bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histology of uterus of Dubska pramenka during sexual season
Authors: Katica A. , Mlaco N. , Avdic R. , Tandir F. , Cutahija V. , Bejdic P. , Hadziomerovic N.
Published: July 2014

Bosnia and Herzegovina has always had a developed sheep production, at least
from the aspect of the number of sheep per capita. Today, the ratio is 1
sheep per 4 persons, because the cattle production, globally looking, is
decimated by war. Thanks to the geographic location of the country, the
quality of mountain pastures and environment that is still healthy, we
believe that with increased investments in sheep production we could increase
the number of heads, which would have positive effects on production of meat
and milk of exceptional quality. The study involving the uterus of Dubska
pramenka during sexual season under nomadic conditions of holding,
demonstrated that, in adequate zoo hygiene conditions (holding, feeding,
treatment of animal), the sheep showed increased reproductive parameters as
well as parameters manifested in meat and milk production. In our studies,
microstructure of uterus of Dubska pramenka during sexual season shows
extremely positive characteristics for nidation of the egg cell and normal
development of the embryo. Epithelium of the uterus is in a form of
high-prismatic cells, which points to significant cell activity; perfusion
and development of myometrium are visible. The uterine glands are extremely
well developed and their histological structure indicates increased secretion
and preparation of the uterus for gravidity.
Path coefficient model for assessment of weight using linear traits at birth and at weaning in Nigerian indigenous pig
Authors: Ogah D.M. , Yusuf N.D. , Ari M.M.
Published: July 2014

Direct and indirect effects of some explanatory variables ((body length (BL),
rump height (RH), rump length (RL) , rump width (RW) , shoulder width (SW),
wither height (WH), heart girth (HG) and flank length (FL)) influence on live
weight at birth and at weaning in Nigerian indigenous pigs, managed under
semi intensive system were investigated using path analysis. Results of the
analysis indicated that the correlation coefficient between body weight and
body length at birth was highest (0.59) while at weaning, rump width had the
highest correlation coefficient with body weight (0.60). The relationships
were from low to high. The direct effect of linear traits to body weight at
birth were highest with wither height and flank length similarly heart girth
and rump length had better direct effect on body weight at weaning than other
linear traits. The findings show that there is variability in relationship
between body weight and linear traits with age, similarly both tissues and
bone development play significant role in weight determination in the
indigenous pigs. Thus selection for weight increase at adult phase can better
be achieved at weaning, providing direction for selection towards increase
weight in indigenous pigs.
Determination of pork adulteration in meatballs using enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) techniques case study: Small medium enterprises meatballs traders at Jatinangor education area, sumedang district, west java, indonesia
Authors: Roostita L.B. , Lengkey H.A.W.
Published: July 2014

Adulteration of meatballs using pork begins to bloom in a row with the
increase of beef price in the market. There is a risk that can occur around
the education area of Jatinangor. Therefore the identification of meatballs
adulteration with enzymes linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) approach need
to be done in order to create certainty and security guarantee of the
consumed products. Results showed that Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in
Jatinangor who process meat (meatballs) was 21 meatball traders around
Jatinangor. ELISA tests on 21 meatball samples taken from the SMEs merchant
in Jatinangor showed no pork-adulterated meatballs on all of the samples
tested.
Seroprevalence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in swine originated from commercial farms in Serbia
Authors: Zutic J. , Vojinovic D. , Radosavljevic V.
Published: July 2014

Porcine pleuropneumonia caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
(A.pleuropneumoniae) is one of the most important respiratory disease of pigs
and causes worldwide severe losses in pig farming. For A.pleuropneumoniae
control and monitoring, the detection of ApxIV antibodies in the serum is the
most frequently used serological method. The aim of this study was to
investigate presence of antibodies against A. pleuropneumoniae in blood sera
of gilts and sows using the ELISA test. Samples were taken from gilts and
sows originating from four commercial swine farms in Serbia. For detection of
ApxIV antibodies, commercial ELISA kit was used. A total of 453 blood sera
samples of gilts (207) and sows (246) were examined. Antibodies against A.
pleuropneumoniae were detected in 57 (12.58%) sera. Antibodies were present
in 22 (10.62 %) sera of gilts and in 35(14.22%) sera of sows. Percentage of
positive sera differed among the farms, ranging in gilts from 3.33-17.77 %
and in sows from 8.95-22.64%. Serological methods is one of the most
important procedures in the diagnosis of porcine pleuropneumonia particularly
suitable for the control of animal health status in a large breeding.
Heterosis effect in hybrid laying hens
Authors: Hristakieva P. , Oblakova M. , Lalev M. , Mincheva N.
Published: July 2014

The new original egg laying lines T, P and N selected at the Institute of
Agriculture - Stara Zagora were used. Hybrid ?? ? ??, ?? ? ?? crosses were
obtained and used for paternal line. Thereafter, the following breeding
schedule of paternal and maternal lines was applied: Group I - (?????)? ?N?;
group ?? - (?????)? ?N?; group ??? - ???N?; and group ?V - ???N?. The
production traits of original and hybrid birds were recorded: live weight at
the age of 8 and 18 weeks, age of sexual maturity in days, 150 days egg
production, average egg weight - at 2-week intervals until end of lay;
livability, heterosis effect. The live weights of hybrids at 8 and 18 weeks
of age were statistically significantly lower compared to original lines. The
values of heterosis for this parameter were negative for all four hybrid
combinations. The earliest beginning of egg lay occurred in (?????) ? ?N?
(162.08 days of age) and ???N? (163.11 days of age). The relative (%)
heterosis for age of sexual maturity of studied hybrid combinations had
moderate to low negative values. Average egg weights of hybrids were higher
and the values of heterosis - positive for all four groups varying from 0.97%
to 1.63%. The average 150 days egg production was lower in purebred lines
compared to hybrids. The highest average 150 days egg production was
determined in ???N? hybrids - 142 eggs. The heterosis effect for egg
production in hybrids was significant.
The effect of starter dosage and fermentation time on pH and lactic acid production
Authors: Lengkey H.A.W. , Balia R.L.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this research is to observed the effect of starter dosage and
fermentation time on pH and lactic acid production. This study used
Completely Randomized Design (CRD) factorial pattern 5 x 3. The first factor
is starter dosage and the second factor is fermentation time. Kefir samples
were prepared using of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% (v/v) kefir grains, with three
fermentation time 8, 16 and 24 hours. Results indicated that kefir with 10%
starter and 16 hours fermentation time give the best results in pH (3.95) and
lactic acid production (1.476%).
Differences between white and red muscle fibers diameter in three salmon fish species
Authors: Karahmet E. , Viles A. , Katica A. , Mlaco N. , Toroman A.
Published: July 2014

Because of skeletal muscle is the main contributor to body weight in most
fish, it is probable that the species of the fish is limited by the growth of
this tissue. Several aspects of both somatic size and skeletal muscle growth
was investigated in this research work included a total of 20 brown trout
(Salmo truta m. fario Lineus), 20 brook trout (Salvelinus alpinus) and 20
rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykkis Walbaum), the average weight of 200 grams.
Gathered data showed that rainbow trout has a faster increasing white muscles
then other two fish species at same body weight. Main peak of diameter white
muscles was 31-40 ?m (30.55%) and 41-50 ?m (22.15%) for rainbow trout. In
mean time in the other two fish groups (brown trout and brook trout) was
21-30 ?m (40.1% or 39.27%) and 31-40 ?m (39.27% or 33.85%) of measured cross
sectional areas. Distribution measured cross sectional areas of red muscles
laniary goes down from the <20 ?m to >71 ?m.
The influence of genotype and osmotic stress on germination and seedling of maize
Authors: Mandic V. , Bijelic Z. , Krnjaja V. , Tomic Z. , Simic A. , Ruzic-Muslic D. , Gogic M.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this research was to estimate the influence of different NaCl
osmotic solutions (0, -0.3 MPa, -0.6 MPa, -0.9 MPa, -1.2 MPa, -1.5 MPa) on
seed germination, and early seedling growth in two maize hybrid different
maturity groups (ZP 560 - FAO 500 and ZP 666 - FAO 600). Germination was
tested in sterile plastic vessels on filter paper moistened with different
NaCl solutions, in the dark at 20 ? 1?C, in laboratory. Results of ANOVA
indicated that hybrid ZP 666 had significantly higher root length (RL) (6.37
cm), shoot length (ShL) (2.06 cm), shoot fresh weight (ShFW) (43.86 mg),
root dry weight (RDW) (7.56 mg), shoot dry weight (ShDW) (5.97 mg), seedling
vigor index (SVI) (706.55) and dry matter stress tolerance index (DMSI)
(55.85%) than hybrid ZP 560 (4.18 cm, 1.14 cm, 32.50 mg, 6.54 mg, 4.15 mg,
457.61 and 48.86%, respectively). Contrary, hybrid ZP 560 had significantly
higher relative seedling water content (RSWC) (83.83%) and phytotoxicity of
shoot (PhSh) (69.77%) than hybrid ZP 666 (81.16% and 62.51%, respectively).
Generally, hybrid ZP 666 had better tolerance to salt stress than hybrid ZP
560. Germination energy (GE), germination (G), RL, ShL, root fresh weight
(RFW), ShFW, RDW, ShDW, rate germination index (RGI), SVI, RSWC and DMSI
were significantly decreased with the increase in osmotic stress induced by
NaCl. Contrary, phytotoxicity of root (PhR) and PhSh significantly increased
with the increase in osmotic stress.
The entire lifetime of Yugoslavia in two state forms
Authors: Pavlovic Marko
Published: July 2014

According to the generally accepted viewpoint, the Yugoslav state, for seven
decades of its lifetime (1918-1991), has gone through around seven forms of
government (centralization, dictatorship, deconcentration/decentralization,
three or four forms of communist federation, monarchy and republic). This
paper, however, shows that the entire life of the Yugoslav state passed in
only two forms - the form of regional state (1921-1939) and the form of real
union (1946-1991). By the Vidovdan (1921) and September Constitution (1931),
the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was organized as a regional state. During its
lifetime as a competitive model, there was a project of a real union, shaped
in the Constitution draft of ?the Croatian Community? (1921). It was preceded
by the concepts of a real union from the ?Geneva Agreement? and ?Zagreb
Instructions? (Naputci). It was followed by the constitutional programme of
the Montenegrin federalists and the Croatian demands for the return to ?the
starting point? (1918), which meant that ?historical individualities? had to
decide on the transfer of some affairs to the state center. With the
communist regime (1945), a real union was established and, changing a few
forms (?Soviets?, ?producers?, ?self-managers?, ?delegates?), it lasted until
the dissolution of the state in 1991. With the Constitution of 1974, the
Yugoslav state was completely established as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but
instead of two it has six members with communist monarch.
The adoption of the first Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 1931
Authors: Novakovic Dragan
Published: July 2014

The process of adoption of the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church,
after its unification and elevation to the rank of Patriarchate, has been
analyzed. During ten years of work it was necessary to overcome and solve
numerous and complex problems that had the internal church character or came
from the political sphere. Among the first to dominate were different
theoretical and canonical standpoints about the body with power to prepare
the text of the Constitution and the institution with the full legitimate
authority for its adoption. There was also a dissatisfaction of the people in
Bosnia and Herzegovina unwilling to relinquish historically acquired rights
to directly elect representatives of the ecclesiastical self-governing bodies
and accept increasingly emphasized efforts to transfer all church affairs to
the Episcopate. Other issue was directly related to the current political
events and its main driver was the unwillingness of the ruling Serbian elite
to accept the Constitution which would result in a greater autonomy of the
Church and elimination of state control mechanisms. After a lengthy
discussion a text was adopted as a compromise, which enabled the
consolidation of church unity, the establishment of the planned organization
and the assumption of jurisdiction from all the bodies and institutions
envisaged in the Constitution, but also gave the state a significant
influence on some important areas of church life.
Improving the business environment in cities and municipalities in Serbia
Authors: Stankovic Jelena , Jankovic-Milic Vesna , Radosavljevic Marija
Published: July 2014

One of the ways to determine the benefits of a particular municipality and
indicate its readiness to cooperate with potential investors is to promote
standards of effective and transparent local administration. This task can be
realized through the certification of cities and municipalities with a
favorable business environment. Certification is a process that, among other
things, allows the assessment of quality of services and information that
municipalities provide for investors and businessmen. It is a process aiming
at improvement of business environment in Serbia through institutional
reforms with the active participation and cooperation of industry,
municipalities and citizens. One of the key questions is to determine the
importance of the criteria relevant for evaluating the attractiveness of
municipality in terms of potential investors. Analysis of criteria importance
for certification of cities and municipalities with a favorable business
environment, shown in this paper, aims to identify those who have played a
key role in the efficiency of municipalities and cities in attracting foreign
direct investment. This paper presents three alternative ways of determining
the importance of the criteria. The results of this analysis should indicate
to the authorities of cities and municipalities possible ways of improving
their position at the list of those with a favorable business environment.
Socio-economic characteristics of physical activity of early school-age children
Authors: Matic Radenko , Kuljic Rajko , Maksimovic Nebojsa
Published: July 2014

This paper analyzes the relations between two chosen research issues: motor
behaviour and socio-economic environment of children aged 7-11. In this
research were used the information of the respondents from I to IV grade of
primary schools in Novi Sad. The sample group consisted of 361 respondents
(190 boys and 171 girls). Based on these results, the authors conclude that
the opportunities and threats of socio-economic environment that children
grow up in, affect their participation in a physical activity. The most
important factor of socio-economic status, which determines the participation
of children in a physical activity, is sport engagement of their parents.
Practical experiences in preventing violence at sporting events
Authors: Vukovic Slavisa
Published: July 2014

The paper first discusses the characteristics of the current forms of
violence at sporting events, especially football games, as well as the
factors that lead to the manifestation of violence. Then, the author explains
the possibilities of improving social measures in preventing violence at
sporting events, in addition to existing measures of situational prevention.
In the field of social prevention it is especially emphasized the importance
of cooperation between fans and sports clubs and the role of other entities
whose activities are important or can be important in the field of social
prevention. Traditionally, police and private security sector services have
an important role in preventing violence at sports events. However, origin of
violence lies mostly outside sports and sporting events are often places for
manifestation of violence, which requires measures of social prevention of an
equal, if not greater, extent. It can be realistically expected that social
prevention measures achieve long-term effects in reducing violence at
sporting events. Also, exclusive or dominant situational prevention measures
can have short-term impact on reducing this kind of violence.
Structural Dimensions of Roma School Desegregation Policies in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Rostas Iulius , Kostka Joanna
Published: July 2014

Scrutiny of the socio-economic exclusion of the Roma in Central and Eastern Europe has brought attention to the widespread practice of school segregation of Romani children who are automatically placed in classes for the mentally disabled or shunted into separate and inferior schools and classrooms. It is now widely recognised that such practices adversely affect the educational development of Romani children, which in turn dramatically constrains their possibilities to succeed in adult life. Thus far the legislative changes and political commitments to desegregation and integration measures have delivered limited outputs and outcomes. While national programmes face implementation challenges at the local level, the grassroots initiatives are rarely mainstreamed into wider policy strategies. At the end of the day the status quo is preserved. Given that little analytical effort has been made to explain the causes of desegregation failure, this article aims to address the void. It argues that the narrow desegregation aims prevents creation of comprehensive approaches sensitive to structural dimensions of segregation and discrimination. It builds on the policy design theory in order to capture the impact of discourse and policy content on the implementation outputs.
Helping the Marginalised or Supporting the Elite? Affirmative Action as a Tool for Increasing Access to Higher Education for Ethnic Roma
Authors: Garaz Stela
Published: July 2014

Among the many arguments against affirmative action discussed in the academic literature, there is one stating that affirmative action fails to target the most marginalised members of a disadvantaged group, and instead it supports the group's most affluent members whose socio-economic position may be comparable to that of the mainstream population. The goal of this article is to test this statement on the case of ethnic Roma in higher education, based on the socio-economic data on Roma students collected by Roma Education Fund. The findings reveal that although Roma students come from better-off environments than the mainstream Roma communities, at the same time they come from more disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds compared to the mainstream students, and even to the mainstream population. In line with these findings, the author argues that even when affirmative action does not target the most marginalised members of Roma communities, it has a great potential in forming a critical mass of Romani intellectuals armed with the necessary knowledge to become outspoken public advocates for their group's cause, to contradict negative stereotypes associated to their group by giving the example of their own professional path, and to constitute a valuable social capital for their less fortunate peers.
Situated Learning in Young Romanian Roma Successful Learning Biographies
Authors: Nistor Nicolae , Stanciu Dorin , Vanea Cornelia , Sasu Virginia Maria , Dragotâ Maria
Published: July 2014

European Roma are often associated with social problems and conflicts due to poverty and low formal education. Nevertheless, Roma communities traditionally develop expertise in ethnically specific domains, probably by alternative, informal ways, such as situated learning in communities of practice. Although predictable, empirical evidence of Romani situated learning practice and its socio-cognitive effects is scarce. This qualitative study with quantitative components outlines knowledge domains, social contexts, and the initiation and evolution of situated learning, along with their occurring frequencies, in eighteen biographies of young Romanian Roma students, from which four cases are presented in detail. The study suggests that situated learning is omnipresent in successful Roma learning biographies, and has positive, cognitive and social effects, such as expertise and social skills, which may prevent social exclusion and stigma. The conclusions are relevant for educational research, and for educators and policy makers involved in social work with Roma ethnics.
Knowledge and Educational Research in the Context of ‘Twenty-First Century Learning’
Authors: Benade Leon
Published: July 2014

Educational researchers and academics cannot ignore the ever-present call for education, and schooling in particular, to reflect the needs of the twenty-first century knowledge economy. Since the 1990s, national curricula and education systems have reflected this call in their focus on technology and shifting pedagogy to increasingly constructivist paradigms that aim at the development of competencies rather than the acquisition of knowledge. However, despite these shifts in thinking about education and the process of schooling, there remains evidence that national education systems continue to experience lingering problems of under achievement, especially of marginalised students. An underpinning question in this article is to ask what should the key questions for research in the context of ‘twenty-first century learning’ be. It suggests that these questions arise from the knowledge—competencies nexus. Does the interest in competencies devalue or undermine knowledge? Does a social constructivist paradigm necessarily dismantle disciplinary knowledge? What is the relationship between knowledge and improving the life chances for the marginalised? Against a critical background discussion of ‘twenty-first century learning’, these questions are addressed by considering and synthesising three perspectives on knowledge (‘emergentist’, ‘social realist’, and ‘futures focused’) in relation to their particular critique of education, what they say about knowledge, and the bearing this interpretation has on how they view pedagogy and curriculum. Some critical considerations point out additional questions for education research, from a critical perspective, in the coming years of the twenty-first century.
Bird Species Diversity of the Mitidja Plain (Northern Algeria) with Emphasis on the Dynamics of Invasive and Expanding Species
Authors: Bendjoudi Djamel , Chenchouni Haroun , Doumandji Salaheddine , Voisin Jean-François
Published: July 2014

This treatise investigates the poorly studied bird fauna of Mitidja Plain (Northern Algeria), with particular notes on the occurrence and expansion of new and alien species. Direct observations, supported by ornithological surveys carried out by Progressive Frequential Sampling (PFS), a version of a point count method, have allowed us to identify 125 bird species. These represent 31% of all species known from Algeria. The species recorded belong to 14 orders, 39 families and 37 genera. According to their biogeographic origins, 36 are Mediterranean, 32 Palearctic, 24 Holarctic, 17 European and 16 of European-Turkestani origin. The Mitidja Plain holds 60 resident-breeder species (48% of all registered species) and is a transit zone for many migratory species (summer and winter migrants constituting 20% and 14% of the total, respectively) and occasional visitors (RA = 12%). Among recently expanding species (introduced or local), the Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto and Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus, sampled by the spot-mapping method, experienced a very rapid population growth. The first observations of the former were made in 1996 in Algiers. Its numbers experienced a steep increase after 2002, starting from 5.75 pairs/10 ha to reach up to 31.5 pairs/10 ha in 2006. The same applies for the Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri, surveyed by direct-count at roosting sites. This species has been able to increase and reproduce since its first introduction into the wild in 1996. The increase in study species populations, especially the Rose-ringed Parakeet, may derive from good weather conditions that favoured the species through providing better feeding conditions, thus high reproduction outcomes.
Population of Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius Funereus in Kopaonik National Park (Central Serbia)
Authors: Rajković Draženko , Grujić Draško , Novčić Radosav , Mirić Radislav
Published: July 2014

The altitudinal distribution, breeding density and population size of Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus was studied in Kopaonik National Park (central Serbia) during the 2011 and 2012 breeding seasons. The size of the study area was 24 km2. The survey method applied was a line transect in combination with stop points and playback of territorial male call. During the two-year research project, 37 territories were located. In Kopaonik National Park, Tengmalm’s Owl males inhabit Norway Spruce Picea abies, mixed Norway Spruce-Silver Fir Abies alba and Norway Spruce-European Beech Fagus sylvatica forests in the altitudinal belt stretching between 1,367 and 1,689 m a.s.l. The breeding density in the studied area was 8.3 territories/10 km2 in 2011 and 7.1 territories/10 km2 in 2012. Total population estimate of Tengmalm’s Owl in Kopaonik National Park is substantially higher than previously assumed, its 42-49 breeding territories making it currently the most important breeding site in Serbia.
The Curlew Numenius arquata population size and distribution at Ljubljansko barje in 2011 and 2012
Authors: Denac Katarina
Published: July 2014

In 2008, the IUCN uplisted the Curlew to near-threatened (NT) on its Red List. The bird’s population in Slovenia is localised and small, thus making it very important to be surveyed every year. Using the point count method, we recorded 9-12 breeding pairs in 2011 and 9-10 pairs in 2012 at Ljubljansko barje. Most of them were distributed in the eastern part of the area between the village of Lipe and the river Iščica, whereas only two occupied territories were discovered in 2011 and one in 2012 in the western part of the area. In a ten-year period, the area underwent agricultural intensification, with lowland non-intensive meadows declining by 50%. As a minimal requirement, meadows within the extent of the Curlew’s current distribution at Ljubljansko barje should be non-intensively managed (late first cut, no fertilizing or sowing of grass mixtures) and all other human activities prohibited from the beginning of March till the end of June (dog walking and training, ballooning, aircraft modelling). Based on the results of 2011 survey, Ljubljansko barje was designated an IBA for breeding Eurasian Curlews under the IBA criteria A1 and C1.
The photodegradation of model quinolone carboxylates in aqueous media
Authors: Bobeničová Miroslava , Čaklóšová Andrea , Dvoranová Dana
Published: July 2014

This work was focused on the study of photoinduced processes of quinolone carboxylates in the presence of titanium dioxide in an alkaline media. UVA irradiation without/with titanium dioxide caused the decomposition of molecules, with higher efficiency of degradation in the presence of titanium dioxide. EPR spin trapping experiments proved that investigated quinolone carboxylates behave as the efficient scavengers of hydroxyl radicals produced upon irradiation of aerated alkaline titanium dioxide systems.
Structure of cis-dichlorobis(1,10-phenanthroline)manganese(II) and cis-dichlorobis(2,2´-bipyridine)manganese(II)
Authors: Čechová Danica , Martišková Alena , Moncol Jan
Published: July 2014

The crystal structures of the title compounds, [Mn(phen)2Cl2] (I) and [Mn(bipy)2Cl2] (II), have been determined at 150 K. The manganese atoms in both compounds are coordinated by four pyridine nitrogen atoms from two 1,10-phenanthroline or 4,4´-bipyridine ligands and two chloride anions, resulting in a distorted cis-MnN4Cl2 octahedral geometry. Both complexes are connected through C-H・・・Cl hydrogen bonds into frameworks. The π-π stacking interactions are observed in crystal structure of both ones.
The DFT calculations of pKa values of the cationic acids of aniline and pyridine derivatives in common solvents
Authors: Poliak Peter
Published: July 2014

The theoretical pKa values of the derivatives of anilinium and pyridinium ions in 7 solvents are presented. For this purpose, the usage of isodesmic reaction scheme using the DFT/B3LYP approach with IEFPCM solvation was evaluated. We have shown that the suitable selection of reference species has the primary influence on the resulting data. For the studied anilinium ion derivatives the nonsubstituted anilinium ion seems to be a satisfactory reference system. The calculated values are in good accordance with the available experimental data with the RMS error of 1.00 and 0.99 pKa units in water and THF, respectively. The highest error in predicted pKa value is less than 2.0 pKa units in all cases. The chemical accuracy of the applied treatment is limited in the case of nitroaniline ions and the maximal therotetical uncertainty for derivatives of the pyridinium ion is within 2.1 pKa units. Our theoretical results enable us to predict the values of pKa for the solvents, where the experimental data are not completely available. Also the influence of the chemical structure on the accuracy of the applied method was discussed.
Solvation enthalpies of the electron in polar and non-polar solvents: Theoretical study
Authors: Škorňa Peter , Rimarčík Ján , Klein Erik
Published: July 2014

Although the electron transfer is a part of many important processes in biosystems that occur in the solution-phase, there is still no systematic theoretical study of the electron solvation enthalpies. The solvation enthalpies of the electron in different solvents of various polarities: benzene, toluene, acetone, methanol, ethanol, DMSO and water, are investigated. All calculations were performed by B3LYP, BHLYP and PBE approaches with aug-cc-pVDZ, aug-cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVQZ basis sets, using the Integral Equation Formalism Polarized Continuum Model (IEF-PCM). The calculations show that the B3LYP and PBE functionals provide similar results. With the exception of benzene, toluene and DMSO, the differences in values for all solvents are lower than 6 kJ mol-1. The BHLYP solvation enthalpies are higher by 20-25 kJ mol-1 than the B3LYP ones.
FE analysis of current displacement phenomena in a squirrel cage motor working at cryogenic temperature
Authors: Barański Mariusz
Published: July 2014

The paper presents the special software for transient FE analysis of coupled electromagnetic-thermal problems in a squirrel cage submerged motor working at cryogenic temperature. A time-stepping finite element method and transients analysis of an induction motor has been applied. The non-linearity of the magnetic circuit, the movement of the rotor, skewed slots, and the influence of temperature on electric and thermal properties of the materials has been taken into account. Developed on the basis of presented algorithm a computer program used to analyze the phenomenon of current displacement in the rotor bars of high-voltage cage induction motor working in cryogenic conditions. The results of the simulations are presented.
Estimators of induction motor electromechanical quantities built on the basis of a machine secondary multi-loop equivalent circuit
Authors: Kaplon A. , Utrata G. , Rolek J.
Published: July 2014

Contemporary sensorless AC drives require the use of electromechanical quantities estimation. The skin effect occurring in AC machines with solid secondary or with solid secondary elements causes machines of this type to be represented by equivalent circuits containing distributed elements, which makes the analysis of machine electrodynamic states more complicated and hinders the construction of relatively simple and effective estimators of electromechanical quantities. The variability of rotor parameters is modelled, with a good approximation, by the machine secondary multi-loop equivalent circuit with lumped elements. In this paper the construction procedure of electromechanical state variable estimators basing on this type of equivalent circuit will be presented. The simulation investigations of the created electromechanical quantities estimators, performed for the selected states of solid iron rotor AC machine operation will be shown as well.
Genetic algorithm tuned IP controller for Load Frequency Control of interconnected power systems with HVDC links
Authors: Selvakumaran S. , Rajasekaran V. , Karthigaivel R.
Published: July 2014

A new design of decentralized Load Frequency Controller for interconnected thermal non-reheat power systems with AC-DC parallel tie-lines based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) tuned Integral and Proportional (IP) controller is proposed in this paper. A HVDC link is connected in parallel with an existing AC tie-line to stabilize the frequency oscillations of the AC tie-line system. Any optimum controller selected for load frequency control of interconnected power systems should not only stabilize the power system but also reduce the system frequency and tie line power oscillations and settling time of the output responses. In practice Load Frequency Control (LFC) systems use simple Proportional Integral (PI) or Integral (I) controller. The controller parameters are usually tuned based on classical or trial-and-error approaches. But they are incapable of obtaining good dynamic performance for various load change scenarios in multi-area power system. For this reason, in this paper GA tuned IP controller is used. A two area interconnected thermal non-reheat power system is considered to demonstrate the validity of the proposed controller. The simulation results show that the proposed controller provides better dynamic responses with minimal frequency and tie-line power deviations, quick settling time and guarantees closed-loop stability margin.
Analysis of the proximity and skin effects on copper loss in a stator core
Authors: Młot Adrian , Korkosz Mariusz , Grodzki Piotr , Łukaniszyn Marian
Published: July 2014

Accurate prediction of power loss distribution within an electrical device is highly desirable as it allows thermal behavior to be evaluated at the early design stage. Three-dimensional (3-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) finite element analysis (FEA) is applied to calculate dc and ac copper losses in the armature winding at high-frequency sinusoidal currents. The main goal of this paper is showing the end-winding effect on copper losses. Copper losses at high frequency are dominated by the skin and proximity effects. A time-varying current has a tendency to concentrate near the surfaces of conductors, and if the frequency is very high, the current is restricted to a very thin layer near the conductor surface. This phenomenon of nonuniform distribution of time-varying currents in conductors is known as the skin effect. The term proximity effect refers to the influence of alternating current in one conductor on the current distribution in another, nearby conductor. To evaluate the ac copper loss within the analyzed machine a simplified approach is adopted using one segment of stator core. To demonstrate an enhanced copper loss due to ac operation, the dc and ac resistances are calculated. The resistances ratio ac to dc is strongly dependent on frequency, temperature, shape of slot and size of slot opening.
Real time voltage stabilization in microgrid
Authors: Jangjoo Mohammad Amin , Seifi Ali Reza
Published: July 2014

This study suggests a new algorithm based on a combination of fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm (GA) to improve voltage profile in a microgrid. The considered microgrid includes control variables such as onload tap changer (OLTC), active power output from distributed generators (DG) and reactive power output from feeder switched capacitors that are controlled in a microgrid controller (MGC) by communication links. The proposed method was used to obtain the optimum value of control variables to establish voltage stabilization in varying load condition as online. For establishing voltage stabilization at the microgrid, an objective function is defined and is tried to minimize it by control variables. The control variables were changed based on fuzzy logic and the GA was employed for finding the optimum shape of membership functions. In order to verify the proposed method, a 34 buses microgrid in varying load condition was analyzed and was compared with previous works.
Coprophagous beetle community (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, Hydrophilidae) in two cattle pastures in South Bohemia
Authors: Šlachta Martin
Published: July 2014

Simultaneous monitoring of coprophagous beetles was carried out using baited pitfall traps in mountain pastures at Jenín and Pasečná in the southern part of the Czech Republic. In total, 5,787 specimens of 31 species were collected in six one-week sampling trials carried out during 2011-2013. Little difference was found between the pastures in the total abundance of the collected material (8%) and in the diversity (Shannon’s index of diversity, Z = 1.78, P = 0.07). Considerable differences were found in the abundance of several species: Aphodius sphacelatus (Panzer 1798) and Aphodius erraticus (Linnaeus 1758) were more abundant at Jenín (by 85 and 98%, respectively), while Onthophagus fracticornis (Preyssler 1790), Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Hartmann in L. G. Scriba 1791), Geotrupes stercorarius (Linnaeus, 1758), and Aphodius depressus (Kugelann 1792) were more abundant at Pasečná (by 89%, 95% 100% and 100%, respectively). Due to their tunnelling breeding activity in soil beneath animal droppings, O. fracticornis and G. stercorarius may provide valuable ecosystem services in Pasečná pasture, mainly bioturbation and soil fertilisation.
Effect of using green beans processing by-products with and without enzyme supplementation on broilers performance and blood parameters
Authors: Abbel-Monein Mamdouh Abbas
Published: July 2014

The present study was performed to evaluate the possible inclusion of the by-products of green beans (GB) into the diet of broiler chickens. A total number of 288 one day old male Ross broiler chicks were randomly distributed into eight experimental groups. The chicks in the first group were fed a basal diet only and this was the negative control group. The second group served as positive control and the chicks were fed on a basal diet supplemented with a commercial enzyme (Benzyme-A). The six remaining groups were fed diets containing GB at three inclusion levels 8%, 16% and 24% in partial replacement of yellow corn. For each inclusion level one group was fed a diet free of enzyme and the other was fed a diet supplemented with enzyme. The results showed that including GB in broilers diet up to 16% did not significantly affect the chickens’ performance. The recorded blood parameters of the chickens were found to be in normal ranges. The results also revealed that enzyme supplementation enhanced the performance of the chickens. The use of GB in the broilers diet was found to be beneficial from the economic point of view by reducing the total cost of the diet and thus increasing the profit.
Chemical Studies on Tobacco Smoke. III. Primary and Secondary Nitroalkanes in Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Hoffmann D , Rathkamp G
Published: July 2014

An analytical method for the isolation and identification of nitroalkanes in cigarette smoke was developed. The analytical procedure includes water steam-distillation of cigarette smoke condensate and several extraction steps. The final concentrate of the nitroparaffins is separated into individual components by gas chromatography on 5 % Apiezon N and 5 % Armeen SD on fire brick. Utilizing a flame ionization detector system for the final analysis, 200 cigarettes had to be smoked. When an electron detector system was utilized the smoking of 20 cigarettes sufficed for the analysis of six nitroalkanes. These were identified by relative retention times and volumes, and the fragmentation patterns of the individual nitroalkanes. The presence of a seventh nitroalkane was ascertained and it was tentatively identified as a nitropentane. The smoke of one 85 mm blended United States cigarette without filter tip contained 0.53 µg nitromethane, 1.1 µg nitroethane, 1.1 µg 2-nitropropane, 0.73 µg 1-nitropropane, 0.71 µg 1-nitro-n-butane and 0.22 µg 1-nitro-n-pentane. The analysis of the smoke of 10 different cigarettes demonstrated a correlated increased yield of six nitroparaffins with increased nitrate content of the cigarette tobacco. This result supports our working hypothesis that nitrogen oxides formed during the pyrolysis of alkali nitrate in tobaccos react as scavengers with organic radicals in the hot zones of burning cigarettes and tend to inhibit the synthesis of aromatic hydrocarbons, including those with known carcinogenic effects to experimental animals.
The Evaluation of Total Nitrogen in Cigarette Smoke - Über die Bilanz des Stickstoffes im Cigarettenrauch
Authors: Elmenhorst H. , Harke H.-P.
Published: July 2014

Total nitrogen and nicotine contained in cigarette smoke condensate and condensate fractions have quantitatively been estimated. The results show that only 5 to 36 % of total nitrogen can be related to nicotine. It is tried to determine the balance of nitrogen in smoke condensate. The calculations made suggest that, for example within the group of nitrogenous compounds, there might be smoke constituents which are still unknown and which occur at relatively high concentrations.
Inflammasome: a new villain in heart disease
Authors: Sonnino Chiara , Toldo Stefano , Mezzaroma Eleonora , Abbate Antonio
Published: July 2014

Many cardiac diseases have an inflammatory component by which the initial injury is amplified by an overzealous inflammatory response leading to further tissue injury, and impairing the recovery of cardiac function. The formation of the inflammasome in the heart represents a newly identified amplifying step in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of different cardiovascular conditions. Initial experimental animal studies and small pilot clinical studies suggest that targeting the inflammasome in its different components interrupts this amplification process and promotes more favorable healing. The inflammasome represents therefore a new villain in the fight against heart disease.
Epilepsy and the inflammasome: Targeting inflammation as a novel therapeutic strategy for seizure disorders
Authors: Edye Michelle E. , Walker Lauren E. , Sills Graeme J. , Allan Stuart M. , Brough David
Published: July 2014

Epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide. Recent evidence from experimental models of epilepsy and clinical brain tissue from epilepsy surgery suggests inflammation may play a pathological role in this disorder. Activation of a multimolecular protein complex termed the ‘inflammasome’ occurs during inflammation to drive the innate immune response. Inflammasome activation, with release of inflammatory mediators including interleukin-1β and high-mobility group box-1, may play a crucial role in the development of epilepsy (epileptogenesis) after brain insult. Immunomodulatory drugs targeting the inflammasome pathway may represent a novel antiepileptogenic treatment strategy for epilepsy. This review summarises the current literature surrounding inflammasome activation and epilepsy.
The concentration quenching of photoluminescence in Eu3+-doped La2O3
Authors: Đorđević V. , Antić Ž. , Nikolić M. G. , Dramićanin M. D.
Published: July 2014

This work explores the influence of dopant concentration on photoluminescent emission and kinetics of Eu3+-doped (0.2−10 at.%) nanocrystalline lanthanumoxide powders. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that all samples crystallize in La2O3 hexagonal phase with space group P3¯ m1. Transmission electron microscopy showed particles with non-uniform shape and diverse size distribution with an average particle size of (95 ± 5) nm. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra of all samples contain characteristic Eu3+ luminescence lines with the most pronounced red 5D0 →7F2 emission at about 626 nm. The maximum intensity of red emission is observed for the sample containing 5at.% of Eu3+ ions. The emission kinetics was recorded in the temperature range from 10K to 300 K. The maximum lifetime value of 0.98 ms obtained for the sample with 0.5at.% Eu3+ at room temperature increases up to 1.3ms at 10 K.
“Slow” wave of zero-sound in degenerate Fermi gas
Authors: Poluektov Yuri , Savchenko Volodymyr
Published: July 2014

The dynamic Hartree-Fock theory with point-like interaction is used to calculate the speed of sound and damping factor of a zero-sound wave propagating in a degenerate Fermi gas. This wave propagates slower than Fermi velocity. It is shown, that if the interaction is weak and density is small, then the damping of such a wave can be small. A possibility of discovering such waves in ultracold Fermi gases is discussed.
Calibration of the RSS-131 high efficiency ionization chamber for radiation dose monitoring during plasma experiments conducted on plasma focus device
Authors: Szewczak Kamil , Jednoróg Sławomir
Published: July 2014

Plasma research poses a radiation hazard. Due to the program of deuterium plasma research using the PF-1000 device, it is an intensive source of neutrons (up to 1011 n · pulse −1) with energy of 2,45 MeV and ionizing electromagnetic radiation with a broad energy spectrum. Both types of radiation are mostly emitted in ultra-short pulses (∼100 ns). The aim of this work was to test and calibrate the RSS-131 radiometer for its application in measurements of ultra-short electromagnetic radiation pulses with broad energy spectrum emitted during PF-1000 discharge. In addition, the results of raw measurements performed in the control room are presented.
Multiple ring enhancing lesions in a patient with unilateral limb jerking
Authors: Chakraborty Subhankar
Published: July 2014

Multiple ring enhancing lesions (MREL) in the brain can be caused by a variety of diseases including infections, inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. We present the case of a patient with new onset unilateral jerking movement of the arm who was found to have sixteen ring enhancing lesions (RELs) in the brain on MRI. Further workup revealed a primary small cell lung cancer. The differential diagnosis of multiple ring enhancing lesions is discussed. The astute clinician should be aware of this rare but important radiological finding.
The role of genetic and other biomarkers in NSCLC prognosis
Authors: Schveigert Diana , Cicenas Saulius , Bublevic Jaroslav , Askinis Renatas , Sapoka Virginijus , Didziapetriene Janina
Published: July 2014

The development of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a multistep process, which is triggered and maintained by various factors. Many steps of non-small-cell lung carcinogenesis, risk factors and biomarkers have been identified; however no consistent model has been established of personalized medicine for these patients. Distinct various gene expression, products of mutated genes and other markers such as circulating nucleic acids or tumor cells has been proven to be potential biomarkers of non-small cell lung cancer as well as potential targets for new treatment strategies. This article will highlight promising biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer prognosis.