bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of the AhR reporter gene assay for the determination of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in feed samples
Authors: Piskorska-Pliszczyńska Jadwiga , Małagocki Paweł , Furga Beata , Gembal Magdalena , Cebulska Joanna 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) belong to a well-known group of pollutants. Present in feedstuffs, they bioaccumulate in tissues of food-producing animals. Food is the source of over 90% of human PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs intake. Thus, feed control is one of the pillars of the EU strategy and a mean of reducing human exposure. The article presents AhR based reporter gene bioassay method for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs analysis in feed and its validation results.

Material and Methods: Analytes were extracted from samples with fat. Subsequently, fat and other interferences were removed from extract using sulphuric acid modified silica. Extract was further cleaned and PCDD/Fs separated from DL-PCBs using carbon column. Contaminants detection was performed using H1L6.1c3 cell line, which produces luciferase in response to AhR ligands present in extract.

Results: Performance characteristics (repeatability, reproducibility, and apparent recovery) fulfil the requirements of Regulation 2017/771/EU. The positive correlation between bioassay and reference HRGC-HRMS method was confirmed. Moreover, the role of screening method used in connection with the confirmatory HRGC-HRMS method in providing feed and food safety has been discussed.

Conclusion: Bioassay is a useful method for dioxin and DL-PCBs analysis, allowing cost reduction of monitoring programmes with minimal risk of false negative results.
MDA and GSH-Px activity in transition dairy cows under seasonal variations and their relationship with reproductive performance
Authors: Colakoglu Hatice Esra , Yazlik Murat Onur , Kaya Ufuk , Colakoglu Ekrem Cagatay , Kurt Serdal , Oz Burcu , Bayramoglu Rustem , Vural Mehmet Rifat , Kuplulu Sukru 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroduction:The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels under seasonal variations in dairy cows during transition period, and to assess the relationship between chosen reproductive parameters, GSH-Px, and MDA.Material and Methods:Holstein cows calving in January were assigned into winter group (n = 42), while cows calving in August were assigned into summer group (n = 42). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein 21, 14, and 7 days before calving, at calving (0 day), and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Reproductive parameters obtained from farm records were evaluated.Results:In both groups of cows, GSH-Px activity decreased from 21 days before calving to day 0, and it gradually continued to increase until 21 days after calving. GSH-Px activity was higher in winter group compared to summer group during the transition period (P < 0.05). MDA levels in both groups increased over time starting from 21 days before calving to 0 day, but it gradually decreased thereafter. MDA levels were higher in summer group compared to winter group during the transition periods (P < 0.05). Summer group of cows showed higher intervals of calving-to-oestrus, calving-to-conception, and higher insemination index (P < 0.01). Negative correlation was recorded between GSH-Px and MDA during all examination days (P < 0.01). MDA levels correlated with calving to conception interval on day 21 before calving and day 0 (P < 0.01) and insemination index on day 0 and 21 days after calving (P < 0.01). GSH-Px activity was negatively correlated with calving to conception interval on day 21 before calving, day 0, and 21 days (P < 0.01) after calving. Negative correlation on day 21 before calving and day 0 was also determined between GSH-Px and insemination index (P < 0.01).Conclusion:This study showed that blood oxidant and antioxidant levels have affected the fertility parameters in cows under seasonal variations.
Therapeutic effect of hydrogen injected subcutaneously on onion poisoned dogs
Authors: Zhao Jinghua , Zhang Ming , Li Yue , Zhang Zhiheng , Chen Mingzi , Liu Tao , Zhang Jiantao , Shan Anshan 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of hydrogen on the therapy of onion poisoned dogs.

Material and Methods: A total of 16 adult beagle dogs were divided into two groups (control and hydrogen) and all were fed dehydrated onion powder at the dose of 10 g/kg for three days. The dogs of the experimental group were given subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mL/kg of hydrogen for 12 days after making the poisoned model successful. Blood samples were collected before feeding onions, one day before injecting hydrogen, and 2 h after the injection of hydrogen on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12. Control dogs were not treated with hydrogen.

Results: The levels of leukocyte production, anaemia, red blood cell degeneration which was reflected by the values of Heinz body count, haemolytic ratio, and oxidative products in hydrogen treated group were lower than in control dogs on some days. The capacity of medullary haematopoiesis that was based on reticulocyte counts, and the antioxidation in hydrogen group were higher compared with control group. However, the differences in renal function were not obvious in both groups.

Conclusion: Accordingly, it was concluded that subcutaneous injection of hydrogen could alleviate the symptoms in onion poisoned dogs.
Detection of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in biological samples by SYBR Green I and TaqMan probe-based real-time PCRs
Authors: Kędrak-Jabłońska Agnieszka , Budniak Sylwia , Krupa Marek , Szczawińska Anna , Reksa Monika , Szulowski Krzysztof , Iwaniak Wojciech 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was the application and comparison of real-time PCR methods based on the fluorescence of SYBR Green I intercalating dye and TaqMan probes for the detection of the 23S rDNA gene of Listeria spp. and the hlyA gene of Listeria monocytogenes in biological samples of the liver, brain, and blood.

Material and Methods: Five strains of L. monocytogenes and single strains of each species L. ivanovii, L. innocua, L. grayi, L. welshimeri, and L. seeligeri were used for the experiments. Additionally, five strains of other species of bacteria were used for evaluation of the specificity of tests. In the first stage of the study SYBR Green I real-time PCRs, one allowing detection of the 23S rDNA gene and two based on the amplification the hlyA gene, were performed. In the next part, three TaqMan probe-based real-time PCRs allowing confirmation of belonging to Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were conducted.

Results: The observation of amplification curves in real-time PCRs enabled the detection of both genes. A high regression coefficient of 0.99 was found for all reactions. Specific amplification products were obtained for the 23S rDNA and hlyA genes which confirm their belonging to Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes, respectively. Other microbial species did not reveal real-time PCR products.

Conclusion: Both real-time PCR methods for the detection of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in biological samples demonstrated a significant sensitivity and high specificity.
Occurrence of ochratoxin A in animal tissues and feeds in Poland in 2014–2016
Authors: Pietruszka Katarzyna , Piątkowska Marta , Jedziniak Piotr 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic metabolite mainly produced by Aspergillus spp. and Penicillum spp. fungi. Research on the contamination of cereals, complete feeds, and tissues with this mycotoxin has indicated that it can be a toxicological problem impacting animal health and food safety in temperate climes. OTA contamination mainly besets the global pig industry, necessitating the monitoring of feeds and animal tissues. The aim of the study was to present the results of the official monitoring of OTA in animal tissues and feeds in Poland in 2014–2016 and determine the possible correlation between the presence of OTA in different types of samples.

Material and Methods: The presence of ochratoxin A was determined using accepted procedures based on liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after immunoaffinity column clean-up. Determination of OTA was afforded in the range of 0.3 μg/kg to 300 μg/kg in complete feeds and from 0.2 μg/kg to 150 μg/kg in the kidneys, liver, and muscles.

Results: Over the three year span, about 23.5% of the animal tissues samples were contaminated by ochratoxin A. In the 2014 survey, 10% of the sample tissues contained 5–10 μg/kg (only one sample above 10 μg/kg), and in 2015 and 2016, 24% of samples showed levels above the limit of quantification 0.2 μg/kg, while none of the samples exceeded the established provisional action level of 5 μg/kg for animal tissues. The animal feed analysis showed that 9% was contaminated with ochratoxin A above the limit of quantification of 0.3μg/kg. In 2% of feed samples the OTA concentration was greater than 50 μg/kg.

Conclusion: The results confirm the appropriacy of OTA contamination monitoring and help to increase food safety.
Poultry in Poland as Chlamydiaceae carrier
Authors: Szymańska-Czerwińska Monika , Mitura Agata , Zaręba Kinga , Schnee Christiane , Koncicki Andrzej , Niemczuk Krzysztof 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia spp. in poultry in Poland and estimate possible transmission to humans.

Material and Methods: Molecular diagnostic methods followed by sequencing and strain isolation were used on cloacal/faecal swabs collected from 182 apparently healthy poultry flocks including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Serum samples obtained from people exposed (study group) and non-exposed (control group) to birds were tested by complement fixation test to acquire data on Chlamydia spp. antibody level.

Results: Overall, 15.9% of the tested flocks were Chlamydiaceae-positive and three Chlamydia spp. were identified. Predominant chlamydial agent found was C. gallinacea occurring in 65.5% of all positive poultry flocks and in 73.0% of positive chicken flocks. The sequences from four chicken flocks were assigned to C. abortus, whereas C. psittaci was confirmed in one duck and one goose flock. The analysis of ompA variable domains revealed at least nine genetic variants of C. gallinacea. Chlamydial antibodies were detected in 19.2% of human serum samples in the study group in comparison with 10.8% in the controls.

Conclusion: The obtained results confirm that chlamydiae are common among chicken flocks in Poland with C. gallinacea as a dominant species. Moreover, the presence of C. abortus in chickens is reported here for the first time. Further investigation should focus on possible zoonotic transmission of C. gallinacea and C. abortus as well as potential pathogenic effects on birds’ health and poultry production.
The Relationship Between the Intellectual Capital Disclosure and Cost of Debt Capital – A Case of Slovenian Private Audited Organisations
Authors: Stropnik Neca , Korošec Bojana , Tominc Polona 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe existing empirical research into the association between intellectual capital disclosures by organisations and the cost of debt is scarce or is based solely on the samples of the (large) listed organisations. Since agency issues between management/owners and lenders exist also in (large) private organisations whose financing is greatly dependent on loans and whose audited annual reports can be a source of additional information for external users, we performed an empirical research to find the answer to the question whether the level of intellectual capital disclosure (as a whole and of its sub-categories) of organisations is associated with the cost of their debt capital. Our study was performed on a sample of private Slovenian organisations with audited annual reports. The results of our research did not reveal that lenders would take into account intellectual capital disclosures by Slovenian private audited organisations as the information about the potential for their future cash flows when deciding on the cost of debt issued to these organisations.
Audits as a Vaccine or Just Aspirin?
Authors: Jagrič Timotej , Lešnik Tomaž 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This paper examines the impact of audits on voluntary tax compliance in the area of value added tax in Slovenia. The analyses argues that audited taxpayers with additional tax assessments as the result of an audit display a higher level of tax compliance within the year of the audit as within the year before audit, while audited taxpayers with no irregularities on the basis of an audit do not change their behavior significantly within the same period. However, regarding the longterm effect, the results reveal the possibility of worsening tax compliance with respect to audits where an additional tax assessment was imposed and where no irregularities were discovered during an audit.
Individual’s Resistance Regarding BPM Initiative: Case Study of the Insurance Company
Authors: Pejić Bach Mirjana , Bosilj Vukšić Vesna , Suša Vugec Dalia 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Though the individual’s resistance is very often considered a significant barrier to BPM success, the literature on that topic is quite scarce. With the aim to shed light on this topic, we have conducted research of a Croatian insurance company. We examined the impact of individual’s resistance regarding BPM initiative using the theory of reasoned action. Structural equation model was developed using the data collected by the survey among company employees. The results indicate that subjective norms are positively related to the individual’s resistance regarding BPM initiative, while positive initial belief regarding BPM initiative tends to decrease the probability of resistance to change.
Is there Something as an Ex-Yugoslavian HRM Model? – Sticking to the Socialist Heritage or Converging With Neoliberal Practices
Authors: Pološki Vokić Nina , Kohont Andrej , Slavić Agneš 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe question of this paper is whether there is an ex-Yugoslavia HRM model drawing upon Western imported features fused with ethno open-socialistic and self-management elements? In the empirical part Cranet data for 341 companies from Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia are analysed. Main characteristics of HRM systems in ex-Yugoslavia are: the HRM strategic partner role is still neglected, the mind-set of taking care for everybody is omnipresent, the value of performance management is not fully entrusted, the full-time employment still predominates, and the trade unions retained their barging power. Although 30 indicators revealed specifics of ex-Yugoslavia HRM model, the theorized hybrid HRM system was not disclosed.
Determinants of Subjective Emotional Well-Being and Self-Determination of Employees: Slovene Case
Authors: Šarotar Žižek Simona , Mulej Matjaž , Milfelner Borut 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWork is a crucial part of human life. One should attain employees’ well-being (WB) to support organisational success. In the first phase, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to assess the dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the reflective latent constructs. In the second phase, structural equation modelling was performed to test the research hypotheses. By structural equation modelling we found that physical health (PH) statistically significant negatively affects subjective emotional well-being (SEWB). Positive PH and SEWB were negatively connected. Emotional intelligence (EI) has a statistically significant impact on SEWB. The last relationship in the model—between spiritual intelligence (SI) and self-determination (SD)—was negative, but statistically significant. Therefore, human resource management’s activities (HRM) must concentrate on optimal physical/mental health, emotional (EI) and spiritual (SI) intelligence. Employees’ good health supports their emotional WB. Their emotional balance, based on their EI, enhances their subjective emotional WB and SD. The employees ’SI affects their SD.
Dimensions of Decision-Making Process Quality and Company Performance: A Study of Top Managers in Slovenia
Authors: Grušovnik Damjan , Kavkler Alenka , Uršič Duško 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This paper investigates the relationship between the dimensions of the decisionmaking process quality and company performance of top managers’ in Slovenia. We found out that companies whose managers exhibit an above-average dimension of openness of spirit in the quality of the decision making process, on average, have a higher stance on foreign markets as companies in which managers show a below-average open spirit. For the managers who work in companies that are present in foreign markets, we could confirm that there is a low/weak correlation between the dimension of effort of the decision-making process quality and the number of employees in a company.
The effects of royal jelly on the oxidant-antioxidant system in rats with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced breast cancer
Authors: Malkoç Meltem , Us Altay Diler , Alver Ahmet , Ersöz Şafak , Şen Tuğba Mazlum , Kural Birgül Vanizor , Uydu Hüseyin Avni 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the effect of royal jelly (RJ) on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in rats with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) induced breast cancer and to compare this with the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel.

Material and methods
Fifty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Except control group (n=8, Group I) others received MNU (50 mg/kg, a single dose, i.p.) to develop breast cancer: Group II (n=8) untreated, Group III (n=7) treated with paclitaxel (15 mg/kg/week, 3 times, i.p.), Group IV (n=7) with RJ (by oral gavage, 100 mg/kg/day, for 30 days), and Group V (n=7), with paclitaxel+RJ. At the end of 30 days, histopathological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in breast tissues.

Results
Levels of protein carbonyl (PC) and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were higher in Group V than in Group II while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower in groups IV and V compared to Group II (p<0.05). Levels of catalase (CAT) in Group V and glutathione (GSH) in Group III were higher than Group II (p<0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels did not significantly different. Decreasing effect of RJ on CA15-3 levels was relevant to histopathological results.

Conclusion
Although RJ (with or without paclitaxel) had increasing effect of antioxidant status it was insufficient to reduce oxidative stress in breast cancer.
Large-Scale Combination Direct Shear/Simple Shear Device for Tire-Derived Aggregate
Authors: Fox Patrick J. , Thielmann Stuart S. , Sanders Michael J. , Latham Christopher , Ghaaowd Ismaail , McCartney John S. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This paper describes a novel large-scale device capable of performing both direct shear and simple shear tests to evaluate shear deformation and strength properties of Type B tire-derived aggregate (TDA). The device consists of stacked tubular steel members that can be locked as upper and lower rigid sections to displace relative to one another in direct shear or pinned at the ends to translate in simple shear. For both configurations, the TDA specimen has a length of 3,048 mm, a width of 1,220 mm, and an initial height up to 1,830 mm. The upper rigid section of the device can also be used to conduct interface direct shear tests. Vertical stress is applied to the top surface of the specimen using deadweights and horizontal shearing force is applied using two hydraulic actuators in displacement-control mode. Typical results from internal direct shear, concrete interface direct shear, and cyclic simple shear tests are presented. In direct shear mode, the device allows for mobilization of peak shear strength and, in simple shear mode, for evaluation of shear stiffness and damping ratio under large strain conditions for TDA with large particle size.
Experimental Study on the Impact Properties of Concrete Bridge Pier Reinforced with Stainless Steel Rebar
Authors: Zhang Guoxue , Chen Ziqing , Lu Juan , Xu Shixiang , Zhou Xiwu 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
In this study, in order to examine the impact properties of a stainless steel reinforced concrete bridge pier under the conditions of horizontal impact load effects, a multifunction ultrahigh heavy drop hammer impact test system was utilized. The stainless steel reinforced concrete bridge piers had different impact energies, and the impact force time-history, displacement time-history, and strain time-history curves, as well as the crack developing state, were obtained during the testing. The test results showed that the peak values of the impact force, strain, and displacement increased with the increase of the impact energy under the impact load, and the fluctuation frequency also increased. The crack development was mainly concentrated in the lower frontal section of the bridge pier, as well as the middle and lower sections of the back of the bridge pier.
Theoretical Prediction of Forming Limit Diagrams for B1500HS Steel at Elevated Temperature Based on Modified Arrhenius and M–K Models
Authors: Hou Hongli , Li Huiping , He Lianfang 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Boron steel B1500HS deforms at elevated temperature under the complete austenite state, and it accords with the 0-angle necking type, irrespective of the strain state on the left- or right-hand side of the forming limit diagram (FLD), which is in accordance with the M–K simplified model. However, the constitutive equation significantly affects the prediction of the FLD of the sheet metal. In this study, the modified Arrhenius model, including the deformation activation energy and the deformation temperature, describing the hot deformation of the sample with austenitic microstructure combined with the Logan–Hosford yield criterion and the Von Mises yield criterion, was used to predict the forming limits of boron steel B1500HS. The theoretical calculation of the forming limits for B1500HS steel at elevated temperature and under different conditions was carried out, and the FLD predicted by the theoretical calculation was found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. It was concluded that with decrease in the initial inhomogeneity of the material, the hot forming limit curves for B1500HS steel at elevated temperature decreased, and the initial inhomogeneity coefficient f0 = 0.997 was better for the accurate prediction of the hot forming limits of boron steel. With increasing forming temperature, the forming limit curves calculated for B1500HS steel at elevated temperature increased. With increasing mean strain rate, the forming limit curves of B1500HS steel at elevated temperature increased slightly.