bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC MATTER ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare (L.) CULTIVATED ON SOILS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METALS
Authors: Leszczyńska Danuta , Kwiatkowska-Malina Jolanta
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of organic matter from different sources on the yield of winter wheat and macroelements content in it. The experiment was carried out in stoneware pots sank into the ground filled up with 56.4 kg of soil: Haplic Luvisols formed from loamy sand. The soil was slightly acidic. The soil was mixed up with liquid form of salts: Cd(NO3)2, Pb(CH3COO)2 and ZnSO4. To the soil a brown coal preparation, so called “Rekulter”, brown coal, peat and farmyard manure were applied in the amount of 180, 140, 390 and 630 g per pot, which is equivalent to 5 Mg of organic carbon per ha. Winter wheat Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare (L.) for grain was cultivated. The manurial value of organic substance originated from different sources expressed as the plants' crop was the highest for Rekulter and the lowest for peat. The addition of organic substance to soil contaminated with heavy metals causes the higher content of potassium, magnesium and nitrogen in winter wheat's grain. The content of calcium and sodium in winter wheat grain's did not depend from addition of organic matter to soil. Organic matter added into contaminated soil increased the uptake of main macroelements by winter wheat straw. Organic matter fertilization broadened the K: (Ca + Mg) ratio in grain and straw.
THE INFLUENCE OF FEEDSTOCK TYPE AND OPERATING PARAMETERS ON TAR FORMATION IN THE PROCESS OF GASIFICATION AND CO-GASIFICATION
Authors: Kamińska-Pietrzak Natalia , Howaniec Natalia , Smoliński Adam
Published: January 2014

Increasing energy demand, limited resources of fossil fuels and environmental aspects are the main rationales of the research efforts aiming at wider utilization of renewable resources and waste in energy generation systems. Gasification technologies are based on thermochemical processing of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels to gas of the composition dependent on kind of gasification agent and operating parameters used. The range of applications of the product gas includes basically chemical and petrochemical industries. Its utilization in power generation systems is also of industrial interest since the environmental impact of gasification technologies is lower and the process efficiency is higher than of coal-fired power plants and it enables to utilize wide range of fuels, including fossil fuels, biomass, industrial waste and various fuel blends. One of the most important operational issues related with thermochemical processing of biomass and waste is the formation of tars, which reduces the energy efficiency of the process and causes technical problems in a system operation. The amount and quality of tars depends on the chemical composition of a fuel, a gasification agent used and its ratio to fuel flow, process temperature and pressure as well as the construction of a gasifier. In the paper review of the research on the influence of operating parameters and kind of feedstock on tar formation and composition in the process of gasification and co-gasification is presented.
From Industrial City to Sustainable City. The Northern Suburbs of Paris Yesterday and Today
Authors: Lebeau Boris
Published: January 2014

Former industrial suburbs, which are now the object of economic and functional transformations almost everywhere in Europe, are suitable testing grounds for implementing a more sustainable urban development. The case of the northern suburbs of Paris, which we will look at here, shows that there is no lack of political will or regulatory tools for imagining and planning this sustainable city. However, the social problems that affect these suburbs are a definite impediment to its realization.
LEGAL REGULATION OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC AND IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Pavlíková Barbara
Published: January 2014

The contribution deals with the Slovak and the EU legal regulation of tobacco and tobacco products. Its primary purpose is to point out the Slovak and European legal acts which constitute the main regulatory instruments in this field using the method of analysis and synthesis. Rules of production, distribution and conditions of use of tobacco and products thereof are in the Slovak Republic contained mainly in two acts - the Act No 335/2011 Coll. on Tobacco Products and the Act No 377/2004 Coll. on the Protection of Non-smokers, as well as in special Decree No 212/2012 Coll., regulating tobacco products. Regulation of excise duty on tobacco products can be found in the Act with the same name - Act No 106/2004 Coll.. Another objective of the paper is also to draw attention to the amendment of Act on Protection of Non-smokers which entered into force on 1 July 2013. The European Union struggles with the negative consequences of smoking at the supranacional level and its institutions - the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU - are already for several years adopting legal acts to facilitate uniformity and easier interpretation of European law also in the field of legal regulation of tobacco and tobacco products. The predominant part of the existing legislation deals with the approximation of laws in areas that are closely related to the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products, but also to the collection of taxes from these products.
Factors influencing individual tree crowns detection based on airborne laser scanning data
Authors: Stereńczak Krzysztof
Published: January 2014

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) technology allows accurate information about the forest environment to be obtained. The high precision of ALS allows the detection of individual trees. An individual tree is composed of many elements and requires relatively complex algorithms. Factors that determine and affect the accuracy of calculating the number of trees can be split into the following groups: biological factors, technical factors related to the flight and data acquisition parameters, technical factors related to data processing, problems of results verification. The article synthesises the main problems arising during the development of methods for detection of individual trees and acquisition of their characteristics in a managed forest in Central Europe.
Modeling light conditions on the forest floor
Authors: Bolibok Leszek , Brach Michał , Drozdowski Stanisław , Orzechowski Michał
Published: January 2014

Contemporary models of light conditions on the forest floor can be divided into two categories: undercanopy models that allow the light conditions in a stand under the canopy to be simulated, and models that take into account shielding from the side. Under-canopy models precisely estimate the availability of wavelengths of light spatially distributed under the canopy of stands: however, these models require a large amount of data on the spatial structure of forest stands. The other class of models describe the light conditions on a particular open surface. These incorporate shielding from the side and are easier to use as they require less data than under-canopy models. In practice, in forest conditions, such models require data on the size, shape and geographical location of surveyed surfaces (e.g. gaps and cut areas) and on the height of the surrounding stand. Often, these data are available in databases, such as the State Forest Information System (SKP), orcan otherwise be obtained relatively easily (and inexpensively). Compared to under-canopy models, these models provide a cheap way to obtain useful information on variation in the light environment that affects the microclimate for regenerating plants on clearcuts and canopy gaps.
The effect of temperature and humidity changes on insects development their impact on forest ecosystems in the expected climate change
Authors: Jaworski Tomasz , Hilszczański Jacek
Published: January 2014

Ongoing climate change is mainly evident as increased in average temperature. It is expected to have a significant impact on world’s biomes, with forest ecosystems especially vulnerable to these changes. The effect of climate change on forests is both indirect, through its impact on various tree species of different ecological requirements, and direct, through its impact on all living components of the forest ecosystem. Among the latter, insects are the group of the greatest importance, including species detrimental to forest health. The impact of climate change on forest insects may be reflected in their distribution, phenology, activity, number of generations and, indirectly, through impact on their natural enemies. Predicting the future direction and pace of the climate change, as well as direct and indirect consequences of its effect on forest insects is difficult and often subject to considerable inaccuracy. The paper presents a review of data from the published literature in this area of study. The influence of the basic climate parameters, temperature and humidity, on forest herbivore insects is discussed, particularly in the context of the most probable scenarios of climate change, i.e. the gradual increase in the average temperature. Observed and projected impacts of climate change in relation to the influence of herbivorous insects on forest ecosystems are characterized. We present some of the possible adaptation strategies of forest management to the expected climate changes.
Digital Filtering of Three-Dimensional Lower Extremity Kinematics: an Assessment
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Taylor Paul John , Hobbs Sarah Jane
Published: January 2014

Errors in kinematic data are referred to as noise and are an undesirable portion of any waveform. Noise is typically removed using a low-pass filter which removes the high frequency components of the signal. The selection of an optimal frequency cut-off is very important when processing kinematic information and a number of techniques exists for the determination of an optimal frequency cut-off. Despite the importance of cut-off frequency to the efficacy of kinematic analyses there is currently a paucity of research examining the influence of different cut-off frequencies on the resultant 3-D kinematic waveforms and discrete parameters. Twenty participants ran at 4.0 m•s-1 as lower extremity kinematics in the sagittal, coronal and transverse planes were measured using an eight camera motion analysis system. The data were filtered at a range of cut-off frequencies and the discrete kinematic parameters were examined using repeated measures ANOVA’s. The similarity between the raw and filtered waveforms were examined using intra-class correlations. The results show that the cut-off frequency has a significant influence on the discrete kinematic measure across displacement and derivative information in all three planes of rotation. Furthermore, it was also revealed that as the cut-off frequency decreased the attenuation of the kinematic waveforms became more pronounced, particularly in the coronal and transverse planes at the second derivative. In conclusion, this investigation provides new information regarding the influence of digital filtering on lower extremity kinematics and re-emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct cut-off frequency.
The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training in Normobaric Hypoxia on Aerobic Capacity in Basketball Players
Authors: Czuba Miłosz , Zając Adam , Maszczyk Adam , Roczniok Robert , Poprzęcki Stanisław , Garbaciak Wiesław , Zając Tomasz
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3-week high intensity interval training in normobaric hypoxia (IHT) on aerobic capacity in basketball players. Twelve male well trained basketball players, randomly divided into a hypoxia (H) group (n=6; age: 22±1.6 years; VO2max: 52.6±3.9 ml/kg/min; body height - BH: 188.8±6.1 cm; body mass - BM: 83.9±7.2 kg; % of body fat - FAT%: 11.2±3.1%), and a control (C) group (n=6; age: 22±2.4 years; VO2max: 53.0±5.2 ml/kg/min; BH: 194.3 ± 6.6 cm; BM: 99.9±11.1 kg; FAT% 11.0±2.8 %) took part in the study. The training program applied during the study was the same for both groups, but with different environmental conditions during the selected interval training sessions. For 3 weeks, all subjects performed three high intensity interval training sessions per week. During the interval training sessions, the H group trained in a normobaric hypoxic chamber at a simulated altitude of 2500 m, while the group C performed interval training sessions under normoxia conditions also inside the chamber. Each interval running training sessions consisted of four to five 4 min bouts at 90% of VO2max velocity determined in hypoxia (vVO2max-hyp) for the H group and 90% of velocity at VO2max determined in normoxia for the group C. The statistical post-hoc analysis showed that the training in hypoxia caused a significant (p<0.001) increase (10%) in total distance during the ramp test protocol (the speed was increased linearly by 1 km/h per 1min until volitional exhaustion), as well as increased (p<0.01) absolute (4.5%) and relative (6.2%) maximal workload (WRmax). Also, the absolute and relative values of VO2max in this group increased significantly (p<0.001) by 6.5% and 7.8%. Significant, yet minor changes were also observed in the group C, where training in normoxia caused an increase (p<0.05) in relative values of WRmax by 2.8%, as well as an increase (p<0.05) in the absolute (1.3%) and relative (2.1%) values of VO2max. This data suggest that an intermittent hypoxic training protocol with high intensity intervals (4 to 5 x 4 min bouts at 90% of vVO2max-hyp) is an effective training means for improving aerobic capacity at sea level in basketball players.
THEORETICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF PROBE SHAPE ON ADHESION FORCE BETWEEN PROBE AND SUBSTRATE IN ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE EXPERIMENT
Authors: Yang Li , Hu Junhui , Kong Lingjiang
Published: January 2014

The quantitative description of adhesion force dependence on the probe shape is of importance in many scientific and industrial fields. We performed a theoretical study on the influences of the probe shape (the sphere and parabolic probe) on the adhesion force at different humidity in order to elucidate how the adhesion force varied with the probe shape in atomic force microscope manipulation experiment. We found that the combined action of the triple point and the Kelvin radius is the guiding trend of the adhesion force, and these two fundamental parameters are closely related to the probe shape. Meanwhile, the theoretical results demonstrated that the adhesion force are in a good agreement with the experiment data if the van der Waals force is take into account.
Subsynchronous frequency of a turbocharger rotor
Authors: Fryščok Tomáš , Žatko Miroslav
Published: January 2014

Shrnutí

Tento článek popisuje posuv sub-synchronní frekvence vlivem změny teploty oleje na vstupu do ložiskové skříně turbodmychadla. Měření bylo provedeno za provozu na spalovacím motoru. Pro mazání turbodmychadla bylo použito externí zařízení pro přesnou regulaci tlaku a teploty oleje. Měření bylo provedeno ve dvou teplotních režimech při 30°C (začáteční teplota oleje) a 100°C (provozní teplota oleje) s konstantním tlakem 1 bar. Výsledky měření jsou prezentovány v tomto článku.
A PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS ON KIZILKUYU WILDLIFE DEVELOPMENT AREA (ŞANLIURFA/TURKEY)
Authors: Faruk Ömer
Published: January 2014

Bordered by Taurus Mountains in the north and Syria - Iraq arid climate zone in the south, Southeastern Anatolia has wide steppe lands. As a conclusion to the phytosociological research done in accordance with Braun-Blanquet (1965) method in Kızılkuyu Wildlife Development Area, which was founded in these steppe lands, three associations belonging to steppe vegetation were found. Two of these associations are new to scientific world. Identified associations were generally found in slightly stony areas inappropriate to agricultural practices. The study area is in Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region and found in C7 square in Grid System (Davis 1965 - 1985).
MAGNETOSTRUCTURAL J-CORRELATIONS IN Fe(III) COMPLEXES – A REVISION
Authors: Vranovičová Beata , Boča Roman
Published: January 2014

The magnetostructural correlations in Fe(III) complexes, originally outlined by Gorun and Lippard has been revised. Other correlation variants have been tested and the dataset enlarged for more recent entries possessing the Fe-O-Fe bridge including dinuclear, tetranuclear and hexanuclear Fe(III) complexes. The resulting relationships confirm that instead of the original suggestions, the correlation could stay as a linear relationship which covers the possibilities of positive values of exchange coupling constants.
SYNTHESIS, CRYSTAL STRUCTURE AND SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF COPPER(II) AND COBALT(II) 3-METHYLTHIOPHENE-2- CARBOXYLATO COMPLEXES WITH FUROPYRIDINES
Authors: Miklovič Jozef , Bašnárová Miroslava , Segľa Peter , Koman Marián
Published: January 2014

The synthesis and characterization of eleven new Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes is reported. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, infrared and electronic spectra. Copper(II) with 3- methylthiophene-2-carboxylic acid (HMTK) forms a dinuclear complex of the acetate type [Cu2(MTK)4(H2O)2]. By reaction of this complex with 2-metylfuro[3,2-c]pyridine (MeFP), not only acetate type complexes [Cu2(MTK)4L2] (L= FP, MeFP) were obtained, but also monomeric complex [Cu(MTK)2(FP)2]. In the cases of [1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine (BFP) and 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) furo[3,2-c]pyridine (CF3FP) only monomeric complexes [Cu(MTK)2L2] (L = BFP, CF3FP) were obtained. It is possible to observe, that with increasing amount of the ligand, the yield of monomeric complexes increases too. In monomeric complexes, the carboxylic group of anionic MTK binds to atom Cu(II) by asymmetrically chelating O,O-coordination. The crystal structure of the complex [Cu(MTK)2(MeFP)2] was determined by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. The copper(II) atom lies in the crystallographic centre of symmetry in an distorted tetragonal-bipyramidal arrangement. The structure of this complex confirms an asymmetric chelate coordination of the carboxylic group. HMTK and Cobalt(II) form coordination compound [Co(H2O)6](MTK)2 with assumed ionic mode of coordination of anionic MTK. With furopyridines monomeric complexes [Co(MTK)2L2] (L= FP, MeFP, BFP, CF3FP) with distorted octahedral coordination polyhedron around Co(II), were formed.
HIGH – PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR ENANTIOSEPARATION OF UNDERIVATIZED α-AMINO ACIDS USING CYCLOFRUCTAN – BASED CHIRAL STATIONARY PHASES
Authors: Moravčík Jakub , Hroboňová Katarína
Published: January 2014

Chromatographic columns with chiral stationary phases based on chemically - bonded derivatized cyclofructans were evaluated for HPLC enantioresolution of underivatized α-amino acids. The analytical study of chiral separation of these analytes was focused on the selection of suitable chiral stationary phase and mobile phase. Using isopropyl carbamate cyclofructan 6 as a chiral stationary phase, α- amino acid optical isomers were separated. The retention and enantioseparation of chiral amino acids were also influenced by a mobile phase composition. The mixture methanol/acetonitrile/acetic acid/triethylamine (75/25/0.3/0.2 v/v/v/v) was found to be the most effective mobile phase for HPLC separation of studied compounds. HPLC enantioresolution of chiral amino acids was thermodynamically studied. Based on the enthalpy and entropy contribution values calculated from the van´t Hoff equation, HPLC enantioseparation under chosen chromatographic conditions was found to be an enthalpically driven.
FLAVONOLS HPLC ANALYSIS, IN VITRO BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES IN SELECTED HUMULUS LUPULUS L. GENOTYPES
Authors: Maliarova Maria , Maliar Tibor , Girmanova Jana , Lehotay Jozef , Kraic Jan
Published: January 2014

The Humulus lupulus L. is well known as necessary raw material for beer production. The main structural classes of chemical compounds identified from hop cones include terpenes, bitter acids, prenylated chalcones, and flavonol glycosides. They were subjects of presented work. The content of quercetin was found in the range 490 - 1092 μg/g and that of kaempferol from 218 to 568 μg/g of the dry hop cones. The content of isorhamnetin was very low in all varieties. From biological activities in vitro point of view, relative high level of inhibition activity was observed for six hop genotypes - Zlatan, Lučan, and the Oswald's clones 31, 70, 71, 72, 114 on both enzymes thrombin and urokinase, but without correlation to analyzed flavonols content. In spite of this, antioxidant activity, measured by both the BCLM and HPE methods, was found high and seem to be in correlation with content of analyzed flavonols. Particularly the Oswald's clone 114 expressed very potent biological activities. In general, obtained results indicate that hop cones are valuable material also for other application others than beer production.
Reflections on the Distinctiveness of Public Administration as a Discipline
Authors: Ringeling Arthur
Published: January 2014

Th e paper discusses some issues which are relevant for the further development of Public Administration as an academic discipline. Firstly, there is reason to be skeptical about universal features of this discipline, as there is much variety in the practice of Public Administration around the world. Secondly, the orientation of Public Administration towards public values is emphasized. Th irdly, the relevance of the concept of a democratic Rechtsstaat as a starting point for the design of Public Administration content must be stressed. And finally, the paper discusses institutional issues, e.g. the question if education of future civil servants should take place at government-controlled schools or within universities.
Distinguishing facts from beliefs: fuzzy categories
Authors: Rabinowitz Mitchell , Acevedo Maria , Casen Sara , Rosengarten Myriah , Kowalczyk Martha , Portnoy Lindsay Blau
Published: January 2014

This paper presents results from five studies that investigate how people perceive the distinction between facts and beliefs. The central question being asked is whether the features that distinguish the categories of facts and beliefs are distinct or overlapping. In each of the five studies, participants are presented with content statements and asked the degree to which they agree with a given statement, the degree to which they think others would agree with it, and whether the statement was a fact or a belief. From these ratings, six possible patterns were derived. The results showed that in many content areas the patterns that describe the statements they categorized as facts and those that they categorized as beliefs had considerable overlap. In addition, participant consensus as to which statements were to be considered facts versus beliefs varied from high to low depending on the specific content being evaluated.
Pilot assessment of nonverbal pragmatic ability in people with asperger syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez Muñoz Francisco J.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to present a diagnostic tool to assess the nonverbal pragmatic behaviors of people with Asperger syndrome, with the intent to give an account of the severity of symptoms in the area of nonverbal interaction, as well as providing a profile of nonverbal behaviors that may be targeted for intervention. Through this communication profile, overall nonverbal ability is calculated in a group of 20 subjects with Asperger syndrome. The proposed scale also includes the measurement of the following nonverbal dimensions: (1) eye gaze, (2) facial expression, (3) body language and posture, (4) proxemics, (5) gestures, and (6) paralanguage. The results of this assessment suggest low nonverbal pragmatic ability in these subjects, show specific deficits in nonverbal communication, and capture variability in nonverbal behavior in individuals with AS.
VALUATION FOR LOAN SECURITY PURPOSES IN THE CONTEXT OF A PROPERTY MARKET CRISIS - THE CASE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND POLAND
Authors: Źróbek Sabina , Adamiczka Jerzy , Grover Richard
Published: January 2014

Valuation for loan security purposes has been a key issue related to property valuation, financial markets and the economy in general. This paper attempts to demonstrate the main reasons for interest in this field by referring to the situation in Poland and the United Kingdom. Moreover, the conditions of valuation for loan security purposes in Europe have been outlined, as well as the new challenges that property valuers have to face. Questions regarding unified and harmonious valuation standards have been presented in relation to international, European and domestic professional standards and legal regulations. The conclusion addresses further challenges of property valuation that must be tackled urgently, because valuation results are strictly connected with the profitability and safety of investments in the property market. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes that uncertainty in the valuation process also needs to be taken into account, as the appraised properties secure loans given by institutions funding their development.
REAL ESTATE MARKET SYSTEM - PHASE SPACE THEORY APPROACH
Authors: Radzewicz Anna
Published: January 2014

The real estate market poses a topic of research in the theoretical sense, as well as encouraging researchers to search for new methods/tools/platforms which would help to understand, manage and undertake all kinds of activities (decisions) within its realm. The process of globalization, need to constantly gather information (create extensive registers), data management, implementation of complicated computing procedures (which only seemingly provide solutions), and awareness and knowledge of market participants are supposed to lead us to "ultimately understand" the structures of the real estate market. However, in most cases, the decisions made in the real estate market realm are not rational.

Market participants do not always act accordingly to the (economic) presumptions of the market and many of their behaviors can easily be viewed as chaotic and impulsive. Owing to this fact, it seems justified to invoke mathematical and physical concepts, and apply them to the real estate market.

This article describes the concept of how the real estate market is perceived according to the phase space theory. Phase space is understood as a multidimensional space of market events where the transfer of rights to real estate takes place and decision-making processes occur. Transaction prices, on the other hand, indicate market development and are an emanation of decision-making processes.

The goal of this article is to provide proof for the hypothesis that the real estate market is a system existing in multidimensional phase space and that the complexity of this space affects the unit price of real estate.
AN ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY THE SEASONALITY OF HOUSING PRICES IN SELECTED POLISH CITIES IN 1996-2012
Authors: Trojanek Radosław
Published: January 2014

Markets of any goods, like the whole economy, are subject to fluctuations, which are usually determined by the economic situation. Fluctuations of different strength affect all markets, including that of real estate. Studies conducted in other countries show that the number of transactions and the price of apartments on the housing market tend to increase in the spring and summer rather than in autumn and winter. In this paper, an attempt was made to verify this relation in Polish conditions using examples of several cities in the period of 1996-2012.
THE USAGE OF POSITAL CANOPEN AGS15 INCLINOMETERS FOR DIAGNOSTIC MONITORING OF SLENDER STRUCTURES
Authors: Wyczałek Ireneusz , Plichta Artur , Wyczałek Michał
Published: January 2014

This paper concerns the possibility of using AGS15 capacitive inclinometers in the geodetic monitoring of slender structures. The basics of geometric monitoring have been introduced, and the features of inclinometers that can be used in these studies have been described. Main expectations towards them have been formulated. Three tests were conducted: (1) a few days' stability test of readings, (2) the test of inclinations controlled tachimetrically and (3) continuous survey of a physical object. It has been found that in order to obtain satisfactory results it is necessary to correct the readings due to the drift and the effect of temperature. The works conducted as part of described project work are not capable of identifying those indicators. To achieve them there were designed the system that support the acquisition and processing of the measurement and also the collection and transmission of results. In the conclusions authors stated that inclinometers AGS15 can be suitable for monitoring, but the works aimed at improving their performance should be undertaken.
Analysis of changes in cyanobacterial and algal flora of selected water reservoirs in Wrocław between 1878 and 2010 (south-west Poland)
Authors: Richter Dorota
Published: January 2014

The paper includes the results of research carried out between 2006-2010 in the city of Wrocław (Poland). The water reservoirs selected for the analysis had previously described phycoflora and these studies were excellent comparative material for the today’s condition of their algoflora. The aim of this research was to conduct detailed studies of the current taxonomic composition of phycoflora in the chosen water reservoirs and to trace the changes which have taken place over time. The research determined the degree of similarity between the different communities in terms of the occurrence of common species and also the changes in their quantity. The study revealed 535 species of cyanobacteria and algae belonging to five phylas. The comparison of the composition of phycoflora from the studied ecosystems from previous years with the current results provided a model study showing the direction and pace of changes in the composition of the flora of cyanobacteria and algae in a given time. The species composition of cyanobacteria and algae in each year is adequate to the trophy of the studied water bodies. The processes in transforming communities of cyanobacteria and algae have led to the stabilization of the current status of the reservoirs as eutrophic.
Chrysophycean stomatocysts associated with the carnivorous plants (genus Utricularia) from Jeleniak-Mikuliny Nature Reserve
Authors: Wołowski Konrad , Piątek Jolanta , Płachno Bartosz
Published: January 2014

An account is given of chrysophycean stomatocysts and algae occurring together with the carnivorous plants known as bladderworts, Utricularia intermedia, U. minor and U. australis, in the peat bog of Jeleniak-Mikuliny Nature Reserve. Eleven chrysophycean stomatocyst morphotypes were found, all reported for the first time from this nature reserve. Among them, two are new records for Europe (stomatocysts 330 and 208) and another two are new for Poland (stomatocysts 112 and 387). Descriptions are provided together with SEM illustrations. General data about cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae occurring with these stomatocysts are enumerated.
The effect of long-term contamination by heavy metals on community and genome alterations of Chironomidae (Diptera) in a stream with mine drainage water (southern Poland)
Authors: Szarek-Gwiazda Ewa , Michailova Pareskeva , Ilkova Julia , Kownacki Andrzej , Ciszewski Dariusz , Aleksander-Kwaterczak Urszula
Published: January 2014

This paper reports on studies of the effect of heavy metals on the Chironomidae that inhabit the Matylda stream, which has been contaminated for about 100 years by discharge water from a zinc and lead ore mine. Stream sediment was strongly polluted by Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn. These metals did not affect the Chironomidae community but strongly changed the genome system of the Chironomidae species that inhabited the sediment. The salivary gland chromosomes of six species belonging to the two genera Chironomus and Prodiamesa are analyzed. In all species the somatic index is calculated on the basis of somatic chromosome alterations. Chironomus riparius has the highest numbers of somatic alterations and the highest somatic index — 9.67. The smallest chromosome G carries the key structures known as “Balbiani rings”, which play an important role in species development. This chromosome is very sensitive in the genome of the most studied species. The high sensitivity of the C. riparius genome is discussed in light of its DNA organization. The results show a high response of the salivary gland chromosomes to heavy metal pollution, and this makes them a valuable indicator in the assessment of water quality and detection of mutagenic agents in the aquatic environment.
Classification Issue in the IVF ICSI/ET Data Analysis: Early Treatment Outcome Prognosis
Authors: Malinowski Paweł , Milewski Robert , Ziniewicz Piotr , Milewsk Anna Justyna , Czerniecki Jan , Wołczyński Sławomir
Published: January 2014

Infertility is a serious social problem. Very often the only treatment possibility are IVF methods. This study explores the possibility of outcome prediction in the early stages of treatment. The data, collected from the previous treatment cycles, were divided into four subsets, which corresponded to the selected stages of treatment. On each such subset, sophisticated data mining analysis was carried out, with appropriate imputations and classification procedures. The obtained results indicate that there is a possibility of predicting the final outcome at the beginning of treatment.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Medical Education on the Moodle e-Learning Platform
Authors: Półjanowicz Wiesław , Mrugacz Grzegorz , Szumiński Michał , Latosiewicz Robert , Bakunowicz-Łazarczyk Alina , Bryl Anna , Mrugacz Małgorzata
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an analysis of learning effectiveness for the courses “Selected issues in visual rehabilitation” and “Ophthalmology and ophthalmic nursing” taught in the years 2009-2011 at the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. We compared the effectiveness of traditional and distance learning methods; an e-learning platform was implemented experimentally for the purpose of this study. We assessed the usefulness of online learning in terms of organization, knowledge gained and students’ satisfaction with the course. The study was conducted among 75 second year master degree students in the nursing field in the academic years 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. The students were divided into two groups. For the study group of 39 persons (52%), lectures and seminars took place on an e-learning platform, while 36 persons (48%) in the control group attended traditional classes. 80% of students in the e-learning group and 89% of students in the traditional group assessed the organization of both forms of courses positively. The fact that the majority of students in both the e-learning (89%) and traditional classes (86%) gave positive feedback indicates that for both forms there was a high level of content and technical preparedness. The mean scores of the final exam for both courses were 82% in the e-learning group and 79% in the traditional group in the years 2009- 2011. The above results show that both forms of learning are equally effective.
Dipolar Tree Ensemble With and Without Adjustment to Competing Risks: Application to Medical Data
Authors: Krętowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2014

The analysis of survival data often aims at the prediction of failure time distribution. In cases of competing risk events, the time distributions of more than one failure are under investigation. In this paper, the comparison of two approaches to analyzing survival data with competing risks is presented. The analyses are performed by use of an ensemble of dipolar trees with and without adjustment to competing risks.
The Stability of Gene Selection in Microarray Experiments
Authors: Wietlicka-Piszcz Magdalena
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses the issue of the stability of lists of genes identified as differentially expressed in microarray experiments. The similarities be- tween gene rankings yielded by various gene selection methods performed with resampled datasets were assessed. The mean percentage of overlapping genes for two rankings varied from 10 to 90% depending on the applied gene selection method and the size of the list. The assessment of the stability of obtained gene rankings seems to be relevant in the analysis of microarray data.
The Knowledge of Medical Professionals from Selected Hospitals in the Lubelskie Province about Diagnosis-Related Groups Systems
Authors: Iltchev Petre , Sierocka Aleksandra , Gierczyński Sebastian , Marczak Michał
Published: January 2014

Health information technology (IT) in hospitals can be approached as a tool to reduce health care costs and improve hospital efficiency and profitability, increase the quality of healthcare services, and make the transition to patient-centered healthcare. A hospital’s efficiency and profitability depends on linking IT with the knowledge and motivation of medical personnel. It is important to design and execute a knowledge management strategy as a part of the implementation of IT in hospital management. A Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) system was introduced in Poland in 2008 as a basis for settlements between hospitals and the National Health Fund (NHF). The importance and role of a DRG system in management of healthcare entities was emphasized based on a survey of medical professionals from two hospitals in the Lubelskie province. The goal of a survey is to assess the knowledge of medical professionals about the DRG system and how the medical personnel uses the DRG system in order to achieve the strategic goals of the organization. A newly developed survey was used to assess the medical personnel’s knowledge of DRG, using 12 closed and 5 open questions. The survey was conducted on 160 medical employees from two hospitals in the Lubelskie province. In conclusion, medical personnel’s DRG knowledge unambiguously contributes to reducing hospital costs and increasing profitability. The DRG related knowledge enables personnel to obtain value from data by applying DRG data-driven decisions.
OCCURRENCE OF GASTRO-ITESTINAL PARASITES IN POLISH PRIMITIVE HORSES FROM THE ROZTOCZE NATIONAL PARK, POLAND
Authors: Slivinska K. , Wróblewski Z. , Gawor J.
Published: January 2014

The study was performed to investigate the gastrointestinal parasite fauna using the method of diagnostic deworming in own modification in 29 Polish primitive horses (Equus caballus) from the Roztocze National Park, south-east of Poland. The parasite community was comprised of 35 species represented by three nematode families (Strongylidae, Ascaridae, Habronematidae), one cestode family (Anoplocephalidae) and larvae of insects from the family Gasterophilidae (Diptera). Strongylidae being 100 % prevalent was represented by 31 species from the subfamily Strongylinae (6 species) and Cyathostominae (25 species). Parascaris equorum was recorded in 48.3 %, Habronema muscae in 55.2 %, tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) in 24.1 % and Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae in 41.4 % of horses surveyed. The present results showed high prevalence of pathogenic intestinal parasites, which create the risk of health problems for horses living free in the reserve as well as stabled horses, when rarely treated.
Destabilizing Sexistentialism and Hegemonic Masculinity in Norman Mailer’sAn American Dream
Authors: Shaw Justin
Published: January 2014

Abstract:

While Mary Ellmann, Kate Millett, and Judith Fetterley have correctly taken Norman Mailer to task for his more overt representations of misogyny in An American Dream (1965), there have been few efforts to reveal how these representations are as critical as they are symptomatic of an American ethos of expansionistic capitalism and of the oppressive practices that secure masculine hegemony in post-industrial America. Thus, I argue that, rather than merely echoing the lamentation of post–World War II “crisis of masculinity” critics, Mailer explores this alleged crisis in shocking dramatic detail, critiquing the oppressive ideology and practices that sustain hegemonic masculinity and capitalism in America.
From Laundries to Labour Camps: Staging Ireland’s “Rule of Silence” in Anu Productions’Laundry
Authors: Haughton Miriam
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT:

Anu Productions premiered their site-specific devised performance Laundry in the former Magdalene Laundry building on Lower Seán McDermott Street, as part of their four-part artistic investigation of this historical city centre district at the 2011 Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival. This essay will offer performance analysis of Laundry (winner of “Best Production,” Irish Times Theatre Awards 2012) and detail how the founding principles of Irish national freedom – the Roman Catholic faith and independent Irish governance – determined that only certain individuals and groups were free, while others were hidden, silenced, punished, and incarcerated for life. Control of the female body existed at the heart of these national power interests, as did careful management of the family unit proper. Visibility, invisibility, free speech, individual agency, and access to political power were all tightly managed privileges in this culture of national, religious, and sexual control and overt gender discrimination.
Resourceful impacts: Harm and valuation of the sacred
Authors: Graben Sari
Published: January 2014

The use of rationalized risk assessment to identify the costs and benefits of protecting Aboriginal sacred sites is ubiquitous in Canadian law. Like other contemporary critics of cost-benefit analysis, I voice concerns with its use to adjudicate moral claims and recognize that it can misidentify the depth of loss experienced by Aboriginal peoples when sacred sites are destroyed. Nonetheless, in this article, I question in what ways technocratic approaches to risk could be helpful in protecting sacred sites. The article draws on two recent environmental assessments, the Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project in British Columbia and the Screech Lake Uranium Exploration Project in the Northwest Territories, to argue that innovative approaches to characterizing loss illustrate the potential of rationalized methods to identify harm better than it has in the past. The panels’ recommendations to reject the projects, based on the risk that the communities would suffer mental and psychological harm, reflect a genuine effort to provide decision makers with the real cost of approving these two projects. While I do not suggest that cost-benefit analysis can represent the loss of absolute values, I argue that, if done with cultural context in mind, assessment may help to extract the type of information needed to find the depth of empathy from which legal solutions may be constructed.
Savigny’s theory of choice-of-law as a principle of ‘voluntary submission’
Authors: Peari Sagi
Published: January 2014

This article offers an innovative understanding of Friedrich Carl von Savigny’s comprehensive choice-of-law theory. This theory has been generally misunderstood in academic literature in that it has most often been perceived as a kind of blind reference to the mysterious ‘universal seat formula.’ In contrast to this commonly perceived view, it will be argued that Savigny’s choice-of-law theory is fundamentally grounded in the single organizing principle of ‘voluntary submission’ as a reflection of the person’s choice. Furthermore, it will be argued that the proposed understanding of Savigny’s choice-of-law theory is not detached from the reality of American judicial practice but, in fact, reflects it. In particular, it will be suggested that Savigny’s approach provides the key to grasping the theoretical underpinnings of the most central element of the popular Second Restatement – the most-significant-relationship principle.
The Effect of Perilla frutescens Extract on the Oxidative Stability of Model Food Emulsions
Authors: Skowyra Monika , Falguera Victor , Azman Nurul , Segovia Francisco , Almajano Maria
Published: January 2014

The polyphenolic profile of leaves and stalks of Perilla frutescens, was assessed as a source of natural antioxidants. The amount of caffeic and rosmarinic acids, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were 0.51 mg/g dry weight (DW) and 2.29 mg/g DW, respectively. The measurement of scavenging capacity against the 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were 65.03 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW, 179.60 mg TE/g DW and 44.46 mg TE/g DW, respectively. P. frutescens extracts also showed good antioxidant properties in 10% sunflower oil-in-water emulsions during storage at 32 °C. Perilla extract at 320 ppm was as effective as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) at 20 ppm in slowing down the formation of hydroperoxides as measured by peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hexanal content. The results of this study indicate that extract of P. frutescens may be suitable for use in the food matrix to help achieve potential health benefits.
Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Contaminants in Dried Sewage Sludge and By-Products of Dried Sewage Sludge Gasification
Authors: Werle Sebastian , Dudziak Mariusz
Published: January 2014

Organic and inorganic contaminants in sewage sludge may cause their presence also in the by-products formed during gasification processes. Thus, this paper presents multidirectional chemical instrumental activation analyses of dried sewage sludge as well as both solid (ash, char coal) and liquid (tar) by-products formed during sewage gasification in a fixed bed reactor which was carried out to assess the extent of that phenomenon. Significant differences were observed in the type of contaminants present in the solid and liquid by-products from the dried sewage sludge gasification. Except for heavy metals, the characteristics of the contaminants in the by-products, irrespective of their form (solid and liquid), were different from those initially determined in the sewage sludge. It has been found that gasification promotes the migration of certain valuable inorganic compounds from sewage sludge into solid by-products which might be recovered. On the other hand, the liquid by-products resulting from sewage sludge gasification require a separate process for their treatment or disposal due to their considerable loading with toxic and hazardous organic compounds (phenols and their derivatives).
Revisiting Respect for Persons in Genomic Research
Authors: Mathews Debra , Jamal Leila
Published: January 2014

The risks and benefits of research using large databases of personal information are evolving in an era of ubiquitous, internet-based data exchange. In addition, information technology has facilitated a shift in the relationship between individuals and their personal data, enabling increased individual control over how (and how much) personal data are used in research, and by whom. This shift in control has created new opportunities to engage members of the public as partners in the research enterprise on more equal and transparent terms. Here, we consider how some of the technological advances driving and paralleling developments in genomics can also be used to supplement the practice of informed consent with other strategies to ensure that the research process as a whole honors the notion of respect for persons upon which human research subjects protections are premised. Further, we suggest that technological advances can help the research enterprise achieve a more thoroughgoing respect for persons than was possible when current policies governing human subject research were developed. Questions remain about the best way to revise policy to accommodate these changes.