soluble solid content in the hybrid 'Nante/Berlikum' during six-month storage - the content decreased 2.0 times. However, nonsignificant decrease of soluble solids content decreases was found for the hybrid 'Nante/Forto'. Changes in hybrid firmness and dietary fibre amount were not significant during storage for four months. Ascorbic acid content of the carrot hybrids during storage decreased by 3.4 times.
Healthy Alternatives of the Mediterranean Diet in Latvia
Authors: Ērglis Andrejs , Mintāle Iveta , Dinne Anete
Published: December 2013

The milestone of illness prophylaxis is a healthy lifestyle, which is composed of regular physical activity and a healthy diet. Following the Mediterranean diet for two years has been shown to have significant decrease in cardiovascular death by 9%, cancer by 6%, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by 13%. This diet helps to control the perfect weight, improves lipid profile and diminishes the risk of diabetes. The Mediterranean diet consists of extra virgin olive oil, vegetables and fruit, wholegrain products, legumes, nuts and seeds, dairy products (with no other sources of fat other than milk fat), fish (at least twice a week), poultry, veal, pork in limited amount, and eggs - 0-4 per week. It is possible to adapt this kind of alimentation in the Nordic countries, but it is important to find products grown there with similar nutritional characteristics. Nowadays, fresh fruits and vegetables can be bought all year round, but it is essential to use seasonal products. In Latvia, at this point, attention should be brought to more efficient storage and conservation. We have a vast variety of legumes and cereals. The selection of dairy products should be bigger and of higher quality, because you rarely see local cheeses made in an artisanal manner at the marketplaces. There is good availability of saltwater fish in the cities, but in the countryside the only fish one can buy is salted and smoked, having exaggeratedly high amounts of salt. Consumption of meat and its products should be lowered to a maximum of three times per week. A special attention should be brought to game (such as deer), because it contains low levels of cholesterol and higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids due to the alimentation of wild herbs. Unfortunately, there is a lack of good quality oil in Latvia, because no other product can be compared to the nutritious components of extra virgin olive oil and its effects on cardiovascular health. Consumption of high amounts of olive oil decreases the incidence of stroke by 41%. Education should be conducted widely to promote tradition and gastronomic heritage as a cultural aspect. Healthy lifestyle has to be visible to everyone at any time as a constant reminder of its importance.
Health Promoting Chemical Components of Orange Juice
Authors: Zvaigzne Gaļina , Kārkliņa Daina
Published: December 2013

Citrus fruit or juice can be an excellent source of health-promoting substances at breakfast. A 150-200 ml glass of orange juice daily provides many nutrients required for good human health. As has been reported, vitamin C, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate are present in oranges. Citrus juices also provide minerals - calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous, which are part of the vital enzyme system of the human body. In addition, several compounds - flavonoids and other health-promoting substances are present in citrus fruit. There are hundreds of useful products and substances with properties, which have origin in citrus products. There are also many patents for helpful products to be made from citrus substances. Treatment of major inflammation-related ailments target on phytochemicals involved in oxidative stress, metabolic syndrome (diabetes), cardiovascular diseases, bone health (osteoporosis), skin aging, cognitive function and brain diseases, aging, allergy and immune function and cancer. A clinical study published shows that orange juice and hesperidin increase nitric oxide production in human. Orange juices have been shown to provide several important health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system, bone and skin health, brain health, cognitive functions, aging, and also cancer. However, the number of clinical studies available remains limited and significant efforts are necessary to provide irrefutable proof of these benefits in human
Selenium Effect on Rye Malt Quality
Authors: Antoņenko Kristīne , Kreicbergs Viesturs , Dūma Māra , Ozola Sandra
Published: December 2013

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is the most important cereal crop after wheat, rice and maize. A substantial part of the rye yield is used for bread making, especially in European countries. There have been numerous studies on grain enrichment with selenium (Se), as it is known that selenium is a fundamental trace element essential for human health and in the form of selenoproteins plays key structural and enzymic roles. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different selenium concentrations on quality indices of rye malt - the content of malt extract, diastase activity, selenium and total phenol content in malt. Rye grain of 95% viability was soaked and germinated at temperature +6 ± 2 °C for three days +18 ± 2 °C, using sodium selenate Na2SeO4 solutions (Se concentration 3 mg l-1, 5 mg l-1, 10 mg l-1), and dried in an oven for 24 hours at temperature +70 - 112 °C. Germination of grain with deionised water served as a control. The obtained results showed that an increase of selenium concentration caused increase of malt extract concentration (from 74 to 80%), selenium concentration (from 0.0139 to 0.3251 mg kg-1) and total phenol concentration (from 3.13 to 3.63 mg GAE g-1 DW) in rye malt, while diastase activity decreased from 330 to 216.
Nutritional Benefits of Bifidobacterium Lactis in Dairy Products
Authors: Beitāne Ilze , Ciproviča Inga
Published: December 2013

Bifidobacteria are one of the most important probiotics in dairy products. They have positive effects on human health. Nutritional benefits of bifidobacteria are genetically determined and can be promoted with addition of prebiotics. The aim of the present study was to examine the properties of Bifidobacterium lactis in dairy products. Pasteurised milk, freeze-dried starter culture Bb-12 (Bifidobacterium lactis, Chr. Hansen, Denmark), syrup of lactulose (Duphalac®, the Netherlands), and inulin (“Raftiline®HP”, ORAFI, Belgium) were used in the experiments. The optimal concentrations of lactulose (2%) and inulin (4%) were established in preliminary studies, based on quality indices and nutritional value of fermented dairy products (Beitane, 2008). Amino acids, carbohydrates, such as lactose, lactulose and inulin, as well as cholesterol were determined during the study using appropriate analytical procedures. The enzymatic activity of bifidobacteria determines nutritional value of the fermented dairy products. Addition of 2% lactulose resulted in significant increase of some amino acid concentrations, such as leucine, phenylalanine, lysine and arginine concentrations (P < 0.05), compared with those in other treatments. The presence of prebiotics caused a decrease of cholesterol level by 35% and lactose content by 31% in fermented milk samples. The enzymatic activity of bifidobacteria should be promoted with addition of lactulose and inulin to increase nutritional value of functional dairy products.
Characterisation of Physical and Biochemical Traits of Hulless Spring Barley Grain in the Latvian Breeding Programme
Authors: Bleidere Māra , Zute Sanita , Jākobsone Ida
Published: December 2013

Incorporation of whole grain, such as hulless barley, as a part of a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases, diabetes and specific cancers, and provide other health benefits as well. The objectives of this study were to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of grains of hulless barley genotypes from the Latvian spring barley programme. Field experiments were carried out in 2010-2011 at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute. Grain samples of 29 hulless spring barley breeding lines were analysed for grain physical traits (1000 kernel weight, test weight), macronutrients (crude protein, starch, β -glucans), and micronutrients (total phenolic content, DPPH antiradical scavenging activity and α-tocopherol content). The variation of physical traits and macronutrients was mainly determined by genotype (ω2 = 32-62%) and year (η2 = 8-42%) and to a lesser extent by interaction of factors. The difference between hulless genotypes, as indicated the coefficient of variation, was rather high for all micronutrients (V% = 13.4-25.6). Significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation was detected between radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (r = 0.519) and starch content (r = 0.530). The best hulless breeding lines ‘1185’ and ‘IC 360’ (variety ‘Kornelija’ submitted for DUS and VCU tests) were selected for future usage in clinical investigations.
Antioxidant Characteristics of Latvian Herbal Tea Types
Authors: Dimiņš Fredijs , Miķelsone Velga , Kaņeps Miķelis
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to characterise antioxidative properties and antiradical activity of the herbal tea collection in Latvia. High-pressure liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry methods were used to characterise antioxidant properties of herbal tea. Antiradical activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The antiradical scavenging activity was measured by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) reaction. The herbal tea antiradical scavenging activity was estimated as the broken down quantity of DPPH on 100 grams of the herbal tea. Individual polyphenols in the herbal tea were identified and determined by liquid chromatography. Antiradical scavenging activity of the herbal tea was found to be 104 mol 100 g-1 tea. The following polyphenols were identified chromatographically in herbal tea: gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic acids, rutin, catechin, vanillin, and epicatechin. Altogether 12 different varieties of herbal tea samples were analyzed. The results showed that different types of herbal tea substantially differed in composition. Polyphenol content of herbal teas was in the range of 1 mg in 100 g of tea up to 8 g per 100 g of tea. In the case of virus-related disease, infections and weakness of the organism, it is recommended to use tea with high content of rutin, as in Verbascum thapsiforme Schr., Alchemilla vulgaris L., Comarum palustre L. herbal tea.
Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Mineral Substances in Latvian Birch and Maple Saps
Authors: Kūka Māra , Čakste Ilze , Geršebeka Endija
Published: December 2013

Birch and maple saps contain carbohydrates and organic acids, B complex vitamins and vitamin C, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and mineral substances. The aim of the study was to quantitatively determine the concentrations of bioactive compounds and mineral substances in Latvian birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and maple (Acer platanoides L.) saps. Electrical conductivity was determined (629 and 967 S/cm in birch and maple saps, respectively) to characterise the total amount of mineral substances. In birch and maple saps the titratable acidity (0.50 and 0.70 mmol of NaOH per litre of sap, respectively) and formol number (0.25 and 0.20 mmol NaOH per litre of sap, respectively) were determined. The protein concentration was found to be higher in maple sap (171 and 127 mg/l, respectively). The antioxidant concentration, determined using quercetin as a standard, was 0.35 mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/l in birch sap and 0.77 mg QE/l in maple sap. In conclusion, Latvian maple sap contains more bioactive and mineral compounds than birch sap. Latvian birch sap contains up to 20% more glucose and fructose than birch sap produced in Finland, but Latvian maple sap contains 10 to 40% less sucrose than sap produced in North America.
Dietary Behaviour in Students with Different Body Fat Percent
Authors: Lagzdiņa Rudīte , Blumfelds Leons , Rumaka Maija , Aberberga-Augškalne Līga
Published: December 2013

Eating habits with uniform food preferences and increased energy intake can contribute to increased gain of body fat. An adequate diet, body self-evaluation, and recognition of unhealthy nutrition patterns should promote appropriate corrective actions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether energy intake, food diversity and corrective modification of body mass differed among student groups with low, normal and high body fat percentage. The study involved 737 (158 male and 579 female) students of the Rîga Stradiòð University (age 18-49 years). Dietary behaviour was determined using self-administered questionnaire. Body fat percentage was determined with a Tanita MC-180 bioimpedance analyser. Fluid and food intake, as well as physical activity before the test was restricted. The results showed that 15% of students in the low, 38% in the normal and 62% in the high body fat percentage groups considered that they eat too much. In the low, normal and high body fat percentage groups of students, 27%, 37% and 42%, respectively, agreed that they do restrict food intake. There were no significant differences in normalised energy intake and food diversity indexes between these student groups. Students in the high body fat percentage group more frequently admitted eating to much, and their corrective behaviour was associated more with reduced amounts of eaten food rather than minimisation of energy intake and increased food diversity. In all fat percentage groups, female students more frequently admitted that they eat too much and more often tended to restrict food intake than male students.
Nutrition Value of Wild Animal Meat
Authors: Strazdiņa Vita , Jemeļjanovs Aleksandrs , Šterna Vita
Published: December 2013

One of the most valuable foods is meat, due its nutritional value, largely determined by the essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. At the same time, concern needs to be given to health of consumers by used products with less calories, which can be ensured by greater variety of game animals, including also deer grown in captivity. The aim of our investigation was to compare the nutrition value of elk, wild deer, farm deer, roe deer, and wild boar that were killed during hunting in Latvia. Meat samples (m. logissimus lumborum) were collected in the autumn- winter season. The results of the conducted research suggest that game meat samples have higher protein and essential fatty acid content in comparison with domestic animals. The amount of fat in all analysed samples did not differ greatly, although the fatty acid content in wild game meat differed significantly. The fatty acid profile was used to calculate the atherogenicity index (AI), which has a positive correlation with the risk of cardiovascular disorders. The formula AI = [C12 : 0 + (C14 : 0 × 4) + C16 : 0 ] / (Total unsaturated fatty acids) was used to calculate the ratio of total saturated fatty acids, ω-6 and ω-3. Regarding the microelement content of meat there were great differences in iron and manganese concentration among animals.
Eating Habits of Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy in Latvia
Authors: Vīksna Zane , Ligere Renāte
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the eating habits of epileptic children and adolescents. Forty one patients (12 girls and 14 boys aged 0-10 years, and 10 girls and 5 boys aged 11-18 years) were enrolled in the study. A survey on consumption rate of different dietary products was conducted. The diet groups considered were carbohydrates, fat, protein, fibre and liquid. We found that 35-58% of patients aged 0-10 years used soda drinks, juices and popcorn regularly. The proportion was more than two times in adolescents. Consumption of sweets in both age groups was 83-100%. Half of children aged 0-10 years said that they ate chips and fried potatoes regularly and 80-100% of adolescents consumed these products at least once a week. Half of the boys and almost all younger girls consumed various milk products daily; adolescent epileptic boys consumed milk products two times more than girls. Among older girls, 40% did not drink milk. The youngest girls consumed meat and fish 1.5 to 3.5 times more than boys, while the number of boys consuming these products increased with age. It was estimated that 75-100% of patients ate fruits and vegetables daily. Only two children and two adolescents were found to drink lots of water. In conclusion, children and adolescents with epilepsy preferred meals rich in carbohydrates and fat, rather than protein; a high number of the evaluated patients drank soda drinks and juices several times a week; only a few had intake of water daily; and all patients ate fruits and vegetables daily, thus compensating unhealthy eating habits.