bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of a Wheelchair Perceived Exertion Scale (Wheel Scale) for Arm Ergometry Exercise in People with Spina Bifida
Authors: Crytzer T. M. , Dicianno B. E. , Robertson R. J. , Cheng Yu-Ting
Published: February 2015

This study assessed the concurrent and construct validity of the Borg 6–20 Scale and WHEEL Scale during arm ergometry exercise stress testing in ( n = 24) adolescents and adults with spina bifida. Significant, moderate, positive correlations were observed between power output and relative heart rate and power output to relative VO2peak. Further, a moderate, significant correlation between physiologic criterion variables and the rating of perceived exertion derived from the Borg Scale and the WHEEL Scale was found. Concurrent validity was supported by the following findings: (1) relative heart rate was significantly correlated with the Borg (Kendall's τ = .41) and WHEEL Scales (τ = .44), and relative VO2 was significantly correlated with the Borg (τ = .46) and WHEEL Scales (τ = .47); (2) content validity was supported by the finding that the Borg and WHEEL Scales shared significant variance (τ = .70), demonstrating internal consistency. The WHEEL Scale shows strong potential for use in this cohort subsequent to further testing and validation.
Relationship between Autistic Traits and Hoarding in a Large Non-Clinical Chinese Sample: Mediating Effect of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Xu Wei , Fu Zhongfang , Wang Jianping , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2015

Researchers and clinical practitioners have found that hoarding appears in many autism patients and that most of these patients show high anxiety and depression. There is no consensus on the relationship between autistic traits and hoarding, and little research concerning the role of negative emotions. This study investigated the relationship between autistic traits and hoarding in a large non-clinical Chinese sample. Participants were 3,229 university students ( M age = 20.5 yr., SD = 1.6; 1,839 men) who were recruited in classroom. They completed measures of hoarding, autistic symptomology, anxiety, and depression: specifically the Saving Inventory–Revised, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Mediating effects of anxiety and depression in the correlation between autistic traits and hoarding were also explored. There was a weak but significant correlation between autistic traits and hoarding. Significant mediating effects of anxiety and depression were observed. Hoarding in people with high autistic traits could be influenced by anxiety and depression.
Oldsters and Ngrams: Age Stereotypes across Time
Authors: Mason Susan E. , Kuntz Clara V. , McGill Celestine M.
Published: February 2015

Google Books Ngram Viewer searches over five million books published between 1800 and 2000 and plots trends in word usage. With this tool, the frequencies of literary references to younger and older adults were assessed across time. Young and old women were shown to be underrepresented in the literature for the past 200 years. In addition, the usage of different terms and adjectives to describe older adults were tracked and found to change across time. The literature of the early 1900s, e.g., revealed a shift from more positive to less positive terms, which may reflect a change in attitude toward older adults.
The Influence of Kayaking and Rowing Sports Experience on Postural Response to Optic Flow
Authors: Chung Hyun Chae
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the postural response of kayakers and rowers to imposed optic flow. The athletes, with experience in unstable water environments, should have a specific postural response to optic flow. 12 male participants with kayaking and rowing experience and 12 with no specific sports experience were asked to stand still with and without room motion. This study varied the amplitude and frequency of room motion and evaluated the trajectory of the center of pressure. The kayaking and rowing group were less influenced by imposed optic flow, and body sway was more closely synchronized to the oscillating room compared to the Non-athlete group. These results suggest that postural adaptation occurs in association with experience in kayaking and rowing.
Field Dependence and Orientation of Upside-down Posture in Water
Authors: Counil Lou
Published: February 2015

Sensory information from the environment is used for body orientation and maintaining posture for effective movement, and the effects of specific senses on orientation and posture can be tested by removing input. In the present study, field dependence was used to evaluate the importance of vision in the perception of verticality when an upside-down posture was adopted under water. Eleven female synchronized swimmers at the French national level were participants. These swimmers were assessed for field dependence and all of them attempted to orient to the vertical with different types of sensory disturbance (eyes closed, opaque goggles, noiseless environment). Kinematic analyses of body inclination were conducted under the different conditions of sensory disturbance. Participants who were more field-dependent aligned their posture more accurately with the gravitational vertical than those who were more field-independent when the tactile afferents from the thighs are blocked.
Blue Judogi May Bias Competitive Performance When Seeding System is Not Used: Sex, Age, and Level of Competition Effects
Authors: Julio Ursula F. , Miarka Bianca , Rosa João P. P. , Lima Giscard H. O. , Takito Monica Y. , Franchini Emerson
Published: February 2015

This study evaluated whether the judogi colour (blue or white) could influence a combat outcome (victory or defeat) in 1,233 judo official combats. Sex, age group, and level of competition were also considered in the analysis. Binomial probability tests showed a higher probability of an athlete's winning a combat wearing blue judogi for both sexes, levels of competition (regional and state), and for the athletes of the junior and senior categories. Thus, blue judogi may bias competitive outcome for both sexes in regional and state level competitions and for athletes above junior age.
Update on the management of lupus nephritis
Authors: Marinaki Smaragdi , Skalioti Chryssanthi , Boletis Ioannis N.
Published: February 2015

The treatment of lupus nephritis still represents a therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Besides early recognition, appropriate guiding by the histologic classification at presentation as well as at relapsing disease, is essential. The most severe proliferative and mixed forms require aggressive induction therapy. Nevertheless, recent but established by RCTs advances, as low dose iv cyclophosphamide, lower doses of cor-ticosteroids and mychophenolate acid (MPA) allow us to achieve remission induction with lower toxicity without any cost in terms of efficacy. For maintenance, azathioprine and mycophenolate acid with concomitant low dose steroids have shown both good results with a slight superiority of mycophenolate acid. Emerging therapies as B cell targeting-either by depleting agents as the anti-CD 20 mAb Rituximab, or by modulating agents as the anti-Bliss Belimumab, further contribute to the effort to minimize toxicity. This review mainly focuses on the recent efforts to treat the most aggressive form of lupus nephritis effectively with the minimal possible toxicity.
Antibiotic Sensitivity and Resistance Among the Most Common Uropathogens in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zlatkov Borelli , Filipov Jean , Paskalev Emil , Markova Boyka , Marteva-Proevska Yuliya , Kolevski Alexandar
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Urinary tract infection (UTI) among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is one of the most common complications after transplantation. The aim of our study was to analyze the antibiotic sensitivity and resistance of the most common agents causing UTI in Bulgarian KTRs followed up in our Transplant Center.

Methods. We analyzed the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity of the most common strains of bacteria causing UTI in the Bulgarian KTRs, namely class Enterobac-teriaceae and Enterococcus spp. We used conventional biochemical methods to identify different strains of uro-pathogens-miniApi (bioMerieux, France) and BBL Crystal (BD). The antibiotic sensitivity was determined via disc-diffusing method, according to the accepted Bulgarian CLSI standard. We used WHONET, version 5.6 to analyze the antibiotic resistance data.

Results. The total number of tested patients was 366 [males 228, females 138]. The total number of tested urine samples was 829 [positive ones-203), negative samples 606, contaminated 20]. The most commonly detected uropathogens in Bulgarian KTRs were Gram /-/ negative bacteria (63.80%). Of these, 93.28% belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae group, with E. coli, K. pneumoniae and the PPM /Proteus, Providentia, Mor-ganela/subgroup being the most common (54.5%, 19.20% and 16%, respectively).

Gram /+/ positive bacteria were detected in 28.09% of the patients, Enterococcus spp being the most commonly isola-ted-67.79%. In the Enterococcus group, the strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium were the most commonly detected. The bacteria belonging to Enterobacteriaceae group were most sensitive to carbapenems and aminoglycosides, with sensitivity peaking to almost 100%, whereas they were least sensitive to aminopenicillines [sensitivity below 20%]. The PPM subgroup revealed very high sensitivity to beta-lactamase protected broad spectrum penicillins (Piperacillin/Tazobactam, sensitivity - 90%).

Gram /+/ positive uropathogens were mostly sensitive to Linezolid, Vancomycin, Teicoplanin (100%). These strains were least sensitive to Erythromycin and Tetracicline (17.50%).

Conclusions. Our results were similar to previous studies. The differences detected can be explained with the characteristics of the bacterial strains and the specific practice of each transplant center. Having in mind the possible complications of UTIs, further studies are needed to clarify the problem with antimicrobial resistance in uropathogens and the use of antibiotics after KT.
The Fast Peritoneal Equilibration Test First and Second Hour Results
Authors: Akdam Hakan , Alp Alper , Ozbek Ozgul , Cakiroglu Umut , Yenicerioglu Yavuz , Akar Harun
Published: February 2015

Introduction. The Peritoneal Equilibration Test (PET) is employed to assess peritoneal membrane transport function. The purpose of the test is to determine the optimal peritoneal dialysis regimen. The performance of the test, which is conducted over 4 hours, is time consuming both for the nurses and the patient. There have been studies to validate an approved short version of the original PET protocol, and all have yielded different results. We evaluated the concordance between the 1-hour, 2-hour and 4-hour (classical) test results of the fast PET.

Methods. The study included 32 patients (20 males and 12 females). The patients underwent the 4-hour fast PET test, and the dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine concentration (D/Pcrea) was determined. The standard deviation was added to or subtracted from the mean D/Pcrea ratios at hours 1, 2, and 4 to determine transport groups.

Results. The mean age of the patients was 51.4±16.7 years. Mean D/Pcrea ratios at hours 1, 2, and 4 were 0.41±0.07, 0.54±0.10, and 0.69+0.12, respectively. There was a strong correlation between the 4-hour D/Pcrea ratio and 1-hour (r=0.756, p<0.001) and 2-hour (r=0.867, p<0.001) D/Pcrea ratios. Seventeen patients (53%) were in the same transport group at hours 1, 2, and 4. Eighteen patients (56%) at 1 hour and 24 patients (75%) at 2 hours fell into the same transport group at 4 hours. The patients that fell into different transport groups at different time points showed a shift to a lower or higher transport group.

Conclusions. Two-hour fast PET gives promising results for clinical assessment purposes.
Phytochemical And Antimicrobial Characterization Of Rhododendron Anthopogon From High Nepalese Himalaya
Authors: Baral Bikash , Shrestha Vaidya Geeta , Laxmi Maharjan Bijaya , Teixeira Da Silva Jaime A.
Published: February 2015

The biological and chemical properties of the medicinally important high altitudinal plant Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don were assayed. Extracts at a concentration of 100 mg-ml-1 from leaves and flowers were collectively obtained by employing hot extraction method with different solvents. The antibacterial and antifungal properties were assayed against different clinical bacteria (two Gram+ and six Gram-) and six phytopathogenic fungi. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium were the most inhibited bacteria, while Fusarium eridiforme, a fungus, was highly inhibited. However, all the tested bacteria were resistant to n-hexane and chloroform extracts. Of all the extracts obtained, the ethyl acetate fraction, followed by the hot methanolic extract, was effective against all the pathogenic strains tested. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts on bacteria ranged from 1.562 mg-ml”
1 to 25.0 mg-ml”
1, whereas MIC and MFC (minimum fungicidal concentration) values of n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions on fungi varied from 1.562 mg-ml-1 to 12.50 mg-ml-1, which are slightly higher than expected. The extracts showed no activity against Exserohilum turticum and Stenophylum sp. There was a highly significant difference in the zone of inhibition between different extract fractions and bacterial or fungal strains. A preliminary qualitative phyto-chemical assay revealed the presence of polyphenols, reducing compounds, quinones, sterol, triterpenes and fatty acids in leaves and flowers of the test plant. The observed antimicrobial effects are believed to be due to the presence of these compounds. The broad spectrum of activity of the extracts would apparently explain the widespread use of this plant for controlling human pathogenic bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi that widely destroy crops in Nepal. This research reveals R. anthopogon to be a highly promising source of potent antimicrobial drugs that could be used to design therapeutic drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Rare Macroscopic Algae Species In The Pechora And Vychegda River Basins (North-Eastern Part Of European Russia)
Authors: Patova Elena , Sterlyagova Irina , Shabalina Yuliya
Published: February 2015

Ten rare species of macroscopic algae were found in freshwater ecosystems of the Pechora and Vychegda River basins, belonging to four divisions: Cyanoprokaryota - 1 species, Rhodophyta - 3, Chrysophyta - 1, Charophy-ta - 5. Some of these were included in the regional Red Data Books of Nenets Autonomous District and Komi Republic, others were recommended to be included. Areas of distribution were marked; algae development conditions and limiting factors were described.
Occurrence of Foliicolous Parasitic Alga Cephaleuros Virescens on Cultivated Ornamental Plants in Southern India
Authors: Muthukumar Thangavelu , Uma Eswaranpillai , Priyadharsini Perumalsamy
Published: February 2015

The algal leaf spot, caused by Cephaleuros virescens Kunze, has been reported in a wide range of plant species from the tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Investigations on the presence of algal infection mostly involved wild plants and plantation crops of economic interest. Nevertheless, limited studies have examined cultivated ornamental plants for the presence of C. virescens. During the summer and monsoon seasons of 2011 we examined ten leaves of five plants belonging to 86 ornamental plant taxa in 38 families growing in home gardens in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India for the algal presence. Nine of the 86 plant taxa were found to host the algae C. virescens. Although majority of the investigated species are considered as typical hosts of C. vi-rescens, its infection was found only in nine plant species. Although the incidence of the algal leaf spot disease was in general low, there was significant variation in the frequency of occurrence of the algal lesions and the lesion size among the investigated plant taxa and seasons. On plants of five species (Alpinia purpurata, Ficus benjamina, Ficus elastica “Variegata”, Michelia champaca, Polyalthia longifolia), C. virescens was found during both seasons, while infections on the remaining four species (Aglaonema commutatum, Dieffenbachia maculata, Eucalyptus globulus, Syngonium podophyllum) were observed only during the monsoon. The susceptibility of different plant species in a genus and varieties of a species varied suggesting the host influence on the development of infections in addition to variation attributed to the local environmental conditions.
Drainage Impact on Plant Cover and Hydrology of Aukštumala Raised Bog (Western Lithuania)
Authors: Jarašius Leonas , Matulevičiūtė Dalytė , Pakalnis Romas , Sendžikaitė Juratė , Lygis Vaidotas
Published: February 2015

One-third of the former Aukstumala raised bog (western Lithuania) has been preserved as Telmological Reserve since 1995, while the remaining territory is still under active industrial peat mining or are abandoned peat harvesting fields. The present study was carried out in 2013 and aimed to assess long-term human impact on the structure of plant cover and hydrology of Aukstumala raised bog. On the basis of vegetation assessment (Twinspan analysis), four habitat types were identified: i) active raised bog, ii) degraded raised bog drained by ditches, iii) contact zone of the bog and the peat mining fields and iv) recently burnt areas. The largest anthropogenic impact on vegetation cover was found in the degraded raised bog drained by the ditches and in the burnt area, where the proportion of plant species atypical to ombrotrophic raised bogs was the highest. Water electrical conductivity negatively correlated (r = -0.57) with bog water level, whereas correlation between pH and bog water level was weaker (r = -0.38). Water level in the active raised bog was significantly higher than in the rest three habitat types. Electrical conductivity values in the active raised bog were significantly lower compared to the degraded raised bog and burned area habitats. In order to recreate favourable conditions for peat accumulation and natural functioning of bog ecosystem, mean bog water level should be raised at least up to -32 cm (the optimum water level assigned for most of the typical ombrotrophic species fell into the range of -20 - -32 cm).
Fabrication of Size-Tunable Silica Particles During Seed-Growth Process
Authors: Jarzębski Maciej , Śliwa Tomasz , Jarzębska Małgorzata , Szutkowski Kosma
Published: February 2015

The size control is one of the most important factors during seed-growth process. Although precise determination of ingredients concentrations is easily controllable during the growth process, there is still a possibility to synthesize oversized particles. Nanosized fluorescent silica particles were synthetized using Stöber process and verified using three complementary methods of particle size determination, namely Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Particle Tracking (PT) as well as by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Confocal Microscopy. The final diameter was verified by DLS and estimated to 494 nm. Parameters necessary to control the size were derived.
Testing Sorption Properties of Halloysite by Means of the Laser Interferometry Method
Authors: Wąsik Sławomir , Arabski Michał , Maciejec Karolina , Suchanek Grażyna , Świercz Anna
Published: February 2015

The objective of the present study has been to test the laser interferometry method in terms of its usability for investigating sorption properties of minerals. This method was used to test the absorption capacity of halloysite with reference to glucose, which is often found in industrial wastewater and whose excess can disturb the environmental eco-balance. The sorption capacity of halloysite was thus determined indirectly, basing on the comparison of concentration profiles as well as time characteristics of glucose quantities released from the control solution and from the solution incubated with a halloysite adsorbent. An analysis of glucose diffusion was conducted in a two-chamber membrane system. On the basis of the obtained concentration profiles, the evolution of the concentration field was determined; so were the removal efficiency (%) and the amount of glucose adsorbed at equilibrium (qe
, mg/g). The obtained results confirm good sorption properties of halloysite with respect to the investigated substance as well as usability of the method for this kind of investigations. The presented tests suggest that the measurement set-up can be optimised in such as way that visual rendering and testing the kinetics of the adsorbed substance direct release from the studied material become possible.
Pulse Wave Shape Analysis of the Cardiovascular System Using High Signal Resolution
Authors: Szymił Anna , Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Dobosz BERNADETA , Pająk ADAM , Szyszka ANDRZEJ , Ładzińska MAŁGORZATA
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to carry out the FMD (flow - mediated dilatation) and NID (nitroglycerin-induced dilatation) tests in the case of patients with hypertension by using new measurement method - High Signal Resolution Pulse Wave (HSR PW). The paper presents new diagnostic method HSR PW which was used to evaluate the pulse wave in patients with arterial hypertension. HSR-PW is a method based on increasing the resolution of the pulse wave signal, recorded during a standard test using the Fourier Transform. The study involved twenty-four patients with hypertension and fifteen healthy people as a control group. The analysis showed that changes of the shape of the pulse wave in HSR PW took place in both groups conducting the FMD and NID tests. The HSR PW method proved to be more sensitive to changes in the body then the standard pulse oximeter and therefore may increase clinical practicability.
On the Possibility of Indirect Determination of the Glass Transition Temperature of Proteins from Viscosity Measurements and Avramov's Model
Authors: Monkos Karol
Published: February 2015

The paper presents the results of viscosity determinations on aqueous solutions of hen egg-white lysozyme, bovine ß-lactoglobulin, human and porcine immunoglobulin IgG at a wide range of concentrations and at temperatures ranging from 5oC to 55oC. Viscosity-temperature dependence of the proteins solutions is analyzed based on a formula resulting from the Avramov's model. One of the parameters in the Avramov's equation is the glass transition temperature Tg. It turns out that for all studied proteins, the Tg of the solution increases with increasing concentration. To determine the glass transition temperature of the dry protein Tg,p, a modified form of the Gordon-Taylor equation is used. This equation gives the relationship between Tg and the concentration of the solution, and Tg,p and a parameter dependent on the strength of protein-solvent interaction are fitting parameters. Thus determined the glass transition temperature for the studied dry proteins is in the range from 227.3 K (for bovine ß-lactoglobulin) to 260.6 K (for hen egg-white lysozyme).
Global Challenges and New Approaches in the Common Agricultural Policy 2014 - 2020
Authors: Bánhegyi Gabriella
Published: February 2015

Unfavorable environmental issues raise attention globally toward the concept of sustainability. Agriculture is not only a sector influenced greatly by environmental conditions, but at the same time, as the most important utilizer of land, a major shaper of the environmental conditions. When forming agricultural policies special attention should be paid to issues such as climate change, scarcity of fresh water, food shortage and biodiversity loss — just to name some of them. The new European general strategy for the upcoming 7 years period has brought new measures for the agricultural policy as well, environment and sustainability being among the top issues.
Analysis of the Agrarian Land Reform in Uzbekistan During the Soviet Era and After Transition
Authors: Ismailova Aygul , Baynazarov Elmurod
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is to review the development of land tenure process in Uzbekistan from the times of socialism up to current days. Based on the results of the analysis we found out that structure of land tenure in Uzbekistan before 1917 was different. After the implementation of the agrarian reforms in December 1925 by Soviet government, the land was nationalized in Uzbekistan. However, during transition period the structure of land tenure after the establishment of new land reforms was significantly diversified in Uzbekistan. Success of the land reforms is very important for Uzbekistan in providing stable growth in the country. Given analysis is based on data from official statistical organizations, international organizations and other research materials.
Ukrainian Sanitary and Phytosanitary Laws Approximation to EU Acquis Under Association Agreement Including Agreement on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)
Authors: Kepych Taras
Published: February 2015

The paper reviews the achievements to date in legal approximation in the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) field in Ukraine. Effective regulatory approximation in the SPS field was critical to anchoring the reform process in Ukraine and to fostering further progress in EU’s relations with this Eastern Partnership (EaP) country. This paper highlights three major problems in Ukraine that were hindering reform in the SPS field: inconsistency between Ukrainian and EU food safety legislation, lack of uniformity between animal health law regimes, absence of a single SPS regulator. Legal implementation of approximated legislation still remains as key challenge. The paper offers recommendations to improve the Ukraine’s approach so that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) is part of the Association Agreement (AA) between the EU and the Republic of Ukraine could fulfill its potential.
Sylvicultural procedures in catchment areas of the mountain streams as exemplified by the Skrzyczne massif in Poland
Authors: Małek Stanisław , Barszcz Józef , Majsterkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: February 2015

Extensive disintegration of spruce forests in the Beskidy Mts. in South Poland generates a need to regenerate sizeable areas as well as to rebuild forest stands which have defended themselves against breakdown. In practice, the magnitude of relevant management tasks does not allow for keeping up with the progressive destruction of forest, especially at higher altitudes, where natural regeneration does not occur as much as necessary. In addition, the species composition is limited to spruce, sometimes accompanied by beech and fir, whereas other species have a negligible share. What may be helpful in solving this problem is the method of regeneration of such areas and of establishment of under-canopy cultures, consisting of patchwork, multi-stage regeneration task performance, starting from the areas with the best chance of reforestation success and using the existing self-sown trees. Such areas undoubtedly include habitats with better water balance, i.e. humid habitats (in the case of larger areas, distinguished in the forest management plan as humid forest site types). The aim of the present study was to propose management of watercourses and headwater areas in the region of the Skrzyczne massif where the selected catchments are situated on the southern (the Malinowski Stream) and the northern (the Roztoka Czyrna stream) slopes of this massif. The research was carried out in August 2012 and included juxtaposition of available hydrological maps with actual field conditions along with identification of springs and streams and the course of their beds in order to update the existing data. The updating of the forest numerical maps in the existing databases of the State Forests IT System (SILP) included verification of the course of streams and determination of their nature (permanent or periodic) with a division into the existing ones and the added ones. The data was recorded against the background of the division of the forest surface, contour lines, major roads, climate and plant floors and forest habitat types. The total length of streams was ascertained. The catchment areas and areas along their beds were determined by adopting variable distances from the beds, depending on climate and plant zones and the slope gradient. The adopted distances were: 5 m in the upper forest zone, 10 m in the middle forest zone, 20 m in the lower forest zone on both sides of the bed and in the headwater area within the radius of 10 m from a source. Specific sylvicultural procedures in headwater areas and in the neighbourhood of watercourses were described in each climatic and vegetation zones.
Sustainable forest management in Poland – theory and practice
Authors: Kruk Hanna , Kornatowska Bożena
Published: February 2015

The conception of sustainable development has been implemented into practice in numerous economic sectors, including forestry. Forest ecosystems are extremely important in the global ecological system, therefore maintenance and appropriate management of forest resources according to sustainable development principles have engaged a great deal of attention. The concept of sustainable forest management (SFM) encompasses three dimensions: ecological, economic and social. A powerful tool to promote SFM are criteria and indicators. The aim of the article was evaluation of SFM in Poland, using one of the methods proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). According to data available, Polish forestry has a number of advantages: Poland has avoided the problem of deforestation, forest area has been permanently increasing, there has been observed improvement of forest health and vitality as well as a significant share of forests has carried out protective functions with no impact on timber production. Poland’s model of SFM is an adaptive process of balancing the ever-changing set of economic, environmental and social expectations. Such a complicated undertaking requires constant assessing and adjusting forest practices, in response to new circumstances, scientific advances and societal input
Effects of botanical antifeedants on Melolontha melolontha grub feeding on Scots pine roots
Authors: Skrzecz Iwona , Sowińska Alicja , Janiszewski Wojciech
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of using botanic antifeedants to reduce the damage caused by Melolontha spp. grubs. To achieve the objective, the experiments were established in semi-field conditions to estimate the antifeedant activity of rutin, quercetin (flavonoids from buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum) and an extract from black alder Alnus glutinosa leaves against Melolontha melolontha grubs. The grubs were placed individually in the pots with a soil in which 2 year old Pinus sylvestris trees were planted. The pots were put in garden pavilions placed in the open area. Then the soil in the pots were watered with the emulsions of rutin, quercetin, an extract from A. glutinosa leaves, and with pure water-comparative variant. After 4 months, the weight and mortality of grubs were compared, as well as the weight of tree roots in all pots.

There was no effect of the antifeedants on the development and extent of damage caused by M. melolontha grubs. The results do not indicate the use of botanic antifeedants in the protection of forests against the cockchafer grubs
Reducing the Impact of Uncertainties in Networked Control Systems Using Type-2 Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Michal Blaho , J´n Murgaš , Eugen Viszus , Peter Fodrek
Published: February 2015

The networked control systems (NCS) have grown in popularity in recent years. Despite their advantages over the traditional control schemes, some of their drawbacks emerged as well (time delays, packet losses). There are several ways of dealing with the time delays and packet losses in NCS, but only a few authors have ever used type-2 fuzzy controllers for this purpose to our knowledge. This paper is aimed at dealing with the negative effects that occur in NCS, by using type-2 fuzzy control systems. It is presented that this approach can be successfully used to decrease the effects of time delays and packet losses. A type-2 fuzzy controller has been designed and compared to a type-1 fuzzy controller. The intervals of type-2 fuzzy controller were optimized via genetic algorithm.
IP Multimedia Subsystem—Dimensioning of the Home Subscriber Server Database
Authors: Milan Kellovský , Ivan Baroňák
Published: February 2015

The article describes the architecture and standardization of the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) from the perspective of the new generations of networks (NGN). Further, it discusses the database structure and derives the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) equation to be used for designing the load of this database in two proposed scripts. At the end the article compares the plot of each method and evaluates which method is preferable.
Electron Beam Lithography Double Step Exposure Technique for Fabrication of Mushroom-Like Profile in Bilayer Resist System
Authors: Kornelia Indykiewicz , Bogdan Paszkiewicz , Tomasz Szymański , Regina Paszkiewicz
Published: February 2015

The Hi/Lo bilayer resist system exposure in e-beam lithography (EBL) process, intended for mushroom-like profile fabrication, was studied. Different exposure parameters and theirs influence on the resist layers were simulated in CASINO software and the obtained results were compared with the experimental data. The AFM technique was used for the estimation of the e-beam penetration depth in the resist stack. Performed numerical and experimental results allow us to establish the useful ranges of the exposure parameters.
Ohmic Conacts to p-GaN on the Basis of Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Jozef Liday , Peter Vogrinčič , Viliam Vretenár , Mário Kotlár , Marián Marton , Miroslav Mikolášek , Vlastimil Řeháček
Published: February 2015

We have designed and verified a new structure for ohmic contacts to p-GaN based on a layer of carbon nanotubes (CNT), reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) and metallic layers of Cr, Pd and Au, namely in configurations Au/Cr/r-GO/CNT/p-GaN and Au/Pd/r-GO/CNT/p-GaN. The effects have been studied of the annealing temperature and the gas ambient upon the electrical properties of the contacts. Annealing of the Au/Pd/r-GO/CNT/p-GaN structure in air at 500°C for 1 minute resulted in linear I - V curves measured between planar electrodes on the p-GaN. Hence, addition of r-GO to the CNT interlayer between p-GaN and the metallization layer is a highly promising procedure for further improvements of the ohmic contacts to p-GaN.
Changes in the distribution of quantitative features of guest houses in the Medina of Marrakesh
Authors: Kałaska Maciej
Published: February 2015

At the turn of the 20th century a rapid development of the tourism colonization space in the Medina of Marrakesh began, which consisted mostly of the conversion of historical dwelling houses into private residential hotels or guest houses. The aim of the article is to present a thorough study of the progressive changes in the distribution of quantitative features of the guest houses in various parts of this old town. The cartographical method was utilised, using maps presenting the localization of the guest houses and the average accommodation capacity indicator for buildings in various quarters of the Medina. The distribution of particular features is compared for selected years (1999, 2002, 2005 and 2008). Furthermore, the article engages in polemics with the remarks of other authors dealing with the subject, concerning the distribution of the guest houses and conditions of changes in the aforementioned process.
Aspects of rendering the sacred Tetragrammaton in Greek
Authors: Vasileiadis Pavlos D.
Published: February 2015

This article recounts the persistent use of the sacred Tetragrammaton through the centuries as an „effable,“ utterable name at least in some circles, despite the religious inhibitions against its pronunciation. A more systematic investigation of the various Greek renderings of the biblical name of God is provided. These renderings are found in amulets, inscriptions, literary works, etc., dating from the last few centuries B.C.E. until today. It will be illustrated that some forms of the Tetragrammaton were actually accepted and used more widely within the Greek religious and secular literature since the Renaissance and especially since the Modern Greek Enlightenment. Furthermore, it is asserted that for various reasons there is no unique or universally “correct” rendering of the Hebrew term in Greek. Of special note are two Greek transcriptions of the Tetragrammaton, one as it was audible and written down by a Greek-speaking author of a
Preliminary Outcome of Treatment of Postoperative Primarily Closed Sternotomy Wounds Treated Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Witt-Majchrzak Anna , Żelazny Piotr , Snarska Jadwiga
Published: February 2015

Hospital infections, and in particular infections of the surgical site are a common problem of the procedural departments. Due to continuous progress of surgical techniques and patient population getting older with multiple co-morbidities, multidirectional actions need to be taken to avoid these infections or, if they do occur, achieve optimal treatment outcomes. Vacuum wound therapy is one of the directions that has been developed over the recent years.

evaluate wound healing in patients after an off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, using the internal mammary artery, treated with negative pressure wound therapy system.

This prospective, open label study evaluated healing of postoperative sternotomy wounds after their primary closure with negative pressure wound therapy, using continuous negative pressure of -80 mmHg in 40 patients and 40 patients in a control group in whom conventional dressings were applied in the postoperative period.

The number of patients in whom primary wound healing occurred without complications was significantly higher in the negative pressure wound therapy group versus the control group (x

Negative pressure wound therapy after primary wound closure reduces the risk of superficial infections in the population with multiple risk factors of complications in the sternotomy wound healing.
Clinical Significance of Van Nuys Prognostic Index As A Qualification Criterion to Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients Diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Authors: Nowikiewicz Tomasz , Wiśniewska Magdalena , Wiśniewski Michał , Zegarski Wojciech
Published: February 2015

Diagnose of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) requires, at least in a part of cases, assessment of auxiliary lymph nodes.

was to analyze clinical value of Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) as the important criterion for qualification of DCIS patients to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Analysis included patients diagnosed with DCIS and qualified to SLNB, operated in years 2004-2013. We performed a statistical analysis to assess correlation between VNPI value and positive pathological verification of excised sentinel lymph node (SLN). The influence of other clinical factors on presence of metastases in SLN was also determined.

3,6% of DCIS patients were diagnosed with metastases in SLN. Metastases were diagnosed in 6.7% patients with VNPI > 10 points vs 3.4% in patients with VNPI < 10 points. In 75% of patients with metastatic SLN the value of VNPI was at least 10 points.

In premenopausal patients metastases in SLN were diagnosed in 8.1% of cases vs 1.4% in postmenopausal patients. In patients diagnosed with cancer of the other breast metastases in SLN were found in 6.3% of cases vs 3.2% in one-sided cancer. Patients with multifocal cancer were over twice as often diagnosed with metastases in SLN (5% vs 2%). There was no correlation found between VNPI value and positive pathological verification of SLN. No differences between prevalence of SLN metastases depending on selected clinical features were found.

Recommendation of VNPI as the criterion of qualification to SLNB starting with 10 points could be more favourable in patients with DCIS. Deciding on SLNB in DCIS patients, we should also take into consideration other clinical features.
Evolution of the Western Palaearctic Passerine Migration Pattern Presentation Style
Authors: Busse Przemysław , Zaniewicz Grzegorz , Cofta Tomasz
Published: February 2015

The scientific knowledge available in many detailed studies needs, from time to time, some generalization that allows to provide a synthesis or at least presentation of certain problem to both, scientific community and wide public interested in the topic. This article presents evolution of the presentation style of spatial course of the passerine migration in the Western Palaearcic. According to developing knowledge in the topic the style of presentation of general migration pattern evolved from a “line–arrow ” style suggesting that the birds use narrow “corridors” to more adequate to the phenomenon “carpet” style with called as “bottle-necks” concentrations being local and temporal effects of existing migratory barriers and guiding lines as maritime coasts, mountains and deserts. These details of migratory flyways are less visible in nocturnal passerine migrants than diurnal movements of both of passerines and gliding big birds. Generally, according to spatial relations between breeding and wintering areas of the bird populations living in Western Palaearctic four main flyways are defined and presented on maps: Western (Atlantic), Central (Apennine), South- Eastern (Balkan) and Eastern (Indian). Their background lies in the post-ice age history of distribution changes of the bird species, but details still evolve.
Jericho (Palestine) Spring 2014 Ornithological and Parasitological Research Results
Authors: Awad Simon , Rząd Izabella
Published: February 2015

Work begun in autumn 2013 at a research ringing site near Jericho in the Jordan Valley (Palestine) was continued in spring 2014 (8 March–18 April). Due to a flood, the area was much changed in relation to the autumn habitat distribution. Standard ornithological and ringing work was performed using mist nets. The methods used were in accordance with SEEN (SE European Bird Migration Network) standards, and apart from ringing included some measurements (wing length, tail length, wing formula) and scores (fat determination and body mass), as well as testing of the directional preferences of migrants. The ornithological work was expanded to include parasitological testing, taking into account migrant-helminth relations during migration. Altogether 508 birds from 44 species were ringed and inspected for external signs of infection by Collyriclum faba trematodes (subcutaneous cysts), and an additional 32 dead individuals were collected and dissected. Altogether 168 internal parasites were found. The most common migrants in spring were Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca, Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida, while the autumn dominants–Masked and Red-backed shrikes (Lanius nubicus and L. collurio) were scarce. In spring a good number of Dead Sea Sparrows Passer moabiticus were caught, but only two introduced Indian Silverbills Lonchura malabarica.
Mixed-methods approaches in health research in Nepal
Authors: Simkhada Padam , Van Teijlingen E , Wasti SP , Sathian Brijesh
Published: February 2015

Combining and integrating a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods in one single study is widely used in health and social care research in high-income countries. This editorial adds a few words of advice to the novice mixed-methods researcher in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i5.11993 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(5):415-16
Belonephobia and finger pricking associated pain in hematology laboratory: A cross sectional study among undergraduate medical students in Nepal
Authors: Roy B , Sathian B , Banerjee I , Khan I , Banerjee I
Published: February 2015

BackgroundNeedle phobia, clinically termed as Belonephobia strongly influences psychological behaviors. Physiological responses include palpitations, shortness of breath, nervousness and fainting. In Nepal, first year MBBS students prick their own finger for hematology practical. They use to suffer from Belonephobia and pain due to finger prick. The main objective of this study was to determine influential fear factors and assessment of pain during hematology practical.Material and Methods:One hundred and forty two first year medical students of basic sciences participated in the study. Standard pricking was performed by blood lancet in the middle and side of the middle finger during hematology practical for the assessment of pain in Young Baker scale and visually rating scale. They also responded to a questionnaire on factors associated with fear of needles and lancets, symptoms etc.Results:Out of 142 students, numbers of males were 76 and females were 66. Belonephobia persisted among 65.2% females and 42.1% males, p<0.01. Watching others during lancing or receiving injection was a significant fear factor. Lateral side pricking was preferred by students for less pain. Mild, moderate, “hurts little bit”, “little more”, “even more” were the maximum response for pain sensation.Conclusion:Positive approaches like separation of lancing area, systematic exposure, behavioral therapy, counseling and administration of anti-anxiety drugs for severely needle phobics, can alleviate fear and anxiety. Female students need more assistance. Development of proper strategies and necessary interventions are required, which will facilitate to overcome this phobia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i5.12024 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(5):433-40
Use of Empty Containers to Move Regional Cargo in Port Hinterland
Authors: Li Xiaoniao , Zheng Pengjun
Published: February 2015

Containerization has greatly reduced the cost of international trade by increasing the speed of cargo turnover. However, many empty container movements have been generated by the imbalance of international cargo movements between ports and hinterland importers and exporters. Currently, loaded containers carry only import and export cargo. Little work has been done on the utilization of empty containers to carry regional cargo. There is great potential to use empty containers to carry regional cargo. This study developed a mathematical model of the use of empty containers to carry regional cargo. The model considered quantities of cargo located at the origins and destinations of empty containers, together with cargo that could be consolidated en route. The financial return on investment was calculated as a benefit–cost ratio to determine the suitability of the available empty containers to carry regional cargo. Operational data from a haulage company were used as a case study to increase the reliability of the results. It was concluded that if managed optimally, carrying regional cargo in empty containers should be profitable. In the particular case reported in this paper, operational profit was guaranteed when a haulage benefit–cost ratio of 3.05 was achieved.