bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of high-standard public transport centres in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Horňák Marcel , Struhár Peter , Pšenka Tomáš
Published: October 2015

Despite of increasing volumes of individual passenger transport and growing dependence of the post-socialist societies on the passenger car, public transport is still inevitable for certain communities. Its social and environmental aspects are obvious reasons why public transport remains within the scope of state and regional policies as a mixture of public and commercial services. Long-distance and international overground public transport represents a higher standard of travelling of considerably commercial nature. An important feature of this segment of the public transport is its capability to compete with individual transportation for long-distance journeys. The commercial character of the long-distance public transport should motivate operators to run territorially effective links covering adequately populated communites and regions with high demand for this segment of public-transport services. This study deals with several territorial aspects of the network of long-distance and international bus and train links of public transport in the Slovak Republic. The network of communities having direct access to the high-standard modes of public transport has been identified, revealing some of their spatial patterns and focusing on categorization of urban settlements by selected parameters of high-standard public transport services. The relationship with the population size of the urban settlements is assessed in the study, too.
Assessment of network traffic congestion through Traffic Congestability Value (TCV): a new index
Authors: Patel Nilanchal , Mukherjee Alok Bhushan
Published: October 2015

Traffic congestion is a major and growing problem in urban areas across the globe. It reduces the effective spatial interaction between different locations. To mitigate traffic congestion, not only the actual status of different routes needs to be known but also it is imperative to determine network congestion in different spatial zones associated with distinct land use classes. In the present paper, a new formula is proposed to quantify traffic congestion in the different spatial zones of a study area characterized by distinct land use classes. The proposed formula is termed the Traffic Congestability Value (TCV). The formula considers three major influencing factors: congestion index value, pedestrian movement and road surface conditions; since these parameters are significantly related to land use in a region. The different traffic congestion parameters, i.e. travel time, average speed and the proportion of time stopped, were collected in real time. Lower values of TCV correspond to a higher degree of congestion in the respective spatial zones and vice-versa and the results were validated in the field. TCV differs from the previous approaches to quantifying traffic congestion since it focuses on the causes of network congestion while in previous works the focus was generally on link flow congestion.
Erythritol biosynthesis from glycerol by Yarrowia lipolytica yeast: effect of osmotic pressure
Authors: Tomaszewska-Hetman Ludwika , Rywińska Anita
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of osmotic pressure, regulated by an addition of different NaCl concentrations, on the production parameters and activity of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of erythritol from glycerol by Yarrowia lipolytica yeast. In the bioreactor batchcultures, strain A-3 was able to produce from 25.3 g dm
The Revenue Side of a Universal Basic Income in the EU and Euro Area
Authors: Mencinger Jože
Published: October 2015

This paper tries to answer the question of whether universal basic income on the European level is a realistic option or an illusion. As UBI implies a much larger EU budget and a redistribution of collected budget revenues, the chance of introducing UBI depends on the required redistribution – the larger the redistribution, the lower the chance. The chance is indirectly assessed by an exercise in which 50 percent of actual tax revenues generated by indirect taxes of member states is collected at the center and distributed equally to all citizens. Though the net costs to the rich are relatively modest, the results indicate that the idea of introducing UBI on the European level is an illusion.
Changes in the VAT Burden on Expenses of Selected Households in the Czech Republic (2007–2014)
Authors: Střílková Regína , Široký Jan
Published: October 2015

The Czech Republic is a typical representative EU Member State which has several times changed VAT rates during the analyzed period 2007–2014 in an effort to consolidate the public budget. These changes are reflected in household spending, which were analyzed by means of the consumer basket, the composition of which is also undergoing changes. Another factor that has an impact on household expenditures is the transfer of commodities between the reduced and standard rate of VAT. The final factor used is the differentiation of households according to their income levels. The aim of this paper is to determine how these changes took effect in the Czech Republic in the share of consumption of commodities included in the standard and reduced VAT rates and in exempt transactions according to household income groups in the analyzed period 2007–2014 and to determine the impact of these changes on the tax burden on selected households by value added tax and confirmation of the assumption of VAT regressivity.
Study of Dissolution Process of Solid Cu in Liquid Al
Authors: Chen Shuying , Wu Yang , Chang Guowei , Zhu Changxu , Li Qingchun
Published: October 2015

The dissolution process of solid Cu in liquid Al influences the compound quality directly when fabricating the copper cladding aluminum (CCA) composite castings utilizing the casting aluminum method. Dissolution rate of solid Cu is investigated utilizing the method of quenching rapidly. Effects of liquid Al temperature and the contact time between solid Cu and liquid Al on the dissolution rate of Cu are investigated; meanwhile, the dissolution mechanism of Cu is explored. Subsequently, the influences of processing parameters on the dissolution thickness of Cu are examined. The results indicate that chemical compounds, such as AlCu2, Cu5Al, CuAl2 and Cu2Al3, may form on the contact surface between solid Cu and liquid Al. These chemical compounds are contributed to decompose the solid Cu, Cu5Al exerts the greatest effect. The dissolution of Cu is affected by the contact time between solid Cu and liquid Al, temperature and cooling method of Cu plate. The dissolution of Cu cannot terminate immediately even though the Cu plate is cooled by the spray. The experimental results will provide a reference for controlling the composite layer thickness.
Vertical Compensation Friction Stir Welding of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Ji Shude , Meng Xiangchen , Xing Jingwei , Ma Lin , Gao Shuangsheng
Published: October 2015

Vertical compensation friction stir welding (VCFSW) was proposed in order to solve the adverse effect caused by a big gap at the interface between two welded workpieces. VCFSW was successfully applied to weld 6061-T6 aluminum alloy with the thickness of 4 mm, while 2024-T4 aluminum alloy was selected as a rational compensation material. The results show that VCFSW is difficult to get a sound joint when the width of strip is no less than 1.5 mm. Decreasing the welding speed is beneficial to break compensation strip into pieces and then get higher quality joint. When the width of strip is 1 mm, the tensile strength and elongation of joint at the welding speed of 50 mm/min and rotational velocity of 1,800 rpm reach the maximum values of 203 MPa and 5.2%, respectively. Moreover, the addition of 2024-T4 alloy plays a strengthening effect on weld zone (WZ) of VCFSW joint. The fracture surface morphology of joint consisting of amounts of dimples exhibits ductile fracture.
Effect of Catalyst Film Thickness on Growth Morphology, Surface Wettability and Drag Reduction Property of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Zhou Zhiping , Li Gang , Li Ping
Published: October 2015

Nickel films were deposited on silicon substrates using magnetron sputtering method. The pretreatment process of nickel films under high temperature and ammonia atmosphere was investigated. The thickness of nickel film has a great influence on growth morphology of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Too large or too small thickness would do harm to the orientated growth of CNTs. The inner structure, elements composition and growth mechanism have been confirmed by TEM and EDX characterization. The surface wettability and drag reduction property of CNTs were investigated. This paper can provide a new, effective method to further develop the practical application in micro/nano devices field.
Association Analysis of System Failure in Wide Area Backup Protection System
Authors: Zhang Yagang , Sun Yi
Published: October 2015

Wide area backup protection algorithm based on fault component identification is the heart of the whole wide area backup protection system, its validity and reliability is a problem which needs to be first considered in the engineering practice applications of wide area backup protection system. Wide are backup protection algorithm mainly use two kinds of wide area information to realize protection criterion, one is electrical quantity information, such as voltage, current, etc. Another one is protection action and circuit breaker information. The wide area backup protection algorithm based on electrical quantity information is mainly utilizing the significant change of electrical quantity to search fault component, and the primary means include current differential method of wide area multi-measuring points, the comparison method of calculation and measurement, the multiple statistics method. In this paper, a novel and effective association analysis of system failure in wide area backup protection system will be discussed carefully, and the analytical results are successful and reliable.
Experimental study on the rheological behaviour of coal ash slurries
Authors: Assefa K.M. , Kaushal D.R.
Published: October 2015

Extensive experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate the rheological behaviour of fly ash (FA) slurry without and with the addition of bottom ash (BA) and BA slurry without and with the addition of FA. The FA slurries exhibited Bingham behaviour at solid mass concentrations ranging from 60–65% and mixing proportions from 10– 40%. A substantial reduction in yield stress was observed except for mixing proportion of 40% on which the yield stress and viscosity were increased drastically for all solid concentrations. Hence, it can be concluded that the yield stress and viscosity of FA slurry were very much influenced by adding BA up to the mixing proportion of 30%. The rheological behaviour of BA slurries with and without the addition of FA in proportions of 10–50% was investigated and exhibited Newtonian behaviours for solid mass concentrations ranging from 30–50% without and with the addition of FA. The viscosity increases with increasing the solid concentrations and proportion of FA. Based on these experimental data, a correlation was developed to predict the relative viscosity of BA slurries as a function of solid volume fraction and FA mass proportion of 0–50% and the RMSE and R2 values showed good agreement between the experimental and the predicted data.
Experimental investigation of internal structure of open-channel flow with intense transport of sediment
Authors: Matoušek Václav , Bareš Vojtěch , Krupička Jan , Picek Tomáš , Zrostlík Štěpán
Published: October 2015

Gravity-driven open-channel flows carrying coarse sediment over an erodible granular deposit are studied. Results of laboratory experiments with artificial sediments in a rectangular tilting flume are described and analyzed. Besides integral quantities such as flow rate of mixture, transport concentration of sediment and hydraulic gradient, the experiments include measurements of the one-dimensional velocity distribution across the flow. A vertical profile of the longitudinal component of local velocity is measured across the vertical axis of symmetry of a flume cross section using three independent measuring methods. Due to strong flow stratification, the velocity profile covers regions of very different local concentrations of sediment from virtually zero concentration to the maximum concentration of bed packing. The layered character of the flow results in a velocity distribution which tends to be different in the transport layer above the bed and in the sediment-free region between the top of the transport layer and the water surface. Velocity profiles and integral flow quantities are analyzed with the aim of evaluating the layered structure of the flow and identifying interfaces in the flow with a developed transport layer above the upper plane bed.
Analysis of the influence of input data uncertainties on determining the reliability of reservoir storage capacity
Authors: Marton Daniel , Starý Miloš , Menšík Pavel
Published: October 2015

The paper contains a sensitivity analysis of the influence of uncertainties in input hydrological, morphological and operating data required for a proposal for active reservoir conservation storage capacity and its achieved values. By introducing uncertainties into the considered inputs of the water management analysis of a reservoir, the subsequent analysed reservoir storage capacity is also affected with uncertainties. The values of water outflows from the reservoir and the hydrological reliabilities are affected with uncertainties as well. A simulation model of reservoir behaviour has been compiled with this kind of calculation as stated below. The model allows evaluation of the solution results, taking uncertainties into consideration, in contributing to a reduction in the occurrence of failure or lack of water during reservoir operation in low-water and dry periods.
Effects of relative submergence and bed slope on sediment incipient motion under decelerating flows
Authors: Bolhassani Ramin , Afzalimehr Hossein , Dey Subhasish
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the results of an experimental study to quantify the effects of bed slope and relative submergence on incipient motion of sediment under decelerating flows. Experiments were conducted in an experimental tilting-flume of 8 m long 0.4 m wide and 0.6 m deep with glass-walls. Three uniform sediments with median grain sizes of 0.95, 1.8 and 3.8 mm and three bed slopes of 0.0075, 0.0125 and 0.015 were used under decelerating flow. The main conclusion is that the Shields diagram, which is commonly used to evaluate the critical shear stress, is not suitable to predict the critical shear stress under decelerating flows.
Impacts of bridge piers on the initiation of ice cover – an experimental study
Authors: Wang Jun , Shi Fayi , Chen Pangpang , Wu Peng , Sui Jueyi
Published: October 2015

Ice jams in northern rivers during winter period significantly change the flow conditions due to the extra boundary of the flow. Moreover, with the presence of bridge piers in the channel, the flow conditions can be further complicated. Ice cover often starts from the front of bridge piers, extending to the upstream. With the accumulation of ice cover, ice jam may happen during early spring, which results in the notorious ice jam flooding. In the present study, the concentration of flowing ice around bridge piers has been evaluated based on experiments carried out in laboratory. The critical condition for the initiation of ice cover around bridge piers has been investigated. An equation for the critical floe concentration was developed. The equation has been validated by experimental data from previous studies. The proposed model can be used for the prediction of formation of ice cover in front of a bridge pier under certain conditions.
Extending ELAN into variationist sociolinguistics
Authors: Nagy Naomi , Meyerhoff Miriam
Published: October 2015

Prior to the implementation of ELAN (tla.mpi.nl/tools/tla-tools/elan, Wittenburg et al. 2006), it was common for sociolinguists to use multiple software applications, and consequently multiple formats, along the route from recording participants to conducting statistical analyses of the data. We present a method which allows for transcription, extracting, coding, preparation for statistical analysis, calculation of some basic frequency statistics, and creation of a concordance all within one program. ELAN is well established as a valuable tool for language documentation. ELAN is frequently used for transcription and multi-tier mark-up illustrating levels of linguistic structure as well as translations and glosses. We hope that this crossover introduction will encourage the efficiency of documentary linguists among sociolinguists and increase the interest in documenting variation among documentarians. After providing an overview of ELAN’s utility, we focus on extracting (or marking) and coding tokens of linguistic variables for quantitative analysis in the variationist sociolinguistic framework. This seamless connection between recording, transcript and coding of dependent and independent variables improves consistency, efficiency, utility, reliability and the accountability of our coding to the original recording. We illustrate a range of benefits and include step-by-step instructions accompanied by downloadable sample files and video clips to illustrate each step of the process (Extending ELAN tutorial files.zip). We also include instructions on importing existing (legacy) transcripts into ELAN.
Scale problems in assessment of hydrogeological parameters of groundwater flow models
Authors: Nawalany Marek , Sinicyn Grzegorz
Published: October 2015

An overview is presented of scale problems in groundwater flow, with emphasis on upscaling of hydraulic conductivity, being a brief summary of the conventional upscaling approach with some attention paid to recently emerged approaches. The focus is on essential aspects which may be an advantage in comparison to the occasionally extremely extensive summaries presented in the literature. In the present paper the concept of scale is introduced as an indispensable part of system analysis applied to hydrogeology. The concept is illustrated with a simple hydrogeological system for which definitions of four major ingredients of scale are presented: (i) spatial extent and geometry of hydrogeological system, (ii) spatial continuity and granularity of both natural and man-made objects within the system, (iii) duration of the system and (iv) continuity/granularity of natural and man-related variables of groundwater flow system. Scales used in hydrogeology are categorised into five classes: micro-scale – scale of pores, meso-scale – scale of laboratory sample, macro-scale – scale of typical blocks in numerical models of groundwater flow, local-scale – scale of an aquifer/aquitard and regional-scale – scale of series of aquifers and aquitards. Variables, parameters and groundwater flow equations for the three lowest scales, i.e., pore-scale, sample-scale and (numerical) block-scale, are discussed in detail, with the aim to justify physically deterministic procedures of upscaling from finer to coarser scales (stochastic issues of upscaling are not discussed here). Since the procedure of transition from sample-scale to block-scale is physically well based, it is a good candidate for upscaling block-scale models to local-scale models and likewise for upscaling local-scale models to regional-scale models. Also the latest results in downscaling from block-scale to sample scale are briefly referred to.
Integration of numerical models and geoinformatic techniques in the delimitation of a protection zone for the MGB 319 complex multi-aquifer system in southwest Poland
Authors: Gurwin Jacek
Published: October 2015

The study area, situated near the city of Wrocław in southwest Poland, is part of the hydrogeological system of the Quaternary/Neogene MGB 319, inclusive of a buried valley of high water potential, named the Bogdaszowice structure. This structure is an alternative source of water supply for the Wrocław city area. Numerical modelling is the most effective tool in establishing a groundwater protection strategy for Major Groundwater Basins (MGBs) in complex aquifer systems. In the present study, the first step was to assess the hydrodynamic conditions of the Radakowice groundwater intake by analyses of head contours, pathlines, average flow times and capture zones of particular wells. Subsequently, these results were used in combination with other data and compiled as GIS layers. The spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity was based on the lithology of surface sediments. Other data sets such as the thickness of the unsaturated zone, average soil moisture and infiltration rate were taken either directly from the model or were calculated. Based on the input data obtained, vertical flow time calculations for every model cell were made. The final outcome is a map of the protection zone for the aquifer system of the MGB 319.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) microgel stabilized copper nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene
Authors: Farooqi Zahoor H. , Butt Zonarah , Begum Robina , Khan Shanza Rhauf , Sharif Ahsan , Ahmed Ejaz
Published: October 2015

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) microgels [p(NIPAM-co-MAAc)] were synthesized by precipitation polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and methacrylic acid in aqueous medium. These microgels were characterized by dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These microgels were used as micro-reactors for in situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as reducing agent. The hybrid microgels were used as catalysts for the reduction of nitrobenzene in aqueous media. The reaction was performed with different concentrations of cat­alyst and reducing agent. A linear relationship was found between apparent rate constant (kapp) and amount of catalyst. When the amount of catalyst was increased from 0.13 to 0.76 mg/mL then kapp was increased from 0.03 to 0.14 min-1. Activation parameters were also determined by performing reaction at two different temperatures. The catalytic process has been discussed in terms of energy of activation, enthalpy of activation and entropy of activation. The synthesized particles were found to be stable even after 14 weeks and showed catalytic activity for the reduction of nitrobenzene.
Synthesis of multicomponent metallic layers during impulse plasma deposition
Authors: Nowakowska-Langier Katarzyna , Chodun Rafal , Zdunek Krzysztof
Published: October 2015

Pulsed plasma in the impulse plasma deposition (IPD) synthesis is generated in a coaxial accelerator by strong periodic electrical pulses, and it is distributed in a form of energetic plasma packets. A nearly complete ionization of gas, in these conditions of plasma generation, favors the nucleation of new phase of ions and synthesis of metastable materials in a form of coatings which are characterized by amorphous and/or nanocrystalline structure. In this work, the Fe–Cu alloy, which is immiscible in the state of equilibrium, was selected as a model system to study the possibility of formation of a non-equilibrium phase during the IPD synthesis. Structural characterization of the layers was done by means of X-ray diffraction and conversion-electron Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was found that supersaturated solid solutions were created as a result of mixing and/or alloying effects between the layer components delivered to the substrate independently and separately in time. Therefore, the solubility in the Fe–Cu system was largely extended in relation to the equilibrium conditions, as described by the equilibrium phase diagram in the solid state.
New Records To The Vascular Flora Of Kazakhstan (Central Asia)
Authors: Ebel Aleksandr L. , Kupriyanov Andrey N. , Khrustaleva Irina A. , Pyak Andrey I. , Gudkova Polina D. , Nobis Marcin
Published: October 2015

The paper presents distributional data for seven species new for the flora of Kazakhstan: Atriplex gardneri var. aptera (A. Nelson) S. L. Welsh. & Crompton, Cardamine hirsuta L., Carduus acanthoides L., Galega orientalis Lam., Silene cserei Baumg., Didymophysa fedtschenkoana Regel and Acinos arvensis (Lam.) Dandy. Didymophysa fedtschenkoana is a native element in the Kazakh flora; the other species should be treated as alien, expansively spreading or invasive in this part of Asia. A list of localities of the species in Kazakhstan and their habitat preferences are presented.
Additions To The Lichen Biota Of SE Siberia: Records From The Stanovoye Nagor’e Highlands (Trans-Baikal Region, Russia)
Authors: Chesnokov Sergey , Konoreva Lydmila
Published: October 2015

This paper reports 120 species of lichens and one lichenicolous fungus from the Stanovoye Nagor’e Highlands in southeastern Siberia, including 64 species new for the area. Some of the newly recorded species are extremely rare in Russia [e.g., Bryonora curvescens (Mudd) Poelt, Gyalideopsis alnicola Noble & Vězda and Pilophorus strumaticus Nyl. ex Cromb.]. The distribution and habitat preferences of several rare species are briefly discussed.
Isatis Armena (Brassicaceae), New For Flora Palaestina
Authors: Fragman-Sapir Ori , Taifour Hatem , Ziffer-Berger Jotham
Published: October 2015

We report three records of Isatis armena L. (Brassicaceae) from southwestern Jordan, new for Flora Palaestina. The species, typically of a broad Irano-Turanian distribution, is unprecedentedly reported from the Saharo-Arabian floristic region, nearly 1000 km remote from its known range.
Phytogeographical Analysis Of Euphorbia Subgenus Esula (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Geltman Dmitry V.
Published: October 2015

Euphorbia subg. Esula is one of four major clades within the genus. A geographical analysis of the 466 species in the subgenus is reported here. Every species was assigned to one of 29 geographical elements clustered in ten groups of elements. This geographical analysis showed that the Tethyan group (comprising nine geographical elements) clearly dominates the subgenus and contains 260 species (55.79% of the total number of species). The most numerous geographical elements are Irano-Turanian (105 species) and Mediterranean (85). Other significant groups of elements are Boreal (91 species, 19.54%), East Asian (40 species, 8.58%), Madrean (26 species, 5.58%), Paleotropical (23 species, 4.94%) and South African (16 species, 3.43%). The area of the Tethyan floristic subkingdom is the center of the modern diversity of E. subg. Esula. It is likely that such diversity is the result of intensive speciation that took place during the Eocene–Miocene.
Cutaneous melanoma frequencies and seasonal trend in 20 years of observation of a population characterised by excessive sun exposure
Authors: Bonin Serena , Albano Antonio , di Meo Nicola , Gatti Alessandro , Stinco Giuseppe , Zanconati Fabrizio , Trevisan Giusto
Published: October 2015

Background. Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. It has become an increasingly common neoplasm in the most developed countries, especially among individuals of European origin.

Patients and methods. Anonymous data of patients with cutaneous melanoma were collected from the diagnostic database of the University Hospital of Trieste from 1 January 1990 to 10 December 2013. Our study is based on a population which was constant over the period of observation; it was also well-defined and characterised by unrestrained sun exposure.

Results. The number of cutaneous melanomas increased during the period of observation with a seasonality trend and gender related differences both for anatomical sites distribution and stage of the disease. Moreover, 6% of our cohort developed multiple melanomas.

Conclusions. In a well-defined population devoted to excessive sun exposure the frequencies of skin melanomas roughly doubled from 1990 to 2013 following a seasonal trend. In that population, prevention efforts according to gender specific risk behaviour, as well as follow-up programmes both for evaluation of metastatic spreading and for early diagnosis of additional skin melanomas, are crucial due to gender specific differences and to the occurrence of multiple melanomas.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the bowel wall with quantitative assessment of Crohn’s disease activity in childhood
Authors: Kljucevsek Damjana , Vidmar Dubravka , Urlep Darja , Dezman Rok
Published: October 2015

Background

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has become an established non-invasive, patient-friendly imaging technique which improves the characterization of lesions. In addition, dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) provides valuable information concerning perfusion of examined organs. This review addresses current applications of CEUS in children, focused on DCE-US of the bowel wall in patients with Crohn disease, which enables realtime assessment of the bowel wall vascularity with semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment of disease activity and response to medical treatment.

Conclusions

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory relapsing disease. Frequent imaging re-evaluation is necessary. Therefore, imaging should be as little invasive as possible, children friendly with high diagnostic accuracy. US with wide varieties of techniques, including CEUS/DCE-US, can provide an important contribution for diagnosing and monitoring a disease activity. Even if the use of US contrast agent is off-label in children, it is welcome and widely accepted for intravesical use, and a little less for intravenous use, manly in evaluation of parenchymal lesions. To our knowledge this is the first time that the use of DCE-US in the evaluation of activity of small bowel Crohn disease with quantitative assessment of kinetic parameters is being described in children. Even if the results of the value and accuracy of different quantitative kinetic parameters in published studies in adult population often contradict one another there is a great potential of DCE-US to become a part of the entire sonographic evaluation not only in adults, but also in children. Further control studies should be performed.
The Effects of Liberalisation of the Passenger Railway Market on the Situation of Regional Rail Connections in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria
Authors: Taczanowski Jakub
Published: October 2015

Liberalisation of railway market can be an important instrument for increasing the attractiveness of local rail services and consequently for making the railways more competitive with other means of transport, which could result in changing the modal share in the favour of railways. The differences in the railway liberalisation level as well as in the policies towards rail transport between Central and Eastern European countries are vast, hence the present situation and the future prospects of regional services are diverse. Whereas there is only one railway line in Slovakia which is not operated by the state railway company ZSSK, a few private local connections which complement a very dense network of ČD state railways are in service in the Czech Republic. Poland, by contrast, is a country where liberalisation of railway market is most advanced as several different companies are responsible for transport in the regions. However, the results of this large scale liberalisation are ambiguous as the positive effects (reopening of some lines) are balanced by isolation of the new regional government-owned systems from each other. In Austria, by contrast, the existence of several private and regional government-owned local railways which are an indispensable part of the regional transport networks has contributed to maintain an effective transport system. Although the effects of liberalisation on the local railway networks can often be ambiguous, several cases from the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland show that privatisation and municipalisation may have a positive effect on the railway service as it has enabled to maintain the service on many sections which were at risk of closure. However, the most important condition of the effective transport development seems to be an active cooperation between the railway operators and the local governments as an expression of appropriate transport policy.
Economic Crisis and Growth in Vote Share for Extreme Left and Extreme Right Parties
Authors: Doležalová Jitka
Published: October 2015

Economic hardship fuels worries about a possible higher share of extremist parties in European legislature and executive. The article examines whether the recent economic recession resulted in growth in electoral support for the extreme right and the extreme left in parliamentary elections. The empirical analysis includes a set of 23 EU member states and observes the period from 1995 to 2012. A supplementary aim is to determine to what degree this phenomenon has a greater impact on countries that were forced to resort to IMF financial intervention. The analysis reveals that decline in GDP and growth in unemployment helped increase electoral support for extremist parties in the EU countries. Simultaneously, their share in the lower house representation grew. In these cases, the increase in support was primarily for extreme left parties. The inflation rate did not have any significant impact on growth in vote share for extremist parties. An increased vote share for extremist parties was more apparent in countries in receipt of an IMF loan.
Stakeholder Groups of Public and Private Universities in the Czech Republic – Identification, Categorization and Prioritization
Authors: Slabá Marie
Published: October 2015

With regard to changes in the environment of tertiary education and tertiary educational systems, universities are now unlikely to succeed as ‘separated closed’ institutions that are unresponsive to their environment and stakeholders. Stakeholder analysis is considered as an important part of university management and marketing and universities have to take care of key stakeholder groups and build long term relationships with them. This paper focuses on the stakeholder analysis and adopts the stake-holder theory and analysis for the needs of the Czech market of tertiary education. This paper analyses results of the author’s online questionnaire that provided the input for data analysis deploying basic descriptive analysis and first steps of stakeholder analysis – identification, categorization and prioritization. Results of author’s research show that there are only slight differences between public and private universities and their perspective concerning generic stakeholder groups of universities. However the research revealed two controversial stakeholder groups – donors and competitors. In comparison with other stakeholder groups perception of these two stakeholder groups by public and private universities is very different. Stakeholder groups of public and private universities were categorized into four basic groups - primary internal stakeholder groups, primary external stakeholder groups, secondary internal stakeholder groups, and secondary external stakeholder groups. Primary internal and external stakeholder groups which are crucial for survival of universities are the most important stakeholder groups for universities. The author identified ten most important stakeholder groups for public and private universities separately, based on assigned priorities that will be used for further research.
Neurotransmitter receptor complexes: methods for bioanalysis, their potentials and limitations
Authors: Engidawork Ephrem , Aradska Jana , Lubec Gert
Published: October 2015

Neurotransmitter receptors are key elements for brain function, but work so far has been focusing on the individual receptor subunits. It is, however, the receptor complexes that execute work rather than the subunits; of course, the multitude of possible combinations of the many receptors forming homomeric or heteromeric complexes is hampering studies. Moreover, not only receptors are observed in the complexes but also their corresponding protein kinases, phosphatases, and anchoring proteins, to name a few. Studying receptor complexes is still an analytical challenge. Thus far, no methods exist to unequivocally characterize or even quantify these assemblies. Major problems and limitations for the analysis exist, such as solubility, as the use of detergents is critical and may dissociate the receptor complexes as well as their separation in the native state. Gel-based techniques are able to separate and semiquantitatively quantify receptor complexes by subsequent immunochemical methods but do not allow the characterization of complex components. Immunoprecipitation methods are highly dependent on antibody availability and specificity, and the result of coimmunoprecipitation does not verify the direct physical interaction of proteins in the immunoprecipitate. Antibody shift assays are suitable to identify individual known proteins within a complex as are immunogold electron microscopic techniques and energy transfer technologies. Most techniques are simply showing the proximity of proteins rather than their physical interaction. Although fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is a promising technique, the use for quantification or comparing biological samples is limited. A lot of work remains to be done to provide tools for the characterization and quantification of receptor complexes in the brain.
New insight into the rheumatoid vasculitis
Authors: Cojocaru M. , Cojocaru Inimioara Mihaela , Chicoş B.
Published: October 2015

Vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid vasculitis, RV) has a heterogeneous clinical presentation that includes skin disorders, neuropathy, eye symptoms and systemic inflammation. Rheumatoid vasculitis is an unusual complication of longstanding, severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

While RA affects the body’s joints, vasculitis is a condition in which blood vessels become inflamed. Rheumatoid vasculitis occurs in approximately 2 to 5% of patients who have RA. The blood vessels most often involved are arteries that bring blood to the skin, nerves, and internal organs. Veins can also be involved. Rheumatoid vasculitis is skin condition that is a typical feature of RA, presenting as peripheral vascular lesions that are localized (purpura, cutaneous ulceration, and gangrene of the distal parts of the extremities). The cause of RV is unknown, but given the prominence of immune components and the pathologic changes in involved blood vessels, an autoimmune process is suggested. Compared to other forms of vasculitis, there has been relatively little research in recent years on the specific entity of RV. There is some evidence that the incidence of RV has decreased over the past several decades, perhaps because of a better treatment of the underlying RA. In the present review, we discuss the clinical features, laboratory tests, the pathogenesis of RV.
Role of signal-averaged electrocardiography and ventricular late potentials in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Buzea C.A. , Dan G.A. , Dan Anca Rodica , Delcea Caterina , Balea M.I. , Gologanu Daniela Stefana , Dobranici Mihaela , Popescu Raluca Alexandra
Published: October 2015

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Ventricular late potentials (VLP) on signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) are associated with an increased risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Our aim is to investigate the modifications of SAECG parameters and the presence of VLP as possible indicators of proarrhythmic substrate in patients with COPD. We prospectively enrolled 41 consecutive patients in the COPD group and 63 patients without any history of pulmonary disease, matched for age and hypertension history, in the control group. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, echocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring and SAECG were performed. We measured total filtered QRS duration (QRSf), duration of high frequency, low-amplitude signals < 40 V (HFLA40), and root mean square voltage in the last 40 ms (RMS40). VLP were considered if at least two of these parameters were abnormal.

Results. We did not register any significant differences in QRSf, HFLA40 or RMS40 between the two groups. In the COPD group there was a non-significant higher percentage of patients with VLP in comparison with the control group. In the COPD patients we registered a significantly higher number of isolated premature ventricular beats and of combined complex ventricular arrhythmias, consisting of polymorphic PVC, couplets, triplets or nonsustained ventricular tachycardias. None of these arrhythmic parameters correlated with SAECG variables or with the presence of VLP.

Conclusion. In COPD patients parameters measured on signal-averaged electrocardiography and ventricular late potentials analysis have little value in risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmias.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis. Case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Daraban Ana Maria , Enache Roxana , Predescu L. , Platon P. , Constantinescu T. , Mihai Carina , Coman I.M. , Ginghină Carmen , Jurcuţ Ruxandra
Published: October 2015

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because of the similar clinical picture of dyspnea on exertion and signs of right heart failure, PVOD is difficult to distinguish from idiopathic PAH. However, the distinction is mandatory because PVOD has a worse prognosis and, more importantly, the administration of PAH specific therapy (vasodilators) can precipitate severe acute pulmonary oedema. We present a challenging case of PAH in a patient with systemic sclerosis in whom a marked decrease in functional capacity after the initiation of bosentan therapy led to the diagnosis of PVOD. Management of PVOD patients is challenging and referral for lung transplantation should be done at the moment of diagnosis.
VEGF expression in pancreatic cancer and other malignancies: a review of the literature
Authors: Costache M.I. , Ioana Mihai , Iordache Sevastiţa , Ene D. , Costache Cornelia Alexandra , Săftoiu A.
Published: October 2015

Angiogenesis is a crucial event for tumor growth and it is regulated predominantly by several different growth factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor protein family (VEGF) and its receptors are probably the most important tissue factors responsible for angioblast differentiation and tube formation. VEGF protein family currently comprises several members: VEGF (or VEGF-A), VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, VEGF-F, placental growth factor (PlGF), and their receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. VEGF is a key angiogenic growth factor and its level of expression is a critical marker for detection of the angiogenic diseases. The potent role of VEGF in tumor angiogenesis has been widely described in the past decade, being expressed in most types of nondigestive and digestive cancers. VEGF family members play an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer (especially VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2). VEGF-A is the most specific and prominent angiogenic factor among all family members and VEGFR-2 is the most important receptor in evaluating the angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. Thus, VEGF overexpression may be considered as a diagnostic marker and as a poor prognostic factor of the disease.
Illicit drugs and their impact on cardiovascular pathology
Authors: Bădilă Elisabeta , Hostiuc Mihaela , Weiss Emma , Bartoş Daniela
Published: October 2015

The use of illicit drugs has dramatically increased during the past years. Consequently, the number of presentations at the emergency departments due to the adverse effects of the illicit drugs has also increased. This review discusses the cardiovascular effects of cocaine, opiates and opioids, cannabinoids, amphetamines, methamphetamines and hallucinogens as we consider that it is essential for a clinician to be aware of them and understand their mechanisms in order to optimize the therapeutic management.
Glucose Level Estimation in Diabetes Mellitus By Saliva: A Bloodless Revolution
Authors: Kadashetti Vidya , Baad Rajendra , Malik Neelima , Shivakumar K.M. , Vibhute Nupura , Belgaumi Uzma , Gugawad Sushma , Pramod R.C.
Published: October 2015

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a massive, growing, silent epidemic that has the potential to cripple health services in all parts of the world. Currently, a diagnosis of diabetes is achieved by evaluating plasma glucose levels. Saliva offers some distinctive advantages. Whole saliva can be collected non-invasively and by individuals with limited training. The present study was aimed to estimate and correlate the plasma and salivary glucose levels in diabetic and non diabetic subjects, with special reference to age.

Method. The study population consisted of three groups: Group 1 consisted of diabetics with BGL>200mg/dl and Group 2 consisted of diabetics with BGL 130-200mg/dl based on their random plasma glucose levels. Group 3 consisted of healthy population as controls with BGL <130 mg/dl. 2 ml of peripheral blood was collected for the estimation of random plasma glucose levels and unstimulated saliva was collected for the estimation of salivary glucose

Results. The salivary glucose levels were significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 diabetics when compared with controls. The salivary glucose levels show a significant correlation with plasma glucose levels between study populations, suggesting that salivary glucose levels can be used as a monitoring tool for predicting glucose level in diabetic patients.

Conclusion. The present study found that estimation of salivary glucose levels can be used as a noninvasive, painless technique for the measurement of diabetic status of a patient in a dental set up.
Rapid fecal calprotectin testing predicts mucosal healing better than C-reactive protein and serum tumor necrosis factor α in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Voiosu T. , Benguş Andreea , Bălănescu P. , Dinu Roxana , Voiosu A. , Băicuş C. , Mateescu B.
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims. Serum and fecal biomarkers have been used as noninvasive methods for assessing disease activity in ulcerative colitis. C-reactive protein, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and fecal calprotectin are among the most promising such biomarkers. However, their role in the management of ulcerative colitis patients remains to be clarified. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin and tumor necrosis factor-α in detecting clinical and endoscopic activity and predicting disease outcome.

Methods. A cohort of ulcerative colitis patients was prospectively evaluated for clinical and endoscopic disease activity using the Mayo score. Serum C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured and a point-of-care method was used for determining Calprotectin levels.

Results. Fifty-three patients with ulcerative colitis were followed for a median of 12 months. Fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with clinically active disease at baseline, but only calprotectin levels correlated with endoscopic activity. Calprotectin values over 300 μg/g had 60% sensitivity and 90% specificity for detecting active endoscopic disease and 61% sensitivity and 89% specificity for predicting mucosal healing.

Conclusion. Rapid calprotectin testing is a better predictor of mucosal healing than serum biomarkers and it could improve the management of ulcerative colitis patients by decreasing the need for invasive investigations.