bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Macroscopic Properties of Organic Species on the Basis of Quantum Chemical Analysis (on an Example of Inhibiting Efficiency of Ureides and Acetylides against Corrosion)
Authors: Beloglazov Georgy S. , Sikachina Andrei A. , Beloglazov Sergei M.
Published: January 2015

The experimental data on efficiencies of a series of 7 ureides and 5 acetylides as inhibitors (IN) of corrosion of mild steel in Postgate B media compared to quantum chemical data; the following descriptors found to be essential to describe the inhibitive properties under given conditions: energies of the boundary molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) and dipole moment. The inhibitive properties of the chosen ureides under given conditions are based on electron donating rather than accepting properties of their molecules. PM/3 method was found to be preferable compared to other quantum chemical methods used (i.e., MNDO, AM/1), and even non-empiricab initiomethods because it is found to be more helpful in explaining the mechanism of inhibitive action of organic species.
An Analysis of the Tribocorrosion Wear by Means of Wear Maps
Authors: Stachowiak Arkadiusz , Zwierzycki Wiesław
Published: January 2015

In recent years, substantial advancements have been made in the methodology of constructing material wear maps [1-3]. The maps make it possible to locate the dominating wear mechanisms in parameterized enforcement areas. The method constitutes a powerful tool for analyzing the mechanisms of material damage, the optimization of material choice and the conditions of use. Recently, the maps of corrosion and erosion wear as the function of the following parameterized enforcements have been made [3]:
Measuring Height in Recumbent Critical Care Patients
Authors: Dennis Diane M. , Hunt Emily E. , Budgeon Charley A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Estimates of the height of patients in the intensive care unit are required to adhere to clinical guidelines for drug dosages, ventilatory support, and nutrition. The gold standard of standing height cannot be used because these patients are often unconscious and recumbent. The ability of physiotherapists or dietitians to measure height in unconscious, recumbent patients has not been evaluated.

Objectives

To compare the accuracy of physicians, physiotherapists, and dietitians in estimating the height of recumbent critical care patients by using existing practice methods.

Methods

A total of 35 patients were recruited from the cardiothoracic preadmission clinic, where standing height is routinely measured by a physiotherapist. After surgery, in the intensive care unit, 1 physician, 2 physiotherapists, and 2 dietitians measured each recumbent patient’s height. Three methods were used: observation, whole-body measurement, and height estimated by using length of the forearm and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition normative chart. Difference from standing height was measured from zero and was compared across professions and methods, with zero indicating no difference.

Results

Overall, 17 physicians, 4 dietitians, and 9 physiotherapists consented to measure patients. After adjustments for method, measurements by physiotherapists did not differ significantly from the gold standard (P = .59), whereas those of physicians (P = .02) and dietitians (P < .001) did.

Conclusions

Physiotherapists’ measurements of supine height of recumbent critical care patients, obtained by using a nonrigid measuring tape, are more accurate than measurements obtained by physicians and dietitians.
Application of high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry measurements to estimate volatility distributions of α-pinene and naphthalene oxidation products
Authors: Chhabra P. S. , Lambe A. T. , Canagaratna M. R. , Stark H. , Jayne J. T. , Onasch T. B. , Davidovits P. , Kimmel J. R. , Worsnop D. R.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Recent developments in high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-CIMS) have made it possible to directly detect atmospheric organic compounds in real time with high sensitivity and with little or no fragmentation, including low-volatility, highly oxygenated organic vapors that are precursors to secondary organic aerosol formation. Here, using ions identified by high-resolution spectra from an HR-ToF-CIMS with acetate reagent ion chemistry, we develop an algorithm to estimate the vapor pressures of measured organic acids. The algorithm uses identified ion formulas and calculated double bond equivalencies, information unavailable in quadrupole CIMS technology, as constraints for the number of possible oxygen-containing functional groups. The algorithm is tested with acetate chemical ionization mass spectrometry (acetate-CIMS) spectra of O3 and OH oxidation products of α-pinene and naphthalene formed in a flow reactor with integrated OH exposures ranged from 1.2 × 1011 to 9.7 × 1011 molec s cm−3, corresponding to approximately 1.0 to 7.5 days of equivalent atmospheric oxidation. Measured gas-phase organic acids are similar to those previously observed in environmental chamber studies. For both precursors, we find that acetate-CIMS spectra capture both functionalization (oxygen addition) and fragmentation (carbon loss) as a function of OH exposure. The level of fragmentation is observed to increase with increased oxidation. The predicted condensed-phase secondary organic aerosol (SOA) average acid yields and O/C and H/C ratios agree within uncertainties with previous chamber and flow reactor measurements and ambient CIMS results. While acetate reagent ion chemistry is used to selectively measure organic acids, in principle this method can be applied to additional reagent ion chemistries depending on the application.
Erosional response of an actively uplifting mountain belt to cyclic rainfall variations
Authors: Braun J. , Voisin C. , Gourlan A. T. , Chauvel C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We present an approximate analytical solution to the stream power equation describing the erosion of bedrock in an actively uplifting mountain range subject to periodic variations in precipitation rate. It predicts a time lag between the climate forcing and the erosional response of the system that increases with the forcing period. The predicted variations in the sedimentary flux coming out of the mountain are also scaled with respect to the imposed rainfall variations in a direct proportion to the discharge exponent, m, in the stream power law expression. These findings are confirmed by 1-D and 2-D numerical solutions. We also show that the response of a river channel is independent of its length and thus the size of its catchment area, implying that all actively eroding streams in a mountain belt will constructively contribute to the integrated signal in the sedimentary record. We show that rainfall variability at Milankovitch periods should affect the erosional response of fast uplifting mountain belts such as the Himalayas, Taiwan or the South Island, New Zealand, and predict 1000 to 10 000-year offsets between forcing and response. We suggest that this theoretical prediction could be used to independently constrain the value of the poorly defined stream power law exponents, and provide an example of how this could be done, using geochemical proxy signals from an ODP borehole in the Bengal Fan.
A high-resolution ocean and sea-ice modelling system for the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Dupont F. , Higginson S. , Bourdallé-Badie R. , Lu Y. , Roy F. , Smith G. C. , Lemieux J.-F. , Garric G. , Davidson F.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. As part of the CONCEPTS (Canadian Operational Network of Coupled Environmental PredicTion Systems) initiative, The Government of Canada is developing a high resolution (1/12°) ice–ocean regional model covering the North Atlantic and the Arctic oceans. The objective is to provide Canada with short-term ice–ocean predictions and hazard warnings in ice infested regions. To evaluate the modelling component (as opposed to the analysis – or data-assimilation – component), a series of hindcasts for the period 2003–2009 is carried out, forced at the surface by the Canadian Global Re-Forecasts. These hindcasts test how the model represent upper ocean characteristics and ice cover. Each hindcast implements a new aspect of the modelling or the ice–ocean coupling. Notably, the coupling to the multi-category ice model CICE is tested. The hindcast solutions are then assessed using a validation package under development, including in-situ and satellite ice and ocean observations. The conclusions are: (1) the model reproduces reasonably well the time mean, variance and skewness of sea surface height. (2) The model biases in temperature and salinity show that while the mean properties follow expectations, the Pacific Water signature in the Beaufort Sea is weaker than observed. (3) However, the modelled freshwater content of the Arctic agrees well with observational estimates. (4) The distribution and volume of the sea ice is shown to be improved in the latest hindcast thanks to modifications to the drag coefficients and to some degree as well to the ice thickness distribution available in CICE. (5) On the other hand, the model overestimates the ice drift and ice thickness in the Beaufort Gyre.
Flood fatality hazard and flood damage hazard: combining multiple hazard characteristics into meaningful maps for spatial planning
Authors: de Bruijn K. M. , Klijn F. , van de Pas B. , Slager C. T. J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. For comprehensive flood risk management, accurate information on flood hazards is crucial. While in the past an estimate of potential flood consequences in large areas was often sufficient to make decisions on flood protection, there currently is an increasing demand to have detailed hazard maps available to be able to consider other risk reducing measures as well. Hazard maps are a prerequisite for spatial planning, but can also support emergency management, the design of flood mitigation measures, and the setting of insurance policies. The increase in flood risks due to population growth and economic development in hazardous areas in the past shows that sensible spatial planning is crucial to prevent risks increasing further. Assigning the least hazardous locations for development or adapting developments to the actual hazard requires comprehensive flood hazard maps. Since flood hazard is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, many different maps could be relevant. Having large numbers of maps to take into account does, however, not make planning easier. To support flood risk management planning we therefore introduce a new approach in which all relevant flood hazard parameters can be combined into two comprehensive maps of flood damage hazard respectively flood fatality hazard.
Theoretical framework for estimating snow distribution through point measurements
Authors: Trujillo E. , Lehning M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In recent years, marked improvements in our knowledge of the statistical properties of the spatial distribution of snow properties have been achieved thanks to improvements in measuring technologies (e.g. LIDAR, TLS, and GPR). Despite of this, objective and quantitative frameworks for the evaluation of errors and extrapolations in snow measurements have been lacking. Here, we present a theoretical framework for quantitative evaluations of the uncertainty of point measurements of snow depth when used to represent the average depth over a profile section or an area. The error is defined as the expected value of the squared difference between the real mean of the profile/field and the sample mean from a limited number of measurements. The model is tested for one and two dimensional survey designs that range from a single measurement to an increasing number of regularly-spaced measurements. Using high-resolution (~1 m) LIDAR snow depths at two locations in Colorado, we show that the sample errors follow the theoretical behavior. Furthermore, we show how the determination of the spatial location of the measurements can be reduced to an optimization problem for the case of the predefined number of measurements, or to the designation of an acceptable uncertainty level to determine the total number of regularly-spaced measurements required to achieve such error. On this basis, a series of figures are presented that can be used to aid in the determination of the survey design under the conditions described, and under the assumption of prior knowledge of the spatial covariance/correlation properties. With this methodology, better objective survey designs can be accomplished, tailored to the specific applications for which the measurements are going to be used. The theoretical framework can be extended to other spatially distributed snow variables (e.g. SWE) whose statistical properties are comparable to those of snow depth.
Substituição racional de hidrômetros em sistemas de abastecimento de água (doi:10.5216/reec.v9i3.31378)
Authors: Scalize Paulo Sérgio , Leite Wellington Cyro de Almeida , Campos Marcus André Siqueira
Published: January 2015

RESUMO: O presente trabalho avaliou o efeito da submedição em 862 hidrômetros de uma cidade do interior paulista com 75.000 ligações ativas de água, objetivando a criação de uma proposta para identificar os hidrômetros com pior desempenho metrológico, indicando a sequência de substituição. Para isso, foram avaliados medidores classe metrológica A e B, segregados por fabricante, ano e volume totalizado. Todos os hidrômetros foram submetidos a teste em bancada em três vazões, 15 L/h (classe B) ou 30 L/h (classe A), 75 L/h (classe A e B) e 750L/h (classe A e B). Os resultados apontaram que 37,1% foram reprovados registrando leituras menores que a leitura de referência, com submedição variando de -0,7 a 31,1%. Foi observado que alguns hidrômetros mais antigos estavam com melhores desempenhos metrológicos que os mais novos, podendo, caso fosse realizada uma substituição sem critérios, haver aumento de perda aparente com uma redução de receita ao invés de benefícios. Este estudo possibilitou a criação de uma sequência de grupos de hidrômetros que apresentou menor desempenho metrológico, e sua substituição acarretará um aumento no volume micromedido, reduzindo o índice de perdas aparente e, consequentemente aumentando o volume faturado. ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of under-metering in 862 water meters in a countryside city of São Paulo State, with 75,000 active water connections. It was evaluated metrological class A and B water meters, separated by manufacturer, year and totalized volume. All water meters were subjected to bench tests in three flows, 15 L/ h (class B) or 30 L/ h (class A), 75 L/ h (class A and B) and 750L/ h (A and B class). The results showed that 37.1% were disapproved by registering reading lower than the reference, with sub-metering ranging from -0.7 to 31.1%. It was observed that some older water meters had better metrological performances than the newest ones, and if a replacement without criteria be held, it may result increase in an apparent losses with a reduction of incoming rather than benefits. This study enabled the creation of a sequence of groups of lowest water meter metrological performance, and its replacement will result in an increase in micro-measured volume, reducing the rate of apparent losses and, consequently, increasing the amount billed.
Customer Loyalty in Financial Sector: A case study of Commercial Banks in Southern Punjab
Authors: Gillani Syed Usman Ali , Awan Dr. Abdul Ghafoor
Published: January 2015

By considering the intense competitiveness and prevalent challenges in the current business environment, organizations can’t survive just focusing on attracting and capturing new customer but they have to choose the strategy that help in retaining the existing customers and enhanced their loyalty to the organization. So, in the customer service based industry, satisfied customers are no longer suitable, and the businesses have to explore the new ways to flourish and promote the loyalty of customers. The current study hypothesize that customer loyalty is significantly affected by the customer satisfaction and trust of the customers. Whereas, perceived value and service quality is important determinants to create the customer satisfaction and trust. The data was collected from different customers of various banks and the hypothesize links are tested. Results indicate that there is a significant relationship between customer satisfaction and trust with customer loyalty. It is also confirmed that service quality and perceived value are important antecedents of customer satisfaction and trust. The results present a comprehensive model in the financial sector to create and manage customer loyalty.
Regeneration and Transformation of Gene Encoding the Hemagglutinin Antigen of the H5N1 Virus in Frond of Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza L.)
Authors: Thu Pham Thi Ly , Huong Pham Thi , Tien Vu Van , Ham Le Huy , Khanh Tran Dang
Published: January 2015

H5N1 (Avian influenza virus) has caused economic loss and remained a serious human health risk in many countries, including Vietnam. Plant-derived vaccines have offered the advantages over tradition subunit vaccine with low-cost production potential. Duckweed (Sprirodela polyrhiza L.) has found a valuable target plant for various application. In this study, we have attempted to re-generate and transform the gene encoding the hemagglutinin antigen of H5N1 virus in frond of S. polyrhiza, a widely great duckweed grown in Vietnam. The results have shown that the culture medium for S. polyrhiza duckweed is Hutner medium with reduced mineral concentration ½ (H/2) supplemented with 10g/l sucrose at pH 6. This medium showed appropriate for the best growth and development of duckweed. Results of PCR analysis of S. polyrhiza lines from 14 transformation experiments that has obtained 4 duckweed lines carrying HA1 gene. This prelinary results will be provide the basis for transgenic research in the dukweed species and be useful for further generate the producing enable vaccine via the transgenic plants
Implementation and Effectiveness of Performance Management System in Alfalah Bank
Authors: Mughal Farheen , Akram Faiza , Ali Syed Sadaqat
Published: January 2015

Orientation:Performance Management issues like implementation of PM and its effectiveness on the system of Bank Alfalah is discussed through this exploratory study. And also researchers have suggested the solutions to remove the hurdles faced by banking sector in Pakistan for implementation of ideal Performance management.Abstract:The basic purpose of this study is to provide edge to organization by providing practical solutions and recommendations so that firms can choose the best option. And in this way they can improve their evaluation system. This research is done to highlight the importance of performance management and also to study scope and effectiveness of performance management system in Alfalah Bank.Methodology:Qualitative research methodology has been used by researcher. Through this qualitative technique data is collected and analyzed. To identify the PM issues structured interviews were conducted from the employees related with different departments of Alfalah Bank. Findings:The research findings have shown that the employees of Alfalah bank have facing the problem of dissatisfaction from their current performance management and also the current performance management system of Alfalah bank lacks motivation and proper reward system. So for resolution of these issues researcher has recommended direction and guidelines to improve the performance management system.Practical implications:This research can be used by HR managers for identification and resolution of issues related to evaluation of employees. The current study can be used for further research and also become the basis to provide literature review for future research.Significance:Through this study reader can critically analyze the improvement in performance management Practices. This study shows the practical implications of recommended practices in actual business situations. This study has explored the issues (weaknesses) related with performance management in banking sector. Also the recommendation and suggestions are provided. On the basis of this study other organizations will also get the direction and guidelines to improve the performance management.
Borowitz on Halakhah, Aggadah, and Ethics
Authors: Dorff Elliot N.
Published: January 2015

This article first examines separately Eugene Borowitz's understanding of halakhah and aggadah and then his view of interactions between them, including his proposal that they be seen not as part of an organic whole but rather as part of network, before addressing the ramifications of Borowitz's understandings of halakhah and aggadah for his views of ethics and how moral decisions should be made. Finally, the article offers a respectful critique of his approach to making Jewish moral decisions and suggests using a more communitarian and legal approach.
A Rationalist Defense of Jewish Particularism
Authors: Green Ronald M.
Published: January 2015

A distinctive feature of Eugene Borowitz's thought is his defense of the traditional concept of the “chosenness” of the Jewish people. In this essay, I develop the outlines of Borowitz's view, tracing the course he navigates between Jewish universalism and particularism. I then argue that Borowitz may not go far enough. An even stronger religious and moral case can be made for the idea of Jewish particularity. Drawing on rationalist moral theory, I develop why I believe that anyone looking at the intentionality of a universal and ethical deity might accept God's special relationship in history with a single group of people.
The Perils of Covenant Theology
Authors: Kavka Martin
Published: January 2015

This essay takes the work of Eugene Borowitz, specifically his articulation of covenant theology, to display several serious problems in Jewish normative thinking. It focuses on three broad issues: (1) the unjustified and unjustifiable leap in Borowitz's argument for the centrality of covenant to Jewish experience, (2) the ease with which one might rescript his argument as a manifesto for Jewish assimilation to America, and (3) the inability of Borowitz's covenant theology to be as supportive of the individual as he claims it to be. In its conclusion, this essay shows how a minor strand of Borowitz's thought might serve as the beginning to a solution of these problems.
Sexuality, Autonomy, and Community in the Writings of Eugene Borowitz
Authors: Adler Rachel , Podolsky Robin
Published: January 2015

Eugene Borowitz's treatment of sexuality correlates with his developing thought on what covenant demands of liberal Jews. Borowitz's understanding of the Jewish self is expressed as a kind of dynamic equilibrium, a “dialectic” between the promptings of the (historically constituted) individual conscience and the demands of the covenant between God and Israel. Questions around sexuality make the tensions inherent in the Borowitzian dialectic especially acute, because they involve both urgent questions of social duty and equally urgent personal desires and commitments. Borowitz's thought undergoes a protracted, complicated evolution on these intertwined questions of sexuality, autonomy, and community.
Adrienne Asch: An Appreciation
Authors: Wolpe Paul Root
Published: January 2015

Adrienne Asch's death has deprived bioethics, and the scholarly world in general, of one of its strongest and most distinctive voices. Best known for her passionate advocacy of a different perspective on disability, Adrienne also helped challenge conventional wisdom on reproductive rights, medical exceptions of conscience, feminist scholarship, and other fields. Trained as a therapist, a social psychologist, and a social worker, she also did academic work in philosophy and psychoanalytic psychology. She presented her often counterintuitive perspectives with a gentle fearlessness that gave her arguments a particular persuasiveness. Adrienne's writing and her personal impact will continue to challenge and enrich scholarly discourse for many years to come.
John Byrom and the Contexts of Charles Wesley's Shorthand
Authors: Underhill Timothy
Published: January 2015

This article demonstrates that Charles Wesley's use of shorthand over many years carries biographical as well as textual significance. Surveying his acquaintance with the poet and stenographer John Byrom (1692–1763), it explores aspects of the wider ‘textual community’ of Byrom's system, which embraced several others in early Methodist circles. It considers how the Wesley brothers first became acquainted with this ‘universal English shorthand’, explores its diverse applications, and considers Charles Wesley's involvement in moves toward promulgating it by subscription publication, pointing to dimensions such as the aesthetic and linguistic, which might partly explain early Methodists' esteem for it.
Effects of cytokinins on antioxidant enzymes in in vitro grown shoots of Pelargonium hortorum L. H. Bayley
Authors: Wojtania Agnieszka , Skrzypek Edyta
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of meta-topolin (mT) and 6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP) on the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and antioxidant enzymes activities in relation to the shoot formation and senescence process in Pelargonium hortorum cultivars, which differ in their susceptibility to leaf yellowing under in vitro conditions.

In an early senescing cultivar ‘Grand Prix’, the addition of an aromatic cytokinin mT to abscisic acid (ABA)-enriched Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium more efficiently inhibited leaf yellowing than BAP. In both genotypes, meta-topolin was also the most effective in shoot formation. It was found that Pelargonium species varying in their susceptibility to senescence differ in H2O2 production and antioxidant enzymes activities. Generally, meta-topolin more effectively enhanced H2O2 production and POD activity than BAP and control medium, but its effect depended on genotype. The highest H2O2 production stimulated by mT was observed on day 5 of subculture in late senescing cv. ‘Bergpalais’. In both geranium genotypes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels were highest at the beginning of the subculture period, during the initiation of shoot formation. SOD showed the highest activity on day 5 of subculture on the medium without cytokinin and generally being higher in cv. ‘Bergpalais’ than in cv. ‘Grand Prix’. CAT activity was positively regulated by both cytokinins. POD activity was most effectively enhanced by mT, but on different days of subculture - on the 2nd day of subculture in cv. ‘Bergpalais’ and on the 22nd day of subculture in cv. ‘Grand Prix’. The enhanced activity of POD in the presence of mT, 4-fold higher than on control medium, at the end of subculture in P. hortorum ‘Grand Prix’ coincided with the inhibition of leaf senescence.
The effects of successional stage and size of gaps on recruitment of clonal plants in overgrowing Molinietum caeruleae meadows
Authors: Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt Kinga
Published: January 2015

In majority of plant communities with a closed canopy, the disturbances created by abiotic factors and biotic agents contribute to origin of an area free of existing vegetation and considered as safe sites for seedling recruitment. Although the gaps are characterized by several features, the size is proposed to be the most important characteristic. The investigations of recruitment of clonal taxa in different–sized gaps were conducted in the years 2011–2012 in Molinietum caeruleae meadows representing various successional stages and dominated by different species. Patch ES, representing early-successional stage, was dominated by small meadow species, Patch MS, representing mid-successional stage, was prevailed by tall-growing macroforbs, while Patch LS representing late-successional stage was overgrown by macroforbs and willows. In the successive sites the mean height of plant canopy, as well as the period of spring inundation increased gradually.

The total number of species and seedlings decreased from the Patch ES, through the Patch MS, to the Patch LS. Almost all plants presenting positive correlation between seedling number and gap area created hypogeogenous stems with substantial lateral growth and considerable number of short-lived daughter ramets allowing the fast colonization of neighbourhood. The majority of species showing negative relationship formed epigeogenous stems with slight lateral growth, as well as low number of long-lived ramets contributing to slow colonization of area.

In light of performed studies, it might be concluded, that making disturbance in continuous plant canopy and litter might be very effective way of conservation of Molinietum caeruleae meadows. The creation of different-sized gaps seems to be especially valuable due to the maintenance of heterogeneity of clonal species, which is particularly important in advanced successional stages.
The weed species composition in a reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) plantation for energy purposes depending on its age
Authors: Sekutowski Tomasz R. , Karamon Bartłomiej , Rola Józef , Rola Henryka
Published: January 2015

The present experiment, carried out in nine production fields of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) grown for energy purposes, evaluated the effect of plantation age on the occurrence and species composition of weeds. The selected plantations were divided into 3 groups that were conventionally called “young” (1–2 years old), “middle-aged” (3–5 years old), and “older” plantations (6–8 years old). Regardless of plantation age, altogether 43 species were found in the experimental fields. Moreover, 6 species were common for all the plantations and were found in them regardless of plantation age. The least species, only 18, were found on the “young” plantations, almost twice more on the “older” ones (30 species), whereas the largest spectrum of species was found in the “middle-aged” plantations (33 species). In the “young” plantations, annual weeds were the most common, with the highest constancy and coverage index found for Chenopodium album, Matricaria maritima ssp. inodora and Echinochloa crus-galli. The greatest variation in species was found in the “middle-aged” plantations. However, only 4 species achieved the highest constancy and coverage index: Matricaria maritima ssp. inodora, Cirsium arvense, Poa trivialis and Taraxacum officinale. Furthermore, perennial weeds were found to be dominant in the “older” plantations. Within this group, Poa trivialis, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Plantago maior, and Cirsium arvense had the highest constancy and coverage index.
The effect of different types of rootstock on the quality of maiden trees of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cv. ‘Regina’
Authors: Baryła Piotr , Kapłan Magdalena , Krawiec Marcela
Published: January 2015

Over the period 2006–2009 in Lublin, a study was conducted to determine the effect of five types of rootstock: ‘Colt’, ‘F12/1’, sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), ‘GiSelA 5’ and ‘Piast’ mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb L.), on the growth and quality of maiden sweet cherry trees cv. ‘Regina’ in a commercial nursery. Based on the three-year average, rootstocks were shown to have a significant effect on the investigated quality characteristics of maiden sweet cherry trees. Trees budded on ‘Colt’ vegetative rootstock were characterized by strongest growth and best quality. In each year, they were thicker, higher and better branched than sweet cherries on the rootstock. Under the tested conditions, ‘GiSelA 5’ dwarf rootstock significantly reduced the growth and quality of budded sweet cherry trees in the nursery. During the period 2007–2009, no physiological incompatibility symptoms were observed ‘Regina’ sweet cherry cv. and ‘Piast’ seedling rootstocks. The growth of trees budded on ‘Piast’ mahaleb cherry was poorer than on ‘Colt’ clonal rootstock, but it was stronger than on ‘F12/1’ and Prunus avium L. rootstocks.
Segetal flora of the Middle Vistula River Valley
Authors: Ługowska Maria
Published: January 2015

The objective of the study was to describe the segetal flora of the Middle Vistula River Valley. A total of 367 species were recorded in spring and winter cereals, tuber crops, and stubble fields. Such floristic abundance may be due to the fact that the study area is located in the proximity of a river where semi-natural communities interact directly with communities inhabiting cultivated fields and that fields are fragmented and characterised by different habitats. There were more apophytes (62%) than anthropophytes (38%) in the flora studied. Meadow apophytes were the dominant native species (35%) and archeophytes were the dominant anthropophytes (69%). The analysis of the life spectrum revealed that there were more therophytes (50%) than hemicryptophytes (39%). What is more, non-perennial species constituted 56% and perennials 44% of the segetal flora established in the Middle Vistula River Valley. The large proportion of archeophytes (26%) may indicate that traditional farming predominated in the study area.
Characteristics of the secretory structures in the flowers of Rosa rugosa Thunb.
Authors: Sulborska Aneta , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: January 2015

Due to the presence of secondary metabolites exhibiting pharmacological activity, the flowers of Rosa rugosa Thunb. have found application in traditional and folk medicine. The essential oil obtained from them is also considered to be a phytoncide. The morphological and anatomical characters of glandular trichomes located on the sepals of R. rugosa were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Using histochemical tests, the type of secretion produced in the trichomes was determined and its contents were compared with the secretion produced by the papillae on the petals.

It was found that multicellular glandular trichomes, having the features of colleters, and non-glandular trichomes were located on the abaxial epidermis, while only non-glandular trichomes were situated on the adaxial epidermis. The stalk cells of the glandular trichomes are arranged in multiple rows, whereas the epidermal cells of the head are arranged radially. The capitate trichomes were classified into two types: short and long trichomes. The largest density of glandular trichomes was recorded in the basal abaxial epidermis and in the middle part of the sepals. During the initial stages of bud development, the glandular hairs were green colored, whereas in the next development stages they changed the color to red. The histochemical tests used allowed us to find that the trichomes on the sepals and the papille on the petals produced lipid substances, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Sesquiterpenes were found only in the secretion of the glandular hairs on the sepals.
The therapeutic potential of truffle fungi: a patent survey
Authors: Gajos Małgorzata , Ryszka Florian , Geistlinger Joerg
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this article is to research and retrieve patent information regarding the therapeutic use of truffles. Truffles have a unique value as a foodstuff and impact positively on human health and well-being. They are applied in such industries as the pharmaceutical industry and the cosmetic industry. Patent documentation available in the Espacenet network and the Patentscope service were analyzed by key word and patent specifications were examined to describe state of the art and to identify scientific research trends in therapeutic applications of truffles. Medicinal properties of truffles such as the anticancer or cardiovascular effect, a reduction in blood lipids, immunological resistance and increased energy were identified. Other therapeutic benefits include sedative action, prevention of hormonal imbalances in women, pre-menopause symptom relief, senile urethritis and prostate disorders, sleep disorders and increased absorption of calcium from milk. Truffles can also be used to alleviate symptoms of milk intolerance such as diarrhoea or bloating, to ease rheumatic pains and to treat and prevent further development or recurrence of senile cataract.
Geasters in the Western Ghats and west coast of India
Authors: Karun Namera C. , Sridhar Kandikere R.
Published: January 2015

Inventory in different locations of the Western Ghats and west coast of India during 2011–2013 yielded six species of geasters (Geastrum fimbriatum, G. lageniforme, G. pseudostriatum, G. saccatum, G. schweinitzii and G. triplex). Based on fresh basidiomata, illustrations of geasters are presented with macroscopic and microscopic observations. Fruit bodies of G. lageniforme were gregarious and abundant followed by G. triplex, while G. pseudostriatum were rare and solitary. Among the geasters, G. triplex was ectomycorrhizal with native tree Terminalia paniculata of the west coast. Geastrum fimbriatum, G. pseudostriatum and G. schweinitzii constitute the first record for the Western Ghats of India. Distribution, substrate preference, ectomycorrhizal features, economic value and conservation of geasters are discussed.
Characteristic of Tuber spp. localities in natural stands with emphasis on plant species composition
Authors: Hilszczanska Dorota , Rosa-Gruszecka Aleksandra , Szmidla Hanna
Published: January 2015

Fungi belonging to the genus Tuber establish ectomycorrhizal symbioses with shrubs, trees and some herbaceous plants. Some Tuber species, for example, T. melanosporum, T. magnatum, T. aestivum are economically important because they produce edible fruiting bodies with a distinctive taste and flavor. Our concept of truffle ecophysiology is dominated by the symbiosis with deciduous hosts, such as: Quercus spp., Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, Corylus spp., Carpinus betulus, Ostrya carpinifolia, Betula verrucosa, and Tilia spp., whereas the real range of hosts in nature seems to be much wider. Moreover, interactions between Tuber mycelium and plant community could be more complex than just forming the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Here we show our inventory of plants and soils at six truffle’ sites in the southern part of Poland (Nida Basin and Przedbórz Upland). The aim of this study was to widen our understanding of ecological factors affecting Tuber spp., in the context of pioneering stage of research on truffles in Poland. We hope our findings will have a practical application and will help to choose suitable soils for truffle orchards.
Modelling the Ability of Rheoencephalography to Measure Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: Brazovskii Konstantin S. , Pekker Jacov S. , Umanskii Oleg S.
Published: January 2015

Despite the long history of rheoencephalography (REG), some important aspects of the method are still debatable. Bioimpedance measurements offer great potential benefit for study of the human brain, but the traditional four or six electrode method suffers from potential misinterpretations and lack of accuracy. The objective of this paper is to study the possible mechanism of REG formation by means of numerical modelling using a realistic finite element model of the human head. It is shown that the cardiac related variations in electrical resistivity of the scalp contributes more than 60% to the REG amplitude, whereas the brain and cerebrospinal fluid are mutually compensated by each over.
Determinants of Evidence Use in Academic Librarian Decision Making
Authors: Koufogiannakis Denise
Published: January 2015

The objective of this qualitative study was to identify and explain challenges encountered by academic librarians when trying to incorporate evidence into their practice. The findings resulted in the identification of five main determinants that act as either obstacles or enablers of evidence use. The identification of these determinants provide librarians with a greater understanding of the complex processes and individual as well as organizational factors that impact decision-making processes within academic libraries.
Cost Differentials between E-Books and Print in Academic Libraries
Authors: Bailey Timothy P. , Scott Amanda L. , Best Rickey D.
Published: January 2015

Academic libraries continue to face funding pressures compounded by the need to provide students with access to electronic resources, both in journal and book formats. With space constraints and the need to repurpose library space to other uses, libraries must carefully examine the move to e-only formats for books to determine if the format makes reasonable economic sense.A survey conducted at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) has confirmed for academic libraries the work of Gray and Copeland on e-books being more expensive than print for public libraries. For AUM, the mean cost for an e-book is significantly higher than for the print counterpart of that title. The cost differentials between the two formats show e-books as being consistently higher than print in initial price. This consistency holds true across all LC classifications, regardless of whether or not the title is published by a university press or a commercial press.
Titanium Complex Containing a Saligenin Ligand - New Universal Post-Metallocene Polymerization Catalyst: Copolymerization of Ethylene with Higher α-Olefins
Authors: Rishina Laura A. , Lalayan Svetlana S. , Gagieva Svetlana Ch. , Тuskaev Vladislav А. , Shchegolikhin Alexander N. , Shashkin Dimitri P. , Kissin Yury V.
Published: January 2015

Copolymerization reactions of ethylene with three α-olefins, 1-hexene, 1-octene and 1-decene, were carried out with a new post-metallocene catalyst based on Ti complex with a bidentate saligenin-type ligand I and two co catalysts, MAO and a combination of AlEt2Cl and MgBu2. Ability of the I - AlEt2Cl - MgBu2 system to copolymerize α-olefins with ethylene is far superior to that of the I - MAO system. Reactivity of α-olefins in copolymerization reactions with ethylene decreases in the sequence: 1-hexene>1-octene>1-decene. Both catalyst systems, I - MAO and I - AlEt2Cl - MgBu2, contain several populations of active centers that greatly differs both in the average molecular weights and in composition of the copolymer molecules they produce. Active centers in both catalytic systems show significant tendency to alternate monomer units in copolymer chains.
Editorial. Yes, Please - Both Crafts and Digital Tools in Basic Education
Authors: Nielsen Liv Merete , Reitan Janne Beate
Published: January 2015

The Ludvigsen Committee (Ludvigsen-utvalget), which aims to assess primary and secondary educational subjects in terms of the competence Norwegian society and its working life will need in the future, has published an interim report entitled Pupils’ Learning in the School of the Future – A Knowledge Foundation (Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, 2014). The committee wrote the following about arts and crafts: “That subject will contribute to personal development and simultaneously strengthen opportunities to participate in a democratic society, which can be seen as a desire to protect both individual-oriented and community-oriented training. The breadth of the subject can restrict the ability to delve into individual topics” (NOU 2014: 7, 2014, p. 89, our translation from Norwegian). This will be an important challenge for the team in the near future. The committee shall submit their principal report by June 2015.Practical work with materials must not be removed from primary school. It should be required that qualified teachers are employed on the lower grades. Practical/hands-on work can give the trades a boost, encourage students to choose vocations and prevent dropouts in vocational education programmes. We need skilled craftsmen in the future, and good teaching in Arts & Crafts in compulsory education could provide an important basis for both future craftsmen and customers of good craftsmen.
Before and after Lightfoot/León. Using rich pictures to illustrate an educational journey through the world of opera and ballet
Authors: Habib Laurence , Juell Elisabeth
Published: January 2015

In this article, we describe part of an action research project carried out during a classroom-based art course at a higher education institution. We gave the students themed collaborative drawing assignments, with the purpose of achieving a rich picture of what they associated with the notion of “going to the opera”. They completed assignments before and after attending a guided tour and a ballet performance at a famous opera house. We aimed to address two main research questions: a) How can the students’ understanding of opera and ballet develop through their experience of a ballet performance? and b) How can drawing activities in the classroom support collaborative learning and the students’ personal development? The data gathered involved three main elements: 1) the rich pictures themselves, 2) the teachers’ observations of the students and 3) the students’ reflections on the process. The study points towards a significant transformation of the students’ representation of the concept of opera, as illustrated in their drawings. We discuss how the students’ drawings may reflect their development in terms of attitude and their newly acquired knowledge of an artistic genre they knew little about, and suggest new avenues for further research.
Ulikhet som impuls for nye oppdagelser i dans: Å tøye både muskler og meninger gjennom mangfold i Danselaboratoriet
Authors: Østern Tone Pernille , Øyen Elen
Published: January 2015

I denne artikkelen har forfatterne fokus på hvordan ulikhet mellom mennesker kan fungere som en impuls som bidrar til meningsskaping, nye oppdagelser og transformasjon i improvisasjon i dans. Artikkelen tar utgangspunkt i Østerns avhandling ”Meaning-making in the Dance Laboratory. Exploring dance improvisation with differently bodied dancers” (2009). I artikkelen vever forfatterne sammen sine ulike stemmer. Tone Pernille Østerns perspektiv er som initiativtaker og tidligere koreograf-dansepedagog i Danselaboratoriet, mens Elen Øyens perspektiv er som danser i den samme gruppen. Øyen er danser og rullestolbruker. Hovedkonklusjonen i artikkelen er at gjennom å forstå ulikhet som en verdi og impuls til å møtes og skape i improvisasjon i dans, så kan deltakerne i gruppen gjennomgå kraftfulle transformative endringsprosesser når det gjelder synet på ”den andre”. Dette har en betydning som går langt ut over det konkrete, kunstneriske undervisningsrommet. ”Den andre” forstås i artikkelen som en konstruksjon som både muliggjør adskillelse og utestenging fra et fellesskap, men også som en mulighet til å forstå at ”den andre” ikke nødvendigvis er, eller skal være, som meg.
Mål tid(en): Dramaturgiske og kunnskapsteoretiske implikasjoner til en pragmatisk estetikk
Authors: Lindstøl Fride
Published: January 2015

Artikkelen tar utgangspunkt i begreper fra den pragmatiske estetikken for å undersøke og analysere forholdet mellom estetisk erfaring og læring i en kunstpedagogisk praksis. Transformasjon, symbolsk interaksjon og erfaringshandlinger er sentrale begreper for analysen. Begrepene er valgt som verktøy for å undersøke interaksjon mellom elevenes forforståelse, symbolske medier og ulike former for kunnskap. Analysen blir illustrert og eksemplifisert gjennom kunstprosjektet Mål tid(en).