bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechatronic system for verticalization and aiding the motion of the disabled
Authors: Jasińska-Choromańska D. , Szykiedans K. , Wierciak J. , Kołodziej D. , Zaczyk M. , Bagiński K. , Bojarski M. , Kabziński B. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Mechatronics is nowadays a dominating concept in design of various kinds of systems and technical devices. High speeds of data processing by control units of mechatronic systems, as well as high dynamics of their actuators allow the systems to be applied in wider fields. This refers to the medicine as well, especially while making attempts to replace lost human motor abilities by means of robots aiding the man. These devices can be divided into three groups: exoskeletons designed to strengthen the natural force of human muscles, orthotic robots that restore lost or weakened functions of human limbs, and prosthetic robots replacing an amputated limb. The first and the third group are known quite well, whereas the orthotic robots are at an initial phase of their development. The authors have worked on a device for aiding the motion of disabled people suffering from paresis of the lower limbs. The paper presents a concept and a structure of the system that has been created, comparing it with similar devices that have already existed. There are indicated some connections and areas where the subunits merge, as well as the rules of their working with the user.
A self-oscillating h.f. power generator with a Class E resonant amplifier
Authors: Mikołajewski M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Self-oscillating h.f. power generators with a Class E amplifier are used as industrial high-efficiency h.f. power sources. In the paper a modification of the classic Class E generator by applying an additional capacitor in the matching and feedback circuit is presented. The proposed solution increases the degree of freedom in the generator design and can noticeably reduce its cost by eliminating the need for the use of high-value h.f. capacitors in the feedback loop divider. The self-oscillating Class E generator (150 W/6.78 MHz) with the proposed modification has been designed, built and its parameters were measured. Theoretical predictions were in a good agreement with experimental results. Moreover, the burst control method of the output power in the generator has also been presented
Enhancing capabilities of Atomic Force Microscopy by tip motion harmonics analysis
Authors: Babicz S. , Smulko J. , Zieliński A. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Motion of a tip used in an atomic force microscope can be described by the Lennard-Jones potential, approximated by the van der Waals force in a long-range interaction. Here we present a general framework of approximation of the tip motion by adding three terms of Taylor series what results in non-zero harmonics in an output signal. We have worked out a measurement system which allows recording of an excitation tip signal and its non-linear response. The first studies of spectrum showed that presence of the second and the third harmonics in cantilever vibrations may be observed and used as a new method of the investigated samples characterization.
In Vitro Replication of Recombinant Marek’S Disease Viruses Constructed from Field Strains Lacking Meq and Vtr Oncogenes
Authors: Woźniakowski Grzegorz , Samorek-Salamonowicz Elżbieta 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The study describes construction of five recombinant very virulent (vv) and very virulent plus (vv+) strains lacking meq and viral telomerase (vTR). Deletion of both copies of meq and vTR was achieved by Red E/T recombination in GS1783 E. coli cells. The constructed bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones reconstituted in chicken embryo fibroblasts were examined by immunofluorescence assay to compare the features of recombinant strains with wild-type viruses. The results demonstrated that recombinant BAC strains caused slightly reduced cytophatic effect and decreased level of the fluorescence obtained from the monoclonal antibody in comparison to the parental viruses. Generation of recombinant BAC clones may provide more detailed information on the function of Marek's disease virus oncogenes and the potential use of recombinants for the preparation of the new vaccine against Marek’s disease.
Verification of Sera from Cattle and Pigs for Brucellosis with Fluorescence Polarisation Assay
Authors: Weiner Marcin , Iwaniak Wojciech , Szulowski Krzysztof , Szymajda Monika 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Fluorescence polarisation assay (FPA) was evaluated as a potential tool improving specificity of serological diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle and pigs. The evaluation was performed by comparing the results of FPA with the results of rose Bengal test (RBT), serum agglutination test (SAT), complement fixation test, and indirect ELISA when problematic sera, regarded as false positive, were tested. Four hundred and seventy-five sera, including 201 porcine and 274 bovine samples, reacting positively in at least one classical serological assay were used. Only six bovine sera were FPA positive (two positive in SAT and RBT and four positive in SAT only). Different situation was observed when porcine sera were examined. Out of 201 sera, 109 were also positive in FPA. The studies confirmed that in cattle FPA enables to reduce highly the number of false positive reactions for brucellosis. On the other hand, in pigs, the method is a little more specific in comparison to other methods applied.
Antibiotic Resistance and Plasmid Profile of Vibrio Alginolyticus Strains Isolated from Cultured European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax, L.)
Authors: Korun Jale , Karaca Mehmet 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In the study, antimicrobial resistance and plasmid profile of Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from diseased European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) collected from a commercial farm located on the Agean Region coast of Turkey, were investigated. The agent was identified by classical biochemical tests and the API 20NE system. Bacterial strains were tested for resistance to different antimicrobials by disc agar diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) at two different incubation temperatures (22 ± 2ºC and 28 ± 2ºC for 24 to 28 h), and screened for plasmid DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis. It was found that 15 strains were susceptible to kanamycin but they revealed resistance to ampicillin, bacitracin and streptomycin at 22ºC. The strains were resistant to bacitracin and streptomycin but 14 strains were found to be intermediately resistant. One strain was resistant to ampicillin at 28ºC; two strains showed sensitivity to kanamycin, whereas 12 strains were intermediately resistant, and one strain was resistant to the same antibiotic at 28ºC. The strains demonstrared susceptibility to low concentrations of chloramphenicol, kanamycin, and trimethoprim (MICs of ≤ 8 μg/mL) at 22ºC. The examined strains were found to be susceptible to chloramphenicol (MICs of ≤8 μg/mL) and trimethoprim (MICs of ≤8 μg/ mL) at 28ºC. The strains harboured 2-3 plasmids, with sizes ranging from 68 to 126 kb.
Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Milk
Authors: Kiljanek Tomasz , Niewiadowska Alicja , Semeniuk Stanisław 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A method for simultaneous determination of 13 organophosphorus pesticide residues in milk samples has been developed and validated. The method is based on the extraction of the sample with acetone and petroleum ether, cleanup by gel permeation chromatography, and solid phase extraction, and determination by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. The recovery, investigated by analysing blank milk samples spiked with azinphos, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, fenitrothion, methacrifos, methidathion, parathion-methyl, pyrazophos, and triazophos at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 μg/kg, and with parathion and pirimiphos-methyl at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 μg/kg, ranged from 73.1% to 106.2%. Performance characteristics, such as repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility expressed as coefficient of variation were less than 20%. Measurement uncertainty was lower than 22% for all validated organophosphorus pesticides. The limits of quantification were 10 μg/kg for all compounds and allowed determination of residues at, or even below, the maximum residue limits set by the European Union. The satisfactory z-score results of international proficiency tests confirm good accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of the developed method.
Oxidant/Antioxidant Status Assessment of Blood in Selected Equine Diseases
Authors: Krumrych Wiesław , Zbylut Janusz , Gołyński Marcin , Markiewicz Hanna 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess ratio of oxidation to antioxidation in the blood of horses in selected equine diseases. The study was conducted on 47 Polish half-breed horses (36 mares, six stallions, and five geldings) aged 2 to 16 years. Nineteen mares were diagnosed with endometritis, seven horses with symptoms of colic, and six with upper respiratory tract infection. The remaining clinically healthy horses (n=15) served as control. The following parameters were measured: oxygen metabolism in neutrophils using a chemiluminescence (CL) method, total antioxidant status (TAS) of blood plasma, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activity in whole blood. The results demonstrate increased CL of neutrophils in mares with endometritis, as well as in horses with symptoms of colic. This finding was associated with decreased values of SOD, GPx, and TAS (chiefly in mares with endometritis), which suggests oxidative stress. These results underscore the importance of a broader use of oxidant/antioxidant status assessment in studies of the pathogenesis and pathomechanisms of equine diseases.
Salivary Cortisol Levels in Horses and their Riders During Three-Day-Events
Authors: Strzelec Katarzyna , Kędzierski Witold , Bereznowski Andrzej , Janczarek Iwona , Bocian Krzysztof , Radosz Maciej 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The group of 36 warm-blooded half-bred horses (18 stallions and 18 mares) and their riders (20 men and 16 women), who ended three-day-events, were selected for the study. The horses were aged 4 to 6 years, while the riders were 19 to 34-year-old. The saliva samples were collected after each phase of the competitions. The cortisol concentration was determined using an immunoassay method. The following factors were considered: type of competition, horse sex, and rider gender. In horses, the statistically important correlation was found between the results obtained for the dressage and cross-country, for the cross-country and show jumping, and for the dressage and show jumping. An analogous comparison for the riders suggests a statistically significant correlation between the data obtained for the cross-country and show jumping. Comparing the data of horses and their riders, a significant correlation coefficient was found for the cross-country group of woman and the dressage group of men. In conclusion, the salivary cortisol level in individual horses in each phase of three-day-event was found to be repetitive. Therefore, the salivary cortisol test is demonstrated to be a useful method to evaluate the horse response to each type of competition during three-day-events.
Lead II Electrocardiography in Standing and Right Lateral Recumbency in Dogs with Normal Echocardiographic Heart Chamber Values
Authors: Garncarz Magdalena , Parzeniecka-Jaworska Marta , Jank Michał , Łój Magdalena , Szaluś-Jordanow Olga , Kurek Anna 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The electrocardiographic (ECG) exam has been routinely used in veterinary cardiology with reference values available for the right lateral recumbent position. Many situations require the exam to be performed in the standing position. The study presents that the quality of the ECG recording is comparable for the standing and right lateral recumbent positions, as well as significant differences of the P, S and T waves recorded in two positions.
Runoff change scenarios based on regional climate change projections in mountainous basins in Slovakia
Authors: Štefunková Zuzana , Hlavčová Kamila , Lapin Milan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In the study the potential impact of climate change on river runoff in the upper Hron River, V´ah River, and Laborec River basin was evaluated using the Hron conceptual spatially-lumped rainfall-runoff model, which was driven by regional circulation models of atmosphere. The rainfall-runoff model was calibrated with data from the 1981-1995 period and validated with data from the 1996-2010 period. Changes in climate variables in the future were expressed by three different regional climate change projections: KNMI, MPI and ALADIN-Climate for the period 1961-2100. Changes in the seasonal runoff distribution were evaluated by a comparison of the simulated long-term mean monthly discharges in the river basin outlets in future decades with the present stage.
International Linear Collider Global and Local Implications
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
ILC machine - International Liner Collider, is one of two accelerators e+e- just under design and advanced consideration to be built with final energy of colliding electron and positron beams over 1 TeV. An alternative project to ILC is CLIC in CERN The ILC machine is an important complementary addition for the research potential of the LHC accelerator complex. The required length of ILC is minimally 30 km, but some versions of the TDR estimates mention nearly 50km. Superconducting RF linacs will be built using well established 1,3 GHz TESLA technology using ultrapure niobium or Nb3Sn resonant microwave cavities of RRR class, of ultimate finesse, working with gradients over 35MV/m, while some versions of the design mention ultimate confinement as high as 50MV/m. Several teams from Poland (Kraków. Warszawa, Wrocław - IFJ-PAN, AGH, UJ, NCBJ, UW, PW, PWr, INT-PAN) participate in the global design effort for this machine - including detectors, cryogenics, and SRF systems. Now it seems that the ILC machine will be built in Japan, during the period of 2016-2026. If true, Japan will turn to a world super-power in accelerator technology no.3 after CERN and USA. The paper summarizes the state-ofthe- art of technical and administration activities around the immense ILC and CLIC machines, with emphasis on potential participation of Polish teams in the global effort of newly established LCC - The Linear Collider Consortium.
Design and Development of a Self-Assessment Tool and Investigating its Effectiveness for E-Learning
Authors: Domun Manisha , Bahadur Goonesh K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
One of the most effective tools in e-learning is the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) and research has shown that students need to accurately assess their own performance thus improving their learning. The study involved the design and development of a self-assessment tool based on the Revised Blooms taxonomy Framework. As a second step in investigating the effectiveness of the SAT, 1st year student of the BSC Educational Technology program from the VCILT, University of Mauritius were used as testing sample. At this stage the SAT was provided to only half of the sample who were randomly chosen and placed into a treatment group. The remaining half (Control Group) had the normal conditions on the E-learning platform. A semester exam was devised and administered to the whole sample to find out if there was a difference between the scores of both groups. Lastly a feedback form was given to only the treatment group to find out their views on the SAT. The results indicated a significant difference in scores between the treatment and the control groups when the Student’s Independent T-test was used. Group A percentage of passes were higher compared to Group B. Failures were recorded for both groups with an increased rate of failure for Group B compared to Group A. Moreover, most of the respondents’ feedbacks suggested that SAT was a useful guide with helpful feedbacks. The findings concluded that SAT was viewed more as a revision tool that allowed them to assess their own learning.
B-learning Quality: Dimensions, Criteria and Pedagogical Approach
Authors: Peres Paula , Lima L. , Lima V. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Measuring the quality of a b-learning environment is critical to determine the success of a blearning course. Several initiatives have been recently conducted on benchmarking and quality in e-learning. Despite these efforts in defining and examining quality issues concerning online courses, a defining instrument to evaluate quality is one of the key challenges for blended learning, since it incorporates both traditional and online instruction methods. For this paper, six frameworks for quality assessment of technological enhanced learning were examined and compared regarding similarities and differences. These frameworks aim at the same global objective: the quality of e-learning environment/products. They present different perspectives but also many common issues. Some of them are more specific and related to the course and others are more global and related to institutional aspects. In this work we collected and arrange all the quality criteria identified in order to get a more complete framework and determine if it fits our b-learning environment. We also included elements related to our own b-learning research and experience, acquired during more than 10 years of experience. As a result we have create a new quality reference with a set of dimensions and criteria that should be taken into account when you are analyzing, designing, developing, implementing and evaluating a b-learning environment. Besides these perspectives on what to do when you are developing a b-learning environment we have also included pedagogical issues in order to give directions on how to do it to reach the success of the learning. The information, concepts and procedures here presented give support to teachers and instructors, which intend to validate the quality of their blended learning courses.
Cross-Cultural Communication and Collaboration: Case of an International e-Learning Project
Authors: Toprak Elif , Genc-Kumtepe Evrim 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Communication is an indispensable part of international cooperation and it requires managing different cultures. Being prepared to see and understand different values, trying to understand contrasting views in a consortium, can decrease the potential of misperception which otherwise may act as a real barrier to cooperation. This is why international cooperation necessitates negotiation across cultures. In the case of collaboration, parties come together for a joint work which itself may create common values/understanding, besides the set goals. This is because collaboration requires strong we-feeling and commitment. The purpose of this paper is to focus on cross-cultural communication and collaboration in the area of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), concentrating on the communication processes in project management. Cross-cultural studies point to different communicative behaviours of individuals in multinational work environments e.g. the cultural characteristics affect the preferences towards the use of the media. For the purposes of this paper, the authors make a phenomenological-oriented case study of project management based on interviews with partners of a multilateral Grundtvig (adult learning) project, affiliated with distance education institutions in eight different countries. The authors test their assumptions for constructive and cooperative communication in e-Learning projects; delineating the effects of different cultures as regards the expectations from (1) international projects and (2) communication media.
When Is Enough Enough? Balancing on the Fine Line in Multichannel Marketing Communications
Authors: Godfrey Andrea , Seiders Kathleen , Voss Glenn B. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In an effort to build long-term, profitable relationships, many companies systematically engage in multichannel relational communication - personalized messages sent to existing customers through various channels as part of a broader relationship marketing strategy. However, too much of a good thing might actually ultimately have a bad effect.Whether ongoing direct communication with customers is perceived positively depends on its volume, the mix of communication channels, and the alignment of those channels with customers’ preferences. There is an ideal level of communication. If it is exceeded, customers react negatively and this negative response can be exacerbated by the use of multiple channels. The ideal level differs depending on individual channel preferences. Aligning channels with customer preferences is advisable to optimize repurchase rates.
Jetstar Airways: How Modeling Guided the Brand Migration Strategy of a Low-Cost Carrier
Authors: Roberts John , Danaher Peter , Roberts Ken , Simpson Alan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This article describes the application of a dynamic choice model of consumer preferences. It supported Jetstar, a subsidiary of Australia’s leading airline, QANTAS, to effectively and profitably compete in the low-cost carrier marketplace. The evolution of the Jetstar strategy is traced from its initial position through to its efforts to attain price competitiveness and service parity. The model helped service design and pricing initiatives to shift the perceived performance of Jetstar relative to its competitors. It further indicated how the airline could move market preferences towards areas in which it had competitive advantage. The Jetstar market share went from 14.0 % to 18.1 % during the first five quarterly waves of the research, while profits went from US $ 79 million 2006 / 07, before the study was commissioned, to US $ 124 million in 2008 / 09. Today, Jetstar remains the only successful low-cost offshoot of a full service airline in terms of shareholder returns
Creating Crystal Experiences MIR talks to Alexander Linder, Director Corporate Consumer and Market Insights (CCMI), Daniel Swarovski Corporation AG
Authors: Kittinger-Rosanelli Christine 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This issue’s interview leads us into the radiant world of crystals and glamour. For more than a century, Swarovski has been generating radiance through precision cutting technology and the virtuous handling of light. The company’s richness of expression is rooted in the cultural heritage of Central Europe and its flair for forging links between the arts, science, and business. Throughout the world today, the name Swarovski stands for craftsmanship, meticulousness, quality, and creativity. Alexander Linder, Director of Corporate Consumer and Market Insights, shares with us how the Swarovski company “adds sparkle to people’s everyday lives”, a promise Swarovski aims to deliver to its consumers.
MIR talks to Jeffrey S. Cooper, Director of Consumer Insights CPW-Cereal Partners Worldwide
Authors: Jolibert Alain 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The cereal industry is characterized by heavy competition and a pressure to reinvent itself to meet changing consumer lifestyles and retail environments. Jeff Cooper, Director of Consumer Insights of CPW, one of the world’s biggest players in cereals, offers some interesting information on how to keep this business growing in a difficult market environment