bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Insecticides on Trichogramma Chilonis Parasitism and in the Oviposition Pattern of Large Cabbage Moth Eggs
Authors: Fangupo Sateki , Kant Rashmi , Palomar Manuel K. , Furlong Michael J.
Published: January 2018

This study determined the effects of key insecticides on Trichogramma chilonis parasitism in field trials. It showed that the number of large cabbage moth (LCM) eggs in Chinese cabbage was significantly reduced after application of AttackTM (p: 0.001) and EntrustTM (p: 0.00) but not after spraying with OrtheneTM (p: 0.09) and DipelTM (p: 0.485). Negative effects of insecticides were observed on the parasitism rate of T. chilonis and LCM egg masses, which were more likely to be only partially parasitised after an insecticide application. AttackTM and EntrustTM adversely affected T. chilonis parasitism rates of LCM eggs. However, the effect of OrtheneTM and DipelTMdid not significantly differ from each other and could be safer to the parasitoid since both reduced T. chilonis parasitism the least. The distribution of LCM eggs in the cabbage leaves was also affected by the insecticides; before insecticide application the majority of egg masses were concentrated in the upper surface of the foliage but after insecticide sprays most of the egg masses were found in the lower surface of the foliage. This study suggests that OrtheneTM and DipelTMhave no effect on the parasitism but DipelTM was found safer to the parasitoid and it could be considered for inclusion in IPM programmes that depend on T. chilonis parasitism of LCM.
The Effect of Varieties and Degree of Ripeness to Vitamin C Content in Tomato Fruits
Authors: Valšíková-Frey Magdaléna , Komár Patrik , Rehuš Marián
Published: January 2018

Nine selected varieties of tomatoes were grown in field experiments in order to follow up changes in the content of vitamin C, depending on the degree of the fruit ripeness. Vitamin C content of green fruit ranged from 6.74 mg (Denár) to 10.23 mg (Salus). The mean value for the varieties in the green state was 8.66 mg.100 g−1. The value of vitamin C in the semi-mature tomatoes ranged from 11.34 mg (Denár) to 14.95 mg (Darinka). The mean value for all varieties was 12.89 mg. 100 g−1. The lowest content of vitamin C was found in consumer (red) ripening tomato varieties Šejk (16.03 mg), Denár (16.32 mg) and Zámčan (16.80 mg) and the highest content of vitamin C in varieties Salus (19.43 mg) and Darinka (19.26 mg). The mean value for the nine varieties was 17.70 mg.100 g−1. In the botanical (overripe) maturity, we recorded the highest vitamin C content in the variety Salus (21.51 mg. 100 g−1). The highest increase in vitamin C was also recorded at the variety Darinka, where we registered the content of 21.32 mg.100 g−1. The lowest vitamin C content in botanical ripeness was observed in the variety Zámčan (19.44 mg.100 g−1). The average amount of vitamin C marked 20.26 g mg.100−1. The results can be concluded that the level of vitamin C is increasing by the gradual ripening of the fruits.
On-chip Mach-Zehnder interferometer for OCT systems
Authors: van Leeuwen Ton G. , Akca Imran B. , Angelou Nikolaos , Weiss Nicolas , Hoekman Marcel , Leinse Arne , Heideman Rene G.
Published: January 2018

By using integrated optics, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of a bulky optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. One of the OCT components that can be implemented on-chip is the interferometer. In this work, we present the design and characterization of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer consisting of the wavelength-independent splitters and an on-chip reference arm. The Si3N4 was chosen as the material platform as it can provide low losses while keeping the device size small. The device was characterized by using a home-built swept source OCT system. A sensitivity value of 83 dB, an axial resolution of 15.2 μm (in air) and a depth range of 2.5 mm (in air) were all obtained.
Servile Spartans and Free Citizen-soldiers in Aristotle’s Politics 7–8
Authors: Lockwood Thornton
Published: January 2018

In the last two books of the Politics, Aristotle articulates an education program for his best regime in contrast to what he takes to be the goal and practices of Sparta’s educational system. Although Aristotle never refers to his program as liberal education, clearly he takes its goal to be the production of free male and female citizens. By contrast, he characterizes the results of the Spartan system as ‘crude’ (φορτικός), ‘slavish’ (ἀνδραποδώδης), and ‘servile’ (βάναυσος). I argue that Aristotle’s criticisms of Spartan education elucidate his general understanding of Sparta and provide an interpretative key to understanding Politics 7–8. But although Aristotle contrasts the goals and methods of Spartan education with that of his own best regime, the citizens of his best regime are more like Spartan citizen-soldiers than Athenian participatory-citizens.
Determination of the Morphology of the Starch Granules and the Optimum Internal Cooking Temperature of Four Andean Crops: Oca (Oxalis tuberosaMolina), Olluco (Ullucus tuberosusLoz), Isaño (Tropaeolum tuberosumRuiz & Pavon) and Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhizaBancroft)
Authors: Bellido-Valencia Omar , Huanca-Zúñiga Paul K. , Medina-Marroquín Luis A.
Published: January 2018

Andean grains (i.e. quinoa, amaranth) have been increasingly studied in recent times, mainly due to the increase in international consumption. However, Andean tubers other than potatoes have not been so widespread and are mainly studied for their starch, previously extracted. This work studied the morphology of native starch in four of these crops (oca, olluco, isaño and aracacha), during cooking and the evolution of their internal temperature in relation to sensory acceptability. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was determined that the size of crude starch granules was between 9 μm to 38.2 μm for oca, 4.48 to 24.9 μm for olluco, 4.45 to 22.9 μm for isaño, and 5.36 to 23.8 μm for arracacha. Sensorially, it was determined that the optimum cooking temperature for arracacha was 89.1°C, 90.9°C for oca, 91°C for isaño, and 91.4 °C for olluco. All samples had optimal cooking times shorter than potato, with the isaño having the best heat transfer.
Preservative Effects of Gmelina arborea Fruits and Nauclea latifolia Stem Bark Extracts on Fruit Juice in Comparison with a Known Chemical Preservative
Authors: Akharaiyi Fred Coolborn , Ugberase Obehi Betsy
Published: January 2018

Fruit juices are liable to spoilage as a result of fermentation by microorganisms. This study is intended to provide information on preservative of fruit juices with plant extracts. The preservative effects of Gmelina arborea fruit and Nauclea latifolia stem bark extracts in apple and pineapple juices were assessed in comparison to chemical preservative (sodium benzoate) as a positive control and refrigeration at 4 °C as a negative control measures. Decrease in microbial load during storage was observed in the prepared juice samples. G. arborea fruit extract in microbial inhibition was more potent followed by sodium benzoate and N. latifolia stem bark extract. G. arborea preserved juices were of better choice in sensory evaluation for acceptability than N. latifolia and sodium benzoate preserved juices. Phytochemical screened from the extracts are saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids. The titratable acidity of the prepared juices evaluated G. arborea of lower titratable acidity value than N. latifolia. The results has provided a partial support for the use of G. arborea fruits and N. latifolia stem bark extracts for preservation of fruit juices. The use of N. latifolia and G. arborea as preservative agents have not been documented and could be potential sources of natural preservative agents for future use in preservation of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.
Study on Food Quality and Safety Management Based on Hotel Management
Authors: Shi Zengye
Published: January 2018

In recent years, with the frequent occurrence of food safety problems, people have begun to pay attention to food safety, especially the food safety of hotels. This paper proposed a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) management system to analyze food safety issues of hotels in order to improve the food quality and safety in hotel management. Through the practical application of the HACCP management system in the hotel catering industry, it was found that the amount of bacteria greatly reduced and the pass rate of tableware disinfection increased significantly in the hotel's food processing links, while customer satisfaction greatly improved. Therefore, the HACCP management system had great applicability in improving the food quality and safety of hotels.
Strangers of Popular Culture – The Verbal and Pictorial Aesthetics of Mythological Metal Music
Authors: Fejes János
Published: January 2018

Extreme metal music is held to be a destructive genre of popular culture, treated as a pariah for many. Being a seriously misunderstood genre, I would like to highlight that metal music is a result of conscious work process that cannot only be noticed on the level of the music but on the level of verbal and pictorial expressions too. In my paper, I would like to show the working mechanisms of the so-called “(neo)pagan/mythological metal” movement, focusing on the rhetoric side of its mentioned expressions, searching for the ways these bands rewrite ancient myths and legends.

For my research, I will use three main threads: 1) history of religion (looking for the connections of the reception of ancient topics in contemporary society, e.g. New Age Cults and New Religious Movements); 2) reception theory, as the thoughts of Northrop Frye, Wolfgang Iser (1972), and John Fiske (2011) all should help to understand the general processes behind reading and producing texts; 3) subculture studies – e.g. the works of Richard Schusterman and Deena Weinstein (2002) to have a deeper insight to the genres standing on the edge of mass and high culture.

After a general introduction, I would like to demonstrate the above mentioned through some case studies. The chosen mythological cultures are going to be the world of the ancient Middle East (Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Old Testament), the classical Roman world, and the Viking Era, also showing some Hungarian and Romanian examples in the last section. In each section, the following issues should be examined: band and stage names connected to the topic, album titles, lyrics, and album covers. All these together will show us many clear patterns from romantic nostalgia to allegoric concepts, all revolving around the essence of metal music: being a Stranger in a familiar society.
Digital Immigrants – Strangers
Authors: Molnár György , Szűts Zoltán , Nagy Katalin
Published: January 2018

In social context, a stranger can be identified as one who is excluded from a group. This group can sometimes have only a few members, while in other cases it can consist of a whole nation or of an entire society. From a digital perspective, there are two kinds of citizens: first, those who are members of the digital information society. They are able to take part in social and public communication on several levels. Their habits often make life easier, and the pace they live their lives at is faster than of those before them. They are the digital natives. Second, there are those who designed the digital world, but ironically they are the ones who do not really understand how it works in practice. They are the digital immigrants, the strangers. In our study, our key point is that digital immigrants, who have been in this world longer than the so-called digital natives, are perceived as strangers as they are in many ways excluded from today’s digital information society. The rituals of their daily interaction, routine, and media consumption as well as information gathering differ from those who are “full members” of the information society.
The Beautiful Stranger – Szekler Teenagers’ Role Models
Authors: Gergely Orsolya
Published: January 2018

The social learning theory emphasizes that model giving or guiding has always been one of the most powerful means for transmitting values, for demonstrating and accentuating the expected attitudes, habits, thinking, and behaviour (Bandura, 1986; Crosswhite et. al., 2003). Studies have shown that a role model could motivate a teenager’s sporting habits and performance in a positive way. They also found that the top athletes, those celebrities who appear frequently in the media, can become role models. Do Szekler teenagers have role models? Do they choose their role model from their physical environment or the international popular media stars or mediatized persons become their idolized model? We wanted to find out who those teenagers are from our region who choose as their role model a star, a famous person, a media celebrity – a well-known person but still a stranger for the teenagers of Szeklerland. If so, who are their icons and role models? Who are those people that have an exemplary behaviour in their eyes? To whom they would like to compare themselves when they grow up? And what are those characteristics which have decisive roles in choosing as role model a person they have never met before? The analysis is based on three important surveys conducted among teenagers from Romania (Covasna, Harghita, and Mureş counties). The surveys took place in the springs of 2012, 2014, and 2016. About two thousand pupils in the 7th and 11th grades were involved each time. On the basis of variables, such as age, gender, and type of residency, we will present general profiles and general types of Szekler teenagers regarding the role models of their choice.
Strangers in Digiland
Authors: Bakó Rozália Klára , Tőkés Gyöngyvér Erika
Published: January 2018

With the growing importance of digital practices in young children’s everyday routines, parents and educators often face frustration and confusion. They find it difficult to guide children when it comes to playing and learning online. This research note proposes an insight into parents’ and educators’ concerns related to children’s and their own digital literacy, based on two exploratory qualitative inquiries carried out from March 2015 to August 2017 among 30 children aged 4 to 8 from Romania, their parents and educators. The research project Digital and Multimodal Practices of Young Children from Romania (2015–2016) and its continuation The Role of Digital Competence in the Everyday Lives of Children Aged 4–8 (2017–2018, ongoing) are part of a broader effort within the Europe-wide COST network IS1410 – The Digital and Multimodal Practices of Young Children (2014–2018). Parents and educators are disconnected from young children’s universe, our research has found. The factors enabling adults’ access to “Digiland” and ways of coping with the steep learning curve of digital literacy are explored through parents’ and teachers’ narratives, guided observation of children’s digital practices, and expert testimonies.
Investigation of Mechanical and Utility Properties of Two-Layer Cotton Woven Fabrics
Authors: Matusiak Małgorzata , Wilk Edward
Published: January 2018

The aim of presented work was to design the cotton woven fabrics which ensure thermal resistance higher than standard cotton fabrics of basic weaves. It was done in order to combine the excellent hygienic properties of cotton fibers with thermal insulation. Three variants of two-face cotton woven fabrics of different structure were designed and manufactured. Next, they were measured in the range of their basic structural, mechanical, and comfort-related properties. The results obtained were analyzed in the aspect of properties influencing the utility comfort of user wearing clothing made of the investigated fabrics.
Use a Modified Ring Method to Predict Drape Properties in Drapery Fabrics
Authors: Carrera-Gallissà Enric , Capdevila Xavier , Valldeperas Josep
Published: January 2018

Seven drape indicators and four of the parameters assessed in the UPC ring test were determined by using canonical correlations in 15 commercial drapery fabrics of variable composition, aerial weight and weave type. A regression equation relating drape ratio (%DR) and parameter h in the ring test was thus established. Based on the results, the ring test provides a useful tool for the routine industrial assessment of drape in finished drapery fabrics without the need for additional equipment to determine the drape.
Expanding the Applicability of Four Iterative Methods for Solving Least Squares Problems
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Sharma Janak Raj , Kumar Deepak
Published: January 2018

The aim of this paper is to expand the applicability of four iterative methods for solving nonlinear least squares problems. The advantages obtained under the same computational cost as in earlier studies, include: larger radius of convergence, tighter error bounds on the distances involved and a better information on the location of the solution.
Hyper Relative Order (p, q) of Entire Functions
Authors: Banerjee Dibyendu , Batabyal Saikat
Published: January 2018

After the works of Lahiri and Banerjee [6] on the idea of relative order (p, q) of entire functions, we introduce in this paper hyper relative order (p, q) of entire functions where p, q are positive integers with p>q and prove sum theorem, product theorem and theorem on derivative.
A Simple Proof of the Chuang’s Inequality
Authors: Chakraborty Bikash
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this paper is to present a short proof of the Chuang’s inequality.
Local Convergence and Radius of Convergence for Modified Newton Method
Authors: Măruşter Ştefan
Published: January 2018

We investigate the local convergence of modified Newton method, i.e., the classical Newton method in which the derivative is periodically re-evaluated. Based on the convergence properties of Picard iteration for demicontractive mappings, we give an algorithm to estimate the local radius of convergence for considered method. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm gives estimated radii which are very close to or even equal with the best ones.
Causes and distribution of soil pollution in China
Authors: Delang Claudio O.
Published: January 2018

China is the most populated country in the world, but has relatively little fertile land, and even less water. Maintaining the quality of its agricultural land is of paramount importance if China wants to feed its very large and growing population. Yet, China is one of the countries with the largest amount of polluted soil. This paper looks at the causes and distribution of soil pollution in China. It first looks at the amount of organic and inorganic soil pollutants and their geographic distribution. It then looks at the causes of soil pollution, making the distinction between agricultural activities, industrial activities, and urbanization. Pollution from agricultural activities stems primarily from the excessive amounts of pesticides and fertilizers used on farmland, and is mainly located in the south, where most of the food is produced. Pollution from industrial activities is due to airborne industrial pollutants that fall on to the land, and is mainly located in the west of the country, where most manufacturing activities take place. Pollution from urbanization is mainly due to the very large amount of solid, liquid and gaseous waste generated in a small area with insufficient treatment facilities, and exhaust fumes from vehicles, and is located around the largest cities, or roads. The result is that one fifth of China’s farmland is polluted, and an area the size of Taiwan is so polluted that farming should not be allowed there at all.
Submergence analysis of the proposed Ken Betwa Dam (Madhya Pradesh) India, using geospatial technology in Environmental Impact Assessments
Authors: Goparaju Laxmi , Ahmad Firoz , Thakkar Himanshu
Published: January 2018

This study has analysed the Landsat 8 OLI data (December 2016) to delineate the various land use/land cover classes of the area which will be submerged by the proposed Daudhan/Greater Gangau Dam, which is part of the proposed Ken Betwa River Link Project (in the Madhya Pradesh state of India) and also the area likely to be submerged in the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR). The proposed area of submergence was computed at various full reservoir lengths (FRL), 278 m, 283 m, 288 m, 289 m and 293 m. Similarly the area of submergence for the Panna Tiger Reserve was computed at the mentioned FRLs. It was concluded that a large part of the Panna Tiger Reserve would be submerged and habitat of various animals and plants would be under threat. In comparison with the figures given in the Environmental Impact Assessment certain serious discrepancies and weaknesses were detected and it was felt that they should have been addressed. The results were compared with the EIA – EMP report of the Ken-Betwa link project, Phase 1, prepared by Agricultural Finance Corporation Limited for the National Water Development Agency (Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India). A proper evaluation of the negative impacts would help when making relevant decisions and appropriate steps to ensure that the loss is kept to a minimum. Safeguarding the biodiversity of forests and wildlife habitats should be the priority as their loss is irreplaceable. Geospatial technology helps in studying the overall spatial view of the proposed submergence area and the visualization gives a clear picture of the likely scenario in the future. It would assist in decision making and mitigation measures.
Atmospheric fronts over Poland (2006-2015)
Authors: Sykulski Patryk , Bielec-Bąkowska Zuzanna
Published: January 2018

The paper presents the spatial and temporal variations in the occurrence of fronts and days with no fronts over Poland in 2006-2015. The research was based on a database of the atmospheric fronts that moved over five selected stations located in the outermost regions of Poland and in the centre of the country. The database was created as a result of an analysis of synoptic charts from the website of the German weather service (Deutscher Wetterdienst; DWD). As is shown by the results, atmospheric fronts moved over Poland on approximately 65% of days of the year. However, their frequency in the individual regions was almost half of this, ranging from 33-39%. The annual variations in the number of fronts depended largely on the location of a given area and the atmospheric circulation prevailing there. In most years the maximum frequency of occurrence of atmospheric fronts was observed in November-January, and the lowest frequency was seen in February and September. The research confirms that there is a clear predominance of cold fronts, with warm and occluded fronts forming at around half the frequency of cold fronts. One characteristic feature is a decrease in the number of occluded fronts and days with different types of fronts moving from the north of Poland southwards. In the period under study, more than 80% of the sequences of days with atmospheric fronts included up to 6 days, even though there were also cases when fronts passed over Poland on 20 consecutive days.
Perceived synergy between deforestation and/or forest degradation and climate variability and change in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Abalo Emmanuel Mawuli , Peprah Prince , Appiah Divine Odame , Sarpong Belinda Serkyiwah Asante , Amankwaa Godfred , Nakoja Yagah
Published: January 2018

Perceptual studies on the environment and natural resources are important, if unsustainable use of these resources is to be abated. This paper unravels the hitherto unknown drivers of deforestation and/or forest degradation, and the causes of climate variability and change (CVC), by assessing their synergy based on participants self-reported cases in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Drawing on the criterion and simple random sampling techniques to sample 360 respondents from 4 different communities and adopting the empiricist paradigm to derive trends and patterns in responses, this study demonstrated the bi-directional association between forest degradation and climate change. Results suggested that participants across the various socio-economic status fields were adequately informed, and knowledgeable about changes in climatic variables. Participants’ perceived the loss of forest, extinction of tree species and changing forest to savanna lands as indications of deforestation. Respondents with basic education and/or high school education adequately predicted that CVC factors influence decisions regarding forest removal compared with the uneducated. Removing one hectare of vegetation cover change per year (being it an increase or decrease in the area) (1 ha/year+/-/) or about three hectares (3 ha/year+/-), at a rate of 60%, and forest cover at rates of 57% were perceived as significant drivers of CVC. In recommendation, policies targeted at reducing forest degradation and deforestation and contributing to the fight against CVC in the Municipality should henceforth take into consideration the opinions of the indigenes in addition to scientific evidence in order to ensure the effectiveness of such policies.
Role of small and intermediate towns in regional development: A case study of Raebareli, Sultanpur and Pratapgarh Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Misra Harikesh N. , Mishra Ashutosh
Published: January 2018

It is said that small and intermediate size towns play a significant role in the socio-economic transformation of regional spaces through diffusion of innovations. It, however, has been hypothesized here that in this diffusion process the villages having better infrastructural facilities and services, play central role. For its analysis, the study takes the case of a region consisting of three administrative districts - Raebareli, Sultanpur and Pratapgarh, of the Uttar Pradesh state of India. These districts have remained in political focus since India’s independence and have elected two prime-ministers and some most influential politicians of their times in quest of development. However, the condition of development here is still deplorable. These districts have 22 statutory towns, and are least urbanized in the state. The towns are mainly administrative or market centres in nature serving surrounding villages by their backward and forward linkages. The study analyses ‘Z scores’ of select services to measure the level of development at block and village level, and portrays the spatial arrangement of towns in development setting of the region. The study observes that while towns are instrumental in promoting regional development, the role of ‘rurban’ centres (high service villages) in the process of diffusion of development is pivotal.
The ice phenomena dynamics of small anthropogenic water bodies in the Silesian Upland, Poland
Authors: Solarski Maksymilian
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the process of a course of ice creation phenomena in two small water bodies located in the Silesian Upland. The studies and observations of ice formation on the water bodies were conducted during the period 10th November 2011 to 23rd March 2012. The following parameters were determined each day: degree of ice coverage on each water body, thickness and ice structure and thickness of snow cover on each water body. From the studies it results that a course of the ice formation of both water bodies was almost identical. The same maximum ice thickness was recorded in both cases. It was 36 cm in that season, with slight differences in average thickness. The course of particular phases of ice formation in different water regions was also very similar. The number of days with the ice phenomena and the number of days from the beginning to the end of the ice phenomena were identical in both cases, being 96 and 131 days, respectively. The slight differences over several days were recorded in the case of: number of days with shore ice (lb), number of days with partial ice cover (lcz), number of days with an incomplete ice cover (lnp), number of breaks in the ice cover (B). Additionally, with daily measurements of ice cover thickness the relationships between the course of the average daily air temperature from the meteorological station of Faculty of Earth Sciences of University of Silesia and the daily changes in the ice thickness in the water regions in question were determined by using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. In both cases the relationships were strong and they were r= −0,84(p<0,001) for the Amendy water body and r= −0,87 (p<0,001) for the Żabie Doły S water body. The maximum and average ice thickness, duration of the ice phenomena and ice cover and the obtained correlation coefficients between the air temperature and the changes in the ice thickness show that the water bodies in question are characterized by a quasi-natural ice regime.
Potential conflicts connected with the recovery of secondary materials from post mining waste dump
Authors: Gawor Łukasz
Published: January 2018

Coal mine spoil dumping grounds are present in the landscape of every mining region. Although the composition of waste material is in general safe for the environment (sedimentary rocks – sandstones, mudstones and siltstones), there may be up to 10% of coal particles in disposed wastes. The presence of organic material causes self-ignition processes and fire hazards. There is a need and the possibility of the recovery of coal, and which should be conducted according to legal regulations and environmental protection rules. The recovery should also be preceded by a feasibility study, a drilling campaign, laboratory tests and requires different environmental permissions. Recovery processes are connected with the work of a preparation plant, which is usually linked with protests from the local community and potential conflicts. This article presents the most significant hazards to the environment, health and human life connected with the functions associated with the installation of the recovery processes of coal from waste material deposited on the dumps. The methods of reducing these threats are described with regards to legal regulations, particularly law deeds concerning the safe recovery processes and further reclamation and restoration of degraded post-mining dumping grounds. The role and participation of interested community members at the preparation for investment stage as well as the period of realization of the preparation processes is described. The question of re-using and managing the post-mining dumping grounds after completion of the recovery processes is discussed.
Changing values of lake ecosystem services as a result of bacteriological contamination on Lake Trzesiecko and Lake Wielimie, Poland
Authors: Cichoń Małgorzata
Published: January 2018

Lake ecosystems, on the one hand, are affected by tourism, and on the other by development for tourism. Lake ecosystem services include: water with its self-cleaning processes, air with climate control processes, as well as flora and fauna. Utilisation of services leads to interventions in the structure of ecosystems and their processes. Only to a certain extent, this is specific to each type of environmental interference, remains within the limits of ecosystem resilience and does not lead to its degradation. One of the threats is bacteriological contamination, for which the most reliable sanitation indicator isEscherichia coli. In lake water quality studies it is assumed that the lakeshore cannot be a source of bacteria. It has been hypothesised that the problem of bacterial contamination can be serious for the places that do not have any infrastructure, especially sanitation. Consequently, the purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which lakeshore sanitation, in particular the level of bacteriological contamination, has an impact on the value of services provided by the selected lake ecosystems (Lake Trzesiecko and Lake Wielimie – Szczecinek Lake District). Five selected services related to lake ecosystems are: water, control over the spread of contagious diseases, aesthetic values, tourism and recreation, as well as the hydrological cycle with its self-cleaning function. Services, as well as the criteria adopted for evaluation, allow us to conclude that the services provided by the lake ecosystems are suitable to fulfill a recreation function. However, the inclusion of quality criteria for sanitary status has shown that the value of system services has dropped by as much as 50%. Value changes are visible primarily for water and aesthetic qualities. Such a significant decrease in the value of services clearly indicates the importance of the sanitary conditions of lakes and their appropriate infrastructure. In view of the valuation proposals, there is a problem of uncertainty of valuation of ecosystem services.
Managerial decision-making on the location of banking headquarters in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sucháček Jan , Skaličková Jolana , Široký Jan
Published: January 2018

Location decision-making constitutes one of pivotal tasks for banking managements, which applies to both banking headquarters and affiliates. The main objective of this article consists in analysis and interpretation of location factors that stay behind location-decision making of banking managements and subsequent collocation of banking head offices in the Czech Republic. In doing so, cluster analysis was utilised appropriately and it turned out, initial 18 location factors can be decreased to final three mutually similar groups, which satisfactorily embody location criteria banking managements take into account. As it has been proven banking landscape in the Czech Republic is still influenced by traditional hard factors of location, nonetheless their soft counterparts should be increasingly considered.
Decomposition of changes in structure and trends in employment in Czechia at NUTS 2 level
Authors: Markowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2018

Observing the structure of employment and its trends constitute the fundamental baseline to assess the successes and failures of both national and EU social and economic policies in terms of evaluating effectiveness of support to regions framed by both competitiveness and cohesion issues. The study presents the assessment of structural changes of employment in the system of traditional three economic sectors using the measure of structures dissimilarity along with its decomposition and trends. The Czech NUTS 2 level regions were used for the study and the analysed period covered the years 2008−2014. The U measure of changes in structure of components was applied on data on employment (NACE classification). The results confirmed the current trends of (i) tertiarization in old industrial regions; (ii) the increasing share of employment in the industrial sector shown by some rural regions, and (iii) the growing fragmentation of the spatial pattern of socio-economic development.
Desiccation of Lake Chad as a cause of security instability in the Sahel region
Authors: Rudincová Kateřina
Published: January 2018

The Lake Chad basin is one of the most unstable regions in Africa. The lake itself has shrunk and nowadays it covers less than 10 % of its area in 1960. These environmental changes have wider geopolitical consequences in the whole region, which encompasses countries such as Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Therefore, it seems that environmental threats may act as the detonators for larger political conflict as well as for a struggle for land and may cause growing instability in affected countries. The region is fragile, owing to the fact that several terrorist and Islamist groups are operating there. The most serious threat in the Lake Chad basin is militant Islamist group Boko Haram, which is based in north eastern Nigeria, but it is also active in neighbouring countries. As a result of both ecological changes and security threats, people are losing their traditional sources of income from herding and it is likely that there will be large waves of migration from the area. The paper focuses on the environmental challenges in the Lake Chad basin and their effect on the security in the region. The main attention will be paid to the strategies and actions of militant terrorist groups such as Boko Haram that will be analysed in the wider regional geopolitical context.
3-Carboxy-1-sulfopyridin-1-ium chloride ([CPySO3H]+Cl−): an efficient catalyst for one-pot synthesis of hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxamides
Authors: Ehsanifar Sepideh , Mokhtary Masoud
Published: January 2018

3-Carboxy-1-sulfopyridin-1-ium chloride ([CPySO3H]+Cl−) was synthesized and evaluated as a recoverable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives by a four-component reaction of an arylaldehyde, dimedone, acetoacetanilide and ammonium acetate. The [CPySO3H]+Cl− catalyst was characterized by infrared (IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, elemental analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).
Changing of Vegetative to Reproductive Ratio as a Response to Different Sowing Dates in Sunflower
Authors: Aliloo Ali Asghar
Published: January 2018

Sunflower is an important source for edible oils and biodiesel production. Its productivity is limited by many agronomical practices one of which is the sowing date. In this study, the effects of different sowing dates from early April to late June on phenology and yield of sunflower cultivars were investigated. The results showed that sunflower has a relatively long period of possible sowing dates, stretching from early April to late June in North West of Iran. However, delayed sowing dates significantly decreased the number of days needed for phenophases. For every day of delay, the model predicted (R2=0.97) a losing rate in achene yield by 22.2 kg h−1 from the first sowing date. For relationships between growing degree days (GDD) and yield, almost the same results were obtained. About 22 kg h−1 reduction (R2=0.79) in yield per day was estimated by GDD index when the average GDDs per day was 14.2. However, helio-thermal units (HTU) did not predict this reduction accurately. A suggested comprehensive model, that used the percent of yield losses and changes in vegetative to reproductive ratio, found a significant and positive relationship between the indices and yield losses. For all indices, an increase in vegetative to reproductive ratio resulted in increased grain yield losses.
Radiata pine wood treatment with a dispersion of aqueous styrene/acrylic acid copolymer
Authors: Che Wenbo , Xiao Zefang , Han Guanghui , Zheng Zhongguo , Xie Yanjun
Published: January 2018

Wood of radiata pine (Pinus radiataDon) was treated with an aqueous styrene/acrylic acid (St/AA) copolymer dispersion leading to weight percent gains (WPGs) of 10–42%. The reactivity of St/AA in wood and the modifying effects on wood properties were investigated. The St/AA precipitated in the cell lumens and condensed under catalysis at elevated temperatures was shown via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Treatment did not cause positive bulking efficiency and anti-swelling efficiency, because St/AA cannot diffuse into the cell walls due to its high molecular mass. The modulus of elasticity and rupture (MOE and MOR, respectively), and the surface hardness of the wood were improved by 24.4, 22.2, and 40.6%, respectively. Compression strength increased by 81.6 and 48.2% in radial and longitudinal directions, but the impact strength was hardly influenced by the treatment. In addition, the treated wood was slightly more hydrophobic than untreated controls as shown by reduced moisture content and water uptake. Accordingly, treatment with St/AA leads to mechanical reinforcement of wood and enhances its water resistance, and as a consequence, it has an application potential to improve the wood quality.
Effect of tungsten and zirconium on structure and properties of niobium
Authors: Chaudhary Shishir , Sankar M. , Prasad V.V. Satya , Baligidad R.G. , Gokhale A.A.
Published: January 2018

The individual and combined effects of W and Zr additions on macrostructure, microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb have been investigated. Nb, Nb-10 wt% W, Nb-2.5 wt% Zr and Nb-10 wt% W-2.5 wt% Zr alloy ingots were prepared by electron beam drip melting using high purity Nb, W and Zr rods. Additions of W and Zr resulted in significant improvement in hardness and room temperature tensile strength. It is seen that the effect of 10 wt% W addition is more than that of 2.5 wt% Zr addition in improving room temperature strength of Nb, although on ‘per wt% addition’ basis, Zr is a more effective strengthener than W. It is also observed that the cumulative effects of 10 wt% W and 2.5 wt% Zr on grain refinement and strengthening are more than their respective individual effects.
Development of kinetics sub-model of cyanate ester-based prepregs for autoclave molding process simulation
Authors: Maji Prosenjit , Neogi Swati
Published: January 2018

Autoclave molding of prepregs is an established fabrication method to produce composite components to be used in the aerospace industry and elsewhere. The process involves the excess resin to flow out and curing of the resin. The process model simulation, which is very effective to optimize the process parameters and laminate properties, requires various sub-models to account for resin flow and resin curing. This work focuses on the curing behavior and development of kinetic sub-model of a quartz fabric prepreg impregnated with cyanate ester-based resin. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in both dynamic and isothermal modes has been used for the study. The dynamic study reveals that two distinct reaction mechanisms were involved during curing. The dynamic study data is used to obtain the activation energy using model-free iso-conversional method. The kinetic expression obtained using the isothermal DSC scan data is able to predict the complexity of the overall reaction which can be described by nth-order reaction kinetics for the initial phase of reaction followed by the autocatalytic reaction kinetics.
A Logistic Regression/Markov Chain Model for American College Football
Authors: Kolbush J. , Sokol J.
Published: January 2018

Kvam and Sokol developed a successful logistic regression/Markov chain (LRMC) model for ranking college basketball teams part of Division I of the National Colligate Athletic Association (NCAA). In their 2006 publication, they illustrated that the LRMC model is one of the most successful ranking systems in predicting the outcome of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. However, it cannot directly be extended to college football because of the lack of home-and-home matchups that LRMC exploits in performing its Logistic Regression. We present a common-opponents-based approach that allows us to perform a Logistic Regression and thus create a football LRMC (F-LRMC) model. This approach compares the margin of victory of home teams to their winning percentage in games played against common-opponents with the away team. Computational results show that F-LRMC is among the best of the many ranking systems tracked by Massey's College Football Ranking Composite.
Comparisons of Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure During Exergaming in College-age Adults
Authors: Oh Y. , Johnson L. E. , Olson J. R. , Shea K. R. , Braun S.
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to discover the differences in degree of energy expenditure (EE) during Just Dance 2015 using Xbox 360 Kinect, Wii-U, PS3 Move, and Control YouTube video; and 2) to uncover whether or not exergaming could elicit moderate to vigorous levels of intensity (≥ 40% Heart Rate Reserve (HRR)) based on heart rate average (HRavg) measurements. Twenty-five healthy college-aged students participated in this study. Data collection was comprised of baseline testing, a 30 second familiarization period with each gaming console, and a gaming session. Participants danced to the song “Love Me Again” on a Just Dance 2015 program on Xbox 360 Kinect, Wii-U, PS3 Move, and a control YouTube. EE and HRR were calculated using FT4 Polar Heart Rate Monitor. One-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant differences in energy expenditure across the consoles, F(2.74, 65.86)=0.65, p=.570. The paired samples t-test indicated the HRavg for the Xbox 360 Kinect (117±18 bpm) was significantly greater than the HRavg for the Control (112±16 bpm), t(24)=3.03, p=.006. About a third (28%-36%) of participants met moderate levels of intensity while exergaming. Dancing on all three major gaming consoles and YouTube video increase energy expenditures and can be used as an alternative form of exercise with the ability to achieve moderate levels of intensity.
Seismic Safety Evaluation of the Pipelines Network
Authors: Ancas Ana Diana , Profire M.
Published: January 2018

This paper aims at presenting a computational methodology for the seismic evaluation of steel pipelines networks, existing in the urban areas of Romania, characterized by an important seismic hazard. First, a short presentation of the state of the art of critical infrastructure composed of different classes of pipelines system, existing in urban areas, is given. In order to evaluate the seismic safety of existing urban piping network systems as well as different degrees of importance from a seismic design point of view, the paper presents a computational methodology based on Finite Element simulations. For the validation of the proposed methodology, a numerical case study has been performed, which aims to evaluate the seismic behavior of steel pipelines, as part of the network system existing in the North-Eastern region of Romania, characterized by a high seismic hazard. The numerical experiments based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) methodology allows the evaluating of seismic safety of pipelines network, and can be further useful for monitoring critical infrastructure’s components exposed to strong earthquakes during their life-cycle.
Experimental Evaluation a Tensile Strength of PAFSIN Pipes in Different Types of Land
Authors: Ancas Ana Diana , Profire M. , Cojocaru G.
Published: January 2018

Most studies on the PAFSIN pipes were oriented monitoring their behavior in laboratory conditions, focusing on the fluid and less influence on the environment laying on the mechanical properties in the short term then extrapolated mathematical term. Moreover, a large part of these studies refer only to the effect on PAFSIN composite samples without taking into account the specificities induced specific geometry pipeline. In this way, the effect PAFSIN pipes can be overlooked, which in practice can lead to significant errors of design and / or execution. Compared to existing studies, taking into account only the effect of a sealant (generally standardized solutions of acid or base) of the PAFSIN pipes, in the article to present the results of tests conducted on PAFSIN pipes buried in different types of land and attempted to surprise the complexity of the interactions of soil solution to the conduit.
Beyond Geodesign: The Architecture of Sitesynthesis
Authors: Bianco Lino
Published: January 2018

This paper presents sustainable architecture as a function of sensory experience through time. Entitled sitesynthesis, this proposed approach forms the foundation of a holistic design methodology grounded physically in the geographical location of a given community and metaphysically in the spirit of place derived from sense experience. Sitesynthesis is made up of sitescapes which range from natural to cultural to social landscapes, themselves the product of the sensescapes through timescapes. The site is the place in geological, archaeological and historical time. The symbiotic relationship between the natural, cultural and social environs which sitesynthesis endeavours to attain is mutualistic rather than parasitic, a relationship from which society and the site both benefit rather than the former benefiting at the expense of the latter.