bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional and immunomodulatory function of methionine in poultry diets – a review
Authors: Jankowski Jan , Kubińska Magdalena , Zduńczyk Zenon
Published: May 2014

Methionine (Met) plays many important metabolic functions in humans and animals, and therefore may be classified as a functional amino acid (AA). Functional AAs are defined as those AAs that participate in and regulate key metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. As the first-limiting AA in poultry diets, Met affects poultry production parameters such as body weight gains, feed conversion ratio and carcass quality. The results of many experiments on chickens fed diets with different levels of Met (from 0.3 to 1.2% in the starter period, and from 0.3 to 0.9% in the grower period) indicate that commercial broiler chickens do not require more than 0.50 and 0.38% Met in starter and grower diets, respectively, for optimum growth and feed efficiency, whereas higher inclusion rates of Met are needed to stimulate immune responses. The results of recent experiments on chickens are insufficient to define the optimal dietary levels of Met, which has been shown to exert immunostimulatory activity. A few experiments on layer hens have demonstrated that Met requirements for immune competence are higher than for optimum production, but the inclusion levels of this AA needed to stimulate the immune system of birds have not been defined. In the absence of such research, it remains unknown whether feeding growing turkeys diets supplemented with Met above NCR recommendations, as suggested by B.U.T. (British United Turkeys), stimulates the immune system of birds.
Effect of restricted feeding in the far-off period on performance and metabolic status of dairy cows
Authors: Nowak Włodzimierz , Mikuła Robert , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek Ewa , Stefańska Barbara , Maćkowiak Paweł , Kasprowicz-Potocka Małgorzata , Frankiewicz Andrzej
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate experimentally the effects of restricted or ad libitum feeding in the far-off period on performance of dairy cows. Two groups of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows having 19 animals in each group were allotted to two planes of nutrition in the far-off period from -56 to -22 days. The ADLIB group was fed ad libitum (DMI 12.9 kg) while in the RES group the dry matter intake was restricted by 3 kg DM compared to the average dry matter during the last 7 days in the ADLIB group. Average daily energy intake decreased from 8.90 UFL in the ADLIB to 6.83 UFL in the RES group. In the close-up period and after parturition, the cows of both groups were given the same diet. In restrictively fed cows, there was a tendency to a greater decrease in BCS during both the dry period (P=0.09) and lactation (P=0.07). After parturition milk production, fertility indices and blood concentration of IGF-1, insulin and glucose were not significantly affected by the far-off treatment. In the RES group, lower BHBA 3 days before calving and on day 5 of lactation and lower NEFA on day 28 of lactation were recorded. Also in this group higher levels of glucose 3 days before calving, triiodothyronine (T3) on days -30 and 5, and thyroxine (T4) on days -3 and 28 were observed. It is concluded that restricted feeding in the far-off period positively affected blood indicators of lipomobilization during the transition period, but had little effect on performance of lactating cows. In spite of low energy, high-fibre diet offered ad libitum in the faroff period resulted in the energy overfeeding compared to the INRA system recommendation.
Determinants Of Dominance, Resting Place And Neighbour Preferences In Wrzosówka Polska Ewes Kept Indoors
Authors: Górecki Marcin T. , Dziwińska Natalia
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to recognize features determining social hierarchy in Wrzosówka Polska ewes kept indoors as well as to investigate their resting place and companionship preferences. Observations (156 hours in total) were carried out in a group of 22 ewes. The social rank of sheep was determined by their age, body weight and length of horns. Social position was positively correlated with aggressive behaviour performed and negatively with aggressive behaviour received. Use of space while resting was influenced by ewe social behaviour; aggressive individuals lied more often in attractive places, namely against walls and fodder troughs compared to other animals. In general, the ewes rested by having physical contact with animals of similar rank and aggressiveness. Kinship appeared not to be important in neighbour preference. As can be concluded, social interactions influenced the use of space and neighbourhood in ewes
Dehorning of Calves – Methods of Pain and Stress Alleviation – A Review
Authors: Kupczyński Robert , Budny Anna , Śpitalniak Kinga , Tracz Ewa
Published: May 2014

Dehorning of calves is intended to facilitate handling and increase the safety of people and animals. The study aimed to review the methods of calf dehorning and use of pharmacological analgesic, anaesthetic and sedation drugs, as well as their impact on pain perception. Regardless of the age of calves, dehorning is always associated with pain and stress. The changes in behaviour, physiological parameters, changes in heart rate, respiratory rate and increased cortisol secretion are observed during this procedure. The welfare of calves is significantly reduced during dehorning. Many studies point to minimization of the pain perceived by the use of pharmacological agents. Beneficial effects were observed with the combined use of anaesthetics and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs
The role of ozone therapy in maintaining the articular function and in relieving the pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Camelia Ciobotaru , Madalina Iliescu , Tatiana Mandru , Marilena Panait , Oana Arghir
Published: May 2014

Ozone Therapy is thought to be a non-pharmacological therapy, which makes use of oxygen and ozone, It is based on the ozone characteristics, such as the antibacterial and antimycotic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory, of systemic modulation of homeostasy and of the optimization of the way the organs and systems function, but also of tissue bionourishing. Some of the beneficial effects of the ozone are: the enhancement of the oxygen supply in the tissues affected by inflammation and pain, the increase of the blood stream and the removal of the metabolic waste in the joints affected, the obstruction of the substances which maintain the inflammation and pain, an immunomodulatory action upon the whole body, the stimulation of the health improving mechanisms in the body, a mio-relaxing action and thus, a better joint mobility and a better body system functioning
Necrotizing fasciitis with group A Streptococci and Eggerthella lenta as a complication of Varicella in a child – case presentation –
Authors: Claudia Cambrea Simona , Margareta Ilie Maria , Sorina Carp Dalia , C. Ionescu
Published: May 2014

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening condition that can be quickly spread through the flesh surrounding the muscle. The disease can be polymicrobial, or caused by group A beta hemolytic Streptococci, or by Clostridium spp. We present a case of a 7 years old girl, which was hospitalized in Children Infectious Diseases Department in a 7th day of chickenpox (hematic crusts all over the body), high fever, asthenia, vomiting, oligoanuria, and tumefaction, pain and functio lessa in the right thigh. In a very short time in the right thigh swelling, edema and congestion have increased gradually, and in the third highest middle thigh the ecchymotic areas appeared evolving towards bubbles and blisters which included the right thigh and calf. After excluding the diagnosis of thrombophlebitis was raised suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis. CT pelvic scan evidenced pelvic asymmetry by maximus and medium right gluteal muscles swelling with important inflammatory infiltrate extended laterally in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In blood culture was isolated Eggerthella lenta, and from throat swab was isolated group A Streptococci. Treatment consists of a combination of antibiotics associated with intravenous immunoglobulin administration. Despite medical treatment evolution worsened and required transfer in a pediatric surgery department where emergent surgical debridement associated with intensive antibiotic therapy was done. After this intervention evolution was slowly favorable without major limb dysfunction. Polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis is a severe disease, which if recognized early can have a

favorable outcome.
Risk estimation and stochastic control of innovation processes
Authors: Sgurev Vassil , Drangajov Stanislav
Published: May 2014

The innovation introduction, no matter whether a product, technology, a method, etc., is being implemented, is connected with considerable risk of investments loss and highly stochastic behaviour, depending on unpredictable factors. It is acknowledged that the innovation passes at least through 6 general stages: 1 - Prestart stage; 2 - Start stage; 3 - Initial expansion stage; 4 - Quick expansion stage; 5 - Stage of reaching liquidity of venture investments; 6 - Stage of project failure and its cancelling. Each state may be refined in details. It is important for the Decision Maker (DM) on one hand to be able to estimate the risk of transitions from a state to state and the probability also for profitable outcome of the initiative - for this purpose a network flow model is proposed; and on the other hand - it is useful if the DM may apply different actions at each stage so that to minimize the losses and maximize the final profit - for this purpose a Markov Decision Process is proposed, which is very closely related to the network flow model and both may be united in a Markov flow.
Importance of Employment Protection and Types of Employment Contracts for Elasticity of Employment in the OECD Countries
Authors: Kwiatkowski Eugeniusz , Włodarczyk Przemysław
Published: May 2014

This article presents the impact of the global crisis on employment in the OECD countries, and in particular is an attempt to explain why the impact is of a different scope in particular countries. Particular attention has been paid to the question of the role played by labour market institutions (such as employment protection legislation and fixed-term employment). The global economic crisis has influenced the situation in the labour markets of OECD countries, causing declines in employment and increases in unemployment. Changes in the level of employment in individual countries varied. Between 2007-2012 declines in production took place in the majority of OECD countries. Declines in real wages were also observed in those countries. On the other hand, in the period of 2005-2012 relatively small changes in labour market institutions occurred. With respect to both the stringency of employment protection legislation, as well as the share of fixed-term employment, there were no clearly visible trends in the data during the period of economic crisis. The econometric verification of theoretical hypotheses was performed using annual data from the 2005-2012 period for 26 OECD countries, and it shows that GDP and real wages were statistically significant determinants of employment size in the analyzed period. The study also confirmed the hypothesis of the existence of a non-linear (U-shaped) relationship between employment elasticity with respect to GDP and the level of stringency of employment protection legislation, as well as the share of fixed-term employment in the total number of employment contracts. The results show that the smallest declines in employment during a crisis might be expected in countries where the level of EPL is close to 2, and the share of fixed-term employment in the total number of employment contracts is close to 18%.
From non-Kählerian surfaces to Cremona group of P2(C)
Authors: Dloussky Georges
Published: May 2014

For any minimal compact complex surface S with n = b2(S) > 0 containing global spherical shells (GSS) we study the effectiveness of the 2n parameters given by the n blown up points. There exists a family of surfaces S → B with GSS which contains as fibers S, some Inoue-Hirzebruch surface and non minimal surfaces, such that blown up points are generically effective parameters. These families are versal outside a non empty hypersurface T ⊂ B. We deduce that, for any configuration of rational curves, there is a non empty open set in the Oeljeklaus-Toma moduli space such that the corresponding surfaces are defined by a contracting germ in Cremona group, in particular admit a birational structure.
Contribution of Liquid- and Gas-Side Mass Transfer Coefficients to Overall Mass Transfer Coefficient in Taylor Flow in a Microreactor
Authors: Sobieszuk Paweł , Ilnicki Filip , Pohorecki Ryszard
Published: May 2014

Gas-liquid microreactors find an increasing range of applications both in production, and for chemical analysis. The most often employed flow regime in these microreactors is Taylor flow. The rate of absorption of gases in liquids depends on gas-side and liquid-side resistances. There are several publications about liquid-side mass transfer coefficients in Taylor flow, but the data about gas-side mass transfer coefficients are practically non existent. We analysed the problem of gas-side mass transfer resistance in Taylor flow and determined conditions, in which it may influence the overall mass transfer rate. Investigations were performed using numerical simulations. The influence of the gas diffusivity, gas viscosity, channel diameter, bubble length and gas bubble velocity has been determined. It was found that in some case the mass transfer resistances in both phases are comparable and the gas-side resistance may be significant. In such cases, neglecting the gas-side coefficient may lead to errors in the experimental data interpretation.
Pumping Capacity of Pitched Blade Multi-Stage Impellers
Authors: Jirout Tomáš
Published: May 2014

This paper extends knowledge about flow in an agitated batch with pitched blade multi-stage impellers. Effects of various geometrical parameters (blade number, distance between impellers) of pitched blade multi-stage impellers on pumping ability have been investigated. Axial velocity profiles were measured by LDA (Laser Doppler Anemometry). Axial pumping capacities were obtained by integration of measured axial velocity profiles in outflow from impellers. Main attention was focused on the effect of the distance between impellers in multi-stage configurations, on their pumping capacity and flow in the mixing bath in comparison with an independently operating pitched blade impeller with the same geometry. In case of a relatively close distance between impellers H3/d = 0.5 - 0.75, the multi-stage impeller creates only one circulation loop and the impellers itself behave identically as pumps in series. However for relative higher distance of impellers than H3/d = 1.25, the multi-stage impeller creates two separated circulation loops.
Phosphate recovery from animal manure wastewater by struvite crystallization and CO2 degasification reactor
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Ping , Fang Ci , Jiang Rongfeng
Published: May 2014

The problem of phosphorus discharge is related to environmental protection and food security. Struvite crystallization is a useful technology for phosphate recovery from wastewater. In the research, struvite crystallization process with CO2 degasification continuous U-shape reactor (CUSR) was application for phosphate recovery from animal manure wastewater. The result indicated PO4
3--P recovery ratio could achieve 47-53% without magnesium addition when CUSR hydraulic retention time controlled at 60 min. With extra magnesium addition, PO4
3--P recovery ratio could significant achieve 80-86% at magnesium addition amount 57.5 mg/dm3. PHREEQC modeling predictions trend of struvite crystallization was close to CUSR experimental results. The modeling calculation can provide a theoretical guide for operational parameters design. For seeding technology, high phosphate recovery efficiency was obtained and preformed struvite was the most effective seeding material. Surface characterization analysis demonstrated the dominant composition of chemical solids was struvite. Water extraction analysis indicated chemical solids recovery from animal manure wastewater could release PO4
3--P slowly and be available as slow-release fertilizer.
Impact of optical indices on particle size distribution of activated sludge measured by laser diffraction method
Authors: Sochan Agata , Polakowski Cezary , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: May 2014

The important factors that strongly influence the particle size distributions measured by the laser diffraction method are the optical parameters of the suspension (refractive index and absorption coefficient). Knowledge of the values of these parameters is necessary for Mie theory. Mie theory is applied for conversion of the intensity of light recorded on detectors into particle size distribution (PSD) of tested material. Both wastewater and activated sludge are mixtures of a variety of elements (mineral or organic, including living organisms). In practice, it is not possible to define clearly the values of the optical parameters, as the composition of the suspension changes over time. The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of assumed values of the optical parameters on particle size distributions obtained. The PSDs of suspensions sampled in different stages of wastewater treatment are the most reproducible when the following optical parameters are defined: absorption coefficients - 1.0 and the refractive index - 1.52.
Fully Analytical Characterization of the Series Inductance of Tapered Integrated Inductors
Authors: Passos Fabio , Fino M. Helena , Moreno Elisenda R.
Published: May 2014

In this paper a general method for the determination of the series inductance of polygonal tapered inductors is presented. The value obtained can be integrated into any integrated inductor lumped element model, thus granting the overall characterization of the device and the evaluation of performance parameters such as the quality factor or the resonance frequency. In this work, the inductor is divided into several segments and the corresponding self and mutual inductances are calculated. In the end, results obtained for several working examples are compared against electromagnetic (EM) simulations are performed in order to check the validity of the model for square, hexagonal, octagonal and tapered inductors. The proposed method depends exclusively on the geometric characteristics of the inductor as well as the technological parameters. This allows its straight forward application to any inductor shape or technology.
The Retroaortic Left Renal Vein Abnormalities in Cross-Sectional Imaging
Authors: Şahin Cennet , Kaçira Özlem Kitiki , Tüney Davut
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE: The normal anatomic course of the left renal vein (LRV) from the kidney to inferior vena cava (IVC) is usually preaortic. It is called retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV) when located between the aorta and vertebra; the circumaortic left renal vein (CLRV) has both a preaortic and retroaortic course. In this study, we aimed to find the incidence and characteristics of LRV abnormalities in routine abdominal CT and MR examinations conducted in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2189 abdominal CT and MR examinations, performed between April 2007 and June 2009, were reviewed retrospectively for retroaortic and circumaortic LRV abnormalities. RESULTS: LRV abnormalities were detected in 50 (2.3%) examinations. Forty-four of these (2%) were RLRV and 6 (0.3%) were circumaortic LRV abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative knowledge of LRV abnormalities facilitates the safe performance of surgery and reveals the clinical symptoms. It is easy to see LRV and its drainage way on routine CT and MR imagings
The Structure of Trauma Patients, its Management and Health Care in the University Hospital of Alexandroupolis
Authors: Tsatsanidis Georgios V. , Minopoulos Georgios I. , Liratzopoulos Nicolaos D. , Papathanasiou Jannis V. , Simopoulos Konstantinos E.
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to describe the patterns of trauma patients using a newly-introduced trauma registry, as well as retrospectively assess the management and outcome facts of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 2346 patients (62.15% male) with a mean age of 34.06 ± 23.77 years. Of these patients, 355 were multiple trauma patients. Privately owned vehicles were used as a mode of transportation for most of the trauma patients (96.65%). Data regarding patient demographics, arrival at the Emergency Department, mechanism of injury, injury severity, anatomical location and type of injury were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Falls were the most prevalent mechanism of injury, accounting for 62.19% of the total admitted cases, with other causes (that also included occupational accidents and machinery trauma) being the second most prevalent, and MVAs - the third with a rate of 11.46%. The most commonly injured body regions were the extremities (50.26%), the head (42.50%), and the torso (19.39%). Fractures represented 11.46% of the injuries, while open wounds were much more frequent (29.41%). The mean abbreviated injury severity (AIS) score was 1.78 ± 1.48 for all admitted patients and 3.56 ± 1.02 for multiple trauma patients. A multi-disciplinary approach was required for 23% of the multiple trauma patients. The clinic admission rate for the whole patient sample was 13.55% and 48.96% for multiple trauma patients. The mean duration of stay for all clinic admissions was 2.7 days and 2.9 days for multiple trauma patients. CONCLUSIONS: With the epidemiology of trauma in Greece being rather poorly investigated, the present study manages to identify the major epidemiological patterns of trauma cases presenting to a tertiary regional hospital and addresses the need for development and implementation of injury prevention activities and policies
Environmental conditions that promote the occurrence of truffles (Tuber spp.) on historical sites in Poland
Authors: Rosa-Gruszecka Aleksandra , Hilszczańska Dorota , Szmidla Hanna
Published: May 2014

This article highlights historical data regarding truffles’ occurrence in Poland. Along with the soil parameters the plant communities at the sites were studied. The results of the chemical soil analyses showed that the soil pH in water on 5 sites was acidic (from 4.3 to 6.1), and only in one, Wiązowna, was the pH (7.2) conductive to truffles development. Similarly, the content of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in soil samples was low (from 0 to 0.03%), except for Wiązowna, where CaCO3 was 0.12%. Among the 24 reported species of trees and shrubs, 7 species were host-plants of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum Vitt.). Out of the 7 species, oak and hornbeam were present at four localisations. Across the sites, 31 species of ground-layer plants were identified. Among these, Epipactis helleborine was only one host-species of summer truffle. Our findings indicate that formation of truffles fruiting-bodies depends on specific habitat characteristics. The key factors determining this process are soil parameters, such as: texture, pH and calcium content. Our inventory showed that the sites we studied still persist as natural stands, although only one of them seems to be favorable for truffles development: this site is located in Wiązowna, where soil is of pH 7.2 and E. helleborine, (host species for truffles from Orchidaceae) is found, fulfills the environmental requirements of truffles
Evaluating variation in logged timber costs and raw timber prices during the period, 2001–2009, for the Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Zielona Góra
Authors: Adamowicz Krzysztof , Kaciunka Henryka
Published: May 2014

The rate of change in the cost of logged timber and prices of raw timber during the period, 2001-2009, was examined for the Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Zielona Góra. A logarithmic evaluation of average rate of change indicated that the rate of increase in timber harvest costs was higher than the rate of increase in the average price of raw timber and likewise the price of most log grades. The average increase in raw timber value was 2.51% annually. The price of low-diameter raw timber (slash) increased 8.61%, and the price of large-diameter timber increased 1.94% annually, while the price of large coniferous segments increased 1.75% and broadleaf segments increased 2.98% annually. At the same time, the timber logging costs increased more than the timber price, to 4.17%, or 4.19% when administrative costs related to timber logging are included
Rare-element granitic pegmatite of Miocene age emplaced in UHP rocks from Visole, Pohorje Mountains (Eastern Alps, Slovenia): accessory minerals, monazite and uraninite chemical dating
Authors: Uher Pavel , Janák Marian , Konečný Patrik , Vrabec Mirijam
Published: May 2014

The granitic pegmatite dike intruded the Cretaceous UHP rocks at Visole, near Slovenska Bistrica, in the Pohorje Mountains (Slovenia). The rock consists mainly of K-feldspar, albite and quartz, subordinate muscovite and biotite, while the accessory minerals include spessartine-almandine, zircon, ferrocolumbite, fluorapatite, monazite- (Ce), uraninite, and magnetite. Compositions of garnet (Sps48-49Alm45-46Grs + And3-4 Prp1.5-2), metamict zircon with 3.5 to 7.8 wt. % HfO2 [atom. 100Hf/(Hf + Zr) = 3.3-7.7] and ferrocolumbite [atom. Mn/(Mn + Fe) = 0.27-0.43, Ta/(Ta + Nb) = 0.03-0.46] indicate a relatively low to medium degree of magmatic fractionation, characteristic of the muscovite - rare-element class or beryl-columbite subtype of the rare-element class pegmatites. Monazite-(Ce) reveals elevated Th and U contents (≤11 wt. % ThO2, ≤5 wt. % UO2). The monazite-garnet geothermometer shows a possible precipitation temperature of ~495 ± 30 °C at P~4 to 5 kbar. Chemical U-Th-Pb dating of the monazite yielded a Miocene age (17.2 ± 1.8 Ma), whereas uraninite gave a younger (~14 Ma) age. These ages are comtemporaneous with the main crystallization and emplacement of the Pohorje pluton and adjacent volcanic rocks (20 to 15 Ma), providing the first documented evidence of Neogene granitic pegmatites in the Eastern Alps. Consequently, the Visole pegmatite belongs to the youngest rare-element granitic pegmatite populations in Europe, together with the Paleogene pegmatite occurrences along the Periadriatic (Insubric) Fault System in the Alps and in the Rhodope Massif, as well as the Late Miocene to Pliocene pegmatites in the Tuscany magmatic province (mainly on the Island of Elba).
Calculating the Home Advantage in Soccer Leagues
Authors: Gómez Miguel-Ángel , Pollard Richard
Published: May 2014

A recent article published in the Journal of Human Kinetics (Saavedra et al., 2013) was based on a flawed methodology when calculating the home advantage values in soccer leagues. This led to incorrect calculations, false conclusions and some misleading results about home advantage in 52 soccer leagues of UEFA countries over a 10 year period. The aim of this letter was to explain these flaws and to make sure future research would not be influenced by the subsequent results and conclusions that had been presented
Ground Reaction Force and Valgus Knee Loading during Landing after a Block in Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Zahradnik David , Uchytil Jaroslav , Farana Roman , Jandacka Daniel
Published: May 2014

A non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is both a serious and very common problem in volleyball. The aim of the study was to determine the association between stick, step-back, and run-back landings after a block and select risk factors of ACL injuries for female professional volleyball players. The research sample involved fourteen female professional volleyball players. Two force plates were used to determine ground reaction forces. Eight infrared cameras were employed to collect the kinematic data. The one-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance, where the landing type was the factor, was used for comparing the valgus moment and ground reaction force on the right lower limb. ANOVA showed that the type of landing has a main effect on the valgus moment on the right lower limb (F) = 5.96, p = 0.019df = 1.18, partial ƞ2 = 0.239 and SP = 0.693). Furthermore, it did not show a main effect on the vertical reaction force on the right lower limb ((F)=2.77, p=0.090, df=1.55, partial ƞ2= 0.128 and SP=0.448). The highest valgus moment occurred during the run-back landing. This moment, however, did not have any effect within the first 100 ms after initial contact with the ground, but rather upon the subsequent motion carried out when stepping back off the net. A comparison between a run-back landing and a step-back landing showed relevant higher values of vertical ground reaction forces during the run-back landing.
Short-Term Performance Effects of Three Different Low-Volume Strength-Training Programmes in College Male Soccer Players
Authors: Brito João , Vasconcellos Fabrício , Oliveira José , Krustrup Peter , Rebelo António
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to analyse the short-term performance effects of three in-season low-volume strength-training programmes in college male soccer players. Fifty-seven male college soccer players (age: 20.3

1.6 years) were randomly assigned to a resistance-training group (n=12), plyometric training group (n=12), complex training group (n=12), or a control group (n=21). In the mid-season, players underwent a 9-week strength-training programme, with two 20 min training sessions per week. Short-term effects on strength, sprint, agility, and vertical jump abilities were measured. All training groups increased 1-RM squat (range, 17.2-24.2%), plantar flexion (29.1-39.6%), and knee extension (0.5- 22.2%) strength compared with the control group (p<0.05). The resistance-training group increased concentric peak torque of the knee extensor muscles by 9.9-13.7%, and changes were greater compared with the control group (p<0.05). The complex training group presented major increments (11.7%) in eccentric peak torque of the knee flexor muscles on the non-dominant limb compared with the control group and plyometric training group (p<0.05). All training groups improved 20-m sprint performance by 4.6-6.2% (p<0.001) compared with the control group. No differences were observed in 5-m sprint and agility performances (p>0.05). Overall, the results suggest that in-season low-volume strength training is adequate for developing strength and speed in soccer players.
Chronic Effects of Different Resistance Training Exercise Orders on Flexibility in Elite Judo Athletes
Authors: Saraiva Alam R. , Reis Victor M. , Costa Pablo B. , Bentes Claudio M. , Costa e Silva Gabriel V. , Novaes Jefferson S.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of twelve weeks of resistance training with different exercise orders (upper limbs and lower limbs vs. lower limbs and upper limbs) on flexibility levels in elite judo athletes. Thirtynine male athletes were randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: G1 (n = 13), G2 (n = 13), and CG (n = 13). The flexibility was assessed on 8 joint movements: shoulder flexion and shoulder extension, shoulder abduction and shoulder adduction, trunk flexion and trunk extension, and hip flexion and hip extension. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs (time [pre-experimental vs. post-experimental] × group [G1 vs. G2 vs. CG]) were used to compare the differences between pre- and post-test situations and the differences among groups. The results from the within-group (pre vs. post) comparisons demonstrated significant increases (p < 0.05) in the range of motion of 3.93 and 5.96% for G1 and G2 training groups, respectively, in all joints. No significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed for the CG. The results from the between-group comparisons demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the range of motion between G1post vs. G2post (1.15%). Although both exercise orders (from upper to lower limbs and from lower to upper limbs) increased flexibility, no significant variations were observed between the different exercise orders. Nevertheless, these findings demonstrate that flexibility gains could be obtained with a resistance training program, and thus, more time can be devoted to sports-specific judo training.
The Effect of Active Recovery on Power Performance During the Bench Press Exercise
Authors: Lopes Felipe A. S. , Panissa Valéria L. G. , Julio Ursula F. , Menegon Elton M. , Franchini Emerson
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of active and passive recovery on blood lactate concentration and power performance. Twelve male subjects were submitted to a maximal strength test in the the bench press, a maximal aerobic test in the bench step, and to four sets of bench press exercise performed as fast and as long as possible, using 80% of maximal strength when active or passive recovery was performed. The maximum number of repetitions, mean and peak power in eccentric and concentric phases were computed and blood lactate concentration was measured. Comparisons for the variables were made using a two-way variance analysis (recovery type and set numer) with repeated measures in the second factor. When significant differences were detected (p < 0.05), a Tukey post-hoc test was used. There was a main effect of set number on maximum number of repetitions (p < 0.05) (1 > 2, 3, and 4; 2 > 3 and 4; 3 > 4). Mean and peak power in both eccentric and concentric phases also differed across sets (1 > 2, 3, and 4; 2 > 4). There was also a main effect for the recovery type, with lower values (p < 0.05) observed for the active recovery compared to the passive one. It can be concluded that active recovery resulted in lower lactate concentration, but did not improve power performance in the bench press exercise.
Cooperation for forest protection in Southeast Asia: the role of Japan and its domestic interest groups
Authors: Didvalis Linas
Published: May 2014

This article examines Japan’s role in advancing regional forest governance in Southeast Asia and reasons why the country, despite claiming environmental leadership, has not created a strong long-term institutional framework to promote sustainable forest management (SFM). The first half of the article is dedicated to analyzing Asia Forest Partnership and bilateral agreements with Indonesia and Malaysia in the light of implementation of SFM. The second half examines Japan’s domestic interest groups and their attitudes towards SFM and cooperation for forest protection with the Southeast Asian countries. The article argues that the gap between Japan’s commitments and actual activities has not been closed in the most recent cooperation for forest protection in the region. One of the major reasons for that is the strength and resistance against the regulations of the Japanese companies that benefit from the free trade of tropical timber.
TDR technique for estimating the intensity of effective non rainfall
Authors: Janik Grzegorz , Skierucha Wojciech , Błaś Marek , Sobik Mieczysław , Albert Małgorzata , Dubicki Michał , Zawada Anna
Published: May 2014

The objective of this paper is to present a method for determining diurnal distribution of the intensity of effective non rainfall water flux. It was found that the application of TDR technique for the determination of diurnal dynamics of effective non rainfall water flux requires temperature correction of sensed volumetric moisture contents. Without temperature correction the error of estimated non rainfall water flux can be as much as 26%. In addition, the effect of temperature changes on the soil surface was determined in 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours periods. It was found that the intensity of effective non rainfall water flux was determined to the greatest extent by the rate of temperature drop during the period of 3 h preceding the non rainfall water flux determination. The agreement of non rainfall water flux calculated with the method proposed and that obtained by the collector was better for dew than for hoarfrost periods.
Magnetic-time model at off-season germination
Authors: Mahajan Tarlochan Singh , Pandey Om Prakash
Published: May 2014

Effect of static magnetic field on germination of mung beans is described. Seeds of mung beans, were exposed in batches to static magnetic fields of 87 to 226 mT intensity for 100 min. Magnetic time constant - 60.743 Th (Tesla hour) was determined experimentally. High value of magnetic time constant signifies lower effect of magnetic field on germination rate as this germination was carried out at off-season (13°C). Using decay function, germination magnetic constant was calculated. There was a linear increase in germination magnetic constant with increasing intensity of magnetic field. Calculated values of mean germination time, mean germination rate, germination rate coefficient, germination magnetic constant, transition time, water uptake, indicate that the impact of applied static magnetic field improves the germination of mung beans seeds even in off-season
Thermodynamic properties of water sorption isotherms of grape seed
Authors: Majd Kamran Maleki , Karparvarfard Seyed H. , Farahnaky Asgar , Ansari Sara
Published: May 2014

In this study the moisture sorption isotherm of grape seed was determined by using a static gravimetric method at 35-65°C and 0.108-0.821 water activity range. The sorption isotherms were found to be typical sigmoid shape of most food materials. Five models including the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (2-parameter), Guggenheim, Anderson and De Boer (3-parameter), Oswin (2-parameter), Ferro-Fontan (3-parameter) and Peleg (4-parameter) models were considered to fit the experimental data. The Ferro- Fontan and Peleg equations (at three temperatures 35, 45, 65°C) having R2 greater than 0.97 and lower values of standard error of estimate and deviation modulus gave the best fit of the experimental data throughout the entire range of water activity. The net isosteric heat of sorption, calculated by Calusius-Clapeyron equation on experimental data, was found to be a polynomial and exponential function of equilibrium moisture content within the temperature range investigated.
Pelletization of biomass waste with potato pulp content
Authors: Obidziński Sławomir
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the results of a research on the influence of potato pulp content in a mixture with oat bran on the power demand of the pelletization process and on the quality of the produced pellets, in the context of use thereof as a heating fuel. The tests of the densification of the pulp and bran mixture were carried out on a work stand whose main element was a P-300 pellet mill with the ‘flat matrix-densification rolls’ system. 24 h after the pellets left the working system, their kinetic durability was established with the use of a Holmen tester. The research results obtained in this way allowed concluding that increasing the potato pulp content in a mixture with oat bran from 15 to 20% caused a reduction of the power demand of the pellet mill. It was also established that as the pulp content in a mixture with oat bran increases from 15 to 25%, the value of the kinetic durability of the pellets determined using Holmen and Pfost methods decreases.
Influence of soil tillage and erosion on the dispersion of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in agricultural soils
Authors: Todorovic Gorana Rampazzo , Rampazzo Nicola , Mentler Axel , Blum Winfried E.H. , Eder Alexander , Strauss Peter
Published: May 2014

Erosion processes can strongly influence the dissipation of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid applied with Roundup Max® in agricultural soils; in addition, the soil structure state shortly before erosive precipitations fall can be a key parameter for the distribution of glyphosate and its metabolite. Field rain simulation experiments showed that severe erosion processes immediately after application of Roundup Max® can lead to serious unexpected glyphosate loss even in soils with a high presumed adsorption like the Cambisols, if their structure is unfavourable. In one of the no-tillage-plot of the Cambisol, up to 47% of the applied glyphosate amount was dissipated with surface run-off. Moreover, at the Chernozem site with high erosion risk and lower adsorption potential, glyphosate could be found in collected percolation water transported far outside the 2x2 m experimental plots. Traces of glyphosate were found also outside the treated agricultural fields.
Field Validation of DNDC and SWAP Models for Temperature and Water Content of Loamy and Sandy Loam Spodosols
Authors: Balashov Eugene , Buchkina Natalya , Rizhiya Elena , Farkas Csilla
Published: May 2014

The objectives of the research were to: fulfil the preliminary assessment of the sensitivity of the soil, water, atmosphere, and plant and denitrification and decomposition models to variations of climate variables based on the existing soil database; validate the soil, water, atmosphere, and plant and denitrification and decomposition modelled outcomes against measured records for soil temperature and water content. The statistical analyses were conducted by the sensitivity analysis, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients and root mean square error using measured and modelled variables during three growing seasons. Results of sensitivity analysis demonstrated that: soil temperatures predicted by the soil, water, atmosphere, and plant model showed a more reliable sensitivity to the variations of input air temperatures; soil water content predicted by the denitrification and decomposition model had a better reliability in the sensitivity to daily precipitation changes. The root mean square errors and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients demonstrated that: the soil, water, atmosphere, and plant model had a better efficiency in predicting seasonal dynamics of soil temperatures than the denitrification and decomposition model; and among two studied models, the denitrification and decomposition model showed a better capability in predicting the seasonal dynamics of soil water content.
Prediction of CEC Using Fractal Parameters by Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Bayat Hossein , Davatgar Naser , Jalali Mohsen
Published: May 2014

The prediction of cation exchange capacity from readily available soil properties remains a challenge. In this study, firstly, we extended the entire particle size distribution curve from limited soil texture data and, at the second step, calculated the fractal parameters from the particle size distribution curve. Three pedotransfer functions were developed based on soil properties, parameters of particle size distribution curve model and fractal parameters of particle size distribution curve fractal model using the artificial neural networks technique. 1 662 soil samples were collected and separated into eight groups. Particle size distribution curve model parameters were estimated from limited soil texture data by the Skaggs method and fractal parameters were calculated by Bird model. Using particle size distribution curve model parameters and fractal parameters in the pedotransfer functions resulted in improvements of cation exchange capacity predictions. The pedotransfer functions that used fractal parameters as predictors performed better than the those which used particle size distribution curve model parameters. This can be related to the non-linear relationship between cation exchange capacity and fractal parameters. Partitioning the soil samples significantly increased the accuracy and reliability of the pedotransfer functions. Substantial improvement was achieved by utilising fractal parameters in the clusters.
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration in Profiles of Polesie Lubelskie Peatlands
Authors: Szafranek-Nakonieczna Anna , Stêpniewska Zofia
Published: May 2014

Soil respiration is a very important factor influencing carbon deposition in peat and reflecting the intensity of soil organic matter decomposition, root respiration, and the ease of transporting gases to the surface. Carbon dioxide release from three different peat soil profiles (0-80 cm) of the Polesie Lubelskie Region (Eastern Poland) was analyzed under laboratory conditions. Peat samples were incubated at 5, 10, and 20°C in aerobic and anaerobic environments, and their CO2-evolution was analyzed up to 14 days. The respiration activity was found to be in the range of 0.013-0.497 g CO2 kg-1 DW d-1. The respiratory quotient was estimated to be in the range of 0.51-1.51, and the difference in respiration rates over 10°C ranged between 4.15 and 8.72 in aerobic and from 1.15 to 6.53 in anaerobic conditions. A strong influence of temperature, depth, the degree of peat decomposition, pH, and nitrate content on respiration activity was found. Lack of oxygen at low temperature caused higher respiration activity than under aerobic conditions. These results should be taken into account when the management of Polish peatlands is considered in the context of climate and carbon storage, and physicochemical properties of soil in relation to soil respiration activity are considered.
Causal Mathematical Logic as a guiding framework for the prediction of “Intelligence Signals” in brain simulations
Authors: Lanzalaco Felix , Pissanetzky Sergio
Published: May 2014

A recent theory of physical information based on the fundamental principles of causality and thermodynamics has proposed that a large number of observable life and intelligence signals can be described in terms of the Causal Mathematical Logic (CML), which is proposed to encode the natural principles of intelligence across any physical domain and substrate. We attempt to expound the current definition of CML, the “Action functional” as a theory in terms of its ability to possess a superior explanatory power for the current neuroscientific data we use to measure the mammalian brains “intelligence” processes at its most general biophysical level. Brain simulation projects define their success partly in terms of the emergence of “non-explicitly programmed” complex biophysical signals such as self-oscillation and spreading cortical waves. Here we propose to extend the causal theory to predict and guide the understanding of these more complex emergent “intelligence Signals”. To achieve this we review whether causal logic is consistent with, can explain and predict the function of complete perceptual processes associated with intelligence. Primarily those are defined as the range of Event Related Potentials (ERP) which include their primary subcomponents; Event Related Desynchronization (ERD) and Event Related Synchronization (ERS). This approach is aiming for a universal and predictive logic for neurosimulation and AGi. The result of this investigation has produced a general “Information Engine” model from translation of the ERD and ERS. The CML algorithm run in terms of action cost predicts ERP signal contents and is consistent with the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. A working substrate independent natural information logic would be a major asset. An information theory consistent with fundamental physics can be an AGi. It can also operate within genetic information space and provides a roadmap to understand the live biophysical operation of the phenotype