bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low concentrations of adropin are associated with endothelial dysfunction as assessed by flow-mediated dilatation in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Oruc Coskun U. , Akpinar Yunus E. , Dervisoglu Elmire , Amikishiyev Shirkhan , Salmaslıoglu Artur , Gurdol Figen , Omer Beyhan
Published: August 2016

Background:

In individuals with atherosclerotic risk factors, endothelial dysfunction (ED) appears as an early phase in the development of clinical symptoms. Recent studies indicate that adropin, a newly identified peptide, participates in cardiovascular health through the regulation of several metabolic events including angiogenesis and blood flow. In this study, we aimed to determine the relation of adropin with biochemical and radiologic parameters which reflect ED such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin 1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) along with the routine biochemical measurements in patients recently diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods:

Fasting blood samples from 110 patients with MetS diagnosed according to the NCEP ATP III-2005 criteria were collected to measure the concentrations of adropin and other parameters including the lipid profile, insulin and glucose. Serum NOx concentrations were determined by measuring NO2 plus NO3. FMD test was performed by ultrasonography, and patients were stratified as FMD (+) or (–). Data were compared between these two subgroups and also with matching healthy controls (n=50). Biochemical data were evaluated using Student’s t or Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results:

Fifty-nine subjects had ED (+) and the remaining 101 subjects were ED (–). In the first group, adropin levels were significantly lower than the latter (2.13±1.05 vs. 3.41±1.63 ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001) and independently associated with FMD positivity as assessed by the logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:

Low adropin level in circulation is related to ED and has a close association with FMD. Any alterations in its level may be of help in order to assess the development of ED before the occurrence of clinical symptoms in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Comparison of adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions on pure and chemically modified fly ashes
Authors: Sočo Eleonora , Kalembkiewicz Jan
Published: August 2016

The study investigates chemical modifications of coal fly ash (FA) treated with HCl or NH4HCO3 or NaOH or Na2edta, based on the research conducted to examine the behaviour of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions adsorbed from water solution on treated fly ash. In laboratory tests, the equilibrium and kinetics were examined applying various temperatures (293 - 333 K) and pH (2 - 11) values. The maximum Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions adsorption capacity obtained at 293 K, pH 9 and mixing time 2 h from the Langmuir model can be grouped in the following order: FA-NaOH > FA-NH4HCO3 > FA > FA-Na2edta > FA-HCl. The morphology of fly ash grains was examined via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and images of scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption kinetics data were well fitted by a pseudo-second-order rate model but showed a very poor fit for the pseudofirst order model. The intra-particle model also revealed that there are two separate stages in the sorption process, i.e. the external diffusion and the inter-particle diffusion. Thermodynamics parameters such as free energy, enthalpy and entropy were also determined. A laboratory test demonstrated that the modified coal fly ash worked well for the Cd(II) and Pb(II) ion uptake from polluted waters.
CFD simulations of heat transfer in internally helically ribbed tubes
Authors: Majewski Karol , Grądziel Sławomir
Published: August 2016

Heating surfaces in power boilers are exposed to very high heat flux. For evaporator protection against overheating, internally helically ribbed tubes are used. The intensification of the heat transfer and the maintenance of the thin water layer in the intercostal space, using ribbed tubes, enables better protection of the power boiler evaporator than smooth pipes. Extended inner surface changes flow and thermal conditions by influencing the linear pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient. This paper presents equations that are used to determine the heat transfer coefficient. The results of total heat transfer, obtained from CFD simulations, for two types of internally ribbed and plain tubes are also presented.
Men’s Perception of Raped Women: Test of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Hypothesis and the Cuckoldry Hypothesis
Authors: Prokop Pavol , Pekárik Ladislav
Published: August 2016

Rape is a recurrent adaptive problem of female humans and females of a number of non-human animals. Rape has various physiological and reproductive costs to the victim. The costs of rape are furthermore exaggerated by social rejection and blaming of a victim, particularly by men. The negative perception of raped women by men has received little attention from an evolutionary perspective. Across two independent studies, we investigated whether the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (the STD hypothesis, Hypothesis 1) or paternity uncertainty (the cuckoldry hypothesis, Hypothesis 2) influence the negative perception of raped women by men. Raped women received lower attractiveness score than non-raped women, especially in long-term mate attractiveness score. The perceived attractiveness of raped women was not influenced by the presence of experimentally manipulated STD cues on faces of putative rapists. Women raped by three men received lower attractiveness score than women raped by one man. These results provide stronger support for the cuckoldry hypothesis (Hypothesis 2) than for the STD hypothesis (Hypothesis 1). Single men perceived raped women as more attractive than men in a committed relationship (Hypothesis 3), suggesting that the mating opportunities mediate men’s perception of victims of rape. Overall, our results suggest that the risk of cuckoldry underlie the negative perception of victims of rape by men rather than the fear of disease transmission.
G-MAPSEQ – a new method for mapping reads to a reference genome
Authors: Wojciechowski Pawel , Frohmberg Wojciech , Kierzynka Michal , Zurkowski Piotr , Blazewicz Jacek
Published: August 2016

The problem of reads mapping to a reference genome is one of the most essential problems in modern computational biology. The most popular algorithms used to solve this problem are based on the Burrows-Wheeler transform and the FM-index. However, this causes some issues with highly mutated sequences due to a limited number of mutations allowed. G-MAPSEQ is a novel, hybrid algorithm combining two interesting methods: alignment-free sequence comparison and an ultra fast sequence alignment. The former is a fast heuristic algorithm which uses k-mer characteristics of nucleotide sequences to find potential mapping places. The latter is a very fast GPU implementation of sequence alignment used to verify the correctness of these mapping positions. The source code of G-MAPSEQ along with other bioinformatic software is available at: http://gpualign.cs.put.poznan.pl.
Threshold-Based Bit Error Rate for Stopping Iterative Turbo Decoding in a Varying SNR Environment
Authors: Mohamad Roslina , Harun Harlisya , Mokhtar Makhfudzah , Adnan Wan Azizun Wan , Dimyati Kaharudin
Published: August 2016

Online bit error rate (BER) estimation (OBE) has been used as a stopping iterative turbo decoding criterion. However, the stopping criteria only work at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and fail to have early termination at low SNRs, which contributes to an additional iteration number and an increase in computational complexity. The failure of the stopping criteria is caused by the unsuitable BER threshold, which is obtained by estimating the expected BER performance at high SNRs, and this threshold does not indicate the correct termination according to convergence and non-convergence outputs (CNCO). Hence, in this paper, the threshold computation based on the BER of CNCO is proposed for an OBE stopping criterion (OBEsc). From the results, OBEsc is capable of terminating early in a varying SNR environment. The optimum number of iterations achieved by the OBEsc allows huge savings in decoding iteration number and decreasing the delay of turbo iterative decoding.
Fault Analysis in a Grid Integrated DFIG Based Wind Energy System with NA CB_P Circuit for Ridethrough Capability and Power Quality Improvement
Authors: Swain Snehaprava , Ray Pravat Kumar
Published: August 2016

In this paper a three phase fault analysis is done on a DFIG based grid integrated wind energy system. A Novel Active Crowbar Protection (NACB_P) system is proposed to enhance the Fault-ride through (FRT) capability of DFIG both for symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical grid faults. Hence improves the power quality of the system. The protection scheme proposed here is designed with a capacitor in series with the resistor unlike the conventional Crowbar (CB) having only resistors. The major function of the capacitor in the protection circuit is to eliminate the ripples generated in the rotor current and to protect the converter as well as the DC-link capacitor. It also compensates reactive power required by the DFIG during fault. Due to these advantages the proposed scheme enhances the FRT capability of the DFIG and also improves the power quality of the whole system. Experimentally the fault analysis is done on a 3hp slip ring induction generator and simulation results are carried out on a 1.7 MVA DFIG based WECS under different types of grid faults in MATLAB/Simulation and functionality of the proposed scheme is verified.
Computer-aided identification of the water diffusion coefficient for maize kernels dried in a thin layer
Authors: Kujawa Sebastian , Weres Jerzy , Olek Wiesław
Published: August 2016

Uncertainties in mathematical modelling of water transport in cereal grain kernels during drying and storage are mainly due to implementing unreliable values of the water diffusion coefficient and simplifying the geometry of kernels. In the present study an attempt was made to reduce the uncertainties by developing a method for computer-aided identification of the water diffusion coefficient and more accurate 3D geometry modelling for individual kernels using original inverse finite element algorithms. The approach was exemplified by identifying the water diffusion coefficient for maize kernels subjected to drying. On the basis of the developed method, values of the water diffusion coefficient were estimated, 3D geometry of a maize kernel was represented by isoparametric finite elements, and the moisture content inside maize kernels dried in a thin layer was predicted. Validation of the results against experimental data showed significantly lower error values than in the case of results obtained for the water diffusion coefficient values available in the literature.
Analysis of the sorption properties of different soils using water vapour adsorption and potentiometric titration methods
Authors: Skic Kamil , Boguta Patrycja , Sokołowska Zofia
Published: August 2016

Parameters of specific surface area as well as surface charge were used to determine and compare sorption properties of soils with different physicochemical characteristics. The gravimetric method was used to obtain water vapour isotherms and then specific surface areas, whereas surface charge was estimated from potentiometric titration curves. The specific surface area varied from 12.55 to 132.69 m2 g−1 for Haplic Cambisol and Mollic Gleysol soil, respectively, and generally decreased with pH (R=0.835; α = 0.05) and when bulk density (R=−0.736; α = 0.05) as well as ash content (R=−0.751; α = 0.05) increased. In the case of surface charge, the values ranged from 63.00 to 844.67 μmol g−1 Haplic Fluvisol and Mollic Gleysol, respecively. Organic matter gave significant contributions to the specific surface area and cation exchange capacity due to the large surface area and numerous surface functional groups, containing adsorption sites for water vapour molecules and for ions. The values of cation exchange capacity and specific surface area correlated linearly at the level of R=0.985; α = 0.05.
Root density of cherry trees grafted on prunus mahaleb in a semi-arid region
Authors: Paltineanu Cristian , Septar Leinar , Gavat Corina , Chitu Emil , Oprita Alexandru , Moale Cristina , Lamureanu Gheorghe , Vrinceanu Andrei
Published: August 2016

Root density was investigated using the trench method in a cherry (Prunus avium grafted on Prunus mahaleb) orchard with clean cultivation in inter-rows and in-row. Trenches of 1 m width and 1.2 m depth were dug up between neighbouring trees. The objectives of the paper were to clarify the spatial distribution of root density of cherry trees under the soil and climate conditions of the region to expand knowledge of optimum planting distance and orchard management for a broad area of chernozems. Some soil physical properties were significantly worsened in inter-rows versus in-row, mainly due to soil compaction, and there were higher root density values in in-row versus inter-rows. Root density decreased more intensely with soil depth than with distance from trees. The pattern of root density suggests that the cherry tree density and fruit yield could be increased. However, other factors concerning orchard management and fruit yield should also be considered. The results obtained have a potential impact to improve irrigation and fertilizer application by various methods, considering the soil depth and distance from trees to wet soil, in accordance with root development.
Temporal stability of electrical conductivity in a sandy soil
Authors: Pedrera-Parrilla Aura , Brevik Eric C. , Giráldez Juan V. , Vanderlinden Karl
Published: August 2016

Understanding of soil spatial variability is needed to delimit areas for precision agriculture. Electromagnetic induction sensors which measure the soil apparent electrical conductivity reflect soil spatial variability. The objectives of this work were to see if a temporally stable component could be found in electrical conductivity, and to see if temporal stability information acquired from several electrical conductivity surveys could be used to better interpret the results of concurrent surveys of electrical conductivity and soil water content. The experimental work was performed in a commercial rainfed olive grove of 6.7 ha in the ‘La Manga’ catchment in SW Spain. Several soil surveys provided gravimetric soil water content and electrical conductivity data. Soil electrical conductivity values were used to spatially delimit three areas in the grove, based on the first principal component, which represented the time-stable dominant spatial electrical conductivity pattern and explained 86% of the total electrical conductivity variance. Significant differences in clay, stone and soil water contents were detected between the three areas. Relationships between electrical conductivity and soil water content were modelled with an exponential model. Parameters from the model showed a strong effect of the first principal component on the relationship between soil water content and electrical conductivity. Overall temporal stability of electrical conductivity reflects soil properties and manifests itself in spatial patterns of soil water content.
Changes in the size of the apparent surface area and adsorption energy of the rye roots by low pH and the presence of aluminium ions induced
Authors: Szatanik-Kloc Alicja
Published: August 2016

The plant reactions on Al-stress include i.a. change of the surface area of the roots, which in the physicochemistry of plants characterizes the transport of water and ions through the root. The object of this study is the specific surface area of the roots of plants which are tolerant to aluminium, such as rye. Plants of rye were grown in a nutrient solution for 14 days at pH 4.5 in the presence of Al3+ ions of concentration 10, 20, and 40 mg dm−3. The control plants were grown continuously at pH 7 or pH 4.5 without Al3+. The apparent surface area and adsorption energy of the plants roots were determined from water vapour adsorption – desorption data. The apparent surface area of roots growing in the aluminium was (with respect to control) statistically significantly lower. There were no statistically significant differences in the apparent surface area of the roots which grew in pH 7, pH 4.5 without Al3+. The average water vapour adsorption energy of the root surface, under stress conditions decreased. In the roots grown in the presence of Al+3, there was a slight decrease in high energy adsorption centres and an increase in the amount of low-energy centres.
Regularization method for an ill-posed Cauchy problem for elliptic equations
Authors: Benrabah Abderafik , Boussetila Nadjib , Rebbani Faouzia
Published: August 2016

The paper is devoted to investigating a Cauchy problem for homogeneous elliptic PDEs in the abstract Hilbert space given by

u
′′

⁢

(
t
)

-

A
⁢
u
⁢

(
t
)

=
0

{u^{\prime\prime}(t)-Au(t)=0}

,

0
<
t
<
T

{0<t<T}

,

u
⁢

(
0
)

=
φ

{u(0)=\varphi}

,

u
′

⁢

(
0
)

=
0

{u^{\prime}(0)=0}

, where A is a positive self-adjoint
and unbounded linear operator. The problem is severely ill-posed in the sense of Hadamard [23].
We shall give a new regularization method for this problem when the operator A
is replaced by

A
α

=

A
⁢

(

I
+

α
⁢
A

)

-
1

{A_{\alpha}=A(I+\alpha A)^{-1}}

and

u
⁢

(
0
)

=
φ

{u(0)=\varphi}

is replaced by a nonlocal condition. We show the convergence of this
method and we construct a family of regularizing operators for the considered problem. Convergence estimates are established under a priori
regularity assumptions on the problem data. Some numerical results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Eccentric annular crack under general nonuniform internal pressure
Authors: Moeini-Ardakani S. , Kamali M.T. , Shodja H.M.
Published: August 2016

For a better approximation of ring-shaped and toroidal cracks, a new eccentric annular crack model is proposed and an analytical approach for determination of the corresponding stress intensity factors is given. The crack is subjected to arbitrary mode I loading. A rigorous solution is provided by mapping the eccentric annular crack to a concentric annular crack. The analysis leads to two decoupled Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. For the sake of verification, the problem of a conventional annular crack is examined. Furthermore, for various crack configurations of an eccentric annular crack under uniform tension, the stress intensity factors pertaining to the inner and outer crack edges are delineated in dimensionless plots.
On the correct interpretation of compression experiments of micropillars produced by a focused ion beam
Authors: Konstantinidis Avraam A. , Michos Konstantinos , Aifantis Elias C.
Published: August 2016

The modest goal of this short note is to shed some light on the correct interpretation of micro/nanopillar compression experiments. We propose a modification of the way the stress-strain response in such experiments is calculated, aiming at answering open questions pertaining to discrepancies between the elastic moduli values calculated through micropillar compression experiments with those of the bulk materials, as well as the brittle-to-ductile transition in bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) when the size of the pillars is reduced below a certain threshold value.
Influence of Citric Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide on Postharvest Quality of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L. ‘Pearl’) Cut Flowers
Authors: Rahimian-Boogar Abdolrahman , Salehi Hassan , Mir Noshin
Published: August 2016

Quality of cut flowers is an important issue at postharvest as well as an important factor contributing to marketing of and profitability from the tuberose. In this study, the effects of citric acid (CA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) added to the vase water on postharvest quality of tuberose cut flowers were investigated. CA was applied in concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 400 mg·dm−3 and H2O2 in concentrations of 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg·dm−3 and distilled water as control treatment. Results showed that both compounds had significant positive effects on solution uptake, wilting and abscission of florets, relative water content, chlorophyll content, and vase life duration. The effects of 100 and 200 mg·dm−3 of CA and 20 and 40 mg·dm−3 of H2O2 proved to be more effective than other treatments. Both compounds increased the vase life of tuberose cut flowers and CA at concentrations 100 and 200 mg dm−3 and H2O2 at concentrations 20 and 40 mg dm−3 doubled this time up to 14-17 days.
Eradication of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Sclerotia from Soil Using Organic Waste Materials as Trichoderma Fungi Carriers
Authors: Smolińska Urszula , Kowalska Beata , Kowalczyk Waldemar , Szczech Magdalena , Murgrabia Aleksandra
Published: August 2016

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is considered as one of the most harmful soilborne pathogens, which reduces productivity of horticultural crops. Currently used chemical or biological methods for the eradication of S. sclerotiorum from a soil are not very effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of eradication of S. sclerotiorum sclerotia from a soil using the Trichoderma isolates, which were multiplied on the organic carriers prepared from agro-industrial wastes and by-products: WsA (wheat straw + apple pomaces), WsP (wheat straw + potato pulp) and T-GRAN (dry onion rind, apples and strawberry pomaces, rapeseed meal). The results showed that soil amendment with organic materials overgrown with the Trichoderma fungi had a significant reducing effect on S. sclerotiorum. Especially effective was the carrier WsA overgrown with T. virens TRS114, which completely prevented the survival of sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum regardless of the dose of application. Less effective was the WsP carrier. However, addition WsP overgrown with T. atroviride TRS40 at the 5% w/v, resulted in survival only 6.7% of sclerotia. In the greenhouse experiments with lettuce, the application of granulates T-GRAN into the soil had different impact on S. sclerotiorum depending on the conditions to the pathogen development. In conducive conditions, an addition of the organic substances without Trichoderma significantly decreased the yield of lettuce plants. A positive effect on the growth of plants was observed after the application of T-GRAN overgrown with Trichoderma.
The Concept of Method for Determining the Minimum Level of Airport Business Continuity
Authors: Kozłowski Michał
Published: August 2016

The paper presents the problem of determining the minimum acceptable level of products and services of airport business continuity. Conducted a study of legal requirements and operational needs. Characterized components of BCMS (ISO 22301). Determined the relationship between measures of the reliability and capacity in the airport BCMS. On this basis, presented a concept of use the reliability gamma-percent resource measure and RCM methods in the airport BCMS.
Reliability Electrical Power System of Hospital as Cold Standby System
Authors: Grabski Franciszek
Published: August 2016

The probabilistic model of a hospital electrical power system consisting of mains, an emergency power system and the automatic transfer switch with the generator starter are discussed in this paper. The reliability model is semi-Markov process describing two different units renewable cold standby system and switch. The embedded Semi-Markov processes concept is applied for description of the system evolution. Time to failure of the system is represented by a random variable denoting the first passage time of the process from the given state to the subset of states. The appropriate theorems of the Semi-Markov processes theory allow us to evaluate the reliability function and some reliability characteristics.
Reliability Analysis of Radioamateur Communication
Authors: Wawer Tomasz , Dąbrowski Tadeusz , Bednarek Marcin
Published: August 2016

The following article describes diagnostic and reliability aspects of amateur radio communications. The intention of precise measuring of quality and accuracy of every contact was present in ham radio from very beginning. The reports were sent and they are still used today, in many variants. In time, the tools to measure ionosphere state and propagation conditions emerged. They are fundamental for communication, especially long distance ones. The article concentrates on description of digital amateur mode, JT9. This mode is very effective, enables worldwide reach and requires simple tools.
Influence of Changes in Electrical and Electronic Equipment on the Increase of Reliability in Vehicles
Authors: Plich Mieczysław , Dziubiński Mieczysław , Stypułkowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2016

The article presents considerations for improving the reliability of means of transport after introducing significant structural changes in the installation of vehicles and functioning of the embedded electrical equipment. The consequence of introducing electrical and electronic equipment to vehicles is an increased demand for energy. Uncontrolled consumption of electricity can lead to significant decline in availability. Therefore, the necessity arises of energy management through an additional function of some electrical equipment and implementation of modern design and technology according to the requirements of safety and environmental protection.
Cortisol Response to Low-Dose (1 μg) ACTH Stimulation for the Prediction of Outcome in Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Bjekić-Macut Jelica , Radosavljević Vojislav , Andrić Zoran , Ilić Dušan , Stanojlović Olivera , Milutinović Danijela Vojnović , Antić Ivana Božić , Zdravković Marija , Hinić Saša , Macut Djuro , Žarković Miloš
Published: August 2016

Background: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) changes cortisol dynamics and indicates dissociation between the adrenal cortex and the hypothalamo-pituitary unit. The aim of this study was to assess the cortisol response after stimulation with ACTH1-24 in patients with SIRS at admission to the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) and seven days later.

Methods: Fifty-four subjects were included in the study, and SIRS was defined according to the Consensus Conference criteria from 1992. Severity of the disease was determined using the APACHE II score, and organ dysfunction using the SOFA score. Low-dose (1 μg) ACTH test (LDT) was performed in all patients, and cortisol was determined along with basal ACTH. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests and regression analysis. The results are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: There were no differences in cortisol values between the two LDTs. Cortisol increment lower than 250 nmol/L during the LDT was found in 14/54 (25.9%) subjects at the onset of SIRS. Five out of 54 (9.6%) patients died within 7 days from the onset of SIRS. Female sex and maximal cortisol response (Δ max) on LDT predicted the duration of hospitalization in RICU, while APACHE II and SOFA scores best predicted the duration of hospitalization, mortality outcome as well as overall survival outcome.

Conclusions: A difference was found in Δ max at the diagnosis of SIRS and seven days later. Δ max, and primarily the clinical scores APACHE II and SOFA predicted the outcomes of hospitalization and overall survival.
Novel homozygous likely-pathogenic intronic variant in INS causing permanent neonatal diabetes in siblings
Authors: Courtney Rachel , Gamble Candace , Arango Monica L. , Shah Avni , Rubio Nunilo I. , Nguyen Joanne , Rodriguez-Buritica David
Published: August 2016

Permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) is a rare genetic condition characterized by hyperglycemia, insulinopenia, and failure to thrive beginning in the first 6 months of life. Recessive mutations in
Calibration and validation of SWAT model for estimating water balance and nitrogen losses in a small agricultural watershed in central Poland
Authors: Smarzyńska Karolina , Miatkowski Zygmunt
Published: August 2016

Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) ver. 2005 was applied to study water balance and nitrogen load pathways in a small agricultural watershed in the lowlands of central Poland. The natural flow regime of the Zgłowiączka River was strongly modified by human activity (deforestation and installation of a subsurface drainage system) to facilitate stable crop production. SWAT was calibrated for daily and monthly discharge and monthly nitrate nitrogen load. Model efficiency was tested using manual techniques (subjective) and evaluation statistics (objective). Values of Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and percentage of bias for daily/monthly discharge simulations and monthly load indicated good or very good fit of simulated discharge and nitrate nitrogen load to the observed data set. Model precision and accuracy of fit was proved in validation. The calibrated and validated SWAT was used to assess water balance and nitrogen fluxes in the watershed. According to the results, the share of tile drainage in water yield is equal to 78%. The model analysis indicated the most significant pathway of NO3-N to surface waters in the study area, namely the tile drainage combined with lateral flow. Its share in total NO3-N load amounted to 89%. Identification of nitrogen fluxes in the watershed is crucial for decision makers in order to manage water resources and to implement the most effective measures to limit diffuse pollution from arable land to surface waters.
The Main Steps of the Leading Process with Special Attention to Organising and Cooperating at the Law Enforcement and Military Organizations
Authors: Kovács Gábor
Published: August 2016

Leading the subordinated uniformed colleagues is a very difficult leadership work. This is a very sophisticated area of the management science. The military and law enforcement leaders (commanders) should know well the steps of the leadership- and management process. The Department of Management Sciences at National University of Public Service is improving the students’ leadership skills. The essay leads the readers through the main steps of the leading process, shows the best practice of the Hungarian management sciences. The essay pays special attention to the organising and cooperating work related to the Hungarian law enforcement and military organization. The reader will gain a full insight to the frame of management process, the organising and cooperating work and this experience can be successfully adapted to his own work.
The Influence of the Emotional Intelligence on the Act of Leadership
Authors: Chetreanu Dorică , Sas Dalida Elena , Ţibulcă Constantin , Nistor Monica
Published: August 2016

Is the act of leading small groups or not influenced by the level of emotional intelligence? This is the question that was the foundation of this paper. The benefits of self-awareness of the respondents were checked in terms of emphasising their leader features in order to use them. All these were possible by means of a minimum psychological education of the subjects.
Wave Energy Potential in the Latvian EEZ
Authors: Beriņš J. , Beriņš J. , Kalnačs J. , Kalnačs A.
Published: August 2016

The present article deals with one of the alternative forms of energy – sea wave energy potential in the Latvian Exclusice Economic Zone (EEZ). Results have been achieved using a new method – VEVPP. Calculations have been performed using the data on wave parameters over the past five years (2010–2014). We have also considered wave energy potential in the Gulf of Riga. The conclusions have been drawn on the recommended methodology for the sea wave potential and power calculations for wave-power plant pre-design stage.
Professional dental and oral surgery liability in Italy: a comparative analysis of the insurance products offered to health workers
Authors: Di Lorenzo Pierpaolo , Paternoster Mariano , Nugnes Mariarosaria , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Graziano Vincenzo , Niola Massimo
Published: August 2016

Introduction

In Italy there has been an increase in claims for damages for alleged medical malpractice. A study was therefore conducted that aimed at assessing the content of the coverage of insurance policy contracts offered to oral health professionals by the insurance market.

Material and methods

The sample analysed composed of 11 insurance policy contracts for professional dental liability offered from 2010 to 2015 by leading insurance companies operating in the Italian market.

Results

The insurance products analysed are structured on the “claims made” clause. No policy contract examined covers the damage due to the failure to acquire consent for dental treatment and, in most cases, damage due to unsatisfactory outcomes of treatment of an aesthetic nature and the failure to respect regulatory obligations on privacy.

Discussion

On entering into a professional liability insurance policy contract, the dentist should pay particular attention to the period covered by the guarantee, the risks both covered and excluded, as well as the extent of the limit of liability and any possible fixed/percentage excess.

Conclusions

When choosing a professional liability contract, a dentist should examine the risks in relation to the professional activity carried out before signing.
Informed consent in robotic surgery: quality of information and patient perception
Authors: Ferrarese Alessia , Pozzi Giada , Borghi Felice , Pellegrino Luca , Di Lorenzo Pierpaolo , Amato Bruno , Santangelo Michele , Niola Massimo , Martino Valter , Capasso Emanuele
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Obtaining a valid informed consent in the medical and surgical field is a long debated issue in the literature. In robotic surgery we believe in the necessity to follow three arrangements to make the informed consent more complete.

Material and methods

This study presents correlations and descriptions based on forensic medicine concepts research, literature review, and the proposal of an integration in the classic concept of informed consent.

Conclusion

In robotic surgery we believe in the necessity to follow three arrangements to make the IC more complete. Integrate the information already present in the informed consent with data on the surgeon’s experience in RS, the number of procedures of the department and the regional map of expertises by procedure.
E-procurement in Contracting-out of Public Goods and Services: Evidence from Slovakia
Authors: Svidroňová Mária Murray , Meričková Beáta Mikušová , Gondášová Lýdia
Published: August 2016

Recently growing attention has been paid to the issue of public-sector innovation: scholars have progressively developed a fully-fledged field of study in this direction, since remarkable differences exist between public and private organizations. Perhaps paradoxically, the decline of NPM itself from the 1990s onwards has paved the way to further developments of this field of study, surpassing the existent model through the exploration of innovative tools for stakeholders’ involvement in public decision-making. New Public Management reforms of public administration combined with the use of information and communication technologies have brought many innovations to the public sector, among others also public e-procurement. Our objective is to identify the driver and barriers of e-procurement use in contracting-out of public goods and services based on analysis in one selected region and its four municipalities in Slovakia. This study uses a qualitative and quantitative approach and is based on original data from our own research, including data collected within the LIPSE (Learning from Innovation in Public Sector Environments) research project. The main findings of our analysis are that the use of public e-procurement is an innovative tool for contracting out the public services and as such facilitates modern public-administration reforms based on information and communication technologies.
Land-use decisions of rice/fish farming in
Northern Bangladesh: use of PROMETHEE analysis
Authors: Palash Md. Salauddin , Bauer Siegfried
Published: August 2016

Some influential variables that are import to
farmers in Northern Bangladesh regarding land use decisions
for farmlands, where such options are possible,
were explored in this study. A multi-stage sampling procedure
was followed to select the study area and the sampling
unit. We selected four sub-districts in Mymensingh
district, a suitable area in Bangladesh for freshwater fish
farming: Mucktagachha, Trishal, Phulpur, and Bhaluka.
The PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization
Method for Enrichment Evaluations) method was used to
remove the problem of simultaneously selecting all criteria
for land use decision-making, hence revealing the
effects of some important variables on decisions on land
use made by farmers. PROMETHEE model gave equal preference
to rice over fish farming after all criteria were considered
simultaneously. Although fish farming total return
was about 6 times higher than rice farming, farmers were
more interested in rice farming because of three major
influential criteria: it requires less labor, operates at lower
costs, and has zero conversion cost associated with rice
farming.
Calling for Awareness and Knowledge:
Perspectives on Religiosity, Spirituality and
Mental Health in a Religious Sample from
Portugal (a Mixed-Methods Study)
Authors: Freire Jaclin’ , Moleiro Carla , Rosmarin David H.
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have demonstrated that when suffering or in psychological distress, religious
clients tend to recover faster and with better outcomes when mental health professionals (MHPs) seek
to integrate their clients’ religious beliefs and practices in psychotherapy. As described in the literature
and highly-recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, promotion of an
accurate and sensitive integration of a client’s religious and spiritual beliefs is implied among MHPs: the
awareness of the particularities, the differences and barriers that religious clients might encounter when
seeking help; the knowledge and respect of those specific characteristics and needs; and the development
of specific competencies. A mixed-methods approach was used to conduct this study, with the aim of
understanding the role which religiosity and spirituality play in mental health and the psychotherapeutic
processes of religious members and clients in Portugal. Eight focus groups and three in-depth interviews
were conducted, with a total of 41 participants. Participants stated their religiosity as vital aspects in their
life and reported religious/spiritual practices as their primary coping strategies. They recognised that their
religiosity should not be concealed or marginalised in the context of their psychological and/or psychiatric
treatment, but revealed apprehensions, dilemmas and barriers prior to disclosure. MHPs and services were
seen as a possible source of help, but often as a last resort. Participants who sought professional help overall
seemed to be satisfied with the service provided to them, although such treatment was mostly related to
symptoms relief. Also, many concerns were shared, among them were both their wish for a religious match/
similarity with their MHP, and the perception of a lack of sensibility by their MHP towards religious and
spiritual issues. Conclusions and implications for research are provided.
Morphology of immune organs after very virulent plus strain of Marek’s disease virus infection in vaccinated hens
Authors: Madej J.P. , Woźniakowski G. , Gaweł A.
Published: August 2016

Marek’s disease (MD) outbreaks in poultry flocks may be associated with overriding of vaccine immune protection by very virulent (vvMDV) or very virulent plus (vv+MDV) strains. This paper presents the study on lymphoid organ morphology in the latent phase of MD caused by vv+MDV which break post-vaccinal protection in hens. We also immunohistochemically examined B and T populations as well as B/T and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of lymphocytes in lymphatic organs and, as a background, in MD lymphomas from non-lymphatic organs. The number of antigen expressed cells was evaluated as a percentage of positive cells in the one power field. Organ samples were collected from 24 dead reproductive hens (Ross 308 line) in age between 35-56 weeks, infected with vv+MDV. The hens originated from farms with MD outbreaks, despite earlier routine vaccination with CVI988/Rispens + HVT. The control organ samples originated from 15 clinically healthy hens at the same age and line, subjected to the same vaccination schedule. The number of CD3+, CD8+ and TCRγδ+ cells was significantly lower in MDV infected thymus, spleen and cecal tonsils in comparison to that found in the control organs. The proportion of CD4+ was also distinctly reduced in the thymus and limited in the spleen of MDV infected hens. This study revealed that infection with field vv+MDV isolates might break post-vaccinal protection and influence the central and peripheral immune system. The decrease in CD8+ and TCRγδ+ cell number in the thymus, spleen and cecal tonsils suggests that primarily these cells are involved in cell-mediated cytotoxicity against MDV transformed cells during latency.
Safety of the long-term application of QuikClot Combat Gauze, ChitoGauze PRO and Celox Gauze in a femoral artery injury model in swine – a preliminary study
Authors: Otrocka-Domagała I. , Jastrzębski P. , Adamiak Z. , Paździor-Czapula K. , Gesek M. , Mikiewicz M. , Rotkiewicz T.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety of the long-term application of QuikClot Combat Gauze, ChitoGauze PRO and Celox Gauze using a swine model. The study was conducted on nine pigs weighing approximately 30 kg, which were randomly divided into three groups. Under deep anesthesia, the pigs underwent complete transverse cutting of the femoral artery in the groin region. Hemostatic dressings were left in the wound for 24 hours. The animals were euthanized 24 hours after dressing application. In each group, macroscopic and microscopic severe changes and shock symptoms were observed in the lungs, liver, kidneys and heart. Fibrino-gaseous embolic material was found in the pulmonary artery of each group and in the lung vessels of the animals from the ChitoGauze PRO and Celox Gauze groups. In conclusion, the long-term application of the evaluated hemostatic dressings has the risk of coagulopathy and reaching the progressive stage of shock. The residues from the hemostatic dressings can ingress into the systemic circulation, thereby increasing the risk of embolus formation. Because of these harmful effects, the evaluated hemostatic dressings are not appropriate for long-term use. Future studies are needed on the consequences of the long-term application of these hemostatic agents.
Analysis of the Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Latvian Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) Stands using Nuclear and Chloroplast SSR Markers
Authors: Ruņģis Dainis , Korica Anna , Gailīte Agnese , Pušpure Ilze , Veinberga Ilze
Published: August 2016

Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) has a widespread distribution throughout Europe, and Latvia is almost at the north eastern edge of the distribution range. In Europe, ash is threatened by ash dieback, a disease caused by the introduced ascomycete Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers have been used to study the genetic diversity and population structure of ash both in a broader pan-European context as well as in more restricted regions. Some of the markers analysed in these previously published reports were also utilised in this study, enabling comparisons of the genetic parameters calculated from the nuclear SSR marker data and of the haplotypes identified with the chloroplast markers. Analysis of chloroplast markers revealed one dominant haplotype in Latvian stands, which corresponds to the haplotype previously found in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. A second haplotype, corresponding to a previously reported central European haplotype was found in all individuals from the Ķemeri stand, indicating that this stand was naturally established from introduced germplasm, which was planted in a neighbouring park. The nuclear SSR markers revealed low levels of differentiation of Latvian F. excelsior stands, probably due efficient pollen flow between stands. The analysis of both chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers has revealed different aspects of the structure and provenance of Latvian F. excelsior populations.
Ernährung: Universelle Prävention in der stationären Pflege
Authors: Blättner Beate
Published: August 2016

Pflegekassen sollen künftig unter Beteiligung der versicherten Pflegebedürftigen und der Pflegeeinrichtungen Leistungen zur Prävention in stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen erbringen. Ein Handlungsfeld ist Ernährung. Im Nationalen Gesundheitsziel „gesund älter werden“ wird die Umsetzung des Qualitätsstandards für die Verpflegung in stationären Senioreneinrichtungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ernährung empfohlen. Dieser ist allerdings nicht in seiner Evidenz überprüft und sieht keine partizipativen Ansätze vor.
Förderung der Qualität der Verpflegung in Kindertageseinrichtungen – Erfahrungen und Ergebnisse aus zwei Bremer Beratungsprojekten
Authors: von Atens-Kahlenberg Wiebke , Bosche Heidegret , Zeeb Hajo , Pischke Claudia R.
Published: August 2016

Im Rahmen einer Fachberatung in Ernährungsfragen, die das Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie (BIPS) für zwei große Bremer Träger von Kindertageseinrichtungen (Kita‘n) durchführt, wurden trägerbezogene Verpflegungskonzepte entwickelt. Sie beinhalten Qualitätsanforderungen und Empfehlungen unter anderem für das Verpflegungsangebot, die Mahlzeitengestaltung und die räumlichen Gegebenheiten für die Vorbereitung oder Lieferung der Mahlzeiten. Eines der Ergebnisse der Evaluation dieser Verpflegungskonzepte war, dass mehr als 80% der Kita‘n beider Träger die Vorgaben für einen ausgewogenen Speiseplan für 2–6-Jährige umsetzen.
Correlation between the expressions of leptin and its receptors (ObR,sObR) in gastric cancer / Mide kanserinde leptin ve reseptörlerinin (ObR, sObR) ekspresyonları arasındaki korelasyon
Authors: Çakır Işıl , Kılıç Eser , Coşkun Banu Demet Özel , Çakır Nuri , Savaşcıhabeş Asuman
Published: August 2016

Objective: The expressions of leptin and its receptor (ObR) have been observed in human gastric cancer (GC) tissue. Leptin can promote the proliferation of GC cells. However, the correlation between leptin and ObR expressions in GC and the role of gastric ObR protein levels in patients with GC is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between leptin, gastric ObR protein and soluble leptin receptor (sObR) levels and whether their possible role of indicator in GC.

Methods: Serum leptin, gastric leptin and serum sObR concentrations were determined in 30 male patients with GC and 25 male dyspeptic subjects by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. We analysed the expression of gastric ObR levels in endoscopically obtained biopsy samples by using Western Blotting method.

Results: Compared with controls, patients had lower serum leptin and higher gastric tissue leptin levels. sObR protein concentrations of patients were detected significantly higher, gastric ObR protein expression were lower than subjects in control group.

Conclusion: Leptin in gastric cancerous region and sObR in circulation are overexpressed in GC. Their expressions are associated with malignancy. Decreased leptin levels, induces the sObR signal in circulation. This negative feedback regulation is also seen in gastric tissue: increased gastric tissue leptin levels inhibits gastric ObR protein expression. Thus,leptin and ObR may be important indicators in GC.