bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Biodiversity in Forest Communities – A Role of Biodiversity Indices
Authors: Lakićević Milena , Srđević Bojan 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Biodiversity refers to genetic, species and ecosystems varieties within an area. Two main characteristics that should be investigated when considering biodiversity are richness and evenness. Richness is related to the number of different species in the analyzed area, while evenness corresponds to the homogeneity of the abundance of species. For quantifying these features, many indices have been defined, and this paper offers an overview of the most commonly used biodiversity indices, such as Shannon, Simpson, Margalef and Berger-Parker. The paper explains the process of calculating these indices on the case study example of four forest communities and discusses the results obtained. The Jaccard index analysis is used to discover a similarity between the analyzed forest communities. Results from this part of the research are visualized by creating appropriate dendrograms for making the interpretation easier. Calculating and analyzing these indices is useful not only for forest ecosystems, but for the other types of ecosystems as well, including agro-ecosystems. Biodiversity indices can be obtained in thespecialized software, for instance in EstimateS (Statistical Estimation of Species Richness and Shared Species from Samples), or by programming in the statistical package R, as it was done in this research.
Biuret and Bradford Methods Suitability for Protein Quantification in Rapeseed Meal
Authors: Kalaydzhiev Hristo , Ivanova Petya , Uzunova Galina , Manolov Ivan , Chalova Vesela 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Being attractive for insects, non-genetically modified rapeseed is valuable for maintaining environmental biodiversity. Primarily, the rapeseed is an important industrial crop which is used for production of vegetable oil. Oil extraction from rapeseeds results in the generation of substantial amounts of rapeseed meal which is used either as a protein rich feed additive or as a source for preparation of protein containing ingredients for food industry. Both applications require frequent evaluation of protein content. Although Kjeldahl method is considered standard, it is not appropriate for routine evaluation of protein content in protein extracts. The aim of the study was to evaluate suitability of biuret and Bradford methods for protein quantification in rapeseed meal extracts. After consecutive triple extraction of proteins with water, 5% NaCl, 70% ethyl alcohol and 0.1 N NaOH, protein evaluation of each albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin extraction aliquot demonstrated overall lower protein content by Bradford method compared to biuret method. The most pronounced differences in protein content were observed with prolamin fraction where three fold higher protein concentrations in each extraction aliquot was observed when biuret method was applied for the evaluation. Comparative quantification of the total protein of each of the four fractions followed a similar trend of lower protein content evaluation by Bradford method. Overall results indicated biuret method as more suitable for protein quantification in rapeseed meal extracts which was confirmed by comparison with data obtained by Kjeldahl method.
Effect of tree pruning intensity on the content of mineral components in the sour cherry leaves of ‘Łutówka’
Authors: Rutkowski Krzysztof , Zydlik Zofia , Stachowiak Aleksander 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of' tree pruning intensity on the content of nutrients in leaves of the ‘Łutówka’ sour cherry cultivar (Prunus cerasus L.). Between 2006 and 2010 an experiment with different tree pruning intensity was carried out. The study material consisted of first- class one-year old budded plants of the ‘Łutówka’ cultivar IR2 type, on Prunus mahaleb rootstock. The plants were planted in the spring of 2001 (orchard 1) and 2002 (orchard 2) and spaced at 4.0 × 1.3 m2, giving a total of 1.920 trees ha−1. Three pruning regimes were applied in the plantation: 1) no pruning; (only sanitation felling was applied), 2) moderate traditional pruning - branches were shortened, 3) intensive pruning by removing branches older than three years. The cherry tree pruning intensity significantly influenced the content of mineral components in leaves. The content of N increased, whereas the content of Ca and Mg decreased. The maximum temperatures at the beginning of the growth period had particularly beneficial effect on the P and K content. Chilly and dry spring limited the P and K content in the plants. The content of minerals in sour cherry leaves depended on the age of trees.
Person–Environment Analysis: A Framework for Participatory Holistic Research
Authors: Kaiser Steffen , Schulze Gisela C. 
Published: April 2018

Summary
This article presents the person–environment analysis as a framework for participatory and holistic research. By using common methods of qualitative research and analysis, it is possible to capture the present situation of a person. The person–environment analysis is built on Kurt Lewin’s field theory and a further development of its system of visual representation of the life space. It is argued that the person–environment analysis offers a frame to represent the perceived subjective situation of a person, which can be used in research, yet offers the possibility of counseling and intervention.
New data on the morphology and phylogenetic connections of Postlepidapedon opisthobifurcatum (Trematoda, Lepocreadioidea: Lepidapedidae), a parasite of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic fishes
Authors: Sokolov S. G. , Khasanov F. K. , Gordeev I. I. 
Published: April 2018

Summary
The trematode Postlepidapedon opisthobifurcatum (Zdzitowiecki, 1990) is a common intestinal parasite of the gadiform fishes of the Southern Ocean. In this work, we supplement the description of the species with the anatomy of the terminal part of the reproductive system and with molecular data. The male terminal genitalia are characterised by the presence of the external seminal vesicle and cirrus-sac. The external seminal vesicle is surrounded by aciniform groups of outer prostatic cells. Groups of outer prostatic cells and proximal parts of their ducts are associated with a thin-walled membrane that is connected to the proximal edge of the cirrus-sac. The cirrus-sac is claviform, with a long proximal part accommodating the tubular, thin-walled internal seminal vesicle and ducts of outer prostatic cells. The female terminal genitalia are represented by a thick-walled metraterm, which is surrounded by aciniform groups of glandular cells. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA partial sequences data placed P. opisthobifurcatum into the monophyletic group Lepidapedidae, including the species Myzoxenus insolens (Crowcroft, 1945), Intusatrium robustum Durio et Manter, 1968, and Postlepidapedon uberisBray, Cribb et Barker, 1997. However, we were unable to detect direct phylogenetic connections between P. opisthobifurcatum and P. uberis.
Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Bihor County Between 2016 and 2017 Demographic Indicators, Classification, Complications, Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors and Treatment
Authors: Mihai Vesa Cosmin , Loredana Popa , Zaha Dana , Mădălina Moisi , Claudia Jurca , Otilia Ţica , Mircea Popescu , Remus Popa Amorin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Bihor is a county in north-western Romania with a population of approximately 600000. One (5) study performed at the beginning of this decade addressing diabetes epidemiology in Romania demonstrated a high prevalence of diabetes in Bihor, the cause being the obesity (1) epidemics as consequence of inadequate diet (high lipid content, refined sugars) and physical inactivity. Our study demonstrates the increasing prevalence (4.71% in 2011 vs. 5.24% in 2016) of diabetes in the county. Also by analyzing different epidemiological parameters we determined the profile of the newly diagnosed diabetes patient in Bihor including only the patients diagnosed in 2016 and 2017. The newly diagnosed diabetic patient is more often female than male (52.78% vs. 47.22%), from urban environment (51.84% vs 48.16%), belongs to the age group 47-65 years (57.35%), is obese (54.47%) is affected by hypertension (70.65%), dyslipidemia (72.3%), is smoker in 23.56% of cases and sedentary in 30.50% of cases.
The Therapeutic Means of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)
Authors: Elena-Corina Jeler 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most common conditions that occur during sleep. OSAS involves the existence of at least 5 breathing breaks of at least 10 seconds in a sleeping hour.
OSAS etiologic factors are numerous, the most important being the increased body weight of patients (a high percentage of 50% of patients with OSAS with different degrees of obesity), age (OSAS is diagnosed in middle-aged people), craniofacial deformities, multiple pathologies leading to narrowing of the upper airways, gender (is more common in men), genetic causes (more common in black and Hispanic people), alcohol, tobacco, hypnotic and sedative medications.
Symptoms of OSAS are characterized by daytime and night-time symptoms. Of the daytime symptoms, patients frequently report headache and morning fatigue, daytime somnolence, memory impairment and concentration. Of the nocturnal symptoms, the most common symptoms experienced by patients are snoring and repeated episodes of apnea. Patients also report nocturia, polakiuria, decreased libido, symptoms that are often attributed to other pathologies. Due to concentration disturbances and low cognitive performance among patients with OSAS, they will experience a decrease in work capacity, which is reflected by the loss of work, reflected by the decrease in the number of working days.
OSAS treatment is complex, different depending on the severity of the disease and the existing comorbidities of the patient.
Effect of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Density on Pollination and Fruit Set of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Cv. Hass.
Authors: Peña Juan F. , Carabalí Arturo 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The objective of this research was to determine the effect of honeybee density on pollination and fruit set of the Hass avocado. The research was carried out in the municipality of Popayán, Colombia. Three avocado orchards were selected, each one with an area of one hectare and trees with an age of six years. The treatments were: 1) four hives/ha, 2) six hives/ha, and 3) control without hives. Treatments of six and four hives/ha presented significant differences with respect to the control, with a honeybee density per tree of 7.72, 6.04 and 2.72, pollination rate of 60, 55 and 50%, pollination efficiency of 7.57, 6.04 and 5.98 grains of pollen per stigma, 6.11, 4.13 and 3.54% fruit set initial, 0.058, 0.048 and 0.028% fruit set final, 231, 212 and 137 of fruits per tree, 46.2, 38.2 and 21.6 kg fruit per tree, respectively. The results obtained show an increase of honey-bee density per tree, pollination rate, pollination efficiency, % fruit set, % fruit set final, number of fruits per tree and total fruit weight per tree when six and four bee hives/ha are introduced in the avocado crop.
The Impact of Environmental and Archıtectural Design on Users’ Affective Experience
Authors: Khaleghimoghaddam Navid , Bala Havva Alkan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study examines the impact of environmental design on user experiences in the educational spaces of Tabriz Islamic Art University in Iran. In the research area, the affective assessment of four different spaces, which have been changed their function, was made. The research hypothesis is that users’ affective experience is influenced by environmental and architectural design. The method applied is the interpretation of the data obtained by the scores of the pleasure-arousal diagram of the affective and perceptional experience of 100 students in 16 educational spaces belonging to Tabriz Islamic Art University in Iran. As a result of the research, it has been verified that space design style has an active role in the affective experience of students, and there is a meaningful relationship between user’s spatial experience and the design style. In this context, it has been revealed that the spatial experiences of students in traditional spaces are positive and satisfactory in terms of interest, pleasuret and security, and that for the other three groups, many changes are required in the architectural design and spatial organization to provide positive motivation and emotional suitability.
Numerical Solutions for Nonlinear High Damping Rubber Bearing Isolators: Newmark’s Method with Netwon-Raphson Iteration Revisited
Authors: Markou A.A. , Manolis G.D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNumerical methods for the solution of dynamical problems in engineering go back to 1950. The most famous and widely-used time stepping algorithm was developed by Newmark in 1959. In the present study, for the first time, the Newmark algorithm is developed for the case of the trilinear hysteretic model, a model that was used to describe the shear behaviour of high damping rubber bearings. This model is calibrated against free-vibration field tests implemented on a hybrid base isolated building, namely the Solarino project in Italy, as well as against laboratory experiments. A single-degree-of-freedom system is used to describe the behaviour of a low-rise building isolated with a hybrid system comprising high damping rubber bearings and low friction sliding bearings. The behaviour of the high damping rubber bearings is simulated by the trilinear hysteretic model, while the description of the behaviour of the low friction sliding bearings is modeled by a linear Coulomb friction model. In order to prove the effectiveness of the numerical method we compare the analytically solved trilinear hysteretic model calibrated from free-vibration field tests (Solarino project) against the same model solved with the Newmark method with Netwon-Raphson iteration. Almost perfect agreement is observed between the semi-analytical solution and the fully numerical solution with Newmark’s time integration algorithm. This will allow for extension of the trilinear mechanical models to bidirectional horizontal motion, to time-varying vertical loads, to multi-degree-of-freedom-systems, as well to generalized models connected in parallel, where only numerical solutions are possible.
Modified Method of Simplest Equation Applied to the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Vitanov Nikolay K. , Dimitrova Zlatinka I. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe consider an extension of the methodology of the modified method of simplest equation to the case of use of two simplest equations. The extended methodology is applied for obtaining exact solutions of model nonlinear partial differential equations for deep water waves: the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. It is shown that the methodology works also for other equations of the nonlinear Schrödinger kind.
Diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and fibrosis 4 scores in predicting advanced liver fibrosis in patients with end-stage renal disease and chronic viral hepatitis: Experience from Pakistan
Authors: Wadhva Rajesh Kumar , Haque Muhammad Manzoorul , Luck Nasir Hassan , Tasneem Abbas Ali , Abbas Zaigham , Mubarak Muhammad 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objectives
The aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 in assessing the stage of liver fibrosis in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with chronic viral hepatitis and to compare the two tests with standard tru-cut liver biopsy.

Material and Methods
The study was conducted at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation Karachi (SIUT) from May 2010 to May 2014. All ESRD patients, being considered as candidates for renal transplantation and in whom liver biopsy was performed were included. Fibrosis stage was assessed on liver biopsy using Ishak scoring system. The serum transaminases and platelet counts were used to calculate APRI and FIB-4 scores.

Results
Out of 109 patients, hepatitis C and B virus infections were present in 104 (95.4%) and 3(2.8%), respectively, while 2 (1.8%) patients had both infections. The mean Ishak fibrosis score was 1.95 ± 2. Advanced fibrosis was noted in 37 (34%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that advanced liver fibrosis was associated with lower platelets counts (P=0.001) and higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P=0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P=0.022), APRI score (P=0.001) and FIB-4 score (P=0.001). On logistic regression analysis, only APRI score (P < 0.001) was found to be the independent variable associated with advanced liver fibrosis. APRI score cutoff ≥1 indicating advanced fibrosis showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.9%, 90.3%, 82.9%, 95.6%, respectively with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97. Similarly, a FIB-4 score cutoff ≥1.1 had sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 70.27%, 66.67%, 52% and 81.36%, respectively with AUC of 0.74.

Conclusion
APRI is more accurate noninvasive test for assessing advanced liver fibrosis in ESRD patients as compared to FIB-4. It can be used to obviate the need for liver biopsy in this high risk population.
Gastric antral vascular ectasia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Alkhormi Abdulrahman M. , Memon Muhammed Yousuf , Alqarawi Abdullah 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare but an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and commonly presents as occult bleeding that manifests as iron deficiency anemia (IDA). GAVE is commonly associated with chronic illnesses, most frequently liver cirrhosis and connective tissue diseases. The pathogenesis of GAVE is still obscure, and many hypotheses such as mechanical stress, hormonal factors, and autoimmune factors, have been proposed. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of GAVE.
Consistency Analysis and Data Consultation of Gas System of Gas-Electricity Network of Latvia
Authors: Zemite L. , Kutjuns A. , Bode I. , Kunickis M. , Zeltins N. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In the present research, the main critical points of gas transmission and storage system of Latvia have been determined to ensure secure and reliable gas supply among the Baltic States to fulfil the core objectives of the EU energy policies.
Technical data of critical points of the gas transmission and storage system of Latvia have been collected and analysed with the SWOT method and solutions have been provided to increase the reliability of the regional natural gas system.
The Effect of Fuel Quality on Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide Emissions, While Burning Biomass and RDF
Authors: Kalnacs J. , Bendere R. , Murasovs A. , Arina D. , Antipovs A. , Kalnacs A. , Sprince L. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The article analyses the variations in carbon dioxide emission factor depending on parameters characterising biomass and RDF (refuse-derived fuel). The influence of moisture, ash content, heat of combustion, carbon and nitrogen content on the amount of emission factors has been reviewed, by determining their average values. The options for the improvement of the fuel to result in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide have been analysed. Systematic measurements of biomass parameters have been performed, by determining their average values, seasonal limits of variations in these parameters and their mutual relations. Typical average values of RDF parameters and limits of variations have been determined.
Sustainable Construction Industry Development and Green Buildings: A Case of Latvia
Authors: Kauskale L. , Geipele I. , Zeltins N. , Vanags J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Nowadays, more and more attention is being paid to the country's economy, construction industry and real estate market's sustainable development and to the studies related to these issues. The aim of the research is to analyse significant aspects of sustainable development of construction activities and real estate market, with particular focus on environmental aspects of construction or the role of green buildings. The research includes an integrated approach of construction industry analysis and analysis of real estate operations area. Scientific and practical solutions and recommendations will enable the industry participants to be introduced to the main sustainable aspects of construction industry development, which, in their turn, can improve the overall performance of the industry in the long term.
An Ice Track Equipped with Optical Sensors for Determining the Influence of Experimental Conditions on the Sliding Velocity
Authors: Lungevics J. , Jansons E. , Gross K. A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The ability to slide on ice has previously focused on the measurement of friction coefficient rather than the actual sliding velocity that is affected by it. The performance can only be directly measured by the sliding velocity, and therefore the objective was to design and setup a facility to measure velo-city, and determine how experimental conditions affect it. Optical sensors were placed on an angled ice track to provide sliding velocity measurements along three sections and the velocity for the total sliding distance. Experimental conditions included the surface roughness, ambient temperature and load. The effect of roughness was best reported with a Criterion of Contact that showed a similar sliding velocity for metal blocks abraded with sand paper smoother than 600 grit. Searching for the effect of temperature, the highest sliding velocity coincided with the previously reported lowest coefficient of ice friction. Load showed the greatest velocity increase at temperatures closer to the ice melting point suggesting that in such conditions metal block overcame friction forces more easily than in solid friction. Further research needs to be conducted on a longer ice track, with larger metal surfaces, heavier loads and higher velocities to determine how laboratory experiments can predict real-life situations.
Regional identity and the renewal of spatial administrative structures: The case of Podolia, Ukraine
Authors: Melnychuk Anatoliy , Gnatiuk Oleksiy 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The relationships between territorial identities and administrative divisions are investigated in this article, in an attempt to reveal the possible role of territorial identity as an instrument for administrative-territorial reform. The study focuses on Podolia – a key Ukrainian geographical region with a long and complicated history. A survey of residents living throughout the region showed that the majority of respondents had developed strong identification with both historical regions and modern administrative units. The close interaction between “old” and “new” identities, however, caused their mutual alterations, especially in changes in the perceived borders of historical regions. This means that the “old” historical identities have strong persistence but simultaneously survive constant transformations, incorporating the so-called “thin” elements, which fits the concept of dynamic regional institutionalisation and the formation of hybrid territorial identities. Consequently, although territorial identity may be used to make administrative territorial units more comprehensible for people, the development of modern administrative units based on hybrid identities, which include both thick and thin elements, may be another feasible solution that involves stakeholders in regional development.