bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Availability Territory and Terrain Characteristics on Location of Burnt Areas in Dark Coniferous Forests Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve
Authors: Алейников Алексей , Aleynikov Aleksey , Лисицына Ольга , Lisicyna Ol'ga , Владимирова Надежда , Vladimirova Nadezhda , Крылов Александр , Krylov Aleksandr , Симакин Леонид , Simakin Leonid
Published: September 2017

Fires – one of the most important factors in catastrophic transformation of natural forest cover. Destroying whole ecosystems, fires, at the same time, start long-term succession processes. The study of the causes of fires makes a significant contribution to understanding structural and functional organization and dynamics of modern forests. The article examines the impact of availability of the territory and landscape-topographical features on the distribution and size of burnt areas formed in the last 150 years, in the foothill area of Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve. The peculiarity of the territory is a complete lack of roads; the only roads are the rivers: Pechora, Ilych and their major tributaries. Analysis of the location of burned areas showed that significant influence on the occurrence of fire is provided by proximity of navigable rivers, since the greatest number of fires during studied period occurred at a distance of up to 3 km from navigable rivers, along which local population actively explores the territory (building of hunting shacks, gathering pine nuts, selective logging, etc.). Size of the fire is connected with proximity to navigable rivers: the largest fires is confined to the river banks and are likely to be only of anthropogenic origin. Small fires occurred at different distances from navigable rivers, could be both natural and anthropogenic ones. Settlements that existed before the formation of reserve had substantial and statistically significant effect on the occurrence of fire. Statistically significant associations of burnt areas with absolute altitude (the vast majority of burned areas are located on surfaces below 400 m) indirectly confirms that fires occurred at intensively developed parts of forests along the rivers.
Methods of Formation of Sustainable and Highly Productive Forest Plantations Created by Biogroups
Authors: Вахтин А. , Vahtin A. , Вавин Владимир , Vavin Vladimir , Ахтямов Александр , Ahtyamov Aleksandr
Published: September 2017

Protective forests created by nest and a diagonal-group methods in its development differ from ordinary forest stands created by planting of seedlings. In Stone Steppe from 1948 to 1954, 23.6 ha of the nesting forests were laid, and in the period 1955-1964 19 experimental and production diagonal and group belts with a total area of 27.8 ha was laid in the territory of the Institute and its experimental farms. Carrying out cleaning cuttings has a significant difference from silvicultural treatments in ordinary forest belts.The studies were conducted in forest belts, with test plots (TP) with the measurements of trees (trunk diameter, tree height, crown height, crown diameter in two directions). A comparative analysis was carried out according to the test plots on the areas with cleaning cuttings and without them. The results of research allowed to determine growth rate of tree species under the influenced of cleaning cuttings and it was used to develop methods of forest management treatments in forest belts, created by biogroups.Contemporary condition of experienced middle-aged forest belts was also studied with different methods of creation and allocation of seats on the silvicultural area.
A Purificação Husserliana da Imagem no Curso “Fantasia e Consciência de Imagem”
Authors: Carezzato Thiago Pignata
Published: September 2017

DOI:10.12957/ek.2017.28248O presente artigo busca verificar, nas páginas do curso “Fantasia e Consciência de Imagem”, a justeza de um diagnóstico bastante difundido acerca da imaginação em Husserl, segundo o qual ela não ocuparia senão um lugar inferior na hierarquia intencional. Defenderemos que é a adoção de um ponto de vista que não discrimina os tipos de imagem que dá respaldo ao suposto primado da percepção husserliano. Contudo, o modelo unitário de análise não é o único e se revela insuficiente para dar conta das caracterizações imaginativas. Isto é particularmente notável na representação de fantasia que, diferente da imaginação por representante físico, não está fundada na percepção. Pretendemos então mostrar, seguindo a via discriminativa, como a imagem da fantasia progressivamente é purificada de toda relação com a consciência figurativa e com o modelo perceptivo até ser anunciada por Husserl como uma “pura consciência de presentificação” tão última quanto a presentação perceptiva.
O ser-com do ser-aí
Authors: Nancy Jean-Luc
Published: September 2017

DOI:10.12957/ek.2017.30454Este texto foi publicado na lieu-dit Revue, n° 19, Lyon, outubro de 2003 (republicado nos Cahiersphilosophiques n°111, «Heidegger politique et philosophie»).Tradução de Carlos Cardozo Coelho, doutor em Filosofia pela PUC-Rio. E-mail: cardozocoelho@gmail.com.
Are you leading by example?
Authors: Oshikanlu Ruth
Published: September 2017

As health visitors, we are required to be leaders of the public health agenda. We do this by challenging matters that affect the health of those we serve—but are we leading by example in every area?
Managing childhood ailments: Rubella
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: September 2017

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection. It is usually mild and self-resolves in 7–10 days, and serious complication are rare. Children with rubella should stay off school or nursery, and avoid contact with pregnant women where possible, for 6 days after the initial development of the rash ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2015 ). This article provides some tips for parents on managing symptoms and treatments for rubella in children.
Effective teacher performance review and appraisal practices
Authors: Rossiter Brian
Published: September 2017

The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document applies to all maintained schools and the majority of academies. Brian Rossiter shares advice on good appraisal practice as part of the Professional Development Review cycle and performance-related pay
Geographical analysis of health facilities in port Har-court city local government area, rivers state, Nigeria a case study of rivers state, Nigeria
Authors: Menegbo Emmanuel
Published: September 2017

One of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which 2015 was the target date for its achievement now sustainable goal is stopping the spread of diseases that are preventable. GIS measures coverage, access and pattern's utilization of healthcare services and is important in the research, management, and planning of Healthcare facilities and system. This work, therefore, investigates the spatial distributions of healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt city LGA in Rivers State, Nigeria. Primary data was acquired using GPS handheld receiver and Secondary data such as the attribute (population data, names of hospitals) and spatial data (administrative map, road, and settlement) obtained from government official records. Data obtain shown on a map the spatial distributions of health facilities and access road to the facilities. The result also depicts a spatial distribution's pattern of healthcare facilities and thus insight gain in access to healthcare facilities and services in the LGA.
Estimation method of spatial geostatistical data : Application to rainfall data
Authors: Erfanian Hamid Reza , Barati Samaneh
Published: September 2017

Restriction of water resources for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes has caused major difficulties and rainfall is considered as one of the most important water resources. Therefore, predicting rainfall and estimating its rate monthly or annually for each region as one of the most important atmospheric parameters, is of particular importance in optimized usage of water resources.In this paper in addition to the presenting application of novel statistical methods, prediction of rainfall amount has been performed for the entire map of Iran. In this analysis, data of average rainfall of 108 pluviometry stations in different cities of Iran have been used and zoning of rainfall has been prepared for the country.
A critical review of theoretical models for estimating global so-lar radiation between 2012-2016 in Nigeria
Authors: Nwokolo Samuel , Ogbulezie Julie
Published: September 2017

A routinely research of solar radiation is of vital requirement for surveys in agronomy, hydrology, ecology and sizing of the photovoltaic or thermal solar systems, solar architecture, molten salt power plant and supplying energy to natural processes like photosynthesis and estimates of their performances. However, measurement of global solar radiation is not available in most locations across in Nigeria. During the past 5 years in order to estimate global solar radiation on the horizontal surface on both daily and monthly mean daily basis, numerous empirical models have been developed for several locations in Nigeria. As a result, various input parameters have been utilized and different functional forms used. In this study aims at comparing, classifying and reviewing the empirical and soft computing models applied for estimating global solar radiation. The empirical models so far utilized were classified into eight main categories and presented based on the input parameters employed. The models were further reclassified into several main sub-classes and finally represented according to their developing year. On the whole, 145 empirical models and 42 functional forms, 8 artificial neural network models, 1 adaptive neural fuzzy inference system approach, and 1 Autoregressive Moving Average methods were recorded in literature for estimating global solar radiation in Nigeria. This review would provide solar-energy researchers in terms of identifying the input parameters and functional forms widely employed up until now as well as recognizing their importance for estimating global solar radiation using soft computing empirical models in several locations in Nigeria.
Optimal robust stabilizer design based on UPFC for interconnected power systems considering time delay
Authors: Koofigar Hamid Reza , Isazadeh Ghader
Published: September 2017

A robust auxiliary wide area damping controller is proposed for a unified power flow controller (UPFC). The mixedH2/H∞problem with regional pole placement, resolved by linear matrix inequality (LMI), is applied for controller design. Based on modal analysis, the optimal wide area input signals for the controller are selected. The time delay of input signals, due to electrical distance from the UPFC location is taken into account in the design procedure. The proposed controller is applied to a multi-machine interconnected power system from the IRAN power grid. It is shown that the both transient and dynamic stability are significantly improved despite different disturbances and loading conditions.
Improving sensitivity of residual current transformers to high frequency earth fault currents
Authors: Czapp Stanislaw , Dobrzynski Krzysztof , Klucznik Jacek , Lubosny Zbigniew , Kowalak Robert
Published: September 2017

For protection against electric shock in low voltage systems residual current devices are commonly used. However, their proper operation can be interfered when high frequency earth fault current occurs. Serious hazard of electrocution exists then. In order to detect such a current, it is necessary to modify parameters of residual current devices, especially the operating point of their current transformer. The authors proposed the modification in the structure of residual current devices. This modification improves sensitivity of residual current devices when high frequency earth fault current occurs. The test of the modified residual current device proved that the authors’ proposition is appropriate.
Study on the impact of electric vehicle charging load on nodal voltage deviation
Authors: Ma Gang , Jiang Linru , Chen Yixi , Dai Chenyue , Ju Rong
Published: September 2017

The promotion and application of electric vehicles will contribute to the solution of several problems, such as energy shortage and environmental pollution, and the achievement of country economy and energy security. But a large-scale vehicle-to-grid system may cause adverse effects in the distribution network operation, the power network planning and such other parts. First, this paper collects the factors that influence the electric vehicle charging load and establishes the EV charging load model with a Monte-Carlo method. Then, we analyze the effect that the EV charging load made on the nodal voltage deviation under different permeability based on the IEEE30 node system. At last, this research gets the conclusion that the nodal voltage deviation is closely related to EV permeability, node type and node location. This research conclusion will provide practical guidance to the charging station planning.
Influence of the core saturation on the dynamic performance of the magnetostrictive actuator
Authors: Kowalski Krzysztof , Nowak Lech , Knypiński Łukasz , Idziak Paweł
Published: September 2017

The paper considers the influence of core saturation on the dynamics of magnetostrictive fast-acting actuator. The field-circuit mathematical model of the dynamic operation of the capacitor-actuator system is applied. Two kinds of magnetostrictive core nonlinearity are taken into account. It has been proved that the saturation of theB-Hcurve practically does not affect the current, and capacitor voltage waveforms, but significantly affects a core elongation waveform. The computed results are compared with experimental ones.
Three-phase diode rectifier with current modulator in DC circuit based on multi-channel converter
Authors: Krystkowiak Michal , Gwóźdź Michal
Published: September 2017

In the paper the 3-phase power diode rectifier system with quasi-sinusoidal input (power grid) current is presented. In order to benefit from it, the current modulation in the DC circuit of a rectifier is used. The essential part of the current modulator is the wide-band power electronics controlled current source based on a multi-channel converter. The control algorithm of the current modulator respects impact of aliasing phenomena at system stability by using the method proposed by the authors. The paper includes the rectifier system description and rules of operation of the current modulator. Also, some results of research on both the rectifier simulation model and the laboratory prototype of a current modulator are presented.
Resonant frequency stabilization technique in series-series contactless energy transfer systems
Authors: Marcinek M. , Hołub M. , Kalisiak S. , Pałka R.
Published: September 2017

A technique for stabilization of resonant frequency is proposed in this paper. An additional power circuit, a compensator that allows keeping constant resonance frequency was introduced by the authors. In the presented solution the resonant circuit frequency stabilization is achieved by forcing a zero phase shift between the current and the voltage of the main switching module.
Eddy current density asymmetric distribution of damper bars in bulb tubular turbine generator
Authors: Qiu Hongbo , Fan Xiaobin , Yi Ran , Feng Jianqin , Wu Jie , Yang Cunxiang , Zhao Haiyang
Published: September 2017

The major reasons that cause the damage of damper bars in the leeward side are found in this paper. It provides a route for the structure optimization design of a hydro generator. Firstly, capacity of a 24 MW bulb tubular turbine generator is taken as an example in this paper. The transient electromagnetic field model is established, and the correctness of the model is verified by the comparison of experimental results and simulation data. Secondly, when the generator is operated at rated condition, the eddy current density distributions of damper bars are studied. And the asymmetric phenomenon of the eddy current density on damper bars is discovered. The change laws of the eddy currents in damper bars are determined through further analysis. Thirdly, through the study of eddy current distributions under different conditions, it is confirmed that the stator slots and armature reaction are the main factors to affect the asymmetric distribution of the eddy current in damper bars. Finally, the studies of the magnetic density distribution and theoretical analysis revealed the asymmetric distribution mechanism of eddy current density.
Influence of different rotor magnetic circuit structure on the performance of permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Qiu Hongbo , Yu Wenfei , Yang Cunxiang , Yi Ran
Published: September 2017

In order to compare the performance difference of the permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) with different rotor structure, two kinds of rotor magnetic circuit structure with surface-mounted radial excitation and tangential excitation are designed respectively. By comparing and analyzing the results, the difference of the motor performance was determined. Firstly, based on the finite element method (FEM), the motor electromagnetic field performance was studied, and the magnetic field distribution of the different magnetic circuit structure was obtained. The influence mechanism of the different magnetic circuit structure on the air gap flux density was obtained by using the Fourier theory. Secondly, the cogging torque, output torque and overload capacity of the PMSM with different rotor structure were studied. The effect mechanism of the different rotor structure on the motor output property difference was obtained. The motor prototype with two kinds of rotor structure was manufactured, and the experimental study was carried out. By comparing the experimental data and simulation data, the correctness of the research is verified. This paper lays a foundation for the research on the performance of the PMSM with different magnetic circuit structure.
Electric and magnetic field of different transpositions of overhead power line
Authors: Deltuva Ramūnas , Lukočius Robertas
Published: September 2017

In Lithuanian and Polish electric power supply systems, the power transmission lines of 400 kV voltage represent one of the most potential sources of electric and magnetic fields generation. The 400 kV double-circuit overhead power transmission line and its surrounding environment were herby described and simulated through Finite Element Method usingCOMSOL Multiphysicsoftware package. This study includes magnetic and electric field calculations. The study shows that the values of magnetic field strength and electric field strength present in the vicinity of a 400 kV overhead power transmission line tend to exceed limit values established in the Normative. Measurements are suggested to be taken for the purpose of finding maximum values of magnetic and electric field strength. To reduce these values, it is recommended to increase the height of supports, and restrict human personal and economic activities.
Biogeography-inspired multiobjective optimization for helping MEMS synthesis
Authors: Di Barba Paolo , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Venini Paolo , Wiak Slavomir
Published: September 2017

The aim of the paper is to assess the applicability of a multi-objective biogeography-based optimisation algorithm in MEMS synthesis. In order to test the performances of the proposed method in this research field, the optimal shape design of an electrostatic micromotor, and two different electro-thermo-elastic microactuators are considered as the case studies.
Temperature error of Hall-effect and magnetoresistive commercial magnetometers
Authors: Nowicki Michał , Kachniarz Maciej , Szewczyk Roman
Published: September 2017

The paper presents a special measurement system for investigation of temperature influence on the indication of commercially available sensors of the magnetic field. Utilizing the developed system, several magnetoresistive and Hall-effect sensors were investigated within the temperature range from −30°C to 70°C. The obtained results indicate that sensitivity of most of the investigated sensors is unaffected, except the basic magnetoresistive device. However, Hall-effect sensors exhibit considerable temperature drift, regardless of the manufacturer.
Analysis of thermal stratified storage tank
Authors: Smusz Robert , Kielan Paweł , Mazur Damian
Published: September 2017

The basic aim of the task is to compile a temperature stratification system in an accumulation tank. The range of the thesis concerns the shape and dimensions of a stratification system for an accumulation tank. Thermal stratification is a process that comprises the maintaining of temperature stratification at different levels of an accumulation tank which reduce to a minimum the process of temperature equalization. It results from the fact that the thermal stratification in a tank significantly increases the installation efficiency and improves the process of energy storing. It is connected with a thermodynamic element quality, that is the higher the temperature, the higher the energy, and, thus, the thermos-dynamic element quality. In this phenomenon, thanks to the same amount of accumulated thermal energy and average temperature, as in a fully mixed tank, the user has a higher temperature in the upper part of the tank at his disposal. It has significant importance in the case when there is a low-temperature heating medium that transfers heat to the accumulation tank. Such a situation occurs when heat is absorbed from synthetic freons used in cooling and air-conditioning systems.
Uncertainty of the magnetic flux linkage measurements performed by modified current decay test
Authors: Kowalik Zygmunt
Published: September 2017

The paper presents the estimation methodology for uncertainties of magnetic flux linkage measurements, when the flux linkage and current functions with respect to time are obtained instead of single values of these quantities. The computed uncertainties are then used to estimate the quality of an approximation of a current-flux characteristic in the mathematical model of an electrical machine when the approximation is based on the results of measurements.
George Orwell’s Imperial Bestiary: Totemism, Animal Agency and Cross-Species Interaction in “Shooting an Elephant”, Burmese Days and “Marrakech”
Authors: Pordzik Ralph
Published: September 2017

This essay argues that Orwell’s representation of animals as companion species offers a strikingly new, as-yet largely neglected view of animal agency and interiority in his work. In “Shooting an Elephant”, Burmese Days and “Marrakech”, the writer’s focus on the social reject is supplemented by a marked sense of community implying human tragedy yet framing it within precariously situated human-animal, colonial or urban-imperial transitions that visualise animals as agents of change and co-shaping species interdependent with the lives of the humans that utilize and domineer them. Animals are required whenever Orwell aspires to shift from isolation to communality, from the self-conscious outsider to the larger realm of ideas framing the world in which his characters strive to overstep the accepted lines of social performance and conformity. Read in and around disciplinary structures of rationalization, Orwell’s animals appear to secure themselves, quite paradoxically, a place within the normative anthropocentric framework excluding them. They extend beyond anthropomorphising or allegorical modes of description and open up bio-political perspectives within and across regimes of knowledge and empathy. Orwell’s writings thus present a challenge to the culturally accredited fantasy of human exceptionalism, collapsing any epistemic space between humans and animals and burying the idea of sustaining radical species distinction.
Role of stable isotope analyses in reconstructing past life-histories and the provenancing human skeletal remains: a review
Authors: Sehrawat Jagmahender Singh , Kaur Jaspreet
Published: September 2017

This article reviews the present scenario of use of stable isotopes (mainly δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, 87Sr) to trace past life behaviours like breast feeding and weaning practices, the geographic origin, migration history, paleodiet and subsistence patterns of past populations from the chemical signatures of isotopes imprinted in human skeletal remains. This approach is based on the state that food-web isotopic signatures are seen in the human bones and teeth and such signatures can change parallely with a variety of biogeochemical processes. By measuring δ13C and δ15N isotopic values of subadult tissues of different ages, the level of breast milk ingestion at particular ages and the components of the complementary foods can be assessed. Strontium and oxygen isotopic analyses have been used for determining the geographic origins and reconstructing the way of life of past populations as these isotopes can map the isotopic outline of the area from where the person acquired water and food during initial lifetime. The isotopic values of strontium and oxygen values are considered specific to geographical areas and serve as reliable chemical signatures of migration history of past human populations (local or non-local to the site). Previous isotopic studies show that the subsistence patterns of the past human populations underwent extensive changes from nomadic to complete agricultural dependence strategies. The carbon and nitrogen isotopic values of local fauna of any archaeological site can be used to elucidate the prominence of freshwater resources in the diet of the past human populations found near the site. More extensive research covering isotopic descriptions of various prehistoric, historic and modern populations is needed to explore the role of stable isotope analysis for provenancing human skeletal remains and assessing human migration patterns/routes, geographic origins, paleodiet and subsistence practices of past populations.
Comparison of maxillary first molar occlusal outlines of Neandertals from the Meuse River Basin of Belgium using elliptical Fourier analysis
Authors: Williams Frank L’Engle , Lane Katherine M. , Anderson William G.
Published: September 2017

Several Neandertals derive from the karstic caves of the Meuse river tributaries of Belgium, including Engis 2, Scladina 4A-4 and Spy 1. These may form a group that is distinct in maxillary first molar occlusal outlines compared to La Quina 5 from Southwest France. Alternatively, chronological differences may separate individuals given that Scladina 4A-4 from MIS 5 is older than the others from MIS 3. Neolithic samples (n = 42) from Belgium (Maurenne Caverne de la Cave, Hastière Caverne M, Hastière Trou Garçon, Sclaigneaux and Bois Madame) dated to 4.6–3.9 kyr provide a context for the Neandertals. Dental casts were prepared from dental impressions of the original maxillary molars. Crown and occlusal areas as well as mesiodistal lengths were measured by calibrated Motic 3.0 microscope cameras. Occlusal outlines of the casts were captured through photostereomicroscopy and non-landmark smooth tracing methods. Occlusal outlines were processed using elliptical Fourier analysis within SHAPE v1.3 which reduced amplitudes of the harmonics into principal components (PC) axes. The first two PC axes group the Neandertals, although Scladina 4A-4 falls nearly outside the convex hull for the Neolithic sample. Neandertals are imperfectly separated from the Neolithic sample on PC3 and PC4, and completely distinct on PC5 and PC6. Scladina 4A-4 differs from the other Neandertals on most PC axes. Chronology may best explain the separation of Scladina 4A-4 from the more recent fossils, and particularly Spy 1 and La Quina 5 which are the most similar in maxillary first molar occlusal outline shape.
Sex estimation of upper long bones by selected measurements in a Radom (Poland) population from the 18th and 19th centuries AD
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Nieczuja-Dwojacka Joanna , Zalewska Marta , Niemiro Wojciech , Olczyk Wioleta
Published: September 2017

Several studies have shown that sex estimation methods based on measurements of the skeleton are specific to populations. Metric traits of the upper long bones have been reported as reliable indicators of sex. This study was designed to determine whether the four long bones can be used for the sex estimation of an historical skeletal population from Radom (Poland). The material used consists of the bones of 169 adult individuals (including 103 males and 66 females) from the 18th and 19th centuries. Twelve measurements were recovered from clavicle, humerus, radius and ulna. The initial comparison of males and females indicated significant differences in all measurements (p < 0.0001). The accuracy of sex estimation ranged from 68% to 84%. The best predictor for sex estimation of all the measurements in Radom’s population was the maximum length of the radius (84%), and the ulna (83%), and the vertical diameter of the humeral head (83%). The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) detected the strongest significant relationship between referential sex and the vertical diameter of the humeral head (p < 0.0001), followed by the maximal length of the ulna (p = 0.0117). In other measurements of the upper long bones, GLM did not detect statistically significant differences.
High stature and body mass might affect the occurrence of Schmorl’s nodes
Authors: Trzciński Dawid , Myszka Anna , Piontek Janusz
Published: September 2017

Schmorl’s nodes are vertical herniation of intervertebral discs into the body of neighbouring vertebral endplate. Notwithstanding extensive studies, no consensus has been reached in the subject of their possible etiology. It is hypothesized that physical stress, trauma and high axial loading are the key factors in the occurrence of this pathology. The main objective of the current work is to reevaluate the relationship between stature and body mass and Schmorl’s nodes. For this purpose, skeletal samples from Lithuania (44 males and 19 females) and Poland (97 males and 60 females) were used. The study confirmed that Schmorl’s nodes are age-independent, and more frequent in males (12.63% on the superior and 19.32% on the inferior surface of vertebrae) than in females (6.23% and 12.29% respectively). Obtained results also suggest that high stature (e.g. Spearmann correlation for superior: R=0.20 p=0.017, and inferior: R=0.31 p=0.000 surface of vertebrae) and body mass (R=0.25, p=0.002 and R=0.32, p<0.001, respectively) are factors that increase the risk of Schmorl’s nodes. Authors hypothesize that the afore-mentioned body size traits alter loadings acting on intervertebral discs, and rigidity of the spine.
Rethinking modern theories of ageing and their classification: the proximate mechanisms and the ultimate explanations
Authors: Chmielewski Piotr
Published: September 2017

For a very long time, ageing has been an insurmountable problem in biology. The collection of age-dependent changes that render ageing individuals progressively more likely to die seemed to be an intractable labyrinth of alterations and associations whose direct mechanisms and ultimate explanations were too complex and difficult to understand. The science of ageing has always been fraught with insuperable problems and obstacles. In 1990, Zhores Medvedev presented a list of roughly 300 different hypotheses to illustrate this remarkable complexity of the ageing process and various approaches to understanding its mechanisms, though none of these hypotheses or aspect theories could be the general theory of senescence. Moreover, in the light of current data some of these ideas are obsolete and inapplicable. Nonetheless, the misconception that there are hundreds of valid theories of ageing persists among many researchers and authors. In addition, some of these obsolete and discarded hypotheses, such as the rate of living theory, the wear and tear theory, the poisoning theory, or the entropy theory still can be found in today’s medical textbooks, scientific publications aimed at the general public, and even in scientific writing. In fact, there are only several modern theories of ageing supported by compelling evidence that attempt to explain most of the data in current gerontology. These theories are competing to be a general and integrated model of ageing, making it unlikely that all of them could be true. This review summarises briefly several selected modern theories of senescence in the light of the contemporary knowledge of the biological basis for ageing and current data.
Effect of marital distance on birth weight and length of offspring
Authors: Kozieł Sławomir , Danel Dariusz P. , Dziedzic-Danel Antonina , Zaręba Monika
Published: September 2017

Marital distance (MD), the geographical distance between birthplaces of spouses, is considered an agent favouring occurrence of heterosis and can be used as a measure of its level. Heterosis itself is a phenomenon of hybrid vigour and seems to be an important factor regulating human growth and development. The main aim of the study is to examine potential effects of MD on birth weight and length of offspring, controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), mother’s age and birth order. Birth weight (2562 boys and 2572 girls) and length (2526 boys, 2542 girls) of children born in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski (Poland) in 1980, 1983, 1985 and 1988 were recorded during cross-sectional surveys carried out between 1994-1999. Data regarding the socio-demographic variables of families were provided by the parents. Analysis of covariance showed that MD significantly affected both birth weight and length, allowing for sex, birth order, mother’s age and SES of family. For both sexes, a greater marital distance was associated with a higher birth weight and a longer birth length. Our results support the hypothesis that a greater geographical distance between the birth places of parents may contribute to the heterosis effects in offspring. Better birth outcomes may be one of the manifestations of these effects.
Effect of socio-economic characteristics on fertility and under-five mortality: examples from the Santals of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India
Authors: Malakar Biswanath , Roy Subrata K.
Published: September 2017

Fertility and under-five mortality are considered as key health indicators of a population. Both the fertility and under-five mortality varies accross countries, regions, ethnic groups and so on, which may bedue to disparities in socio-economic and cultural factors. The study aimed to better understanding the association of fertility and under-five mortality with selected socio-economic characteristics of the Santal labourer group of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Cross-sectional data have been collected on fertility, mortality and socio-economic characteristics from 627 ever-married Santal women. Descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportion hazard analysis have been done. Total fertility rate (TFR) of the present study group was 2.9 and the mortality rate was 105.1. In the present study, educational status, age and household size of the women have significant association with fertility. Under-five mortality has significant association with educational status of mother and birth order of the children. The study indicated that education was the one of the important factors (socio-economic characters) that had most significant impact on both fertility and under-five mortality of the Santal labourer group.
Effect of physical exercise on cortisol concentration and neutrophil oxygen metabolism in peripheral blood of horses
Authors: Krumrych Wiesław , Gołda Ryszard , Gołyński Marcin , Markiewicz Hanna , Buzała Mateusz
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of regular physical exercise on cortisol concentration and oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity of neutrophils in peripheral blood in recreational and competitive sport horses (racehorses - Ra, trotters - T, jumping horses - J, driving horses - D). The study was conducted on 55 clinically healthy horses. Blood samples were collected from the external jugular vein three times: before exercise, immediately after exercise, and after 30-min rest. Blood samples were subjected to haematological examination, cortisol concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and neutrophil oxygen metabolism of neutrophils was determined using a chemiluminescence method. The analysis showed that cortisol concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) post-exercise only in the blood of sport horses. This finding, along with a significant correlation (P<0.00005) with the heart and respiratory rates, suggests that the magnitude of cortisol secretion is associated with the intensity and duration of exercise. The relatively small post-exercise increase in cortisol concentration during different exercises of horses resulted in a transient increase of chemiluminescence activity of neutrophils, mainly in D (P<0.00001) and J horses (P<0.01). In the studied groups analysis of the correlation between cortisol concentration and other parameters showed significant correlation only in the case of the CL total in T (P<0.02) and D horses (P<0.004). It is therefore apparent that in a limited concentration, this hormone may stimulate the activity of these cells, although the effect of other neurohormonal factors cannot be excluded. This result confirms that regular and moderate training loads have a beneficial effect on the immunological status of horses.
The effect of water vapor pressure on muscle collagen solubility and selected characteristics of the longissimus lumborum muscle in crossbred cattle
Authors: Głowińska Beata , Młynek Krzysztof , Dzido Alicja , Salomończyk Ewa
Published: September 2017

Most scientific studies are dedicated to the possibility of preparing beef for consumption under industrial conditions. Few publications are devoted to the issue of collagen thermohydrolysis in conditions available to the consumer. This study has analyzed the effect of small values of water vapor pressure on major culinary indices and chemical components of the longissimus lumborum muscle obtained from bulls with different growth rates. The experiment involved 48 animals. On the basis of the gain during the fattening time, the animals were divided into a low growth intensity group, with a daily body weight gain of ≤900 g, and a high growth intensity group with a daily gain of >900 g/day. A part of the samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle (control) was thermally treated in a water bath at 75°C. Another part was heat treated in a pressure-pot at 150°C, at a pressure of 0.1 MPa. The next part of samples was subjected to the same temperature, but the pressure was 0.2 MPa. The obtained results indicate that the values of the studied indices were largely affected by thermal processing parameters rather than the animals’ growth rate. The highest contents of total protein and water-soluble collagen were obtained in the case of a temperature of 150°C and the highest pressure (0.2 MPa). Water vapor with increased temperature and pressure also created favorable conditions for obtaining better meat tenderness and more favorable values of the water holding capacity. The latter characteristic appeared to be strongly connected with an increasing amount of water-soluble collagen, which was confirmed by relatively high values of the correlation coefficient between these characteristics. A strong positive correlation was also shown between thermal drip and the total collagen content in meat.
Freshwater turtle nutrition – a review of scientific and practical knowledge
Authors: Rawski Mateusz , Mans Christoph , Kierończyk Bartosz , Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Barc Aneta , Józefiak Damian
Published: September 2017

Freshwater turtles are commonly kept in captivity as pets, bred in zoos for conservation programs, and commercially farmed for pet markets and human consumption, but their nutrition can be challenging. However, based on practical experience, two main strategies may be identified: the use of non-calculated raw diets and the use of balanced commercial feeds. Raw diets are based on fresh, frozen and dried components including invertebrates, fish, rodents and plant matter; they imitate the variety of foods that are accessible to turtles in the wild and are considered most useful when turtles are bred for reintroduction into their natural habitat as part of conservation programs. Granulated, pelleted or extruded commercial diets are frequently used for farmed and pet turtles; they contain animal- and plant-based materials supplemented with vitamin and mineral premixes and calculated to reach the nutrient levels assumed to be optimal for most species. Until more species-specific information on the nutritional requirements of freshwater turtles is available, the Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), a commonly commercially farmed species for human consumption, may be used as a reference for other species in terms of suggested nutrient levels. Based on experimental data, the most important nutrients and their levels that should be included in turtle diets are crude protein (39.0-46.5%), crude fat (8.8%), Ca (5.7%), P (3.0%), methionine (1.03%), and cysteine (0.25%). The diet composition for freshwater turtles should be based on scientific knowledge and practical experience, so this paper aimed to present and discuss the available data on the nutrient requirements of turtles and the characteristics of the feed materials used in their nutrition.
The impact of high hydrostatic pressure (40 MPa and 60 MPa) on the apoptosis rates and functional activity of cryopreserved porcine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Romanek Joanna , Opiela Jolanta , Smorąg Zdzisław
Published: September 2017

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of two varied high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) values on the apoptosis (assessing caspase-8, survivin, CAD, Bax, BclxL and BclxS) and functional activity (using cocultures with bovine embryos) of porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pBMSCs). pBMSCs were isolated from porcine bone marrow and cultured in vitro. Before cryopreservation and storage in liquid nitrogen, pBMSCs were subjected to HHP values of 40 MPa and 60 MPa for 1 h at 24°C. After thawing, the cells were analysed for caspase-8 activity and protein expression of survivin, CAD, Bax, BclxL and BclxS. To indirectly test the influence of HHP on the functional activity of pBMSCs, in vitro maturated bovine oocytes were fertilized in vitro, and the obtained embryos were cultured under 4 different conditions: 1. monoculture in SOF medium; 2. coculture with pBMSCs in SOF medium; 3. coculture with pBMSCs subjected to 40 MPa HHP in SOF medium and 4. coculture with pBMSCs subjected to 60 MPa HHP in SOF medium. The quality of the developed blastocysts was analysed by TUNEL assay. HHP did not induce apoptosis in pBMSCs, as no significant difference was noted in the expression of any of the analysed apoptosis- related proteins between pBMSCs subjected to HHP (40 MPa or 60 MPa) and control. The highest number of obtained blastocysts was observed when the embryos were cultured in SOF. A highly significant difference (P<0.005) was noted between embryos cultured in SOF and embryos cultured in the presence of pBMSCs subjected to 60 MPa HHP or untreated pBMSCs. A significant difference (P<0.05) was noted between embryos cultured in SOF and embryos cultured in the presence of pBMSCs subjected to 40 MPa HHP. In conclusion, HHP does not induce apoptosis in pBMSCs. The obtained results of the blastocysts cocultured in vitro with pBMSCs (HHP-treated and untreated cells) imply that coculture with pBMSCs has a negative impact on the developmental rates of blastocysts.
Urea Metabolism and Regulation by Rumen Bacterial Urease in Ruminants – A Review
Authors: Jin Di , Zhao Shengguo , Zheng Nan , Beckers Yves , Wang Jiaqi
Published: September 2017

Urea is used as non-protein nitrogen in the rations of ruminants as an economical replacement for feed proteins. Urea transferred from the blood to the rumen is also an important source of nitrogen for rumen microbial growth. It is rapidly hydrolyzed by rumen bacterial urease to ammonia (NH3) and the NH3is utilized for the synthesis of microbial proteins required to satisfy the protein requirements of ruminants. Urea has commonly become an accepted ingredient in the diets of ruminants. In recent decades, urea utilization in ruminants has been investigated by using traditional research methods. Recently, molecular biotechnologies have also been applied to analyze urea-degrading bacteria or urea nitrogen metabolism in ruminants. Combining traditional and molecular approaches, we can retrieve better information and understanding related to the mechanisms of urea metabolism in ruminants. This review focuses on urea utilization in ruminants and its regulation by rumen bacterial urease in the host. The accumulated research provides foundations for proposing further new strategies to improve the efficiency of urea utilization in ruminants.
Why Multilingualism and Multilingual Communication Jeopardize a Common Social Policy for Europe
Authors: Marácz László
Published: September 2017

This paper studies the consequences of European multilingualism and multilingual communication for a common social policy in the Europe Union. In the past fifty years, the main focus of the Europeanization project has been on financial-economic developments and less on a common social policy. Even today, there is no common framework for social protection in the European Union. Common minimum income or wages for European citizens are lacking. In this paper, it will be argued that the lack of social protection has to do with Europe’s linguistic diversity. Language is seen as a building block of national communities and their political cultures. The European integration project can only continue if different European political cultures are shared. However, due to the fact that a neutral lingua franca is lacking, this has been unsuccessful so far. The interaction of social groups that have a different language repertoire with the structures of multilevel governance are responsible for the fact that some of these social groups, including the ‘Eurostars’, and national cosmopolitans benefit from social protection, whereas other groups lacking relevant language skills, such as anti-establishment forces, commoners, and migrants, are excluded from the European power domains. These power configurations can be fruitfully studied in the floral figuration model. Consequently, due to these patterns of inclusion and exclusion, true solidarity among European citizens is not within reach. These claims will be illustrated by a case study on the Netherlands, a country that has been pursuing neoliberal policies counterbalancing Eurozone and economic crises and is trying to assimilate migrants and other newcomers. Apart from assimilatory policies targeting migrants, language games used by competing forces are playing an important role in the discourse in order to set up power structures.