bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance and intestinal microflora response of broilers to a probiotic mixture supplementation
Authors: Gheorghe Anca , Hăbeanu Mihaela , Dumitru Mihaela , Lefter Nicoleta Aurelia , Idriceanu Lavinia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The study evaluated the effects of a Lactobacillus strains probiotic mix on performance, carcass traits, organs size, and intestinal microflora in broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old unsexed broilers were allotted into 2 groups with 5 replicates (20 broilers/replicate). During the feeding trial (35 d) the broilers were fed with a control (basal diet) or probiotic (basal diet plus 3% probiotic mix L. acidophilus and L. plantarum, 1:1 ratio). The probiotic supplementation did not significantly influence the performance, carcass traits and organs size of broilers at slaughter age. No effect of probiotic supplementation on visceral weight or length was observed, except a higher of jejunum (P=0.007) and ileum (P=0.013) weights, and a tendency to higher the caecum length (P=0.070). The probiotic mix had no significant effect on the intestinal pH, but it improved the microflora by decreasing the Enterobacteria and E. coli counts and increasing the Lactobacilli counts and Lactobacilli: E. coli ratio in the ileum and caecum (P<0.05). In conclusion, the probiotic mix (L. acidophilus and L. plantarum mix, 1:1 ratio) did not significantly affect the productive performance but had a positive effect on broilers’ gut microflora.
Effect of sea buckthorn meal extract in alleviating the toxic effect of ochratoxin A and zearalenone in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Marin Daniela Eliza , Pistol Gina Cecilia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The mycotoxins ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEA) are frequent contaminants of cereals responsible for important toxic effects in human and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of the sea buckthorn meal extract in alleviating the toxic effect of ochratoxin A and zearalenone on oxidative stress and inflammation using porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our results have shown that both zearalenone and ochratoxin causes oxidative damage and alter the inflammatory response. The use of the sea buckthorn meal extract can improve some markers of the oxidative stress (total antioxidant status) and inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6) altered by exposure to the mycotoxins ZEA and OTA and our results indicate that this waste represents a promising biological method that can be used for the alleviation of the mycotoxins negative effects.
Lactobacilli sp. mixture alleviates LPS-induced inflammation in Caco-2 intestinal cell line
Authors: Pistol Gina Cecilia , Taranu Ionelia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In intestinal inflammation disorders (inflammatory bowel diseases, IBD), the strategies of chronic inflammation management are oriented to the alternative therapies. There were demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics as modulators of intestinal inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a probiotic Lactobacilli mixture on pro-inflammatory cytokines and in-depth MAPK signalling pathway in an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation. Intestinal Caco-2 cells were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 hours; cells were cultured in presence of Lactobacilli sp. (Lb) mixture (Lb rhamnosus, Lb. paracasei and Lb. acidophilus, 1x108 CFU each Lb) for additional 24 hours. Genomic and proteomic analyses were performed to evaluate 22 inflammatory-related genes and proteins (cytokines and their receptors) and p38/JNK/ERK MAP kinases. The Lactobacilli mixture inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells, the most affected cytokines being TNF-α and IL-12 p70 and up-regulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 genes and proteins when compared to LPS-stimulated. A percent of 66% of genes and 60 % of MAPKs proteins were down-regulated by Lb mixture, under the level of LPS-treated cells. Our data suggest that Lactobacilli mixture might inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines via p38/JNK/ERK MAPKs signalling pathways in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells.
New and interesting records of Diptera on glacial sand deposits in Silesia (NE Czech Republic). Part 2 – Brachycera except for Schizophora
Authors: Roháček Jindřich , Barták Miroslav , Čelechovský Alois , Grootaert Patrick , Kanavalová Liliana , Mazánek Libor , Pollet Marc 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Records of 19 species of the dipteran families Bombyliidae (1 species), Mythicomyiidae (1 species), Therevidae (2 species), Empididae (3 species), Hybotidae (1 species), Dolichopodidae (8 species) and Syrphidae (3 species) from glacial sand deposits in the Czech Silesia (NE Czech Republic) are presented and their association with sandy habitats discussed. All of them are recorded from the Czech Silesia for the first time, 13 are new additions to the fauna of Moravia of which 9 are also new for the whole of the Czech Republic. Dialineura anilis (Linnaeus, 1761) (Therevidae) and Schistostoma truncatum (Loew, 1864) (Dolichopodidae) are classified as psammobiont, 6 species as psammophilous, viz. Exhyalanthrax afer (Fabricius, 1794) (Bombyliidae), Cliorismia rustica (Panzer, 1804) (Therevidae), Cryptophlebs kerteszi Lichtwardt, 1898, Melanostolus melancholicus (Loew, 1869) (both Dolichopodidae) and Paragus constrictus Šimić, 1986 and Pelecocera tricincta Meigen, 1822 (Syrphidae), and 3 species as probably psammophilous, viz. Medetera annulitarsus von Roser, 1840, M. grunini Negrobov, 1966 and Sciapus basilicus Meuffels & Grootaert, 1990 (all Dolichopodidae). Medetera grunini is recorded for the first time from Europe and represents a new westernmost limit of its distribution range in the Palaearctic. New southernmost records of Rhamphomyia murina Collin, 1926 (Empididae) and Drapetis monsmargila Grootaert, Beuk & Shamshev, 2020 (Hybotidae) are also given.
Hymenopteran color preference using multiple colours of pan traps in Slovakia
Authors: Csanády Alexander , Oboňa Jozef , Zapletalová Lenka , Panigaj Ľubomír , Dojčaková Dana , Záleta Boris 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The study presents results of colour preference of insects (Insecta), mainly from the order Hymenoptera (families Apidae, Formicidae). The research was carried out in the vicinity of the Beniakovce village (near the Košice city) over the years 2010–2012. Trapping by coloured water traps was conducted at ten sites with 50 Moerick′s water traps coloured with five different colours (white, yellow, blue, purple, and red). On the study area there were 12 357 individuals captured, belonging to 17 higher taxa (class, order, suborder) or genus morpho group of families Apidae and Formicidae. The highest abundance was found in Diptera followed by Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Obtained results were in accordance with literature data, which showed that yellow colour was the most preferred by insects. Our results confirmed high degree of diversity of insect’s fauna in the study area.
Our study suggested that a modified Moerick′s water traps may be a valuable tool in studies on insect diversity, distribution, seasonal abundance, and foraging behaviour as well.
Climate, Creativity, and the Evolution of Human Intelligence
Authors: Delhez Julien 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The present essay compares two books dealing with the evolution of human mental abilities. Agustín Fuentes’ The Creative Spark focuses on creativity. Fuentes argues that creativity is the central element that makes human uniqueness, and highlights continuity between modern examples of creativity and early forms of human creative behaviour. Mark Maslin’s The Cradle of Humanity discusses the role of East Africa’s climate in increasing the intelligence of humans. To understand this role, Maslin combines geological and climatic data with the latest discoveries in human evolution and palaeontology. The essay compares the books’ content as well as their tone, and concludes on whether they might inspire future research on human evolution.
Responses of the pest Drosophila suzukii population to environmental variables in southern Spain (Granada, Andalusia) – results of a pilot study
Authors: Manko Peter , de Figueroa J. Manuel Tierno , Oboňa Jozef 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study conducted in Granada province in southern Spain, we analysed the flying activity and sex-ratio variability of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (the spotted wing drosophila) in the context of environmental factors and compared it with co-occurring Drosophilidae in a village garden. The studied D. suzukii population showed overwintering capabilities and successful maintenance in village garden with non-crop plants. Its flight period showed two peaks: female-biased, in November, and male-biased, in May. The sex ratio varied throughout the year and was mostly female-biased. We observed the effect of temperature on Drosophilidae and rainfall and temperature on the D. suzukii. Catches of the studied species were minimal at the minimal temperatures below 0 °C, and absent or near absent when the maximal temperature exceeded 30 °C. Moreover, we did not observe D. suzukii in samples when the minimum temperature below 0 °C was combined with heavy rainfall. The spotted wing drosophila seems to be more sensitive to precipitation than native Drosophilidae, as its proportion in the samples decreased with increasing rainfall. This pest also shows more pronounced short peaks in which it makes an important proportion of the biocoenosis of in comparison with other Drosophilidae.
Hiding in plain sight: new records and endangered flies (Diptera) from a tree-hole in an urban park (Prešov, Slovakia)
Authors: Oboňa Jozef , Ježek Jan , Kanašová Katarína , Manko Peter 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The cavities in trees (called dendrotelmata) in an urban environment stand at the periphery of researchers’ attention. This paper presents new data on the occurrence of three Diptera species considered as endangered, namely Systenus leucurus Loew, 1859, S. tener Loew, 1859 (both Dolichopodidae), and Lepiseodina rothschildi (Eaton, 1912) (Psychodidae) from just such a specific urban ecosystem in Prešov. The latter two species were also recorded for the first time in Slovakia. The distribution and conservation status of the reported species are reviewed and briefly discussed.
Machine Vaping of Electronic Cigarettes - A Comparison of Puffing Regimes#
Authors: Gupta Amit , Tayyarah Rana , Gillman Gene , Garner Charles , Stevens Rob 
Published: July 2021

Summary
Several machine-based puffing regimes for collection of e-cigarette aerosol were evaluated with the objective of recommending one regime for standardization. The study involved a comparison of several candidate regimes for which puff volume, duration, interval, profile shape, and puff number were defined and varied. Testing was conducted at four laboratories using seven e-cigarette test products. Each participating laboratory generated and analyzed aerosol from the test products for glycerin, propylene glycol, water, and nicotine using the candidate regimes. Results were compared within each product’s data set to understand the impact of the regimes on product yield, consistency of results, and reliability of the testing equipment. Each of the regimes evaluated was determined to be fit for purpose for the range of products tested. Based on specific selection criteria, the recommended collection parameters are a square-shaped 55-mL puff of 3 s duration with a puff frequency of one puff every 30 s. Standardized reporting parameters include aerosol collected mass (ACM), puff count, and e-cigarette weight loss along with analyte yield on a per-puff basis and total-puffs basis.
Practical Identity and Duties of Love
Authors: Brogaard Berit 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper defends the view that we have special relationship duties that do not derive from our moral duties. Our special relationship duties, I argue, are grounded in what I call close relationships. Sharing a close relationship with another person, I suggest, requires that both people conceive of themselves as being motivated to promote the other’s interests. So, staying true to oneself demands being committed to promoting the interests of those with whom we share a close relationship. Finally, I show that the proposed account of special relationship duties circumvents two problems facing self-conception accounts of special relationship duties.
The Role of Microbial Biofilm in Removing Ammonia in Floating Treatment Wetlands
Authors: Lami Muwafaq Hussein Al , Whelan Michael John , Boom Arnoud , Harper David Malcolm 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Laboratory experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to quantify the potential of microbial transformation associated with floating matrix of floating treatment wetland (FTW) in ammonia removal and nitrification kinetics. The effect of different design parameters on ammonia removal from synthetic medium was investigated to optimize system performance. Effects of surface area of mat material, range of ammonia concentrations, and aeration on ammonia removal kinetics were studied using microcosm systems. A simple dynamics model of mineral nitrogen transformation was used as a framework for interpreting the experimental results. The results revealed that ammonia removal was enhanced in FTWs, and the magnitude of removal was controlled by the design factors examined. Removal by nitrification was directly proportional to mat surface area. The higher ammonia removal efficiency was caused by a larger surface area, which could support the growth of more microbes. Removal rate constants for treatments were 0.011, 0.015, 0.026, 0.035, and 0.033 day–1 for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. There was also a clear inhibitory effect of NH3 on second-stage nitrification manifested as low production of NO3–. Quantitative index of optimized knit/calibrated knit indicated high inhibition effects of NH3 at high concentration of total ammonia (60 mg N L–1). There was no major effect of oxygen saturation on NHx removal using aerated and nonaerated conditions. Better mechanistic understanding of the fundamental processes operating in FTWs should provide the basis for improving FTW design and efficacy.
Application of Degradable Carbon and Nitrogen Moderates Carbon Sequestration Potential of Biochar in Arable Soils
Authors: Šimanský Vladimír , Horák Ján , Lukáč Martin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Biochar can affect CO2 emission and C sequestration from soils, but little is known about the effects of its re-application and interaction with easily accessible substrates. Since most agricultural soils are continuously reworked, understanding the mechanics of CO2 evolution as affected by soil amendments and their combinations may have important lessons for the global effort to combat climate change. In this study carried out in a controlled environment, we tested the short-term effects of biochar, and its re-application at different rates, on the production of CO2 emission and C accumulation in samples of arable soils. We used a loamy Haplic Luvisol as the substrate and added varying amounts of biochar and sources of easily accessible N and C. We observed CO2 evolution for 20 days at optimal temperature and moisture conditions. We found that in the control treatment with no biochar, the total potential respiration after the addition of (NH4)2SO4 (N) and glucose (G) was increased compared to basal respiration. The addition of biochar reduced CO2 emission in the control, N- and G-stimulated treatments by 12–22, 13‒24 and 2‒21%, respectively. Conversely, the application of biochar increased CO2 emission in the combined NG treatment. Application of biochar at a higher rate, as well as its re-application, increased soil organic carbon content and reduced emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Physiological Parameters of the State of Pinus Pallasiana D. Don in different Forest-Growth Conditions in Ravine Viyskovyi
Authors: Bessonova Valentina , Yusypiva Tetiana 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The influence of different forest-growth conditions on the ecological and physiological parameters of Pinus pallasiana D. Don plants growing in anti-erosion planting is investigated. The experimental sites are located in the thalweg (test area 1) and on the slope of southern exposure in the lower, middle, and upper parts (test areas 2–4) of Ravine Viyskovyi (steppe zone of Ukraine). Forest-growth conditions are clay-loam soil (CL2) (mesophilic, fresh soil), СL1–2 (xeromesophilic, rather fresh), СL1 (mesoxerophilic, somewhat dry or semi-arid), and СL0–1 (xerophilic, arid) correspondently. It was shown that the growth rates of trees, the growth rate of lateral (scaffold) branches in length and thickness, needle-packing coefficient, and needle surface area of annual shoots are maximal in P. pallasianа in the thalweg in conditions of the best water supply and minimal in arid and semi-arid conditions of growth. The research revealed that the highest content of total water in the needles is characteristic of plants of fresh forest plant conditions and the smallest in arid and semi-arid areas (test areas 3 and 4), which is consistent with the forest-vegetation conditions.
Sufficient contents of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in all areas and phosphorus in three areas except the middle part of the slope were found in the needles of P. pallasianа. However, insufficient content of nitrogen was found in the needles, especially in the trees of the middle part of the slope, which, together with low water supply, could cause the most significant slowdown in the growth of P. pallasianа plants precisely on this experimental site. A correlation was established between the indices of plant growth and the content of water and nutrients.
Distribution of Small Mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) in the Gradient Direction Urban–Suburban–Rural of Central Slovakia
Authors: Langraf Vladimír , Krumpálová Zuzana , Petrovičová Kornélia , Poláčiková Zuzana , Ambros Michal , Schlarmannová Janka 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Changes in the structure of small mammals’ communities (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) along urban–rural gradient indicate the environmental state of stability or instability. Since small mammals are important with regard to the transmission of diseases to man and domestic animals, therefore knowledge of their association with the landscape structure is needed in land use planning. In course of the period from 2015 to 2017, there were recorded 109 individuals belonging to 15 species at 9 study sites (3 rural, 3 suburban, and 3 urban). We recorded a decrease in the average number of species in the direction of the suburban–urban–rural gradient. The number of individuals decreased in the rural–urban–suburban gradient. Eudominant species Clethrionomys glareolus (D = 20.2%), Microtus arvalis (13.8%), and Sorex araneus (19.3%) preferred the close links between the terms of the rural landscape, while Apodemus agrarius (D = 11.9%) and Sorex minutus (D = 11.0%) preferred the close links between the terms of the urban landscape.
Comparison of Methodological Approaches for the Evaluation of Ecosystem Services for Options to Develop Sustainable Tourism Forms (Ecotourism) (Example: Bratislava IV)
Authors: Krnáčová Zdena , Barančok Peter , Pavličková Katarína , Platková-Demčáková Alexandra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Ecosystem services are the benefits provided to human society by natural ecosystems, which are generally understood as the ecosystem processes that sustain human life. In particular, an ecosystem’s cultural services include intangible benefits derived from aesthetic and other experiences, recreation, cognition and spiritual enrichment, and the ability to discern values. The study focuses on the comparison of two methodological approaches to the evaluation of landscape and the benefits of ecosystems for the development of ecological forms of tourism, using Bratislava IV as an example. The basis for database information is the processing of secondary landscape structure. The first methodological approach is based on a detailed mapping of land cover classes (Land Cover) in accordance with the legend of the Technical Guide CORINE Land Cover – supplement at the fourth and fifth levels of mapping in 2014‒2018 and determining the degree of landscape-ecological significance. The second approach is based on creating a set of relevant indicators and their evaluation using the scaling and weighting method. We reached the conclusion that the first methodological approach is more suitable for smaller territories at the cadastral level, while the second is better suited for regional-level territories.
An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy
Authors: Kasprzyk Beata , Wojnar Jolanta 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work: A quantitative measurement of the implementation of the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, an assessment of the degree of implementation of the strategy objectives for the individual EU-27 countries, and a ranking of countries in terms of the implementation of the strategy objectives were carried out.

Materials and methods: The empirical analysis used EUROSTAT statistics covering the values of the basic indicators of the Europe 2020 strategy in the five main areas of development. The TOPSIS linear ordering method was used. For each country, a synthetic measure was established to express the level of achievement of the objectives of the strategy. On the basis of the value of the synthetic measure, a ranking of the countries was created in terms of the degree of the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy objectives. A ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL STUDIES STUDIA EKONOMICZNE I REGIONALNE ISSN 2083-3725 Volume 14, No. 2, 2021 ECREG STUDIES

Results: Vol. 14, No. 2, 2021 www.ers.edu.pl PDF OPEN ACCESS eISSN 2451-182X quantitative approach was adopted in order to compare the effects of implementing the strategy assumptions. Groups of countries with a similar level of strategy implementation were identified.

Conclusions: The research confirmed the existence of a significant diversification of the results of implementing the strategy objectives in the EU-27 countries. The differences were particularly visible between the highly developed Western European countries and the South European countries, severely weakened by the economic crisis of 2008–2009 and the recession of 2012–2013. The values of the synthetic measure allowed to determine the degree of the implementation of the objectives of the strategy and to create a ranking of the EU-27 countries. The adopted approach made it possible to compare the obtained classification of the Member States into groups with a similar level of achievement of the objectives of the strategy and to define measurable effects of the implementation of the “Europe 2020” strategic plan.