bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive Average Schwarz Methods for Discretization of Elliptic Problems with Highly Discontinuous Coefficients
Authors: Dryja M. , Sarkis M.
Published: April 2013

A second order elliptic problem with highly discontinuous coefficients
has been considered. The problem is discretized by two methods: 1) continuous finite
element method (FEM) and 2) composite discretization given by a continuous
FEM inside the substructures and a discontinuous Galerkin method (DG) across the
boundaries of these substructures. The main goal of this paper is to design and analyze
parallel algorithms for the resulting discretizations. These algorithms are additive
Schwarz methods (ASMs) with special coarse spaces spanned by functions that are
almost piecewise constant with respect to the substructures for the first discretization
and by piecewise constant functions for the second discretization. It has been established
that the condition number of the preconditioned systems does not depend on the
jumps of the coefficients across the substructure boundaries and outside of a thin layer
along the substructure boundaries. The algorithms are very well suited for parallel
computations.
Runge-Kutta Nystrom Method of Order Three for Solving Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Kanagarajan K. , Sambath M.
Published: April 2013

In this paper we present a numerical algorithm for solving fuzzy differential
equations based on Seikkala’s derivative of a fuzzy process. We discuss in detail
a numerical method based on a Runge-Kutta Nystrom method of order three. The
algorithm is illustrated by solving some fuzzy differential equations.
A Flux-Corrected Finite Element Method for Chemotaxis Problems
Authors: Strehl R. , Sokolov A. , Kuzmin D. , Turek S.
Published: April 2013

An implicit flux-corrected transport (FCT) algorithm has been developed
for a class of chemotaxis models. The coefficients of the Galerkin finite element
discretization has been adjusted in such a way as to guarantee mass conservation and
keep the cell density nonnegative. The numerical behaviour of the proposed highresolution
scheme is tested on the blow-up problem for a minimal chemotaxis model
with singularities. It has also been shown that the results for an Escherichia coli
chemotaxis model are in good agreement with the experimental data reported in the
literature.
Method for the Calculation of All Non-Multiple Zeros of an Analytic Function
Authors: Semenov Vasyl
Published: April 2013

A method for calculating all nonmultiple zeros of the complex function in a given rectangle is proposed. The main idea of the method is to construct a covering of the initial rectangle by subsets where either there no solutions or there is only one solution. The algorithm for the construction of such a covering is presented and its convergence is proved. The implementation of the method is shown using different examples.
Computing the sinp function via the inverse power method
Authors: Biezuner Rodney Josué , Ercole Grey , Martins Eder Marinho
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we discuss a new iterative method for computing sinp. This function
was introduced by Lindqvist in connection with the unidimensional nonlinear Dirichlet
eigenvalue problem for the p-Laplacian. The iterative technique was inspired by the
inverse power method in finite dimensional linear algebra and is competitive with other
methods available in the literature. Keywords: p-Laplacian, eigenvalues, eigenfunctions,
sinp, inverse power method.
A Substructuring Domain Decomposition Scheme for Unsteady Problems
Authors: Vabishchevich Petr
Published: April 2013

Domain decomposition methods are used for the approximate solution of boundary-value
problems for partial differential equations on parallel computing systems. Specific features
of unsteady problems are fully taken into account in iteration-free domain decomposition
schemes. Regionally-additive schemes are based on various classes of splitting schemes. In
this paper we highlight a class of domain decomposition schemes which are based on the
partition of the initial domain into subdomains with common boundary nodes. Using a partition
of unity we construct and analyze unconditionally stable schemes for domain decomposition
based on a two-component splitting: the problem within each subdomain and the problem at
their boundaries. As an example we consider a Cauchy problem of first or second order in time
with a non-negative self-adjoint second order operator in space. The theoretical discussion
is supplemented with the numerical solution of a model problem for a two-dimensional parabolic
equation.
Quantized-TT-Cayley Transform for Computing the Dynamics and the Spectrum of High-Dimensional Hamiltonians
Authors: Gavrilyuk Ivan , Khoromskij Boris
Published: April 2013

In the present paper, we propose and analyse a class of tensor methods for the efficient
numerical computation of the dynamics and spectrum of high-dimensional Hamiltonians. We focus
on the complex-time evolution problems. We apply the quantized-TT (QTT) matrix product states
type tensor approximation that allows to represent N-d tensors generated by the grid
representation of d-dimensional functions and operators with log-volume complexity, O(d log N),
where N is the univariate discretization parameter in space. Making use of the truncated
Cayley transform method allows us to recursively separate the time and space variables and
then introduce the efficient QTT representation of both the temporal and the spatial parts of
the solution to the high-dimensional evolution equation. We prove the exponential convergence
of the m-term time-space separation scheme and describe the efficient tensor-structured
preconditioners for the arising system with multidimensional Hamiltonians. For the class of
"analytic" and low QTT-rank input data, our method allows to compute the solution at a fixed
point in time t=T>0 with an asymptotic complexity of order O(d log N ln^q (1/ε)), where ε>0
is the error bound and q is a fixed small number. The time-and-space separation method via
the QTT-Cayley-transform enables us to construct a global m-term separable (x,t)-representation
of the solution on a very fine time-space grid with complexity of order O(dm^4 log N_t log N),
where N_t is the number of sampling points in time. The latter allows efficient energy
spectrum calculations by FFT (or QTT-FFT) of the autocorrelation function computed on a
sufficiently long time interval [0,T]. Moreover, we show that the spectrum of the Hamiltonian
can also be represented by the poles of the t-Laplace transform of a solution. In particular,
the approach can be an option to compute the dynamics and the spectrum in the time-dependent
molecular Schrödinger equation.
An Introduction to Hierarchical (H-) Rank and TT-Rank of Tensors with Examples
Authors: Grasedyck Lars , Hackbusch Wolfgang
Published: April 2013

We review two similar concepts of hierarchical rank of tensors (which extend the matrix
rank to higher order tensors): the TT-rank and the H-rank (hierarchical or H-Tucker rank).
Based on this notion of rank, one can define a data-sparse representation of tensors
involving O(dnk + dk^3) data for order d tensors with mode sizes n and rank k. Simple
examples underline the differences and similarities between the different formats and ranks.
Finally, we derive rank bounds for tensors in one of the formats based on the ranks in the
other format.
Fast Quadrature Techniques for Retarded Potentials Based on TT/QTT Tensor Approximation
Authors: Khoromskij Boris , Sauter Stefan , Veit Alexander
Published: April 2013

We consider the Galerkin approach for the numerical solution of retarded boundary integral
formulations of the three dimensional wave equation in unbounded domains. Recently smooth and
compactly supported basis functions in time were introduced which allow the use of standard
quadrature rules in order to compute the entries of the boundary element matrix. In this
paper, we use TT and QTT tensor approximations to increase the efficiency of these quadrature
rules. Various numerical experiments show the substantial reduction of the computational
cost that is needed to obtain accurate approximations for the arising integrals.
Preconditioned Low-Rank Methods for High-Dimensional Elliptic PDE Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Kressner Daniel , Tobler Christine
Published: April 2013

We consider elliptic PDE eigenvalue problems on a tensorized domain, discretized such that
the resulting matrix eigenvalue problem Ax=λx exhibits Kronecker product structure. In
particular, we are concerned with the case of high dimensions, where standard approaches to
the solution of matrix eigenvalue problems fail due to the exponentially growing degrees of
freedom. Recent work shows that this curse of dimensionality can in many cases be addressed
by approximating the desired solution vector x in a low-rank tensor format. In this paper, we
use the hierarchical Tucker decomposition to develop a low-rank variant of LOBPCG, a classical
preconditioned eigenvalue solver. We also show how the ALS and MALS (DMRG) methods known from
computational quantum physics can be adapted to the hierarchical Tucker decomposition.
Finally, a combination of ALS and MALS with LOBPCG and with our low-rank variant is proposed.
A number of numerical experiments indicate that such combinations represent the methods of
choice.
DMRG Approach to Fast Linear Algebra in the TT-Format
Authors: Oseledets Ivan
Published: April 2013

In this paper, the concept of the DMRG minimization scheme is extended to several
important operations in the TT-format, like the matrix-by-vector product and the conversion
from the canonical format to the TT-format. Fast algorithms are implemented and a
stabilization scheme based on randomization is proposed. The comparison with the direct
method is performed on a sequence of matrices and vectors coming as approximate solutions
of linear systems in the TT-format. A generated example is provided to show that
randomization is really needed in some cases. The matrices and vectors used are available
from the author or at http://spring.inm.ras.ru/osel
On the transmission eigenvalue problem in disjoint domains
Authors: Delić Alexandra , Jovanović Boško , Milovanović Zorica
Published: April 2013

A transmission eigenvalue problem on two disjoint intervals has been investigated. A
distribution of eigenvalues has been obtained. A corresponding difference scheme is proposed
and tested with a few numerical examples.
Full discretisation of second-order nonlinear evolution equations: strong convergence and applications
Authors: Emmrich Etienne , Šiška David
Published: April 2013

Recent results on convergence of fully discrete approximations combining the Galerkin
method with the explicit-implicit Euler scheme are extended to strong convergence under
additional monotonicity assumptions. It is shown that these abstract results, formulated in
the setting of evolution equations, apply, for example, to the partial differential equation
for vibrating membrane with nonlinear damping and to another partial differential equation
that is similar to one of the equations used to describe martensitic transformations in
shape-memory alloys. Numerical experiments are performed for the vibrating membrane equation
with nonlinear damping which support the convergence results.
Efficient implementation of adaptive P1-FEM in Matlab
Authors: Funken Stefan , Praetorius Dirk , Wissgott Philipp
Published: April 2013

We provide a MATLAB package p1afem for an adaptive P1-finite element method (AFEM).
This includes functions for the assembly of the data, different error estimators, and
an indicator-based adaptive meshrefining algorithm. Throughout, the focus is on an efficient
realization by use of MATLAB built-in functions and vectorization. Numerical experiments
underline the efficiency of the code which is observed to be of almost linear complexity
with respect to the runtime. Although the scope of this paper is on AFEM, the general ideas
can be understood as a guideline for writing efficient MATLAB code.
The Effect of Regulating Elements on Convective Heat Transfer along Shaped Heat Exchange Surfaces
Authors: Cernecky Jozef , Koniar Jan , Brodnianska Zuzana
Published: April 2013

The paper deals with a study of the effect of regulating elements on local values of heat transfer coefficients along shaped heat exchange surfaces with forced air convection. The use of combined methods of heat transfer intensification, i.e. a combination of regulating elements with appropriately shaped heat exchange areas seems to be highly effective. The study focused on the analysis of local values of heat transfer coefficients in indicated cuts, in distances expressed as a ratio x/s for 0; 0.33; 0.66 and 1. As can be seen from our findings, in given conditions the regulating elements can increase the values of local heat transfer coefficients along shaped heat exchange surfaces. An optical method of holographic interferometry was used for the experimental research into temperature fields in the vicinity of heat exchange surfaces. The obtained values correspond very well with those of local heat transfer coefficients αx, recorded in a CFD simulation.
Process Engineering in Iron Production
Authors: Pustějovská Pavlína , Jursová Simona
Published: April 2013

Balance, thermodynamic and mainly kinetic approaches using methods of process engineering enable to determine conditions under which iron technology can actually work in limiting technological states, at the lowest reachable fuel consumption (reducing factor) and the highest reachable productivity accordingly. Kinetic simulation can be also used for variant prognostic calculations. The paper deals with thermodynamics and kinetics of iron making process. It presents a kinetic model of iron oxide reduction in a low temperature area. In the experimental part it deals with testing of iron ore feedstock properties. The theoretical and practical limits determined by heat conditions, feedstock reducibility and kinetics of processes are calculated.
Effect of Impeller Shape on Solid Particle Suspension
Authors: Rieger František , Jirout Tomáš , Ceres Dorin , Seichter Pavel
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the effect of impeller shape on off-bottom particle suspension. On the basis of numerous suspension measurements, correlations are proposed for calculating the just-suspended impeller speed for a standard pitched four-blade turbine and three types of hydrofoil impellers produced by TECHMIX for several particle sizes and for a wide range of particle concentrations. The suspension efficiency of the tested impellers is compared with the efficiency of a standard pitched blade turbine on the basis of the power consumption required for off-bottom suspension of solid particles. It is shown that the standard pitched blade turbine needs highest power consumption, i.e. it exhibits less efficiency for particle suspension than hydrofoil impellers produced by TECHMIX.
The Impact of Migration Policy on Migrants’ Education Structure: Evidence from Austrian Policy Reform
Authors: Huber Peter , Bock-Schappelwein Julia
Published: April 2013

We ask how reform of migration law intended to increase the selectivity of migration (the so-called integration agreement regulation in 2003) in Austria impacted on the education structure of migrants to Austria. To identify the effects of this reform, we use the fact that it applied only to migrants from third countries and not those from EEA-countries.We find no compelling evidence that this regulation improved the education structure of migrants to Austria. Our interpretation of this is that the implicit positive impact of the reforms on the education structure of migrants was countervailed by the increased restrictiveness of the migration regime overall, or that other developments in the migration regime were more important for changes in education structure in the time period considered.
The Never-Ending Fight: Economic and Political Corruption in Hungary
Authors: Kőhalmi László
Published: April 2013

Every society must pay the “price of democracy” and in this price are “calculated” the rising number of crimes and the change in their quality, and also the unique alterations of corruption, among other things. The fight against economic-political corruption is a risky question, because the hunters and the hunted, those who conduct and those who undergo impeachment, are often members of the same political elite. It is in the interest of tax-payers that public funds should not become cash bribes, and furthermore that the rule of corruption should not grow dominant in even a single sphere. If we consider the moral weakness of politicians as the genesis of economic and political corruption, then the appropriate anti-corruption strategy would be the right combination of penalty policy and payment policy.
Proteus sp. – an opportunistic bacterial pathogen – classification, swarming growth, clinical significance and virulence factors
Authors: Różalski Antoni , Torzewska Agnieszka , Moryl Magdalena , Kwil Iwona , Maszewska Agnieszka , Ostrowska Kinga , Drzewiecka Dominika , Zabłotni Agnieszka , Palusiak Agata , Siwińska Małgorzata , Stączek Paweł
Published: April 2013

The genus Proteus belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, where it is placed in the tribe Proteeae, together with the genera Morganella and Providencia. Currently, the genus Proteus consists of five species: P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, P. penneri, P. hauseri and P. myxofaciens, as well as three unnamed Proteus genomospecies. The most defining characteristic of Proteus bacteria is a swarming phenomenon, a multicellular differentiation process of short rods to elongated swarmer cells. It allows population of bacteria to migrate on solid surface. Proteus bacteria inhabit the environment and are also present in the intestines of humans and animals. These microorganisms under favorable conditions cause a number of infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), wound infections, meningitis in neonates or infants and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, Proteus is known as a bacterial opportunistic pathogen. It causes complicated UTIs with a higher frequency, compared to other uropathogens. Proteus infections are accompanied by a formation of urinary stones, containing struvite and carbonate apatite. The virulence of Proteus rods has been related to several factors including fimbriae, flagella, enzymes (urease - hydrolyzing urea to CO2 and NH3, proteases degrading antibodies, tissue matrix proteins and proteins of the complement system), iron acqusition systems and toxins: hemolysins, Proteus toxin agglutinin (Pta), as well as an endotoxin - lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Proteus rods form biofilm, particularly on the surface of urinary catheters, which can lead to serious consequences for patients. In this review we present factors involved in the regulation of swarming phenomenon, discuss the role of particular pathogenic features of Proteus spp., and characterize biofilm formation by these bacteria.
Beetles (Coleoptera) occurring in decaying birch (Betula spp.) wood in the Kampinos National Park
Authors: Sawoniewicz Michał
Published: April 2013

The composition and structure of beetle clusters living in rotting birch wood in Kampinos National Park was investigated. Photoeclectors were used to remove beetles from collected wood samples. Ten different research plots, each corresponding to a different forest type, were sampled every month over a 1-year period. A collection of 3256 beetles from 37 families comprising 206 species was amassed during the study. The collected beetles were divided into trophic families, species rareness, and constancy and site fidelity classes. At the more fertile sites, species only able to live on highly-decayed wood were collected (F3), also species facultatively able to live on either dying trees or decaying wood (F1), species that do not live on decayed wood (F0) and other rare species. Trophic group of carnivores (Z) provided most species on more fertile sites. At coniferous forest sites, as well as mixed deciduous forest sites, most individuals collected belonged to mycophagous and myxomycophagous trophic groups. At the other sites, the largest group of collected individuals was zoophagous. The number of rare species was positively related to site fertility. The average number of species increased in accordance with increasing site fertility, however this trend was only statistically significant when applied to moist coniferous forest (Bw) and moist mixed broadleaved forest (LMw) sites. The study revealed differences in the composition and structure of beetle clusters from different forest types. These differences were probably not directly related to site type, but more likely to the form of nature conservation imposed on a particular area and the potential number of decayed deciduous tree trunks. Two different clusters of saproxylic Coleoptera related to birch rot were distinguished: the first includes strictly protected deciduous forest types, the second contains the remaining forest types.
Assessment of Hand Function Through the Coordination of Contact Forces in Manipulation Tasks
Authors: Jaric Slobodan , Uygur Mehmet
Published: April 2013

Exploration of force coordination has been one of the most often used approaches in studies of hand function. When holding and manipulating a hand-held object healthy individuals are typically able to highly coordinate the perpendicular (grip force; GF) with the tangential component of the contact force (load force; LF). The purpose of this review is to present the findings of our recent studies of GF-LF coordination. Regarding the mechanical factors affecting GF-LF coordination, our data suggest that both different hand segments and their particular skin areas could have markedly different friction properties. It also appears that the absolute, rather than relative safety margin (i.e., how much the actual GF exceeds the minimum value that prevents slipping) should be a variable of choice when assessing the applied magnitude of GF. The safety margin could also be lower in static than in free holding tasks. Regarding the involved neural factors, the data suggest that the increased frequency, rather than an increased range of a cyclic LF could have a prominent detrimental effect on the GF-LF coordination. Finally, it appears that the given instructions (e.g., 'to hold' vs. 'to pull') can prominently alter GF-LF coordination in otherwise identical manipulation tasks. Conversely, the effects of handedness could be relatively week showing only slight lagging of GF in the non-dominant, but not in the dominant hand. The presented findings reveal important aspects of hand function as seen through GF-LF coordination. Specifically, the use of specific hand areas for grasping, calculation of particular safety margins, the role of LF frequency (but not of LF range) and the effects of given instructions should be all taken into account when conducting future studies of manipulation tasks, standardizing their procedures and designing routine clinical tests of hand function.
Asymmetry of Spinal Segments Mobility in Canoeists and its Relationship with Racing Speed
Authors: Rynkiewicz Mateusz , Rynkiewicz Tadeusz , Starosta Włodzimierz
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the extent of asymmetry of spinal segment mobility in canoeists. Moreover, the relationship between this parameter and racing speed was analyzed. The study included 18 canoeists with a mean age of 16.4 years. Mobility of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, in sagittal, coronal and transverse planes, was measured with the aid of a tensometric electrogoniometer. The racing speed was based on results achieved during the qualifying competition for the Polish national team. Spinal mobility was measured within two days after the competition. Significant associations were observed between average racing speed and the asymmetry coefficients of the cervical (r=-0.52; p=0.03) and lumbar spinal flexure in the coronal plane (r=0.57; p=0.01). The extent of the asymmetry of the cervical spine flexure in the coronal plane should possibly be reduced, because such asymmetry exerts a negative effect on racing speed. In contrast, canoeist’s training should be oriented towards increasing the asymmetry of the lumbar spine flexure in the coronal plane. However, one should keep in mind that such an approach, although favorable in terms of race performance, could negatively affect the canoeist’s health.
Bilateral and Unilateral Asymmetries of Isokinetic Strength and Flexibility in Male Young Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Daneshjoo Abdolhamid , Rahnama Nader , Mokhtar Abdul Halim , Yusof Ashril
Published: April 2013

This study investigated bilateral and unilateral asymmetries of strength and flexibility in male young professional soccer players. Thirty-six soccer players (age: 18.9 ± 1.4 years) participated in this study. A Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer was used to assess the hamstring and quadriceps strength at selected speeds of 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s. Hip joint flexibility was measured using a goniometer. No difference was observed in conventional strength ratio, dynamic control ratio and fast/slow speed ratio between the dominant and non-dominant legs (p>0.05). All but one of the players (97.2%) had musculoskeletal abnormality (bilateral imbalance > 10%) in one or more specific muscle groups. The dominant leg had greater hip joint flexibility compared with the non-dominant leg (108.8 ± 10.7° versus 104.6 ± 9.8°, respectively). The findings support the hypothesis that physical performance and movement pattern experienced during soccer playing may negatively change the balance of strength in both legs (bilateral strength balance), but not on the same leg of the young male professional soccer players. The results can be helpful for trainers and coaches to decide whether the players need to improve their balance and strength which in turn may prevent injury. It is suggested that in professional soccer training, quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength, as well as hip joint flexibility should not be overlooked.
Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Differences Among Brazilian Adolescents who Practise Different Team Court Sports
Authors: Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Petroski Edio Luiz , Araujo Gaya Adroaldo Cesar
Published: April 2013

The objective of this work was to compare the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of Brazilian adolescents who practise team court sports and to compare specific parameters obtained for adolescents with data from the general population. This was a cross-sectional study of 1,348 male adolescents grouped as follows: basketball players (n = 287), indoor soccer players (n = 665), handball players (n = 108) and volleyball players (n = 288), all between 10 and 14 years of age. Anthropometric (body mass, body height, arm span, and body mass index) and physical fitness data (flexibility, muscular strength, explosive power, speed, aerobic fitness and agility) were collected. The Brazilian population was used as a reference and compared to the adolescent subjects using Z scores for all variables. Anthropometric characteristics and performances in physical fitness tests differed (p<0.05) among players of different sports. In addition, for each variable assessed, adolescents who practised team court sports showed similar or improved results compared to their counterparts in the general population (p<0.05). Furthermore, the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics differed depending on the team court sport practised. These findings may elucidate which physical abilities are most impacted by the practise of a particular team sport as well as help teachers and physical education and sport professionals identify talented adolescents.
Offensive Sequences in Youth Soccer: Effects of Experience and Small-Sided Games
Authors: Almeida Carlos Humberto , Ferreira António Paulo , Volossovitch Anna
Published: April 2013

The present study aimed to analyze the interaction and main effects of deliberate practice experience and smallsided game format (3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 plus goalkeepers) on the offensive performance of young soccer players. Twentyeight U-15 male players were divided into 2 groups according to their deliberate practice experience in soccer (i.e., years of experience in federation soccer): Non-Experienced (age: 12.84 ± 0.63 years) and Experienced (age: 12.91 ± 0.59 years; experience: 3.93 ± 1.00 years). The experimental protocol consisted of 3 independent sessions separated by one-week intervals. In each session both groups performed each small-sided game during 10 minutes interspersed with 5 minutes of passive recovery. To characterize the recorded offensive sequences we used the Offensive Sequences Characterization System, which includes performance indicators previous applied in other studies. No interaction effects on the offensive performance were found between both factors. Non-parametric MANOVA revealed that the factor “experience level” had a significant effect (p<0.05) on performance indicators that characterize the development of offensive sequences, especially in 6 vs. 6 + GKs. While experienced players produced longer offensive sequences with greater ball circulation between them, the non-experienced participants performed faster offensive sequences with a predominance of individual actions. Furthermore, significant differences were observed (p<0.05) in the development and finalization of offensive sequences within each group, when comparing small-sided game formats. Evidence supports that small-sided games can serve several purposes as specific means of training. However, the manipulation of game format should always consider the players’ individual constraints.
Game Performance Versus Competitive Performance in the World Championship of Handball 2011
Authors: Gutiérrez Óscar , Ruiz José L.
Published: April 2013

This article assesses the game performance of the teams participating in the Men’s World Championship of Handball of 2011 by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the cross-efficiency evaluation. DEA uses Linear Programming to yield a measure of the overall performance of the game of particular teams, and allows us to identify relative strengths and weaknesses by means of benchmarking analysis. The cross-efficiency evaluation provides a peerappraisal of the teams with different patterns of game, and makes it possible to rank them. Comparisons between this ranking and the final classification in the championship provide an insight into the game performance of the teams versus their competitive performance. We highlight the fact that France, which is the world champion, is also identified as an “all-round” performer in our game performance assessment.
A Kinematics Analysis Of Three Best 100 M Performances Ever
Authors: Krzysztof Maćkała , Mero Antti
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this investigation was to compare and determine the relevance of the morphological characteristics and variability of running speed parameters (stride length and stride frequency) between Usain Bolt’s three best 100 m performances. Based on this, an attempt was made to define which factors determine the performance of Usain Bolt's sprint and, therefore, distinguish him from other sprinters. We analyzed the previous world record of 9.69 s set in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the current record of 9.58 s set in the 2009 Berlin World Championships in Athletics and the O lympic record of 9.63 s set in 2012 London Olympics Games by Usain Bolt. The application of VirtualDub Programme allowed the acquisition of basic kinematical variables such as step length and step frequency parameters of 100 m sprint from video footage provided by NBC TV station, BBC TV station. This data was compared with other data available on the web and data published by the Scientific Research Project Office responsible on behalf of IAAF and the German Athletics Association (DVL). The main hypothesis was that the step length is the main factor that determines running speed in the 10 and 20 m sections of the entire 100 m distance. Bolt’s anthropometric advantage (body height, leg length and liner body) is not questionable and it is one of the factors that makes him faster than the rest of the finalists from each three competitions. Additionally, Bolt’s 20 cm longer stride shows benefit in the latter part of the race. Despite these factors, he is probably able to strike the ground more forcefully than rest of sprinters, relative to their body mass, therefore, he might maximize his time on the ground and to exert the same force over this period of time. This ability, combined with longer stride allows him to create very high running speed - over 12 m/s (12.05 -12.34 m/s) in some 10 m sections of his three 100 m performances. These assumption confirmed the application of Ballerieich's formula for speed development. In most 10 m sections of the 100 m sprint, the step length was the parameter that significantly determined the increase of maximal running speed, therefore, distinguishing Bolt from the other finalists.
Identifying Basketball Performance Indicators in Regular Season and Playoff Games
Authors: García Javier , Ibáñez Sergio J. , Martinez De Santos Raúl , Leite Nuno , Sampaio Jaime
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present study was to identify basketball game performance indicators which best discriminate winners and losers in regular season and playoffs. The sample used was composed by 323 games of ACB Spanish Basketball League from the regular season (n=306) and from the playoffs (n=17). A previous cluster analysis allowed splitting the sample in balanced (equal or below 12 points), unbalanced (between 13 and 28 points) and very unbalanced games (above 28 points). A discriminant analysis was used to identify the performance indicators either in regular season and playoff games. In regular season games, the winning teams dominated in assists, defensive rebounds, successful 2 and 3-point field-goals. However, in playoff games the winning teams’ superiority was only in defensive rebounding. In practical applications, these results may help the coaches to accurately design training programs to reflect the importance of having different offensive set plays and also have specific conditioning programs to prepare for defensive rebounding.
Expression of Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein B in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Yin Xiaojuan , Wang Yan , Xie Lu , Kong Xiangyong , Wang Chunzhi , Qu Wenwen , Fan Hanxiao , Feng Zhichun
Published: April 2013

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein B (SP-B) expression in the pathogenesis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) via detecting the protein and mRNA expression of SP-B.

Methods: A total of 60 unrelated neonates who died of RDS were chosen as the RDS group and then subgrouped into ≤32 weeks group, 32∼37 weeks group and ≥37 weeks group (n=20). Sixty neonates who died of other diseases were enrolled as controls and subdivided into 3 matched groups based on the gestational age. Western blot assay and RT-PCR were employed.

Results: In the RDS group, SP-B protein expression was reduced or deficient in 8 neonates of which 6 had no SP-B protein expression. In the control group, only 1 had reduced SP-B protein expression. The reduced or deficient SP-B protein expression in 9 neonates of both groups was noted in the ≥37 weeks group. In the RDS group, the SP-B mRNA expression was significantly lower than that in the control group. In the ≤37 weeks group, SP-B mRNA expression was comparable between the RDS group and control group. In the 32∼37 weeks group, the SP-B mRNA expression in the RDS group was significantly reduced when compared with the control group. In the ≥37 weeks group, the SP-B mRNA expression in the RDS group was dramatically lower than that in the control group.

Conclusions: Alteration of SP-B expression is present at transcriptional and translational levels. Reduction of SP-B mRNA and protein expression is involved in the pathogenesis of RDS.
The Relationship between Haptoglobin Polymorphism and Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hamad Mawieh , Awadallah Samir , Nasr Hamzah
Published: April 2013

Background: The relationship between haptoglobin polymorphism and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients is not fully understood. In this study, total antioxidant capacity and ce ru - loplasmin ferroxidase activity were evaluated in relation to haptoglobin phenotype distribution in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: Serum samples collected from 161 patients and 84 healthy controls were haptoglobin-typed by electrophoresis. Ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity were assayed using colorimetric methods.

Results: Irrespective of the haptoglobin phenotype, patients exhibited significantly lower total antioxidant capacity (1.42± 0.29 vs. 1.55±0.28 mmol/L, P=0.002) and higher ferroxidase activity than controls. Frequency of Hp1-1 and Hp2-1 in patients was 15.5% and 36% as compared with 9.5% and 41.7% in controls. While ferroxidase activity was lower in Hp2-2 patients than in controls (142±61 vs. 179±47 U/L, P=0.002), it was higher in Hp2-1 (173±56 U/L) and Hp1-1 (170±54 U/L) patients than in controls (141±43 and 99±30 U/L respectively) (P=0.002 and 0.009). Ferroxidase activity in Hp2-2 patients was significantly lower than that of Hp2-1 or Hp1-1 patients (P=0.004 and 0.034). Total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower only in Hp2-2 patients (1.44±0.25) compared to that in Hp2-2 controls (1.65±0.22) (P=0.000).

Conclusions:These findings suggest that haptoglobin polymorphism can differentially impact oxidative stress levels in hemodialysis patients.
Pathological and Molecular Variation in Colletotrichum Falcatum Went Isolates Causing Red Rot of Sugarcane in the Northwest Zone of India
Authors: Saksena Pratigya , Vishwakarma Sunil Kumar , Tiwari Ajay Kumar , Singh Atul , Kumar Arun
Published: April 2013

Red rot is one of the most wide spread sugarcane diseases in the country and has been a constraint on sugarcane productivity. Pathological as well as molecular studies were used to characterize the 11 isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum Went collected from sugarcane cultivars of different sugarcane-growing regions in northwestern states of India, to assess pathogen diversity. Seven reference pathotypes of C. falcatum from the northwestern zone of India were compared with four newly collected isolates of the same pathogen. All the newly collected isolates and existing pathotypes were inoculated on a set of 14 differentials in August 2011 by the plug method. After 60 days of inoculation, the observations were recorded and the pathotypes/isolates were categorized as resistant, intermediate, and susceptible according to the virulency behavior. On the basis of pathological categorization and comparison with reference pathotypes, it was concluded that the three isolates R1001 (CoJ 64), R1002 (CoS 88230), and R1004 (CoSe 92423) are similar to the existing isolate Cf 08, except for isolate R0401 from CoS 8436 (Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh). This isolate differs from all the reference pathotypes of the northwestern zone of India indicating the existence of a new pathotype. Pathological results revealed that variety CoJ 64 is the ancestor/source of prevailing new races in nature because these three new isolates showed similarity with Cf 08, of CoJ 64. In this area, Cf 08 was widespread. The isolates were further tested for their variability with random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. Twenty RAPD primers were screened, out of which seven gave amplification. Out of seven amplified primers, only two primers showed the polymorphism among 11 isolates (seven reference pathotypes and four new isolates) of C. falcatum. Analysis of the genetic coefficient matrix derived from the scores of RAPD profiles showed that minimum and maximum per cent similarities among the tested C. falcatum isolates existed in the range of 11.11 to 87.5, respectively. The dendogram analysis by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), separated two main clusters. The first cluster comprises only two isolates (Cf 07 & Cf 08), however the second cluster comprises all the other isolates (Cf 01, Cf 02, Cf 03, Cf 09, Cf 11, R1001, R1002, R1004 and R0401), confirming high genetic diversity among the isolates. The study also indicates the possibilities of a new isolate (R0401) in Shahjahanpur, which needs further investigation at the sequence level. The investigation is in progress.
Biology of Pieris Brassicae (Linn.) on Different Brassica Species in the Plains of Punjab
Authors: Chahil Gurminder Singh , Kular Jagdev Singh
Published: April 2013

Biology of Pieris brassicae reared on Brassica napus, B. juncea, B. rapa, and B. carinata was studied. Adult butterflies, collected in November from the plains of Punjab, India, were sexed, paired, and released onto the four Brassica spp. in a greenhouse. In a multigeneration study (Parental, F1, and F2), the effect of the four Brassica spp. on the egg laying, incubation period and hatching percentage was assessed in a greenhouse study. Hatched larvae were collected, reared on fresh leaves of respective Brassica spp, in laboratory conditions. Data collected on larval stadia, pre-pupal and pupal durations, adult longevity, and sex ratio were assessed to understand the effects of these four species. Of the four species, B. carinata, with a shorter incubation period, higher hatching percentage, and shorter developmental periods was most susceptible. In this study, B. rapa was the most resistant species and may be recommended for further breeding programs in order to reduce the economic damage caused by P. brassicae.
Effect of Chlorocholine Chloride and Triazoles – Tebuconazole and Flusilazole on Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica Napus Var. Oleifera L.) in Response to the Application Term and Sowing Density
Authors: Matysiak Kinga , Kaczmarek Sylwia
Published: April 2013

Winter oilseed rape is strongly responsive to changes in the plant density. Any change in plant density significantly affects the morphological characteristics and yield of the crop. In addition, plant growth habit can be modified by the use of plant growth regulators. Apart from plant growth regulators like eg. chlorocholine chloride some triazoles have dual properties (fungicide and plant growth regulator) eg. tebuconazole. The trials were carried out in the years 2006-2008 at the Institute of Plant Protection - National Research Institute in Poznan (Poland). The treatments consisted of chlorocholine chloride, tebuconazole and flusilazole applied in spring at the growth stage BBCH 30 and BBCH 50 of winter oilseed rape. The field trials were conducted with two sowing densities of winter oilseed rape: 60 seeds/ m2 and 120 seeds/m2. The vegetation seasons varied according to the weather conditions, and the second testing year was characterised by drought in May and June. In the experiments plant height, SPAD units, number of siliques per plant, seed number per silique, weight of thousand seeds, yield, protein and fat content in the seeds were estimated. The increase of silique numbers per plant appeared only at the lower sowing density as a result of the application of tebuconazole or a mixture of tebuconazole with CCC. Flusilazole had a positive impact on seed number per silique. At both sowing densities, changes in the weight of a thousand seeds under the influence of the test preparations, were observed only in that year which had wet weather conditions. A more favourable effect of the test substances on the weight of a thousand seeds was obtained at the lower sowing density. All the tested substances positively affected SPAD unit values at the lower sowing density. At the higher sowing density, SPAD unit values increased after the application of flusilazole, and after a mixture of CCC + tebuconazole. The tested substances had a positive impact on plant yield but they did not affect the protein and fat content in oilseed rape seeds.
Differential Efficacies of Nomuraea Rileyi and Isaria Fumosorosea on Some Serious Pests and the Pests’ Efficient Predator Prevailing in Tomato Fields in Egypt
Authors: Maher Matter Mamdouh , Mahmoud Sabbour Magda
Published: April 2013

The efficiency of the two microbial control agents Nomuraea rileyi and Isaria fumosorosea, were evaluated against Bemisia tabaci and Myzus persicae pests in tomato cultivations The safety levels of the agents, to the predator Coccinella undecimpunctata, were also studied under laboratory and field conditions. Results showed that under laboratory conditions, LC50 values for N. rileyi and I. fumosorosea were 103.7x104 and 139.4x104 spores/ml against B. tabaci, respectively, while the corresponding values for M. persicae were 89.1x104 and 149.8x104 spores/ml, respectively. Under the field conditions, the percentages of infested plants with B. tabaci and M. persicae were significantly decreased after treatments with both fungi as compared with the corresponding controls. At the El-Esraa farm (Nobaria region), the weights of the tomato yield were 2,417 and 2,911 kg/feddan when I. fumosorosea and N. rileyi were applied respectively, as compared with 2,010 kg/feddan in the corresponding controls. The corresponding yields in El-Kassaseen were 2,699 and 2,999 kg/feddan, respectively, as compared to 1,990 kg/feddan in the control. The present study showed that C. undecimpunctata exhibit relatively high and reasonable resistance to N. rileyi and I. fumosorosea at the highest lethal concentration (1x108 spores/ml) for both tested preys.
Dynamics of Predatory Syrphidae in the Apple Orchard and Neighbouring Shrubberies
Authors: Trzciński Paweł , Piekarska-Boniecka Hanna
Published: April 2013

Shrubberies which neighbour on an orchard are among the significant structures enhancing agrocenoses. Such shrubberies maintain species diversity and stimulate self-control mechanisms in biocenoses. For these reasons, from 1999 to 2001, studies were conducted concerning predatory Syrphidae (Diptera) occurring in the orchard and shrubberies in the immediate vicinity. A quantity and quality analysis of predatory hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) was performed. A total of 801 specimens were caught in both habitats. There were 20 species recorded there (12% of the national fauna of this predatory family). The studies proved that the orchard and the neighbouring shrubberies can be alternative habitats for Syrphidae (Diptera). There is also a possibility of the predators migrating from the shrubberies to the orchard, enhancing the potential to control the abundant Hemiptera species in the orchard. The shrubberies then become an important element of the agrocenosis structure, due to their biocenotic functions.
Error Analysis and Error Estimates for Co-Simulation in FMI for Model Exchange and Co-Simulation V2.0
Authors: Arnold Martin , Clauss Christoph , Schierz Tom
Published: April 2013

Complex multi-disciplinary models in system dynamics are typically composed of subsystems. This modular structure of the model reflects the modular structure of complex engineering systems. In industrial applications, the individual subsystems are often modelled separately in different mono-disciplinary simulation tools. The Functional Mock-Up Interface (FMI) provides an interface standard for coupling physical models from different domains and addresses problems like export and import of model components in industrial simulation tools (FMI for Model Exchange) and the standardization of co-simulation interfaces in nonlinear system dynamics (FMI for Co-Simulation), see [10].

The renewed interest in algorithmic and numerical aspects of co-simulation inspired some new investigations on error estimation and stabilization techniques in FMI for Model Exchange and Co-Simulation v2.0 compatible co-simulation environments. In the present paper, we focus on reliable error estimation for communication step size control in this framework.