bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test Anxiety: Do Gender and School-Level Matter?
Authors: Aydın Utkun
Published: April 2017

The study investigated differences in students’ reported overall test anxiety before, during, or after test taking among two school-levels and gender. Differences among three test anxiety components (thoughts, off-task behaviors, and autonomic reactions) were also examined. Participants were 725 primary (349 females, 376 males) and 375 middle (180 females, 195 males) school students from a metropolitan city in Turkey. Turkish students’ reported overall test anxiety declined from primary to middle school, with females showing higher test anxiety throughout school years. Whereas students rated thoughts high, autonomic reactions were rated low; followed by off-task behaviors. Female and male students did not differ in thoughts and autonomic reactions. School-level differences were found in off-task behaviors and autonomic reactions. The pattern of Turkish students’ overall test anxiety derived as a combination of thoughts, off-task behaviors, and autonomic reactions was discussed, and educational implications were offered.
An Investigation of Teacher Candidates' Perceptions About Physical Dimension of Classroom Management
Authors: Ozsezer M. Sencer Bulut , Saban Ayten Iflazoglu
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this research is to investigate teacher candidates’ perceptions about the physical dimension of classroom management.  A hundred two 3rd year students at the Primary School Education Department of a state university were instructed to visit a primary school and to observe a classroom in terms of its physical dimensions. The students were guided both to tell about the actual classroom they observed and to tell about their dream classroom. Thus, this study aims to discover students’ perception on actual classroom and their construction of dream classroom in terms of physical characteristics. The research findings revealed that most of the teacher candidates mentioned their dream classroom according to the actual classroom and only one third of them designed the classroom according to their own dream classroom characteristics. Also teacher candidates did not mention the affective influences of physical layouts and environments on individuals.
The MicroRNA miR-210 Is Expressed by Cancer Cells but Also by the Tumor Microenvironment in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Bar Isabelle , Merhi Ahmad , Abdel-Sater Fadi , Ben Addi Abduelhakem , Sollennita Sara , Canon Jean-Luc , Delrée Paul
Published: April 2017

The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype occurs in about 15% of breast cancer and is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor outcome. Furthermore, treatment of patients with TNBC is more challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease and the absence of well-defined molecular targets. Microribonucleic acid (RNA) represents a new class of biomarkers that are frequently dysregulated in cancer. It has been described that the microRNA miR-210 is highly expressed in TNBC, and its overexpression had been linked to poor prognosis. TNBC are often infiltrated by immune cells that play a key role in cancer progression. The techniques traditionally used to analyze miR-210 expression such as next generation sequencing or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) do not allow the precise identification of the cellular subtype expressing the microRNA. In this study, we have analyzed miR-210 expression by in situ hybridization in TNBC. The miR-210 signal was detected in tumor cells, but also in the tumor microenvironment, in a region positive for the pan-leucocyte marker CD45-LCA. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-210 is expressed in tumor cells but also in the tumor microenvironment. Our results also highlight the utility of using complementary approaches to take into account the cellular context of microRNA expression.
Evaluation of Ground Water Potential in Ekpri-Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. “A Case Study of Open Bible Standard Church Premises”
Authors: Umoren Emmanuel , Agbasi Okechukwu , Emmanuel Eniang
Published: April 2017

Electrical resistivity survey using Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) field technique was carried out at Ekpri Ikang in Bakassi local government area of Cross River State. The survey is aimed at determining the water bearing formation of the area. Data acquired were interpreted using WinRes Program into a curve showing true resistivity and thickness of the subsurface layers. Result indicates that there are four distinct layers in the study area. Analyses of the data and interpretation of the sounding curve reveals that the water bearing layer exist in the layer two (2) and three (3) with resistivity values of 347.6Ω and 375.5Ω, also with thickness of 14.5m and 21.3m, depth of 39.6m and 61.0m. It is therefore recommended that boreholes for good drinking water be drilled to the layer two (2) and three (3) of the investigated area.
Evaluation of Reservoir’s Petrophysical Parameters, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Essien Ubong , Akankpo Akaninyene , Agbasi Okechukwu
Published: April 2017

Petrophysical analysis was performed in two wells in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. This study is aimed at making available petrophysical data, basically water saturation calculation using cementation values of 2.0 for the reservoir formations of two wells in the Niger delta basin. A suite of geophysical open hole logs namely Gamma ray; Resistivity, Sonic, Caliper and Density were used to determine petrophysical parameters. The parameters determined are; volume of shale, porosity, water saturation, irreducible water saturation and bulk volume of water. The thickness of the reservoir varies between 127ft and 1620ft. Average porosity values vary between 0.061 and 0.600; generally decreasing with depth. The mean average computed values for the Petrophysical parameters for the reservoirs are: Bulk Volume of Water, 0.070 to 0.175; Apparent Water Resistivity, 0.239 to 7.969; Water Saturation, 0.229 to 0.749; Irreducible Water Saturation, 0.229 to 0.882 and Volume of Shale, 0.045 to 0.355. The findings will also enhance the proper characterization of the reservoir sands.
Differential Effects of Bilateral Norms on SMEs’ Export Relationships: A Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Obadia Claude , Vida Irena , Pla-Barber José
Published: April 2017

Prior research has established the pivotal role of bilateral norms in relationship marketing, identifying them as effective relational governance mechanisms that firms can use to manage their international alliances with overseas intermediaries. Unfortunately, few studies have examined differential effects of specific norms on positive and negative behaviors, let alone norms’ effectiveness in the harsh export context of resource-constrained small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To address these gaps, the authors explicate the effects of three norms (continuity expectations, equity, and cooperation) on both dysfunctional and productive behaviors of foreign distributors. Using two consecutive data collections, the results indicate that norms curb importer opportunism and help improve importer role performance and that continuity expectations and cooperation increase the chances of the survival of export ventures. The study further scrutinizes relational norms’ effects on opportunism in the context of exporting SMEs’ realities and tests relevant moderating effects. The findings indicate that while exporter dependence reduces the shielding effect of norms against opportunism, psychic distance and competitive intensity strengthen the protecting effect of relational norms. The results of this study underscore the heterogeneous nature of relational norms and suggest that norms such as continuity expectations play a leading role in structuring the ideology of a business dyad.
A Contingent View of Partner Coopetition in International Joint Ventures
Authors: Shu Chengli , Jin Jason Lu , Zhou Kevin Zheng
Published: April 2017

Is coopetition between foreign and local partners good or bad for international joint venture (IJV) performance? This study develops a contingent view to examine how the efficacy of coopetition is conditional on IJV characteristics (i.e., foreign equity share and partner cultural compatibility) and environmental factors (i.e., technological turbulence and market growth). The results from analyzing 194 IJVs in China reveal that coopetition fosters IJV performance under the conditions of high foreign equity share, low partner cultural compatibility, high technological turbulence, and/or high market growth. In contrast, coopetition hinders IJV performance at low levels of foreign equity share, technological turbulence, and/or market growth, or at high levels of partner cultural compatibility. These findings support the authors’ contingent view of coopetition and provide novel insights for managing partner coopetition in IJVs.
Do Behavioral Nudges in Prepopulated Tax Forms Affect Compliance? Experimental Evidence with Real Taxpayers
Authors: Fonseca Miguel A. , Grimshaw Shaun B.
Published: April 2017

Defaults, in the form of prepopulated fields within the tax form, have been identified as potential mechanisms that tax authorities can use to reduce noncompliance. They achieve this by simplifying the process of filing taxes, thus reducing the scope for errors. However, defaults may increase the scope for evasion if set incorrectly. The authors report experimental data on the effect of correct and incorrect defaults. They find that prepopulating tax returns is a worthwhile policy only if it is done with highly reliable information. Setting default levels that underestimate taxpayers’ true tax liability leads to significant drops in compliance and tax revenue. The authors also study whether nudges that contain messages with descriptive norms about compliance can mitigate the adverse effect of prepopulated returns with incorrect values. Nudges that react to inputs from the taxpayer effectively raise compliance, whereas static nudges do not. This result demonstrates the limits to the applicability of nudges in a public policy sphere as well as possible adverse effects resulting from poor implementation.
Eco-Product Choice Cuts Both Ways: How Proenvironmental Licensing versus Reinforcement is Contingent on Environmental Consciousness
Authors: Garvey Aaron M. , Bolton Lisa E.
Published: April 2017

This research identifies how choice of an eco-product (e.g., low-energy LED light bulbs, biodegradable paper towels) influences downstream, environmentally responsible behavior. Eco-product choice either reinforces or undermines subsequent environmentally responsible behavior, and this effect is contingent on individual consumers’ preexisting environmental consciousness: among less environmentally conscious consumers, proenvironmental behavior is undermined; in contrast, highly environmentally conscious consumers display reinforcement of proenvironmental behavior. The authors reveal that these differential effects are driven by two discrete processes working in opposition: goal satiation drives licensing in the case of less environmentally conscious consumers, and prosocial self-perceptions drive reinforcement among highly conscious consumers. In addition, the authors identify a point-of-purchase intervention that mitigates the detrimental effects among less environmentally conscious consumers. Together, these results shed light on the downstream consequences of eco-product choice for consumers, with implications for the marketing and regulation of such products.
System dynamics models as decision-making tools in agritourism
Authors: Jere Jakulin Tadeja
Published: April 2017

Agritourism as a type of niche tourism is a complex and softly defined phaenomenon. The demands for fast and integrated decision regarding agritourism and its interconnections with environment, economy (investments, traffic) and social factors (tourists) is urgent. Many different methodologies and methods master softly structured questions and dilemmas with global and local properties. Here we present methods of systems thinking and system dynamics, which were first brought into force in the educational and training area in the form of different computer simulations and later as tools for decision-making and organisational re-engineering. We develop system dynamics models in order to present accuracy of methodology. These models are essentially simple and can serve only as describers of the activity of basic mutual influences among variables. We will pay the attention to the methodology for parameter model values determination and the so-called mental model. This one is the basis of causal connections among model variables. At the end, we restore a connection between qualitative and quantitative models in frame of system dynamics.
Feed intake, body weight changes and haematology of West African dwarf goats fed dietary levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal
Authors: Jiwuba Peter-Damian Chukwunomso , Ahamefule Francis Okechukwu , Okechukwu Okechukwu Samuel , Ikwunze Kingsley
Published: April 2017

A 90-day study was carried out with 36 West African Dwarf goats to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on feed intake, body weight changes and haematology of WAD does. Four diets were formulated such that diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 contained MOLM at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The diets were offered to the goats, which were randomly divided into four groups of nine goats each in a completely randomized design. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and heamatology of the animals were determined and statistically analyzed. Results showed that ADFI, ADWG differed significantly (P<0.05) with T4 goats having better values. FCR was however best for does fed T4 diet. PCV, RBC, MCV and WBC differed (P<0.05) significantly among the treatments. Packed cell volume (29.50-32.75%) was improved (p<0.05) by MOLM supplementation at 15% inclusion level. White blood cell counts for goats in treatment groups were significantly (p<0.05) higher and better than the control. Incorporation of 15% MOLM in diets of WAD does enhanced their performance and heamatological profile. Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation level at 15% was recommended for optimum West African Dwarf goat production.
The effect of late autumn cutting of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) on the growth rhythm of the first cut in the following year
Authors: Podvršnik Miran , Gselman Anastazija
Published: April 2017

The field experiment aimed at determination of influence of autumn harvest on rhythm of the growth of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and yield quality of the first cut in the following year was carried out in Spodnji Gabernik (258 m above sea level, 46°15′54.94″ N and 15°34′6.05″ E), in the fourth growth year of the lucerne variety ‘Soča’. The experiment was designed as a randomized block in four replications. The individual treatments represented weekly autumn cuttings (1) 24/9/2014, (2) 01/10/2014, (3) 08/10/2014, (4) 15/10/2014 and (5) 22/10/2014. The paper presents data associated with the amount of lucerne dry matter yield (DMY) per treatment compared with the DMY of the first spring cut in the year 2015 (18/05/2015). The growth rhythm of lucerne in each treatment, which took place before the first cut in year 2015, was based on the measurements of the height of the plants. The yield quality was evaluated by NIRS method for determination of crude protein (CP), the net energy of lactation (NEL) and metabolic energy (ME) in dry samples regarding to DMY of each treatment. In autumn 2014, statistically significant higher dry matter yields were obtained in later harvested treatments (5 and 4). Similarly, in spring 2015 the trend of higher crop dry matter yield was observed in treatments harvested later in the autumn of 2014. However, the differences were not significant. Statistically significant differences between treatments were acquired within CPY, NELY and MEY. Before the first mowing, in spring 2015, statistically significant trend of higher plants was also detected in treatments with later cutting in 2014.
Glass fiber supports modified by layers of silica and carbon nanofibers
Authors: Popov Maxim V. , Zazhigalov Sergey V. , Larina Tatyana V. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Bannov Alexander G. , Lopatin Sergey A. , Zagoruiko Andrey N.
Published: April 2017

The new multi-layered composite was manufactured by deposition of the carbon nanofibers (CNF) at the surface of the glass-fiber fabric, which is pre-modified by application of additional external layers of NiO and porous silica. Carbonization of synthesized catalytic template was performed at 450 °C in propanebutane media at ambient pressure. CNF was deposited in amount of ~130% of initial template mass or 65 g per g of nickel, the specific surface area of the material is ~100 m
Can Differences in Characteristics Explain Ethnic Wage Gap in Latvia?
Authors: Vilerts Kārlis , Krasnopjorovs Oļegs
Published: April 2017

We used anonymized micro data from Labour Force Survey to estimate the ethnic wage gap in Latvia and find the factors that explain it. We found that a notable ethnic wage gap still exists in Latvia with non-Latvians earning 10 % less than Latvians in 2015. The results of Oaxaca-Ransom decomposition show that approximately two thirds of the ethnic wage gap are explained by differences in characteristics with the most important effects in favour of Latvians caused by segregation in better paying occupational groups, having Latvian citizenship and better education (higher education levels and more favourable segregation by education fields). This was partly offset by favourable segregation in sectors for non-Latvians. Quantile regressions show that ethnic wage gap is statistically significant in all deciles of wage distribution.
Measuring Patients′ Satisfaction in For-Profit Orthopedic Hospital
Authors: Kuzmina Jekaterina
Published: April 2017

Patients′ satisfaction plays the central role in management of private hospitals, therefore the development of appropriate methodology and its adjustment to specific needs is necessary. The goal of the research is to develop and test methodology for the assessment of patient satisfaction in a private for-profit orthopedic hospital in Latvia that is consistent for results, as it should help to determine potential areas of progress in the coming periods. Moreover, satisfied patients are likely to return, to fulfil medical treatment requirements achieving better clinical results, as well as to recommend the hospital to others thus contributing to better overall performance of the organization. The results of the study show that the developed tool could be a valid instrument for measuring patient’s satisfaction, allowing to improve the existing processes inside the organization, as well as benchmark different segments in the hospital as far as possible and develop best-practice approaches.
Real Options and Discounted Cash Flow Analysis to Assess Strategic Investment Projects
Authors: Pivorienė Agnė
Published: April 2017

In today’s uncertain and highly competitive business environment, the difficulty to make strategic investment decisions is growing. The dominant discounted cash flow analysis requires the assumption of perfect certainty of project cash flows. However, under uncertainty traditional DCF approach falls short of providing adequate strategic decision support, and this situation demands new methods for investment evaluation. Real options approach (ROA) has shown the potential for valuation of strategic corporate investment decisions and managerial flexibility in situations of high uncertainty. Under ROA, projects are viewed as real options that can be valued using financial option pricing techniques. This framework allows their owner to keep investment options open and to benefit from the upside potential of an opportunity while controlling the downside risk. The main aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of real options approach and traditional DCF analysis for assessment of strategic investment projects under environmental uncertainty.
Challenges of Nation-Branding for Stimulation of Latvian Exports
Authors: Bekasova Angelina , Sloka Biruta , Muravska Tatjana
Published: April 2017

The presented research aims to contribute to the conceptualisation of the nation-brand of Latvia with the purpose of stimulation of national export performance. The subject of the research is three aspects presumably challenging the branding of Latvia with reference to national export development. The investigated challenges are the barriers and opportunities for green-branding of Latvia; the absence of the generally accepted indication of the geographical identity of the Baltic region; and the contradictable popular image of Latvia as a cheap country. The research poses two research questions inquiring into the issues of nation-branding of Latvia currently being faced in the context of exports and possible measures to overcome them. The applied research methods are theoretical analysis of scientific literature and empirical analysis of the representation of Latvia on the official website of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and its comparison with the official websites of respective institutions in Lithuania and Estonia. The research observes the interconnection between the defined challenges, offers the perspective for the possible transformation of the challenges into nation-branding opportunities, and estimates the green brand of the country as a gateway for feasible solution for the defined challenges and for the stimulation of national exports. In addition, the research identifies further challenges the nation-branding of Latvia is currently facing for further discussion.
Enzymatic Activity of Some Industrially-Applied Cellulolytic Enzyme Preparations
Authors: Dąbkowska Katarzyna , Mech Monika , Kopeć Kamil , Pilarek Maciej
Published: April 2017

Enzymatic hydrolysis is the essential step in the production of 2ndgeneration biofuels made from lignocellulosic biomass, i.e. agricultural or forestry solid wastes. The enzyme-catalysed robust degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose to monosaccharides requires the synergistic action of the independent types of highly-specific enzymes, usually offered as ready-to-use preparations. The basic aim of the study was to experimentally determine the enzymatic activity of two widely industrially-applied, commercially available cellulolytic enzyme preparations: (i) Cellic®CTec2 and (ii) the mixture of Celluclast®1.5L and Novozyme 188, in the hydrolysis of pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass, i.e. (a) energetic willow and (b) rye straw, or untreated (c) cellulose paper as well, used as feedstocks. Before the hydrolysis, every kind of utilized lignocellulosic biomass was subjected to alkaline-based (10% NaOH) pre-treatment at high-temperature (121°C) and overpressure (0.1 MPa) conditions. The influence of the type of applied enzymes, as well as their concentration, on the effectiveness of hydrolysis was quantitatively evaluated, and finally the enzyme activities were determined for each of tested cellulolytic enzyme preparations.
Application of Neural Networks in Diagnostics of Chemical Compounds Based on their Infrared Spectra
Authors: Macek-Kamińska Krystyna , Stemplewski Sławomir
Published: April 2017

The paper presents possibilities of using the so-called „finger-print“ identification method and artificial neural network (ANN) for diagnosis of chemical compounds. The construction of a tool specifically developed for this purpose and the ANN, as well as the required conditions for its proper functioning were described. The identification of chemical compounds was tested in two different ways for proving correctness of the assumptions. First of all, initial studies were carried out with the objective to verify the proper functioning of the developed procedure for IR spectrum interpretation. The second research stage was to find out how the properties of artificial neural networks will satisfy identification or differentiation in case of spectra with very similar structures or for mixtures consisting of several chemical compounds. Interpretation of infrared spectra of mono-constituent substances was successfully performed for both - the training and test data. Interpretation process of infrared spectra of bi-component substances, based on the example of structurally related compounds obstructing identification process, should also be described as positive. The model was able to interpret spectra of mixtures, which were previously registered into the database. Unfortunately, the program is not always able to determine which chemical substances reflect their presence in the infrared spectrum of ternary mixtures. During the research tests, it was also noted that the more complex the structure of a substance being present in the mixture was, the more difficult the interpretation of the spectra to be carry out properly by the program was. On the other hand, positive results were obtained for mixtures of compounds with not so complex structure. It must be emphasized that the results so far are promising and more attention should be paid to them in further studies.
Application of Selected Methods of Black Box for Modelling the Settleability Process in Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Szeląg Bartosz , Gawdzik Alicja , Gawdzik Andrzej
Published: April 2017

The paper described how the results of measurements of inflow wastewater temperature in the chamber, a degree of external and internal recirculation in the biological-mechanical wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Cedzyna near Kielce, Poland, were used to make predictions of settleability of activated sludge. Three methods, namely: multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), random forests (RF) and modified random forests (RF + SOM) were employed to compute activated sludge settleability. The results of analysis indicate that modified random forests demonstrate the best predictive abilities.
Potential Use of Alluvial Groundwater for Irrigation in Arid Zones - Mhamid Oasis (S Morocco)
Authors: Dłużewski Maciej , Kozłowski Rafał , Szczucińska Anna
Published: April 2017

In arid zones, the availability of fresh water is usually very limited because of high salinity, which greatly limits their use for irrigation purposes. High mineralization of water used for irrigation leads to increased soil salinity. The aim of the study was to examine the potential use of alluvial groundwater for irrigation in arid zones. The works were conducted in the Middle Draa Valley in southern Morocco (the Mhamid Oasis) in October 2015. Water samples of alluvial groundwater were collected for laboratory analysis from 42 wells located in the oasis. In order to determine the possibility to use the water for irrigation purposes, the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (%Na), permeability index (PI), Kelly’s ratio (KR), magnesium hazards (MH) and electrical conductivity (EC) were assessed. EC values, exceeding 3000 μS·cm-1 in all the samples, classify the water as unsuitable for irrigation. MH and the KR indexes show that 30% of water samples represent levels making them unsuitable for irrigation. SAR confirms the very high degree of susceptibility of the analyzed waters to salinity hazard. The PI index of these waters is moderate, however in terms of sodium content they can be deemed suitable for irrigation purposes. It has been found that even within a small area of the oasis, a very large differentiation in the alluvial groundwater suitability for irrigation purposes occurs.
The Bodily Texture of Phantasy
Authors: Brudzińska Jagna
Published: April 2017

In opposition to the traditional empiricist understanding of phantasy as a copy of perception and therefore as a weakened form of experience, this paper interprets phantasy as an independent and creative modus of consciousness that is responsible for the individuation of the subject. The article reconstructs Husserl’s approach to phantasy as a specific kind of intentional operation as well as its relationship with mood-intentionality, bodily-kinesthetic expressivity and with hyletic anticipation as a structure of sensibility. In this way, the bi-valence of human experiential orders is claimed and the concept of bodily phantasy is pointed out. This leads the phenomenological analysis closer to the psychoanalytical approach to fantasy. The latter is investigated with reference to Freud’s concept of primary processual thinking and Gaddini’s understanding of bodily phantasy as a specific individuation factor within the personal history of bonding
Plerosis and Atomic Gestalts
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Pinna Baingio
Published: April 2017

Franz Brentano, 1838–1917, introduced the intriguing concept of “plerosis” in order to account for aspects of the continuum that were “explained” by formal mathematics in ways that he considered absurd from the perspective of intuition, especially visual awareness and imagery. In doing this, he pointed in directions later developed by the Dutch mathematician Luitzen Brouwer. Brentano’s notion of plerosis involves distinct though coincident points, which one might call “atomic entities with parts”. This notion fits the modern concepts of “receptive field” in neurophysiology, “perceptive field” in psychology and “differential operator” in the formal theory of scale space. We identify Brentano’s boundary points as the primordial atomic Gestalts of visual imagery. The concept deserves to play a key role in Gestalt theory.
Experimental Paper. Activity of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from skin lesions in the course of staphylococcal skin infections
Authors: Kwiatkowski Paweł , Mnichowska-Polanowska Magdalena , Pruss Agata , Dzięcioł Małgorzata , Masiuk Helena
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is an important etiological agent of skin and soft tissue infections. Due to the increasing resistance of this bacterium to antimicrobial agents, treatment of staphylococcal infections remains a great challenge for clinicians and requires an alternative treatment options. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of essential oils: caraway (CEO), patchouli (PEO) and geranium (GEO) against S. aureus strains isolated from skin lesions in the course of staphylococcal skin infections. Methods: The antibacterial activity of essential oils was tested using the dilution method in Mueller-Hinton broth. Results: The antimicrobial effect of CEO, PEO and GEO was observed. The highest antimicrobial activity showed PEO (MIC = 1.7±0.8 µl/ml), the lower was observed for GEO (MIC = 5.4±2.0 µl/ml) and CEO (MIC = 18.8±10.3 µl/ml). Conclusion: All tested essential oils showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus strains isolated from skin lesions of patients with staphylococcal skin infections. Application of the CEO, PEO and GEO can become an alternative method of treatment of staphylococcal infections, but further microbiological tests and clinical trials should be assessed.
Experimental Paper. In vitro synthesis of mucilage in Plantago ovata Forsk affected by genotypes and culture media
Authors: Golkar Pooran , Amooshahi Farzad , Arzani Ahmad
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) is medicinally used mainly for its mucilage content. Objective: In the present study, an attempt was made to improve mucilage yield under in vitro callus culture using different genotypes, explants and culture media. Methods: The effects of a range of concentrations of plant growth regulators including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin (Kin) were evaluated on mucilage synthesis under in vitro culture using cotyledon, hypocotyl and seed explants. Fourteen genotypes originating from different geographical regions of Iran were used to evaluate their response to in vitro mucilage synthesis. Results: The highest rate of callus induction (76%) and callus growth rate CGR (0.38 mm/day) were induced on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D and 1 mg/l Kin and the hypocotyl explant. The results of analysis of variance showed significant genotypic differences for callus induction, CGR and mucilage content of callus and seeds. The mucilage content ranged from 0.38 to 0.08 (g/g DW) and 0.13 to 0.042 (g/g DW) for callus and seed, respectively. The superior callus induction (73%), CGR (0.45 mm/day) and mucilage content of callus (0.38 g/g DW) was denoted to Po1 genotype. The callus produced nearly three times more mucilage than the seeds using superior genotype (Po1). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that high efficiency of callus culture of P. ovata using hypocotyl explant accompanied by the exploration of genetic diversity are important to improve the yield of mucilage synthesis by in vitro callus culture.
Bee pollen in allergy and immunology. Short review
Authors: Zarobkiewicz Michał K. , Woźniakowski Mateusz M. , Sławiński Mirosław A. , Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Jodłowska-Jędrych Barbara
Published: April 2017

Bee pollen is a natural resource - pollen collected by bees and stored in the beehive with various bee enzymes added as it is a mixture of plants pollen and bee saliva. It is rich source of various nutrients, among them exogenous amino acids. Therefore, it can be a good and natural dietary supplement. New possibilities for bee pollen usage arise every day, yet it can also be a threat. Although bee pollen can act as an immunostimulant and anti-allergic agent, it is also and maybe even primarily allergic or cross-reactive with many allergens. A number of bee pollen allergy cases was described worldwide. A caution is therefore needed before ingestion or any other form of administration, especially in case of children or individuals with atopic predispositions. Anti-allergic attributes and immunostimmulation ability still need further research.
Cellulose fiber based fungal and water resistant insulation materials
Authors: Zheng Chao , Li Dongfang , Ottenhall Anna , Ek Monica
Published: April 2017

The development of thermal insulation materials from sustainable, natural fibrous materials is desirable. In the present study, cellulose fiber based insulation foams made of bleached chemi thermo mechanical pulp (CTMP) have been investigated. To improve water resistance, the foams were impregnated with hydrophobic extractives from the outer bark of birch (Betula verrucosa) and dried. The surface morphology of the foams and the distribution of the deposited particles from the extractives were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modified foams showed improved water resistance, as they did not disintegrate after immersion in water for 7 days, whereas the unmodified foam did. Compared to the unmodified foam, the modified foams absorbed 50% less moisture within 24 h. The modification had no negative effects on the thermal insulation properties, fungal resistance or compressive strength of the foams. The proposed approach is simple and can be easily integrated into plants working based on the biorefinery concept.
The Model Analysis of Inclusion Moving in the Swirl Flow Zone Sourcing from the Inner-Swirl-Type Turbulence Controller in Tundish
Authors: Jin Yan , Ye Chen , Luo Xiao , Yuan Hui , Cheng Changgui
Published: April 2017

In order to improve the inclusion removal property of the tundish, the mathematic model for simulation of the flow field sourced from inner-swirl-type turbulence controller (ISTTC) was developed, in which there were six blades arranged with an eccentric angle (θ) counterclockwise. Based on the mathematical and water model, the effect of inclusion removal in the swirling flow field formed by ISTTC was analyzed. It was found that ISTTC had got the better effect of inhibiting turbulence in tundish than traditional turbulence inhibitor (TI). As the blades eccentric angle (θ) of ISTTC increasing, the intensity of swirling flow above it increased. The maximum rotate speed of fluid in swirling flow band driven by ISTTC (θ=45°) was equal to 25 rmp. Based on the force analysis of inclusion in swirling flow sourced from ISTTC, the removal effect of medium size inclusion by ISTTC was attributed to the centripetal force (F
ct) of swirling flow, but removal effect of ISTTC to small size inclusion was more depend on its better turbulence depression behavior.
Computationally Efficient Hybrid Method for Transmission Network Expansion Planning
Authors: Verma Ashu , Das Soumya , Bijwe P. R.
Published: April 2017

Transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) is an important and computationally very demanding problem in power system. Many computational approaches have been proposed to handle TNEP in the past. The problem is mixed integer, large scale and its complexity increases exponentially with the size of the system. Metaheuristic techniques have gained a lot of importance in last few years to solve the power system optimization problems, due to their ability to handle complex optimization functions and constraints. Many of them have been successfully applied for TNEP. The biggest challenge in these techniques is the requirement of large computational efforts. This paper uses a two-stage solution process to solve the TNEP problems. The first stage uses compensation based method to generate a quick, suboptimal solution. The valuable information contained in this solution is used to generate a set of heuristics aimed at drastically reducing the number of population for fitness evaluations required in the 2nd stage with application of metaheuristic method. The resulting hybrid approach produces very good quality solutions very efficiently. Results for 24 bus and 93 bus test systems have been obtained with the proposed method to ascertain the potential of the method in comparison to earlier approaches.
Impact of meteorological drought on hydrological drought in Toruń (central Poland) in the period of 1971–2015
Authors: Bąk Bogdan , Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna
Published: April 2017

The paper presents impact of meteorological drought on hydrological drought on the Vistula River in Toruń in the period of 1971-2015. It uses index method for the assessment of hydrological drought threat degree as a result of multi-month lasting meteorological drought. Based on the values of the SPI-24 (24-month standardized precipitation index) it was determined that meteorological drought in Toruń appeared six times and the total time of the phenomenon was 33% of the studied interval. Periods of hydrological drought on the Vistula River in Toruń have been determined based on the values of the SWI-24 (24-month standardized water level index). It has been found out that hydrological drought appeared four times and its total time was 10% longer that the meteorological drought. Based on the values of both indices (SPI-24 and SWI-24) correlation coefficient for months, seasons and years, it was found that the relation between both kind of droughts is weak (r < 0.5). That result is also confirmed in the distribution of both kinds of drought. Only in 32 months (8% of the total time) the intensity of the two simultaneously occurring drought was at least moderate. The achieved results revealed that the hydrological drought was occurring periodically, independent on meteorological drought. Hydrological drought was also influenced by the external factors (hydropower plant in Włocławek, Major Groundwater Basin - GZWP) and climate factors appearing in the upper and middle part of the river basin.
Mapping erosion prone areas in the Bouhamdane watershed (Algeria) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation through GIS
Authors: Bouguerra Hamza , Bouanani Abderrazak , Khanchoul Kamel , Derdous Oussama , Tachi Salah Eddine
Published: April 2017

Soil erosion by water is a major problem that the Northern part of Algeria witnesses nowadays; it reduces: the productivity of agricultural areas due to the loss of lands, and leads to the loss of storage capacity in reservoirs, the deterioration of water quality etc. The aim of this study is to evaluate the soil losses due to water erosion, and to identify the sectors which are potentially sensitive to water erosion in the Bouhamdane watershed, that is located in the northeastern part of Algeria. To this end, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was used. The application of this equation takes into account five parameters, namely the rainfall erosivity, topography, soil erodibility, vegetative cover and erosion control practices. The product of these parameters under GIS using the RUSLE mathematical equation has enabled evaluating an annual average erosion rate for the Bouhamdane watershed of 11.18 t·ha-1·y-1. Based on the estimates of soil loss in each grid cell, a soil erosion risk map with five risk classes was elaborated. The spatial distribution of risk classes was 16% very low, 41% low, 28% moderate, 12% high and 3% very high. Most areas showing high and very high erosion risk occurred in the lower Bouhamdane watershed around Hammam Debagh dam. These areas require adequate erosion control practices to be implemented on a priority basis in order to conserve soil resources and reduce siltation in the reservoir.
Range of soil and climate characteristics appropriate for Pistacia atlantica forest development and rehabilitation (case study: Fars province, Iran)
Authors: Nejabat Masoud , Negahdarsaber Mohammadreza , Ghahari Gholamreza
Published: April 2017

Investigation of ranges of soil and climate characteristics appropriate for the tolerant species: Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica according to field study was the main objective of this research. This study was carried out based on random sampling across 20×20 km wild pistachio forests of Fars province (Iran). Results showed that mountainous and hilly lands are the main land types that pistachio species have evolved on. Statistical analysis of physical and chemical soil characteristics based on principal component analysis (PCA) method showed that wide ranges in soil characteristics, even up to about 40% differentiation in some measured properties, did not restricts this subspecies natural growth. The main growth limiting factors were shallow soil depth and light soil texture that decreased storage capacity of soil moisture, necessary for wild pistachios survival during drought and long dry periods. Climatic elements were analysed through the same approach and showed that temperature, precipitation and wind with overall variability of 85.9% were the most effectual factors. Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica is one of the species refractory to various soil conditions and adapted to weak soils for the establishment and rehabilitation of forests in semi-arid regions.
Evapotranspiration data to determine agro-climatic zones in Egypt
Authors: Ouda Samiha A. H. , Norledin Tahany A.
Published: April 2017

The objective of this paper was to compare between agro-climatic zones developed from 10-year interval of weather data from 2005-2014, 20-year interval of weather data from 1995-2014 and the zoning developed by [NORELDIN et al. 2016] using 30-year interval from 1985-2014 in the old cultivated land of Egypt in the Nile Delta and Valley. Monthly means of weather data were calculated for each year, and then monthly values for 10-year and 20-years were calculated for each governorate. Basic Irrigation scheduling model (BISm) was used to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Analysis of variance was used and the means was separated and ranked using least significant difference test (LSD0.05). Our results showed that agro-climatic zoning using 20-year values of ETo was similar to the zones developed with 30-year values of ETo, with different values of average ETo in each zone. Furthermore, using 10-year values of ETo resulted in higher values of ETo in each zone, compared to 20-year and 30-year ETo values. However, the average value of ETo over the three classifications was close to each other. Thus, depending on the availability of weather data, either zoning can be sufficient to develop agro-climatic zones.
Legal and Cultural Implications Inherent in Managing Multilingual and Multicultural Labor: Selected Translation Issues from the US National Labor Relations Board
Authors: Manzella Pietro , Koch Karl
Published: April 2017

This paper examines one consequence of the increasingly multilingual and multicultural labor market, resulting from migratory flows caused in part by globalization. It focuses on selected legal and translation issues in labor relations arising from misinterpretations and cultural disparities in communication between different languages and cultures. It draws on decisions of the United States National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), where there were misleading and ambiguous translations. It employs a theoretical approach based on concepts from cross-cultural management, including cultural theory, and thereby expands the discipline of Translation Studies. The findings suggest that an understanding of the cultural content, particularly in the practice of intercultural management, is imperative. The paper concludes that a systematic methodology linking culture and language in labor relations should be adopted.
Wiedergabe der Rezipientenperspektive: Entsprechungen desbekommen-Passivs im Spanischen
Authors: Sánchez-Nieto María Teresa
Published: April 2017

Every linguistic phenomenon pertaining to the passive voice in German should be principally of interest for studies of translations and for contrastive studies between German and Spanish, as such phenomena build a source of possible language-pair specific translation problems. In this paper, the equivalence relations that help to express in Spanish the semantic content of the German ‘bekommen-passive’ — i.e., recipient’s perspective with agent’s decentralizing — are identified. The recipient’s perspective is kept in most cases in Spanish, implying, though, high lexical costs in many cases. Further, the semantic profiles of the ‘kriegen-passive’ and the ‘erhalten-passive’ are described.
“Never too late to spot a difference”: the development of L2 speech perception in adults
Authors: Lipińska Dorota
Published: April 2017

Learning correct pronunciation of a second/foreign language always represents a considerable challenge for language learners (e.g. Rojczyk, 2010a), especially for adults (e.g. Flege, 2007). There is an abundance of studies (e.g. Nowacka, 2010; Flege, 1991) showing that second language learners whose first language (L1) phonetic system has only one sound where L2 is characterized by noticeable richness of separate sound categories, encounter serious problems when they try to distinguish those new sounds and, moreover, they tend to apply their native vowels or consonants in L2 speech. It may be easily audible in the case of vowels and actually a lot of studies on L2 learners’ production and perception of L1 and L2 vowels have been carried (e.g. Flege, 1992; Nowacka, 2010; Rojczyk, 2010a; Rojczyk, 2010b).

The aim of this study was to examine elementary learners’ perception of 4 German vowels, namely: /ɪ/, /iː/, /ʏ/ and /yː/. They were organized as two sets of minimal pairs, namely /ɪ/ vs. /ʏ/ and /iː/ vs. /yː/. The aforementioned sounds were chosen for the study since /ʏ/ and /yː/ are considered to be very difficult vowels for Polish learners (e.g. Bęza, 2001). Twelve elementary, adult (29-52 years old) Polish learners of German agreed to participate in the study. The subjects had just began their A2-level language course, however they had been taught the basics of German pronunciation for a year, during their A1-level course. They were presented a printed list of word pairs and listened to the recorded words. Then they were asked to circle the right option in each pair. The results revealed that although all study participants were adults when they started learning German and they were still just elementary users of the language, they were already able to distinguish correctly a considerable number of words. It may suggest that proper pronunciation training during a FL/L2 course can provide language learners with measurable benefits.