bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Communication in Multi-Ethnic Educational Space
Authors: Воевода  , Voevoda Elena
Published: June 2016

Migration processes that have embraced the whole world and serve as

one of the specific features of the 21st century have necessitated revision

of priorities in preparation for cross-cultural communication. Traditionally

it was common practice to prepare students for cross-cultural communication

abroad while today, Russia numbers hundreds of multi-ethnic and

multi-cultural companies and organizations both in the private and the state

sectors. University authorities take certain efforts to help international students

adapt to the teaching process. But no one considers it necessary to

prepare Russian students for facing other cultures that are represented by

their peers from the various regions of Russia. Lecturers face the same

problem and often fail to realize that students who are seemingly reluctant

to work in the classroom are culturally motivated. In both cases, the cultural

clash may create communication barriers in academic communication and

provoke inter-cultural conflicts. That explains the necessity of systematic

work with the aim of preparing both students and lecturers for cross-cultural

communication in the multi-ethnic educational space.
Determining the Distribution of Coast Guard Vessels
Authors: Uzun Günay , Dağdeviren Metin , Kabak Mehmet
Published: June 2016

A typical coast guard has complex responsibilities, subject to its multiple missions in maritime jurisdiction regions. These maritime jurisdiction regions can be partitioned into responsibility areas, and each type of coast guard vessel has a set of attributes for each responsibility area. The distribution of coast guard assets deployed in their respective areas of responsibility should be linked to the types of events occurring in these areas. The objective of this study is to determine the appropriate distribution of coast guard assets in various maritime zones; we do this by evaluating models that assign coast guard surface vessel types to missions in these maritime zones. We use the analytic network process model to compare various vessel types and determine the task-type weights for each vessel type. Weighted goal programming allows us to combine data, including the weights we derive from the use of other decision-aid tools. Our objective is to determine the best compromise solution for distributing coast guard assets into four main responsibility zones. The Turkish Coast Guard implemented the model in 2014, and decided to use it once a year prior to executing the main process in which it allocates coast guard assets.
A collaborative approach to reduce healthcare-associated infections
Authors: Su Guizhen
Published: June 2016

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be an ongoing issue for patients in acute hospital settings. Effectively preventing and controlling HAIs requires a collaborative approach compelling all healthcare staff to take up responsibilities and be involved. A surgical ward in an acute hospital aimed to implement comprehensive HAI prevention strategies by applying both Kotter's eight-step change model and the practice development principles into its current system. The project motivated staff to be involved and engaged in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of the project processes, and take ownership of the practice change. It focused on ensuring a clean environment, improving hand hygiene compliance, increasing staff's knowledge base regarding HAIs and enhancing active surveillance. The project achieved success in the reduction and prevention of HAIs as well as the development of a sustainable workplace culture.
Doing more to protect whistleblowers
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: June 2016

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, discusses the best ways for NHS staff to raise concerns about poor care quality, and the Government's proposal to create ‘guardians’ for whistleblowers
Rating functional capabilities of veterans with traumatic brain injury by family members and veterans
Authors: Winter Laraine , Moriarty Helene J , Robinson Keith M , Newhart Brian
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims:

People with a traumatic brain injury often perceive their everyday functional capabilities differently from their families. The tendency to underrate one's own limitations is often attributed to deficits in self-awareness. Yet the possibility that family ratings are subjective and may thus account for differences has been neglected despite its clinical relevance. The present study examined possible factors influencing family member's ratings, testing two hypotheses: (1) Different types of relatives (i.e. spouses versus non-spouses) may rate functioning differently (2) Incongruence may be more pronounced in less observable domains of function.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 83 veterans with a traumatic brain injury and a non-spousal family member or spouse were interviewed at home, using the Patient Competency Rating Scale and eliciting sociodemographic characteristics.

Findings:

Competence ratings differed by relationship type (spouse/other), with spouses rating veteran functioning lower (mean: 3.25, SD=0.762) than did non-spouses overall (mean: 3.55, SD=0.583; F [1, 81]=4.55, P=0.036). Incongruent ratings by veterans and family members (across relationship types) were found in the domain of cognitive functioning only (F [1, 81]=4.268, P=0.042).

Conclusions:

Treatment plans should not rely exclusively on family ratings of functional competence. Non-spousal family members in particular may underestimate functional difficulties, especially in the cognitive domain.
Patients' and caregivers' self-perceived stroke education needs in inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Shook Rebecca , Stanton Sue
Published: June 2016

Background:

Identifying patients' and caregivers' learning needs and perspectives on provided education activities is vital for the development of effective education in rehabilitation, yet it may not be deemed important. This study explored the stroke education perspectives in a Canadian rehabilitation centre to illustrate one approach for addressing this problem.

Methods:

This qualitative description study was overlaid by phenomenology; in-depth interviews were transcribed then analysed using a foundational thematic analysis approach. The concepts of reflexivity and credibility were employed to enhance trustworthiness.

Findings:

Three patients and three caregivers were interviewed. Conveyed education focuses included secondary prevention, rate of recovery, knowledge collection, adherence to home programmes, transition to home, and personal responses to caregiving. Client-centred education, including providing personally relevant exercises, facilitating interaction with other patients, and incorporating print materials, trial discharges, and technology, empowered patients and caregivers to benefit from ‘teachable moments’.

Conclusions:

If education programmes are to achieve expected outcomes, input from targeted learners about their learning needs and the effectiveness of received education programmes is essential. Qualitative description is one approach for gathering information which can yield valuable insights for those designing education programmes and contribute to improved patient-centred care and rehabilitation outcomes.
Relaxation and chronic pain: A critical review
Authors: Jeffrey Sarah , McClelland Tracy , Carus Catherine , Graham Claire
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims:

Chronic non-malignant pain is a global condition with a complex biopsychosocial impact on the sufferers. Relaxation skills are commonly included as part of a pain management programme, which is currently the recommended evidence-based intervention for this group of patients. However, there is little evidence behind the choice of relaxation method implemented, or their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of relaxation skills in the management of chronic non-malignant pain, related to pain intensity and health-related quality of life.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro and PsycARTICLES. The Cochrane, DARE and Trip databases were also accessed, and searches were carried out using the terms (relaxation OR relaxation therapy OR relaxation training) AND (pain OR chronic pain).

Findings:

Following critical appraisal, ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported a decrease in pain intensity as a result of the relaxation intervention, while only one study reported an improvement in health-related quality of life. Progressive muscle relaxation was the most commonly implemented method throughout, although its method of delivery differed between studies.

Conclusions:

There is little evidence for the use of relaxation as a stand-alone intervention for pain intensity and health-related quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal chronic non-malignant pain. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Job Related Stress is The Source of Stress among Male Partner of Infertile Couples
Authors: Bhongade Megha B. , Prasad Sudha , Jiloha R. C. , Ray P. C. , Dholariya Sagar , Koner Bidhan Chandra
Published: June 2016

Psychological stress is closely related to problem of infertility. The infertile couples may undergo stress from other sources also, which includes 'work related stresses' and 'family related stress'. To evaluate distribution and source of stress in 80 male partner of infertile couples, we assessed level of stress by using Hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) questionnaire. Job-related, family related and fertility related stresses were assessed by using standard questionnaire. Serum cortisol was assayed by electrochemiluminescence based immunoassay. Sperm count was done as per WHO 2010 guideline. Thirty six (45%) of them had HADS total score more than 13. There was no significant rise in serum cortisol level in the patients having HADS more than 13. Total score of work related stress and fertility problem inventory were high and significantly correlated with HADS. There was no significant correlation between family related stress and HADS. Linear regression analysis shows that HADS had significant independent correlation only with work related stress. These results strongly suggest that work place is the source of stress among male partner of infertile couples. Stress might contribute to pathogenesis of male infertility. The attenuated cortisol response in these cases indicates a desensitization of HPA axis. Stress management to alleviate job related stress is warranted for the male partners of infertile couples.
Diagnostic work up and recognition of primary bone tumours: a review
Authors: Plant James , Cannon Stephen
Published: June 2016

Benign abnormalities of bone are common, especially in children. Malignant bone sarcomas are aggressive and have a poor outcome, particularly if treatment is delayed or initiated in a non-specialist centre. Conversely, specialist tumour centres are overwhelmed with referrals for benign disease, a predictable outcome of an increasingly litigious medical environment. This review aims to arm the general orthopaedic surgeon or general practitioner with information to better discern a benign bone lesion from a malignant one, and explain the process of investigation and onward referral for those in whom malignant disease is suspected.

Cite this article: Plant J, Cannon S. Diagnostic work up and recognition of primary bone tumours: a review. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:247-253. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000035.
Towards an evidence-based management of right iliac fossa pain in the over 50-year-old patient
Authors: Gammeri E , Catton A , van Duren BH , Appleton SG , van Boxel GI
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Right iliac fossa pain is a common presenting complaint to general surgery. The differential diagnosis is wide, particularly in the elderly. Computed tomography (CT) is often used in the ‘older’ population, as they have a higher prevalence of acute colonic diverticulitis and colonic neoplasia, both of which should be identified prior to surgery. There is, however, no published evidence to support this practice.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients aged over 50 years who presented with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain to a district general hospital. We determined whether tenderness was predominantly right- or left-sided and whether systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was present on admission. The use of imaging modalities, their results and, if performed, operative findings were recorded.

Results

Of 3160 patients identified, 89 met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses included appendicitis (27%), neoplasia (15%), non-specific abdominal pain (15%) and acute colonic diverticulitis (10%). CT was performed in 82% of patients, with a sensitivity of 97% based on operative findings. Six patients underwent surgery without a scan, two of whom required a change in the planned procedure due to unexpected findings.

Conclusions

Unless contraindicated, CT scanning should be mandatory in patients aged over 50 years presenting with signs of peritonism in the RIF or lower abdomen.
“Remembering Semitism” or “On the Prospect of Re-Membering the Semites”
Authors: Gil Z. Hochberg
Published: June 2016

Today, a growing number of French Jews embrace the far-right French Front National party, which has a long history of anti-Semitism – how did we get here? How is it that Jews turn to the French authorities for protection against so-called Muslim anti-Semitic violence? How is it that we see a similar pattern across Europe: in Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Britain? This essay addresses these questions by calling attention to the role played by the absent-present Christian West in creating and aggravating tensions between Jews and Muslims while seemingly fulfilling the role of mediation between the two. The essay suggests that current popular images of Jews and Muslims circulating in Western media ironically echo nineteenth-century European depictions of Semites – both Jews and Muslims as devoted monotheistic fanatics controlled by zeal and despotism and in need of external salvation. The bulk of the essay thus focuses on “Semitism” and examines the role of nineteenth-century European philology in disseminating Western perceptions of Jewish and Muslim inferiority. Finally, the essay advocates a re-appropriation of Semitism as an alternative memory, or rather a re-memory which as such is also a re-membering of Jews and Muslims along their shared historical position as radical Others within the hegemonic, Western, Euro-Christian epistemological order.
‘That b**** ruined my walk’: FEMEN, Fashion Week and female spectacle
Authors: Dungay Leah
Published: June 2016

In September 2013, two topless female protesters arrived at Paris Fashion Week, found a way into the Nina Ricci Spring/Summer ’14 show and abruptly joined the models on the catwalk. These women faced countless photographers, video cameras and journalists before being taken away by security. This article will critically analyse this action by the contemporary feminist protest group FEMEN, focusing on their use of ‘female spectacle’ and the group’s complex relationship with the mass media and ‘spectacular culture’. This article will consider the ways in which practises of risk, stunting and female spectacle are employed by FEMEN within their topless protest form in order to undermine the dominant hegemonic constructions of female identity. Thus, it will also examine criticisms surrounding FEMEN’s problematic use of the gendered/sexualised female body in protest. This article will explore the content and focus of the subsequent media representation of the Fashion Week protest in order to examine FEMEN’s belief in representational visibility as a form of political power.
An architecture of resistance
Authors: Brewer Helen
Published: June 2016

In 2006 Heathrow Airport began campaigning for its expansion and the build of a new runway in order to accommodate its growing number of flights. The costly proposal was, and still is, met with anger and protest by environmentalists, politicians and more adamantly, by the neighbourhoods facing destruction. Consequently, activists have defended and occupied the site of the proposed third runway for the past five years. The following article investigates the spatial politics of resistance within Grow Heathrow, a space propagating the need for community-led activism and D.I.Y. architecture.
Adapting from the Internet: Cultural adaptation in Teh Internet is Serious Business
Authors: Nicholas Tom
Published: June 2016

This article argues that the Internet today constitutes a social and cultural space, holding within it a culture distinct from that of the physical world with its own customs, morals and beliefs. Taking as a case study Tim Price’s Teh [sic] Internet is Serious Business, which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in September 2014, it will use Patrice Pavis’ ‘hour-glass’ model to carry out a textual analysis of this adaptation of the factual story of the formation of online activist groups Anonymous and LulzSec for presentation within the theatrical form of contemporary Britain, a narrative which has become one of Internet Culture’s major cultural myths.
Interview with Dr Inger Mewburn
Authors: Mewburn Inger
Published: June 2016

The JAWS guest editorial is the only writing within the journal that is not entirely produced by current students. In this case, we had a call for questions from our editors and peer-reviewers to pose to Dr Inger Mewburn. We covered her blog, publications and the role of academia in social media. Here she shares with us her advice for coping with self-doubt, the challenges of academic blogging and why, although it may initially seem like another language, eventually navigating academic jargon will become as easy as breathing ...
Technology as collaborator in somatic photographic practice
Authors: Wilson Anne Scott
Published: June 2016

This visual essay will address several areas of research. First, it will propose that a dance experience can translate into another discipline such as visual art. In my visual art practice I combine both photography, which is traditionally seen as a still medium, and performance in order to create a new form of embodiment. By acknowledging the interrelationship between the body and the camera my project seeks to challenge a perceived separation between the disciplines. The following images were conceived through a performative somatic process, which I define in the course of this article. Through using a custom made camera I was able to negotiate time and space to create visual drawings that talk to both choreography and fine art practice.
Coping with the (interactive) environment: The performative potential of interactivity
Authors: Hawksley Sue
Published: June 2016

This article explores the performative implications of coping with interactive performance environments, and ways in which such environments may be considered to ‘make’ people. Performers often practice for long durations in information-intensive technologized immersive settings, which demand and develop a combination of spread attentiveness, deep awareness and fast response times. This particular combination of embodied, embedded, durational and attentionally rich experience may prime the brain’s neuroplasticity – the capacity to reorganize its structure and function by forming new neural connections. This is discussed in relation to movement practices, body and self-image, and debate about technogenesis – the idea that humans are defined by their coevolution with technologies. The article considers two interactive works, Garry Stewart’s Proximity (2012) made for Australian Dance Theatre (ADT), and Crosstalk (2014), a collaborative work by artist Simon Biggs, choreographer Sue Hawksley and composer Garth Paine.
From representation to relationality: Bodies, biosensors and mediated environments
Authors: Naccarato Teoma Jackson , MacCallum John
Published: June 2016

In this article we propose a biorelational framework for performance with biosensors, in which interactions are not based on causality, control, and representation, but rather, manifest through shared awareness and agency across multiple, fluid assemblies of self, other and environment. The transdisciplinary scope of this study traces trajectories from the performing and somatic arts into philosophy, biomedicine, cognitive science and human-computer interaction. A brief survey of common approaches to interaction design with biosensors will contextualize discussion of our current practice-based research and creation project, ‘Choreography and Composition of Internal Time’. In this project, we are examining temporal relationships between physiological processes, such as heart rate and breath, with rhythms in movement, music and mediated environments.
Philosophy, physics and mathematics of relative and absolute motion
Authors: Zade Allan
Published: June 2016

The idea of motion includes propagation of signals in a given medium and motion of a physical bodies (including observers) relative to the same medium. Combinations of various types of motion lead to many phenomena detectable and hidden from the observerâ€™s point of view.Usually, light offers the most mysterious way of motion regarding the observer. To reveal the truth and eliminate the mystery, we need to use another sophisticated way of imagination and experimentation to reach a clear view on the fundamental processes of motion despite all illusions, old ideas and wrong postulates.
Optimized genotyping method for identification of bacterial contaminants in pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Stamatoski Borche , Ilievska Miroslava , Babunovska Hristina , Sekulovski Nikola , Panov Sasho
Published: June 2016

Microbiological control is of crucial importance in the pharmaceutical industry regarding the possible bacterial contamination of the environment, water, raw materials and finished products. Molecular identification of bacterial contaminants based on DNA sequencing of the hypervariable 16SrRNA gene has been introduced recently. The aim of this study is to investigate the suitability of gene sequencing using our selection of PCR primers and conditions for rapid and accurate bacterial identification in pharmaceutical industry quality control.

DNA was extracted from overnight incubated colonies from 10 bacterial ATCC strains, which are common contaminants in the pharmaceutical industry. A region of bacterial 16SrRNA gene was analyzed by bidirectional DNA sequencing. Bacterial identification based on partial sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene is the appropriate method that could be used in the pharmaceutical industry after adequate validations. We have successfully identified all tested bacteria with more than 99 % similarity to the already published sequences.
The effect of excipients on the stability and aerosol performance of salmon calcitonin dry powder inhalers prepared via the spray freeze drying process
Authors: Poursina Narges , Vatanara Alireza , Rouini Mohammad Reza , Gilani Kambiz , Najafabadi Abdolhossein Rouholamini
Published: June 2016

Spray freeze drying was developed to produce dry powders suitable for applications such as inhalation delivery. In the current study, the spray freeze drying technique was employed to produce inhalable salmon calcitonin microparticles. Effects of the carrier type, concentration of hydroxyl propyl-β-cyclodextrin and the presence of Tween 80 on the chemical and structural stability, as well as on the aerosol performance of the particles were investigated. The results indicated that hydroxyl propyl-β-cyclodextrin had the most important effect on the chemical stability of the powder and strongly increased its stability by increasing its concentration in the formulation. Chemically stable formulations (over 90 % recovery) were selected for further examinations. Fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism suggested that the formulations were structurally stable. Aerosol performance showed that the Tween-free powders produced higher fine particle fraction values than the formulations containing Tween (53.7 vs. 41.92 % for trehalose content and 52.85 vs. 43.06 % for maltose content).
Coated pellets with delayed-release glucose for prevention of hypoglycemic episodes
Authors: Sabadková Dana , Franc Aleš , Muselík Jan , Neumann David
Published: June 2016

Patients tend to prevent hypoglycemia by excessive saccharide intake leading to poorer glycemic control with potentially fatal consequences. This problem could be resolved by means of pellets with glucose release delayed by 120–360 min as a compensation of the antidiabetic drug peak effect. No glucose is released before; hence there is no risk of hyperglycemia and secondary complications. The pellets contain glucose in combination with an osmotically active ingredient and are coated with an ethylcellulose dispersion, which forms an insoluble semipermeable membrane and ensures delayed release. The release of glucose was assessed using dissolution and high-performance liquid chromatography. Dissolution profiles indicated the possibility of achieving the requested lag time using a combination of adequate compositions and coating concentrations. Lag times of 60, 240 and 360 min were achieved. The sample containing carboxymethyl starch was found to be most suitable for the intent of this work.
Release of selected amino acids from zinc carriers
Authors: Dyja Renata , Dolińska Barbara , Ryszka Florian
Published: June 2016

The paper deals with the results of an investigation of the release of selected amino acids (histidine, tryptophan, tyrosine) from model suspensions prepared by co-precipitation with zinc chloride. It has been proven that the influence of the Zn(II)/amino acid molar ratio on dissolution profiles of the tested amino acids and dissolution half-life (t
1/2) of histidine or tryptophan is significant. The amount of amino acid in the dispersed phase (supporting dose) is a determinant of the amino acid release profile. There is a minimal supporting dose (30.0 μmol of histidine or 17.4 μmol of tryptophan) that provides release of similar amounts of amino acid (4.1–4.6 μmol of histidine or 8.7–9.9 μmol of tryptophan) after the same time intervals. The tyrosine release profiles follow first order kinetics since the supporting dose (0.9–11.2 μmol) is limited by the tyrosine low solubility in water.
Piecewise function parameters as responses of the design of experiment in the development of a pulsatile release chronopharmaceutical system
Authors: Vonica-Gligor Andreea Loredana , Tomuţă Ioan , Leucuţa Sorin E.
Published: June 2016

The aim of this work was to develop a pulsatile release system with metoprolol for chronotherapeutical use by coating swellable mini-tablets with Eudragit RS. To study the influence of the formulation factors (amount of coating polymer, plasticizer percentage in film coating and swelling agent percentage in mini-tablets), a Box-Behnken design of experiment (DoE) was used. To evaluate the influence of the studied factors on the sigmoid shape of the dissolution profile, piecewise function parameters were used as the responses of DoE. The results show that higher concentrations of coating polymer and higher concentrations of plasticizer polymer led to a thicker and more elastic polymeric film, which led to a delay in drug release. Using the parameters of the piecewise function as DoE responses, an optimum formulation with a sigmoid shape dissolution profile and a 2.5-h lag time followed by rapid drug release were obtained.
Strong Unique Ergodicity of Random Dynamical Systems on Polish Spaces
Authors: Płonka Paweł
Published: June 2016

In this paper we want to show the existence of a form of asymptotic stability of random dynamical systems in the sense of L. Arnold using arguments analogous to those presented by T. Szarek in [6], that is showing it using conditions generalizing the notion of tightness of measures. In order to do that we use tightness theory for random measures as developed by H. Crauel in [2].
Parentification and Grandparents’ Support from the Perspective of Grandchildren from Families of Various Structures
Authors: Napora Elżbieta
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between a retrospective evaluation of the experienced social support given by grandparents and the material status of the family with the quality of life of the grown-up grandchildren in families of different structures. The formulated expectations have been verified with the Social Support Scale (SSS), Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) and an individual personal survey. The obtained results show that in families of single mothers, the emotional and informative support offered by grandparents was a significant factor improving the quality of the life of the grandchildren. In a complete family, however, the significant forms of support from grandparents were esteem support and its other forms, except for informative support. Moreover, the material wealth of the original family was shown to be an important predictor of the evaluation of the quality of life of the grandchildren; it was judged more negatively by adolescent children of single mothers.
Structuring the Curriculum
Authors: Petrová Gabriela , Kozárová Nina
Published: June 2016

In the proposed paper, we deal with the opportunities of structuring the curriculum. On the theoretical level, we discuss the content of education, the process of knowledge selection and organization, suggestions for increasing the quality of textbooks.
The Potential of Biotechnology Investments in Selected Eastern European Countries: Lost Chances
Authors: Vida Patrik
Published: June 2016

Background: Biotechnology is rapidly developing on a global scale. However, some evidence indicates that Eastern European (EE) countries are not fulfilling their potential in this field.

Objectives: This paper aims to examine whether selected EE countries are able to develop a strong biotechnology industry. Potential investment approaches and the existing but not used or neglected infrastructures in EE countries were also examined.

Methods/approach: In order to determine biotechnological activities in EE countries, indicators such as intellectual property protection, venture capital availability, published scientific publications as well as other indicators were analyzed. These indicators were compiled and compared between EE countries and regions with a rich and diverse biotechnological business sector.

Results: The results suggest an underdeveloped biotechnology business sector in EE countries, with talented but unexploited scientists and unutilized infrastructure. The systematic drawbacks of EE countries lead to a hostile investment environment.

Conclusions: The findings make a significant contribution to understanding how the biotechnology industry in EE countries is structured and how investments can be rationally placed. EE countries need to adapt their venture capital market for biotechnology ventures. Several changes in regulations could have a large impact on biotechnology investments.
The Use of Kramers-Kronig Relations for Verification of Quality of Ferrite Magnetic Spectra
Authors: Ponomarenko Nikolajs , Solovjova Tatjana , Grizans Juris
Published: June 2016

The complex initial permeability (CIP) as a function of frequency is one of the main properties of ferrites. This characteristic (CIP) is measured experimentally, therefore there can be found noisy, doubtful or incomplete parts of the spectrum. Thus there is a need for a method of evaluation of quality of CIP. In this article for evaluation of the quality of experimental CIP spectra of polycrystalline ferrite materials the KKR (Kramers-Kronig relations) are used. In order to apply KKR to experimentally measured data (i.e. data with finite limits) the method of transforming these integral relations into summation relations with finite limits is developed and described. This method can be used only for CIP given over the wide frequency rage, so that the imaginary part of CIP is fully presented. Using KKR with the help of CIP spectra model (based on the effects coming from polycrystal grain sizes and defects distribution) partly removes aforementioned limit. Thus with the help of the model we can also make CIP spectra reconstruction (in cases when CIP is noisy or incomplete) and CIP spectra decomposition.
Small terrestrial mammals living along streams acting as natural landscape barriers
Authors: Bohdal Tomáš , Navrátil Josef , Sedláček František
Published: June 2016

Riparian stands along streams are important landscape elements – biocorridors, allowing the dispersal of many small terrestrial mammals. Streams are, however, also barriers limiting dispersal, which leads to isolation and population-genetic changes. Communities of small terrestrial mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) were studied in 2004 to 2006 on five watercourses of varying widths in Central European cultural landscape situated in South Bohemia (Czech Republic). In total, 547 individuals from 10 species were captured by the Capture-Mark-Recapture method (CMR). Yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) were eu-dominant species at all locations. Species diversity and equitability rose with the degree of the barrier – proportional to the width of the stream.

The terrestrial mobility of selected species was also assessed. Apodemus flavicollis indicated overall highest values of mobility, and Myodes glareolus males also scored higher values, however, the width of the stream did not correlate with mobility in these species. The animals crossed water-courses on the order of tens of meters wide in the period of 3 months. The frequency of crossing of Apodemus flavicollis decreased exponentially with the width of the stream and was dependent on population density.
How Do Entrepreneurs Develop Business Models in Small High-Tech Ventures? An Exploratory Model from Australian IT Firms
Authors: Najmaei Arash
Published: June 2016

The objective of this article is to explore and explain how entrepreneurs develop new business models for new ventures. Though highly topical, there is little solid empirical knowledge of this issue. Findings from multiple case studies of firms operating in the Australian cloud-computing ecosystem reveal that developing a new business model involves three phases. In the first phase (business modelling ideation (BMI)), various ideas for a viable business model are generated and the most viable one is chosen. The strategic consensus and commitment are generated in the second phase, labelled as the “business modelling strategic commitment” (BMSC). The third phase, labelled as the “business model actualization” (BMAC) is the market-testing phase where the business model is reified or actualized. The theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed and several directions for future research are suggested.
Scattering of interface wave by bottom undulations in the presence of thin submerged vertical wall with a gap
Authors: Dolai P.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the problem of interface wave scattering by bottom undulations in the presence of a thin submerged vertical wall with a gap is investigated. The thin vertical wall with a gap is submerged in a lower fluid of finite depth with bottom undulations and the upper fluid is of infinite height separated by a common interface. In the method of solution, we use a simplified perturbation analysis and suitable applications of Green’s integral theorem in the two fluid regions produce first-order reflection and transmission coefficients in terms of integrals involving the shape function describing the bottom undulations and solution of the scattering problem involving a submerged vertical wall present in the lower fluid of uniform finite depth. For sinusoidal bottom undulations, the first-order transmission coefficient vanishes identically. The corresponding first-order reflection coefficient is computed numerically by solving the zero-order reflection coefficient and a suitable application of multi-term Galerkin approximations. The numerical results of the zero-order and first-order reflection coefficients are depicted graphically against the wave number in a number of figures. An oscillatory nature is observed of first-order reflection coefficient due to multiple interactions of the incident wave with bottom undulations, the edges of the submerged wall and the interface. The first-order reflection coefficient has a peak value for some particular value of the ratio of the incident wavelength and the bottom wavelength. The presence of the upper fluid has some significant effect on the reflection coefficients.
Propagation of SH waves in an regular non homogeneous monoclinic crustal layer lying over a non-homogeneous semi-infinite medium
Authors: Sethi M. , Sharma A.
Published: June 2016

The present paper discusses the dispersion equation for SH waves in a non-homogeneous monoclinic layer over a semi infinite isotropic medium. The wave velocity equation has been obtained. In the isotropic case, when non-homogeneity is absent, the dispersion equation reduces to the standard SH wave equation. The dispersion curves are depicted by means of graphs for different values of non-homogeneity parameters for the layer and semi-infinite medium.
Österreichische Literatur in der Zeitschrift "Wiadomości Literackie" in der Zwischenkriegszeit
Authors: Hurnikowa Elżbieta
Published: June 2016

Das Hauptthema des Artikels ist die Rezeption der österreichischen Literatur der Zwischenkriegszeit in den Wiadomości Literackie. Das war eine der populärsten Zeitschriften dieser Periode, die sich sowohl die kulturelle Bildung der Gesellschaft, als auch die Verbreitung der fremden Literatur zum Ziel setzte. Am meisten wurde zwar die französische Literatur propagiert, man schenkte aber auch viel Aufmerksamkeit den deutschsprachigen Autoren (das beweisen Forscher, die im Artikel zitiert wurden). Man unterschied damals zwischen der deutschen und der österreichischen Literatur nicht, aber es wurden viele Verfasser, die heutzutage als Vertreter der österreichischen Literatur gelten, präsentiert: Joseph Roth, Stefan Zweig, Rainer Maria Rilke, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Arthur Schnitzler, Ödön von Horváth, Franz Werfel u.a. Die Autorin beschreibt und kommentiert die Interviews mit den Schriftstellern, die Rezensionen ihrer Bücher und andere Artikel in der Zeitschrift Wiadomości Literackie.
Die Österreicher zu Verstehen… Österreichs Beziehung zur Frage der EU-Erweiterung
Authors: Ratecka Barbara
Published: June 2016

Mai 2004 – ein glückliches Datum für die Polen. Republik Polen wurde Mitglied der EU! Die Österreicher freuten sich nicht so sehr über die Aufnahme von zehn Ländern aus Mittel- und Osteuropa in die EU-Strukturen. Vor der Erweiterung der Union schlugen die Österreicher vor, für die Staatsbürger der neuen EU-Mitgliedsländer, die eine Arbeit auf dem Gebiet der EU aufnehmen wollten, eine siebenjährige Karenzzeit und eine Schutzfrist für vier Branchen festzusetzen. Die Mitglieder der österreichischen Regierung und der Kommissar Franz Fischler spornten österreichische Unternehmer zur Ostexpansion an. 67% der österreichischen Kleinunternehmer waren jedoch der Meinung, dass die EU-Erweiterung ihrem Lande keinen Nutzen bringe. Man übte Druck auf die Regierung aus, damit sie den eigenen Arbeitsmarkt, die Landwirtschaft und die Grenzregionen schützt. Die Österreicher schlugen vor (was andere EU-Nettozahler unterstützten), die EU-Ausgaben auf dem Niveau von 1% des Bruttonationaleinkommens zu beschränken. Sie haben jedoch die Tatsache vergessen, dass die Kürzungen auch ihre eigenen Bürger treffen werden.
Investigation of 16 × 10 Gbps DWDM System Based on Optimized Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
Authors: Rani Aruna , Dewra Sanjeev
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the performance of an optical system based on optimized semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) at 160 Gbps with 0.8 nm channel spacing. Transmission distances up to 280 km at –30 dBm input signal power and up to 247 km at –32 dBm input signal power with acceptable bit error rate (BER) and
Development and application of a TaqMan-MGB real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus strains in China
Authors: Hou Yi-Xuan , Xie Chun , Wang Kang , Zhao Yu-Ting , Xie Yang-Yang , Shi Hong-Yan , Chen Jian-Fei , Feng Li , Tong Guang-Zhi , Hua Xiu-Guo , Yuan Cong-Li , Zhou Yan-Jun , Yang Zhi-Biao
Published: June 2016

Introduction: A real-time RT-PCR method for identification and quantification of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) strains in China was developed.

Material and Methods: Based on the conserved sequence of the PEDV nucleocapsid (N) gene, a primer pair and probe were designed to establish a TaqMan-MGB real-time RT-PCR assay for quantitative detection of the virus. The sequence was cloned into the pMD18-T vector and a series of diluted recombinant plasmids were used to generate a standard curve with an R2 value of 0.999.

Results: The developed quantitative PCR assay detected viral titres as low as 0.1 TCID50 with high specificity and no cross-reaction with other porcine viruses (PoRV, TGEV, PRRSV, or CSFV). The intra-batch and inter-batch coefficients of variation were both less than 1%, which indicated good reproducibility. Thirty clinical diarrhoea samples obtained from pigs in Shanghai and Fujian were analysed using this quantitative PCR assay. Out of these samples, 93.3% were found to be PEDV positive.

Conclusion: This approach is suitable for clinical sample identification and pathogenesis studies.
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as reservoirs of respiratory capillariosis in Serbia
Authors: Ilić Tamara , Becskei Zsolt , Tasić Aleksandar , Stepanović Predrag , Radisavljević Katarina , Đurić Boban , Dimitrijević Sanda
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory capillariosis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in some regions of Serbia.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 102 foxes in six epizootiological regions of Serbia, during the hunting season between 2008 and 2012.

Results: The presence of respiratory capillariosis in all tested epizootiological regions was confirmed. The E. aerophilus nematode was detected with overall prevalence of 49.02%. The diagnosis of E. aerophilus infection was confirmed by the determination of morphological characteristics of adult parasites found at necropsy and the trichurid egg types collected from the bronchial lavage and the content of the intestine.

Conclusion: The presented results contribute to better understanding of the epidemiology of this nematodosis in Serbia. However, the high prevalence of capillaries in tested foxes, demonstrated in all explored areas, might suggest that foxes from other regions in Serbia may also be infected. The fact that domestic carnivores and humans can also be infected enhances the importance of the overall epidemiological status. To establish the relevant prevalence of respiratory capillariosis, further investigations and continous monitoring of parasitic fauna of carnivores are needed in the whole country.
Electroencephalography as a diagnostic technique for canine neurological diseases
Authors: Wrzosek Marcin
Published: June 2016

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive examination method for the assessment of functional central nervous system (CNS) disturbances. In human medicine it has a special importance as a diagnostic tool for epilepsy. Although many studies were done on the use of EEG for diagnostics of canine central nervous system disorders, the technique is still not applied routinely. The purpose of this paper was to review the use of the electroencephalography in canine neurological disorders of central nervous system diagnosis and assess the future perspectives of this technique in veterinary medicine.
Enrofloxacin decreases IL-6 and TNF-α production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata , Czyżewska-Dors Ewelina , Kwit Krzysztof , Pejsak Zygmunt
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to explore the effect of enrofloxacin on production of selected cytokines by porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Material and Methods: Twenty pigs (10 control and 10 experimental) were used in this research. Pigs from experimental group received enrofloxacin at therapeutic doses. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after treatment with enrofloxacin. PBMCs were incubated with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production of IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.

Results: Administration of enrofloxacin to healthy pigs for 5 d induced a transient reduction of the PBMCs response to LPS in terms of IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. The concentration of IL-6 returned to the day 0 level shortly after treatment, while TNF-α production remained reduced for 10 d after the treatment. The production of IL-10 was not affected by enrofloxacin. The level of IFN-γ was below the detection limit of the tests.

Conclusion: The results indicate that enrofloxacin administered in vivo in therapeutic doses has an immunomodulatory effect through its capacity to inhibit secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by porcine PBMC stimulated by LPS.
Modulators of KATP channels in the prevention of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity improvement in the rat heart with different resistance to hypoxia upon cobalt treatment
Authors: Kurhaluk Natalia , Tkachenko Halyna
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The main goal of the study was to investigate the effect of KATP channel modulators on development of oxidative stress in the heart of rats showing different resistance to hypoxia.

Material and Methods: The study has been performed on rats showing high- (HR) or low-resistance (LR) to hypoxia under modulators of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener pinacidil (0.06 mg/kg) and blocker glibenclamide (1 mg/kg) upon cobalt (Co) treatment (30 mg of cobalt chloride/kg b.w., 3 h). Changes in the oxidative stress parameters of the heart tissue, such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), level of oxidatively modified protein (OMP), and antioxidant defence system (superoxide dismutase - SOD, catalase -CAT, glutathione peroxidase - GPx, glutathione reductase - GR) as well as total antioxidant activity (TAA) were analysed.

Results: Co treatment caused a significant decrease in SOD and CAT activity in the heart of LR rats and GPx activity in HR rats. It also led to a decrease in OMP level in the heart of rats with HR in comparison with controls.

Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that individual resistance to hypoxia plays a crucial role in Co actions and provides evidence that the effects of KATP channel opener pinacidil in the heart are mediated through different pathways of the antioxidative system, depending on the individual resistance to hypoxia. Pinacidil exerts a protective effect on the heart tissue by preventing the LPO decrease and significantly reducing OMP levels, as well as increasing TTA in rats with LR.