bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conventional versus ultrasound and microwave assisted synthesis: Some new environmentally friendly functionalized picolinium-based ionic liquids with potential antibacterial activity
Authors: Messali Mouslim
Published: October 2015

A green chemistry approach has been adopted for the synthesis of thirty-four new picolinium-based ionic liquids using microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) irradiation as well as conventional thermal heating. Their structures were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 11B NMR, 19F NMR, 31P NMR, mass spectra and elemental analyses. The antimicrobial profile of the novel ionic liquids was evaluated and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed their moderate to low antimicrobial activity against eight types of human pathogens.
Use Of The Prebiotic Inulin In The Prevention Of Adverse Signs Of Acute Colitis
Authors: Emília Hijová , Alena Śoltésová , Rastislav Salaj , Jozef Kuzma , Ladislav Strojný , Alojz Bomba
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prebiotic inulin diet intervention on the activity of β-glucuronidase and counts of coliforms and lactobacilli in fresh caecal digesta, cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8) and transcription nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkB) activities in the colon tissue and blood samples of rats with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced acute colitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 per group) were randomly divided into three groups: Control, Acute colitis and Prebiotic. Colitis was induced using 5% DSS in drinking water for 7d. DSS application significantly increased the activity of β-glucuronidase (p<0.001), increased counts of coliform bacteria and decreased lactobacilli count (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group. Serum and tissue levels of IL-6 and IL-8 as well as tissue NFkB activities showed an increased expression in the acute colitis group. These results correspond to the average value of the disease activity index score (DAI) and revealed the maximum DAI score (6.5) in the acute colitis group. A decrease in the DAI score (4.13) was observed after application of the prebiotic inulin. Inulin diet intervention positively modified the number of microorganims and decreased β-glucuronidase activity. Colon tissue activities of NFkB were significantly suppressed (p<0.001). The synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p<0.01) in the serum and in the colon tissue, as well as tissue IL-8 (p<0.05) in the prebiotic group were downregulated. These findings indicate that the dietary intake of inulin suppressed the expression of the observed markers, which play an important role in the inflammatory process, which predisposes to the use of inulin in the prevention or treatment of acute colitis in human and veterinary medicine.
Influence Of Marination On Salmonella Spp. Growth In Broiler Breast Fillets
Authors: Tatjana Baltić , Milan Baltić Ž. , Dušan Mišić , Jelena Ivanović , Jelena Janjić , Marija Bošković , Marija Dokmanović
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of marination, on the growth of Salmonella spp. in contaminated broiler breast fillets during storage. In the conducted study, broiler breast fillets were inoculated with a cocktail of different Salmonella strains and afterwards marinated in different solutions of table salt, sodium tripolyphosphate and/or sodium citrate. The total count of Salmonella spp. was examined on the 0, 3rd, 6th and 9th day of storage. Broiler breast fillets salted in 6% solution of table salt were used as the control. Proximate composition and salt content, pH value and aw value, were determined as the meat quality parameters and parameters which can affect environmental conditions for bacterial growth, as well. Compared to initial contamination, Salmonella spp. count in marinated and salted fillets did not change significantly (p<0.001) until the 3rd and 6th day of storage, respectively, but it increased significantly on the 9th day of storage. Marination of broiler breast fillets in different solutions of table salt, sodium tripolyphosphate and/or sodium citrate had a significant influence(p<0.05; p<0.01) on pH and aw value, moisture, ash and salt content in marinated broiler meat, but there was no significant influence (p>0.05) on protein and fat content in broiler meat. According to the results obtained it can be concluded that marination of broiler breast fillets in solutions containing table salt, sodium trpolyphosphate and/or citrate, in some way, can prolongate the lag phase of Salmonella spp. growth, where sodium citrate is more effective than sodium tripolyphosphate.
Immediate And Retention Effects Of Teaching Games For Understanding Approach On Basketball Knowledge
Authors: Olosová Gabriela , Zapletalová Ludmila
Published: October 2015

Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) links tactics and skills by emphasizing the appropriate timing and application within the tactical context of the game. It has been linked to the development of enhanced tactical knowledge. The purpose of the study was to determine immediate and delayed effects of TGfU on procedural and declarative knowledge of basketball and to compare it with a technical approach. Experimental group (EG) (11 fifth graders + 18 sixth graders) was taught by TGfU and a control group (CG) (16 fifth graders + 24 sixth graders) was taught by a technical approach for 8 weeks in Physical Education (PE) classes, both. A written test was constructed to evaluate pupils’ declarative and procedural knowledge of basketball. The test was applied after the intervention to determine immediate effects and 8 months after the intervention to determine retention effects of the experimental programme. Shapiro-Wilk test, Wilcoxon T-test, Man-Whitney U-test were used for statistical analysis of obtained data. Cohen’s d was used to calculate effect size. Generally basketball knowledge was better in EG than in CG after the intervention (p<0.05) what confirms moderate effect size. When declarative and procedural knowledge were analysed separately there was no significant difference between EG and CG. Nevertheless, moderate effect sizes indicate that the data are particularly meaningful in terms of school practice. Retention effects of both approaches were similar. Total knowledge and declarative knowledge were worse after 8 months than immediately after the intervention in both groups (p<0.01). In both groups, there was no significant difference in procedural knowledge between the test written immediately after the intervention and 8 months later. Differences of changes were not significant between the groups.
Physical Characteristics Of Female Basketball Players According To Playing Position
Authors: Kucsa Richard , Mačura Peter
Published: October 2015

Physical characteristics play an important role in the selection of young basketball players and the progress in their playing performance. The aim of the study was to analyze differences in chosen physical characteristics of Slovak U17 female basketball players with respect to their playing positions. We assumed, that there will be statistically significant differences between playing positions in each performance tests results. Chosen characteristics were analyzed for 14 players (mean/SD, age 16.34±0.82; body height 179.72±8.04 cm; body weight 67.62±7.10 kg; body fat 16.59±2.04 %; VO2max 46.20±4.71 ml.kg−1.min−1) according to their playing positions (guard, forward, center). Five specific performance tests for each player were conducted as a 3/4 Basketball court sprint, 10 × 5m Shuttle test, Lane agility drill, No-step vertical jump and Maximum vertical jump. The differences in tests results by playing positions were evaluated by one-way ANOVA. There were no significant differences found in results of chosen performance tests between playing positions (p>.05). In spite of fact, that there were no significant differences, we found interesting results between playing positions in physical characteristics. Guards had better results in speed (3.73±0.16 s), quickness (17.43±0.56 s) and both lower-body power tests (47.16±3.06 cm; 57.00±3.40 cm) than forwards and centers. Forwards had the best results in agility test (12.54±0.43 s). The results of this study produce useful information about physical characteristics of young basketball players according to their playing position and help to diagnose and improve their performance.
On The Continuous Dependence Of Solutions To Orthogonal Additivity Problem On Given Functions
Authors: Baron Karol
Published: October 2015

We show that the solution to the orthogonal additivity problem in real inner product spaces depends continuously on the given function and provide an application of this fact.
Gamma Graphs Of Some Special Classes Of Trees
Authors: Bień Anna
Published: October 2015

A set S ⊂ V is a dominating set of a graph G = (V, E) if every vertex υ ∈ V which does not belong to S has a neighbour in S. The domination number γ(G) of the graph G is the minimum cardinality of a dominating set in G. A dominating set S is a γ-set in G if |S| = γ(G).

Some graphs have exponentially many γ-sets, hence it is worth to ask a question if a γ-set can be obtained by some transformations from another γ-set. The study of gamma graphs is an answer to this reconfiguration problem. We give a partial answer to the question which graphs are gamma graphs of trees. In the second section gamma graphs γ.T of trees with diameter not greater than five will be presented. It will be shown that hypercubes Qk
are among γ.T graphs. In the third section γ.T graphs of certain trees with three pendant vertices will be analysed. Additionally, some observations on the diameter of gamma graphs will be presented, in response to an open question, published by Fricke et al., if diam(T (γ)) = O(n)?
Mixed Type Of Additive And Quintic Functional Equations
Authors: Bodaghi Abasalt , Narasimman Pasupathi , Ravi Krishnan , Shojaee Behrouz
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we investigate the general solution and Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability of a new mixed type of additive and quintic functional equation of the form

f

(

3
x
+
y

)

−
5
f

(

2
x
+
y

)

+
f

(

2
x
−
y

)

+
10
f

(

x
+
y

)

−
5
f

(

x
−
y

)

=
10
f

(
y
)

+
4
f

(

2
x

)

−
8
f

(
x
)

$$f\left( {3x + y} \right) - 5f\left( {2x + y} \right) + f\left( {2x - y} \right) + 10f\left( {x + y} \right) - 5f\left( {x - y} \right) = 10f\left( y \right) + 4f\left( {2x} \right) - 8f\left( x \right)$$

in the set of real numbers.
Conditions for the use of infrared camera diagnostics in energy auditing of the objects exposed to open air space at isothermal sky
Authors: Kruczek Tadeusz
Published: October 2015

Convective and radiation heat transfer take place between various objects placed in open air space and their surroundings. These phenomena bring about heat losses from pipelines, building walls, roofs and other objects. One of the main tasks in energy auditing is the reduction of excessive heat losses. In the case of a low sky temperature, the radiation heat exchange is very intensive and the temperature of the top part of the horizontal pipelines or walls is lower than the temperature of their bottom parts. Quite often this temperature is also lower than the temperature of the surrounding atmospheric air. In the case of overhead heat pipelines placed in open air space, it is the ground and sky that constitute the surroundings. The aforementioned elements of surroundings usually have different values of temperature. Thus, these circumstances bring about difficulties during infrared inspections because only one ambient temperature which represents radiation of all surrounding elements must be known during the thermovision measurements. This work is aimed at the development of a method for determination of an equivalent ambient temperature representing the thermal radiation of the surrounding elements of the object under consideration placed in open air space, which could be applied at a fairly uniform temperature of the sky during the thermovision measurements as well as for the calculation of radiative heat losses.
Energy and economic analysis of the carbon dioxide capture installation with the use of monoethanolamine and ammonia
Authors: Bochon Krzysztof , Chmielniak Tadeusz
Published: October 2015

In the study an accurate energy and economic analysis of the carbon capture installation was carried out. Chemical absorption with the use of monoethanolamine (MEA) and ammonia was adopted as the technology of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture from flue gases. The energy analysis was performed using a commercial software package to analyze the chemical processes. In the case of MEA, the demand for regeneration heat was about 3.5 MJ/kg of CO2, whereas for ammonia it totalled 2 MJ/kg CO2. The economic analysis was based on the net present value (NPV) method. The limit price for CO2emissions allowances at which the investment project becomes profitable (NPV = 0) was more than 160 PLN/Mg for MEA and less than 150 PLN/Mg for ammonia. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out to determine the limit price of CO2emissions allowances depending on electricity generation costs at different values of investment expenditures.
Liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of ten tetracycline residues in muscle samples
Authors: Gajda Anna , Posyniak Andrzej
Published: October 2015

A liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of oxytetracycline (OTC), 4-epi oxytetracycline (4-epi OTC), tetracycline (TC), 4-epi tetracycline (4-epi TC), chlortetracycline (CTC), 4-epi chlortetracycline (4-epi CTC), doxycycline (DC), minocycline (MINO), methacycline (META) and rolitetracycline (ROLI) residues in muscles was developed. The procedure consisted of an oxalic acid extraction followed by protein removal with trichloroacetic acid. Further solid phase clean-up on polymeric (Strata X) reversed phase columns was performed to obtain an extract suitable for LC-MS/MS analysis. The tetracyclines were separated on a C 18 analytical column with mobile phase consisting of 0.01% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.01% formic acid in water in gradient mode. The method was validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The recoveries of all target compounds were 91.8% – 103.6%. The decision limits were from 109.0 to 119.8 μg/kg and detection capability varied within the range of 122.2 to 137.6 μg/kg, depending on the analyte.
ELISA validation and determination of cut-off level for chloramphenicol residues in honey
Authors: Biernacki Bogumił
Published: October 2015

An analytical validation of a screening ELISA for detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in honey was conducted according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Guidelines for the Validation of Screening Methods for Residues of Veterinary Medicines. The analyte was extracted from honey with a water and ethyl acetate mixture, and CAP concentrations were measured photometrically at 450 nm. The recovery rate of the analyte from spiked samples was 79%. The cut-off level of CAP in honey as the minimum recovery (0.17 units) was established. Detection capability (CCβ) was fixed at 0.25 μg kg−1. No relevant interferences between matrix effects and structurally related substances including florfenicol and thiamphenicol were observed. The ELISA method should be useful for determination of CAP residues in honey monitoring.
Indirect relationship between lipophilicity and maximum residue limit of drugs determined for fatty tissue
Authors: Marczak Monika , Okoniewska Krystyna Marta , Okoniewski Jakub , Grabowski Tomasz , Jaroszewski Jerzy Jan
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between lipophilicity and maximum residue limit (MRL) value specified for veterinary drugs in the fatty tissue of various animal species. The analysis was performed on a group of 73 compounds with different modes of action and MRL values determined for the fatty tissue of animals. Additionally, the logarithm of water/organic phase partition ratio (LogP) and the ratio of ionised and unionised substance in buffer with pH 7.4 (LogD7.4) were calculated. The main analysis was performed after the division of the whole group into six fractions. The linear correlation and regression analysis were used to determine the indirect relationship between the mean arithmetic value of LogP or LogD7.4 in selected fractions and related LogMRL of the drugs tested. The calculations revealed a linear correlation between fractioned lipophilicity and LogMRL values for the analysed compounds. The existence of indirect relationship between lipophilicity and MRL values determined for fatty tissue was confirmed.
Total antioxidative capacity and zinc concentration in dogs suffering from perianal tumours
Authors: Brodzki Adam , Brodzki Piotr , Tatara Marcin R. , Kostro Krzysztof
Published: October 2015

The aim of the study was to determine total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and zinc concentration in serum of dogs suffering from perianal tumours just before the start of the antihormonal treatment (AHT) and one and six months later. The study was performed on 45 dogs divided into two groups: control group suffering from non-malignant tumours (N = 24) and a group with malignant neoplastic changes (N = 21). Serum TAC and zinc concentrations were measured using photometric and atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods. Six months after the start of the AHT, TAC was significantly lower by 10.6% in dogs with malignant tumours when compared to controls (P = 0.03). In the non-malignant group, serum zinc concentration was higher before the treatment than in the malignant group, while the opposite results were observed six months later (P < 0.001). In the non-malignant group, gradually decreasing values of serum zinc concentration at each stage of the investigation were observed, while the opposite results were obtained in the malignant group (P < 0.05). The obtained results indicate that malignant neoplastic process is associated with significantly reduced TAC. Determination of serum zinc concentration in dogs with non-malignant and malignant perianal tumours may have practical diagnostic and prognostic values and may serve towards increasing the effectiveness of AHT monitoring.
Review of animal models used to study effects of bee products on wound healing: findings and applications
Authors: Hananeh Wael M. , Ismail Zuhair Bani , Alshehabat Musa A. , Ali Ja’afar
Published: October 2015

Non-healing wounds are associated with high morbidity and might greatly impact a patient’s well-being and economic status. For many years, scientific research has focused on developing and testing several natural and synthetic materials that enhance the rate of wound healing or eliminate healing complications. Honey has been used for thousands of years as a traditional remedy for many ailments. Recently, honey has reemerged as a promising wound care product especially for infected wounds and for wounds in diabetic patients. In addition to its proposed potent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, honey has been claimed to promote wound healing by reducing wound hyperaemia, oedema, and exudate, and by stimulating angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation and epithelialisation. Several animal models, including large animals, dogs and cats, and different species of laboratory animals have been used to investigate the efficacy and safety of various natural and synthetic agents for wound healing enhancement. Interpreting the results obtained by these studies is, however, rather difficult and usually hampered by many limiting factors including great variation in types and origins of honey, the type of animal species used as models, the type of wounds, the number of animals, the number and type of controls, and variation in treatment protocols. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the most recent findings and applications of published experimental and clinical trials using honey as an agent for wound healing enhancement in different animal models.
The Common European Framework of Reference down under: A survey of its use and non-use in Australian universities
Authors: Normand-Marconnet Nadine , Lo Bianco Joseph
Published: October 2015

Today, the
The habitat factor in ELF(A) – English as a Lingua Franca (in Academic settings) – and English for Plurilingual Academic Purposes
Authors: Schaller-Schwaner Iris
Published: October 2015

This article considers a case of local language socialization and accommodation in a multilingual community of practice: the use of English as an additional academic language for specific purposes at a bilingual Swiss university and its implications for teaching. The acronym ELF(A) is used throughout as short for English as a Lingua Franca (in Academic settings). The bilingual university’s multilingual habitat also shapes the kind of ELF(A) used and this has in turn informed the teaching of English for Plurilingual Academic Purposes (EPAP). The discussion draws on both ethnographic research carried out in multilingual disciplinary speech events and on the author’s simultaneous and continuing experience of developing and teaching English for academic purposes (EAP). It focuses on an oral presentation to a life science journal club made by a multilingual doctoral student socialized into the use of English almost exclusively in the ELF(A) habitat. Using the plurilingual repertoire to sustain “code-sharing” lingua franca mode, one of the habitat’s most striking effects is the effort users are willing to expend in striving for autonomous functionality in their Englishes without overt switching, while simultaneously relying on their audience’s multilingual flexibility and shared disciplinary knowledge, e.g. in the pronunciation of technical terminology. The habitat of a multilingual community of practice that assumes responsibility for its novices’ language socialization in an additional medium is thus a supportive factor empowering junior scientists to function in English. To the extent that the habitat factor contains a limiting dimension of context dependence, however, teaching EPAP should also target speakers’ (potential) needs for spoken academic language use elsewhere.
Enhanced awareness and its translation into action: A case study of one learner’s self-directed language learning experience
Authors: Watkins Satoko
Published: October 2015

The fostering of learner autonomy has become an essential element of modern pedagogy and an established object of research. There are many difficulties in providing evidence of learners’ development towards autonomy, however, since it is not measurable in a traditional sense. As a learning advisor (LA) at a private language university in Japan, I have worked closely with individual language learners who take our module designed to foster learner autonomy via the practice of self-directed language learning (SDLL). This article uses a case study of one particular learner’s SDLL experience to introduce an approach to documenting the development of learner autonomy that draws on document analysis and narrative inquiry. I first introduce a SDLL assessment rubric that allowed me to classify and analyze three kinds of data: narrative accounts of the learner’s seven-week learning journal, recordings of three advising sessions with an LA, and the learner’s final report. With reference to her achievement of the learning outcomes in the assessment rubric, I then portray the learner’s development of awareness and her response to her enhanced awareness in her particular learning context.
On The Effect Of Image Brightness And Contrast Nonuniformity On Statistical Texture Parameters
Authors: Materka Andrzej , Strzelecki Michał
Published: October 2015

Computerized texture analysis characterizes spatial patterns of image intensity, which originate in the structure of tissues. However, a number of texture descriptors also depend on local average image intensity and/or contrast. This variations, known as image nonuniformity (inhomogeneity) artefacts often occur, e.g. in MRI. Their presence may lead to errors in tissue description. This unwanted effect is explained in this paper using statistical texture descriptors applied for MRI slices of a normal and fibrotic liver. To reduce the errors, correction of image spatial nonuniformity prior to texture analysis is performed. The issue of sensitivity of popular texture parameters to image nonuniformities is discussed. It is illustrated by classification examples of natural Brodatz textures, digitally modified to account for inhomogeneities – modeled as smooth variations of image intensity and contrast. A set of texture features is identified which represent certain immunity to image inhomogeneities.
Role Of Vitamin D And Adipose Tissue Hormones In Women With Reproductive Disorders
Authors: Nyagolova Presiyana V. , Mitkov Mitko D. , Orbetsova Maria M.
Published: October 2015

The role of vitamin D beyond that it plays in bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis has been lately quite emphasized. In this respect, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and reproductive disorders. Growing evidence has suggested that vitamin D deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and the development of metabolic disorders in the polycystic ovary syndrome. The goal of the review is to present contemporary concepts of the relationship between hormones affecting the metabolic body status, serum vitamin D levels and the reproductive function.
Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Complex Genetic Disorder
Authors: Ivanov Hristo Y. , Stoyanova Vili K. , Popov Nikolay T. , Vachev Tihomir I.
Published: October 2015

Autism spectrum disorder is an entity that reflects a scientific consensus that several previously separated disorders are actually a single spectrum disorder with different levels of symptom severity in two core domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and because of its increased prevalence, reported worldwide through the last years, made it one of the most discussed child psychiatric disorders. In term of aetiology as several other complex diseases, Autism spectrum disorder is considered to have a strong genetic component.
Selection Of The Optimal Level Of Distal Fixation For Correction Of Scheuermann’s Hyperkyphosis
Authors: Mikhaylovskiy Mikhail V. , Sorokin Artem N. , Novikov Vjacheslav V. , Vasyura Alexander S.
Published: October 2015

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of the method for selecting the distal level of fusion in treatment of thoracic hyperkyphosis in patients with Scheuermann’s disease.

Background:The fusion area needs to include all the kyphotic deformity in Scheuermann patients; however, precise levels of the distal fixation have not been determined yet.

StudyDesign:Retrospective cohort review.

Materials and methods:Thirty-six patients were operated in the Department of Children and Adolescent Spine Pathology between 2007 and 2010. These patients were divided into two groups: in group I (n = 29) a lower instrumented vertebra corresponded to the sagittal stable one and in group II (n = 7) - this vertebra located proximally.

Results:The mean preoperative kyphosis was 79.3° ± 11.6°, the postoperative – 40.6° ± 11.9° (correction of 49.9%), loss of correction was 4.9° ± 7.0°. Sagittal balance changed from −0.3 ± 3.2 cm before surgery to −1.7 ± 2.1 cm after surgery. Distal junctional kyphosis developed in 1 case (4%) in Group I, and in 5 cases (71%) in Group II.

Conclusion:A distal level of instrumentation ending at the first lordotic vertebra is not justified and causes violation of sagittal balance and development of distal junctional kyphosis. The inclusion of a sagittal stable vertebra in fusion prevents the development of this undesirable situation.
Morphological Study Of Border Area Of Pulp-Capping Materials And Er:YAG Laser Prepared Hard Dental Surface
Authors: Stefanova Vessela P. , Tomov Georgi T. , Tsanova Snezhana Ts.
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Vital pulp therapy involves biologically based therapeutic activities aimed at restoring health and preserving the vitality of cariously or traumatically damaged pulp. Adaptation of pulp-capping materials to the prepared tooth surface may be the key to the success of biological tooth treatment.

Aim: To investigate the area of adaptation of synthetic tricalcium silicate cement, calcium hydroxide cement and mineral trioxide-aggregate to the dentin surface, prepared with the help of Er:YAG dental laser.

Material and methods: Four extracted human tooth cavities were prepared with the help of Er:YAG dental laser (LiteTouch, Syneron, Israel), establishing microcommunication with the pulp chamber less than 1 mm in diameter. As pulp-capping materials in the cavities we used tricalcium silicate cement (Biodentine, Septodont, France), calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal) and mineral-trioxide aggregate (ProRoot MTA), stirred and administered according to manufacturers’ instructions. The first material fills the whole cavity and the other two are spread in a thin layer and sealed with glass ionomer cement. Thus prepared, the samples were left for three days at 37°C in humidified environment. The samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) by standard methodology. The border area surfaces of the materials and the dentin were scanned using electron microscopy.

Results: The morphological changes occurring to the Er:YAG laser prepared dentin and the structural characteristics of the studied pulp-capping materials are demonstrated using scanograms. The border areas where good contact of materials and dentinal tubules is established are thoroughly studied. Good adaptation is seen in three-calcium silicate cement, followed by mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide cement.

Conclusion: The dentin surface, prepared with Er:YAG laser demonstrates a very good adaptation of the three tested pulp-capping materials.
Some Analytic Expressions for the Capacitance and Profiles of the Electric Double Layer Formed by Ions Near an Electrode
Authors: Henderson Douglas
Published: October 2015

The electric double layer, which is of practical importance, is described. Two theories that yield analytic results, the venerable Poisson-Boltzmann or Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory and the more recent mean spherical approximation, are discussed. The Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory fails to account for the size of the ions nor for correlations amoung the ions. The mean spherical approximation overcomes, to some extent, these deficiencies but is applicable only for small electrode charge. A hybrid description that overcomes some of these problems is presented. While not perfect, it gives results for the differential capacitance that are typical of those of an ionic liquid. In particular, the differential capacitance can pass from having a double hump at low concentrations to a single hump at high concentrations.
Comparison of two Variable Interpolation Methods for Predicting the Vapour Pressure of Aqueous Glycerol Solutions
Authors: Szalkai István , Sebestyén Attila , Della-Vecchia Biancamaria , Kristóf Tamás , Kótai László , Bódi Ferenc
Published: October 2015

Several general mathematical methods for approximating two variable functions are applied for the study of the relationships between the temperature, concentration, and vapour pressure of aqueous glycerol solutions. The general properties of each of the applied methods are discussed in respect of possible alternative applications.
A Study of the Adsorption Characteristics of Cobalt and Caesium from a Solution by Using Vietnamese Bentonite
Authors: Cuong Le Phuoc , Giang Pham Hoang , Hanh Bui Dang , Bátor Gergő
Published: October 2015

The radioactive waste produced from the construction of a nuclear power plant is a controversial topic. The resulting radioactive waste contains 60Co and 137Cs isotopes that are the most difficult to remove. Bentonite is widely used as an adsorbent for heavy metals. An important factor is the safe operation of waste management at a nuclear power plant to be built in Vietnam. Therefore, a method of degrading complexes of radionuclides and the adsorption of radionuclides onto Vietnamese Bentonite was implemented in this study. In current literature, UV radiation and heating with oxidising substances are used in general for degrading complexes of radionuclides. The experimental results for the adsorption of Co(II) and Cs+ onto VNB suggest that VNB can be used in the future for large-scale liquid waste treatment due to its low cost, high efficiency, and environmentally friendliness.
Barriers to Screening and Possibilities for Active Detection of Family Medicine Attendees Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Kopčavar Guček Nena , Petek Davorina , Švab Igor , selič Polona
Published: October 2015

Introduction

In 1996 the World Health Organization declared intimate partner violence (IPV) the most important public health problem. Meta-analyses in 2013 showed every third female globally had been a victim of violence. Experts find screening controversial; family medicine is the preferred environment for identifying victims of violence, but barriers on both sides prevent patients from discussing it with doctors.

Methods

In July 2014, a qualitative study was performed through semi-structured interviews with ten family doctors of different ages and gender, working in rural or urban environments. Sound recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and the record verified. The data were interpreted using content analysis. A coding scheme was developed and later verified and analysed by two independent researchers. The text of the interviews was analysed according to the coding scheme.

Results

Two coding schemes were developed: one for screening, and the other for the active detection of IPV. The main themes emerging as barriers to screening were lack of time, staff turnover, inadequate finance, ignorance of a clear definition, poor commitment to screening, obligatory follow-up, risk of deterioration of the doctor-patient relationship, and insincerity on the part of the patient. Additionally, cultural aspects of violence, uncertainty/helplessness, fear, lack of competence and qualifications, autonomy/negative experience, and passive role/stigma/fear on the part of the patients were barriers to active detection.

Conclusion

All the participating doctors had had previous experience with active detection of IPV and were aware of its importance. Due to several barriers to screening for violence they preferred active detection.
General and Specific Culture Learning in EFL Textbooks Aimed at Adult Learners in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio R. Raigón , Espinar Ángela Mª Larrea
Published: October 2015

Since language teaching in modern-day society is closely linked to cultural instruction, this study employs the model of a cultural learning analysis based on the earlier work of Paige and Lee. Using this model, the authors analysed the cultural content of six B1 and B2-level textbooks for teaching English to adults in Spain, and carried out a comparative study of the results, contrasting the two levels. Findings show that the subjective aspects of culture receive less coverage in textbooks, despite being fundamental to an understanding of the values of a society. Regarding the comparison between B1 and B2 levels, the data indicate that the number of big “C” Culture occurrences is similar for both levels, although there are differences in other cultural aspects. So, for example, culture in general is dealt with more at the B1 level, whereas small “c” culture is dealt with more at the B2 level.
Changes in oxidative damage and antioxidant enzyme activities of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars exposed to rewarming upon freezing stress / Donma stresi üzerine yeniden sıcaklık artışına maruz kalmış arpa (Hordeum vulgare L.) çeşitlerinin antioksidan enzim aktivitelerinde ve oksidatif zararında değişimler
Authors: Erkal Nilüfer Afşar , Kayıhan Ceyhun , Öktem Hüseyin Avni , Yücel Meral , Eyidoğan Füsun
Published: October 2015

Objective: The growth of plants during recovery period after freezing stress is more important for winter cereals to survive frost. However, little research has been done on physio-biochemical changes in response to recovery or rewarming conditions in cereals. In this study, the changes in oxidative stress intensities and antioxidant enzyme activities were thus examined under cold acclimation (CA), short-term freezing stress (F) and rewarming (R) conditions in barley cultivars differing in cold tolerance in order to assess the changes in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging system.

Methods: Electrolyte leakage, Fv/Fm ratio (quantum efficiency of PSII), the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and free proline as well as the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured in leaf and root tissues of spring- (Zafer-160) and winter- (Tarm-92) type barley cultivars.

Results: A corresponding increase in the free proline content and activities of APX and GR, the levels of Fv/Fm ratio, electrolyte leakage and the contents of MDA and H2O2 remained unchanged for the leaves of both cold-acclimated barley cultivars. Decreased CAT activity was compansated by increased APX activity following F treatment in the leaves of both cultivars. On the other hand, F treatment caused a significant decrease in activities of APX, GR and CAT in the root tissues of both cultivars. After the R period was complete, the APX and GR activities were determined at maximum level in leaf tissues of both cultivars. It may be verified as lesser accumulation of H2O2 in rewarmed Tarm-92 leaves than those in Zafer-160.

Conclusion: Lower amount of H2O2 accumulation in Tarm-92 compared to Zafer-160 in F and R might indicate a higher tolerance to freezing stress due to strong induction of APX and GR enzyme activities.
Determination of organophosphate resistance status and mechanism in Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Turkey / Türkiye’deki Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)’nin organofosfat direnç durumunun ve mekanizmasının belirlenmesi
Authors: Karaağaç Sakine Ugurlu , Konuş Metin
Published: October 2015

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine resistance status to malathion and pirimiphos- methyl insecticides and to make biochemical analysis of resistance mechanism(s) developed to these insecticides in Sitophilus zeamais (S. zeamais) populations, collected from two different locations in Turkey. Two organophosphate insecticides, malathion and pirimiphos- methyl, were examined by bioassay using a discriminating dosage technique with impregnated filter papers. Mortality percentages were determined at the discriminating doses of these insecticides. In addition, esterase, glutathione S-transferase, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activities were also determined in this study in order to analyze detoxification mechanism(s) of tested insecticides in S. zeamais.

Methods: Bioassay experiments of malathion and pirimiphos- methyl insecticides in S. zeamais populations were performed according to the IRAC susceptibility test method No:006. Furthermore, enzyme activities of esterases, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and glutathione S-transferases were determined by using biochemical assays.

Results: The bioassay results of malathion and pirimiphos- methyl showed that only Kırıkkale population of S. zeamais has resistance to both malathion and pirimiphos- methyl insecticides. However, no resistance was detected to malathion and pirimiphos-methyl insecticides in Samsun population of S. zeamais. Additionally, biochemical analysis displayed that while CYP450-PNOD activities showed an increase only in Kırıkkale population (3.0-fold), EST-PNPA activities showed an increase only in Samsun population (1.3-fold). Finally, GST-CDNB activities increased both in Kırıkkale (1.4-fold) and Samsun (2.2- fold) populations of S. zeamais compared to susceptible population.

Conclusion: Consequently, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and glutathione S-transferases seem to play a role in organophosphate resistance in Kırıkkale population of S. zeamais from Turkey.
The Au-PANI System. Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of Nanogold
Authors: Kabomo Tlhabologo Moses , Scurrell Michael Stephen
Published: October 2015

Gold-polyaniline nanocomposites have been synthesized by
a well-established redox procedure involving the simultaneous
polymerization of aniline and reduction of a gold salt, initially
mixed on a molecular scale. The essential physical chemistry
surrounding the catalytic action of the nanogold particles in the
composite for the oxidation of 4-nitrophenol is
revealed. Substituted anilines have also been used to form the
composites. Atoms substituted on the benzene ring on PANI are likely
to form H-bonds with AuCl4

–
ions adsorbed on
Au NPs. This then strengthens the interaction between Au
NPs with PANICl relative to the situation found with PANIMe which
cannot form H-bonds via the methyl group. Metal-support
interactions have been shown to affect the catalytic activity of
a number of polymer-based catalysts. Functional groups that interact
strongly with Au NPs such as the mercapto group lowered the
activity of the catalyst despite the small Au NPs present. The
high catalytic activity of Au-PANIMe is therefore due to the
weak interactions between PANIMe and Au NPs induced by the
steric hindrance due to the methyl group and its inability to form
H-bonds. Nitrophenol reduction kinetics obeyed the
Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism. The order of the catalytic activity
for the reduction of 4-NP was
Au-PANICl > Au-PANI > Au-PANIMe. The
activity of the catalyst was determined by the nature of the
interaction of Au NPs with the polymer.
Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change for the 10-Meter Walk Test in Older Adults With Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lang Jesse T. , Kassan Thomas O. , Devaney Laurie Lee , Colon-Semenza Cristina , Joseph Michael F.
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose:

Measurement of gait performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be challenging because of the daily fluctuations in performance and the progressive nature of the condition. The 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) is commonly used to measure gait speed of individuals with gait limitations. Existing research on the 10MWT in individuals with PD controls for many variables inherent to this condition, rendering the results of this test in settings where these variables are not controlled questionable. The purpose of this study was to estimate under commonly encountered clinical conditions the test-retest reliability and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of gait speed and step frequency determined during the 10MWT in individuals with PD.

Methods:

The 10MWT was administered by 2 testers, on 35 participants, across 2 sessions, separated by 5 to 14 days. Gait speed was measured using a hand-held stopwatch, and step frequency was assessed through visual observation. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the MDC was calculated using the standard error of measurement (SEM).

Results and Discussion:

Comfortable and fast gait speeds demonstrated excellent reliability between sessions (ICC = 0.92 and 0.96, respectively). The corresponding MDCs were 0.22 and 0.23 m/s, respectively. The test-retest reliability for step frequency was moderate for comfortable gait speed and good for fast gait speeds (ICC = 0.73 and 0.82, respectively). The corresponding MDCs were 15.1 and 17.4 steps per minute for comfortable and fast step frequency, respectively.

Conclusions:

Under both comfortable and fast conditions, measurements of gait speed and step frequency during the 10MWT are reliable between sessions in individuals with PD.
pobreza y la concepción hegeliana del derecho como eticidad reflexiva
Authors: Buchwalter Andrew
Published: October 2015

El presente artículo pretende demostrar que la pobreza no es un fenómeno aislado a la concepción de derecho en la Filosofía del derecho de Hegel sino que juega un rol fundamental en el proyecto justificativo de dicha obra. La realización de derecho está ligada directamente a la idea de libertad, y esta a su vez, a un orden ético que debe reconocer a la plebe y no privarla de derechos. Es por esto por lo que la pobreza afecta de forma directa a la concepción del derecho dado que si no se reconoce a la plebe como libre, no existe el derecho como tal.
¿Puede la moral ser racional?
Authors: Ibarrondo Murguialday Julen
Published: October 2015

A la hora de analizar en qué consiste la deliberación práctica, muchos filósofos han defendido que esta no puede ser contemplada como un ámbito más de la racionalidad. Para ello han remarcado la aparente discontinuidad entre el discurso moral y el discurso científico. En este texto se ofrece una crítica a dicha posición para defender una visión integradora de la racionalidad que incluya también la deliberación moral. A esto se añaden algunas consideraciones acerca de la naturaleza de la racionalidad práctica derivadas de lo anterior, defendiendo tanto el carácter falible de la moralidad así como la posibilidad de su progreso.
Razones de fundamentación de la participación democrática e Internet
Authors: Josep Monserrat Molas Antoni Abat Ninet y
Published: October 2015

Las argumentaciones que tienden a una radicalización de la práctica democrática pueden resultar colaborativas con el contenido y alcance de los cambios que las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación –y, en particular, el fenómeno de internet– conllevan en los campos del derecho, la política y la administración. Concretamente, se analiza como aspectos principales de la obra de Bruce Ackerman relacionados con la filosofía normativa (la definición, exposición de las características y crítica del diálogo neutro y la neutralidad) podrían mejorar el Principio de Discurso de Habermas aplicado al derecho.
desafío de Thomas Hobbes: unidad y pluralismo
Authors: Fernández Peychaux Diego A.
Published: October 2015

El artículo presenta los elementos teóricos de la obra de Hobbes en los que éste desarrolla una reflexión sobre el núcleo problemático de lo político. Inscrito en un debate perenne de la teoría sobre los límites del poder, el autor describe las tensiones que atraviesan el ejercicio de la soberanía. Al respecto, se resaltan dos elementos relacionados: el espectáculo del poder unifica la voluntad del representante que se encuentra constituida por una urdimbre de relaciones y negociaciones; la ubicación de la recta razón en el arbitrio del soberano no implica desplegar la categoría de absoluto en la de “omnipotente”. El desafío que arroja Hobbes, por tanto, consiste en ejercer un poder montado en el equilibrio entre estrategias de producción de consensos y coerción. Es decir, sobre la paradoja de brindar fuerza a los lazos por su propia naturaleza y no solo por la amenaza de la espada.
Intento Luego Creo
Authors: Castro Córdoba Ernesto
Published: October 2015

La pregunta que vamos a intentar responder en este artículo es la siguiente: ¿acaso la expresión lingüística de nuestras intenciones futuras (Intentaré hacer ?) involucra de forma necesaria una cierta creencia sobre la ocurrencia futura del hecho intencionado (Creo que ? será el caso)? Los teóricos de la acción discrepan sobre este punto, el vínculo entre creencia e intención; vamos a adelantar por tanto un análisis plausible de este vínculo en términos de la creencia mínima requerida para tener una intención. Este enfoque pretende superar ciertos problemas que Davidson, Velleman y Korsgaard han afrontado entre otros teóricos de la acción.