bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A synergetic effect of ionic liquid and microwave irradiation on the acid-catalyzed direct conversion of cellulose into methyl glucopyranoside
Authors: Saito Mafuyu , Kishimoto Takao , Hamada Masahiro , Nakajima Noriyuki , Urabe Daisuke
Published: July 2018

Conversion of lignocellulose into useful chemicals is an important research topic in the area of biomass utilization. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MC) was dissolved in a mixed-solvent system containing the ionic liquid (IL) 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) and N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), and the cellulose was directly converted into methyl glucoside (MG) by acid-catalyzed methanolysis aided by microwave irradiation (μWIr). Under moderate reaction temperature and pressure, and in the presence of acetyl chloride/methanol (in situ formed HCl) as an acid catalyst, MG was obtained in a 42% yield. In contrast, in the absence of either IL or μWIr, the MG yield was only 5 or 21%, respectively. Both μWIr and the dissolution of cellulose in IL were quite effective for the conversion of cellulose into MG.
Erhebung syntaktischer Fähigkeiten von Kindern mit Deutsch als Zweitsprache: Ein Methodenvergleich.
Authors: Geist Barbara
Published: July 2018

Ziel dieser Studie ist es festzustellen, ob Kinder in einer Bilderbeschreibungs- und einer Satzvervollständigungsaufgabe die gleichen Ergebnisse in der Produktion deutscher Haupt- (Verbzweitstellung) und Nebensätze (Verbendstellung) erzielen. 47 Kinder (primär mit Deutsch als Zweitsprache) wurden hierzu mit HAVAS 5 und LiSe-DaZ getestet. Trotz einer signifikanten Korrelation zwischen den syntaktischen Fähigkeiten (gemessen als Produktion von Haupt- und Nebensätzen bzw. Verbstellung) in beiden Methoden zeigen die Ergebnisse, dass die beiden Methoden nicht die gleichen Informationen über die Haupt- und Nebensatzproduktion der Kinder zur Verfügung stellen (Übereinstimmung 68 %). 14 Kinder produzieren zwar in der Satzvervollständigungsaufgabe, nicht jedoch in der Bilderbeschreibungsaufgabe Nebensätze mit Verbendstellung. Die Gefahr, syntaktische Fähigkeiten mit einer Bilderbeschreibungsaufgabe zu unterschätzen, wird diskutiert.
Berufsbezogene Bildungssprache: Praktiken der Wissensdarbietung in Prüfungsgesprächen der Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Amorocho Simone
Published: July 2018

Der Beitrag, dem eine Teilnehmersicht auf Bildungssprache zugrunde liegt (emische Perspektive), beschreibt Praktiken der Wissensdarbietung in Prüfungsgesprächen der Pflegeausbildung am Material von zwei inhaltlich vergleichbaren Prüfungsausschnitten. Die dabei rekonstruierten Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Kandidatinnen werden zu den Erwartungen der Prüfenden in Beziehung gesetzt. Dadurch kann gezeigt werden, dass die Normen nicht vollständig mit der abstrakten Idealvorstellung des bildungssprachlichen Registers übereinstimmen, sondern dass das berufsbezogene Setting mit spezifischen bildungssprachlichen Praktiken einhergeht.
Evaluation of anti-obesity and lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus leaves powder extract in a hamster model
Authors: Zagayko Andriy L. , Kolisnyk Tetiana Ye. , Chumak Olena I. , Ruban Olena A. , Koshovyi Oleh M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Vaccinium myrtillus leaves are known to be rich in phenols and have been used in traditional medicine as an antidiabetic remedy. This study evaluated the powder extract of V. myrtillus leaves obtained with the use of L-arginine and myo-inositol for anti-obesity and lipid-lowering potential in hamsters.

Methods

Standard phytochemical methods were used to determine the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extract. The obesity condition was induced in Syrian hamsters by feeding them with highly palatable fat- and sugar-rich diet (40.3 kcal% fat) for 12 weeks. From the 10th week of diet feeding, the obese hamsters were treated with the powder extract of V. myrtillus leaves (15, 25 and 35 mg/kg/day, respectively) and “Styfimol” (6.2 mg/kg/day of hydroxycitric acid) as a positive control drug. At the end of the treatment period, the biochemical parameters as well as visceral fat mass were determined.

Results

Vaccinium myrtillus leaves powder extract at 25 and 35 mg/kg/day caused a significant reduction in body weight gain and visceral fat mass in obese hamsters. Serum triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were also significantly lower. Besides, the hamsters treated with powder extract at 25 and 35 mg/kg/day had the closest intact value ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and LDL-C compared with positive control animals.

Conclusions

The results showed that V. myrtillus leaves powder extract is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity and obesity-induced diseases.
Intracranial pathologies associated with central diabetes insipidus in infants
Authors: Kasim Nader , Bagga Bindiya , Diaz-Thomas Alicia
Published: July 2018

Background

Idiopathic central diabetes insipidus (CDI) has been associated with intracranial pathologies that do not involve the structural pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The objective was to study the association between non-structural hypothalamic/pituitary intracranial pathologies (NSHPIP) with CDI and to review etiologies that may be contributory to the development of CDI.

Methods

A retrospective query of our intra-institutional database from 2006 to 2015. Children admitted diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI) (ICD-9 253.5) between the ages of 0–1 year were included. Patient charts were reviewed to include those who have a documented diagnosis of CDI, hypernatremia (>145 mmol/L), high serum osmolality (>300 mOsm/kg), low urine osmolality (<300 mOsm/kg), and brain imaging reports. Diagnoses of nephrogenic DI were excluded.

Results

Twenty-three infant patients were diagnosed with CDI. Eleven subjects (48%) had NSHPIP. Of those, 18% had cerebral infarction, 27% had intracranial injury and hemorrhage due to traumatic brain injury, 18% had isolated intraventricular hemorrhage, and 27% had meningitis. Hospital prevalence for NSHPIP, age 0–1 year, ranged from 0.05% to 0.3%.

Conclusions

Rates of NSHPIP in those with CDI are higher than expected hospital rates (p<0.001), suggesting a possible association between CDI and NSHPIP.
Polish - Romanian Military Cooperation
Authors: Bąk Tomasz
Published: July 2018

Reborn after WWI, Poland needed to secure its borders properly against a potential enemy. As a result of the undertaken negotiations, the state strengthened the protection of its eastern border with a Polish-Romanian alliance. Before WWII, Romania was an important ally of Poland in the region and the only neighbour with whom Poland had a good relationship. Currently, both states are members of the EU and NATO, and their interests in security converge, especially in the face of deteriorating security in Eastern Europe. Closer military cooperation is also favoured by extensive political contacts and increasing expenditure on defence in both those states. In fact, Romania may well become the main ally of our country in the region within the next few years
Fake News as a Threat to National Security
Authors: Belova Gabriela , Georgieva Gergana
Published: July 2018

We are living in the so-called era of fake news in which cybercriminals have been delving into this phenomenon and turning it into a lucrative business. Fake and invented media websites are created to resemble legitimate media. Some criminals use methods such as modifying legitimate documents and distribute them as part of, for instance, disinformation campaigns. Propaganda is unequivocally bound to national security and it is a risk to it. Since fake news is a unique area where challenges appear to be very complicated, it should be dealt with via more and better usage of national security communications. It is, therefore, no coincidence that the Collins Dictionary has announced “fake news” as a word of 2017. Furthermore, the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel considers that fake news is suppressing the media and society as a whole, calling for an EU-level analysis in order to assess the amount to which fake news menaces the EU and pinpoint whether it is likely to find a common solution regarding this issue
Security of Communications and Informatics Systems within the Modern Battle Space
Authors: Chirca Dorin
Published: July 2018

A basic requirement for a modern communications system is the protection of the communications services provided and of the information transmitted through them. This consists of a set of security measures and procedures organized in accordance with the legal provisions in force within each military structure, for the protection of the stored, processed and transmitted information through communications and informatics systems against threats and actions/inactions that may affect their confidentiality, integrity, availability and authenticity or may affect the operation of communications and informatics systems. In these circumstances, the development of communications equipment and the growing integration of the related technical equipment is accompanied by the emergence of numerous means and processes whereby unauthorized access to classified information may be achieved, both by direct interception of the traffic - especially the one transmitted by electromagnetic waves and the unintended (parasite) radiation of the communications and computing equipment. Therefore, a secure communications system within the modern battle space cannot be concieved without technical equipment needed to protect classified information, mainly based on automatic encryption and on appropriate organizational measures
Intercultural Communication in Military Multinational Operations
Authors: Ispas Lucian , Tudorache Paul
Published: July 2018

The dynamics and complexity of the current operational environment requires military forces, in general, and multinational forces, in particular, new adaptation, relational-communication and action capacities to enable them to identify and combat hypothetical adversaries whose elementary features are their ability to use conventional combat actions correlated with unconventional types of combat. In this context, intercultural communication, seen not only from an internal perspective as a standard of achievement at the level of national contingents, but also externally as an instrument of establishing positive relations with the regional partners, the local population and the other actors of the operational environment, becomes a requirement essential for the performance of multinational military forces in deploying the whole spectrum of operations
Facts Concerning the Counteraction of Military Negotiating Partners, Fastidious and Unfair, in Crisis Situations and War Time
Authors: Vladu Mircea , Popescu Stelian , Popa Ioan Dan , Ilie Florin
Published: July 2018

The applications highlighted the fact that, in crisis situations and war time, there were military negotiations, in which the partners have proven their unfairness and stiffness. The inflexibility and unfairness of the negotiator resides in the fact that he used incorrect tactics⦋1], especially subterfuges, for obtaining advantages. About this negotiating partner we would like to have the following discussion
Arab Spring as a Background of Civil War in Syria
Authors: Żuber Marian , Moussa Samuel Sahel
Published: July 2018

In the paper the reasons of outbreak of conflict in Syria at the background of social and political situation of the Arab world at the beginning of 21st century were presented. The influence of displeasure explosion against governments in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, known as Arab Spring, on the situation in Syria was described. The attention on escalation of tensions between Bashar al-Assad’s government and opposition as a source of civil war in Syria was paid. The foreign players at the arena of Syrian conflict with special concern to United States and Russia activity, as a main contractors in the conflict were shown
Rationality and Subjectivity in Preliminary Analysis of Acquisition Options of Technical Systems
Authors: Badea Dorel , Iancu Dumitru
Published: July 2018

Modeling the acquisition decision and, consequently, managing the capabilities of technical systems involves multiple options that need to be optimized first, based on universal constraints such as time, quality, cost, etc. The criterion of use (private or institutional), according to which analyzes can evolve differently, is also important. Regardless of the way in which these considerations are taken, there is always a difference of approach given by the quantitative and / or qualitative tools used but also by biases, heuristics and mindsets. The article analyzes succinctly, on an example of calculation (based on a matrix used in the theory of decision to evaluate the different alternatives made available, when we have a basic model to be referred to), the universe of these analytical modalities, underlining the idea of making analyzes using a maximum level of objectivity and minimizing as much as possible subjectivism. It has been chosen as a way of applying the field of procurement of technical systems with the possibility of highlighting as many aspects as possible on the decisional criteria. Critical analysis of the robustness of the choices made by the human factor as a rational decision-maker is presented, as it is seen in the classical economic theory, but taking into account the limitations highlighted by modern theories in the fields of psychology and information theory
Organization and Business Environment Collaborative Model to Increase the Innovation Capacity
Authors: Fleaca Bogdan
Published: July 2018

The research aims to identify a modern Business Process Management solution to simulate integrated coordination mechanisms with impact on organization’s innovation. From a scientific and socio-economic perspective, the article is aligned with the European innovation trend that supports organizations' preoccupation to introduce innovation and upgrading processes, technologies and business models. The issues that the author has identified and sought to find answers are to identify that mild method of Business Process Management that can be correlated with the dimensions of organizational innovation in areas such as: the organization's infrastructure, partnership between business members, innovation "inside". The second issue is to limit current approaches by analyzing the current state of knowledge. The research has been included within the boundaries of modeling and simulation of business process flows with impact on organizational innovation vectors. Thus, the paper proposes and presents a set of integrated processes of collaboration between the organization and the business environment using Business Process Management as an integrated coordination mechanism of the organization's innovation
Using a Vector Swot - Analysis to Determine the Guidelines for the Training of Tracked Vehicles Driver in the Bulgarian Army
Authors: Petkov Rosen , Bankatev Ilian
Published: July 2018

In the process of making strategic decisions and defining trends in process development, SWOT analysis is particularly important as a reliable prognosis tool. The results of the situational analysis allow to identify priorities and objectives on the one hand and to assist in the selection of development guidelines on the other. The purpose of the following report is to optimize the process of training the tracked vehicles driver in the Bulgarian Army by defining an indicated vector in a SWOT quadrant and identifying development strategies
Methodology for Analysis and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Using Outsourcing Services in the Bulgarian Armed Forces
Authors: Stefanov Nikolay , Lilov Ilian
Published: July 2018

The improvement of the outsourcing process is directly related to the planned ideas of the managing bodies of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and the initiatives to be implemented. This in turn determines the need to analyse and evaluate the efficiency of the performance of the outsourcing service. The objective is to identify possible deviations from the requirements of the client military unit and to take action to change or improve the outsourcing process. The analysis and evaluation of the efficiency of the used outsourcing services enables an overall vision of the outsourcing process and the fulfillment of the set goals. This article studies and analyses the possibilities for applying a methodology for analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of outsourcing services in the Bulgarian Armed Forces
Jiu Valley’s Mining Activity as an Identity Construction
Authors: Anghel Mariana Eleonora
Published: July 2018

This article focuses upon an approach that is specific to the identity construction of the mining activity in the Jiu Valley while considering demographic movements as a result of the process of making the mining units efficient. The contribution and social responsibility of the decisional factors with a view to outlining a model of social development and to providing a functional balance of the identity modelling of the area becomes a goal of tremendous importance in sociological analysis. Acknowledging the mutations having come out within the configuration of the area represents an important step towards the identification and drawing out of a series of solutions capable to contribute to the revitalization of the region and to determine added value at the level of the community through capitalizing all natural and human resources at a higher standard
Evolution of the Consolidated General Budget and Budget Deficit Between 2012-2016 in Romania
Authors: Huseraș Alin Teodor
Published: July 2018

This article provides a synthetic and easily understandable image of important financial characteristics of the Romanian public system to any person interested in the issue. It draws in general lines the etymology, legal and economic relevance of the budget, as well as the budget system structure and its development under the laws of public finances. It also presents the formation and use of budgetary flows, budgetary principles, consolidated general budget, economic and functional classification and surplus or deficit of budget. The current paper draws on the most known analysis indicators used in the literature. As a group, these analysis indicators convey the level (volume or size), the structure (the destination groups, subgroups, categories) and dynamics (the evolution in time) of budget and can be applied to both income and expenditure budgets. The paper’s objectives are to monitorize the evolution of the consolidated general budget and to analyse the employment deficit in the permissible limits (3%) in the reference period of the study (2012-2016)
Legal Aspects of Electronic Communication and Its Proof According to the Tax and Social Insurance Procedure Code Regulations
Authors: Aleksandrova Valentina
Published: July 2018

The entry into force of new laws governing electronic communications pose new challenges to electronic communication with the judiciary authorities and arise practical issues with its proof. The following article aims to summarize the results of theoretical and practical analysis of the current legal framework on the proof of electronic communications in our country and its regulation in the Tax and Social Insurance Procedure Code. In legal theory, there is a common understanding about the document and its essence, as a means of proof and it is that the document is a thing on which with the written or electronic symbol it is a materialized statement. The electronic document is a means of proof which, by virtue of law, has the same (equal) evidentiary effect, as the written document. The evidentiary effect of the document does not depend on whether the document is written or electronic, but whether it is accompanied by the signature of its author and, above all, the capacity of the publisher compiling the document
Changes in the American Foreign Policy: From Obama to Trump
Authors: Brânda Oana-Elena
Published: July 2018

A change in administration is bound to produce changes in the drawing and conducting of foreign policy. However, the transition from the Obama administration to that of Donald Trump is taking its toll on the manner of making American foreign policy. The calm and relaxed view of Barack Obama was replaced with the ill-tempered view of President Trump, who seemed eager to impress a more rigorous perspective of foreign policy, aiming to turn the United States into an isolationist country. Far from being an appeaser, Obama managed to pursue a pro-active foreign policy, establishing a working relation even with rogue states. On the other hand, Trump is attempting to bolster the state’s foreign policy, by reasserting sovereignty and entering competition with rogue leaders, rather than focusing on dialogue.The aim of the present article is to analyse the foreign policy of both administrations, on a compare and contrast basis, focusing on several aspects, such as the perspective on the role to be played within NATO, the relations to rogue states, the need to further engage in conflicts worldwide in order to bring along peace and security, and the reassertion of state sovereignty
The Distortion of Justice from Non-State Power
Authors: Draghici Aurelia Teodora , Goşa Dumitru
Published: July 2018

The opportunity and the necessity of simplifying the texts of criminalization, the restoration in natural limits of the sanctioning treatment corroborated with the economic and social evolution, the national and international doctrine and jurisprudence, the necessity to ensure the legality, the impartiality, the independence and firmness in the application of the law, represented the justificatory premises of the legislator in order to amend The Penal Code with regard to the crimes against justice. The rationality for introducing new crimes such as "obstruction of justice" suppose to adapt criminal law to the realities of the democratic society, to the provisions of the European norms, the Romanian experience in the field proving that the means of criminal protection of justice were applied shyly and unconvincingly. The sources of obstruction of justice have not reduces but, instead, it amplified and gained new forms, some very subtle, in close contact with the international world
Doctrinal Contributions on the Right to Use the Work Provided by Law No. 8/1996
Authors: Sfârlog Tudor-Vlad
Published: July 2018

In the present study we propose to offer a series of doctrinal solutions regarding the legal analysis of the patrimonial right to use the work of the authors, under Law no. 8/1996. The importance of the approach lies in the in-depth understanding of the institution, the logical and legal motivations of the Romanian legislator’s options and the doctrinal and jurisprudential solutions in the field. Concerning the importance of legal protection of the author’s patrimonial rights, we will mention here only the argument accepted by the opinionated that social development and well-being are inextricably linked to the legal protection of intellectual creation. We assume that the individual would not be encouraged to create in the absence of legitimate protection of the creation of his intellect
Is Christian Faith a Predictor for Empathy?
Authors: Lupu Valentin
Published: July 2018

According to the last census, the majority of the Romanian population officially declares itself as Christian. The core value of Christianity is love and compassion towards your neighbour. The objective of this study was to see if there is a correlation between Christian faith and empathy. The study was conducted on Romanian students. We had three groups of students: Atheists/Other Religions, Nominal Christians and Christians who daily practice their faith. For the assessing of empathy we used Davis’s (1980) Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a self-report instrument and a multidimensional measure of empathy. A comparison of the IRI scores of the three student groups reveals that faith appears to be a predictor of empathy
Visual Aids in Language Education
Authors: Pateşan Marioara , Balagiu Alina , Alibec Camelia
Published: July 2018

Visual aids are powerful tools that can be used to assist the teachers in teaching a foreign language. They can be used to display complex information clearly and introduce variety into the activities in class. The benefits in using visuals in teaching are huge, ranging from grabbing and maintaining attention to motivating students to engage with the lecture’s particular topic and helping them to retain information. Specialists as well as teachers agree on the important role of visuals that can significantly enhance the learning of students that belong to a generation familiar with the visual interface of multimedia and internet technologies. The present paper examines some of the theoretical and practical aspects of the use of visual aids in the English language classroom
Characteristics of the Romanians' Religiosity Highlighted in Their Children's Drawings
Authors: Sorea Daniela
Published: July 2018

The religiosity of the contemporary Western World is marked by the process of secularization that strengthens atheism, but it evolves to a post-secular stage of recovering the values of Christianity in models of good social practices. Contemporary Western religiosity is also characterized by the revival of pre-Christian local beliefs and practices and the spread of new, imported forms of spirituality. Religiosity is a hard to tackle research topic, due to the reluctance of people to talk about their beliefs. Analyzing how children draw God is a way to overcome this difficulty. In the former socialist states of Europe, these characteristics intertwine with the effects of exiting from an atheistic programmatic political regime. Theoretical coding of drawings made on request by Romanian primary school pupils in 2004 and 2016 provides information on children's religiosity. They provide information on how Romanians see themselves on account of their religiosity compared to the trends of evolution of Western religiosity, as well as on the effects of introducing religion as a subject of study in Romanian schools
The Way Romanian Students Refer Themselves to Orthodox Christianity
Authors: Sorea Daniela
Published: July 2018

The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the institutions in which Romanians have great confidence, according to surveys conducted in the country and studies conducted at the level of the European Union in recent years. The results of these researches do not reflect the attitude of young Romanians towards the church. Theoretically coded analysis of 23 essays by sociologist students on their trust or lack of trust in Orthodox Christianity highlights the students' reserve for priests' behavior, communication strategies, financial interests, and their inclination towards opulence. The analysis also highlights the students' tendency to operate with a far wider understanding of things than the canonical concept of Christianity. This tendency, manifests mainly in the declarative separation of faith from church attendance, shows the alignment of students to the post-secular evolutionary direction of European religiosity
The Impact of Health-Conscious Eating in Improving Physical Performance in Military Physical Training
Authors: Stănciulescu Robert , Beldiman Elvira
Published: July 2018

Military conflicts throughout history, as well as in recent times have demanded fighters to possess a complex set of physical and mental skills meant to ensure the foundation of efficiency and functionality, an objective to be attained through a process of intensive training, which many times exerts the body to the extreme. In order to meet these requirements, the military have to adopt a proper sports lifestyle characterized by a health-conscious eating
Opportunities to Improve Interaction Between Employees and Educational Institutions
Authors: Varbanova Boryana
Published: July 2018

In recent years, more and more countries have realised that investing in education is the key to their prosperity. At the same time, there is a trend towards an increase in youth unemployment in almost all European Union countries. On the one hand, the problems which have triggered this process arise from the higher education system, and on the other, from the relationship between the educational institutions and the employers. A subject of interest in this report is a study of how to stimulate interaction between employers, educational institutions and students. The attitude towards internships in different institutions and for different periods of time has also been studied
Adaptivity in E-Learning Systems
Authors: Oancea Romana , Barsan Vlad-Andrei , Bouleanu Iulian
Published: July 2018

The differentiated designing of lessons from the virtual environment can have beneficial effects on the student. In order to achieve the objectives proposed in the course, the content should not only meet the student’s expectations but must be designed adaptively according to the defining elements of each learner. Adaptability in content is an essential factor in maintaining motivation, involving the student, and engaging him/her in the study. The paper analyses approaches for the adaptive building of content by identifying the elements that can influence the achievement of the objectives - motivation, expectation, learner’s style, a priori knowledge
Algorithm for Automatic Determination of the Width of a Bivalent System
Authors: Vasiliu Paul
Published: July 2018

A system is a set of elements that can be found in one of the following states: operating state and fault. Any system has two stable states: functioning and defect, which is why, in the theory of reliability, it is called a bivalent system. A subset of defective elements is called the system cut if all the other elements of the system are in operation and the system is defective. The width of a bivalent system is equal to the minimum number of elements the system cuts have. In this paper we present an algorithm for automatic determination of the width of a bivalent system, a Matlab script that implements the algorithm, a case study and subsequent development directions
Algorithm of the Organisation of Land Forces During Transport of Dangerous Goods
Authors: Minevski Ivan , Hristov Yordan
Published: July 2018

In this publication are analysed the main factors which influence the organisation and realization of transport of dangerous goods on land. An algorithm has been developed for organization of the selected type of land transport when carrying dangerous goods from manufacturer to consumer
Temporal changes in the diet composition of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Hungary
Authors: Horváth Márton , Solti Béla , Fatér Imre , Juhász Tibor , Haraszthy László , Szitta Tamás , Ballók Zsuzsanna , Pásztory-Kovács Szilvia
Published: July 2018

The diet composition of breeding Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) was analysed in Hungary between 2005 and 2017, and compared with two previously published datasets from the periods of 1982–1991 and 1992–2004. Altogether the distribution of 8543 prey items of 126 different species and 29 other taxa were analysed within a 36-years period. We found that the previously abundant Common Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) became marginal (7.42%), while European Sousliks (Spermophilus citellus) practically disappeared (0.03%) from the diet of Imperial Eagles. Small game species, like the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) composed a remarkable part of the diet (11.22% and 28.11% respectively), which raised some conflicts with hunters regionally and probably also contributed to the high prevalence of persecution incidents against the eagles. In parallel with the loss of traditional prey species, corvids (13.10%), pigeons (8.90%), waterbirds (6.83%), other rodents (6.71%), Roe Deers (Capreolus capreolus) (5.59%), raptors and owls (4.88%) became regularly detected prey species. The temporal changes of the main prey categories were analysed between 1998 and 2017, when the ratio of Hamster and Pheasant showed significant decrease (-27.29% and -6.38%, respectively). The ratio of Brown Hare also showed slight decrease (-3.98%), but the change was not significant. On the other hand, the ratio of corvids, waterbirds and Roe Deers within the diet showed significant increase (+18.20%, +6.25% and +5.39%, respectively). The observed flexibility in the foraging behaviour of Imperial Eagles greatly facilitate conservation efforts, as they seems to be able to utilize the most abundant prey sources, i.e. they were not depending solely from the status of any single specific prey source. However, eagles could only shift and survive in those regions, where their traditional preys decreased, if alternative species were available for them.
Analysis of skull morphometric characters in Owls (Strigiformes)
Authors: Pecsics Tibor , Laczi Miklós , Nagy Gergely , Kondor Tamás , Csörgő Tibor
Published: July 2018

Owls (Strigiformes) are small to large birds, mostly solitary and nocturnal predators. They can be found all around the Earth except Antarctica and some remote islands. The species differ in size, diet and habitat, which led to different morphological adaptations of the skull. The main differences are in theorbitaland theoticalregion, which are connected to the visual and hearing capabilities. The aim of the recent study is to increase our knowledge of the relationship between skull shape and foraging habits and tried to find those characters that are related to diet. A geometric morphometric approach was used to analyse two-dimensional cranial landmarks. We used principal component (PC) analyses on measurements that may be related to visual and hearing abilities. The PCs are resulted in the robusticity of the skull and the asymmetry of theoticalregion. There are differences in position and shape of postorbital processes (POP) andtympanicwings (TW). Species with symmetrical skull shape are basically crepuscular or diurnal predators and species with more asymmetrical skulls are mostly nocturnal hunters and have better hearing capabilities.
Effect of renalase (RNLS) gene polymorphisms (rs1088700 and rs2576178) on plasma RNLS level in hemodialyzed patients affected by arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease
Authors: Steć Anna
Published: July 2018

Introduction. We have previously reported that rs10887800 and rs2576178 renalase (RNLS) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the susceptibility to arterial hypertension (HY) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in hemodialyzed patients (HD). However, the underlying mechanism of this link remains undefined.

Aim. In the present study we examine the influence of above-mentioned RNLS gene variants on plasma renalase level in subgroups of HD patients affected by HY and CAD.

Material and methods. In total, 309 hemodialyzed patients participated in the study (157 males and 152 females, mean age 64.1±14.10 years). Rs10887800 and rs2576178 RNLS gene polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. Plasma RNLS level was assessed by ELISA (USCN Life Science Inc., Wuhan, China). The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 23.

Results. Regarding rs10887800 polymorphism, hypertensive AA homozygotes had significantly lower plasma RNLS level (28.93±9.94 μg/mL) compared to AG (34.06±12.79 μg/mL) and GG carriers (36.54±12.01 μg/mL), p=0.002. Among CAD patients no differences in plasma RNLS concentrations between rs10887800AA, AG and GG carriers were observed (31.52±10.95 μg/mL, 34.75±13.37 μg/mL, 34.44±13.10 μg/mL, respectively), p=0.615. For the rs2576178 variant, both HY and CAD participants did not differ in terms of plasma RNLS levels with regard to the particular genotypes, p>0.050.

Conclusion. Obtained results extend our previous findings and indicate for the first time that rs10887800 RNLS gene variant modifies the level of plasma RNLS in hemodialyzed patients with HY but not in those with CAD. The study provides, thus, a new insight into the potential mechanisms through which RNLS gene variants modulate the risk of cardiovascular diseases among patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Pregnant women’s attitudes towards organic food
Authors: Kiczorowska Bożena , Samolińska Wioletta , Klebaniuk Renata , Kowalczuk-Vasilev Edyta , Wójcik Izabela
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Proper and healthy nutrition during pregnancy is one of the strongest external determinants of normal development of the foetus. Due to its health-enhancing properties, organic food is its desirable element. Therefore, the analysis of the consumer behaviour associated with organic food among pregnant women seems relevant, in particular given the small number of scientific reports addressing this problem.

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse pregnant women’s behaviour and attitudes towards organic food. The investigations included opinions of the entire group of respondents and was intended to show differences between individual groups of women classified in terms of having children already or not.

Material and methods. The survey involved 100 pregnant women living in Lublin and its surroundings, which were assigned into two survey groups: women already having children and those without children. An anonymous questionnaire designed as part of the study was the research tool. The questions were focused on indication of the motivations in the purchase and sources of information about organic food as well as consumer behaviour on the organic food market.

Results. A majority of pregnant women assessed their financial situation as satisfactory. The main motive behind buying organic food was their wish to take special care of their health during the pregnancy period and the need to take care of the family. The women were familiar with the concept of organic food. Commercials were the frequent source of information among women expecting the first child and the Internet was the main source of information for those already having children. As specified by the pregnant women, health benefits, naturalness and the absence of chemical contamination are the characteristic features of organic food. Most of the respondents declared an intention to feed their children with organic food to minimise the exposure to chemical contamination.

Conclusions. There were differences in the use of sources of information about organic food or the importance of individual determinants of their purchase by the pregnant women. This knowledge can be used on the organic food market to develop marketing solutions, which will be useful in satisfying the needs of this group of consumers more effectively.
Analysis of the effectiveness concerning initiatives for pedestrians’ safety on roads: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Goniewicz Krzysztof , Misztal-Okońska Patrycja , Rzońca Patryk , Lulek Klaudia , Bednarz Kamil , Goniewicz Mariusz
Published: July 2018

Introduction. One of the most important issues and challenges of public safety policy in highly developed countries is the problem of ensuring road safety, along with dealing with health and material losses resulted from accidents. Unfortunately, Poland, in comparison to other EU countries, has one of the worst statistics regarding accidents and mortality ratios, therefore it is essential to undertake long-term actions aimed at improving road safety, as well as educating drivers and pedestrians.

Aim. The purpose of this study is to analyse the problem and to investigate whether traffic safety campaigns are effective, and if they reach young audience.

Material and methods. The research was conducted in the first quarter of 2018 among the students of Faculty of Health Sciences of the Medical University of Lublin. The study method applied was a diagnostic survey, and the tool was an original questionnaire. The participation was voluntary and anonymous. The obtained results were the subject of later statistical analysis. As many as 153 young respondents aged between 18 and 25 were tested, out of whom 73.68% were women and 26.32% were men.

Results. Over half of the surveyed (56.3%) declared walking as the main form of participation in traffic, and 25.9% of the surveyed used public transport. The most numerous group of the examined (34.21%) thought that the Polish roads were rather unsafe. As the reasons for the low safety on the Polish roads the respondents identified: bad condition of the roads (69.1%), drivers’ recklessness (67.1%), and maladjustment of the driving style to weather conditions (60.5%). All respondents have encountered campaigns concerning road safety, however not too often (56.58% less than once a month). The surveyed encountered these social campaigns on TV (88.2%), on the Internet (54.6%), and on billboards (23.7%).

Conclusion. Promotional campaigns concerning road safety have a greater impact on women. In the examined group, around 67% of women changed their behaviour as a result of the campaigns, and only 42.5% of men. Social campaign which was best remembered, and had the biggest influence on the respondents (50.3%) was „Say STOP to reckless driver you love”.
Difference in vertical jumping abilities, endurance and quickness of regeneration lower extremity muscle groups after physical effort between CrossFit and climbing athletes
Authors: Gawda Piotr , Ginszt Michał , Smołka Jakub , Paćko Michał , Skublewska-Paszkowska Maria , Łukasik Edyta , Majcher Piotr
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Productive sporting performance in various sports disciplines often heavily depends on jumping abilities as well as on lower limb muscles power and endurance of the athletes involved. Both CrossFit, a popular high-intensity training program and sport climbing require lower extremity muscular power and endurance.

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare vertical jumping abilities, endurance and quickness of the regeneration in gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), vastus medialis (VMO) and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles in CrossFit athletes and sport climbers.

Material and methods. The study comprised 20 male athletes aged 24.3±4.7, divided into two equal groups: training CrossFit (CF) and sport climbers (SC). Vertical jump test was recorded by Vicon® motion capture system and AMTI® biomechanics force platforms. The myoelectric activity of the GL, VMO and GM muscles was recorded by myon®.

Results. Significant difference in height of vertical jump in CrossFit athletes and sport climbers was observed (SC: 125.43 cm, 120.92 cm; CF: 110.42 cm, 110.86 cm; p<0.05). The endurance of the GL muscles in athletes using CrossFit training is significantly higher in comparison to sport climbers. Athletes training CrossFit have a better ability to recover GL, GM and VMO muscles than sport climbers.

Conclusions. Sport climbers have better results in vertical jump tests than the athletes doing CrossFit. The endurance of the GL muscles in athletes doing CrossFit is higher in comparison to sport climbers. Athletes doing CrossFit have also better ability to muscles recover than sport climbers.
Use of propolis in difficult to heal diabetic wounds. Short review
Authors: Chylińska-Wrzos Patrycja , Lis-Sochocka Marta , Jodłowska-Jędrych Barbara
Published: July 2018

According to WHO, about 347 million of people worldwide suffer from diabetes. Diabetes has complex etiology, and the consequences of this illness are seen in the morphological changes of many tissues and organs i.e. neuropathy leading to the risk of diabetic foot. Due to the diabetic condition, injuries to blood vessels in diabetic foot can be classified as chronic. This is because such wounds remain unresponsive to treatment for months or even years. There are many therapeutic methods employed in treating such injuries. These involve the use of silver, iodine or multi-antibiotic preparations, but treatment is expensive and cumbersome for patients. In the natural environment, however, there are many anti-inflammatory preparations, among them propolis which was the subject of our focus. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, propolis is widely used in the treatment of colds, caries, rheumatic diseases, heart diseases and treatment of burns, wounds and frostbites. Numerous studies also indicate the beneficial effects of propolis on the difficult to heal diabetic wounds in which the use of propolis can significantly accelerate the healing process. The treatment utilizing propolis is easy, inexpensive and does not seem to cause any side effects, therefore costs can be reduced to minimum. The few studies conducted in diabetic patients confirm the results obtained in laboratory animals.
Probleme bei der Übersetzung historischer Fachterminologie der Blank- und Handfeuerwaffen der Habsburgermonarchie im Sprachenpaar Deutsch – Slowakisch
Authors: Bajusová Miroslava
Published: July 2018

The study deals with the problems in the translation of the historical terminology of cold weapons and firearms of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries. It describes the theoretical and practical historical specificities of the translation of scientific texts in the German – Slovak language pair. The short theoretical introduction is followed by an analysis of the various language phenomena and difficulties encountered in the translation from the source language to the target language, and justification of the solutions.
Handling Sin in Seventeenth-Century Ukraine: the Sacrament of Confession between Community and Individuals
Authors: Bartolini Maria Grazia
Published: July 2018

My paper has two aims: first to examine the place of early modern Ruthenian sacramental confession within the disciplining of attitudes enforced by the modern state and church upon the conduct of daily life. Second, to explore its contribution to the creation of a new relationship between the private sphere of conscience and the public sphere of politics and laws. In this study, I turn to homilies, sacramental treatises, and confessional manuals to reconstruct a “genealogy of confession” that takes into account both its disciplinary function as a means of preventing transgression and its role in stimulating the birth of an independent normative sphere for conscience.