bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Hg uptake and transport between paddy soil and rice seeds combining Hg isotopic composition and speciation
Authors: Feng C. , Pedrero Z. , Li P. , Du B. , Feng X. , Monperrus M. , Tessier E. , Berail S. , Amouroux D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Human consumption of rice constitutes a potential toxicological risk in mercury (Hg) polluted areas such as Hg mining regions in China. It is recognized to be an important source of Hg for the local human diet considering the efficient bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in rice seed. To assess Hg sources and uptake pathways to the rice plants, Hg speciation and isotopic composition were investigated in rice seeds and their corresponding paddy soils from different locations within the Wanshan Hg mining area (Guizhou Province, China). A large variation of Hg speciation is observed in rice seeds and paddy soils irrespective of the sampling location. Mass dependent fractionation (MDF) of Hg in rice seeds differs by up to ∼4.0 ‰ in δ202Hg values, while mass independent fractionation (MIF) of Hg isotopes remains constant (Δ199Hg ∼ 0‰). Hg isotopic composition in rice seeds covaries with that of paddy soils but exhibits lighter isotopic signature (δ202Hg). Such isotopic offset is mainly attributed to plant uptake and translocation processes. Also, seeds containing higher MeHg (MeHg/total Hg &gt; 50%) have significantly heavier Hg isotopes suggesting that MeHg uptake and transport to the seed in such rice plants is facilitated compared to inorganic Hg.
De-constructing monoculturalism on the German screen: A critical cultural reading of On the Other Side
Authors: Khrebtan-Hörhager Julia 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This article provides a critical cultural analysis of Fatih Akin’s On the Other Side; a celebrated European drama and a multiple award winner, as a case study depicting contemporary German Turkish intercultural dynamics. It focuses on the politics of intersectional representation of Turks and examines implications of strategic cinematographic othering in today’s Germany, marked by growing Islamophobia. Building upon Chancellor Merkel’s 2010 statement about the death of German multiculturalism, as well as her 2015 statement about multiculturalism being a ‘White Lie’, this article introduces a concept of Monoculturalism and explores its on-screen manifestations and cultural implications for the contemporary Europe.
Reviews
Authors: Pardoe Sheila , Whitley Leila 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Caribbean Spaces: Esc apes from Twilight Zones, Carole Boyce Davies (2013) Urbana, Chicago and Springfield: University of Illinois Press, 250 pp., ISBN: 9780252079535, £18.49
Dest ination It aly: Representing Migration in Contemporary Media and Narrative, Emma Bond, Guido Bonsaver, Federico Faloppa (2015) Oxford, Bern, Berlin, Bruxelles, Frankfurt am Main, New York, Wien: Peter Lang, 467 pp., ISBN: 9783034309615, £45.00
17. A 22:6 n-3 Rich Supplement Affects the Ruminal Microbial Community and Fermentation and Alters Plasma Metabolites
Authors: Lv Xuejiao , Mao Shengyong , Zhu Weiyun 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a 22:6 n-3 rich supplement on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial changes, and also the effects of a 22:6 n-3 rich supplement on plasma metabolites by using rumen cannulated wether goats in a 4×4 Latin square design. The 22:6 n-3 rich supplement was infused into the rumen of the goats twice daily in equal portions at a rate of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 g/d [corresponding to 0, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.5% of diets (dry material base), respectively]. The concentration of NH3-N and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), and the molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were decreased by the supplement (P<0.001). The supplement decreased diversity of the rumen bacterial community (P<0.01), and reduced the abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, R. albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and protozoa (P<0.01). However, it increased the abundance of ruminal fungi (P<0.01). The supplement had no influence on the concentration of plasma glucose, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and urea but increased the concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol (P<0.05). In conclusion, the 22:6 n-3 rich supplement inhibited ruminal fermentation and this was accompanied by the decrease of the abundance of ruminal microbes, and also affected plasma metabolites.
Effect of Alfalfa Protein Concentrate (APC) Supplementation to Fattener Diets on Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality
Authors: Pietrzak Krzysztof , Grela Eugeniusz R. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The aim of the study was to estimate the effects of different levels of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) supplementation on pig performance, carcass value and meat quality. The experiment was conducted on 50 crossbred pigs (PL × PLW) × Duroc of 29.0±0.5 kg initial body weight, which were divided into four treatment groups. Control (C) group was fed standard mixtures, groups E15 and E30 were fed with 1.5% or 3.0% APC additive, respectively. In group E30P the animals received feed including 3.0% APC for 14 days, followed by 14 treatment-free days. The production results were based on AGD, FCR, FI. Some slaughter traits and carcass value were measured. Determinations were carried out for physicochemical properties of fresh and thermally treated m. longissimus. The tissue samples (backfat, m. longissimus, liver, heart) were collected to analyze the fatty acid profile and cholesterol content. The recorded ADG was by 4.8% higher and FCR by 4.3% lower in E30P group as compared to control. The loin eye area was larger than in group C by 7.0% and by 8.3% in groups E30 and E30P, respectively. Carcass meatiness was also higher in groups E30 and E30P as compared to control, by 5.0% and 5.6%, respectively. The higher (P≤0.05) TPA parameters (hardness, chewiness and gumminess), as compared to control, was characteristic of the meat from animals receiving 3.0% APC. The lowest cholesterol content in the tissue samples (backfat, m. longissimus, liver) was recorded in group E30 (1.01, 0.51, 3.19 mg/g, respectively). Better fatty acid composition in backfat and m. longissimus was observed after 3.0% APC introduction into fatteners diet.
The Right for Regional Integration Organisations to Protect Democracy: Legitimacy at the Regional Level?
Authors: Nyman-Metcalf Katrin , Papageorgiou Ioannis 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Recently there have been several examples of different regional integration systems intervening to prevent unconstitutional events. The interventions can be based on explicit powers or be developed in response to events. This happens despite most regional integration systems having economic cooperation rather than explicit democratisation aims. Organs that issue laws or take constraining decisions must have a clear right to do this and a basis for exercising power-in other words, be legitimate. Where legitimacy comes from is debated, but as most countries today are democracies or purport to be, it somehow emanates from the people. National governments have a higher degree of legitimacy than regional integration organisations, possibly except the European Union. Regional integration organisations have to prove their legitimacy. The article examines if, to what extent, and on what basis regional integration systems have the right to exercise an independent role on the global stage. Legitimacy is a precondition for effective application of decisions of the organisation. Given the frequent lack of strong enforcement mechanisms, the question of legitimacy becomes even more important. With strong legitimacy, decisions taken by the regional integration organisation will be followed to a large extent even despite absence of effective enforcement mechanisms.
Restrictions on European Union Citizens’ Freedom of Movement and Residence in the Country on Grounds of Public Policy, Public Security and Public Health
Authors: Junevičius Algis , Daugėlienė Rasa 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The free movement of persons is one of the most successful European Union projects, serving as a majorly important factor promoting the European integration processes. The adoption of the Treaty on the European Union and the creation of EU citizenship implemented significant changes: the status of EU citizens and their right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States can no longer be interpreted in the way it was before the adoption of the Treaty on the European Union. There are no requirements for EU citizens within the Treaty to pursue professional or independent activities or to work under an employment contract in order to access provided rights. However, the right of free movement is not unlimited. The administrations of the Member State governments are authorized to impose restictions on the free movement of citizens. In the light of these facts, this article examines exceptions in the field of free movement of persons and indentifies concepts of public policy, public security and public health. Special attention is given to so-called rule limitation of restrictions and to the mechanism of protection against expulsion from the country. The article concludes by saying that the institutions of Member State governments have the right to evaluate threats within the territory of the country and to decide on the content of public security by themselves. However, their discretion can not be used as an instrument to treat the conduct of other Member State citizens in a worse way than that of their own local citizens.
Czech pension reform: how to reconcile equivalence with fiscal discipline
Authors: Potůček Martin , Rudolfová Veronika 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
One of the recent changes in the Czech Republic’s pension system was provoked by a petition to the Constitutional Court. The setting of bend points for determining the amount of pensions depending on the insured person’s previous earnings was contested as discrimination against higher income categories. The Constitutional Court granted the petition. The result was an approval and implementation of an amendment to Act No. 155/1995 Coll., on Pension Insurance, that for the purposes of calculating the level of old-age pensions favoured the highest income decile at the expense of most other insured persons, namely those with middle incomes. Simultaneously, the political criterion of fiscal discipline was applied to ensure the financial sustainability of the pension system. In analysing this case, we critically adopt the theory of actor-centred institutionalism and the theory of the policy cycle. From the nature of the analysed case it follows that we pay attention mainly to the legislative process which resulted in the amendment. Our methodology is dominated by analysis of documents (legal norms, court decisions, political programmes, official publications) and political and administrative communication (including debates on legislative drafts in the executive and legislature).
Laboratory Experiments in Teaching Public Economics and Policy
Authors: Špačková Zuzana 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper deals with classroom experiments in economics, which have been derived from laboratory experiments. These experiments cover a broad range of topics, from strictly economic ones (like market games or auctions) to those with overlaps to other domains such as public policy. The paper discusses different methodologies of research and classroom experiments, introduces the benefits of the latter and presents a concrete teaching experiment used in public economics courses at the Faculty of Economics and Administration of Masaryk University. Another link between economic experiments and public policy is outlined here as well, namely the importance of experimental results for public policy makers.
An Overview of Discourses on Knowledge in Policy: Thinking Knowledge, Policy and Conflict Together
Authors: Sedlačko Michal , Staroňová Katarína 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Around the world, there is a growing interest among policy scholars and practitioners in the role of knowledge in relation to public policy. These debates are accompanied by some confusion about what is meant by knowledge or evidence, as well as controversies around the role of scientists and suspicions of increasingly technocratic decision making. Our aim is to provide a useful overview of the major debates in this paper, and to trace six dominant discourses in current research that address the role of scientific knowledge or expertise in the policy process. We distinguish evidence-based policy making, knowledge utilisation, policy learning, knowledge transfer, social construction of knowledge and boundaries, and knowing in practice as separate discourses. We show how they differ in their understanding of knowledge, of the problem to solve in terms of the role of knowledge in policy, of practical implications, as well as in their understanding of public policy and in their ontologies and epistemologies. A condensed and structured representation serves as a basis for conducting comparisons across discourses as well as to open ways for analysis of strategic associations between the discourses. We hope to contribute to extending the discussion of knowledge in policy into the realm of epistemic politics and we suggest several avenues for future research that can draw on a range of concepts from across all of the discourses.
Measuring the Use of Knowledge in Policy Development
Authors: Witting Antje 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Public hearings are frequently used on all levels of government to systematically collect and analyze information in the early stages of legislative policymaking. The methods currently employed measure knowledge utilization in this context by means of citation analysis of edited articles and/or reports that summarize the information shared at these meetings. By combining citation analysis and social network analysis, this article develops a methodology that can be used to capture citations in transcripts of public hearings that precede these reports. In order to demonstrate its strengths and weaknesses, the method is utilized to analyze the 2009 hearings that informed the 2010 House of Commons Transport Committee report on developing the capacity of major roads in the United Kingdom to meet the country’s strategic transport needs. The research shows a good degree of consistency between two independent coders who employed this method to distinguish citations from non-citations and classify the data. It is concluded that the method can be utilized to reliably measure knowledge utilization at public hearings, and that it can be employed in conjunction with research that focuses on measuring citations in memos, briefings, articles or reports integrating some of the evidence given at these meetings.
What Do Diploma Theses Unveil about Academic Public Policy in the Czech Republic?
Authors: Mouralová Magdalena , Hejzlarová Eva M. , Holík Rudolf , Hubáček Miroslav , Jeřábková Anna 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Although textbooks, conference papers, scientific journals and monographs deal with the research aspects of public policy, only little attention is paid to the way it is taught at universities. In this article we aim to explore academic public policy in the Czech Republic - specifically in terms of teaching outputs - using a unique method: an analysis of diploma theses. In the sample there were diploma theses defended within all the full-time Master’s study programmes having “public policy” in their names in the Czech Republic between 1995 and 2013. We conclude that there are two traditions of academic public policy in the Czech Republic, which enriches previous findings in the area and makes them more accurate. The research design and thoroughly described methodology invite other researchers to conduct international comparison of the features of academic public policy. The findings may also illustrate the trajectory made by the newly established discipline of public policy in the past twenty years in the Czech Republic, which may be of great interest to the newly formed international public policy community.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) in obese children: no relationship to growth, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , Roth Christian L. , Woelfle Joachim 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Background:
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a hepatic protein that plays a critical role in liver, adipose tissue, and bone metabolism. Animal models reported an increase of FGF-21 and associated growth disturbances in undernutrition. Therefore, we studied the impact of weight loss in obese children on growth, FGF-21, and insulin-like factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations.

Methods:
We analyzed height, serum concentrations of FGF-21, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, leptin, and insulin at baseline and 1 year later in 30 obese children with substantial weight loss (reduction >0.5 BMI-SDS) and in 30 obese children of similar age, gender, and pubertal stage with stable BMI-SDS. All children participated in a 1-year lifestyle intervention. Height and IGF-1 was transformed to standard deviation score (SDS). Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, and pubertal stage were performed.

Results:
At baseline, height-SDS was significantly related to IGF-1-SDS (β-coefficient 0.68 95% confidence interval (95% CI)±0.49; p=0.008) and leptin (β-coefficient 0.042 95% CI±0.030; p=0.008), but not to FGF-21 or insulin. FGF-21 was not significantly associated with IGF-1 or IGFBP-3. In longitudinal analysis, changes of FGF-21 were not significantly related to changes of height, IGF-1-SDS or IGFBP-3. However, in the subgroup of 30 children with substantial BMI-SDS reduction, FGF-21, leptin, insulin, and HOMA decreased significantly.

Conclusion:
As there was no significant association between FGF-21 and growth or IGF-1 both in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, these findings do not support the hypothesis that FGF-21 is involved in growth of obese children. Further studies are necessary to understand the multiple alterations in the growth hormone (GH) axis in obese children.
Bulk Polymerization of Styrene using Multifunctional Initiators in a Batch Reactor: A Comprehensive Mathematical Model
Authors: Berkenwald E. , Laganá M. L. , Acuña P. , Morales G. , Estenoz D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
A detailed, comprehensive mathematical model for bulk polymerization of styrene using multifunctional initiators – both linear and cyclic – in a batch reactor was developed. The model is based on a kinetic mechanism that considers thermal initiation and chemical initiation by sequential decomposition of labile groups, propagation, transfer to monomer, termination by combination and re-initiation reactions due to undecomposed labile groups. The model predicts the evolution of global reaction variables (e.g, concentration of reagents, products, radical species and labile groups) as well as the evolution of the detailed complete polymer molecular weight distributions, with polymer species characterized by chain length and number of undecomposed labile groups. The mathematical model was adjusted and validated using experimental data for various peroxide-type multifunctional initiators: diethyl ketone triperoxide (DEKTP, cyclic trifunctional), pinacolone diperoxide (PDP, cyclic bifunctional) and 1,1-bis(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane (L331, linear bifunctional). The model very adequately predicts polymerization rates and complete molecular weight distributions. The model is used to theoretically evaluate the influence of initiator structure and functionality as well as reaction conditions.
A Robust Extended State Observer for the Estimation of Concentration and Kinetics in a CSTR
Authors: Sánchez Torres Juan Diego , Botero Héctor A. , Jiménez Esteban , Jaramillo Oscar , Loukianov Alexander G. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper presents a state estimation structure for a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR), by means of an Asymptotic Observer jointly with a disturbance high order sliding mode-based estimator. The proposed estimation scheme allows the asymptotic reconstruction of the concentration inside the reactor based on the measures of the temperature inside the reactor and the temperature inside the jacket, in presence of changes in the global coefficient of heat transfer

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Ground Truth Generating Tool for Traffic Video Detector
Authors: Bigaj Szymon , Głowacz Andrzej , Kościow Jacek , Mikrut Zbigniew , Pawlik Piotr 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The paper presents an application for generating ground truth data for the purposes of video detection and justifies its use in systems which analyze road traffic videos. The usefulness of described application in the development of video detection software is presented - especially during scene configuration and comparative analysis of video detection results versus ground truth data. The latter is possible due to simplicity of the result text files generated in a similar way both by the presented application and by the video detection algorithm. Two exemplary applications of the tool designed to generate ground truth data are presented, together with a discussion of their construction, functionality and abilities.
Segmentation of Objects in Log-Polar Space
Authors: Bubliński Zbigniew , Pawlik Piotr 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop a simple and fast yet robust algorithm for segmentation of objects in log-polar space. Assuming that some interesting parts of an image are selected by fixation of point of attention, pixels located close to fixation points are transformed to a log-polar space, then edge detection is performed. As a final step, detected edges are processed in a specific manner, which should lead to obtain boundaries of objects. After some smoothing, the detected boundaries are transformed back to a Cartesian space and are superimposed on an original image in order to show results of segmentation.
Gradation of Video Quality in Dash Services Using the H.264/SVC Coding
Authors: Przyłucki Sławomir , Sierszeń Artur 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The share of video streaming services in the global network traffic is increasing every year. For this reason the problem of optimal use of the available bandwidth, while ensuring an acceptable level of quality of the transmitted video is becoming an important issue. A combination of two techniques, DASH streaming and H.264/AVC video coding can be an important step towards solving this problem. The article presents the discussion the choice of the proper gradation of SVC encoding parameters inside representation of video content in DASH systems. We propose the Temporal Preservation (T-P) method of selection of the SVC stream structure to optimize the grading changes of video quality. This method allows for the implementation of DASH adaptation to changes in available bandwidth on the transmission link, which minimizes the impact of this process on the quality of the received video. According to results of conducted tests, the T-P method offers a better final video quality in DASH systems than similar solutions based on a standard adaptation method. The comparison with the DASH system that uses H.264/AVC encoding also showed superiority of the T-P method, especially in situations of high network congestion