bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the International Advisory Service at the University of Edinburgh
Authors: Pearson Kim
Published: November 2013

The University of Edinburgh has a long- standing reputation as a globally recognized institution; having been at the forefront of international education since its founding in 1583. In recent years the University has striven to retain a strong position in the global arena, in terms of research, quality and accessibility of education and overall international influence. The University’s internationalization strategy sets out a plan to maintain the institution’s global standing, but also proposes a number of long-term aims. These include increasing the number of international students as well as facilitating globalization by embedding it in the ethos of the institution; something which is certainly of crucial importance in today’s multinational society (University of Edinburgh, 2009).
Online support in study skills for international students at UCLAN
Authors: Reid Paul James
Published: November 2013

This article highlights the issue of study skills support for international students within the context of an MSc course at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK (UCLAN). It provides an overview of key aspects of international students’ study experiences, and analyses UCLAN’s, and other Universities’ attempts to accommodate the needs of students in this respect. It is a reflective piece of work which reports on the authors’ involvement in an internationally oriented study skills programme, and aims to present an empathic approach to students’ experiences of study in a new country.

A course-specific online study skills package is posited as a useful way of enhancing the academic success of international students prior to commencement of study in the UK. The article describes a piece of ‘action oriented research’ (Small 1995) which will assess the efficacy of such a package with respect to the MSc Applied Public Health at UCLAN.
Coping with the first fail: a strategic approach to student retention
Authors: Smith Simon , Lee Andrea
Published: November 2013

This short report presents the findings of a pilot study conducted to tackle student attrition within year 1 undergraduate business school programmes. The approach tracks across a year of study 13 Accounting and Finance students (the business programmes with distinctly the worst attrition statistics) from a cohort of 92 who failed their very first assessment in higher education. A variety of interventions were used within an action research approach, including interviews, coaching and general academic skills support classes. 12 of these 13 ‘at risk’ students successfully passed their year of study and continued their studies within the institution. Ultimately, the study presents an alternative and strategic micro-level approach that could prove useful in the continuous efforts towards improving student retention.
An action research project to explore the effect of a pre-assessment intervention with undergraduate occupational therapy students
Authors: Volkert Anita
Published: November 2013

This action research study was conducted with 40 undergraduate occupational therapy students completing a Level 6 module. Following identification of the issue of student performance in the module assessment, an emancipatory action research cycle was implemented (Atwal, 2002), consisting of a pre-assessment intervention (Rust et al., 2003) to enhance student understanding of the assessment criteria being used. Results were gathered via reviewing student performance and comments from student module evaluations. Reflection and wider implementation of the action was then completed. The project resulted in an indication of improvement in student performance in the module assessment and a reported increase in student engagement. Findings suggest the need to include some form of formative feedback or pre-assessment intervention in all undergraduate modules in health and social care education. Recommendations for further research are discussed.
Using culturally relevant case studies to enhance students’ learning: a reflective analysis of the benefits and challenges for social work students and academics
Authors: Tedam Prospera Sorviel
Published: November 2013

‘Internationalising the curriculum’, ‘multi-cultural education’, ‘culturally sensitive’ education, and ‘culturally competent teaching’ are terms often used to describe teaching and learning which provides opportunities for learning about multiple and diverse contexts in which specific aspects of knowledge can be applied. In social work education, there is a growing call for an international outlook in teaching and practice learning to enhance the experiences of learners and also to prepare graduates for working in a global context. Using a case study approach, this article will explore the particular experiences of a student of Zimbabwean origin and the adoption of an African focussed example used to facilitate the particular student’s learning. In particular, Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1977) will be discussed drawing upon themes and ideas from Africa with the aim of demystifying and making accessible social work theory to a diverse student group. The paper concludes that the use of culturally relevant case studies is an effective and beneficial strategy to engage a diverse student group and calls academics to make creative and innovative use of their skills, knowledge and expertise in the area of social work pedagogy.
Assessing the impact of students facilitating workshops within the context of a collaborative cross institution project
Authors: Petrey Grant
Published: November 2013

This research was conducted to evaluate the impact that situated collaborative learning projects can have on the experience of students who lead workshops as student facilitators. Following the ‘Communities of Practice’ work of Lave and Wenger (1991), this cross institution project was developed in conjunction with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Kent, and Turner Contemporary, Margate, and Charles Dickens School. Secondary school, further education and higher education students produced animation work from source materials obtained from the Margate Community in a series of short workshops. These workshops were facilitated by mixed stage student volunteers from the BA (Hons) Animation Arts course, School of Fine Arts at UCA. The impact of this project on the student experience as a strategy for enhancing critical skills and improving self-efficacy is considered via qualitative research yielded from student feedback. The results revealed the approaches used by the student facilitators in managing the learning of others and a range of cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies which they deployed, including evidence of scaffolding.
Editorial
Authors: Maunder Rachel , Turner Scott , Sneddon Simon , Crouch Anna
Published: November 2013

An introduction to this re-launch edition of the journal by the new members of the editorial team
Profit-Seeking Behavior of Medical Providers and Generic Competition in the Pharmaceutical Market: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Liu Ya-Ming , Hsieh Chee-Ruey
Published: November 2013

Promoting competition between brand-name and generic drugs has long been recognized as an approach adopted to save on health care costs. However, there are substantial variations in the extent of the generic competition across countries. This study empirically estimates the determinants of the generic market share in Taiwan, where medical providers are in a position to profit directly from the sale of prescription drugs. Our empirical results point out that the profit-seeking behavior of medical providers plays an important and dominant role behind generic competition in the pharmaceutical market. As a result, there is a positive association between the generic-to-brand price ratio and the generic market share in Taiwan’s pharmaceutical market, which contrasts with the conventional empirical finding that the relationship between the generic-to-brand price ratio and generic market share is negative. An important implication of our study is that the profit-seeking behavior of medical providers undermines the policy effectiveness of using generic competition as the cost containment strategy in the health care market.
Risk of inferior vena cava compression syndrome during fetal MRI in the supine position – a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kienzl Daniela , Berger-Kulemann Vanessa , Kasprian Gregor , Brugger Peter C. , Weber Michael , Bettelheim Dieter , Pusch Franz , Prayer Daniela
Published: November 2013

Objectives: Inferior vena cava compression syndrome (VCCS) is a serious complication of supine fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, particularly during late gestation. This morphologic study correlated the occurrence of VCCS with the grade of inferior vena cava (IVC) compression.

Materials and methods: There were 56 fetal MRI in the supine position [median gestational weeks (GW) 27+4] and 16 fetal MRI in the lateral position (median GW 30+6) retrospectively analyzed. The grade of maternal IVC compression was determined by the maximal anterior-posterior diameter (DAP) at the level of L4/L5. Fetal head position and right-sided uterus volume were analyzed. Clinical VCCS-related symptoms during fetal MRI were assessed.

Results: A noncompressed IVC was present in 1.8% (n=1) and a DAP of 5 to <10 mm in 33.3% (n=19) and 1 to <5 mm in 64.9% (n=36). The DAP was independent of fetal head position (P=0.99) and showed no significant correlation with gestational age (r=0.33). IVC compression increased with right-sided uterus volume (r=–0.328; P=0.014). There was a significant difference in DAP in the lateral position compared with the supine position (P<0.001). Clinical assessment revealed no symptoms of VCCS in any woman.

Conclusions: The presented data support the concept of physiologic compensation for significantly reduced venous backflow in the supine position during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Evaluation of dihydropteridine reductase activities in patients with kidney failure
Authors: Palabıyık Şaziye Sezin , Aşçı Ali , Girgin Gözde , Şahin Gönül , Çetinkaya Ramazan , Baydar Terken
Published: November 2013

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood. The most important factors causing ESRD that require hemodialysis are diabetes and hypertension. There are limited numbers of studies to evaluate tetrahydrobiopterin pathway in these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate tetrahydrobiopterin pathway by measuring its important components, biopterin to creatinine concentrations and dihydropteridine reductase activities in diabetes and hypertension patients treated with/without hemodialysis. The patients undergoing hemodialysis were classified as diabetic nephropathy (n=21), hypertensive nephropathy (n=20) and others (n=30), while the controls consisted of healthy subjects (n=21), diabetic subjects (n=23) and hypertensive subjects (n=22) without any renal disorder. It was found that urinary biopterin to creatinine concentrations significantly increased in kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis compared to the healthy control group (p<0.05). Additionally, there were significant differences in urinary biopterin to creatinine concentrations between diabetes or hypertension patients and their hypertensive or diabetic control counterparts (both p<0.05). Our results indicated an alteration in tetrahydrobiopterin pathway in ESRD, and in the presence of secondary pathologies such as diabetes and hypertension in the patients undergoing hemodialysis, more considerable changes are observed in the pathway.
Identification of four common α-thalassemia gene deletions among a group with hemoglobinopathies in Sétif population, Algeria
Authors: Houcher Bakhouche , Öztürk Ayşenur , Begag Samia , Houcher Zahira , Akar Nejat
Published: November 2013

α-Thalassemia (α-thal) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world. It is characterized by the absence or reduced expression of α-globin genes. This study was carried out to evaluate the allelic frequency of α-thal defects in a patient for the first time in Sétif (Algeria). One hundred and two patients with hemoglobinopathies from Sétif region, Algeria, presenting thalassemia were included in this study. Genomic DNA isolation was carried out according to standard methods. For identifying the α-thal genotype, investigation of α-globin gene deletions (-α3.7, -α4.2, -MED and -α20.5) was performed by using multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the three deletions found, the most mutations were the -α3.7 (10.78%), followed by the -MED (5.88%) and -α20.5 (0.98%), whereas the -α4.2 deletion was not observed (0.0%). The allele frequency is 0.054 (11/204) for the 3.7 deletion, 0.029 (6/204) for the MED and 0.005 (1/204) for the 20.5. Molecular heterogeneity of mutations is typical of α-thal in Algeria. Our findings will be valuable and essential for the molecular diagnosis and prevention strategies of hemoglobinopathy gene mutations in the Algerian population.
Incidence of haematological malignancies in adults in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county between 1983 and 2012. The figures of a thirty-year period – an analysis
Authors: Jakó János , Szerafin László , Nagy Péter
Published: November 2013

Introduction: In their previous work the authors reported 25 years’ findings on the incidence of haematological malignancies in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, Hungary. However, there are no other studies on this topic available in Hungary. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyze the incidence of malignant haematological disorders between 1983 and 2012 using data obtained from the leukaemia/lymphoma registry of the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. Method: Between January 1, 1983 and December 31, 2012, 3964 adult patients with newly diagnosed haematological malignancy were recorded in the registry. Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or monoclonal gammopathy were not registered. Results: The annual number of newly diagnosed patients indicated an increasing tendency of malignant haematological disorders. The increase was primarily due to the increasing number of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and essential thrombocythaemia. Conclusions: These observations are in line with data reported in the international literature. The incidence rate of haematological malignancies in this region of Hungary was similar to data published in populations from Western European countries and the United States. Orv. Hetil., 154(47), 1858–1864.
Importance of the case of coronavirus-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome detected in Hungary in 2005
Authors: Rókusz László , Jankovics István , Jankovics Máté , Sarkadi Júlia , Visontai Ildikó
Published: November 2013

Ten years have elapsed since the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, which resulted in more than 8000 cases worldwide with more than 700 deaths. Recently, a new coronavirus, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus emerged, causing serious respiratory cases and death. By the end of August 2013, 108 cases including 50 deaths were reported. The authors discuss a coronavirus-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome, which was detected in Hungary in 2005 and highlight its significance in 2013. In 2005 the patient was hospitalized and all relevant clinical and microbiological tests were performed. Based on the IgG antibody positivity of the serum samples, the patient was diagnosed as having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in the past. The time and source of the infection remained unknown. The condition of the patient improved and he was discharged from the hospital. The case raises the possibility of infections in Hungary imported from remote areas of the world and the importance of thorough examination of patients with severe respiratory syndrome with unknown etiology. Orv. Hetil., 154(47), 1877–1882.
Phylogeographic pattern of Jenynsia multidentata(Cyprinodontiformes: Anablepidae) in the southern boundary of the Brazilian Subregion, Argentina
Authors: Bruno María Cecilia , Casciotta Jorge Rafael , Almirón Adriana Edith , Lizarralde Marta Susana
Published: November 2013

The Atlantic drainage basins are located in the southern Pampean area, in the southernmost part of the Brazilian subregion. Tectonic and paleoclimatic phenomena, occurring during the Quaternary, have currently isolated these basins from the present hydrographic system. Their ichthyofaunal composition is similar to that of hydric systems located further northward. Jenynsia multidentata is a species with wide distribution in the Atlantic drainage basins, as well as in those Northern basins. Here we investigated the phylogeographic pattern of Jenynsia multidentataand analyzed its relationships with the paleoclimatic and geologic history of the region. The analysis of the population's assemblage showed moderate genetic diversity, demographic equilibrium and marked genetic structure in the populations that occupy the extremes of the distributional range. The populations in the center of the range did not present genetic diversity, sharing a single haplotype. These results allow inferring that the presence of Jenynsia multidentata in the area results from historical demographic processes that are independent but complementary. In turn, these processes could arise from paleoclimatic changes occurred during the Quaternary.
Three new species of Astyanax from drainages of southern Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Lucena Carlos A. S. de , Castro Jonas Blanco , Bertaco Vinicius A.
Published: November 2013

Three new species of Astyanax are described from southern Brazil: A. dissensus and A. xiru from the laguna dos Patos system and rio Uruguay basin, the first species also occurring in the rio Tramandaí system, and A. procerus from the laguna dos Patos system. Astyanax procerus and A. xiru possess outer row premaxillary teeth pentacuspid and inner row heptacuspid, maxillary with one tri- to pentacuspid teeth, 18-23 branched anal-fin rays, and two humeral spots. Astyanax procerus has the largest body depth (38.3-46.0% of SL), while A. xiru has the lowest body depth (32.5-37.5% of SL) among the three species. The characters combination can distinguish these species from its congeners. Astyanax dissensus distinguish from Astyanax species by the presence of one developed heptacuspid teeth on maxillary, 22-28 branched anal-fin rays, 35-39 perforated scales along the lateral line, two humeral spots, conspicuous lateral band continuous on middle caudal rays, 6-7 scale row between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line, and head length 22.7-27.3% of SL. All three species has the predorsal region of the body scaled. An identification key to the species of Astyanax species from the rio Uruguay basin, and laguna dos Patos and rio Tramandaí systems is provided.
Breeding, growth and exploitation of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii Castelnau, 1855 in the Caqueta River, Colombia
Authors: Córdoba Edwin Agudelo , León Ángela Viviana Joven , Bonilla-Castillo César Augusto , Petrere Junior Miguel , Peláez Marlón , Duponchelle Fabrice
Published: November 2013

The main life history traits of the large Amazonian migratory catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii were determined in the Caqueta River, Colombia. The breeding season occurred during the rising and falling water periods. The size at first sexual maturity was significantly larger for females (88.5 cm Ls) than males (81.7 cm). Both males and females reproduce for the first time between their third and fourth year. The growth characteristics were estimated using length frequency analyses. Females grew systematically larger than males, the difference being about 9% after the first year and increasing to 12% for ten years old individuals. Mortality estimates, calculated from different models, some taking into account the effect of body size, ranged from 0.32 to 0.42 year-1 for natural mortality and from 0.72 to 0.82 year-1 for fishing mortality, indicating high fishing pressure in the Caqueta River, higher than in the Peruvian Amazon. Resulting exploitation rates (0.63 to 0.72) pointed towards overexploitation of the species in the Caqueta. The situation calls for a concerted management between the countries sharing this resource (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru) and potential solutions are proposed.
Preference behavior of silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, juveniles in waters with pH gradients: laboratory experiments
Authors: Golombieski Jaqueline Ineu , Becker Alessandra Janaína , Almeida Caroline Bruzza , Almeida Ana Paula Gottlieb , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the preferred pH in silver catfish Rhamdia quelenjuveniles acclimated to different water hardness and the effect of shelters and infection by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Fish were acclimated for two weeks at different water hardness levels (4, 24, 50, or 100 mg CaCO3 L-1) and then transferred to a polyethylene tube with a pH gradient ranging from 3.5 to 11.7 and maintaining the same hardness. The position of the fish in the pH gradient was observed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h after transfer. Acclimation to different water hardness did not change pH preference of uninfected silver catfish (pH 7.30-7.83), and the presence of a shelter at the preferred pH or outside this preferred pH did not change the chosen pH range, either. Consequently silver catfish favored the acid-base regulation over shelter seeking tendency. Juveniles infected with I. multifiliis acclimated to water hardness of 24 mg CaCO3 L-1 preferred alkaline pH (9.08-9.79). This choice is not explained by the higher Na+ levels at alkaline pH compared to neutral pH because infected and uninfected fish choose the same waterborne Na+ levels in a Na+ gradient with the same pH.
Efficacy of eugenol and the methanolic extract of Condalia buxifolia during the transport of the silver catfish Rhamdia quelen
Authors: Becker Alexssandro Geferson , Cunha Mauro Alves da , Garcia Luciano de Oliveira , Zeppenfeld Carla Cristina , Parodi Thaylise Vey , Maldaner Graciela , Morel Ademir Farias , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: November 2013

This study evaluated extracts of Condalia buxifolia as anesthetics for the silver catfish Rhamdia quelen. The effectiveness of eugenol and of the methanolic extract (ME) of C. buxifolia during the transport of this species was also assessed. Fish of two different weights (1.50±0.02 g and 165.70±22.50 g) were transferred to aquaria containing water with the C. buxifolia ME or with fractions obtained from the ME, such as the n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butane and aqueous fractions, at concentrations from 0-300 °L L-1. The C. buxifolia ME in the 0.5-120 °L L-1range caused only light sedation, and the fractions did not have an effect on the fish. In the second experiment, another group of fish was transported for 12 h in 15 plastic bags. The fish were divided into five groups: control, 1 or 2.5 °L L-1 eugenol and 25 or 50 °L L-1C. buxifolia ME. The non-ionized ammonia levels were lower at the end of transport in the groups with the compounds than in that with water alone. Moreover, both compounds decreased the Na+, Cl-, and K+ net effluxes; therefore, their addition to the water during transport is advisable because they reduce fish mortality and ion loss.
Local and regional influences over soil microbial metacommunities in the Transantarctic Mountains
Authors: Sokol Eric R. , Herbold Craig W. , Lee Charles K. , Cary S. Craig , Barrett J. E.
Published: November 2013

The metacommunity concept provides a useful framework to assess the influence of local and regional controls over diversity patterns. Culture‐independent studies of soil microbial communities in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of East Antarctica (77° S) have shown that bacterial diversity is related to soil geochemical gradients, while studies targeting edaphic cyanobacteria have linked local diversity patterns to dispersal‐based processes. In this study, we increased the spatial extent of observed soil microbial communities to cover the Beardmore Glacier region in the central Transantarctic Mountains (84° S). We used community profiling techniques to characterize diversity patterns for bacteria and the cyanobacterial subcomponent of the microbial community. Diversity partitioning was used to calculate beta diversity and estimate among‐site dissimilarity in the metacommunity. We then used variation partitioning to assess the relationship between beta diversity and environmental and spatial gradients. We found that dominant groups in the soil bacterial metacommunity were influenced by gradients in pH and soil moisture at the Transantarctic scale (800 km). Conversely, beta diversity for the cyanobacterial component of the edaphic microbial metacommunity was decoupled from these environmental gradients, and was more related to spatial filters, suggesting that wind‐driven dispersal dynamics created cyanobacterial biogeography at a local scale (<3 km).
Antibacterial Activity of Biosecur® Citrus Extract Surface Cleaner Against Vibrio Vulnificus
Authors: Cormier Jiemin , Scott Ronson , Janes Marlene
Published: November 2013

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Biosecur®citrus extract surface cleaner againstVibrio vulnificususing plate count method. Two concentrations, 0.5% and 2% of Biosecur®surface cleaner were plated onVibrio vulnificusAgar (VVA) and tested for reduction ofVibrio vulnificus. In order to investigate the lasting residual activity of Biosecur®, antibacterial activity tests were also performed at time intervals up to 2.5 h after Biosecur®was plated on VVA. Biosecur®showed 6-log reduction ofVibrio vulnificusat 2%, and 3-log reduction ofVibrio vulnificusat 0.5%. The antibacterial activity of 2% Biosecur®againstVibrio vulnificuswas shown to be equivalent to that of tetracycline. The residual activity of 2% Biosecur®was shown to maintain for at least 2.5 h after application. This study confirmed the high activity and long lasting residual effect of a safe, non-toxic organic food grade surface cleaner.
The influence of fertilization on yield of caraway, anise and coriander in organic agriculture
Authors: Acimovic Milica
Published: November 2013

Many plants of Apiaceae family have long been well known because of flavorful
aromatic spice and, because of its healing properties, are often used in folk
medicine and in cooking. In our study three plants of this family were
included: caraway (Carum carvi L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and
coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Regarding good agro-ecological conditions
for growing these plants in Serbia, and a new world trend of increasing
organic agricultural production, the aim of this study was to investigate the
effects of application of various types of fertilizers on yield of studied
plant species. The field experiment was carried out during the years of 2011
and 2012, in three localities in Vojvodina Province with the local ecotypes
and six different treatments (control, ?Slavol?, ?Bactofil B-10?, ?Royal
Ofert?, vermicompost and NPK). The highest caraway yield was obtained by the
application of biofertilizer ?Bactofil B-10?. As regards anise and coriander
the highest yield was achieved by the application of chemical fertilizer. The
most effective organic fertilizers were the following: vermicompost for anise
and specific poultry manure ?Royal Ofert? granules for coriander.
Biological and productive characteristics of apple cultivars resistant or tolerant to scab [Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Wint.]
Authors: Djordjevic Boban , Vulic Todor , Djurovic Dejan , Milatovic Dragan , Zec Gordan , Radovic Aleksandar
Published: November 2013

Biological and productive characteristics of 11 scab-resistant apple
cultivars were studied in the period 2011-2012 on the estate of the monastery
Zica in Central Serbia. Control cultivar for comparison was ?Idared?, as the
most spread apple cultivar in Serbia. The earliest blooming was found in
cultivar ?Topaz?, and the latest in cultivar ?Rewena?. Based on the time of
fruit maturation, three cultivars belong to the summer and autumn group, and
five cultivars belong to the winter group. The strongest vegetative growth
was found in cultivars ?Sampion?, ?Prima?, and ?Florina?, while the highest
yield was obtained in cultivars ?Remura? and ?Goldrush?. The best fruit
quality was found in cultivars ?William?s Pride?, ?Rewena?, ?Enterprise? and
?Florina?.
Effect of Prohexadione-Ca and young canes removal on physiological characteristics of leaf and fruit in raspberry cultivar ‘Willamette’
Authors: Poledica Milena , Milivojevic Jasminka , Radivojevic Dragan , Dragisic-Maksimovic Jelena
Published: November 2013

The research was designed to evaluate the effect of growth regulator
Prohexadione-Ca (ProCa) and young canes removal on the changes of
photosynthetic pigment content and modification activities of antioxidant
enzyme defense system in leaves and fruits of raspberry cultivar ?Willamette?
(Rubus idaeus L.). The experiment was performed in the period of 2011-2012.
It consisted of five treatments: control - no treatment; 2ProCa - with 2
ProCa applications; Z - one removal of young canes; Z+2ProCa - young canes
removal with 2 ProCa applications; 2Z - two removals of young canes. The
first series of young canes were removed for the first time in mid-April and
for the second time at the begining of May. In 2ProCa and Z+2ProCa treatments
foliar application of ProCa was carried out twice during the period of
April-May in interval of three weeks, i.e. when the primocane growth reached
30 cm in height. The following concentrations of ProCa: 125 ppm (first
application) and 200 ppm (second application) were applied. Significantly
higher mean values of chlorophyll b content were registered in the 2ProCa
(42.84 ?g?g-1 FW) and Z+2ProCa (46.12 ?g?g-1 FW) treatment. The highest SOD
and POD activities were found in leaves of new young canes which developed
after the young canes removal was applied. Z+2ProCa treatment significantly
increased CAT activity in raspberry leaves (63.51 U mg-1 prot.). Both of
implemented measures, especially applied in combination, resulted in higher
activity of CAT, POD and SOD enzymes in the fruits of the examined cultivar.
Histological observations on the dendretic organ of the farmed adult African catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) from eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ikpegbu Ekele , Nlebedum Uchenna , Nnadozie Okechukwu , Agbakwuru Okezie
Published: November 2013

The histology of the accessory respiratory organ of the African catfish -
dendretic organ was investigated to reveal its microanatomy. The data
obtained will provide baseline data for further investigative research and
assist fish pathologists. The histology showed that the tubular shaped
dendretic organ was covered by stratified squamous epithelium containing
periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue (AB) positive mucous cells. On
most surfaces, the epithelial cells were organized into columns with mucous
cells placed in-between the epithelial cell columns. At the tip of the
surface, capillaries were lined by endothelium at the surface epithelium/air
contact area. The subepithelial layer was of loose connective tissue
containing adipose tissue and occasional blood vessels. The core of the
dendretic organ contained elastic cartilage surrounded by a dense layer of
perichondrium. Elastic fibres were observed the territorial and
inter-territorial spaces.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of Multi-State Markov Reliability Models of Power Equipment Approximated by Polynomial Chaos Expansion / Analiza Globalnej Wrażliwości Wielostanowych Modeli Niezawodności Markowa Dla Urządzeń Energetycznych Aproksymowanych Za Pomocą Rozwinięcia W Chaos Wielomianowy
Authors: Rocco Claudio M , Zio Enrico
Published: November 2013

Reliability and availability of electric power system equipment (e.g., generator units, transformers) are often evaluated by defining and solving Markov models. Transition rates among the identified equipment states are estimated from experimental and field data, or expert judgment, with inevitable uncertainty. For model understanding and to guide validation and confidence building, it is of interest to investigate the effects of the uncertainty in the input transition rates on the output reliability and availability. To this aim, Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) can be used for defining importance (sensitivity) indexes that allow a ranking of the transition rates with respect to their influence on the uncertainty in the output. In general, GSA requires a large number of model evaluations. In this paper, a metamodel is defined to estimate the performance index of interest (e.g. reliability or availability). The metamodel is built based on polynomial chaos expansion (PCE), a multidimensional polynomial model approximation whose coefficients are determined by evaluating the model in a reduced set of predetermined values of the input. The proposed approach is illustrated on a power generating unit.
Uncertainty Problem in Decision Support System for Means of Transport Maintenance Processes Performance Development / Problem Niepewności W Systemie Wsparcia Decyzyjnego Procesów Utrzymania W Stanie Zdatności Środków Transportu
Authors: Nowakowski Tomasz , Werbińska-Wojciechowska Sylwia
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the authors’ research work is focused on uncertainty analysis implementation in the developed DSS for transportation means’ maintenance processes performance. Thus, in the Introduction section, the transportation means’ maintenance processes issues and the uncertainty problem are described. Later, there is briefly literature overview in the research area discussed. In the next Section, the expert system for means of transport maintenance processes performance is also investigated. Following this, the uncertainty analysis is developed and the examples of expert system implementation are given. The work ends up with summary and directions for further research.
The Use of the Evaluation Method of Software System Architecture to Assess the Impacts on Information Security in Information and Communication Technology Systems / WYKORZYSTANIE METODY OCENY ARCHITEKTURY SYSTEMU INFORMATYCZNEGO DO OCENY SKUTKÓW INCYDENTÓW NA BEZPIECZEŃSTWO INFORMACJI W SYSTEMACH TELEINFORMATYCZNYCH
Authors: Jóźwiak Ireneusz J. , Szleszyński Artur
Published: November 2013

In a paper an application of the architecture evaluation method used for prediction the effects of incidents for information security which is inside of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system is described. As a base, the ATAM method is taken. During the analysis there is shown, that direct use of the ATAM technique is impossible, because it use only one set of data. Use just one view of ICT system is not adequate for measure the influence of incident on information security, which is inside ICT system. A tool which is useful for assessment effects of incidents, is an incidence matrix that presents logical connections between elements of ICT system. Knowledge of logical connections and structures of the messages being exchanged enables an assessment of operation the elements which receive modified messages.
Ship’s Horizontal Plane Determination by Means of Three Laser Range Sensors in Pilot Navigation and Docking System / WYZNACZENIE POŁOŻENIA UMOWNEJ WODNICY STATKU ZA POMOCĄ TRZECH DALMIERZY LASEROWYCH W PILOTOWYM SYSTEMIE NAWIGACYJNO-DOKUJĄCYM
Authors: Zalewski Paweł
Published: November 2013

Modern ship’s navigation support systems relay mainly on GNSS technology, as prime source of position. The advantages of such solution are obvious and undeniable. On the other hand in critical situations the dependency of the one system presents a great deal of risk. Taking above into consideration the idea of building GNSS independent Pilot Navigation and Docking System (PNDS) was put into practice. PNDS utilizes the range measurements between laser head and ship’s side to determine the ship’s horizontal plane presented on the screen. The study comprises the case in which three networked rangefinders were deployed on the berth side in a line. Such location of sensors causes uncertainty in determining of ship’s outline contour and speed in relation to assigned coordinate reference system. The final algorithm presented in the article, taking into account all underdetermined conditions, has been tested in PNDS system constructed in Maritime University in Szczecin.
The Method of Evaluation of Initial Availability in the Transport System of City Buses / Metoda Oceny Gotowości Początkowej W Systemie Autobusowego Transportu Miejskiego
Authors: Szubartowski Mirosław
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the method of evaluation of initial availability of means of transport to carry out the assigned transport tasks. As an example of research object illustrating the presented deliberations, an actual city bus system from a selected urban agglomeration was used. In systems of this type, the technological objects (means of transport) have to initiate carrying out of the assigned transport tasks at assigned times, according to the adopted timetable. In order to assure the possibility to fulfill the transport tasks at assigned times, the so called time buffer is implemented in order for the necessary service processes to be carried out. In order to evaluate the availability of means of transport in the operational cycle of which the so called time buffer was implemented, it is convenient to use the characteristics describing initial availability of technological objects. Initial availability determines the probability of initiating (activating) the necessary number of technological objects in order to carry out the assigned tasks over a designated time period needed for their preparation and activation. The presented deliberation is illustrated by examples of the results of evaluation of initial availability in the actual tested transport system.
Managing DO-178 Compliance with IBM Rational Platform / Zarządzanie Zgodnością Z DO-178 Przy Użyciu Platformy IBM Rational
Authors: Çakmak Mehmet Kerim
Published: November 2013

DO178 is a standard for avionic software for the aerospace industry which can be used as a guidance to determine if the software product will perform reliability in airborne environment. The standard has 5 different certification levels each of which has a certain set of objectives. The certification levels are determined depending on how critical the system or subsystem is. To address DO- 178 objectives, companies need a defined systems and software engineering process that can delineate workflows, inputs, outputs, roles and responsibilities.

The major objectives outlined in the DO-178 standard include;

- Requirements engineering

- Design and development.

- Validation and verification

- Engineering tasks, such as configuration and change management

In this presentation, we will try to explain the main principles of the DO178 standard very briefly and try to give an insight about how the objectives of this standard can be satisfied.
Safety of Machinery – Determination of Performance Level / Bezpieczeństwo Maszyn – Wyznaczanie Poziomu Zapewnienia Bezpieczeństwa
Authors: Kasprzyczak Leszek
Published: November 2013

The article presents a method for determining the performance level (PL) on the basis of the PN-EN ISO 13849-1 standard, which is harmonized with the machinery directive 2006/42/EC. The risk assessment and risk reduction criteria, according to PN-EN ISO 12100, were briefly characterized. The focus was put on determining the required performance level PLr on the basis of a risk graph. The method was presented how to use a safety function composed of input-, logicaland execution subsystems. It was demonstrated how to determine the achieved PL for a safety function composed of hardware elements on the basis of a safety category, mean time to dangerous failures (MTTFd), diagnostic coverage (DC), and immunity to common cause failures (CCF).
Assessment of the Impact of Human on Safety of Transportation Systems Operation / Ocena Wpływu Oddziaływań Człowieka Na Bezpieczeństwo Działania Systemu Transportowego
Authors: Woropay Maciej , Muślewski Łukasz , Ślęzak Marek , Szubartowski Mirosław
Published: November 2013

Collisions are inseparably connected with road traffic. Driving a mechanical vehicle requires not only a good knowledge of traffic rules and appropriate skills but also physical and psychical fitness. The road system consists of three basic elements such as: road, vehicle and human. From the point of view of safety of the executed transport process this is the human who plays the most important role in it. They need to have the ability of quick situation estimation and providing proper response to it involving performance of right maneuvers and adjusting them to a given situation. Studying transportation systems it should be remembered that the role of a human plays in them is of different character. They may be drivers, passengers or belong to the environment. Thus, their behavior has a large influence on the transportation system safe functioning including both public and individual transport.
Emergency Water Supply of Rzeszow / Kryzysowe Zaopatrzenie Rzeszowa W Wodę
Authors: Rak Janusz R. , Piegdoń Izabela , Homa Karolina
Published: November 2013

In this study the methodology of balancing water needs in a crisis situation was presented. The example was done for city of Rzeszow. The municipal infrastructure: water supply system, sewage system, gas network, heating and energy systems was shortly characterized. The research undertaken in this study was related to Systemic Crisis Management and protection of the inhabitants of the city. The balance of emergency water supply Rzeszow in drinking water for the 29 neighborhoods of the city was shown.
Serum-based protein biomarkers for detection of lung cancer
Authors: Bhatnagar Shilpa , Katare Deepshikha , Jain Swatantra
Published: November 2013

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in terms of both incidence and mortality.The major reasons for the increasing number of deaths from lung cancer are late detection and lack of effective therapies. To improve our understanding of lung cancer biology, there is urgent need for blood-based, non-invasive molecular tests to assist in its detection in a cost-effective manner at an early stage when curative interventions are still possible. Recent advances in proteomic technology have provided extensive, high throughput analytical tools for identification, characterization and functional studies of proteomes. Changes in protein expression patterns in response to stimuli can serve as indicators or biomarkers of biological and pathological processes as well as physiological and pharmacological responses to drug treatment, thus aiding in early diagnosis and prognosis of disease. However, only a few biomarkers have been approved by the FDA to date for screening and diagnostic purposes. This review provides a brief overview of currently available proteomic techniques, their applications and limitations and the current state of knowledge about important serum biomarkers in lung cancer and their potential value as prognostic and diagnostic tools.
Systemic lupus erythematosus followed by myasthenia gravis: a rare association
Authors: Sîrbu Elena , Milaş Oana , Petrica Maxim , Petrica Ligia
Published: November 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are autoimmune diseases, their association in the same patient being rarely described. Here, we report a case of SLE in a 19-year-old girl who within 2 years of the diagnosis of SLE developed MG, and underwent thymectomy for a benign thymoma immediately thereafter.
Utilization of a comparison of curvatures for land surface segmentation
Authors: Burian Libor , Minár Jozef
Published: November 2013

Utilization of a new geomorphometric variable for land surface segmentation — the angle of absolute curvatures — is a main goal of the paper. The angle of absolute curvatures is defined as the difference between the orientation of maximal curvature (field independent) and the orientation of the greater of the profile or the tangential curvature. Land-forms separated by three types of borders (A, B, C) can be delimited from the field of angles of absolute curvatures. Borders of A type are connected with a local extreme of slope. Borders of B and C type are connected with a change to the priority of either profile or tangential curvature, as shown in computation, respectively. Fields of altitude, slope, profile curvature, tangential curvature and rotor curvature are reflected by an algorithm. Distinct borders in the field of the angles of absolute curvatures are connected with a sudden change of value and with zero isolines in the previously mentioned fields. Spatially closed entities generated by this proposed algorithm are considered to be a variant of the elementary forms of the land surface. The quality of information generated by this algorithm depends on the size of the grid mesh of the input digital elevation model. The algorithm in its current state is suitable for locating the borders of some elementary forms in the first stage of geomorphology mapping.
Discrete Transportation System’s Availability Problem in Case of Critical Situation Sets
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Jacek , Walkowiak Tomasz
Published: November 2013

The paper discusses the discrete transportation system’s (DTS) availability problem in case of the critical situation, which happens during its ordinary work. The formal model of the transportation system suitable for modelling based on the system behaviour observation is proposed. Monte Carlo approach is in use for a simulation. The system’s availability is calculated as global metric to find if the system is able to realise the loaded set of tasks. The critical situation discussed there is caused by reliability, as well as by functional and human reasons. No restriction on the system’s topology and on a kind of distribution describing the system’s functional and reliability parameters is the main advantage of the approach. The proposed solution seems to be essential for the owner and administrator of the transportation systems.
Relocation of Resources in a Hierarchically Managed Transportation System Under Critical Conditions
Authors: Caban Dariusz , Walkowiak Tomasz
Published: November 2013

Critical state of operation is reached by a system when it is exposed to an unexpected coincidence of faults (such as periodic rapid increase of the service demand, unavailability of a significant proportion of vehicle operators, simultaneous breakdown of all or a large part of the vehicle fleet). This leads to complete disruption of the transportation system, which persists even after the faults are removed. The duration of critical state of operation is defined as the time needed to resume normal operation after such an incident. It is shown that this time can be predicted using the simulation tools. Furthermore, a contingency plan is proposed, based on relocation of some resources between independent parts of a hierarchically organized transportation system. This contingency plan is analysed to determine the optimal percentage of resources to be relocated and the duration of this relocation.