bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and agency: understanding water policy changes in West Africa
Authors: Cherlet Jan , Venot Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2013

Ownership of development processes has been high on the international agenda since the Paris Declaration of 2005. There is, however, much discussion about whether highly aid-dependent governments can really ‘own’ policy reforms in their countries. In this paper, we argue that the ownership of policy reforms is the outcome of an interaction between individual agency and structural conditions. Taking the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Burkina Faso (since 1996) and Mali (since 2004) as an entry point, the paper describes the interplay between national policy makers, international organizations and dominant development discourses in the shaping of water policy reforms in both countries over the past 15 years. Despite the apparent uniformity of the global IWRM paradigm, a qualitative comparison of water policy changes in the two countries shows that policy reforms, as well as the extent to which they are ‘owned’ by national policy makers, are significantly distinct. This can be explained by different forms of individual agency and diverse structural conditions at a national level.
The impact of regulation, ownership and business culture on managing corporate risk within the water industry
Authors: Allan Richard , Jeffrey Paul , Clarke Martin , Pollard Simon
Published: April 2013

Although the specifics of water utility ownership, regulation and management culture have been explored in terms of their impact on economic and customer value, there has been little meaningful engagement with their influence on the risk environment and risk management. Using a literature review as the primary source of information, this paper maps the existing knowledge base onto two critical questions: what are the particular features of regulation, ownership and management culture which influence the risk dynamic, and what are the implications of these relationships in the context of ambitions for resilient organizations? In addressing these queries, the paper considers the mindful choices and adjustments a utility must make to its risk management strategy to manage strategic tensions between efficiency, risk and resilience. The conclusions note a gap in understanding of the drivers required for a paradigm shift within the water sector from a re-active to a pro-active risk management culture. A proposed model of the tensions between reactive risk management and pro-active, adaptive risk management provides a compelling case for measured risk management approaches which are informed by an appreciation of regulation, ownership and business culture. Such approaches will support water authorities in meeting corporate aspirations to become ‘high reliability’ services while retaining the capacity to out-perform financial and service level targets.
A first-order conditional probability logic with iterations
Authors: Milosevic Milos , Ognjanovic Zoran
Published: April 2013

We investigate a first-order conditional probability logic with equality,
which is, up to our knowledge, the first treatise of such logic. The logic,
denoted LFPOIC=, allows making statements such as: CP?s(?, ?), and CP?s(?,
?), with the intended meaning that the conditional probability of ? given ?
is at least (at most) s. The corresponding syntax, semantic, and axiomatic
system are introduced, and Extended completeness theorem is proven.
A new nonlinear model for the two-dimensional rectangle packing problem
Authors: Savic Aleksandar , Kratica Jozef , Filipovic Vladimir
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the rectangle packing problem, of filling a big
rectangle with smaller rectangles, while the rectangle dimensions are real
numbers. A new nonlinear programming formulation is presented and the
validity of the formulation is proved. In addition, two cases of the problem
are presented, with and without rotation of smaller rectangles by 90?. The
mixed integer piecewise linear formulation derived from the model is given,
but with a simple form of the objective function.
Some new bitopological notions
Authors: Mukharjee Ajoy
Published: April 2013

We introduce strong separation axioms in bitopological spaces. We also
introduce the notion of strong pairwise compactness.
Blow up results for fractional differential equations and systems
Authors: Hakem Ali , Berbiche Mohamed
Published: April 2013

The aim of this research paper is to establish sufficient conditions for the
nonexistence of global solutions for the following nonlinear fractional
differential equation D?0|tu + (??)?/2|u|m?1u + a(x)??|u|q?1u = h(x,
t)|u|p, (t,x) ? Q, u(0, x) = u0(x), x ? RN where (??)?/2, 0 < ? < 2 is the
fractional power of ??, and D?0|t, (0 < ? < 1) denotes the time-derivative
of arbitrary ? ? (0; 1) in the sense of Caputo. The results are shown by the
use of test function theory and extended to systems of the same type.
Appearance of high submerged cavitating jet: The cavitation phenomenon and sono luminescence
Authors: Hutli Ezddin , Alteash Omer , Ben Raghisa , Nedeljkovic Milos , Ilic Vojislav
Published: April 2013

In order to study jet structure and behaviour of cloud cavitation within time
and space, visualization of highly submerged cavitating water jet has been
done using Stanford Optics 4 Quick 05 equipment, through endoscopes and other
lenses with Drello3244 and Strobex Flash Chadwick as flashlight stroboscope.
This included obligatory synchronization with several types of techniques and
lenses. Images of the flow regime have been taken, allowing calculation of
the non-dimensional cavitation cloud length under working conditions.
Consequently a certain correlation has been proposed. The influencing
parameters, such as; injection pressure, downstream pressure and cavitation
number were experimentally proved to be very significant. The recordings of
sono-luminescence phenomenon proved the collapsing of bubbles everywhere
along the jet trajectory. In addition, the effect of temperature on
sono-luminescence recordings was also a point of investigation.
Evaluate shock capturing capability with the numerical methods in OpenFOAM
Authors: Khodadadi Azadboni , Malekbala Mohammad , Khodadadi Azadboni
Published: April 2013

Simulations for both multiphase flows and supersonic single phased flows are
well known, however the combination is a less investigated area of research,
as the two basic approaches of CFD, the pressure and the density based
approach, each describe one of the phases in a better way than the other one.
In this paper, we systematically investigate the solver quality of the open
source CFD code OpenFOAM in handling transonic flow phenomena that typically
occur inside the breaking chamber of high voltage circuit breakers, during
contact separation. The solver quality is then compared with that of chosen
commercial CFD tools. The main advantage of OpenFOAM is that, contrary to
most of the commercial simulation tools, it is license fee free and allows
access to the source code. This means that complicated multi physics
phenomena inside the arcing chamber can be directly modeled into the code by
users, which opens an opportunity to remove limitations of commercial CFD
tools. Particularly, the shock capturing capability of OpenFOAM will be
evaluated for the transonic internal flow which typically occurs in high
voltage circuit breakers. Overall, Open-FOAM shows acceptable shock capturing
capabilities in the performed verification and validation studies, with the
solver quality comparable to some of the tested commercial CFD tools. There
is still room for further solver quality improvements in OpenFOAM by
implementing better shock capturing schemes such as a density-based
flux-difference-splitting scheme or by writing better physical modeling of
the shock/boundary layer interaction into the open architecture of OpenFOAM.
Mechanical stability and clinical applicability assessment of novel orthodontic mini-implant design
Authors: Song Ha Na , Hong Christine , Banh Robert , Ohebsion Tania , Asatrian Greg , Leung Ho-Yin , Wu Benjamin M , Moon Won
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To compare the stability and clinical applicability of a novel orthodontic mini-implant design (N2) with the most widely used commercially available (CA) design.

Materials and Methods:

Two groups of mini-implants were tested: a CA design (1.5-mm diameter, 6-mm length) and N2 (3-mm diameter, 2-mm length, tapered shape). Implants were inserted in bone blocks of cortical bone simulation with varying densities (20 pounds per cubic foot [pcf], 30 pcf, and 40 pcf). A torque test was used to measure maximum insertion torque (MIT) and maximum removal torque (MRT). Compression and tension force vectors were applied at angles of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° using customized load pins to determine primary stability.

Results:

Mean MIT and MRT were higher in the N2 than the CA design at all three cortical bone densities except MRT in 20 pcf bone (not statistically significant). The mean compression force required to displace the N2 at all distances and angulations was greater for the N2 than the CA design. At all displacement distances, the highest mean tension force required for N2 displacement was at 10° angulation, whereas at 30° and 40°, the mean tension force required to displace the CA design was greater.

Conclusions:

The primary stability of the N2 is superior to that of the CA design and is promising for both orthodontic and orthopedic clinical applicability, especially under compression force. The short length of the N2 reduces risk of damage to anatomic structures and root proximity during placement and orthodontic treatment. The stability of the N2 may be compromised in areas of high bone density and highly angulated tension force.
Cardiopulmonary effects of intravenous fentanyl infusion in dogs during isoflurane anesthesia and with concurrent acepromazine or dexmedetomidine administration during anesthetic recovery
Authors: Keating Stephanie C. J. , Kerr Carolyn L. , Valverde Alexander , Johnson Ron J. , McDonell Wayne N.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of IV fentanyl administration in dogs during isoflurane anesthesia and during anesthetic recovery with or without dexmedetomidine or acepromazine.

Animals—7 sexually intact male purpose-bred hound-type dogs aged 11 to 12 months.

Procedures—Dogs received a loading dose of fentanyl (5 μg/kg, IV) followed by an IV infusion (5 μg/kg/h) for 120 minutes while anesthetized with isoflurane and for an additional 60 minutes after anesthesia was discontinued. Dogs were randomly assigned in a crossover design to receive dexmedetomidine (2.5 μg/kg), acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1 mL) IV after anesthesia ceased. Cardiopulmonary data were obtained during anesthesia and for 90 minutes after treatment administration during anesthetic recovery.

Results—Concurrent administration of fentanyl and isoflurane resulted in significant decreases in mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac index and a significant increase in Paco2. All but Paco2 returned to pretreatment values before isoflurane anesthesia was discontinued. During recovery, dexmedetomidine administration resulted in significant decreases in heart rate, cardiac index, and mixed venous oxygen tension and a significant increase in arterial blood pressure, compared with values for saline solution and acepromazine treatments. Acepromazine administration resulted in significantly lower blood pressure and higher cardiac index and Po2 in mixed venous blood than did the other treatments. Dexmedetomidine treatment resulted in significantly lower values for Pao2 and arterial pH and higher Paco2 values than both other treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fentanyl resulted in transient pronounced cardiorespiratory effects when administered during isoflurane anesthesia. During anesthetic recovery, when administered concurrently with an IV fentanyl infusion, dexmedetomidine resulted in evidence of cardiopulmonary compromise and acepromazine transiently improved cardiopulmonary performance.
Fecal calprotectin concentrations in adult dogs with chronic diarrhea
Authors: Grellet Aurélien , Heilmann Romy M. , Lecoindre Patrick , Feugier Alexandre , Day Michael J. , Peeters Dominique , Freiche Valérie , Hernandez Juan , Grandjean Dominique , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jorg M.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To evaluate fecal calprotectin concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic diarrhea, to identify cutoff values for fecal calprotectin concentrations for use in differentiating dogs with chronic diarrhea and a canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) < 12 from dogs with chronic diarrhea and a CCECAI ≥ 12, and to evaluate the association between histologic evidence of intestinal mucosal changes and fecal calprotectin concentrations in dogs with chronic diarrhea.

Sample—Fecal samples from 96 adult dogs (27 dogs with chronic diarrhea and 69 healthy control dogs).

Procedures—Severity of clinical signs was evaluated on the basis of the CCECAI scoring system. Endoscopy was performed in all dogs with chronic diarrhea, and mucosal biopsy specimens were evaluated histologically. Fecal calprotectin concentration was quantified via radioimmunoassay.

Results—Fecal calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with chronic diarrhea than in healthy control dogs. Fecal calprotectin concentrations were also significantly higher in dogs with a CCECAI ≥ 12, compared with concentrations for dogs with a CCECAI between 4 and 11. Fecal calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with chronic diarrhea associated with histologic lesions, compared with concentrations in control dogs, and were significantly correlated with the severity of histologic intestinal lesions. Among dogs with chronic diarrhea, the best cutoff fecal calprotectin concentration for predicting a CCECAI ≥ 12 was 48.9 μg/g (sensitivity, 53.3%; specificity, 91.7%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fecal calprotectin may be a useful biomarker in dogs with chronic diarrhea, especially dogs with histologic lesions.
In vitro effects of three formulations of hydroxyethyl starch solutions on coagulation and platelet function in horses
Authors: Blong April E. , Epstein Kira L. , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To investigate the in vitro effects of 3 hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions on viscoelastic coagulation testing and platelet function in horses.

Sample—Blood samples collected from 7 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Blood samples were diluted with various crystalloid and HES solutions to approximate the dilution of blood in vivo that occurs with administration of a 10 and 20 mL/kg fluid bolus to a horse (1:8 and 1:4 dilutions, respectively). Diluted samples were analyzed through optical platelet aggregometry, platelet function analysis, thromboelastography, and dynamic viscoelastic coagulometry. Colloid osmotic pressure and concentrations of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII:C were also determined for each sample.

Results—For all HES products, at both dilutions, the colloid osmotic pressure was significantly higher than that in the respective carrier solutions. At the 1:4 dilution, nearly all HES solutions resulted in significant alterations in platelet function as measured via the platelet function analyzer and dynamic viscoelastic coagulometer. Significant decreases in platelet aggregation and factor concentrations were also evident. Fewer HES-associated changes were identified at the 1:8 dilutions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dilution of blood samples with all HES solutions resulted in changes in viscoelastic coagulation and platelet function that did not appear to be attributable to dilution alone. In vivo evaluations are necessary to understand the clinical impact of these in vitro changes.
Noninvasive measurements of body composition and body water via quantitative magnetic resonance, deuterium water, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in awake and sedated dogs
Authors: Zanghi Brian M. , Cupp Carolyn J. , Pan Yuanlong , Tissot-Favre Delphine G. , Milgram Norton W. , Nagy Tim R. , Dobson Howard
Published: April 2013

Objective—To compare quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and deuterium oxide (D2O) methods for measurement of total body water (TBW), lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM) in healthy dogs and to assess QMR accuracy.

Animals—58 Beagles (9 months to 11.5 years old).

Procedures—QMR scans were performed on awake dogs. A D2O tracer was administered (100 mg/kg, PO) immediately before dogs were sedated, which was followed by a second QMR or DXA scan. Jugular blood samples were collected before and 120 minutes after D2O administration.

Results—TBW, LBM, and FM determined via QMR were not significantly different between awake or sedated dogs, and means differed by only 2.0%, 2.2%, and 4.3%, respectively. Compared with results for D2O dilution, QMR significantly underestimated TBW (10.2%), LBM (13.4%), and FM (15.4%). Similarly, DXA underestimated LBM (7.3%) and FM (8.4%). A significant relationship was detected between FM measured via D2O dilution and QMR (r2 > 0.89) or DXA (r2 > 0.88). Even though means of TBW and LBM differed significantly between D2O dilution and QMR or DXA, values were highly related (r2 > 0.92).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—QMR was useful for determining body composition in dogs and can be used to safely and rapidly acquire accurate data without the need for sedation or anesthesia. These benefits can facilitate frequent scans, particularly in geriatric, extremely young, or ill pets. Compared with the D2O dilution method, QMR correction equations provided accurate assessment over a range of body compositions.
Evaluation of three approaches for performing ultrasonography-guided anesthetic blockade of the femoral nerve in calves
Authors: De Vlamynck Caroline A. , Pille Frederik , Hauspie Stijn , Saunders Jimmy H. , Van der Stede Yves , Gasthuys Frank , Vlaminck Lieven E. M.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To develop a practical ultrasonography-guided injection approach to anesthetic blockade of the femoral nerve in calves and to assess the method's accuracy.

Animals—13 cadavers of 4-week-old male Holstein Friesian calves.

Procedures—Detailed topographic and anatomic cross-sectional evaluation of the relevant topography in 3 cadavers was performed to identify optimal injection approaches to the femoral nerve. Three approaches (ventral paravertebral, dorsal paravertebral, and ileal) were evaluated by simulated ultrasonography-guided perineural injection of methylene blue dye in 10 cadavers. Ultrasonographic image quality, number of needle redirections required for correct needle positioning, and injection success as defined through a 3-point grading system were recorded.

Results—The dorsal paravertebral approach yielded the best results, compared with the ileal and ventral paravertebral approaches, to properly and adequately stain the targeted nerve.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The dorsal paravertebral injection technique appeared to be the best choice for performing a femoral nerve block in calves, although this technique will need to be further evaluated in live calves to determine its effectiveness and clinical usefulness. Diagnostic perineural anesthesia of the femoral nerve in cattle might be helpful in identifying quadriceps muscle involvement in those with complex spastic paresis.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenously and orally administered meloxicam in sheep
Authors: Stock Matthew L. , Coetzee Johann F. , KuKanich Butch , Smith Billy I.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam after IV and PO administration to 6 healthy sheep.

Animals—6 healthy adult Dorset cross sheep (5 males and 1 female).

Procedures—Meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg, IV, or 1.0 mg/kg, PO) was administered in a randomized crossover design with a 10-day washout period. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times over 96 hours. Serum drug concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Computer software was used to estimate values of pharmacokinetic parameters through noncompartmental methods.

Results—Following IV administration (n = 5), the geometric mean (range) elimination half-life was 14.0 hours (10.5 to 17.0 hours), volume of distribution was 0.204 L/kg (0.171 to 0.272 L/kg), and clearance was 0.17 mL/min/kg (0.12 to 0.27 mL/min/kg). Following oral administration (n = 6), maximum serum concentration was 1.72 μg/mL (1.45 to 1.93 μg/mL), time to maximum serum concentration was 19.0 hours (12.0 to 24.0 hours), clearance per bioavailability was 0.22 mL/min/kg (0.16 to 0.30 mL/min/kg), and terminal half-life was 15.4 hours (13.2 to 17.7 hours). Bioavailability of orally administered meloxicam was calculated as 72% (40% to 125%; n = 5). No adverse effects were evident following meloxicam administration via either route.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Meloxicam administered PO at 1.0 mg/kg has good bioavailability with slow elimination kinetics in sheep. These data suggested that meloxicam may be clinically useful, provided the safety and analgesic efficacy of meloxicam as well as feed-related influences on its pharmacokinetics are established in ruminants.
Effect of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets with NSP-hydrolyzing enzymes on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of pigs / Wpływ DDGS z kukurydzy w mieszankach z udziałem enzymów hydrolizujących NSP na wyniki tuczu, cechy półtuszy oraz jakość mięsa świń
Authors: Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Hanczakowska Ewa , Olszewska Anna
Published: April 2013

The effect of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), used in grower-finisher diets with or without supplemental enzymes, on growth performance and carcass and meat quality was determined in an experiment with 48 pigs. Group I (control) received a standard grain-soybean meal mixture without DDGS and without enzymes; Group II was fed a mixture containing 15% (grower) or 20% (finisher) of corn DDGS but without the enzymes; Group III received a mixture containing 15% (grower) or 20% (finisher) of corn DDGS with NSP-hydrolyzing enzymes (200 g t-1). The feed mixtures were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. All pigs were fattened from 30 to 112 kg. At the end of the experiment all pigs were slaughtered, right carcass sides were evaluated and samples of longissimus muscle were taken for analysis. Inclusion of corn DDGS did not significantly affect pig fattening results and meat quality. The addition of NSP-hydrolyzing enzymes to feed mixtures containing corn DDGS tended to positively influence pig performance. The carcasses of pigs receiving the diet with corn DDGS and NSP-hydrolyzing enzymes were characterized by thinner backfat and greater weight of the primal cuts.
Current status of prevalence of yeast-like fungi in the environment of horses bred in Poland / Aktualny status występowania grzybów drożdżopodobnych w środowisku hodowlanym koni w Polsce
Authors: Różański Paweł , Ślaska Brygida , Różańska Dorota
Published: April 2013

This study presents an analysis of the yeast-like fungi population in the healthy horses’ living environment. The study material was sampled from various elements and equipment of a stable. We compared the yeast-like fungi population from the breeding environment of five groups of horses (English Thoroughbred horses, Arabian horses, Polish Half-Bred horses, cold-blooded horses, and Hucul horses and Highland ponies). The samples were collected in the summer and winter period. The laboratory examination involved 260 samples and resulted in identification of yeast-like fungi belonging to 13 species. Over 50% of the samples collected from the horse environment in wintertime and fewer than 18% of the summer samples displayed fungal growth. The largest amounts of yeast fungi were isolated from samples collected from water and feed troughs. The laboratory analysis demonstrated qualitative diversity of the yeast-like fungi population depending on the breeding environment of the individual horse groups. Quantitative differences of isolates were additionally related to the season of the year.
Correlations between habitual physical activity and self-perceived functional fitness, self-sufficiency fitness and health among men over 60 years old
Authors: Szeklicki Robert , Osiński Wiesław , Maciaszek Janusz , Stemplewski Rafał , Salamon Artur
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The study examined whether increased levels of habitual physical activity (HPA) in men over 60, expressed by the volume of energy expenditure in relation to PA, is significantly related to a higher self-assessment of functional fitness, selfdependency fitness and health.

Methods

One hundred and sixty six men over 60 (60–88 years of age) living in Poznań (a large city in Poland) participated in the study. In order to measure actual HPA, a Caltrac accelerometer was used. The results were analysed according to weekly physical activity energy expenditure (PA-EE) values and PA-EE values per kilogram of body weight (PA-EE/kg). A questionnaire was used to estimate self-perceived functional fitness, self-sufficiency fitness and health.

Results

The study noted higher values of PA-EE and PA-EE/kg in men who positively perceived their functional fitness, self-sufficiency fitness and health.

Conclusions

Increasing the range of everyday activities is one of the potential directions for the development of health prophylaxis.
The evaluation of critical swimming speed in 12-year-old boys
Authors: Zarzeczny Ryszard , Kuberski Mariusz , Deska Agnieszka , Zarzeczna Dorota , Rydz Katarzyna
Published: April 2013

Purpose

It has been suggested that the critical swimming speed (CSS ) of young swimmers may be estimated by using two timed maximum exertion efforts at distances of 50 and 400 m. The aim of this study was to find out if the estimated CSS for a group of boy swimmers corresponds to the results obtained from a 12-min swim test and to examine if there was a difference whether these tests were completed using different swimming strokes.

Methods

The study was carried out on 24 boys (age 12.2 ± 0.1 y, height 158.0 ± 1.8 cm, weight 47.7 ± 2.2 kg), all of whom were competing at the regional level. The participants were timed completing the 50 and 400 m distances at maximal effort, while the 12-min test was assessed by the total distance swum, all three trials performed in the front crawl and breaststroke.

Results

The results found a close relationship between CSS determined by the 50 and 400 m distances and the distance covered during the 12-min test for both strokes (breaststroke r = 0.79, p = 0.0000; front crawl r = 0.83, p = 0.0000). There were no significant differences between CSS and the mean velocity of the 12-min swim test with swum in the front crawl (0.862 ± 0.027 m • s–1 and 0.851 ± 0.027 m • s–1, respectively); however, CSS was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than the mean velocity found in the 12-min test in the breaststroke (0.769 ± 0.018 m • s–1 and 0.727 ± 0.022 m • s–1, respectively).

Conclusions

CSS estimated on the basis of the front crawl but not breaststroke is a good predictor of the average velocity of the 12-min swim test for young male swimmers.
Dependecies between the methods used in identifying player talent in the game of handball
Authors: Machnacz Władysław , Dudkowski Andrzej , Rokita Andrzej
Published: April 2013

Purpose

One of the basic operational goals of early physical education is the early recognition of athletic potential in children. When examining the presence of talent, it is necessary to consider the specific nature of a given sport, especially if it is a team sport, and the fact that skill in playing a sport is determined not only by featuring a high level of applicable motor abilities. Within this context, the aim of this study was to determine what dependencies existed between the methods frequently used to assess talented children in the game of handball, specifically targeted sports and motor tests. The popularity of these diagnostic methods is based on the theory that achievement in sports is accompanied by a high level of physical ability. Therefore, the practical aim of the study was to improve the accuracy of recognizing and examining sports talent.

Methods

A group of 21 twelve-year-old boys were recruited, all of whom were involved in a sports program that specialized in handball. Talent was identified by the observation, analysis, and interpretation of the participants’ (1) general physical ability – assessed by the Eurofit test battery, (2) targeted physical ability – measured by specific hardball skills such as moving with the ball, catching and passing the ball, and throwing the ball from a distance, and (3) innate in-game behavior – based on a ranking of thirteen behavioral categories exhibited during the course of a game.

Results and conclusion

The correlation coefficients adopted in this study indicated a high dependency between the three methods used to identify potential talent in handball. This indicates that young athletes who score relatively well in one test are likely to attain positive results in the other two methods.
Step aerobics and rhythm of movement of the upper and lower limbs
Authors: Milewska Joanna , Jaroszczuk Sebastian , Rutkowska-Kucharska Alicja
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this investigation was to look for relationships between the repeatability of forces generated during the movement rhythm present in step aerobics and the movement to a rhythm by the upper and lower limbs alone. As step aerobics requires the symmetric involvement of both the upper and lower limbs, it appears to be important to examine whether a relationship exists between repeatability of a rhythm and a repeatability of forces generated when moving to a rhythm. As step aerobics is considered an endurance activity, the repeatability of the force reproduced by the lower limb muscles may be important in the prevention of injury.

Methods

The study involved using a mock step bench which consisted of two Kistler force plates. The 29 female subjects of the study executed two motor tasks. The first task was hitting the plate with the dominant and the non-dominant upper and lower limb to a musical rhythm. The second task consisted in performing the basic step of step aerobics on the bench. The rhythm in both tasks was dictated by the beat of a metronome.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between respectability of producing a rhythm by the dominant and non-dominant upper and lower limbs. No correlation was found between the rhythm reproduction error of the limbs and the accuracy of moving to a rhythm during the step aerobics task. This second task was characterized by a high repeatability of the generated forces and a high variability in following a musical rhythm.

Conclusions

Body mass does not influence the force generated during rhythm reproduction with the upper and lower limbs. During step walking, the study participants were characterized with a high repeatability of generated force and also by a high variability in following a musical rhythm.
Study of Host Preference and the Comparison of some Biological Characteristcs of Bemisia Tabasi (Genn) on Tomato Varieties
Authors: Fekri Masoomeh Samareh , Samih Mohammad Amin , Imani Sohrab , Zarabi Mehdi
Published: April 2013

The resistance of 8 tomato varieties to cotton white fly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), was evaluated in four greenhouse experiments. In the first experiment, we evaluated the attractiveness and preference for oviposition in a free-choice test (randomized blocks, 8 treatments, and 5 replications). In the other experiments, we evaluated the no-choice preference for oviposition (randomized blocks, 4 treatments, and 4 replications). The whitefly egg-adult cycle was monitored using a statistical design in randomized blocks with four replications. The percentage mortality of immature stages was also determined (randomized blocks with four replications). In the free-choice test, the tomato variety Rio Grande was the most attractive to adults, while the variety Cheffalat had the lowest number of adults. Also in this assay, the variety CAL-JN3 presented the lowest number of eggs, while the variety Ergon presented the highest number of eggs. In the no-choice test, the varieties Chef-falat and CAL-JN3 remained resistant. Consequently, for these two varieties non-preference is the oviposition resistance mechanism. The egg-adult cycle varied from 26.02 days (Ergon) to 26.66 days (CAL-JN3). The total mortality varied from 20.52 (Ergon) to 33.97 (CAL-JN3). Considering all the characteristics, the variety CAL-JN3 was the most resistant to B. tabaci among all the tomato varieties studied, while variety Ergon was susceptible.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Toxicity of Proteus, Pymetrozine, Deltamethrin, and Pirimicarb on Lady Beetle Hippodamia Variegata (Goeze) (Col.: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Almasi Ali , Sabahi Qodrat , Talebi Khalil , Mardani Ardavan
Published: April 2013

The implementation of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program requires selecting and using chemicals which are least harmful to natural enemies. In this study, the acute toxicity of the recommended field concentration of four conventional insecticides was evaluated in reference to the different life stages (L3, L4 and adult) of the variegated lady beetle Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The evaluated insecticides were Proteus, pymetrozine, deltamethrin, and pirimicarb. A completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications was used as the experimental design. The means were separated by the least significant difference (LSD). The mortalities of those predators treated with the field recommended concentrations of various insecticides, were significantly different. Proteus showed strong toxicity toward the different life stages of the predator. However, pymetrozine and pirimicarb caused less than a 50% mortality. Based on the lethal concentration (LC50) values at 24 h after treatment, the adult predator was the most susceptible to proteus, followed by deltamethrin, pymetrozine, and pirimicarb values of 35.977, 358.757, 915.667, and 2616.113. Based on sublethal concentrations (LC30), these values were 22.718, 261.957, 569.879, and 1521.424. Based on International Organization of Biological Control (IOBC) classification, the insecticides pirimicarb and pymetrozine were both categorized as having a Class 1 toxicity level (harmless), deltamethrin as having a Class 2 level (slightly harmful), and Proteus, a Class 4 toxicity level (harmful).
The correlation between the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 in plasma and tumour response and survival after preoperative radiochemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Oblak Irena , Velenik Vaneja , Anderluh Franc , Mozina Barbara , Ocvirk Janja
Published: April 2013

Background.The aim of this study was to analyse whether the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 1 is associated with the tumour response and survival to preoperative radiochemotherapy in rectal cancer patients.

Patients and methods.Ninety-two patients with histologically confirmed non-metastatic rectal cancer of clinical stage I- III were treated with preoperative radiochemotherapy, surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. Plasma TIMP-1 concentrations were measured prior to the start of the treatment with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results.Median follow-up time was 68 months (range: 3-93 months) while in survivors it was 80 months (range: 68-93 months). The 5-year locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 80.2%, 56.4%, 63.7% and 52.2%, respectively. The median TIMP-1 level was 185 ng/mL (range: 22-523 ng/mL) and the mean level (±standard deviation) was 192 (±87) ng/mL. Serum TIMP-1 levels were found to be significantly increased in patients with preoperative CRP>12 mg/L and in those who died from rectal cancer or had cT4 tumours. No correlation was established for age, gender, carcinoembriogenic antigene (CEA) level, platelets count, histopathological grade, response to preoperative therapy, resectability and disease reappearance. On univariate analysis, various parameters favourably influenced one or more survival endpoints: TIMP-1 <170 ng/mL, CRP <12 mg/L, platelets count <290 10E9/L, CEA <3.4mg/L, age <69 years, male gender, early stage disease (cN0 and/or cT2-3), radical surgery (R0) and response to preoperative radiochemotherapy. In multivariate model, LRC was favourably influenced by N-downstage, DFS by lower CRP and N-downstage, DSS by lower CRP and N-downstage and OS by lower TIMP-1 level, lower CRP and N-downstage.

Conclusions.Although we did not find any association between pretreatment serum TIMP-1 levels and primary tumour response to preoperative radiochemotherapy in our cohort of patients with rectal cancer, TIMP-1 levels were recognized as an independent prognostic factor for OS in these patients.
Modelling and Analysis of Logistical State Data
Authors: Brandau Annegret , Tolujevs Jurijs
Published: April 2013

To manage perfectly an efficient and effective supply chain of continuous and undisturbed flow of goods is needed. To achieve this identification, location and sensor technologies must be implemented to generate state data of the logistics objects. However, the amount of information overstrains the operational logistics planner and the information systems have to face enormous data streams. Data mining methods are useful to cope with such big data streams, and they are well developed in the literature. But these methods are not often applied to logistical state data. Without knowledge of the processes, the results of the algorithms cannot be understood. Therefore, the objective of this work is to introduce a general concept to model and to analyse logistical state data, in order to find irregularities and their causes and dependences. This work shows that it is possible to use data mining methods on logistical state data to filter irregularities and their causes.
Improving of Data Processing Effectiveness for Pavement Structural Evaluation Using Subsurface Radar Probing
Authors: Krainyukov Alexander , Kutev Valery
Published: April 2013

Problems of the data processing improving for pavement structure evaluation with help of subsurface radar probing are discussed. Iterative procedure to solve the inverse problem in frequency domain is used on the base of the genetic algorithm. For improving of data processing effectiveness it is proposed to use a modified genetic algorithm with adaptation of search range of pavement parameters. The results of reconstruction of electro-physical characteristics for model of five-layered pavement structure are presented.
The Concept Definition of Mathematical Modelling of the Secured Information-Telecommunication System with Regard to Conditions of the Posterior Uncertainty
Authors: Semenov Sergey , Dorokhov Oleksandr , Grynov Denys
Published: April 2013

Factors, which determine the structure and the parameters of secured information-telecommunication system, have been identified. The concept of mathematical modelling of secured information- telecommunication system has been defined. Optimisation factor and criterion of information- telecommunication system have been proposed. Equations of sensitivity, which differ from the known ones by taking into account small changes in the internal parameters of the system under the influence of external factors, are clarified.
Analysis and evaluation of defensive team strategies in women’s beach volleyball – an efficiency-based approach
Authors: Seweryniak Tomasz , Mroczek Dariusz , Łukasik Łukasz
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate beach volleyball defensive strategies in terms of how often various tactics were employed, their effectiveness, reliability, and overall efficiency based on a sample of elite female volleyball players.

Methods

A sample of 746 defensive actions performed by various teams that competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (Beijing, China), the 2009 World Championships (Stavanger, Norway), and the 2009 and 2010 Swatch FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour (Stare Jabłonki, Poland; Seoul, South Korea) were analyzed in terms of what defensive systems were employed and their outcomes.

Results

Fourteen different defensive systems were used by the teams during defensive play. Out of the fourteen systems, four accounted for almost 75% of all defensive action. The most commonly used defense strategies were selected for more detailed analysis in terms of their activity, effectiveness, and reliability.

Conclusions

One defensive system in particular was found to be the most prominent in terms of being the most commonly used as well as efficient among all of the observed systems; high-level teams should place additional focus on mastering this system. Nevertheless, effective team strategy should also include less commonly used systems as a way to take an opponent by surprise by the use of non-standard strategy.
Participation in computer games vs. coordination motor abilities and body composition in boys from rural areas of poland
Authors: Sterkowicz Stanisław , Jaworski Janusz
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The present study attempted to determine the effect of the number of hours spent playing computer games per week on somatic characteristics and the performance of selected coordination motor abilities.

Methods

Ninety-seven prepubertal boys from rural areas of southern Poland were recruited. Selected coordination motor abilities were assessed by use of computer tests and a questionnaire was administered to determine the amount of time spent playing computer games. Basic somatic characteristics such as body height, body mass, body fat percentage (%PF), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Descriptive statistics were calculated mean and standard deviation ( x, sd) for the studied coordination abilities and somatic characteristics. One-way ANOVA for independent samples was employed to determine the differentiation between the results of the studied variables depending on the mean numbers of hours spent playing computer games per week.

Results

Analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the results and the number of hours spent playing games, specifically for kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, and the speed, accuracy, and precision of movements (in the number of committed errors). The lowest somatic characteristics including BMI was observed in the group of boys who spent the least amount of time playing computer games.

Conclusions

It was found playing computer games 8 to 11 hours a week positively affected coordination motor ability, although individuals who played more than this amount of computer games had a higher incidence to be overweight or obese.
The Kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Slovenia – a review of its distribution, population density, movements, breeding biology, diet and interactions with other species / Postovka Falco tinnunculus v Sloveniji – pregled njene razširjenosti, populacijske gostote, disperzije, gnezditvene biologije, prehrane in interakcij z drugimi vrstami
Authors: Šumrada Tanja , Hanžel Jurij
Published: April 2013

The paper discusses the breeding and non-breeding distribution and population density of the Kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Slovenia, its movements, breeding biology, hunting behaviour, diet and interactions with other species. The data were collected from published works and directly from observers. The species’ breeding distribution is shown as a comparison of both national breeding bird atlases, which indicated no convincing changes in its distribution. The non-breeding season population estimate (1,000-2,000 ind.) is lower than the breeding population estimate (1,500-2,000 pairs). The Kestrel breeds at altitudes from 0 to 2,050 m a.s.l.; outside the breeding season, it has been observed at altitudes of up to 1,700 m a.s.l. At least part of the breeding population migrates, apparently more or less towards SSW. The breeding season lasts from February to July. It nests in trees, buildings, cliffs, nestboxes and on electricity pylons. In trees it uses abandoned nests of corvids. On buildings it nests mainly on ledges and in various openings. It often nests on industrial and residential buildings. On cliffs it nests in natural openings and in abandoned nests of other species. It lays 3-9 eggs, usually five. It hunts over open terrain by windhovering, active aerial pursuit and stooping onto the ground from perches. It feeds mainly on small mammals and, to a lesser extent, on passerines, reptiles and invertebrates. It interacts with other species during hunting, nest-site selection and breeding itself. Platyhelminthic, nematode, ixodid and insect parasites have all been recorded on the Kestrel
Lomonosov Moscow State University: the major centre for Russian research and education into tourism and recreation
Authors: Aleksandrowa Anna , Aigina Ekaterina
Published: April 2013

The author discusses the tourism geography research which has been undertaken at Lomonosov State University in Moscow over many years. This academic institution is one of the most famous research centres dealing with spatial recreation systems. At first (from the 1960’s), research was mainly on geographical and technical issues, but the research area was gradually enlarged for example to include social and humanistic elements. The best known research has been done on ‘spatial recreation systems’, ‘polarized landscapes’, the ‘recreational economy spatial complex’, and the ‘environmental model of a spatial system’.
Tourism trends among Generation Y in Poland
Authors: Kowalczyk-Anioł Joanna
Published: April 2013

On the basis of empirical studies and available sources, the author presents tourism as undertaken by young Poles from Generation Y, with reference to demographic, and above all generational changes. She focuses on presenting tourism preferences and typical behaviour. The analysis shows that their behaviour is similar to those observed by Generation Y globally. The similarities are also visible in tourism - new, post-modernist trends, such as gap year and internet couch surfing portals, as forms of independent travel organization, are becoming more and more popular. On the other hand, the consumptionist habits of Generation Y (preferences for comfort and entertainment), as well as an orientation towards family and friends, frequently travelling companions, can also be observed.
Volunteer tourism from the perspective of the social sciences
Authors: Skoczylas Łukasz
Published: April 2013

This article is a survey of research and a presentation of the standpoints of different researchers on volunteer tourism.