bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Portfolio Selection on Croatian Financial Markets: MGARCH Approach
Authors: Škrinjarić Tihana , Šego Boško
Published: October 2016

Background: Investors on financial markets are interested in finding trading strategies which could enable them to beat the market. They always look for best possibilities to achieve above-average returns and manage risks successfully. MGARCH methodology (Multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) makes it possible to model changing risks and return dynamics on financial markets on a daily basis. The results could be used in order to enhance portfolio formation and restructuring over time.

Objectives: This study utilizes MGARCH methodology on Croatian financial markets in order to enhance portfolio selection on a daily basis. Methods/Approach: MGARCH methodology is applied to the stock market index CROBEX, the bond market index CROBIS and the kuna/euro exchange rate in order to model the co-movements of returns and risks on a daily basis. The estimation results are then used to form successful portfolios.

Results: Results indicate that using MGARCH methodology (the CCC and the DCC model) as guidance when forming and rebalancing a portfolio contributes to less portfolio volatility and greater cumulated returns compared to strategies which do not take this methodology into account.

Conclusions: It is advisable to use MGARCH methodology when forming and rebalancing portfolios in terms of portfolio selection.
Cost Efficiency of Banks in Croatia
Authors: Huljak Ivan
Published: October 2016

Foreign and larger banks in Croatia are generally considered to be more cost efficient compared with domestic and smaller banks. However, those views are often based on data from financial statements that can be misleading due to simultaneous consolidation process on the market and the existence of economies of scale. To contribute to the Croatian banking efficiency literature, we construct a panel of individual bank data for 1994-2014 period and conduct a frontier analysis to calculate bank specific X-efficiency. Our results suggest that efficiency scores depend on the cost definition as domestic and smaller banks are more efficient in managing administrative costs compared with foreign and larger banks but equally efficient in managing total costs. Results indicate that average bank relative efficiency increased on two occasions: one in the late 90s in the period of banking crisis and subsequent “market cleansing” and to a lesser extent in the period marked with financial crisis. Although the differences between bank cost efficiencies seem small, we conclude that the area is worth further research as significant gains in bank earnings could be achieved by increasing efficiency.
Measuring Dynamics of Risk and Performance of Sector Indices on Zagreb Stock Exchange
Authors: Škrinjarić Tihana
Published: October 2016

Investors are interested in sector diversification on stock markets among other important portfolio topics. This paper looks at five sector indices on Croatian capital market as an example of a small, relatively illiquid market. Sector indices have been constructed at the beginning of 2013 and since then there is a lack of studies, which focus on sector diversification on Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the recent dynamics of risk and performance of five sector indices on ZSE by employing MGARCH (Multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) models empirically. Output from the analysis is used to form guidance for investors on Croatian capital market. The results indicate that in the observed period from February 4th 2013 to October 13th 2015 portfolios based on MGARCH methodology outperform other portfolios in terms return and risk. Thus, it is advisable to use this methodology when making portfolio selection.
Quality of Life Indicators in Selected European Countries: Hierarchical Cluster Analysis Approach
Authors: Žmuk Berislav
Published: October 2016

The average expected duration of human life is rising because of different reasons. On the other hand, not only the duration, but the quality of life level is important, too. The higher the quality of life level, the citizens’ happiness and satisfaction levels are higher, which has positive impact on the development and operating of an economy. The goal of this paper is to identify groups of European countries, using statistical hierarchical cluster analysis, by using the quality of life indicators, and to recognise differences in quality of life levels. The quality of life is measured by using seven different indicators. The conducted statistical hierarchical cluster analysis is based on the Ward’s clustering method, and squared Euclidean distances. The results of conducted statistical hierarchical cluster analysis enabled recognizing of three different groups of European countries: old European Union member states, new European Union members, and non-European Union member states. The analysis has revealed that the old European Union member states seem to have in average higher quality of life level than the new European Union member states. Furthermore, the European Union member states have in average higher quality of live level than non-European Union members do. The results indicate that quality of life levels and economic development levels are connected.
Mucocele of the appendix during pregnancy: What to do?
Authors: Martínez Franco Eva , Vallverdú Cartié Helena , Margarit Verano Montserrat , Méndez Paredes José Ramón , Gris Garriga Pere , Garrone Rosana
Published: October 2016

The term mucocele is simply defined as the macroscopic description of an appendix that is grossly distended by intraluminal accumulation of mucoid material. Its incidence ranges from 0.2% to 0.7% of all appendectomies and during pregnancy it is even less frequent. After a mucocele diagnosis, the selection of an adequate surgical method is, in general, very important. But during pregnancy it is an even more complicated decision because of the lack of experience and evidence on elective surgical treatments in pregnant women. We present a commentary based on a case of a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm of the appendix, found on an appendectomy specimen because of a mucocele in a second trimester pregnant woman.
Possibilities for the Creation of Beer Routes in Hungary: A Methodological and Practical Perspective
Authors: Csapó János , Wetzl Viktor
Published: October 2016

This study aims to analyse the possibilities and the potential for the establishment of beer tourism, one of the most recently valorised tourism products of global gastro tourism, and more importantly the creation and professional criteria of beer routes in Hungary. With a thorough investigation of the theoretical background of beer tourism and beer trails the authors try to collect those spatial perspectives which confirm our idea that Hungary is possessing adequate resources for the initiation of this new tourism product. We experienced that this area of tourism geography has not yet been researched thoroughly in the country, for which we make an attempt in this paper, using geographical and GIS methods, basically relying on the beer routes of Bavaria, Germany as good practices.
Study of Antioxidant Effects of Selected Types of Coffee
Authors: Hudáková J. , Marcinčáková D. , Legáth J.
Published: October 2016

Coffee is a rich source of dietary antioxidants which protects the human body against the effects of dangerous free radicals. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antioxidant activity, content of total phenols and flavonoids in selected types of coffee with respect to the way of their processing. The individual coffees were investigated with regard to their origin and composition. The antioxidant effects were determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The content of total phenols was analysed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the content of flavonoids in the coffee extracts was determined by a colorimetric method. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by the extract of unroasted ground 100 % green coffee Arabica (89.55 %), and the high scavenging of free radicals was achieved also by the extracts of roasted ground 100 % coffees Arabica and Robusta. The highest levels of total phenols (77.54 µg.ml−1) and flavonoids (1.74 µg.ml−1) were measured in the extract of unroasted ground 100 % green coffee Arabica. High levels of these substances were found also in extracts of roasted ground 100 % coffees Arabica and Robusta. The lowest levels of total phenols (31.24 µg.ml−1) and flavonoids (0.91 µg.ml−1) were detected in the extract of instant coffee Arabica. The processing of coffee by roasting decreased the level of the investigated antioxidant components but considerably improved the taste and aroma, the properties that make coffee one of the most popular drinks in the world.
The Influence of Probiotics on Reproductive Parameters of Sows and Health of Their Sucklings
Authors: Link R. , Reichel P. , Kyzeková P.
Published: October 2016

Thirtytwo sows were included in the trial. They were divided into the experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). The experimental group received 1.28 × 106
Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis per gram of feed (400 ppm BioPlus 2B, Chr. Hansen, Denmark). The trial started 2 weeks before farrowing and lasted until weaning. No significant differences were revealed in the number of piglets born alive, stillborn or the number of weaned pigs between the two groups of sows. The wean-to-first service interval was not significantly different between the groups, but sows in the experimental group had earlier first services. The conception rate did not differ. Sows in the experimental group suffered from postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) less than sows in the control group. The suckling piglets in the experimental group of sows reached better weight on day 14 of the trial and this state persisted up to the end of the experiment. The differences in the weights of the experimental group and the control group were significant at the end of the trial (P < 0.01). The experimental piglets had significantly lower incidence of diarrhoea than those in the control group (P < 0.05).
The First Haemolymph Analysis of Nhandu Chromatus Tarantulas — Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Muir R.E. , Halán M.
Published: October 2016

Tarantulas are a relatively unstudied category of invertebrate which are popular with hobbyists and increasingly used in laboratory research. As their presence in the veterinary setting is limited, very little is known about the biochemistry of their haemolymph as obtained by in house sampling and analysis. A handful of studies have been performed to attempt to establish a normal range for certain parameters in healthy members of a few particular species, but that is the extent of the current research. In this study, 12 tarantulas of the Nhandu chromatus species purchased as immature siblings and kept under standardised conditions for 2.5 years were anaesthetised with isoflurane and had 0.2 ml of haemolymph sampled and analysed for: total protein, glucose, calcium, phosphorous and uric acid. As well as having kept a diary of their daily feed intake and recorded dates of ecdysis, the exposure time to anaesthetic and perceived effectiveness were recorded. The variables originally proposed for this investigation are based on 2 separate feeding regimes, differing in terms of feed quantity and the effect on the aforementioned biochemical parameters. Upon receipt of the biochemical results from the first sampling, it became apparent that unexpected correlations could be made between the stage of ecdysis, susceptibility to anaesthesia and the total protein levels in the haemolymph. Those that were due to shed imminently, indicated by cessation in feeding, had recognisably and significantly higher total protein levels and reached a better level of anaesthesia in less time. Additional samplings are planned in the future to specify more definitive parameters. The observations made inadvertently so far could constitute novel information and be practically useful to tarantula enthusiasts and anaesthetists, and therefore, potentially of high clinical significance.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-(2′,4′-difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-6-arylpyrimidin- 2-amine derivatives
Authors: Fathimunnisa M. , Manikandan Haridoss , Neelakandan K. , Rajendra Prasad N. , Ganesan M.
Published: October 2016

4-(2′,4′-Difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-6-arylpyrimidin-2-amines 5a–g were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit various bacterial and fungal strains. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was investigated by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against the Hep-2 cell line. Molecular docking studies were also conducted to locate the binding interaction with the target protein 4LRH.
The Use of Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques and Vulnerable Patients. A Review
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Maurovich-Horváth Pál , Ferdinandy Péter , Merkely Béla
Published: October 2016

Acute coronary syndromes represent the most severe consequences of atherosclerosis, most often triggered by the rupture of a coronary plaque, which, for various reasons, has become unstable. In many cases, these rupture-prone vulnerable plaques are difficult to diagnose, because they do not always cause significant obstruction noticeable by coronary angiography. Therefore, new methods and tools for the identification of vulnerable plaques have been proposed, many of which are currently under study. Various biomarkers have been suggested as predictors of a vulnerable plaque, as well as indicators of an increased inflammatory status associated with higher patient susceptibility for plaque rupture. Integration of such biomarkers into multiple biomarker platforms has been suggested to identify superior diagnostic algorithms for the early detection of the high-risk condition associated with an unstable plaque. The aim of this review is to summarize recent research related to biomarkers used for the early detection of vulnerable plaques and vulnerable patients.
Distance-related Differences in Critical Times, Protocol Activation and Mortality in a Regional STEMI Network
Authors: Bajka Balázs , Orzan Marius , Jakó Beáta , Kovács István
Published: October 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the differences in critical network times and mortality in STEMI patients presenting to hospitals in the same STEMI network, but located at different distances from the pPCI center.

Methods: Four-hundreed sixteen patients with STEMI were studied. Group 1: 101 patients presenting to any of the six regional hospitals in the network located at less than 70 km from the pPCI center, with a maximum transport time of 30 minutes. Group 2: 81 patients presenting to any of the three territorial hospitals in the network located at 70–150 km from the pPCI center, with a transport time between 30 and 70 minutes. Group 3: 93 patients presenting to any of the four territorial hospitals in the network located at 150–250 km from the pPCI center, with a transport time between 70 and 150 minutes. Group 4: 141 patients presenting directly to the emergency room of the pPCI center. The following time intervals were recorded: presentation time (PT), from the onset of symptoms to arrival at the pPCI center; protocol initiation time (PIT), from arrival at the pPCI center to STEMI protocol initiation; ischemic time (IT), from the onset of symptoms to repermeabilisation; door to balloon time (DTB), from arrival in the pPCI center to balloon.

Results: PT showed no significant difference between the groups – 183.08 ± 25.2 minutes vs. 199.1 ± 32.4 minutes vs. 166.7 ± 42.5 minutes vs. 161.91 ± 36.8 minutes, respectively (p=0.4). PIT was significantly lower in Group 3 (61.66 ± 15.4 minutes in Group 3 vs. 92 ± 11.5 minutes in Group 2 vs. 107.4 ± 12.5 minutes in Group 1, p = 0.002). DTB time was significantly longer for patients presenting directly to the pPCI center compared to those arriving from Zone 1, 2 or 3 hospitals, 86.96 ± 11.6 minutes vs. 52.27 ± 11.2 minutes vs. 39.94 ± 10.3 minutes vs. 43.9 ± 5.3 minutes, p <0.001). Despite the differences in distance to the pPCI center, there was no significant difference in total IT between the groups (Group 1, 344.6 ± 53.4 minutes; Group 2, 369.3 ± 42.6 minutes; Group 3, 366.65 ± 36.4 minutes; and 340.2 ± 26.9 minutes in the pPCIcenter, p = 0.2), and this was reflected in similar rates of mortality (Group 1, 3.9%; Group 2, 3.7%; Group 3, 3.2%; and 3.5% in the pPCI center).

Conclusion: A well organized STEMI network can shorten protocol initiation and DTB times, achieving similar ischemic times and resulting in similar mortality rates with the centers located closer to the pPCI center. Early activation of the STEMI protocol could lead to superior results even in areas situated at longer distances from the pPCI center.
A Critical Review of the Main Approaches on Financial Market Dynamics Modelling
Authors: Pasca Lucian
Published: October 2016

While the interpretation of the EMH has changed over the last 50 years, its meaningfulness continues to define our view on how financial markets work. Competing approaches such as BFT and ACT have been proven to be in particular cases of an infinite spectrum of market states; all come under the framework of the AMH. The flexible framework of the AMH enables a trans-disciplinary approach for the study of financial system dynamics. An evolutionary and contextual view on financial systems allows researchers to use techniques and instruments from quantum mechanics and statistical physics to quantify volatility and provide an interpretation to the cognitive processes underlying investor decision making. Such a context also enables to tackle the interpretation of information processing at a cognitive level through consideration of quantum effects in the price formation mechanism.
Integration of Travel Agencies with other Supply Chain Members: Impact on Efficiency
Authors: Topolšek Darja , Dragan Dejan
Published: October 2016

The performance of tourism supply chains depends on the efficiency of all members involved, including the travel agencies. The paper addresses the analysis of relationships between the agencies’ external integration with other supply chain members on one side, and the efficiency of the agencies on the other. The data envelopment analysis is applied for the estimation of efficiencies, while the structural equation modelling (SEM) is conducted for identification of possible integration impacts on the efficiency. Results show that integration with other supply chain members indeed has some positive impacts on the agencies’ efficiency. Also, the developed SEM model implies that in-depth forms of collaboration would enable more effective exploitation of the identified relations between the integration and efficiency of the agencies. This finding could be an important guideline for the agencies’ management in the sense of achieving more satisfied customers and bigger profits, as well as reduced operational costs.
The impact of transport infrastructure projects on sustainable development within a major logistics gateway in North West England
Authors: Paraskevadakis Dimitrios , Bury Alan , Wang Jin , Ren Jun , Bonsall Stephen , Jenkinson Ian
Published: October 2016

In the North West of England the issue of a perceived infrastructure gap is of increasing concern. Investment needs to be made to improve the transport infrastructure of the region if it is to be expected to promote the development of its own regional logistics gateway. Funding tools have been set up to address the challenges arising from the imbalance in infrastructure development that exists between regions in the north of the United Kingdom and those in the south. For regions with well developed economies the outlook is promising as the availability of modern transport infrastructure looks set to improve. However, some sources believe that the development of new transport infrastructure will have a negative impact upon sustainable development. It is expected that this will occur in a range of both direct and indirect ways. As a result, it is critical that planning for the creation of new intermodal transport infrastructure, or the upgrading of that which already exists, takes into account the impact that these developments will have on the sustainable development of the host region. A scenario based development methodology is proposed in this paper. It was developed to provide a way to identify potential scenarios that may arise within a given region as a result of transport infrastructure projects. To create significant scenarios the methodology is dependent on the availability of a sufficient quantity of quality data. For this paper that data was collected through a focus group composed of stakeholders from the region in question. This was further supported by the performance of an impact survey using the same group of stakeholders.
Accessibility concepts and indicators in transportation strategic planning issues: theoretical framework and literature review
Authors: Vulevic Ana
Published: October 2016

Accessibility is a well-known and studied concept within the scientific literature. Good transportation accessibility is certainly an important factor in exploiting spatial potentials. The quality of transportation infrastructure in terms of capacity, travel speed, connectivity etc., determines the quality and advantage of a location relative to other locations, which is usually measured as accessibility. Increasingly overloaded transport corridors, in the context of changing transportation flows are becoming an important issue for accessibility. This Paper gives a very brief overview of which kind of transportation networks and services indicators should be used in relevant documents and in transportation planning practice. This Paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different definitions, dimensions and indicators of accessibility in the literature of those already discovered.
An Analytical Model to Explain the Governance of Family Owned Businesses
Authors: Kuruppuge Ravindra Hewa , Ekanayake Athula
Published: October 2016

The governance of businesses tends to vary depending on the ownership, i.e., the private sector vs. the public sector, or the industry, for example, banking vs. non-banking, and many more. This paper aims to develop an analytical model in explaining the governance of family owned businesses more specifically. It argues that because of the family ownership and the family management, family businesses require a particular attention. Also, because family businesses appear to set non-financial goals in addition to financial goals the governance of family businesses cannot be equally treated as those of other firms in the private sector. Given the less developed nature of the capital markets in the developing countries such as Sri Lanka, family businesses play a significant role in the economic development of such countries. Nevertheless, family businesses face significant survival challenges, as they are likely to promote those who have family ties into management positions than the professional managers. By reviewing the existing literature critically, this paper identifies the variables, namely family power (i.e., ownership and management), experience and cultural factors, which influence the accomplishment of financial and non-financial goals of family owned businesses, and develops an analytical model to explain their governance.
Vitamin D status in Israeli pediatric type 1 diabetes patients: the AWeSoMe Study Group experience and literature review
Authors: Brody Judith , Pinhas-Hamiel Orit , Landau Zohar , Adar Adi , Bistritzer Tzvy , Rachmiel Marianna
Published: October 2016

Background

The prevalence of both vitamin D (VitD) deficiency and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has increased worldwide over the last few decades. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the prevalence of VitD deficiency and insufficiency among Israeli youth with T1DM and (2) to assess the association between VitD status, seasonality and T1D glycemic control characteristics.

Methods

This was a multi-centered, cross-sectional study. VitD levels were routinely tested during the years 2008–2011 in T1DM patients aged up to 21 years. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics.

Results

The study population consisted of 199 participants (53% males), mean age 12.24±4.11 years, mean T1DM duration 3.77±3.43 years. VitD levels were within the normal range in 19.6%, insufficient (15–29 ng/mL, 37–72 nmol/L) in 62.3% and deficient (<15 ng/mL, <37 nmol/L) in 18.1%. Mean VitD level was higher during the summer than during spring, autumn and winter (28.65 ng/mL, 23.16 ng/mL, 21.65 ng/mL, 17.55 ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). Mean VitD level was higher among secular patients compared to the religious (whole-year heavily dressed) population (23.57 ng/mL, 15.54 ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). VitD level was negatively associated with body mass index calculation of standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and age at diagnosis (r=−0.171, p=0.016; r=−0.149, p=0.043; r=−0.150, p=0.037, respectively). No association was demonstrated with disease duration and glycemic control indices and metabolic parameters.

Conclusions

VitD insufficiency is largely prevalent among Israeli youth with T1DM, as is in Israeli youth in general. The VitD level is associated with seasonality, clothing habits and BMI.
Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)
Authors: Duffus John H. , Schwenk Michael , Templeton Douglas M.
Published: October 2016

The primary objective of this glossary is to give clear definitions for those who contribute to studies relevant to these disciplines, or who must interpret them, but are not themselves reproductive physiologists or physicians. This applies especially to chemists who need to understand the literature of reproductive and teratogenic effects of substances without recourse to a multiplicity of other glossaries or dictionaries. The glossary includes terms related to basic and clinical reproductive biology and teratogenesis, insofar as they are necessary for a self-contained document, particularly terms related to diagnosing, measuring, and understanding the effects of substances on the embryo, the fetus, and on the male and female reproductive systems. The glossary consists of about 1200 primary alphabetical entries and includes Annexes of common abbreviations and examples of chemicals with known effects on human reproduction and development. The authors hope that toxicologists, pharmacologists, medical practitioners, risk assessors, and regulatory authorities are among the groups who will find this glossary helpful, in addition to chemists. In particular, the glossary should facilitate the worldwide use of chemical terminology in relation to occupational and environmental risk assessment.
Much More Than Economy: Assessing Electoral Accountability in the CEE Member States
Authors: Fumarola Andrea
Published: October 2016

Electoral accountability is considered the mechanism through which voters hold governments responsible for their performance. Questioning the traditional approach of economic voting theory, the article focuses on the influence exerted by the political context—comprehensively considered as government clarity of responsibility, availability of governing alternatives, electoral formula, and freedom of the media—on the accountability mechanism in eleven countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Using individual and aggregate data collected after the 2014 European Elections by the European Election Study (EES), the present article analyses this process in its double dimension of answerability and enforcement (Schedler 1999). Our findings suggest that voters’ ability to express discontent with economic performance in new European democracies is strongly influenced by specific characteristics of the political context. A stable and cohesive government as well as a free media system, in particular, seem to facilitate performance voting in the region.
Bacterial Contamination of Boar Semen and its Relationship to Sperm Quality Preserved in Commercial Extender Containing Gentamicin Sulfate
Authors: Gączarzewicz D. , Udała J. , Piasecka M. , Błaszczyk B. , Stankiewicz T.
Published: October 2016

This study was designed to determine the degree and type of bacterial contamination in boar semen (79 ejaculates from Large White and Landrace boars) and its consequences for sperm quality during storage (27 extended semen samples, 16°C for five days) under practical conditions of artificial insemination (AI). The results revealed the presence of aerobic bacteria in 99% of the ejaculates (from 80 to 370 ×106 colony-forming units/mL). Most of the ejaculates contained two or three bacterial contaminants, while the Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas bacterial genera were most frequently isolated. Also detected were Enterobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa. In general, the growth of certain bacterial types isolated prior to semen processing (Enterobacter spp., E. coli, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa) was not discovered on different days of storage, but fluctuations (with a tendency towards increases) were found in the frequencies of Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp. isolates up to the end of storage. Semen preserved for five days exhibited decreases in sperm motility and increases in the average number of total aerobic bacteria; this was associated with sperm agglutination, plasma membrane disruption, and acrosome damage. We inferred that, due to the different degrees and types of bacterial contaminants in the boar ejaculates, the inhibitory activity of some antimicrobial agents used in swine extenders (such as gentamicin sulfate) may be limited. Because such agents can contribute to the overgrowth of certain aerobic bacteria and a reduction in the quality of stored semen, procedures with high standards of hygiene and microbiological control should be used when processing boar semen.
Vertical Transmission of PCV2b to Fetuses in Sows Intramuscularly Infected with PCV2b
Authors: Dong Wang Nai , Jun Li Jing , Bing Wang Ai , Zhe Zhu , Yan Chang , Yu Mao , Yang Zan , Feng Wang Zan , Bang Deng Zhi
Published: October 2016

In order to investigate whether PCV2b can be transmitted across the placenta in sows thereby causing vertical infection of fetuses, six sows in 75 day of pregnancy were either intramuscularly inoculated with a PCV2b culture supernatant (n = 4) or mock infected with cell culture supernatant (n = 2). At parturition, 3 newborn piglets from each litter were randomly selected and euthanatized prior to suckling. Samples of the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleens, kidneys, hearts and lungs were collected for PCR, histopathological and immunohistochemical assays. The results showed that the newborn piglets from PCV2b-infected sows had histopathological lesions in the tested tissues. Moreover, PCV2b antigen and DNA were detected as well. These findings therefore suggested that porcine circovirus type 2b can be transmitted across the placenta of sows, thereby leading to PCV2b vertical infection of the fetuses.
The Effectiveness of Modified Seton and Modified Combat Gauze in Controlling Severe Hemorrhaging during Operations of Uniformed Services
Authors: Adamiak Z. , Bukowiecka D. , Jastrzębski P. , Jałyński M. , Holak P. , Głodek J. , Gudzbeler G.
Published: October 2016

Hemorrhaging from large vessels poses a serious problem in emergency situations when blood loss needs to be immediately controlled. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two hemostatic dressings in controlling bleeding from a surgically punctured femoral artery. The study was performed on thirteen pigs divided into two groups, of six and seven pigs, respectively. Combat gauze covered with ChitoClear hqg 95 chitosan and Protanal LF10/60 FT sodium alginate was used in the first group, seton covered with identical substances was uses in the second group. Selected hemostatic dressing was applied to the wound 20 seconds after incision and then removed at regular time intervals to evaluate hemostasis. Modified seton was characterized by a shorter time to hemostasis than combat gauze. The result of this experiment indicate that modified seton proved to be a more effective dressing than modified combat gauze.
Efficacy of Topical Therapy with Newly Developed Terbinafine and Econazole Formulations in the Treatment of Dermatophytosis in Cats
Authors: Ivaskiene M. , Matusevicius A.P. , Grigonis A. , Zamokas G. , Babickaite L.
Published: October 2016

In the field of veterinary dermatology dermatophytosis is one of the most frequently occurring infectious diseases, therefore its treatment should be effective, convenient, safe and inexpensive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of newly developed topical formulations in the treatment of cats with dermatophytosis. Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of terbinafine and econazole formulations administered topically twice a day was performed in 40 cats. Cats, suffering from the most widely spreadMicrosporum canis-induced dermatophytosis and treated with terbinafine hydrochloride 1% cream, recovered within 20.3±0.88 days; whereas when treated with econazole nitrate 1% cream, they recovered within 28.4±1.14 days. A positive therapeutic effect was yielded by combined treatment with local application of creams and whole coat spray with enilconazole 0.2% emulsion „Imaverol”. Most cats treated with econazole cream revealed redness and irritation of the skin at the site of application. This study demonstrates that terbinafine tended to have superior clinical efficacy (p<0.001) in the treatment of dermatophytosis in cats compared to the azole tested.
Usefulness of Acidity and Temperature of the Rumen and Abomasum in Diagnosing SARA in Dairy Cows after Calving
Authors: Antanaitis R. , Žilaitis V. , Juozaitiene V. , Stoškus R.
Published: October 2016

The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the acidity and temperature of the contents of the reticulorumen and abomasum in the first 10 days after calving and to evaluate these factors as predictive traits for the diagnosis of subclinical acidosis.

The acidity and temperature of the contents of the reticulorumen and abomasum were measured using specific smaXtec boluses manufactured for animal care. According to the directions of the manufacturer, the boluses were inserted into the reticulorumen of the cows researched with the help of a specific tool. The boluses were inserted into the abomasa by way of surgery, laparotomy and abomasotomy through the right flank. The readings of 7 cows were taken on a total of 10 days, twice a day (at 9 a.m. and at 9 p.m.). In total, 140 measurements were taken.

The acidity of the reticulorumen is associated with the acidity of the abomasum. The acidity of the rumen increases, if the acidity of the reticulorumen increases also. A negative correlation was observed between the pH of the contents of the abomasum and this temperature. The increase in the acidity (decrease of pH) of the contents of the reticulorumen increases its temperature and also increases the temperature of the contents of the abomasum. There is a positive statistically significant dependence between the reticulorumen content temperature and the rectal temperature.

Through measurement of the ruminoreticular temperature, it is possible to predict the health status of a cow’s stomach in regard to acidosis.
Cyclosporin A Treatment in Intrinsic Canine Atopic Dermatitis (Atopic-like Dermatitis): Open Trial Study
Authors: Fujimura M. , Nakatsuji Y. , Ishimaru H.
Published: October 2016

In this study, dogs were separated into two groups and treated with immunosuppressant (Cyclosporin A: CsA). The first group was the canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) group, which is similar to extrinsic atopic dermatitis (AD) in humans (treated with a CsA dose of 2.5-5.5 mg/kg, n=8), and the second group was the canine atopic-like dermatitis (ALD) group, which is similar to intrinsic AD in humans (treated with a CsA dose of 2.5-6.5 mg/kg, n=14). The canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI)-4 was evaluated before treatment (PRE) and after treatment (POST) to assess the effectiveness of CsA for the two groups. In the CAD group, CADESI-4 showed no change (PRE:79±29, POST:77±28) and out of the eight dogs, no dogs showed complete remission, three dogs showed partial remission, and five dogs showed no effect. Whereas in the ALD group, CADESI-4 showed a significant reduction (PRE: 61±42, POST: 32±25, p<0.01) and out of the 14 dogs, 11 dogs showed complete remission, two dogs showed partial remission, and one dog showed no effect. The results indicate that the immunosuppressant showed effectiveness for the dogs diagnosed with ALD. One dog had to be treated for a year and eight months, which was the longest period in the study, this dog presented with hyperplasia of the lymphoidgland and mammary tumor.
Comparison of Fecal Egg Counts and ELISA for the Diagnosis of Dicrocoelium Dendriticum Infection
Authors: Naeemipour M. , Hashemitabar Gh.R. , Dastjerdi K. , Mojaver M. Jamshidian , Mohammadi H.R.
Published: October 2016

From economical point of view, Dicrocoelium Dendriticum (D. dendriticum) causes a lot of damages to the livestock industry annually. So, the rapid diagnosis of infection is very important. The diagnosis is based on egg per count of feces (EPG) test because detection according to clinical symptoms is difficult. Since EPG is not accurate and sensitive, the serological methods become important for the diagnosis of this parasite as they are more accurate in comparison to EPG test and they are able to diagnose infection in a short time. In this study, somatic and Excretory-secretory antigens (EsAg) were isolated. The ELISA test was set up according to positive and negative sera and the results which were obtained compared to those obtained by the EPG test. The prevalence of infection in 550 samples by ELISA and EPG methods were 56% and 7% respectively, which shows the significant difference between these methods in examining the rate of infection. Based on the results, the specificity and sensitivity in ELISA test were 95% and 94%, respectively. The results showed that the ELISA is a more reliable test in comparison to EPG test for the rapid diagnosis of D. dendriticum infection.
Serological Survey for RHD Antibodies in Rabbits from Two Types of Rabbit Breeding Farms
Authors: Fitzner A. , Niedbalski W.
Published: October 2016

Seroprevalence studies of RHDV antibodies in domestic rabbits were conducted between 2008-2014. A total of 12,169 sera from the provinces of central, southern and south-east Poland, including 7,570 samples collected from mixed-breed rabbits reared in smallholder farms and nearly 4,600 sera taken mainly from unvaccinated rabbits kept in industrial farms, were examined using ELISA tests. Additionally, cross-reactivity of selected tested and control archival sera using both classic RHDV and RHDVa antigens was determined by HI assay. The overall seroprevalence was 13.3%. In rabbits with unkown history of immunisation or RHD infection which came from small farms, RHDV antibodies were detected in 6.1% ranging between 1.0% to 17.2% of animals. In rabbits of the same group, but with a declared vaccination status, or confirmed exposure to an infectious virus, or coming from exposed females, the seroprevalence ranged from 83% to 100%. Among unvaccinated meat rabbits aged 71 to 90 days from industrial farms, low (1.85%, 4.17%, 11%), medium (34%, 54%) or high rates (98.7%) of seropositivity were detected. The seroconversion recorded in adult vaccinated females from industrial farms was 70% and 95%. Generally, the antibody levels examined by ELISAs and HI were comparable. However, a number of sera from the rabbits from small farms, as well as archival sera, showed clear differences. Several-fold differences in antibody titers, evidenced mainly in the postoutbreak sera, indictaed the contact of animals with RHDVa antigen. The overall results of the survey revealed a great proportion of seronegative rabbits potentially highly susceptible to RHD infection. In combination with the emergence of a novel pathogenic RHD virus type (RHDV2), it poses a severe risk of a next wave of fatal disease cases spreading in the native population of domestic rabbits, especially in farms with a traditional system of husbandry.
Estradiol Reduces Connexin43 Gap Junctions in the Uterus during Adenomyosis in Cows
Authors: Korzekwa A.J. , Łupicka M. , Socha B.M. , Szczepańska A.A.
Published: October 2016

Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of glandular foci external to the endometrium of the uterus, either in the myometrium or/and perimetrium, depending on the progress of this dysfunction. To date, we showed that steroids secretion and prolactin expression and proliferative processes are disturbed during uterine adenomyosis in cows. During endometriosis in eutopic endometrium in women, gap junctions are down regulated. The transmembrane gap junction protein, connexin (Cx43) is necessary for endometrial morphological, biochemical and angiogenic functions. The aim of this study is recognition of adenomyosis etiology by determination of the role of Cx43 in this process. Immunolocalization and comparison of Cx43 mRNA and protein expression in healthy (N=9) and adenomyotic uterine tissue (N=9), and Cx43 mRNA expression (real time PCR) in uterine stromal – myometrium co-culture under 24-hour stimulation with 17-beta estradiol (10−7M) isolated from healthy (N=5) and adenomyotic (N=5) cows were determined.

Cx43 was localized in healthy and adenomyotic uteri. mRNA and protein expression was down-regulated in uterine tissue in adenomyotic compared with healthy cows (p<0.05). Estradiol stimulated Cx43 mRNA expression in myometrial cell culture and co-culture of stromal and myometrial cells in adenomyotic compared with healthy cows (p<0.05). In summary, down-regulation of Cx43 expression in the junction zone might play an important role in pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Estradiol modulates gap junctions during adenomyosis.
Use of Fluorescence Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the Detection of Escherichia coli Adhesion to Pig Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Dai C.H. , Gan L.N. , Qin W.U. , Zi C. , Zhu G.Q. , Wu S.L. , Bao W.B.
Published: October 2016

An efficient and accurate method to testEscherichia coli(E. coli) adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells will contribute to the study of bacterial pathogenesis and the function of genes that encode receptors related to adhesion. This study used the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. qPCR primers were designed from thePILINgene ofE. coliF18ab, F18ac, and K88ac, and the pig β-ACTINgene. Total deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fromE. coliand intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2 cells) were used as templates for qPCR. The 2−ΔΔCtformula was used to calculate the relative number of bacteria in cultures of different areas. We found that the relative numbers of F18ab, F18ac, and K88ac that adhered to IPEC-J2 cells did not differ significantly in 6-, 12-, and 24-well culture plates. This finding indicated that there was no relationship between the relative adhesion number ofE. coliand the area of cells, so the method of qPCR could accurately test the relative number ofE. coli. This study provided a convenient and reliable testing method for experiments involvingE. coliadhesion, and also provided innovative ideas for similar detection methods.
Detection of Schmallenberg Virus RNA in Bull Semen in Poland
Authors: Kęsik-Maliszewska J. , Larska M.
Published: October 2016

The detection of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in the breeding bull semen raised the question of the possibility of venereal transmission of SBV which could result in cost-intensive restrictions in the trade of bovine semen. In order to evaluate the presence of SBV RNA in bovine semen, 131 bull semen samples from four locations in Poland collected between 2013 and 2015 were analysed by RT-PCR for viral RNA. SBV RNA was detected in 5.3% of the samples. The study has revealed that application of an appropriate RNA extraction method is crucial to detect virus excretion via semen.
Accuracy of the Soil Sealing Enhancement Product for Poland
Authors: Krówczyńska Małgorzata , Soszyńska Agnieszka , Pabjanek Piotr , Wilk Ewa , Hurbanek Pavol , Rosina Konstantin
Published: October 2016

Increasing urbanization results in constant enlarging of the artificial area closed to water infiltration. In 2006–2008, the Soil Sealing Enhancement (SSE) database was the part of the GMES Fast Track Service on Land Monitoring. The accuracy of the final product set by the authors should reach at least 85%. Orthorectified high resolution aerial photos of Poland were used to develop reference data constituting 20,000 random samples around the country. In each sample, the points were classified into three possible surface classes: natural, artificial and semi-sealed. Comparison of reference data to original project statistics revealed the values of accuracy, commission and omission errors in the SSE dataset. Although, SSE accuracy in Poland fulfils the criteria set by SSE authors with overall accuracy of 99.5%, the individual analysis for each category reveals many weaknesses. Preliminary interpretation of mistakes leads to the conclusion that the spatial resolution of pictures used in the SSE project is insufficient. In several cases, validation proved that omission errors were made in relation to construction sites or recently constructed buildings. It should be stated that the accuracy of SSE product for Poland should be treated as the maximum value of impervious surfaces.
Microstructure and properties of W-Cu/1Cr18Ni9 steel brazed joint with different Ni-based filler metals
Authors: Zhou Yi , Xia Chunzhi , Yang Jun , Xu Xiangping , Zou Jiasheng
Published: October 2016

W-Cu alloy and 1Cr18Ni9 steel were brazed with NiCrSiBFeTi and NiMnSiCuZr filler metals in a vacuum furnace. The main microstructure of the NiCrSiBFeTi brazing seam region was a Ni-based solid solution of W, Cu, Cr, and Fe dissolved in the Ni phase and intermetallic compounds CrB and TiCr2. The main microstructure of the NiMnSiCuZr brazing seam region was a Ni-based solid solution of Cu, Cr, and Fe dissolved in the Ni phase Fe-based solid solution of Ni, Cu, and Cr dissolved in the Fe phase and intermetallic compounds Mn5Si3, Ni3Si, and Ni7Zr2. The elements Ni, Si, and Ti contained in the NiCrSiBFeTi filler metal and the elements Ni, Mn, and Si contained in the NiMnSiCuZr filler metal were more easily diffused into the interface of W-Cu alloy compared with that of 1Cr18Ni9 steel. The shear strength values of NiCrSiBFeTi joint and NiMnSiCuZr joint were approximately 285 and 249 MPa, respectively, and fracture of the two joints occurred at the interface near the W-Cu alloy side. The fracture morphology of the former was identified as cleavage brittle fracture, and the latter was identified as intergranular brittle fracture.
Shanghai als Zufluchtsort für Juden 1938 bis 1947
Authors: Martin Bernd
Published: October 2016

Vorspann

Circa 18.000 Juden, vor allem aus Deutschland und Österreich, fanden in Shanghai Zuflucht vor nationalsozialistischer Verfolgung. Als der Zustrom 1938, nach dem sogenannten Anschluss Österreichs und dem Novemberpogrom, einsetzte, befand sich die chinesische Metropole bereits unter japanischer Herrschaft. Tokio ließ sich aber auf die antisemitische Politik der deutschen Alliierten nur sehr begrenzt ein. Das 1943 gebildete Ghetto von Shanghai hatte mit den NS-Ghettos nicht viel gemein. Heimatverlust und Not, aber auch Solidarität und Exotik prägten eine Lebenswelt, die ein Provisorium blieb.