bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal state of the lithosphere in the Danube Basin and its relation to tectonics
Authors: Majcin Dušan , Bilčík Dušan , Klučiar Tomáš
Published: January 2016

The area of the Danube Basin is interesting in the light of the evaluation both of the lithosphere structure and of various theories of Carpathian-Pannonian region tectonic evolution. The aim of this paper is to analyse both the thermal conditions in the Danube Basin and the mutual relations to geological structure and tectonic development of the region under study. First the improved distributions of the terrestrial heat flow density and of the lithosphere thickness were constructed using recently gained geophysical and geological knowledge. Then the critical analysis of existing models of the tectonic development of the region under study was carried out. The tectono-thermal interpretation activities were accomplished by new geothermal modelling approach for transient regime which utilizes also the backstriped sedimentology data as a control parameter of model. Finally the McKenzie’s “pure-shear” model of the Danube basin was constructed as acceptable conception for used geothermal and tectonic data. The determined stretching parameter has an inhomogeneous horizontal distribution and the thinning factors express the depth dependency for separate lithospheric layers.
Variability and changes in selected climate elements in Madrid and Alicante in the period 2000-2014
Authors: Cielecka Katarzyna
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study is to compare climatic conditions between the interior of the Iberian Peninsula and the southeastern coast of Spain. The article analyzes selected elements of climate over the last 15 years (2000-2014). Synoptic data from airport meteorological stations in Madrid Barajas and Alicante Elche were used. Attention was focused on annual air temperature, relative humidity and precipitation. The mean climatic conditions over the period 2000-2014 were compared with those over the 1961-1990 period which is recommended by WMO as climate normal and with data for the 1971-2000 coming from ‘Climate Atlas’ of Spanish meteorologists group AEMET. Two of climate elements discussed were characterized by significant changes. The annual air temperature was higher by about 0.2°C in Alicante and 0.9°C in Madrid in the period 2000-2014 compared to the 1961-1990. The current winters were colder than in years 1961-1990 at both stations. Gradual decrease in annual precipitation totals was observed at both stations. In 1961-1990 the annual average precipitation in Madrid amounted to 414 mm, while in Alicante it was 356 mm. However, in the recent years of 2000-2014 these totals were lower compared to 1961-1990 reaching 364.1 mm in the central part of Spain and 245.7 mm on the south-western coast.
Kinesiological Analysis of Stationary Running Performed in Aquatic and Dry Land Environments
Authors: Lima Alberton Cristine , Santana Pinto Stephanie , Silva Azenha Natália Amélia da , Cadore Eduardo Lusa , Peikriszwili Tartaruga Marcus , Brasil Bruno , Martins Kruel Luiz Fernando
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the electromyographic (EMG) signals of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), semitendinosus (ST) and short head of the biceps femoris (BF) during the performance of stationary running at different intensities in aquatic and dry land environments. The sample consisted of 12 female volunteers who performed the stationary running exercise in aquatic and dry land environments at a submaximal cadence (80 beats·min-1 controlled by a metronome) and at maximal velocity, with EMG signal measurements from the RF, VL, ST and BF muscles. The results showed a distinct pattern between environments for each muscle examined. For the submaximal cadence of 80 beats·min-1, there was a reduced magnitude of the EMG signal in the aquatic environment, except for the ST muscle, the pattern of which was similar in both environments. In contrast to the submaximal cadence, the pattern of the EMG signal from all of the muscles showed similar magnitudes for both environments and phases of movement at maximal velocity, except for the VL muscle. Therefore, the EMG signals from the RF, VL, ST and BF muscles of women during stationary running had different patterns of activation over the range of motion between aquatic and dry land environments for different intensities. Moreover, the neuromuscular responses of the lower limbs were optimized by an increase in intensity from submaximal cadence to maximal velocity.
Symptoms of Common Mental Disorders and Adverse Health Behaviours in Male Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Gouttebarge Vincent , Aoki Haruhito , Kerkhoffs Gino
Published: January 2016

To present time, scientific knowledge about symptoms of common mental disorders and adverse health behaviours among professional soccer players is lacking. Consequently, the aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders (distress, anxiety/depression, sleep disturbance) and adverse health behaviours (adverse alcohol behaviour, smoking, adverse nutrition behaviour) among professional soccer players, and to explore their associations with potential stressors (severe injury, surgery, life events and career dissatisfaction). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on baseline questionnaires from an ongoing prospective cohort study among male professional players. Using validated questionnaires to assess symptoms of common mental disorders and adverse health behaviours as well as stressors, an electronic questionnaire was set up and distributed by players’ unions in 11 countries from three continents. Prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders and adverse health behaviours among professional soccer players ranged from 4% for smoking and 9% for adverse alcohol behaviour to 38% for anxiety/depression and 58% for adverse nutrition behaviour. Significant associations were found for a higher number of severe injuries with distress, anxiety/depression, sleeping disturbance and adverse alcohol behaviour, an increased number of life events with distress, sleeping disturbance, adverse alcohol behaviour and smoking, as well as an elevated level of career dissatisfaction with distress, anxiety/depression and adverse nutrition behaviour. Statistically significant correlations (p<0.01) were found for severe injuries and career dissatisfaction with most symptoms of common mental disorders. High prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders and adverse health behaviours was found among professional players, confirming a previous pilot-study in a similar study population.
Microarray analysis of spring barley cultivars displaying differing sensitivity to physiological leaf spot (PLS)
Authors: Moran Mary G. , Dix Philip J. , Burke James I.
Published: January 2016

Physiological leaf spot (PLS) is a disorder of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), which has become more pronounced in recent years. The initial symptoms are small chlorotic/brown spots on the upper four leaves, which may develop into necrotic lesions with an irregular shape. As PLS occurs on leaves that are directly exposed to sunlight, it is thought that high light stress could be a trigger for the condition. This study concentrates on two cultivars, Cooper and Crusader, which display differential sensitivity to PLS. Biochemical measurements and enzyme assays revealed substantial difference in levels of ascorbate, type III peroxidases, and superoxide dismutase between the chosen cultivars during the 2003 growing season. A global gene expression study, using these field samples, was performed by microarray analysis. This supported the biochemical findings and highlighted additional sets of genes differentially expressed between the cultivars. Transcripts of particular interest, which appeared, included calcium signalling genes, cold-responsive genes and those involved in the assembly of Photosystem I. We conclude that susceptibility to PLS is related to levels of expression of genes with a role in countering the effects of oxidative stress.
Digital Geogames to foster local biodiversity
Authors: Schaal Sonja , Schaal Steffen , Lude Armin
Published: January 2016

The valuing of biodiversity is considered to be a first step towards its conservation. Therefore, the aim of the BioDiv2Go project is to combine sensuous experiences discovering biodiversity with mobile technology and a game-based learning approach.

Following the competence model for environmental education (Roczen et al, 2014), Geogames (location based games on smartphones) for experiential outdoor learning activities are developed. The Finde Vielfalt Simulation (FVS) Geogame focuses on adolescent visitors of German youth hostels. The FVS-players are involved in a narrative keeping the traditions of their ancestors’ heritage as decisions are needed to balance biodiversity and economic success. They discover the natural environment and they solve location-based tasks at several places. If the players manipulate a simulation successfully they stand the test of the ancestors.

The initial theoretical framework consists of the components biodiversity-related attitudes, behaviour and knowledge, general environmental behaviour and attitude towards nature. According to the Uses and Gratification Theory, the game-related enjoyment is added. For the assessment different scales were developed or adapted and tested for secondary-school children. The framework evolved stepwise through systematic expert hearings, interviews with the target group, participant observation as well as through an online survey. In a first step the situational interest was considered to be important for the valuing of biodiversity. The final version of the framework was used and validated within a pilot study with 180 secondary school students.

The framework development was a highly transformative process engaging different actors, using complementary methodological approaches and integrating different disciplinary perspectives.
Load Optimization in a Grid Structure for Parallel Simulations of the Throughput of a Packet Switch Node
Authors: Tashev Tasho , Monov Vladimir , Tasheva Radostina
Published: January 2016

In the present paper we employ the grid structure of IICT-BAS for parallel computer simulations of the throughput of a crossbar switch node. In our simulations we use PIM-algorithm for non-conflict scheduling in a crossbar node with hotspot load traffic. The obtained simulation results enable us to propose a procedure for optimizing the load of a grid structure in order to minimize the overall time of performance.
Clustering Large-Scale Data Based On Modified Affinity Propagation Algorithm
Authors: Serdah Ahmed M. , Ashour Wesam M.
Published: January 2016

Traditional clustering algorithms are no longer suitable for use in data mining applications that make use of large-scale data. There have been many large-scale data clustering algorithms proposed in recent years, but most of them do not achieve clustering with high quality. Despite that Affinity Propagation (AP) is effective and accurate in normal data clustering, but it is not effective for large-scale data. This paper proposes two methods for large-scale data clustering that depend on a modified version of AP algorithm. The proposed methods are set to ensure both low time complexity and good accuracy of the clustering method. Firstly, a data set is divided into several subsets using one of two methods random fragmentation or K-means. Secondly, subsets are clustered into K clusters using K-Affinity Propagation (KAP) algorithm to select local cluster exemplars in each subset. Thirdly, the inverse weighted clustering algorithm is performed on all local cluster exemplars to select well-suited global exemplars of the whole data set. Finally, all the data points are clustered by the similarity between all global exemplars and each data point. Results show that the proposed clustering method can significantly reduce the clustering time and produce better clustering result in a way that is more effective and accurate than AP, KAP, and HAP algorithms.
Professional Opinions And Attitudes On Tax Policy In Bosnia And Herzegovina With A Special Focus On The Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina1
Authors: Lazović-Pita Lejla , Štambuk Ana
Published: January 2016

This research is based on tax policy opinion survey data collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) among tax experts. A special focus of the survey was to investigate the consequences of the different institutional environments that exist between the two entities of the country. After having reviewed all previous tax reforms in B&H, the most interesting results suggest that respondents agree on the introduction of a progressive personal income tax (PIT) and excise duty on luxury products, the maintenance of personal and family allowances and the maintenance of the current value added tax (VAT) and corporate income tax (CIT) rates. However, differences exist in the respondents’ perceptions about the introduction of reduced VAT rates, the regressivity of the VAT, and giving priority to the equity principle over the efficiency principle in taxation. Probability modelling highlighted these differences and indicated inconsistencies in the definition of the PIT tax base, namely the comprehensiveness of the PIT base under the S-H-S definition of income.
Mobile Carrier Selection In A Post-Conflict Environment – The Primacy Of Ethnicity Over Conventional Network Effects
Authors: Zaimović Tarik
Published: January 2016

In this paper we analyze determinants which affect the selection of mobile carriers in a post-conflict environment - Bosnia and Herzegovina. We apply relevant probability modelling to test perceptions of individual respondents on different network effects obtained through a targeted representative survey. Furthermore, we explore whether some non-traditional influences might affect costumers, focusing on the role of demographic characteristics. Our results confirm that conventional network effects have a role in carrier selection, although they are different across carriers. However, we identify that the ethnicity of respondents overwhelms the traditional network effects by having the highest magnitude in the model. Our findings show that the “ethnic affiliation” of mobile carriers, attributed by the users, remains a persistent factor in attracting and keeping telecommunication costumers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Influence Of Different Information Sources On Innovation Performance: Evidence From France, The Netherlands And Croatia
Authors: Bach Mirjana Pejić , Lojpur Andjelko , Peković Sanja , Stanovčić Tatjana
Published: January 2016

Information sources are considered a catalyst for innovation improvement, and because of this it is particularly important to learn more regarding their impact on innovation performance. Therefore, the goal of this research is to investigate to what extent the usage of different information sources influences internal and external R&D activities in three countries, Croatia, France and the Netherlands, by employing CIS data, which covers the period from 2006 to 2008. These countries were chosen because of the different levels of their country competitiveness (measured by the Global Competitiveness Index), which permits us to investigate if the usage of information sources has varying impact on their innovation performance. Our results reveal that internal sources, customers, suppliers and universities are important information sources for both internal and external R&D activities in all three countries. However, significant differences are also found. Firms from the Netherlands (which has the highest country competitiveness) use information sources differently, relying on competitors as one of their most important sources of innovation. On the other hand, the government did not have any impact on firms in Croatia (which has the lowest country competitiveness), indicating that this may be the reason for similar countries lagging behind.
The Non-Linear Relationship Between Fiscal Deficits And Inflation: Evidence From Africa
Authors: Abu Nurudeen , Karim Mohd Zaini Abd
Published: January 2016

Although, there is abundant research on the fiscal deficit-inflation relationship, little has been done to investigate the non-linear association between them, particularly in Africa. This study employs fixed-effects and GMM estimators to examine the non-linear relationship between deficits and inflation from 1999 to 2011 in 51 African economies, which are further grouped into high-inflation/low-income countries and moderate-inflation/middle-income countries. The results indicate that the deficit-inflation relationship is non-linear for the whole sample and sub-groups. For the whole sample, a percentage point increase in deficit results in a 0.25 percentage point increase in inflation rate, while the relationship becomes quantitatively greater once deficits reach 23% of GDP. The subsamples report different relationships. Although our results cannot be used as the base for generalization, we identify importance of grouping African countries according to their levels of inflation and/or income, rather than treating them as a homogeneous entity.
Growth failure in adolescents: etiology, the role of pubertal timing and most useful criteria for diagnostic workup
Authors: Stalman Susanne E. , Hellinga Ilse , Wit Jan M. , Hennekam Raoul C.M. , Kamp Gerdine A. , Plötz Frans B.
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the etiology, the role of pubertal timing and most useful criteria for diagnostic workup in adolescents with growth failure.

Adolescents (n=182) aged 10.0–18.0 years underwent a standardized diagnostic protocol. Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) was defined as late pubertal onset or a Tanner stage less than –2 SDS. Dutch and Finnish criteria for growth monitoring were retrospectively assessed.

In 13 children (7.1%) a specific diagnosis could be established. CDGP was diagnosed in 10% of patients aged ≥13 (girls) or ≥14 years (boys). Sensitivity to detect pathologic causes was 85% and 62% for, respectively Dutch and Finnish criteria for growth monitoring as used in younger children, but specificity was low (55%–59%).

In adolescents, pathological causes for growth failure and pubertal delay are common, and we recommend a combination of height SDS, distance to THSDS and growth deflection for deciding on further diagnostic testing.
The Analysis of Communication Strategies Used by Polish L2 Learners
Authors: Świątek Artur , Pluszczyk Adam
Published: January 2016

When we communicate, we make use of both verbal and non-verbal means. In a classroom situation, there are a number of obstacles which students encounter and which can impede their communication. In L2 learning contexts, one of the commonest barriers is the language. Thus, the application of communication strategies (CS) is necessary with a view to compensating for various difficulties and avoiding communication failure or achieving communicative success.

The objective of our paper is to analyze the occurrence and the incidence of communication strategies in the speech of Polish L2 learners. The subjects we tested are representatives of four different proficiency groups:

- intermediate (junior high school 3rd class learners),

- upper-intermediate (technical secondary school students who are taking their final maturity exams),

- pre-advanced (1st year philology students) and advanced (3rd year philology students).

A survey was conducted with a view to eliciting the linguistic data which enabled us to determine the occurrence and incidence of communication strategies (CS). More specifically, we observed if and, if yes, to what extent the learners use the strategies in order to compensate for the challenging moments which they encounter when they communicate.
Coaching culture in the context of the emergence of creative class
Authors: Kotylak Sławomir , Michałowska Mariola , Danielak Wiesław
Published: January 2016

The aim of the paper is to present on the basis of the study of literature the essence of coaching, the creative industries in the modern economy, the culture of coaching in relation to the creative class as well as issues relating to the development of relations between the client and the coach.

The study also pointed out the differences between coaching, counselling and consulting, distinguishing features of modern coaching and highlighted the factors affecting the process of shaping the relationship between the client and the coach.

With regard to the creative class coaching extends its alternative development of people and their organizations, based on the values of communication, acceptance of diversity and individuality, strengthening the sense of subjective efficacy and integrity, while expanding individual consciousness. As a result, this enhances the effect of stimulating creativity, which directly affects the development of the creative class as an essential element of the proper functioning of an important sector of the economy, which is the creative industry.
Business cycle and innovation activity in medium-high and high technology industry in Poland
Authors: Dzikowski Piotr
Published: January 2016

This article examines differences in an impact of business cycle phases on innovation activity in medium-high and high technology industry in Poland. It is assumed that each business cycle phase influences innovation activity in the same fashion, but its impact varies and it depends on the firm’s innovation activity. The higher innovation activity the less impact of business cycle. The scope of the survey relates to innovation in MHT and HT industry in Poland. The data concerns the innovation at the firm level and the diffusion “new for the company”. Innovation activity is defined by the following activities: (1) expenditure on research and development and investments in fixed assets not used so far such as: a)buildings, premises and land; b) machinery and equipment, c) computer software; (2) implementation of new products and technological processes and (3) innovation cooperation. The methodological part of the analysis includes a logit modeling. The survey includes 1355 companies. Business cycle has a great influence on innovation activity in MTH and HT industry in Poland. The influence of recovery phase is positive whereas both stagnation and recession phases decrease the probability of innovation activity. The character of influence depends on the propensity to take innovation activity. The higher level of innovation activity the enterprises present the less influence of business cycle they get.
Numerical Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics of a of High-Speed Car With Movable Bodywork Elements
Authors: Janson Tomasz , Piechna Janusz
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the results of numerical analysis of aerodynamic characteristics of a sports car equipped with movable aerodynamic elements. The effects of size, shape, position, angle of inclination of the moving flaps on the aerodynamic downforce and aerodynamic drag forces acting on the vehicle were investigated. The calculations were performed with the help of the ANSYS-Fluent CFD software. The transient flow of incompressible fluid around the car body with moving flaps, with modeled turbulence (model Spalart-Allmaras or SAS), was simulated. The paper presents examples of effective flap configuration, and the example of configuration which does not generate aerodynamic downforce. One compares the change in the forces generated at different angles of flap opening, pressure distribution, and visualization of streamlines around the body. There are shown the physical reasons for the observed abnormal characteristics of some flap configurations. The results of calculations are presented in the form of pressure contours, pathlines, and force changes in the function of the angle of flap rotation. There is also presented estimated practical suitability of particular flap configurations for controlling the high-speed car stability and performance.
Modeling of Damage Evolution and Martensitic Transformation in Austenitic Steel at Cryogenic Temperature
Authors: Ryś Maciej
Published: January 2016

In the present work, a constitutive model of materials undergoing the plastic strain induced phase transformation and damage evolution has been developed. The model is based on the linearized transformation kinetics. Moreover, isotropic damage evolution is considered. The constitutive model has been implemented in the finite element software Abaqus/Explicit by means of the external user subroutine VUMAT. A uniaxial tension test was simulated in Abaqus/Explicit to compare experimental and numerical results. Expansion bellows was also modelled and computed as a real structural element, commonly used at cryogenic conditions.
A Robust Method of Vehicle Stability Accurate Measurement Using GPS and INS
Authors: Miao Zhibin , Zhang Hongtian , Zhang Jinzhu
Published: January 2016

With the development of the vehicle industry, controlling stability has become more and more important. Techniques of evaluating vehicle stability are in high demand. Integration of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) is a very practical method to get high-precision measurement data. Usually, the Kalman filter is used to fuse the data from GPS and INS. In this paper, a robust method is used to measure vehicle sideslip angle and yaw rate, which are two important parameters for vehicle stability. First, a four-wheel vehicle dynamic model is introduced, based on sideslip angle and yaw rate. Second, a double level Kalman filter is established to fuse the data from Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System. Then, this method is simulated on a sample vehicle, using Carsim software to test the sideslip angle and yaw rate. Finally, a real experiment is made to verify the advantage of this approach. The experimental results showed the merits of this method of measurement and estimation, and the approach can meet the design requirements of the vehicle stability controller.
An Objective No-Reference Measure of Illumination Assessment
Authors: Anbarjafari Gholamreza
Published: January 2016

Illumination problems have been an important concern in many image processing applications. An important issue in the field of illumination enhancement is absence of a quantitative measure for assessment of illumination of an image. In this research work a quantitative measure indicating the illumination state, i.e. contrast level and brightness of an image is also proposed. The measure utilises the estimated Gaussian distribution of the input image and the Kullback-Leibler Divergence between the estimated Gaussian distribution and the desired Gaussian distribution to calculate the quantitative measure. The experimental results show the effectiveness and the reliability of proposed illumination assessment measure.
Optimal Recognition Method of Human Activities Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Oniga Stefan , József Sütő
Published: January 2016

The aim of this research is an exhaustive analysis of the various factors that may influence the recognition rate of the human activity using wearable sensors data. We made a total of 1674 simulations on a publically released human activity database by a group of researcher from the University of California at Berkeley. In a previous research, we analyzed the influence of the number of sensors and their placement. In the present research we have examined the influence of the number of sensor nodes, the type of sensor node, preprocessing algorithms, type of classifier and its parameters. The final purpose is to find the optimal setup for best recognition rates with lowest hardware and software costs.
Estimation of radiation doses for transition from emergency to existing exposure situation
Authors: Hamed Abdelfatah A. , Salem E. F. , Abdien Asmaa K.
Published: January 2016

The transition from emergency to existing exposure situation is an important stage in the nuclear or radiological emergency plan. It requires arrangements to be put in place and to be implemented so as to ensure that the transition is made in a coordinated and orderly manner of guidelines for adjusting the undertaken protective actions and other response actions. The delivering radiation doses to public and environmental pollution are monitoring that measurements should be implemented according to certain plan of intervention and protective actions in the different stages of the N/R accident. In this study, a computer model (RASCAL) is used to calculate the effect of severe accident could have detected on an operating nuclear power reactor PWR and the possible impact on the public. Features for the decision to implement the transition from emergency to existing exposure situation are proposed depending on the estimation of the collection of deliver exposure doses to the public and environment due to monitoring the different radiation sources resulting from the N/R accident.
The dose of gamma radiation from building materials and soil
Authors: Manić Goran , Manić Vesna , Nikezić Dragoslav , Krstić Dragana
Published: January 2016

The radioactivity of some structural building materials, rows, binders, and final construction products, originating from Serbia or imported from other countries, was investigated in the current study by using the standard HPGe gamma spectrometry. The absorbed dose in the air was computed by the method of buildup factors for models of the room with the walls of concrete, gas-concrete, brick and stone. Using the conversion coefficients obtained by interpolation of the International Commission on Radiobiological Protection (ICRP) equivalent doses for isotropic irradiation, the corresponding average indoor effective dose from the radiation of building materials of 0.24 mSv·y−1 was determined. The outdoor dose of 0.047 mSv·y−1 was estimated on the basis of values of the specific absorbed dose rates calculated for the radiation of the series of 238U, 232Th and 40K from the ground and covering materials. The literature values of the effective dose conversion coefficients for ground geometry were applied as well as the published data for content of the radionuclides in the soil.
Accumulation of metallic elements into the superficial peat layer of mires and wet mineral soils of Estonian forest land / Akumulacja metali w powierzchniowej warstwie gleb torfowych i wilgotnych glebach mineralnych ekosystemów leśnych Estonii
Authors: Kõlli Raimo , Asi Endla , Szajdak Lech , Tõnutare Tõnu , Astover Alar , Krebstein Kadri
Published: January 2016

This article studied the extent of accumulation of aqua regia extractable metallic elements (Al, Mg, Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd) into peaty (histic) epipedon (EP) of fen soils, transitional bog soils, peaty gley soils and peaty podzols. The accumulation coefficients (Kac) of the elements in EP were estimated in relation of forest floor (FF, as an input) as a comparison to deeper levels (SS, as a past background). The study revealed that the extent of accumulation and its order depend on soil (peat) type or pedo-ecological conditions of peatification. In the forming of EP from FF, the concentrations of Al and Pb were increased on an average 2.5-5.0 times, but that of Hg increased significantly only in peaty soils (on an average 1.5-1.6 times). The contents of Zn were significantly decreased (Kac 0.1-0.5) in all soil groups. The comparison of EP peats concentrations with SS data demonstrated a considerable accumulation of Pb, Cd, Zn and Hg into thin (~20 cm) superficial peat layer.
Bioindication on the basis of benthic diatoms: Advantages and disadvantages of the Polish phytobenthos lake assessment method (IOJ – the Diatom Index for Lakes) / Bioindykacja na podstawie okrzemek bentosowych: Mocne i słabe strony polskiej metody oceny jezior na podstawie fitobentosu (IOJ – Indeks Okrzemkowy Jezior)
Authors: Bielczyńska Aleksandra
Published: January 2016

Diatoms are widely used for bioindication because of their sensitivity to anthropogenic pressures (e.g. eutrophication or acidity of waters). In many countries in the world, work has been undertaken to develop and implement diatom indices. Since 2000, in the Member States of the European Union, this has been done as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The results of lake assessment obtained using the Polish method based on epiphytic diatoms (IOJ - Indeks Okrzemkowy Jezior = the Diatom Index for Lakes) are greatly different from those provided by the other ecological status assessment methods. The purpose of this article is to review the scientific literature on the use of phytobenthos for bioindication in order to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the Polish IOJ method and to indicate the possible directions of improvements in this method. The literature evidencing the variability of phytobenthos related to its habitat, the spatial variability at the scale of a lake and the variability in the growing season was reviewed. The cited writings indicate that the further specification of guidelines for the sampling procedure and an increase in the number of survey sites could enhance the functionality of the Polish lake assessment method. It has also been suggested that it may be useful to test the effect of the seasonal variability of a phytobenthos assemblage on its bioindicator value.
Comparison of fertility and germination of seeds in selected taxa of the genus Polygonum / Porównanie plenności i zdolności kiełkowania nasion u wybranych taksonów z rodzaju Polygonum
Authors: Matusiewicz Marta , Kubicka - Matusiewicz Helena
Published: January 2016

The study compared the fertility of common segetal weeds of the Polygonum type: Polygonum persicaria L., Polygonum lapathifolium L. subsp. lapathifolium and Polygonum lapathifolium L. subsp. pallidum (With.) Fr. from different agrocenoses from the area of the Wigry National Park and its buffer zone. These taxa are particularly found in large numbers in root crops and spring cereals. Owing to favourable habitat conditions in a potato crops they reach large sizes and produce a much larger number of seeds compared with specimens from other agrocenoses. On the stubble, they constitute a component of secondary infestation, reaching fertility similar to that of cereal crops.

In addition, the germination of seeds P. persicaria L., P. lapathifolium L. subsp. lapathifolium and P. lapathifolium L. subsp. pallidum (With.) Fr. tested in various combinations, in light and darkness, after the treatment of stratification and using gibberellic acid. It was shown that regardless of the conditions, the seeds that best germinated were P. lapathifolium L. subsp. pallidum (With.) Fr.
Documenting Pocket Universes: New Approaches to Preserving Online Games
Authors: Murphy Derek L.
Published: January 2016

When preserving massively multiplayer online video games over the long term, archivists must reckon with their player cultures or risk losing a crucial component in understanding the games. This article advocates for documenting player cultures in these games, investigates recent amateur archival efforts, and suggests possible new methods of documentation and preservation when one works with these games. Successful and suggested approaches include ethnographic writing, video documentation, and the crowd-sourcing of contributions from the player community itself.
Eastern Partnership and the Preferences of New EU Member States
Authors: Mišík Matúš
Published: January 2016

This paper tries to shed some light on factors influencing the positions of the new member states of the EU on Eastern Partnership in its initial phase. It utilises an analytical approach developed by Copsey and Haughton (2009) and argues that the two most important factors affecting positioning of newcomers towards the initiative are: perceived size and geography. While the new members were especially keen to support their immediate neighbours, they were using a common policy towards these countries to increase their presence and influence in the region since the initiative helped them to deal with neighbourhood issues they were not able to solve on their own. The paper suggests an amendment to the theoretical approach and proposes an assumption explaining positioning of the member states towards the third countries that better reflect the empirical evidence than the original framework. Moreover, the research showed that Poland differed from the rest of the new EU countries, was much more active and influential and rather resembled the old members. However, due to its not very positive image (caused by its assertive approach and strong effort to play a prominent role within the EU) its influence within the EU was limited and, therefore it proposed the Eastern Partnership together with Sweden that held a much better image.
EU Initiatives for Democratisation in Eastern Europe
Authors: Kunert-Milcarz Renata
Published: January 2016

Support for democratisation and democracy has become one of the leading topics in a wide-ranging debate over the state of democracy in the contemporary world. The European Union became an important player in global politics, one with an ambitious programme for the spreading and supporting of democracy and the process of democratisation in Eastern Europe. Hence the author’s attempt at addressing the following question: what actions and strategies have and are being undertaken by the EU to facilitate the above-mentioned processes? The aim of the paper is to describe and assess the strategies and actions of the European Union in the field of supporting democratisation and democracy in selected countries of the former USSR (e.g. Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), additionally well-fitting to the concept of Eastern Partnership, in the last decade of XX and the first decade of XXI Century. The paper also aims to present which procedures and standards (that are supposed to guarantee their usefulness and effectiveness) are being used by the EU. The emphasis has been placed primarily on the processes of democratisation, their mileage, specificity and possible strategies for supporting democratic development, as well as its potential for consolidation, in the countries of the former Soviet Union. In order to conduct the research it is necessary to assess the political, social and economic conditions in the researched countries. It is to be stressed that one should be aware of the complexity and dynamics of the described processes whilst evaluating the EU’s initiatives. The papers topic was chosen due to the importance and currentness of the researched EU actions and their results.
Contribution of Academician Momir Polenakovic to the Development of Nephrology in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Serafimoski Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Academician Momir H. Polenakovic, MD, Ph.D. is an outstanding researcher, educator and scientist, one of the founders of the nephrology in the Republic of Macedonia. With more than 500 published papers in national and international journals, of which more than 189 are on the PubMed, he is one of the most fruitful medical worker in our country. With his participation in national and international congresses he has contributed to the transfer of the world nephrology in Macedonia, as well as, to the dissemination of the reputation of the Macedonian nephrology and science in the world. He has educated a number of specialists in internal medicine and subspecialists in nephrology. He has introduced new tests and methods in diagnosis and treatment of renal disease, which was a basis for his research and publication. Analyzing the life opus of Academician Momir Polenakovic we can say that he has dedicated his life and work to the research, diagnosis and treatment of kidney patients.
Generic Drugs – Decreasing Costs and Room for Increased Number of Kidney Transplantations
Authors: Spasovski Goce
Published: January 2016

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option in comparison to dialysis, although patients are obliged to receive life-long medical treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) for prevention of the graft rejection. Such immunosuppressive treatment may be costly and associated with multiple adverse effects. Since costs are viewed as one of the major constraints for the increasing number of transplantation, the use of generic ISDs may decrease the overall cost of transplantation and raise the possibility for its further development.

An ideal ISD should have the security margin between toxic and therapeutic dose, and prevent development of acute or chronic rejection of the transplanted kidney. This is particularly important for drugs with a "narrow therapeutical index" (NTI), where small differences in dose or concentration lead to dose and concentration-dependent, serious therapeutic failures and/or adverse drug reactions. The NTI generic drug is approved if within 90%-112% of the area under the curve of the original product the pharmacokinetics fulfills the strict criteria of pharmaceutical equivalence and bioequivalence. Every generic has to be proven to be bioequivalent to the innovator product, and not to other generic products because of the possible generic "drift". Thus, the generic ISDs may be economically attractive, but theoretically, they may pose a risk to transplant patients. Such risks may be reduced if a long-term clinical studies showing cost-effectiveness of generic ISDs in de novo and prevalent transplant patients for every new generic ISD are performed.

In conclusion, the increased number of solid organ transplantation goes in line with the increased health care expenditure for ISDs. The generic immunosuppressants could be a possible solution if safely substituted for innovator products or other generic drug of choice. The substantial cost reduction needs to be redirected into organ donation initiatives so that more patients can benefit from the further increase in transplantation.
First Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Implantation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Kostov Jorgo , Davceva-Pavlovska Jelka , Kedev Sasko
Published: January 2016

Background: The term acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to any group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischemia. These high-risk manifestations of coronary atherosclerosis are important causes of the use of emergency medical care and hospitalization. We evaluated the feasibility and the acute performance of the everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) for the treatment of patients presenting with ACS.

Methods and results: The present investigation was a prospective, single-centre study. Clinical outcomes were reported at the 30-day, 6-month, 1 year and 2 years follow-up. The procedural success was 100.0%. After the BVS implantation a TIMI flow 3 was achieved in all 15 patients and the postprocedure percentage diameter stenosis was 16.4 ± 8.6%. No patients had angiographically visible residual thrombus at the end of the procedure. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis was performed in 8 patients (53.3%) and showed that the post-procedure mean lumen area was 7.86 ± 1.81 mm2, minimum lumen area 5.51 ± 1.58 mm2. At the 30-day, 6-month, 1 year (15 patients) and 2 years follow-up (5 patients) target-lesion failure rate was 0%. Non-target vessel revascularization and target vessel myocardial infarction were not reported. No cases of cardiac death or scaffold thrombosis were observed.

Conclusion: BVS implantation in patients presenting with ACS appeared feasible, with high rate of final TIMI-flow 3 and good scaffold apposition.
A Two Phase Treatment of an Infected Hip Endoprosthesis
Authors: Ciriviri Jasmin , Talevski Darko , Nestorovski Zoran , Vraniskoski Tode , Mishevska-Perchinkova Snežana
Published: January 2016

The revision of the two phase treatment represents a golden standard in the treatment of infected endoprosthesis. Throughout this study, the results of 21 patients with an infected hip endoprosthesis treated in two phases have been processed, with the use of an antibiotic spacer, within the period of 2009 and 2012.

Thereby, a unique protocol for diagnosis and treatment of infections has been applied to all the patients, which entails a preoperational x-ray image, laboratory findings (Se, CRP), as well as a puncture aspiration with a microbiological and biochemical examination of the aspirated fragments. The operational treatment consists of: taking a sample for microbiological and histopathological diagnosis, removal of the implanted endoprosthesis, excision of the avascular and necrotic tissue and installing an antibiotic spacer. Postoperatively, the patients are treated with a parenteral application of an antibiotics based on an antibiogram, throughout a period of two weeks, and later on an oral treatment, a combination of two antibiotics, depending on the antibiogram, within the following four to six weeks. After the appeasement of the local findings and the laboratory results, a revision with a removal of the antibiotic spacer and reimplantation of an endoprosthesis - revisional or primary has been conducted on the patients, depending on the bone deficit. The functionality of the joint is graded based on the Haris Hip Score. The patients are being observed postoperatively for a period of 12 to 36 months.

A definite reimplantation has been applied to 20 patients, while one patient has been treated with a resection method. The Haris Hip Score was 45 preoperatively, and 80 postoperatively.

The applied protocol of the treatment of infected endoprosthesis is effective in the eradication of the infection and the final reimplantation.
Matrix Matalloproteinase-8 Gene Polymorphism in Chronic Periapical Lesions
Authors: Evrosimovska Biljana , Dimova Cena , Popovska Lidija , Zabokova-Bilbilova Efka
Published: January 2016

Background/Aim: Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) have been associated with risk of developing chronic periapical lesion (CPL). Gene polymorphisms are contributing factors in the pathogenesis of the inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze polymorphism in the gene MMP-8 and its association and influence on clinical manifestation of CPL.

Methods: A total of 240 unrelated Macedonian subjects were included in the present study. Polymorphism -799 C/T in the gene MMP-8 detected with restriction enzyme BgIII was studied in 120 patients with CPL and 120 controls without any signs of chronic or acute inflammatory process in the jaw. The amplification of the region of selected gene was made with polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: Our results showed that there were differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of the MMP8 -799 C/T polymorphisms between patients with CPL and controls (p < 0.05). Also this study suggests that MMP-8 polymorphism -799 C/T was a risk for expression of CPL (OR=8.27<3.44<OR<20.26).

Conclusion: The detection of this genetic polymorphism is relevant for obtaining providential treatment of patients who are at high risk of chronic periapical inflammation.