bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between genetic polymorphism of growth-hormone-releasing hormone and the yield, chemical composition and technological parameters of cow milk (Brief Report)
Authors: Czerniawska-Piątkowska E. , Szewczuk M. , Zych S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Somatoliberin or growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) belongs to a group of hypothalamic hormones. It induces an increase in the concentration of endogenous growth hormone in the blood serum of cattle (Løvendahl et al. 1991), increasing mean and pulsatile liberation of somatotropin and thus affecting indirectly an increase in the milk productivity of cows (Dahl et al. 1993). The study aimed at searching for associations between the variants of the GHRH/HaeIII polymorphism, described for the first time by Moody et al. (1995), and production traits in the examined herds and comparing the technological usefulness of milk obtained from cows with different GHRH genotypes. According to Szewczuk et al. (2008), above mentioned polymorphism is the transversion A→C located at the position A44C within initial part of intron 2 (GenBank acc. no. EF210074).
Detection of difficult calvings in dairy cows using neural classifier
Authors: Zaborski D. , Grzesiak W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In this study, the detection of dairy cows with difficult calvings using artificial neural networks (ANN) and classification functions (CF) is presented. The set of 15 classification variables was used. The dependent variable was the class of calving difficulty: difficult or easy. Perceptrons with one (MLP1) and two (MLP2) hidden layers as well as radial basis function (RBF) networks were analyzed. The prepared classifiers were characterized by good quality. The accuracy amounted to 75–92 %. Only the RBF network had somewhat worse quality. The level of correct detection by ANN was also high. The sensitivity on a test set was 67–80 % at specificity of 61- 81 %. In the case of CF, a considerable disproportion between sensitivity (6 %) and specificity (99 %) was found. The variables with the greatest contribution to the determination of calving difficulty class were calving season, CYP19-PvuII genotype, pregnancy length and, to a lesser degree, other variables. The performed analyses proved the usefulness of ANN for the detection of cows with difficult calvings, whereas the detection by CF was inaccurate.
Effects of short period frequent milking on milk yield in two East Friesian crosses: Tahirova and Sonmez sheep
Authors: Pala A. , Sahin S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Though East Friesian sheep are known to have very high milk yield, their various degree crosses may have different levels of milk yield under different conditions due to genotype × environment interaction. The major purpose of this study was to investigate whether increasing milking frequency for a short period (21 days) increases milk yield in two East Friesian crosses, Tahirova and Sonmez sheep. Tahirova is 75 % East Friesian and 25 % Kivircik, while Sonmez is 75 % Tahirova and 25 % Sakiz (Chios). Two milking groups were formed and were treated the same in terms of feeding and management. The sheep in the 4× group were milked 4 times a day after weaning for a short period, namely 21 days and then were milked twice a day for the rest of the lactation. The sheep in the 2× group were milked twice a day throughout the whole milking season. Repeated measures analyses indicated that overall differences between the 2× (520.68 g) and 4× (873.03 g) groups were highly significant for milk yield (P<0.01). Parity differences were significant in the treatment group and the 3rd lactation animals responded better to the 4× treatment (P<0.01), but they were non-significantly different than the 2nd lactation animals in the 2× group. Sheep in the 4× group had higher milk fat yield (P=0.02) but the groups were similar in terms of fat percentage (P=0.11). Differences between the breeds were highly significant (P<0.01) also. Tahirova breed, which has a higher percentage of East Friesian had a daily milk yield of 566.66 g, while Sonmez breed with a lower percentage of East Friesian produced a higher daily milk yield of 827.05 g. Results of this study suggests that increasing milking frequency for a short time increases milk yield throughout lactation, especially for older animals, and sheep with too high East Friesian breeding may have lower milk yield than those with lower East Friesian breeding.
Native pig (Moo Lat) breeds in Lao PDR (Short Communication)
Authors: Keonouchanh S. , Egerszegi I. , Ratky J. , Bounthong B. , Manabe N. , Brüssow K.-P.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Pig production continues to be an important livelihood activity in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) which base on traditional methods. However, it is increasingly affected by social and market pressures. More than 80 % of pig herds are native breeds and belong to smallholders with combined keeping systems. Based on a national field survey, the native pigs have been characterized and classified in four phenotypes. The native pig types and their local distribution are described. Most of them have short ears, black colour and potbelly. Their production performance, i.e. growth rates and daily weight gain is lower and the carcass fat considerably higher than that of exotic (i.e. in Lao terms »modern, intensive«) breeds. However, they require lower inputs and have excellent adaptation traits.
Fatty acid profile of Longissimus dorsi muscle of crossbred pigs fed with addition of conjugated linoleic acid or sunflower oil
Authors: Wasilewski P. D. , Nowachowicz J. , Michalska G. , Bucek T. , Lynch B. , Mullen A. M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the paper was to investigate the impact of feeding pigs with different levels of conjugated linoleic acid or sunflower oil on fatty acid profile of Longissimus dorsi muscle. The subjects of research were 60 crossbred gilts divided into 6 groups, fed with different levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or sunflower oil (SFO) (0.5; 1.0 and 2.0 %, respectively). All fatteners were kept and fed under standardized conditions. Animals were slaughtered at 95 kg of body weight. Fatty acid profile was determined in samples of Longissimus dorsi muscle from each animal. Gas chromatography was used (in the research). The significance of differences between groups was verified by Duncan’s test. In the present study the addition of conjugated linoleic acid or sunflower oil did not impact the composition and amounts of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in Longissimus dorsi muscle.
Inhibin immunization in Norduz sheep
Authors: Bingol M. , Daskiran I. , Cedden F. , Demır A. O. , Yılmaz A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of increasing ovulation rate in Norduz sheep by immunization against inhibin-based peptide immunogens. A total of 18 primiparious Norduz ewes were used for this experiment. Eight ewes have received two times inhibin α-subunit 1-32 porcine vaccine with 3 weeks interval. The rest was kept as control. Antibody binding test by standard ELISA method did not provide reliable information. However, ultrasonographic inspection showed that significantly high number of follicle with 5 mm and larger diameter (P<0.01) has developed in immunized ewes. Moreover, 3 of immunized ewes have lambed twin. However, twin birth was not observed in control group.
The effect of replacing soybean oil with glycerol in feeding mixtures designed for utility layers on their production and state of health
Authors: Suchý P. , Straková E. , Kroupa L. , Herzig I.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this experiment was to replace soybean oil with glycerol in feeding mixtures for layers and assess its effect on performance, selected parameters of egg quality and health. Layers were divided into control (C) and experimental (E1, E2) groups of 24 layers each. The experiment was performed from week 20 until week 44 of layers’ age. Soybean oil replacement with glycerol reached 50 and 100 % in experimental feeding mixtures E1 and E2, as compared to the control. Oil replacement with glycerol in experimental groups resulted in a significant decrease (P≤0.01) in weight of eggs, as compared to the control group – C (65.5±5.780 g), E1 (64.53±4.640 g) and E2 (63.66±5.610 g), and egg shell stability (N/cm2) – C 33.79±6.557, E1 31.96±6.995 and E2 31.8±6.621. The difference in the weight of egg shell between groups C (7.13±0.687 g) and E2 (6.85±0.670 g) was highly significant (P≤0.01), the difference between E1 (7.00±0.820 g) and E2 groups for the same parameter was significant (P≤0.05). No significant differences were found between mean values of the weight of egg yolk and white. With regard to feed consumption, 50 % replacement of oil with glycerol did not increase significantly the daily consumption of a feeding mixture per layer (1 egg) – C 122 g (132 g) and E1 123g (136 g), as compared to 100 % replacement in E2 131 g (150 g). The analysis of blood plasma after the prolonged continuous administration of glycerol in a feed did not show any negative effect on layers’ health.
Fatty acid profile of fillet, liver and mesenteric fat in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed vegetable oil supplementation in the finishing period of fattening
Authors: Molnár T. , Biró J. , Hancz C. , Romvári R. , Varga D. , Horn P. , Szabó A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) previously reared on a commercial feed were shifted to 3 experimental diets with added 5 % of soybean, linseed oil or fish oils, for 42 days as a finishing diet, according to literature recommendations. Fillet, liver and mesenteric fat total lipid fatty acid composition was determined and evaluated taking health and dietary recommendations into consideration. It was found that dietary vegetable oil fatty acids are effectively incorporated into tilapia hepatic and muscular total lipids, but have no pronounced effect on further fatty acid metabolism, in particular on the n-3 fatty acids. Liver was found to sensitively indicate elevated dietary lipid intake, as proven by its higher, most probably endogenous palmitate synthesis. Based on our results the application of vegetable oils to partially substitute fish oil for tilapia can be recommended in relation to the most important dietary lipid quality indicators.
The fatty acid composition of longissimus lumborum muscle of suckling and earlyweaned dual-purpose wool/meat lambs
Authors: Radzik-Rant A. , Rant W. , Rozbicka-Wieczorek A. , Kuźnicka E.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Twenty-four dual purpose (wool/meat) suckling and early weaned ram lambs were used to study the fatty acid profile in intramuscular fat of longissimus lumborum muscle and lipid oxidation in blood serum. At 60 days of age 12 rams were slaughtered as suckling lambs. The other 12 early weaned and fed according to standards by grass hay and concentrate, and slaughtered at 90 days of age. Suckling lambs had more polyunsaturated fatty acids (P≤0.01) than early-weaned lambs. Younger lambs obtained also higher values of n-3 fatty acids (P≤0.01) and lower n-6/n-3 ratio (P≤0.01) appropriate in relation to their contribution to human health. Muscle tissue of early-weaned lambs compared to suckling group was characterised by significantly higher c9,t11C18:2 content (P≤0.01), which is desirable in human diet with regard to its peculiarities. The higher amount (P≤0.01) of vaccenic acid, which is the substrate for rumenic acid formation, has been observed in early-weaned lambs also.
Modeling of pig growth by S-function – least absolute deviation approach for parameter estimation
Authors: Vincek D. , Sabo K. , Kušec G. , Kralik G. , Đurkin I. , Scitovski R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine a mathematical model which can be used to describe the growth of the pig. The study was conducted on 60 pigs (30 barrows and 30 gilts) in the interval between the age of 49 and 215 days. All animals were weighed at 49th day after birth. For the purpose of growth measurements pigs were weighted every 7th day during the experiment. Every 21th day four pigs were selected for the slaughter according to average live weight. By applying the generalised logistic function, the growth of live weight and tissues were described. Thereby optimal parameters in the model were estimated on the basis of measurement data by means of the robust least absolute deviations principle. The prediction of optimum slaughter age/weight, on the basis of such model represent a contribution of this paper to the practice.
Formation of a new dog population observed by pedigree and mtDNA analyses of the Polish Hovawart
Authors: Głażewska I. , Zielińska S. , Prusak B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the gene pool of a dog population during the period of its formation. Pedigree and mtDNA analyses were performed on the Polish population of Hovawart dogs. A total of 192 litters of 93 dams and 115 sires were born between 1988 and 2008. Breeding began using Hovawarts imported mainly from the Czech Republic and Slovakia; however, the role of Western European dogs increased continually throughout the period analysed. No unfavourable effects caused by the limited size of the population were identified because of the constant inflow of new genes from abroad. The continual increase in the gene pool was indicated by all of the pedigree parameters analysed. Two different mtDNA haplotypes were found, and complete agreement between pedigree and molecular data was noted. The results of the analyses permit concluding that the process of formation of the new Hovawart population was also impacted by non-genetic factors that directly influenced the composition of gene pool.
Effect of fasting on lipid metabolism and oxidative stability in fattening chicken fed a diet supplemented with organic selenium
Authors: Beer-Ljubić B. , Aladrović J. , Milinković-Tur S. , Lazarus M. , Pušić I.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of organic selenium dietary supplementation on serum and tissue lipid composition after fattening period and after 48 h fasting in fattening chicken. The study was performed in the Ross hybrid line chicken divided into two groups: control group fed standard diet and Sel Plex group fed standard diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm organic selenium. Blood, liver, intestine and adipose tissue samples were taken upon fattening completion and after 48 h fasting. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triacylglycerol and lipoprotein concentrations were determined in serum, whereas total and free cholesterol, triacylglycerol, lipid peroxide and selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) were determined in tissue samples. During fattening period, the correlation of organic selenium with lipid metabolism manifested as decreased concentrations of serum triacylglycerols and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P<0.05), liver triacylglycerols (P<0.05), adipose tissue cholesterol (P<0.05) and small intestine cholesterol (P<0.05), and reduced lipid peroxidation (P<0.05). Upon chicken exposure to 48 h fasting, organic selenium supplementation resulted in increased free cholesterol concentration in adipose tissue (P<0.05), GSH-Px activity in the liver (P<0.05), and selenium (P<0.05) accumulation in the liver.
Genetic parameters for direct and maternal effects on growth traits of sheep
Authors: Ghafouri-Kesbi F. , Baneh H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to estimate (co)variance components and corresponding genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (W6), 9-month weight (W9), average daily gain from birth to weaning (WWDG), average daily gain from weaning to 6 months (W6DG) and average daily gain from 6 months to 9 months (W9DG) for a nucleus flock of Iranian Makooei sheep. Genetic parameters were estimated by REML procedure fitting six animal models including various combinations of maternal effects. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to determine the most appropriate model. Estimates of direct heritability (h2) ranged from 0.13 (W6DG) to 0.32 (BW). Maternal effects were found to be important in the growth performance of the Makooei sheep, indicating the necessity of including maternal effects in the model to obtain accurate estimates of direct heritability. Estimates of maternal heritability (m2) ranged from 0.05 (W6) to 0.16 (WWDG) and the estimates of proportion of maternal permanent environmental variance to phenotypic variance (c2) were in the range between 0.05 (BW) and 0.10 (W6). Direct additive genetic correlations were positive in all cases and ranged from 0.00 (BW/W9DG) to 0.99 (WW/WWDG). Phenotypic correlations showed a broad range from −0.27 (WW/W9DG) to 0.99 (WW/WWDG). Estimates of genetic parameters showed that genetic improvement through selection programs is possible. WW would be a suitable selection criterion since it has acceptable direct heritability and relatively high genetic correlation with other traits.
Assessment of mating management effect on genealogical parameters highlighting the genetic variability in a not closed fat-tailed Barbarine sheep pedigree
Authors: Chalh A. , Mansouri D. , Hamouda M. B. , El Gazzah M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The Barbarine sheep is generally managed within small interconnected herds. The goal of the present work is to investigate the effect of the mating management on genetic variability in a registered flock which starts showing a productivity falling, especially in lamb’s survival and this despite a practice of outbreeding. Pedigree data of 11136 animals born between 1977 and 2007 were used to compute genealogical parameters. A first investigation of the lambs-parents relationships highlighted two periods that we denoted: P1 and P2. During P1, the mating strategy had been progressively based on animals born within the flock, whereas during P2, ewes and rams coming from outside the herd were gradually introduced as parents with unknown genealogy. This change in matings policy has been emphasised by plotting equivalent complete generations averaged whether by year of birth or maximum number of traced generations. All the computed genealogical parameters have been affected by the matings policy change and especially the individual average relatedness and realised effective size, which seem to be powerful tools to monitor the genetic variability within a population that is not closed to exchanges. An important effect of pedigree depth has been detected; this would require special attention to the matings of individuals with deepest genealogy. In spite of this effect, the heterozygote deficiency within the herd confirmed that the genetic variability has not been much affected along the flock life, which confirms that the decline in productivity should not be allotted to matings’ policy, but probably to other management factors.
Size distribution and coating thickness of black carbon from the Canadian oil sands operations
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Li Shao-Meng , Gordon Mark , Liu Peter
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) plays an important role in the Earth’s climate system. However, parameterization of BC size and mixing state have not been well addressed in aerosol-climate models, introducing substantial uncertainties into the estimation of radiative forcing by BC. In this study, we focused on BC emissions from the massive oil sands (OS) industry in northern Alberta, based on an aircraft campaign conducted over the Athabasca OS region in 2013. A total of 14 flights were made over the OS source area, in which the aircraft was typically flown in a 4- or 5-sided polygon pattern along flight tracks encircling an OS facility. Another 3 flights were performed downwind of the OS source area, each of which involved at least three intercepting locations where the well-mixed OS plume was measured along flight tracks perpendicular to the wind direction. Comparable size distributions were observed for refractory black carbon (rBC) over and downwind of the OS facilities, with rBC mass median diameters (MMD) between ~ 135 and 145 nm that were characteristic of fresh urban emissions. This MMD range corresponded to rBC number median diameters (NMD) of ~ 60–70 nm, approximately 100 % higher than the NMD settings in some aerosol-climate models. The typical in- and out-of-plume segments of a flight, which had different rBC concentrations and photochemical ages, showed consistent rBC size distributions. Moreover, rBC size distributions remained unchanged at different downwind distances from the source area, suggesting that atmospheric aging would not necessarily change rBC size distribution. However, aging indeed influenced rBC mixing state. Coating thickness for rBC cores in the diameter range of 130–160 nm was nearly doubled within three hours when the OS plume was transported over a distance of 90 km from the source area.
Airborne Lidar Measurements of Aerosol and Ozone Above the Canadian Oil Sands Region
Authors: Aggarwal Monika , Whiteway James , Seabrook Jeffery , Gray Lawrence , Strawbridge Kevin , Liu Peter , O’Brien Jason , Li Shao-Meng , McLaren Robert
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Aircraft based lidar measurements of atmospheric aerosol and ozone were conducted to study air pollution from the oil sands extraction industry in northern Alberta. Significant amounts of aerosol were observed in the polluted air within the surface boundary layer, up to heights of 1 km to 1.5 km above ground. The ozone mixing ratio measured in the polluted boundary layer air was equal to or less than the background ozone mixing ratio, in the range of 10 ppbv to 35 ppbv. On one of the flights, the lidar measurements detected a layer of forest fire smoke above the surface boundary layer in which the ozone mixing ratio had a maximum value of 70 ppbv. Measurements of the linear depolarization ratio in the aerosol backscatter were obtained with a ground based lidar and this aided in the discrimination between the separate emission sources from industry and forest fires. The retrieval of ozone abundance from the lidar measurements required the development of a method to account for the interference from the substantial aerosol content within the surface boundary layer.
Climate change imposed limitations on potential food production
Authors: de Vrese Philipp , Stacke Tobias , Hagemann Stefan
Published: November 2017

Abstract. An adapted Earth system model is used to investigate the limitations that future climate and water availability impose on the potential expansion and productivity of croplands. The model maximises the cropland area under prevailing climate conditions and accounts for an optimized, sustainable irrigation practice, thus allowing to consider the two-way feedback between climate and agriculture. We show that the total cropland area could be extended substantially throughout the 21st century, especially in South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where the rising water demand resulting from increasing temperatures can largely be met by increasing precipitation and irrigation rates. When accounting for the CO2 fertilization effect, only few agricultural areas have to be abandoned, while increasing temperatures allow to expand croplands even into high northern latitudes. Without the CO2 fertilization effect there is no increase in the overall cropland fraction during the second half of the century but areal losses in increasingly water-stressed regions can be compensated by an expansion in regions, previously too cold. However, global yields are more sensitive and, without the benefits of CO2 fertilization, they may decrease when green house gas concentrations exceed the RCP4.5 scenario. For certain regions the situation is even more concerning and guaranteeing food security in dry areas in Northern Africa, the Middle East and South Asia will become increasingly difficult, even under the most optimistic assumptions.
Ecohydrological particle model based on representative domains
Authors: Jackisch Conrad , Zehe Erwin
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Non-uniform infiltration and subsurface flow in structured soils is observed in most natural settings. It arises from imperfect lateral mixing of fast advective flow in structures and diffusive flow in the soil matrix and remains one of the most challenging topics with respect to match observation and modelling of water and solutes at the plot scale. This study extends the fundamental introduction of a space-domain random walk of water particles as alternative approach to the Richards equation for diffusive flow (Zehe and Jackisch, 2016) to a stochastic-physical model framework simulating soil water flow in a representative, structured soil domain. The central objective of the proposed model is the simulation of non-uniform flow fingerprints in different ecohydrological settings and antecedent states by making maximum use of field observables for parameterisation. Avoiding non-observable parameters for macropore-matrix exchange, an energy-balance approach to govern film flow in representative flow paths is employed. We present the echoRD model (ecohydrological particle model based on representative domains) and a series of application test cases. The model proves as a powerful alternative to existing dual-domain models, driven on experimental data and with self-controlled, dynamic macropore-matrix exchange from the topologically semi-explicitly defined structures.
DEVELOPING A LOW-COST SYSTEM FOR 3D DATA ACQUISITION
Authors: Kossieris S. , Kourounioti O. , Agrafiotis P. , Georgopoulos A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In this paper, a developed low-cost system is described, which aims to facilitate 3D documentation fast and reliably by acquiring the necessary data in outdoor environment for the 3D documentation of façades especially in the case of very narrow streets. In particular, it provides a viable solution for buildings up to 8-10m high and streets as narrow as 2m or even less. In cases like that, it is practically impossible or highly time-consuming to acquire images in a conventional way. This practice would lead to a huge number of images and long processing times. The developed system was tested in the narrow streets of a medieval village on the Greek island of Chios. There, in order to by-pass the problem of short taking distances, it was thought to use high definition action cameras together with a 360˚ camera, which are usually provided with very wide-angle lenses and are capable of acquiring images, of high definition, are rather cheap and, most importantly, extremely light. Results suggest that the system can perform fast 3D data acquisition adequate for deliverables of high quality.
Nietzsche and Wallace on Self-Affirmation and Affirmability
Authors: Forster Jeremy
Published: November 2017

This article brings to bear aspects of Nietzsche's understanding of the affirmation of life on R. Jay Wallace's account in The View from Here (2013). While Wallace takes as a sufficient condition for an individual to affirm her life (what I call “self-affirmation”) that she prefer on balance the life she actually lived over the alternative of not having lived at all, he claims that, because of the lamentable past conditions causally connected to our lives, the normative bases for self-affirmation are generally absent. I propose an interpretation of Nietzsche on which achieving self-affirmation is not simply a matter of forming certain preferences regarding one's life; instead, achieving the warrant for self-affirmation involves the sort of life one has lived, namely a life engaged in the pursuit of growth (the exercise of the will to power), in part through confrontation with the problematic and questionable aspects of life.
Association between senior nursing students’ perceived stress and learning environment in clinical practice
Authors: Elsayes Hala A. , Obied Heba K.
Published: November 2017

Background and objective: Senior nursing students encounter various stressors during their practice in clinical learning environment. Inability to manage these stressors, may affect students’ academic achievement and well-being, which in turn put the nursing profession at risk. This study aimed to examine the association between senior nursing students' perceived stress and learning environment in clinical practice and their coping strategies.Methods: Study subject consisted of 400 senior nursing students enrolled in the 4th academic year at Faculty of nursing-Tanta University. Present study used descriptive design. Four tools were used to collect the data: Nursing Students’ Perception of Stress in Clinical Practice, Physio-Psycho-Social Response Scale, Coping Strategies Scale, and Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure.Results: Senior nursing students’ experienced a high level of stress in clinical practice with total mean (2.87), and their response to stress indicated poor health status with total mean (2.76). Their learning environment need more effort to be improved with total mean score (2.4). There were high statistical significant positive correlation between students’ perception of learning environment and their responses to stress (p < .001).Conclusions: Senior nursing students experienced high level of stress in clinical practice; their responses to stress indicated a poor health status. Majority of them used problem focused disengagement and emotional focused disengagement strategies to deal with stress in clinical practice. Their perception of learning environment indicated a more positive than negative, so learning environment need more effort to be improved. Accordingly we recommend promote healthy, supportive learning environment and refine nursing curricula.
Bad USB MITM: A Network Attack Based on Physical Access and Its Practical Security Solutions
Authors: Almazaydeh Laiali , Zhang Jun , Wu Peiqiao , Wei Ruoqi , Cheng Yisheng , Elleithy Khaled
Published: November 2017

Due its universality, Universal Serial Bus (USB) has become the major connecting port of modern computers. Programmability provides convenience between hardware vendors and operating system vendors to develop their products and related firmware.  However, it leads to high risk by opening a door for a potential vulnerability. In the past three years, researchers have attempt to stop and prevent the security influence of compromised products, reported this issue and their suggestion to chips vendors, peripheral vendors and OS vendor, in order to patch up existing vulnerable device and avoid known exploits in the future. In result, none of those vendors could successfully overcome the vulnerabilities, with inactive response to either the reports by security researchers or incidents by hacker communities. Thus, third party organizations and research teams start to take over the problem of "BadUSB" and focus on discovering its solution. In this paper ,we introduce an approach to protect against BadUSB. A comparison between the presented scheme and the existing defense methods demonstrates that the presented approach outperforms the reported approaches in literature.
A Framework for Building Design Management in an Imperfect BIM Environment
Authors: Kassem A. T.
Published: November 2017

Building design process is a wide spectrum activity, regarding its complexity. It begins by simple compartments structures till large multistory administrative buildings, involving various specialties. Complex design management, where a multidisciplinary team or teams are involved in the design process; requires high level of collaboration to reach the optimized client goals economically and on time. BIM provides a wide range support for such an activity, where the most critical criterion in design management is ensuring the appropriate flow of information between design partners. Each participant in the design process should receive relevant data or information in a complete form and on time. And consequently design participant should send and share their design outputs with relevant personnel. The perfect BIM environment requires that all participants within the design process are using BIM supporting software, and vice versa. Markets where BIM application is still in the growing phase some of the design participants adopt BIM while others don’t. The main target of this paper is to propose a collaborative scheme to ensure information flow between design participants, using COBIE forms and XBIM toolkit; in the case where some of the participants in design process are not using BIM supporting software.
Demography, Knowledge-Gap Effect and Exclusive Breastfeeding Campaign in Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria
Authors: Ajilore Kolade , Ambassador-Brikins Helen , Onyenankeya Kevin
Published: November 2017

Resistance to six-months exclusive breastfeeding remains pervasive among mothers in spite of the numerous health and economic benefits of breastfeeding. Experts attribute the nonchalance towards exclusive breastfeeding to several factors, including myths and traditional beliefs as well as fear that breastfeeding weakens the breast fibre and consequently, quickens the sagging of the breast and the woman’s sexual appeal. In Nigeria, government and non-governmental agencies continue to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the influence of socio-economic variables on the awareness, knowledge and adoption of the six months exclusive breastfeeding campaign in two Nigerian states.A mixed methods design was employed. First, a series of in-depth interviews was conducted with six health care workers in Lagos and Ogun States. Thereafter, 1500 copies of a questionnaire containing16 items were administered to a purposively drawn sample of lactating mothers whose babies fell within the age range of 0 and 12 months.The results showed a high awareness level of the six-months exclusive breastfeeding campaign. Chi Square test suggests that the socio economic status of women does not significantly influence their awareness of the six months exclusive breastfeeding (p>0.060). Similarly, respondents’ educational levels showed no significant influence on their knowledge of six months exclusive breastfeeding (p > 0.070).Contrary to the thesis of the knowledge gap communication theory, awareness does not depend on socio economic status. In all, demographics of women in Lagos and Ogun states do not influence their awareness, knowledge and adoption of six months exclusive breastfeeding.
The Moderating Effect of Innovation on the Relationship between Enterprise Risk Management Strategies and Performance of Christian Hospitality Sectorin Kenya – An Empirical Overview
Authors: Kibisu Midikira Churchill , Awino Zachary B.
Published: November 2017

This study intended to determine the moderating effect of Innovation on the relationship between Enterprise risk Management Strategies (ERMS) and performance. The context of the study was the Christian-based hospitality businesses in Kenya. Indicators of performance were both financial and non-financial and data was sought both from primary and secondary sources. The Null hypothesis was formulated for testing the relationship using a significance p-value of p<0.05. The study adopted a positivistic philosophy using descriptive cross-sectional survey design on a population of 76 Christian-based hospitality businesses in Kenya which are unlisted. A 65.8 % response rate was achieved. This concludes that innovationsadopted by Christian Hospitality Sector in Kenya have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between enterprise risk managementstrategies and performance. The results implies that for the Christian-Based Hospitality Businesses in Kenya to improve performance effective enterprise risk management strategies must combine with effective innovative practices in order to perform well.
Motivation, Incentives and Performance: An Interdisciplinary Review
Authors: Bruno Bruna , Faggini Marisa , Parziale Anna
Published: November 2017

This review aims to extend the application of economic knowledge to evidence supplied by other research areas on the relationships between incentives, motivation and performance. Six areas of investigation have been selected based on their potential contribution in addressing three issues relevant to economics. The first issue concerns the distinction between intrinsic and prosocial motivation; the second is the relationship between motivation and performance; the third relates to the existence of perverse effects of incentives on motivation, which can take the form of undermining or crowding-out effects. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for economic theory, showing that different mechanisms are at work under intrinsic or prosocial motivation, implying the need for different instruments to promote behaviors and associated performance. In terms of crowding-out effects, there is little evidence to support a perverse effect when incentives are offered before or during performance, whereas the psychological literature provides consolidated validation for the undermining effect. Economics can gain insights from other disciplines by employing their investigative tools and theoretical developments. A feature of particular interest for economics is gamification, that is, the use of game design elements (design of video games and similar games) in non-game contexts.
The Market Reaction to the Appointment of Women on Corporate Boards: Evidence from the Italian Listed Companies
Authors: Pastore Patrizia , Tommaso Silvia , Ricciardi Antonio
Published: November 2017

During the 2012-2016 period, a large number of Italian companies appointed women directors in their boards, an unusual and unpredictable fact in the Italian industrial system. This paper investigates if any significant reaction has consequently occurred in the Italian stock market. It assumes that a significant market reaction would indicate the investors view the female board members as a strategic value added at the decision making level. To achieve the objective, it was collected a database consisting of 76 appointments of women directors in 67 Italian listed companies over the period 2012-2016 and then it was investigated the stock price performance of those companies in that five years span. The research hypothesis is examined empirically through the event study methodology in order to check the existence of abnormal returns on the appointment of women directors. Findings suggest that investors do not strongly believe that the simple appointment of women directors would have a positive effect on the future performance of firms.
Extreme Losers: On Excess and Profitless Expenditure in Male Gambler Practices
Authors: Pedroni Marco
Published: November 2017

The essay looks at male gambling by investigating it as a form of resistance to the utilitarian values which lie at the base of the market logic. Here the excess is viewed as a central notion in opposition to that of utility. Far from minimising the negative impact of excessive gambling on society and individuals, this contribution attempts to go beyond an analysis based on the categories of pathology and expenditure only. Through excess, the pathological gambler unveils the symbolic and arbitrary ideology of capitalism which sees economic success as a sign of election or a choice whereby money is used not as an investment or to access to goods and services, but “wasted”.To address these issues, two complementary ethnographic methods are used: (1) a three-month ethnographic observation in 23 gambling locations in Milan’s metropolitan area; (2) 10 in-depth interviews with extreme male gamblers.The article attempts to answer the following research question: How does excess take place in male gambling practices? Risk factors for extreme gambling are analysed, with a particular focus on the relationship between gambling and masculinity. In the effort to go beyond an analysis of gambling based on the categories of pathology and expenditure only, gambling is conncetd to the notion of excess. Gambling locations as facilitators of excess are studied, and the life stories of pathological gamblers discussed. The paradoxical ambivalence of gambling practices, on the one side a form of domination of the subordinate classe, on the other an opportunity to resist through an anti-utilitarian act, are highlighted.
Hellere i Rogaland og bruken av landskapet i førromersk jernalder
Authors: Meling Trond
Published: November 2017

Rock shelters and landscape use in Rogaland during the Pre-Roman Iron AgeThis article discusses the occupation of rock shelters in Rogaland during the Pre-Roman Iron Age (BC 500–1). In total, seven rock shelters show traces of use in this period, and all are located less than 3 km from contemporary farms or good farming areas. In South-Norway, the settlement expanded substantially during this period. A reason for this was a collective approach concerning how and where to settle. The expansion led to a greater pressure on outfield resources and grazing areas. The location of rock shelters suggests that they served as important focal points in the landscape when organizing and exercising rights to exploit outfield resources. The occupation in most of the rock shelters seems to have been sporadic and for short periods only, and most likely the rock shelters have served as nodes when organizing grazing activity. One rock shelter stands out with thick cultural layers and traces of a specialized utilization of maritime resources. This kind of specialized work and repeated visits over a long period suggests a collective use and the collaboration of different farms and households.
Med silke til Valhall. En studie av mønster og vevemetoder
Authors: Eriksen Åse
Published: November 2017

With silk for Valhalla. A study of pattern and weaving methodsIn the Oseberg ship burial patterned silk fabrics from Central Asia were found. The collection of fabrics contained 110 small fragments woven in samitum, derived from up to 15 different fabrics. This article describes a project in which one of these patterned fabrics was reconstructed from six small fragments. By means of magnified photos all the fragments were studied and drawn. An error in the fabric made it possible to puzzle the fragments together and create an almost complete pattern unit. Technical information about the fabric facilitated the reconstruction of the textile with materials and colors available today. The reconstructed fabric was woven on a loom where the warp was horizontal, and the pattern was picked by hand. However, the original fabric was not woven on such a loom.An attempt to weave samitum on a vertical loom indicated that this is more likely the method used. The vertical loom was both more effective and simpler than the horizontal loom. Furthermore the fragments reveal that the pattern had not been pre-stored in any device; a finding that is strengthened by the fact that this type of equipment was unavailable at the time. In summary, there is a need for more research on the looms to find out how a pattern shaft can be used on a vertical loom and practice in this possible weaving method. More study on other samitum silks is also required. This project has demonstrated that much information can be obtained, and hopefully a broader study can be undertaken.
Når materiell kultur blir digital – ei viktig vending i norsk arkeologi
Authors: Brun Wenche
Published: November 2017

Norwegian archaeology and the digital turnThe discipline of archaeology has always tended to react quickly to emerging technologies. The introduction of cameras in the field affected archaeological methods, the spread of computers and the development of GIS systems changed how archaeological data is recorded. Although the production of archaeological knowledge indisputably starts in the field, the practical aspects of field archaeology are black-boxed, described generally and rarely scrutinized. The traditional and widely accepted division between data collection in the field and the post-excavation process of interpretation appears to have weakened with the introduction of digital archaeology. Recently there has been a call for reflection on the consequences of replacing earlier analog tools such as pencil and measuring tape with digital tools such as iPads and drones. Do these technologies lead to results different from those that would have been obtained via analog methods, and thus a different archaeology? The examples presented in this article demonstrate clearly the advantage of these new digital tools, while also highlighting the continued relevance of traditional archaeological methods to knowledge production. Digital archaeology produces new and different datasets that require curation. The current MUSIT cooperation will eventually be advantageous for the Norwegian University Museums in managing expanding digital collections, but the work of establishing solid digital infrastructures demands an awareness of both the benefits and the possible drawbacks.
Norsk Arkeologisk Selskaps tur til Jämtland og Härjedalen 26.–29. mai 2016
Authors: Farnes Elisabeth
Published: November 2017

Beretning fra Norsk Arkeologisk Selskaps tur til Jämtland og Härjedalen 26.–29. mai 2016
Estelas discoideas y mundo funerario en la Asturias antigua.
Authors: Santos Yanguas Narciso
Published: November 2017

Se realiza un repaso a una decena de monumentos epigráficos antiguos, relacionados más o menos directamente con estelas discoideas, aparecidos a lo largo de la geografía de Asturias. Se diferencia entre la estela de Coaña y otros monumentos anepígrafos, epitafios inmersos en un disco solar y, por último, el caso particular de la lápida de Superia que se vincula a las estelas discoideas. En todos los casos, su origen y funcionalidad se relacionan con el mundo funerario. Se defiende la hipótesis de que este conjunto de documentos pudiera vincularse en un primer momento con aspectos astrales, pues constituyen una representación solar, si bien su significado pueda ir más allá y relacionarse con el mundo funerario de estas culturas.

A review of about ten ancient epigraphical monuments is made. These are more or less related with discoid stelae, which can be found throughout Asturias geography. A differentiation is made between the Coaña stele and other anepigraphical monuments, epitaphs enclosed in a solar disc and, lastly, the particular case of the Superia gravestone, which is linked to the discoid stelae. In all cases, its origin and functions are related to the funerary world. A hypothesis about the ensemble of these documents being initially linked to astral aspects is advocated, as they constitute a solar representation, even if their meaning could go beyond and being related to the funerary world of these cultures.
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Authors: Eckardt Max Roald
Published: November 2017

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Fundamental constraints in synchronous muscle limit superfast motor control in vertebrates
Authors: Mead Andrew F , Osinalde Nerea , Ørtenblad Niels , Nielsen Joachim , Brewer Jonathan , Vellema Michiel , Adam Iris , Scharff Constance , Song Yafeng , Frandsen Ulrik , Blagoev Blagoy , Kratchmarova Irina , Elemans Coen PH
Published: November 2017

Superfast muscles (SFMs) are extremely fast synchronous muscles capable of contraction rates up to 250 Hz, enabling precise motor execution at the millisecond time scale. SFM phenotypes have been discovered in most major vertebrate lineages, but it remains unknown whether all SFMs share excitation-contraction coupling pathway adaptations for speed, and if SFMs arose once, or from independent evolutionary events. Here, we demonstrate that to achieve rapid actomyosin crossbridge kinetics bat and songbird SFM express myosin heavy chain genes that are evolutionarily and ontologically distinct. Furthermore, we show that all known SFMs share multiple functional adaptations that minimize excitation-contraction coupling transduction times. Our results suggest that SFM evolved independently in sound-producing organs in ray-finned fish, birds, and mammals, and that SFM phenotypes operate at a maximum operational speed set by fundamental constraints in synchronous muscle. Consequentially, these constraints set a fundamental limit to the maximum speed of fine motor control.