bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and some magnetic properties of (BiFeO3)
x
-(BaTiO3)1−x
solid solutions prepared by solid-state sintering
Authors: Kowal Karol , Kowalczyk Maciej , Czekaj Dionizy , Jartych Elżbieta
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the results of the study on structure and magnetic properties of the perovskite-type (BiFeO3)
x
-(BaTiO3)1−

x
solid solutions. The samples differing in the chemical composition (x = 0.9, 0.8, and 0.7) were produced according to the conventional solid-state sintering method from the mixture of powders. Moreover, three different variants of the fabrication process differing in the temperatures and soaking time were applied. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were collected and compared for the set of the investigated materials. The structural transformation from rhombohedral to cubic symmetry was observed for the samples with x = 0.7. With increasing of BaTiO3 concentration Mössbauer spectra become broadened reflecting various configurations of atoms around 57Fe probes. Moreover, gradual decreasing of the average hyperfine magnetic field and macroscopic magnetization were observed with x decreasing.
Subsurface structure and magnetic parameters of Fe-Mo-Cu-B metallic glass
Authors: Miglierini Marcel , Hasiak Mariusz , Bujdoš Marek
Published: May 2015

Subsurface properties of 57Fe81Mo9Cu1B9 metallic glass were studied by conversion electron and conversion X-ray Mössbauer spectrometry. They were applied to both surfaces of the ribbons. Deviations in structural surface features are exhibited via different contents of crystalline phases, which were identified as bcc-Fe and magnetite. The presence of small ferromagnetic particles was also suggested from magnetic measurements. An influence of irradiation with 130-keV N+ ions on surface properties of the as-quenched alloy is also discussed.
Validation of the method for determination of plutonium isotopes in urine samples and its application in a nuclear facility at Otwock
Authors: Rzemek Katarzyna , Czerwiński Andrzej , Dymecka Małgorzata , Ośko Jakub , Pliszczyński Tomasz , Haratym Zbigniew
Published: May 2015

The studies aimed at determining low activities of alpha radioactive elements are widely recognized as essential for the human health, because of their high radiotoxicity in case of internal contamination. Some groups of workers of nuclear facility at Otwock are potentially exposed to contamination with plutonium isotopes. For this reason, the method for determination of plutonium isotopes has been introduced and validated in Radiation Protection Measurements Laboratory (LPD) of the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ). In this method the plutonium is isolated from a sample by coprecipitation with phosphates and separated on a AG 1-X2 Resin. After electrodeposition, the sample is measured by alpha spectrometry. Validation was performed in order to assess parameters such as: selectivity, accuracy (trueness and precision) and linearity of the method. The results of plutonium determination in urine samples of persons potentially exposed to internal contamination are presented in this work.
Minor actinides impact on basic safety parameters of medium-sized sodium-cooled fast reactor
Authors: Darnowski Piotr , Uzunow Nikolaj
Published: May 2015

An analysis of the influence of addition of minor actinides (MA) to the fast reactor fuel on the most important safety characteristics was performed. A special emphasis was given to the total control rods worth in order to describe qualitatively and quantitatively its change with MA content. All computations were performed with a homogeneous assembly model of modified BN-600 sodium-cooled fast reactor core with 0, 3 and 6% of MA. A model was prepared for the Monte Carlo neutron transport code MCNP5 for fresh fuel in the beginning-of-life (BOL) state. Additionally, some other parameters, such as Doppler constant, sodium void reactivity, delayed neutron fraction, neutron fluxes and neutron spectra distribution, were computed and their change with MA content was investigated. Study indicates that the total control rods worth (CRW) decreases with increasing MA inventory in the fuel and confirms that the addition of MA has a negative effect on the delayed neutron fraction.
The Influence of Social Networking Sites on Recruiting Human Resources in the Czech Republic
Authors: Bohmova Lucie , Pavlicek Antonin
Published: May 2015

Background: This paper is focused on the usage of social networking sites (SNS) for human resources departments in the process of hiring new employees. It also maps the development and influence of SNS on recruiter's behavior and customs. The main aim is to find out, whether SNS could/will replace traditional online job boards in the Czech Republic. The motivation for the research is to determine whether SNS can be used for serious and practical business purposes.

Methods: The paper presents authors’ empirical research with two interconnected instruments used for data collection: (1) Questionnaire with 15 questions devoted to usability, evaluation and comparison of SNS with job portals (N=286 HR specialists) and (2) Comparison of 3 online job advertising methods – job portals, SNS and business website.

Results: HR specialists regularly use publicly available information on candidates’ Facebook profiles. Similar results have been observed using both instruments. SNS's in the Czech Republic are not yet used by recruiters as the main tool for recruitment, however, are often used as a support tool for decision making in the final stage of recruitment. Use of SNS's by recruiters is universal; we have not found any significant differences in terms of demographics (men, women, old, young HR professionals). The rate of utilization of SNS's by recruiters in the Czech Republic is gradually increasing, but does not reach the US level.

Conclusion: Our findings confirm the rising importance of social networking sites (SNS) usage as a new recruiting technology. However, as a major player in the field of recruitment, job boards (eg. Jobs.cz) are still important. However, the expectation is that in the near future, this will change and SNS‘s may replace the job boards.
Students’ Perception of HR Competencies
Authors: Novak Vesna , Žnidaršič Anja , Šprajc Polona
Published: May 2015

Background and purpose: Human resource professionalism receives considerable attention in terms of the competence of individual. In this article, we want to bridge the existing competencies of students and the perceived competencies that they assume will be developed and obtained during their studies. The purpose of our paper is a) to present competencies in general, b) to determine the meaning of the development of competencies in the field of higher education, and c) to present the role of competencies in human resource management. The aim of this paper is to examine the human resource competencies among students, and their judgments regarding the competencies they have already received during their studies.

Methodology: The questionnaire was distributed to full-time students of the Faculty of Organizational Science, University of Maribor, in such a way that both genders, both undergraduate and graduate studies, and all years of study were represented. We have measured students’ opinions concerning their current and future perceptions about professional competencies in the HR field.

Results: Based on the self-assessment of fifteen HR competencies, we used hierarchical clustering performed with Ward's method and standardized variables and got two clusters. A t-test was used according to low or high levels of students’ current competencies. The positive association between satisfaction with study programme and student's opinion on development of competencies during their studies was confirmed with one-tailed Pearson correlation coefficient.

Conclusion: The majority of students believe that they possess significant HR competencies. They have expressed a need for further education and training in that field. The students have assessed that the study programme allows them to acquire and develop the competencies for a successful task performance of the HR professional.
The Heterogeneous Accentuation of Economic Content In Vocational Education: A Starting Point for Occupation-Specific Human Resource Development
Authors: Maus Christoph
Published: May 2015

Abstact

Background and Purpose: Since the successive introduction of “learning field“ oriented curricula in Germany, teaching at vocational schools as part of the dual system has been based on concrete actions. The underlying curricula describe business-oriented learning fields. The translating of these learning fields into pedagogical learning situations is the responsibility of the vocational curriculum conferences at the individual vocational school level, whereby con-siderable leeway is afforded them in these activities. This means that, despite there being an identical curricular basis, it is possible for individual schools to apply heterogeneous content emphases within the education programmes for commercial vocations. This study examines the correlation between such heterogeneous content with regard to the subject of economics and the person characteristics of the relevant teachers.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to determine the individual significance of eco-nomics curricula as part of the education programme for commercial occupations on a learning field basis, an online survey was conducted among commerce teachers. Descriptive statements about the significance of topics of content are generated with the help of the relevance ratings provided by the respondent teachers.

Results: The findings for the correlations indicate a relationship between the relevance of economics content and individual experience of teaching staff with regard to that particular academic discipline, because a high relevance rating correlates with individual tangencies within the teacher's educational biography

Conclusion: The shifting of lesson content design onto the individual vocational schools has resulted in human resource determinant factors coming into force. Apart from a (fully desira-ble) heterogeneity of content, these factors have also led to a decrease of economics content.
Sport for All Frail Bodies
Authors: Jespersen Ejgil
Published: May 2015

Sport for All is a universal Olympic idea adopted by supranational institutions such as the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and the UN. Measures that need to be taken to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to be included in sport are analyzed and discussed based upon a survey of sports and exercise participation in Denmark with a special focus upon people with impairments. The prevailing point of view is a special needs approach to sports participation, whether it is oriented towards separate or integrated forms of organization. It is often unclear whether this approach is aiming for equality of outcome, equality of chance or just a minimum threshold for sports and exercise activity. However, if we adopt a universal approach to Sport for all, then the focus is not on differences among people, but upon the commonalities among human beings in light of their diversity. This approach is associated with the understanding of “universal design” in the UN‟s Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the WHO‟s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. In conclusion, it is highlighted that a more inclusive Sport for All movement is preferable to a segregated or integrated disability sport, provided the persons concerned have a say in every case.
Effect of TiO2-ZnO/GAC on by-product distribution of CVOCs decomposition in a NTP-assisted catalysis system
Authors: Abedi Kamaladdin , Ghorbani-Shahna Farshid , Bahrami Abdolrahman , Jaleh Babak , Yarahmadi Rasoul
Published: May 2015

In this study, the catalytic effect of TiO2-ZnO/GAC coupled with non-thermal plasma was investigated on the byproducts distribution of decomposition of chlorinated VOCs in gas streams. The effect of specific input energy, and initial gas composition was examined in a corona discharge reactor energized by a high frequency pulsed power supply. Detected by-products for catalytic NTP at 750 J L-1 included CO, CO2, Cl2, trichloroacetaldehyde, as well as trichlorobenzaldehyde with chloroform feeding, while they were dominated by CO, CO2, and lower abundance of trichlorobenzaldehyde and Cl2 with chlorobenzene introduction. Some of the by-products such as O3, NO, NO2, and COCl2 disappeared totally over TiO2-ZnO/GAC. Furthermore, the amount of heavy products such as trichlorobenzaldehyde decreased significantly in favor of small molecules such as CO, CO2, and Cl2 with the hybrid process. The selectivity towards COx soared up to 77% over the catalyst at 750 J L-1 and 100 ppm of chlorobenzene.
Chemical composition and properties of spray-dried sugar beet concentrate obtained after ultrafiltration of diffusion juice
Authors: Regiec Piotr , Kita Agnieszka , Boruczkowska Hanna , Drożdż Wioletta
Published: May 2015

Ultrafiltration of diffusion juice is a method that can reduce environmental pollution during the production of sugar. A by-product (concentrate) of ultrafiltration contains a large amount of sucrose, but due to its properties, it is difficult to manage. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the temperature used during drying of diffusion juice concentrates on the content of certain components and characteristics of resultant preparations. Diffusion juice obtained from one of the Polish sugar plants was subjected to ultrafiltration and the obtained concentrates were dried in a spray dryer. In the dried samples, the following parameters were analyzed: dry mass, sucrose, total ash, protein, crude fiber and color. It has been declared that the degree of concentration and drying temperature influenced the chemical composition and the properties of the dehydrated diffusion juice concentrates. An increase in drying temperature was accompanied by the increased content of dry mass, protein, ash and fiber content in the preparations. The greater the degree of juice concentration, the greater was the content of dry mass, ash, and fiber. Inversely, the greater the degree of juice concentration, the lower the content of sucrose. The brightest color of the dehydrated product was observed at the drying temperature of 200°C. Spray-drying may be used for waste management after the diffusion juice membrane filtration, and the resultant preparations might be used in the production of feedstuff or food industry in general e.g. as sucrose source, in fermentation processes or in microorganisms propagation.
A Successful Resection of Two Giant Mediastinal Neurogenic Tumors
Authors: Brzeziński Daniel , łochowski Mariusz , Kozak Józef
Published: May 2015

We reported two cases of the giant mediastinal neurogenic tumors. Patients were women in middle age. In both cases the chest X-ray and CT (computed tomography) demonstrated the huge mass in a pleural cavity without intraspinal invasion. Radical procedures with removal of the giant tumors were performed. The postoperative treatment course was uneventful. The pathology showed schwannoma and neurofibroma. The follow up examination (6-24 months) showed no recurrence of the disease.
The Efficiency of Burn Wounds Debridement with Use of Hydrosurgery - Our Experiences
Authors: Kawecki Marek , Mikuś-Zagórska Karolina , Glik Justyna , Nowak Mariusz
Published: May 2015

was to present experience of doctors from the Center for Burns Treatment in Siemianowice Śląskie who use a Versajet system.

. Debridement with the use of a water jet was applied in 70 patients with IIbo /IIIo thermal burns in the period between 2009-2013. The corresponding evaluation involved duration of operation, locations, wound surfaces and technique of debridement after operation. Microbiological tests were also performed before and after debridement.

. In the paper, its authors draw attention to the short time of debridement. The application of a water jet allows precise debridement, particularly in hardly accessible places, preparation of wounds to be covered with autologous split thickness skin graft, protection of healthy tissues.
Effects of Explosive Type Strength Training on Selected Physical and Technical Performance Characteristics in Middle Distance Running - a Case Report
Authors: Maćkała Krzysztof , JÓŹwiak łukasz , Stodółka Jacek
Published: May 2015

Introduction
. Distance running performance is a simple function of developing high speeds and maintaining this speed as long as possible. Thus a correct running technique becomes an important component of performance. Technique is effective if the competitor can reach a better performance result with the same or lower energy consumption. The purpose of this investigation was to examine a six weeks application explosive type strength training on lower extremities power and maximum speed performance improvement in order to facilitate running technique in sub-elite male middle-distance runner.
Material and methods
. A sub-elite runner performed twice a week special exercises and running drills. He completed a pre and post-training jumping (SJ, CMJ, standing long jump, standing five jump) and speed (20 m from standing and flying start) field tests. For kinematical analysis, a video (SIMI Motion System) of a 10 m sprint from a 20 m flying start was collected.
Results
. Improvement occurred in all measurements but strong changes were evident in the 10 m from 20 flying start and in stride frequency from 3.90 to 4.01 Hz, due to decreasing of ground contact time from 160 to 156 ms. No strong evidence in the participant's running technique changes.
Conclusion
. This proved that six weeks of dynamic type strength program seems to improve neuromuscular characteristics of running speed and explosive power and no changes in running technique.
The Participation of Girls and Boys from Ages 10 to 18 in Structured Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities in the Aspect of Social and Economic Conditions
Authors: Dmitruk Agnieszka , Popławska Helena , GÓrniak Krystyna , Hołub Wojciech
Published: May 2015

Introduction
. The importance of socio-economic factors in differentiating the physical activities of children and teenagers keeps changing. That is why the goal of this research was to identify certain social variables amongst those listed most often which differentiate the level of targeted physical activity of urban children and youths from the Bialskie district.
Material and methods
. The research was conducted on 1.084 students between the ages of 10 and 18. Three age groups were chosen: 10 to 12, 13 to 15, and 16 to 18. Information about the attendance of respondents in Physical Education classes and structured extra-curricular sport activities, as well as preferred forms of physical activities were collected via a diagnostic survey. The same method was used in the assessment of the socio-economic status of the families of the respondents. The relations between attendance in extra-curricular sports activities and socio-economic factors was assessed by a multifactoral logistic regression model, and the statistical relevance of the differences was calculated by the Wald test.
Results
. Attendance in structured extra-curricular physical activity depended mostly on income per family member. In the case of type of work performed by parents, the attendance rate in both boys and girls was higher if the parents performed intellectual work. Parents' education and number of children in the family did not have a high influence on the attendance of respondents in structured extra-curricular sport activities.
Conclusions
. Increasing disproportions in societal prosperity can be an important factor limiting the attendance of the poorest group of children and youths in structured physical activities. The lack of influence on physical activity of such socio-economic variables as parents' education and the number of children in the family can be connected with the change of meaning of those factors in modern society (depreciation of the importance of higher education, decreased fertility).
Natural immunity factors in Polish mixed breed rabbits
Authors: Tokarz-Deptuła B. , Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. , Adamiak M. , Hukowska-Szematowicz B. , Trzeciak-Ryczek A. , Deptuła W.
Published: May 2015

Mixed-breed rabbits in Poland are widely used for diagnostic and scientific research and as utility animals, therefore there is a need to know their immunological status, as well as their haematological status. In this study natural immunity factors were analyzed in Polish mixed-breed rabbits and Polish mixed-breed rabbits with addition of blood of meet-breed, considering the impact of sex and season of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter) using measurement of non-specific cellular and humoral immunity parameters in peripheral blood. The study has revealed that there is a variety between the two commonly used mixed-breed types of rabbits, especially when sex and season is concerned, which is crucial for using these animals in experiments.
Neuropeptide Y as a presynaptic modulator of norepinephrine release from the sympathetic nerve fibers in the pig pineal gland
Authors: Ziółkowska N. , Lewczuk B. , Przybylska-Gornowicz B.
Published: May 2015

Norepinephrine (NE) released from the sympathetic nerve endings is the main neurotransmitter controlling melatonin synthesis in the mammalian pineal gland. Although neuropeptide Y (NPY) co-exists with NE in the pineal sympathetic nerve fibers it also occurs in a population of non-adrenergic nerve fibers located in this gland. The role of NPY in pineal physiology is still enigmatic. The present study characterizes the effect of NPY on the depolarization-evoked3H-NE release from the pig pineal explants.

The explants of the pig pineal gland were loaded with3H-NE in the presence of pargyline and superfused with Tyrode medium. They were exposed twice to the modified Tyrode medium containing 60 mM of K+to evoke the3H-NE release via depolarization. NPY, specific agonists of Y1- and Y2-receptors and pharmacologically active ligands of α2-adrenoceptors were added to the medium before and during the second depolarization. The radioactivity was measured in medium fractions collected every 2 minutes during the superfusion.

NPY (0.1 – 10 μM) significantly decreased the depolarization-induced3H-NE release. Similar effect was observed after the treatment with Y2-agonist: NPY13-36, but not with Y1-agonist: [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY. The tritium overflow was lower in the explants exposed to the 5 μM NPY and 1 μM rauwolscine than to rauwolscine only. The effects of 5 μM NPY and 0.05 μM UK 14,304 on the depolarization-evoked3H-NE release were additive.

The results show that NPY is involved in the regulation of NE release from the sympathetic terminals in the pig pineal gland, inhibiting this process via Y2-receptors.
Effect of humic-plant feed preparations on biochemical blood parameters of laying hens in deep litter housing system
Authors: Bubel F. , Dobrzański Z. , Gaweł A. , Pogoda-Sewerniak K. , Grela E.R.
Published: May 2015

An influence of various humic-plant feed additives based on some herbs (nettle, chamomile, yarrow, perforatum), lucerne and humic materials on biochemical indices of Lohmann Brown (LB) layers blood plasma was estimated. Hens were housed in deep litter system, 20 birds in a group. Four groups were formed: control (C – standard feeding), and experimental, supplemented with preparations: E-1 herbal-humic, E-2 humic-herbal and E-3 – humic-lucerne. Hens were placed in the pens on the 16thweek of life, addition of preparations with standard food mixture started at the 22ndwk and lasted until 66thwk of life. Blood for analyses was collected four times in the following periods: 27, 37, 54 and 65thwk of life. The applied humic-plant preparations to a limited degree affected the values of examined biochemical parameters in serum: total protein (TP), albumins (Albs), glucose (Glu), urea, triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TCh), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It is difficult to determine based on these study, which preparation is one the most active biologically, however is seems that humic-lucerne preparation affected the examined blood parameters to the highest degree. The reference values ranges in hens blood serum LB hens were proposed for: TP (43-65 g/l), Albs (15-22 g/l), urea (0.5-1.2 mmol/l), Glu 10-15 mmol/l), TCh (2.2-4.5 mmol/l), TAG (10-24 mmol/l), AST (4-12 U/l), ALT (150-280 mmol/l) and ALP (190-350 U/l).
Detection of the bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in young beef cattle in eastern and south-eastern regions of Poland
Authors: Wernicki A. , Urban-Chmiel R. , Stęgierska D. , Adaszek Ł. , Kalinowski M. , Puchalski A. , Dec M.
Published: May 2015

In view of the scarcity of information concerning viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infections in beef cattle in Poland, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the BVDV in young beef cattle from selected herds in eastern and south-eastern regions of Poland. The material consisted of 78 sera obtained from beef cattle from 15 farms, aged 6-12 months. The anti-BVDV antibody level in the sera was estimated with an ELISA kit, and detection of the BVDV was carried out by standard PCR and one step Real-Time RT-PCR. The ELISA results showed a high degree (80%) of positivity in 5 of the 78 samples. In 7 samples the degree of positivity was in the very low range: ≤40%. Of the 78 cDNA samples, the presence of genetic material with a length of 288 bp was found by standard PCR in 3 sera. The genetic material of BVDV was also found in the sera of the same three calves by Real-Time HRM PCR. BVDV infection in young beef cattle in south-eastern Poland is not a significant problem. This was confirmed by the positive ELISA results for 6.4% of the animals and the positive PCR results for 3.9%. The percentage of positive beef herds was about 8.6%. However, due to the severe nature of the disease and rapid transmission of the virus, regular monitoring of BVDV should be carried out.
Large granular lymphoma in six cats
Authors: Sapierzyński R. , Jankowska U. , Jagielski D. , Kliczkowska-Klarowicz K.
Published: May 2015

Large granular lymphomas (LGLs) comprise a specific group of lymphomas regardless of classification scheme. An LGL consists of cells that show less or more mature morphology, but typically neoplastic cells possess cytoplasmic azurophilic granules clearly visible during cytological examination. The aim of the present study was to present clinical and cytological data on large granular lymphomas in cats and to analyses the therapeutic responses in treated cases. During the period from 2012 to 2014 six cats were as having large granular lymphoma. In one cat a nasal form of LGL was recognized, a systemic form was recognized in another cat, and in four cases an alimentary form was recognized. Cellular samples for cytopathology were collected from the cat with nasal cavity mass, from the enlarged mandibular lymph node and thoracic cavity from second cat, and in four cats from the abdominal mass during ultrasound-assisted fine-needle biopsy. Therapy was introduced in 5 of the 6 cats. In two cases palliative therapy with glucocorticoids was conducted, in two cases chemotherapy with COP protocol, and therapy with masitinib in one case. The median of survival time for cats treated with anticancer therapy was 9 months, the median of survival time for cats treated with glucocorticoids was 1.5 months. In conclusion, large granular lymphomas, especially the alimentary form, are a relatively common type of lymphoma in cats. Simple diagnostic methods such as clinical examination, imaging techniques and routine cytology are sufficient in majority of cases. Despite aggressive behavior and poor general prognosis, conventional chemotherapy lead to a good response in some treated cats regardless of anatomic form and histologic grade of malignancy.
The splenocyte proliferative response and cytokine secretion in mice after oral administration of commercial gold nanocolloid
Authors: Małaczewska J.
Published: May 2015

Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, gold nanoparticles find numerous biomedical applications. Experiments on rodents prove that the main target organs of gold nanoparticles entering an organism are the liver and spleen, whose reticuloendothelial system removes foreign particles from the bloodstream. Through interactions with resident tissue macrophages, nanoparticles can evoke a systemic immunological response.

The aim of this study has been to determine the effect of oral administration of commercial gold nanocolloid, recommended by the producer inter alia as a dietary supplement, on the proliferative activity and cytokine secretion by murine splenocytes. The colloid was given to the animals in three different doses (0.25, 2.5, 25 ppm), for three different time periods (7, 14, 28 days). The influence of nanogold on splenocyte functions was time-dependent and the various doses were distinguished by distinct modes of action. The lowest dose had a pro-inflammatory or immunostimulating effect, enhancing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). The effect of the highest dose can be considered as a pro-inflammatory, or immunotoxic one, because the stimulated cytokine synthesis was accompanied by a drastic decline in the proliferative activity of lymphocytes. The medium dose, while inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines of macrophages, simultaneously stimulated the proliferation of lymphocytes. All the doses also modulated the synthesis of IL-2, which may implicate their effect on the immunoregulatory mechanisms of an organism. The effect of alimentary administration of gold nanocolloid on the immune system seems to be difficult to predict, hence a risk that this type of dietary supplements might have some adverse impact on the immunity cannot be excluded, especially after their chronic administration.
Cecal enzyme activity in gilts following experimentally induced Fusarium mycotoxicosis
Authors: Śliżewska K. , Nowak A. , Piotrowska M. , Żakowska Z. , Gajęcka M. , Zielonka Ł. , Gajęcki M.
Published: May 2015

The objective of the presented study was to examine the influence ofFusariummycotoxins (zearalenone – ZEN and deoxynivalenol – DON), administered separately and in combination, on the activity of cecal enzymes (β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) in gilts which were fed fodder contaminated with these mycotoxins. The activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase varied in the range of 0.170-1.236 μmol · h−1· mg−1and 8.701-96.704 μmol · h−1· mg−1, respectively. In the first two weeks, the toxins had no significant effect on the activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase in the ascending and descending colon. After week 3 and later on, ZEN and DON administered as a mixture led to the highest increase in the activity of both enzymes. Administered separately, DON affected the activity of enzymes more than ZEN. From the third week of the experiment, an increase in the activity of CW β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase was observed.
The effects of dietary deoxynivalenol (DON) on selected blood biochemical and hematological parameters in pre-pubertal gilts
Authors: Zielonka Ł. , Gajęcka M. , Tarasiuk M. , Gajęcki M.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to low doses of DON leads to changes in serum hematological and biochemical profiles. In the experiment, pre-pubertal gilts (with body weight of up to 25 kg) were administered DON per os at a daily dose of 12 μg/kg BW (group E, n=18) or a placebo (group C, n=21) over a period of 42 days. Blood for analysis was sampled seven times at weekly intervals. Minor, but statistically significant changes were observed in selected indicators, particularly in weeks 2 and 3 in values of biochemical parameters such AlAT, AspAT, Pin and Fe, and in values of hematological parameters such as RBC, MCV, MCHC, PLT, MPV, WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts. In group E, a decreasing trend of the values was observed in most cases, except for RBC, PLT, eosinophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts. Similar results were obtained in the last two weeks of the experiment. Initially, exposure to DON has a stimulating effect, which is eliminated when adaptive mechanisms are triggered. The results of the study indicate that the intensity of biotransformation processes varies subjected to the body's energy resources.
Medicago Scutellata Seed Dormancy Breaking by Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Nazari Meisam , Sharififar Amin , Asghari Hamid Reza
Published: May 2015

In this study dormancy breaking of a hard-coated plant seed, Medicago scutellata, was investigated. The ultrasonic waves effect on the seed germination percentage, germination rate, radicle length and stalk length growth was assessed. Six treatments of waves exposure periods including 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes were tested under laboratorial conditions. Statistical analyses were done at probability level of 0.01. Results revealed that the ultrasonic waves have a significantly positive effect on the seed dormancy breaking, but there was no linear correlation between the increasing times of exposure with any of the growth features. The best treatment for germination percentage and germination rate was the 7-minute one and the 3-minute one was the best for radicle length growth. Treatments of 3, 5 and 7 minutes had the same effect on stalk length growth and were better than all other treatments. The 9-minute treatment had a negative effect, even lessening the growth of all of the assessed features in comparison with the control treatment.
Gene Action and Combing Ability of Some Agronomic Traits in Corn Using Diallel Analysis
Authors: Hossein Haddadi Mohammad , Esmaeilov Maqsadollah , Choukan Rajab , Rameeh Valiollah
Published: May 2015

Combining ability estimates are important genetic attributes to maize breeders in anticipating improvement via hybridization and selection. To determine the combining ability for yield and yield associated traits, 8 diverse corn inbred lines were used in a half diallel mating design. Twenty eight F1 progenies along with their parents were planted in randomized complete block design with four replications in two locations during two years. Combined analysis of variance showed significant mean squares of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combing ability (SCA) for Days to silking emergence (DS), plant height (PH), 1000-kernel weight (KW), number of kernels in ear row (KR), number of rows in ear( NR ) , ear diameter (ED), cob diameter (CD), kernel yield (KY) indicating that the importance of both additive and non additive genetic effects for these traits. However, high narrow-sense heritability estimates, low degree of dominance and the ratio of estimates of GCA to SCA effects for DS , NR and CD indicated that additive genetic effect was more important for these traits. Most of the crosses with significant SCA effects for KY had at least one parent with significant GCA effects for the same traits. Significant positive correlations were detected between KY and other yield components including KW, KR, NR and ED, therefore these traits can be used as indirect selection criteria for KY improvement. The crosses MO17 × Line8, MO17 × Line 10 and MO17 × Line 12, Line 8 × Line 10 and Line 8 × Line 21 with high values of KY were considered as good cross combinations for improving the trait.
Effect of Temperature Regimes on Seed Germination Asafoetida (Ferula Assafoetida L.)
Authors: Zangoie M. , Parsa S. , Mahmoodi M. , Al-Ahmadi M. Jami , Sanjari G.
Published: May 2015

Asafoetida is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Gum obtained from the lower part of the stem and roots of this plant has many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. This plant is subject to extinction in its natural habitats due to over-utilization. Understanding the biology of seed germination can help to restore such degradation by implementing agricultural development programs. The present study is an attempt to determine the germination responses to two temperature regimes (constant and fluctuating) during the course of the study. The experiment was planned based on a factorial-completely randomized design with two factors (constant and fluctuating temperature regimes) at 3 levels each (15, 20 and 25°C) with 4 replications. The results showed that the characteristics of germination in asafoetida were significantly improved under the fluctuating temperature as compared with the constant regime. It showed a mean germination time of 1.88 days for the fluctuating regime, while it was 4.88 days for the constant regime. The same results were found on germination rates in favor of fluctuating (0.62 per day) in comparison with constant regime (0.33 per day). Under the fluctuating regime, the lowest level of imposed temperature (daily application of 10 and 20 degree during the first and the second 12 hours, respectively) was the best for seed germination in this experiment.
Studying Sea Waterway System with the Aid of Computer Simulation Methods
Authors: Gucma Stanisław
Published: May 2015

The article presents a systematic approach to studying sea waterways. Relations between the parameters of sea waterway system elements and the conditions of safe ship operation are determined. Principles of formulation of the simulation experiment research process in the sea waterway system design process at the preliminary and detailed design stages are defined.
An Approximate Method for Calculation of Mean Statistical Value of Ship Service Speed on a Given Shipping Line , Useful in Preliminary Design Stage
Authors: Żelazny Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

During ship design, its service speed is one of the crucial parameters which decide on future economic effects. As sufficiently exact calculation methods applicable to preliminary design stage are lacking the so called contract speed which a ship reaches in calm water is usually applied. In the paper [11] a parametric method for calculation of total ship resistance in actual weather conditions (wind, waves, sea current), was presented. This paper presents a parametric model of ship propulsion system (screw propeller - propulsion engine) as well as a calculation method, based on both models, of mean statistical value of ship service speed in seasonal weather conditions occurring on shipping lines. The method makes use of only basic design parameters and may be applied in preliminary design stage.
Exhaust Gas Temperature Measurements in Diagnostics of Turbocharged Marine Internal Combustion Engines Part I Standard Measurements
Authors: Korczewski Zbigniew
Published: May 2015

The article discusses the problem of diagnostic informativeness of exhaust gas temperature measurements in turbocharged marine internal combustion engines. Theoretical principles of the process of exhaust gas flow in turbocharger inlet channels are analysed in its dynamic and energetic aspects. Diagnostic parameters are defined which enable to formulate general evaluation of technical condition of the engine based on standard online measurements of the exhaust gas temperature. A proposal is made to extend the parametric methods of diagnosing workspaces in turbocharged marine engines by analysing time-histories of enthalpy changes of the exhaust gas flowing to the turbocompressor turbine. Such a time-history can be worked out based on dynamic measurements of the exhaust gas temperature, performed using a specially designed sheathed thermocouple.

The first part of the article discusses possibilities to perform diagnostic inference about technical condition of a marine engine with pulse turbocharging system based on standard measurements of exhaust gas temperature in characteristic control cross-sections of its thermal and flow system. Selected metrological issues of online exhaust gas temperature measurements in those engines are discusses in detail, with special attention being focused on the observed disturbances and thermodynamic interpretation of the recorded measuring signal. Diagnostic informativeness of the exhaust gas temperature measurements performed in steady-state conditions of engine operation is analysed in the context of possible evaluations of technical condition of the engine workspaces, the injection system, and the fuel delivery process.
Bryozoan internal moulds from the La Meseta Formation (Eocene) of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Hara Urszula
Published: May 2015

The loose, small zooecia of the cheilostome bryozoans have been discovered in the lowermost part of the LaMeseta Formation on Seymour (Marambio) Island. They systemati− cally include the representatives of Beanidae Canu et Bassler, Catenicellidae Busk, Savi− gnyellidae Levinsen, and Calwelliidae MacGillivray. The bryozoan assemblage is comprised of separate, small−sized internal moulds dominated by distinct, boat−shaped zooecia belonging to Beania, scarce, unizooidal internodes tentatively included into a ditaxiporine catenicellid ?Vasignyella, and representative of the family Savignyellidae. A few branched segments composed of multiserial zooecia arranged back to back were tentatively incorporated into ?Malakosaria. Beania, marks the oldest fossil record, whereas representatives of Savignyelli− dae along with ditaxiporine catenicellid and ?Malakosaria are for the first time reported from Antarctica. The relationship between the taxonomic composition, colony growth−patterns rep− resented by membraniporiform/petraliform, catenicelliform and cellariform, along with asso− ciated biota and sedimentary structures of the LaMeseta Formation implies nearshore environ− ment, with considerable wave action, and warm climatic conditions.
New Developments in Publishing Related to Authorship
Authors: Donev Doncho
Published: May 2015

Aim: To present the inappropriate types of authorship and practice, and the most recent developments related to basic principles and criteria to a fair system for allocating authorship in scientific publications.

Methods: An analysis of relevant materials and documents, sources from the internet and published literature and personal experience and observations of the author.

Results: Working in multidisciplinary teams is a common feature of modern research processes. The most sensitive question is how to decide on who to acknowledge as author of a multi-authored publication. The pertinence of this question is growing with the increasing importance of individual scientists' publication records for professional status and career. However, discussions about authorship allocation might lead to serious conflicts and disputes among coworkers which could even endanger cooperation and successful completion of a research project. It seems that discussion and education about ethical standards and practical guidelines for fairly allocating authorship are insufficient and the question of ethical practices related to authorship in multi-authored publications remains generally unresolved.

Conclusion: It is necessary to work for raising awareness about the importance and need for education about principles of scientific communication and fair allocation of authorship, ethics of research and publication of results. The use of various forms of education in the scientific community, especially young researchers and students, in order to create an ethical environment, is one of the most effective ways to prevent the emergence of scientific and publication dishonesty and fraud, including pathology of authorship.
Current Biomedical Scientific Impact (2013) of Institutions, Academic Journals and Researchers in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Spiroski Mirko
Published: May 2015

Aim: To analyse current ranking (2013) of institutions, journals and researchers in the Republic of Macedonia.

Material and Methods: the country rankings of R. Macedonia were analyzed with SCImago Country & Journal Rank (SJR) for subject area Medicine in the years 1996-2013, and ordered by H-index. SCImago Institutions Rankings for 2013 was used for the scientific impact of biomedical institutions in the Republic of Macedonia. Journal metrics from Elsevier for the Macedonian scholarly journals for the period 2009-2013 were performed. Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP), the Impact per Publication (IPP), and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) were analysed. Macedonian scholarly biomedical journals included in Google Scholar metrics (2013, 2012) were analysed with h5-index and h5-median (June 2014). A semantic analysis of the PubMed database was performed with GoPubMed on November 2, 2014 in order to identify published papers from the field of biomedical sciences affiliated with the country of Macedonia. Harzing's Publish or Perish software was used for author impact analysis and the calculation of the Hirsh-index based on Google Scholar query.

Results: The rank of subject area Medicine of R. Macedonia according to the SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) is 110th in the world and 17th in Eastern Europe. Of 20 universities in Macedonia, only Ss Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, and the University St Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, are listed in the SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) for 2013. A very small number of Macedonian scholarly journals is included in Web of Sciences (2), PubMed (1), PubMed Central (1), SCOPUS (6), SCImago (6), and Google Scholar metrics (6). The rank of Hirsh index (h-index) was different from the rank of number of abstracts indexed in PubMed for the top 20 authors from R. Macedonia.

Conclusion: The current biomedical scientific impact (2013) of institutions, academic journals and researchers in R. Macedonia is very low. There is an urgent need for organized measures to improve the quality and output of institutions, scholarly journals, and researchers in R. Macedonia in order to achieve higher international standards.