bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Status and Perspectives of Organic Pomological Production Development in Selected Farms
Authors: Szymona Jerzy 
Published: February 2012

Status and Perspectives of Organic Pomological Production Development in Selected Farms
The paper presents the characteristics of organic farms, where pomological plant species were grown. These farms were included within the inspection process of the largest Polish certification body Ekogwarancja PTRE. Data from farms being certified during 2008-2010 were compared with features of individual farms presented by Central Statistical Office (GUS). The survey referred to the sum of farmland area amounting almost to 100 thousand hectares. The percentage of orchard and berry as well as vegetable plantation area in organic farm is over six times larger than that in average conventional farm. Nevertheless, it is not satisfactory result due to observed stagnation during the three-year period surveyed.
Association between minihaplotypes and mutations at the phenylalanine hydroxylase locus in Latvian phenylketonuria patients
Authors: Proņina Natālija , Lugovska Rita 
Published: February 2012

Association between minihaplotypes and mutations at the phenylalanine hydroxylase locus in Latvian phenylketonuria patients
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease caused by recessively inherited mutations in the PAH gene that encodes the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Altogether, 20 diseases causing mutations were identified in Latvian PKU patients. R408W, the most common mutation, accounted for 73% of Latvian PKU chromosomes and was mostly observed in association with the VNTR3/STR238 minihaplotype. Minihaplotypes also were established for the other 19 mutations and one unknown PKU chromosome. Mutation E280K was almost exclusively associated with minihaplotype 9/250, and mutation IVS10-11G>A was strongly associated with the VNTR7/STR250 minihaplotype and was possibly of Mediterranean origin. It was found that minihaplotypes can be useful in studies concerning the origin and distribution of PAH mutations in human populations and for analysis of rare mutations in PAH gene and for prenatal diagnosis.
Examination of the Effect of a Sound Source Location on the Steady-State Response of a Two-Room Coupled System
Authors: Meissner Mirosław 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this paper, the computer modelling application based on the modal expansion method is developed to study the influence of a sound source location on a steady-state response of coupled rooms. In the research, an eigenvalue problem is solved numerically for a room system consisting of two rectangular spaces connected to one another. A numerical procedure enables the computation of shape and frequency of eigenmodes, and allows one to predict the potential and kinetic energy densities in a steady-state. In the first stage, a frequency room response for several source positions is investigated, demonstrating large deformations of this response for strong and weak modal excitations. Next, a particular attention is given to studying how the changes in a source position influence the room response when a source frequency is tuned to a resonant frequency of a strongly localized mode.
Effects of inertia in the steady state pressurised flow of a non-Newtonian fluid between two curvilinear surfaces of revolution: Rabinowitsch fluid model
Authors: Singh Udaya , Gupta Ram , Kapur Vijay 
Published: February 2012

Effects of inertia in the steady state pressurised flow of a non-Newtonian fluid between two curvilinear surfaces of revolution: Rabinowitsch fluid modelIn many practical situations fluids are normally blended with additives (viscosity index improvers, viscosity thickeners, viscosity thinners) due to which they show pseudoplastic and dilatant nature which can be modelled as cubic stress model (Rabinowitsch model). The cubic stress model for pseudoplastic fluids is adopted because Wada and Hayashi have shown that the theoretical results with this model are in good agreement with the experimental results. The present theoretical analysis is to investigate the pseudoplastic effect along with the effect of rotational inertia on the pressure distribution, frictional torque and fluid flow rate of externally pressurised flow in narrow clearance between two curvilinear surfaces of revolution. The expression for pressure has been derived using energy integral approach. To analyse and discuss the effects of pseudoplasticity and fluid inertia on the pressure distribution, fluid flow rate and frictional torque, the examples of externally pressurised flow in the clearance between parallel disks and concentric spherical surfaces have been considered.
Modelling of pollutants concentrations from the biomass combustion process
Authors: Magdziarz Aneta , Wilk Małgorzata , Zajemska Monika 
Published: February 2012

Modelling of pollutants concentrations from the biomass combustion process
This paper presents possibilities for of numerical modelling of biomass combustion in a commercially available boiler. A sample of biomass was tested with respect to its physical and chemical properties. Thermogravimetry studies of biomass were carried out. Computer simulation makes it possible to analyse complex phenomena which are otherwise difficult to observe. The aim of this work was to model biomass combustion to predict the amount of pollutants generated (NOx, CO, SO2) in the exhaust gases coming out from boilers The calculations were made using the CHEMKIN program. Results of calculations were performed taking into account the influence of temperature, pressure and residence time.
Does Norwegian alcohol policy favour lower alcohol content beverages? A historical overview
Authors: Horverak Øyvind 
Published: February 2012

Aims A historical overview of the relation between Norwegian alcohol policy and problems caused by different alcoholic beverages during the last two centuries. Results & Conclusions The main thesis is that the concrete shaping of Norwegian alcohol policy changes according to the beverage which is supposed to cause most harm. Traditionally, this beverage has been liquor, and the Norwegian alcohol policy has mainly been occupied with the evils of spirits. Problems following from the consumption of beer and wine have been seen as relatively modest. At times, these weaker beverages have been viewed as a temperate alternative to the stronger spirits. After WWII, the government chose a policy which tended to favour wine over liquor and beer. Wine consumption was related to a somewhat more sophisticated and cultural sphere than the rude consumption of beer and spirits.
The controversial discourse on beer in Iceland
Authors: Ólafsdóttir Hildigunnur 
Published: February 2012

Aims This study investigates the motives and discourses around the decision taken by the Icelandic parliament in 1989 to legalise beer sales after a prohibition of 74 years. A bill was passed in 1988 that allowed the selling of beer in licensed restaurants and the state alcohol monopoly stores. Design The sources used for this study are mainly newspaper articles and other materials and reports published in the period 1980 to 1989. Results The passing of the bill was preceded by many controversial discourses in Iceland. Lobbying groups with commercial interests campaigned for the legalisation of beer, while representatives of the alcoholism movement took no formal stance on the issue, parliamentarians broke from party lines and medical doctors were split into two factions. Common questions included the plausibility of the total consumption model, various understandings of WHO recommendations, diverging interpretations of other countries’ experiences of beer, and different views on how beer would affect individuals suffering from alcoholism. Conclusions The changes in Icelandic alcohol policy to legalise beer were in keeping with contemporary societal processes of globalisation and modernisation, but public health arguments were given less priority. While the decision to legalise beer increased the commercial functions of the state alcohol monopoly, it also strengthened the monopoly's role as an actor in alcohol policy.
Beer, wine and distilled spirits in Ontario: A comparison of recent policies, regulations and practices
Authors: Giesbrecht Norman , Wettlaufer Ashley , Walker Emma , Ialomiteanu Anca , Stockwell Timothy 
Published: February 2012

Aims There is a long-standing discussion about whether some beverages are more likely to be linked with high-risk drinking and damage than others, and implications for beverage specific alcohol policies. While the evidence is inconclusive, when controlling for individual consumption, some studies have shown elevated risks by beverage type. This paper examines the situation in Ontario, Canada, from 1995 to present (2011) on several dimensions in order to assess the differences by beverage and their rationale with a specific focus on the most recent policie. Methods This paper draws on archival consumption statistics, taxation and pricing arrangements, and retailing and marketing practices. Results Off-premise sales, which represent an estimated 75% of ethanol, involve several channels: stores controlled by the Liquor Control Board (LCBO) – which sell all spirits, imported and domestic wines, and beer products; the Beer Store network which sell all beers; and Ontario winery stores – which sell Ontario wines. In LCBO stores Ontario wines are more prominently displayed than other beverages, and extensive print advertising tends to feature wine over beer and spirits. There are also differences by beverage in terms of taxation and price. The taxes on higher alcohol content beverage types account for a higher portion of the retail price than taxes on lower alcohol content beverage types. Furthermore, minimum price regulations allow for differential minimum pricing per standard drink [17.05 ml ethanol] across beverage types. Conclusions The apparent rationale for these arrangements is not primarily that of favouring lighter-strength beverages in order to reduce harm, but rather to accommodate long-standing vested interests which are primarily financially based.
Effect of Calpastatin Gene Polymorphism on Lamb Growth and Muscling
Authors: Greguła-Kania Monika 
Published: February 2012

Effect of Calpastatin Gene Polymorphism on Lamb Growth and MusclingThe calpain-calpastatin system plays a key role in skeletal muscle growth and development processes. It is known that calpastatin activity correlates highly with muscle growth rate, which implies that skeletal muscle growth is likely to result from reduced protein degradation due to compromised activity of calpains or substantial increase of calpastatin activity. The objective of the present research was to identify polymorphic forms in intron 12 of the ovine calpastatin gene in sheep of synthetic lines BCP and SCP, followed by determination of the correlation between each polymorphic form of CAST gene and chosen traits characterizing lamb growth and muscling. The present study's results suggest that lambs carrying the "b" and "e" alleles and the "ae" genotype could be preferred when selecting for growth rate. The breeding efforts to obtain substantial increases in sheep muscle mass could focus on animals carrying the "ac" genotype. No statistically significant relationship was observed in any of the analysed cases between values of the traits and the CAST genotype. However, a highly significant effect of the study year on the analysed traits was found. The results should be regarded as preliminary. The research should be continued on a larger group of animals to ensure the adequate number of each genotype. The trends mentioned and discussed above may also serve as an indicator showing the future direction of further studies in this area.
Effectiveness of Rapeseed Press Cake (RPC) in Sow Feeding in Two Reproduction Cycles
Authors: Hanczakowska Ewa , Węglarzy Karol , Bereza Małgorzata 
Published: February 2012

Effectiveness of Rapeseed Press Cake (RPC) in Sow Feeding in Two Reproduction CyclesThe possibility of replacing soybean meal with rapeseed press cake (RPC) in feed was determined over two reproductive cycles in an experiment with 54 pregnant and lactating sows allocated to three groups with 18 gilts per group. Group I received the standard mixture, group II received RPC as the main protein source from insemination to 100 days of pregnancy, and the control diet during late pregnancy and lactation. In group III, RPC replaced all of soybean meal protein in early pregnancy and one-half of soybean meal protein during late pregnancy and lactation. Half of the sows in each group received a iodine supplement (1 mg/kg feed). Sows were weighed at mating, farrowing and weaning. Piglets were weighed at 1 and 28 days of age (weaning). Samples of milk were collected at 14 days postpartum to determine the content of protein, fat, lactose and iodine. After the first reproductive cycle sows were mated and allocated to the respective groups as in the first cycle. Neither RPC nor iodine had any effect on body weight of the sows. RPC had a beneficial effect on body weight of piglets at birth and weaning, which could be due to a higher content of fat and amino acids in sow RPC diets. RPC, especially when given throughout pregnancy and lactation significantly lowered iodine content in sow milk. Piglets grew significantly faster in the second compared to the first reproductive cycle (184 and 178 g per day, respectively). Iodine supplemented to sows reduced piglet daily weight gain from 185 to 177 g. It is concluded that rapeseed press cake can replace soybean meal in the diets for pregnant and lactating sows without a negative effect on their performance while improving piglet body weight.
Feeding Wheat Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) to Laying Hens and its Effect on Performance and Egg Quality
Authors: Niemiec Jan , Riedel Julia , Szulc Tadeusz , Stępińska Małgorzata 
Published: February 2012

Feeding Wheat Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) to Laying Hens and its Effect on Performance and Egg QualityThe purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of wheat DDGS as a feed ingredient on the performance of laying hens and their egg quality. ISA Brown laying hens were administered a feed mixture containing 15% (E1) or 20% (E2) wheat DDGS for 12 weeks. The hens from the control group (C) received a standard diet based on soybean meal as the main protein source only. Laying performance (laying %), average egg weight (g), average daily feed intake (g/hen), and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg eggs) were recorded over the study period. Egg quality traits (egg weight, thick albumen quality, yolk colour, yolk percentage, shell percentage and shell thickness) were evaluated twice: before the start and at the end of the experiment. There was no effect of dietary DDGS on laying performance or on feed intake. The average egg weight was significantly lower in both experimental groups and the feed conversion ratio was lower compared to the control group. Dietary wheat DDGS did not affect the main egg quality parameters except for thick albumen quality. Eggs from hens fed the diet with DDGS had higher values of Haugh unit than those from the control hens. These results suggest that wheat DDGS can be used in amounts of up to 20% as a component of feed mixtures for flocks of laying hens.
The Effect of Humic-Fatty Acid Preparation on Production Parameters and Meat Quality of Growing Rabbits
Authors: Miśta Dorota , Rząsa Anna , Szmańko Tadeusz , Zawadzki Wojciech , Styczyńska Marzena , Pintal Anna , Króliczewska Bożena 
Published: February 2012

The Effect of Humic-Fatty Acid Preparation on Production Parameters and Meat Quality of Growing RabbitsThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of a humic-fatty acid preparation on production parameters and meat quality of rabbits. Three groups of New Zealand White rabbits were used (one control and two experimental) with 8 animals per group. The animals of group C (control) were fed standard pelleted diet, group H5 received a control diet supplemented with 5%, and group H10 a control diet with 10% humic-fatty acid preparation. The experiment was terminated after 6 weeks feeding, when rabbits were slaughtered. The experimental groups showed higher gains and a higher feed conversion ratio than the control group. The dietary inclusion of the experimental additive had a beneficial effect on the meat quality traits, such as Fe concentration, hardness and colour, but it also increased the susceptibility of fat to oxidative changes.
Learning english through musicals: a case study of social economically disadvantaged aboriginal students in Eastern Taiwan
Authors: Lei Lih-Wei , Huang Cheng-Fang 
Published: February 2012

This study explores the possibility of using musicals to teach English with instructional VCD for following practice, and investigates whether it helps social economically disadvantaged aboriginal students overcome their difficulties with English and enhance their learning motivation. A series of surveys and interviews were conducted to investigate the influence of this intervention. The results showed that about 90 per cent of responded students in the intervention group considered learning English through musical interesting and it helped them to be more confident in English. About 80 per cent of students indicated that they would actively practice English through ways such as imitating singers to sing an English song. About 60 per cent of students felt more comfortable speaking English loudly and were less afraid of talking to others in English. Further comparison show that there was a significant difference between students who participated (n=39) and who didn't participate (n=15) in the English musical programme. Only about 60 per cent of those in the control group would actively learn English. Being unaware of the English musical programme, only half of the students considered learning English through acting interesting. The results of this exploratory study show musicals can provide the opportunity for the students to use language meaningfully and appropriately. The use of drama activities in second language learning helps the learners to be more imaginative, creative and less frustrated as they become more confident in the process of learning English as a second language.
Preliminary Validation of a Self-reported Screening Questionnaire for Inflammatory Back Pain
Authors: KEELING STEPHANIE O. , MAJUMDAR SUMIT R. , CONNER-SPADY BARBARA , BATTIÉ MICHELE C. , CARROLL LINDA J. , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is an important feature of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) that is poorly recognized in primary care, perhaps delaying diagnosis of SpA. We aimed to develop and validate a self-report questionnaire using important domains reported by patients with IBP.Methods.We developed a 6-item questionnaire assessing spinal/hip stiffness, nocturnal pain, diurnal variation, effects of exercise/rest, and peripheral joint pain/swelling. This was compared with the Calin questionnaire and the domains comprising the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria for IBP in 220 patients with established axial SpA and 66 patients with mechanical back pain followed in tertiary care rheumatology clinics. The classification utility of each item was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio (LR). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze different combinations of items to develop candidate scoring systems.Results.The single item “diurnal variation” had the highest combination of sensitivity (49%) and specificity (92%) for IBP (positive LR 5.95, 95% CI 2.54–13.94), outperforming the Calin and ASAS IBP criteria, which had sensitivities of 83% and 59%, specificities 42% and 66%, positive LR 1.42 and 1.72, negative LR 0.41 and 0.62, respectively. Classification utility of this item was even higher in SpA patients with disease duration < 6 years (sensitivity 48%, specificity 96%, positive LR 12, negative LR 0.54). The other 5 items did not improve classification utility in any combination.Conclusion.Assessment of a single self-reported item, “diurnal variation,” had substantial classification utility for IBP. This domain is not addressed in existing criteria for IBP, indicating a potentially important omission.
Infliximab Treatment Increases Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Assessment of Heart Function by Echocardiography, Endothelin 1, Interleukin 6, and NT-pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: KOTYLA PRZEMYSLAW J. , OWCZAREK ALEKSANDER , RAKOCZY JAROSLAW , LEWICKI MACIEJ , KUCHARZ EUGENE J. , EMERY PAUL 
Published: February 2012

Objective.To study the influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treatment on echocardiographic measures and concentrations of endothelin 1 (ET-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and amino-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in a cohort of 23 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.We recruited 23 patients (mean age 51.3 ± 1.55 yrs) with RA resistant to treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and average disease duration of 7.1 ± 1.0 years who had been selected to start treatment with the anti-TNF-α antagonist infliximab. Transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were performed before the first infusion and repeated after 1 year of treatment. Data for age, sex, RA disease activity by Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and echocardiographic data, NT-proBNP, IL-6, ET-1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and other routine laboratory data were collected before treatment and after 1 year.Results.Twelve months of treatment with infliximab resulted in reduction of RA activity (i.e., reduction of DAS and acute-phase reactants). There was increased left ventricle ejection fraction, from 58.5% before treatment to 63% after. Treatment with infliximab also resulted in significant reduction of ET-1 (1.26 fmol/ml before treatment vs 0.43 fmol/ml after), IL-6 (58.46 pg/ml vs 3.46 pg/ml), and NT-proBNP (43.06 fmol/ml vs 14.78 fmol/ml). These reductions were observed after just 4 months of treatment and remained significant until the termination of the study.Conclusion.In patients with RA, treatment with infliximab contributed significantly to increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. Improvement of cardiac function was shown by conventional echocardiography; there was reduction of biochemical markers of heart failure.