bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Fire on Small Mammal Communities in the Busanga Flood Plain, Zambia
Authors: Namukonde Ngawo , Kuebler Daniel , Ganzhorn Jörg U.
Published: August 2017

We assessed effects of vegetation and fire on small mammals in open vegetation formations of the Busanga Flood Plain (Kafue National Park, Zambia) in areas of low and high fire recurrence. The impact of fire was related further to the time elapsed between the last fire and the time of trapping (fire age). Sampling sites covered three management zones: intensive utilization (tourist areas), wild (less used), and wilderness (no road access). Vegetation type, fire recurrence, fire age, and management zone were independent variables. Communities were similar in grassland and on termitaria but differed from miombo. Species richness was highest on termitaria, followed by grassland and miombo. Species numbers declined with increasing fire frequency but were unaffected by fire age. In contrast, the average body mass of species occurring at any one site (only adult individuals considered) declined with the time elapsed between the time of capture and the last fire (the longer the time interval, the lower the body mass of species averaged over the species found at the site). This response implies higher vulnerability of the smaller species to fire and slower recolonization potential of smaller species after fire. The interactions between fire, vegetation characteristics, and small mammals need to be reviewed, given their importance in the functionality of this ecosystem.
Ethnographic research on crime and control: Editors’ introduction
Authors: Fleetwood Jennifer , Potter Gary R
Published: August 2017

Jennifer Fleetwood and Gary R. Potter introduce a Special Section on ethnographic research on crime and control.
“Who Doesn’t Want to Be This Hot Mom?”: Celebrity Mom Profiles and Mothers’ Accounts of Their Postpartum Bodies
Authors: Williams Brittany M. , Christopher Karen , Sinski Jennifer
Published: August 2017

In this article, we explore mothers’ responses to celebrity mom body (CMB) profiles in popular magazines. Drawing from objectification theory, we frame CMB images as one component of the ubiquitous sexualization of girls’ and women’s bodies, and ask how these images influence mothers’ views of their postpartum bodies. While a good deal of previous research examines the media portrayal of pregnant and postpartum bodies, very few studies go on to ask how these images affect mothers’ self-image and their relationships with men. During in-depth interviews, we showed our sample CMB images and found that most mothers evaluated themselves negatively; however, we add that they evaluated themselves in different ways depending on their social class and educational backgrounds. All mothers identified negative effects of CMB images on men, which diminished mothers’ feelings of sexual attractiveness to male partners.
Organizations as Producers of Operating Product Flows to Members of Society
Authors: Cardao-Pito Tiago
Published: August 2017

This article appraises a new empirical perspective about organizations, which disputes the mainstream economic view expressed in standard economic and financial economic textbooks. The mainstream view claims that organizations exist to increase their owners/shareholders value (wealth), and organizations’ operating activities could be dissociated from financial and investing activities (separability assumption). To the intangible flow theory, (a) the major aim of organizations is to deliver flows of operating products to members of society. These operating product flows are vital for human survival and existence. Thus, (b) operating, investing, and financing decisions are not randomly associated. I have studied 21,108 firms listed in the stock exchanges of 10 countries (i.e., Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States) at the beginning of the 21st century (2000-2011). These are stock exchanges with many listed firms, ranging from 679 firms in Singapore to 4,440 firms in Japan. Organizations’ operating, investing, and financial decisions seem to be actually connected, as suggested by the intangible flow theory.
A technique for an arthroscopic proximal biceps tenodesis using a fork anchor
Authors: Amin Nirav H. , Volpi Alexander , Simons Matthew , Mills Gavin , Silver Stephen
Published: August 2017

Pathology to the proximal biceps tendon has the potential to be a major source of pain in the shoulder, secondary to complex superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions, partial biceps tears, and subluxations. In order to restore function and improve the patient’s quality of life, repair of these injuries is crucial. Tenodesis has long been the ideal treatment of persistent pain caused by pathology of the proximal biceps tendon. A biceps tenodesis helps prevent biceps pain and cramping during movement and avoids the cosmetic deformity associated with a biceps tenotomy. However, the location of the tenodesis and technique of the procedure itself have been debated throughout the literature. We present an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique in which the tendon is secured to the implant prior to implantation into the humerus to gain complete control of the tendon and ensure adequate fixation and tension.
The Effects of No Child Left Behind on Children’s Socioemotional Outcomes
Authors: Whitney Camille R. , Candelaria Christopher A.
Published: August 2017

Many people have worried about possible adverse effects of high-stakes testing on socioemotional outcomes. This article uses a difference-in-differences approach to investigate the effects of the introduction of high-stakes testing via the No Child Left Behind Act on socioemotional outcomes. Data are from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey–Kindergarten Cohort of 1998–1999, a nationally representative longitudinal survey. The 10 outcomes that we examine are from the children’s Self-Descriptive Questionnaire, including externalizing problems related to paying attention and behavior in school, internalizing problems related to feeling sad and lonely and academic anxiety, as well as interest and competence in math, reading, and school in general. We find that the introduction of high-stakes test accountability did not have consistent significant effects on these socioemotional outcomes. These findings can help states address concerns and motivate further research on potential unintended consequences of revised accountability systems under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Analyzing of incremental high utility pattern mining based on tree structures
Authors: Lee Judae , Yun Unil , Lee Gangin
Published: August 2017

Since the concept of high utility pattern mining was proposed to solve the drawbacks of traditional frequent pattern mining approach that cannot handle various features of real-world applications, many different techniques and algorithms for high utility pattern mining have been developed. Moreover, several advanced methods for incremental data processing have been proposed in recent years as the sizes of recent databases obtained in the real world become larger. In this paper, we introduce the basic concept of incremental high utility pattern mining and analyze various relevant methods. In addition, we also conduct performance evaluation for the methods with famous benchmark datasets in order to determine their detailed characteristics. The evaluation shows that the less candidate patterns make algorithms faster.
Platelets in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: Victims or executioners?
Authors: Sereni Lucia , Castiello Maria Carmina , Villa Anna
Published: August 2017

Microthrombocytopenia is the clinical hallmark of WAS, a rare X-linked immunodeficiency that is characterized by eczema, autoimmunity, and cancer susceptibility. This disease is caused by mutations in the WAS gene, which is expressed in hematopoietic cells and regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling thereby modulating various cellular functions, including motility, immunologic synapse assembly, and signaling. Despite extensive studies that have provided great insight into the relevance of this molecule to innate and cellular immunity, the exact mechanisms of microthrombocytopenia in WAS are still unknown. This review focuses on the recent progress made in dissecting the pathogenesis of platelet defects in patients with WAS and their murine counterparts. In parallel, we will provide an overview of the state-of-the art platelets as immune modulators at the interface between hemostasis and the immune system, which suggests that these cells may have a direct role in the pathogenesis of immune dysregulation in WAS.
First-in-Human Phase I Study of the Tamoxifen Metabolite Z-Endoxifen in Women With Endocrine-Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Goetz Matthew P. , Suman Vera J. , Reid Joel M. , Northfelt Don W. , Mahr Michael A. , Ralya Andrew T. , Kuffel Mary , Buhrow Sarah A. , Safgren Stephanie L. , McGovern Renee M. , Black John , Dockter Travis , Haddad Tufia , Erlichman Charles , Adjei Alex A. , Visscher Dan , Chalmers Zachary R. , Frampton Garrett , Kipp Benjamin R. , Liu Minetta C. , Hawse John R. , Doroshow James H. , Collins Jerry M. , Streicher Howard , Ames Matthew M. , Ingle James N.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Endoxifen is a tamoxifen metabolite with potent antiestrogenic activity.

Patients and Methods

We performed a phase I study of oral Z-endoxifen to determine its toxicities, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and clinical activity. Eligibility included endocrine-refractory, estrogen receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer. An accelerated titration schedule was applied until moderate or dose-limiting toxicity occurred, followed by a 3+3 design and expansion at 40, 80, and 100 mg per day. Tumor DNA from serum (circulating cell free [cf); all patients] and biopsies [160 mg/day and expansion]) was sequenced.

Results

Of 41 enrolled patients, 38 were evaluable for MTD determination. Prior endocrine regimens during which progression occurred included aromatase inhibitor (n = 36), fulvestrant (n = 21), and tamoxifen (n = 15). Patients received endoxifen once daily at seven dose levels (20 to 160 mg). Dose escalation ceased at 160 mg per day given lack of MTD and endoxifen concentrations > 1,900 ng/mL. Endoxifen clearance was unaffected by CYP2D6 genotype. One patient (60 mg) had cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicity (pulmonary embolus). Overall clinical benefit rate (stable > 6 months [n = 7] or partial response by RECIST criteria [n = 3]) was 26.3% (95% CI, 13.4% to 43.1%) including prior tamoxifen progression (n = 3). cfDNA mutations were observed in 13 patients ( PIK3CA [n = 8], ESR1 [n = 5], TP53 [n = 4], and AKT [n = 1]) with shorter progression-free survival ( v those without cfDNA mutations; median, 61 v 132 days; log-rank P = .046). Clinical benefit was observed in those with ESR1 amplification (tumor; 80 mg/day) and ESR1 mutation (cfDNA; 160 mg/day). Comparing tumor biopsies and cfDNA, some mutations ( PIK3CA, TP53, and AKT) were undetected by cfDNA, whereas cfDNA mutations ( ESR1, TP53, and AKT) were undetected by biopsy.

Conclusion

In endocrine-refractory metastatic breast cancer, Z-endoxifen provides substantial drug exposure unaffected by CYP2D6 metabolism, acceptable toxicity, and promising antitumor activity.
Local Anesthetics Inhibit the Growth of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Le Gac Grégoire , Angenard Gaëlle , Clément Bruno , Laviolle Bruno , Coulouarn Cédric , Beloeil Hélène
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer with limited therapeutic options. Retrospective studies have shown that the administration of local anesthetics (LAs) during cancer surgery could reduce cancer recurrence. Besides, experimental studies reported that LAs could inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of LAs on human HCC cells.

METHODS:

The effects of 2 LAs (lidocaine and ropivacaine) (10−
2 to 10–6 M) were studied after an incubation of 48 hours on 2 HCC cell lines, namely HuH7 and HepaRG. Cell viability, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis and senescence tests were performed together with unsupervised genome-wide expression profiling and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for relevant genes.

RESULTS:

We showed that LAs decreased viability and proliferation of HuH7 cells (from 92% [P < .001] at 5 × 10−3 M to 40% [P = .02] at 10−
4 M with ropivacaine and from 87% [P < .001] to 37% [P = .02] with lidocaine) and HepaRG progenitor cells (from 58% at 5 × 10−
3 M [P < .001] to 29% at 10−
4 M [P = .04] with lidocaine and 59% [P < .001] with ropivacaine 5 × 10−
3 M) in concentration-dependent manner. LAs have no effect on well-differentiated HepaRG. Ropivacaine decreased the mRNA level of key cell cycle regulators, namely cyclin A2, cyclin B1, cyclin B2, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and the expression of the nuclear marker of cell proliferation MKI67. Lidocaine had no specific effect on cell cycle but increased by 10× the mRNA level of adenomatous polyposis coli (P < .01), which acts as an antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Both LAs increased apoptosis in Huh7 and HepaRG progenitor cells (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The data demonstrate that LAs induced profound modifications in gene expression profiles of tumor cells, including modulations in the expression of cell cycle–related genes that result in a cytostatic effect and induction of apoptosis.
C-terminal motifs in promyelocytic leukemia protein isoforms critically regulate PML nuclear body formation
Authors: Li Chuang , Peng Qiongfang , Wan Xiao , Sun Haili , Tang Jun
Published: August 2017

Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies (NBs), which are sub-nuclear protein structures, are involved in a variety of important cellular functions. PML-NBs are assembled by PML isoforms, and contact between small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) with the SUMO interaction motif (SIM) are critically involved in this process. PML isoforms contain a common N-terminal region and a variable C-terminus. However, the contribution of the C-terminal regions to PML-NB formation remains poorly defined. Here, using high-resolution microscopy, we show that mutation of the SIM distinctively influences the structure of NBs formed by each individual PML isoform, with that of PML-III and PML-V minimally changed, and PML-I and PML-IV dramatically impaired. We further identify several C-terminal elements that are important in regulating NB structure and provide strong evidence to suggest that the 8b element in PML-IV possesses a strong ability to interact with SUMO-1 and SUMO-2, and critically participates in NB formation. Our findings highlight the importance of PML C-termini in NB assembly and function, and provide molecular insight into the PML-NB assembly of each distinctive isoform.
The deubiquitylase USP10 regulates integrin β1 and β5 and fibrotic wound healing
Authors: Gillespie Stephanie R. , Tedesco Liana J. , Wang Lingyan , Bernstein Audrey M.
Published: August 2017

Scarring and fibrotic disease result from the persistence of myofibroblasts characterized by high surface expression of αv integrins and subsequent activation of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) proteins; however, the mechanism controlling their surface abundance is unknown. Genetic screening revealed that human primary stromal corneal myofibroblasts overexpress a subset of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), which remove ubiquitin from proteins, preventing degradation. Silencing of the DUB USP10 induces a buildup of ubiquitin on integrins β1 and β5 in cell lysates, whereas recombinant USP10 removes ubiquitin from these integrin subunits. Correspondingly, the loss and gain of USP10 decreases and increases, respectively, αv/β1/β5 protein levels, without altering gene expression. Consequently, endogenous TGFβ is activated and the fibrotic markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cellular fibronectin (FN-EDA) are induced. Blocking either TGFβ signaling or cell-surface αv integrins after USP10 overexpression prevents or reduces fibrotic marker expression. Finally, silencing of USP10 in an ex vivo cornea organ culture model prevents the induction of fibrotic markers and promotes regenerative healing. This novel mechanism puts DUB expression at the head of a cascade regulating integrin abundance and suggests USP10 as a novel antifibrotic target.
Multimodalin situdatalogging quantifies inter-individual variation in thermal experience and persistent origin effects on gaping behavior among intertidal mussels (Mytilus californianus)
Authors: Miller Luke P. , Dowd W. Wesley
Published: August 2017

In complex habitats, environmental variation over small spatial scales can equal or exceed larger-scale gradients. This small-scale variation may allow motile organisms to mitigate stressful conditions by choosing benign microhabitats, whereas sessile organisms may rely on other behaviors to cope with environmental stresses in these variable environments. We developed a monitoring system to track body temperature, valve gaping behavior, and posture of individual mussels (Mytilus californianus) in field conditions in the rocky intertidal zone. Neighboring mussels’ body temperatures varied by up to 14°C during low tides. Valve gaping during low tide and postural adjustments, which could theoretically lower body temperature, were not commonly observed. Rather, gaping behavior followed a tidal rhythm at a warm, high intertidal site; this rhythm shifted to a circadian period at a low intertidal site and for mussels continuously submerged in a tidepool. However, individuals within a site varied considerably in time spent gaping when submerged. This behavioral variation could be attributed in part to persistent effects of mussels’ developmental environment. Mussels originating from a wave-protected, warm site gaped more widely, and they remained open for longer periods during high tide than mussels from a wave-exposed, cool site. Variation in behavior was modulated further by recent wave heights and body temperatures during the preceding low tide. These large ranges in body temperatures and durations of valve closure events – which coincide with anaerobic metabolism – support the conclusion that individuals experience “homogeneous” aggregations such as mussel beds in dramatically different fashion, ultimately contributing to physiological variation among neighbors.
Comparative genomics identifies male accessory gland proteins in five Glossina species
Authors: Abry Muna F. , Kimenyi Kelvin M. , Masiga Daniel K , Kulohoma Benard W.
Published: August 2017

Accessory gland proteins (ACPs) are important reproductive proteins produced by the male accessory glands (MAGs) of most insect species. These proteins are essential for male insect fertility, and are transferred alongside semen to females during copulation. ACPs are poorly characterized in Glossina species (tsetse fly), the principal vector of the parasite that causes life-threatening Human African Trypanosomiasis and Animal trypanosomiasis in endemic regions in Africa. The tsetse fly has a peculiar reproductive cycle because of the absence of oviposition. Females mate once and store sperm in a spermathecal, and produce a single fully developed larva at a time that pupates within minutes of exiting their uterus. This slow reproductive cycle, compared to other insects, significantly restricts reproduction to only 3 to 6 larvae per female lifespan. This unique reproductive cycle is an attractive vector control strategy entry point. We exploit comparative genomics approaches to explore the diversity of ACPs in the recently available whole genome sequence data from five tsetse fly species (Glossina morsitans, G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. pallidipes and G. fuscipes). We used previously described ACPs in Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae as reference sequences. We identified 36, 27, 31, 29 and 33 diverse ACP orthologous genes in G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. fuscipes, G. pallidipes and G. morsitans genomes respectively, which we classified into 21 functional classes. Our findings provide genetic evidence of MAG proteins in five recently sequenced Glossina genomes. It provides new avenues for molecular studies that evaluate potential field control strategies of these important vectors of human and animal disease.
Diaphragmatic eventration presenting as a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Shwaartz C , Duggan E , Lee DS , Divino CM , Chin EH
Published: August 2017

Diaphragmatic eventration is an uncommon condition, usually discovered incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Even in symptomatic patients, the diagnosis can be challenging and should be considered among the differential diagnoses of diaphragmatic hernia. The correct diagnosis can often only be made in surgery. We describe the case of a 31-year-old patient with diaphragmatic eventration that was misdiagnosed as a recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia and review the corresponding literature.
Pedunculated, well differentiated liposarcoma of the oesophagus mimicking giant fibrovascular polyp
Authors: Mehdorn AS , Schmidt F , Steinestel K , Wardelmann E , Greulich B , Palmes D , Senninger N
Published: August 2017

We present a rare case of a big oesophageal liposarcoma causing dysphagia and weight loss in a 75-year-old patient. Endoscopically, a pedunculated lesion with subtotal obstruction of the oesophageal lumen had been detected and thoracoabdominal oesophageal resection with gastric sleeve reconstruction was performed. Surprisingly, a liposarcoma of the oesophagus was revealed on histopathological analysis, showing MDM2 overexpression. Oncological follow-up has been uneventful and the patient remains in good clinical shape at 15 months after surgery.
Slop’s musings on his future as an emeritus
Authors: Slop
Published: August 2017

The heat is on to name the day but our scribe senses he has yet to reach his sell-by date.
A importância dos registos de autoridade arquivística nos arquivos de família: estudo de caso do Arquivo Almada e Lencastre Bastos
Authors: Borges Gago Alice
Published: August 2017

Pretende-se com este estudo reflectir sobre a importância da descrição arquivística de entidades produtoras, nomeadamente na construção de registos de autoridade arquivística (RAA) de pessoas singulares e famílias, quando se pretende descrever arquivos de família. Esta prática, que tem por objectivo uniformizar e facilitar o acesso aos fundos documentais, é baseada em várias normas internacionais e nacionais, permitindo a troca de dados entre fundos documentais e também entre entidades detentoras de arquivos. A disponibilização de aplicações informáticas de descrição arquivística, gratuitas, como o ICA- AtoM, viabilizam uma maior difusão dos fundos documentais.
Avaliação do abrandamento de água calcária utilizando hidróxido de cálcio e carbonatação
Authors: Marcal-Silva Hermes , Duarte Francinete Veloso , Oliveira Agda Louredo Gonçalves
Published: August 2017

A água é um recurso fundamental para a vida na terra e a sua qualidade define seus diversos usos. A qualidade da água é entendida como resultado das ações antrópicas e da sua interação com o meio físico. Assim a água possui características físicas, químicas e biológicas em virtude de suas propriedades de solvente e de sua capacidade de transportar partículas. Dentre as características químicas está a dureza de carbonatos que representa a concentração de íons como o cálcio e o magnésio em solução. Esses íons estão presentes na água subterrânea através de processos de intemperismo químico que dependem do tempo de contato entre a água e a rocha, temperatura, CO2 disponível e da presença de ácidos orgânicos e inorgânicos. Em níveis elevados de dureza total a água apresenta um sabor diferenciado o que pode ser desagradável ao paladar das pessoas. O objetivo desse trabalho é verificar o abrandamento da concentração dos carbonatos de cálcio e magnésio, pela dissolução de gás carbônico e hidróxido de cálcio, alterando o equilíbrio do sistema carbonato. Foram testadas a água carbonatada, água carbonatada e aerada e a água natural com cinco concentrações de hidróxido de cálcio (0, 25, 50, 75 e 150 mg L-1). O parâmetro avaliado foi a dureza de carbonatos. Os experimentos foram configurados em fatorial com dois fatores, aplicou-se o teste Tukey a um nível de 1% de significância. Os resultados mostraram que o fator água e o fator concentração de hidróxido foram significativos a 1% de significância, já a interação dos dois fatores não. Contudo o melhor resultado na remoção da dureza foi na concentração de 150 mg L-1 de hidróxido de cálcio em água carbonatada e aerada.
Stress at Work and the Role of Physical Activity in Its Management and Reduction
Authors: Orhani Zenel , Shehu Marsela
Published: August 2017

Work related stress is thought to affect an individual’s psychological and physical health in different ways. The aim of the study is to identify the level of stress at work and the impact that the involvement in Physical Activity has for the overall psychological well-being and healthy lifestyle. The sample of the study includes 416 subjects aged 25 - 64 years old, 177 males and 239 females from different professions in Tirana. Instruments used are “Workplace Stress Survey” by The American Institute of Stress (AIS) and “Employee Physical Activity Survey” by EDB Sonoma County, California. The second questionnaire was modified and adapted by the authors for the purposes of this study. For statistical data processing and qualitative descriptions SPPS statistical software package, version 20, Microsoft Office Excel 2007 has been used. The data show that subjects are at a moderate level of stress at work (60.1%), thus stress is present. The dominant gender with work stress is represented by females (60.8%). Referring to the type of profession favoring PA, subjects claim that they cannot be involved in PA in the workplace (78.1%). The subjects are characterized by a low level of PA performance even in their free time; on average they spend 1 - 2 hours/week for 1 - 2 days. As a conclusion, we can say that involvement in PA for managing and reducing stress in the workplace and not only, it is considered as one of the most important factors, it mainly focuses on reducing anxiety and irritability, and increased concentration in individuals′ professional tasks.
Feature Style for Academic and Scholarly Writing
Authors: Pagliawan Dominador L.
Published: August 2017

Writing research and other academic papers considered to be technical requires formal style and usage of a language. Moreover, it demands a serious tone and, as such, it does not allow jokes, expressions, and creative or artistic nuances contrary to informal essays and feature articles. Far from being entertaining, then, technical papers, to include research works, have been branded as something boring to read, hence their limited readership in contrast, again, to feature-penned reading materials. Rather than reject an academic paper submission of a college student sampling a deviant style, or feature in particular, this inquiry made use of his paper as an instrument for a case study. Using a qualitative, textual analysis method, this study examined his work in view of feature writing techniques to determine the extent of its departure from formal style, and to weigh its entertainment value that could arouse interest and promote ease of reading. The results indicate a breakthrough in academic paper writing which could make research-based articles more entertaining to read.
Literary Sections of the Newspaper “Η Φωνή της Ομόνοιας” (1991–2012)
Authors: Polo Olieta , Sulaj Manjola
Published: August 2017

In this article we will highlight some of the most important literary sections of the newspaper “Η φωνή της Ομόνοιας” (“The voice of Omonia”), published in Albania during 1991 - 2012, where are published works of artistic literature belonging mostly to the Ethnic Greek Minority writers in Albania but also works of the Albanian writers and those of the world literature. We will widely focus in the poems and stories published in the newspaper, bringing concrete titles that had their artistic and aesthetic values, and also in the weaknesses that derived from the ideological limitations of the time they were published and by the lack of professionalism from the majority of the writers. Despite the weaknesses, these works further enriched the tradition and culture of the Ethnic Greek Minority with their values, and as such deserve to take their place in the literary criticism studies.
Lecturers′ Perceptions of Leadership Traits which Promote Motivation in a South African Technical and Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) College
Authors: Nzembe Alois
Published: August 2017

Educator morale has been a focus of educational leaders and managers throughout the world, because without educator motivation and morale the learning and teaching in our schools would be grossly compromised. It is against this background that this research was carried out to find out lecturers’ perceptions of leadership traits which promote motivation in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in South Africa. The research questions which guided this research were as follows: What are lecturers′ perceptions of leadership traits which promote motivation in an educational and training institution in South Africa? How can educational leaders and management in South Africa integrate their experiences and practices with what educators believe are the main drivers of high lecturer morale? A qualitative study was used to generate data that would be useful in answering the research questions. The nature of this qualitative study required in-depth interviews with participants where qualitative data was generated and interpreted. The researcher saw it fit to use in-depth interviews because this method of data generation would enable the researcher to capture the perspectives, views and opinions of participants about leadership traits which facilitate motivation in the South African TVET College in particular and the South African education system in general. The views of the participants showed that leadership traits such as accountability, responsibility, empathy, decisiveness, assertiveness, charisma, pro-activeness, motivation and communication are the life-blood, foundation and bed-rock of effective leadership and management in the TVET College.
Costs and Collateral Damage of a Failure to Protect in Syria
Authors: Sherwood Leah
Published: August 2017

This article reviews humanitarian intervention and Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in Syria arguing that inaction has had greater repercussions than action would have had. It begins by engaging a wide range of policy literature on humanitarian law and broader international relations theory to locate R2P and Syria’s case. Using the Kosovo precedent, it shows an intervention was justifiable and then explains why one did not occur. The consequences of failing to act (when it was possible) is said to have undermined respect for human rights and R2P. The article concludes that the failure to protect in Syria has had international reverberations, which are intensified by concurrent global trends. The damage Syria has done to the human rights regime has bearing on the post-WWII (especially post-Cold War) liberal and normative world order because central values were left undefended. Regionally, inaction destabilized the Middle East and created problems in Europe - and beyond. Inside Syria, the costs of the war will last generations. Unintended collateral damage created by the failure to protect in Syria includes less future respect for human rights, R2P, US global leadership and the liberal world order as well as challenges to Middle Eastern stability, European refugee policy and counterterrorism policy.
Effect of Organic Production System on the Performance and Meat Quality of Two Purebred Slow-Growing Chicken Breeds
Authors: Sosnówka-Czajka Ewa , Skomorucha Iwona , Muchacka Renata
Published: August 2017

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of organic and conventional rearing systems on the productivity and meat quality of Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33) and Rhode Island Red (R-11) chickens. A total of 492 sexed experimental birds (Gallus domesticus) were assigned to four groups. In groups I-C and III-C, the Ż-33 and R-11 chickens were reared under intensive conditions following conventional farming principles. In groups II-O and IV-O, the Ż-33 and R-11 chickens were kept according to organic farming principles. Body weight, feed conversion (kg/kg gain) and mortality were recorded throughout the study. On day 140 of rearing, the native breed chickens were subjected to simplified slaughter analysis, and meat pH, muscle colour, water holding capacity and chilling loss were determined. The meat samples were analysed for the chemical composition and profile of fatty acids, and the peroxidizability index (PI), thrombogenic index (TI) and atherogenicity index (AI) were calculated. The organically raised chickens were characterised by higher body weight (P≤0.01), better feed conversion (P≤0.01) and more favourable fatty acid profile of the muscles compared to the conventionally reared birds. Under organic conditions, the R-11 chickens showed better productivity but slightly poorer fatty acid profile of the muscles compared to the Ż-11 chickens.
Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profile of Pork and Backfat from an Indigenous Breed and A Commercial Hybrid of Pigs
Authors: Nevrkla Pavel , Kapelański Wojciech , Václavková Eva , Hadaš Zdeněk , Cebulska Aleksandra , Horký Pavel
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that carcass traits, quality and oxidative stability of meat, and fatty acids profile in intramuscular fat (IMF) of M. longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT) and backfat (BF) are different between the observed genotypes of pigs. A total of 64 animals were included in the experiment, 32 pigs of native breed Prestice Black-Pied breed (PBP) and 32 pigs of hybrid combination Large White × Landrace sows × Duroc × Pietrain boars (LWLDP). PBP pigs showed higher values of IMF (P≤0.01) and BF, lower lean meat content and drip loss value (P≤0.001) than the LWLDP hybrid. The value of pH45,24 was higher (P≤0.05) in PBP pigs. The analysis of fatty acid profile in MLLT showed higher content of C8:0 (P≤0.01), C10:0 (P≤0.01), C15:0 (P≤0.01), C22:0 (P≤0.05), C18:1 n-9 (P≤0.01), C18:3 n-6 (P≤0.001), C20:3 n-3 (P≤0.05), C20:4 n-6 (P≤0.01), C22:4 n-6 (P≤0.05), C22:5 n-3 (P≤0.01) and C22:6 n-3 (P≤0.01) in LWLDP than in PBP pigs. The opposite trend was observed in C18:1 n-9 (P≤0.01) and C20:5 n-3 (P≤0.01). Higher content of MUFA as well as the MUFA/SFA ratio were found in PBP breed (P≤0.01). Higher levels of C10:0 (P≤0.01), C12:0 (P≤0.01), C14:0 (P≤0.001), C16:0 (P≤0.001), C14:1 n-5 (P≤0.01), C16:1 n-7 (P≤0.05), C18:1 n-7 (P≤0.001), C20:5 n-3 (P≤0.01) and C22:6 n-3 (P≤0.05) in BF were found in LWLDP pigs, however the content of C24:1 n-9 (P≤0.01), C18:2 n-6 (P≤0.05), C18: n-3 (P≤0.05), C20:4 n-6 (P≤0.01) and C22:5 n-3 (P≤0.01) was higher in PBP pigs. SFA content was higher (P≤0.001) in LWLDP hybrid, but PUFA (P≤0.01), n-6 PUFA (P≤0.05) and mainly n-3 PUFA (P≤0.01) were higher in PBP pigs. In BF, the MUFA/SFA (P≤0.05) and PUFA/SFA (P≤0.001) ratios were higher in PBP pigs; on the contrary the MUFA/PUFA (P≤0.05) ratio was higher in LWLDP pigs.
Synanthropization of riparian plant communities in the Ojców National Park (Southern Poland)
Authors: Sołtys-Lelek Anna , Barabasz-Krasny Beata , Możdżeń Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

Although riparian forests are still common in Europe, their variants - similar to natural forests - are rare. They are, as communities, early stages of forest-shrub succession, particularly vulnerable to the expansion of neophytes for which they are an important type of vegetation that enables their spread. In the Ojców National Park (ON P), these types of phytocoenoses are heavily influenced by anthropogenic pressure. The preservation of their biodiversity is particularly difficult because of the fragmentation and small area occupied by the Park - just 2.89 ha. There have been no data on synanthropization of ON P riparian forests until now. The ‘conservation status’ of these communities was determined by examining the degree of anthropophyte participation in their floristic composition. This determination is necessary to take effective preventive measures. In 2012-2014, phytosociological studies were carried out on the ON P riparian communities. A particular attention was paid to the presence and quantitative participation of alien species in research plots. The obtained results revealed that there were 189 plant species in alluvial forests of the ON P, including 80 synanthropic species. The group of synanthropes comprised 32 anthropophytes: 5 diaphytes, 9 archaeophytes and 18 kenophytes.
Variability of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) progeny from the Tisovik Reserve expressed in needle traits and chloroplast microsatellite DNA
Authors: Pawlaczyk Ewa M. , Bobowicz Maria A.
Published: August 2017

Progeny from nineteen family lines of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) from the Tisovik Reserve growing in an experimental plot were analyzed based on 4 chloroplast microsatellite DNA loci and 12 morphological and anatomical needle traits. The Tisovik Reserve is located in Białowieża Primeval Forest, 120 km north of the natural range limit of this species, and embraces a small and isolated natural population of silver fir. The aim of this study was to determine genetic variation within and between progeny lines. Analysis of phenotypic variation showed that the traits which differed most among individuals were the needle width and the distance from resin canals to vascular bundle. Those traits, which differed most between the progeny lines, were the number of endodermic cells around the vascular bund and the weight of hypodermic cells. In Tisovik progeny, we detected 107 different haplotypes. In progeny lines, we detected more haplotypes than in maternal trees, and most haplotypes did not exist in maternal trees. This may be the result of pollen influx from other silver fir stands. Progeny from Tisovik showed a higher level of variability in comparison with maternal trees.
First record of Pinnularia subinterrupta Krammer & Schroeter in Poland – a rare species in Europe
Authors: Noga Teresa , Rybak Mateusz
Published: August 2017

The first record of occurrence of Pinnularia subinterrupta Krammer & Schroeter in Poland with the species ecological and morphological characteristics (including scanning electron microscope details) are provided. The species was observed in the material collected from the Jamów and Tokarka streams, flowing from the areas of raised bog in the Orava Region of southern Poland. Pinnularia subinterrupta occurred in low abundance, among mosses, and always at low water pH (3.3-4.8), conductivity (28-63 mS cm-1) and temperature (3.9-9.6°C).
A new record of Badhamia versicolor Lister (Physaraceae) in Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur , Bochynek Anna
Published: August 2017

The paper presents a new Polish record of Badhamia versicolor, a nationally rare and red-listed species of Myxomycetes. It was discovered on the edge of the disused sand and gravel pit (formerly, a gravel mine of the Polish State Railway) in the town of Suwałki, north-eastern Poland. Two small clusters of mature fruiting bodies of B. versicolor were noticed on a bark of living poplar (unidentified species of Populus) and on a fallen leaf of the same poplar tree. Photographic documentation of specimens collected from a new locality is provided.
Patterns of vegetation composition across levels of canopy disturbance in temperate forests of west Himalaya, India
Authors: Airi Subodh , Rawal Ranbeer S.
Published: August 2017

This study analyses the impacts of canopy disturbance on vegetation compositional attributes of two characteristic temperate forests (i.e., mixed broad-leaf and banj-oak forests) in west Himalayan part of India. Following the standard approaches, quantitative information on compositional attributes of forest vegetation was generated and analyzed. Considerable changes in these attributes were revealed across different levels of canopy disturbance in both forests. In particular, tree density and total basal area (TBA) exhibited significant decline from undegraded to degraded stands. Among others, seedling and sapling density of mixed broad-leaf forest was affected adversely by increased level of canopy disturbance. However, herb density in this forest increased significantly with increasing levels of disturbance; the same was not true for banj-oak forest. A significant decline in relative frequency and density of native herbaceous species was apparent towards degraded stands, implying that the disturbed sites in both forests created an opportunity for the establishment and proliferation of non-natives. However, with significant increase in relative density of non-native herbs, the degraded stands of banj-oak forest emerged as critically vulnerable to non-native proliferation. The patterns of tree size class distribution in both forests also exhibited certain trends across canopy disturbance, which suggested possible future changes in composition. In particular, the patterns of common tree associates (i.e., Myrica esculenta and Rhododendron arboreum) in banj-oak forest and Pinus roxburghii in mixed broad-leaf forest were indicative of likely compositional changes in near future. The study concludes that: (i) compositional attributes of both mixed broad-leaf and banj-oak forests were sensitive to increasing levels of canopy disturbance, (ii) mixed broad-leaf forest exhibited greater sensitivity to canopy disturbance at recruitment levels, (iii) increased canopy disturbance led to establishment and proliferation of non-native species in the herbaceous layer of both forests, and (iv) banj-oak forest exhibited high vulnerability to non-native proliferation at degraded stage.
European Union Litigation
Authors: Hacker Philipp , Esposito Fabrizio
Published: August 2017

This section provides an overview of cases in front of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning contract law. The present issue covers the period between January 2017 and the middle of July 2017.
Foliage biomass qualitative indices of selected forest forming tree species in Ukrainian Steppe
Authors: Sytnyk Svitlana , Lovynska Viktoriia , Lakyda Ivan
Published: August 2017

Our study objective was research on the assimilation component of aboveground biomass of trees and its correlation with mensurational indices of trees (age, diameter and height) in stands of the main forest forming species in the Ukrainian Northern Steppe zone - Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) and Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Black locust). The research was carried out in forest stands subordinated to the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine. We used experimental data collected on sample plots established during years 2014-2016. The main research results prove that the foliage share in the tree greenery biomass structure had a wide range of values. For both investigated species, a positive correlation was found between the dry matter content in the tree foliage and the tree age, height and diameter. The foliage share in tree greenery biomass decreased with increasing mensurational index values. Correlation analysis revealed linear relationships between the mensurational indices and the discussed aboveground live biomass parameters. The closest correlation was observed between the stand age, mean stand diameter, mean stand height and dry matter content in the foliage.
Development of soil water regime under spruce stands
Authors: Tužinský Ladislav , Bublinec Eduard , Tužinský Marek
Published: August 2017

The aim of this paper is to analyse the water regime of soils under spruce ecosystems in relation to long-lasting humid and drought periods in the growing seasons 1991-2013. The dominant interval humidity in observing growing seasons is semiuvidic interval with soil moisture between hydro-limits maximal capillary capacity (MCC) and point of diminished availability (PDA). Gravitationally seepage concentrated from accumulated winter season, water from melting snow and existing atmospheric precipitation occurs in the soil only at the beginning of the growing season. The supplies of soil water are significantly decreasing in the warm climate and precipitant deficient days. The greatest danger from drought threatens Norway spruce during the summer months and it depends on the duration of dry days, water supply at the beginning of the dry days, air temperature and the intensity of evapotranspiration. In the surface layers of the soil, with the maximum occurrence of active roots, the water in semiarid interval area between hydro-limits PDA and wilting point (WP) decreases during the summer months. In the culminating phase occurs the drying to moisture state with capillary stationary and the insufficient supply of available water for the plants. Physiological weakening of Norway spruce caused by set of outlay components of the water balance is partially reduced by delivering of water by capillary action from deeper horizons. In extremely dry periods, soil moisture is decreasing also throughout the soil profile (0-100 cm) into the bottom third of the variation margin hydro-limits MCC-PDA in the category of capillary less moving and for plants of low supply of usable water (60-90 mm). The issue of deteriorated health state of spruce ecosystems is considered to be actual. Changes and developments of hydropedological conditions which interfere the mountain forests represent the increasing danger of the drought for the spruce.
Reversible homogeneous Finsler metrics with positive flag curvature
Authors: Xu Ming , Ziller Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

In this work, we continue with the classification for positively curve homogeneous Finsler spaces

(

G
/
H

,
F
)

{(G/H,F)}

. With the assumption that the homogeneous space

G
/
H

{G/H}

is odd dimensional and the positively curved metric F is reversible, we only need to consider the most difficult case left, i.e. when the isotropy group H is regular in G. Applying the fixed point set technique and the homogeneous flag curvature formulas, we show that the classification of odd dimensional positively curved reversible homogeneous Finsler spaces coincides with that of L. Bérard Bergery in Riemannian geometry except for five additional possible candidates, i.e.

SU
⁢

(
4
)

/
SU

⁢

(
2
)

(
1
,
2
)

⁢

S

(
1
,
1
,
1
,

-
3

)

1

{\mathrm{SU}(4)/\mathrm{SU}(2)_{(1,2)}\mathrm{S}^{1}_{(1,1,1,-3)}}

,

Sp
⁢

(
2
)

/

S

(
1
,
1
)

1

{\mathrm{Sp}(2)/\mathrm{S}^{1}_{(1,1)}}

,

Sp
⁢

(
2
)

/

S

(
1
,
3
)

1

{\mathrm{Sp}(2)/\mathrm{S}^{1}_{(1,3)}}

,

Sp
⁢

(
3
)

/
Sp

⁢

(
1
)

(
3
)

⁢

S

(
1
,
1
,
0
)

1

{\mathrm{Sp}(3)/\mathrm{Sp}(1)_{(3)}\mathrm{S}^{1}_{(1,1,0)}}

,
and

G
2

/
SU

⁢

(
2
)

{G_{2}/\mathrm{SU}(2)}

with

SU
⁢

(
2
)

{\mathrm{SU}(2)}

the normal subgroup of

SO
⁢

(
4
)

{\mathrm{SO}(4)}

corresponding to the long root. Applying this classification to homogeneous positively curved reversible

(
α
,
β
)

{(\alpha,\beta)}

metrics, the number of exceptional candidates can be reduced to only two, i.e.

Sp
⁢

(
2
)

/

S

(
1
,
1
)

1

{\mathrm{Sp}(2)/\mathrm{S}^{1}_{(1,1)}}

and

Sp
⁢

(
3
)

/
Sp

⁢

(
1
)

(
3
)

⁢

S

(
1
,
1
,
0
)

1

{\mathrm{Sp}(3)/\mathrm{Sp}(1)_{(3)}\mathrm{S}^{1}_{(1,1,0)}}

.
Higher Regulatory Control of Tramadol to Prevent its Abuse and Dependence
Authors: Jalali Sahba , Thomas Dixon , Shetty Padma , Cooper Jason C.
Published: August 2017

Tramadol abuse potential is not well studied. While some studies claim low abuse potential, others signal significant public health risks associated with tramadol abuse. This is a review on the abuse and dependence potential of tramadol. Tramadol was originally approved as non-controlled drug, but there is a trend to recognize tramadol as a controlled substance by regulators in many countries. Several factors contribute to abuse of tramadol. The leading reasons include history of drug abuse, geographical variation, and lessened regulatory controls. Tramadol abuse can cause increases in seizures and suicidal ideations. Abusers experience withdrawal symptoms and worsening of depression. Higher regulatory control of tramadol is warranted to avoid its misuse.