bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an African Esophageal Cancer Consortium
Authors: Murphy Gwen , McCormack Valerie , Menya Diana , Mmbaga Blandina , Van Loon Katherine , Mmbaga Elia , Gopal Satish , Kaimila Bongani , Mulima Gift , Pritchett Natalie , Mwachiro Michael , White Russell , Abnet Christian , Schuz Joachim , Dawsey Sanford
Published: April 2017

Abstract 44

Background:

Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It kills 400,000 people every year, most of whom live in two distinct geographic bands across central Asia and along the eastern Africa corridor that extends from Ethiopia to South Africa. In these high-risk areas, nearly all cases are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Our group and others have performed many etiologic, genetic, and early detection and treatment studies of ESCC in central Asia, but this disease remains essentially unstudied in eastern Africa. Over the past few years, several groups have begun quality studies of ESCC in Africa, including case-control studies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (University of California, San Francisco, and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences); Eldoret, Kenya (International Agency for Research on Cancer and Moi University); Moshi, Tanzania (International Agency for Research on Cancer and Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute); Bomet, Kenya (National Cancer Institute and Tenwek Hospital); and Lilongwe, Malawi (National Cancer Institute and the UNC-Malawi Project). In November 2015, these groups met and decided to create the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium. The goals of the consortium are to raise awareness of the importance of ESCC in Africa, to coordinate etiologic and molecular studies of ESCC in high-risk populations, and to facilitate provision of therapeutic training and equipment aimed to improve survival and quality of life.

Methods:

The first coordinated activity was to standardize questionnaires so that data can later be compared and combined. The consortium has embraced mobile health technologies through development of an mHealth app for real-time data capture on a phone or tablet and to collect harmonized data from the outset, increase efficiency, eliminate transcription mistakes, and allow real-time quality control and supervision of field activities from any location.

Results:

The consortium held its second annual meeting in September 2016. At this meeting, the five member sites affirmed their commitment to the consortium and the first study coordinator was named.

Conclusion:

Case-control studies in Moshi, Bomet, and Lilongwe are using the mobile app. A case-control study in Dar es Salaam is complete, with results pending. Coordinated genome-wide association and genomic studies are planned, with collection of biospecimens from multiple sites. The consortium is actively working with partners in China to provide affordable stents in Africa for palliative ESCC treatment as well as to secure training to safely and effectively place stents. Annual meetings will continue to follow-up on progress and develop new initiatives.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No COIs from the authors.
Caribbean Cancer Control Leadership Forums
Authors: Ndumele Amara , Kostelecky Brenda , Flanigan John
Published: April 2017

Abstract 61

Background:

In May 2015, the US National Cancer Institute, Center for Global Health (NCI/CGH) partnered with the American Cancer Society and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition to convene the Caribbean Cancer Control Leadership Forum (CCLF), with participating teams from five Caribbean countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The CCLF also included country representatives from Antigua, Dominica, Haiti, St Maarten, and Suriname. NCI/CGH convenes a regional CCLF to increase the capacity of participating countries to initiate or enhance cancer control planning and implementation. Country teams include four to six cancer control leaders, each of whom can positively influence their country’s ability to develop and implement a national cancer control plan (NCCP). Since 2015, several country teams have made substantive progress on their action plans and have continued communication with NCI/CGH and its partner, and other countries in the region have taken important steps toward developing NCCPs. NCI/CGH has recognized the utility in reconvening the country teams to further advance their cancer control planning goals, while providing additional technical assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In May 2017, NCI/CGH and partners will host a 2-day phase II Caribbean CCLF as an opportunity for country teams to share progress and challenges, identify solutions, advance action related to development and implementation of NCCP, build country successes, and promote regional control partnership and collaboration via interactive panel sessions, roundtables, and action planning.

Methods:

The phase II CCLF will include four pre-CCLF webinars, information sharing discussions, adequate team preparation, and in-person interactive sessions and roundtables. Potential topics include: using cancer program toolkits and other data for decision-making; moving from pilot to scale-up phase for cervical cancer prevention and screening programs; and methods to develop registry and pathology infrastructure.

Results and Conclusion:

With this phase II CCLF, we are targeting the following outcomes: expanded knowledge of NCCP concepts tailored to an individual country’s needs; enhanced and attainable action plans to move forward the NCCP at the country level; and enriched regional collaboration between countries to overcome potential future planning challenges.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No COIs from the authors.
Basement Membrane Laminin α2 Regulation of BTB Dynamics via Its Effects on F-Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons Is Mediated Through mTORC1 Signaling
Authors: Gao Ying , Chen Haiqi , Lui Wing-yee , Lee Will M. , Cheng C. Yan
Published: April 2017

A local axis connects the apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) at the Sertoli-spermatid interface, the basal ES at the blood–testis barrier (BTB), and the basement membrane across the seminiferous epithelium functionally in rat testes. As such, cellular events that take place simultaneously across the epithelium such as spermiation and BTB remodeling that occur at the apical ES and the basal ES, respectively, at stage VIII of the cycle are coordinated. Herein, laminin α2, a structural component of the basement membrane, was found to regulate BTB dynamics. Sertoli cells were cultured in vitro to allow the establishment of a tight junction (TJ) barrier that mimicked the BTB in vivo. Knockdown of laminin α2 by transfecting Sertoli cells with laminin α2-specific short hairpin RNA vs the nontargeting negative control was shown to perturb the Sertoli cell TJ barrier, illustrating laminin α2 was involved in regulating BTB dynamics. This regulatory effect was mediated through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling because the two mTORC1 downstream signaling molecules ribosomal protein S6 and Akt1/2 were activated and inactivated, respectively, consistent with earlier findings that mTORC1 is involved in promoting BTB remodeling. Also, laminin α2 knockdown induced F-actin and microtubule (MT) disorganization through changes in the spatial expression of F-actin regulators actin-related protein 3 and epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 vs end-binding protein 1 (a MT plus-end tracking protein, +TIP). These laminin α2 knockdown-mediated effects on F-actin and MT organization was blocked by exposing Sertoli cells to rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1 signaling, and also SC79, an activator of Akt. In summary, laminin α2-mediated regulation on Sertoli cell BTB dynamics is through mTORC1 signaling.
Physical Activity, Vitamin D, and Incident Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Whites and Blacks: The ARIC Study
Authors: Chin Kathleen , Zhao Di , Tibuakuu Martin , Martin Seth S. , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Florido Roberta , Windham B. Gwen , Guallar Eliseo , Lutsey Pamela L. , Michos Erin D.
Published: April 2017

Context:

Physical activity (PA) is associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Both are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but their joint association with ASCVD risk is unknown.

Objective:

To examine the relationship between PA and 25(OH)D, and assess effect modification of 25(OH)D and PA with ASCVD.

Design:

Cross-sectional and prospective study.

Setting:

Community-dwelling cohort.

Participants:

A total of 10,342 participants free of ASCVD, with moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA assessed (1987 to 1989) and categorized per American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines (recommended, intermediate, or poor).

Main Outcome Measures:

Serum 25(OH)D levels (1990 to 1992) and ASCVD events (i.e., incident myocardial infarction, fatal coronary disease, or stroke) through 2013.

Results:

Participants had mean age of 54 years, and were 57% women, 21% black, 30% 25(OH)D deficient [<20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L)], and <40% meeting AHA-recommended PA. PA was linearly associated with 25(OH)D levels in whites. Whites meeting recommended PA were 37% less likely to have 25(OH)D deficiency [relative risk, 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56, 0.71)]; there was no significant association in blacks. Over 19.3 years of follow-up, 1800 incident ASCVD events occurred. Recommended PA was associated with reduced ASCVD risk [hazard ratio [HR], 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65, 0.93) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62, 0.93)] among participants with intermediate [20 to <30 ng/mL (50 to <75 nmol/L)] and optimal [≥30 ng/mL (≥75 nmol/L)] 25(OH)D, respectively, but not among those with deficient 25(OH)D (P for interaction = 0.04).

Conclusion:

PA is linearly associated with higher 25(OH)D levels in whites. PA and 25(OH)D may have synergistic beneficial effects on ASCVD risk.
Frontier Anthropology and Chinese Colonialism in the Southwestern Frontier During the Second Sino-Japanese War
Authors: Yen Hsiao-pei
Published: April 2017

This essay explores the connections between colonialism, nationalism, and anthropology in China's southwestern frontier. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the pressing problem of national survival encouraged the Nationalist state and anthropologists to collaborate in an effort to civilize and develop the southwestern frontier area. Intensive investigations into the non-Han frontier societies and proposals to assimilate these peoples and their cultures produced during this time helped set the foundation for the aggressive and complete colonization of the area by the Communists later. This essay makes clear how colonial activities, including employing anthropological knowledge as a tool of control, were often legitimized by the state and the intellectual as efforts of “nation building.” The legacy of Chinese colonialism of the frontier—as well as its continuing impact—is reflected in increasing conflicts between the dominant Han and the non-Han and the militant separatist activism of the latter in today's China.
Carl Schmitt: Μια θεωρία περί την πολιτική και τη θεολογία
Authors: Λάμπρου (Eleni Lamprou) Ελένη
Published: April 2017

Carl Schmitt in his book Political Theology: Four Chapters on the concept of sovereignty deals with the issue of sovereignty and furthermore in which cases the sovereign is likely to emerge. Initially, he tries to define what sovereignty is. He claims that sovereignty has to do with a ‘situation of extraordinary emergency’. In such a case, the sovereign ought to concede the existence of the exception of the current legal status and in the end, he should defend the public security, the order of the state and furthermore he has to aim at the salut public. Schmitt speaks for the suspension of the current order and the existence of a state but not a state of justice. He maintains that there is no anarchy or iniquity since the sovereign has legislated and no law can exist or be implemented in chaos. The law has been sited by the sovereign arbitrarily. Thereafter, a genealogical approximation for the term of sovereignty has been attempted, which has been based on claims of Bodin, Kelsen (whose theory has been counterfeited by Schmitt), Krabbe and Thomas Hobbes. The most important part in his book is the analysis of the term of political theology, the way in which religion interferes with the legal state of law, through one sovereign that creates the law and his decisions are vicious. Science and theology are mixed as a social phenomenon. Schmitt believes that sovereignty must in no way be hidden behind religion but it must be seated in science. He thinks that monarchy has found the power to create a state of law and this has been maintained through religion.
Η κατάλυση της συμφιλίωσης από τη διαφορά της μετανεωτερικότητας
Authors: Χαλβαντζής (Spyros Chalvantzis) Σπύρος
Published: April 2017

Main goal of this article is to present perceptions of the world of two different and meaningfully promiscuous ways of thinking: from the one hand the perception formed during the contemporary times and from the other the perception formed during ‘’post-histoire’’. What has to be firstly clarified regarding the matter of post-modern is that it does not fight against its modern ancestor. Post in postmodernity does not mean the replacement of modernity. In other words, post is not connected with a time period that has passed and be replaced with something novel. The entirely analysis goes all the way based upon Derrida’s Thought. To be more specific that means that the goal is the signalization of the differences between modernity and postmodernity without a breath of identification, conciliation or concordant connections but through the percept of complementarity. It is also anticipated to be clarified a model of historic perspective, during its progression social configurations are structured after this model has been firstly approached through the prism of Rousseau’s thought.
Robust long-read native DNA sequencing using the ONT CsgG Nanopore system
Authors: Carter Jean-Michel , Hussain Shobbir
Published: April 2017

Background: The ability to obtain long read lengths during DNA sequencing has several potentially important practical applications. Especially long read lengths have been reported using the Nanopore sequencing method, currently commercially available from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). However, early reports have demonstrated only limited levels of combined throughput and sequence accuracy. Recently, ONT released a new CsgG pore sequencing system as well as a 250b/s translocation chemistry with potential for improvements. Methods: We made use of such components on ONTs miniature ‘MinION’ device and sequenced native genomic DNA obtained from the near haploid cancer cell line HAP1. Analysis of our data was performed utilising recently described computational tools tailored for nanopore/long-read sequencing outputs, and here we present our key findings. Results: From a single sequencing run, we obtained ~240,000 high-quality mapped reads, comprising a total of ~2.3 billion bases. A mean read length of 9.6kb and an N50 of ~17kb was achieved, while sequences mapped to reference with a mean identity of 85%. Notably, we obtained ~68X coverage of the mitochondrial genome and were able to achieve a mean consensus identity of 99.8% for sequenced mtDNA reads. Conclusions: With improved sequencing chemistries already released and higher-throughput instruments in the pipeline, this early study suggests that ONT CsgG-based sequencing may be a useful option for potential practical long-read applications.
Small Animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

Abnormal copper metabolism is a cause of hepatic disease but is also associated with accumulation of other metals (manganese, zinc and cobalt) in hepatocytes.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases: A roundtable discussion
Authors: Wall Richard , Pearson Sandra , Tasker Séverine , Hansford Kayleigh , Bourne Debra , Cull Ben , Elsheikha Hany , Fitzgerald Ronan , Phipps Paul , Stokes Laura
Published: April 2017

Both ticks endemic to the UK and exotic tick species are important as vectors of a variety of pathogens causing diseases in companion animals and in humans. It is generally felt that tick abundance is increasing and tick ranges expanding, but there is a lack of robust long-term data to confirm this, and more surveys such as those that have been carried out by Bristol University are needed. In the UK, most cases of clinical disease in companion animals involve dogs with babesiosis; PCR of appropriate samples is useful in diagnosis of this and other tick-borne infections. Cases involving the small Babesia species are particularly challenging to treat. Clinical disease due to tick-borne pathogens is rare in cats but can occur, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. More studies are needed on treatment of these pathogens in companion animals. Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, can be important zoonoses. There is still much to be learned about treatment and about detection of the Lyme borreliosis pathogen. The passive tick surveillance scheme from the Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology unit of Public Health England, and other surveillance systems, have detected a wide range of ticks being imported on dogs entering or re-entering the UK, including both endemic and exotic species. There are risks of importation both of pathogens causing non-endemic diseases and of new species of ticks that might become established in the UK.
Control of ectoparasites in the breeding bitch and queen
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: April 2017

Parasite control in cats and dogs is important, not only to improve animal health but also to reduce zoonotic risk. The likelihood of parasitic disease and zoonotic transmission may be influenced by immunological changes in individual animals and by increased stocking density and proximity. The breeding environment for bitches, queens and their litters represents a situation where optimal conditions for parasites may be present in combination, therefore special consideration needs to be taken in their control. This article considers the treatment and control of fleas, mites and lice, and considers factors that may present particular problems in the breeding environment.
How to perform a vasectomy in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Baldrey Vicki , Panto Bev
Published: April 2017

Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are seasonal breeders, with oestrus occurring in females from mid-February until mid-September. Vasectomised male ferrets are commonly used for sterile mating of female ferrets to induce ovulation and prevent clinical signs of oestrogen toxicity associated with persistent oestrus. Males come into breeding condition from December, when the testicles descend and enlarge. The best time to perform a vasectomy is at the start of the breeding season, when testicular size has increased and once the ferret has reached its adult weight and shed much of its winter subcutaneous fat deposits. This article describes a simple surgical technique for ferret vasectomy.
Compulsory microchipping — one year on
Authors: Jackson Alex
Published: April 2017

On the first anniversary of compulsory microchipping of dogs in England, Scotland and Wales, Dogs Trust has noticed a decline in the number of stray dogs for which it is impossible to trace an owner. However, there are still dogs without microchips, owners failing to update their details in databases, and dogs lacking collars and tags, so there is still room for improvement.
Ten years on: What did we learn from Bercow?
Authors: Gross Jean
Published: April 2017

In 2008, the government published the findings of a review into provision for children with speech, language and communication needs, but just how far have we come, and what have we achieved?
The Workforce Strategy: what does it offer you?
Authors: Henty Neil
Published: April 2017

The sector had waited a long time for the publication of the workforce strategy. It was published, on March 3, along with related documents, including an updated version of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Planning support when the funded entitlement arrives
Authors: Fisk Rebecca
Published: April 2017

There is an increased emphasis on SEND in the Early Years Workforce Strategy, which states that staff should feel confident that they can support a child to access and enjoy their early years setting.
Assimilation and plasticity help to shape the brain
Authors: Brown Paula
Published: April 2017

In this article, we look at established pedagogy, including Piaget's theory of equilibration, through a lens of current neuroscience research, to find out what it reveals and where collaboration might take us.
Exploring foundation stage provision in a maintained nursery school
Authors: Kiely Teresa
Published: April 2017

This article uses a case study approach to explore how the foundation stage is delivered in a maintained nursery school. It provides examples of effective early years practice by looking at how this type of setting works with children and families in areas of deprivation.
This is a less than model agreement
Authors: Tanuku Purnima
Published: April 2017

The Free early years provision and childcare: model agreement, which sets out the information local authorities should include in their agreements with early years providers, sadly, is a disappointment.
Help me to communicate
Authors: Lynch Sally
Published: April 2017

This series of articles will explore ways of making Early Years Pupil Premium work for both children and settings. Sally Lynch explores ways of identifying children's language needs as part of Stoke Speaks Out.
Waddle and quack all the way to the pond and back
Authors: Chalmers Debbie
Published: April 2017

An outing to feed the ducks is a simple opportunity to share quality time with children, costs nothing and can provide many excellent learning experiences, some of which are explored in this article.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound does not influence bone healing by distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Simpson A. H. R. W. , Keenan G. , Nayagam S. , Atkins R. M. , Marsh D. , Clement N. D.
Published: April 2017

Aims

The aim of this double-blind prospective randomised controlled trial was to assess whether low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerated or enhanced the rate of bone healing in adult patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis.

Patients and Methods

A total of 62 adult patients undergoing limb lengthening or bone transport by distraction osteogenesis were randomised to treatment with either an active (n = 32) or a placebo (n = 30) ultrasound device. A standardised corticotomy was performed in the proximal tibial metaphysis and a circular Ilizarov frame was used in all patients. The rate of distraction was also standardised. The primary outcome measure was the time to removal of the frame after adjusting for the length of distraction in days/cm for both the per protocol (PP) and the intention-to-treat (ITT) groups. The assessor was blinded to the form of treatment. A secondary outcome was to identify covariates affecting the time to removal of the frame.

Results

There was no difference in the time to removal of the frame between the PP (difference in favour of the control group was 10.1 days/cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.2 to 23.4, p = 0.054) or ITT (difference 5.0 days/cm, 95% CI -8.2 to 18.21, p = 0.226) groups. The smoking status was the only covariate which increased the time to removal of the frame (hazard ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.97, p = 0.042).

Conclusion

LIPUS does not influence the rate of bone healing in patients who undergo distraction osteogenesis. Smoking may influence bone healing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:494–502.
The incidence of nerve root injury by high-speed drill can be reduced by chilled saline irrigation in a rabbit model
Authors: Tamai K. , Suzuki A. , Takahashi S. , Akhgar J. , Rahmani M. S. , Hayashi K. , Ohyama S. , Nakamura H.
Published: April 2017

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the temperature around the nerve root during drilling of the lamina and to determine whether irrigation during drilling can reduce the chance of nerve root injury.

Materials and Methods

Lumbar nerve roots were exposed to frictional heat by high-speed drilling of the lamina in a live rabbit model, with saline (room temperature (RT) or chilled saline) or without saline (control) irrigation. We measured temperatures surrounding the nerve root and made histological evaluations.

Results

In the control group, the mean temperature around the nerve root was 52.0°C (38.0°C to 75.5°C) after 60 seconds of drilling, and nerve root injuries were found in one out of 13 (7.7%) immediately, three out of 14 (21.4%) at three days, and 11 out of 25 (44.0%) at seven days post-operatively. While the RT group showed a significantly lower temperature around the nerve root compared with the control group (mean 46.5°C; 34.5°C to 66.9°C, p < 0.001), RT saline failed to significantly reduce the incidence of nerve root injury (ten out of 26; 38.5%; odds ratio (OR) 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.516 to 1.785; p = 0.563). However, chilled saline irrigation resulted in a significantly lower temperature than the control group (mean 39.0°C; 35.3°C to 52.3°C; p < 0.001) and a lower rate of nerve root injury (two out of 21; 9.5%, OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.703, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Frictional heat caused by a high-speed drill can cause histological nerve root injury. Chilled saline irrigation had a more prominent effect than RT in reducing the incidence of the thermal injury during extended drilling. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:554–60.
Biomechanical considerations in slipped capital femoral epiphysis and insights into prophylactic fixation
Authors: Leblanc E. , Bellemore J. M. , Cheng T. , Little D. G. , Birke O.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a deformity of the proximal femur secondary to widened and unstable physis. In stabilising the slip, gold standard treatments stop growth and involve premature physeal closure, which prevents the remodelling of the acquired deformity and creates a leg length discrepancy that may be significant in younger patients.

Methods

We measured the impact of placing threaded screws across the proximal femoral physis by measuring the centre-trochanteric distance (CTD) and articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD) in participants with or without prophylactic fixation. We then compared the mechanical performance of static (stainless and titanium cannulated Synthes screws) and potentially growing implants (Synthes SCFE screw and Pega Medical Free Gliding screw) in a validated synthetic bone model.

Results

In the review of 30 non-fixed and 60 fixated hips over a mean follow-up of 1.9 years, we have noted a significant difference in pre/post CTD and ATD, as well as the change in CTD and ATD over time. In the biomechanical study, the newer implants allowing growth (Synthes SCFE screw and Pega Medical Free Gliding screw) were both shown to be at least non-inferior.

Conclusions

The primary deformity of a SCFE in itself alters hip mechanics. Also, as confirmed in this study, there is a secondary deformity that is created by static fixation and relative trochanteric overgrowth. To help remodel mild deformities and prevent secondary trochanteric overgrowth, growing implants seem to be non-inferior to the more standard means of fixation in static testing.
Efficacy of colimoxÂ® (a new combination of amoxicillin and colistin) in the control of experimentally induced necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens
Authors: Elbadawy Mohamed , Aboubakr Mohamed
Published: April 2017

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of amoxicillin and colistin either alone or in combination (colimoxÂ®) for control of experimentally induced C. perfringens infections in broiler chickens. Three hundred birds were used and divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E, each of 60 bird). At the 14th day of age, birds in all groups (except group A) were inoculated orally with 0.5 mL of C. perfringens broth culture (109 CFU/mL). Two days later, drugs were orally administered once daily for five consecutive days as follow; Group A and B were left untreated. Group C, D and E were treated with amoxicillin (20 mg/kg b.wt), colistin (100000 IU /kg b.wt), colimoxÂ® (amoxicillin plus colistin), respectively. The efficacy of used drugs were determined on the basis of clinical symptoms, mortality rate, body weight, total feed consumption, feed conversion rate and scores of intestinal lesions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amoxicillin against C. perfringens was done by micro-broth dilution method and was â‰¤ 2 Âµg/mL. Efficacy results indicated that all used medications were effective (but with different degrees) in control of C. perfringens induced necrotic enteritis as expressed by significant (p<0.05) reduction of clinical signs, mortalities and intestinal lesion scores as well as improving the performance parameters in broiler chickens, however colimoxÂ® was the superior. It could be concluded that combination of amoxicillin and colistin (colimoxÂ®) was of a considerable value in control of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens than using them separately.
Konvertierung von PDF in XML für die Langzeitarchivierung und Weiterverarbeitung
Authors: Bähr Thomas , Friedrichsen Merle
Published: April 2017

In der Darstellung, Weitergabe und Aufbewahrung elektronischer Publikationen steht das Format PDF unangefochten an erster Stelle. Die Stärken des ISO-standardisierten Formats liegen in der Plattform- und Hardwareunabhängigkeit, in der seitengenauen Darstellung von Publikationen sowie in der einfachen Navigierbarkeit von komplexen Dokumenten. Dank der stetigen Weiterentwicklung des Formats existiert mittlerweile eine große Anzahl an PDF Profilen wie PDF/A, PDF/X, PDF/UA oder PDF/E. Eine flexiblere Dokumentendarstellung ermöglicht hingegen die eXtensible Markup Language XML, welche nicht nur im Web, sondern auch vermehrt in der Druckvorstufe eingesetzt wird. Wie PDF ist auch XML medienneutral und plattformunabhängig. Im Gegensatz zu PDF-Dokumenten erlaubt XML hingegen mittels Erfassung der Inhalte in einer dokumentierten und transparenten Struktur eine Validierung der Inhalte wie auch eine gezielte Weiternutzung einzelner Teilinhalte. Die Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB) führte eine Analyse zur Machbarkeit einer PDF-nach-XML-Konvertierung durch. Ziel ist die Vorhaltung von XML-Dokumenten für zwei Prozesse: Erstens zur automatischen Katalogisierung von Kongressbänden auf Aufsatzebene, zweitens zur Aufbewahrung einer parallelen Repräsentation neben PDF-Dokumenten im Langzeitarchiv. Dieser Artikel stellt die Ergebnisse der Machbarkeitsstudie dar.
Evaluation of New Holland CR9080 Operation
Authors: Bieniek Jerzy , Żarek Łukasz , Romański Leszek , Komarnicki Piotr , Kobel Przemysław
Published: April 2017

The paper evaluates operation of the separation unit of NH CR9080 combine harvester. A considerable technical and technological progress has taken place in presently used harvesters. Among others, efficiency increased and equipment has been enhanced with elements which improve the operation quality. The objective of the paper was to determine the quality of the separating unit of a combine harvester New Holland CR9080. During the research, losses on screens and rotor, cutting height of rapeseed, mowing speed, rotation of fans, rotors and engine were determined. Relation of losses on screens to combine operation parameters was determined with a model of multiple regressions. The rotational speed of rotors, mowing speed and rotational speed of the combine engine have a significant effect on losses on screens at the rapeseed harvesting with the investigated combine.
Impact of Plate Diameter and Sample Height on the Determined Pre-Compaction Value
Authors: Błażejczak Dariusz , Dawidowski Jan B.
Published: April 2017

The objective of the paper was to verify previously obtained results of research on the impact of the plate diameter on the determined value of pre-compaction stress of soil (NG) with a wider selection of dimensions of samples. Tests were carried out on samples with a diameter (D) of 100 mm and heights (H) of 30, 50 or 100 mm produced from the soil material (M) or collected (NNS) from subsoil with the granulation group of: silt loam, loam, sandy loam, sandy clay loam. The following soil properties were determined: granulation type, density of the solid phase, content of humus and calcium carbonate, reaction, plastic and liquid limit. Properties of samples were described with moisture, dry density of solid particles, porosity of aeration, degree of plasticity and saturation. Samples were loaded with plates of varied diameters. The NG value was calculated with the method of searching for the crossing point of tangents with the secondary stress curve and the virgin stresses curve (a traditional method). It was stated that the plate diameter (d) and sample height (H) do not influence the measurement results when the relation d/D is within 0.5 ≤ d/D ≤ 0.8 and the ratio D/H equals 2. It is possible to omit the condition d/D in a situation when soil is low cohesive and its degree of moisture is ca. 0.41-0.44.
Analysis of Technical Equipment in Dairy Farms
Authors: Borusiewicz Andrzej
Published: April 2017

The paper analyses technical equipment of the selected dairy farms. Data from questionnaires carried out in 96 farms in 2015 constituted a research material. Municipalities Lszewo-Borki in Mazowieckie Voivodeship were covered by the survey. A survey questionnaire, which consisted of two parts, was a research instrument. The first concerned general information on a farm and its owner, and the other consisted of eight questions on technical equipment used for breeding dairy cows. The research allowed to determine that farmers assessed the condition of their machinery park as average (50%) or good (40%). One out of ten farmers claimed that the used machinery park in a farm is in a bad condition. Majority of respondents have allotted from PLN 20 to 50 thousand for investments related to enhancement of a machinery park within the last 5 years. On the other hand, a considerable part of farms allotted up to PLN 20 thousand for development of a machinery park. The investigated group included also farms, which allotted more than PLN 500 thousand for development of a park.
Efficiency of Pay for Performance Programs in Romanian Companies and the Mediating Role of Organizational Justice
Authors: Uriesi Sebastian
Published: April 2017

The present research examined the influences of pay for performance programs on employee performance in the Romanian context, by comparing a sample of employees in companies in which such programs are implemented to a sample of employees in organizations in which performance is not used as a criterion in deciding financial rewards. Results show that the work performances of the former, as evaluated by the direct supervisors of each employee, are significantly higher than those of the latter, and that this effect of performance pay is partly mediated by its positive effects on employee perceptions of distributive and procedural justice. Furthermore, results indicate that the individual - level financial incentive systems are more efficient in fostering work performance than the team - level performance pay programs in the Romanian employee sample, and that they also have stronger effects on the two dimensions of organizational justice.
Trade Credit Insurance and Asymmetric Information Problem
Authors: Sokolovska Olena
Published: April 2017

The presence of different risk factors in international trade gives evidence of the necessity of support in gaps that may affect exporters’ activity. To maximize the trade volumes and in the same time to minimize the exporters’ risks the stakeholders use trade credit insurance. The paper provides analysis of conceptual background of the trade credit insurance in the world. We analyzed briefly the problems, arising in insurance markets due to asymmetric information, such as adverse selection and moral hazard. Also we discuss the main stages of development of trade credit insurance in countries worldwide. Using comparative and graphical analysis we provide a brief evaluation of the dynamics of claims and recoveries for different forms of trade credit insurance. We found that the claims related to the commercial risk for medium and long trade credits in recent years exceed the recoveries, while with the political risk the reverse trend holds. And we originally consider these findings in terms of information asymmetry in the trade credit insurance differentiated by type of risk.
Verification of Strength of the Welded Joints by using of the Aramis Video System
Authors: Pała Tadeusz , Dzioba Ihor , Gałkiewicz Jarosław
Published: April 2017

In the paper are presented the results of strength analysis for the two types of the welded joints made according to conventional and laser technologies of high-strength steel S960QC. The hardness distributions, tensile properties and fracture toughness were determined for the weld material and heat affect zone material for both types of the welded joints. Tests results shown on advantage the laser welded joints in comparison to the convention ones. Tensile properties and fracture toughness in all areas of the laser joints have a higher level than in the conventional one. The heat affect zone of the conventional welded joints is a weakness area, where the tensile properties are lower in comparison to the base material. Verification of the tensile tests, which carried out by using the Aramis video system, confirmed this assumption. The highest level of strains was observed in HAZ material and the destruction process occurred also in HAZ of the conventional welded joint.
The Stability of a Steel Welded Girder with Bending and Shear Forces Included
Authors: Sygulski Ryszard , Guminiak Michał , Polus Łukasz
Published: April 2017

The stability of the element of a steel welded girder subjected to bending and shear forces is considered. The considered element is a rectangular plate supported on boundary. The type of a plate boundary conditions depend on the types (thickness) of the stiffeners. Considered plate is loaded by in-plane forces causing bending and shear effects. The Finite Element Method was applied to carry out the analysis. Additionally the Boundary Element Method in terms of boundary-domain integral equation was applied to evaluate the critical shear loading.
Causes of the cracks in the pipeline made of the 15HM steel
Authors: Słania J. , Krawczyk R. , Gątarek M.
Published: April 2017

Issues referring to cracks in the pipelines made of the 15HM steel are described. Metallographic specimen of welded joints are provided. The results of impact strength tests, hardness tests and static tensile tests are given. Tests results as well as direct and indirect causes of the pipeline cracks are shown.
Comparative Studies on the Wear of ADI Alloy Cast Irons as Well as Selected Steels and Surface-Hardened Alloy Cast Steels in the Presence of Abrasive
Authors: Wieczorek A. N.
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the results of wear tests obtained for 4 groups of materials: surface-hardened alloy steels and alloy cast steels for structural applications, hard-wearing surface-hardened alloy cast steels, and austempered alloy cast irons. The wear tests have been performed on a specially designed test rig that allows reproducing the real operating conditions of chain wheels, including the rolling and sliding form of contact between elements. The chain wheels subjected to tests were operated with the use of loose quartz abrasive. This study presents results of measurements of material parameters, micro-structure of a surface subject to wear, as well as the linear wear determined for the materials considered. Based on the results, the following was found: the best wear properties were obtained for surface-hardened alloy steels and wear surface; strengthening of the ADI surface took place - most probably as a result of transformation of austenite into martensite; the uniformity of the structure of the materials affects the surface wear process. The study also indicated a significant degree of graphite deformation in ADI characterized by the upper ausferritic structure and its oblique orientation in relation to the surface, which resulted in a facilitated degradation of the surface caused by the quartz abrasive.
Effect of structural relaxations within the amorphous structure on the magnetic properties of amorphous tapes from FeCoB family
Authors: Szota M.
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the research results for the Fe78Co2Si9B11amorphous alloy, and after the process of annealing resulting only in the relaxation of the material. The structure relaxations occurring in the volume of test samples lead to the changes in their magnetic and mechanic properties. Therefore the studies on the effect of the structure defects on the properties of these type of materials are important. Understanding the processes occurring during the magnetizing of amorphous alloys can be helpful in the design of modern functional materials for special purposes. The main purpose of this elaboration was to determine the effect of the amorphous structure defects in the state after solidification and after heat treatment on the changes in the magnetizing process and in such parameters as the saturation magnetization and the coercivity field.
Effect of hot isostatic pressing on the microstructure of turbine blade airfoil made of nickel-base superalloy
Authors: Chmiela B. , Kościelniak B. , Cwajna J.
Published: April 2017

Turbine blades are flight safety parts in the jet engine. Therefore they should be characterized by very good mechanical properties, especially high creep resistance and fatigue strength at high temperature. The mechanical properties of blades made of nickel-based superalloys depend on the microstructure of the casting and its porosity [1,2].

The aim of this paper is evaluation of effect of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on microstructure of blade airfoil made of IN713C superalloy in four important zones: (i) leading edge, (ii) trailing edge, (iii) suction side and (iv) pressure side. HIP treatment was carried out proving some significant microstructural changes. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis reveals some structural changes what may facilitate diffusion processes leading to simplify of a heat treatment (solution treatment and aging).
Elasticity of cores manufactured in cold box technology
Authors: Dobosz St. M. , Grabarczyk A. , Major-Gabryś K. , Bolibruchova D.
Published: April 2017

In the foundry industry, as in many other fields we seek to achieve the best quality with the least losses and the lowest cost. To meet these demands numerous plants increased automatization of their manufacturing processes. However, with changes in the production process it is necessary to change also the materials used. Not only casting alloys that are used in production, but also applied moulding and core sands are important. Proper selection and evaluation of the properties of used moulding mixtures is crucial in order to achieve a highly efficient production. In this article a new issue concerning the use of flexibility in foundry molding and core was mentioned. It explains the principles of measurement and interpretation of the obtained results for the cold-box moulding sands.
Effect of Remelting of the Ni-22Cr-9Mo Alloy on its Microstructural and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Augustyn-Nadzieja J. , Łukaszczyk A. , Loch J.
Published: April 2017

The Ni-Cr-Mo alloys are used as the alternative for the cobalt alloys in the manufacture of metal prosthetic elements, i.e. crowns, bridges and frame prostheses. The article attempts at a materials science characterization of the nickel-based alloy of the commercial name Argeloy N.P Be-Free by Argen. Within the study, examinations were made on the commercial alloy as well as the alloy which was remelted and cast by the los mould (lost wax) method. Observations of the microstructure were performed with the use of optical and electron scanning microscopy. Also, X-ray structural tests were conducted as well as corrosion resistance tests in an artificial saliva solution (pH = 6,7). It was demonstrated that the examined Ni-22Cr-9Mo alloy characterized in a dendritic structure typical of the cast materials. The X-ray qualitative phase analysis revealed the phase γ'(Ni) in both examined materials, as well as the presence of Cr23C6type carbides and Nb2C, Ta2C (commercial alloy) and NbC, Ta4C0,04(cast alloy) phases. The effect of the alloy’s remelting and the morphology of the passive layer on the corrosion resistance of the Ni-Cr-Mo alloy was examined.

The results of the electrochemical tests show that the process of re-casting only slightly affects the corrosion resistance and the microstructure of the considered alloy.

The roles of recasting process and the passive film homogeneity on the corrosion resistance of Ni-Cr-Mo dental alloy were reviewed. The results the electrochemical study show that the dependence of corrosion resistance on the microstructure associated with the recasting process is marginal.
(α, β, λ, δ, m, Ω)
p−Neighborhood for some families of analytic and multivalent functions
Authors: Orhan Halit
Published: April 2017

In the present investigation, we give some interesting results related with neighborhoods of p−valent functions. Relevant connections with some other recent works are also pointed out.
Upon the Haskell support for the web applications development
Authors: Vasilescu Anca
Published: April 2017

Some of the most challenging directions in recent theoretical and practical research concern both the web science and the web applications development. Any alive science and any alive programming language should increase its connection with the web domain. Apart from general advantages provided by the functional language programming Haskell, its specific support for the web applications design and implementation is highlighted in this paper. It is also our target to reveal here some mathematical grounds of the web as a modern and very young science.

Appropriate examples will be selected from our students’ functional web applications. So, the web ecosystem and particularly those characteristics which are relevant for guiding our students to choose Haskell for developing performant maths-based web solutions are pointed out. All the mathematical evaluations involved in this approach are Haskell based.
Regions – between History and Social Construction
Authors: Bakk Miklós
Published: April 2017

The study aims to give a comprehensive explanation on how regional construction took place in the European history related to the state-building processes and how the historical heritage of the European state-construction influences today the social construction of the regions. With regard to the state-building processes, the study started from Hechter’s model of ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ state and his interpretation on the relationship between core regions and peripheries. This model operates with the centralizing power of the state, but from the last decades of the 20thcentury it was proved via the ‘new regionalism’ that social construction processes became more relevant in shaping new subnational regions. This last aspect is described by Paasi, and the study argues for a new concept of regional identity as a territorial ‘product’ of interacting governance and local society.