bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled hydromechanical analysis of an underground compressed air energy storage facility in sandstone
Authors: Sánchez M. , Shastri A. , Le T. M. H.
Published: July 2014

The underground storage of compressed air is a favourable and low-cost option for balancing off-peak electricity demands. Large volumes of air can be compressed and stored in the ground during low-demand electricity periods, and this pressurised air can then be released to generate electricity during high-demand times. Excavated caverns (generally in salt rock), depleted gas fields and abandoned/excavated mines are the main options typically considered in the design of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) facility. The storage of compressed air in aquifers is a new alternative that has been studied recently. The natural formations around a CAES facility are subjected to significant perturbations in hydraulic and mechanical fields. This paper presents an analysis of a CAES project in an aquifer using a fully coupled hydromechanical framework with the ability to consider the main physical phenomena that control the behaviour of this kind of system. The case study is based on an actual planned CAES project in Iowa, USA. Particular attention was paid to changes in the hydraulic and mechanical fields induced by the operational phases anticipated in a CAES project and to the impact of porosity heterogeneities on system performance. The analysis confirmed that the site is not suitable for a CAES plant.
What drives masting? The phenological synchrony hypothesis
Authors: Koenig Walter D. , Knops Johannes M. H. , Carmen William J. , Pearse Ian S.
Published: July 2014

Annually variable and synchronous seed production, or masting behavior, is a widespread phenomenon with dramatic effects on wildlife populations and their associated communities. Proximally, masting is often correlated with environmental factors and most likely involves differential pollination success and resource allocation, but little is known about how these factors interact or how they influence seed production. We studied masting in the valley oak (Quercus lobata Née), a California endemic tree, and report evidence that phenological synchrony in flowering driven by microclimatic variability determines the size of the acorn crop through its effects on pollen availability and fertilization success. These findings integrate two of the major factors believed to influence seed production in wind‐pollinated species—environmental conditions and pollen limitation—by means of a coherent mechanistic hypothesis for how highly variable and synchronized annual seed production is accomplished. We illustrate how, by means of a simulation based on the mechanism proposed here, climate change may influence masting patterns through its effects on environmental variability.
Interactions of Soluble and Solid Organic Amendments with Priming Effects Induced by Glucose
Authors: Thangarajan Ramya , Chowdhury Saikat , Kunhikrishnan Anitha , Bolan Nanthi
Published: July 2014

In this work, the effects of various dissolved organic matter (DOM) sources (piggery effluent [PigE], dairy effluent [DE], sewage effluent [SE], and stormwater [SW]) on the priming effect (PE) of soil C as affected by solid organic amendments (biochar [BC], biosolids [BS], compost, and poultry manure [PM]) and microbial activity were quantified using landfill, arable, and metal‐contaminated field and spiked soils. The BC‐amended soil caused significantly lower PEs than BS‐, compost‐, or PM‐amended field soils due to its low DOM. A strong positive correlation was observed between the dissolved organic C content and glucose‐induced PE of soil C. However, a negative correlation between the PE and dissolved N in different sources of DOM suggested that the PE may also be influenced by the quality of added C sources in the soils. The DE‐treated soil with the highest dissolved N resulted in significantly lower PE than PigE‐, SE‐, and SW‐treated soils. Compared with the uncontaminated soils, microbial activity as CO2 evolution and PE decreased markedly in the metal‐contaminated soils, which may be attributed to the heavy metal toxicity. However, the distinct increase in microbial activity in the wastewater‐treated contaminated soils suggests the capacity of wastewater to reduce metal toxicity in soils. The findings of this study suggest that although wastewater DOM may reduce the toxic effect to microorganisms, it can have an important effect on the source of CO2 by stimulating the decomposition of native soil organic matter.
Constraints on the Sources and Production Mechanisms of Dissolved Organic Matter in Soils from Molecular Biomarkers
Authors: Jeanneau L. , Jaffrezic A. , Pierson-Wickmann A.-C. , Gruau G. , Lambert T. , Petitjean P.
Published: July 2014

Spatio‐temporal modifications of the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from a wetland in an agricultural catchment were investigated using thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation with tetramethylammonium hydroxide coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (THM‐GC–MS). The results were compared with previous data acquired on the same samples using ultraviolet spectroscopy and the stable C isotope ratio. The correlation between molecular markers and bulk‐scale descriptors validated the use of THM‐GC–MS to investigate the fate of DOM in soils. Molecular proxies, including lignin markers, tannin markers, carbohydrates, and fatty acids, were classified into plant‐derived and microbial markers. At the beginning of the hydrologic year, associated with the recharge period, the DOM composition was similar along the depth profile and >70% of the analyzed markers were from plant‐derived origins. The rise in the water table was associated with a shift from vertical to horizontal water flow due to water saturation and resulted in a clear vertical heterogeneity, i.e., a varying composition throughout the profile. In the surface horizons, the proportion of plant‐derived markers remained >70%, while in the deep horizon this proportion was <30%. Last, the lowering of the water table resulted in the homogenization of the DOM composition along the depth profile.
Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders Among Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Adolescents in Norway
Authors: Jakobsen Marianne , Demott Melinda A. M , Heir Trond
Published: July 2014

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are known to be subjected to several potentially traumatic life events, risking more mental health problems than other populations of same age. In this study, we aimed to explore the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity at an early stage after arrival to the host country. We performed structured clinical interviews (CIDI) with 160 male UASC from different countries (Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran), after four months in Norway. Most of the participants had experienced life threatening events (82%), physical abuse (78%), or loss of a close relative (78%) in their former life. Altogether 41.9% of the participants fulfilled diagnostic criteria for a current psychiatric disorder. The most prevalent diagnosis was PTSD (30, 6%), followed by MDD (9, 4%), Agoraphobia (4, 4%) and GAD (3, 8%). Implications of this vulnerability call for more mental health resources in the early stages of the asylum process. Increased awareness of psychiatric morbidity in UASC may improve the prognosis, give more appropriate care, and ease the integration process on all levels of society.
Processing and characterization of CaTiO3 perovskite ceramics
Authors: Gralik Guilherme , Thomsen Alessandra , Moraes Cristian , Raupp-Pereira Fabiano , Hotza Dachamir
Published: July 2014

Calcium titanate (CaTiO3) ceramics with perovskite structure were produced by
solid state reaction. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2)
were mixed (in molar ratios 1/1 and 3/2), and the obtained mixtures were
calcined at 1150 ?C in successive thermal cycles. The obtained samples were
characterized by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, X-ray
diffraction, measurement of particle size distribution and linear thermal
shrinkage. XRD results indicated that the samples have perovskite CaTiO3
structure with small amount of secondary CaO and TiO2 phases, and their
phase composition depends on the heat treatment conditions. The measured
values of electrical resistivity were within the characteristic range of
insulating materials and approach values corresponding to semiconducting
ceramics.
Characterizations of microwave plasma CVD grown polycrystalline diamond coatings for advanced technological applications
Authors: Mallik Awadesh , Dandapat Nandadulal , Chakraborty Shirshendu , Mandal Ashok , Ghosh Jiten , Unnikrishnan Manju , Bysakh Sandip , Balla Vamsi
Published: July 2014

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) coatings ranging from few microns to several
hundred microns thickness have been grown by 915MHz microwave plasma reactor
with 9000W power. The coatings were deposited on 100mm diameter silicon (Si)
substrate from few hours to several days of continuous runs. PCD coatings
were made freestanding by wet chemical etching technique. The deposited PCDs
were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM),
Raman spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for physical
characterization and compared with authors? earlier work. Refractive index of
2.41 was obtained at 633 nm wavelength and a maximum of 6.6 W?cm-1K-1 value
for thermal conductivity could be achieved with the grown coatings. The
values are well above the existing non-diamond heat spreading substrates,
which makes the grown PCDs as candidates for heat spreaders in different
technological applications. High refractive in- dex along with translucent
nature of the white freestanding PCDs, make them potential candidate for
optical windows.
Nanosized LaCo0.6Fe0.4O3 perovskites synthesized by citrate sol gel auto combustion method
Authors: Megha Unikoth , Shijina Karakat , Varghese George
Published: July 2014

LaCo0.6Fe0.4O3 (LCFO) nanopowder was synthesized from constituent metal
nitrates, citric acid and ethylene glycol by citrate sol gel autocombustion
method and calcined at different temperatures. The powders were characterized
by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy
dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectra
(FTIR), whereas dielectric properties were investigated with LCR-meter. The
FTIR spectra, taken for the xerogel and the sample calcined at 1000?C,
confirm that the organic groups were removed during calcination and oxide
structure was formed. The XRD result shows that LCFO has rhombhohedral
crystal structure with R-3C space group and forms single phase after
calcination at 600?C. The activation energy of crystallite growth,
determined from the Arrhenius plot, was 17?2 kJ/mol. Surface feature studies
of the powders were obtained from SEM. At 1000?C, dense microstructure with
wellshaped grain boundaries was obtained and the average grain size was
around 400 nm. EDAX confirms the elemental composition. Finally, from the
dielectric studies, it was found that the dielectric constant (?r) as well as
dielectric loss tangent (tan ?) decreases with increase in frequency.
Effect of primary particle size on spray formation, morphology and internal structure of alumina granules and elucidation of flowability and compaction behaviour
Authors: Ramavath Pandu , Papitha Ramanathan , Ramesh Malotha , Babu Pitchuka , Johnson Roy
Published: July 2014

Three different alumina powders with varying particle sizes were subjected to
spray drying under identical conditions and effect of particle size on heat
transfer efficiency and mechanism of formation of granules was elucidated.
Morphology, internal structure and size distribution of granules were studied
and evaluated with respect to their flow behaviour. In order to estimate the
elastic interaction of granules, the granules were subjected to compaction
under progressive loading followed by periodic unloading. Compaction curves
were plotted and compressibility factor was estimated and correlated with
predicted and measured green density values.
Influence of Li2Co3 and V2O5 combined additions on the sintering and dielectric properties of Ca0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ceramics prepared from powders synthesized by sol-gel method
Authors: Lamrani Nouara , Chaouchi Ahcène , Bernard Jerôme , Itaalit Brahim , Houivet David , Haussonne Jean , Aliouat Mohamed
Published: July 2014

In this work, we have studied the influence of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3)
associated with the vanadium oxide (V2O5) on sintering and dielectrics
properties of Ca0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ceramic materials obtained from nanopowder
synthesized by sol-gel method. The nanopowder was obtained by controlled
mixing of titanium butoxide dissolved in butanol-2 and acetic acid with a
saturated aqueous solution of calcium acetate and strontium carbonate and
subsequent drying of the formed gel at 80 ?C and calcination at 1100?C. The
synthesized nanopowder was mixed with different amount of additives, and then
uniaxally pressed and sintered in air atmosphere at temperature determined by
dilatomertic measurements. The pure Ca0.5Sr0.5TiO3 sample obtained by this
process required a sintering temperature around 1500?C. The addition of
Li2CO3 combined with V2O5 improved sinterability and caused a shift of
dilatimeric shrinkage curve to much lower temperatures. Thus, dense ceramics
(98% of theoretical density) were obtained at sintering temperature ? 1300?C.
The effect of adding Li2CO3-V2O5 on the structure of ceramics and the
dielectric properties is discussed and show that type I dielectric properties
(linear variation of the permittivity) are conserved, but with an increase of
dielectric loss.
Economic growth and intangible capitals: Europe versus Asia
Authors: Navarro José-Luis , Ruiz Victor-Raúl , Peña Domingo
Published: July 2014

At present, the international growth model includes important restrictions
about the consideration of GDP as a unique tool for measurement. In this
sense, taking into consideration the wealth of a country, we must add
intangibles such as human development, country image, employment conditions,
environmental, innovation, public sector efficiency, and synergies to the
variable production, which is defined as national intellectual capital. In
this paper, we use a mathematical model of intellectual capital to determine,
in monetary terms, the intangible elements that have a greater impact on
long-term economic development in European and Asian countries. We have the
main limitation of available information and we provide objective results
using statistical method. By identifying these components, countries will be
able to redirect their policies toward achieving sustainable long-term
growth. The results show that the long-term growth of both continents are
strongly dependent on the skills of their human resources, but register
differences in structural factors such as trade, innovation, or environment.
How are interbank and sovereign debt markets linked? Evidence from 14 OECD countries, the Euro area and Russia
Authors: Stolbov Mikhail
Published: July 2014

The paper explores causal linkages between interbank and sovereign bond
markets in 14 OECD countries, the Euro area and Russia during the 2008-2009
crisis and post-crisis period. The analysis has been carried out for
individual countries and in a multivariate framework. It enables to identify
systemically important countries in both markets. The USA, Switzerland,
Australia, South Korea and Russia are of particular significance in the
interbank lending market. Switzerland, the UK, Poland, Australia and Canada
play a pivotal role in the public debt market. The analysis under the
multivariate framework reveals substantial heterogeneity in the network
structure of both markets. Only 12% of causal relationships coincide, which
may fuel financial contagion. Volatility spillovers underlie the causal
linkages. They are estimated by means of dynamic volatility indices based on
rolling correlation matrices and help identify the transformation of the
international banking turmoil into the sovereign debt crisis.
Anticipated future of Latvia and Russia during a global economic crisis: A mixed methods perspective
Authors: Kolesovs Aleksandrs , Kashirsky Dmitry
Published: July 2014

This cross-cultural study explored subjective predictors of more positive
evaluation of the future of the country during a global socioeconomic
crisis. A sequential mixed-method design was chosen for an exploration of
students? expectations in Russia and Latvia as countries contrasting in
macro-contextual conditions. In 2009, Study 1 was designed as a thematic
analysis of essays on topic ?The Future of Latvia/Russia?. The results
demonstrated that the future of a country is anticipated by taking into
account external influences, the present of the country, and its perceived
power and stability. In 2011, Study 2 involved these themes as independent
variables in a multiple regression model. The results demonstrated that
positive evaluation of the present and higher perceived power of the country
are individuallevel predictors of more positive evaluation of its future.
Observed concordance of models indicates relatively high importance of
subjective view of the country in the changing world.
Workplace bullying in Serbia: The relation of self-labeling and behavioral experience with job-related behaviors
Authors: Petrovic Ivana , Cizmic Svetlana , Vukelic Milica
Published: July 2014

Workplace bullying has been identified as a widespread problem in
contemporary organizational research. The aim of the paper was to acquire
theoretically based and comparable findings about workplace bullying in
Serbia: to explore the behavioral experience and self-labeling approaches
(applying the Negative Acts Questionnaire - Revised, NAQ-R) and their
relationship with job-related behaviors. The sample comprised 1,998
employees. Prevalence rates of workplace bullying based on self-labeling and
behavior experience approaches overlap significantly (70% of employees
operationally identified as bullied had also labeled themselves as bullied).
Both the self-labeling and behavioral experience approach showed significant
correlations with job-related behaviors (perceived threat to a total job,
absenteeism, intention to leave, and perceived productivity). Previously
bullied, presently bullied and non-bullied employees differed significantly
on all four job-related behaviors, with large effect size for the intention
to leave and medium effect size for the perceived threat to a total job. The
findings support combining self-labeling and behavioral experience approaches
in workplace bullying research.
The influence of valence and arousal on reasoning: Affective priming in the semantic verification task
Authors: Orlic Ana , Grahek Ivan , Radovic Tara
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of affective valence
and arousal on the reasoning process. Reasoning was measured using a semantic
verification task and the influence of valence and arousal was tracked using
the affective priming paradigm. Primes were photographs varied on two
dimensions - emotional valence (positive, neutral, negative) and arousal
(high, low). Forty-nine psychology students participated in the experiment.
Results showed that reaction time needed for semantic verification was
significantly faster for positive-high arousing in comparison to positive-low
arousing condition and for neutral high arousing in comparison to neutral-low
arousing condition, but there were no significant differences in negative low
and high arousing conditions. Also, significant differences were found among
all three valences in high arousing conditions and there were no such
differences in low arousing conditions. These results reveal the importance
of both arousal and valence in the research on the influence of emotions on
the reasoning process.
Globally national - locally international: Bibliometric analysis of a SEE psychology journal
Authors: Pajic Dejan , Jevremov Tanja
Published: July 2014

The article explores bibliometric features of the Serbian psychology journal
Psihologija in the 2001-2012 period. Several basic indicators of the
journal?s impact were generated and compared between two periods, before and
after 2007 when Psihologija was included in Social Sciences Citation Index
(SSCI). Journal?s output was evaluated in regard to other psychology journals
included in SSCI in the same year. The results have shown that Psihologija?s
impact factor has raised following the increased internationalization of the
journal, quantified as the proportion of articles published in English and/or
written by foreign authors. However, Psihologija and other South East
European (SEE) journals still lack a solid international communication
network, which is reflected in the absence of related journals and large
proportion of citations from local authors. The article concludes with
several suggestions for authors, journal editors, and science policy
institutions.
Adsorption isotherms of pear at several temperatures
Authors: Mitrevski Vangelce , Lutovska Monika , Mijakovski Vladimir , Pavkov Ivan , Babic Mirko , Radojcin Milivoje
Published: July 2014

The moisture adsorption isotherms of pear were determined at 15?C, 30?C and
45?C using the standard static gravimetric method over a range of water
activity from 0.112 to 0.920. The experimental data were fitted with isotherm
equations recommended in ASAE Standard D245.5. In order to find which
equation gives the best results, large number of numerical experiments were
performed. After that, several statistical criteria proposed in scientific
literature for estimation and selection of the best sorption isotherm
equations were used. For each equation and experimental data set, the average
performance index was calculated and models were ranked afterwards. After
that, some statistical rejection criteria were checked (D?Agostino-Pearson
test of normality, single-sample run test and significance and precision of
the model parameters). The performed statistical analysis shows that the
Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) equation has the highest value of average
performance index, but higher correlation between pair of parameters leads to
lower precision of estimated parameters.
Does Mandatory IFRS Adoption Affect Crash Risk?
Authors: DeFond Mark L. , Hung Mingyi , Li Siqi , Li Yinghua
Published: July 2014

We test whether mandatory IFRS adoption affects firm-level “crash risk,” defined as the frequency of extreme negative stock returns. We separately analyze nonfinancial firms and financial firms because IFRS is likely to affect their crash risk differently. We find that IFRS adoption decreases crash risk among nonfinancial firms, especially among firms in poor information environments and in countries where IFRS adoption results in larger and more credible changes to local GAAP. In contrast, IFRS adoption has no effect on crash risk for financial firms, on average, but decreases crash risk among firms less affected by IFRS's fair value provisions, and increases crash risk among banks in countries with weak banking regulations. Overall, our results are consistent with the increased transparency from IFRS adoption broadly reducing crash risk among nonfinancial firms, but more selectively among financial firms, and with financial regulations playing a complementary role in implementing IFRS among financial firms.
The Effects of Client Identity Strength and Professional Identity Salience on Auditor Judgments
Authors: Bauer Tim D.
Published: July 2014

Considerable recent audit regulation, both proposed and mandated, and accounting research has focused on auditor independence threats arising over long auditor tenure. Psychology research, however, suggests independence threats also likely arise when auditor tenure is short because auditors can quickly develop a strong client identity, raising questions about the effectiveness of mandatory audit partner or firm rotation to address independence concerns. Relying on Social Identity Theory, I examine mechanisms for promoting auditor independence that can be implemented regardless of auditor tenure or rotation. I conduct two experiments in a setting with no prior auditor-client history. As predicted, auditors who identify more strongly with their clients, by sharing their values, agree more with the client's preferred accounting treatment, unless the salience or arousal of their professional identity is heightened. Further, as predicted, heightening professional identity salience increases professional skepticism. My results provide an improved understanding of the joint effects of identity strength and salience on auditor judgments and suggest a cost-effective alternative to auditor rotation to maintain auditor independence, even when auditor tenure is short.
The Effect of Superiors' Exogenous Constraints on Budget Negotiations
Authors: Arnold Markus C.
Published: July 2014

In a world characterized by increasing pressure from financial and product markets, the question of how exogenous constraints affect internal coordination and control processes has become increasingly important. This experiment investigates how two exogenous constraints that superiors can face in budget negotiation settings, increased opportunity costs and financial pressure to meet unit targets, affect budget negotiations and subordinate effort. The results show that both constraints induce more cooperation, but in different ways. Financial pressure on the superior leads to more cooperative negotiation behavior by superiors and subordinates than increased opportunity costs. Specifically, subordinates do not take advantage of the superior's increased financial pressure to enforce lower budgets. After negotiation, both constraints strongly mitigate the negative effects of superior budget imposition on subordinate effort because exogenous constraints eliminate the effect of procedural fairness considerations on subordinate effort.
Do Accounting and Audit Quality Affect World Bank Lending?
Authors: Lamoreaux Phillip T. , Michas Paul N. , Schultz Wendy L.
Published: July 2014

We investigate the role of accounting and audit quality in the allocation of international development aid loans provided by the World Bank. This aid is crucial to improve governance functions, infrastructure, and capital markets, and the accounting and audit environments in a country can provide the World Bank with confidence that aid is being used as intended rather than being diverted for personal or political gain. We find that development aid loans are higher for countries with stronger accounting quality, where IFRS use is mandated, and where the audit environment is stronger. However, we also find that United States geo-political interests influence these results. Specifically, the World Bank appears to “overlook” accounting and audit quality in countries where geo-political interests are relatively aligned with those of the U.S. Finally, we find that accounting and auditing matter only in countries with relatively high corruption levels, indicating that the World Bank has greater trust that accounting and auditing are of relatively high quality in low-corruption countries.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available.
Effect of the AlCr20 Addition on the Microstructure of Secondary AlSi7Mg0.3 Alloy
Authors: Bolibruchová D. , Richtárech L.
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with influence of chrome addition and heat treatment on segregation of iron based phases in the secondary alloy AlSi7Mg0.3 microstructure by chrome and heat treatment. Iron is the most common and harmful impurity in aluminum casting alloys and has long been associated with an increase of casting defects. In generally, iron is associated with the formation of Fe-rich intermetallic phases. It is impossible to remove iron from melt by standard operations, but it is possible to eliminate its negative influence by addition some other elements that affect the segregation of intermetallics in less harmful type or by heat treatment. Realization of experiments and results of analysis show new view on solubility of iron based phases during melt preparation with higher iron content and influence of chrome as iron corrector of iron based phases.
The Influence of the Mould Filling Conditions on the Quality of Castings Made of EN AC-44000 Alloy
Authors: Nadolski M. , Konopka Z. , Łągiewka M. , Zyska A.
Published: July 2014

The work deals with the influence of change in the filling conditions of the ceramic moulds with plaster binder on the presence of gaseous porosity and the microstructure of the achieved test castings with graded wall thickness. Castings made of EN AC-44000 alloy, produced either by gravity casting, or by gravity casting with negative pressure generated around the mould (according to the Vacumetal technology), or by counter-gravity casting were compared. The results of examinations concerning the density of the produced castings indicate that no significant change in porosity was found. The increased size of silicon crystals was found for the increased wall thicknesses due to the slower cooling and solidification of castings.
The Production of Material with Ultrafine Grain Structure in Al-Zn Alloy in the Process of Rapid Solidification
Authors: Szymaneka M. , Augustyn B. , Kapinos D. , Boczkal S. , Nowak J.
Published: July 2014

In the aluminium alloy family, Al-Zn materials with non-standard chemical composition containing Mg and Cu are a new group of alloys, mainly owing to their high strength properties. Proper choice of alloying elements, and of the method of molten metal treatment and casting enable further shaping of the properties. One of the modern methods to produce materials with submicron structure is a method of Rapid Solidification. The ribbon cast in a melt spinning device is an intermediate product for further plastic working. Using the technique of Rapid Solidification it is not possible to directly produce a solid structural material of the required shape and length. Therefore, the ribbon of an ultrafine grain or nanometric structure must be subjected to the operations of fragmentation, compaction, consolidation and hot extrusion.

In this article the authors focussed their attention on the technological aspect of the above mentioned process and described successive stages of the fabrication of an AlZn9Mg2.5Cu1.8 alloy of ultrafine grain structure designated for further plastic working, which enables making extruded rods or elements shaped by the die forging technology. Studies described in the article were performed under variable parameters determined experimentally in the course of the alloy manufacturing process, including casting by RS and subsequent fragmentation.
A Method to Make Classification of the Heat Treatment Processes Performed on Bronze Using Incomplete Knowledge
Authors: Kluska-Nawarecka S. , Górny Z. , Regulski K. , Wilk-Kołodziejczyk D. , Jančíková Z. , David J.
Published: July 2014

The article describes the problem of selection of heat treatment parameters to obtain the required mechanical properties in heat- treated bronzes. A methodology for the construction of a classification model based on rough set theory is presented. A model of this type allows the construction of inference rules also in the case when our knowledge of the existing phenomena is incomplete, and this is situation commonly encountered when new materials enter the market. In the case of new test materials, such as the grade of bronze described in this article, we still lack full knowledge and the choice of heat treatment parameters is based on a fragmentary knowledge resulting from experimental studies. The measurement results can be useful in building of a model, this model, however, cannot be deterministic, but can only approximate the stochastic nature of phenomena. The use of rough set theory allows for efficient inference also in areas that are not yet fully explored.
Lost Cores for High-Pressure Die Casting
Authors: Jelínek P. , Adámková E.
Published: July 2014

Development of salt cores prepared by high-pressure squeezing and shooting with inorganic binders has shown a high potential of the given technology even for high-pressure casting of castings. Strength, surface quality of achieved castings, and solubility in water become a decisive criterion. The shape and quality of grain surface particularly of NaCl - cooking salts that can be well applied without anticaking additives has shown to be an important criterion. Thus the salt cores technology can cover increasingly growing demands for casting complexity especially for the automobile industry.
Investigate the Possibility of Tekcast Methods Used for Casting Polymeric Resin Materials
Authors: Mäsiar H. , Repka L. , Lipták P. , Híreš O.
Published: July 2014

Contribution gives an overview of knowledge about the method of centrifugal casting with orientate on Tekcast system. Company Tekcast Industries has developed a device for centrifugal casting, extending the area of production of castings or prototyping of metal or plastic. Materials suitable for the centrifugal casting with flexible operating parameters may include non-ferrous metal alloy based on zinc or aluminum or non-metallic materials such as polyester resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, waxes and the like. The casting process is particularly suitable for a wide range of commercial castings and decorative objects.
Ecological Binding Material of First Generation
Authors: Vasková I. , Hrubovčáková M.
Published: July 2014

Bentonite is clay rock, which is created by decomposition of vulcanic glass. It is formed from mixture of clay minerals of smectite group, mainly montmorillonite, beidellite and nontronite. Its typical characteristics is, that when in contact with water, it intensively swells. First who used this term was W.C. Knight in 1887. The rock had been named after town Fort Benton in American state Montana. For its interesting technological properties and whiteness has wide technological use. Bentonite is selectively mined and according to its final use separately modified, which results in high quality product with specific parameters.

In the beginning of 21st century belong bentonite moulding mixtures in foundry to always perspective. Mainly increased ratio of ductile cast iron castings production cannot be ensured without the need of quality bentonite. Great area of scope remains to further research of moulding materials, which return also to bentonite producers.
A first record of late Middle Permian actinopterygian fish from Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Hoşgör Izzet , Štamberg Stanislav
Published: July 2014

The Middle-Upper Permian of the Gomaniibrik Formation, of the Tanin Group, in south-east Anatolia, close to the Iraq border, yielded moderately preserved fish remains. Two species, Palaeoniscum freieslebeni and Pygopterus cf. nielseni, known so far only from the Upper Permian deposits of the Zechstein Basin in western Central Europe, were recognised. This late Middle Permian Anatolian record significantly widens the geographical range of these actinopterygians into the equatorial Palaeotethys Realm.
The Change of Printouts' Quality Depending on Pressure of a Blanket Cylinder Against an Impression Cylinder and a Plate Cylinder in Offset Machine
Authors: Jurkiewicz Agnieszka , Pyr'yev Yuriy
Published: July 2014

According to lots of books, the pressure in offset printing affects the optical density and the quality of printouts. One of the quality parameters is a tone value increase. An advantage of our research method is obtaining printing effects for different pressures on one printout, thus meaning for identical printing conditions. We obtained the same printing conditions through using different amounts of underlay sheets fixed to the blanket cylinder, under a blanket. The pressure was increased from optimal settings - in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s recommendation. The test printouts were printed using Adast Dominant 515, on a coated and an uncoated paper. The optical density value was measured on the tone value scale from 10% to 100% stepping regularly by 10%. For this scale the tone value increase was computed. The research shows that for both types of paper the optical density and the tone value increase changes not very much above the optimal pressure recommended by the machine manufacturer. A difference in the optical density and in the tone value increase is bigger for coated paper than for uncoated paper. Changes in these two parameters are negligible in places where used form 0 to 4 underlay sheets and are quite significant in the place where 5 underlay sheets were.
Shape Identification in Nonlinear Boundary Problems Solved bby Pies Method
Authors: Zieniuk Eugeniusz , Bołtuć Agnieszka , Szerszeń Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

The paper presents the strategy for identifying the shape of defects in the domain defined in the boundary value problem modelled by the nonlinear differential equation. To solve the nonlinear problem in the iterative process the PIES method and its advantages were used: the efficient way of the boundary and the domain modelling and global integration. The identification was performed using the genetic algorithm, where in connection with the efficiency of PIES we identify the small number of data required to the defect’s definition. The strategy has been tested for different shapes of defects.
Modelling Coupled Electric Field and Motion of Beam of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite
Authors: Dominik Ireneusz , Kaszuba Filip , Kwaśniewski Janusz
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a mathematical model of electromechanical transduction of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites is presented. The aim of the research was to create a physics-based, geometrically scalable model to use in control systems. The relation between actuating voltage and the tip displacement was described with a transfer function. The model is derived from the basic physical properties of researched materials. To calculate the final transfer function, two impedance models are considered - with and without neglecting the resistance of the metal electrodes. In this paper, the model with non-zero electrode resistance is calculated. Later, the model is simplified (taking the physical properties into account) and the numerical values based on the parameters of the samples are calculated. The simplifications allow the model to predict the response to low-frequency sine wave actuation. The frequency-domain characteristics of the samples were created experimentally and compared to the model. The results have proven the accuracy of the model.
Etiology of Bacteremic Syndromes and Bacterial Susceptibility of Blood Culture Isolates in a Romanian County Hospital
Authors: Man A. , Muntean P.E. , Mare Anca
Published: July 2014

Aim: To present the etiology of bacteremic syndromes and antibiotic susceptibility of blood culture isolates from a Romanian county hospital, as well as their distribution within different wards.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the blood culture data collected from patients hospitalized in the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tirgu Mures over a period of two years. We followed aspects regarding the identified bacterial species, their distribution by sex, age groups and wards, the spectrum of resistance to antibiotics and main resistance phenotypes.

Results: Most positive samples came from ICU, nephrology and urology. The most isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. All isolates showed a high resistance to most classes of antibiotics, staphylococci being susceptible to glycopeptides, oxazolidinones and glycylcyclines, and the enterobacteria to aminoglycosides and carbapenems. The resistance in non-fermentative bacilli exceeded 80% to most classes of antibiotics. The methicillin-resistance was 36% for coagulase-negative staphylococci and 82% for Staphylococcus aureus; the percentage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing strains was 30%.

Conclusions: The etiology of bacteremic syndromes is specific to the ward profile, the Staphylococcus spp. being primarily isolated from wards where invasive procedures are frequently performed, while the enterobacteria from urology and nephrology wards. The level of antibiotic resistance is higher in surgery and ICU wards, with also higher percentage of resistance phenotypes than in medical wards.
Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers in Pregnant Women at Risk, for the Prediction of Preeclampsia
Authors: Oancea Mihaela Daniela , Costin N. , Pop Daria Maria , Ciortea R. , Trif Ioana , Mihu D.
Published: July 2014

Introduction: A low degree of inflammation has been associated with complications in pregnancies, including preeclampsia (PE). The aim of our study was to determine the serum values of high sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy in pregnant women with risk factors for the development of PE, and to evaluate their relevance for the prediction of this disorder.

Material and methods: We performed a prospective longitudinal study on 120 pregnant women, who were divided based on the pregnancy evolution, into two groups: group I - 26 pregnant women who developed preeclampsia and group II - 94 pregnant women with physiological evolution of pregnancy.

Results: Our study has shown an increase in serum levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 in the first and second trimester of pregnancy in patients from group I, significant values being revealed only in the second trimester of pregnancy. The predictive power of the selected inflammatory markers was significant only for values of hs-CRP in the second trimester of pregnancy, while the association with IL-6 increased the prediction.

Conclusions: Increased values of hs-CRP and IL-6 in the second trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher risk for preeclampsia, however the study provided only a modest efficiency of the prediction capacity.
Development of a Capillary Electrophoresis Method for the Separation of Fluoroquinolone Derivatives in Acidic Background Electrolyte
Authors: Rusu Aura , Hancu G. , Gyéresi Á.
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Antibacterial quinolones class comprises a series of synthetic antibacterial agents, following the model of nalidixic acid. Because of their common 6-fl uorosubtituent on the quinolone ring, fluroquinolones are the most potent analogues with extended spectrum of activity and great pharmacokinetic properties. The applicability of capillary zone electrophoresis for the separation of fl uoroquinolones in acidic background electrolyte has been studied, our aim being the development of a capillary zone electrophoresis method for the simultaneous separation of six fl uoroquinolones and also to optimize the analytical conditions. The six studied fl uoroquinolones were ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, enrofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin and sarafloxacin.

Material and methods: Preliminary, we studied the electrophoretic behavior of six fluoroquinolones in an acidic pH, which highlighted the possibility of developing a separation method in this area of pH. Electrophoretic parameters infl uencing separation performance were studied and optimized.

Results: A fast and reliable method has been developed, using a background electrolyte containing 100 mM phosphoric acid and the following conditions: applied voltage: + 25 kV, temperature: 20°C, injection pressure 30 mbar - 5 sec, UV detection at 280 nm, capillary: 60 cm (52 cm effective length) x 50 μm, analyte concentration: 167 μg/ml. The separation of the studied fl uoroquinolones was achieved in less than 8 minutes.

Conclusions: Capillary zone electrophoresis using an acidic background electrolyte proved to be an efficient tool in the separation of fluoroquinolones from different generations. Also the proposed methods are particular environment-friendly replacement and improvement of a common high performance liquid chromatography determination with rapid analysis time without using any organic solvents.
The Role of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in the Ureteroscopy Treatment for Ureteral Lithiasis
Authors: Maier A. , Vida O. , Szollosi A. , Golea O. , Todea C. , Boja R. , Martha Orsolya
Published: July 2014

Introduction: One of the most common pathologies in urological praxis is urinary lithiasis. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or frequently retrograde ureteroscopy are modern pathways in the treatment of this kind of pathology. There are certain problems which may develop after the ureteroscopy such as infection with fever complication.

Material and method: This retrospective study evaluates 164 patients who underwent ureteroscopy treatment over a period of two years (2011-2012). We compared the infection complication episode (with fever) in 33 (20.12%) patients with antibiotic prophylaxis (group A) versus 131 (79.87%) patients without prophylaxis (group B). Antibiotics used for prophylaxis were: amoxicilinum and clavulanic acid, generation I and II cephalosporines.

Results: Twenty-four (14.63%) patients presented postsurgical fever. Most febrile patients were those with grade II hydronephrosis - 16 (66.66%), of which 2 (6.06%) patients from group A and 14 (10.68%) from group B. From group A, 3 (12%) patients with stones below 10 mm had fever, while 18 (14.87%) from group B developed this complication. Among the patients with stones’ size over 10 mm, 1 (14.28) patient from group A and 2 (25%) patients from group B had fever.

Conclusions: Patients undergoing the ureteroscopy treatment should be investigated before the procedures for the presence of bacteria in order to avoid complications like infection associated with fever. Antibiotic prophylaxis may reduce the incidence of postoperative infection in the ureteroscopy treatment.
The Oscar Ramirez Procedure, a Solution for Treating Incisional Hernias with Big Abdominal Wall Defect
Authors: Gherghinescu M. , Popa D. , Panțiru A. , Russu C. , Roșca C. , Benedek Orsolya , Copotoiu C.
Published: July 2014

Background: Incisional hernias are important complications of abdominal surgery. Normally they are followed by the growth of the hernia sac and an increase of the abdominal wall defect with loss of domain of the herniated organs.

Case report: We report a case of a 51 year old female, admitted in the 1st Surgical Clinic of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș with a large median reducible incisional hernia and a wall defect of 10/12 cm. The abdominoplasty was performed using the Oscar Ramirez technique, which consists of a longitudinal incision along the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, at approximately 1-2 cm from the external edge of the rectus abdominis. This procedure allows the abdominal wall closure. This case is part of a lot of 4 patients who received this treatment using the aforementioned procedure in the past 2 months. Postoperative recovery was favorable, bowel movements were present on the second day after the surgery, the subcutaneous drains were shortened on the fifth day and removed on the sixth. There were no immediate postoperative complications or up to a month after the surgery. The patient was discharged on the seventh day.

Conclusions: This technique can be used alone in case of large abdominal wall defects, or prequeling an on-lay mesh procedure addressed to a weak abdominal wall, case in which the functional result is superior to a substitutional mesh.