bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anonymizing and Sharing Medical Text Records
Authors: Li Xiao-Bai , Qin Jialun
Published: April 2017

Health information technology has increased accessibility of health and medical data and benefited medical research and healthcare management. However, there are rising concerns about patient privacy in sharing medical and healthcare data. A large amount of these data are in free text form. Existing techniques for privacy-preserving data sharing deal largely with structured data. Current privacy approaches for medical text data focus on detection and removal of patient identifiers from the data, which may be inadequate for protecting privacy or preserving data quality. We propose a new systematic approach to extract, cluster, and anonymize medical text records. Our approach integrates methods developed in both data privacy and health informatics fields. The key novel elements of our approach include a recursive partitioning method to cluster medical text records based on the similarity of the health and medical information and a value-enumeration method to anonymize potentially identifying information in the text data. An experimental study is conducted using real-world medical documents. The results of the experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Implementing formulary change in diabetes
Authors: Swift Jim , Pearson Keith , Hill Joanne , Cheung Jimmy , Richardson Duncan , Myers Alison Jane , Barker Chris
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to establish the financial savings achieved by changing patients with type 2 diabetes who accessed blood glucose testing from a range of blood glucose monitoring systems to a preferred system. The study also sought to establish what impact the change process had on the wider quality of care for people with type 2 diabetes and to estimate the savings if this process was used for people with type 1 diabetes. Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) evaluated all self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) systems against two key criteria, independent evidence supporting accuracy to the international standards for such systems (ISO 15197 2013) and the cost of SMBG strips. The system TEE2 Spirit Healthcare Ltd came out first in the GMMMG evaluation. Bury and Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)—two CCGs within GMMMG's hinterland—sought to optimise use of SMBG strips while reducing their costs. One of the key determinants for both CCGs was the willingness of the commercial organisations to deliver a programme to change suitable people (defined by the respective CCGs) with type 2 diabetes from legacy systems to TEE2. In the 2 years preceding the change programmes, both CCGs had an increase in monthly costs of around £10 000. In the twelve months following the change both CCGs had a monthly reduction of around £10 000. The mean unit costs per box of SMBG strips reduced from £14.89 to £12.54, which is a reduction of 15.8% in HMR CCG and from £14.82 to £12.76 in Bury CCG, which is a reduction of 13.9%. The annualised savings in Bury CCG (March 2015 to March 2016) were £85 591 and in HMR CCG were £154 120 as per the same dataset. Unit cost changes in HMR and Bury were compared to 10 CCGs with a formulary change but no implementation programme. Savings were almost 700% greater when change was actively implemented.
Preventing urinary tract infections in catheter care
Authors: Bardsley Alison
Published: April 2017

Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with the use of indwelling urinary catheters. Alison Bardsley explains why diagnosis in older people can be difficult, and how the problem can be managed for residents who cannot have their catheters removed
Optimising quality of life for people living with arthritis
Authors: Swann Julie
Published: April 2017

Arthritis impacts on approximately 50% of the population from the age of 65 years, making it a common condition within the care home. Julie Swann explains how arthritis affects the joints and how care staff can help residents regain function and independence
How to … support care home staff facing retirement
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: April 2017

Retirement is a deeply personal journey, and something that we will all hopefully go through, one day. In this article, Adrian Ashurst discusses some of the more important aspects in helping older members of staff prepare for this life-changing event
Scrutinizing the Factors Affecting Fluency of English among Arab Learners
Authors: Ghazali Fawzi Al
Published: April 2017

This research study investigates the cognitive, psychological and personal factors affecting the accuracy and fluency of English language usage among Arab learners. Early research led by Chomsky (1965) and Krashen (1981) suggested that an individual’s Language Acquisition Device once triggered at the appropriate time and supported with adequate Comprehensible Input can lead to automatic development of an L2. Relevant research suggests that children are born with the instinct or innate facility for language acquisition provided they have no physical or mental impairment (Al Ghazali, 2006). However, past research (Engin and Seven, 2014; Hanani, 2009; Gupta, 2008; Latu, 1994) has led to the identification of additional factors that go beyond the cognitive domain. These factors were examined individually and against a background of teaching methods, phonetics application, and classroom conditions. In this research, a mixed research study was designed in which a survey and interviews were conducted with a number of university students. With minimal effect from the researcher, the data were collected to examine the influence of these factors on learners’ proficiency of English language and application. The findings reveal that Arab learners’ ability to learn English is dependent on psychological motivation, physical needs to apply it, and personal reasoning.
Examining the Reading Habits, Interests, Tendencies of the Students Studying at the Faculty of Education and Analyzing the Underlying Reason behind Their Preferences
Authors: Tavsanli Omer Faruk , Kaldirim Abdullah
Published: April 2017

Acquiring the reading skills and using this skill effectively throughout life is possible by a qualified education hence qualified teachers. Therefore; teachers and candidate teachers are suggested to be; acquired the reading skills, focused on information and learning, trained well as individuals having knowledge of their fields and pedagogics. By the context; the aim of the study is suggested as examining the reading habits, interests, tendencies of the students studying at the Faculty of Education and analyzing the underlying reason behind their preferences. The descriptive phenomenology method; one of the qualitative research methods is used in the study. The studying group within the research is occurred by the 10 students from 5 different fields of Education Faculty, who read books constantly. The data acquired is collected by semi-structured interview questions and content analysis method is benefited to analyze the data. According to the results of the study; 140 discourses are observed to be expressed within the 6 themes, due to the reading habits, interests and tendencies of the students studying at the Faculty of Education. The mentioned themes herein, are formed as the following: “book type interested”, “content interested”, “topic interested”, “acquiring the reading habits”, “criteria for preferring books”, “the effect of social environment to prefer books”. While the most expressed theme is revealed as “criteria for preferring books”, the least one is about the reading habits, within the research.
Psychometric Properties of Adaptation of the Social Efficacy and Outcome Expectations Scale to Turkish
Authors: Bakioglu Fuad , Turkum Ayse Sibel
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Social Efficacy and Outcome Expectations Scale (SEOES) on Turkish. The sample group included two groups of university students (ns= 440, 359). The validity of the scale was assessed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity, and the reliability was assessed using Cronbach Alpha’s internal consistency coefficient, test-retest method and item discrimination. The findings obtained from the exploratory factor analysis showed that 51.2 percent of total variance of the scale was explained and the scale consisted of two sub-dimensions like the original one. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable fit to the data. The concurrent validity of the SEOES was respectively studied using (.65) Scale of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy; (.29) Satisfaction With Life Scale; and (-.36) UCLA Loneliness Scale. As for the scale’s reliability, the internal consistency was determined to be .91; .92 for Social Efficacy Scale; and .81 for Outcome Expectations Scale. The results of test-retest result (.90) and the findings of item analysis showed that the items in Turkish version of the scales were compatible with the original one. The present results provide evidence supporting the validity and reliability Turkish version of the SEOES.
Skills in Social Studies Curricula in Turkey: An Examination in the Context of Socio-Cultural Interaction
Authors: Ibrahimoglu Zafer , San Selda
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to chronologically examine the contents of the social studies curricula implemented in Turkey in terms of skills teaching in the context of socio-cultural interaction. In the study, the social studies curricula used since 1967 were subjected to content analysis, and the skills aimed to be taught to students in the contents of these curricula were listed. These lists were examined with reference to the socio-cultural conditions of the time they were implemented. Based on the findings, it can be stated that the contents and emphasis of skills cyclically varied across different social studies curricula in Turkey. There was sometimes an individual-centred and libertarian approach adopted in the curricula, while at other times an environment was present in which strict rules were dominant and the system was emphasized rather than the individual as part of the political and social conditions of the time.
Distribution of FcRn Across Species and Tissues
Authors: Latvala Sari , Jacobsen Bjoern , Otteneder Michael B. , Herrmann Annika , Kronenberg Sven
Published: April 2017

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a major histocompatibility complex class I type molecule that binds to, transports, and recycles immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin, thereby protecting them from lysosomal degradation. Therefore, besides the knowledge of FcRn affinity, FcRn protein expression is critical in understanding the pharmacokinetic behavior of Fc-containing biotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies. The goal of this investigation was to achieve for the first time a comparative assessment of FcRn distribution across a variety of tissues and species. FcRn was mapped in about 20 tissues including placenta from human and the most frequently used species in non-clinical safety testing of monoclonal antibodies (mouse, rat, cynomolgus monkey). In addition, the FcRn expression pattern was characterized in two humanized transgenic mouse lines (Tg32 and Tg276) expressing human FcRn under different promoters, and in the severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse. Consecutive sections were stained with specific markers, namely, anti-CD68 for macrophages and anti–von Willebrand Factor for endothelial cells. Overall, the FcRn expression pattern was comparable across species and tissues with consistent expression of FcRn in endothelial cells and interstitial macrophages, Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, enterocytes, and choroid plexus epithelium. The human FcRn transgenic mouse Tg276 showed a different and much more widespread staining pattern of FcRn. In addition, immunodeficiency and lack of IgG in SCID mice had no negative effect on FcRn expression compared with wild-type mice.
Erinnerung, Erfahrung, Erwartung
Authors: Schüle Andreas
Published: April 2017

The considerations presented in this essay are to contribute to the reassessment of the meaning of hermeneutics as mediator between historical criticism and biblical theology. In dialogue with the concepts of Samuel Terrien and Gerhard von Rad as well as Reinhart Koselleck’s theory of historical time, the essay develops and discusses remembrance, experience and expectation as epistemological principles of a hermeneutics of the whole Bible.
Zur Bedeutung jüdischer Exegese der Hebräischen Bibel für christliche Theologie
Authors: Grohmann Marianne
Published: April 2017

The article analyses the interaction between the Protestant »principle of Scripture«, historical critical exegesis and Jewish interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. The goal of historical critical exegesis of interpreting biblical texts as precisely as possible within their historical and literary contexts is fundamental for the Jewish-Christian dialogue. The plurality of Jewish interpretations of the Hebrew Bible is presented by means of their hermeneutical principles. The article emphasizes the relevance of Jewish biblical interpretation for both Old Testament exegesis and Christian theology, exemplified through different readings of Exod 33:17-23.
AC conductivity and dielectric behavior of poly (o-phenylenediamine)/TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: S. Archana
Published: April 2017

Poly (o-phenylenediamine) and their nanocomposites with TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using oxidative polymerization technique and the polymer nanocomposites were characterized using spectral techniques like FT-IR, UV-VIS spectroscopy and the morphology have been analyzed by XRD, SEM and TEM. The stability of the prepared polymer nanocomposites was studied using TGA, DTA and found to have high thermal stability. The study of ac conductivity, dielectric property revealed that the formed nanocomposites are semiconducting in nature and can be widely used in the field of energy storage and semiconductor devices, in diodes, batteries etc.
Eat Green, Get Lean: Promoting Sustainability Reduces Consumption
Authors: Farmer Adam , Breazeale Michael , Stevens Jennifer L. , Waites Stacie F.
Published: April 2017

Food overconsumption contributes greatly to health problems that affect a large portion of the population while also straining the earth's natural resources. Attempts by policy makers to encourage sustainable food practices often focus more on the role of producers and less on the role of consumers, even though a growing number of consumers are concerned about the sustainability of their food products. Yet consumers often fail to perceive any immediate, personal benefits from consuming sustainably; instead, they envision future societal-level benefits. Three studies capturing actual behavior—the consumption of food and beverages—provide evidence that food promoted as sustainable can produce individual consumer benefits through reduced consumption. Study 1 shows the effect of sustainability in lessening consumption. Study 2 demonstrates how sustainability semantically primes a prosocial focus, which is the mechanism involved in the reduction of consumption. Study 3 then shows that this effect is enhanced for people with higher levels of self-control.
Thinnest Covering of the Euclidean Plane with Incongruent Circles
Authors: Dorninger Dietmar
Published: April 2017

In 1958 L. Fejes Tóth and J. Molnar proposed a conjecture about a lower bound for the thinnest covering of the plane by circles with arbitrary radii from a given interval of the reals. If only two kinds of radii can occur this conjecture was in essence proven by A. Florian in 1962, leaving the general case unanswered till now. The goal of this paper is to analytically describe the general case in such a way that the conjecture can easily be numerically verified and upper and lower limits for the asserted bound can be gained.
Perspectives of Christmas rose (Helleborus niger L.) genetic improvement
Authors: Šušek Andrej
Published: April 2017

The Christmas rose is becoming a very important ornamental plant on the market. It is relatively new to intensive production technologies. The number of genetically-improved varieties on the market is limited, and many of the old cultivars are no longer available because of slow and economically unfeasible vegetative propagation. In the future, its genetic improvement will probably become inevitable. New cultivars will have to satisfy the specific requirements of the market and producers as well as strict environmental policy. In order to obtain new cultivars it will be necessary to evaluate the existing germplasm and apply an adequate genetic breeding approach. There are seven main possibilities of creating new varieties: the use of natural variation associated with seed germination, population approach based on recurrent selection, individual selection based on specific genetic combinations, the creation of inbred lines and the formation of hybrids, interspecific hybridisation, mutagenesis and genetic engineering. Molecular markers can be very helpful during the breeding process. They can be used in order to study genetic relationships amongst populations, ecotypes, varieties, and hybrids.
Comparison of the two microsporidia that infect honey bees – a review
Authors: Soklič Mateja , Gregorc Aleš
Published: April 2017

Two microsporidian species, Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, infect honey bees (Apis mellifera) worldwide. They are obligate intracellular parasites that multiply in the epithelial lining of the bee’s midgut and cause nosemosis. N. ceranae infections were primarily found in Apis cerana and raised interest in the last decade with the discovery of their presence in the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). Nosema spp. utilizes hosts’ energetic reserves for the purpose of propagation and disrupts the digestive processes of the bee. Nosemosis reduces the lifespan of a single bee and affects the performance of the colony. It also has an economic impact through the reduction in the honey and pollen yield of severely infected colonies or even causes them to collapse. Lack of effective therapy for nosemosis is of special concern and calls for scientific attention. Although N. ceranae and N. apis are similar in many aspects, there are important differences between them such as clinical signs of infection or the ability to resist low temperatures.
Addendum to Sharply 2-transitive groups of characteristic 0
Authors: Scherff Malte , Tent Katrin
Published: April 2017

In this short note we show how to modify the construction of non-split sharply 2-transitive groups of characteristic 0 given in [2] to allow for arbitrary fields of characteristic 0.
Applicability of cryoconite consortia of microorganisms and glacier-dwelling animals in astrobiological studies
Authors: Zawierucha Krzysztof , Ostrowska Marta , Kolicka Małgorzata
Published: April 2017

For several years it has been of interest to astrobiologists to focus on Earth’s glaciers as a habitat that can be similar to glaciers on other moons and planets. Microorganisms on glaciers form consortia – cryoconite granules (cryoconites). They are granular/spherical mineral particles connected with archaea, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, algae, fungi, and micro animals (mainly Tardigrada and Rotifera). Cryophilic organisms inhabiting glaciers have been studied in different aspects: from taxonomy, ecology and biogeography, to searching of biotechnological potentials and physiological strategies to survive in extreme glacial habitats. However, they have never been used in astrobiological experiments. The main aim of this paper is brief review of literature and supporting assumptions that cryoconite granules and microinvertebrates on glaciers, are promising models in astrobiology for looking for analogies and survival strategies in terms of icy planets and moons. So far, astrobiological research have been conducted on single strains of prokaryotes or microinvertebrates but never on a consortium of them. Due to the hypothetical similarity of glaciers on the Earth to those on other planets these cryoconites consortia of microorganisms and glacier microinvertebrates may be applied in astrobiological experiments instead of the limno-terrestrial ones used currently. Those consortia and animals have qualities to use them in such studies and they may be the key to understanding how organisms are able to survive, reproduce and remain active at low temperatures.
Seasonal Variation in Fluoride Content in Groundwaters of Langtang Area, Northcentral Nigeria
Authors: Dibal H.U. , Dajilak W.N. , Lekmang I.C. , Nimze L.W. , Yenne E.Y.
Published: April 2017

Thirty groundwater samples were collected at the peak of the rainy season and analysed for fluoride and other cations and anions in drinking water sources of Langtang area. For comparative purposes, thirty seven groundwater samples were collected in the dry season. The aim of the study was to determine variation in fluoride content with respect to the seasons. Fluoride in water was determined by the Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) and the cations by the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The anion (sulphate) was determined by Multi – Ion Colorimeter, bicarbonate and chloride by titration method. In addition fluorine content in aquifer materials from a borehole section were determined by Fusion method. The two seasons show variation in content of fluoride in groundwater. Fluoride content in groundwater is higher in the dry season ranging from 0.13 – 10.3 mg/l compared to the 0.06 – 4.60 mg/l values in the rainy season. Content of fluorine (0.01 wt %) in the aquifer materials (sands) is low from depth of 0 to 7.95 m. However, fluorine content increases with depth, from 7.95 to 10.60 m with concentration of 0.04 wt %, 0.05 wt % from 10.60 to 13.25m, and 0.07 wt % from 13.25 to 15.70 m, the content of fluorine however, decreased at depth 15.70 to18.55m with concentration of 0.02 wt % even with fluorite mineral in the aquifer material at this depth. Dilution of fluoride ion as a result of rain input which recharges the aquifer may be the main reason for lower values recorded in the rainy season. Over fifty and sixty percent of waters in both dry and rainy season have fluoride concentration above the WHO upper limit of 1.5 mg/l. Consumption of these elevated values of fluoride in groundwater of the study area, clearly manifests as symptoms of dental fluorosis.
Demographic Determinants of Creativity: The Analysis of the Development of Creative Potential and Forecast for the Baltic States
Authors: Rojenko Vladimirs , Dahs Aleksandrs
Published: April 2017

Human capital, affected by the demographic determinants, nowadays becomes a novel driver of change and regional development. Changes in the modern economy determine the future leading role of human capital, especially its creative dimension in the development of modern, sustainable competitive advantages of countries and regions. Considering the negative demographical tendencies in the Baltic States, the aim of this paper is to analyse and forecast the development of creative potential in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Our methodology is based on the estimation of a regression model describing the relations between Global Creativity Index (GCI) and its components with the available demographic data in 28 European Union member countries. Model estimation results indicate a particular importance of population age composition for all GCI components, while education attainment levels appear to be highly significant for the technology and talent components. Using the estimated model parameters, authors elaborate a simple forecast for the three Baltic States using the current demographic projections, while outlining the strengths and potential weaknesses of each country in the long-term perspective.
Basics of Optimization Strategy for Integrating Space Industry Technology Package Into Global Value Chains
Authors: Omelyanenko Vitaliy
Published: April 2017

The article deals with basic characteristics and fundamentals of innovation management of global value chains and considerations on the example of space industry based on the factor of interaction in the creation of new products in global value chains. General context of global value chains as a factor of strategy development and characteristics and factors of global value chains in space industry is considered. Mechanism of the development of space engineering as global industry at the national level is proposed. The author proposes to consider four groups of level of characteristics of the competitiveness of technological component for integration into the global value chain of space industry projects.
The Use of Moss Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. as Bioindicator of Radionuclide Contamination in Industrial Areas of Upper Silesia
Authors: Kosior Grzegorz , Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka , Ziembik Zbigniew
Published: April 2017

Mosses are good bioaccumulators of radionuclides and from the 60 of the last century, they are used as bioindicators of radioactive contamination in the environment. Concentration of impurities in moss represent the accumulation in mosses during the past 2-3 years. As a result, the moss composition analysis provides information on an average contamination within a few vegetation seasons. During our survey the measurements of radionuclide activity concentrations in P. schreberi transplanted from places relatively clean to heavily contaminated areas of Upper Silesia were carried out. An increase in the radionuclides activity concentrations in P. schreberi transplants may indicate not only deposition of the radionuclides itself, but also an influx of other pollutants. The results showed no relationship between the Pb-210 activity concentration and activity concentrations of Pb-214, Bi-214, also belonging to the uranium-radium decay series. The increased concentration of Pb-210 in P. schreberi may be the result of the radionuclide atmospheric deposition, which appears in the environment as a result of fossil fuels burning. Excess, allogeneic Pb-210 can be used as marker of environmental pollution. In the areas with its higher activity concentration increased pollution can be expected delivered, for example, by local industry. The Project received financial assistance from the funds of the National Science Centre, granted by force of the decision no. UMO-2013/09/B/NZ8/03340 (NCN).
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to the Technical Condition Assessment of Water Supply Systems
Authors: Kamiński Kamil , Kamiński Władysław , Mizerski Tomasz
Published: April 2017

The paper explains a method for discerning the parts of a water supply system in need of renovation. The results are based on technical data collected over the last twenty one years, concerning more than two hundred sections of both renovated and nonrenovated pipelines. In the study, an appropriately prepared data set was used for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the form of a multilayer perceptron (MLP). Further comparison between the responses of the trained MLP and the decisions made by human experts showed satisfactory consistency, although 15% of the database records produced certain discrepancies. The presented method can help create an expert system capable of supporting failure-free operation of a water distribution system.
Influence of Selected Coagulants of Indicator and Dioxin-Like PCB Removal from Drinking Water
Authors: Rosińska Agata
Published: April 2017

The aim of the research was to compare selected coagulants efficiency in indicator and chosen dioxin-like PCB removal from surface water. As coagulants, there were used aluminium sulfate and 5 hydrolyzed polyaluminium chlorides, with trade names: PAX-XL1, PAX-XL10, PAX-XL19, PAX-XL60, PAX-XL69. For the research, surface water was used, collected from dam reservoir. The water composition was modified with standard mixtures PCB MIX24 and MIX13, in order to obtain concentration of each congener equal to 300 ng/dm3. The PCB MIX24 mixture was composed of indicator congeners solution: 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180, whereas the MIX13 mixture - solution of three dioxin-like PCB 77, PCB 126, and PCB 169. It was demonstrated that the application of aluminium sulfate allowed for reaching better effects for purifying water of PCB, than with the usage of pre-hydrolyzed salts, polyaluminium chlorides. Out of the studied coagulants, the best effects for indicator PCB removal were obtained with the application of aluminium sulfate, total PCB concentration was decreased by 65%. The highest efficiency for indicator congeners removal (90%) was obtained for PCB 138 and 153. After the application of hydrolyzed polyaluminium chlorides PAX-XL1, PAX-XL10 decrease in higher chlorinated PCB concentration was obtained, in the range of 23 to 74%. Selectivity of chosen PCB congener removal, depending on applied coagulant, was demonstrated; with the usage of aluminium sulfate, removal of heptachlorobiphenyl PCB 180 at the level of 34% was obtained, whereas with the application of PAX-XL1 and PAX-XL10 higher reduction efficiency for this congener was obtained, i.e. 83 and 74% respectively. For dioxin-like PCB, after application of aluminium sulfate, total concentration reduction by 74% was obtained, efficiency of this congeners removal amounted to from 54 (PCB 77) up to 72% (PCB 126), similar results were obtained after the usage of PAX-XL1. The lowest PCB removal from water rate was stated for coagulants PAX-XL60 and PAX-XL69.
Fate and Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Illegal Drugs Present in Drinking Water and Wastewater
Authors: Szymonik Anna , Lach Joanna , Malińska Krystyna
Published: April 2017

Rapid development of pharmaceutical industry, and thus widespread availability of different types of therapeutical and increased intake of pharmaceuticals, results in elevated concentrations of pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater subjected to treatment in wastewater treatment plants. Pharmaceuticals present in raw wastewater discharged from hospitals, households, veterinary and health care clinics eventually end up in wastewater treatment plants. Commonly applied methods for treating wastewater do not allow complete removal of these contaminants. As a consequence, pharmaceuticals still present in treated wastewater are introduced to water environment. The most frequently identified pharmaceuticals in surface water belong to the following groups: non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, estrogens and lipid regulators. The most difficult is removal of diclofenac, clofibric acid and carbamazepine as these substances show low biodegradability. Diclofenac can be removed in the process of wastewater treatment by 40%, carbamazepine by 10%, and clofibric acid from 26 to 50%. The presence of diclofenac sodium in the rivers in Poland was confirmed and the concentrations were following: 380 ng/dm3 (the Warta river), 470 ng/dm3 (the Odra river), 140 ng/dm3 (the Vistula river). Naproxene was found in the Warta river at the concentration of 100 ng/dm3. The presence of pharmaceuticals in surface water can be toxic to aqueous microorganisms and fish. Recent studies confirmed also the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. This is considered as a problem especially in urban agglomerations such as Berlin or large cities in Spain and China. The studies showed that pharmaceuticals were also identified in the samples taken from the Polish rivers and drinking water. The presence of naproxene and diclofenac at the concentrations of 13 and 4 ng/dm3 was identified in drinking water sampled from water intakes in Poznan. Surface water and drinking water showed also the presence of illegal drugs.
Experimental Paper. Intrapopulation variability of flavonoid content in roots of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi)
Authors: Kosakowska Olga
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) is an important medicinal plant, indigenous to Asia. Due to a wide range of pharmacological activities, its roots has been used for ages in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Recently, the species has become an object of interest of Western medicine, as well. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the variability of Baikal skullcap population originated from Mongolia and cultivated in Poland, in terms of content and composition of flavonoids in the roots. Methods: The objects of the study were 15 individual plants, selected within examined population and cloned in order to obtain a sufficient amount of raw material. The total content of flavonoids in roots was determined according to Polish Pharmacopeia 6th. The qualitative analysis of flavonoids was carried out using HPLC, Shimadzu chromatograph. Results: The dry mass of roots ranged from 25.88 to 56.14 g × plant-1. The total content of flavonoids (expressed as a quercetin equivalent) varied between 0.17 and 0.52% dry matter (DM). Nine compounds were detected within the group, with oroxylin A 7-Oglucuronide (346.90-1063.00 mg × 100 g-1 DM) as a dominant, which differentiated investigated clones at the highest degree (CV=0.27). Baicalin (391.40-942.00 mg × 100 g-1 DM), wogonoside (324.00-641.10 mg × 100 g-1 DM) and hesperetine 7-O-glucoside (163.00-346.32 mg × 100 g-1 DM) were also present in a considerable amounts. Clone 7 was distinguished by the highest content of all investigated compounds, except wogonin and oroxylin A 7-O-glucuronide. Conclusions: Results obtained in present study show a high variability within Baical skullcap investigated population in respect of flavonoid compounds detected in roots. Thus, the results may be used in future investigations concerning the selection and breeding of this species.
Finite Element Analysis of Surface Residual Stress in Functionally Gradient Cemented Carbide Tool
Authors: Su Chuangnan , Liu Deshun , Tang Siwen , Li Pengnan , Qiu Xinyi
Published: April 2017

A component distribution model is proposed for three-component functionally gradient cemented carbide (FGCC) based on electron probe microanalysis results obtained for gradient layer thickness, microstructure, and elemental distribution. The residual surface stress of FGCC-T5 tools occurring during the fabrication process is analyzed using an ANSYS-implemented finite element method (FEM) and X-ray diffraction. A comparison of the experimental and calculated values verifies the feasibility of using FEM to analyze the residual surface stress in FGCC-T5 tools. The effects of the distribution index, geometrical shape, substrate thickness, gradient layer thickness, and position of the cobalt-rich layer on residual surface stress are studied in detail.
Is Lhasa Tibetan Sign Language emerging, endangered, or both?
Authors: Hofer Theresia
Published: April 2017

This article offers the first overview of the recent emergence of Tibetan Sign Language (TibSL) in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China. Drawing on short anthropological fieldwork, in 2007 and 2014, with people and organisations involved in the formalisation and promotion of TibSL, the author discusses her findings within the nine-fold UNESCO model for assessing linguistic vitality and endangerment. She follows the adaptation of this model to assess signed languages by the Institute of Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS) at the University of Central Lancashire. The appraisal shows that TibSL appears to be between “severely” and “definitely” endangered, adding to the extant studies on the widespread phenomenon of sign language endangerment. Possible future influences and developments regarding the vitality and use of TibSL in Central Tibet and across the Tibetan plateau are then discussed and certain additions, not considered within the existing assessment model, suggested. In concluding, the article places the situation of TibSL within the wider circumstances of minority (sign) languages in China, Chinese Sign Language (CSL), and the post-2008 movement to promote and use “pure Tibetan language”.
A Method of Partner Selection for Knowledge Collaboration Teams using Weighted Social Network Analysis
Authors: Su Jiafu , Yang Yu , Yu Kunpeng , Zhang Na
Published: April 2017

Partner selection is the primary aspect of the formation of knowledge collaboration teams (KCTs). We propose a method of partner selection for KCTs based on a weighted social network analysis (SNA) method in which the individual knowledge competence and the collaboration performance of candidates are both considered. To select the desired partners, a biobjective 0-1 model is built, integrating the knowledge competence and collaboration performance, which is an NP-hard problem. Then, a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is developed to solve the proposed model. Finally, a real-world example is provided to illustrate the applicability of the model, and the MOGA is implemented to search for Pareto solutions of partner selection for KCT in this case. Moreover, some simulation examples are used to test the efficiency of the algorithm. The results suggest that the proposed method can support effective and practical partner selection.
Operating household wastewater treatment plants in the light of binding quality standards for wastewater discharged to water bodies or to soil
Authors: Jawecki Bartosz , Pawęska Katarzyna , Sobota Marcin
Published: April 2017

The study presents the legal requirements concerning the quality of wastewater discharged to waterbodies and to soil after treatment in household wastewater treatment plants located in agglomerations or outside them. The procedure of stopping the operation of a household treatment plant that doesn’t meet the statutory wastewater treatment efficiency was presented. The decision ordering to stop the use of a household wastewater treatment plant has to be preceded by a decision ordering to take measures to limit its adverse impact on the environment. The clarification procedure has to determine the adverse impact on the environment in a doubtless manner and it has to be reflected in the documentation. The assessment of adverse impact should take into account the binding standards of use of the environment. Stopping the operation of a household wastewater treatment plant may result in issuing a decision ordering the user to connect to the sanitary sewage system.
An experimental study on the grape orchard: Effects comparison of two irrigation systems
Authors: Kadbhane Sharad J. , Manekar Vivek L.
Published: April 2017

Table grape (Vitis vinifera cultivars) is a major cash crop in the Nashik district of India, which requires irrigation water throughout the year as per demand instantly. Canal irrigation is the adopted irrigation systems in the study area, but canal irrigation has got several serious disadvantages, such as mismatching rotation schedules and crop water demands, water allotment system and restrictions on the use of efficient irrigation methods. The storing the canal water in the farm pond instead of directly applying to the field using the free flooding method is alternate solution to overcome the disadvantages of the canal irrigation system. Once the canal water storing in the pond, it increases the possibilities to use the advance irrigation system like drip, subsurface, sprinkler etc. to enhance water use efficiency. The comparative study between the canal water directly applying for the field and canal water storing in the farm pond then use for irrigation, executed through the field experiments carried out on the grape orchard during a period April 2013 to March 2016. Results have been evaluated based on grape yield, water-productivity, berry size, and biomass. Water productivity (kg·m-3) with respect to water delivery to crop through the pond irrigation method was found 37% higher than the canal irrigation method during the study period. Based on the results, this study recommended the use of the farm pond to store the canal water and use it as per crop demand using advance irrigation systems.
Translation Difficulty: How to Measure and What to Measure
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Segers Winibert
Published: April 2017

The present research opens up the theoretical light on measuring translation difficulty through various perspectives. However, accurate evaluation of translation difficulty by means of the level of the text, translator’s characteristics, and the quality of translation are significant for translation pedagogy and accreditation. To measure translation difficulty, one has to scrutinize it into four ways as (1) the identification of resources of translation difficulty, (2) the measurement of text readability, (3) the measurement of translation difficulty by means of translation evaluation products such as holistic, analytic, calibrated dichotomous items (CDI), and the preselected items evaluation (PIE) methods, and (4) the measurement of mental workload. This article will expand on the mentioned factors in detail in order to shed light upon translation difficulty on how and what to measure.
Cultural aspects of death in subtitling animated films of M. Ocelot
Authors: Cómitre Narváez Isabel
Published: April 2017

The aim of the present work is to describe the strategies adopted by subtitlers from French into Spanish in the shadow-puppet style animation films by the French renowned director Michel Ocelot. Following the Pedersen’s (2011) and Yuste Frias’ (2010) models, the descriptive analysis will focus on the visual and verbal transfer strategies chosen by subtitlers when rendering linguistic and extra-linguistic culture-bound references with special attention to the cultural aspects of death and suffering when translating for a family audience. Finally, the importance of transculturality and cultural identity will be highlighted.
La problemática traducción al español y al portugués de ingl. brain y de al. (Ge)hirn en los textos científicos (didácticos y divulgativos)
Authors: Garrido Carlos
Published: April 2017

Concept inclusion constitutes a kind of imperfect equivalence in translating that gives rise to a 1:2 terminological relation and that represents an important translation problem. In translating scientific texts in the fields of biology or medicine into Spanish or Portuguese one such case of concept inclusion is that brought about by the (frequent) usage of the words brain, in English, and (Ge)hirn, in German (whose proper meaning is ‘encephalon’), as generic terms, i. e., as referring to structures or processes that take place exclusively within the cerebrum (therefore, as synonyms of, respectively, cerebrum and Großhirn or Cerebrum). Currently, through the undue calque of this phenomenon, many scientific texts written in Spanish or Portuguese and translated from English or (to a lesser degree) from German show the unidiomatic usage of the word encéfalo, which means ‘encephalon’, as a generic term (which causes a remarkable strangeness effect, especially in popularizing texts), or, even more frequently, they improperly and deceively use the term cerebro/cérebro (which means ‘cerebrum’) to refer to the encephalon as a whole. In order to avoid this harmful interference, in rendering brain and (Ge)hirn into Spanish or Portuguese the translator of a scientific text should strive to discriminate (with resort to adequate documentation) between occurrences of the word in its proper sense and occurrences of the word as a generic term. Based on the analysis of a number of author-made translations into Spanish (and Portuguese) of passages of English and German-language encyclopedic articles, popularizing books and popularizing articles with scientific content, the present study aims to define the most adequate translation strategy for the problem described, which can be summarized in the three following cases: a) usage of brain or (Ge)hirn in its proper sense (with extracerebral referents), translated as Sp. encéfalo, encefálico, intracraneal (Port. encéfalo, encefálico, intracraniano); b) usage of brain or (Ge)hirn as generic terms (with exclusively cerebral referents), translated as Sp. cerebro, cerebral (Port. cérebro, cerebral); c) usage of brain or (Ge)hirn as generic terms (with exclusively cerebral referents), but not directly translatable as Sp. cerebro, cerebral (Port. cérebro, cerebral) owing to the occurrence in the source text of data pertaining to the encephalon as a whole (in this case, the translator should assess the possibility of using in the target text cerebro/cérebro for all occurrences—by adapting the original data—, or, at least, complementarily with encéfalo—by departing from the original wording).
Zur speziellen Terminologiedidaktik für Übersetzer. Text- vs. Systemhaftigkeit juristischer Terminologie
Authors: Błażek Agnieszka
Published: April 2017

The first part of the contribution discusses the requirements terminology training for translators must meet regarding the specific characteristics of translation competence. Secondly, taking a short critical overview of general proposals for terminology teaching courses within Translation Study Degree Programmes as a starting point, a specific terminology teaching proposal will be made in order to show that not only fundamental aspects of terminology must be taught, but also specific ones deriving from the subject field, the characteristics of L1 and L2 and the presupposed special knowledge of the target group.
„Ham wir a Gaudi k’habt“ – Dialektübersetzung am Beispiel der kroatischen Übersetzung der bairischen Textpassagen in Thomas Manns Buddenbrooks
Authors: Cimer Sanja , Babić Sesar Tena
Published: April 2017

The following paper looks at the Croatian translation of Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann aiming at analyzing the way the Bavarian dialect spoken by the character Permaneder has been translated into Croatian: for this purpose the translator used Kajkavian, a dialect spoken in the northwest of Croatia. Although generally not recommended as a translation strategy by many translation scholars, the use of a dialect in the target language brings several positive aspects to the translation: it gives the character a social background and preserves the humorous effect of the clash between the dialect of Permaneder and the standard language of the Buddenbrook family. The strategy remains problematic due to the differences in the geographic and cultural context of the story.
Ich denke, also übersetze ich: die Relevanz einer bewussten Reflexion über die Verstehensprozesse beim literarischen Übersetzen mit Beispielen aus der Übersetzung des Briefromans La Tesis de Nancy (1962) von Ramón J. Sender ins Deutsche
Authors: Helmchen Mona
Published: April 2017

In the present article and in a theoretical frame based in cognitive linguistics, we will justify and analyse some of the translational processes that have taken place during the translation of the novel “La Tesis de Nancy” (1962). The human being constantly perceives a multitude of impressions which operate as mental impulses and which activate parts of the long-term memory to facilitate the understanding of new information. Apart from the development of mental spaces, the metaphorical thinking plays an important role in the creation of meaning and in the understanding of reality. A professional translator has to consider that an awareness of such processes can be an inspirational source for a creative and functional translation.
Rural identity and landscape aesthetics in exurbia: Some issues to resolve from a Central European perspective
Authors: Janečková Molnárová Kristina , Skřivanová Zuzana , Kalivoda Ondřej , Sklenička Petr
Published: April 2017

Although perceptions of landscape aesthetics are currently attracting great research interest, some aspects of the topic have remained almost unexamined. This review highlights some less studied areas that are of particular importance for landscape management, with special focus on rapidly growing exurban areas. While the visual quality of the environment is undoubtedly one of the drivers that has been spurring the exurban development of rural settlements, much remains unknown about the perception of the visual quality of these settlements. Another pressing issue is the need to determine general principles of consensus formation concerning visual landscape preferences. This study concludes that in order to preserve the rural character of exurban landscapes, there is an urgent need to identify the aesthetic values that define the character of rural settlements and their importance to the stakeholder groups.