bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service Quality: The Impact of Frequency, Timing, Proximity, and Sequence of Failures and Delights
Authors: Sivakumar K. , Li Mei , Dong Beibei
Published: August 2013

Service delivery often involves a series of events or stages of exchange between a service provider and its customer. At each stage, performance can meet, exceed, or fall below the customer's expectations. This article contributes to the literature by examining how the patterns of distribution (frequency, timing, proximity, and sequence) of service failures and delights affect customers’ perceptions of service quality. The authors propose a conceptual model based on mental accounting principles derived from prospect theory and develop a series of research propositions to explicate the links between distribution patterns of service failures/delights and service quality perceptions. The study integrates prospect theory with service encounter research and provides a comprehensive theory-driven platform for exploring the impact of various service failure and delight distribution patterns. In addition, it offers important managerial implications for service design and resource allocation regarding when, how often, how close, and in what order delights and failures should take place to maximize gains from delights and minimize losses from failures.
Locally contractible coset spaces
Authors: Antonyan Sergey , Dobrowolski Tadeusz
Published: August 2013

We prove that for any closed subgroup H of a locally compact
Hausdorff group G the following properties are mutually
equivalent:
(1) the coset space G/H is locally contractible,
(2) G/H is finite-dimensional and locally connected, (3) G/H is
a manifold. Assume that G is a locally compact group with
compact space of connected components. If the natural action of G
on a locally contractible coset space G/H is effective, then we
prove that G is a Lie group.
Differential contributions of the latch in Thermotoga maritima reverse gyrase to the binding of single-stranded DNA before and after ATP hydrolysis
Authors: del Toro Duany Yoandris , Ganguly Agneyo , Klostermeier Dagmar
Published: August 2013

Reverse gyrase catalyzes the ATP-dependent introduction of positive supercoils into DNA. Supercoiling requires the functional cooperation of its N-terminal helicase domain with the C-terminal topoisomerase domain. The helicase domain contains a superfamily 2 helicase core formed by two RecA domains, H1 and H2. We show here that a helicase domain lacking the latch, an insertion in H2, fails to close the cleft in the helicase core in response to nucleotide and DNA binding at the beginning of the catalytic cycle. In the presence of the pre-hydrolysis ATP analog ADP·BeFx, however, the closed conformer can still be formed in the absence of the latch. The helicase domain lacking the latch exhibits reduced DNA affinities. The energetic difference between the two nucleotide states involved in duplex separation is diminished, rationalizing the unwinding deficiency of reverse gyrase lacking the latch. The latch most strongly contributes to binding of single-stranded DNA in the post-hydrolysis state, before phosphate release. Our results are in line with contributions of the latch in determining the direction of strand passage, and in orienting the cleaved single-stranded DNA for re-ligation. At the same time, the latch may coordinate the re-ligation reaction with strand passage and with the nucleotide cycle.
Thermal and mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/high-density polyethylene/polyethylene glycol blends
Authors: Ahmad Mazatusziha , Wahit Mat Uzir , Kadir Mohammed Rafiq Abdul , Dahlan Khairul Zaman Mohd , Jawaid Mohammad
Published: August 2013

Blends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) provide adequate mechanical properties for biomedical application. In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of UHMWPE/HDPE blends with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) prepared via single-screw extruder nanomixer were investigated. The UHMWPE/HDPE blends exhibit a gradual increase in strength, modulus, and impact strength over pure polymers, suggesting synergism in the polymer blends. The elastic and flexural modulus was increased at the expense of tensile, flexural, and impact strength for the blends containing PEG. The degradation temperature of UHMWPE was improved with the incorporation of HDPE due to good thermal stability of HDPE. HDPE improved the dispersibility of PEG in matrix, consequently reduced the surface area available for the kinetic effects, and reduced the degradation temperature. The morphology analysis confirmed the miscibility between UHMWPE and HDPE and the changes in polymer structure with the presence of PEG modify the thermal behavior of the blends. The mechanical properties of the blends that are underlying values for the design of implant material show the potential used as biomedical devices.
Effects of calcium stearate and metal hydroxide additions on the irradiated LDPE/EVA compound properties
Authors: Sabet Maziyar , Soleimani Hassan , Hassan Azman , Ratnam Chantara Thevy
Published: August 2013

The effects of the addition different fillers, such as calcium stearate (CS), aluminum trihydrate (ATH), and magnesium hydroxide (MH), on the properties of low-density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA) compounds were studied. It was determined that the adhesion forces among MH and LDPE/EVA compounds were stronger than those among analogue compounds containing ATH in each irradiated sample. The gel content (GC) values of irradiated compounds containing ATH were higher than those of the analogue MH compounds, and CS addition enhanced the GC values of all compounds in each irradiated sample. The density values of compounds with MH content were higher than those of analogue compounds containing ATH in each irradiated sample. It was shown that all pristine compounds whose density was compared with irradiated samples had maximum values. Addition of CS and enhancing irradiation to polymer compounds reduced the density values. Compounds with high CS contents and were highly irradiated showed high tensile strength (TS) values. The TS values of compounds containing ATH were lower than those of analogue compounds containing MH in each irradiated sample. ATH or MH addition to polymer matrices reduced the elongation at break (EB) values in each irradiated sample. The EB values of compounds containing ATH were higher than those of compounds containing MH in each irradiation range. CS addition improved polymer chain flexibility and enhanced the compounds’ EB values with irradiation.
Effects of additives on the improved growth rate and morphology of Chemical Bath Deposited Zn(S,O,OH) buffer layer for Cu(In,Ga)Se2- based solar cells
Authors: Hildebrandt Thibaud , Loones Nicolas , Schneider Nathanaelle , Bouttemy Muriel , Vigneron Jackie , Etcheberry Arnaud , Lincot Daniel , Naghavi Negar
Published: August 2013

Zn(S,O,OH) Chemical Bath Deposited (CBD) remains one of the most studied Cd-free buffer layer for replacing the CBD-CdS buffer layer in a Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based (CIGSe) solar cells and has already demonstrated its potential to lead to high-efficiencies. However, in order to further increase the deposition rate of the Zn(S,O,OH) layer during the CBD, the inclusion of additives can be a reasonable strategy, as long as the efficiencies of solar cells are maintained. The aim of this work is to understand the effect of the introduction of additives such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), H2O2+ethanolamine (C2H7NO) and H2O2+tri-sodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7) during CBD on the deposition mechanism, the growth rate and the quality of the buffer layer. It has been shown that the combined use of H2O2 and citrate in the bath formulation allows the deposition of Zn(S,O,OH) via a mix of “ion-by-ion” and “cluster-by-cluster” mechanisms that have good properties as buffer layers leading to high efficiency solar cells.
Ecological characterisation of the Colombian entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708
Authors: Mejia-Torres MC , Sáenz A
Published: August 2013

The entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) isolated from soil in Alcalá, Valle del Cauca (Colombia) was characterised ecologically using Galleria mellonella larvae (L) (Pyralidae: Galleriinae) as hosts. The effect of temperature on the viability, infectivity and reproduction, and of moisture on infectivity and storage in liquid were evaluated in infective juveniles (IJs). Significant differences were found in the viability, infectivity and reproduction of the IJs at different temperatures. No nematodes were recovered at 5 °C and 10 °C, and at 35 °C no infectivity was observed. Average daily nematode recovery was best at 25 °C, and survival of the IJs was low in substrates presenting 13% moisture. The optimal storage temperature for Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 was between 20 °C and 30 °C, keeping its infectivity for up to 8 weeks.
Spatial and temporal variation of the phytoplankton community in a section of the Iguaçu River, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Menezes VC , Bueno NC , Rodrigues LC
Published: August 2013

The work aimed to show variations in the composition and structure of the phytoplankton community at high water and low water in Iguaçu Falls, Iguaçu River and to examine the influence of these waterfalls and environmental variables on the community. Phytoplankton samples were taken monthly during a year from two sampling stations in the Iguaçu River. A total of 408 taxa were identified, with Bacillariophyceae being the most strongly represented group. A large differentiation in the composition of the phytoplankton was observed between the sampling stations. The total richness and density of the phytoplankton groups was very low in both sample locations, as well as the Shannon diversity index, but the evenness value was generally high. No significant seasonal and spatial difference in the studied features of the phytoplankton community was seen. But, significant seasonal differences were observed when the density and richness of the algae classes were assessed separately. The heterogeneity of the Iguaçu River's characteristics between the sampling sites caused no significant spatial differentiation in the features of the phytoplankton community. However, the seasonal variation of the climatic conditions has significantly influenced the composition and structure of the community in the Iguaçu River.
Anaerobic decomposition of a native and an exotic submersed macrophyte in two tropical reservoirs
Authors: Chiba de Castro WA , Cunha-Santino MB , Bianchini Junior I
Published: August 2013

Some aquatic plants have fast metabolism and growth, even at sub-optimal conditions, and become dominant in lentic environments such as large reservoirs, altering the nutrient cycle and impairing their environmental quality. There is great need in the knowledge impact processes of invasive species in aquatic environments, among the major, those related to the decomposition. This study evaluated the anaerobic decomposition of invasive submerged macrophytes Egeria densa Planch, native, and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, exotic in Porto Primavera and Jupiá reservoirs, Paraná basin. We evaluated the decay of organic matter, humification degree of the leached material, electrical conductivity and pH of the decomposition process. Mathematical models were utilised to describe the decomposition patterns over time. Both species showed the same heterogeneous pattern of decay of organic matter and carbon mineralisation. The models of carbon mineralisation, compared with the experimentally obtained data presented were adequate. Both species show no significant differences in the decomposition processes. Incubations of both species presented rapid t ½ for POC mineralisation and low DOC mineralisation.
Distribution of periphytic algae in wetlands (Palm swamps, Cerrado), Brazil
Authors: Dunck B , Nogueira IS , Felisberto SA
Published: August 2013

The distribution of periphytic algae communities depends on various factors such as type of substrate, level of disturbance, nutrient availability and light. According to the prediction that impacts of anthropogenic activity provide changes in environmental characteristics, making impacted Palm swamps related to environmental changes such as deforestation and higher loads of nutrients via allochthonous, the hypothesis tested was: impacted Palm swamps have higher richness, density, biomass and biovolume of epiphytic algae. We evaluated the distribution and structure of epiphytic algae communities in 23 Palm swamps of Goiás State under different environmental impacts. The community structure attributes here analyzed were composition, richness, density, biomass and biovolume. This study revealed the importance of the environment on the distribution and structuration of algal communities, relating the higher values of richness, biomass and biovolume with impacted environments. Acidic waters and high concentration of silica were important factors in this study. Altogether 200 taxa were identified, and the zygnemaphycea was the group most representative in richness and biovolume, whereas the diatoms, in density of studied epiphyton. Impacted Palm swamps in agricultural area presented two indicator species, Gomphonema lagenula Kützing and Oedogonium sp, both related to mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions for total nitrogen concentrations of these environments.
Adult male coatis play with a band of juveniles
Authors: Logan CJ , Longino JT
Published: August 2013

This study examined the play behaviour in one group of coatis (Nasua narica) at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. We incidentally found adult males playing with juvenile coatis, and conducted post-hoc analyses to investigate this interaction. Coati groups consist of adult females and juveniles of both sexes until male juveniles reach two years of age and leave the band to become solitary. Adult males only tolerate juveniles for a brief period during breeding season when the males court females to mate. Outside of the breeding season, adult males are known to prey on juveniles. In this study, when adult males were present with the band, play occurred more than was expected by chance, and adult males engaged in many of these play bouts. Because the mechanisms driving infanticidal behaviour are not well understood, and adult male coatis show a range of behaviours from infanticide to highly affiliative interactions with juveniles, using coatis as a model system may elucidate mechanisms underlying infanticide.
The orchid-bee faunas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of two Atlantic Forest remnants in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil
Authors: Nemésio A
Published: August 2013

The orchid-bee faunas of the ‘Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil’ (8,500 ha) and ‘RPPN Estação Veracel’ (6,000 ha), two Atlantic Forest remnants in the southern state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, were surveyed. Seventeen chemical compounds were used as scent baits to attract orchid-bee males. Seven hundred and twelve males belonging to 20 species were actively collected with insect nets during 80 hours in February and April, 2009. Euglossa marianae Nemésio, 2011, the most sensitive orchid-bee species of the Atlantic Forest, was recorded at both preserves, though in low abundance. ‘RPPN Estação Veracel’ is the smallest forest patch where Euglossa marianae has ever been recorded.
The orchid-bee faunas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of 'Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal', 'Parque Nacional do Descobrimento' and three other Atlantic Forest remnants in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil
Authors: Nemésio A
Published: August 2013

The orchid-bee faunas of ‘Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal’, ‘Parque Nacional do Descobrimento’ and three other Atlantic Forest remnants ranging from 1 to 300 ha in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil, were surveyed. Baits with seventeen different scents were used to attract orchid-bee males. Four thousand seven hundred and sixty-four males belonging to 36 species were actively collected with insect nets during 300 hours from November, 2008 to November, 2009. Richness and diversity of orchid bees found in this study are the highest ever recorded in the Atlantic Forest domain. Eufriesea dentilabris (Mocsáry, 1897) and Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard, 1840) were collected at the ‘Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal’, the first record of these species for the state of Bahia and the northernmost record for both species. Females Exaerete dentata (Linnaeus, 1758) were also collected at ‘Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal’ and old records of Eufriesea aeneiventris (Mocsáry, 1896) in this area makes this site the richest and most diverse concerning its orchid-bee fauna in the entire Atlantic Forest and similar to areas in the Amazon Basin.
Isothermal, kinetics and thermodynamics studies of the biosorption of Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution using the scale of croaker fish (Genyonemus lineatus)
Authors: Nkiko Mojisola O. , Adeogun Abideen I. , Babarinde N. A. Adesola , Sharaibi Oluwabunmi J.
Published: August 2013

Biosorbent prepared from the scale of croaker fish (Genyonemus lineatus) has been used for the removal of Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution in a batch system. The effects of some important parameters such as pH, initial metal concentration, temperature and biosorbent dosage on biosorption capacity were investigated. Equilibrium time for the biosorption process is 20 and 30 min at lower and higher concentrations, respectively. The process at 28 °C is in agreement with a pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The equilibrium data obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 14.58 mg g−1. The study showed that the sorption process depends on biomass dosage, temperature, pH and initial metal ion concentration. The calculated thermodynamics parameters (ΔGo, ΔHo and ΔSo) indicated that the biosorption of the metal ion onto fish scale is feasible, spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
Use of lime, limestone and kiln dust to stabilize reverse osmosis treated water
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick , Stambaugh David , Hart James , Cooper Jon , Kennedy Karl , Sher Lauren , Ruffini Anthony P. , Cicala Augustus , Cimenello Samantha
Published: August 2013

The City of Pembroke Pines is embarking on an alternative water supply (AWS) project that includes the potential of using treated wastewater for aquifer recharge. The concept includes the use of reverse osmosis membranes, ultraviolet disinfection and advanced oxidation processes downstream of activated sludge and microfiltration. One of the problems is that the permeate leaves the process grossly under-saturated, because with respect to minerals, virtually everything in the water is removed by the reverse osmosis membranes. The practical natural minimum hardness level for water is 40 mg L−1 as CaCO3, while the permeate water was <7 mg L−1. As a result, a post-treatment system needed to be designed to restore minerals to the water to achieve stability so the water does not dissolve metals, other piping and treatment tank materials. Traditionally reverse osmosis plants for potable water systems use caustic soda, polyphosphates, orthophosphates and other chemicals to address the stability issue. These are costly and for an aquifer recharge project, the costs seemed high. For this project, the research focused on alternative solutions to restore hardness, alkalinity and pH using lime, limestone and kiln dust. All three resolved the pH and stability issues for the pilot process.
Application of Acacia karroo charcoal for desalinating Ni(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions through batch mode
Authors: Singh Joginder , Sharma Renu , Ali Amjad
Published: August 2013

Acacia karroo charcoal lumps were used for the biosorption of Ni(II) and Zn(II) from an aqueous solution using batch mode. The effect of various parameters viz., solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and initial metal concentrations were studied. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were applied to the batch equilibrium data. The maximum biosorption capacity (qmax) for Ni(II) and Zn(II) was found to be 9.0 and 7.99 mg g−1 at pH 6.0 and 4.0 respectively. Experiments were performed to study the kinetics of Ni(II) and Zn(II) biosorption and the data obtained was best fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) changes were also calculated and the observed values supported the spontaneity of the biosorption process. The exhausted adsorbent was regenerated three times using 0.1 N NaOH and its regeneration capacity was evaluated. These results illustrate that A. karroo charcoal lumps hold good potential for removing heavy metals ions from aqueous solution and could be used for desalinating metal ions from industrial wastewater.
Accuracy of laser-scanned models compared to plaster models and cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Kim Jooseong , Heo Giseon , Lagravère Manuel O.
Published: August 2013

Objective:

To compare the accuracy of measurements obtained from the three-dimensional (3D) laser scans to those taken from the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and those obtained from plaster models.

Materials and Methods:

Eighteen different measurements, encompassing mesiodistal width of teeth and both maxillary and mandibular arch length and width, were selected using various landmarks. CBCT scans and plaster models were prepared from 60 patients. Plaster models were scanned using the Ortho Insight 3D laser scanner, and the selected landmarks were measured using its software. CBCT scans were imported and analyzed using the Avizo software, and the 26 landmarks corresponding to the selected measurements were located and recorded. The plaster models were also measured using a digital caliper. Descriptive statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to analyze the data.

Results:

The ICC result showed that the values obtained by the three different methods were highly correlated in all measurements, all having correlations >0.808. When checking the differences between values and methods, the largest mean difference found was 0.59 mm ± 0.38 mm.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, plaster models, CBCT models, and laser-scanned models are three different diagnostic records, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The present results showed that the laser-scanned models are highly accurate to plaster models and CBCT scans. This gives general clinicians an alternative to take into consideration the advantages of laser-scanned models over plaster models and CBCT reconstructions.
Finite mixture models with fixed weights applied to growth data
Authors: Molas Marek , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: August 2013

To model cross-sectional growth data the LMS method is widely applied. In this method the distribution is summarized by three parameters: the Box-Cox power that converts outcome to normality (L); the median (M); and the coeficient of variation (S).

Here, we propose an alternative approach based on fitting finite mixture models with several components which may perform better than the LMS method in case the data show an unusual distribution. Further, we explore fixing the weights of the mixture components in contrast to the standard approach where weights are estimated. Having fixed weights improves the speed of computation and the stability of the solution. In addition, fixing the weights provides almost as good a fit as when the weights are estimated. Our methodology combines Gaussian mixture modelling and spline smoothing. The estimation of the parameters is based on the joint modelling of mean and dispersion.

We illustrate the methodology on the Fourth Dutch Growth Study, which is a cross-sectional study that contains information on the growth of 7303 boys as a function of age. This information is used to construct centile curves, so-called growth curves, which describe the distribution of height as a smooth function of age. Further, we analyse simulated data showing a bimodal structure at some time point.

In its full generality, this approach permits the replacement of the Gaussian components by any parametric density. Further, different components of the mixture can have a diferent probabilistic (multivariate) structure, allowing for censoring and truncation.
A Global Approach to the Comparison of Clustering Results
Authors: Silva Osvaldo , Bacelar-Nicolau Helena , Nicolau Fernando C.
Published: August 2013

The discovery of knowledge in the case of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) depends on many factors, such as the clustering algorithms applied and the strategies developed in the initial stage of Cluster Analysis. We present a global approach for evaluating the quality of clustering results and making a comparison among different clustering algorithms using the relevant information available (e.g. the stability, isolation and homogeneity of the clusters). In addition, we present a visual method to facilitate evaluation of the quality of the partitions, allowing identification of the similarities and differences between partitions, as well as the behaviour of the elements in the partitions. We illustrate our approach using a complex and heterogeneous dataset (real horse data) taken from the literature. We apply HCA based on the generalized affinity coefficient (similarity coefficient) to the case of complex data (symbolic data), combined with 26 (classic and probabilistic) clustering algorithms. Finally, we discuss the obtained results and the contribution of this approach to gaining better knowledge of the structure of data.
Intra-annual climate variability and malaria transmission in Nigeria
Authors: Ayanlade Ayansina , Olugbade Adeoye Nathaniel , Babatimehin Oyekanmi
Published: August 2013

This study develops an integrated innovation for malaria early warning systems (MEWS), based on vulnerability monitoring, seasonal climate variability data, and epidemiologic surveillance. The main aim of the study is to examine the relationship between intra-annual climate variability and malaria transmission in Nigeria. For this study, climatic conditions considered suitable for the development of the malaria parasite and its transmission through the mosquito stage of its life cycle are temperatures within the range from 18°C to 32°C. Below 18°C the parasite development decreases significantly, while above 32°C the survival of the mosquito is compromised. Relative humidity greater than 60% is also considered a requirement for the mosquito to survive long enough for the parasite to develop sufficiently to be transmitted to its human host stage. The research findings show that seasonality of climate greatly influences the seasonality of malaria transmission. Specifically, rainfall plays an important role in the distribution and maintenance of breeding sites for the mosquito vector. Rainfall and surface water is required for the egg laying and larval stages of the mosquito life cycle and monthly rainfall above 80 mm is considered a requirement. Also, it is temperature that regulates the development rate of both the mosquito larvae and the malaria parasite (Plasmodium species) within the mosquito host. Relative humidity and temperature play an important role in the survival and longevity of the mosquito vector. This study is in conformity with the findings of the IPCC (2001) that malaria is caused by four distinct species of the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, which are most abundant in tropical/subtropical regions, although they are also found in limited numbers in temperate climates.
Staff qualification and the quality of tourism-related services in the Nitra region
Authors: Grenčíková Adriana , Vojtovič Sergej , Gullerová Monika
Published: August 2013

The study attempts to justify the importance of the human potential quality, one of the key factors for the development of tourism industry. Moreover, the study attempts to establish a correlation between the human potential quality and the quality of tourism-related services. Next, the study emphasizes that not only geography-related factors, such as natural, historical and cultural sights, climatic and weather conditions getting the attention and interest by tourists, are vital for tourism industry. The human potential quality, including training, qualification and expertise, is important as well. Therefore, the study analyses the human potential quality in tourism industry, and assesses its impact on the service quality related to accommodation, catering, transport, organization and provision of sports, cultural and sightseeing events.
Science, Humanism, Judgement, Ethics: Person-Centered Medicine as an Emergent Model of Modern Clinical Practice / Наука, Гуманизм, Преценка, Этика, Пациент. Гуманизм В Медицина - Новая Модель В Современн Ой Клинической Практике
Authors: Miles Andrew
Published: August 2013

The Medical University of Plovdiv (MUP) has as its motto ‘Committed to humanity”. But what does humanity in modern medicine mean? Is it possible to practise a form of medicine that is without humanity? In the current article, it is argued that modern medicine is increasingly being practised in a de-personalised fashion, where the patient is understood not as a unique human individual, a person, but rather as a subject or an object and more in the manner of a complex biological machine. Medicine has, it is contended, become distracted from its duty to care, comfort and console as well as to ameliorate, attenuate and cure and that the rapid development of medicine’s scientific knowledge is, paradoxically, principally causative. Signal occurrences in the ‘patient as a person’ movement are reviewed, together with the emergence of the evidence-based medicine (EBM) and patientcentered care (PCC) movements. The characteristics of a model of medicine evolving in response to medicine’s current deficiencies - person-centered healthcare (PCH) - are noted and described. In seeking to apply science with humanism, via clinical judgement, within an ethical framework, it is contended that PCH will prove to be far more responsive to the needs of the individual patient and his/her personal circumstances than current models of practice, so that neither a reductive anatomico-pathological, disease-centric model of illness (EBM), nor an aggressive patient-directed, consumerist form of care (PCC) is allowed continued dominance within modern healthcare systems. In conclusion, it is argued that PCH will enable affordable advances in biomedicine and technology to be delivered to patients within a humanistic framework of clinical practice that recognises the patient as a person and which takes full account of his/her stories, values, preferences, goals, aspirations, fears, worries, hopes, cultural context and which responds to his/her psychological, emotional, spiritual and social necessities in addition to his/her physical needs. MUP, in assimilating such arguments and introducing person-centered medicine teaching into the University, is engaged in a notable and laudable initiative which will function as a salutary example to other medical schools within Europe and elsewhere.
Adipose Tissue Hormones and Appetite and Body Weight Regulators an Insulin Resistance / Гормоны Жировой Ткани И Регуляторы Аппетита И Массы Тела При Инсулиновой Резистентности
Authors: Koleva Daniela Iv. , Orbetzova Maria M. , Atanassova Pepa K.
Published: August 2013

Impaired sensitivity to insulin (the so called insulin resistance, IR) occurs in a number of genetic and acquired conditions, including obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome (MS). In this review we discuss the correlation between IR, the adipose tissue hormones and appetite and body weight regulators. Leptin acts as a major adipostat: it suppresses food intake and activates catabolic pathways associated with increased energy production. It improves the peripheral insulin sensitivity and affects β-cell function. Adiponectin is the only adipocytokine discovered so far that has anti-atherogenic properties. There is a reverse correlation between the serum adiponectin levels and the degree of obesity, IR, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Ghrelin stimulates food intake; of all circulating orexigenic hormones ghrelin is the most thoroughly studied. Ghrelin levels are decreased in MS and PCOS patients as this hormone is negatively correlated with body mass. Resistin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissues; a growing body of evidence suggests that it might be implicated in the link between obesity and diabetes. It has been found that the hormone‘s levels are significantly higher in obese people than those in normal body mass people. The recently discovered adipose tissue hormones, vaspin, visfatin, omentin-1 and their effect on IR development, have been increasingly researched.
The Free Radical Theory of Aging In Search of a Strategy for Increasing Life Span / Свободнорадикальная Теория О Старении В Поиске Стратегии Увеличить Продолжительность Жизни
Authors: Ivanova Diana G. , Yankova Tatyana M.
Published: August 2013

This overview is an attempt to throw a fresh look at the popular free radical theory of aging (referred to also as oxidative stress theory) which holds that the progressive decline in physiological functions is a result of accumulation of diverse deleterious changes caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We discuss the role of mitochondria as a major source of ROS in the cell and how these link accumulation of oxidative damage to the age-related changes in physiologic functions. The free radical theory of aging is analysed here from two different views of aging - one (the pessimistic view) that regards aging as the inevitable result of life activity the consequences of which are accumulation of errors in the genome and damage of the biomolecules, and the other (the optimistic view) which considers that it is the changes in mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis with age that cause the functional tissue changes and aging.

We also discuss the possibility of delaying the aging process by appropriate diet or drug therapy, which includes also calorie restriction as a mechanism of modifying the generation of free radicals and body metabolism and thus extending lifespan as a result.
Radial Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A One Year Follow-Up Study / Радиальная ударно-волновая терапия при подошвенном фасциите; прослеживание в течение года
Authors: Ilieva Elena M.
Published: August 2013

The vast majority of published papers on the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have come up with rather controversial results in patients with plantar fasciitis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of radial shock wave therapy in patients with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.

Material and methods: Twenty-one patients were included in the study (mean age 51.29 ± 2.02 yrs, mean duration of symptoms 10.14 ± 1.11 mos). Radial shock wave therapy was administered in five sessions. Total number of shocks per session was 2500 at a pressure of 2.5 bars. Visual analog scale (VAS) and a modification of the clinical rating system of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) were used for outcome measurement. The patients were assessed before treatment and followed up 3, 6, and 12 months after end of treatment.

Results: Statistically significant improvement in pain and functional capacity was found after completion of treatment in comparison with baseline; the improvement was preserved throughout a one-year follow-up. VAS mean score for pain showed changes in pain while walking the first few steps in the morning from 6.28 ± 0.4 before therapy to 2.85 ± 0.48 after treatment and to 1.52 ± 0.31 at 3 months, to 1.09 ± 0.25 at 6 months, and to 0.52 ± 0.14 at 12 months of follow up (p < 0.001). Similar dynamics was observed in pain intensity during daily activities, at rest, in the evening and upon compression. The AFOAS score showed a statistically significant reduction in pain - from 11.90 ± 2.35 at baseline to 31.90 ± 1.48 after the end of interventions (p < 0.001), and to 39.52 ± 0.47 at one year of follow-up (p < 0.001).

The mean values of the evaluation reflecting activity limitations and support requirements increased from 3.85 ± 0.42 to 7.85 ± 0.46 after treatment and to 9.71 ± 0.19 at one year of follow up (p < 0.001). Similar dynamics was seen in the maximum walking distance and walking surfaces. Gait abnormalities changed from 3.43 ± 0.50 at baseline to 6.28 ± 0.59 after treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study we could conclude that radial shock wave therapy is a safe non-invasive method of treatment. Our preliminary findings indicate that it could be an effective treatment of choice for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis that is recalcitrant to other conservative treatment modalities.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Bcg in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis / Иммуномоделирующие Эффекты Всg У Пациентов С Рецидивирующим Респираторным Папилломатозом
Authors: Vetskova Evelina K. , Muhtarova Mariya N. , Avramov Toma I. , Stefanova Tsvetelina R. , Chalakov Ivan J. , Nikolova Maria H.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare manifestation of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection with extremely high relapse frequency, poorly understood immunopathogenesis, and lack of efficient treatment. Immunotherapy with Calgevax (BCG) in combination with CO2 surgery significantly improves the outcome of RRP. The present study investigates cellular immunity parameters in RRP patients, and the effects of 20-month Calgevax immunomodulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: RRP patients (n = 15) subjected to combined therapy were tested before, 6, 12 and 20 months after the start of immunomodulation. Absolute counts and percentage of T, B and NK cells, effector Tc1 (CD8 + IFNγ+); Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+), Th17 (CD4+IL-17+) and regulatory (CD4+FoxP3+) T lymphocytes, as well as the in vitro stimulated secretion of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFNγ and TNFα were determined by flow cytometry (FACSCanto II, BD).

RESULTS: While no significant changes were detected in the circulating T, B and NK subsets, RRP patients presented increased proportions of Tc1, Th1 and Th17 cells, and significantly reduced IFNγ/IL-4 and IFNγ/IL-10 ratios as compared to healthy controls (15% vs. 8%), (58 vs. 139 and 15 vs. 26, respectively), p < 0.05 for all comparisons. Increased Treg (9% vs. 4%), and decreased Th17 effectors share (0.7% vs. 0.4%) were observed at 12 months, while IFNγ/IL-4 and IFNγ/IL-10 ratios were restored after 20 months of Calgevax application.

CONCLUSIONS: Antiviral response closely depends on cytokine background. Calgevax potentiates Treg differentiation at the expense of proinflammatory Th17, limits hyperactivation and virus-specific T cell clones depletion, and restores a Th1 cytokine background.
Systemic Outlook in Technology- Management Trends of Best Technology/ICT Companies
Authors: Jemala Marek
Published: August 2013

In the last time, new technology generations in many industries are presented every 2-3 years. The next technology revolution is expected to be different from the previous ones because technology is present in every aspect of our society. Technology processes have more and more an interdisciplinary character, therefore must be carried out systematically and if possible in a planned form. From integration of technology processes; to customer insights that drive product and brand extensions; to spotting emerging voids that competitors miss; technology-management trends are of tremendous importance for optimum business growth and profit. The main goal of this paper is to examine particular trends related to technology-management, as well as selected business indicators of the most successful technology/ICT companies in the world. The research methodology was based on the extensive study of innovative activities described in the annual and related reports of the most profitable technology businesses.
Effect of cortisol on neurophysin I/oxytocin and peptidyl glycine-α-amidating mono-oxygenase mRNA expression in bovine luteal and granulosa cells
Authors: Ziolkowska A. , Mlynarczuk J. , Kotwica J.
Published: August 2013

Cortisol stimulates the synthesis and secretion of oxytocin (OT) from bovine granulosa and luteal cells, but the molecular mechanisms of cortisol action remain unknown. In this study, granulosa cells or luteal cells from days 1-5 and 11-15 of the oestrous cycle were incubated for 4 or 8 h with cortisol (1x10-5, 1x10-7M). After testing cell viability and hormone secretion (OT, progesterone, estradiol), we studied the effect of cortisol on mRNA expression for precursor of OT (NP-I/OT) and peptidyl glycine-α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PGA). The influence of RU 486 (1x10-5M), a progesterone receptor blocker and inhibitor of the glucocorticosteroid receptor (GR), on the expression for both genes was tested. Cortisol increased the mRNA expression for NP-I/OT and PGA in granulosa cells and stimulated the expression for NP-I/OT mRNA in luteal cells obtained from days 1-5 and days 11-15 of the oestrous cycle. Expression for PGA mRNA was increased only in luteal cells from days 11-15 of the oestrous cycle. In addition, RU 486 blocked the cortisol-stimulated mRNA expression for NP-I/OT and PGA in both types of cells. These data suggest that cortisol affects OT synthesis and secretion in bovine ovarian cells, by acting on the expression of key genes, that may impair ovary function.
The effect of T-2 toxin on percentages of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD8+ and CD21+ lymphocytes, and mRNA expression levels of selected cytokines in porcine ileal Peyer’s patches
Authors: Obremski K. , Podlasz P. , Żmigrodzka M. , Winnicka A. , Woźny M. , Brzuzan P. , Jakimiuk E. , Wojtacha P. , Gajęcka M. , Zielonka Ł. , Gajęcki M.
Published: August 2013

The immune system is one of the main toxicity targets of the T-2 toxin. In view of scant research data demonstrating the effect of T-2 on cellular and humoral responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), this study set out to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to low doses of the T-2 toxin (200 μg T-2 toxin kg-1 feed) on percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+/CD8+double-positive T lymphocytes, CD21+B cells, and IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels in porcine ileal Peyer’s patches. The investigated material comprised ileum sections sampled from piglets (aged 8-10 weeks, body weight of 15-18 kg) on days 14, 28 and 42 of the experiment.

After 42 days of exposure to T-2, a significant drop in the quantity of the IL-10 product was observed (R=0.94; S.E. 0.49-0.79; p<0.001). A gradual decrease in the amount of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokine transcripts was found throughout the experiment, but the reported trend was not significant. On experimental days 14 and 42, a significant increase in the percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes was observed in comparison with the control (p=0.04 and p=0.05, respectively), whereas on day 28, a significant decrease in the percentage of the above subpopulation was noted (p=0.00). The percentage of CD21+B cells in the experimental group decreased steadily in comparison with the control, and the observed drop was significant on days 28 and 42 (p=0.06 and p=0.00, respectively). On days 14 and 28, the percentages of CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes were lower in the experimental animals than in the control group, and the drop reported on day 28 was statistically significant (p=0.03).
Identification of Propionibacteria to the species level using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and artificial neural networks
Authors: Dziuba B.
Published: August 2013

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and artificial neural networks (ANN’s) were used to identify species of Propionibacteria strains. The aim of the study was to improve the methodology to identify species of Propionibacteria strains, in which the differentiation index D, calculated based on Pearson’s correlation and cluster analyses were used to describe the correlation between the Fourier transform infrared spectra and bacteria as molecular systems brought unsatisfactory results. More advanced statistical methods of identification of the FTIR spectra with application of artificial neural networks (ANN’s) were used. In this experiment, the FTIR spectra of Propionibacteria strains stored in the library were used to develop artificial neural networks for their identification. Several multilayer perceptrons (MLP) and probabilistic neural networks (PNN) were tested. The practical value of selected artificial neural networks was assessed based on identification results of spectra of 9 reference strains and 28 isolates. To verify results of isolates identification, the PCR based method with the pairs of species-specific primers was used.

The use of artificial neural networks in FTIR spectral analyses as the most advanced chemometric method supported correct identification of 93% bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium to the species level.
Blood antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX), biochemical and haematological parameters in pigs naturally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Štukelj M. , Toplak I. , Nemec Svete A.
Published: August 2013

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has become one of the most economically important diseases for the swine industry worldwide. The objective of the study was to determine selected blood antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), biochemical and haematological parameters in PRRS positive and negative pigs of three different categories, mainly to test oxidative stress hypothesis in pigs naturally infected with PRRS virus. Ninety PRRS positive and 90 PRRS negative pigs were included in the study. The presence of PRRS was confirmed by serological detection of antibodies against PRRS virus (PRRSV) and detection of PRRS viral RNA by RT-PCR. Pigs were further divided into three groups of 30: piglets just before weaning (weaners), fatteners and finishers. Blood samples for determining selected blood parameters were collected from the vena cava cranialis. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher activities of SOD in weaners and fatteners and of GPX in weaners were determined in PRRS positive pigs than in corresponding groups of PRRS negative pigs. In contrast, significantly (P < 0.05) lower GPX activity was observed in finishers of PRRS positive pigs than in the corresponding group of PRRS negative pigs. Concentrations of serum total protein in PRRS positive weaners and fatteners were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those found in PRRS negative pigs. Leukopenia was observed in all three groups of PRRS positive pigs. It has been demonstrated, for the first time, that oxidative stress might be increased in PRRSV naturally infected pigs, especially in weaners.
Reduction of prevalence of persistent BVDV infection in cattle herds by long-term vaccination program (preliminary clinical study)
Authors: Rypuła K. , Płoneczka-Janeczko K. , Bania J. , Wałecka E. , Bierowiec K. , Rozpędek W.
Published: August 2013

Effectiveness of long-term anti-BVDV vaccination program in reducing prevalence of persistent BVDV infection in cattle herds was evaluated in seven years observational study (2005-2011). Among three seropositive dairy cattle herds (within herd seroprevalence 100%, confirmed by ELISA Herd Check BVDV Ab, IDEXX, Sweden) vaccination program based on inactivated vaccine (cytopathic strain 5960) was commenced in 2007 in two herds and continued till 2010. In the years 2007-2011 all calves aged 2-12 weeks in all three herds were tested yearly with RT-PCR in order to detect persistently infected individuals. For the entire study period true prevalence of BVDV persistent infection was significantly lower in vaccinated than in non-vaccinated herd. This may imply the role of long-term vaccination program in reducing prevalence of persistent BVDV infection in cattle herds.