bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Literature after the 1960s in Korea
Authors: Li Sanggum
Published: June 2016

Since the beginning of the 1990s in Korea, the category and definition of new generation literature have become the topic of heated debate. One may understand this tendency as ‘generation severance’, ‘alienation between social classes’, or the ‘consumption-oriented culture of the masses’. Here, we call the literary youth born in approximately 1960 ‘the new generation’.

In literature, the new generation refers to the appearance of a new culture and way of thinking. This generation passed their childhood in the 1970s and faced no such great difficulties as their parents combating poverty. However, they grew up under the indirect influence of a dark political outlook and suppression. Generally, they have a great affection for the culture produced by mass media.

If we compare their development process with the literary stream in Korea, the 1960s could be defined as the era of literature for independence and strong self-awareness, the 1970s as the era for people, the 1980s as the era for the rights or emancipation of labour, and the 1990s as the era of new generation literature. Meanwhile, the appearance of the ‘Korean Wave’, or so-called ‘Hallyu’, has become one of the most beloved popular cultural phenomena both in Asia and in other countries since the late 1990s.
Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) and Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
Authors: Won Yunhee
Published: June 2016

This paper is an overview of Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is a test to measure and evaluate the Korean language proficiency targeting for overseas Koreans and foreigners who do not speak Korean as their first language. The TOPIK is utilized for studying in Korean universities or taking advantages of employment. Systems of the TOPIK are largely divided into TOPIK I and TOPIK II: TOPIK I is divided into the Beginner 1 and 2; TOPIK II is divided into Intermediate 1, 2, Advanced 1, and 2, all of which are equal to the measure proposed in the European common reference standard. Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is equipped with a six-step framework for language proficiency and communicative activities. This system describes knowledge, skills, cultural competence, and regulations of each step-by-step learning skill level for the purpose of communication in the private, public, and occupational areas.

This paper first presents the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) that is familiar to Europeans, and compares it with the TOPIK system. First, it compares the TOPIK with the Common European Framework of Reference on the overall system, the assessment method, question types and etc. Also, it briefly examines foreign language education in Korea. Foreign language education in Korea was in abstract level as compared to the Common European Framework of Reference or topic.

As in Europe, Korea also divides the language acquisition into 6 levels. It prepares the evaluation criteria for each level. Criteria and test methods can be understood by comparing the German language test and TOPIK to be carried out in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference. Test methods and criteria of the German test and TOPIK are similar, but information and instruction for testing showed at the Goethe-Institute is far more detailed than TOPIK in Korea. The problem lies in the absence of speaking test in TOPIK. In order to understand the language proficiency, speaking, listening, reading and writing in all parts should be evaluated; however, there is no speaking test in TOPIK, and it is unfortunate that there is no writing test in the beginner-level test. This is what should be improved in the future.
End User Licence to Open Government Data? A Simulated Penetration Attack on Two Social Survey Datasets
Authors: Elliot Mark , Mackey Elaine , O’Shea Susan , Tudor Caroline , Spicer Keith
Published: June 2016

In the UK, the transparency agenda is forcing data stewardship organisations to review their dissemination policies and to consider whether to release data that is currently only available to a restricted community of researchers under licence as open data. Here we describe the results of a study providing evidence about the risks of such an approach via a simulated attack on two social survey datasets. This is also the first systematic attempt to simulate a jigsaw identification attack (one using a mashup of multiple data sources) on an anonymised dataset. The information that we draw on is collected from multiple online data sources and purchasable commercial data. The results indicate that such an attack against anonymised end user licence (EUL) datasets, if converted into open datasets, is possible and therefore we would recommend that penetration tests should be factored into any decision to make datasets (that are about people) open.
Weight Smoothing for Generalized Linear Models Using a Laplace Prior
Authors: Xia Xi , Elliott Michael R.
Published: June 2016

When analyzing data sampled with unequal inclusion probabilities, correlations between the probability of selection and the sampled data can induce bias if the inclusion probabilities are ignored in the analysis. Weights equal to the inverse of the probability of inclusion are commonly used to correct possible bias. When weights are uncorrelated with the descriptive or model estimators of interest, highly disproportional sample designs resulting in large weights can introduce unnecessary variability, leading to an overall larger mean square error compared to unweighted methods.

We describe an approach we term ‘weight smoothing’ that models the interactions between the weights and the estimators as random effects, reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) by shrinking interactions toward zero when such shrinkage is allowed by the data. This article adapts a flexible Laplace prior distribution for the hierarchical Bayesian model to gain a more robust bias-variance tradeoff than previous approaches using normal priors. Simulation and application suggest that under a linear model setting, weight-smoothing models with Laplace priors yield robust results when weighting is necessary, and provide considerable reduction in RMSE otherwise. In logistic regression models, estimates using weight-smoothing models with Laplace priors are robust, but with less gain in efficiency than in linear regression settings.
Is MacPherson A Legacy of Civilian Views?
Authors: Werro Franz , Hasbun Claudia
Published: June 2016

liberated the common law of negligence in the United States from its traditional constraints and helped better protect victims of defective products regardless of privity of contract. It made its way to other common law jurisdictions—United Kingdom and Australia—where the same result was achieved.
Selected aspects related to epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunity, and control of African swine fever
Authors: Woźniakowski Grzegorz , Frączyk Magdalena , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Pejsak Zygmunt
Published: June 2016

African swine fever (ASF) is currently one of the most severe viral infections of domestic pigs, wild boars, and other hosts belonging to Suidae family. ASF is also considered as the most complex and devastating infectious and haemorrhagic disease of swine due to its severe socio-economic impact and transboundary character. ASF it is a notifiable disease and due to the lack of specific treatment and vaccine, the disease can be only limited by the administrative measures comprising wild boar hunting and stamping out of affected pigs. ASF occurred for the first time in Kenya in 1921 while in Europe (Portugal) the virus was detected at the end of the 1950s. In spite of successful eradication of this threat in a number of affected regions, the virus remains endemic in both feral and domestic pigs in Africa and Sardinia. The ‘new era’ of ASF started in 2007 after its re-introduction to Georgia. Following its intensive expansion, the virus spread to other Caucasian countries, including the territory of the Russian Federation. In 2014 the virus reached Ukraine, Belarus, and, consequently, European Union countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland. The occurrence of ASF in wild boars and pigs had a severe impact on both epidemiology and economy because of the national and international transport and trade consequences. Up to date, starting from the February 2014, eighty ASF cases in wild boar and three outbreaks in domestic pigs have been diagnosed. Taking into account the diverse rate of spread in Poland, this review aims to present and discuss the current state of knowledge on ASF including its epidemiology, pathology, transmission, and perspectives of control.
Identification of bacterial pathogens and determination of their antibacterial resistance profiles in some cultured fish in Turkey
Authors: Türe Mustafa , Alp Hüseyin
Published: June 2016

Introduction: In the present study, some of the commercial fish farms located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, were screened for bacteria between 2012 and 2014.

Material and Methods: The bacterial agents isolated from fish were identified by classical biochemical tests and the rapid diagnostic tests (API 20 E and API 20 Strep). All strains were further identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. The strains were also investigated for resistance to different antimicrobials by the disc diffusion method. Antibiotic resistance genes, including tetracycline (B), β-lactam (ampC, blaTEM, blaPSE
), florfenicol (floR), erythromycine (ereA, ereB), sulphonamide (sulI, sulII), and trimethoprim (dhfr1) genes, were determined by the PCR method.

Results:
Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio fluvialis, Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, Pseudomonas luteola, Lactococcus garvieae, Streptococcus iniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Yersinia ruckeri were isolated from marine and freshwater cultured fish. According to the results of disc diffusion, all isolates were sensitive to florfenicol, trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole, oxitetracycline, and enrofloxacin, and resistant to lincomycin, penicillin G, and amoxicillin. Also, sulI, sulII, and floR resistance genes were detected in the bacteria.

Conclusion: The results of the study open up the opportunity to perform further investigations which could determine the possible role of ARGs in fish pathogens.
Mixed infection zones may be important in the epidemiology of contagious agalactia
Authors: Jafarizadeh Amirreza , Pourbakhsh Seyed Ali , Tadayon Keyvan , Jamshidian Mahmud , Ashtari Abbas
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The current study was designed to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma), Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc), Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum (Mcc) and Mycoplasma putrefaciens (Mp) in sheep and goats with clinical signs consistent with contagious agalactia.

Material and Methods: A total of 299 samples were collected from 55 mixed herds in Azarbaijan-e-Sharghi province, Iran. Samples were examined using PCR and culture methods.

Results: The findings showed that in 40 herds at least one sample was positive by PCR or culture method. Moreover, out of 274 sheep samples, 101 were proved to be positive using the PCR technique and 76 were found positive using the culture method. Out of 25 goat samples, 10 were found positive using PCR and 9 were positive through the culture method. Less than 20% of isolated mycoplasmas were Ma. Ma was detected from almost all studied regions in the province while Mmc, Mcc, and Mp were detected only in a very limited area that was deemed by the research group the mixed infection zone.

Conclusion: In vaccination or eradication projects, it would be more economical to focus on mixed infection zones. Further investigation on mixed infection zones could facilitate better understanding of contagious agalactia epidemiology.
Changes in circulating adiponectin and tumour necrosis factor-α and their relationship with insulin resistance in periparturient dairy cows
Authors: Mecitoglu Zafer , Senturk Sezgin , Akgul Gulsah , Udum Duygu , Uzabacı Ender , Kasap Sevim , Catik Serkan
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α, as well as insulin sensitivity, and to elucidate the possible relationship among the parameters and negative energy balance during the periparturient period of dairy cows.

Material and Methods: Thirty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected for the study. Blood samples were collected from each cow seven days before the expected calving date, on the calving day, and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and TNF- α levels were measured. Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (rQUICKI) was calculated using data on NEFA, insulin, and glucose concentrations.

Results: When compared to prepartum levels, serum concentration of adiponectin significantly increased on day 21 postpartum. The rQUICKI increased and NEFA levels decreased on day 7 after parturition. Insulin and glucose levels decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum when compared with prepartum levels. BHBA levels decreased on day 21 and TNF- α concentration also decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Adiponectin levels positively correlated with NEFA during the preparturient period. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin and rQUICKI on calving day and on 14th day after parturition. TNF- α concentration positively correlated with glucose levels on day 7 prepartum and on 21st day postpartum and with rQUICKI on 21st day postpartum. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin level and insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, we concluded that adiponectin could possibly increase insulin sensitivity when blood NEFA concentrations are elevated.
Pharmacokinetic - pharmacodynamic model and ampicillin residue depletion after intramammary administration in cows
Authors: Burmańczuk Artur , Roliński Zbigniew , Kowalski Cezary , Zań Rafał
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The objective of this study was to describe a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approach for determination of a rational dosage of ampicillin (AMP) and depletion of the antibiotic residues in milk after intramammary administration to cows.

Material and Methods: The cows came from different farms from the Lublin Province area. They (n = 9) received 5 g of the drug, containing 75 mg of AMP sodium in physiological solution, through a syringe tube by intramammary administration. Following single intramammary administration, the milk samples (5 mL) were collected after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed on the Agilent 1200 system connected to an AB Sciex API 4000™ mass spectrometer. The pharmacokinetic analysis of the concentrations of the antibiotic in milk was performed using software Phoenix® WinNonlin® 6.4. Calculations were made in non-compartmental (slopes, highest, amounts, and moments) and compartmental analysis.

Results: The pharmacokinetic characteristics of AMP after intramammary administration indicate rapid elimination of the drug from milk. The mean residence time had a several-fold lower value than the designated elimination half-life and amounts to only 3.4 h. The concentration of the drug in the milk dropped relatively quickly and the process was very dynamic.

Conclusion: The conducted research confirms the rationale of using the PK/PD model in order to verify the dosing regimen for other antibiotic groups and various indicators of the applied PK/PD model.
The Verification of Hybrid Image Deformation algorithm for PIV
Authors: Novotný Jan , Nováková Ludmila
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper was to test a newly designed algorithm for more accurate calculation of the image displacement of seeding particles when taking measurement using the Particle Image Velocimetry method. The proposed algorithm is based on modification of a classical iterative approach using a three-point subpixel interpolation and method using relative deformation of individual areas for accurate detection of signal peak position. The first part briefly describes the tested algorithm together with the results of the performed synthetic tests. The other part describes the measurement setup and the overall layout of the experiment. Subsequently, a comparison of results of the classical iterative scheme and our designed algorithm is carried out. The conclusion discusses the benefits of the tested algorithm, its advantages and disadvantages.
The activity of fused-iron catalyst doped with lithium oxide for ammonia synthesis
Authors: Jedrzejewski Roman , Lendzion-Bieluń Zofia , Arabczyk Walerian
Published: June 2016

The iron catalyst precursor promoted with Al2O3, CaO, and Li2O was obtained applying the fusing method. Lithium oxide forms two phases in this iron catalyst: a chemical compound with iron oxide (Li2Fe3O4) and a solid solution with magnetite. The catalyst promoted with lithium oxide was not fully reduced at 773 K, while the catalyst containing potassium was easily reducible at the same conditions. After reduction at 873 K the activity of the catalyst promoted with lithium oxide was 41% higher per surface than the activity of the catalyst promoted with potassium oxide. The concentration of free active sites on the surface of the catalyst containing lithium oxide after full reduction was greater than the concentration of free active sites on the surface of the catalyst promoted with potassium oxide.
Application of Ground Penetrating Radar to Identification of Thickness and Structure of Sediments in Postglacial Lakes, Illustrated with an Example of the Mały Staw Lake (The Karkonosze Mountains)
Authors: Gądek Bogdan , Grabiec Mariusz , Kędzia Stanisław
Published: June 2016

This paper has been aimed at demonstrating the applicability of the ground penetrating radar to acquiring basic information on lake sediments and geomorphological conditions of their deposition in the basin of Mały Staw lake. The lake area is one of the most comprehensively studied part of the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mountains. The application of radar soundings enabled a fast and environmentally friendly verification as well as updating the results of previous research on the thickness and structure of the sediments of this glacial lake. Mały Staw lake is formed at the postglacial depression in the granite bedrock. The bottom of the lake is composed of limnic deposits of the maximum thickness reaching up to 15 m. The postglacial formations occurring below them probably contain a buried moraine of the youngest recessional phase. Solid rock is located about 25 meters beneath the current bottom of the lake.
Reconstruction of Late Quaternary Neotectonic Movements and Fluvial Activity in Sikkimese-Bhutanese Himalayan Piedmont
Authors: Starkel Leszek , Płoskonka Dominik , Adamiec Grzegorz
Published: June 2016

In the part of Sikkimese-Bhutanese Himalaya the youngest Siwalik overthrust had not developed, and the piedmont zone with extensive fans forms a semicircular gulf dismembered by several faults and minor overthrusts. Some uplifted parts of older deformed alluvial fans contain the lenses of organic clays which were earlier dated at 22–34 ka BP by

To distinguish various alluvial formations and phases of tectonic activity the authors dated older levels in several localities by OSL method as well as investigated soil profiles. Most mature soils over elevated blocks built of coarse alluvia were dated between 50 and 60 ka BP. Probably the previous
A Generalized Method for the Comparable and Rigorous Calculation of the Polytropic Efficiencies of Turbocompressors
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Panagiotis
Published: June 2016

The calculation of polytropic efficiencies is a very important task, especially during the development of new compression units, like compressor impellers, stages and stage groups. Such calculations are also crucial for the determination of the performance of a whole compressor. As processors and computational capacities have substantially been improved in the last years, the need for a new, rigorous, robust, accurate and at the same time standardized method merged, regarding the computation of the polytropic efficiencies, especially based on thermodynamics of real gases. The proposed method is based on the rigorous definition of the polytropic efficiency. The input consists of pressure and temperature values at the end points of the compression path (suction and discharge), for a given working fluid. The average relative error for the studied cases was 0.536 %. Thus, this high-accuracy method is proposed for efficiency calculations related with turbocompressors and their compression units, especially when they are operating at high power levels, for example in jet engines and high-power plants.
Icelandic post-lexical syllabification and vowel length in CVCV phonology
Authors: Fortuna Marcin
Published: June 2016

The paper aims at providing a CVCV analysis of the Icelandic syllabification phenomena and the distribution of vocalic quantity. Two syllabification algorithms are reported to exist in Icelandic: lexical and post-lexical (Árnason 1998, 2011). The article will focus on the post-lexical algorithm, which determines vowel length in derivatives with class 2 suffixation, compounds, and across word boundaries. A modified model of CVCV will be argued for, which combines the insights from Scheer’s (2004, 2012) and Cyran’s (2003, 2010) model. It will be proposed that phonological computation applies only once to the whole string (preferably the whole sentence) and that the activity of the interface boils down to representational intervention (in accordance with Scheerian Direct Interface). It will be proposed that manipulation of Final Empty Nuclei (at least in the form of distributing parametric government) is a possible interface operation, as assumed in earlier CVCV (Scheer 2004). The complex pattern of two syllabification algorithms in Icelandic arises via an intricate interplay of sonority profiles of consonants and the needs of intervening empty nuclei (some of which are parametrically governed, while some others are not).
The Scientist as ‘Problematic Individual’ in Contemporary Anglophone Fiction
Authors: Kirchhofer Anton , Roxburgh Natalie
Published: June 2016

Our contribution examines the construction and the functions of complex and multi-dimensional scientist characters in contemporary fiction. Our analysis of three very different novels from different branches of Anglophone literature – Ian McEwan’sSolar, Allegra Goodman’sIntuition, and Jaspreet Singh’sHelium– seeks to demonstrate that this phenomenon may be recent but is widespread in contemporary fiction. It can take a variety of forms and can be linked to a range of different types of science and scientific problems, i.e. physics and climate change, cancer research and scientific competition, and rheology/chemistry and the strain of globalising forces symbolised by the Bhopal disaster. In each case, we address the different functions to which the complexities associated with these scientist characters are put in the texts as a whole. Ultimately, in these novels, character functions to provide an opportunity for amise en discoursof a wide range of aspects and factors that are central to the practise of science, as well as for opening up multiple new perspectives on the tensions between science and society.
Scientific Metafiction and Postmodernism
Authors: Engelhardt Nina
Published: June 2016

This paper introduces the concept of scientific metafiction, developing it in relation to historiographic metafiction, which questions the truth of historical knowledge and highlights similarities with fiction. Scientific metafiction accordingly is marked by a refusal of the view that only science has a truth claim and by comparing science and fiction as discourses. Thomas Pynchon’s novels are exemplary historiographic metafictions, and I argue that the growing importance of science and scientific metafiction is crucial to the development of the ontological dominant that, according to Brian McHale, characterises postmodernist fiction. Focusing on three novels from the 1970s to the twenty-first century, I demonstrate that the concept of scientific metafiction and its negotiation of concerns also discussed in science studies are central to Pynchon’s work and crucial to its move beyond the epistemological questioning of historiographic metafiction and towards raising ontological concerns.
Science in the World Risk Society: Risk, the Novel, and Global Climate Change
Authors: Mayer Sylvia
Published: June 2016

Anthropogenic climate change constitutes one of the major global risks of our time. In spite of widespread scientific consensus, however, climate change discourse is still characterized by controversy. This controversy reflects both a variety of conflicting interests that frame the perception of climate change and a fundamental trend in our age of reflexive modernity: an increased awareness of scientific uncertainty and a loss of trust in scientific authority. It also defines our current cultural moment as paradoxical: societies worldwide are simultaneously characterized by such increased awareness of scientific uncertainty and by reliance on scientific knowledge to a historically unprecedented degree. According to Ulrich Beck, this paradox in part defines what he conceived of as a new manifestation of modern society, the ‘world risk society.’ This essay addresses the fictional contribution to the risk discourse of global climate change. After introducing the role of science in the world risk society and the climate change novel as a fictional risk narrative, it discusses how Susan M. Gaines’ Carbon Dreams (2001) and Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior (2012) engage with this paradox, how they explore the complex socioeconomic, political, and cultural significance of climate science and the role and experience of climate scientists.
GREEN GROWTH AND USE OF EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS IN BALTIC STATES, CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia , Mikalauskienė Asta
Published: June 2016

Green growth is resource-effi cient, cleaner economic growth and more resilient growth without slowing it. “Green growth’’ not only affects the quality of growth, but overall production. In this case, growth results from the investment in the upgrading of the entire production system to environmental and resource-saving processes and products. A prototype of this phenomenon is the climate-friendly ‘‘low-carbon economy.’’ Green growth is expected in implementation of Europe 2020 stratgey and can provide to harminized development and cohesion of old and new EU member states. Europe 2020 is the EU’s growth stratgey based on the growth of smart, sustainable and inclusive economy. The comparative study of green growth indicators and use of EU Structural Funds in 2007–2013 period in Baltics and Czech Republic and Slovakia was performed with the aim to defi ne the role of fi nancing from EU Structural Funds for enhancement of green growth in Baltic States, Czech Republic and Slovakia. The performed comparative assessment revealed that Czech Republic allocated the highest share of means form EU Structural Funds to enhance green growth. In terms of development of green growth indicators Czech Republic is also among the best performing countries following Estonia. The analysis of the use of EU Structural Funds in 2007–2013 in fi ve new EU member states indicated that the EU Structural Funds has positively infl uenced the development of RES in Baltic States, Czech Republic and Slovakia. The increase of renewable energy capacities in Baltic States, Czech Republic and Slovakia also contributed to the reduction of carbon intensity of economy, reduction of environmental pollution, climate change mitigation and energy import dependency.
LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE WHITE NIGHT FESTIVAL IN KOŠICE
Authors: Džupka Peter , Šebová Miriam
Published: June 2016

Košice is the second biggest city in Slovakia. In the last 25 years (following the period of Communism) Košice has passed through several waves of transformation involving economic, social and urban changes. Košice was awarded the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) in 2013. The winning project was based on the city transformation through culture and support of the creative economy (startup and spin-off fi rms). Big cultural events have not only cultural and social benefi ts, but also an indisputable economic impact on the hosting city. These events represent an opportunity to not only attract visitors from outside the region but also for them to spend money on accommodation, food, transport etc. Visitors’ expenditure presents additional income for the local economy and stimulates a considerable amount of economic activity and growth. The assessment of the economic impact of events has become popular of late and combines the economic approach with spatial marketing and tourism studies. A coherent methodology has also been developed to evaluate the economic impact of events in the geographical area. This paper aims to estimate the local economic impact of the biggest cultural event organised in Košice, the White Night festival, a spin-off of the Košice European Capital of Culture 2013. This impact empirical study was done in three stages. Firstly, the measurement of attendees using appropriate methods for ungated events. Secondly, the estimation of the visitors’ impact related to private spending generated by the event´s visitors and thirdly, through estimating the overall economic impact by calculating the multiplying effects on the local economy (induced impacts). The study was based on research conducted during 2012 and 2013 in Košice. The result shows the attendance hyperbole and impact of visitor spending that was due to the festival in the local economy.
THE TOYOTA PRODUCTION SYSTEM – CZECH AND NIPPON CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Brunet-Thornton Richard , Koža Michal , Bureš Vladimír
Published: June 2016

This text focuses on the cultural relationships between Czech nationals employed at Japanese subsidiaries located in the Czech Republic. The paper analyses the possibilities of implementation of Toyota Production System within Japanese subsidiaries in Czech Republic. Moreover, it explores both the fi t between the cultural values of Czech and Japanese management and the values incorporated in the Toyota Production System, and the various relationships of employees of both cultures at a managerial and operational level. In order to conduct the study, 79 companies were contacted, and survey responses from a total of 108 Czech and Japanese employees were collected. Using a self-administered questionnaire created in Czech, English and Japanese language, the fi ndings of both common and divergent culturally-induced perspectives are analysed. Due to consistency with other cross-cultural studies Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are used as foundation. The discussion correlates the results to the extent that they are deemed appropriate. Hall’s low and high context models supplement the discussion, where applicable, to further explain issues relative to perception and communication. The dialogue is rich in the knowledge of Japanese methodologies of quality and overall management practice known in this case as the Toyota Production System. Data from the survey show that both Czech and Japanese employees have similar values related to work and neither job satisfaction nor number of confl icts is connected with TPS training. The manuscript concludes with both the list of existing research limitations that can be overcome in next studies, and an analysis of the need for further research within other crosscultural frameworks.
THE REPORTING OF NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND THE RATIONALE FOR ITS STANDARDISATION
Authors: Krištofík Peter , Lament Marzanna , Musa Hussam
Published: June 2016

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is an important part of communication with stakeholders and a response to the need for non-fi nancial reports. Regrettably, the rules of non-fi nancial reporting are almost not regulated. CSR reports are drafted using a variety of principles and guidelines, which limits comparisons across enterprises, transparency and assessment of progress. The reasons for reporting non-fi nancial information cited in the specialist literature, and by enterprises preparing CSR reports are examined, and the benefi ts of standardising reports of nonfi nancial information are determined. The literature review and empirical research into the motivations for CSR reporting and the trends in reporting of non-fi nancial information helped to verify the initial hypotheses: 1. Communication with stakeholders is the fundamental reason for reporting non-fi nancial information. This is confi rmed by the literature review, with most authors believing this is the prime reason for preparing CSR reports. Authors indicating other motivations still treat it as the fundamental cause which exists jointly with other motivations. 2. The need to standardise CSR reporting to ensure its transparency and clarity is noted by reporting organisations. This is proven by surveys of organisations drafting CSR reports – approximately 80% of all reports follow the GRI guidelines. This means the reporting enterprises wish their reports to be clear, transparent and comparable and for their stakeholders to be able to fully satisfy their information requirements. This is also evidence of the care for good relations with stakeholders, who receive standardised data although this is not binding on enterprises. A growing tendency for CSR reporting to follow guidelines other than the GRI can be noted in the entire period under analysis. This will not necessarily be a single compulsory standard, yet a model report would need to be followed to assure transparency and comparability. The Regulations of the Directive 2014/95/EU are a step forward since they will help to standardise rules of reporting non-fi nancial information and will improve its transparency and utility.
FORMALIZED QUALITATIVE MODELING OF ONLINE TRUST: INTRODUCTION OF THE METHOD AND A DETAILED EXAMPLE
Authors: Veselý Štěpán , Dohnal Mirko
Published: June 2016

The paper presents a simple qualitative model of online trust in the context of e-commerce. Qualitative models use just three values: Positive/Increasing, Zero/Constant and Negative/ Decreasing. Such quantifi ers of trends are the least information intensive. Qualitative models can be useful, since models of online trust include such variables as e.g. Perceived website quality and ease of use (SIT) or Company’s positive reputation (REP) that are sometimes diffi cult or costly to quantify. Hence, a signifi cant fraction of available information about online trust is not of numerical nature, e.g. if SIT is decreasing then online trust is decreasing as well. Such equationless relations are studied in this paper. The model has 13 variables and 32 pair-wise interrelations among them. The set of variables and interrelations was established based on discussions with experts and internet users. The model is solved and 23 solutions, i.e. scenarios are obtained (thus, we reduce a vast set of all “imaginable” scenarios concerning online trust to a manageable list of scenarios). All qualitative states, and the fi rst and second qualitative derivatives of all variables are specifi ed for each scenario. Many modifi cations, upgrades and extensions of the present model are easy within the methodological framework introduced in the paper. Qualitative modeling can be seen as one of the uncertainty calculi, such as fuzzy sets and rough sets, that can be helpful e.g. under information shortage (for example when new website is about to be launched and/or when novel, subjective or diffi cult to measure variables are considered). The paper is self-contained and no a priori knowledge of qualitative modeling is required on the reader’s part.
Multicenter Analysis of Clinical Follow-Ups in Patients with a Star GK Cardiac Valve Replacement for More than One Year
Authors: Li Mingwen , Xiao Yingbin , Chen Daozhong , Liu Liming , Ma Liming , Wang Pingfan , Jia Kui , Yang Kai , Chen Lin
Published: June 2016

Background: Star GK valves were widely used in China, and we studied the clinical follow-up results of patients with Star GK valve implants for more than one year. 

Methods: Clinical data were collected from those patients who had Star GK valve implants for over one year. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) AVR group: received aortic valve replacement surgery. Based on the valve model this group was further sub-divided into two groups: 21A group, and 23A group; (2) MVR group: received mitral valve replacement surgery. Based on the valve model this group was further sub-divided into three groups: 25M group, 27M group, and 29M group; (3) DVR group: received combined replacement surgeries including AVR + MVR. According to postoperative follow-up time these patients were divided into two groups: 1-year group and 3-year group. Follow-up data were collected by telephone, outpatient visits, or correspondence. Clinical data were aggregated by professional data scientists to conduct independent analyses. 

Results: 959 patients were included in the study following Star GK valve implant. Follow-up after 1 year found that thrombosis occurred in 4 cases, hemorrhage in 15 cases, left heart failure in 13 cases, paravalvular leakage in 5 cases, and death due to cardiac causes in 2 cases. 

Conclusion: The long-term efficacy of Star GK valve implants was satisfactory with low incidence of valve-related complications, and following Star GK valve implant, valve and blood were highly compatible and blood component damage was minor. Very low incidence rate of thrombosis was observed following Star GK valve implant, however, attention should be paid to adjust the anticoagulation intensity. 
AGROCHEMICALS AFFECT THE ANTIOXIDATIVE DEFENSE POTENTIAL of COTTON PLANTS
Authors: Asrorov Akmal , Matušíková IldikÃ³ , Dalimova Surayyo , Gálová Zdenka , Sultanova Elvira , Veshkurova Olga , Salikhov Shavkat
Published: June 2016

Application of insecticides used in cotton fields is often associated with secondary biotic stresses. One of possible reasons of such phenomenon is explained by decreased contents of plants’ defense components. As peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) are typical oxidoreductase enzymes scavenging cell oxidative damage, we studied their change levels in cotton leaves in response to the application of three insecticides field experiment. Moreover, the concentration of proline (Pro), methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) was studied. The plants were treated with Carbophos, Lannate and Sumi-alfa in early blooming stage at commonly used doses in. Leaf samples were taken on the 10thand 13th days of the treatment. A pyrethroid insecticide Sumi-alfa appeared to negatively impact activities of both POD and PPO (P≤0.05), contrasting the other two insecticides examined. On the other hand, levels of amino acids with antioxidative properties increased after application of all three insecticides at the end of experiment. Our results show that the oxidative balance of treated plants was interrupted by insecticides (especially Sumi-alfa) with potential impact on vulnerability to secondary stresses. Effects of these insecticides on cotton should be considered and/or studied in more detail for efficient application in agriculture.
CLONING, PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HALOTOLERANT XYLANASE FROM Geobacillus Thermodenitrificans C5
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Ibrahim Guler Halil , Ali Shah Aamer , Ay Sal Fulya , Inan Kadriye , Osman Belduz Ali
Published: June 2016

High levels of extracellular xylanase activity (994.50 IU/ml) produced by Geobacillus thermodenitrificans C5 originated gene was detected when it was expressed in E. coli BL21 host. Thermostable xylanase (GthC5Xyl) was purified to homogeneity and showed a molecular mass of approximately 44 kDa according to SDS-PAGE. The specific activity of the purified GthC5Xyl was up to 1243.125IU/mg with a 9.89-fold purification. The activity of GthC5Xyl was stimulated by CoCl2, MnSO4, CuSO4, MnCl2 but was inhibited by FeSO4, Hg, CaSO4. GthC5Xyl showed resistant to SDS, Tween 20, Triton X-100, β- Mercaptoethanol, PMSF, DTT, NEM and DEPC, SDS, and EDTA. A greater affinity for oat spelt xylan was exhibited by GthC5Xyl with maximum enzymatic activity at 60°C and 6.0 pH. The activity portrayed by GthC5Xyl was found to be acellulytic with stability at high temperature (70°C-80°C) and low pH (4.0 to 8.0). Xylobiose and xylopentose were the end products of proficient oat spelt xylanase hydrolysis by GthC5Xyl. High SDS resistance and broader stability of GthC5Xyl proves it to be worthy of impending application in numerous industrial processes especially textile, detergents and animal feed industry.
COST-EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION OF THE BIO-PLASTIC POLY-β-HYDROXYBUTYRATE USING ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII ISOLATE P39
Authors: Salah Elsayed Noha , Mohamed Aboshanab Khaled , Aboulwafa Mohammad , Abdelhaleem Hassouna Nadia
Published: June 2016

Being biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) drew the attention of scientists to substitute synthetic plastics in our daily lives. However, its industrial production is hampered by its high cost. In this study, an extensive screening program was done to isolate bacteria with high PHB productivity from agricultural fields and develop a cost-effective PHB production. A promising bacterial isolate Acinetobacter baumannii P39 was recovered and identified using 16S ribosomal gene sequencing. It produced 24% PHB per dry weight after 48 h. Several experiments were conducted to optimize the composition of the culture medium and environmental factors for the selected isolate. Results revealed that 60% aeration, 28°C incubation temperature and initial pH 7.5 showed the highest productivity. Besides, 0.7% corn oil and 0.1 g/L peptone were the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Substituting glucose with corn oil led to a 23% reduction in total input cost and an estimate price for 1kg PHB is 20.5 L.E. Strain improvement by UV mutation succeeded in improving PHB production by two fold in the selected mutant P39M2. Finally, this study valorizes usage of Acinetobacter isolate in PHB production in addition to solving the critical problem of high cost of production.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLVENT STABLE LIPASE FROM A SOLVENT TOLERANT STRAIN OF GEOBACILLUS STEAROTHERMOPHILUS PS 11
Authors: Sarkar Payel , Lepcha Khusboo , Ghosh Shilpi
Published: June 2016

An extracellular organic solvent stable lipase produced by solvent tolerant strain of Geobacillus stearothermophilus PS11 was purified and characterised. The overall purification was 8.04 fold with a yield of 22.6%. The molecular weight of purified lipase was approximately 27.5 kDa. The purified lipase activity was stable (745 EU/ml at 72h incubation) in presence of toluene, benzene, propanol, methanol etc. The enzyme activity was maximum (764 EU/ml) when assayed under optimum temperature and pH of 50⁰C and 10.0, respectively. The enzyme showed stability at a wide range of temperature from 10⁰C to 60⁰C. This solvent stable lipase can be a novel tool for biodiesel industry.
ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE (PHB) FROM AGRO-INDUSTRIAL WASTES; FED-BATCH CULTIVATION AND STATISTICAL MEDIA OPTIMIZATION
Authors: M. Berekaa Mahmoud , M. Al Issa Adil
Published: June 2016

Bacillus megaterium SW1-2 showed enhanced growth and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production during cultivation on date palm syrup (DEPS) or sugar cane molasses. FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic analyses of the polymer accumulated during growth on DEPS revealed specific absorption peaks characteristic for PHB. 1.65 g/L of PHB (56.9% CDW) was produced during growth on medium supplemented with 2 g/L of DEPS. Approximately, 36.1% CDW of PHB were recorded during growth on sugar cane molasses. Six runs of different fed-batch cultivation strategies were tested, the optimal run showed approximately 6.87-fold increase. Modified E2 medium was prefered recording 10.11 and 11.34 g/L of total PHB produced for runs 1 and 2, at the end of 96 h incubation period, respectively. Decrease in PHB was recorded during growth on complex medium (run 3 and run 4). In another independent optimization strategy, ten variables were concurrently examined for their significance on PHB production by Plackett-Burman statistical design for the first time. Among variables, DEPS-II and inoculum concentration followed by KH2PO4 and (NH4)2SO4 were found to be the most significant variables encourage PHB production. Indeed, DEPS-II or Fresh syrup is more significant than commercial syrup DEPS-I (p-value= 0.05). RPM, incubation period have highly negative effect on PHB production. Role of ago-industrial wastes, especially DEPS, in enhancement of PHB production was closely discussed.
MICROBIOTA OF PINUS POLLEN AS ADJUVANT FACTOR OF ALLERGY
Authors: Shevtsova Tetiana , Kačániová Miroslava , Petrová Jana , Brindza JÃ¡n , Garkava Kateryna
Published: June 2016

Bacteria, their endotoxin and mold found on pollen can be a reason of respiratory symptoms in sensitized individuals. This question concerns an anemophilous pollen more acute. In this work quantitative by dilution plating method and qualitative microbial analysis by MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper of pollen and other plants organs of Pinus sylvestris L., P. nigra Arnold, P. mugo Turra, P. armandii Franch., P. wallichiana A.B. Jacks from Nitra, Slovakia are performed which shows quantitative and species differences in mesophilic aerobic (0.00-6.27 log cfu/g) and anaerobic bacteria (0.00-3.70 log cfu/g), enterococci (0.00 log cfu/g), coliform bacteria (0.00-5.29 log cfu/g), lactobacilli (0.00-4.20 log cfu/g), microscopic fungi and yeasts (2.60-5.29 log cfu/g) content. Representatives of Pseudomonas (14), Bacillus (2), Acinetobacter (1), Arthrobacter (1), Pantoea (1), Klebsiella (1), Penicillium (6), Aspergillus (4), Cladosporium (1), Debaryomyces (1) genera were revealed on pine trees. The allergenic potential of the identified association of microorganisms on pollen has been evaluated based on published data. The results may be useful for aerobiologists, allergists and microbiologists, at least at the local level.
Conservación del patrimonio cultural y generación de empleo: posibilidades y riesgos
Authors: Castro Sánchez Silvia
Published: June 2016

En este trabajo se plantea que las comunidades costarricenses estarían más interesadas en conservar su patrimonio cultural si esa conservación permite generar empleo y producir ingresos. Una discusión específica acerca de lo que ocurre en San Ramón de Alajuela es el punto de partida para plantear una propuesta de trabajo en las comunidades.
Volume change behaviour of saturated sand under thermal cycles
Authors: Ng C. W. W. , Wang S. H. , Zhou C.
Published: June 2016

The volume changes of saturated sand under heating and cooling cycles can greatly affect the serviceability of many earth structures in geo-energy and geo-environmental engineering. Up to date, this aspect of thermo-mechanical soil behaviour has not been fully understood. In this study, a temperature-controlled triaxial apparatus was developed to investigate the thermally induced volume changes of soil skeleton of saturated Toyoura sand. Soil specimens with different initial densities were isotopically compressed and then subjected to two thermal cycles in the temperature range of 23 to 50°C. During the first heating process, loose and medium dense specimens showed contractive strains of approximately 0·15% and 0·05% respectively as the temperature rose from 23 to 35°C. The observed contraction is most probably because the thermal expansion of soil particles adjusted force chains inside the specimen, inducing plastic contraction and soil hardening. Both specimens showed dilative strain of approximately 0·05% as the temperature increased further from 35 to 50°C. On the contrary, for the dense specimen with a more stable structure, only dilation was observed during heating with a volumetric strain of approximately 0·1%. During the second thermal cycle, the responses of sand specimens with different densities were almost reversible with heating dilation and cooling contraction.