bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment Concerning the Domain of Applicability of Protodiakonov Method in Calculus of Underground Structures
Authors: Popovici Adrian , Ilinca Cornel , Anghel Cristian
Published: May 2017

The sectional stresses (M, N) in a gallery lining are computed comparatively numerical by FEM taking into account the interaction underground structure - surrounding ground and analytical by Protodiakonov method. The last method is based on coincidence arch born in ground over gallery.

Comprehensive analyses allow to settle the domain in which Protodiakonov method can be applied as well as the conditions in which discharge arches appear in ground above underground or embedded structures.

The study is available for galleries (tunnels) built so that their lining takes loads from undeformed ground (rock) mass surrounding gallery, existent before excavation.
Effect of call-clubs to institute local network effects in mobile telecommunication and its′ implications on brand loyalty
Authors: Karunarathne E. A .C. P , Jing Zhang
Published: May 2017

As a result of rapid technological advancements in the mobile telecommunication industry, many firms have set their strategies to target larger customer bases since it forecasts extensive future profit generation. Due to severe competition, while employing successful customer loyalty strategies, customer locked-in strategies are also commonly used in the telecommunication industry to retain their customers within the firm. Call-clubs benefits are one of the commonly used strategies used to create local network effects in the mobile telecommunication market place. Thus, this paper targets to provide insight on the implication of subscriber’s involvement in call-clubs on their loyalty towards service providers. A survey based quantitative approach was followed for this study and the data was gathered through a structured off-line questionnaire from randomly selected mobile users in Sri Lanka. Based on collected valid responses, analysis was carried out to answer the designed research hypotheses and structural equation modelling techniques were mainly used for statistical analysis. As per the analysis, research model shows a fairly high level of explanatory power with customer loyalty and perceived call-clubs benefits which indicate customers′ preference towards the service provider when most frequently contacting parties are using the same network. Further analysis was carried out to investigate the moderating effect on call-clubs benefits and customer loyalty relationships due to two main technological advancements; namely, Internet based voice calling facility and multiple connection access facility. Based on the analysis results recommendations were made to track the value of call-clubs strategies accordingly.
Linear algebraic proof of Wigner theorem and its consequences
Authors: Barvínek Jáchym , Hamhalter Jan
Published: May 2017

We present new proof of non-bijective Wigner theorem on symmetries of quantum systems using only basic linear algebra. It is based on showing that any non-zero Jordan ∗-homomorphism between matrix algebras preserving rank-one projections is implemented by either a unitary or an anitiunitary map. As a new application we extend hitherto known results on preservers of quantum relative entropy to infinite quantum systems.
A note on groups with finite conjugacy classes of subnormal subgroups
Authors: de Giovanni Francesco , Saccomanno Federica
Published: May 2017

A group G is said to be a V-group if every subnormal subgroup of G has only finitely many conjugates. It is proved here that if G is a group admitting an ascending normal series whose factors have finite rank, and all proper subgroups of G have the V-property, then G itself is a V-group, provided that G belongs to a suitable class of generalized soluble groups, containing in particular all locally (soluble-by-finite) groups. On the other hand, an example shows that there exist periodic metabelian minimal non-V groups.
Groups with the same complex group algebras as some extensions of psl(2, pn
)
Authors: Heydari Somayeh , Ahanjideh Neda
Published: May 2017

For a natural number n and the prime p, let L be an almost simple group with the socle PSL(2,p

n
) such that p does not divide [L: PSL(2,p

n
)]. In this paper, we prove that L is uniquely determined by the first column of its character table. In particular, this implies that L is uniquely determined by the structure of its complex group algebra.
Klee-Phelps convex groupoids
Authors: Peters James F. , Öztürk Mehmet A. , Uçkun Mustafa
Published: May 2017

We prove that a pair of proximal Klee-Phelps convex groupoids A(∘), B(∘) in a finite-dimensional normed linear space E are normed proximal, i.e., A(∘) δ
B(∘) if and only if the groupoids are normed proximal. In addition, we prove that the groupoid neighbourhood N

z
(∘) ⊆ S

z
(∘) is convex in E if and only if N

z
(∘) = S

z
(∘).
Generalized Padé approximants for plane condenser and distribution of points
Authors: Ikonomov Nikolay
Published: May 2017

Given a regular plane condenser (E, F), let α and β be triangular point tables; α ∈ E, β ∈ F. In the present paper, a criterium relating to the extremal distribution of the tables α and β is proved. The results are provided in terms of generalized Padé approximant, associated with the point tables α and β.
Dirichlet boundary value problem for differential equation with ϕ-Laplacian and state-dependent impulses
Authors: Tomeček Jan
Published: May 2017

The paper deals with the boundary value problem for differential equation with ϕ-Laplacian and state-dependent impulses of the form

ϕ
(

z
′

(
t
)
)

′

=
f
(
t
,
z
(
t
)
,

z
′

(
t
)
)

 for a.e. 
t
∈
[
0
,
T
]
⊂

R

,

Δ

z
′

(
t
)
=
M
(
z
(
t
)
,

z
′

(
t
−
)
)
,

t
=
γ
(
z
(
t
)
)
,

z
(
0
)
=
z
(
T
)
=
0.

$$\begin{array}{}
\left(\phi(z'(t))\right)' = f(t,z(t),z'(t))\qquad \text{ for a.e. } t\in [0,T]\subset\mathbb R,\\
\Delta z'(t) = M(z(t),z'(t-)),\qquad t=\gamma (z(t)),\\ z(0) = z(T) = 0.
\end{array} $$

Here, T > 0, ϕ : ℝ → ℝ is an increasing homeomorphism, ϕ(ℝ) = ℝ, ϕ(0) = 0, f : [0, T] × ℝ2 → ℝ satisfies Carathéodory conditions, M : ℝ → ℝ is continuous and γ : ℝ → (0, T) is continuous, Δ z′(t) = z′(t+) − z′(t−). Sufficient conditions for the existence of at least one solution to this problem having no pulsation behaviour are provided.
Bruce Mazlish and Global History
Authors: Iriye Akira
Published: May 2017

Akira Iriye pays tribute to the founder of
Religious Experience and Photography: The Phenomenology of Photography as Revelatory of the Religious Play of Imagination
Authors: Carreño Javier E.
Published: May 2017

That there are genuinely religious representations, and that the practice of praying with images involves no confusion of the divine with its representation, are matters firmly established by a phenomenology of imagination such as Edmund Husserl’s. Moreover, such a phenomenological regard can become attentive to the concrete roles played by a viewer’s imagination in his dealings with various sorts of images. I propose to bring these phenomenological insights to show that there is a distinctively religious play of imagination in dealing with religious images. Moreover, I address this question by turning to one kind of representation which Barthes and others have found unsuitable for representing a religious subject, namely, photographic images. While agreeing with some of these reservations, this paper explores some of the ways in which photography may still be found to represent a religious subject, shifting the problem of religious photography from its inherent impossibility to its inadequacy. In doing so, I show that the distinctively religious play of imagination vis-à-vis religious representations cuts a wedge between the depictive and the symbolic, and is rather akin to a metaphorical use of representations.
The Sound of a Small Whisper: Ordinary Religious Experience
Authors: Kugelmann Robert
Published: May 2017

An ordinary religious experience does not entail an overwhelming sense of the Divine; it is not a “numinous” experience. It is instead easily ignored. In a phenomenological psychological inquiry into such a religious experience, both the noema, the “what” experienced, and the noesis, the mode of givenness of the experience, manifested themselves in distinctive ways. The paper examines a simple experience of having been guided in making a decision. The guidance was recognized only at the moment of realization. The realization revealed the decision to have been part of a larger drama that transcended the immediate experience. The “world” of this moment of realization included sensing that the sky above-as an “elemental”-was a dome, with allusions to the Noah story. Even at the time, this perception was not experienced as literal, but as symbolic. The social, historical, and theological contexts for the possibility of this experience receive attention. Theological as well as psychological reflection indicate such an experience continues to happen, in memory and thought, and even in action, long after the initial moment. Essential to the meaning of the experience is an admonition to transcend egocentricity.
Germocyte lesions caused by porcine circovirus type 2b in Kunming mice
Authors: Yuan A.W. , Pang P. , Gong Q.L. , Deng Z.B.
Published: May 2017

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has been known as a causative agent of reproductive failure in the sow. In the present study mouse model was used to investigate PCV2 infection. In order to investigate whether PCV2 can induce lesions of spermatocytes and oocytes, 6 male and 6 female mice were each inoculated intraperitoneally with PCV2b, and 3 male and 3 female mice mock-infected with cell culture supernatant served as controls. Samples of testes and ovaries from PCV2b-inoculated and mock-infected mice were investigated using PCR, histopathological, ultrastructural and immunofluorescent histochemical methods at 14 and 21 day post infection (dpi). The study revealed that in the virus-inoculated mice leydig cells in testes and granulosa cells in ovaries were degenerated, and a small number of spermatocytes and oocytes showed apoptosis. Positive PCV2b antigen signals were also observed in these apoptotic cells. It can be suggested that PCV2 can cause lesions of spermatocyte and oocyte prior to zygotes formation in its host.
Accuracy of real-time shear wave elastography in the assessment of normal liver tissue in the guinea pig (cavia porcellus)
Authors: Glińska-Suchocka K. , Kubiak K. , Spużak J. , Jankowski M. , Borusewicz P.
Published: May 2017

Shear wave elastography is a novel technique enabling real-time measurement of the elasticity of liver tissue. The color map is superimposed on the classic ultrasound image of the assessed tissue, which enables a precise evaluation of the stiffness of the liver tissue. The aim of the study was to assess the stiffness of normal liver tissue in the guinea pig using shear wave elastography. The study was carried out on 36 guinea pigs using the SuperSonic Imagine Aixplorer scanner, and a 1 to 6 MH convex SC6-1 transducer. An ultrasound guided Try-Cut liver core needle biopsy was carried out in all the studied animals and the collected samples were examined to exclude pathological lesions. The mean liver tissue stiffness ranged from 0.89 to 5.40 kPa. We found that shear wave elastography is an easy, non-invasive technique that can be used to assess the stiffness of liver tissue. The obtained results can be used in future studies to assess the types and changes of liver tissue in the course of various types of liver disease.
In vitro production of Sudanese camel (Camelus dromedarius) embryos from epididymal spermatozoa and follicular oocytes of slaughtered animals
Authors: Abdelkhalek A.E. , Gabr Sh.A. , Khalil W.A. , Shamiah Sh.M. , Pan L. , Qin G. , Farouk M.H.
Published: May 2017

Application of assisted reproductive technology in camelidea, such as artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer, has been slow in comparison to that for other livestock species. In Egypt, there are few attempts to establish in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) techniques in dromedary camel. The present study was carried out to produce Sudanese camel embryos using in vitro matured oocytes and epididymal spermatozoa. Dromedary camel ovaries were collected from abattoirs and then, the oocytes were aspirated from all the visible follicles on the ovarian surface (~2-8 mm in a diameter). Meanwhile, Fetal Dromedary Camel Serum (FDCS) was obtained from camel fetuses after slaughtering. Thereafter, only Cumulus Oocyte Complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in the Tissue Culture Medium (TCM-199) complemented with 10% FDCS. Spermatozoa required for in vitro fertilization were collected from testes (epididymal cauda) of the slaughtered camel bulls. The results clearly showed that the maturation rate of oocytes at metaphase II was about 59.5% while the fertilization rate was around 70.4%. Intriguingly, the embryo rates determined were 13.1%, in 2-cell; 0.0%, in 4-cell; 34.7%, in 8-16% cell; 39.1%, in morula and 13.1% in a blastocyst stage. This study represented a successful in vitro production of Sudanese dromedary camel embryos from epididymal sperm cells and in vitro matured oocytes recovered from slaughtered camels.
Morphological analysis of testicles in cats with disorders of sex development
Authors: Dzimira S. , Nizanski W. , Madej J.A.
Published: May 2017

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are rare in cats. They can be caused by chromosomal aberrations, gene mutations or other undefined factors. The aim of the present study was to compare the histological structure and immunohistochemical reactivity of testes in cats with DSD and in healthy cats. The research material consisted of the gonads of four cats - phenotypic males with an incorrect structure of the reproductive system. The control group consisted of the testes of four healthy cats - routinely castrated phenotypical males. The material was fixed with formalin and embedded in paraffin; the sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The immunohistochemical investigation were performed using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against desmin, vimentin, actin of smooth muscles, S100 protein and MCM3 protein. The results obtained allow concluding that the testes of cats with DSD differed in certain respects, mainly in the number of blood vessels, from the normal testes. Moreover, the results of immunohistochemical examination indicate that in the testes of cats with DSD the number of supporting cells is lower, the amount of interstitial cells is comparable and spermatogenesis is correct es compared to those determined in the control gonads. The number of blood vessels in cats with DSD is reduced by about 30%. It confirms the recommendations for castration of these animals in order to eliminate the potential inheritance of sex development disorders.
Epidemiology of intramammary infections with Staphylococcus aureus and mastitis streptococci in a dairy cattle herd with a history of recurrent clinical mastitis
Authors: Vlkova H. , Babak V. , Vrtkova I. , Cervinkova D. , Marosevic D. , Moravkova M. , Jaglic Z.
Published: May 2017

The aim of the present work was to examine a dairy herd with an anamnesis of recurrent clinical mastitis and decreased milk production. A total of 239 individual cow milk samples originating from asymptomatic cows were collected at four-month intervals and examined mainly for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and mastitis streptococci using standard cultivation methods. In total, 29.7% and 9.2% samples were positive for S. aureus and mastitis streptococci, respectively. Unlike for mastitis streptococci, the prevalence of animals positive for S. aureus had an increasing trend (p<0.05; Chi-squared test for trend) with rising parity. Despite in vitro susceptibility of S. aureus to potentiated penicillins and cephalosporins, the persistence of S. aureus was observed in cows undergoing intramammary treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (a potentiated penicillin antibiotic). All isolates of S. aureus were biofilm-positive and had the same macrorestriction pattern. Furthermore, no dependence was observed between the occurrence of S. aureus in milk and previous cases of clinical mastitis, reproductive and periparturient disorders and administration of antibiotics. In contrast to S. aureus, the occurrence of mastitis streptococci in milk was linked with previous cases of clinical mastitis and intramammary administration of antibiotics.
An immunohistochemical analysis of lymphocytic infiltrations in canine skin cancers
Authors: Madej J.A. , Madej J.P. , Dzimira S. , Nowak M.
Published: May 2017

Lymphocytic infiltrations located in the extracellular matrix often accompany canine skin cancer. They can be characterised as an inflammatory infiltration and/or a second tumour - lymphoma. The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical analysis of a lymphocytic infiltration which accompanies spontaneous skin cancer. Twenty basal cell carcinoma, 20 non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, 20 keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and 8 sebaceous gland carcinoma samples which were accompanied by a lymphocytic infiltration and/or secondary lymphatic follicles were verified histopathologically. The expression of bcl-2, CD3, CD79α, Ki-67, MCM-3 and MCM-7 in the lymphocytic infiltration was evaluated. Four types of lymphocytic infiltrations were found: I - diffuse bcl-2+, II - diffuse bcl-2-, III - follicular bcl-2+/- where the centre was bcl-2-, and the marginal zone of the follicles and the extrafollicular area were bcl-2+ and IV - aggregated bcl-2+, where the centre and periphery were bcl-2+. The I and IV type corresponds to lymphoma, II type is non-neoplastic immune response and III type suggest reactive follicular hyperplasia. The proliferation of lymphocytes which demonstrated the expression of neoplastic markers (I and IV), suggests preneoplastic phase (pseudolymphoma) or lymphoma - the second independent tumour. A high proliferative index of the follicular blc-2+/- follicular infiltration indicates an increased immunological response of the host against skin cancer.
Effects of long-term construction noise on health of adult female Wistar rats
Authors: Zymantiene J. , Zelvyte R. , Pampariene I. , Aniuliene A. , Juodziukyniene N. , Kantautaite J. , Oberauskas V.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term building construction noise from refurbishment, which including vibration, on some physiological parameters and histopathological changes of organs of Wistar rats. Twenty 12 month old female rats were divided into two groups: rats group I (n = 10) were exposed to long-term construction noise and rats group II (n = 10) were kept under normal noise level. Study results revealed that long-term construction noise from building refurbishment has an influence on body weight, haematological and some serum biochemical parameters affects caecal microbiota, and causes histopathological changes in the organs of adult female Wistar rats. It was noticed that rats in group I exihibited significantly higher mean values for total protein, albumin and lower values for glucose, AST, ALT, blood urea nitrogen, haematological and caecal microbiota parameters than rats in group II. The most common pathologies were determined in the kidney, liver and lungs. Other observed pathologies were lymphadenopathy, catarrhal inflammation of the intestines, spleen hyperplasia and mammary gland adenofibroma. Single cases were subcutaneous fibroma in the thoracic region, abortus with uterine inflammation and thymus hyperplasia with formation of cysts were found.
Distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of cocaine- and amphetamineregulated transcript-positive nerve elements in the pelvic ganglia of the female pig
Authors: Zacharko-Siembida A. , Matysek M. , Szalak R. , Radlińska A. , Obszańska K. , Arciszewski M.B.
Published: May 2017

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are widely expressed not only in the brain but also in numerous endocrine/neuroendocrine cells as well as in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. The present study investigated the distribution patterns of CART-like immunoreactivity in the pelvic plexus (PP) of the female pig. The co-expression of CART with principal neurotransmitter markers: choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serotonin (5-HT) or biologically active neuropeptides: pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P (SP), calbindin was analyzed using double immunohistochemical stainings. Amongst neurons immunopositive to Hu C/D panneuronal marker as many as 4.1 ± 1.2% in right and 4.4 ± 1.6% in left pelvic ganglia were found to express CART. The vast majority of CART-IR ganglionic neurons were predominantly small in size and were evenly scattered throughout particular ganglia. Immunoreactivity to CART was also detected in numerous nerve terminals (which frequently formed pericellular formations around CART-negative perikarya) as well as in numerous nerve fibres within nerve branches interconnecting the unilateral pelvic ganglia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that virtually all CART-IR neurons were cholinergic in nature and CART-IR basket-like formations frequently encircled TH-positive/CART-negative perikarya. None of CART-IR ganglionic neurons showed immunoreactivity to SP, PACAP, 5-HT or calbindin. CART-IR nerve fibres ran in a close vicinity to serotonin-containing cells or faintly labelled SP-expressing neurons. On the other hand, PACAP-IR, SP-IR (but not 5-HT-positive) nerve terminals were found to run in close proximity to CART-IR neurons. Our results indicate that: 1) CART present in PP may influence the activity of pelvic ganglionic neurons/SIF cells, 2) PP should be considered as a potential source of CART-like supply to pelvic viscera and 3) functional interactions between CART and SP or PACAP are possible at the periphery.
Polymers in separation processes
Authors: Wieszczycka Karolina , Staszak Katarzyna
Published: May 2017

Application of polymer materials as membranes and ion-exchange resins was presented with a focus on their use for the recovery of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Several membrane techniques were described including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, diffusion and Donnan dialysis, electrodialysis and membrane extraction system (polymer inclusion and supported membranes). Moreover, the examples of using ion-exchange resins in metal recovery were presented. The possibility of modification of the resin was discussed, including hybrid system with metal cation or metal oxide immobilized on polymer matrices or solvent impregnated resin.
Wie vorteilhaft ist internationaler Handel?
Authors: Kohler Wilhelm , Jung Benjamin
Published: May 2017

Die moderne Handelstheorie hat in den vergangenen fünf Jahren einen neuen Ansatz zur Quantifizierung der Vorteile aus internationalem Handel hervorgebracht, die „neue quantitative Handelstheorie“. Benjamin Jung und Wilhelm Kohler beleuchten die besonderen Vorteile, aber auch die Grenzen dieses neuen Ansatzes. Sie konzentrieren sich auf die darin verwendete neue Wohlfahrtsformel, erklären diese für verschiedene Modellvarianten intuitiv und wenden sie auf den Vergleich zwischen Autarkie und aktuell beobachteter Situation an. Dabei betonen sie den Unterschied zwischen tarifären Handelshemmnissen (Importzöllen) und realen Handelskosten, die zum Beispiel durch internationale Regulierungsunterschiede entstehen können. Jung und Kohler kontrastieren diesen Anwendungsfall mit dem Fall der Handelsliberalisierung, in dem ausgehend von einer historisch gegebenen Situation die Handelsbarrieren reduziert werden. Die Anwendung der Wohlfahrtsformel wird in diesem Fall durch das Erfordernis erschwert, die für den Wohlfahrtseffekt wichtigen endogenen Größen für einen nichttrivialen kontrafaktischen Zustand mit geringeren Handelsbarrieren zu berechnen. Die Autoren stellen dabei die unilaterale der multilateralen Liberalisierung gegenüber. Sie präsentieren Ergebnisse für hypothetische Szenarien und berichten über neue Literatur, in der die neue quantitative Handelstheorie auch zur Berechnung der Wohlfahrtswirkungen von tatsächlichen oder konkret geplanten Handelsliberalisierungen Anwendung gefunden hat.
Ökonomische Wirkungen der Handwerksnovelle 2004: Ergebnisse einer Kontrollgruppenanalyse
Authors: Koch Andreas , Nielen Sebastian
Published: May 2017

Die Reform der Handwerksordnung des Jahres 2004 brachte insbesondere durch die Abschaffung der Meisterpflicht für mehr als die Hälfte der Gewerbezweige des Handwerks eine umfassende Liberalisierung der Zugangsbedingungen. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert unter Verwendung von Daten des Zentralverbandes des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH) den Einfluss der Handwerksnovelle auf die Anzahl der Betriebe und die Ausbildungsleistung in den betroffenen Handwerken. Die Wirkungen der Handwerksnovelle werden durch das Differenz-von-Differenzen-Verfahren geschätzt, das darauf aufbaut, dass nur ein Teil der Gewerbezweige des Handwerks von der Reform betroffen war. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen starken Anstieg der Anzahl der Betriebe und einen Rückgang der absolvierten Meisterprüfungen in den betroffenen Handwerken in Folge der Reform. Bezüglich der Ausbildungsleistung werden jedoch keine statistisch signifikanten Effekte ermittelt. Umfangreiche Robustheitsanalysen bestätigen diese Ergebnisse.
Rolle rückwärts zugunsten der Bankenindustrie – Die neuen Basler Regelungen für das Zinsänderungsrisiko im Anlagebuch
Authors: Pfingsten Andreas , Claußen Catharina , Maidl Christoph , Woyand Corinna
Published: May 2017

Trotz des anhaltenden Niedrigzinsumfelds und der damit einhergehenden erhöhten Zinsänderungsrisiken im Anlagebuch ist für diese Risikoart nach den im April 2016 erschienenen, überarbeiteten Basler Regelungen für Kreditinstitute nach wie vor keine Unterlegung mit Eigenkapital gemäß Säule 1 vorgesehen. Diese Festlegung ist zum Teil nicht mit den zuvor in der Konsultationsphase benannten Zielen der Neuregelung vereinbar und kritisch zu bewerten. Die Autoren beschreiben die geänderten regulatorischen Vorgaben und leiten mögliche Motive für die Entscheidung ab. Sie zeigen Schwachpunkte der Neuregelung auf und diskutieren diese im Hinblick auf mögliche Konsequenzen sowohl für einzelne Institute als auch für das gesamte Finanzsystem.
Perioperative increase in neutrophil CD64 expression is an indicator for intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Povsic Milena Kerin , Beovic Bojana , Ihan Alojz
Published: May 2017

Background

Colorectal surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative infections. Early clinical signs are difficult to distinguish from the systemic inflammatory response related to surgical trauma. Timely diagnosis may significantly improve the outcome. The objective of this study was to compare a new biomarker index CD64 for neutrophils (iCD64n) with standard biomarkers, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) for the early detection of postoperative infection.

Methods

The prospective study included 200 consecutive patients with elective colorectal cancer surgery. Postoperative values of biomarkers from the postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD5 were analysed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to predict infection. The Cox regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to assess prognostic factors and survival.

Results

The increase of index CD64n (iCD64n) after surgery, expressed as the ratio iCD64n after/before surgery was a better predictor of infection than its absolute value. The best 30-day predictors of all infections were CRP on POD4 (AUC 0.72, 99% CI 0.61–0.83) and NLR on POD5 (AUC 0.69, 99% CI 0.57–0.80). The best 15-day predictors of organ/ space surgical site infection (SSI) were the ratio iCD64n on POD1 (AUC 0.72, 99% CI 0.58–0.86), POD3 (AUC 0.73, 99% CI 0.59–0.87) and CRP on POD3 (AUC 0.72, 99% CI 0.57–0.86), POD4 (AUC 0.79, 99% CI 0.64–0.93). In a multivariate analysis independent risk factors for infections were duration of surgery and perioperative transfusion while the infection itself was identified as a risk factor for a worse long-term survival.

Conclusions

The ratio iCD64n on POD1 is the best early predictor of intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer surgery. CRP predicts the infection with the same predictive value on POD3.
Design strategies and progress on xanthene-based fluorescent probe for metal ions
Authors: Ma Siyue , Wang Yaqi , She Mengyao , Wang Shen , Yang Zheng , Liu Ping , Zhang Shengyong , Li Jianli
Published: May 2017

Metal ions play critical roles in numerous fundamental life processes. Hence, there is a great need to effectively monitor and image metal ions. Fluorescent probes are one of the most effective methods for measuring metal ions. In general, according to the different recognition mechanisms of fluorescent probes, they can be divided into two categories: reversible probes and irreversible probes. Among the various fluorophores, rhodamine and fluorescein, as the typical representatives of xanthene, have been paid much attention in biological imaging due to their high absorption coefficient, high fluorescence quantum yield, and water solubility. This review highlights the recent advances on chelation-based xanthene fluorescent probes that have been used for detecting metal ions. The focus has been on the design strategies to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of fluorescent probes by introducing different recognition moieties. Meanwhile, their recognition mechanism and applications are particularly highlighted.
Anti-Crime Laws and Retail Prices
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan
Published: May 2017

The fear of becoming a victim of crime acts as a barrier to retail trade for consumers, where retailers attempt to reduce such barriers by enduring additional costs such as insurance or security/surveillance; as a result, retail prices are affected by the possibility of crime. This paper attempts to measure such effects by considering the recent experience of Sacramento County in California, where an anti-panhandling ordinance has been issued to protect retailers. As an application, a difference-in-difference approach is employed to identify the effects of the ordinance on Sacramento gasoline prices at the retail level, by considering the gasoline prices in neighboring counties as the control group of a natural experiment. The results show that the anti-panhandling ordinance has resulted in lower gasoline prices in Sacramento County.
Tracing Causal Mechanisms in Social Movement Research in Southeast Europe: The Cases of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia – Evidence from the “Bosnian Spring” and the “Citizens for Macedonia” Movements
Authors: Stefanovski Ivan
Published: May 2017

Recent anti-governmental social movements in countries of former Yugoslavia have awakened the spirit of contention which had been dormant for almost two decades. The overwhelming economic deprivation, accompanied by the massive violation of basic human rights of the citizens, urged the challengers to take the streets.

This paper is focused on comparison of two movements, the “Citizens for Macedonia” movement in the Republic of Macedonia and the “Bosnian Spring” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the role and influence of movements on the (non)occurrence of policy outputs which articulated claims put forward by social movement organizations (SMOs) as well as other movement actors in the two respective countries. The analysis will be conducted taking into consideration specific social movement related variables like forms/types of claims-making and repertoires of action, as well as wider political process factors such as repression by state actors, and the attitude of allies and opponents of the movements (political parties, mainstream media, general political system characteristics, international community etc.).

Regarding the methodological approach, we will apply a mixed comparative research design, with variation both on side of the independent and the dependent variables. Since the outcomes of the movements are already tangible, we will also apply elements of process tracing methodology (PTM), reconstructing the events as much as possible. My primary data collection tools encompass in-depth interviews (approximately 10 per country) with four specific categories of interviewees (SMO representatives, activists, policymakers and key informants) as well as thorough document analysis referring to the policy outputs.
Enhancing Learning Through Reflection– A Case Study of SEEU
Authors: Xhaferi Brikena , Xhaferi Gezim
Published: May 2017

Learning through reflection is one of the most interesting experiences that students might have. It is considered a very good tool for self-assessing learning. It is believed that “teachers who promote reflective classrooms ensure that students are fully engaged in the process of making meaning” (Costa and Kallick, 2008, para.5).

Dewey (1991) was among the first researchers who based his work and research on the positive roles that reflection plays in fostering self-reflection and critical thinking. He has defined it as an active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief. Reflections give students opportunities to think and reflect about their learning and note down the obstacles they might face during this process.

The present study aims to investigate the impact of journal writing in promoting critical-thinking skills, and its impact on enhancing learning. The study uses two instruments, a student refection journal and an interview. Also, Marzano’s New Taxonomy of Educational Objectives developed in 2000 was used in the third phase of the study. This Taxonomy contains Three Systems: the Self-system, the Metacognitive system and the Cognitive system.

The overall study results show that reflection journals help students to become more independent learners, reflect on their learning experiences and identify the most useful learning strategies. Most importantly, all study participants hold positive attitudes towards reflection and they consider it as a valuable tool which can increase learning.
How the Triangle of Bologna Quality Assurance, a National Legal Framework and Internal Quality Enhancement Supports Institutional Improvement
Authors: Veronika Kareva , Zamir Dika , Heather Henshaw , Xhevair Memedi
Published: May 2017

The Republic of Macedonia (RM) has been a part of the Bologna process since 2003. The Ministry of Education, law and policy makers and higher education institutions have actively engaged with its main concepts. In parallel with this, since the adoption of the law on higher education in 2008 and the reform of the Accreditation and Evaluation Board, there have been numerous changes and amendments culminating in the fast-tracked adoption of a new law at the beginning of 2015. Some of its solutions created a huge debate among the academic community, other intellectuals and students themselves, resulting in the postponement of that law and a kind of legal vacuum. In such turbulent circumstances, individual higher education institutions had to consider how and to what extent to adopt and develop relevant standards and guidelines, comply with the legal framework and promote good practice. The aim of this paper is to present how these three aspects, Bologna standards and guidelines for Quality Assurance (QA), a national legal framework and an institutional approach are being reflected, merged and implemented at a relatively young higher education institution. It questions the impact of these three elements on each other and how one institution’s drive for improvement is affected. This is done through a qualitative analysis of the three-fold perspectives. The conclusions and recommendations are expected to be of use to policy makers in the country and region as they evaluate how international trends and good practice fit into the socio-economic and political conditions of RM and similar countries. At the same time, it can demonstrate how far institutional quality assurance and progress can be implemented and recognized in the country itself and by some international stakeholders. It can also prove that the South East European University (SEEU) is a national leader in this field as RM has no functioning QA evaluation system, while SEEU has managed to create a well structured and operating one, based on international and institutional experiences.
Inter-Ethnic Relations in Kosovo
Authors: Demjaha Agon
Published: May 2017

The paper aims to analyse the state of inter-ethnic relations in Kosovo between ethnic Albanians and ethnic Serbs, with special focus on the period after unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo in 2008. Inter-ethnic conflict in Kosovo has exclusively been over its territory since both Serbs and Albanians have made claims about history and ethno-demography to justify their alleged exclusive right to this ethnically mixed region. Consequently, inter-ethnic relations between Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo have been rather problematic throughout the most of the 20th century. During this period Albanians in Kosovo have been subjected to discrimination, intimidation and even mass expulsion by Yugoslav/Serb authorities. In late 1990s, these relations between Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo have progressively worsened and finally escalated in an armed warfare in 1999.

Immediately after the war, Serbs in Kosovo were occasionally exposed to acts of inter-ethnic and retaliatory violence. Inter-ethnic relations between the two major ethnicities continued to be tense and fragile after independence of Kosovo in 2008. Dramatic changes of ethnic composition structure, atrocities and huge number of refugees due to the war, have left a legacy of deep mistrust and animosities between Albanians and Serbs in the newly created state. Consequently, Serbs in Kosovo have from the beginning refused to recognize Kosovo’s independence and have rigorously refused any governance by Kosovo authorities. Serbian community, especially in the North, claims stronger territorial autonomy, even separatism and unification with Serbia. The paper claims that in Kosovo inter-ethnic and interstate relations are basically the components of the same equation. Therefore, paper concludes that only overall improvement of relations between Kosovo and Serbia could contribute to overall relaxation of inter-ethnic relations between Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo. Unfortunately, the latest incidents between Kosovo and Serbia have increased the tensions between the two sides to alarming levels.
National narration and Politics of Memory in post-socialist Georgia
Authors: Dundua Salome , Karaia Tamar , Abashidze Zviad
Published: May 2017

The article is dedicated to analyse the politics of so called “historical memory” during the state-building and nation-building process in post-socialist Georgia After the Rose Revolution 2003, the new government that aimed at building the “new Georgia,” implementing radical changes in many key spheres, including institutions, readdressing the totalitarian past, faced number of problematic manifestations in political and cultural life in this post-Soviet country. The “politics of memory” became one of the key factors of reconstructing of “new, democratic, western Georgia”. This process can be evaluated as leading toward state nationalism. Analyzing the politics of memory, symbolism is the most notable attitude and that is why former President Mikheil Saakashvili used commemorative ceremonies continuously. The authors argue in favour of approach, that the so called “memory politics” is the integral part of one’s legitimacy building, but at the same time, it can be used as tool for reconsidering of Polity’s future and mobilization of population under the “citizenship” umbrella towards the strong loyalty to the actual and future state-building.
A Gender and Marital Status Analysis of Household Income in a Low-Income Township
Authors: Dunga Steven Henry
Published: May 2017

The analysis of income at household level is highly important for understanding the poverty and for supporting the efforts to deal with poverty. Poverty measures can be calculated from a multitude of approaches. A common approach is to use household income and draw a minimum level of income required for a household to be considered above or below poverty. This paper looked at income at household level from a gender perspective and a marital status perspective in order to draw conclusions of the nature of household’s characteristics that are associated with higher or lower income as a proxy for poverty. Based on data collected in a low income township in South Africa, the regression analysis was applied to investigate the differences between different marital statuses and gender and how they are associated with different levels of income. The regression results reveal that female headed households have, on average, lower incomes compared to male headed households, and also, that married heads of households have higher incomes compared to the single, divorced, and widowed. The widowed had the lowest average income.
Performance Through Efficiency in the Public Healthcare System – A DEA Approach in an Emergent Country
Authors: Nistor Cristina Silvia , Ștefănescu Cristina Alexandrina , Crișan Andrei-Răzvan
Published: May 2017

Aiming to analyze the efficiency of the public sector, this paper enriches the literature by providing insights of the healthcare system for an emergent country - Romania. The empirical findings reached by applying the input orientated-variable return to scale (VRS) model of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression method are determined on two key levels of the study. The Data Envelopment Analysis technique quantifies the efficiency within 20 representative hospitals located in the four administrative macro-regions, highlighting the ways of increasing efficiency, while the Tobit regression identifies the factors that influence the efficiency level. The results of the investigation allow for comparisons with other emerging countries, as efficiency has become an increasingly significant factor for public sector evolution.
Versatile asymmetrical tight extensions
Authors: Otafudu Olivier Olela , Mushaandja Zechariah
Published: May 2017

We show that the image of a q-hyperconvex quasi-metric space under a retraction is q-hyperconvex. Furthermore, we establish that quasi-tightness and quasi-essentiality of an extension of a T0-quasi-metric space are equivalent.
Dissociating intervention effects from superiority in English wh-questions
Authors: Kotek Hadas
Published: May 2017

In wh-questions, intervention effects are detected whenever certain elements – focus-sensitive operators, negative elements, and quantifiers – c-command an in-situ wh-word. Pesetsky (2000, Phrasal movement and its kin. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press) presents a comprehensive study of intervention effects in English multiple wh-questions, arguing that intervention correlates with superiority: superiority-violating questions are subject to intervention effects, while superiority-obeying questions are immune from such effects. This description has been adopted as an explanandum in most recent work on intervention, such as Beck (2006, Intervention effects follow from focus interpretation. Natural Language Semantics 14. 1–56) and Cable (2010, The Grammar of Q: Q-particles, wh-movement, and pied-piping. Oxford University Press), a.o. In this paper, I show instead that intervention effects in English questions correlate with the available LF positions for wh-in-situ and the intervener, but not with superiority. The grammar allows for several different ways of repairing intervention configurations, including wh-movement, scrambling, Quantifier Raising, and reconstruction. Intervention effects are observed when none of these repair strategies are applicable, and there is no way of avoiding the intervention configuration – regardless of superiority. Nonetheless, I show that these results are consistent with the syntax proposed for English questions in Pesetsky (2000, Phrasal movement and its kin. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press) and with the semantic theory of intervention effects in Beck (2006, Intervention effects follow from focus interpretation. Natural Language Semantics 14. 1–56).
Social media and hotel e-marketing in Iran: The case of Parsian International Hotels
Authors: Nasihatkon Banafshen , Kheiri Jamal , Miralbell Oriol
Published: May 2017

With a quantitative study, this research has aimed to investigate the role of social media in Iranian hotels’ electronic marketing. A questionnaire technique was used on a sample of 140 marketers who work in the Parsian International Hotels’ marketing department. For data evaluation an SPSS program was used. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cochran, Regression, Non-standardized coefficients and Standard coefficient tests were carried out. Based on the findings, we can state that social media are still not an important marketing tool for Iranian hotels. Facebook and YouTube are the media which are most used for marketing purposes as videos and photos can be used on these sites more than others. The results show that the marketing abilities of Parsian Hotels improve with the increasing use of social media, but the hotel marketing sector has failed to fully utilize internet opportunity as a marketing tool.
The issue of tourist accommodation in the Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism
Authors: Ambrozik Małgorzata
Published: May 2017

The aim of the study is to analyze the contents of the articles published in the Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism with special attention paid to texts describing tourist accommodation in its broadest sense. The list of references was collected in a survey of Taylor & Francis Online1 which includes online editions of the journal.
Effect of Gravomagnetism on the Trajectory of Light Ray
Authors: Chakraborty Sarani , Sen A.K.
Published: May 2017

It has been shown by various authors that gravomagnetic field can produce lensing effect. The effect of such a gravitational body with gravomagnetic mass on the trajectory of light ray is discussed in this paper. The light deflection angle has been calculated in the present works, considering upto fourth order terms. Schwarzschild light deflection angle can be obtained from this expression, by setting gravomagnetic mass equals to zero. However, for a hypothetical massless, gravomagnetic monopole, the light deflection angle does not reduce to zero.
A dihydrochalcone derivative and further steroidal saponins from Sansevieria trifasciata Prain
Authors: Tchegnitegni Billy T. , Teponno Rémy B. , Jenett-Siems Kristina , Melzig Matthias F. , Miyamoto Tomofumi , Tapondjou Léon A.
Published: May 2017

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Sansevieria trifasciata, one of the most common Dracaenaceae plants, has resulted in the isolation of a new dihydrochalcone derivative named trifasciatine C (1), four previously unreported steroidal saponins as two pairs of inseparable regioisomers: trifasciatosides K/L (2/3), M/N (4/5), together with the known 1,2-(dipalmitoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (6), aconitic acid (7), and 1-methyl aconitic acid (8). Their structures were elucidated mainly by extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance) and high-resolution electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods and comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds. Compounds 2/3 and 4/5 were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on Hela cells, and no significant effect was observed.