bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and language policy in the dynamics of multilingualism
Authors: Grin François
Published: December 2016

Many of Fishman’s contributions to understanding language in society stress the importance of dynamics, drawing attention to the complex interplay of micro-, meso- and macro-level factors from which an integrated pattern emerges. Our understanding of language dynamics, therefore, should encompass processes unfolding at various levels and provide accounts that do justice to these interactions, while delivering an analysis broad enough to constitute a sensible basis for successful language policy. Such concerns, illustrated in particular by Fishman’s work on reversing language shift, call for revisiting this issue by focusing on the role of translation. Translation is linked to language dynamics, and it is both a conduit of language policies and a condition for their success, but these interconnections need to be explicitly acknowledged. Whereas translation studies often approach translation itself as a self-contained process, it certainly emerges from multilingual contexts, but is also, at least in part, dependent on language policies. Translation contributes to the maintenance of linguistic diversity and societal multilingualism which are, reciprocally, dependent upon the practice of translation. This examination confirms the ongoing soundness of the fundamentals of Fishman’s approach to “language-in-society” and helps to assess some recent criticism toward core notions of classical sociolinguistics that Fishman helped develop and disseminate, such as multilingualism, which is being called into question by current notions such as “English as a lingua franca” and “languaging”. The very existence of translation as a social, economic and political practice suggests that societal multilingualism cannot satisfactorily be described without resorting to classical sociolinguistic concepts like “named” languages, mother tongue and domain, which are crucial to successful policies and, hence, to the maintenance of the linguistic human rights to which Fishman’s work has made such essential contributions.
A Survey of Artificial Intelligence Techniques Employed for Adaptive Educational Systems within E-Learning Platforms
Authors: Colchester Khalid , Hagras Hani , Alghazzawi Daniyal , Aldabbagh Ghadah
Published: December 2016

The adaptive educational systems within e-learning platforms are built in response to the fact that the learning process is different for each and every learner. In order to provide adaptive e-learning services and study materials that are tailor-made for adaptive learning, this type of educational approach seeks to combine the ability to comprehend and detect a person’s specific needs in the context of learning with the expertise required to use appropriate learning pedagogy and enhance the learning process. Thus, it is critical to create accurate student profiles and models based upon analysis of their affective states, knowledge level, and their individual personality traits and skills. The acquired data can then be efficiently used and exploited to develop an adaptive learning environment. Once acquired, these learner models can be used in two ways. The first is to inform the pedagogy proposed by the experts and designers of the adaptive educational system. The second is to give the system dynamic self-learning capabilities from the behaviors exhibited by the teachers and students to create the appropriate pedagogy and automatically adjust the e-learning environments to suit the pedagogies. In this respect, artificial intelligence techniques may be useful for several reasons, including their ability to develop and imitate human reasoning and decision-making processes (learning-teaching model) and minimize the sources of uncertainty to achieve an effective learning-teaching context. These learning capabilities ensure both learner and system improvement over the lifelong learning mechanism. In this paper, we present a survey of raised and related topics to the field of artificial intelligence techniques employed for adaptive educational systems within e-learning, their advantages and disadvantages, and a discussion of the importance of using those techniques to achieve more intelligent and adaptive e-learning environments.
40Gbit/s MDM-WDM Laguerre-Gaussian Mode with Equalization for Multimode Fiber in Access Networks
Authors: Fazea Yousef , Amphawan Angela
Published: December 2016

Modal dispersion is seen as the primary impairment for multimode fiber. Mode division multiplexing (MDM) is a promising technology that has been realized as a favorable technology for considerably upsurges the capacity and distance of multimode fiber in conjunction with Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) for fiber-to-the-home. This paper reveals the importance of an equalization technique in conjunction with controlling the modes spacing of mode division multiplexing-wavelength division multiplexing of Laguerre-Gaussian modes to alleviate modal dispersion for multimode fiber. The effects of channel spacing of 20 channels MDM-WDM were examined through controlling the azimuthal mode number and the radial mode number of Laguerre-Gaussian modes. A data rate of 40Gbit/s was achieved for a distance of 1,500 m for MDM-WDM.
Static Structural and Modal Analysis Using Isogeometric Analysis
Authors: Gondegaon Sangamesh , Voruganti Hari K.
Published: December 2016

Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) is a new analysis method for unification of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). With the use of NURBS basis functions for both modelling and analysis, the bottleneck of meshing is avoided and a seamless integration is achieved. The CAD and computational geometry concepts in IGA are new to the analysis community. Though, there is a steady growth of literature, details of calculations, explanations and examples are not reported. The content of the paper is complimentary to the existing literature and addresses the gaps. It includes summary of the literature, overview of the methodology, step-by-step calculations and Matlab codes for example problems in static structural and modal analysis in 1-D and 2-D. At appropriate places, comparison with the Finite Element Analysis (FEM) is also included, so that those familiar with FEM can appreciate IGA better.
Mastitis associated with Prototheca zopfii - an emerging health and economic problem on dairy farms
Authors: Milanov Dubravka , Petrović Tamaš , Polaček Vladimir , Suvajdžić Ljiljana , Bojkovski Jovan
Published: December 2016

Increased incidence of protothecal mastitis has been recorded in several countries in the past ten years. The main goal of this article is to draw the attention of scientific and professional community to the emerging issue of mammary protothecosis. The article collates currently known facts about infection reservoirs, predisposing factors for the development of mastitis, clinical manifestations of the disease, and potential transmission routes within the herd as well as the measures for control and eradication. We would like to point out that identification of protothecal mastitis on a dairy farm is associated with a range of problems. Early detection of infected animals can be difficult because of predominantly subclinical course of early-stage infection, which easily spreads between cows via the milking system. Spontaneous recovery has not been recorded and infected cows typically develop chronic mastitis with granulomatous infiltration and progressive loss of functional parenchyma of the mammary gland. Substantial economic losses and health damages associated with mammary protothecosis strongly emphasise the need for developing effective prevention strategies aimed at control of the infection.
Levels of the natural hormones 17β-oestradiol and testosterone in serum of cattle: results from population studies in Poland
Authors: Woźniak Barbara , Witek Sebastian , Matraszek-Żuchowska Iwona , Kłopot Alicja , Posyniak Andrzej
Published: December 2016

Introduction: The present study is a comprehensive overview of the natural occurrence of 17β-oestradiol and testosterone in serum of cattle in Poland. Material and Methods: The serum samples (n = 826) were collected from cattle within five years. The samples were examined for the presence of oestradiol and testosterone using ELISA or gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Results: In 98 samples (24%) 17β-oestradiol was detected above decision limits of applied methods, including five samples over the recommended concentration of 0.1 μg L-1. Of the serum samples taken from cows (≤18 months of age), 95 and 99 percentiles of the animals had 17β-oestradiol concentration below 0.027 and 0.086 μg L-1 and of samples from cows over 18 months of age - below 0.059 and 0.125 μg L-1 respectively. Calculated values for bulls (≤18 months of age) were 0.025 and 0.034 μg L-1 and for the animals older than 18 months of age - 0.035 and 0.041 μg L-1. The natural presence of testosterone was detected in 201 serum samples (48.7%). According to the obtained data, 95% and 99% of cows (≤18 months of age) serum samples had testosterone concentration below 0.05 and 0.23 μg L-1 and the animals over 18 months of age - 0.30 and 0.49 μg L-1, respectively. For bulls these values did not depend on the age of the animals and were in the ranges of 5 - 6.3 μg L-1 (95%) and 11.4 - 12.1 μg L-1 (99%). Conclusion: Our study showed that the threshold values for these hormones in plasma of cattle designated years ago are correct, but they need to be supplemented for animals older than 18 months.
Chlamydia psittaci reference genes for normalisation of expression data differ depending on the culture conditions and selected time points during the chlamydial replication cycle
Authors: Van Lent Sarah , Vanrompay Daisy
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Chlamydia psittaci is a gram-negative obligate intracellular pathogen of birds. Poultry infections lead to economic losses and can be transmitted to humans. No vaccine is available and the bacterium-host cell interaction is not completely understood. Replicating bacteria cause pneumonia, but C. psittaci can also be non-replicating and persistent inside the cytoplasm of avian cells. RT-qPCR provides insight into the molecular pathogenesis of both active replicating and persistent Chlamydia psittaci in birds, but requires identification of stably expressed reference genes to avoid biases. Material and Methods: We investigated the expression stability of 10 C. psittaci candidate reference genes for gene expression analysis during normal growth and penicillin-induced persistence. C. psittaci Cal10 was cultured in HeLa229 and RNA was extracted. The expression level of each candidate was examined by RT-qPCR and Cq values were analysed using geNorm. Results: The genes tyrS, gidA, radA, and 16S rRNA ranked among the most stably expressed. The final selected reference genes differed according to the bacterial growth status (normal growth versus persistent status), and the time points selected during the duration of the normal chlamydial developmental cycle. Conclusion: The study data show the importance of systematic validation of reference genes to confirm their stability within the strains and under the conditions selected.
Molecular characterisation of Leptospira strains in Pakistan
Authors: Sohail Muhammad Luqman , Khan Muhammad Sarwar , Avais Muhammad , Zahoor Muhammad Yasir , Khattak Irfan , Ashraf Aqeela , Naseer Omer
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Leptospirosis affects a wide range of mammals, humans, and even a few poikilothermic animal species. In Pakistan, serological studies of equine leptospirosis have reported a prevalence of over 40%, but no study has ever been conducted towards molecular detection of Leptospira in horses. Material and Methods: Blood samples from 128 horses were screened using ELISA and 41 positive samples were examined for the presence of leptospiral DNA using specific primers for 16S rRNA gene. Results: Out of 41 tested samples, 20 samples were found to be PCR-positive, revealing a fragment of 306 bp after gel electrophoresis. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of positive samples revealed circulation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in Pakistani horses. No evidence of circulation of intermediate species was found in this study. Conclusion: This study reports the first molecular evidence of equine leptospirosis in Pakistan and lays ground for further research in this area. It also confirms the efficiency of 16S rRNA for the diagnosis of equine leptospirosis.
Occurrence of different strains of Babesia canis in dogs in eastern Poland
Authors: Łyp Paweł , Bartnicki Michał , Staniec Marta , Winiarczyk Stanisław , Adaszek Łukasz
Published: December 2016

Introduction: The aim of this study was to carry out a genetic analysis of Babesia canis isolates detected in dogs in eastern Poland and to study the correlation of the protozoa variant with a specific geographical region. Material and Methods: PCR was used to identify strains of B. canis from naturally infected animals (240 dogs from four provinces: Mazowieckie, Lublin, Podlasie, and Podkarpacie) by amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Results: Sequencing the PCR products led to the identification of four variants of B. canis. Two previously described protozoa variants (18S rRNA-A and 18S rRNA-B) were observed in all provinces. Additionally, in the Mazowieckie and Lublin provinces a B. canis variant which contributed to the development of acute or atypical babesiosis was observed. The fourth variant of B. canis was detected only in dogs from the Lublin province, and the course of the disease was subclinical in all dogs infected with this variant. Conclusion: These results indicate the appearance of a new fourth B. canis genotype in Poland and confirm that it is still necessary to study the relationships between the genetic structure of protozoa, geographical distribution of the parasites, and clinical course of the disease.
Contamination of raw bivalve molluscs available in Poland between 2009 and 2013 with marine biotoxins
Authors: Michalski Mirosław , Osek Jacek
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Growing consumption of shellfish is associated with an increased risk of food poisoning. The study was carried out on live bivalve molluscs available on the Polish market between 2009 and 2013. Material and Methods: ELISA was used for the determination of the following marine biotoxins: paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), amnaesic shellfish poison (ASP), and diarrhoeic shellfish poison (DSP). The molluscs, of which seven species were examined, were obtained from wholesale companies and markets. Results: Marine biotoxins were detected below the permitted levels in 67.6% of the samples. The maximum amounts of PSP and ASP biotoxins were found in great scallops (532.6 μg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg respectively) and the peak for DSP was in blue mussels (107 μg/kg). Conclusion: The analysis of toxicological status of raw bivalve molluscs available on the market in Poland indicates that they are safe for consumers.
Changes in circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in pigs receiving therapeutic doses of ceftiofur and tulathromycin
Authors: Czyżewska-Dors Ewelina , Kwit Krzysztof , Pejsak Zygmunt , Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata
Published: December 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of administration of therapeutic doses of ceftiofur and tulathromycin on the circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy pigs. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on thirty healthy 7- to 10-week-old pigs, assigned to three groups: the TUL group, injected with tulathromycin (n = 10); the CEF group, injected with ceftiofur (n = 10); and the C group, the control with no antibiotic administration (n = 10). Blood samples were collected before, during, and after treatment with antimicrobials. Lymphocyte subpopulations circulating in the blood were determined by immunostaining and flow cytometry analyses. Results: Following administration of a therapeutic dose of tulathromycin, there were no changes in the lymphocyte subpopulations circulating in blood. In contrast, administration of ceftiofur at the recommended dose decreased the absolute number of CD3+, CD21+, CD4+CD8-, CD4-CD8+, and double positive CD4CD8 cells. Conclusion: Results from the study indicate that ceftiofur possesses the ability to modulate the immune system in healthy pigs by decreasing lymphocyte subpopulations circulating in blood.
Wolves and wild ungulates in the Ligurian Alps (Western Italy): prey selection and spatial-temporal interactions
Authors: Torretta Elisa , Serafini Matteo , Imbert Camille , Milanesi Pietro , Meriggi Alberto
Published: December 2016

We propose the integration of different non-invasive sampling methods to the study of predator-prey interactions. We analyzed the diet of the wolf (
The role of innovation in the business activity of hidden leaders of the Polish economy
Authors: Grego-Planer Dorota , Glabiszewski Waldemar
Published: December 2016

Globalization and internationalization of the economy compelled the implementation of innovative solutions in companies. Only those organizations that regularly implement innovations have a chance to achieve significant market positions and survive in a competitive environment. The exemplification of such highly innovative companies are H. Simon’s hidden champions. In this publication, there was an attempt made to assess the activity of Polish innovative hidden champions. The results obtained confirm that this specific group of companies places a strong emphasis on innovation. This is evidenced by even such aspects as the number of new innovations, very high amounts spent on R&D or continuous observation of the market in order to discover new needs.
Reshoring: implementation issues and research opportunities
Authors: Ocicka Barbara
Published: December 2016

At the beginning of the 21st century, we continuously observe shifts in supply chains configurations caused by differentiate trends in turbulent environment. The remarkable number of companies restructure supply chains in search for competitiveness and innovation on global market. On the one hand, some labour-intensive industries are moving out of China to the next low-cost countries, on the other hand, some high-tech and innovative manufacturing companies are returning to the developed countries. The scientific purpose of the article is to set out the potential impact of reshoring on value creation in supply chains and to outline research opportunities in this field. Literature review and results of the questionnaire-survey on the Total Cost of Acquisition analysis are guidelines for considerations. Based on the analysis of reshoring drivers and benefits, it is clear that this strategy might have positive influence on the value creation in international and global supply chains management considering three dimensions of the value: economic, social and environmental from perspective of different stakeholders.
Implementation of lean leadership
Authors: Trenkner Małgorzata
Published: December 2016

The Toyota case proves that lean leadership is of critical importance for the successful implementation and permanent functioning of Lean Production System. There is no ready formula for developing Toyota style lean leadership. However, one may gain inspiration from its experience.

Practice shows that many implementations of Lean Management do not meet expectation in the long term. In the beginning enterprises are mainly focused on waste elimination and expect quick results. However, in the long run they do not always manage to create a Lean thinking and consequently the continuous improvement process. An important link between the reduction of waste and continuous improvement could be the lean leadership.

The aim of this article is to present the role and importance of lean leadership for the successful implementation of lean concepts and the analysis and evaluation of the implementation of lean leadership in the practice of companies.
Actions Objected at Employees in CSR - Report from the Study
Authors: Szelągowska-Rudzka Katarzyna
Published: December 2016

The study analyzed the essence of the social responsibility of organizations and indicated the areas of actions to which this concept applies in the organizations. Particular attention has been paid to CSR practices objected at employees as key stakeholders of the organization. The purpose of the study was achieved in the form of analysis of CSR practices addressed to employees of the selected organizations in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. It has been confirmed that the study subjects undertake socially responsible actions addressed to their employees. These actions are compliant with the guidelines of ISO 26000 standard in the area of practice in workplace. However, it has been shown that socially responsible objectives are not commonly present in the strategies of these organizations. Personal strategies and the knowledge of the concept of CSR among employees also occur not frequently enough. The presented study is a pilot study. The reached conclusions apply only to the participating organizations. However, it should be noted that the concept of CSR is not yet widely and successfully implemented in organizations within the Pomeranian Voivodeship. It requires further popularizing and intensifying. Also, the practices of CSR addressed to employees should be further improved.
ICT solutions in intelligent organizations as challenges in a knowledge economy
Authors: Adamczewski Piotr
Published: December 2016

Solutions of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are the foundation of modern economic organizations in a knowledge economy. This is the case in particular in intelligent organizations, for which the advanced ICT infrastructure is the sine qua non condition for the effective knowledge management. This article is aimed at describing the role of modern ICT trends, which are described as SMAC, (Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud), and are becoming an essential ICT element supporting management processes. Such solutions enable to create new models of organization operations on the global markets using strategic resources, such as the knowledge supported with SMAC solutions. The arguments are illustrated with results of own research conducted by the author in 2014-2016 in selected SME’s from the Mazowieckie and Wielkopolskie rovinces and their reference to the general development trends in this area.
Hyperflexibility A feature of e-commerce organisations
Authors: Bieńkowska Jolanta , Sikorski Czesław
Published: December 2016

The paper is sacrificed analysis of conditions organizational activity on e-commerce business and desired ways of management. Organizations on e-commerce business must be hyper-flexible because of stormy environment and high level of competition. Hyperflexibility means ability to creating new organizational forms so as to realization of different projects collaboration with other organizations and utilizing strange resources. The main condition of Hyperflexibility is pragmatic organizational culture and such its attributes as confidence, tolerance and fluent identity.
The marketing-sales organizations as the way of internationalizing of the small and medium enterprises
Authors: Piorunowska-Kokoszko Joanna
Published: December 2016

The internationalization is becoming a part of company’s strategy, requiring some effort for getting its success. The present article is aimed at showing that joining the sale group is one of many ways of internationalizing activity for small and medium enterprises. The article presents the roles of sales group activity, its typical structure and opportunities and threats for its functioning. Based on collected data it was pointed, that companies, especially SME should analyze perspective for joining the sale group in their supply chain or seek for other forms of cooperation supporting their foreign market entry. Cooperation allows in relatively short time to achieve first results. Resignation of cooperation should be a conscious decision of management. Such decision, as every one, can bring expected benefits or be difficult to reconstruct it in the future.
Ethical choices and behavior of young people in the organization; influencing factors
Authors: Stankiewicz Janina , Łychmus Patrycja
Published: December 2016

The main focus of an article became the answers to questions: what factors control the behavior of people involved in business activities in a situation of choice between ethical and cost-effective action, and how important is ethics of individuals when they are making this kind of decision? From this perspective interesting are those who “have not yet entered the labor market”, and therefore their individual ethics has not been subjected to the pressure of business practice in its ethical and unethical dimension. What are their opinions on business ethics? What values in business are important to them?
The chances of successful recruitment of volunteers among management students (in the light of empirical research)
Authors: Stankiewicz Janina , Bortnowska Hanna , Seiler Bartosz
Published: December 2016

Non-profit organizations pursue social objectives. They base on the work of volunteers - people who devote their time to help others without expecting in return material benefits. They can perform various works, including those ones which require knowledge and skills in the area of management. It is possible to find such competences among the students of Management. The aim of the article is to discuss some opportunities of recruitment volunteers among that target market.
Customer requirements and the quality improvement of health care services
Authors: Ludwiczak Anna
Published: December 2016

Customer oriented approach is at present the most important principle in quality management. It becomes particularly significant in the context of offering the society high standard health care services. The aim of the research presented in the paper is to diagnose the functioning of customer oriented approach in Polish hospitals, and in particular actions in respect of meeting customer requirements at the stage of developing and improving health care services. Additional the paper attempts to identify the barriers preventing the inclusion of customer requirements in the process of improvement of health care services. The first paper of the paper presents the essence of customer orientation and defines basic concepts in the context of health care services. Next selected concepts in quality oriented approaches directed at customers are analyzed. The subsequent chapter includes the results of empirical research concerning the application of solutions oriented on the improvement of health care services in the sphere of increasing customer satisfaction in hospital in the Lubuskie Province. In summary, the results of the research are discussed and directions for further research identified.
Second Law Analysis of Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Past a Nonlinearly Stretching Permeable Wedge with Temperature Jump and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Dalir Nemat
Published: December 2016

Second law analysis (entropy generation) for the steady two-dimensional laminar forced convection flow, heat and mass transfer of an incompressible viscous fluid past a nonlinearly stretching porous (permeable) wedge is numerically studied. The effects of viscous dissipation, temperature jump, and first-order chemical reaction on the flow over the wedge are also considered. The governing boundary layer equations for mass, momentum, energy and concentration are transformed using suitable similarity transformations to three nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Then, the ODEs are solved by using a Keller’s box algorithm. The effects of various controlling parameters such as wedge angle parameter, velocity ratio parameter, suction/injection parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number, temperature jump parameter, Schmidt number, and reaction rate parameter on dimensionless velocity, temperature, concentration, entropy generation number, and Bejan number are shown in graphs and analyzed. The results reveal that the entropy generation number increases with the increase of wedge angle parameter, while it decreases with the increase of velocity ratio parameter. Also, in order to validate the obtained numerical results of the present work, comparisons are made with the available results in the literature as special cases, and the results are found to be in a very good agreement.
Residual Stress State in Single-Edge Notched Tension Specimen Caused by the Local Compression Technique
Authors: Huang Yifan , Zhou Wenxing
Published: December 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analyses (FEA) are performed to simulate the local compression (LC) technique on the clamped single-edge notched tension (SE(T)) specimens. The analysis includes three types of indenters, which are single pair of cylinder indenters (SPCI), double pairs of cylinder indenters (DPCI) and single pair of ring indenters (SPRI). The distribution of the residual stress in the crack opening direction in the uncracked ligament of the specimen is evaluated. The outcome of this study can facilitate the use of LC technique on SE(T) specimens.
Noble metal nanoparticles in biosensors: recent studies and applications
Authors: Malekzad Hedieh , Sahandi Zangabad Parham , Mirshekari Hamed , Karimi Mahdi , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this review is to cover advances in noble metal nanoparticle (MNP)-based biosensors and to outline the principles and main functions of MNPs in different classes of biosensors according to the transduction methods employed. The important biorecognition elements are enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, DNA sequences, and whole cells. The main readouts are electrochemical (amperometric and voltametric), optical (surface plasmon resonance, colorimetric, chemiluminescence, photoelectrochemical, etc.) and piezoelectric. MNPs have received attention for applications in biosensing due to their fascinating properties. These properties include a large surface area that enhances biorecognizers and receptor immobilization, good ability for reaction catalysis and electron transfer, and good biocompatibility. MNPs can be used alone and in combination with other classes of nanostructures. MNP-based sensors can lead to significant signal amplification, higher sensitivity, and great improvements in the detection and quantification of biomolecules and different ions. Some recent examples of biomolecular sensors using MNPs are given, and the effects of structure, shape, and other physical properties of noble MNPs and nanohybrids in biosensor performance are discussed.
Effect of two Backpack Designs on Cop Displacement and Plantar Force Distribution in Children during Upright Stance
Authors: Mastalerz Andrzej , Niźnikowski Tomasz , Buszta Mariusz , Różański Paweł , Wiśniowski Paweł , Sadowski Jerzy
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Many studies have compared different backpack designs and their influence on the carrier; however, no data referring to school students aged 7-8 years are currently available. Therefore, the aim of the research was to assess the influence of backpack design on centre of pressure (COP) displacement and plantar force distribution in children during an upright stance. Material and methods. Nineteen school students (9 males and 10 females) volunteered for the study. Two Polish backpacks intended for school use were evaluated: backpack A, which had two main compartments, and backpack B, which had one main compartment. The backpack load was composed of books, binders, and regular school equipment. During the measurements, the subjects were asked to look ahead with the head straight and arms at the sides in a comfortable position and to stand barefoot on the F-Scan® sensors (Tekscan, F-Scan®) attached to the force platform (Kistler), carrying a load corresponding to 10% of their body mass. Results. The study found insignificant differences between the two backpack designs. Moreover, COP parameters increased significantly during an upright stance while carrying backpack B in comparison to the empty backpack condition. Additionally, we observed significantly higher values of plantar force distribution in the heel region for the condition without load and insignificantly higher ones for carrying backpack A. Conclusions. The results of the current study suggest that the differences between the two backpack designs are too marginal to be detected through COP displacement. Disturbances in plantar force distribution suggest a lack of posture control and a lower stability of the standing position with a backpack, but these disturbances were significant only when the backpack with one main compartment was used.
Relationship between Muscle Torque and Performance in Special and Specific Exercises in Young Weightlifters
Authors: Szyszka Paulina , Jaszczuk Janusz , Sacharuk Jarosław , Parnicki Florian , Czaplicki Adam
Published: December 2016

Introduction. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between knee and elbow isometric muscle torque values and the results obtained in special and specific exercises in young weightlifters. Material and methods. The study involved eight young weightlifters (age: 19.9 ± 4.3 years; height: 176.8 ± 10.6 cm; weight: 69.0 ± 19.7 kg - pretest, 70.9 ± 21.6 - posttest). Their performance put them in the second and third top classes of weightlifters their age according to the Polish norms for weightlifting (the so-called ‘national class’ and ‘first class’ in the Polish system, which are lower than the ‘international class’). The differences between the values obtained in the first measurement of torque performed at the beginning of the preparation period and those obtained at the beginning of the immediate pre-competition period were compared with the differences in the maximal load lifted in special and specific exercises. Results. The training that the weightlifters underwent during the preparation period caused a significant increase in the relative torque values of the knee extensors (0.56 Nm/kg on average, p ≤ 0.047) and those of the elbow flexors (0.35 Nm/kg, p ≤ 0.0002). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between the results obtained in all of the special and specific exercises examined. A statistically significant relationship was also found between the changes in relative torque values and the results achieved in special and specific exercises. Conclusions. The regression equations derived in the study can help predict sports performance outcomes based on the results of laboratory tests.
Bioelectrochemistry of nucleic acids for early cancer diagnostics – analysis of DNA methylation and detection of microRNAs
Authors: Bartosik Martin , Hrstka Roman
Published: December 2016

Dysregulation of gene expression mechanisms has been observed in many tumors, making their analysis of utmost importance. These mechanisms include DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism in which 5-carbon of cytosine becomes methylated, leading to gene silencing, and action of short RNA molecules called microRNAs, which regulate protein synthesis at post-transcriptional level by binding to mRNAs. In this review, we describe major roles of both mechanisms in carcinogenesis, offer an overview of currently used methods for their analysis, and summarize most recent advances in electrochemical-based assays and strategies. Advantages of electrochemistry, including favorable cost, time of experiment, or simple instrumentation, are highlighted, along with current challenges that need to be addressed prior to successful application into clinical routine.
Hydrodynamic cavitation: an emerging technology for the intensification of various chemical and physical processes in a chemical process industry
Authors: Carpenter Jitendra , Badve Mandar , Rajoriya Sunil , George Suja , Saharan Virendra Kumar , Pandit Aniruddha B.
Published: December 2016

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) has been explored by many researchers over the years after the first publication on hydrolysis of fatty oils using HC was published by Pandit and Joshi [Pandit AB, Joshi JB. Hydrolysis of fatty oils: effect of cavitation. Chem Eng Sci 1993; 48: 3440–3442]. Before this publication, most of the studies related to cavitation in hydraulic system were concentrated to avoid the generation of cavities/cavitating conditions. The fundamental concept was to harness the energy released by cavities in a positive way for various chemical and mechanical processes. In HC, cavitation is generated by a combination of flow constriction and pressure-velocity conditions, which are monitored in such a way that cavitating conditions will be reached in a flowing system and thus generate hot spots. It allows the entire process to operate at otherwise ambient conditions of temperature and pressure while generating the cavitating conditions locally. In this review paper, we have explained in detail various cavitating devices and the effect of geometrical and operating parameters that affect the cavitation conditions. The optimization of different cavitating devices is discussed, and some strategies have been suggested for designing these devices for different applications. Also, various applications of HC such as wastewater treatment, preparation of nanoemulsions, biodiesel synthesis, water disinfection, and nanoparticle synthesis were discussed in detail.
Efficiency of Mergers of Mechanical Engineering Companies in the Czech Republic
Authors: Režňáková Mária , Pěta Jan
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the research results in the field of the efficiency of mergers and acquisitions in the mechanical engineering industry of the Czech Republic. The aim of this paper is to determine whether mergers taking place in mechanical engineering are successful, or possibly to identify factors which may be deemed as synergies sources. In our research, the success rate of mergers is identified on the basis of the increasing revenues and operating profit. It has been established that out of mergers completed in 2004 - 2011, success has been achieved in approximately half of them. For this reason, we have focused on identifying the factors which may serve as the reasons for such a difference. The selected indicators of the cost-to-revenue ratio and utilization of fixed assets, investments, and net working capital we analysed before and after the mergers in both groups of successful and unsuccessful mergers. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the results. The research results have demonstrated that synergies are not achieved due to the change in the market power of the merged companied but owing to operational efficiency which is reflected in a drop in labour costs and depreciation to revenues ratios and increasing asset utilization.
The Effect of Omega-3 Supplement on Serum Lipid Profile in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jabbari Mosadegh , Khoshnevis Termeh , Jenabi Aria , Yousefi Fatemeh
Published: December 2016

Background. Some recent suggestions could show omega-3 condition deficiency following prolonged hemodialysis; however, these claims and speculations have not been well demonstrated with sufficient evidences. Hence, we attempted to assess the beneficial effects of omega-3 on lipid profile in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods. One hundred and seventeen ESRD patients who were on maintenance dialysis in Rasoul-e-Akram and Madaen Hospitals were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. These patients were divided into two groups randomly using block randomization method (57 patients as the case group receiving omega-3 for 12 weeks and 60 as the control group). Blood sample was taken from all patients for measurement of lipid profile, serum hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein at baseline as well as after the completion of interventions (after 12 weeks).

Results. The average change in the value of HDL-C was significantly more in the patients who received omega-3 than in the control group (MD, -7 mg/dL; 95% CI, -11 to 0 p = 0.000). Also, the reduction in serum creatinine level was more in the omega-3 group than in the control group (MD, 0.7 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.4 to 2.1 p = 0.023). The change in other indices including serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and serum hemoglobin levels was not different between the two groups. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed no difference in serum HDL level between the two groups adjusted for sex, age, and time of dialysis, while the level of serum HDL-C could be adversely predicted by duration time. Similar regression model showed a between-group difference in serum creatinine in the presence of potential confounders.

Conclusion. The change in serum HDL level following use of omega-3 supplement is influenced by time of dialysis, not by drug effect. However, consumption of omega-3 can significantly reduce serum creatinine.
Geological probability calculation of new gas discoveries in wider area of Ivana and Ika Gas Fields, Northern Adriatic, Croatia
Authors: Tomislav Malvić , Josipa Velić , Režić Mate
Published: December 2016

There are eleven reservoirs in Ivana Gas Field and they are composed of Pleistocene sands, silt sands and siltstones, developed in dominant clays and marls depositional sequences. Ika Gas Field is the only field in Adriatic with gas accumulated in carbonate rocks, which are the deepest reservoir of the total four reservoirs. A carbonate reservoir is defined with tectonical and erosional unconformity, which is placed between Mesozoic and Pliocene rocks. The three younger Ika reservoirs are composed of Pleistocene sands, silt sands and siltstones that are laminated into clays and marls. The goal of our study was to assess the ‘Probability Of Success’ (POS) of finding new gas accumulations within the marginal area of those two fields, either in the form of Mesozoic rocks or Pleistocene deposits. The assessment was successfully completed using the Microsoft Excel POS table for the analyzed areas in the Croatian part of the Po Depression, namely, Northern Adriatic. The methodology was derived and adapted from a similar POS calculation, which was originally used to calculate the geological probability of hydrocarbon discoveries in the Croatian part of the Pannonian Basin System (CPBS).
Health and its Effects on the Quality of Life in the EU Countries
Authors: Nováková Bibiána , Vagašová Tatiana
Published: December 2016

The aim of the paper is to analyse health and its influence on quality of life in the EU countries. One of actually discussed topics in quality of life measurement is health. This paper assesses importance of health in determining the quality of life. First research goal tries to explore relationship between indicators of objective and self-perceived health status to find out means of their usage in the context of quality of life. Next goal is focused on influence of health satisfaction on overall life satisfaction. Final research goal tries to explain relationship between health of population and overall life satisfaction. Main contribution of the paper is to demonstrate differences between objective and self-perceived health and to point out the fact that overall life satisfaction is shaped by various dimensions of life.
Conceptualization and Operationalisation of Specific Variables in Exploratory Researches – An Example for Business Negotiation
Authors: Zait Adriana
Published: December 2016

In exploratory researches we are looking for clues, trying to get a better picture of the research variables and relationships. Besides variables already studied, identified in the literature review, we might deal with specific variables - for the investigated subject and socio-cultural region - the ones that might lead us to new explanations and theories. These new variables can be depicted from in-depth interviews and informal discussions with intervening actors, through a process of identification, conceptualization (obtaining theoretical definitions), and operationalisation (suggesting ways for the measurement of the identified variables). The present paper offers an example of such a process for a particular subject - identifying potential specific influences on the business negotiation behaviour. The focus is on the methodological aspects of such a research endeavour.
Human Resources Strategies in Romanian Tourism Companies
Authors: Tătăruşanu Maria , Onea Angelica , Zaiţ Dumitru
Published: December 2016

In the context of political, social and economic global worries, tourism remains an underexploited option as its ability to be a consistent revenues source in Romania. Some companies have understood this and thus they have successfully developed their activities by building their business in a strategic way. In the same way, others failed due to lack of vision and coherence. The strategic thinking capacity, that has led them to success, has been reflected specially in their human resources strategies - positive effects generator on long term. What do they mean and what do these strategies consist of? The main purpose of this article consists in the analysis of information both from the online environment and literature reviews referring to this subject. It also aims to provide best practices and recommendations for a strategic approach of human resources in tourism companies, having in mind an area whose future must to be considered.
The Credibility of Fiscal Rules Policy and Business Cycle Volatility
Authors: Kuncoro Haryo
Published: December 2016

The aim of this paper is two-fold; first, it studies the impact of the credibility of fiscal rule policy on the stability of output growth; second, it compares the effectiveness of fiscal rule policy to discretionary and automatic stabilizer fiscal policies to address the fluctuation of output growth. Employing quarterly data over the period 2001-2013 in the case of Indonesia, we obtain that the credible debt rule leads to a decrease in the volatility of output growth while the non-credible deficit rule does not have any effect. Both unsystematic and systematic components of discretionary fiscal policy have a stabilizing function. Interestingly, the automatic stabilization tends to induce the volatility of output growth. Given those results, we infer that government spending is not a good automatic stabilizer. It seems that the lower ratio of government expenditure to GDP along with improving credibility of deficit rule policy has a smoother effect on the economy. Therefore, they implicitly support expenditure cuts when implementing fiscal adjustment with the purpose of reaching fiscal sustainability in the short-run and a stable economic growth in the long-run.
Beveridge Curve Shifts – Europe 2020 Perspectives
Authors: Ferent-Pipas Marina
Published: December 2016

The present paper aligns to the economic policy body of research granting intensive efforts to the sphere of analysing the unemployment rate’s evolution as well as its primary drivers and effects in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy. Considering one of the agenda’s main targets – increasing employability among the European Union’s states, this paper analyses the areas funded by the European Social Fund as well as the country policy specifics in deriving the behaviour of the Beveridge curve associated with the EU-13 countries given the shift of European Union’s funds from old member states to newer ones. As such, the study employs the tools of Simultaneous Equations Systems and examines the impact of four categories of components on the Beveridge curve’s behaviour - structure of the unemployed, labour market and business environment factors as well as business cycles.