bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations of Children's Proactive and Reactive Assertiveness to Peer Acceptance: Moderating Effects of Social Interest
Authors: Lee Han-Jong
Published: May 2014

Previous studies on the social outcome of assertiveness reported mixed findings, failing to support the assumption that assertiveness promotes peer acceptance. In an attempt to provide explanations for the inconsistencies in prior findings, this study proposed making a distinction between proactive and reactive assertiveness and examined the moderating effects of social interest. A total of 441 fifth and sixth graders (232 boys, 209 girls; M age=10.6 yr., SD=0.6) participated in the study. Results indicated that proactive assertiveness was positively related to peer acceptance regardless of social interest. By contrast, reactive assertiveness was positively related to peer acceptance but only when social interest is high. When social interest is low, it was negatively associated with peer acceptance.
Are nurse presenteeism and patient safety culture associated: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Brborović Hana , Brborović Ognjen , Brumen Vlatka , Pavleković Gordana , Mustajbegović Jadranka
Published: May 2014

Working as a nurse involves great dedication and sacrifice: working night shifts, working overtime, and coming to work sick. The last is also known as presenteeism. Research has shown that poor nurse performance can affect both caregiver’s and patient’s safety. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether nurse presenteeism affected patient safety culture and to look deeper into the characteristics of nurse presenteeism and patient safety culture in Croatia. The study was conducted in one general hospital in Croatia over April and May 2012 and specifically targeted medical nurses as one of the largest groups of healthcare professionals. They were asked to fill two questionnaires: the six-item Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC). We found no association between presenteeism and patient safety culture. Overall positive perception of safety was our sample’s strength, but other dimensions were positively rated by less than 65 % of participants. The lowest positive response concerned “nonpunitive response to error”, which is consistent with previous studies. Presenteeist nurses did not differ in their characteristics from nurses without presenteeism (gender, age, years of experience, working hours, contact with patients and patient safety grades). Our future research will have to include a broader healthcare population for us to be able to identify weak spots and suggest improvements toward high-quality and cost-effective health care.
A new species of lambdarina (rhynchonellida, brachiopoda) from the viséan of central sudetes (Poland) and its phylogenetic position
Authors: Muszer Jolanta
Published: May 2014

A new species of micromorphic articulate brachiopod (Rhynchonellida) Lambdarina jugowiensis sp. nov., from the upper Visean (Sokolec Beds) of central Sudetes, SW Poland, is described. The studied specimens are calcified, what makes them unique in respect of their state of preservation. The material is represented by a full range of growth stages; from brephic to gerontic. Based on its morphological features and the palaeogeographical distribution of all its known species, two main evolutionary lines are proposed for the genus; the Australian and the European ones. Lambdarina was widely distributed in the equatorial-tropical waters of marginal seas of the Palaeotethys Ocean, mostly during Mississippian time.
Non-volant modes of migration in terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Reynolds Don R. , Reynolds Andrew M. , Chapman Jason W.
Published: May 2014

Animal migration is often defined in terms appropriate only to the ‘to-and-fro’ movements of large, charismatic (and often vertebrate) species. However, like other important biological processes, the definition should apply over as broad a taxonomic range as possible in order to be intellectually satisfying. Here we illustrate the process of migration in insects and other terrestrial arthropods (e.g. arachnids, myriapods, and non-insect hexapods) but provide a different perspective by excluding the ‘typical’ mode of migration in insects, i.e. flapping flight. Instead, we review non-volant migratory movements, including: aerial migration by wingless species, pedestrian and waterborne migration, and phoresy. This reveals some fascinating and sometimes bizarre morphological and behavioural adaptations to facilitate movement. We also outline some innovative modelling approaches exploring the interactions between atmospheric transport processes and biological factors affecting the ‘dispersal kernels’ of wingless arthropods
Unsaturated Heteropolyoxotungstates with Platinum Cation Complexation
Authors: Grama Lavinia , Muntean Daniela-Lucia , Curticăpean A
Published: May 2014

Background: Polyanions are a special category of coordination compounds with a large development in last years. By coordination of metal oxoions at the lacunary polyoxometalates are obtained new compounds which are studied for theirs possible antitumoral and antiviral activities. The polyoxometalates can bind cations by oxygen atoms from their saturated surface structure or by embedding in vacant sites.

Material and method: The methods used for determining cation coordination with the unsaturated polyoxotungstate are spectrophotometry and conductometry. The solutions used in this study were: for ligand a solution of K27[KAsW40O140] and for cation a solution of K2[PtCl6]. The variation of electrical conductivity of ionic species found in solution, caused by their concentrations, decreases during the complex formation, which was determined by conductometry. The spectrophotometric assay was performed to verify ratios between cation:ligand combination, determined by conductometry.

Results: The graphical representations of conductivity function of number of moles of added titrant solutions emphasize that there are two types of coordination compounds with two different combination ratios ligand:cation at 1:2 or 1:4. The spectrophotometric determination performed, confirmed these ratios.

Conclusions: There are two types of coordination complexes, and the ligand:cation ratios are well known for encrypting polyoxotungstates type used in the study. Besides the main active position SC where K+ alkaline cation is coordinated, it has four active stand side S1-4, which can coordinate metal cations, depending on the size of their cationic radius and the electronic charge they hold.
Assessment of Ventricular Dissynchrony in Right Ventricular Single Chamber Pacing using Echocardiografic Parameters
Authors: Vita I , Mitre Adriana , Dobreanu D
Published: May 2014

Background: Right ventricular apical pacing has been used since the early years of pace-makers, despite the fact that it determined nonphysiological ventricular depolarization. As medical technologies developed, septal lead implantation became feasible, in order to outrun the above mentioned inconveniences. The question whether the apical or septal lead position is better still gives rise to a lot of controversies. Different echocardiographic parameters are currently used to assess the impact of specific sites of stimulation on ventricular function. The aim of the study was to determine which of the followed synchronicity parameters varied significantly during apical stimulation, compared to septal stimulation in patients requiring single chamber pacing.

Material and method: Fifty-nine patients admitted between January 1st - December 31st 2012 either for battery replacement or for first implant of a single chamber pace-maker were included in this prospective study. Thirty-eight of them had the lead placed in the apex of the right ventricle and 21 on the interventricular septum. All were subjected to echocardiografic examination after device implantation. Measurements included complete chamber and valvular assessment, apart from the synchronicity evaluation, that comprised interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD), septal to posterior wall delay (SPWMD) and electro systolic delays (ESD), in order to assess the presence and compare the relevance of interventricular and intraventricular dissyncrony. All the investigations were in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results: Although preejection times were significantly different, there were no statistically significant differences (p = 0.06) between the values of IVMD in the two groups, as well as regarding the longitudinal intraventricular dyssynchrony expressed by ESD. Significant differences appeared though, between the values of SPWMD, reflecting the fact that radial intraventricular dissyncrony is present in apical stimulation.

Conclusions: During apical right ventricular pacing, radial intraventricular dissyncrony appears, while in the case of septal pacing this parameter is close to normal. Surprisingly, although right ventricular pacing determines interventricular and longitudinal intraventricular dissincrony, we found no significant differences in this respect, between apical and septal pacing.
Current Surgical Attitude Towards Hydatid Liver Disease – Experience of Ist Surgical Department of the Emergency Hospital of Craiova
Authors: Cirju B , Patrascu St , Margaritescu D , Nemes R , Georgescu I
Published: May 2014

Introduction: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in liver hydatid disease.

Methods: We analyzed 97 cases of liver hydatid cyst (63 females/34 males, aged between 5 and 85 years) hospitalized in the Ist Surgical Department of the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova between 2000 and 2012. The diagnosis was established clinically, by laboratory and imaging tests.

Results: The hydatid cysts were unilocular in 60 cases, the majority (68.31%) being located on the right liver, multilocular in 39 cases, located on both lobes of the liver (9.9%); 17 patients had other locations of the cysts as well (spleen 5 cases, peritoneum 12 cases). Fourty-five (46.39%) cases were uncomplicated and the other 52 cases presented one ore more evolutionary complications: biliary - 44 (43.36%), infection - 15 (14.85%), rupture into peritoneum - 12 cases and bilio-bronchial fistula in 1 case. All patients were operated: 90 patients by open surgery and 7 by laparoscopic approach. Albendazole was administered as prophylaxis of postoperative recurrence. In 73 cases (72.27%) the evolution was favorable. We recorded 26 cases (25.74%) of postoperative complications: infectious - 9 cases, external biliary fistula - 12 cases and general complications in 6 cases. The overall postoperative mortality was 2.06%. We did not register any postoperative complication in the laparoscopic group.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic approach is both safe and feasible, with well codified indications. The most important factor to achieve a successful laparoscopic procedure is the adequate selection of patients. Both intraoperative and postoperative data clearly indicated that the minimal invasive approach provided superior results to open access surgery in terms of complications rate, early recovery and hospital stay.
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THE PROPAGATION OF HEAT IN ABANDONED WORKINGS INSULATED WITH SLURRIES AND MINERAL SUBSTANCES
Authors: Dziurzyński Wacław , Krach Andrzej , Pałka Teresa
Published: May 2014

In the paper the results of investigations aimed at further identification of the phenomena occurring in abandoned workings and connected with the flow of air-gas (methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon oxidation products) mixture with taking into consideration the impact of supplied mineral substances on the processes of self-heating of the coal left in goaves were presented. The known and successfully used method for the prevention of fires in abandoned workings is the technology of filling goaf with an ash-air mixture, which also raises the issue of the effective use of that mixture. The computer, i.e. digital simulation methods being developed and intended for the purpose of the process discussed here are a good complement of the use of that technology. A developed mathematical model describing the process of additional sealing of gob with wet slurry supplied with three pipelines is based on the balance of volume of the supplied mixture and contained in the body created in goaves. The form of that body was assessed on the basis of the observation results available in literature and the results of model investigations. The calculation examples carried out for the the longwall area and its goaf ventilated with the “U” system allow to state that the introduced modification of the mathematical model describing the flow of the mixture of air, gases, and wet slurry with consideration of the coal burning process in the fire source area was verified positively. The digital prognostic simulations have confirmed a vital impact of the wet slurry supplied into the goaf on the processes of coal burning and also the change of rate and volume flow rate of the air mixture in goaf. As a complement to the above it should be noted that such elements as the place of the slurry supply in comparison with the longwall inclination or fire source area location is of great importance for the effectiveness of the fire prevention used. The development of computer/ digital simulation methods requires further investigations of the model adopted in this study. Those investigations should be aimed at making credible the theoretical model of the mixture flow through porous medium and the supplied mineral material. Such investigations will allow to verify the body form based on the mixture parameters such as humidity, viscosity, and fluidity and depending on the properties of the porous medium. Further development of the modelling of the phenomena discussed in this paper should be based on the methods of use of the description of the flow of fluids and slurry on the basis of 3D models.
Model of production control in just-in-time delivery system conditons
Authors: Kozłowski Edward , Gola Arkadiusz , Świć Antoni
Published: May 2014

The article presents the mathematical model of production control in the Just-in-time delivery system’s conditions for a planning fixed horizon. The aim of the control model is to determine the demand for means of production (materials, labour force) at the right moment of time. The stochastic model of appearing the fault products was taking into account. Minimization both the costs of manufacturing and possible penalties connected with the incomplete execution of the order was taken as a criterion of optimization process.
Effect of sow prolificacy and nutrition on preand postnatal growth of progeny – a review
Authors: Rekiel Anna , Więcek Justyna , Batorska Martyna , Kulisiewicz Józef
Published: May 2014

Weakened growth and development of embryos as well as of fetuses or their organs (IUGR) show a relationship with increasing sow fertility. When aiming to increase birth weight in piglets and reduce within-litter variation in piglet body weight, efforts should be made to maintain a favourable maternal environment (uterus-placenta-embryo). Intrauterine undernutrition can be limited through the hormonal and/or nutritional treatment of pregnant sows. This has an effect on prenatal myogenesis, resulting in better development of skeletal muscles, higher birth weight of piglets, and progression in postnatal growth rate.
Polymorphic linker histone H1 variants in breeding and conservative duck populations
Authors: Kowalski Andrzej , Pałyga Jan
Published: May 2014

A purpose of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity in duck populations based on polymorphic variants (H1.a, H1.b and H1.z) of linker histone H1. The study was performed using conservative brown-feathered Khaki Campbell (Kh1) and Orpington (Or) populations and white-feathered Pekin (P77) duck breeding line. While no significant distortion between both brown-feathered duck populations was noted (P>0.05), the allele frequencies at histone H1 polymorphic loci were found to differ significantly between brown-feathered and white-feathered duck flocks (P<0.001). While the alleles a1, b1 and z1 were detected in all three duck lines, the alleles a2 and b2 missed in the line P77 were found in the Kh1 and Or populations. A rare allele z2 not detected in a homozygous state during screening our duck populations was found to occur only in heterozygous P77 duck individuals (z1z2). After a purpose mating of these heterozygous P77 birds, the homozygous individuals (z2) were obtained in their offspring. The uneven distribution of the alleles for polymorphic histone H1 variants among duck populations seems to suggest that they are not functionally equivalent and, therefore, might have a differential influence on chromatin structure and/or function leading to line-specific phenotypic effects in duck.
Analysis of factors increasing the probability of fur chewing in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) raised under farm conditions
Authors: Łapiński Stanisław , Lis Marcin W. , Wójcik Anika , Migdał Łukasz , Guja Iwona
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to assess the extent of fur chewing problems on chinchilla farms. The research was based on a 20-question survey addressed to breeders. A total of 47 anonymous questionnaires were answered. Results showed that the problem of fur chewing was found in as many as 85% of the farms but the proportion of affected animals was usually low (mean±SE: 3.5±0.55%). To determine the relationship between herd size and the extent of the problem, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to be r = -0.315 (P≤0.05), possibly indicating the problem to be more severe on smaller farms. No correlation was found between fur chewing and the type of fodder (pellets from different producers), temperature, humidity, type of cage equipment or frequency of dust baths. Moreover, the level of fur-biting animals kept on a deep-litter floor was estimated at 1.7% while the level of those kept on a wire floor and in a mixed system was 2.8-times higher (P≤0.05). The fact that 37.5% of the respondents perceived the predisposition to fur chewing to be hereditary was an important observation suggesting a direction for further research. A considerable proportion of those surveyed (37.5%) also pointed to a greater excitability among fur chewers. To sum up, results of the present study revealed that keeping animals on litter reduces the incidence of fur chewing. Breeders’ observations also suggest that fur biting may be determined genetically and/or connected with impulsive-compulsive disorders; however, more detailed studies are necessary to confirm these hypotheses.
Results of Research on the Active Species Protection of the Roman Snail (Helix Pomatia, Linnaeus, 1758) Using Farmed Snails in the Second Year of Life. First Season of the Study
Authors: Ligaszewski Maciej , Pol Przemysław , Radkowska Iwona , Surówka Krzysztof , Łysak Andrzej
Published: May 2014

The effect of three forms of active species protection in the Roman snail were studied. On the “source plot” the natural population was supported by introducing hatchlings of farmed Roman snails aged 1+, bred from adult specimens of this population. These hatchlings (age 1+) from “source plot” population were also introduced to the following two natural plots: to the “empty plot”, where the population was formed by introduction of farmed Roman snails in the second year of life (1+) into a selected area which had been emptied of the natural population; to the “inhabited plot”, where farmed Roman snails aged 1+, originating from breeding snails of the foreign population from a “source plot”, were introduced to the local natural population. It was established that introducing Roman snails aged 1+ and bred under farm conditions has a clearly positive influence on the age structure of the natural population in the studied plots. The rate of growth of these snails adjusted to the rate of growth of the specimens in the same age group belonging to the natural population. The farmed Roman snails grew most rapidly in the “empty plot” sown with fodder vegetation, more slowly in the “source plot” with access to appropriate herbaceous vegetation, and most slowly in the “inhabited plot”. The attempt to create a naturalized population in a specially adapted “empty plot” without the natural population was successful. This was determined not only by a large number of hiding places from calcareous stones available to the Roman snails but above all by the species structure of the herb flora, which met their nutritional requirements as it contained high proportions of plants such as Brassica rapa × Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis, white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and the hybrid of lucerne (Medicago × varia Martyn)
Effect of Zinc Acetate and Magnesium Sulfate Dietary Supplementation on Broiler Thigh Meat Colour, Nutrient Composition and Lipid Peroxidation Values Under Continuous Heat Stress Condition
Authors: Norouzi E. , Daneshyar M. , Farhoomand P. , Aliakbarlu J. , Hamian F.
Published: May 2014

Four hundred and fifty one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) in 9 groups of 50 each (3 × 3 factorial experiment) were randomly allocated to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of 0, 30 and 60 mg/kg Zinc (Zn) and 0, 300 and 600 mg/kg magnesium (Mg) on thigh meat colour, nutrient composition and lipid peroxidation value in broiler chickens under heat stress. The birds were kept under a high temperature (32±1°C) for 24 h/day for the first until the final day. At the end of the experiment (day 42), five birds per treatment were slaughtered. Then two pieces of the right thigh muscle per bird (upper part of the thigh muscle) were immediately collected for assessing the meat quality indices. The results of the present experiment showed that addition of Zn and Mg did not influence the ash, dry matter (DM) and ether extract (EE) contents of thigh meat (P>0.05), whereas the crude protein (CP) content of the thigh meat was increased when diet was supplemented with Zn (P<0.05). Addition of Zn and Mg in diet did not change the mean lightness (L) and redness (a) value in the thigh meat (P>0.05). Thigh yellowness (b) value was increased by inclusion of 30 mg/kg Zn alone or along with 600 mg/kg Mg (P<0.05). Furthermore, inclusion of 30 mg/kg Zn in diet (at any level of Mg) decreased the thigh thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P<0.05)
Acute-Phase Response in Monitoring Postoperative Recovery in Bitches After Ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Dąbrowski Roman , Wawron Władysław
Published: May 2014

An ovariohysterectomy is one of the most common procedures performed on bitches in everyday veterinary practice. As with any other surgery, it leads to a local inflammatory reaction, which is usually accompanied by a systemic reaction called the acute-phase response (APR). The aim of the study was to assess the changes of serum CRP concentration, WBC and rectal temperature during the postoperative period in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy and to establish the usefulness of such determinations after surgical trauma. The results showed increased levels of all the measured parameters 24 hours after surgery. During the course of a normal postoperative period, WBC count and rectal temperature return to values that are considered physiological norms for dogs. The subsequent decline in CRP during the postoperative course indicates the gradual subsidence of the inflammatory reaction to surgical trauma. CRP concentrations higher than the physiological norm noted 10 days after surgery indicate a persistent, although less severe inflammatory process. The serum concentration of CRP is a more sensitive and reliable parameter for an evaluation of the postoperative period in bitches than WBC count and rectal temperature
Semi-Intensive Fattening Suitability and Slaughter Value of Young Bulls of Three Polish Native Breeds in Comparison With Polish Holstein-Friesian and Simmental
Authors: Litwińczuk Zygmunt , Żółkiewski Paweł , Florek Mariusz , Chabuz Witold , Domaradzki Piotr
Published: May 2014

An evaluation was conducted of the suitability for fattening in a semi-intensive system (mainly with fodders from permanent grassland) and the slaughter value of 15 young bulls of the Polish Red (PR) breed and 10 each of the White-Backed (WB) and Polish Black-and-White (BW) breeds. The reference group consisted of young bulls of the Black-and-White variety of the Polish Holstein- Friesian (HF) breed and the Simmental (SIM) breed, fattened on the same farms. Control fattening was carried out until the age of 18 months. Mean daily weight gain in the bulls of the native breeds during the control fattening period (which lasted 314-358 days) was 0.9 kg, similarly to HF, but significantly lower (P≤0.05) than in the Simmentals (986 g). During the entire fattening period, i.e. from birth to the age of 18 months, daily weight gain was 832 g in PR and 889-919 g in WB and BW. Dressing percentage was lowest in PR bulls (51.69%), and higher in WB (53.1%) and BW (53.49%), with values similar to the reference group, i.e. young bulls of the Simmental (52.97%) and HF (53.29%) breeds. The difference between PR and BW (1.8%) and HF (1.6%) was statistically significant (P≤0.05). In the EUROP classification system, the carcasses of the young bulls of the native breeds were most often placed in classes R- and O+ (conformation) and 2+ and 3- (fat cover), as in the case of young HF bulls. Carcasses of young Simmental bulls were assigned to much higher classes. The young bulls of the three Polish native breeds evaluated are good material for fattening in a semi-intensive system (mainly with fodder from permanent grasslands), while the young PR bulls were the least suitable
The cardiometabolic benefits of flavonoids and dark chocolate intake in patients at risk
Authors: Andra-Iulia Suceveanu , Laura Mazilu , A. Suceveanu , Irinel Parepa , Doina Catrinoiu , S. Paris , F. Voinea
Published: May 2014

Scientific research proves that the cardiac and the metabolic functions are improved by the consumption of flavonoids, natural elements found in cocoa. The dark chocolate is the main alimentary compound rich in flavonoids, and for this reason it can be used to prevent some cardiometabolic disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between chocolate consumption and the cardiometabolic disorders risk in 85 patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine Unit of Emergency Hospital “St. Apostle Andrew” of Constanta. Patients were split according to the quantity of the dark chocolate consumption into 2 groups. The study groups were matched by the demographic parameters, the BMI, the physical activity and other risk factors (fats, saturated lipids, etc). We found that the daily consumption of dark chocolate, with content of cocoa > 35% according to European recommendations, had cardiometabolic benefits. The risk of coronary heart disease was reduced with 23% by the daily dark chocolate intake. The cardiovascular disease mortality and the risk of any cardiovascular disease were decreased with 19%, respectively with 38%. The risk of incident diabetes decreased with 28% after daily dark chocolate consumption, regardless the gender of patients. The number of ischemic cerebral events was reduced with 32%. In summary, the daily consumption of dark chocolate rich in flavonoids decreases the cardiometabolic disorders in patients at risk [1].
Modelling of Terrain Surface
Authors: Rédl Jozef , Váliková Veronika , Antl Ján
Published: May 2014

In this contribution, we deal with the methodology of visualisation of terrain surface, on which experimental measurements of driving manoeuvres of an agricultural technological vehicle MT8-222 were performed. The introduced methodology uses a defined approach when determining the dynamic stability of agricultural vehicles following the standard STN 47 017. Records of the centre of gravity accelerations were obtained from driving manoeuvres at every instance of time during the drive. From records of accelerations and by using Euler‘s parameters with respect to the inertial system, there were evaluated contact points of the wheel with the terrain. Performed driving manoeuvres consisted of movement in the direction of down grade slope as well as in the direction of tractive movement on the slope. We created a model of terrain surface in the Surfer® program from obtained experimental data. Next, by using supporting commands in Matlab®, we created an algorithm for visualisation of terrain surface. Following this algorithm, there was created another model of terrain surface. Both visualisations of terrain surface are depicted in Figs 4 and 5.
Structure, Causality and Price Transmission Tests in Marketing of Irvingia Seed (Ogbono) in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ike Pius Chinwuba
Published: May 2014

This study examined the marketing of Irvingia seeds (ogbono) in Enugu state, Nigeria, especially as it concerns margins, structure and causality as well as price transmission tests. Primary data were collected from 180 respondents composed of 36 producers, 54 wholesalers and 90 retailers. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical tools including the Gini coefficient. Irvingia seed marketing margins were generally high, apparently due to poor socioeconomic environments of the actors. The margins were, however, on the average, lower than the producer’s share of the consumer spending. The result of the analysis also suggests a competitive market structure for Irvingia seed in the study area. Prices were determined at the production level of the chain, but producers were asymmetric in their price transmissions to the wholesale level. These observations suggest that policy intervention in the form of improving the socioeconomic environment under which marketing agents operate and facilitation of market information flow (which could reduce the asymmetric behaviour of producers) could improve Irvingia seed marketing in the study area.
Heart rate variability during pre-competition and competition periods in volleyball players
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Boraczyński Michał , Nowosielska-Swadźba Danuta , Zwolińska Danuta
Published: May 2014

Study aim: Regular exercise training is thought to modify cardiac autonomic control. One of the body’s responses to training stimuli is heart rate variability (HRV). The use of HRV in the management of sport training is a common practice. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of the physical activity level on HRV of 1st league national volleyball players prior to and during the competition period.

Materials and methods: The study involved 11 players whose HRV was evaluated during the two analysed training periods. Selected indicators of spectral analysis (total power, %VLF, % LF, % HF powers, LF n.u, HF n.u, and LF/HF powers) as well as time analysis (HR, RR, RMSSD, NN50) were assessed on the basis of recordings.

Results: The studies conducted in the pre-competition and competition periods showed significant differences in the parameters of spectral VLF% analysis and time NN50 analysis. In the competition period, a significant increase in VLF [%] may be the result of increased psycho-physical arousal, when compared to the pre-competition period. ]

Conclusions: Resting bradycardia, assessed on the basis of time analysis indicators, may be the result of internal changes in the sinus node, which reflects the impact of long-term training on the cardiac conduction system. A high level of physical activity of volleyball players in the tested periods could have contributed to a reduction in vagal tone and a shift in the balance of the autonomic nervous system in the direction of the sympathetic system, which may be the result of overtraining
Ecology and niche assembly of campanula tommasiniana, a narrow endemic of mt učka (Liburnian Karst, north-western Adriatic)
Authors: Surina Boštjan , Martinčič Andrej
Published: May 2014

Campanula tommasiniana is a typical chasmophyte occupying calcareous rock crevices and cracks along a wide range of ecological gradients, demonstrating a high degree of ecological plasticity and stress tolerance with regards to abiotic factors. Generally, three ecologically and floristically distinct groups of stands were recognized and typified according to a sigmatistic approach: (a) Seslerio juncifoliae-Campanuletum tommasinianae ass. nov., with stands occupying higher elevated sites fully exposed to sun and strong winds; (b) Seslerio autumnalis-Campanuletum tommasinianae ass. nov., representing stands predominantly developed within thermophytic beech stands, semi- to fully- -shaded by the tree canopy; (c) Cystopteri fragilis-Campanuletum tommasinianae, sciophytic, stands adapted to moisture and coldwith high frequency and coverage of bryophytes. Results of DCA analyses using a unimodal model suggest that Campanula tommasiniana is primarily a plant of open and exposed sites of higher elevation despite being most frequently found in rock crevices within thermophytic and altimontane beech forests.
Chromosome number of elatine gussonei (sommier) brullo (elatinaceae) and its distribution on the maltese islands
Authors: Kalinka Anna , Mifsud Stephen , Popiela Agnieszka , Achrem Magdalena
Published: May 2014

Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo is an endemic species, with a distribution restricted to the central part of the Mediterranean Basin (Maltese islands, Lampedusa, southern part of Sicily). This hydrophyte grows in rainwater pools and cavities in karstic limestone. Although the morphology has been well studied, no karyological study has been carried out, and hence this work brings the first chromosome data for the Maltese-pelago endemic E. gussonei.We have found a diploid number of 54 chromosomes in E. gussonei, which differs from the chromosome number of most of Elatine species (2n = 36). Additionally, this account gives a recent distribution of the species on the Maltese islands.
Rqa based approach to detect and prevent ddos attacks in voip networks
Authors: Jeyanthi N. , Thandeeswaran R. , Vinithra J.
Published: May 2014

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a family of technologies for the transmission of voice over Internet. Voice is converted into digital signals and transmitted as data packets. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an IETF protocol for VoIP and other multimedia. SIP is an application layer protocol for creating, modifying and terminating sessions in VoIP communications. Since SIP is a more flexible and simple protocol, it is quite easy to add features to it.

Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS) floods the server with numerous requests from various hosts. Hence, the legitimate clients will not be able to get their intended services. A major concern in VoIP and almost in all network domains is availability rather than data consistency. Most of the surviving techniques could prevent VoIP network only after collision. This paper proposes a Recurrence Quantification based approach to detect and prevent VoIP from a DDoS attack. This model detects the attack at an earlier stage and also helps to prevent from further attacks. In addition, this techniques enables the efficient utilization of resources. QUALNET has been used to simulate the operation of the proposed technology.
Error reduction in promoted confidence factor of a rule using improved fuzzy rule promotion technique
Authors: Jain Lokesh , Kumar Harish , Singla Ravinder Kumar , Singh Pritpal , Lore Jagjeet Singh
Published: May 2014

A dynamic fuzzy rule promotion approach for the promotion of a confidence factor of a rule for every successful session in diagnosis of a disease in crops by using the specific rules, has already been proposed in literature. This technique has the limitation that an error in the initial estimation of weights reduces linearly after every session the rule is being used. In this paper an improved approach has been proposed using the square root of sum of squares of frequencies, which are spread around the mean true value to reduce the error around a mean value. A rule set for the diseases and their symptoms for the paddy plant has been provided to make comparison between the previous and the improved approach. It has been shown that the improved approach decreases the error in uncertainty of estimation of weight for rules after every successful session. It has also been proposed that the improved approach must be applied in agricultural information dissemination system.
Improved structure-adaptive anisotropic filter based on a nonlinear structure tensor
Authors: Wu Jie , Feng Zuren , Ren Zhigang
Published: May 2014

A variety of structure-adaptive filters are proposed to overcome the blurred effects of image structures caused by the classical Gaussian weighted mean filter. However, two major issues are needed to be dealt with carefully for structure-adaptive anisotropic filters. One is to properly construct the filter kernel and the other is to accurately estimate the orientation of the image structures. In this paper we propose to improve the structure-adaptive anisotropic filtering approach based on the nonlinear structure tensor (NLST) analysis technique. According to the anisotropism measurements of image structures, a new kernel construction method is designed to make the filter shape fine adapted to image features. Through the accurately estimated orientation of the image structures, the filter kernels are then properly aligned to perform the filtering process. Experimental results show that the proposed filter denoises the noisy images carefully and image features, such as corners and junctions are well preserved. Compared with some other known filters, the proposed filter obtains great improvements both in Mean Square Error (MSE) and visual quality.
Nonlinear pd controllers with gravity compensation for robot manipulators
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Yang Chengying , Ye Jun
Published: May 2014

A Nonlinear Proportional-Derivative (NPD) controller with gravity compensation is proposed and applied to robot manipulators in this paper. The proportional and derivative gains are changed by the nonlinear function of errors in the NPD controller. The closed-loop system, composed of nonlinear robot dynamics and NPD controllers, is globally asymptotically stable in position control of robot manipulators. The comparison of the simulation experiments in the position control (the step response) of a robot manipulator with two degrees of freedom is also presented to illustrate that the NPD controller is superior to the conventional PD controller in a position control system. The experimental results show that the NPD controller can obtain a faster response velocity and higher position accuracy than the conventional PD controller in the position control of robot manipulators because the proportional and derivative gains of the NPD controller can be changed by the nonlinear function of errors. The NPD controller provides a novel approach for robot control systems.
Evaluating the performance of various segmentation techniques in industrial radiographs
Authors: Thirugnanam Mythili , Anouncia S. Margret
Published: May 2014

At present, image processing concepts are widely used in different fields, such as remote sensing, communication, medical imaging, forensics and industrial inspection. Image segmentation is one of the key processes in image processing key stages. Segmentation is a process of extracting various features of the image which can be merged or split to build the object of interest, on which image analysis and interpretation can be performed. Many researchers have proposed various segmentation algorithms to extract the region of interest from an image in various domains. Each segmentation algorithm has its own pros and cons based on the nature of the image and its quality. Especially, extracting a region of interest from a gray scale image is incredibly complex compared to colour images. This paper attempts to perform a study of various widely used segmentation techniques in gray scale images, mostly in industrial radiographic images that would help the process of defects detection in non-destructive testing.
State Aid in The European Union in the Period of the Economic Crisis
Authors: Działo Joanna
Published: May 2014

The global economic crisis has brought about the need for States’ involvement to rescue many business entities from bankruptcy, initially in the financial sector, and at a later stage of the crisis in the real economy. In the countries of the European Union, these measures take the form of state aid, which is specifically regulated as it bestows benefits on its beneficiaries and therefore violates the rules of market competition. Thus, the provision of state aid is controversial, since it potentially adversely affects the competition policy pursued in the EU. This paper aims to analyse and evaluate the volume of state aid granted in the EU countries during the economic crisis and its potential impact on the health of the economy and the public finance sector.
Support for Economic Activity of People Aged 50+ in Poland: The Best Solutions of the Government’s Programme "Solidarity Of Generations"
Authors: Urbaniak Bogusława , Wiktorowicz Justyna
Published: May 2014

The article aims to assess some selected solutions of the Polish government’s programme “Solidarity of generations” [SG] designed to support economic activity among people aged 50+. It presents the results of a national survey conducted in the first half of 2012, mainly the outcomes of questionnaire interviews carried out with representative samples of people aged 45+ and employers. Studies under the name ‘Diagnosis of the current situation of females and males 50+ on the labour market in Poland [D50+]’ were conducted within the project “Equal Opportunities in the Labour Market for People Aged 50+”. In addition to standard methods of descriptive analysis and the assessment of relations, factor analysis is also used to identify the main types of activities advancing opportunities for people aged 45+. Some solutions of the government’s programme, such as the protection of employees from dismissal during the last four years before their retirement, were sometimes evaluated very differently by employers and people aged 45+. At the same time, both employers and people aged 45+ were favourable about free training and public subsidies to set up jobs for an unemployed persons aged 50+. According to the factor analysis results, the most important activities for people aged 45+ to have equal opportunities in the labour market are those activities that directly improve their qualifications. Although this finding is endorsed by both employers and people aged 45+, the insufficient systemic support for life-long learning limits the number of opportunities they could use to increase their employment activity. The variety of evaluations presented by the beneficiaries of the government programme should be taken into account in planning its modification.
Directions in the Development of Commercial Insurance in Poland and Lithuania
Authors: Witkowska Justyna , Lakštutienė Aušrinė
Published: May 2014

This article analyses trends in the development of the commercial insurance market in Poland and in Lithuania over the last decade. The insurance market changed in the 2002-2011 period. Those changes can be seen in various fields of commercial insurance. Data on the number of insurers, total premiums written, and the trends in claim payments and claim ratios were used to perform a market trend analysis. It should be emphasized that Poland experienced the results of the financial crisis in the insurance market later than Lithuania, which is visible in specific ratios under analysis. In Lithuania, in terms of insurance expenditures, non-life insurance products are definitely more popular, while in Poland life insurance plays the most important role. Poles buy most life insurance from group 1, and Lithuanians from group 3. In the case of non-life insurance, motor vehicle insurance (third-party liability insurance and casco (collision/personal liability insurance)) and property insurance are the leading forms of insurance purchased by both Poles and Lithuanians, as well as other Europeans.
The Effects of Salinity Stress on Seed Reserve Utilization and Germination Percentage of Treated Seeds of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)
Authors: Tabatabaei S.A.
Published: May 2014

In order to investigate salinity stress on seed reserve utilization and seedling growth of treated seeds of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), an experiment was carried out. Factorial experiment was carried out in completely randomized design with three replicates. To create salinity stress, NaCl in osmotic levels at 0 (as control), -4, -8, -12 and -16 bar were used. For seed priming, gibberellin (GA) 50 ppm was used. Our results showed that treatment × drought interaction on these traits: germination percentage, weight of utilized (mobilized) seed, seed reserve utilization efficiency, seedling dry weight and seed reserve depletion percentage were significant. The highest germination percentage, weight of utilized (mobilized) seed, seed reserve utilization efficiency, seedling dry weight and seed reserve depletion percentage were attained from priming by gibberellin at control conditions. Thus, priming increased characteristics as compared to the unprimed. Priming improved seed reserve utilization such as: weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve, seed reserve depletion percentage, seed reserve utilization efficiency and seedling growth in barley under salinity stress.
Effects of Potassium and Iron on Yield of Corn (Zea Mays L.) in Drought Stress
Authors: Zare K. , Vazin F. , Hassanzadehdelouei M.
Published: May 2014

In hot and arid regions, drought stress is considered as one of the main reasons for yield reduction. To study the effect of drought stress, Iron and potassium spray on the yield and yield components of corn, an experiment was carried out during the crop seasons of 2010 and 2011 on Abosaeid research field of Mahvellat as a split factorial within randomized complete block design with three replicates. The main plots with irrigation factor and three levels were considered: irrigation per 6, 9 and 12 days. Subplots were considered with and without Iron and potassium spray. The irrigation reduced the grain yield in irrigation per 12 more than other stages. Irrigation effects significantly on chlorophyll value, leaf relative water content, stem, ear and leaves dry weight, number grain in ear and row, number row in ear, unfilled seed percentage and thousand grains weight. Iron increased the seed yield and yield component, except unfilled seed percentage and SPAD. Using K, as compared with control treatment, causes the increase of grain yield, 1000 grains weight and number grain in ear 16.5, 9 and 5.5% respectively. Potassium could somewhat reduce the impact drought stress on corn.
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Mechanically Agitated Air - Aqueous Sucrose Solutions
Authors: Cudak Magdalena
Published: May 2014

The aim of the research presented in this paper was determination of power consumption and gas hold-up in mechanically agitated aerated aqueous low concentration sucrose solutions. Experimental studies were conducted in a vessel of diameter 0.634 m equipped with high-speed impellers (Rushton turbine, Smith turbine or A 315). The following operating parameters were changed: volumetric gas flow rate (expressed by superficial gas velocity), impeller speed, sucrose concentration and type of impeller. Based on the experiments results, impellers with a modified shape of blades, e.g. CD 6 or A 315, could be recommended for such gas-liquid systems. Power consumption was measured using strain gauge method. The results of gas holdup measurements have been approximated by an empirical relationship containing dimensionless numbers (Eq. (2)).