bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant hyperostosis after sphenoid ridge en plaque meningioma removal
Authors: Adam Danil , Papacocea Toma , Hornea Ioana , Moisescu Cristiana
Published: January 2015

Meningioma is in most cases a benign tumor of the central nervous system with two growth patterns: en masse and en plaque. Hyperostosis is associated in 13 - 49 % of the cases with en plaque meningioma. We describe the case of a 47 years old woman with meningotelial sphenoid ridge meningioma which was totally removed. At the first admission she presented with no neurological deficits, seizures and a mild right exophthalmos. This had an indolent growth. After 10 years, the patient was readmitted for headache, blurred vision and right exophthalmos. Skull X-rays and brain MRI revealed an important thickening of the right superior orbit wall and sphenoid ridge. She underwent a new surgery. There was no intradural tumor found. Instead, bones of the superior and lateral right orbit walls were very hiperostotic. A hole of 3/2 cm in the right superior orbital wall was drilled and the orbital cavity was decompressed. In the postoperative period, the symptoms were remitted and the exophthalmos reduced. We discuss the causes and management of hyperostosis associated with meningiomas.
Three level spinal dysraphism: multiple composite Type 1 and Type 2 split cord malformatıon
Authors: Alatas I. , Gundag M. , Canaz H. , Emel E.
Published: January 2015

It has reported an uncommon case a 3 year-old girl a composite split cord malformation (SCM) with two different levels of SCM type1 and one level SCM type2, tight filum and sacral dermal sinus. The patient was admitted with a hypertrichosis and hyperpigmented patch. MRI of whole spine and brain was done. SCM type1 at T 7 and L2 levels and SCM typ2 at T11 level were removed then tight filum was cut and dermal sinus was excised at different sites during the same surge
Pregnant woman with an intracranial meningioma – case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dumitrescu Bogdan Constantin , Tataranu Ligia Gabriela , Gorgan Mircea Radu
Published: January 2015

It is about a 33-year-old female, with a 36 weeks uncomplicated pregnancy and with signs of increased intracranial pressure. Hours after admission and an obstetric evaluation, uterine contraction started and the patient was taken to the delivery room, where she presented a partial motor seizure on the left side with secondary generalization and urine emission. A caesarean section was performed without fetal or maternal complications. The urgent MRI gadolinium-enhanced brain scan revealed a 39/50/54 mm tumoral mass having an aspect of an anterior third falx cerebri meningioma. The patient was transferred to our neurosurgical department and afterwards surgery was performed with gross total removal of the tumoral mass. Histological examination revealed atypical meningioma with direct invasion into the adjacent brain parenchyma. A week later she was discharged from the hospital in good condition. One month after surgery, a contrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal any signs of tumor recurrence or residual tumor. Our recommendation is for postpartum surgery when is possible. Urgent neurosurgical interventions should be made in case of patients with malignant tumors, active hydrocephalus or benign intracranial tumor such as meningioma associated with signs of impending herniation, progress
Bilateral traumatic paralysis of abducent nerves and clivus fracture: Case Report
Authors: Calderon-Miranda Willen Guillermo , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: January 2015

Clivus fractures are a rare pathology, frecuently associated tohigh power trauma. Such injuries may be associated with vascular and cranial nerves lesions. The abducens nerve is particularly vulnerable to traumatic injuries due to its long intracranial course, since their real origin until the lateral rectus muscle. The unilateral abducens nerve palsy of 1- 2-7% occurs in patients with cranial trauma, bilateral paralysis is rare. We report a patient who presented bilateral abducens nerve palsy associated with a clivus fracture
Abnormalities in soluble CD147 / MMPs / TIMPs axis in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients with and without a history of Acute Anterior Uveitis / Anomalii ale axei CD147 solubil / MMPs / TIMPs la pacienții cu spondilită anchilozantă cu sau fără uveită acută anterioară
Authors: Mitulescu Traian Costin , Voinea Liliana Mary , Predeteanu Denisa , Banica Leontina Mirela , Stavaru Crina , Matache Cristiana
Published: January 2015

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is the prototype of the axial form of spondyloarthritis. Despite extensive studies, complex mechanisms related to abnormal cellular and molecular processes in AS are not completely understood. Among proinflammatory mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines, NOS-2, chemokines, which lead to inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in inflammatory processes that characterize AS. Therefore, we purposed to evaluate whether the disruption of extracellular MMPs inducer (EMMPRIN/CD147), MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) homeostasis play a role in the evolution of AS especially in patients with a history of Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU). For this purpose sera from AS patients and from healthy donors (HDs) were assessed for soluble CD147 (sCD147), MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for the activity of MMP-2 and -9 gelatinases by gelatin zymography. The experimental results showed that the levels of sCD147, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were significantly increased in AS patients compared to HDs. sCD147 as well as the ratio MMP-2/sCD147 differentiated AS patients with a history of AAU from those without it. The ratios MMP-2/sCD147, MMP-3/sCD147 and MMP-3/TIMP-1 suggested an imbalance between MMPs and their regulators in AS patients. These results suggest that MMPs/sCD147 ratios could be potential biomarkers to strengthen the characterization of AS patients and to predict disease evolution. Positive or negative correlations between some of the experimental and/or clinical features of AS patients and the therapy also highlight the usefulness of the evaluation of these biomarkers to identify an individualized and efficient therapy.
The dynamics of some oxidative stress markers in 3, 6 and 12-months alcohol abstinent patients: possible relevance for the usage of antioxidants in alcohol withdrawal / Dinamica unor markeri ai stresului oxidativ la 3, 6 şi 12 luni de abstinenţă de la alcool: posibila relevanţă a utilizării de antioxidanţi
Authors: Petrariu Florin , Alexinschi Ovidiu , Chirita Roxana , Chirita Vasile , Ciobica Alin , Padurariu Manuela , Lefter Radu , Dobrin Romeo , Popescu Radu , Anton Emil , Arcan Oana , Timofte Daniel
Published: January 2015

While the exact relevance of the oxidative stress markers after the complex processes of alcohol withdrawal is still controversial, in the present report we were interested in studying the relevance of oxidative stress status in the alcohol withdrawal processes, by determining some oxidative stress markers after 3, 6 and 12 months of abstinence. 62 patients were selected, all of them males. Thus, 33 (baseline), 14 (3 months), 14 (6 months) and 15 (12 months) patients, while the control group (n=32) included healthy, sex and aged-matched subjects. Regarding superoxid dismutase, we observed a significant group difference (p<0.0001), together with an increase in all 3 cases of time-abstinence, as compared to baseline results: (p<0.0001-3 months), (p<0.0001-6 months) and (p<0.0001- 12 months). Also for glutathione peroxidase, we observed a significant overall effect of the abstinence in our groups (p=0.0003), plus an increase especially at 6 months (p=0.03) and 12 months (p=0.006). Regarding malondialdehyde, as a main marker for the lipid peroxidation processes, we found significant differences between our groups (p<0.0001), together with a decrease in all 3 cases, compared to the baseline group (p=0.003), (p=0.01) and (p=0.0002). In conclusion, this confirms the increased oxidative stress status in alcoholic patients and even more importantly, we showed that there is a significant and progressive decrease in the oxidative stress status at 3, 6 and 12 months after the withdrawal process, as demonstrated by the increased levels of antioxidant enzymes and decreased rate of lipid peroxidation, when compared to baseline values.
α-HPV positivity analysis in a group of patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers / Analiza pozitivităţii α-HPV la un grup de pacienţi cu tumori cutanate melanocitare şi non-melanocitare
Authors: Rotaru Maria , Iancu Gabriela , Mihalache Manuela , Anton Gabriela , Morariu Silviu
Published: January 2015

Background. Medical research has shown a continuous increase in the incidence of skin cancers, especially among young individuals. One of the ethiopathogenic factors that cause skin carcinogenesis could be the infection with some genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Methods. In our study, we have analyzed alpha (α) - HPV positivity and HPV genotypes identified in melanocytic (MSC) and nonmelanocytic skin cancers (NMSC). The results were then compared with results obtained from the control group. The study included 40 cases of MSC and NMSC found in the data base of our hospital, and 40 healthy patients. In all of the cases, we identified the HPV DNA by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the viral genotypes by using α -HPV primers by Linear Array Roche kit. Results. The average α-HPV positivity in tumors was 32.50%, higher than in other studies published to date. The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lot had the highest α-HPV positivity (40%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (35%) and malignant melanoma (MM) (20%). The comparative analysis between skin cancer-HPV positive (32.50%) and the control group-HPV positive (15%) revealed a positivity of HPV in the tumors group (32.50%) that was higher by a ratio of 2.16. By viral genotyping, we identified high-risk HPV only in BCC and MM (in all α-HPV samples), but not in SCC samples. Conclusions. In our study, α-HPV in NMSC and MSC was positive in 32.50% of the cases; in 46.15% of these, it was possible to identify HPV genotypes. The high-risk HPV genotypes observed in these patients were HPV 16, 35, 58 and 59.
Poverty and Wealth from the Perspective of Selected Psychological Concepts of Value
Authors: Kuświk Justyna
Published: January 2015

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the issues associated with the psychological aspect of possessions. The basic question of our consideration refers to the place which poverty and wealth occupy among human values. In particular, the analysis of this article includes recognition of Milton Rokeach and Shalom H. Schwartz.
Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to Classify Participants of a Questionnaire Survey with Regard to Their Individual Inclination to Respond at Random
Authors: Górkiewicz Maciej
Published: January 2015

In this study, the well-known CES-D depression scale was considered as a prototypical tool for assessing an individual’s inclination to respond at random. It was postulated that the set of the responses obtained from the participants of a questionnaire survey could be divided into three classes: the honest responses class; the pure random class, characterized by the same prob- ability of each admissible score; the smart random class, characterized by the same distribution of the probability of scores as in the honest responses class. A two-step classifying procedure was recommended. According to this procedure, the first step should be to separate the pure random responses from the others. As needed, at the second step the smart random responses should be separated from the honest responses. The CES-D scale consists of sixteen direct questions and four reverse questions, each question with four admissible score values, 0, 1, 2, or 3. The material for the analyses includes all of the 4 294 967 296 possible arrangements of the four scores for the sixteen direct questions, and all of the 256 arrangements of the four scores for the four reverse questions, and all of the possible 49 · 13 = 637 pairs of the possible values of the mean scores from the sixteen direct questions and from the four reverse questions, respectively. It was assumed, without loss of generality, that the honest responses to the sixteen direct questions lead to the resulting distribution: P = (8/16; 5/16; 2/16; 1/16), for a score equal to 0, 1, 2, or 3, respectively. The original iterative procedure was used to compute the exact distributions of the mean scores in the pure random class, and in the smart random class. The discriminant ability to dis- tinguish between the two classes was characterized with the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. In result, the excellent discriminant properties of the CES-D were confirmed. The area under the ROC curve was estimated equal to AUC = 0.98 with standard error SE = 0.004 for the screening of the pure random responses from all of the others, and equal to AUC = 0.87 with standard error SE = 0.006 for the purpose of distinguishing the smart random responses from the honest ones.
The Use of Joinpoint Regression Analysis in the Mortality Study of Developmental Age Population in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, 2003–2012
Authors: Genowska Agnieszka , Jamiołkowski Jacek , Zalewska Magdalena , Rodakowska Ewa , Kurpiewska Kamila , Szpak Andrzej , Maciorkowska Elżbieta
Published: January 2015

The youngest population in society is recognized as that at the healthiest stage of life but is burdened by the occurrence of premature death that should be avoidable. There is a need to use adequate statistical methods in assessing the health status of the population of developmental age. The aim of the study was to analyze trends of mortality in children and adolescents by age and gender in the Podlaskie Voivodeship in the years 2003-2012 by joinpoint regression and to identify the causes of mortality. The mortality rate was analysed according to gender and the age groups: 0, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 years in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The data were obtained from the Central Statistical Office for the period 2003-2012. Differences in mortality levels between age and gender subgroups were obtained by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Join- point regression was used to analyze the trends in mortality. The nomenclature of ICD-10 was used to assess the causes of mortality of children and adolescents. In the Podlaskie Voivodeship in the years 2003-2012 in the 0-19-year-old age group, the highest proportion of deaths (42.4%) occurred during the first year of life. There were differences in mortality rates between boys (8.0/104) and girls (3.1/104) in the 15-19-year-old age group (p < 0.01), and also between the 1-14-year-old and 15-19-year-old age groups (p < 0.01), both among boys (2.1/104 vs. 8.0/104) and girls (1.5/104 vs. 3.1/104). Monotonous trends were shown regarding total mortality rates in infants. There was a drop in the mortality rate of infant girls (AAPC = 5.3%, p < 0.05) and boys (AAPC = 4.7%, p < 0.05). Changes in the direction of the total mortality rate trend were visible in the population of boys aged 1-14 years, in which, between 2003 and 2010, a significant reduction in mortality (AAPC = 9.5%) was observed, while in the years 2010-2012 the trend was not significant. No statistical evidence was found that mortality changed among girls in the 1-14-year-old and 15-19-year-old age groups. Deaths in infancy were due to perinatal conditions and congenital mal- formations. The main causes of mortality in the 1-19-year-old age group were external causes, mainly traffic accidents and intentional self-harm. Joinpoint regression indicated a uniform decrease of mortality in the years 2003-2012 except for boys from 1-14 years old, for whom the decreasing trend was for the years 2003-2010 with subsequent stabilization. The main problems are still infant deaths due to perinatal conditions, traffic accidents and intentional self-harm in boys in the 15-19-year-old age group.
The Use of Data Mining Methods to Predict the Result of Infertility Treatment Using the IVF ET Method
Authors: Malinowski Paweł , Milewski Robert , Ziniewicz Piotr , Milewska Anna Justyna , Czerniecki Jan , Wołczyński Sławomir
Published: January 2015

The IVF ET method is a scientifically recognized infertility treat- ment method. The problem, however, is this method’s unsatisfactory efficiency. This calls for a more thorough analysis of the information available in the treat- ment process, in order to detect the factors that have an effect on the results, as well as to effectively predict result of treatment. Classical statistical methods have proven to be inadequate in this issue. Only the use of modern methods of data mining gives hope for a more effective analysis of the collected data. This work provides an overview of the new methods used for the analysis of data on infertility treatment, and formulates a proposal for further directions for research into increasing the efficiency of the predicted result of the treatment process.
Educational Multimedia Materials in Academic Medical Training
Authors: Kołodziejczak Barbara , Roszak Magdalena , Kowalewski Wojciech , Ren-Kurc Anna
Published: January 2015

This article presents an overview of generally available applications for creating multimedia and interactive educational materials, such as presentations, instructional videos, self-tests and interactive repetitions. With the use of the presented tools, pilot materials were developed to support the teaching of biostatistics at a medical university. The authors conducted surveys among students of faculties of medicine in order to evaluate the materials used in terms of quality and usefulness. The article presents the analysis of the results obtained.
Multi-criteria Ranking Under Pareto Inclusive Criterion of Preference: An Application in Ranking Some Fungi Species with Respect to Their Toxicity
Authors: Gniadek Agnieszka , Chmiel Izabela , Górkiewicz Maciej
Published: January 2015

This study aims at demonstrating the usefulness of the Pareto in- clusive criterion methodology for comparative analyses of fungi toxicity. The toxicity of fungi is usually measured using a scale of several ranks. In practice, the ranks of toxicity are routinely grouped into only four conventional classes of toxicity: from a class of no toxicity, low toxicity, and moderate toxicity, to a class of high toxicity. The illustrative material included the N = 61 fungi samples obtained from three species: A. ochraceus, A. niger and A. flavus. In accordance with the Pareto approach, four partial criterions of the worst toxi- city were defined, a single criterion used for each conventional class of toxicity. Finally, the odds ratios (OR) were calculated separately for each partial cri- terion, and the significance of the hypotheses OR = 1 was estimated. It was stated that A. ochraceus fungi are distinctly more toxic than the two remaining ones with respect to the all considered four partial criterions, with significance equal to p = 0.04, p = 0.04, p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively. Thus, the suggested method illustrated its utility in the case under study.
Differences in Financing of Admission Rooms (ARs) and Hospital Emergency Rooms (ERs) Between the Years 2013 and 2014, Using an Example of a Lodz Municipal Hospital
Authors: Woźniak Bożena , Sierocka Aleksandra , Iltchev Petre , Marczak Michał
Published: January 2015

The goal of the article is to compare methods of financing ARs and ERs based on the data from the 1st half of 2013 and 1st half of 2014 from the K. Jonscher 3rd Municipal Hospital in Lodz. All the stays in the AR/ER in the 1st half of 2013 and the 1st half of 2014 were analysed. Based on the presented data, it can be clearly seen that the new method of financing AR/ER services proposed by the NFZ will beyond doubt have negative outcomes, and will certainly not improve the financial situation of hospitals.
Using a Virtual Learning Environment as a Key to the Development of Innovative Medical Education
Authors: Półjanowicz Wiesław , Roszak Magdalena , Kowalewski Wojciech , Kołodziejczak Barbara
Published: January 2015

This article shows the organization of distance learning, particularly the idea of b-learning, combining the accomplishment of classes carried on in the traditional way and via computers. The authors present learning activities related to complementary education herein. Some of these course types may be successfully adapted to an e-learning background. The models and structure of the university virtual environment for distance learning are described. These illustrate a new approach to creating a virtual space for medical and technical studies where e-learning courses are created to be used for distance education, which allows students to be taught more effectively. The projected virtual courses for different groups of students ensure individualization of students’ work, which could be a relevant element for creating the shortest path of development of professional competencies. This paper further includes a brief overview of technologies used to build interactive elements into learning mate- rials. The authors present the use of interactive elements in medical education based on examples of certain selected games and animations.
Statistical and Multidimensional Body Composition Parameter Analysis in Young Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Topczewska Magdalena , Sawicka-Żukowska Małgorzata , Krawczuk-Rybak Maryna
Published: January 2015

This article concerns the problem of assessing selected body compo- sition parameters after completion of antitumor therapy and comparing them with the same parameters of healthy children. A high percentage of overweight and obesity, as well as abnormal fat distribution in convalescents with cancer shows a significant adverse effect of therapy on body composition and suggests the need for early intervention in terms of diet and exercise, which would help patients to quickly achieve the proper parameters of body composition. Two main problems will be mentioned during the presented data analysis. Firstly, in each group there was a small number of observations. Because of this, the real differences between examined subgroups may have been omitted. Secondarily, many variables are correlated and are not normally distributed. Therefore, be- side the standard statistical tests to compare two groups, principal component analysis was applied to reduce the dimensions of the attribute space and to attempt to classify two groups of patients.
Self-Regulation in Higher Education: Students’ Motivational, Regulational and Learning Strategies, and Their Relationships to Study Success
Authors: Virtanen Päivi , Nevgi Anne , Niemi Hannele
Published: January 2015

This study investigates how in the self-regulation of learning (SRL; Pintrich 2000; Zimmerman, 2000), the motivational and affective factors are related to regulation strategies of behaviour and context, and learning strategies - and identifies different profiles in SRL. The study also aims to explore which factors of SRL are related to study success and study progress during master degree studies. The data consist of undergraduate students’ (N = 1248) responses to IQ Learn self-report questionnaires, and of data (n = 229) retrieved from the university ’ s study register. The results revealed that the sub-processes of SRL: motivational and affective components, regulation strategies and learning strategies are systematically related with each other. In addition, motivational and affective factors, especially Intrinsic motivation predicted the use of strategies regulating behaviour and context and the use of learning strategies. Study success correlated slightly positively with accumulation of credits indicating that students with better grades proceed efficiently in their studies. Yet, accumulation of credits was evidenced to relate slightly and negatively with expectancy components of SRL and the use of deep learning strategies. Finally, three student profiles in SRL were encountered: (1) Aiming high with insufficient SRL, (2) Excellent in SRL, and (3) Distressed performers. Educational implications and the needs for future research are discussed.
Bird conservation on electric-power lines in Hungary: Nest boxes for saker falcon and avian protection against electrocutions. Projects' report
Authors: Fidlóczky József , Bagyura János , Nagy Károly , Szitta Tamás , Haraszthy László , Tóth Péter
Published: January 2015

Bird conservation on electricity transmission lines has a 40-year history in Hungary. It started with the saker conservation program. The initial small-scale activities were considerably enlarged through the LIFE projects. In the first project, 301 nest boxes for sakers of a new type made of aluminium were installed on pylons of high-voltage transmission lines. In 201 3 nearly 70% of saker pairs nested in these new boxes. An estimated 1 00 000 different birds used to be killed annually on the transmission line pylons in Hungary. During the two LIFE projects about 1 4 300 pylons were made bird-safe using improved technology and materials. Nearly 800 new bird-safe crossarms of pylons are being installed in the second project, which is expected to completely eradicate the danger
Sub-lethal effects of the anticoagulant rodenticides bromadiolone and chlorophacinone on breeding performances of the barn owl (Tyto alba) in oil palm plantations
Authors: Salim Hasber , Noor Hafidzi Mohd , Omar Dzolkhifli , Hamid Noor Hisham , Abidin Mohd Rizuan Zainal , Kasim Azhar , Salim Hasber , Md Rawi Che Salmah , Ahmad Abu Hassan
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the effects of the first generation anticoagulant rodenticide chlorophacinone and the second generation rodenticide bromadiolone on the population and breeding performances of barn owls at oil palm plantations. Three treatment plots were established: one baited with chlorophacinone, one with bromadiolone, and the third kept rodenticide-free. Four rat-baiting campaigns which coincided with barn owl breeding season were carried in the rodenticide-treated plots. The occupancy rate of nest boxes, clutch size, brood size and fledging rates of the barn owls in each plot were monitored weekly throughout the study. Freshly regurgitated pellets from barn owls were collected from all occupied nest boxes at weekly intervals during the development of nestlings in each breeding season. The results show that the occupancy rate of the nest boxes was significantly higher in the rodenticide-free area compared with both rodenticide-treated areas. Similarly, the breeding performances, such as clutch size, brood size and fledging success, were higher in the rodenticide-free area compared with the rodenticide-treated areas. Results of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that 20.56% (mean residue: 1 .335 ± 0.073 lg/g) and 28.89% (mean residue: 0.777 ± 0.032 lg/g) of the collected regurgitated pellet samples from the rodenticide-treated areas contained bromadiolone and chlorophacinone residue, respectively. The mean brood size and fledging success of the barn owls showed a strong negative correlation with the mean concentration of rodenticide residues present in the regurgitated pellets and with the percentages of pellets detected having such residues (R2 k 0.44, P < 0.05). Similarly, the mean clutch size of barn owls was negatively correlated with the mean concentration of rodenticide residues and with the percentages of pellets detected with these residues. However, the correlation was not significantly different (R2 k 0.34, P > 0.05). In general, the higher the amount of residues detected, the lower the breeding performance parameters measured in this study
Wilt Thou Be Lord of all the World? Modals and Persuasion in Shakespeare
Authors: Nakayasu Minako
Published: January 2015

Persuasion is defined as human communication designed to influence the judgements and actions of others (Simons & Jones 2011). The purpose of this research is to analyse the discourse of persuasion in Shakespeare from the perspective of historical pragmatics (Jucker & Taavitsainen 2010), with particular attention to modals employed as part of the strategies. The modals under investigation are proximal and distal central modals, SHALL/SHOULD, WILL/WOULD, CAN/COULD, MAY/MIGHT, MUST, and the contracted form ’LL. The data for the present study is drawn from The Riverside Shakespeare (Evans 1997) and the concordance by Spevack (1968-1980). The corpus includes both cases where the persuasion attempt is successful and unsuccessful.

After defining persuasion in comparison to speech acts, quantitative analysis reveals how frequently the persuader and the persuadee employ a modal regarding each type of modality and speech act. Further analysis shows in what manner the persuader and the persuadee interact with each other in discourse resorting to the following strategies: modality, proximal and distal meanings of the modal, speech act of each utterance including a modal, and use of the same modal or switching modals in interaction.

This research thus clarifies how effectively speakers attempted to persuade others in interactions, shedding light on communication mechanisms in the past.
English ‘-Ly’ Adverbs: from Subject Orientation to Conversion
Authors: Valera Salvador
Published: January 2015

Unlike subject-orientation in English ‘-ly’ adverbs, subject-relatedness does not conflate two syntactic functions in one and the same form: subject-related ‘-ly’ adverbs are predicative elements in the clause and do not function as adverbials. Therefore, the morphological make-up of subject-related ‘-ly’ adverbs does not match the syntactic function and the categorial meaning usually associated with the adverbial suffix ‘-ly’. In subject-relatedness, the association of the predicative function with the ‘-ly’ suffix differs from that of the well-known set of ‘-ly’ adjectives where the suffix is the present-day form of Old English ‘-līc’. Subject-relatedness raises the question of how these ‘-ly’ adverbs should be classified and the implications of this classification on their place in the system of word-classes. Specifically, it raises the question of the place of this morphological, syntactic and semantic behaviour with respect to word-class membership. In this respect, the paper explores the interpretation of subject-related ‘-ly’ words in frameworks where adjectives and adverbs are considered one and the same word-class and also where they are considered separate ones. The interpretation of subject-related ‘-ly’ words as belonging to the categorial space between adjective and adverb is relevant especially in respect of the morphosyntactic processes described in the literature for similar cases: although the profile of subject-related ‘-ly’ words appears to meet the conditions of conversion, they do not become lexicalized, as in lexical conversion, and cannot be traced back to a syntactic process, as in syntactic conversion
Fractal metaphor LIFE IS A STORY in biographical narrative
Authors: Bystrov Yakiv
Published: January 2015

The paper applies an interdisciplinary perspective to a fictional text showing that fractals as mathematical models are a powerful tool for conceptualizing life experience in biographical narratives. The multilevel construction of Chatterton by Peter Ackroyd is explored on the basis of fractal metaphor theory. This research focuses on the LIFE IS A STORY conceptual fractal metaphor which is built up on analogical mappings, mental space connections, and blends. The fractal model of metaphor in biographical narrative, which is assigned to the formula LIFE IS A STORY f (1) + f (2) + f (3) + … + f (n), contains the mental space of the intentional source domain story, which provides a way to structure the understanding of the limiting target domain of the concept life. Fractal metaphors aim at making the conceptual metaphor flexible and dynamic, renewing its ability of self-development and self-perfection, transforming itself into one of the means of changeable conceptualization of reality.
Newsworthiness, attribution and lexicogrammatical strategies in two types of news articles in English and Spanish
Authors: Elorza Izaskun
Published: January 2015

The contrastive analysis of two sets of newspaper articles has been carried out in order to observe how the reports of the same events are constructed in two different languages and cultures as represented by El País and The Guardian newspapers. The first set of texts consists of two science popularization articles dealing with the same scientific finding (Bee Texts), whereas the second set consists of all the articles covering the opening day of a world summit held in Rome (Summit Texts) which were published in the online versions of El País and The Guardian respectively. Newsworthiness (Bell, 1991), attribution and lexicogrammatical strategies have been studied in order to show how ideological construction has been developed in these two different kinds of report, one dealing with a non-controversial event (as represented in the Bee Texts) and the other with a controversial event (as represented in the Summit Texts).
Spatial and Temporal Features of the Timiş River (Banat, Romania) Liquid Flow Regime
Authors: Costea Marioara
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an analysis of the flow regime of the Timiş River in Romania. The analysis was based on hydrological data provided by the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management in specialized publications (hydrological yearbooks or online series). The data were supplemented by personal observations in the field. The following leakage parameters were analyzed: average flow (monthly, seasonal, annual), maximum flow (especially flash floods) and minimum leakage. This paper highlights the link between hydrological parameters and conditioning factors of spatial distribution (characteristics of the geological substratum, relief units, elevation, slope) and temporal variation of flow (in function of type of supply, and variability and variation of climatic conditions).
Timiş River Flooding in Banat (Romania) in 2005
Authors: Codea Daniel Mihuţ
Published: January 2015

Flooding that occurs in the Banat basin is a natural and frequent phenomenon on the water courses in this catchment area, where 1,085 km of the water courses are dammed and there are also numerous hydrotechnical and water management works. Although these works are well made and are intended to protect against floods, a review of these natural phenomena occurring in Banat highlights the fact that over a period of approximately 250 years, major flooding has occurred with a frequency of about once every 30 years, and in some cases these phenomena occur every few years, for example the floods of 2005 which occurred just five years after the floods of 2000. In almost every month in 2005 (February- September), throughout Romania, river water volumes exceeded the capacity that water defences were built to handle. The most important floods in Banat occurred in April. In April 2005 heavy rains were recorded in the Banat region: Oraviţa (226.4 mm), Resița (205.3 mm), Lugoj (201.2 mm), Caransebeş (200.6 mm). These rain falls exceeded previously recorded maximum monthly levels. This rainfall combined with snow melt - the thickness of snow layers in the mountains at that time exceeded one meter (Ţarcu - 126 cm, Semenic - 26 cm) - led to historically significant flooding from April to September 2005, affecting extensive areas and resulting in casualties and significant property damage.
Relations Between River Chemistry and Its Phytoplankton. Case Study - TimiȘ River (Banat, Romania)
Authors: Muntean Hanelore
Published: January 2015

The river plankton - potamoplankton - consists predominantly of autochthonous as well as allochthonous elements and it is poorly represented in rivers due to the water flow. The allochthonous elements that reach streams from stagnant waters suffer changes or, if they cannot adapt to the environment, quickly die. Usually, in a current stronger than 1 m/s they do not survive. Potamoplankton variety increases from spring to effusion, plankton being almost completely absent in the region of the spring.

In medium and small basins, places with stagnant water are formed and plankton growth is supported, but in areas where there are no crossings and water speed is too high, plankton is destroyed due to mechanical action.

In rivers, phytoplankton mainly consists of diatoms, chlorophytes, euglenophytes and cyanobacteria, etc.

The aquatic environment is wide, having various physico-chemical characteristics which determine different ecological conditions, so that the distribution of aquatic animals and plants differs.

Aquatic ecosystems are structural and functional units consisting of biotopes and biocenosis that support self-integrated activities, the result being biological production and destruction.

Timiş River was monitored in 2012 in the months of May and September in the Lugoj, Hitiaș, Şag and Grăniceri sections. Also pH was monitored for oxygen and the nutrient flow of these sectors and interpretations and correlations of the phytoplankton quality indicators were made.
The Phytoplankton Biota Variation on the TimiȘ River According to the Chemistry And Hydrology of the Water Course
Authors: Muntean Hanelore , Dobai Iuliana , Milotin Cătălin , Groza Cristina
Published: January 2015

The Timiș River is the biggest tributary of the Banat catchment area. It springs at an elevation of 1145 m, under Piatra Goznei peak. Due to the fact that it crosses several relief forms, its hydrology, chemistry and biological characteristics are modified in consequence.

The chemical and biological analysis of the water course and their correlation with hydrological data displayed evidence of the interdependence of these factors. The phytoplankton composition and richness are directly influenced by river’s chemistry and hydrology. In the mountain area, the flow and the speed of the watercourse are inducing a specific flora and fauna for the area. In the lower areas, the river hydrology triggers a change in the biological characteristics as the water chemistry changes. The mountain species are adapted to rocky substrata in order to resist high water velocity and pressure. In the lower areas they are replaced by lowland species adapted to larger yet slower flows.

The Timiș River is a watercourse that did not undergo major qualitative changes in terms of water quality.
The Hydrophilous Flora and Vegetation of the Timiş Drainage Basin (Banat, Romania)
Authors: Drăgulescu Constantin
Published: January 2015

The paper lists 285 plant species, and 63 aquatic and paludal phytocoenoses, noted across the Timiş drainage basin during the past two centuries (the sign “!” indicates that the author saw such plants or phytocoenoses in the mentioned place).

For each individual species, I noted the scientific denomination, the author, the corresponding family, the bioform, the floristic element, ecological indices for humidity (H), temperature (T), and soil reaction (R), coenotic preference and chorology in the Timiş drainage basin.
Considerations Regarding the Land Snails from the Upper Timiş River Valley (Banat, Romania)
Authors: Gheoca Voichiţa
Published: January 2015

The paper focuses on land snail fauna from the upper Timiş River valley. The analyzed material originates from seven locations starting with the Trei Ape area (Semenic Mountains) and ending with Petroşniţa (upstream Caransebeş). Samplings were made during one campaign in August 2012. A total of 24 species was identified, belonging to 14 families. The area analyzed exhibits a reduced diversity due to the type of substratum represented by crystalline schist, the conifer dominated vegetation in the mountain area, and the anthropogenic impact of tourism, intensive grazing, cutting of woody vegetation in meadows and waste storage. The presence in Sadova Veche of the species Drobacia banatica, listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, underlines the importance of riparian habitat preservation for the conservation and dispersion of land snail species.
The Fish Fauna of the Timiş River (Banat, Romania)
Authors: Bănăduc Doru , Stroilă Victor , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela
Published: January 2015

This study assessed the fish communities’ diversity and structure spatial dynamic in the Timiş River, in correlation with the biotope characteristics to establish management measures.

The results are based on quantitative fish samples from 21 stations of the Timiş River, situated between its sources and the Romanian-Serbian border (241 km). The sampling campaign was conducted during 2011-2012.

In the reference zone 32 fish species were identified, belonging to 27 genera and nine families.

The fish associations present a high diversity along the entire Romanian sector of the Timiş River.

The fish communities’ diversity distribution patterns reflect the biotope conditions diversity and the human impact factors presence and degree on the Timiş River sectors. The fish communities’ diversity assessment in correlation to biotope characteristics allows the establishment of priorities, objectives and measures for the sustainable management of the studied river biodiversity.
The Timiş River Basin (Banat, Romania) Natural and Anthropogenic Elements. A Study Case - Management Chalenges
Authors: Burghelea Bianca , Bănăduc Doru , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela
Published: January 2015

This study presents a summary of the human impact activity analysis that has influenced the ecological state of the Timiş River.

The results show that because of human activity the Timiş riverbed has been significantly changed due to serious degradation of water quality and extinction of aquatic biota.

In the context of the European Water Framework Directive, in order to achieve water quality standards, the present work aims to take stock of the main human intervention and its effects within the basin to find adequate management solutions to achieve “good ecologically status”.
Trade Tensions Between EU and Russia: Possible Effects on Trade in Agricultural Commodities for Visegrad Countries
Authors: Erokhin Vasily , Heijman Wim , Ivolga Anna
Published: January 2015

The paper includes overview of the current state of the EU-CIS and the EU-Russia trade flows with particular attention to trade in agricultural commodities, as well as contemporary tendencies in agricultural production and foreign trade in agricultural commodities and food in Russia. The paper specifically addresses the possible effects of the trade restrictions between the EU and Russia, particularly the imposed ban on agricultural trade, on the Visegrad countries. The paper is concluded with an overview of the expected influences of the trade tensions on Russia’s domestic agricultural market, including consumers, producers, and retailers.
The Definition of Reserves to Increase Milk Production on the Basis of Forecast Supply Balances
Authors: Meteleva Marina , Sytenko Anna
Published: January 2015

Dairy animal industry is one of the leading industries of animal production and an important line of many agricultural enterprises activity of the Belgorod region. In essence, its efficiency and competitiveness depend on many certain features of the regional market. The research object is dairy industry in the Belgorod region. The aim of the research was to study the state of the dairy cattle in the Belgorod region and to identify the major reserves of milk production increase on the basis of expected resource balances. The research is connected with the definition of the used branch resources balance. It will allow the definition of the directions of the branch efficiency increase. The practical value of the work is based on an estimation of the branch resources which should help to define the necessary quantity of milk, sufficient for manufacture of dairy products for internal dairy consumption. The subtheme is Increase of Milk Production.
Challenges of EU Accession for Macedonia and Ukraine: Selected View from Inside Europe and Outside Visegrad
Authors: Imeri Amir , Gálová Jana
Published: January 2015

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a country with huge interest in accession to the great family of the European Union, which now counts about 500 million people. The paper aims to explain this interest and to give detailed arguments to all the expectations, by focusing on the process of accession of the country to the European Union and giving examples of other countries‘ similar efforts from wider region. This process represents the culmination of more than two decades of economic, social and political transformation of the country. The membership in the European Union, according to the theoretical knowledge and comparative experience, should bring convenience for Macedonia and its citizens, including prosperity, more intensive relations with its European neighbours and contribution to shaping the political, social and economic development of Europe. The accession process is long and difficult, partly because of the necessity to adopt many laws and regulations of the European Union for new member states, contained in the Acquis communautaire.
A new Genus and Species of Cestodes (Cyclophyllidea, Gryporhynchidae) from Ciconiiform Birds
Authors: Kornyushin V. V. , Greben О. B.
Published: January 2015

A monotypic genus Proparadilepis Kornyushin et Greben, gen. n. (type species: Proparadilepis plegadissaakovae sp. n.) is erected. It is similar to the genera Paradilepis Hsu, 1935, Ascodilepis Guildal, 1960 and Dendrouterina Fuhrmann, 1912 and differs from them by the number and shape of rostellar hooks, armament of the cirrus and shape of gravid uterus. Its type species, P. plegadissaakovae sp. n. is described from Plegadis falcinellus L. It was found by Е. О. Saakova and assigned as Paradilepis plegadis nomen nudum because its description was not published according to the criteria of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The additions to the keys of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Bona, 1994) are proposed. The genus Dendrouterina is divided, according to the existing groups “herodiae” and “macrosphincter” distinguished by Bona (1975) into two valid genera, Dendrouterina and Mashonalepis Beverley-Burton, 1960.
Ecological and Faunistic Review of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Gomel Urbocenosis (The Republic of Belarus)
Authors: Halinouski M. H , Krytskaya А. M
Published: January 2015

The results of our own investigations as well as the literary data about ground beetle fauna of Gomel’ city are summarized in the article. The assessment of species composition and a wide range of carabidocomplexes ecological parameters have been examined. 131 ground beetles species have been detected for urbancenosis of Gomel’ city (41 per cent of species registered on the territory of the Republic of Belarus). In general, ground beetles of Gomel’ city are presented quite well in the Palearctic and their communitites are basically composed of field, meadow, and forest mesophilous and mesoxerophilous species but small in size populations in urbancenosis.