bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging Chytrid Fungal Pathogen, Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis, in Zoo Amphibians in Thailand
Authors: Techangamsuwan Somporn , Sommanustweechai Angkana , Kamolnorranart Sumate , Siriaroonrat Boripat , Khonsue Wichase , Pirarat Nopadon 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChytridiomycosis, a disease in amphibians caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has led to a population decline and extinction of frog species since 1996. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and the need for establishing a surveillance system for monitoring chytridiomycosis in five national zoos and five free ranging protected areas across Thailand. A total of 492 skin swab samples were collected from live and dead animals and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Bd. The positive specimens were confi rmed by amplicon sequencing and examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. From July 2009 to August 2012, the prevalence of Bd from frog skin samples was low (4.27%), monitored by PCR. All samples from live amphibians were negative. The positive cases were only from dead specimens (21/168, 12.5% dead samples) of two non-native captive species, poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) and tomato frog (Dyscophus antongilii) in one zoo. Immunohistochemistry and histopathology revealed the typical feature of fl ask-shaped zoosporangia and septate thalli, supporting the PCR-based evidence of chytridiomycosis in captive amphibians in Thailand, but detected Bd in only 7/21 of the PCR-positive samples. Although the introduction of a pathogenic strain of Bd from imported carriers might have a serious impact on the native amphibian populations in Thailand, chytridiomycosis has not currently been detected in native Thai amphibians. An active surveillance system is needed for close monitoring of the fungus crossing into Thai amphibian populations
Increased Activity of Hippocampal Antioxidant Enzymes as an Important Adaptive Phenomenon of the Antioxidant Defense System in Chronically Stressed Rats
Authors: Popović Nataša , Pajović B. Snežana , Stojiljković Vesna , Todorović Ana , Pejić Snežana , Pavlović Ivan , Gavrilović Ljubica 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This study examined the effects of chronic restraint stress (CRS: 2 hours × 14 days) on gene expression of three antioxidant enzymes, copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD 1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD 2) and catalase (CAT) in the rat hippocampus. Also, we examined changes in the activities of SOD 1, SOD 2 and CAT in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats. Investigated parameters were quantifi ed by using real-time RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and assay of enzymatic activity. We found that CRS did not change mRNA and protein levels of SOD 1 and CAT, but increased mRNA and protein levels of SOD 2. However, CRS treatment increased the enzyme activities of SOD 1, SOD 2 and CAT. Our fi ndings indicate that the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD 1, SOD 2 and CAT) in the hippocampus may be an important adaptive phenomenon of the antioxidant defense system in chronically stressed rats.
Mitigation of Distributed Denial of Service Attacks in the Cloud
Authors: Alosaimi Wael , Zak Michal , Al-Begain Khalid , Alroobaea Roobaea , Masud Mehedi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCybersecurity attacks resulting in loss of availability of cloud services can have significantly higher impact than those in the traditional stand-alone enterprise setups. Therefore, availability attacks, such as Denial of Service attacks (DoS); Distributed DoS attacks (DDoS) and Economical Denial of Sustainability (EDoS) attacks receive increasingly more attention. This paper surveys existing DDoS attacks analyzing the principles, ways of launching and their variants. Then, current mitigation systems are critically discussed. Based on the identification of the weak points, the paper proposes a new mitigation system named as DDoS-Mitigation System (DDoS-MS) that attempts to overcome the identified gap. The proposed framework is evaluated, and an enhanced version of the proposed system called Enhanced DDoS-MS is presented. In the end, the paper presents some future directions of the proposed framework.
Security Solution for ARP Cache Poisoning Attacks in Large Data Centre Networks
Authors: Prabadevi B. , Jeyanthi N. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The bridge protocol (Address Resolution Protocol) ARP, integrating Ethernet (Layer 2) and IP protocol (Layer 3) plays a vital role in TCP/IP communication since ARP packet is the first packet generated during any TCP/IP communications and they are the first traffic from the host. In the large data center, as the size of the broadcast domain (i.e., number of hosts on the network) increases consequently the broadcast traffic from the communication protocols like ARP also increases. This paper addresses the problem faced by Layer 2 protocols like insecured communication, scalability issues and VM migration issues. The proposed system addresses these issues by introducing two new types of messaging with traditional ARP and also combat the ARP Cache poisoning attacks like host impersonation, MITM, Distributed DoS by making ARP stateful. The components of the proposed methodology first start the process by decoding the packets, updates the invalid entry made by the user with Timestamp feature and messages being introduced. The system has been implemented and compared with various existing solutions.
Robust Active Contour Model Guided by Local Binary Pattern Stopping Function
Authors: Azizi Abdallah , Elkourd Kaouther , Azizi Zineb 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Edge based active contour models are adequate to some extent in segmenting images with intensity inhomogeneity but often fail when applied to images with poorly defined or noisy boundaries. Instead of the classical and widely used gradient or edge stopping function which fails to stop contour evolution at such boundaries, we use local binary pattern stopping function to construct a robust and effective active contour model for image segmentation. In fact, comparing to edge stopping function, local binary pattern stopping function accurately distinguishes object’s boundaries and determines the local intensity variation dint to the local binary pattern textons used to classify the image regions. Moreover, the local binary pattern stopping function is applied using a variational level set formulation that forces the level set function to be close to a signed distance function to eliminate costly re-initialization and speed up the motion of the curve. Experiments on several gray level images confirm the advantages and the effectiveness the proposed model.
ISAR Image Recognition Algorithm and Neural Network Implementation
Authors: Lazarov A. , Minchev C. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The image recognition and identification procedures are comparatively new in the scope of ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar) applications and based on specific defects in ISAR images, e.g., missing pixels and parts of the image induced by target’s aspect angles require preliminary image processing before identification. The present paper deals with ISAR image enhancement algorithms and neural network architecture for image recognition and target identification. First, stages of the image processing algorithms intended for image improving and contour line extraction are discussed. Second, an algorithm for target recognition is developed based on neural network architecture. Two Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) neural networks are constructed in Matlab program environment. A training algorithm by teacher is applied. Final identification decision strategy is developed. Results of numerical experiments are presented.
Some aspects of the biology of Abu mullet Liza abu (Heckel, 1843) in the Orontes River, Turkey
Authors: Ay Sezen , Özcan Gülnaz 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The age, growth and reproduction are described for 411 individuals of abu mullet from the Orontes River in Turkey between May 2011 and April 2012. The overall male to female ratio was 1:1.29. Fork length of all individuals ranged from 2.2 to 18.5 cm and total weight from 1.85 to 66.40 g. Isometric growth was observed for males (b=2.938) and all individuals (b=2.907); positive allometric growth was observed for females (b=3.246). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters based on data from otoliths were L∞ = 19.48 cm, k=0.258 year−1 and t0=−1.738 years for males, L∞ = 20.31 cm, k=0.313 year−1 and t0=−1.432 years for females. The growth performance index (Φ) was found to be 1.99 for males, 2.11 for females and 2.18 for all individuals. The mean condition factor (K) was calculated as 0.792±0.027 for males and 0.835±0.030 for females. Length at maturity was 11.49 cm for males and 11.82 cm for females. The fecundity was 14413±1569 with an egg diameter of 0.44±0.07 mm. Spawning period was between April and August. Abu mullet has acclimated well in the Orontes River and is capable of successful reproduction. Its calculated age and size at maturity was smaller and younger than for other populations.
The Review of Ecological and Genetic Research of Ponto-Caspian Gobies (Pisces, Gobiidae) in Europe
Authors: Jakšić Goran , Jadan Margita , Piria Marina 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInvasive Ponto-Caspian gobies (monkey gobyNeogobius fluviatilis,round gobyNeogobius melanostomusand bighead gobyPonticola kessleri)have recently caused dramatic changes in fish assemblage structure throughout European river systems. This review provides summary of recent research on their dietary habits, age and growth, phylogenetic lineages and gene diversity. The principal food of all three species is invertebrates, and more rarely fish, which depends on the type of habitat, part of the year, as well as the morphological characteristics of species. According to the von Bertalanffy growth model, size at age is specific for the region, but due to its disadvantages it is necessary to test other growth models. Phylogenetic analysis of monkey goby and round goby indicates separation between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea haplotypes. The greatest genetic diversity is found among populations of the Black Sea, and the lowest among European invaders. The lack of molecular research on bighead goby requires further studies.
A review of introduction of common carp Cyprinus carpio in Pakistan: origin, purpose, impact and management
Authors: Khan Muhammd Naeem , Shahzad Khurram , Chatta Ansar , Sohail Muhammad , Piria Marina , Treer Tomislav 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Common carp Cyprinus carpio was introduced from Thailand to Pakistan in 1964 for the purpose of aquaculture. Due to its high tolerance to temperature and turbidity, and prolific pond breeding habit, it was established promptly in most of natural inland waters, including rivers, lakes, streams, canals, wetlands and even village ponds of the country. Although common carp became one of the most abundant cyprinid species in inland waters and important food fish in Pakistan, its impact is not well documented. Fish farming of common carp has been carried out in Pakistan since 1970; initially it grew slowly but now it is playing an important role in the economy of the country by employing more than 400,000 people. Nowadays, farming of freshwater carps is present throughout Pakistan, especially in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. There is a huge potential in common carp farming and it could help increase the livelihood of people and gross domestic product (GDP) of the country as well. Still, there is a need to improve the fish farming practice to meet the world-class demands that could only be possible by the keen interest of policy makers and stake holders with better management.
Genetic Diversity by Rapd in Four Populations of Rohu Labeo Rohita
Authors: Kabir Alamgir , Rahman Mohammad Shamsur , Begum Mahmuda , Faruque Hasan 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Genetic diversity in four geographically distinct rohu (Labeo rohita) populations such as rohu Khulna, rohu India, rohu Faridpur and rohu Barisal was determined by RAPD. The banding pattern showed that rohu India was genetically different from the rest three. A total of 87 bands were found in four rohu populations where 35 bands were polymorphic, indicating 48.38% polymorphisms with an average of 12 bands per primer. The molecular size of amplified DNA fragments ranged from 400 to 1250 bp. Eight unique bands were observed in the four populations of which six were found in rohu Indian population. The genetic distance was highest (0.7221) and genetic identity was lowest (0.4857) between rohu India and rohu Barisal populations. Among three local varieties, the lowest genetic distance and highest genetic identity were found between rohu Khulna and rohu Faridpur populations. The UPGMA dendrogram segregated four populations of rohu into three major clusters - C1, C2 and C3. Rohu India was positioned at a fully different cluster - C3, rohu Khulna was placed in C2 and the rest two populations in C1.
Threatened Fishes of the World: Orsinogobius Croaticus (Mrakovčić, Kerovec, Mišetić and Schneider, 1996) (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: Horvatić Sven , Marčić Zoran , Mrakovčić Milorad , Mustafić Perica , Buj Ivana , Ćaleta Marko , Zanella Davor 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Orsinogobius croaticus is a freshwater fish with a small and limited distribution range in the Adriatic basin in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, where it inhabits cold karstic rivers and springs. The main threats to its populations include habitat fragmentation, declining habitat quality and the introduction of alien species. Conservation recommendations are proposed to improve effective habitat preservation and to expand the knowledge about this species.
The French Contract Law Reform and the Political Process
Authors: Fauvarque-Cosson Bénédicte 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the political process which led to the adoption of one of the most important reforms of the Code civil since 1804. This major revision of the French Code civil took place by way of an ‘ordonnance’ (delegated legislation). That, in itself, was highly controversial. As regards substance, the most controversial points related to the need to strike a new balance between contractual justice and legal certainty in French contract law to make it better suited to economic and social life in the twenty-first century. The French contract law reform began at the instigation of President Chirac, was continued under Sarkozy’s presidency and was finally completed while François Hollande was the President of France. This background might suggest that, from a political standpoint, the new provisions of the Code civil successfully struck the right balance between legal certainty and contractual justice; if only political life were so simple. As will be shown in the second part of this paper, many questions remain open. The first part recounts the story behind the reform, from its origins to its completion. The second part gives some further insight into some emblematic new provisions of the Code civil.
What is a Modern Law of Contracts?
Authors: Fabre-Magnan Muriel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe recent reform of French law of contract consecrates and indeed reinforces those mechanisms designed to protect weaker parties that had been recognized progressively by the courts. This is not to say that the brief for contractual justice is now exhausted. Many questions have arisen that are not dealt with by the new legislation, but nor are they by the law of other Member States of the European Union, or indeed by the Common Frame of Reference. Three examples of contemporary problems that contract lawyers should address, are discussed here: access to vital goods and services to persons; the quality of goods and services provided under the contract; and the production process of these goods and services. On these three points, proposals are made which might serve as a basis for a new manifesto for social justice in European contract law.
La Cause a-t-elle réellement disparu du Droit français des Contrats?
Authors: Deshayes Olivier , Genicon Thomas , Laithier Yves-Marie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHas French law abandoned the concept of « cause » ? That is the impression one might have on reading the new provisions of the Civil Code, introduced by the Ordonnance of 10 February 2016, and certain commentaries. Accused of being a source of deviance and misunderstanding, the « cause » had to be eradicated, it was said, so that clarity, security and attractiveness of the Code be restored. A closer look, however, shows how far from reality this much-told fable actually is. Two sets of factors bear witness to the perennity of the « cause » in the new law. Firstly, the vast majority of previous « cause »-based solutions are taken up by new provisions. The « cause » remains but its presence is masked by a new designation (« motive » or « purpose », for example). Secondly, there are situations where, in a quest for coherence or in order to fill a gap, a « cause »-based reasoning will prevail exactly as it did before the reform.When all is said and done, it is a strange reform that removes the name while allowing the substance to remain.
Application of modern classification methods in the study of bilingualism
Authors: Vargha András , Borbély Anna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe main goal of the present paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of some modern cluster analytic techniques in linguistics by means of data from a longitudinal study of language shift of a Romanian community living in Hungary (Borbély 2016). Based on this sample we attempted to explore statistically valid and linguistically meaningful homogeneous types, which characterize bilingual adult persons of a Romanian community in Hungary.
Predicting Short-Term HR Response to Varying Training Loads Using Exponential Equations
Authors: Hoffmann K. , Wiemeyer J. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Aim of this study was to test whether a monoexponential formula is appropriate to analyze and predict individual responses to the change of load bouts online during training. Therefore, 234 heart rate (HR) data sets obtained from extensive interval protocols of four participants during a twelve-week training intervention on a bike ergometer were analyzed. First, HR for each interval was approximated using a monoexponential formula. HR at onset of exercise (HRstart), HR induced by load (HRsteady) and the slope of HR (c) were analyzed. Furthermore, a calculation routine incrementally predicted HRsteady using measured HR data after onset of exercise. Validity of original and approximated data sets were very high (r² =0.962, SD =0.025; Max =0.991, Min =0.702). HRstart was significantly different between all participants (one exception). HRsteady was similar in all participants. Parameter c was independent of the duration of intervention and intervals regarding one training session but was significantly different in all participants (one exception). Final HR was correctly predicted on average after 58.8 s (SD = 34.77, Max =150 s, Min =30 s) based on a difference criteria of less than 5 bpm. In 3 participants, HRsteady was predicted correctly in 142 out of 175 courses (81.1%).
Förderung von Visual Literacy im DaF-Unterricht anhand von Werbeanzeigen
Authors: Kienberger Martina 
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung

Medienkompetenz und Visual Literacy („visuelle Kompetenz“ im Sinne eines reflektierten, bewussten Sehens) sind Anliegen, die in der bildungspolitischen Debatte und der pädagogischen Forschung zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnen. Besonders für den muttersprachlichen Deutschunterricht wurden interessante Konzepte entwickelt, die als Anregung für den Fremdsprachenunterricht dienen können. Als Textsorte zur Förderung visueller Kompetenz sind Werbeanzeigen aufgrund ihrer Gestaltungsmerkmale und ihrer gesellschaftlich-kulturellen Bedeutung besonders geeignet. Ausgehend von den Ansätzen Christian Doelkers und Klaus Maiwalds zur Analyse bilddominierter Medienangebote, zur Beschreibung und Förderung visueller Kompetenz sowie unter Berücksichtigung der Spezifika der Textsorte und bereits vorhandener Vorschläge zu deren Behandlung im Fremdsprachenunterricht wurde ein Modell zur Förderung von Visual Literacy entwickelt, welches verschiedene Lernziele des DaF-Unterrichts integriert. Der Beitrag skizziert die didaktisch-methodischen Überlegungen und veranschaulicht die Ideen anhand eines praktischen Beispiels.
Figurative language in intercultural communication – a case study of German-Southern African international academic discourse
Authors: Senkbeil Karsten 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article analyzes intercultural academic discourse in an international research project involving German and Southern African scholars, with an eye on the use of figurative language in authentic communication. It combines intercultural pragmatics with a cognitive approach to figurative language as an expression of conceptual, cognitive patterns. This paper intends to show how international academics involved in intercultural communication actively and creatively apply metaphoric and other forms of figurative language to co-construct and conceptualize academic subject matter in transculturally understandable forms, and to forge a group identity in what has been called a “discursive interculture.” The quality and communicative success of figurative language for such purposes depends on various factors, for which both pragmatic and cognitive linguistic perspectives provide explanations, which is why an interdisciplinary integration of methods is advisable.
Shifting Food Consciousness: Homesteading Blogs and The Inner Work of Food
Authors: Lundahl Audrey 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article explores the often overlooked work of growing food at home as food justice activism. It explores several questions, including: is home food production food activism/social justice work? How accessible is at-home food production? What are the assumptions and claims made by people who produce food at home, and what challenges do they face? Using an ecowomanist theoretical framework, the article analyzes blog posts written by four homesteading bloggers. It argues two points: that growing food at home shifts and develops a food consciousness, which leads to a more just relationship with food, and that the bloggers engage in intentional food production practices in order to bring more awareness to their individual interactions with all parts of the food system.
The changing paradigm of resection margins in sarcoma resection
Authors: Harati Kamran , Lehnhardt Marcus 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSoft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of rare mesenchymal tumors that account for approximately 1% of all adult malignancies. They can arise throughout the body due to their mesenchymal origin, although 60% of all STS occur in the extremities. Locally advanced STS can lead to significant functional morbidity and tend to local recurrences despite surgical resection. About 30% of all STS patients develop distant metastases with a median overall survival of less than 15 months. The treatment of choice in patients with localized disease is still surgical resection with negative margins. However, there has been a paradigm shift in the last few decades. Large retrospective analyses could not establish a strong association between radical resections and improved local control or survival. Previous radical concepts in STS surgery have been gradually replaced by more moderate approaches with function- and limb-sparing resections combined with radiotherapy. Here, the margin status appears to be of prognostic significance. However, several large retrospective analyses have presented inconsistent results, questioning the independent prognostic impact of surgical margins. This article reviews the literature critically, focusing on the changing role of surgical margins in STS surgery.