bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity of Mute Swan Population of the Riga Urban Area
Authors: Kolodinska-Brantestam Agnese , Boiko Dmitrijs , Grauda Dace , Krasņevska Nikole , Rashal Isaak 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Mute swan Cygnus olor is the most abundant breeding swan species in Rīga and Latvia. Since manmade habitats are the preferred breeding habitats of this species - Cygnus olor is of particular interest in studies of urban biodiversity. The latest records show that 30-40 pairs breed annually in Rīga, 400-700 individuals migrate through the area, and 120-150 individuals stay over winter. The goal of our study was to determine the genetic variation of the mute swan population in Rīga. Blood samples were collected from 47 individual birds found in different sites in Rīga or elsewhere in Latvia. The universal retrotransposon based iPBS markers were used to estimate diversity. Three primers (2076, 2080, and 2415) amplified 64 DNA fragments; of these 18 (28%) were polymorphic. The average diversity index based on polymorphic markers for the studied individuals was 0.425. All individuals, with the exception of two pairs of individuals, could be separated by means of these markers. The grouping of individuals was not be associated with their sampling location, gender and age. The genetic diversity indexes were compared between these groups. The breeding individuals (including their cygnets) had bands not showing variation among breeding birds as compared to the not breeding ones.
Preliminary Studies on Microbial Biomass and the Microarthropod Community as Soil Health and Quality Indicators in Urban Grasslands, Rīga as an Example / Sākotnējie Pētījumi Par Augsnes Mikrobiālo Biomasu Un Augsnes Sīkposmkāju Sabiedrībām Kā Augsnes Veselības Un Kvalitātes Indikatoriem Rīgas Pilsētas Urbānajos Zālājos
Authors: Minova Sandra , Jankevica Līga , Salmane Ineta , Čekstere Gunta 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution is considered as a one of the main factors that affects soil in urban areas. In 2014, soil quality of grasslands in Rīga was determined. The aim of the study was to determine microbial biomass and describe microarthropod communities in soils of different grasslands in Rīga city and to assess their use as indicators of soil health and quality of the urban environment. Six sampling plots with different building characteristics, density of street and rail network and transport load, and potential impact of pollution were selected for studies. The substrate-induced respiration method was used for determination of soil microbial biomass. Soil invertebrates were collected in sampling plots. Soil Mesostigmata mites, Oribatida and Collembola were extracted from samples and counted. In total over 9300 soil microarthropod individuals were recorded, of them 4500 Collembola, 3400 Oribatida and 1400 Mesostigmata mites. Statistically significant differences in soil microbial biomass among sampling sites were observed. Soil microbial carbon content significantly increased in most of sampling plots from July to October. To obtain more precise results in the future some modifications and optimisation of the standard method based on indicators will be necessary.
Impact of Different Thymic Pathologies on the Clinical Course of Myasthenia Gravis: A Population Wide Study in Latvia / Aizkrūts Dziedzera Patoloģiju Ietekmeu uz Myasthenia Gravis Klīnisko Gaitu: Populācijas Pētījums Latvijā
Authors: Zieda Anete , Rāviņa Kristīne , Pelčere Lelde , Naudiņa Maruta S. , Kamša Inese , Kurjāne Nataļja , Ķēniņa Viktorija 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody mediated postsynaptic failure of neuromuscular transmission. The thymus gland has a role in the pathogenesis of MG. The aim of this study was to determine (1) the prevalence of different thymic pathologies in the MG patient population of Latvia; (2) the potential impact of different thymus pathologies on the clinical course of MG; and (3) the effectiveness of surgical treatment of thymic pathologies in Latvia. The results showed that the most common thymus pathology among the patients with MG in Latvia is thymoma. Compared to the published data, the proportion of MG patients diagnosed with thymus hyperplasia in Latvia is very small. Thymus hyperplasia is uncommon among patients 60 years of age and older. MG onset for patients with thymoma is significantly later than that of patients with thymus hyperplasia. Almost all patients with thymoma or thymus hyperplasia develop a generalised form of MG. The presence of a thymus pathology does not significantly affect the electrophysiological test results, clinical symptom severity, frequency of disability or hospitalisation of the patients with MG. Thymectomy in patients with thymoma or thymus hyperplasia has no significant effect on relieving MG symptoms
Waterless Cleaning Compositions with Disinfection Properties: Efficacy and Environmental Aspects / Bezûdens Tîrîðanas Lîdzekïi Ar Dezinficçjoðo Iedarbîbu: Efektivitâte Un Apkârtçjas Vides Aspekti
Authors: Muter Olga , Dâvids Madars , Vecstaudþa Dagnija , Ðteinberga Vilhelmîne , Kukela Agnese , Segliòð Valdis , Kïaviòð Mâris 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The microbial ecology of different indoor environments determines the human microbiome. Hence, cleaning and disinfection of indoor environments like hospitals, apartments, automobiles, etc. are of great importance. Nonaqueous surface cleaning preparations (SCPs) are often used for this purpose. A cleaning composition may contain the following compounds: primary surfactant, cosurfactant, solvent, cosolvent, organotropic (organic solubilizing) agent, hydrotropic (water solubilising) agent, water and salts, and special additives. In this paper, the efficacy of complex preparations is discussed, focusing on the chemical composition and testing methods. Particular attention is paid to quaternary ammonium compounds, i.e. surfactants with disinfection properties, which are known to act as antistatic agents, detergents, oil-in-water emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and lubricants. Specificity of target microorganisms, physicochemical properties of surrounding media and treatment mode are the main factors affecting the efficacy of disinfection. Due to the enormous economic importance and massive worldwide use of surfactants and disinfectants, their environmental impact needs to be evaluated and controlled. Increased knowledge and better understanding of the antimicrobial capacity of disinfectants are essential to optimise sanitation procedures, to reduce costs, environment waste and to improve shelf life.
Evaluation Of The Impact Of Chemical And Biological Fertiliser Application On Agronomical Traits Of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) / Íîmiskâ Un Bioloìiskâ Mçslojuma Pielietojuma Ietekme Uz Saflora (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) Agronomiskâm Pazîmçm
Authors: Janmohammadi Mohsen 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In order to investigate the influence of biological and chemical fertilisers on morphological traits, yield and yield components of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a field experiment was conducted in Maragheh (37°23' N; 46°16' E), in north western Iran, for one year in the 2014 growing season. The effect of seven treatments was evaluated: T1 - control (no fertiliser application), T2 - seed inoculation with P biofertiliser (contains phosphate solubilising bacteria; Pantoea agglomerans strain P5 and Pseudomonas putida strain P13), T3 - seed inoculation with N biofertiliser (contains Azotobacter vinelandii strain O4), T4 - foliar application of iron chelate, T5 - soil application of complete NPK, T6: foliar application of manganese chelate, and T7 - foliar application of zinc sulphate. The result showed that although application of N biofertiliser did not have a significant effect on the evaluated traits, P biofertiliser slightly improved grain yield. However, the application of complete NPK fertiliser improved most of the traits, compared to the control and biofertiliser treatment. The best performance was obtained by foliar application of manganese chelate and zinc sulphate. The results showed that micronutrient-deficiencies have to be managed to unlock the potential yield of safflower in semiarid production systems.
Busse’s flat orientation cage vs. Emlen’s funnel – compatibility, differences and conclusions
Authors: Busse Przemysław 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper focuses on field practice using different types of orientation cages. The two orientation cage designs most commonly used in field work, i.e. Emlen’s funnel and Busse’s flat orientation cage, are described in detail and compared for compatibility of results, simplicity of use and time effectiveness. Apart from cage designs and field procedures (60-min nocturnal tests in Emlen’s funnel vs. 10-min diurnal tests according to Busse’s procedure), the standard data evaluation procedures are compared and discussed. The data used in the discussion were collected for four species of nocturnal migrants (the Reed Warbler, the Sedge Warbler, the Willow Warbler and the Whitethroat) at the Kalimok Bird Station (Bulgaria): altogether 141 individuals were tested in Emlen’s funnel in 2001 and 788 in Busse’s cage in 2001-2007.
The following conclusions were drawn: (1) Busse’s flat cage design and its standard procedures yield results fully compatible with those obtained using Emlen’s funnel and the associated procedures; this means full compatibility in terms of the directionality of tested birds in the diurnal and nocturnal tests; (2) the procedures compared have distinct differences in terms of constraints on the methods:

– Emlen’s cage is extremely stressful for the bird and should be avoided as much as possible in practice due to animal welfare concerns;

– Emlen’s standard procedure of testing the bird for 60 minutes is completely useless, as this is inefficient in terms of quality of results and causes more stress to the bird than is necessary;

– Busse’s 10-minute standard makes it possible to collect a vast amount of data (12 birds per hour and person) in real field work, even performed in wilderness areas;

(3) At the stage of evaluation of raw data it is essential to use evaluation tools which take into account the fact that raw data items show a high percentage of multimodal distributions, and therefore tools assuming unimodal distribution are unsuitable.
Do the turbinates play an important role in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome? – Our experience
Authors: Dumitrescu Nicoleta , Enache Raluca , Sarafoleanu Codrut 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Nasal obstruction may trigger obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and it is considered to be a cofactor in its pathophysiology. However, the relation between cause and effect still remains a matter of debate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. 18 patients diagnosed with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were included in the present study. All patients underwent nasal surgery as the single treatment for their sleep breathing disorders. Rhinomanometric (total nasal airflow, logReff, logVR) and polygraphic parameters (apnea-hypopnea index - AHI, snore flags index – SFI) were evaluated pre- and 2 months postoperatively.

RESULTS. There was a statistically significant difference between the values of the preoperative and postoperative total nasal airflow (p-value<0.0001). In case of AHI, there was a decrease in its value from 31.56 preoperatively to 30.03 postoperatively, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.937). The SFI, on the other hand, presented a significant decrease (p=0.05), from a mean value of 93.15 preoperatively to 56.02 after the surgery. The correlation of the total nasal airflow with AHI and SFI, revealed that nasal surgery had an important impact upon snoring characteristics (r=0.24) and less upon OSAS severity (r=0.21).

CONCLUSION. The nasal cavity obstruction contributes less to OSAS, but still represents a disorder that needs to be corrected in case of such patients. Turbinates reduction surgery may be applied in the treatment of OSAS and combined with palate and/or tongue surgery.
Bilateral infraorbital maxillary air cells: recess-derived non-Haller cells
Authors: Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Chirita Andrei Leonid , Sandulescu Mihai 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND. The infraorbital recess of the maxillary sinus can reach in front of the nasolacrimal duct to become prelacrimal recess. During a routine Cone Beam CT (CBCT) study of a male patient of 72 years old, there were bilaterally found infraorbital maxillary air cells (IMACs) resulted after the almost complete closure of infraorbital recesses of the maxillary sinuses. Only that on the left side was reaching in front of the nasolacrimal canal. The closure of each infraorbital recess leaded to a narrow draining passage opened in the terminal end of the maxillary infundibulum, thus proximal to the maxillary sinus ostium. On the left side, a small cell of the lacrimal bone was interposed between the IMAC drainage pathway and the nasolacrimal canal. On the right side, the nasolacrimal canal was communicating with the ethmoidal infundibulum. Such an anatomic variation in the infraorbital angle of the maxillary sinus can impede the endoscopic procedures which use the anterior lacrimal pathway.
Strategies of Higher Education Institutions Development in Great Britain
Authors: Komochkova Olga 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The current stage of higher education sector transformation in Ukraine has been indicated. The study of foreign experience, namely of Great Britain, and the use of positive aspects of such experience have been justified. Information sources of Universities UK (Universities UK Strategic Plan 2013-2018; Efficiency and Effectiveness in Higher Education: A report by the Universities UK Efficiency and Modernisation Task Group; Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements of UUK) and The Strategic Plan 2009-2015 of Lancaster University have been studied. Vision, mission, functions,pressing issues, strategic aims of the Strategic Plan of UUK for the next five years have been presented. The achievements of UKK for 2013-2014 in accordance with strategic aims have been outlined. The actions of the organization aimed at providing British universities with various supports have been presented. The constituents of Strategic Plan of Lancaster University for 2009-2015, namely vision, mission, sectors of development (International, Teaching, Research and Impact, Finance and Organisation, the Lancaster experience) and consequently successfully achieved results have been presented. Positive aspects of British experience in strategic development of higher education institutions have been defined. Perspectives for further researches in this area have been outlined.
On the Relativistic Correction of Particles Trajectory in Tandem Type Electrostatic Accelerator
Authors: Minárik Stanislav 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A constant potential is applied to the acceleration of the ion-beam in the tandem type electrostatic accelerator. However, not just one voltage is applied, but instead a number of applications can be made in succession by means of the tandem arrangement of high voltage tubes. This number of voltage applications, which is the number of so-called "stages" of a tandem accelerator, may be two, three, or four, depending on the chosen design. Electrostatic field with approximately constant intensity acts on ions in any stage.
In general, non-relativistic dynamics is used for the description of the ion transport in tandem accelerator. Energies of accelerated ions are too low and relativistic effects cannot be commonly observed by standard experimental technique. Estimation of possible relativistic correction of ion trajectories is therefore only a matter of calculation. In this note, we briefly present such calculation. Our aim is to show how using the relativistic dynamics modifies the particles trajectory in tandem type accelerator and what parameters determine this modification.
Repellence and attraction of Apis mellifera foragers by nectar alkaloids
Authors: Hroncová Z. , Havlík J. , Stanková L. , Hájková S. , Titěra D. , Rada V. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites present naturally in nectar, such as alkaloids, may change the behavioural responses of floral visitors and affect pollination. Some studies have shown that nectar containing low concentrations of these secondary metabolites is preferred by honey bee foragers over pure nectar. However, it remains unclear whether this is caused by dependence or addictive behaviour, a simple taste preference, or by other conditions such as self-medication. In our choice experiment, free-flying bees were presented with artificial flowers holding 20% sucrose containing 0.5−50 μg ml−1 of one of the naturally occurring nectar alkaloids - caffeine, nicotine, senecionine, and gelsemine. Nectar uptake was determined by weighing each flower and comparing the weight to that of the control flower. Our experimental design minimized memorizing and marking; despite this, caffeine was significantly preferred at concentrations 0.5−2 μg ml−1 over control nectar; this preference was not observed for other alkaloids. All of the compounds tested were repellent at concentrations above 5 μg ml−1. We confirmed previous reports that bees exhibit a preference for caffeine, and hypothesize that this is not due only to addictive behaviour but is at least partially mediated by taste preference. We observed no significant preference for nicotine or any other alkaloid.
Influence of Glass Powder Size Sorting on Properties of Composite Systems
Authors: Dědičová K. , Valášek P. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Glass powder ranks among the secondary raw materials, which can be used in the interaction with polymeric materials. In the present experiment the polymeric/epoxy particle composite with different sizes of glass powder particles is described. Such utilization of recyclable materials is environmental-friendly and should be preferred. The size of particles forming the filler of the described composites is one of the key characteristics affecting the mechanical properties. Due to the properties of the systems filled with glass powder, these materials can potentially be used in agriculture (renovations, adhesive bonding, cementing, etc.). In the experiment, glass powder was dimensionally sorted through sieves. Three fractions of glass powder with particles size of 0−30, 30−50, and 50−90 μm were created and utilized, the average particle size being 18.7, 38.7, and 72.6 μm, respectively. The interaction of the 18.7 μm particles did not lead to a statistically significant decrease of shear strength values in the interval 0−20 vol.%. The presence of glass powder, however, in all cases decreased tensile strength.
The Need to Approach the Management of the Tourist Destination by the Central and Local Public Authorities in Romania
Authors: Nicula Virgil , Spânu Simona 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the medium and long term, priorities in the development of tourism aim to develop a complex tourist offer, making the most of the natural and anthropogenic resources existing in connection with the preservation of the environment and the heritage. On the long run, it will contribute to raising the living standards of the population, especially social categories with lower chances of reintegration into the labour market (people made redundant in industry, elderly people etc.). Implementation of the strategy at regional level must be achieved through an active partnership between Romanian public authorities, economic agents and private investors, with the involvement of the federation of employers in the sector and of the professional associations.
Arguments in Favor of Moving to a Sustainable Business Model in the Apiary Industry
Authors: Panța Nancy Diana 
Published: May 2018

AbstractToday’s society faces major challenges in meeting future global food demands and solving biodiversity loss, and it quickly needs to find ways in addressing these issues. The places to look for solutions come from the economic sectors that employ the most powerful pressure on these issues such as agriculture. Apiculture, as a branch of agriculture is being more and more recognized as sustaining human life and contributing to sustainability. However, the sector records a progressive decline of honey bees. Therefore, a rapid restructuring needs to take place in agricultural markets, in general, as well as in apiary agribusinesses. Although important, technological progress is insufficient in providing the necessary changes to achieve long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability, which should be considered both within and between generations. Consequently, sustainable business models encourage sustainable development through a triple bottom line approach and provide an analytical tool for firms into assessing the different aspects that are combined in order to create value. Since literature has paid little attention to the sustainable development in the apiary agribusiness, the present paper aims to link the two using a business model perspective and bring arguments in favor of moving to a sustainable business model.
Romania and the Big Challenge of Implementing the Europe 2020 Strategy
Authors: Todericiu Ramona , Boanta Alexandra 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The evolution and evolvement of the Europe 2020 strategy in each country are subjects, which should interest all European citizens. The investigation on this subject stems from two issues: firstly, the importance of knowing the direction in which Europe is going in the future, and, secondly the wish to assess whether this is the right direction. Unfortunately, due to several possible obstacles, such as level of development, not all countries have the ability to achieve performance in all fields. Romania, just like many other countries, is one example. Being one of the least developed countries, reaching success in implementing the Europe 2020 strategy is, for Romania, a difficult mission.
Prediction of free field heave using CW and CH indices
Authors: Niedźwiedzka Karina , Garbulewski Kazimierz , Lendo-Siwicka Marzena 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Prediction of free field heave using CW and CH indices. In order to predict free heave in expansive silty clays two methods were applied: CLOD test and double-swelling methods. In both methods CW and CH indices are required respectively to determine the soil heave. The CW index is determined as a slope of straight line of shrinkage curve obtained with a use of CLOD test. In case of double-swelling method two oedometer tests were carried out to determine CH index: constantvolume and consolidation-swell oedometer tests. Comparison between heave values calculated using CW and CH indexes indicated slight differences.