bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inquiry‐based ecology laboratory courses improve student confidence and scientific reasoning skills
Authors: Beck Christopher W. , Blumer Lawrence S.
Published: December 2012

Recently, the AAAS Vision and Change report renewed the push to incorporate inquiry throughout the biology curriculum. Even prior to the report, many ecology faculty have used inquiry‐based approaches in their laboratory and field courses. However, the efficacy of these approaches has been assessed only to a limited degree and often at a single institution. Therefore, whether one may generalize the results of previous studies of inquiry‐based teaching in laboratory courses is unclear. We examined the change in student confidence and scientific reasoning skills using published, validated instruments in inquiry‐based ecology laboratory courses at two different institutions (a historically black, all‐male, liberal arts college and a private research university) across multiple semesters. Students exhibited a significant increase in overall confidence and scientific reasoning skills with students in the lowest quartile at the beginning of the semester for each construct exhibiting a significantly greater gain in comparison to students in the highest quartile for the same construct. Institution had no effect on learning gains, indicating that the positive impact of inquiry‐based learning is general, at least for students at our two institutions. Although weaker students exhibited greater learning gains, significant differences in confidence and scientific reasoning skills between the lowest and highest quartile persisted at the end of the semester; thus, a single, inquiry‐based laboratory course is not sufficient to overcome initial differences among students. Interestingly, gains in confidence were not significantly correlated with gains in scientific reasoning with some weaker students increasing in confidence while their scientific reasoning skills decreased, which suggests that our inquiry‐based laboratories did not help these students develop important metacognitive skills. Overall, our results indicate that inquiry‐based laboratory courses in ecology can lead to significant learning gains, but that performance gaps among students might only be bridged by students taking multiple inquiry‐based courses.
AN EVALUATION OF A PROGRESSIVE HIGH‐PROBABILITY INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE COMBINED WITH LOW‐PROBABILITY DEMAND FADING IN THE TREATMENT OF FOOD SELECTIVITY
Authors: Penrod Becky , Gardella Laura , Fernand Jonathan
Published: December 2012

Few studies have examined the effects of the high‐probability instructional sequence in the treatment of food selectivity, and results of these studies have been mixed (e.g., Dawson et al., 2003; Patel et al., 2007). The present study extended previous research on the high‐probability instructional sequence by combining this procedure with low‐probability demand fading with 2 boys with autism (9 and 10 years old) who had a history of food selectivity and engaged in active food refusal behaviors when presented with novel foods. Response requirements were faded gradually from responses the child would tolerate (e.g., touching the food) to the final requirement of chewing and swallowing the food. The antecedent‐based intervention was implemented in the absence of escape extinction and was effective in increasing food consumption for both participants. Possible mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of the intervention are discussed along with directions for future research.
TRIAL‐BASED FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION TRAINING IN AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTING
Authors: Lambert Joseph M , Bloom Sarah E , Irvin Jennifer
Published: December 2012

Problem behavior is common in early childhood special education classrooms. Functional communication training (FCT; Carr & Durand, 1985) may reduce problem behavior but requires identification of its function. The trial‐based functional analysis (FA) is a method that can be used to identify problem behavior function in schools. We conducted trial‐based FAs and FCT with 3 children in an early childhood special education setting. All trial‐based FAs resulted in identification of behavioral functions, and subsequent FCT led to reductions in problem behavior and increases in communication.
A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT AND NONCONTINGENT REINFORCEMENT TO TREAT FOOD SELECTIVITY IN A CHILD WITH AUTISM
Authors: Allison Janelle , Wilder David A , Chong Ivy , Lugo Ashley , Pike Jessica , Rudy Nikki
Published: December 2012

We compared differential reinforcement plus escape extinction to noncontingent reinforcement plus escape extinction to treat food selectivity exhibited by a young child with autism. The interventions were equally effective for increasing bite acceptance and decreasing problem behaviors. However, a social validity measure suggested that noncontingent reinforcement was preferred by the child's caregiver.
A PROCEDURE FOR THINNING THE SCHEDULE OF TIME‐OUT
Authors: Donaldson Jeanne M , Vollmer Timothy R
Published: December 2012

Few studies have evaluated ways to thin punishment schedules. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using variable ratio (VR) schedules to thin the time‐out schedule gradually. Warnings were used in some conditions to assist potentially with schedule thinning, but this analysis was limited. Participants were 3 young students who engaged in problem behavior during enriched time‐in periods. Dense schedules of intermittent time‐out were effective at reducing problem behavior.
Microbial population responses to pH and salt shock during phenols degradation under high salt conditions revealed by RISA and AFDRA
Authors: Yan Bin , Wang Ping , Liao Wenchao , Ye Qian , Xu Meilan , Zhou Jiti
Published: December 2012

The responses of microbial community to pH and salt shock during phenols degradation under high salt conditions were revealed by two DNA fingerprint methods, i.e. ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) and amplified functional DNA restriction analysis (AFDRA), together with 16S rDNA clone library analysis. It was shown that the phenols removal rate was improved with increasing NaCl concentration from 0 to 50 mg/L, and could remain at a high level even in the presence of 100 mg/L NaCl. The degradation efficiency remained stable under neutral conditions (pH 7.0–9.0), but decreased sharply under acidic (below pH 5.0) or more alkaline conditions (above pH 10.0). The community structure was dramatically changed during salt fluctuations, with Halomonas sp. and Marinobacter sp. as the predominant salt-tolerant species. Meanwhile, Marinobacter sp. and Alcaligenes faecalis sp. were the major species which might play the key role for stabilizing the treatment systems under different pH conditions. Moreover, the changes of phenol hydroxylase genes were analyzed by AFDRA, which showed that these functional genes were substantially different under any shock conditions.
Energy consumption model for wastewater treatment process control
Authors: Huang Xiaoqi , Han Honggui , Qiao Junfei
Published: December 2012

Wastewater treatment must satisfy discharge requirements under specified constraints and have minimal operating costs (OC). The operating results of wastewater treatment processes (WWTPs) have significantly focused on both the energy consumption (EC) and effluent quality (EQ). To reflect the relationship between the EC and EQ of WWTPs directly, an extended Elman neural network-based energy consumption model (EENN-ECM) was studied for WWTP control in this paper. The proposed EENN-ECM was capable of predicting EC values in the treatment process. Moreover, the self-adaptive characteristic of the EENN ensured the modeling accuracy. A performance demonstration was carried out through a comparison of the EC between the benchmark simulation model No.1 (BSM1) and the EENN-ECM. The experimental results demonstrate that this EENN-ECM is more effective to model the EC of WWTPs.
Anaerobic digestion of stillage fractions – estimation of the potential for energy recovery in bioethanol plants
Authors: Drosg B. , Fuchs W. , Meixner K. , Waltenberger R. , Kirchmayr R. , Braun R. , Bochmann G.
Published: December 2012

Stillage processing can require more than one third of the thermal energy demand of a dry-grind bioethanol production plant. Therefore, for every stillage fraction occurring in stillage processing the potential of energy recovery by anaerobic digestion (AD) was estimated. In the case of whole stillage up to 128% of the thermal energy demand in the process can be provided, so even an energetically self-sufficient bioethanol production process is possible. For wet cake the recovery potential of thermal energy is 57%, for thin stillage 41%, for syrup 40% and for the evaporation condensate 2.5%. Specific issues for establishing AD of stillage fractions are evaluated in detail; these are high nitrogen concentrations, digestate treatment and trace element supply. If animal feed is co-produced at the bioethanol plant and digestate fractions are to be reused as process water, a sufficient quality is necessary. Most interesting stillage fractions as substrates for AD are whole stillage, thin stillage and the evaporation condensate. For these fractions process details are presented.
Treatment of methyl orange dye wastewater by cooperative electrochemical oxidation in anodic–cathodic compartment
Authors: Pang L. , Wang H. , Bian Z. Y.
Published: December 2012

Electrochemical oxidation of methyl orange wastewater was studied using Ti/IrO2/RuO2 anode and a self-made Pd/C O2-fed cathode in the divided cell with a terylene diaphragm. The result indicated that the appropriate rate of feeding air improved the methyl orange removal efficiency. The discoloration efficiency of methyl orange in the divided cell increased with increasing current density. The initial pH value had some effect on the discoloration of methyl orange, which became not obvious when the pH ranged from 2 to 10. However, the average removal efficiency of methyl orange wastewater in terms of total organic carbon (TOC) can reach 89.3%. The methyl orange structure had changed in the electrolytic process, and the characteristic absorption peak of methyl orange was about 470 nm. With the extension of electrolysis time, the concentration of methyl orange gradually reduced; wastewater discoloration rate increased gradually. The degradation of methyl orange was assumed to be cooperative oxidation by direct or indirect electrochemical oxidation at the anode and H2O2, ·OH, O2−· produced by oxygen reduction at the cathode in the divided cell. Therefore, the cooperative electrochemical oxidation of methyl orange wastewater in the anodic–cathodic compartment had better degradation effects.
Treatment of synthetic wastewater and hog waste with reduced sludge generation by the multi-environment BioCAST technology
Authors: Yerushalmi L. , Alimahmoodi M. , Mulligan C. N.
Published: December 2012

Simultaneous removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus was examined along with reduced generation of biological sludge during the treatment of synthetic wastewater and hog waste by the BioCAST technology. This new multi-environment wastewater treatment technology contains both suspended and immobilized microorganisms, and benefits from the presence of aerobic, microaerophilic, anoxic and anaerobic conditions for the biological treatment of wastewater. The influent concentrations during the treatment of synthetic wastewater were 1,300–4,000 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L, 42–115 mg total nitrogen (TN)/L, and 19–40 mg total phosphorus (TP)/L. The removal efficiencies reached 98.9, 98.3 and 94.1%, respectively, for carbon, TN and TP during 225 days of operation. The removal efficiencies of carbon and nitrogen showed a minimal dependence on the nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N/P) ratio, while the phosphorus removal efficiency showed a remarkable dependence on this parameter, increasing from 45 to 94.1% upon the increase of N/P ratio from 3 to 4.5. The increase of TN loading rate had a minimal impact on COD removal rate which remained around 1.7 kg/m3 d, while it contributed to increased TP removal efficiency. The treatment of hog waste with influent COD, TN and TP concentrations of 960–2,400, 143–235 and 25–57 mg/L, respectively, produced removal efficiencies up to 89.2, 69.2 and 47.6% for the three contaminants, despite the inhibitory effects of this waste towards biological activity. The treatment system produced low biomass yields with average values of 3.7 and 8.2% during the treatment of synthetic wastewater and hog waste, respectively.
Laboratory analysis of the infiltration capacity of interlocking concrete block pavements in car parks
Authors: Sañudo-Fontaneda Luis A. , Rodriguez-Hernandez Jorge , Vega-Zamanillo Angel , Castro-Fresno Daniel
Published: December 2012

Interlocking concrete block pavements (ICBPs) have been widely used in car parks to reduce runoff. Researches have demonstrated that clogging is the most influential factor in the reduction of the infiltration capacity of this type of permeable pavement. Nevertheless, there is no laboratory study of the infiltration performance of ICBPs that combines clogging levels with variables related with the topography of car parks such as runoff surface length (RSL) and surface slope (SS). This paper studies the infiltration behaviour of ICBP during their operational life in a car park using an improved version of the Cantabrian Fixed (CF) Infiltrometer. This laboratory device simulates direct rainfall and runoff from adjacent impervious areas over an ICBPs surface of 0.25 m2 for different slopes (0, 3, 5, 7 and 10%) and three scenarios of clogging (surface newly built, surface clogged and surface clogged with maintenance). This paper presents the results of the tests and a statistical analysis based on three regression models (corresponding to each clogging scenario) depending on the RSL and SS variables. All models passed a confidence level of 95%, presenting high R2 values and showing that RSL is a more influential variable than the SS for all clogging scenarios.
Site-specific economic and ecological analysis of enhanced production, upgrade and feed-in of biomethane from organic wastes
Authors: Lindorfer J. , Schwarz M. M.
Published: December 2012

The present study analyses the cost structure and ecological performance of biomethane production and feed-in from organic wastes and manure in a site-specific approach for Upper Austria. The theoretically available quantities of biowaste and manure can feed representative biogas plant capacities resulting in relatively high biomethane full costs in the natural gas grid of at least 9.0 €-cents/kWh, which shows strong economies of scale when feed-in flows of methane from 30 to 120 Nm3/h are considered. From the ecological point of view small plant capacities are to be preferred since the environmental effect, i.e. the global warming potential (up to –22% of CO2eq), is lower in comparison to higher capacities as a consequence of reduced transport in the evaluated scenarios. To enforce the combined energetic use of the biowaste fraction, co-operation between compost facility, gas grid and biogas plant operators is necessary to use existing infrastructure, logistics and knowledge to promote the production, upgrade and feed-in of biomethane from biowastes at attractive locations in Upper Austria and in the whole of Europe.
Harary index of the k-th power of a graph
Authors: Su Guifu , Xiong Liming , Gutman Ivan
Published: December 2012

The k-th power of a graph G, denoted by Gk, is a graph with the same set of
vertices as G, such that two vertices are adjacent in Gk if and only if their
distance in G is at most k. The Harary index H is the sum of the reciprocal
distances of all pairs of vertices of the underlying graph. Lower and upper
bounds on H(Gk) are obtained. A Nordhaus-Gaddum type inequality for H(Gk) is
also established.
Physical fitness is inversely related with body mass index and body fat percentage in soccer players aged 16-18 years
Authors: Nikolaïdis Pantelis
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Adolescents are at increased risk for the development of
obesity, while sport has been suggested as an effective means against
adolescent obesity. The objectives of this study were to examine (a) the
prevalence of overweight/obesity, (b) the relationship between body mass
index and body fat percentage, and (c) the association between body mass
index, body fat and physical fitness in soccer players aged 16-18 yr.
Material and Methods: Members (n=109, aged 17.0?0.5 yr) of competitive
soccer clubs were examined for physical and physiological characteristics.
Results: Based on international body mass index cut-off points, 18.3% (n=20)
of participants were classified as overweight. Body mass index was highly
correlated with body fat percentage (r=0.70, p<0.001). Body fat percentage
was in inverse relationship with aerobic power (r=-0.21, p=0.029), maximal
anaerobic power (r=-0.20, p=0.044) and local muscular endurance (r=-0.39,
p<0.001), while corresponding values of body mass index were non-significant
(r=-0.05, p=0.614; r=0.03, p=0.771; r=-0.12, p=0.220, respectively).
However, both body fat percentage and body mass index were inversely related
with fatigue index of Wingate anaerobic test (r=-0.26, p=0.009; r=-0.29,
p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: The strong relationship between body
mass index and body fat percentage suggest the further use of body mass
index in adolescent soccer players. The findings confirmed previous
observations on general population about the negative effect of overweight
and fatness on physical fitness. The prevalence of overweight among
participants was similar with what is observed in general population.
Therefore, sport participation cannot guarantee physiological body mass and
body composition, and it is necessary to prescribe exercise targeting body
mass and fat control.
Fracture of the patella after the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Milankov Miroslav , Rasovic Predrag , Kovacev Nemanja , Milovic Milan , Bojat Veselin
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Fracture of the patella, after harvesting the central third of
the patellar tendon for a bone-tendon-bone autograft, is a rare complication.
Material and Methods. We made 1714 reconstructions of the anterior cruciate
ligament of the knee using bone-patellar tendon-bone technique, and 7
patients had fracture of the patella (0.42%). The fracture was immediately
recognized in the patients with vertical non-displaced patellar fracture and
the broken screw osteosynthesis was carried out without changes in the
rehabilitation period. One patient was treated non-operatively and patellar
fracture in four patients was treated with operative reduction and
osteosynthesis. Results. The patients were invited for the check-up 5 years
(2-8 years) after surgery on average. The mean Lysholm score was 92 (85-100).
All of them continued to engage in sporting activities at the same or greater
level after 9 months on average (6-12 months). In all patients the Lachman
test was with the firm stop compared to the other leg. X-ray changes in the
patella were found in 2 patients who had multifragmentary fractures.
Discussion and Conclusion. The fracture of patella can be prevented by
avoiding to take too much bone graft, by using the most precise tools for
cutting, while rehabilitation must be carefully planned. The optimal
treatment of the fracture of the patella after the reconstruction of the
anterior cruciate ligament is a firm osteosynthesis, which allows healing of
the bone and continuation of the rehabilitation program.
Perinatal tuberculosis: Diagnostic and therapeutic approach
Authors: Petrovic Slobodanka , Ljustina-Pribic Radmila , Bjelica-Rodic Branislavka , Vilotijevic-Dautovic Gordana , Cegar Svetlana
Published: December 2012

Introduction. The number of people suffering from tuberculosis has increased
rapidly in the whole world over the past three decades. The classical age
distribution of disease has also changed. According to the epidemiological
data the number of pregnant women having tuberculosis has also risen with the
resulting increase in the incidence of perinatal tuberculosis. Pregnancy and
Tuberculosis. The presentation of tuberculosis in pregnancy varies. The
effects of tuberculosis on pregnancy depend upon various factors: site and
extent of the disease, nutritional status and immune status of mother,
concomitant diseases, stage of pregnancy when the treatment started and
others. A delay between the onset and diagnosis occurs regularly. Treatment
response, time to clearance of bacilli from sputum, and prognosis are similar
to non pregnant women. Prinatal tuberculosis. Perinatal tuberculosis is
extremely rare if the mother is effectively treated in pregnancy, but disease
is usually fatal if untreated. Diagnosis of perinatal tuberculosis is very
often problematic and difficult. The reason of this is the fact that the
initial manifestations of disease are nonspecific and may be delayed. In
practice, congenital and early neonatal infections have almost the same mode
of presentations, treatment and prognosis. Epidemiological data on the active
tuberculosis in mother or some other family member are of the utmost
importance in diagnoing tuberculosis. Differences in immune responses in the
fetus and neonate add to the diagnostic difficulties already recognised in
young children. Tuberculin tests are negative in at least 75% of cases.
Conclusion. If the condition is recognized and treated according to existing
tuberculosis protocols, the outcome is favourable.
Robot - a member of (re)habilitation team
Authors: Krasnik Rastislava , Mikov Aleksandra , Golubovic Spela , Komazec Zoran , Lemajic-Komazec Slobodanka
Published: December 2012

Introduction. The rehabilitation process involves a whole team of experts who
participate in it over a long period of time. Development of Robotics and its
Application in Medicine. The Intensive development of science and technology
has made it possible to design a number of robots which are used for
therapeutic purposes and participate in the rehabilitation process. Robotics
in Medical Rehabilitation. During the long history of technological
development of mankind, a number of conceptual and technological solutions
for the construction of robots have been known. By using robots in medical
rehabilitation it is possible to implement the rehabilitation of peripheral
and central motor neurons by increasing the motivation of patients for
further recovery and effectiveness of therapy. The paper presents some
technological solutions for robot-assisted rehabilitation of patients of
different age groups and some possibilities of its use in the treatment.
Conclusion. Using robots in standard physiotherapy protocols that involve a
number of repetitions, exact dosage, quality design and adaptability to each
individual patient leads to the significant progress in the rehabilitation of
patients.
Out-hospital morbidity of population in Shumadia district
Authors: Radovanovic Snezana , Kocic Sanja , Niciforovic Jovan , Radevic Svetlana , Vasiljevic Dragan , Milosavljevic Mirjana
Published: December 2012

Introduction. The aim of this paper was to analyze out-hospital morbidity of
population in the district of Shumadia and to identify the priority health
problems. Material and Methods. The data source were the Reports on diseases,
conditions and injuries provided by Department of General Medicine,
Department of Preschool and School children Health Care and Department of
Women?s Health Care at Health Care Centres in the district of Shumadia for
the period from 1999 to 2008. Results. Cardiovascular diseases account for
22.4% of morbidity in the district of Shumadia, thus taking the leading place
in the morbidity structure according to Departments of General Medicine.
However, pulmonary diseases are the most frequent ones in pre-school and
school children and diseases of genitourinary system in females account for
more than a half (63.9%) of the total morbidity in the Departments of Women?s
Health Care. Conclusion. As the mass non-contagious diseases are dominating
in the morbidity and mortality structure of population in the district of
Shumadia, it is necessary to intensify promotionalpreventive measures and
activities in order to improve the health status of the population and to
solve the priority health problems.
Isolation of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum from calves with pneumonia and proposal of a diagnostic protocol
Authors: Suvajdzic Ljiljana , Asanin Jelena , Lako Bjanka , Potkonjak Aleksandar , Sakac Vladimir , Cabarkapa Ivana , Stojakovic Natasa
Published: December 2012

The aims of this study are the isolation and identification of possible
bacteriological agents in respiratory infections of calves and the
optimization of a diagnostic protocol to identify Arcanobacterium
haemolyticum. Lesions of lungs from calves with pneumonia were examined.
Cultural, morphological and conventional biochemical testing were done. The
investigation was complemented by the double CAMP test. Five strains of
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in pure culture were found. The presence of
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in the lungs of calves with pneumonia was
established and, consequently, more attention should be paid to this species
in everyday laboratory work. The cultural similarity of Arcanobacterium
haemolyticum to common bacteria like beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. and
Arcanobacterium pyogenes is probably responsible for rare reports on the
isolation of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in veterinary microbiology. Our
results indicate that Arcanobacterium haemolyticum could be or is the
etiological agent of pneumonia. Therefore, we suggest the diagnostic protocol
available for routine work in most microbiological laboratories.
The assessment of tolerability of prolonged oral eugenol administration in rats
Authors: Jezdimirovic Milanka , Aleksic Nevenka , Trailovic Sasa , Ivanovic Sasa , Jezdimirovic Nemanja
Published: December 2012

The potential toxicity and general tolerability of eugenol following two-week
or four-week continuous p.o. administration to rats has been investigated. An
experiment was performed on 72 male rats of the Wistar strain. Four groups of
rats were treated with different doses of eugenol (10 mg/kg bm/day, 50 mg/kg,
200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg bm/day), the fifth group was administered vehicle
(0.5 % methylcellulose, propylene glycol and water), and the sixth group
comprised absolutely untreated controls. The corresponding doses of eugenol
and vehicle were applied using a gastric probe in a volume of 1 ml/100 g body
mass. The general tolerability of eugenol was evaluated on the basis of the
daily intake of water and food, body mass, general health condition,
behaviour, and lethality in the course of the experiment. In the investigated
doses, eugenol applied p.o. in the course of two or four weeks does not
influence significantly the intake of food, water, or body mass of rats. The
dose of 400 mg/kg/day produced undesired reactions (agitation and
hyperesthesia) that were first observed on day 21 and lasted until the end of
the experiment. Low subacute toxicity of eugenol was established following
p.o. administration to rats. Eugenol in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg tm/day has
a low toxic potential and is safe for administration to this animal species.
Investigation of susceptibility of Staphylococcus species to some antibacterial drugs by disk diffusion and broth microdilution
Authors: Asanin Jelena , Aksentijevic Ksenija , Zutic Milenko , Katic Vera , Krnjaic Dejan , Milic Nenad , Asanin Ruzica , Misic Dusan
Published: December 2012

The objective of this work was to identify isolated Staphylococcus species
and to investigate their sensitivity to some antibacterial drugs. The
material used for these investigations were Staphylococcus isolates
originating from milk samples. A total of 25 strains of Staphylococcus
isolates were examined, including 24 from milk samples from cows with
mastitis, and one strain was isolated from a milk sample from a cow following
treatment for mastitis. For primary identification, catalase and oxidase
tests were used, as well as the free coagulase test. Following the
preliminary tests, the isolated strains were identified using commercial
systems ID32 STAPH (bioM?rieux, France) and the BBL Crystal Gram-Positive ID
Kit (Becton Dickinson, USA) according to the enclosed instructions. The
Staphylococcus isolates were examined for sensitivity to the following:
oxacillin, penicillin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol,
tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, sulfametoxazol/trimetoprim, and vacomycin using
the disk diffusion method and the broth microdilution method as recommended
by the Clinical and Laboratory Strandards Institute - CLSI(2003), and the
results were interpreted according to CLSI recommendations from 2008 and
2010. Antibiogram disks manufactured by Becton Dickinson (USA) were used, and
the broth microdilution method was applied using pure antibiotic substances
from different manufacturers: erythromycin, chloramphenicol, cefoxitin,
gentamicin, oxacillin, tetracycline (Sigma Aldrich, USA), sulfametoxazol
(Fluka, USA), penicillin (Calbiochem, Germany), vancomycin (Abbott
laboratories, USA), ciprofloxacin and trimetoprim (Zdravlje A.D., Serbia).
All 25 strains were catalase positive and oxidase negative. Of the 25
strains, 19 were coagulase positive and 6 were coagulase negative.With the
implementation of the disk diffusion method on 19 strains of S. aureus, 17
were established to be resistant to penicillin (89.5%), and 2 strains to
gentamicin (10.5%). The investigation of 3 strains of S. xylosus using the
disk diffusion method showed that one strain was resistant to tetracycline
(33.3%) and to oxacillin (33.3%), while another strain was found to be
resistant to penicillin (33.3%). The third strain of S. xylosus was sensitive
to all the examined antibiotics. Two strains of S. simulans and one strain of
S. haemolyticus were not found to be resistant to any of the examined
antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The implementation of the broth
microdilution method yielded in 13 strains of S. aureus resistance to
penicillin (68.4%) with MIC values from 0.5 to 4 ?g/m, in 2 strains to
gentamicin (10.5%) with MIC values of 32 ?g/ml, and intermediary sensitivity
to chloramphenicol was established in 9 strains of S. aureus (47.4%) with MIC
values of 16 ?g/ml and to vancomycin in 1 strain of S. aureus (5.3%) with MIC
values of 4 ?g/ml.
Role of Harderian gland in immune response of chickens with maternal immunity to vaccine against infectious bronchitis virus
Authors: Spalevic Ljiljana , Ivetic Vojin , Jakic-Dimic Dobrila , Maslic-Strizak Danka , Potkonjak Aleksandar , Pavlovic Nikola
Published: December 2012

In this study we investigated the role of the Harderian gland in the immune
response following vaccination against infectious bronchitis (IB). The
experiment was carried out on 100 broiler chicks which were divided into two
experimental groups. Experimental group O was vaccinated on the first day of
age against infectious bronchitis with vaccine Bronhivet I batches that
contain a live attenuated strain H120 and the control group did not get
immunized. The experiment lasted 21 days. Blood sera were examined on days 1,
7, 14 and 21 for the presence of specific antibodies against infectious
bronchitis (ELISA test). Histological changes were observed in the structure
of the Harderian gland in relation to the applied vaccine. This research
demonstrated the role of the Harderian gland as a secondary lymphoid organ in
broiler vaccination against infectious bronchitis. Maternal antibodies
present in the IB had no negative impact on the vaccination of chickens on
the first day of age. The vaccine virus partially damaged the Harderian
gland.
Investigations of influence of disinfection procedures on hygiene in private slaughterhouse
Authors: Jankovic Ljiljana , Radenkovic-Damnjanovic Brana , Karabasil Nedjeljko , Mirilovic Milorad , Maric Slobodan
Published: December 2012

The objective of this work was to establish, on the grounds of obtained
results for the total number of bacteria before and after completed
disinfection, whether there are differences in the efficiency of disinfection
performed by a professional and disinfection carried out by an unqualified
employee in a private slaughterhouse. The material used in these
investigations were samples of wet-dry swabs taken over a course of five
weeks, before and after disinfection carried out by an unqualified employee
and the skilled professional, from the following: the knife used for
evisceration, the floor in the evisceration area, from the table serving for
bristle removal, and from the floor underneath the bristle removal surface.
The wet-dry swabs were taken according to the procedure described in the
standard method ISO 18593 (Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs -
Horizontal methods for sampling techniques from surfaces using contact plates
and swabs). Analyzing the taken samples, the total number of bacteria was
determined using the standard method ISO 4833 (Microbiology of food and
animal feeding stuffs - Horizontal method for the enumeration of
microorganisms - Colony-count technique at 30?C). Disinfection was carried
out using a chlorine preparation (sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate) in a
concentration of 0.02% and for an exposure period of 30 min. The results were
interpreted on the grounds of the border values in evaluating the hygiene of
the equipment, tools, and work surfaces, presented in Commission Decision
471/2001/ EC. The results of the investogations have shown that the
disinfection performed by the skilled professional was more efficient than
the disinfection performed by the unqualified person, as the total number of
bacteria was significantly smaller (p<0.01) in the course of all 5
experimental weeks on the evisceration knife, the floor under the bristle
removal surface, during weeks 1, 2 and 5, and on the floor in the
evisceration area in weeks 1 and 5.
Investigations of residue of veterinary medicines and environmental contaminants during production cycle of Petrovska klobasa as part of compulsory parameters for food safety
Authors: Jankovic Vesna , Petrovic Ljiljana , Veskovic Slavica , Karan Dragica , Radicevic Tanja , Jankovic Sasa , Stefanovic Srdjan
Published: December 2012

A significant factor in the protection of consumer health is the systematic
and constant implementation of control for the presence of residue of
biologically active substances and their metabolites in raw materials and in
primary products of animal origin. As regards meat, an essential aspect of
security is definitely the control of possible residue of veterinary
medicines and environmental contaminants. In that respect, the objective of
the national project entitled ?Development of technology for drying and
fermentation of the sausage petrovacka kobasica (Petrovsk? klob?sa -
registered geographic origin) under controlled conditions?, Number TR -
20037, was to protect the product petrovacka kobasica (Petrovsk? klob?sa)
with the appropriate appellation. A part of the compulsory investigations
also included the establishing of the presence of residue of veterinary
medicines and environmental contaminants in raw materials and in the finished
product, which was also the aim of this work.
Epizootiological-epidemiological importance of parasitic infections in wild canids
Authors: Ilic Tamara , Savic Sara , Dimitrijevic Sanda
Published: December 2012

The family of wild canids belongs to the order Carnivora and comprises 16
genuses that are distributed in most countries all over the world. The most
important endoparasitic diseases of wild canids are toxocariasis,
uncinariasis, capillariasis, trichinellosis, echinococcosis, cestodiasis,
opisthorchiasis, and alariasis. Ectoparasites that most often exist as
parasites in wild canids are mites, fleas, ticks and scabies.Wild canids have
a large epizootiological-epidemiological significance since they are hosts to
parasites that cause certain vector diseases, the most important of which are
leishmaniasis, ehrilichiosis, babesiasis, borreliosis, dirofilariasis,
bartonellosis, and hepatozoonosis. The increased frequency of interaction
between domestic and wild canids steps up the risk of the appearance, spread,
and maintaining of the disease in domestic dog populations. Observed from the
aspect of the biological and ecological risk, that can be caused by zoonotic
infections, the knowledge of the etiology and epizootiology of parasistic
infections of wild canids is of particular importance for the region of the
Republic of Serbia.
The impact of thickness of resorbable membrane of human origin on the ossification of bone defects: A pathohistologic study
Authors: Bubalo Marija , Lazic Zoran , Matic Smiljana , Tatic Zoran , Milovic Radomir , Petkovic-Curcin Aleksandra , Djurdjevic Dragan , Loncarevic Slobodan
Published: December 2012

Background/Aim. A wide range of resorbable and nonresorbable membranes have
been investigated over the last two decades. The barrier membrane protects
the defect from ingrowth of soft tissue cells and allows bone progenitor
cells to develop bone within a blood clot that is formed beneath the barrier
membrane. The membranes are applied to reconstruct small bony defect prior to
implantation, to cover dehiscences and fenestrations around dental implants.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of human resorbable
demineralized membrane (RHDM) thickness on bone regeneration. Methods. The
experiment, approved by Ethical Committee, was performed on 6 dogs and
conducted into three phases. Bone defects were created in all the 6 dogs on
the left side of the mandible, 8 weeks after extraction of second, third and
fourth premolars. One defect was covered with RHDM 100 ? thick, one with RHDM
200 ? thick, and the third defect left empty (control defect). The
histopathological analysis was done 2, 4 and 6 months after the surgery. In
the third phase samples of bone tissue were taken and subjected to
histopathological analysis. Results. In all the 6 dogs the defects treated
with RHDM 200 ? thick showed higher level of bone regeneration in comparison
with the defect treated with RHDM 100 ? thick and especially with empty
defect. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that the thicker membrane showed
the least soft tissue ingrowths and promoted better bone formation at 6
months compared with a thinner one.
Peripheral ostectomy with the use of Carnoy’s solution as a rational surgical approach to odontogenic keratocyst: A case report with a 5-year follow-up
Authors: Matijevic Stevo , Damjanovic Zoran , Lazic Zoran , Gardasevic Milka , Radenovic-Djuric Dobrila
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a rare developmental,
epithelial and benign cyst of the jaws of odontogenic origin with high
recurrence rates. The third molar region, especially the angle of the
mandible and the ascending ramus are involved far more frequently than the
maxilla. The choice of treatment approach was based on the size of the cyst,
recurrence status, and radiographic evidence of cortical perforation.
Different surgical treatment options like marsupialization, decompression,
enucleation, enucleation with Carnoy?s solution, peripheral ostectomy with or
without Carnoy?s solution, and jaw resection have been discussed in the
literature with variable rates of recurrence. Case report. We presented a
52-yearold male with orthokeratinized odontogenic keratocyst. Elliptical
unilocular radiolucency located in the third molar region and the ascending
ramus of the mandible, 40 ? 25 mm in diameter with radiographic evidence of
cortical perforation at the anterior ramus border of the mandible 20 mm in
diameter, was registrated on orthopantomographic radiography. Surgical
treatment included enucleation of the cyst and peripheral ostectomy with the
use of Carnoy?s solution and excision of the overlying attached mucosa.
Postoperatively, no paresthesia in the inervation area of the inferior
alveolaris nerve was registrated. Recurrences were not registrated within 5
years post-intervention. Coclusion. Treatment of odontogenic keratocyst with
enucleation and peripheral ostectomy with the use of Carnoy?s solution and
excision of the overlying attached mucosa had a very low rate of recurrence.
Radical and more aggressive surgical treatments as jaw resection should be
reserved for multiple recurrent cysts and when OKC is associated with nevoid
basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Following the treatment protocol in
the management of OKC and systematic and long-term postsurgical follow-up are
considered key elements for successful results.
Seshadri positive submanifolds of polarized manifolds
Authors: Bădescu Lucian , Beltrametti Mauro
Published: December 2012

Let Y be a submanifold of dimension y of a polarized complex manifold (X, A) of dimension k ≥ 2, with 1 ≤ y ≤ k−1. We define and study two positivity conditions on Y in (X, A), called Seshadri A-bigness and (a stronger one) Seshadri A-ampleness. In this way we get a natural generalization of the theory initiated by Paoletti in [Paoletti R., Seshadri positive curves in a smooth projective 3-fold, Atti Accad. Naz. Lincei Cl. Sci. Fis. Mat. Natur. Rend. Lincei (9) Mat. Appl., 1996, 6(4), 259–274] (which corresponds to the case (k, y) = (3, 1)) and subsequently generalized and completed in [Bădescu L., Beltrametti M.C., Francia P., Positive curves in polarized manifolds, Manuscripta Math, 1997, 92(3), 369–388] (regarding curves in a polarized manifold of arbitrary dimension). The theory presented here, which is new even if y = k − 1, is motivated by a reasonably large area of examples.
The higher rank numerical range of nonnegative matrices
Authors: Aretaki Aikaterini , Maroulas Ioannis
Published: December 2012

In this article the rank-k numerical range ∧k (A) of an entrywise nonnegative matrix A is investigated. Extending the notion of elements of maximum modulus in ∧k (A), we examine their location on the complex plane. Further, an application of this theory to ∧k (L(λ)) of a Perron polynomial L(λ) is elaborated via its companion matrix C L.
Factorization in the model of unstable particles with continuous masses
Authors: Kuksa Vladimir , Volchanskiy Nikolay
Published: December 2012

We study processes with unstable particles in intermediate time-like states. It is shown that the amplitudes squared of such processes factor exactly in the framework of the model of unstable particles with continuous masses. Decay widths and cross sections can then be represented in a universal factorized form for an arbitrary set of interacting particles. This exact factorization is caused by specific structure of propagators in the model. We formulate the factorization method and perform a phenomenological analysis of the factorization effects. The factorization method considerably simplifies calculations while leading to compact and reasonable results.
Fractures of the mandibular condylar processes — literature review
Authors: Niedzielska Iwona , Tomczyk-Wziątek Anna , Borowski Bartłomiej
Published: December 2012

Fractures of the mandibular condylar processes are often-met injuries of lower region of face. The cause of that state is dynamic development of municipal transport and the increase of aggression in human relations. Many classifications of fractures of mandibular condylar processes are in literature. The choice of therapy is a subject for debate among doctors. Contemporary literature does not give an unequivocal answer to the question whether in the case of fractures of mandibular condylar processes non-invasive treatment should be applied or whether the method of surgical supply of fractures is better.
Evolution récente et future des paysages sylvo-pastoraux du Jura vaudois
Authors: Buttler Alexandre , Spiegelberger Thomas , Chételat Joël , Kalbermatten Michael , Lannas Katy , Peringer Alexander , Wettstein Jean-Bruno , Gillet François
Published: December 2012

Recent and future evolution of the silvopastoral landscape in the Jura vaudois

Land-use management in silvopastoral landscapes is particularly complex because such ecosystems depend on a subtle equilibrium in the management scheme which aims to provide various ecological goods and services such as fodder, timber and biodiversity, as well as areas for leisure and attractive scenery. In this study we investigated land-use changes in the Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois, and the changes in tree cover density in two pastures using land-use statistics and aerial photographs. A prospective modelling approach was also undertaken on one pasture to assess changes in the landscape structure under two climate scenarios. A general tendency towards segregation between closed forests and open pastures was observed. The agriculture policy has markedly influenced the dynamics of tree cover density, but this effect depended very much on the local situation, for example, the proximity of a village, which allows a better optimization of farm management. The simulation of future development of these landscapes suggests that one might expect large changes in the structure and composition of the vegetation because of climate change. In the long run, areas of high tree densities will expand, and spruce will give way to beech and pine, depending on the warming intensity. Nevertheless, adaptation to new environmental conditions for sustaining ecological goods and services will call for management measures appropriate to the intensity of climate change. Furthermore, an active adaptive management based on experimentation and innovation, as well as allowing collaboration between scientists and land managers will be required to face and mitigate the ecological problems associated with climate change.
Multivalent display of the antimicrobial peptides BP100 and BP143
Authors: Güell Imma , Ferre Rafael , Sørensen Kasper Kildegaard , Badosa Esther , Ng-Choi Iteng , Montesinos Emilio , Bardají Eduard , Feliu Lidia , Jensen Knud J , Planas Marta
Published: December 2012

Carbohydrates are considered as promising templates for the display of multiple copies of antimicrobial peptides. Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of chimeric structures containing two or four copies of the antimicrobial peptides KKLFKKILKYL-NH2 (BP100) and KKLfKKILKYL-NH2 (BP143) attached to the carbohydrate template cyclodithioerythritol (cDTE) or α-D-galactopyranoside (Galp). The synthesis involved the preparation of the corresponding peptide aldehyde followed by coupling to an aminooxy-functionalized carbohydrate template. After purification, the multivalent display systems were obtained in high purities (90–98%) and in good yields (42–64%). These compounds were tested against plant and human pathogenic bacteria and screened for their cytotoxicity on eukaryotic cells. They showed lower MIC values than the parent peptides against the bacteria analyzed. In particular, the carbopeptides derived from cDTE and Galp, which contained two or four copies of BP100, respectively, were 2- to 8-fold more active than the monomeric peptide against the phytopathogenic bacteria. These results suggest that preassembling antimicrobial peptides to multimeric structures is not always associated with a significant improvement of the activity. In contrast, the carbopeptides synthesized were active against human red blood cells pointing out that peptide preassembly is critical for the hemolytic activity. Notably, peptide preassembly resulted in an enhanced bactericidal effect.