bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transylvanian Party between 1940 and 1944. A Brief History
Authors: Murádin János Kristóf
Published: April 2017

The paper deals with the theme of the Transylvanian Party [Erdélyi Párt], one of the most important Hungarian political formations in Transylvania in the 20th century. After the reintegration of Northern Transylvania in the Hungarian state following the Second Vienna Arbitration, Hungarians became a majority in the region, established their own political party, the Transylvanian Party, with powerful local characteristics. The paper concentrates on the analysis of the Transylvanian Party, it presents its foundation, its representation in the Hungarian Parliament, and its relations with the Hungarian government. The paper tries to give an overview of the successes and failures of the party as well. Finally, the decline of the Transylvanian Party and its political heritage are presented. The source material of the paper consists of archival data, publications of the Transylvanian Party, special books, studies, articles of the contemporary press, and on-line publications.
The Interoperability between the Public and Private Sectors in Light of Adult Education. Supplements to the Planned Downsizing in the Public Sector
Authors: Megyesi Csilla
Published: April 2017

The current study is a result of the Hungarian government’s aspiration to cut bureaucracy and increase public administration’s efficiency, thus impacting personnel and reorganizing the labour market. The public-sector headcount reduction is being justified in terms of Hungary’s inadequate private-/public-sector employment ratio. This reorganization can come to fruition only via the development of intellectual capital and a well-designed system for retraining and further education. In cases of retraining and further education offered by the state, we must be wary of generational differences and possible motivations, while also keeping in mind the influence education can have on the market, society, and the individual. Our research has shown that the demand for a given type of instruction is also influenced by the generational differences among those who wish to learn. Overall, our respondents showed an interest in learning.
Axiomatic Design Approach for Nonlinear Multiple Objective Optimizaton Problem and Robustness in Spring Design
Authors: Feyzioglu Ahmet , Kar A. Kerim
Published: April 2017

This paper gives general information about multi-objective, axiomatic and robust design approaches and considersasolution model of nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem based on applyinganew robust design approach. Both axiomatic and robust design approaches were used complementarily inacase study with distinct multi-objectives. In this case study, the main target was achieving each objective optimum to minimize the mass and the shear stress ofaspring by integrating robustness and durability at the design stage due to trade off between objectives. This spring problem was examined using the independence axiom of the axiomatic design methodology. Also, semangularity and reangularity concepts were used and design matrices were formed to find coupled and decoupled solutions. It was observed that there were some acceptable design parameter values for which the design became decoupled. Graphical and numerical results were checked to see if they were compatible with each other. Finally, this decoupled design was given appropriate tolerances by using robust design method. This way,arobust and durable spring was designed which would satisfy the given specifications with minimum cost in the existing literature from the view point of axiomatic design approach.
Mutation: A New Operator in Gravitational Search Algorithm Using Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Kherabadi Hossein Azadi , Mood Sepehr Ebrahimi , Javidi Mohammad Masoud
Published: April 2017

Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) isanovel meta-heuristic algorithm. Despite it has high exploring ability, this algorithm faces premature convergence and gets trapped in some problems, therefore it has difficulty in finding the optimum solution for problems, which is considered as one of the disadvantages of GSA. In this paper, this problem has been solved through definingamutation function which uses fuzzy controller to control mutation parameter. The proposed method has been evaluated on standard benchmark functions including unimodal and multimodal functions; the obtained results have been compared with Standard Gravitational Search Algorithm (SGSA), Gravitational Particle Swarm algorithm (GPS), Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO), Clustered Gravitational Search Algorithm (CGSA) and Real Genetic Algorithm (RGA). The observed experiments indicate that the proposed approach yields better results than other algorithms compared with it.
The Struggle of Benchmarking and Ranking Gender Equality: The Case of the European Institute for Gender Equality
Authors: Valkovičová Veronika
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article is to explore the conceptualisation of benchmarking, ranking and good practice sharing tools within European Union gender equality policymaking. In the first part, the article looks at these soft law measures applied within intergovernmental cooperation. Stemming from the extensive body of literature, the study approaches these measures as a form of scientific knowledge, which is diversely applied within policymaking. Next, the article directs various points of criticism at these policymaking tools through different variables that may hinder knowledge use. The second section of this article further focuses on the Open Method of Coordination and the role of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) in relation to gender equality policies. The empirical part of this article is focused on the criticism of EIGE’s External Evaluation Report and the different conceptualisations of scientific knowledge use which are presented within this audit document. As such, this article aims to contribute to a new conceptualisation of the technocratic tools of benchmarking, ranking and good practice sharing within the highly ideological area of gender equality policies.
Poisson manifolds of compact types (PMCT 1)
Authors: Crainic Marius , Fernandes Rui Loja , Martínez Torres David
Published: April 2017

This is the first in a series of papers dedicated to the study of Poisson manifolds of compact types (PMCTs). This notion encompasses
several classes of Poisson manifolds defined via properties of their symplectic integrations. In this first paper we establish some fundamental
properties and constructions of PMCTs. For instance, we show that their Poisson cohomology behaves very much like the
de Rham cohomology of a compact manifold (Hodge decomposition, non-degenerate Poincaré duality pairing, etc.)
and that the Moser trick can be adapted to PMCTs. More important, we find unexpected connections between PMCTs and symplectic topology: PMCTs
are related with the theory of Lagrangian fibrations and we exhibit a construction of a non-trivial
PMCT related to a classical question on the topology of the orbits of a free symplectic circle action.
In subsequent papers, we will establish deep connections between PMCTs and integral affine geometry,
Hamiltonian G-spaces, foliation theory, orbifolds, Lie theory and symplectic gerbes.
Novel therapeutic approaches of natural oil from black seeds and its underlying mechanisms against kidney dysfunctions in haloperidol-induced male rats
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Abubakar Opeyemi K.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Antipsychotic drugs could be nephrotoxic in schizophrenia patients.

Methods:

The present study investigated the protective effect of oil from black seed on kidney dysfunctions using several biological approaches in adult rats. The animals were divided into six groups (n=10): normal control rats; haloperidol (HAL)-induced rats: induced rats were pre-, co- and post-treated with black seed oil (BSO), respectively, and the last group was treated with the oil only. The treatment was done through oral administration, and the experiment lasted 14 days.

Results:

Therapeutic administration of HAL to rats caused reduction in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins mediated by stable OH˙ and DPPH free radicals. K+, Na+ and MDA contents as well as 51 nucleotidase, aldose-reductase activities were increased with corresponding decrease in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in HAL-induced toxicity rats. Contrariwise, differential treatments with BSO prevented and reversed the nephrotoxicity by depleting K+, Na+, MDA contents and aldose-reductase activity, and AMP hydrolysis with increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the PMFs of rat kidney. The cytotoxicity of HAL elicited on both inner renal cortex and outer medulla was equally alleviated by combined active molecules of oil from black seed (OBS). However, pre-, co- and post-treatment demonstrate significant approaches in averting nephrotoxicity of neuroleptic drug (HAL) via several biological mechanisms.

Conclusions:

This study therefore validates the use of black seed oil as therapy particularly for individuals with renal dysfunctions.
Development of drainage system in the Czech landscape – identification and functionality assessment by means of remote sensing
Authors: Tlapáková Lenka
Published: April 2017

Subsurface drainage systems are very important type of meliorative measures in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, their functions are perceived differently in the Czech society. We can distinguish point of view of landowner, farmer, water manager or environmentalist. With regard to the climatic changes or new praxis of agricultural, there must be assessed changed conditions in relation to existing drainage systems. It has connection with the next strategy of their funding and management. Therein, in the Czech Republic, farmer has dominating position, instead of the state or landowner that would be probably more correct.

The paper presents results of user demands survey, conditions of drainage systems, their services and defects. New technologies, mainly remote sensing, and their use for identification and survey of drainage systems are presented too. Land drainage measures changed the whole landscape in the Czech Republic (agricultural intensification, loss of natural habitats and natural water flows etc.). In context of hydrological extremes′ rising and drainage systems′ ageing, existence of drainage systems must be solved. It means their maintainance for purpose of agricultural production, or, on the contrary, their elimination with the view of nature habitats′ recovery. Both solutions must differ in accordance with the different landscape characteristics of the Czech Republic.
Irrigation engineering in Spain and how it has changed the country’s landscape
Authors: García-Asensio José M. , Ayuga Francisco
Published: April 2017

Irrigation is a rural development technique widely extended in, and affecting the landscape of, areas of Mediterranean climate. In Spain, irrigation accounts for ⅔ of all water use. The country has over 3.5 million ha of irrigated land, some 15% of all its agricultural land. Valley bottoms and riversides are the landscapes most commonly associated with irrigation in Spain, followed by peninsular coastal and interior plains, basins, hollows and depressions. This paper describes the engineering infrastructures associated with irrigation, the structures involved in water capture, transport, storage and distribution, and water use and drainage in the irrigated lowlands of Spain. It also examines the environmental impact of such water use. Several descriptors are proposed to describe its association with the landscape.
Application of the Likert and Osgood Scales to Quantify the Qualitative Features of Real Estate Properties
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Gaca Radosław
Published: April 2017

The variables used in statistical research can be measured on different scales. According to Stevens the most common division of measurement scales distinguish four main types: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. The chosen scale of measurement implies further the possibility of applying certain statistical methods. For socio-economic research it is frequent that among independent variables appear variables of a qualitative nature. This study presents the idea of the application of the Likert and Osgood scales for the evaluation and quantification of qualitative variables in the real estate valuation process.

Taking into account the fact that the property features used in the process of estimating its value are very often measured on weak scales, this research attempted to apply the aforementioned scales to measure the qualitative features of real estate property. Additionally, all the qualitative data can be expressed only on nominal or ordinal scales. This means that they cannot be uncritically treated as metrical variables and their measurement scale implies the possible application of mathematical operations and statistical instruments. On the other hand, by analysing the type and the character of the qualitative features of the property, we can observe a substantial connection of such features with the assessment of their level of intensity expressed as a semantic interval or the acceptance level of a given phenomenon. This paper attempts to show how to apply the scales developed to measure attitudes in order to quantify the qualitative features of real estate property in the valuation process and shows the interval character of the data measured by the Osgood scale through comparison among three correlations specific for the mentioned type of scale.
Neural Networks Modelling of Municipal Real Estate Market Rent Rates
Authors: Muczyński Andrzej , Walacik Marek
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the results of research on the application of neural networks modelling of municipal real estate market rent rates. The test procedure was based on selected networks trained on the local real estate market data and transformation of the detected dependencies – through established models – to estimate the potential market rent rates of municipal premises. On this basis, the assessment of the adequacy of the actual market rent rates of municipal properties was made. Empirical research was conducted on the local real estate market of the city of Olsztyn in Poland. In order to describe the phenomenon of market rent rates formation an unidirectional three-layer network and a network of radial base was selected. Analyses showed a relatively low degree of convergence of the actual municipal rent rents with potential market rent rates. This degree was strongly varied depending on the type of business ran on the property and its’ social and economic impact. The applied research methodology and the obtained results can be used in order to rationalize municipal property management, including the activation of rental policy.
An Analysis of Conditional Dependencies of Covariance Matrices for Economic Processes in Selected EU Countries
Authors: Janiga-Ćmiel Anna
Published: April 2017

The paper looks at the issues related to the research on and assessment of the contagion effect. Based on several examinations of two selected EU countries, Poland paired with one of the EU member states; it presents the interaction between their economic development. A DCC-GARCH model constructed for the purpose of the study was used to generate a covariance matrix Ht
, which enabled the calculation of correlation matrices Rt
. The resulting variance vectors were used to present a linear correlation model on which a further analysis of the contagion effect was based. The aim of the study was to test a contagion effect among selected EU countries in the years 2000–2014. The transmission channel under study was the GDP of a selected country. The empirical studies confirmed the existence of the contagion effect between the economic development of the Polish and selected EU economies.
Economic Polarization Across European Union Regions in the years 2007–2012 at NUTS 2 Level
Authors: Piętak Łukasz
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to study the economic polarization in countries of the EU at NUTS 2 level in the years 2007–2012. The studies have to decide on positive or negative verification of the hypothesis, which states that the economic crisis of 2008–2013 had an influence on rising economic polarization in EU countries. The method used in this article is an application of some measures of economic polarization and inequality of income distribution. The carried out research did not allow for the positive verification of the hypothesis. Only in a few countries did the economic crisis have an influence on a reduction of the middle class. In most cases the economic collapse did not play any role in the raising of the economic polarization index. The statistical data used in this paper was taken from the following databases: Statistical Yearbook of the Regions – Poland from 2009 to 2013 and Eurostat – Regional statistics by NUTS classification*.
The Changing Role of the Service Sector in an Innovation-Oriented Economy
Authors: Gryczka Marcin
Published: April 2017

The development of a service economy and the more and more noticeable phenomenon of servicization have become inseparable elements in the evolution of the modern economy. The goal of this paper is to analyse the impact of servicization on selected economies, both in terms of GDP and employment structure, as well as on changes in foreign trade. The secondary, but still important aim is to examine the relationship between servicization and innovation processes. Based on the conducted research, it can be stated that the process of servicization occurs in both developed post-industrial economies and increasingly often in developing countries. Moreover, the analysis of the relationship between the general level of innovation in the economy and the degree of its servicization, showed that in many countries higher innovation is often associated with a stronger role of the service sector in the economy. The dynamics of structural change taking place in the “deagrarianization-deindustrialization-servicization” chain is therefore substantially influenced by technological progress.
Inflammatory Myopathies with Cutaneous Involvement: from Diagnosis to Therapy
Authors: Dourmishev Lyubomir A.
Published: April 2017

The group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) include various disorders of skeletal muscles with or without skin involvement. The most common types are dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis (IBM) and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM). Dermatomyositis subdivides into various clinical forms such as juvenile, amyopathic or paraneoplastic dermatomyositis, scleromyositis, overlap or anti-synthetase syndromes, etc.

Recently, numerous new antibodies defining the characteristic clinical phenotype have been described as anti-MDA5 antibodies associated with interstitial lung disease and amyopathic dermatomyositis or anti-TIF1γ antibodies as markers for paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. Moreover, new clinical entities as drug-induced dermatomyositis are presumed, since some medications may induce, or trigger inflammatory myopathies.

Knowledge of the complex methods and techniques required to diagnose the disease is of great importance in clinical practice. The variety of clinical variants needs diagnosis because of the differing prognosis and therapeutic modalities.
Emulsion of Chloramphenicol: an Overwhelming Approach for Ocular Delivery
Authors: Ashara Kalpesh C. , Shah Ketan V.
Published: April 2017

Background: Ophthalmic formulations of chloramphenicol have poor bioavailability of chloramphenicol in the ocular cavity.

Aim: The present study aimed at exploring the impact of different oil mixtures in the form of emulsion on the permeability of chloramphenicol after ocular application.

Materials and methods: Selection of oil mixture and ratio of the components was made by an equilibrium solubility method. An emulsifier was chosen according to its emulsification properties. A constrained simplex centroid design was used for the assessment of the emulsion development. Emulsions were evaluated for physicochemical properties; zone of inhibition, in-vitro diffusion and ex-vivo local accumulation of chloramphenicol. Validation of the design using check-point batch and reduced polynomial equations were also developed. Optimization of the emulsion was developed by software Design® expert 6.0.8. Assessment of the osmolarity, ocular irritation, sterility testing and isotonicity of optimized batch were also made.

Results: Parker Neem®, olive and peppermint oils were selected as an oil phase in the ratio 63.64:20.2:16.16. PEG-400 was selected as an emulsifier according to a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Constrained simplex-centroid design was applied in the range of 25-39% water, 55-69% PEG-400, 5-19% optimized oil mixture, and 1% chloramphenicol. Unpaired Student’s t-test showed for in-vitro and ex-vivo studies that there was a significant difference between the optimized batch of emulsion and Chloramphenicol eye caps (a commercial product) according to both were equally safe.

Conclusion: The optimized batch of an emulsion of chloramphenicol was found to be as safe as and more effective than Chloramphenicol eye caps.
Diagnostic Dilemmas in Hepatitis C Virus Infection for Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Komitova Radka T. , Atanasova Maria V. , Pavlova Toska A. , Nyagolov Monica Sh. , Ivanova Aneta V.
Published: April 2017

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in dialysis patients. The diagnosis of HCV infection in these patients is predominantly based on laboratory tests because of the specificity of the clinical course of the disease.

Aim: The present prospective study aimed at determining very accurately the prevalence rate of HCV infection in patients on dialysis by simultaneously testing them for anti-HCV and for HCV RNA levels.

Materials and methods: For the present cross-sectional longitudinal study we recruited and followed up 93 patients from St George University Hospital Hemodialysis Unit between July 2013 and December 2014. All patients were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA. The anti-HCV negative patients were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA at least twice at intervals of 6 months or more (up to 12 months). Anti-HCV antibodies were identified using a third generation ELISA assay. Commercial kits for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect HCV RNA in the plasma and mononuclear cells. Aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transpeptidase levels were studied to find if liver inflammation was present.

Results: The total seroprevalence in 68 patients was 20.6% (14). Of these, 10 patients were viremic (HCV RNA+/anti-HCV+), and 4 patients (5.9%) had discordant results (anti-HCV+/HCV RNA-). Acute hepatitis was detected in one patient. Duration of dialysis in HCV viremic patients was longer than that in aviremic patients (p=0.005).

Conclusions: The present study suggests that HCV infection in dialysis patients can be diagnosed more accurately if these patients are tested using two diagnostic methods - a serological test and a biomolecular assay. Further studies with larger sample size may prove the feasibility of such approach for all dialysis patients in this country.
Breed-Specific Haematologic Reference Values in Adult Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Humid Tropics of Nigeria
Authors: Daniel-Igwe G. , Okwara N.
Published: April 2017

One hundred (50 males and 50 females) B-not strain indigenous turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo, were used to determine the reference values for their haematological parameters. The turkeys were housed in the poultry unit and jugular venepunctures were used to collect their blood. The haematological parameters were determined using standard procedures. The mean values of: the packed cell volume (PCV; 37.29 ± 0.37 %), red blood cell (RBC) counts (2.50 ± 0.44 × 106.µl−1), haemoglobin concentration (Hbc; 10.89 ± 0.34 g.dl−1), mean corpuscular volume (MCV; 150.63 ± 0.73 fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH; 44.29 ± 1.78 pg), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC; 29.10 ± 0.73 g.dl−1), and white blood cell (WBC) counts (12.41 ± 0.83 × 103 µl−1) were determined. No significant differences were found between the male and female B-not strain turkeys in this study. The results will help in the interpretation of cases of disease when there are variations in the values and serve as baseline data for B-not strain of turkeys in the humid tropics.
MalasseziaversusCandidain Healthy Dogs
Authors: Sihelská Z. , Pangrácová Piterová M. , Čonková E. , Harčárová M. , Böhmová E.
Published: April 2017

The generaMalasseziaandCandidainclude yeasts which are members of the normal mycobiota of the skin and mucosal sites of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These yeasts are associated with a variety of dermatological disorders and also systemic diseases in humans and other animals. This study confirms the occurrence ofMalasseziaandCandidaspecies in healthy dogs. Samples were collected from different body sites: external ear canal, interdigital area, skin of the axilla and of the neck, and the oral and rectal mucosae. The isolates were identified using phenotypic methods (biochemical-physiological and morphological characteristics). The presence of yeasts were investigated in the specimens from 70 healthy dogs.Malasseziaspecies were isolated in 44 dogs from which 84Malasseziaisolates were obtained. Only oneCandidaisolate was obtained from the dogs examined. It was found thatCandidadoes not occur in dogs normally andMalasseziawas the main colonizing yeast in healthy dogs.
Collection of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Milk, Dairy Products and Food Processing Environments in Slovakia for the Purposes of European Molecular Database
Authors: Kubicová Z. , Filipová M. , Jurovčíková J. , Cabanová L
Published: April 2017

The molecular typing of Listeria monocytogenes isolates is an important tool for monitoring the spread of the strains in food chains, providing evidence for epidemiological investigations and for the detection of out-breaks. The demand of European typing data centralization, collection and sharing stimulated the generation of “EURL L. monocytogenes Database (EURL Lm DB)” in 2012 led by the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for L. monocytogenes (ANSES Maisons-Alfort Laboratory for Food Safety, France) in close collaboration with Applied Maths. This database includes the typing results and epidemiological information on strains isolated from food, environmental or animal samples and it is in connection with human strains database TESSy (The European Surveillance System) led by the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). In total 147 L. monocytogenes isolates were examined by PFGE (pulsed field gel electrophoresis) in 2014—2015 in VFI Dolny Kubin from different sources. Nearly half (68) of the 147 isolates in the national Slovak database came from milk or dairy products samples and the related manufacturing environment. In this work, 68 isolates associated with milk were selected and divided into 27 clusters (95 % similarity level) after combined comparison analysis (AscI and ApaI) by BioNumerics 6.6 software. Eight clusters included three or more similar PFGE profiles.
Ban without Prosecution, Conviction without Punishment, and Circumcision without Cutting: A Critical Appraisal of Anti-FGM Laws in Europe
Authors: La Barbera Dr. Maria Caterina
Published: April 2017

This article focuses on anti-FGM laws aiming at eliminating gender-based violence. It uses intersectionality to question the underlying conceptualization of gender-based violence, and examines how the problem is represented, and which solutions have been proposed by French, British and Italian laws, showing their inconsistencies and biases. It also considers silenced dissenting voices by focusing on the proposal of “circumcision without cutting”. The main goal is to uncover how anti-FGM laws generate new forms of vulnerability for African descent women in Europe, calling for a more complex articulation of gender at the intersection with migration status, ethnicity and neo-colonial relations.
Simplified Probabilistic Analysis of Settlement of Cyclically Loaded Soil Stratum by Point Estimate Method
Authors: Przewłócki Jarosław , Górski Jarosław , Świdziński Waldemar
Published: April 2017

The paper deals with the probabilistic analysis of the settlement of a non-cohesive soil layer subjected to cyclic loading. Originally, the settlement assessment is based on a deterministic compaction model, which requires integration of a set of differential equations. However, with the use of the Bessel functions, the settlement of a soil stratum can be calculated by a simplified algorithm. The compaction model parameters were determined for soil samples taken from subsoil near the Izmit Bay, Turkey. The computations were performed for various sets of random variables. The point estimate method was applied, and the results were verified by the Monte Carlo method. The outcome leads to a conclusion that can be useful in the prediction of soil settlement under seismic loading.
Modelling of Post-flotation Tailings Liquefaction Induced by Paraseismic Events
Authors: Świdziński Waldemar
Published: April 2017

This paper presents and discusses the results of numerical modelling of pore water pressure build-up in post-flotation saturated tailings deposited at the Tailings Storage Facility “Żelazny Most”, caused by seismic-induced dynamic loading. Numerical simulations were based on the compaction/liquefaction model proposed by A. Sawicki. The model parameters were determined in the laboratory for tailings sampled at the TSF “Żelazny Most”. The sensitivity of the numerical model was verified in a series of numerical tests for various horizontal acceleration amplitudes. In the main calculations, an accelerogram recorded during a real paraseimic event was assumed. The results obtained show that, with the current seismic activity near the TSF “Żelazny Most”, some pore water pressure is generated within the saturated tailings layer, but it does not trigger the liquefaction phenomenon.
Catalase, a remarkable enzyme: targeting the oldest antioxidant enzyme to find a new cancer treatment approach
Authors: Glorieux Christophe , Calderon Pedro Buc
Published: April 2017

This review is centered on the antioxidant enzyme catalase and will present different aspects of this particular protein. Among them: historical discovery, biological functions, types of catalases and recent data with regard to molecular mechanisms regulating its expression. The main goal is to understand the biological consequences of chronic exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide leading to cellular adaptation. Such issues are of the utmost importance with potential therapeutic extrapolation for various pathologies. Catalase is a key enzyme in the metabolism of H2O2and reactive nitrogen species, and its expression and localization is markedly altered in tumors. The molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of catalase, the oldest known and first discovered antioxidant enzyme, are not completely elucidated. As cancer cells are characterized by an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a rather altered expression of antioxidant enzymes, these characteristics represent an advantage in terms of cell proliferation. Meanwhile, they render cancer cells particularly sensitive to an oxidant insult. In this context, targeting the redox status of cancer cells by modulating catalase expression is emerging as a novel approach to potentiate chemotherapy.
Multi Point Voltage Control for DFIG wind farms in VSC-MTDC Network
Authors: Gao Yang , Ai Qian
Published: April 2017

The development of voltage source converter (VSC) based multi-terminal HVDC network (VSC-MTDC) is emerging as the most adaptive approach to managing high penetration of wind energy in long distance.However, MTDC networks depend on highly controllable devices, which may permit not only transporting power, but also assuring secure and stable operation for AC grids. This paper first presents an overview of different control schemes for VSCs in VSC-MTDC network, then proposes a modification scheme of multi-point DC voltage control for wind farms equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIG). Finally, the proposed strategy is verified on PSCAD/EMTDC software, and simulation results show that the state of constant power control and constant DC voltage control can be automatically conversed, thus guarantee the stability of DC voltage and the transmission reliability after the power variation in DFIG wind farms and the operation fault at converter stations.
FPGA Implementation of Multi-scale Face Detection Using HOG Features and SVM Classifier
Authors: Drożdż Michał , Kryjak Tomasz
Published: April 2017

In this paper an FPGA based embedded vision system for face detection is presented. The sliding detection window, HOG+SVM algorithm and multi-scale image processing were used and extensively described. The applied computation parallelizations allowed to obtain real-time processing of a 1280 × 720 @ 50Hz video stream. The presented module has been verified on the Zybo development board with Zynq SoC device from Xilinx. It can be used in a vast number of vision systems, including diver fatigue monitoring.
Original Article. Improving the Inhalation Technique in Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Ivanova Zlatina I. , Kyuchukov Nikolay H. , Krachunov Iliya I. , Yanev Nikolay A. , Glogovska Pavlina Ts. , Pavlov Plamen S. , Popova Tsanya P. , Todorov Vasil V. , Ivanov Yavor Y.
Published: April 2017

The study aimed to assess the inhalation technique of patients with bronchial asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) via an objective method and to evaluate the effect of training in patients with incorrect technique. Тhe inhalation technique of 120 patients with obstructive pulmonary disease was tested. The patients were divided into two groups: using metered dose inhalers (MDI) - 34 patients (28%) and dry powered inhalers (DPI) - 86 patients (72%). The most frequent mistakes in the MDIgroup were short duration of the inhalation (55.88%) and bad synchronization between activating the canister and the inhalation (29.41%). For the DPIgroup, the inhalation was not forceful enough (48.84%) and the short duration of the inhalation (12.79%). Patients claiming to have good inhalation technique accounted for 97%of those in the MDIgroup, and 96.5%of those in the DPIgroup. There were two patients (5.88%) with correct inhalation technique in the MDIgroup at their first attempt, and 31 patients (36.05%) in the DPIgroup. We found that in the MDIgroup there wasasignificant reduction in the number of mistakes (p<0.001). In the DPIgroup, such correlation was not found but during visit 2 there were no patients with more than 1 mistake. Correcting poor inhalation technique led to reduction of the number of mistakes during inhalation.
Original Article. Matrix Metalloproteinase Mmp-2 and Mmp-9 Activities in Seminal Plasma
Authors: Ayvazova Nina P. , Rilcheva Violeta S. , Konova Emiliana I. , Roussev Roumen G. , Rashev Pavel I.
Published: April 2017

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) areagroup of proteases containing Zn ions asacofactor, which are involved in degrading ofalarge number of extracellular matrix proteins, and bioactive molecules. They also playamajor role in processes such as cell proliferation, cell migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Very little is known about the expression and function of MMPs in the male reproductive tract. Occurrence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in human seminal plasma has been previously reported but their origin and function are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in normal and abnormal human sperm samples and find if any correlation existed between the levels of expression of MMPs and fertilization potential of the spermatozoa. Human spermsamples were examined for the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gel zymography and western blot analysis. A DNAfragmentation test was performed. The samples were divided into two groups - samples with normozoospermia and teratozoospermia. The gelatin zymography showed gelatinolytic bands with molecular weight 64 and 72 k Da corresponding to active and inactive form of MMP-2. MMP-9 was not detected. The MMP-2 enzymatic activity appeared to be much higher in samples with compromised sperm morphology as compared to the normozoospermic samples. The mean DNAfragmentation index (DFI) of the group with teratozoospermia was relatively higher (22.16%) and over the upper reference limits, compared to the normozoospermic group, in which it was within the normal range (17.26%).
Original Article. Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential of Oxidative Stress Markers in Adults with Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bogdanov Lachezar H. , Alexandrova Margarita L. , Atanasova Milena A. , Tzvetkov Nikolay Tz.
Published: April 2017

Immune thrombocytopenia (ІTP) is one of the most common causes of clinically overt hemorrhage. Despite the progress made in recent years in clarifying the pathogenesis of the disease, the exact unlockmechanisms still remain unclear. The aim of the study was to correlate the oxidative stress markers and the severity of immune thrombocytopenia in adults and to investigate their predictive value of transforming the acute formof ITPinto chronicІTP.We studiedatotal of 58 subjects (14 patients with newly diagnosedІTP, 13 patients with chronic form ofІTR, and 31 controls). The plasma levels of human pantetheinase ( vanin-1) and lipid hydroperoxides were measured using commercial assay kits.We found that the form of the disease was not significantly related to the plasma vanin-1 levels (p=0.120). Asignificant difference in the vanin-1concentrations was observed between newly diagnosed IPTand the controls (p=0.046). Further studies with larger and more homogenous groups of patients and including more indicators of oxidative stress are needed to be able to draw statistically valid conclusions about the role of oxidative biomarkers in diagnosing and treatment ofІTP.
Original Article. Demographic Changes in the Population of Bulgaria as Challenges for Anaesthesiologists
Authors: Radev Vladimir R. , Radev Radko N. , Arabadzhieva Daniela A. , Petrov Vladin I. , Kolev Nikolay H.
Published: April 2017

In the past two decades, the demographic crisis in Bulgaria has been widely debated. According to the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the proportion of people aged 65 and over is increasing, despite the general population decline in the country. To investigate whether the age structure of patients operated on has changed during the past 10 years and assess the need to reorganize the training of anesthetists,aretrospective study in the anesthesia electronic database of the University Hospital in Rouse was carried out. The data of anesthesia performed by anesthesiologists in 2005, 2010 and 2015 in patients aged 65 and over were summarized. The distribution of these patients by ASA Physical Classification System and frequency of complications during anesthesia were analyzed. The average annual number of anaesthesias for the three years was almost unchanged and amounted to about 5500. The proportion of patients aged 65 and over increased from 30.54%in 2005 to 35.72%in 2010, and 37.81%in 2015. The distribution of patients in according to the ASA Classification changed significantly: the percentage of patients ASAI-IIdropped from 36.19%in 2005 to 11.85%in 2015. The patients in the ASA III-IVgroups for the three analyzed years was 41.86%, 58.66%and 65.30%, respectively, and this was mainly due to the increase in the ASAIVpatients. It is necessary to build multidisciplinary teams and prepare specialized protocols for behavior in geriatric patients. It is imperative that anesthesiologists possess specialized knowledge about age-related organ changes and their effects on anesthesia.
Original Article. Open Retropubic and Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Carcinoma: Advantages of Methods
Authors: Kolev Nikolay H. , Atanasov Jitian A. , Dunev Vladislav R. , Stoykov Boyan A. , Kotsev Rumen P. , Vanov Alexander , Al-Shargabi Fahd , Tonchev Pencho T. , Iliev Sergey D. , Stoyanov Toni I.
Published: April 2017

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common type of cancer in men inanumber of countries. The choice of surgical technique for radical prostatectomy (RP) concerns both patients and urologists. The choice is not easy to make, since data is still limited due to the lack of large multicentric randomized research trials. For three years (2011-2014), 244 patients with limited prostate cancer were operated in the Urology Clinic of the University Hospital in Pleven. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) was performed on 35 patients (14%), open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP) - on 199 patients (81%), and laparoscopic RP - on 12 patients (5%). The preoperative and post-op results from the first two groups were compared. For the follow-up period of 12 months, functional results in 82 patients of the ORPgroup were compared to the results in the 35 patients of the RARPgroup. The operative time was significantly longer in the RARPgroup, and blood loss was lower. The catheter stay was shorter in patients with RARP. The percentage of significant postoperative complications was 0%in the patients with RARPand 3%in the patients with an ORP. RARPpatients demonstrated better continence: 91%vs. 87%and erectile function46%vs.40%at 12 months.
Case Report. A Case Report of Adult Acne
Authors: Yordanova Ivelina A. , Tsvetanova Desislava D. , Strateva Diana D. , Yordanova-Laleva Pavlina D. , Gospodinov Dimitar K.
Published: April 2017

Acne vulgaris is among the commonest inflammatory skin diseases affecting pilosebaceous units. It occurs mainly in puberty and affects adolescents at the age of 14-19 years both females and males, in relation to sebum production of hair follicles under the action of sex hormones. Clinically the disease is presented with comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and scars in some cases. Seborrheic areas face, chest and back are affected. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown significant number of female patients aged over 25 years with acne and the term Adult onset acne (AOA)was established.The latter is manifested clinically in the lower third of the face. Primary etiological cause of AOAisahormonal imbalance, mainly hyperandrogenemia. Acase ofa25-year-old woman with adult acne and elevated levels of testosterone and prolactine is presented in this paper.
Recurrent Arterial and Venous Thrombotic Events in a Patient with Psoriasis. Impact of PAI-1 Polymorphism: A Case Report
Authors: Dimitrov Borislav T. , Gincheva Veronika H. , Simeonova Iva G. , Ivanova Anika I. , Petkova Maria P. , Gospodinov Dimitar K. , Komsa-Penkova Regina
Published: April 2017

Psoriasis isachronic autoimmune multisystem disease, mainly affecting the skin and joints. Its origin is related to both environmental and genetic factors. The condition affects 1-3%of the population worldwide. Psoriasis is also associated with cardiovascular risk factors, atherothrombotic events, and markers of hypercoagulation (platelet activation and hyperhomocysteinemia). Venous thromboembolism (VTE) isawidespread severe disease. Both VTEand psoriasis are connected with risk factors for cardiovascular disorders (obesity and hypertension). The incidence of VTEevents in patients with psoriasis is higher. Patients with psoriasis should be checked for risk factors (metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases).We reportacase of a 53-year old man, diagnosed with plaque psoriasis 20 years ago, andafive year history of hypertension. In 2006, he hadastroke, and in 2011 ‒aheart attack. In 2013 he was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis. The patient was recently diagnosed with Type IIdiabetes, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. The DNAanalysis revealed that the patient wasahomozygous carrier of 4G/4G (rs1799889) polymorphism in plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) -a risk factor for thrombophilia. This case is important because of the major comorbidities, more particularly thrombotic events in combination withaprothrombotic mutation.
Some Aspects of Jean Gerson’s Legal Influence in Sixteenth Century England: The Issue of Epikeia
Authors: Mazour-Matusevich Yelena
Published: April 2017

The present study focuses on one aspect of Jean Gerson’s (1363–1429) judicial influence in England: the development of the concept of equity or epikeia. By analysing particularities of Gerson’s interpretation of epikeia, the study examines the reasons why his take on equity attracted attention in the socio-political context of 16th century England. It also explores distinctions between various understandings of equity, which was gradually introduced into common law under Thomas More’s chancellorship and thanks to Christopher St. German’s writings. Making the reference to today’s interest in the concept of equity, article aims to serve as a link between scholarship and contemporary political and judicial thinking.
Microbiome and antimicrobial resistance genes in microbiota of cloacal samples from European herring gulls (Larus argentatus)
Authors: Merkeviciene Lina , Ruzauskaite Neda , Klimiene Irena , Siugzdiniene Rita , Dailidaviciene Jurgita , Virgailis Marius , Mockeliunas Raimundas , Ruzauskas Modestas
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine microbiota in the cloacal samples of European herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and to compare a variety of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance in cultivable and non-cultivable bacteria.

Material and Methods: Cloacal samples from European herring gulls were collected from a Kaunas city dump. Cultivable microbiota were isolated, their microbial susceptibility was tested, and genes encoding antimicrobial resistance were detected. Additionally, a metagenomic study was performed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Results: In total, 697 different operational taxonomic units at genus level were detected; however, only 63 taxonomic units were detected at the amount of ≥0.1% of the total number of DNA copies. Catellicoccus marimammalium was found to have the highest prevalence. The bacterial amount of other genera was up to 5% with the most highly prevalent being Psychrobacter (4.7%), Helicobacter (4.5%), unclassified Enterococcaceae (3.2%), Pseudomonas (2.9%), and Brachyspira (2.6%).

Conclusions:
C. marimammalium are predominant microbiota in the cloacal samples of Larus argentatus. This species of gulls is a reservoir of bacteria carrying a wide-spectrum of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance. The same genes were detected in both cultivable microbiota and in the total DNA of the samples.