bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total Survey Error and Respondent Driven Sampling: Focus on Nonresponse and Measurement Errors in the Recruitment Process and the Network Size Reports and Implications for Inferences
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Suzer-Gurtekin Tuba , Wagner James , Valliant Richard 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This study attempted to integrate key assumptions in Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) into the Total Survey Error (TSE) perspectives and examine TSE as a new framework for a systematic assessment of RDS errors. Using two publicly available data sets on HIV-at-risk persons, nonresponse error in the RDS recruitment process and measurement error in network size reports were examined. On nonresponse, the ascertained partial nonresponse rate was high, and a substantial proportion of recruitment chains died early. Moreover, nonresponse occurred systematically: recruiters with lower income and higher health risks generated more recruits; and peers of closer relationships were more likely to accept recruitment coupons. This suggests a lack of randomness in the recruitment process, also shown through sizable intra-chain correlation. Self-reported network sizes suggested measurement error, given their wide dispersion and unreasonable reports. This measurement error has further implications for the current RDS estimators, which use network sizes as an adjustment factor on the assumption of a positive relationship between network sizes and selection probabilities in recruitment. The adjustment resulted in nontrivial unequal weighting effects and changed estimates in directions that were difficult to explain and, at times, illogical. Moreover, recruiters’ network size played no role in actual recruitment. TSE may serve as a tool for evaluating errors in RDS, which further informs study design decisions and inference approaches.
Comparison of 2010 Census Nonresponse Follow-Up Proxy Responses with Administrative Records Using Census Coverage Measurement Results
Authors: Mulry Mary H. , Keller Andrew D. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The U.S. Census Bureau is currently conducting research on ways to use administrative records to reduce the cost and improve the quality of the 2020 Census Nonresponse Followup (NRFU) at addresses that do not self-respond electronically or by mail. Previously, when a NRFU enumerator was unable to contact residents at an address, he/she found a knowledgeable person, such as a neighbor or apartment manager, who could provide the census information for the residents. This was called a proxy response. The Census Bureau’s recent advances in merging federal and third-party databases raise the question: Are proxy responses for NRFU addresses more accurate than the administrative records available for the housing unit? Our study attempts to answer this question by comparing the quality of proxy responses and the administrative records for those housing units in the same timeframe using the results of 2010 Census Coverage Measurement (CCM) Program. The assessment of the quality of the proxy responses and the administrative records in the CCM sample of block clusters takes advantage of the extensive fieldwork, processing, and clerical matching conducted for the CCM.
Identification of infectious bursal disease virus with atypical VP2 amino acid profile in Latvia
Authors: Pikuła Anna , Domańska-Blicharz Katarzyna , Cepulis Rytis , Śmietanka Krzysztof 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a causative agent of immunosuppressive disorder resulting in significant losses to the world poultry industry. This study describes the molecular characterisation of an atypical IBDV from a field outbreak that occurred in vaccinated chicken flocks in Latvia in 2011.

Material and Methods: Ten bursae of Fabricius from each flock were collected for laboratory examination. Virus isolation was performed in embryonated eggs and CEF culture. The RT-PCR aimed at hypervariable domain of VP2 gene combined with sequencing was performed for detection and identification of IBDV.

Results: The molecular examinations confirmed the IBDV infection. The analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed that the strain possessed four amino acids at VP2 protein (222A, 256I, 294I, and 299S), indicating a genetic relatedness to a very virulent IBDV. However, some unique or rare amino acid substitutions (219L, 220F, 254D, 279N, and 280T) were also detected.

Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate the occurrence of IBDV with a high mutation rate within the hypervariable domain of VP2 peptide, and highlight the necessity of implementation of IBDV surveillance in Eastern European poultry industry to determine whether this strain is an exception or a new wave of IBDV with new genetic features emerged in the field.
Evaluation of oxidative stress in sheep infected with Psoroptes ovis using total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and malondialdehyde level
Authors: Aktas Mustafa Sinan , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet , Kirbas Akin , Hanedan Basak , Aydin Mehmet Akif 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The study aimed at evaluating oxidative stress using malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) markers in sheep naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis (Acari).

Material and Methods: The study was performed on 40 sheep divided into two equal groups: a healthy group (group I) and a group naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis (group II). The sera were obtained by centrifuging blood samples collected from the vena jugularis and serum MDA level changes in the samples were measured spectrophotometrically. Commercially available test kits were used for the measurement of TAC and TOS levels. The percentage ratio of TOS level to TAC level was accepted as OSI.

Results: The serum malondialdehyde, total oxidant status levels, and oxidative stress index increased significantly (P < 0.01) in group II, while the serum total antioxidant capacity levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in this group. Negative correlations between total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status and total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, and a positive correlation between total oxidant status and malondialdehyde were found in infected sheep.

Conclusion: The obtained results indicated the relationship between oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and Psoroptes ovis infection in sheep. Their MDA, TAC, TOS, and OSI markers may be used to determine the oxidative stress in natural infections with Psoroptes ovis.
Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in the mammary lymph nodes of cows with subclinical mastitis
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Yang Wei , Xu Chuang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is a member of Ig superfamily. The aim of this study was to prepare highly specific polyclonal antibodies against bovine VCAM-1 and to evaluate the expression of VCAM-1 in the mammary lymph nodes of cows with subclinical mastitis.

Material and Methods: The VCAM-1 gene was cloned from bovine Peyer’s patches and inserted into the pGEX-4T-1 and pET-28a vectors. The recombinant plasmids pGEX-4T-1/VCAM-1 and pET-28a/VCAM-1 were transferred into Escherichia coli BL21 and the recombinant strains were induced by isopropyl-D-thiogalactoside to produce fusion proteins tagged with polyhistidine (His) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), respectively. The expressed fusion proteins His-VCAM-1 and GST-VCAM-1 were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. His-VCAM-1 protein was used as an antigen to immunise Wistar rats and polyclonal antibody serum against VCAM-1 was obtained.

Results: The serum titre tested by indirect ELISA was 128,000 using GST-VCAM-1 as the well coating antigen. Western blots indicated that the antibody recognised recombinant VCAM-1 protein as well as endogenous VCAM-1. In addition, using qPCR and Western blot, VCAM-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured in dairy cows with subclinical mastitis. It was demonstrated that VCAM-1 levels in the mammary lymph nodes of the cows were significantly higher than those from healthy controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: These results are to our knowledge the first report that VCAM-1 expression in the mammary lymph nodes is elevated in dairy cows with subclinical mastitis.
Effect of pregnancy and stage of lactation on energy processes in isolated blood cells of dairy cows
Authors: Dębski Bogdan , Nowicki Tadeusz , Zalewski Wojciech , Bartoszewicz Agnieszka , Twardoń Jan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The transition period is the most challenging time for dairy cattle, which is characterised not only by negative energy balance but also by fatty tissue mobilisation.

Material and Methods: The efficiency of energy pathways, β-oxidation in WBC and glycolysis in RBC (based on deoxyglucose transmembrane transport) were estimated. Insulin in blood plasma was determined using ELISA.

Results: After calving and up to one month after delivery, a significant drop in blood plasma level was noticed, simultaneously with a rise in β-oxidation from 18.93 ±3.64 to 30.32 ±5.28 pmol/min/mg protein in WBC. A strong negative correlation between these two indices (r = −0.68) was found. During the period of transition to lactation an increase in glucose cross-membrane transportation from 41.44 ±4.92 to 50.49 ±6.41 μmol/h/g Hb was observed. A strong positive correlation between glucose transportation in RBC and β-oxidation in WBC (r = 0.71) was noticed. These data are in agreement with results of studies on dairy cows using liver slices from dairy cows in late pregnancy and different stages of lactation, in which changes in gene expression were analysed.

Conclusion: It seems that measuring fatty acids oxidation and glycolysis using isolated blood cells may be an adequate and relatively simple method for energy state analysis to estimate the state of dairy cow metabolism and animal health.
Comparison of clinical, biomechanical, and histopathological effects of various suture techniques on repair of tendon rupture by using autograft
Authors: Ermutlu Celal Şahin , Baran Vedat 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four different suture techniques in the treatment of experimentally modelled tendon injuries with tissue loss with autograft and grafting applications in rabbits.

Material and Methods: The study was performed on 30 male mature (2-year-old) New Zealand rabbits with mean body weight of 3.1 kg, divided into three equal groups. A graft measuring 1 cm in length was collected from the m. tibialis cranialis of each rabbit under general anaesthesia. The graft collected from the right tendon was transplanted into the left tendon, and the graft from the left tendon was transplanted into the right tendon. In all groups, a simple interrupted suture was placed on the left tendon as control, a Bunnell-Mayer suture was placed on the right tendon in group I, a Locking-Loop suture in group II, and a Horizontal U suture in group III. Both hindlimbs were bandaged for four weeks. The tendons were assessed biomechanically and histopathologically.

Results: According to the results of the tensile testing, the maximum durability of the techniques ranked as follows: Bunnell-Mayer, Horizontal U, Locking-Loop, and control groups.

Conclusion: The use of autografts was a good alternative for the treatment of tendon ruptures with tissue loss. Furthermore, even though there were no clinical or histopathological differences, the suture technique can be chosen based on the results of the tensile test.
The Problems of Planning a Timetable for Transport by Road in Terms of Theft Protection
Authors: Gnap Jozef , Rovňaníková Dominika , Rakovanová Radmila , Dvoryadkina Elena B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn each transport, it is necessary to take into account the risks that may occur during transport. Most of these risks are associated with criminal activity, whether on a shipment, the driver himself or the vehicles used in potentially hazardous segments. The aim is to design a planning and verification process on a selected route or routes within Europe. The proposed transport route starts with load in the Kechnec Industrial Park and continues with two unloadings in Teplička nad Váhom in the Kia Motors Slovakia and in the town of Wolfsburg in the Volkswagen The transport route was designed in three alternatives by internet application Map&Guide.
Research on Selected Positive Externalities in Road Transport
Authors: Konečný Vladimír , Petro František , Berežný Róbert , Mikušková Miriama 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Scientific article deals with the characteristics of positive externalities and identifying positive externalities of road transport. In the analysis are the processed data on economic indicators of the Slovak Republic and data for individual regions of the Slovak Republic. Based on the analysis were selected positive externalities of road transport. At present, there is insufficient attention to the positive externalities of the transportation, and despite the fact that road transport and road infrastructure has undeniable positive impact on social development and economic growth of the country.
Model of Knowledge Management Factors and their Impact on the Organizations’ Success
Authors: Kozjek Domen , Ovsenik Marija 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify the factors of knowledge which have a significant impact on the outcome (measured as value added per employee) of the company. The existence, long-term survival, profitability, etc. of the company depends on the competitiveness of the products and services (regardless of industry or economic branch). Transformation of “raw materials” into competitive products is possible only with the knowledge of employees. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the factors of knowledge which can influence a positive result of the company.

Methodology: We reviewed the relevant literature in the field of knowledge management. On this basis, we summarized the factors of knowledge. We performed a survey among the 69 largest Slovenian commercial companies (public and banking sectors excluded). Based on the research, we developed a regression model of value added per employee in euros.

Results: The study showed that, of all factors studied, motivation in the form of assessing employees’ performance has the largest positive correlation with the value added per employee. Furthemore, training for the performance, the use of technological tools and organizational climate can bring significant value added per employee. The most important factor that affects the value added per employee is the industry branch which the company deals with. The factors which follow are the simplicity of using IT tools and the example that the managers give to the employees.

Conclusion: A model of knowledge management factors helps to identify which knowledge factors should be given priority to for increasing the company’s performance. The model also considers the industry in which the company operates.
Perceived Gender Equality in Managerial Positions in Organizations
Authors: Tominc Polona , Šebjan Urban , Širec Karin 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background and Purpose: This research aims to achieve two main objectives: to investigate differences between male and female managers regarding the perceived gender equality in organizations and to analyze the gender differences in relationships among the perceived gender equality, the perceived satisfaction with employment position and career, the perceived satisfaction with work, and the perceived work-family conflict.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The sample of research includes 82 managers in Slovenian organizations. In first stage, we analyzed with t-test differences between male and female regarding perceived gender equality in decision-making positions. In the next step we developed the conceptual models and used structural equational modeling (SEM), and analyzed differences between constructs in two conceptual models.

Results: The research results show that female managers perceive gender equality in organizations in general to be significantly lower than males; furthermore, perceived gender equality is positively related to the perceived satisfaction with employment position and career as well as to the perceived satisfaction with work, but both relationships are significantly stronger for female managers. On the other hand female managers seems to cope more efficiently with the perceived work-family conflict since it has significantly different impact on female managers’ perceived satisfaction with work, as compared to the male managers.

Conclusion: To achieve more gender equality within organizations and a reduction of the gender gap, the legislative initiatives cannot be successful without appropriate corporate strategy sets, which presents the framework for doing business and determines the internal working culture. The findings offer several policy, as well as business practice-oriented implications.
Mobbing in a Non-Profit Organisation
Authors: Kovacic Andrej , Podgornik Nevenka , Pristov Zorica , Raspor Andrej 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to analyse mobbing in a large, non-profit, state-owned organization in order to find out to what extent mobbing is present and in what way it takes place. In addition, the purpose of the research is to analyse whether the extent of mobbing is connected to employee’s age, gender and position.

Methodology: In this quantitative research, a total of 355 opinions were collected using a random selection procedure within the selected large size, state-owned organization (between 1000 and 2000 employees). The results of the employees’ experiences of mobbing were statistically analysed and tested.

Results: Similar to other researches, a third of all respondents stated they have been affected by mobbing in the last three years. Additionally, we found out that younger employees are not affected more than older. Interestingly, there are also no gender differences as both genders seem to be affected similarly. Also, a management position does not mean a person is less exposed to mobbing. Finally, we confirmed that the most frequent type of mobbing is vertical mobbing (carried out by an employer / manager on employees or vice versa).

Originality / value: The study fills a current gap in the research and understanding of mobbing in non-profit organizations in Slovenia as it presents the magnitude of mobbing experiences as well as the relations between the attackers and victims. The study also provides a good starting point for further research on this sensitive subject.

Research limitations / conclusions: Since the research was limited to one non-profit organization, it makes sense to explore the phenomenon in different individual profit companies as well as non-profit organisations in order to create plans for preventing and limiting mobbing.
Neuroanatomical pathways underlying the effects of hypothalamo-hypophysial-adrenal hormones on exploratory activity
Authors: Lalonde Robert , Strazielle Catherine 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
When injected via the intracerebroventricular route, corticosterone-releasing hormone (CRH) reduced exploration in the elevated plus-maze, the center region of the open-field, and the large chamber in the defensive withdrawal test. The anxiogenic action of CRH in the elevated plus-maze also occurred when infused in the basolateral amygdala, ventral hippocampus, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal grey, and medial frontal cortex. The anxiogenic action of CRH in the defensive withdrawal test was reproduced when injected in the locus coeruleus, while the amygdala, hippocampus, lateral septum, nucleus accumbens, and lateral globus pallidus contribute to center zone exploration in the open-field. In addition to elevated plus-maze and open-field tests, the amygdala appears as a target region for CRH-mediated anxiety in the elevated T-maze. Thus, the amygdala is the principal brain region identified with these three tests, and further research must identify the neural circuits underlying this form of anxiety.
Amerikanische Russlandpolitik, die Souveränität der Ukraine und der Atomwaffensperrvertrag: Ein Dreiecksverhältnis mit weitreichenden Konsequenzen
Authors: Budjeryn Mariana , Umland Andreas 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung:
Das Memorandum über Sicherheitszusagen für die Ukraine, das im Dezember 1994 auf dem KSZE-Gipfeltreffen in Budapest unterzeichnet wurde, schuf eine Verbindung zwischen dem Nuklearen Nichtverbreitungsvertrag (NVV) von 1968 sowie der ukrainischen politischen Souveränität und territorialen Integrität. Kiew hatte sich erst dann bereit erklärt, sein damals in der Welt drittgrößtes Atomwaffenarsenal abzubauen, nachdem die Vereinigten Staaten, Großbritannien und Russland, als die Depositarstaaten des NVV, im Budapester Memorandum sowie Frankreich und China in separaten Regierungsdeklarationen der Ukraine ihren Respekt für ihre Unabhängigkeit und Grenzen versichert hatten. Dies ist einer der Gründe, weshalb mögliche Pläne der Trump-Administration für einen Neustart der Beziehungen zum Kreml weder eine explizite noch implizite Aufweichung der US-amerikanischen Position gegenüber der fortgesetzten russischen Bekämpfung des ukrainischen Staates einschließen sollte.
Das Ende einer Dreiecksbeziehung: wehrtechnische Zusammenarbeit Chinas, Russlands und der Ukraine im Schatten der Krim-Krise
Authors: Kirchberger Sarah 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung:Aufgrund eines US/EU-Waffenembargos ist China seit 1989 vom Handel mit den führenden Waffenproduzenten – mit Ausnahme Russlands und der Ukraine – ausgeschlossen. Eine bis Anfang 2014 bestehende militärisch-industrielle Symbiose zwischen der Ukraine und Russland wiederum kam als Folge der russischen Besetzung der Krim zu einem abrupten Ende. Dieser plötzliche Abbruch sämtlicher verteidigungsindustrieller Beziehungen bietet der Forschung nun die unerwartete Chance, die Besonderheiten transnationaler Waffenproduktion und deren strategische Implikationen unter Krisenbedingungen zu untersuchen. China wird wahrscheinlich von der neuen Situation profitieren können, während die westlichen Sanktionen gegen China und gegen Russland gegenwärtig Anreize für beide Staaten schaffen, ihre bilaterale strategische Zusammenarbeit weiter zu vertiefen.
Realistisch in den Osten blicken: Belarus nach der Ukraine-Krise und die Neuausrichtung der westlichen Politik
Authors: Helbig Robert 
Published: June 2017

Kurzfassung:
Belarus ist an der europäischen Integration nicht ernsthaft interessiert. Es hat sich in der Vergangenheit der EU nur zugewandt, um Druck auf die russische Regierung zu erzeugen. Nicht einmal die Ukraine-Krise hat die außenpolitische Situation des Landes grundlegend geändert, das strukturell von Russland abhängig geblieben ist. Allerdings konnte Präsident Aljaksandr Lukaschenka seine Macht festigen und die aktuelle Wirtschaftskrise eröffnet ihm die Chance, das Land ökonomisch zu diversifizieren. Lukaschenkas gewonnenes Selbstvertrauen und der dringende Bedarf an wirtschaftlicher Umstrukturierung haben die Tür für den Westen geöffnet, seine Belarus-Politik neu aufzustellen und dessen Streben nach strategischer Diversifizierung zu unterstützen, um von Russland größere Unabhängigkeit zu erlangen.