bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foraging strategy and food preference of Formica polyctena ants in different habitats and possibilities for their use in forest protection
Authors: Véle Adam , Modlinger Roman 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Food availability is an important factor influencing the lives of ant colonies. Wood ants consume protein-rich and sugary foods. Protein-rich food is comprised primarily of insects, a considerable proportion of which the ants acquire by direct predation. They therefore play an important function in biological protection of forests. The objective of our study was to determine if workers activity is dependent on habitat type, size of the nest, bait size and food type (sugar, protein). We selected 23 nests in a spruce forest and placed food baits of various sizes and types near each nest. The results obtained show that the number of individuals on the baits was substantially higher in clearings than within mature forest. The number of worker ants recorded on the baits was slightly higher for larger nests. Bait size and type had no influence on the number of workers present. Because wood ants do not focus solely on food of a certain size or quality, they can effectively decrease the abundance of forest pests.
Effectiveness of pheromone traps for the European spruce bark beetle: a comparative study of four commercial products and two new models
Authors: Galko Juraj , Nikolov Christo , Kunca Andrej , Vakula Jozef , Gubka Andrej , Zúbrik Milan , Rell Slavomír , Konôpka Bohdan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSix types of pheromone traps were tested between 2012 and 2014 in the High Tatra Mountains, northern Slovakia. Traps were baited with lures for attracting the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographusL.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). Among the tested traps, four types are commercial products; Theysohn (T-trap), Ecotrap (E-trap), Lindgren funnel trap (L-trap), BEKA trap (B-trap) and two are our newly developed models; Funnel trap (P-trap) and Cross trap (K-trap). The traps were set up on ten selected sites and tested during three growing seasons (2012, 2013 and 2014). The newly developed models were compared to the commercially available models for trapping efficiency of target pest, easy to use and impact on non-target insect species. We found that the best commercially available model is the L-trap, however the bottom of L-trap is considered too shallow resulting in an accumulation of rainwater that increases the traps attractiveness for Silphids. In our experiment, the newly developed models; P-trap and K-trap performed better compared to commercially used models. P-trap caught 28% moreI. typographusand K-trap caught 57% more beetles compared to T-trap in 2014. There are additional advantages of the newly developed traps such as easy handling, good rainwater drainage, higher collection container volume, and scale marking within the collection container. The results of this study have encouraged us to patent P-trap and K-trap as utility models.
Experimental Study of Batch Reactor Performance for Ethyl Acetate Saponification
Authors: Al Mesfer Mohammed K. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The objective of the current research work is to investigate the performance of batch reactor for saponification of ethyl acetate with sodium hydroxide. Temperature, volume of reaction mixture, rate of agitation, and initial concentration of reactants are the operating conditions considered for analysis. The NaOH concentration decreases from 1.13 × 10−2 mol/L to 0.57 × 10−2 mol/L when reaction temperature increases from 293 K to 313 K after the completion of the reaction. The conversion of NaOH increases with increased reaction temperature under the studied range of reaction temperatures until the stable condition is achieved. Reactant concentration declines with increased volume of reaction mixture from 1.2 L to 1.8 L. Sodium acetate concentration and reaction conversion decrease with increased volume of reaction mixture within the studied range. Concentration of sodium acetate decreases with increased rate of agitation. The conversion of sodium hydroxide declines with increased agitation rate from 70 rpm to 150 rpm. Higher initial reactant concentration leads to decreased reaction conversion. The results obtained may be used to optimize the production of ethanol and sodium acetate using saponification reaction.
Purification, Characterization, Antioxidant and Antitumour Activities of Polysaccharides from Apple Peel Pomace Obtained by Pre-pressing Separation
Authors: Sun Lijun , Sun Jiaojiao , Meng Yonghong , Yang Xingbin , Guo Yurong 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Purification, characterization, in vitro antioxidant and antitumour activities of polysaccharides from apple peel pomace obtained by pre-pressing separation were investigated. Apple peel polysaccharides (APP) were obtained by water extraction and ethanol precipitation. They were further purified by chromatography of Cellulose DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-150 to obtain three fractions (APP-1, APP-2 and APP-3). Both GC-MS and HPLC analysis showed that galactose and arabinose were two main components in the three fractions with an average molecular weight of 197 kDa, 395 kDa and 303 kDa, respectively. Uronic acids were only presented in APP-2 and APP-3, which were further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Besides, the results showed that the antioxidant activity measured by ferric-reducing power and scavenging of O2
•−, DPPH• and OH• and the antitumour activity examined by HepG2 cells were connected with the content of uronic acids. These findings provide scientific basis for comprehensive utilization of apple peel pomace.
Impact of Inquiry Approaches to Mathematics Teaching on the Development of Skills to Analyse and Interpret Relationships Between Variables
Authors: Lukáč Stanislav , Sekerák Jozef 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe development of inquiry skills to analyse and interpret data from tables and graphs, identify, understand and use relationships between variables represents an important goal of mathematics teaching. Our research is currently focused on the development of high school students’ inquiry skills in mathematics teaching and diagnosing the quality level of their acquisition. The first phase of the research was oriented on the development of innovative methodical and learning materials based on inquiry approaches to mathematics teaching. In the paper, we present interactive learning activities implemented in the system Geogebra, which enable students to analyse graphs of functions, formulate and test hypotheses, express relationships between variables and generalize mathematical findings. As a part of our research we conducted a pedagogical experiment in six Slovak high schools focused on application of inquiry approaches to mathematics teaching. The main purpose of the pedagogical experiment was to assess the effectiveness of inquiry-based mathematics teaching in the development of inquiry skills to analyse and interpret relationships between variables. The levels of the development of the inquiry skills were diagnosed using pre-test and post-test. The pre-test was answered by 332 students from 1stor 2ndgrade groups (fifteen and sixteen year old students) of six high schools. The post-test has been given to the same groups after applying innovative teaching methods based on the inquiry approaches to learning. The post-test was answered by 288 students. The basis of quantitative analysis of the test results was a statistical testing of the hypotheses that our innovative teaching method induces a significant improvement in selected inquiry skills.
Advantages and Barriers to the Introduction of E-Learning Environment into Academic Teachers’ Activities in Ukrainian Universities
Authors: Shelomovska Oksana , Sorokina Lyudmyla , Romanyukha Maryna 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
With the development of information society it is becoming particularly needed to construct high-quality system of higher education, aimed at shaping the skills of life-long learning. This is determined by the existing contradictions between continuously increasing volume of information required for people to maintain their competitiveness on the labour market and limited opportunities of traditional educational system to gain knowledge, abilities, skills and other competencies. To resolve this contradiction, educational programs should, above all, be consistent with the principles of multilevel, complementarity, handleability, continuity, integration and flexibility. In our view, significant prospects in relation to these principles and improvement of modern higher educational system are presented by the introduction and development of university e-learning environment. The paper presents barriers to the introduction of e-learning environment in Ukrainian universities, as well as discusses professors’ opinions, received via a sociological survey.
Variant texts according to types of sensory perception
Authors: Pastyřík Milan , Škuta Petr , Takács Ondřej , Oujezdský Aleš 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with a problematic of creating variant texts according to a sensory perception. An idea of transcribing text is based on a theory of adaptive learning, which is thoroughly studied at the Department of Information and Communication Technologies. Researchers in this work combined the adaptive approach together with thinking styles introduced by Libor Činka and created four variants of texts of the chosen topics. Then those texts undergone the verification by the students from high school and university, who read them and evaluated them as well as they answered to a prepared set of testing questions. All received data was compared against the replies from the learning style questionnaires VARK and questionnaire by Šimíčková. The paper discovered some differences between the results of VARK and Šimíčková questionnaire, which proved to be slightly more reliable compared to both the results of test questions and the students’ own opinion. There were also differences between sensory variants of texts. As expected, the kinesthetic variant proved to be the less effective compared to the rest. It seems that university students accepted the rewritten texts better than high school students too.
Green EDM Strategies to Minimize Environmental Impact and Improve Process Efficiency
Authors: Singh Jagdeep , Sharma Rajiv Kumar 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) process is established as an important non-conventional machining method because of its capability to machine very difficult-to-machine (DTM) materials like alloys, composites, die steels etc. Despite the numerous advantages, process has some limitations such as this process consumes huge amount of energy, slow material removal rate, hazardous emissions, generation of toxic dielectric and slurry which make this process an unsuitable and hazardous process. Due to these reasons it is also considered harmful for machine operator and environmental conditions. Whereas, due to increased environmental government regulations (ISO 14000 standards), the cost of manufacturing is getting increased. Therefore, it has become necessary to make the machining process very capable and safe so that both the aspects get managed. This motivates the authors to undertake critical literature scrutiny of recent hybrid integrations with EDM process to perform a safe machining of DTM materials. Also, the work performed in making the process green is reviewed. Authors, concluded that despite, the huge advancement happens in EDM hybridization like powder-mixed EDM, dry EDM, tap water EDM, vibration assisted tool or workpiece etc., still advancement is required in process mechanism which provides high machining efficiency and minimal environmental health hazards.
Dystocia in Sheep and Goats: Outcome and Fertility Following Surgical and Non-Surgical Management
Authors: Ismail Zuhair Bani 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Cesarean section is a life-saving surgical procedure usually undertaken in sheep and goats that fail to deliver vaginally (dystocia). Unfortunately, there are no recent review articles in literature that summarize the results of published case reports and clinical trials concerning indications, surgical approaches and procedures and outcomes following cesarean section in sheep and goats. Therefore, the aim of this article was to compile available data related to dystocia and cesarean section in small ruminants. Fortunately, the incidence of dystocia in small ruminants is considered to be low. It can be caused by either maternal or fetal factors. Maternal-related dystocia is most commonly because of failure of cervical dilation, narrow birth canal and uterine inertia. Those related to fetal causes are usually associated with fetal malposition/presentation, feto-pelvic disproportion/fetal oversize, and fetal malformation. Manual extraction of the fetus may be attempted in most cases, however, early surgical intervention by performing cesarean section ensures satisfactory outcome. Cesarean section is usually performed in lateral recumbency through left paralumbar fossa or left paralumbar fossa oblique celiotomy under local analgesia. The success rates and post-operative complications in sheep and goats are underreported; however, early surgical intervention using aseptic technique usually results in a satisfactory outcome for both the dam and newborn with acceptable prognosis for future breeding soundness.
Influence of Parameterization of Some Physical Processes in Soils on Numerical Meteorological Forecasts of Surface Fields
Authors: Mazur Andrzej , Duniec Grzegorz 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Physical processes in soil-plant-water system are very complicated. Complex physical processes in soil, in particular interaction between soil-plant-water system have significant influence on processes in Planetary Boundary Layer. Changes of soil state can significantly modify processes in the PBL and meteorological fields. Since numerical models are to determine the forecast of high quality, the physical processes occurring in soil should be properly described and then appropriately introduced into a model. Every process in soil occurs on a smaller scale than original model’s domain, so it should be described via adequate parameterization. Overall, soil parameterizations implemented in current numerical weather prediction (NWP) model(s) were prepared almost 40 years ago, when NWP models worked with very poor resolution mesh. Since nowadays NWP works over domains of high resolution, these “old” schemes parameterization must be adequately revised. In this paper preliminary results of changes of parameterization of soil processes will be presented.
Lakes sensitivityto climatic stress – a sociological assessment
Authors: Lackowska Marta , Nowicka Barbara , Bałandin Marta , Grochowski Mirosław 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOne of the conditions for effective water resources management in protected areas is local decision makers’ knowledge about potential threats caused by climate changes. Our study, conducted in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Tuchola Forest in Poland, analyses the perception of threats by local stakeholders. Their assessments of the sensitivity of four lakes to the extreme weather events are compared with hydrological studies. The survey shows that the lakes’ varying responses to extreme weather conditions is rarely noticed by ordinary observers. Their perception is usually far from the hydrological facts, which indicates a lack of relevant information or a failure in making it widely accessible and understandable. Moreover, it is rather the human impact, not climate change, which is seen as the biggest threat to the lakes. Insufficient environmental knowledge may hinder the effective protection and management of natural resources, due to bad decisions and lack of the local communities’ support for adaptation and mitigation policies.
Personal and Spiritual Development in Contemporary Romania: In Search of Ambivalence
Authors: Simionca Anca 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper is an inquiry into the blooming sector of personal and spiritual development in contemporary Romania. It is based on interviews with providers of such services, on content analysis of blogs and books dedicated to the topic, and on participation in several workshops. The critical literature linking the proliferation of the field of personal and spiritual development with the increasing pervasiveness of neoliberal logic has highlighted some of the features of the subjectivity invoked in these programmes: the sovereignty of the self in relation to its environment, the lack of importance of social ties and solidarity, and the lack of importance of the community. This analysis explores the empirical material in searching for the main points of ambivalence in relation to these desiderates, as well as the mutations that can be identified in the privileged sites of production of individuality that are personal and spiritual development workshops and trainings. 2
New Spirit and New Hero: How Hungarian Startups Redefine the Ideas of Local Capitalism
Authors: Szabó Natasa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe present paper investigates how theBridge Budapest, a CSR organization founded by leading Hungarian IT startups, attempts to shape the values of Hungarian society towards capitalism in general, and towards entrepreneurship in particular. In my paper I argue that the central aim of the organization is to facilitate Hungary’s catching up with the core capitalist countries through the transformation of the attitudes and the ideologies surrounding capitalism in the Hungarian context, i.e.the local spirit of capitalism. This consists, on the one hand, of restoring the legitimation of some of the core institutions of capitalism, such as the enterprise and the entrepreneur, and of confronting the risk-taking, innovative and ethical figure of the entrepreneur hero with the provincial figure of the ‘postcommunist cheater’. On the other hand, it also consists of propagating a new management of work that aims to produce self-controlling and self-motivating employees. In the narrative of Bridge Budapest IT companies appear as the perfect moral and economic subjects – the bearers of the new spirit of capitalism – that have the expertise to offer solutions to the problems of Hungarian society, and around which the local capitalism should be built.
I Am Worthy, I Want, and I Can: The Social Implications of Practicing Personal Development
Authors: Trifan Elena 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper addresses the consequences of practicing personal development upon the daily life and interactions of individuals. In this context, I will describe how practitioners are applying the principles and techniques of personal development in order to transform the way individuals are relating to themselves and to others. In parallel, I will analyse how the ideology of personal development is assumed, by negotiation, in connection with the neoliberal project. This article aims to bridge a gap in the literature by showing how practicing personal development can restructure everyday experiences, emphasizing the negotiation of the intrinsic values of personal development techniques and how it (re)configures relationships and social interactions.
The Ambivalent Autonomy of Mobile “Pocăiți” between Vicovu de Sus, Romania and Turin, Italy after 1989
Authors: Rubiolo Cecilia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntra-EU labour migration literature is fairly limited within migration studies and it has seldom considered migrants' embodied experiences and processes of subjectivation as a constitutive element of translocal economic transformations. The present paper focuses on the popular economies enacted by a segment of the migrant working class moving from Vicovu de Sus in Suceava district, Romania to Turin, Italy after 1989 as entangled in the production of “neoliberalism from below” (Gago, 2015). Mobilizing oral histories collected during an ethnographic fieldwork undertaken between 2012 and 2013, I will present some aspects related to the fields ofproductionandreproductionwithin the movements of migrants belonging to a pentecostal community affiliated to theCultul Penticostal – Biserica lui Dumnezeu Apostolică. Pentecostalism is here understood as a performative regime of truth and practices (Foucault, 1987; Marshall, 2009), through which migrant bodies perform processes of subjectivation to actively “inhabit” the borders of the State and Capital. Bukovinean pentecostal discourse, through an entrepreneurial drive, a cultural shift towards material prosperity and a strict gendered division of labour, seems to have fostered the creation of a self-organized translocal community whose economic practices obey/re-enact rather than escape/re-signify the dynamics of exploitation and dispossession proper of Romania's peripheral incorporation into contemporary global regimes of production, accumulation and division of labour.
Alternative Forms of Spirituality and the Socialization of a Self-Enhancing Subjectivity: Features of the Post-Secular Religious Space in Contemporary Romania
Authors: Gog Sorin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMy paper focuses on the shift in religious values in post-socialist Romania and explores the emergence of alternative spiritual beliefs and practices among the younger generations socialized during the post-communist period. It analyses some of the changes that occurred in the wider traditional religious field and looks at the various spiritualized technologies of the self that produce a distinctive type of religious subjectivity and an immanent ethics of authenticity. By departing from the idea of an integrated religious community and from the relational understanding of religious transformation, the field of alternative spiritualities operates a radical break with traditional religion and emphasizes the possibility of spiritual self-realization and self-discovery. It is this process of the individualizing sacralization of the self that constitutes the object of various workshops, blogs, personal and spiritual development literature, courses, spiritual retreats and counselling services. My research looks at how innovative technologies of the self are developed within these spaces that emphasize creativity, wellbeing and a new understanding of subjective interiority that learns how to find in itself the resources it needs to live in a spiritualized ontology of the present.2
Steps on Life Change and Spiritual Transformation: The Project of the Self
Authors: Tobias Andrada 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present paper is to analyse how individuals in contemporary Romania come to adopt a new life-style centred on the self and how new forms of spirituality contribute to this project. In order to document how powerfully immersed alternative forms of spirituality (yoga practices, transcendental meditation, bioenergy, holistic medicine etc.) and subjectification techniques (personal development, motivational practices) look like for people in Romania, I have combined participant observations with semi-structured in-depth interviews. First of all I have reviewed the literature on spirituality and self-development and overviewed the specific techniques of subjectification. These techniques have thepowerto change the individual’s view of life and have elements that serve the neoliberalgovernmentality. To continue, I have attended courses and workshops centred on spiritual development to uncover the communalities between literature and discourses on change. I was mainly interested in analysing the discourse of trainers, speakers and religious guiders and outlining the participants’ experiences, while understanding how they utilise the knowledge and support given throughout these courses when trying to enhance their day-to-day lives and careers. 2