bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N-Glycosylation Pattern of Human Placental Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Insulin Receptors in Well-Controlled Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Robajac Dragana , Masnikosa Romana , Filimonović Dejan , Miković Željko , Nedić Olgica 
Published: April 2012

N-Glycosylation Pattern of Human Placental Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Insulin Receptors in Well-Controlled Pregestational Diabetes MellitusDiabetes mellitus is a complex disease that leads to alterations in the glycosylation of proteins. Insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors are involved in the regulation of fetal and placental growth and development. In this work the N-glycans of these receptors, originating from placentas obtained from pregnancies complicated by pregestational insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, were studied. Diabetic mothers were under regular insulin therapy. Solubilised membrane samples from healthy and diabetic placentas were analysed using lectin-affinity chromatography. N-glycans bound to insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors were studied in terms of their interaction with eleven agarose-immobilised lectins: wheat germ agglutinin, succinylated wheat germ agglutinin,Ricinus communisagglutinin I,Sambucus nigraagglutinin,Erythrina cristagallilectin,Ulex europaeusagglutinin,Lens culinarisagglutinin,Canavalia ensiformislectin,Phaseolus vulgariserythro- and leukoagglutinin andMaackia amurensisagglutinin. A very similar type of N-glycans and content of the terminal saccharide residues were found in both groups of placentas. The results of this work suggest that the tight glycemic control may prevent alterations in the glycosylation of insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors, thus maintaining physiological homeostasis during pregnancy and fetal growth.
Methane production during laboratory-scale co-digestion of cattle slurry with 10 wt. % of various biowastes
Authors: Rusín Jiří , Chamrádová Kateřina , Obroučka Karel , Kuča Roman 
Published: April 2012

Methane production during laboratory-scale co-digestion of cattle slurry with 10 wt. % of various biowastes
The paper summarizes the results from twenty model tests of continuous one-stage mesophilic anaerobic co-digestion of cattle slurry (90 wt. %) and various biowastes (10 wt. %). Digestion was conducted in 0.06 m3 reactors with hydraulic retention times ranging from 60 to 98 days during the research period 2007-2010. Methane production intensity and specific methane production are discussed. The highest methane production intensity (0.85 mN
3.m-3.d-1) was from a mixture of 63 wt. % of total solids from biscuit meal EKPO - EB and from 37 wt. % of total solids from cattle slurry. The highest specific methane production from 1 kg of added organic compounds (0.67 mN
3.kgVSp
-1) was given by a mixture containing 61 wt. % of total solids using spring barley Aksamit (milled grain) and 39 wt. % of total solids from cattle slurry. The highest substrate-specific methane production (0.92 mN
3.kgVSp
-1) was from milled grains of winter rye Aventino.
Influence of surface treatment on the wetting process of jute fibres with thermosetting polyester resin
Authors: Bogdan-Włodek Aleksandra , Kozioł Mateusz , Myalski Jerzy 
Published: April 2012

Influence of surface treatment on the wetting process of jute fibres with thermosetting polyester resin
The aim of this study is the evaluation of the effect of chemical treatment of jute fibres on their permeability with polyester resin and determination of optimal treatment parameters. Unmodified jute fabric by LENTEX, Poland and polyester resin ESTROMAL 14 were used in the experiments. NaOH and KOH water solutions (various concentration - from 1 to 15% - and treatment duration - from 0.5 to 6h), vinyl acetate, methanol, toluene diizocyanate were used for the treatment. Determination of the effect of the chemical treatment on fiber-resin interaction was made in: infiltration of resin into reinforcement structure tests and fabric absorbability tests. Three criteria: time of penetration of resin into the reinforcing fabric, fabric absorbability and the area of a part of the specimen cross-section penetrated with the resin were taken into account. The fabrics treated with 1-5% - long-time and 15% short-time NaOH and KOH water solutions showed the best results within the tested criteria. These results do not correspondent directly with the mechanical properties of cured composites manufactured on the base of the treated fabrics. Alkali- and organic treatments significantly improve the mechanical performance of natural fibres reinforced composites, but organic treatments (methanol, toluene diisocyanate) gives better improvement in mechanical properties in comparison with the alkali-treatments. The measurement methods applied in the study may be generally useful in the evaluation of the effect of chemical treatment of natural fibres on their wettability with the liquid matrix.
Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured molybdenum & tungsten carbide materials, and study of diffusion model
Authors: Covington Leroy , Munirathinam Kamalesh , Islam Akand , Roberts Kenneth 
Published: April 2012

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured molybdenum & tungsten carbide materials, and study of diffusion model
Powders of two molybdenum carbides (Mo2C and MoC1-x) and tungsten carbide (WC) were prepared by means of temperature programmed reaction (TPR) method. Mo2C and MoC1-x were synthesized by reacting MoO3 with a preselected molar ratio of methane/hydrogen and carbon monoxide/hydrogen gas mixtures respectively. WC was prepared using tungsten oxide (WO3) and a methane/hydrogen gas mixture. These carbides were ultrasonically dispersed in de-ionized water. Samples were characterized using room temperature x-ray diffraction and scanning microscopy. A kinetic diffusion model is also studied to determine diffusivities in solids where the diffusing species desorbs or reacts at the external surfaces, and where the diffusivity does not vary appreciably with concentrations. The method involves measuring the flux of the diffusive species into the solid under the influence of a temperature program.
Optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology for the removal of phenol by emulsion liquid membrane
Authors: Balasubramanian A. , Venkatesan S. 
Published: April 2012

Optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology for the removal of phenol by emulsion liquid membrane
Emulsion liquid membrane technique (ELM) was used for the extraction of phenol from synthetic and industrial effluents. In this study, the liquid membrane used for phenol removal was composed of kerosene as the solvent, Span-80 as the surfactant and Sodium hydroxide as an internal reagent. Statistical experimental design was applied for the optimization of process parameters for the removal of phenol by ELM. The effects of process parameters namely, Surfactant concentration, membrane or organic to internal phase ratio (M/I) and emulsion to an external phase ratio (E/E) on the removal of phenol were optimized using a response surface method. The optimum conditions for the extraction of phenol using Response surface methodology were: surfactant concentration - 4.1802%, M/I ratio: 0.9987(v/v), and E/E ratio: 0.4718 (v/v). Under the optimized condition the maximum phenol extraction was found to be 98.88% respectively.
Biodiesel production from Argemone mexicana seed oil using crystalline manganese carbonate
Authors: Rao Rajeshwer , Zubaidha Pudukulathan , Kondhare Dasharath , Reddy Narender , Deshmukh Sushma 
Published: April 2012

Biodiesel production from Argemone mexicana seed oil using crystalline manganese carbonate
This communication explores the feasibility of biodiesel production from a weed plant Argemone mexicana seed oil and an efficient catalyst crystalline manganese carbonate. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study making use of pure, crystalline, ash colored manganese carbonate as a heterogeneous catalyst for the production of methyl esters as fuel from Argemone mexicana seed oil. The optimum process conditions for the conversion of Argemone mexicana oil to its methyl ester by transesterification required 1% manganese carbonate as catalyst with alcohol to oil ratio 5:1 at 60°C to yield biodiesel of 99.99% purity. The methyl esters obtained were examined by Gas chromatography analysis.
The predictive value of on-ice special tests in relation to various indexes of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in ice hockey players
Authors: Roczniok Robert , Maszczyk Adam , Czuba Miłosz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Pietraszewski Przemysław , Gabryś Tomasz 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe main goal of this study was to determine the predictive value of the indexes of aerobic and anaerobic endurance in relation to specific on-ice tests performed by hockey players that focus on strength, power, speed as well as speed and strength endurance.MethodsIce hockey players, who were members of the U20 (under 20 years of age) Polish National Ice Hockey Team, were selected from the Athletic School in Sosnowiec, Poland. Parameters that determine anaerobic and aerobic capacity were evaluated and a special physical fitness assessment was made based on a battery of ice-hockey specific tests. The degree and direction of correlations between the individual parameters of anaerobic and aerobic endurance and the special physical fitness test were calculated.ResultsThe obtained results found significant correlations between maximal power obtained from the Wingate test and certain aspects of the special physical fitness test, specifically the 6 × 9 turns, 6 × 9 stops and 6 × 30 m endurance tests. Significant correlations of the above-mentioned special physical fitness tests were also observed with the aerobic capacity parameter, VO<sub>2max</sub>.ConclusionsThe obtained results could be considerably useful in training, as well as providing much more information on athletes which can then be suited for more personalized forms of training.
Wealth and the quality of life for physical education teachers
Authors: Demuth Anna 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to assess the perceived quality of life of physical education teachers depending on their standard of living.MethodsThe study included 287 graduates of the University Schools of Physical Education in Poznań and Wrocław, of whom 165 were men and 122 were women aged 40 to 60 years. The perceived quality of life was assessed on the basis of Kowalik's Quality of Life Questionnaire. The relationship between the perceived quality of life and the standard of living was then established, with statistical analysis performed using two stratum weights (k), the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i>-test and Spearman's rank correlation (<i>r</i>).ResultsThe majority of the studied participants positively assessed their lives, with no significant differentiation found between genders in their satisfaction in various spheres of life. However, only half of the respondents were satisfied by their level of income. A higher standard of life was found to be linked to higher life satisfaction, where the level of wealth significantly differentiated only in the perceived quality of life in the studied women.ConclusionsThe surveyed graduates were found to be a very homogenous group of professionals in terms of their quality of life level. Only financial status was found to significantly differentiate in the level of satisfaction of the surveyed women.
Identification of PCH1 Eyespot Resistance Gene in the Collection of Wheat Lines (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Kwiatek Michał , Pankiewicz Katarzyna , Wiśniewska Halina , Korbas Marek , Danielewicz Jakub 
Published: April 2012

Identification of PCH1 Eyespot Resistance Gene in the Collection of Wheat Lines (Triticum AestivumL.)Endopeptidase markerEpD1band STS markerXustSSR2001-7DLare closely linked to very effective eyespot resistance genePch1. Because of this, the aim of this study was to compare the results obtained under lab conditions using such markers with the results obtained under field conditions. 134 wheat breeding lines andTriticum aestivumL. var. Randevous used as a eyespot resistance control were analized. The combination of three methods allowed to select eight completely resistant or high resistant lines, that could be used in following breeding processes. Results obtained using endopeptidase and STS markers in 100% correlate with the phenotyping scoring.
Effects of UV-Light, Temperature and Storage on the Stability and Biological Effectiveness of Some Insecticides
Authors: Soliman Mahmoud 
Published: April 2012

Effects of UV-Light, Temperature and Storage on the Stability and Biological Effectiveness of Some InsecticidesThe degradation and biological effectiveness of five insecticides, ES-Fenvalerate (Soumi Gold), pirimicarb (Afox), imidacloprid (Emax), buprofenzin (Ablloud) and methomyl (Methiolate) in their aqueous preparations and emulsifiable concentrates, on immature stages of whitefly insectBemisia tabaci. when exposed to UV-light, two different temperatures and daylight and dark storage after exposure intervals was studied. The results indicated the degradation rates of the five tested insecticides varied according to the chemical structure, time of exposure and wavelength of UV-rays used. Of all the five insecticides, methomyl was the most affected by UV-rays. Losses of ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl within this period were 11.30, 14.80, 29.03, 31.83 and 39%, respectively after one hour to UV-ray exposure. A significant increase in LC50value was obtained when ES-Fenvalerate in aqueous preparation was exposed to UV-light for 6 hr. The LC50values and their confidence ranges in aqueous preparations and emulsifiable concentrates were 107.5 ppm (51.7-199.2) and 93.10 ppm (48.3-150.4). The residual level of Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl were 13.52, 17.54 ppm; 12.67, 15.87 ppm; 11.78, 16.47 ppm; 11.38, 14.73 ppm; and 11.36, 11.83 ppm for two days exposed to daylight and dark storage. Insecticides could be arranged according to LC50values at zero-time as follow: ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl. The corresponding values of LC50were 3.40, 15.4, 15.6, 16.2 and 23.5 ppm for daylight storage. On the other hand, the dark storage exposure for the tested insecticides could be arranged according to LC50values as follow: ES-Fenvalerate, imidacloprid, pirimicarb, buprofenzin and methomyl. The corresponding LC50were 3.20, 14.8, 14.9, 15.9 and 21.3 ppm, respectively. In general, the amount recovered after a one day, 45°C exposure were 14.63, 12.84, 12.79, 12.14 and 11.76 ppm, for ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl, respectively. While the amounts recovered after a three day 45°C exposure were 9.28, 8.34, 7.76, 7.72 and 5.83 ppm for ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl, respectively. Efficiency against whitefly insect,B. tabaciimmature stages was affected when aqueous preparations of the five tested insecticides were stored at 45°C for one and three days, compared to those stored under normal condition of 25°C for the same periods of time. Generally it could be concluded that buprofenzin n and methomyl, were more affected by UV-light, storage and temperature than ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid.
Application of Modern Management Concepts by Polish Companies - Analysis of Research Results
Authors: Lisiński Marek , Sroka Włodzimierz , Brzeziński Paweł , Jabłoński Adam , Stuglik Joanna 
Published: April 2012

Application of Modern Management Concepts by Polish Companies - Analysis of Research Results
Our article presents the results of research on the use of modern management concepts in companies from the so-called traditional sectors of the economy in Lesser Poland and Silesia Voivodeships. The study group consists of 125 companies operating in metallurgy- and steel-related sectors such as machinery, coke, mining and energy. Studies have confirmed that the companies surveyed utilise modern management concepts in their activities, although such utilisation is highly diverse (only one company pointed out that it does not utilise any such concepts). The most popular management concepts are controlling and outsourcing. In contrast, Balanced Scorecard and Business Process Reengineering belong to the group of rarely used strategies.
Giving-up Management System Certification: a Potential Early Warning Signal?
Authors: Alič Milena 
Published: April 2012

Giving-up Management System Certification: a Potential Early Warning Signal?
The paper presents the dynamics in number of top management system certificates (ISO 9001, ISO 14001) focusing on the situation in Slovenia in the last two years when a significant increase of cancelled certificates was noticeable. We studied this phenomenon in order to find out its reasons and effects on the performance of the organizations. Some recognized relations between quality management systems and company performance from literature review were used for setting hypotheses which were analytically proved. We assumed that quitting management system certificates was related to decrease in business performance. Empirical part of our research was based on the data of Slovenian certification bodies and on published annual financial reports of Slovenian organizations. In the survey some characteristics and performance of the organizations which gave up certification were analysed. We came to interesting findings that cancelling certificates was related to decrease in business performance and often even to closing of organizations. The downsizing of the business was increasing through the time. So, 2 years after cancelling certificates only 8% of the organizations still present growth in their income and revenue, besides almost 40% of them quit or would have to quit their business. It was also found out that the business performance after cancellation of the certificates was related to the business performance before it and to the reason for cancellation as well. Two years after cancellation there was a 3-times higher proportion of failed organizations (= 45% of previously non-profitable organizations) among the organizations that had operated at a loss before the cancellation of their certificates, compared to those previously having a profit. Among the claimed reasons for certificate cancellation organizational changes (in 35% of all the organizations losing certificates) and cancellation of certificates by certification bodies (in 41% of these organizations) were the most common ones related to the failure of these organizations.
Asymmetric and Nonlinear Impact of Attribute-Level Performance on Overall Customer Satisfaction in the Context of Car Servicing of Four European Automotive Brands in Slovenia
Authors: Ažman Slavko , Gomišček Boštjan 
Published: April 2012

Asymmetric and Nonlinear Impact of Attribute-Level Performance on Overall Customer Satisfaction in the Context of Car Servicing of Four European Automotive Brands in Slovenia
The paper examines the nonlinearity and asymmetry between the satisfaction with individual attributes of the service and overall satisfaction in the context of passenger car servicing in Slovenia. The data set that was analysed was acquired from a regular survey on customer satisfaction with vehicle repair and maintenance services of four European automotive brands in Slovenia, carried out in 2005 and 2006 through 12,941 computer-assisted telephone interviews. Specifically, this study utilizes regression analysis in order to test the asymmetry and nonlinearity of the link between the attribute-level performance and overall satisfaction.
The results show that the influence of dissatisfaction is different from the influence of satisfaction, and that the influence of satisfaction on overall satisfaction is greater than the influence of dissatisfaction. The results also show that nonlinearity is applicable to certain attributes of vehicle servicing, but not to all.
We can sum up that precise knowledge of the correlation between the attribute-level performance of vehicle servicing and overall service satisfaction is important. Results show that caution must be employed in the evaluation of the importance of individual attributes on overall satisfaction, since the importance can change depending on the level of satisfaction. It appears that focusing on improving satisfaction is more important than focusing on lessening dissatisfaction. Results also show that the improvement of attribute-level performance offers diminishing returns; therefore, selective investment in activities for increasing customer satisfaction is sensible if satisfaction levels are already relatively high.
Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt
Authors: López-Miñarro Pedro , Muyor José , Belmonte Felipe , Alacid Fernando 
Published: April 2012

Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt
The aim of this study was to determine acute effects of hamstring stretching in thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. Fifty-five adults (29.24 ± 7.41 years) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed a hamstring stretching protocol consisting of four exercises. The session consisted of 3 sets of each exercise and subjects held the position for 20 seconds with a 30-second rest period between sets and exercises . Thoracic and lumbar spinal angles and pelvic tilt were measured with a SpinalMouse in relaxed standing, sit-and-reach test and Macrae & Wright position. Hamstring extensibility was determined by active straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach score. All measures were performed before and immediately after the hamstring stretching protocol. Active straight leg raise angle and sit-and-reach score significantly improved immediately after the stretching protocol (p<0.001). Greater anterior pelvic tilt (p<0.001) and lumbar flexion (p<0.05) and a smaller thoracic kyphosis in the sit-and-reach (p<0.001) were found after the stretching protocol. However, stretching produced no significant change on spinal curvatures or pelvic tilt in standing and maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed. In conclusion, static stretching of the hamstring is associated to an immediate change in the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position when performing trunk flexion with knees extended, so that allowing for greater lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt and lower thoracic kyphosis. Hamstring stretching is recommended prior to sport activities involving trunk flexion with the knees straight.