bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Retinotopic Features in Spatiotopic Coordinates
Authors: Harrison William J. , Bex Peter J.
Published: May 2014

The receptive fields of early visual neurons are anchored in retinotopic coordinates (Hubel and Wiesel, 1962). Eye movements shift these receptive fields and therefore require that different populations of neurons encode an object's constituent features across saccades. Whether feature groupings are preserved across successive fixations or processing starts anew with each fixation has been hotly debated (Melcher and Morrone, 2003; Melcher, 2005, 2010; Knapen et al., 2009; Cavanagh et al., 2010a,b; Morris et al., 2010). Here we show that feature integration initially occurs within retinotopic coordinates, but is then conserved within a spatiotopic coordinate frame independent of where the features fall on the retinas. With human observers, we first found that the relative timing of visual features plays a critical role in determining the spatial area over which features are grouped. We exploited this temporal dependence of feature integration to show that features co-occurring within 45 ms remain grouped across eye movements. Our results thus challenge purely feedforward models of feature integration (Pelli, 2008; Freeman and Simoncelli, 2011) that beginde novoafter every eye movement, and implicate the involvement of brain areas beyond early visual cortex. The strong temporal dependence we quantify and its link with trans-saccadic object perception instead suggest that feature integration depends, at least in part, on feedback from higher brain areas (Mumford, 1992; Rao and Ballard, 1999; Di Lollo et al., 2000; Moore and Armstrong, 2003; Stanford et al., 2010).
Genetic, Cellular, and Functional Evidence for Ca2+Inflow through Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 Channels in Murine Spiral Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Lv Ping , Kim Hyo Jeong , Lee Jeong-Han , Sihn Choong-Ryoul , Fathabad Gharaie Somayeh , Mousavi-Nik Atefeh , Wang Wenying , Wang Hong-Gang , Gratton Michael Anne , Doyle Karen J. , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Yamoah Ebenezer N.
Published: May 2014

Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) of the eighth nerve serve as the bridge between hair cells and the cochlear nucleus. Hair cells use Cav1.3 as the primary channel for Ca2+inflow to mediate transmitter release. In contrast, SGNs are equipped with multiple Ca2+channels to mediate Ca2+-dependent functions. We examined directly the role of Cav1.3 channels in SGNs using Cav1.3-deficient mice (Cav1.3−/−). We revealed a surprising finding that SGNs functionally express the cardiac-specific Cav1.2, as well as neuronal Cav1.3 channels. We show that evoked action potentials recorded from SGNs show a significant decrease in the frequency of firing inCav1.3−/−mice compared with wild-type (Cav1.3+/+) littermates. Although Cav1.3 is the designated L-type channel in neurons, whole-cell currents recorded in isolated SGNs fromCav1.3−/−mice showed a surprising remnant current with sensitivity toward the dihydropyridine (DHP) agonist and antagonist, and a depolarization shift in the voltage-dependent activation compared with that in theCav1.3+/+mice. Indeed, direct measurement of the elementary properties of Ca2+channels, inCav1.3+/+neurons, confirmed the existence of two DHP-sensitive single-channel currents, with distinct open probabilities and conductances. We demonstrate that the DHP-sensitive current inCav1.3−/−mice is derived from Cav1.2 channel activity, providing for the first time, to our knowledge, functional data for the expression of Cav1.2 currents in neurons. Finally, using shRNA gene knockdown methodology, and histological analyses of SGNs fromCav1.2+/−andCav1.3+/−mice, we were able to establish the differential roles of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 in SGNs.
Licensed to kill: The United Kingdom's arms export licensing process
Authors: Stavrianakis Anna
Published: May 2014

The article addresses the U.K. government's arms export licensing process to try to account for the discrepancy between its rhetoric of responsibility and practice of ongoing controversial exports. It describes the government's licensing process and demonstrate how this process fails to prevent exports to states engaged in internal repression, human rights violations, or regional stability. It then sets out six reasons for this failure: The vague wording of arms export guidelines; the framing of arms export policy; the limited use (from a control perspective) of a case-by-case approach; the weak role of pro-control departments within government; pre-licensing mechanisms that facilitate exports and a lack of prior parliamentary scrutiny, which means the government's policy can only be examined retrospectively; and the wider context of the relationship between arms companies and the U.K. state. It is concluded that the government's export control guidelines do not restrict the arms trade in any meaningful way but, rather, serve predominantly a legitimating function.
Enfrentar o vazio na cultura da imagem - entre a clínica e a educação
Authors: Ratto Cleber Gibbon
Published: May 2014

Este artigo propõe-se a discutir os limites e as possibilidades educativas de enfrentamento do vazio existencial que assola as paisagens humanas contemporâneas, na forma de uma cultura da imagem. A constituição de novas territorialidades concebidas aqui como outros modos possíveis de existir e conviver assinala a aposta em práticas educativas que reafirmem o cuidado e a produção de sentido como opções éticas e políticas capazes de contribuir com a expansão da vida em sua potência de invenção e responsabilidade com o coletivo, a partir de Martin Heidegger e Donald Winnicott.
Vendedoras: género y trabajo en el sector comercial (Buenos Aires, 1910-1950)
Authors: Queirolo Graciela Amalia
Published: May 2014

En la Argentina, y muy especialmente en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, la modernización capitalista dio lugar a la participación de las mujeres en una amplia gama de actividades asalariadas de los sectores secundario y terciario de la estructura productiva. La presencia de las vendedoras o "empleadas de mostrador" se destacó en el sector comercial. Los principios de género dominantes, bajo las premisas de un "contrato sexual" - en palabras de Carol Pateman - concibieron al trabajo femenino como una actividad adversa. La tríada necesidad, transitoriedad y complementariedad le otorgaron un carácter excepcional. Sin embargo, la ocupación de vendedora combinó las concepciones de adversidad con elementos de respetabilidad que les otorgaron a las mujeres un relativo prestigio social. Este artículo aborda el mundo de las vendedoras de manera a reconstruir el universo que estas ocupaciones ofrecieron a las mujeres de las clases trabajadoras que aspiraban a la movilidad social ascendente. Para ello, recorre los significados hacia el trabajo femenino, los aspectos cuantitativos de la ocupación de vendedora, así como también sus características particulares de respetabilidad y adversidad, junto con los impactos en las biografías de las asalariadas. El escrito se apoyará en un corpus documental heterogéneo que hilvana historias de vida con censos de población, avisos clasificados, publicidades, columnas periodísticas e informes feministas.
Contando estórias e inventando metodologias para discutir a violência contra as mulheres
Authors: Oliveira Érika Cecília Soares
Published: May 2014

Neste artigo discorro sobre a importância de se criar metodologias alternativas para trabalhar com a violência contra as mulheres dentro do campo da psicologia. Produções artísticas como a literatura, o teatro, a contação de histórias, entre outras, possibilitam o questionamento de identidades fixas e binárias na regulação de gênero e podem permitir a reconstrução de normas identitárias por meio de enunciados e gestos inéditos, ensejadores de novos mapas que abarquem as diferenças e refutem as normalizações. Trago a possibilidade de pensar a inserção do/a psicólogo/a nesse debate, amparada em dispositivos artísticos como estratégias de resistência e construção de subjetividades dissidentes, e exemplifico essa narrativa trazendo a estória de Branca e José Pássaro Volante, personagens da obra de Lídia Jorge em "O dia dos prodígios".
Las políticas reparativas del movimiento LGBT peruano: narrativas de afectos queer
Authors: Cornejo Giancarlo
Published: May 2014

Este artículo¹ explora la producción de políticas reparativas en el movimiento de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y trans en el Perú. Otorgando un protagonismo muchas veces negado al lugar de los afectos, se sostiene que las políticas reparativas son necesarias para la supervivencia de activistas y activismos LGBT. Además, se postula que las políticas reparativas habilitan posibilidades y alianzas inimaginables por las normas hegemónicas, radicalizando así el compromiso colectivo del movimiento LGBT por justicia social.
Optimización del proceso de soldadura GTAW en placas de Ti6Al4V
Authors: Cruz Celso , Hiyane Guillermo , Mosquera-Artamonov José Daniel , Salgado L Juan Manuel
Published: May 2014

La soldadura de aleaciones ferrosas ha sido ampliamente utilizada durante muchos años en México. Con la llegada de la industria Aeroespacial, nuevas aleaciones, procesos y retos también. Un ejemplo de esto es la soldadura GTAW en materiales como el Titanio 6Al4V utilizada en partes de los aviones. En este trabajo se realizaron pruebas mecánicas y no destructivas con la finalidad de probar parámetros fijos y móviles para la obtención de los criterios de calidad adecuadas al proceso y aportar a la industria datos que le permitan mejorar dichos procesos y ser competitiva. Para esto se seleccionaron tres niveles de parámetros y calores de aporte pues esta variable está relacionada con las características metalúrgicas y en cierto grado con la sanidad. Se probaron niveles altos, medios y bajos variando el voltaje, amperaje y la velocidad encontrando que los valores supuestos no cumplían la tenacidad a la entalla Charpy. Para optimizarlo y alcanzar el valor objetivo se realizó un diseño central compuesto utilizando los tratamientos medio y alto que arrojaron mejores propiedades encontrando el cumplimiento con las criterios de calidad y los parámetros, y el calor de aporte adecuados para tener una respuesta óptima. El experimento logró mejorar la tenacidad de la soldadura hasta 12 Joules cumpliendo con la resistencia a la tensión, esfuerzo de cedencia y elongación mínimo especificado para el material base.
Aperfeiçoamento da técnica de Soldagem Pontual por Fricção (FSpW) para união de poliamida 6 e laminado de poliamida 66 com fibra de carbono
Authors: Gonçalves Joel , Santos Jorge Fernandez dos , Canto Leonardo Bresciani , Amancio Filho Sergio de Traglia
Published: May 2014

A Soldagem Pontual por Fricção ('Friction Spot Welding - FSpW') é uma técnica inovadora que foi desenvolvida e patenteada em 2005 pelo centro de pesquisa alemão Helmholtz Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG). A técnica apresenta ciclos rápidos, baixo custo operacional e gera soldas com alto desempenho mecânico. Foi inicialmente projetada para a soldagem de ligas metálicas leves. A soldagem de polímeros é alvo de pesquisas recentes e a soldagem de compósitos poliméricos por FSpW ainda é inédita. Este estudo demonstrou a viabilidade técnica da soldagem de chapa de poliamida 6 (PA6) e laminado de poliamida 66 e fibra de carbono (CF-PA66) por FSpW. O histórico térmico, o acabamento superficial, a microestrutura da região da solda e a resistência mecânica ao cisalhamento de juntas sobrepostas PA6/CF-PA66 foram investigados. O aumento do tamanho do anel de fixação da ferramenta original, projetada para a soldagem de metais, possibilitou a seleção de parâmetros de soldagem que resultaram em grande aporte térmico, resultando no aumento da área soldada, num menor entalhe (inscrição) deixado pela ferramenta na amostra, produzindo melhoria no acabamento superficial da solda. Essa otimização resultou em uma junta PA6/CF-PA66 com resistência ao cisalhamento de 35 MPa (2196 N), com fratura predominante na placa superior de PA6.
Microestrutura e resistência à fadiga de um aço inoxidável martensítico macio refundido por tocha plasma
Authors: Henke Sérgio L. , Müller Matheus , Takano Edson H. , Paredes Ramón S. C.
Published: May 2014

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito produzido pela refusão superficial por meio de uma tocha plasma na resistência à fadiga de um aço inoxidável martensítico macio utilizado na fabricação de rotores de turbinas hidráulicas. As refusões foram efetuadas na superfície deste tipo de aço utilizando corrente contínua e pulsada sendo os ensaios de fadiga realizados por meio de flexão em quatro pontos nas tensões de 750, 850 e 1000 MPa. Foi constatado um melhor desempenho da condição refundida em relação ao material sem este tratamento. Não foram constatadas diferenças significativas de desempenho à fadiga para as refusões utilizando corrente contínua e convencional. A presença de tensões residuais compressivas decorrentes da transformação martensítica em parte justifica o melhor desempenho da condição refundida. Análises microscópicas complementares revelaram que o menor desempenho à fadiga do material base sem refusão estava associado também à presença de defeitos (microrechupes) provenientes do processo de fundição os quais promoviam à nucleação de trincas de fadiga junto aos mesmos. A presença de ferrita delta, situada junto às ripas de martensita orientadas a 45º em relação à direção de carregamento, promoveu a nucleação das trincas de fadiga nos corpos de prova com tratamento de refusão superficial.
Emotion and Investment Returns: Situation and Personality as Moderators in a Stock Market
Authors: Wang Haocheng , Zhang Jian , Wang Limin , Liu Shuyi
Published: May 2014

Using a simulated stock investment system we examined the relationship between investors' emotions and their investment returns, and the moderating effect of personality and situation in a stock market. Participants were undergraduate students from 6 universities. The results showed
that: (a) investors' positive emotions were positively correlated with investment returns in a market with a unilaterally rising price, and the moderating effect of extraversion was significant; (b) investors' negative emotions were negatively correlated with investment returns in a market
with a unilaterally falling price, and the moderating effect of neuroticism was significant.
Network Centrality in a Virtual Brand Community: Exploring an Antecedent and Some Consequences
Authors: Yan Bing-Sheng , Jing Feng-Jie , Yang Yan , Wang Xing-Dong
Published: May 2014

We investigated an antecedent and consequences of network centrality in a virtual brand community from the perspective of the motivation of social enhancement. The research model was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling. The results showed that the motivation of social
enhancement can promote both degree and betweenness centrality. As the members' degree and betweenness centrality increase, the psychological ownership they feel toward the community becomes stronger, thereby increasing the likelihood that the members will engage in virtual brand community
citizenship behavior. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Race of Athlete-Spokesperson and Implicit and Explicit Responses to Advertising
Authors: Jeong Howon , Cho Sungho , Lee Minyoung , Sputra Endarman
Published: May 2014

In this study we investigated racial vs. athletes from other countries, bias and differences in attitude of South Koreans toward advertisements featuring Korean vs. foreign athletes and White vs. Black athletes by implementing explicit and implicit measures. The results suggest that
Koreans have: (a) implicit preferences for Korean athletes over foreign athletes, (b) implicit attitudes that are more favorable toward advertisements featuring Korean athletes than toward those featuring foreign athlete-spokespersons, (c) implicit preferences for White athletes over Black
athletes, and (d) implicit attitudes that are more favorable toward advertisements featuring White athlete-spokespersons than toward those featuring Black athlete-spokespersons. The explicit measures revealed several contradictory results; therefore we have discussed implications for the discrepancy
between implicit and explicit measurement methods and the usefulness of implicit measures in the context of racial bias research.
Optimization of β-galactosidase production from lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Carevic Milica , Vukasinovic-Sekulic Maja , Grbavcic Sanja , Stojanovic Marija , Mihailovic Mladen , Dimitrijevic Aleksandra , Bezbradica Dejan
Published: May 2014

?-galactosidase, commonly known as lactase, represents commercially important
enzyme that is prevalently used for lactose hydrolysis in milk and whey. To
the date, it has been isolated from various sources. In this study different
strains of lactic acid bacteria were assessed for their ?-galactosidase
productivity, and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 resulted with the
highest production potential. Thereafter, optimal conditions for
accomplishing high yields of ?-galactosidase activity were determined.
Maximal specific activity (1.01 IU mL-1) was accomplished after 2 days shake
flask culture fermentation (150 rpm) at 37?C, with modified Man Rogosa Sharpe
culture broth using lactose (2.5%) as sole carbon source. Finally, in order
to intensify release of intracellular ?-galactosidase different mechanical
and chemical methods were conducted. Nevertheless, vortexing with quartz sand
(150 ?m) as abrasive was proven to be the most efficient method of cell
disruption. The optimum temperature of obtained ?-galactosidase was 45?C and
the optimum range pH 6.5-7.5.
Compliance of agrochemical marketers with banned cocoa pesticides in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Mokwunye Idongesit , Babalola Folaranmi , Asogwa Uche , Idris Ndagi , Aderolu Ismail , Mokwunye Francis , Idrisu Mohammed
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the compliance of marketers of agrochemicals with the
approved and banned cocoa pesticides in selected cocoa producing states of
southwest Nigeria. Primary data was collected through the use of structured
questionnaire administered to randomly selected agrochemical marketers. All
the marketers (100%) were aware of the recently banned cocoa pesticides,
however, majority still have the pesticides in stock. About 70.6% of the
marketers in Osun state and 58.8% in Ogun state stated that they did not
receive information on the banned pesticides from government agencies but
through other channels. More than half of the marketers (52.9% in Ogun, 55%
in Kwara and 47.1% in Osun) strongly disagreed that government should place a
ban on pesticides. Availability of banned pesticides in their stock,
insufficient information from the concerned government agricultural agencies,
and fear of short supply of approved pesticides are among the reasons
proffered by the marketers for not supporting the ban of pesticides. Relevant
government regulatory agencies should conduct a comprehensive inventory of
pesticides offered for sale by the marketers of agrochemicals. There should
be massive public awareness programme, and wellcoordinated association for
all the marketers of agrochemicals. Agrochemical manufacturers should
translate instructions and warnings on pesticide labels to local languages
understood by the farmers.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (C—QTI) in Hong Kong
Authors: Sivan Atara , Chan Dennis W. K. , Kwan Yee Wan
Published: May 2014

This study validated the Chinese version of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (C–QTI) with two samples ( ns = 370 and 369) of primary school students in Hong Kong. The 48-item measure had acceptable internal consistency reliability, but the reliability coefficients of four of the scales were too low. The findings supported the validity of the circumplex model underlying the instrument and verified the ability of the measure to differentiate between students' perceptions in different classes. With the refinement of the measure based on reliability analysis and Principal Components Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted on the 35-item instrument to test its hypothesized factor structure. Findings on model fit indices were mixed, lending some support to the eight-factor structure of the questionnaire.
Personalized SC-IAT: A Possible Way of Reducing the Influence of Societal Views on Assessments of Implicit Attitude toward Smoking
Authors: Bardin Brigitte , Perrissol Stéphane , Py Jacques , Launay Céline , Escoubès Florian
Published: May 2014

The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is used to assess attitude beyond the limitations of explicit measurements. Nevertheless, the test requires opposition between two attitude objects and also measures an extra-personal dimension of attitude that may reflect associations shared collectively. The first limitation can be overcome by using a Single Category IAT and the second by a personalized version of IAT. This study compares attitudes to smoking measured using a Single Category IAT with a personalized version of the test. The results, collected from 111 students, showed that the Single Category IAT did not distinguish smokers from non-smokers; smokers had negative scores. The personalized version did distinguish smokers from non-smokers, and smokers' scores seem to be neutral.
Prediction of Vo2 Peak Using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion from a Submaximal Cycle Exercise Test
Authors: Mays Ryan J. , Goss Fredric L. , Nagle Elizabeth F. , Gallagher Michael , Schafer Mark A. , Kim Kevin H. , Robertson Robert J.
Published: May 2014

The primary aim of this study was to develop statistical models to predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion measured during submaximal cycle ergometry. Male ( M = 20.9 yr., SE = 0.4) and female ( M = 21.6 yr., SE = 0.5) participants ( N = 81) completed a load-incremented maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. Simultaneous multiple linear regression was used to develop separate VO2 peak statistical models using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body, legs, and chest/breathing as predictor variables. VO2 peak (L·min−1) predicted for men and women from ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (3.02±0.06; 2.03±0.04), legs (3.02±0.06; 2.04±0.04), and chest/breathing (3.02±0.05; 2.03±0.03) were similar to measured VO2 peak (3.02 ± 0.10; 2.03 ± 0.06, ps > .05). Statistical models based on submaximal OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion provide an easily administered and accurate method to predict VO2 peak.
Lax Decision Criteria Lead to Negativity Bias: Evidence from the Emotional Stroop Task
Authors: Liu Guofang , Xin Ziqiang , Lin Chongde
Published: May 2014

Negativity bias means that negative information is usually given more emphasis than comparable positive information. Under signal detection theory, recent research found that people more frequently and incorrectly identify negative task-related words as having been presented originally than positive words, even when they were not presented. That is, people have lax decision criteria for negative words. However, the response biases for task-unrelated negative words and for emotionally important words are still unclear. This study investigated response bias for these two kinds of words. Study 1 examined the response bias for task-unrelated negative words using an emotional Stroop task. Proportions of correct recognition to negative and positive words were assessed by non-parametric signal detection analysis. Participants have lower (i.e., more lax) decision criteria for task-unrelated negative words than for positive words. Study 2 supported and expanded this result by investigating participants' response bias for highly emotional words. Participants have lower decision criteria for highly emotional words than for less emotional words. Finally, possible evolutionary sources of the response bias were discussed.
Environmental radioactivity in southern Serbia at locations where depleted uranium was used
Authors: Sarap Nataša B. , Janković Marija M. , Todorović Dragana J. , Nikolić Jelena D. , Kovačević Milojko S.
Published: May 2014

In the 1999 bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, NATO forces used ammunition containing depleted uranium. The cleaning of depleted uranium that followed was performed in southern Serbia by the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences between 2002 and 2007 at the locations of Pljačkovica, Borovac, Bratoselce, and Reljan. This paper presents detailed results of radioactivity monitoring four years after cleaning (2011), which included the determination of gamma emitters in soil, water, and plant samples, as well as gross alpha and beta activities in water samples. The gamma spectrometry results showed the presence of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 235U, 238U, and the produced radionuclide 137Cs (from the Chernobyl accident). In order to evaluate the radiological hazard from soil, the radium equivalent activity, the gamma dose rate, the external hazard index, and the annual effective dose were calculated. Considering that a significant number of people inhabit the studied locations, the periodical monitoring of radionuclide content is vital.
Participation of Membrane Nanotubes in Intercellular Communication
Authors: Knopik-Skrocka Agnieszka , Śniegowska Agata
Published: May 2014

A few years ago, a so far unknown type of intercellular connections, involved in communication was discovered. Due to their specific nano-architecture, these connections were named membrane nanotubes or tunneling nanotubes. Nanotubes ensure the transfer of both membrane and cytosolic cellular components, including organelles. Nanotubes also participate in calcium signal transduction and apoptosis signal. The length of the distance at which cells contact via nanotubes reaches several hundred micrometers. The published data suggest that nanotubes have heterogeneous structure. Among them, there are nanotubes which provide direct contact of the cytoplasm in connected cells (open-ended structure), and those, in which the transport requires overcoming a barrier, which is the cell membrane (close-ended structure). An important finding in the study of membrane nanotubes was demonstrating the ability of these connections of the intercellular transfer of pathogens, such as HIV, or abnormal form of PrP prion protein. In addition, nanotubes mediate a transport of MDR protein, involved in resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. It means that this type of cell connection may play an important role in the pathomechanism of AIDS, prion as well as cancer diseases.
Fossil fruit of Cocos L. (Arecaceae) from Maastrichtian-Danian sediments of central India and its phytogeographical significance
Authors: Srivastava Rashmi , Srivastava Gaurav
Published: May 2014

A fossilised palm fruit of Cocos L. (C. binoriensis sp. nov.) is reported from the Binori Reserve Forest, Ghansor, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The fruit is a 3-dimensionally preserved drupe, ovoid with clearly visible longitudinal ridges. The husk is made up of a thin smooth exocarp and fibrous mesocarp, with vertical and horizontal fibres present on the inner surface of the endocarp. The fruit is Maastrichtian-Danian in age and is the world’s oldest fossil record of Cocos. The genus Cocos is now distributed in coastal areas of pantropical regions. The occurrence of Cocos along with coastal and mangrove remains such as Acrostichum, Barringtonia, Nypa, Sonneratia and marine algae Distichoplax and Peyssonellia previously recorded from Deccan Intertrappean beds further confirms the proximity of sea in the area in central India and indicates warm and humid conditions. The presence of Cocos and previously recorded palaeoflora supports the existence of tropical wet evergreen to semi-evergreen forests at the time of deposition in the area, in contrast to the dry to moist deciduous forests existing today in central India. The probable reasons for the change in climatic conditions are withdrawal of an arm of the sea from central India, the change in latitude, and a significant uplift of the Western Ghats during post-trappean times.
Coal Cleaning Versus the Reduction of Mercury and other Trace Elements’ Emissions from Coal Combustion Processes
Authors: Zajusz-Zubek Elwira , Konieczyński Jan
Published: May 2014

Samples of steam coal used in heat and power plants as well as densimetric fractions obtained on a laboratory scale by dense organic liquid separation have been examined. The contents of ash, mercury, chromium, cadmium, copper, nickel and lead have been determined in coal, in the light and medium fraction as well as in the refuse. The degree of removal of mineral matter and the examined heavy metals as well as the coal combustible parts yield have been determined. Examination of 5 coals revealed that it is possible to remove 41% of mercury and more than 35% of other heavy metals bound to mineral matter in coal.
Classical Tauberian Theorems for the (C; 1; 1) Summability Method
Authors: Totur Ümit
Published: May 2014

In this paper we generalize some classical Tauberian theorems for single sequences to double sequences. One-sided Tauberian theorem and generalized Littlewood theorem for (C; 1; 1) summability method are given as corollaries of the main results. Mathematics Subject Classification 2010: 40E05, 40G0
ACID MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT BY PERLITE NANOMINERAL, BATCH AND CONTINUOUS SYSTEMS
Authors: Shabani Kumars Seifpanahi , Ardejani Faramarz Doulati , Badii Khshayar , Olya Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: May 2014

In this paper the adsorption activity of perlite nanoparticles for removal of Cu2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ ions at Iran Sarcheshmeh copper acid mine drainage was discussed. Thus, raw perlite that provided from internal resource was modified and prepared via particles size reduction to nano scale and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared and BET specific surface area analysis. The results of acid mine drainage show that pH of acid mine drainage is 5.1 and Cu2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ ions are 10.5, 4.1 and 8.3 ppm, respectively. Firstly in the batch system the influence of adsorbent dose and temperature parameters were considered and then isothermal and kinetic models were investigated. According to the results the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model showed better correlation with the experimental data than other isotherm and kinetic models. Obtained thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° show that the Cu2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ ions adsorption from acid mine drainage is spontaneous and endothermic. Finally, perlite nanoparticles adsorbent was packed inside a glass column and used for the removal of heavy metals in 1, 3, 5 ml/min acid mine drainage flow rates, the breakthrough curves show that the column was saturated at 180, 240 and 315 min for different flow rates, respectively. According to the obtained results, this abundant, locally available and cheap silicate mineral showed a great efficiency for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from acid mine drainage and can be utilized for much volume of acid mine drainage or industrial scale.
SIMULATION METHOD OF DESIGNING AND SELECTING TENSIONING SYSTEMS FOR MINING BELT CONVEYORS
Authors: Kulinowski Piotr
Published: May 2014

This article deals with a methodology developed to design and select tensioning systems with using simulation studies on a belt conveyor model. It describes the structure of a dynamic model of a belt conveyor with distributed parameters and details of physical models of the applied belt tensioning systems. For proper display and comparison of work described tensioning systems are shown examples of the results of simulations carried out on a discrete model of the mining belt conveyor.

Presented methodology has been verified through industrial research and realization of a number of complex projects requiring simulation tests of take-up systems of belt conveyors.
INVESTIGATING THE SLOPE STABILITY BASED ON UNCERTAINTY BY USING FUZZY POSSIBILITY THEORY
Authors: Hosseini Navid , Gholinejad Mehran
Published: May 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the slope stability condition by using fuzzy estimation method based on fuzzy possibility theory. Due to use of this theory, the inaccuracy, ambiguity and uncertainty in input parameters are considered and therefore, the calculated factor of safety (FOS) is highly reliable. In this research, first, the input parameters of slope stability analysis, based on statistical characteristics and grade of membership concept, as a fuzzy numbers are defined. Then the performance function of slope behavior is defined and by using the fuzzy parameters, the FOS is calculated. In next step, by using the several α - cut, the calculated FOS is defined as a fuzzy form and subsequently, the slope stability condition based on fuzzy presentation of FOS is evaluated. The results show that, although based on deterministic analysis the studied slope is stable but based on fuzzy interpretation of FOS, the slope stability condition is scare. The fuzzy analysis of slope stability condition, by applying the uncertainty in calculating the FOS and defining the grade of membership for each unknown input parameters in model, a more realistic interpretation of slope stability condition is provided. In addition, the fuzzy presentation of the FOS, allowing more accurate judgments about slope stability condition.
STUDY OF CHEMICAL SURFACE STRUCTURE OF NATURAL SORBENTS USED FOR REMOVING OF Pb2+ IONS FROM MODEL AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS (PART II)
Authors: Bożęcka Agnieszka , Bożęcki Piotr , Sanak-Rydlewska Stanisława
Published: May 2014

This article presents the results of the chemical structure research of organic sorbent surface such as walnut shells, plums stones and sunflower hulls with using such methods as infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and elemental analysis. Based on the IR spectra identification of functional groups present on the surface of studied materials has been done as well as determination of their effect on the sorption mechanism of Pb2+ ions from aqueous model solutions
DETERMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE THEORETICAL PRODUCTION OF A BUCKET WHEEL EXCAVATOR
Authors: Zhao-Xue Che , Yan-Long Chen
Published: May 2014

The theoretical capacity of a bucket wheel excavator is the basis of mining theory. The paper concludes that the use of “1/cosφ” to adjust the speed of a bucket wheel excavator will result in rapid speeds, which may cause nonuniform flow from the distribution of material flow, and decreased capacity utilization. Consequently, this scenario may produce unreasonable structure parameters and performance parameters that are based on theoretical analysis and mathematical derivation. If the rotary speed of an excavator body is too fast, it will require excessive mechanical strength and will generate increased rotary drive power, power consumption and extractive costs. Thus, the rotary speed of an excavator body should be appropriately reduced.
Ultrastructure of the eggshell of selected Palaeognathae species – a comparative analysis
Authors: Szczerbińska Danuta , Wiercińska Monika
Published: May 2014

The study aimed at comparative analysis of the eggshell ultrastructure, indicating differences and similarities in its structure depending on the bird species. The study was carried out in ostrich, emu and rhea breeding flocks. The birds were kept under open system. The ostrich flock comprised 6 females and 3 males, the emu flock included 22 birds with equal sex ratio, while the rhea flock consisted of 16 females and 4 males. Emus and rheas were 5 years old and in their 3rd laying year, whereas ostriches were 4 years old and in their 2nd laying year. The analysis of eggshell ultrastructure and porosity was performed on the post-hatching eggshells being obtained after the incubation of eggs from around peak laying period of these birds. In total, 27 eggshells were evaluated, 9 of each species. Analysis of the ultrastructure of ostrich, emu and rhea eggshells showed their different architecture being dependent on the bird species. The cuticle in ostrich eggs adhered firmly to the vertical crystal layer, it mainly occurred around pore canal orifices in rhea eggs, while only its residual presence was observed in emu eggs. The percentage of the vertical crystal layer was similar in the ostrich and rhea eggshells (2-3%) but significantly higher in the emu eggshells (9%). The largest number of mammillae per unit of inner eggshell surface area was recorded in emus, while the broadest palisades in rheas. The ostrich eggshells were shown to be characterised by the least number of pores per unit of surface area, with significantly narrower pore canals.
Effect of copper glycinate chelate on biomechanical, morphometric and chemical properties of chicken femur
Authors: Kwiecień Małgorzata , Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Zawiślak Kazimierz , Sroka Szymon
Published: May 2014

The effect of Cu in the form of glycinate chelate, added to chicken feed mixtures, on biomechanical, morphometric and chemical parameters of chicken femur bones was evaluated at 6 weeks of age. Three hundred one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were divided into 6 groups each in 5 repetitions of 10 chicks. The basal feed mixtures contained: starter 6.1 mg·kg-1 Cu, grower 6.21 mg·kg-1 Cu, finisher 5.91 mg·kg-1 Cu. In the experiment 8, 4 or 2 mg·kg-1 of copper were added to the premix (containing no Cu) in the form of copper sulfate (S-Cu) or as copper glycinate chelate (Gly-Cu). The highest cortical index and maximum elastic strength towards bone weight were observed when S-Cu was added to the mixture at 25% of the requirement. Higher values of the maximum elastic strength were recorded in groups receiving 100% and 50% Gly-Cu compared to the group fed with 100% and 25% S-Cu. In chickens receiving Gly-Cu significantly higher Ix values were recorded in comparison with the group receiving 50% S-Cu. As an alternative to iron sulfate Ross 308 broiler chickens can be fed with Fe in the form of copper glycinate chelate. The use of chelate in the amount limited to 10 or 20 mg·kg-1 did not result in worse physicochemical, strength and morphometric parameters of chicken femurs compared to the recommended dose (40 mg·kg-1).
The Effect of Using DNA Obtained from Blood of Cattle with Genetic Chimerism on Illumina’s Beadchip Assay Performance
Authors: Gurgul Artur , Rubiś Dominika , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: May 2014

Blood cell chimerism is a common phenomenon occurring in cattle coming from double or multiple parturitions and can be observed as two DNA profiles present in blood of each of twin born animals. In the era of genomics, a large number of animals is being genotyped with high throughput genotyping methods, which are giving limited insight into the performance of single markers and rather only statistical description of the results is available for a common user. This hampers the detailed analysis of the results obtained and direct identification of the causes of poorer performance of some samples. In this study we describe the influence of analysis of DNA obtained from blood samples of cattle with genetic chimerism on basic parameters of Infinium technology-based Illumina’s genotyping arrays. The results obtained may help to identify such samples, especially when no precise information about the animals’ origin is available
Morphological characteristics of the double ureter from its origin up to the end
Authors: M. Vărgău , D.M. Iliescu , C. Dina , C. Ionescu , P. Bordei
Published: May 2014

Duplication of the ureters is a common anomaly and is frequently encountered by radiologists. Duplication may be either complete or incomplete and is often accompanied by various complications. Incomplete duplication is most often associated with ureteroureteral reflux or ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the lower pole of the kidney. Complete duplication is most often associated with vesicoureteral reflux, ectopic ureterocele, or ectopic ureteral insertion, all of which are more common in girls than in boys. Vesicoureteral reflux affects the lower pole
Morphological aspects of the pulmonary veins
Authors: S. Ispas , C. Dina , I. Bulbuc , D.M. Iliescu , P. Bordei
Published: May 2014

Our study was performed on 21 cases, of which 12 were plastic casts and 9 were CT reconstruction. We found that, most frequently (68.75% of the cases), the pulmonary veins were formed by two roots, one superior and one inferior. In 28.13% of cases, the pulmonary veins were formed from three roots (superior, middle and inferior) and in only one case the superior right pulmonary vein had five roots. The venous roots confluence to form the corresponding trunk was at a distance of between 0.5-2 cm. The termination of the superior pulmonary veins was on the upper part of the anterior atrial wall, most commonly in its lateral side. The distance between the right pulmonary veins was between 0.4-3 cm. The inferior pulmonary veins ended on the infero-lateral part of the posterior atrial wall. The distance between the left pulmonary veins was 1.2-3.4 cm. Among the variation in number of the pulmonary veins we met: three cases with three right pulmonary veins and one case when the inferior right pulmonary vein joined terminally the inferior left pulmonary vein, forming a single venous trunk. Supplementary pulmonary veins were encountered only on the right; in one case there were two posterior right pulmonary veins (superior and inferior), in the second case were anterior right pulmonary veins (superior and inferior) and in a third case were three veins, superior, middle and inferior
Pollution Analysis of New Synthetic Biodegradable Fluid During Durab Ility Test of Hydrostatic Pump
Authors: Tulík Juraj , Kosiba Ján , Stančík Bohuslav , Štulajter Ivan
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with the pollution evaluation of a biodegradable fluid, which was used as a working medium during the laboratory durability test of a hydrostatic pump. There was used a new synthetic biodegradable fluid MOL Farm UTTO Synt., developed and produced by MOL Group, Hungary. The fluid should have been practically used as a universal, common gear-hydraulic filling in agricultural machines. During the test, the pollution of used fluid was evaluated on the basis of cleanliness code, filtration of solid particles and ferrography. Based on results of cleanliness code, we could monitor the course of hydrostatic pump wear. After test completion, the fluid was subjected to filtration of solid particles and ferrography, where clusters of small particles and larger particles were detected. On the basis of their surface and shape, they were included in particles of adhesive wear. By the comparison method it was found that they are bronze particles located in the bearings of the hydrostatic pump used.
Social Preferences of Translocated Giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis Giraffa) in Senegal: Evidence for Friendship Among Females?
Authors: Malyjurkova Lenka , Hejzlarova Marketa , Vymyslicka Pavla Junkova , Brandlova Karolina
Published: May 2014

Giraffe social behaviour and relationships are currently in the period of scientific renaissance, changing the former ideas of nonexisting social bonds into understanding of complex social structures of giraffe herds. Different giraffe subspecies have been studied in the wild and only one was subject of detailed study in captivity. Our study focused on the neglected Cape giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa). We investigated the social preferences of 28 introduced giraffes in semi-captivity in Bandia reserve, Senegal. Our aim was to assess the group size of Cape giraffes outside their native range and describe their social relationships. Mean group size in Bandia was 7.22 ± 4.06 (range 2-17). The dyads were classified according to strength of relationship (weak, medium, strong) using the association index. We reported weak and medium relationships in all types of dyads except female-juvenile. The strongest bond was found in mother-calf dyads. Three of 21 possible female dyads also demonstrated strong relationships. Those three dyads included six of seven adult females, which we labelled as friends. Females associated more frequently with calves of their friends then with calves of non-friend females. The strength of the relationship between calves depended on the strength of relationship between their mothers. We concluded that Cape giraffes in new environment have shown similar group size and nonrandom preference for conspecifics as shown in wild and captive studies. The research was supported by CIGA 20135010, CIGA 2134217, IGA FTZ 20135123, ESF/MŠMT CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0040.
Colchicum cupanii guss. subsp. glossophyllum (heldr.) rouy, datura innoxia mill. and eclipta prostrata (l.) l., new floristic records in Montenegro and western Balkan
Authors: Caković Danka , Stešević Danijela , Vuksanović Snežana , Tan Kit
Published: May 2014

During field investigations on Long Ulcinj Beach, Montenegrin coast, three taxa new to Montenegrin flora were collected: Colchicum cupanii Guss. subsp. glossophyllum (Heldr.) Rouy, Datura innoxia Mill. and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. The first species is native to Europe, while the others are alien. Colchicum cupanii subsp. glossophyllum is an endemic of the Balkan Peninsula, with a distribution formerly restricted to Greece and Albania, so this new record extends its distribution to the north-west. The distribution of Eclipta prostrata in the Balkans is also enlarged by this new record for Montenegro, in a westerly direction.
Phenotyping of rice in salt stress environment using high-throughput infrared imaging
Authors: Siddiqui Zamin S. , Cho Jung-Il , Park Sung-Han , Kwon Taek-Ryoun , Lee Gang-Seob , Jeong Mi-Jeong , Kim Kyung-Whan , Lee Seong-Kon , Park Soo-Chul
Published: May 2014

Phenotyping of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Donggin) in salt stress environment using infrared imaging was conducted. Results were correlated with the most frequently used physiological parameters such as stomatal conductance, relative water content and photosynthetic parameters. It was observed that stomatal conductance (R2 = -0.618) and relative water content (R2 = -0.852) were significantly negatively correlated with average plant temperature (thermal images), while dark-adapted quantum yield (Fv/Fm, R2 = -0.325) and performance index (R2 = -0.315) were not consistent with plant temperature. Advantages of infrared thermography and utilization of this technology for the selection of stress tolerance physiotypes are discussed in detail.
Spread of Schmallenberg virus infections in the ruminants in Poland between 2012 and 2013
Authors: Larska Magdalena , Kęsik-Maliszewska Julia , Kuta Aleksandra
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) specific antibodies in ruminants from 13 Polish provinces, sampled between January 2010 and August 2013. A total number of 1813 serum samples from cattle, sheep, goats, mouflon, wild and farmed cervids, and European bison were tested by ELISA for viral nucleoprotein antibodies. First SBV seropositive animals were identified in August 2012 (1.6%), and the percentage increased gradually, reaching 57.1% in December of this year. The proportion of seropositive animals in 2013 at the level of 34.2% increased tenfold in comparison to 2012 (3.4%), which was particularly significant at the level of individual provinces. In 2013, the highest percentages of SBV seropositive animals were found in Dolnoslaskie (92.3%), Podlaskie (82.3%), and Zachodniopomorskie (80.9%) provinces. Significant associations between the seroprevalence and province of origin, month, ruminant species, and insect vector activity were found, while no dependence of animal age on seropositivity was observed. The differences between SBV seropositive large and small ruminants suggested the involvement of some vector exposure factors, which needs to be further investigated.