bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization and application of polypyrrole-cellulose nanocomposite for efficient Ni(II) removal from aqueous solution: Box-Behnken design optimization
Authors: Rathika R. , Byung-Taek Oh , Vishnukumar B. , Shanthi K. , Kamala-Kannan S. , Janaki V. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The role of polypyrrole-cellulose (PPy-Ce) nanocomposite for the removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution was investigated by batch experiments. The PPy-Ce nanocomposite was prepared by chemical oxidate polymerization of pyrrole monomer with cellulose. Transmission electron micrography (TEM) showed the size of the particles varied from 80 to 95 nm. The characteristic C-O, O-H, C-N and C-C vibrations in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate that the cellulose successfully integrated with the pyrrole. Influence of experimental variables such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial Ni(II) concentration were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) based Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimal conditions for maximum removal of Ni(II) were pH 8, time 65 min, adsorbent dose 0.3 mg/l and Ni(II) concentration 50 mg/l. The maximum removal efficiency under optimized conditions was >94%. The results indicate that BBD could be used to optimize experimental conditions for metal removal from aqueous solution.
Production of Biodiesel Via Catalytic Processes: A Brief Review
Authors: Almeida Eugênia Leandro , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves , Andreo dos Santos Onélia 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Currently, there is a worldwide concern, not only with the exhaustion of diesel oil, but also with the environmental damages caused by this fuel, from the process of extracting oil to consumption. The emission of the gases from the combustion process of this fuel are harmful to the health of living beings and contribute directly to the worsening of the greenhouse effect. Biodiesel appears in this context as a possible substitute for diesel. Thus, the main objective of this work was to carry out a bibliographical review of the main catalytic processes available in the literature for the production of biodiesel, respectively, the main chemical reactions involved in these processes, being: the esterification and transesterification reaction. Among the catalytic processes, the alkaline, acid and enzymatic catalysis was highlighted. And, among the main raw materials used in the production process are: vegetable oils, animal fats and oils and fats; as economically and environmentally viable alternatives. Still referring to the raw materials, there are the alcohols: methanol and ethanol, which are frequently used. In this way, the most varied catalytic methods present in the literature were presented. For each catalytic process, the work was presented, which developed methodologies for: homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysts, dispersed or immobilized, with the most diverse raw materials, which are currently used or that may be used in the process of obtaining biodiesel in the future. Industrial scale.
Increased intracellular and extracellular oxidant production in phagocytes of rheumatic patients treated with biological therapy – whole blood quantification
Authors: Jančinová Viera , Nosáľ Radomír , Payer Juraj , Killinger Zdenko 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Infectious complications, resulting from reduced activity of immune cells, are the most severe and common adverse effects of biological therapy. This study analyzed the effect of biological therapy on blood phagocytes, focusing on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an important factor in the defence against invading pathogens. Intra- and extracellular ROS production were recorded separately, on the basis of luminol and isoluminol chemiluminescence in patients treated with antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-α or against interleukin-6 receptor. In comparison to healthy donors or to rheumatic patients treated with classical immunosuppressive drugs, biological therapy increased ROS formation in both compartments. This indicates that the anti-microbial activity of blood phagocytes was not reduced by TNFα- or IL-6-neutralizing therapy, at least in terms of ROS.
The method presented does not require blood fractionation, which could modify activity of phagocytes and cause loss of some sub-populations of these cells. The technique is simple, requires microliter volumes of blood and is thus well applicable to clinical studies.
Content of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural in biscuits for kids
Authors: Švecová Blanka , Mach Mojmír 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) is a thermal decomposition product of saccharides. There are two main ways for the formation of 5-HMF. First, 5-HMF is forming during Maillard reaction and second, during thermic dehydration of saccharides under acid conditions. Significant parameters of 5-HMF formation are temperature, time, pH, water activity, type of saccharide and amino acids. It is suspected that 5-HMF has genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. This chemical can be found in many food sources, e.g. honey, dried fruits, fruit juice and concentrates, alcoholic beverages, bakery products, roasted nuts and seeds, brown sugar, and milk. The present study aimed to determine the amount of 5-HMF in children's biscuits. The examined samples were divided into three groups. The first group of biscuits claimed availability for children older than six months, the second for children older than one year. The third group did not give a determined age range.
For the assessment of 5-HMF, a HPLC method with UV/VIS detection was used. In the first group of samples, the amount of 5-HMF ranged from 0.34±0.04 to 1.73±0.03 mg/kg, in the second group from 0.57±0.09 to 1.78±0.07 mg/kg, and in the third group the amounts of 5-HMF were from 1.80±0.05 to 34.99±0.22 mg/kg.
In conclusion, the results showed that the content of 5-HMF in biscuits without age group determination was significantly higher than in biscuits with declared availability for children older than six months or one year. Since the acceptable daily intake is 2 mg/kg bw, the established amount of 5-HMF in all samples cannot be regarded as dangerous in a normal dose of biscuits.
Monotherapy of experimental metabolic syndrome: I. Efficacy and safety
Authors: Bezek Štefan , Brnoliaková Zuzana , Sotníková Ružena , Knezl Vladimír , Paulovičová Ema , Navarová Jana , Bauer Viktor 
Published: February 2018

AbstractElevated plasma cholesterol, especially low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats (hHTG) were developed as a new inbred model for the study of relationships between blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities. The aim of this work was to determine the cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant effects of the novel pyridoindol derivative SMe1EC2, compared to the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin, in rats fed either standard or high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFC; 1% cholesterol and 7.5% lard fat). Male hHTG rats fed HFC (HTG+HFC) were administered with SMe1EC2 or atorvastatin (both 50 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 4 weeks. Physiological status of animals was monitored by the measurement of preprandial glucose levels and blood pressure. Lipid profile was characterized by the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (TRG). The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was evaluated in the kidney, liver and serum. Further, the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in the serum was completed. Feeding the animals with HFC diet resulted in increased serum levels of TC, LDL and TRG. SMe1EC2 ameliorated serum levels of LDL in hHTG rats, both on standard and HFC diet. These effects were comparable with those of the standard hypolipidemicum atorvastatin. SMe1EC2 lowered blood pressure, tissue TBARS concentrations and serum IL-1 levels of HTG+HFC rats. Beneficial effects together with very good toxicity profile predestinate SMe1EC2 to be promising agent for further surveys related to metabolic syndrome features.
Co-branding Strategy as a Source of Innovation on International Market
Authors: Grębosz-Krawczyk Magdalena , Pointet Jean-Marc 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of a co-branding strategy on the innovations development on international market. The research has been conducted in 2013–2015, and has been targeting 50 large international companies which operated in minimum 3 countries of Europe and have implemented a co-branding strategy for 3 years. The analysis of findings has shown that the possibility of use of the new technologies and the use of knowledge and experience of partner’s through technical knowledge exchange are rated at the low level in case of implementation of co-branding strategy. These findings suggest that co-branding is not a source of innovation on international market due to the fact of the limited trust in the foreign partner and the protection of own’s know-how by the companies. These outcomes confirm also that today the managerial actions should focus mainly on the symbolic dimension of brands.
Juxtaposition of Organizational Competitive Factors and Performance Evaluation in Conjunction with Their Implications for HRM in MNCs: Part Two, Statistical Correlation Analysis within the Polish Findings
Authors: Stor Marzena , Engle Allen D. , Poór József 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjective – The main goal of the paper is to determine whether there are any identifiable patterns of HRM perceptions and practices when the factors recognized as the companies’ competitive advantages and results of their performance outcomes are juxtaposed in conjunction with their implications for HRM.Methodology – The research was conducted in five Central and Eastern (CE) countries. The data collected from this region is used to provide a broader comparative context (descriptive statistics) as presented in the earlier article in this volume. This second part provides a more detail correlational analyses conducted on the data coming exclusively from local subsidiaries of MNCs operating in Poland.Findings - In Poland the higher the appraisal of the quality of workforce and the quality of management as the competitive factors at the same time, the higher the level of decentralization. The correlation analysis in the scope of particular areas of performance evaluation and the ratings of critical subfunctions of HR in Poland allow to identify some general patterns.Value added – The research has certain theoretical significance because its results provide some knowledge about the specificity of HRM in local subsidiaries of MNCs operating CE, and particularly exemplifying some regularities within HRM appearing in Poland. Furthermore, it identifies some patterns of HRM perceptions and practices at the local level of MNCs both in CE and Poland, and especially when the factors recognized as competitive advantages of local subsidiaries and the results of performance evaluations of these subsidiaries are reported in conjunction with their implications for HRM. All this makes an empirical contribution to knowledge about SIHRM in MNCs.
Playing the Game: Recruiting Black Males in Teaching
Authors: Green Satasha L. , Martin Darren 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this comparative study is to ascertain the experiences and perceptions of four Black males enrolled in teacher preparation programs, one at a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and three at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Findings provide insight for Colleges of Teacher Education to understand the barriers that prevent Black males from successfully matriculating and entering the teaching profession.
Phylogeny and evolution of the European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and its allies – a review of the “bird of the year”
Authors: Nagy Jenő 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In 2017 the European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) was voted to be the “bird of the year” in Hungary. This is a partially migrant species; most of the European populations are resident, however, its breeding range extends to East from the Sweden-Poland-Moldova axis towards the Yenisei with some of the populations wintering in Kazakhstan and South of Turkey. The European Goldfinch is classified within the Carduelinae subfamily including approximately a hundred species. Several taxonomic changes were introduced in this group during the last fifteen years, however, we still do not understand much of their origin and evolutionary history. My aim in this paper is to collect existing knowledge on the phylogeny and evolution of the Carduelinae finches and their allies, with a particular focus on the European Goldfinch and its closest relatives. Furthermore, here I point out uncertainties in different phylogenetic sources of finches, which careful consideration can be useful in similar evolutionary studies. Finally, I summarise some vision for future research.
Changes in the number of nesting pairs and breeding success of theWhite Stork Ciconia ciconia in a large city and a neighbouring rural area in South-West Poland
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
During the years 1994–2009, the number of White Stork pairs breeding in the city of Wrocław (293 km2) fluctuated between 5 pairs in 1999 and 19 pairs 2004. Most nests were clumped in two sites in the Odra river valley. Two nests were located only cca. 1 km from the city hall. The fluctuations in numbers can be linked to the availability of feeding grounds and weather. In years when grass was mowed in the Odra valley, the number of White Storks was higher than in years when the grass was left unattended. Overall, the mean number of fledglings per successful pair during the years 1995–2009 was slightly higher in the rural than in the urban area. Contrary to expectation, the mean number of fledglings per successful pair was the highest in the year of highest population density. In two rural counties adjacent to Wrocław, the number of breeding pairs was similar to that in the city in 1994/95 (15 vs. 13 pairs). However, in 2004 the number of breeding pairs in the city almost doubled compared to that in the neighboring counties (10 vs. 19 pairs). After a sharp decline between 2004 and 2008, populations in both areas were similar in 2009 (5 vs. 4 pairs), but much lower than in 1994–1995. Wrocław is probably the only large city (>100,000 people) in Poland, where the White Stork has developed a sizeable, although fluctuating, breeding population. One of the most powerful role the city-nesting White Storks may play is their ability to engage directly citizens with nature and facilitate in that way environmental education and awareness.
Exploratory analyses of migration timing and morphometrics of the Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
Authors: Csörgő Tibor , Fehérvári Péter , Karcza Zsolt , Harnos Andrea 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Ornithological studies often rely on long-term bird ringing data sets as sources of information. However, basic descriptive statistics of raw data are rarely provided. In order to fill this gap, here we present the fifth item of a series of exploratory analyses of migration timing and body size measurements of the most frequent Passerine species at a ringing station located in Central Hungary (1984–2016). First, we give a concise description of foreign ring recoveries of the Common Nightingale in relation to Hungary. We then shift focus to data of 3892 ringed and 1499 recaptured individuals derived from the ringing station, where birds have been trapped, handled and ringed with standardized methodology since 1984. Timing is described through annual and daily capture and recapture frequencies and their descriptive statistics. We show annual mean arrival dates within the study period and present the cumulative distributions of first captures with stopover durations. We present the distributions of wing, third primary, tail length and body mass, and the annual means of these variables. Furthermore, we show the distributions of individual fat and muscle scores, and the distributions of body mass within each fat score category. We distinguish the spring and autumn migratory periods and breeding season and age groups (i.e. juveniles and adults). Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the analysed variables. However, we do not aim to interpret the obtained results, merely to draw attention to interesting patterns that may be worth exploring in detail. Data used here are available upon request for further analyses.
Amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Reiss Allison B. , Arain Hirra A. , Stecker Mark M. , Siegart Nicolle M. , Kasselman Lora J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA major feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology is the plaque composed of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. Although these plaques may have harmful properties, there is much evidence to implicate soluble oligomeric Aβ as the primary noxious form. Aβ oligomers can be generated both extracellularly and intracellularly. Aβ is toxic to neurons in a myriad of ways. It can cause pore formation resulting in the leakage of ions, disruption of cellular calcium balance, and loss of membrane potential. It can promote apoptosis, cause synaptic loss, and disrupt the cytoskeleton. Current treatments for AD are limited and palliative. Much research and effort is being devoted to reducing Aβ production as an approach to slowing or preventing the development of AD. Aβ formation results from the amyloidogenic cleavage of human amyloid precursor protein (APP). Reconfiguring this process to disfavor amyloid generation might be possible through the reduction of APP or inhibition of enzymes that convert the precursor protein to amyloid.
The Sunet System for Monitoring Noise Pollution in Cluj-Napoca
Authors: Beca Ilinca Mirela , Iliescu Mihai 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In Europe the need for local authorities to provide a high standard of living for their communities led to the establishment of the European noise mapping directive 2002/49/EC. Whilst Noise mapping itself doesn’t need continuous noise monitoring, states must produce a noise action plan which highlights actions they intend to take to reduce the number of people affected.
SUNET platform (System for Urban Noise and Eco-Traffic) was designed for improved management of the noise pollution in Cluj-Napoca and to provide up-to-date public data on a user-friendly interface. The implementation of the application over the entire municipality is highly advantageous for it creates a link between the town’s administration (the local authorities, the City Hall of Cluj-Napoca) and the user (the citizens) through this system which is dynamic, modern and compliant with the European regulations.
The Successive Applications of Two Types of Gauge Transformations for the q-Deformed Modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili Hierarchy
Authors: Li Na , Cheng Jipeng 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In this paper, the successive applications of two types of gauge transformation T

D
and T
I for the q-deformed modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy are discussed. It is found that TD
and TI
can commute with each other. We mainly studied products of n terms of TD
and k terms of TI
in three cases for different values of n and k. Finally, some applications of these results are also given.
Sequencing Effects of Object Control and Locomotor Skill During Integrated Neuromuscular Training in 6- to 7-Year-Old Children
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Hames Thomas , Eyre Emma L.J. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Duncan, MJ, Hames, T, and Eyre, ELJ. Sequencing effects of object control and locomotor skill during integrated neuromuscular training in 6- to 7-year-old children. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2262–2274, 2019—This study examined whether scheduling of object control (e.g., throwing, catching) and locomotor skills (e.g., running, jumping), within an integrated neuromuscular training program, result in different responses in motor competence, muscular fitness, and perceived motor competence in 6- to 7-year-old children. Seventy-seven boys and 63 girls (N = 140) from 3 primary schools were randomized into 3, 10-week interventions: Loco First (n = 50) where locomotor skills were performed first followed by object control skills, Object First (n = 48) where object control skills were performed first followed by locomotor skills, and a control group (CON) (n = 42) who undertook school physical education. Results indicated greater total motor competence in Loco First and Object First vs. CON (p = 0.001) with the increases in motor competence being greater for Object First vs. Loco First (p = 0.001). Sprint speed (10 m) was lower for object first vs. CON (p = 0.024). Standing long jump distance was greater in Loco First vs. CON (p = 0.0001) and Object First (p = 0.0001). Seated medicine ball throw distance was greater for Loco First and Object First vs. CON (both p = 0.001). Perceived motor competence was also higher for Object First vs. Loco First (p = 0.005) and CON (p = 0.001). This study suggests that scheduling object control skills before locomotor skills within school-based strength and conditioning has a greater effect on motor competence, muscular fitness, and perceived motor competence in 6- to 7-year-old children.
Strength Testing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Study Investigating Overlap of Tests
Authors: Barfod Kristoffer W. , Feller Julian A. , Clark Ross , Hartwig Taylor , Devitt Brian M. , Webster Kate E. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Barfod, KW, Feller, JA, Clark, R, Hartwig, T, Devitt, BM, and Webster, KE. Strength testing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective cohort study investigating overlap of tests. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3145–3150, 2019—The purpose of the present study was to determine whether overlap (redundancy) exists between individual tests in a comprehensive strength testing protocol used after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). If overlap is present, one or more components of the protocol could potentially be omitted to make the testing protocol more efficient, but without compromising the usefulness of the testing. Sixty-nine patients (46 male and 23 female patients; mean age 28 years) were strength tested at 6 and 12 months after ACLR as part of a prospective cohort study. The following knee flexor and extensor strength tests were performed: isokinetic concentric strength at 60 and 180°·s−1, isokinetic eccentric strength at 60°·s−1, and isometric knee flexor strength at 60° flexion. Peak and average torque values were extracted, and the ratio between the operated and non-operated limb was calculated as a limb symmetry index. Overlap of strength tests was investigated by fitting a linear regression model to the data with an R
2 threshold of 0.56 used as an indication of overlap. Overlap between peak and mean torque was present for extensor and flexor concentric and eccentric measurements at 12 months and for concentric measurements at 6 months. Peak torque measurements were therefore used for subsequent analysis. Concentric extensor peak torque at 60 and 180°·s−1 showed overlap at 6 months (R
2 = 0.73) but not at 12 months (R
2 = 0.37). No other overlap was identified. In conclusion, there is little room for omission of individual strength testing protocol components because of the lack of overlap between tests. Isometric, eccentric, and concentric tests may all provide unique information and all, therefore, should be considered for inclusion.