bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrographic changes in a river system and their influence on the legal classification of watercourses, exemplified by selected tributaries of the San river
Authors: Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna , Brózda Sławomir , Sznajder Agnieszka
Published: June 2017

The paper presents hydrographic changes in a river system and their influence on the legal classification of watercourses in Poland. As a case study, the watercourse Motwica, right tributary of the river San has been analysed. The main objective of this paper is an attempt to analyse whether the Motwica should be classified as flowing or standing water and the legal grounds for such classification in the Water Law Act. On the base of archival and contemporary cartographic materials’ analysis it has been determined that the Motwica should not be classified as natural watercourse because its significant part flows in an artificial channel.
Spectral analysis of water level fluctuations in Belarusian and Polish lakes
Authors: Volchak Aleksander , Choiński Adam , Kirviel Ivan , Parfomuk Siergiej
Published: June 2017

Data regarding 25 lakes (9 Belarusian and 16 Polish) provided the basis for spectral analysis of water level fluctuations. The obtained output data concerned a 55-year observation sequence covering the years 1956-2010. The selection of lakes was determined by two factors, i.e. data continuity and inconsiderable anthropogenic impact. The lakes were divided into three groups depending on the course of the water level spectrum. The first group included the highest number of lakes (14) which were distinguished by smooth curves with no significant peaks (e.g. Lake Wygonoszczańskie). The second group shows a four-year variability (e.g. Lake Łukomskie). The third group is distinguished by an even peak of three-year water fluctuation (e.g. Lake Łebsko). The location of the lakes categorised into those three groups suggests a certain regionalisation. The first group is represented by lakes of central and northern Belarus, and eastern Poland. The second group includes lakes of eastern Belarus, and the third group - lakes of central and northern Poland. This suggests that alongside local factors, the location of the distinguished groups of lakes may also be determined by regional factors. Presumably, continentalism of climate increasing in an eastwards direction is one of the key factors responsible for the detected regional diversity of lake water level fluctuations.
Evaluation of the impact of fertilizers and seed quality on winter wheat yield
Authors: Iwańska Marzena , Laudański Zbigniew , Oleksiak Tadeusz
Published: June 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of mineral fertilization and seed quality on the yield of winter wheat in production conditions. This assessment is made in terms of the expected probabilities of success in relation to the yield of analyzed cultivars, taking into account the interaction of the factors considered. Analyses were performed on data from 3815 fields. The impact of fertilizers and seed quality was evaluated using logistic regression. Grain yield was transformed into a binomial variable, where values were divided into two classes, i.e. below the mean and above the mean. The results of the analysis proved a significant effect of fertilization rate, which was modified by different seed quality. The highest probability of obtaining yields above the mean was observed for pre-basic and basic seed quality at high fertilizer rates.
Production of formulaic expressions in L2 Chinese: A developmental investigation in a study abroad context
Authors: Taguchi Naoko , Li Shuai , Xiao Feng
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the development of L2 Chinese formulaic competence in a study abroad context. Participants were 31 American students studying Chinese in a university in China (intermediate-level). They completed a computerized speaking test consisting of 24 formulae-use situations twice during their semester-long study abroad in China. The learners produced a formulaic expression according to each situation, and their production was evaluated on appropriateness (rated on a four-point scale by native speakers) and planning time. In addition, a survey was administered to gather information about the learners' perceived frequency of encounter with formulae-use situations. The learners showed significant gains on appropriateness and fluency. Reported frequency of encounter with target formulae-use situations did not correlate with the gains in formulae production, except for the learners with lower pretest score. Qualitative analysis revealed four patterns of change: (1) change toward target formulae, (2) change toward target-like slot-and-frame patterns, (3) change toward non-target formulae; and (4) stabilized non-target formulae use.
Die Offenlegung der konstruierten Systeme. Der Weltzusammenhang als
zufällige naturwissenschaftliche Maschine und menschliche Konstruktion in
Peter Adolphsens Machine
Authors: Gmeiner Jens
Published: June 2017

Abstract: In this article the postmodern elements in Peter Adolphens
short novel Machine are closely analyzed. Different fields and areas in the
novel like the relationship between natural science and contingency,
religion, politics and language will be contextualized with essentials of
postmodern styles. The main emphasis will be put on the social construction
of reality by means of language, religion and the writing of the novel
itself. Thus, the novel Machine can be interpreted as a self-reflexive,
metafictional text that ironically points out the construction of reality
based on literature.
Methods for growth regulation of greenhouse produced ornamental pot- and bedding plants – a current review
Authors: Bergstrand Karl-Johan I.
Published: June 2017

Chemical plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used in the production of ornamental potted and bedding plants. Growth control is needed for maximizing production per unit area, reducing transportation costs and to obtain a desired visual quality. However, the use of PGRs is associated with toxicity risks to humans and the environment. In many countries the availability of PGRs is restricted as few substances are registered for use. A number of alternative methods have been suggested. The methods include genetic methods (breeding) and crop cultivation practices such as fertigation, temperature and light management. A lot of research into “alternative” growth regulation was performed during the 1980-1990s, revealing several possible ways of using different climatic factors to optimize plant growth with respect to plant height. In recent years, the interest in climatic growth regulation has been resurrected, not least due to the coming phase-out of the plant growth regulator chlormequat chloride (CCC). Today, authorities in many countries are aiming towards reducing the use of agrochemicals. At the same time, there is a strong demand from consumers for products produced without chemicals. This article provides a broad overview of available methods for non-chemical growth control. It is concluded that a combination of plant breeding and management of temperature, fertigation and light management has the potential of replacing chemical growth regulators in the commercial production of ornamental pot- and bedding plants.
Classification of tree species composition using a combination of multispectral imagery and airborne laser scanning data
Authors: Sedliak Maroš , Sačkov Ivan , Kulla Ladislav
Published: June 2017

Remote Sensing provides a variety of data and resources useful in mapping of forest. Currently, one of the common applications in forestry is the identification of individual trees and tree species composition, using the object-based image analysis, resulting from the classification of aerial or satellite imagery. In the paper, there is presented an approach to the identification of group of tree species (deciduous - coniferous trees) in diverse structures of close-to-nature mixed forests of beech, fir and spruce managed by selective cutting. There is applied the object-oriented classification based on multispectral images with and without the combination with airborne laser scanning data in the eCognition Developer 9 software. In accordance to the comparison of classification results, the using of the airborne laser scanning data allowed identifying ground of terrain and the overall accuracy of classification increased from 84.14% to 87.42%. Classification accuracy of class “coniferous” increased from 82.93% to 85.73% and accuracy of class “deciduous” increased from 84.79% to 90.16%.
A comparison of different tending variants in beech stands by the crown thinning and from the view of their quantitative and qualitative development
Authors: Štefančík Igor
Published: June 2017

Impact of tending on dvelopment of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) pole timber stands was analysed using different variants of the free crown thinning, i.e. the original method developed in Slovakia at the end of 1950s. Four variants of this method were compared: (i) - the free crown thinning on the whole area, the method of promising trees, later the method of target trees at stand age of 58 years. (ii) - the free crown thinning on non-whole area, tending realised inside of growth space of target trees only, the method of target trees, salvage cutting on the whole area. (iii) - the free crown thinning on non-whole area, the method of promising trees (the method of target trees at stand age of 58 years) realised on circular plots with diameter 4 m and spacing 8 m (distance between centre of circular plots). (iv) - combined selective method, thinning from below and the free crown thinning by method of target trees was used by the first thinning, in next thinning only the free crown thinning on whole-area was used, method of target trees. The structure (diameter and height) of the stand, the quantitative production parameters had been observed for a period of 30 years. Small differences were found in diameter and height structure between the variant (iv) and other three ones. Comparison of quantitative production pointed out minimum differences in favour of the variant (iv) compared to the other ones. The same results were also obtained in the qualitative production, especially for selective quality (target trees).
Structure and dynamics of spruce-beech-fir forests in Nature Reserves of the Orlické hory Mts. in relation to ungulate game
Authors: Vacek Zdeněk
Published: June 2017

Knowledge of the structure and dynamics of near-natural mixed forests is a key factor for ecologically oriented management of forest ecosystems. The development of these model forests mostly takes place continually without any pronounced disturbances. Natural regeneration can be locally limited by ungulate browsing. The paper was focused on the structure and development of forest stands with emphasis on natural regeneration in relation to ungulates in Černý důl Nature Reserve and Trčkov National Nature Reserve situated in the Orlické hory Mts., Czech Republic. The case study was conducted in a spruce-beech-fir forest stand on four permanent research plots (PRP) of 0.25 ha in size. PRP are situated in the same stand and in comparable site and stand conditions, but two PRP has been protected against game by fencing since 1985-1989. The stand volume ranged from 478 to 565 m3 ha−1 in age 143 - 156 year. The results showed that the diversity of tree layer was higher by 19.8% (48.0% in species richness) in the stands protected by fence. In the phase of natural regeneration, the species composition, stand structure and number of recruits were poorer on unfenced PRP (7,990 recruits ha−1) compared to fenced PRP (13,160 recruits ha−1). Admixed silver fir and rowan were completely eliminated by browsing (to 94 - 100% of individuals). Growth analyses statistically confirmed that ungulates were a significant limiting factor for successful forest development (P < 0.001).
The definition and classification of innovation
Authors: Kogabayev Timur , Maziliauskas Antanas
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the different definitions of innovation; the objective of the research being that of creating a theoretical model building on the previous work of several authors. The aim of the research is to define the different models, classifications and definitions of innovation. In this article we made use of a wide range of bibliographical sources on innovation, efficiency and also used comparative analysis of innovation definitions. Theoretical concepts were studied as well. The approach was constructed based on theoretical models of innovation definitions and used the technology and market perspectives. The main methods employed were comparative analysis of definitions of innovation and the creation of a model of innovation. It has been emphasized in the literature that the role of innovation is very important for making decisions regarding investment projects or investments for production. Innovation can bring benefits such as saving time, costs, and products and use them more effectively. Nowadays in the world, innovation is one of the most important factors of economic development, production, creation of a variety of products and in making management decisions. Innovation activity stimulates and has a positive effect also in investment activity.

Innovation is the core action for the development and productivity of any economic activity. Investment activity and its results are directly dependent on the type of innovation that has been used. An important range of literature sources refer to innovation efficiency measurement criteria, which are in most cases related to product, technology (process) and market. The use of a number of different measurement indicators is leading to the need for further examination of the innovation-business performance relationship. Our findings have let us distinguish five major groups of criteria where various factors could be allocated. To the three groups (product, market and process) we allocate two additional groups: finance and management. Innovation plays an important role in the efficiency of investments in an organization, forms of business activity and state policy in the field of business and design.
Application of Markowitz Model on Romanian Stock Market
Authors: Zavera Ioana Coralia
Published: June 2017

Performance evaluation of financial instruments has become a concern for more and more economists, while security trading activities have developed over time. “Modern portfolio theory” comprises statistical and mathematical models which describe various ways in order to evaluate and especially analyse profitability and risk of these portfolios. This article offers an application of this type of model on Romanian stock market, the Markowitz model, by focusing on portfolios comprising three securities, and determining the efficient frontier and the minimum variance portfolio.
Physicochemical Properties of A- and B-type Granules of Wheat Starch and Effects on the Quality of Wheat-Based Noodle
Authors: Zhang Ke , Lu Qi-yu
Published: June 2017

This work fractionated native wheat starches into A- and B-type granules fractions to accurately assess granules physicochemical properties and effects on water distribution, storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) of two type noodles with A- and B-type granules. Pasting viscosity and starch crystallization of A- and B-type granules were determined by Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. The noodles were prepared from wheat flour, which 20 % was replaced with the A or B starch fractions, respectively. The water distribution and dynamic mechanical properties of noodles were characterized through Low-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The results demonstrated that A- and B-type granules almost had a round shape with smooth surface. The crystal models of A- and B-type granules were the same but the relative crystallinity were different. A-type granules contained higher starch content, higher ratio between amylose and amylopectin and less damaged starch than B-type granules. B-type granules easily aggregated into clump in deionized water. A- and B-type granules were different in swelling properties and pasting viscosity under the same conditions. A-type granules possessed lower swelling power and water-binding capacity, higher solubility and pasting viscosity than B-type granules. A-noodles (relative to B-noodles) had higher ratio of immobilized water, E′ and E″.
Acoustical Properties of Contemporary Mosques
Authors: Karaman Özgül Yılmaz , Güzel Neslihan Onat
Published: June 2017

Religious buildings are important for many communities because of their representation of different beliefs. In such structures, the sense of individuality or unity & togetherness are created according to variable worship activities; these different uses have also different acoustical requirements. In order to create the desired feeling in the space at the required time, rooms should be evaluated in terms of acoustical conditions.

In the study, it is aimed to investigate the objective parameters of sound of the main prayer hall of the Bedirye Tiryaki Mencik Mosque, which was built recently in Manisa (Turkey). It is one of the modern examples of mosque architecture in Turkey. The structure differs from other contemporary examples with the design approach and construction technology. The mosque was built by using prefabrication technology for the entire structure. The acoustical evaluation of this recent example by comparing the recommended values of objective parameters shows that the building has balance between architectural and acoustical design.
Estimating Components of Mean Squared Error to Evaluate the Benefits of Mixing Data Collection Modes
Authors: Roberts Caroline , Vandenplas Caroline
Published: June 2017

Mixed mode data collection designs are increasingly being adopted with the hope that they may reduce selection errors in single mode survey designs. Yet possible reductions in selection errors achieved by mixing modes may be offset by a potential increase in total survey error due to extra measurement error being introduced by the additional mode(s). Few studies have investigated this empirically, however. In the present study, we compute the Mean Squared Error (MSE) for a range of estimates using data from a mode comparison experiment. We compare two mixed mode designs (a sequential web plus mail survey, and a combined concurrent and sequential CATI plus mail survey) with a single mode mail survey. The availability of auxiliary data on the sampling frame allows us to estimate several components of MSE (sampling variance, non-coverage, nonresponse and measurement bias) for a number of sociodemographic and target variables. Overall, MSEs are lowest for the single mode survey, and highest for the CATI plus mail design, though this pattern is not consistent across all estimates. Mixing modes generally reduces total bias, but the relative contribution to total survey error from different sources varies by design and by variable type.
Using Linked Survey Paradata to Improve Sampling Strategies in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
Authors: Mirel Lisa B. , Chowdhury Sadeq R.
Published: June 2017

Using paradata from a prior survey that is linked to a new survey can help a survey organization develop more effective sampling strategies. One example of this type of linkage or subsampling is between the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). MEPS is a nationally representative sample of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population based on a complex multi-stage sample design. Each year a new sample is drawn as a subsample of households from the prior year’s NHIS. The main objective of this article is to examine how paradata from a prior survey can be used in developing a sampling scheme in a subsequent survey. A framework for optimal allocation of the sample in substrata formed for this purpose is presented and evaluated for the relative effectiveness of alternative substratification schemes. The framework is applied, using real MEPS data, to illustrate how utilizing paradata from the linked survey offers the possibility of making improvements to the sampling scheme for the subsequent survey. The improvements aim to reduce the data collection costs while maintaining or increasing effective responding sample sizes and response rates for a harder to reach population.
Web-Face-to-Face Mixed-Mode Design in a Longitudinal Survey: Effects on Participation Rates, Sample Composition, and Costs
Authors: Bianchi Annamaria , Biffignandi Silvia , Lynn Peter
Published: June 2017

Sequential mixed-mode designs are increasingly considered as an alternative to interviewer-administered data collection, allowing researchers to take advantage of the benefits of each mode. We assess the effects of the introduction of a sequential web-face-to-face mixed-mode design over three waves of a longitudinal survey in which members were previously interviewed face-to-face. Findings are reported from a large-scale randomised experiment carried out on the UK Household Longitudinal Study. No differences are found between the mixed-mode design and face-to-face design in terms of cumulative response rates and only minimal differences in terms of sample composition. On the other hand, potential cost savings are evident.
Interviewer Effects on Non-Differentiation and Straightlining in the European Social Survey
Authors: Loosveldt Geert , Beullens Koen
Published: June 2017

In this article we examine the interviewer effects on different aspects of response styles, namely non-differentiation and straightlining, which in general refers to the tendency to provide the same answers to questions in a block of questions. According to research about response styles, the impact of the interviewer on this kind of response behavior is rare. Five blocks of items in the questionnaire in the sixth round of the European Social Survey (2012) are used in the analysis. These data also allow for an evaluation of the differences between countries in terms of non-differentiation and straightlining. Five different measurements of these aspects of response style are used in the analysis. To disentangle the impact of respondents and interviewers on these aspects of response style, a three-level random intercept model is specified. The results clearly show interviewer effects on the respondent’s tendency to select a response category that is the same as the response category for the previous item. In some countries the proportion of explained variance due to differences between interviewers is larger than the proportion of variance explained by the differences between respondents.
Extending TSE to Administrative Data: A Quality Framework and Case Studies from Stats NZ
Authors: Reid Giles , Zabala Felipa , Holmberg Anders
Published: June 2017

Many national statistics offices acknowledge that making better use of existing administrative data can reduce the cost of meeting ongoing statistical needs. Stats NZ has developed a framework to help facilitate this reuse. The framework is an adapted Total Survey Error (TSE) paradigm for understanding how the strengths and limitations of different data sets flow through a statistical design to affect final output quality. Our framework includes three phases: 1) a single source assessment, 2) an integrated data set assessment, and 3) an estimation and output assessment. We developed a process and guidelines for applying this conceptual framework to practical decisions about statistical design, and used these in recent redevelopment projects. We discuss how we used the framework with data sources that have a non-statistical primary purpose, and how it has helped us spread total survey error ideas to non-methodologists.
Comparing Two Inferential Approaches to Handling Measurement Error in Mixed-Mode Surveys
Authors: Buelens Bart , Van den Brakel Jan A.
Published: June 2017

Nowadays sample survey data collection strategies combine web, telephone, face-to-face, or other modes of interviewing in a sequential fashion. Measurement bias of survey estimates of means and totals are composed of different mode-dependent measurement errors as each data collection mode has its own associated measurement error. This article contains an appraisal of two recently proposed methods of inference in this setting. The first is a calibration adjustment to the survey weights so as to balance the survey response to a prespecified distribution of the respondents over the modes. The second is a prediction method that seeks to correct measurements towards a benchmark mode. The two methods are motivated differently but at the same time coincide in some circumstances and agree in terms of required assumptions. The methods are applied to the Labour Force Survey in the Netherlands and are found to provide almost identical estimates of the number of unemployed. Each method has its own specific merits. Both can be applied easily in practice as they do not require additional data collection beyond the regular sequential mixed-mode survey, an attractive element for national statistical institutes and other survey organisations.
Adjusting for Measurement Error and Nonresponse in Physical Activity Surveys: A Simulation Study
Authors: Beyler Nicholas , Beyler Amy
Published: June 2017

Adult Americans are encouraged to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each week. National surveys that collect physical activity data to assess whether or not adults adhere to this guideline use self-report questionnaires that are prone to measurement error and nonresponse. Studies have examined the individual effects of each of these error sources on estimators of physical activity, but little is known about the consequences of not adjusting for both error sources. We conducted a simulation study to determine how estimators of adherence to the guideline for adults to engage in 150 minutes of MVPA each week respond to different magnitudes of measurement and nonresponse errors in self-reported physical activity survey data. Estimators that adjust for both measurement and nonresponse errors provide the least amount of bias regardless of the magnitudes of measurement error and nonresponse. In some scenarios, the naïve estimator, which does not adjust for either error source, results in less bias than estimators that adjust for only one error source. To avoid biased physical activity estimates using data collected from self-report questionnaires, researchers should adjust for both measurement error and nonresponse.
Biological parameters of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman on onion cultivars
Authors: Moraiet Maher Ahmed , Ansari Mohammad Shafiq , Basri Rabiya
Published: June 2017

Biological parameters of the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman were studied on the following onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars: Nasik Red Plus N-53, Onion Dr-301 (Krishna), Onion White, and Nasik Red, at 25±1°C and 65±5% RH. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in the life stages and fertility life tables on different cultivars except in the pupal stages. More information about the biological parameters of T. tabaci on onion cultivars can help in designing Integrated Pest Management programs for onion thrips.
Roles of African swine fever virus structural proteins in viral infection
Authors: Jia Ning , Ou Yunwen , Pejsak Zygmunt , Zhang Yongguang , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2017

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large, double-stranded DNA virus and the sole member of the Asfarviridae family. ASFV infects domestic pigs, wild boars, warthogs, and bush pigs, as well as soft ticks (Ornithodoros erraticus), which likely act as a vector. The major target is swine monocyte-macrophage cells. The virus can cause high fever, haemorrhagic lesions, cyanosis, anorexia, and even fatalities in domestic pigs. Currently, there is no vaccine and effective disease control strategies against its spread are culling infected pigs and maintaining high biosecurity standards. African swine fever (ASF) spread to Europe from Africa in the middle of the 20th century, and later also to South America and the Caribbean. Since then, ASF has spread more widely and thus is still a great challenge for swine breeding. The genome of ASFV ranges in length from about 170 to 193 kbp depending on the isolate and contains between 150 and 167 open reading frames (ORFs). The ASFV genome encodes 150 to 200 proteins, around 50 of them structural. The roles of virus structural proteins in viral infection have been described. These proteins, such as pp220, pp62, p72, p54, p30, and CD2v, serve as the major component of virus particles and have roles in attachment, entry, and replication. All studies on ASFV proteins lay a good foundation upon which to clarify the infection mechanism and develop vaccines and diagnosis methods. In this paper, the roles of ASFV structural proteins in viral infection are reviewed.
Were Polish wild boars exposed to Schmallenberg virus?
Authors: Kęsik-Maliszewska Julia , Jabłoński Artur , Larska Magdalena
Published: June 2017

Introduction: A novel to Europe Schmallenberg virus (SBV) causes clinical disease manifested by reproduction disorders in farm ruminants. In free-living ruminants, SBV antibodies as well as the virus were detected. Recent studies also revealed SBV antibodies in wild boars. The study investigates SBV antibodies occurring in wild boars in Poland at the peak of recent virus epidemics in the country.

Material and Methods: Samples collected from 203 wild boars culled during the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 hunting season were serologically tested using multi-species cELISA. Attempted neutralisation tests failed due to poor serum quality. RT-PCR was implemented in seropositive and doubtful animals.

Results: Two samples collected from wild boar in the winter of 2013 gave a positive result in ELISA, while another two from the 2012/2013 hunting season were doubtful. No SBV RNA was detected in spleen and liver tissues.

Conclusion: Low SBV seroprevalence in wild boars, despite high incidence of SBV infections occurring simultaneously in wild ruminants, suggests that boars are unlikely to be a significant reservoir of the virus in the sylvatic environment in Poland.
Detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ApxIV toxin antibody in serum and oral fluid specimens from pigs inoculated under experimental conditions
Authors: González Wendy , Giménez-Lirola Luis G. , Holmes Ashley , Lizano Sergio , Goodell Christa , Poonsuk Korakrit , Sitthicharoenchai Panchan , Sun Yaxuan , Zimmerman Jeffrey
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The prevention and control of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in commercial production settings is based on serological monitoring. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed to detect specific antibodies against a variety of A. pleuropneumoniae antigens, including long-chain lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and the ApxIV toxin, a repeats-in-toxin (RTX) exotoxin unique to A. pleuropneumoniae and produced by all serovars. The objective of this study was to describe ApxIV antibody responses in serum and oral fluid of pigs.

Material and Methods: Four groups of pigs (six pigs per group) were inoculated with A. pleuropneumoniae serovars 1, 5, 7, or 12. Weekly serum samples and daily oral fluid samples were collected from individual pigs for 56 days post inoculation (DPI) and tested by LPS and ApxIV ELISAs. The ApxIV ELISA was run in three formats to detect immunlgobulins M, G, and A (IgM, IgG and IgA) while the LPS ELISA detected only IgG.

Results: All pigs inoculated with A. pleuropneumoniae serovars 1 and 7 were LPS ELISA serum antibody positive from DPI 14 to 56. A transient and weak LPS ELISA antibody response was observed in pigs inoculated with serovar 5 and a single antibody positive pig was observed in serovar 12 at ≥35 DPI. Notably, ApxIV serum and oral fluid antibody responses in pig inoculated with serovars 1 and 7 reflected the patterns observed for LPS antibody, albeit with a 14 to 21 day delay.

Conclusion: This work suggests that ELISAs based on ApxIV antibody detection in oral fluid samples could be effective in population monitoring for A. pleuropneumoniae.
Distribution of Salmonella serovars along the food chain in Poland, 2010–2015
Authors: Skarżyńska Magdalena , Hoszowski Andrzej , Zając Magdalena , Lalak Anna , Samcik Ilona , Kwit Renata , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Data collection on the Salmonella occurrence is crucial in effective implementation of different actions or control programmes aiming to protect consumers’ health and to reduce the level of Salmonella prevalence in farm animals. The goal was to describe Salmonella serovar distribution along the food chain in Poland during 2010–2015 and to identify their epidemiological importance.

Material and Methods: Slide agglutination according to White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme was used to identify Salmonella serovars of 6,928 isolates originating from animals, food, feeds, and fertilisers.

Results: In total, 160 Salmonella serovars were identified. Differences in serovar distribution were observed depending on animal species. Among isolates from hens, S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis were the most prevalent. Serovar pattern in turkeys differed from those in hens, with S. Kentucky, S. Newport, S. Saintpaul being the most prevalent. Monophasic S. Typhimurium was predominant in pigs. Serovars found in food reflected those observed among livestock animals. Nine out of the ten most prevalent serovars in animals and humans were also found in organic fertilisers.

Conclusion: Serotyping of large number of isolates from different sources is essential for insight on emerging serovars and trends of Salmonella occurrence. This may increase the value of epidemiological data and result in updating of Salmonella control programmes to target further epidemiologically important serovars in animals and better protection of consumers’ health.
Epizootic and epidemiological situation of Trichinella sp. infection in Poland in 2006–2015 in view of wild boar population dynamics
Authors: Flis Marian , Grela Eugeniusz R. , Gugała Dariusz
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The objective was to evaluate the epizootic and epidemiological situation of Trichinella sp. infection in Poland between 2006 and 2015 against the dynamics of the wild boar population and its primary reservoir host.

Material and Methods: Boar and porcine trichinosis epizootic analysis was based on General Veterinary Inspectorate data from RRW-6 bulletins. The epidemiological situation was evaluated on the basis of the data supplied by the Department of Epidemiology of the National Institute of Hygiene - National Institute of Public Health. The wild boar hunting harvest and population dynamics were estimated, as these animals remain the basic infection source for humans. Population size and harvest data were obtained from hunting statistics.

Results: The study timeframe showed an almost 2.5-fold increase in Trichinella infection cases in wild boars but a significant decline in human cases. In the domestic pig, the incidence rate did not exceed 0.00037%. The highest infection risk exists in West Pomerania, Greater Poland, and Kuyavian-Pomeranian Provinces. Over the study period, the wild boar population increased more than 1.5-fold, while the hunting harvest more than tripled. During the last two seasons the total hunt surpassed 100% of the spring population.

Conclusion: Wild boar management by increasing the hunting take of the annual population growth should limit that growth and decrease the take in the future. Thereby, over some years intra-species trichinosis spread should reduce, for a substantial safety gain for wild boar meat.
Changes in blood lymphocyte subpopulations and expression of MHC-II molecules in wild mares before and after parturition
Authors: Krakowski Leszek , Bartoszek Przemysław , Krakowska Izabela , Stachurska Anna , Piech Tomasz , Brodzki Piotr , Wrona Zygmunt
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Pregnancy is a physiological state in which the immune system undergoes certain changes. On the one hand, by depleting cell defence mechanisms, it favours development and maintenance of the pregnancy. At the same time cells of the immune system ensure resistance to many risk factors, including infectious agents.

Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 24 Polish Konik breed mares which were divided into two equal groups. The first group (group I) included mares living in the reserve. The second group (group II) comprised mares maintained under conventional conditions in the stables. The blood samples were collected for the first time in the perinatal period, i.e. 2 weeks before parturition (trial 0), then within the first 24 h after delivery, and then on 7th and 21st day after foaling. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte expressing TCD4+, TCD8+, CD2+, and MHC class II antigens was performed.

Results: Before the delivery, in group I there was a significantly higher CD4:CD8 ratio compared to group II (P ≤0.05). Similarly, significantly increased CD4:CD8 ratio in group I was noted within 24 h after parturition (P ≤0.001) and it was also observed on 7th day (P ≤0.03) and 21st day after foaling (P ≤0.02). In the first 24 h after parturition, a significant decline of lymphocytes CD8+ (P ≤0.02) was noted. No significant differences in terms of lymphocytes CD2+ and CD3+ were observed. Expression of MHC-II molecules before and after the parturition was higher in group I compared to group II; however, the difference between the groups was not significant.

Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that mares living in the reserve display higher activity of cell defence mechanisms.
Draft Methodology to Specify the Railway Sections Capacity
Authors: Abramovic Borna , Zitricky Vladislav , Mesko Pavol
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the individual parameters of the selected railway corridors in the selected country. Particularly, it describes the specific features of selected corridors in this country, summarizes their capacity, as well as proposes the methodology in order to specify the capacity of given railway section. The outcome is represented by the calculation of the appropriate railway section capacity implemented on the particular railway corridor in the selected EU country.
Stress Analysis of the Framework of a Device Designed for Scales Calibrating
Authors: Blatnický Miroslav , Kravchenko Kateryna O. , Dižo Ján
Published: June 2017

This article is focused on the stress analyses of the welded structure of the device designed to the scales calibrating with maximum loading capacity up to ten tons. The article includes basic knowledges of the theory of elasticity and stress analysis and numerical method called Finite Element Method that were used for the task solution. Cores of the work were stress analyses of selected parts of the designed structure of the device. For stress analyses the ADINA numerical software was used. Results of analyses of the primary design device showed that strength in same locations did not respond to the required maximal load. The structure in critical locations was modified and subsequently reanalyses confirmed the sufficient strength with prescribed safety factor.
Experimental Data in Vehicle Modeling
Authors: Tomasikova Maria , Sojcak Dusan , Nieoczym Aleksander , Brumercik Frantisek
Published: June 2017

This article is about a vehicle model which is created in software Matlab Simscape Driveline. In this model the motor is created like a subsystem by Simulink blocks and input data were measured by single roller dynamometer for cars (SRD). Measured data are the input into the model by Lookup Table block. The vehicle model is made by gear, differential, tire and vehicle body blocks. We studied the forces on tires, the vehicle velocity and the slip.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for in vitro diagnostic testing at the point of care
Authors: Marks Haley , Schechinger Monika , Garza Javier , Locke Andrea , Coté Gerard
Published: June 2017

Point-of-care (POC) device development is a growing field that aims to develop low-cost, rapid, sensitivein-vitrodiagnostic testing platforms that are portable, self-contained, and can be used anywhere – from modern clinics to remote and low resource areas. In this review, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is discussed as a solution to facilitating the translation of bioanalytical sensing to the POC. The potential for SERS to meet the widely accepted “ASSURED” (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid, Equipment-free, and Deliverable) criterion provided by the World Health Organization is discussed based on recent advances in SERSin vitroassay development. As SERS provides attractive characteristics for multiplexed sensing at low concentration limits with a high degree of specificity, it holds great promise for enhancing current efforts in rapid diagnostic testing. In outlining the progression of SERS techniques over the past years combined with recent developments in smart nanomaterials, high-throughput microfluidics, and low-cost paper diagnostics, an extensive number of new possibilities show potential for translating SERS biosensors to the POC.
Tocharian and Historical Sociolinguistics: Evidence from a Fragmentary Corpus
Authors: Malzahn Melanie
Published: June 2017

The two extinct languages Tocharian A and Tocharian B comprise a small text corpus that consists almost exclusively of fragments. Nevertheless, the corpus shows linguistic variation. This paper will argue that there are three reasons for genuine linguistic variation in the Tocharian corpus: diachronic variation, dialectal variation and sociolectal variation. Accordingly, it is not only possible to apply sociolinguistic methods to a fragmentary corpus, but it is even essential. Furthermore, the Tocharian material confirms patterns of sound change known from other sources and can therefore offer insights for the principles of language change.
Markov Analysis of Students’ Performance and Academic Progress in Higher Education
Authors: Brezavšček Alenka , Bach Mirjana Pejić , Baggia Alenka
Published: June 2017

Background: The students’ progression towards completing their higher education degrees possesses stochastic characteristics, and can therefore be modelled as an absorbing Markov chain. Such application would have a high practical value and offer great opportunities for implementation in practice.

Objectives: The aim of the paper is to develop a stochastic model for estimation and continuous monitoring of various quality and effectiveness indicators of a given higher education study programme.

Method: The study programme is modelled by a finite Markov chain with five transient and two absorbing states. The probability transition matrix is constructed. The quantitative characteristics of the absorbing Markov chain, like the expected time until absorption and the probabilities of absorption, are used to determine chosen indicators of the programme.

Results: The model is applied to investigate the pattern of students’ enrolment and their academic performance in a Slovenian higher education institution. Based on the students’ intake records, the transition matrix was developed considering eight consecutive academic seasons from 2008/09 until 2016/17. The students’ progression towards the next stage of the study programme was estimated. The expected time that a student spends at a particular stage as well as the expected duration of the study is determined. The graduation and withdrawal probabilities were obtained. Besides, a prediction on the students’ enrolment for the next three academic years was made. The results were interpreted and discussed.

Conclusion: The analysis presented is applicable for all higher education stakeholders. It is especially useful for a higher education institution’s managers seeing that it provides useful information to plan improvements regarding the quality and effectiveness of their study programmes to achieve better position in the educational market.
Can Social Media Content Increase Financial Market Returns? Survey Results from Poland
Authors: Cwynar Andrzej , Cwynar Wiktor , Pater Robert
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose: In recent years classic financial market theory based on decision makers’ rationality has been challenged by repeated anomalies that became a ‘new normal’. As a result, what we witness today is a considerable turn to behavioral concepts that can shed a new light on choices made by market participants. The astonishing development of social media accelerated scientific validation of such concepts, since the media opened new and capacious ‘laboratory space’ for testing behavioral hypotheses. The main purpose of the article is to examine whether financial market professionals believe that social media content can be useful in achieving additional financial market returns and to investigate the factors behind this belief.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We surveyed a sample of over 400 financial market professionals at institutions operating in Poland, and analyzed the results using logit regression models.

Results: We established that almost 60% of the surveyed finance professionals recognized the potential of social media for achieving additional returns. We also found out that the differences in respondents’ perception of this potential could be explained mainly by heterogeneity of their job experience and, to a lesser degree, by their job position. Interestingly, more experienced individuals were less likely to recognize this potential. Firm-specific factors did not have a significant effect on the dependent variable.

Conclusion: The opinions of financial market professionals regarding the link between social media and additional returns are mixed, which is consistent with the current body of evidence brought by sentiment-based research. Our findings confirm the key role of previous experience in explaining attitudes towards novelties and innovations (such as social media), a phenomenon known from other fields and everyday experience.
Psychosocial Factors in the Development of Low Back Pain Among Professional Drivers
Authors: Kresal Friderika , Bertoncel Tine , Meško Maja
Published: June 2017

Background and purpose: Professional drivers as a group are exposed to high risk of developing low back pain due to ergonomic factors and work conditions. The purpose of the study was to examine to what extent the low back pain occurs among Slovene professional drivers as a result of the development of various psychosocial factors.

Methodology: The study involved 275 respondents (professional bus drivers, car/van drivers, international truck/lorry drivers, and ambulance car drivers). Hypotheses were tested using multivariate statistical method (regression analysis) and analysis of variance. Data were collected by structured questionnaire comprised of three parts: socio-demographic data, basic psychosocial factors causing low back pain, and incidence, duration and severity of low back pain as a result of psychosocial risk factors, was implemented.

Results: The results of quantitative survey suggest that low back pain is mostly caused by lifting and carrying heavy loads, inadequate working conditions, poor physical fitness, regular nights out, shift work, and stress. Only the impact of gender on low back pain distress among professional drivers was confirmed, predominantly among bus drivers and lorry drivers on international routes. Low back pain occurrence was less common, albeit not statistically significant, among professional drivers of vans and passenger cars.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that psychosocial factors are also important cause for the development of low back pain among professional drivers and can limit the quality of their social and professional lives.