bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Short Research in Danish Cardinal and Ordinal Numerals on Indo-European Background
Authors: Garczyński Błażej
Published: May 2015

The article focuses on the Danish numerals 1-1000. It presents their Proto-Indo-European, Proto-Germanic, Old Danish and present forms whilst providing additional information on their development and corresponding numerals in other European languages. It focuses primarily on the vigesimal counting system, whose traces can be found in Danish, and which is the source of some unique forms unseen in other languages. Therefore, special attention is paid to the numerals of the series 50-90. Though these appear to be unique and exotic, the article shows that they are not to be perceived as an anomaly but rather a different path of development within the language Moreover, a brief explanation of the origins of the vigesimal system in Danish is provided. Also, several units of measurement showing traces of the vigesimal, duodecimal and sexagesimal systems are discussed. Finally, language reforms aimed at changing the numeral forms will be shortly portrayed.
Substantiviske Komplekse Ord Med Subkonfikser I Moderne Dansk
Authors: Rajnik Eugeniusz
Published: May 2015

The article discusses various definitions of the Danish term konfiks (præ- and subkonfiks) as well as other, more recently coined, terms (e.g. komplekse ord) used within Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and German word formation. Section 3 includes a list of nominal subkonfikser present in modern Danish as well as examples thereof. The listed nouns have been classified based on whether their first component can exist independently or not. The summary section includes, amongst others, the productivity of subkonfikser as well as various restrictions regarding their use.
Myten Och Dess Arvtagare. Historiska Och Skönlitterära Berättelser Om Folkhemmet
Authors: Żmuda-Trzebiatowska Magdalena
Published: May 2015

The paper’s aim is to indicate the mutual relations between contemporary Swedish literature and the academic and political discourse on the welfare state’s crisis. The article’s first part discusses the genesis, evolution and meaning of the term ”Swedish folkhem” as it is understood today, i.e. as a political vision underlying the Swedish welfare state which with time has become a metaphor and a myth. In its other part the presence of historical narratives on the Swedish folkhem in five autobiographically inspired novels on childhood and growing up is investigated (Jonas Gardell’s En komikers uppväxt (1992), Lena Andersson’s Var det bra så? (1999), Mikael Niemi’s Populärmusik i Vittula (2000), Torbjörn Flygt’s Underdog (2001) and Susanna Alakoski’s Svinalängorna (2006). Analysing the chosen examples, the author of the paper focuses mainly on the issue of how the narratives known from political propaganda and debate are transformed, commented and used in a literary text to construct a collective identity.
The Mother, Who Is Not One: Reflections Of Motherhood In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, The Tempest, And The Taming Of The Shrew
Authors: KARAMAN HATICE
Published: May 2015

The lack of proper motherhood in Shakespeare's plays has been a point of attraction for many feminist critics actively engaged in emphasizing the patriarchal aspect of Shakespeare's plays. This paper aims to analyze motherhood and the lack of mother/mother-figure in The Tempest,
Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew through Luce Irigaray's theory of gender and the work of other feminist critics. The issues of gender, father-daughter relations and the reflections of the absent mothers will be discussed. Male/Female Subjectivity will also be questioned, in view of Irigaray's conceptualization of gender by relating it to Subject.
21st Century South African Science Fiction
Authors: CARAIVAN LUIZA
Published: May 2015

The paper analyses some aspects of South African science fiction, starting with its beginnings in the 1920s and focusing on some 21st century writings. Thus Lauren Beukes’ novels Moxyland (2008) and Zoo City (2010) are taken into consideration in order to present new trends in South African literature and the way science fiction has been marked by Apartheid. The second South African science fiction writer whose writings are examined is Henrietta Rose-Innes (with her novel Nineveh, published in 2011) as this consolidates women's presence in the SF world.
Nineteenth Century Public And Private Spheres
Authors: SIMA REMINA
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the public and private spheres. The former represents the area in which each of us carries out their daily activities, while the latter is mirrored by the home. Kate Chopin and Charlotte Perkins Gilman are two salient nineteenth-century writers who shape the everyday life of the historical period they lived in, within their literary works that shed light on the areas under discussion.
Cambrian Trace Fossil Zoophycos from the Czech Republic
Authors: Doucek Jan , Mikuláš Radek
Published: May 2015

Lobate and helical ichnofossils attributable to Zoophycos found in Middle Cambrian shales of the Palác Hill in the Železné Hory Mountains (eastern Bohemia) represent the oldest occurrence of this ichnogenus. Such a complex Zoophycos became frequent during the Mesozoic but has been never recorded in strata older than the Ordovician. As such, they represent the oldest occurrence of helical Zoophycos. Besides Zoophycos isp. there is also a 15 cm thick sandy siltstone layer which is strongly bioturbated by Planolites isp., which seems unusual in a Lower Cambrian ichno-association.
Identification of a Buried Late Cenozoic Maar-Diatreme Structure (North Moravia, Czech Republic)
Authors: Šešulka Vojtěch , Sedláková Iva , Bábek OndŘej , PŘichystal Antonín
Published: May 2015

The maar-diatreme volcanic structure in the vicinity of the village of Lomnice near the town of Bruntál (North Moravia, Czech Republic) has been investigated using a set of geophysical methods including ground magnetometry, gravimetry and electrical resistivity tomography. The structure was detected by an aerial magnetic survey in the second half of the 20th century. Since its discovery only limited information about this buried structure has been available. The coherence of the magnetic anomaly of 190 nT and Bouguer anomaly of -4.7 mGal indicates a volcanic origin of the structure. The funnel-shaped maar-diatreme structure is filled with lacustrine clay and colluvium of Car-boniferous greywacke, which forms the country rock. The surface diameter of the structure is about 600 m, the depth is more than 400 m. The spatial association with other volcanic centers in the surroundings of the town of Bruntál infers the relative dating of the Lomnice maar. The phreatic eruption and maar-diatreme formation could be an indirect conse-quence of effusive activity of the nearby Velký Roudný volcano. The Lomnice structure is the first Plio-Pleistocene maar-diatreme ever described in North Moravia and Silesia.
Badanie wpływu domieszek żelaza na parametry barwy kopalin skaleniowo-kwarcowych po wypaleniu
Authors: LEWICKA EWA
Published: May 2015

Streszczenie

Artykuł przedstawia wyniki badań wybranych próbek kopaliny skaleniowo-kwarcowej z czterech złóż granitoidów w rejonie Sobótki: Pagórki Wschodnie, Pagórki Zachodnie, Strzeblów I i Stary Łom. Ich celem było ustalenie przyczyn zróżnicowania zabarwienia próbek o zbliżonym udziale Fe2O3 po wypaleniu w 1200°C. Charakterystykę mineralogiczną, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem noś-ników żelaza i innych pierwiastków barwiących, oraz skróconą analizę składu chemicznego kopalin z wymienionych złoż przeprowadzono w latach 2011–2012. Badania te nie dały jednoznacznej odpowiedzi na temat powodów różnej barwy próbek. Postulowano wówczas wykonanie pełnej analizy chemicznej na zawartość składnikow głównych oraz pierwiastków śladowych, która potwierdziłaby stawianą wówczas hipotezę o podwyższonym udziale innych niż żelazo pierwiastków barwiących w próbkach, tj. m.in.: Mn, Ce, Th, U, REE. Taka analiza, wraz z bardziej szczegółowymi obser-wacjami mikroskopowymi SEM połączonymi z pomiarami składu chemicznego w mikroobszarze (EDS) została przeprowadzona w ramach niniejszej pracy. Mimo, iż badania te wykazały obecność metali przejściowych w próbkach, ich zawartość uznano za zbyt małą, by można było wyłącznie z nią wiązać zróżnicowanie barwy. Brak prostej korelacji pomiędzy udziałem żelaza a parametrami barwy „L” i „a” badanych próbek może wskazywać na bardziej złożone przyczyny, tj. rózne pozycje strukturalne, wartościowość i koordynację kationów żelaza, przy równoczesnym oddziaływaniu jonów innych metali przejśćiowych, pierwiastków ziem rzadkich i aktynowców, wykrytych w strukturze minerałów w poszczególnych próbkach. Ich obecność może sprzyjać zjawisku absorpcji, skut-kując zmianą barwy.
Strategiczna karta wyników w ocenie integracji przedsiębiorstw górniczych
Authors: KUDEŁKO JAN , WIRTH HERBERT
Published: May 2015

Streszczenie

Strategiczna karta wyników jest jednym z podstawowych narzędzi zarządzania przedsiębiorstwem, którego działalność opisuje się standardowo w perspektywach: finansowej, klienta, procesów wewnętrznych i rozwoju. Przedstawia ona w sposób przyczynowo-skutkowy cele całej działalności przedsiębiorstwa i ich mierniki. Wzorując się na strategicznej karcie wyników stosowanej dla całego przedsiębiorstwa, zaproponowano analogiczną kartę do projekcji i oceny skutków integracji przedsiębiorstw. Integracja przedsiębiorstwa, a szczególnie fuzje i przejęcia są przedsięwzięciami inwestycyjnymi i dotycząjednego celu strategicznego, tj. rozwoju przedsiębiorstwa. W ramach tej aktywności do badania skutków integracji przedsiębiorstw zaproponowano bardziej szczegółowe obszary (perspektywy) obejmujące zagadnienia efektywności, zasobów, produktów i rynku oraz kompetencji.

W perspektywie efektywnościowej podstawowym miernikiem celu jest wzrost wartości przedsiębiorstwa macierzystego, ale także stosowane są uzupełniająco mierniki statyczne i dynamiczne. Do standardowych mierników statycznych należą wskaźniki rentowności, a do dynamicznych wartość zaktualizowana netto. W perspektywie zasobowej cele integracyjne upatruje się w aktywach geologiczno-górniczych, w szczególności w koncesjach na poszukiwanie, rozpoznanie i użytkowanie złóż. Zasadnicze wymiary oceny plasują się w makroekonomicznej i mikroekonomicznej lokalizacji oraz ocenie geologiczno-górniczej. W perspektywie produktowo-rynkowej cele integracyjne sytuują się w obszarze produktu i polegająna zwiększeniu wolumenu produkcji, wzbogaceniu jego użyteczności w tym cech jakościowych oraz nowych produktach związanych z dywersyfikają działań. Cele w obszarze rynkowym dotyczą zwiększenia bazy klientów przy czym korzysta się odpowiednio z analiz sektorowych lub portfelowych. Perspektywa kompetencyjna obejmuje wiele obszarów two-rzących wiedzę organizacyjną przedsiębiorstwa, na którą składa się mistrzostwo indywidualne, doświadczenie, umiejętność rozwiązywania problemów. Działania, których firma nie może zrealizować samodzielnie, zlecane są na zewnątrz. Zwrócono także uwagę na fakt, że jednym z podstawowych celów integracji przedsiębiorstw jest poszerzenie pola kompetencji.
Perivascular adipose tissue, inflammation and insulin resistance: link to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Lastra Guido , Manrique Camila
Published: May 2015

Obesity is a leading risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), however the underlying mechanisms still remain to be fully uncovered. It is now well accepted that dysfunctional adipose tissue in conditions of obesity is a critical source of inflammation that impacts the cardiovascular system and contributes to CVD. Although traditionally visceral adipose tissue has been linked to increased CVD risk, there is mounting interest in the role that fat accumulation around the vasculature plays in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is in intimate contact with large, medium and small diameter arterial beds in several tissues, and has been shown to control vascular function as well as remodeling. PVAT does not merely mirror visceral adipose tissue changes seen in obesity, but has unique features that impact vascular biology. In lean individuals PVAT exerts vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory functions, however obesity results in PVAT inflammation, characterized by imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cells as wells as adipokines. PVAT inflammation promotes insulin resistance in the vasculature, thus resulting in impaired insulin-mediated vasodilatory responses and vascular remodeling. In this review we address current knowledge about the mechanisms that link PVAT inflammation to insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction. Indeed, PVAT emerges as a novel type of adipose tissue that participates in the pathogenesis of CVD, independently to a large extent to visceral adipose tissue.
Retinol binding protein 4 and its membrane receptors: a metabolic perspective
Authors: Fedders Ronja , Muenzner Matthias , Schupp Michael
Published: May 2015

Nearly a decade of intense research has passed since the first report linking circulating retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) to the development of insulin resistance. By now, a variety of underlying mechanisms have been identified; some of them are adherent to the canonical role of this circulating protein, which is to transport and deliver retinol to target tissues, and others that seem rather independent of retinol transport. Despite all these efforts, a consensus in the basic principles of RBP4’s metabolic effects has not been reached and some controversy remains. Using this as an opportunity, we here review and discuss current data on RBP4’s action on insulin sensitivity and its dependency on retinol homeostasis. We pay special attention to the involvement of RBP4 membrane receptors that were identified during these years, such as ‘stimulated by retinoic acid 6’ (STRA6), and whose identification added another layer of complexity to RBP4’s diverse actions. A better understanding of RBP4’s functions might allow its therapeutic exploitations, urgently needed in our period that is defined by an epidemic increase in metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Using Network Metrics in Soccer: A Macro-Analysis
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Couceiro Micael Santos , Martins Fernando Manuel Lourenço , Mendes Rui Sousa
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to propose a set of network methods to measure the specific properties of a team. These metrics were organised at macro-analysis levels. The interactions between teammates were collected and then processed following the analysis levels herein announced. Overall, 577 offensive plays were analysed from five matches. The network density showed an ambiguous relationship among the team, mainly during the 2nd half. The mean values of density for all matches were 0.48 in the 1st half, 0.32 in the 2nd half and 0.34 for the whole match. The heterogeneity coefficient for the overall matches rounded to 0.47 and it was also observed that this increased in all matches in the 2nd half. The centralisation values showed that there was no ‘star topology’. The results suggest that each node (i.e., each player) had nearly the same connectivity, mainly in the 1st half. Nevertheless, the values increased in the 2nd half, showing a decreasing participation of all players at the same level. Briefly, these metrics showed that it is possible to identify how players connect with each other and the kind and strength of the connections between them. In summary, it may be concluded that network metrics can be a powerful tool to help coaches understand team’s specific properties and support decision-making to improve the sports training process based on match analysis.
A Comparison of Somatic Variables of Elite Ice Hockey Players from the Czech ELH and Russian KHL
Authors: Kutáč Petr , Sigmund Martin
Published: May 2015

The goals of this study were to evaluate the basic morphological variables of contemporary elite ice hockey players, compare the parameters of players in the top Russian ice hockey league (KHL) with those of the top Czech ice hockey league (ELH), and to evaluate the parameters of players according to their position in the game. The research participants included 30 KHL players (mean age: 27.1 ± 5.1 years) and 25 ELH players (mean age: 26.4 ± 5.8 years). We determined body height, body mass, and body composition (body fat, fat-free mass, segmental fat analysis). All measurements were performed at the end of preseason training. The KHL players had the following anthropometric characteristics: body height 182.97 ± 5.61 cm (forward) and 185.72 ± 3.57 cm (defenseman), body mass 89.70 ± 5.28 kg (forward) and 92.52 ± 4.01 kg (defenseman), body fat 10.76 ± 0.63 kg (forward) and 11.10 ± 0.48 kg (defenseman), fatfree mass 78.94 ± 4.65 kg (forward) and 81.42 ± 3.52 kg (defenseman). The values for ELH players were as follows: body height 182.06 ± 5.93 cm (forward) and 185.88 ± 7.13 cm (defenseman), body mass 88.47 ± 7.06 kg (forward) and 89.36 ± 10.91 kg (defenseman), body fat 12.57 ± 2.89 kg (forward) and 11.91 ± 3.10 kg (defenseman), fat-free mass 75.93 ± 6.54 kg (forward) and 77.46 ± 7.89 kg (defenseman). The results indicate that it is beneficial to ice hockey players to have increased body mass and lower body fat, which leads to higher muscle mass, thus enabling a player to perform at the highest level and meet the specific challenges of the game.
Detection of the Lactate Threshold in Runners: What is the Ideal Speed to Start an Incremental Test?
Authors: Dantas José Luiz , Doria Christian
Published: May 2015

Incremental tests on a treadmill are used to evaluate endurance athletes; however, no criterion exists to determine the intensity at which to start the test, potentially causing the loss of the first lactate threshold. This study aimed to determine the ideal speed for runners to start incremental treadmill tests. The study consisted of 94 runners who self-reported the average speed from their last competitive race (10-42.195 km) and performed an incremental test on a treadmill. The speeds used during the first three test stages were normalised in percentages of average competition speed and blood lactate concentration was analysed at the end of each stage. The relationship between speed in each stage and blood lactate concentration was analysed. In the first stage, at an intensity corresponding to 70% of the reported average race speed, only one volunteer had blood lactate concentration equal to 2 mmol·L-1, and in the third stage (90% of the average race speed) the majority of the volunteers had blood lactate concentration ≥2 mmol·L-1. Our results demonstrated that 70% of the average speed from the subject’s last competitive race - from 10 to 42.195 km - was the best option for obtaining blood lactate concentration <2 mmol·L-1 in the first stage, however, 80% of the average speed in marathons may be a possibility. Evaluators can use 70% of the average speed in competitive races as a strategy to ensure that the aerobic threshold intensity is not achieved during the first stage of incremental treadmill tests.
Oxygen consumption while standing with unstable shoe design
Authors: Gasser Benedikt A. , Stäuber Adrian M. , Lurmann Glenn , Breil Fabio A. , Hoppeler Hans H. , Vogt Michael
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This study explored the effects of unstable shoe design on oxygen consumption.

Methods

Oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured in 16 individuals while barefoot, wearing unstable shoes (Masai Barefoot Technology) and wearing conventional sport shoes while standing and walking on a treadmill and for 5 individuals while walking around a 400 m track.

Results

When wearing the MBT shoes, a significant (p < 0.01) increase of 9.3 ± 5.2% in VO2 was measured while standing quietly for 6 min. No differences in VO2 and HR were observed between the MBT shoes or weight-adjusted conventional shoes (to match the weight of the MBT shoes) while walking on a treadmill. However, significant increases (p < 0.01) in VO2 (4.4 ± 8.2%) and HR (3.6 ± 7.3%) were observed for the MBT shoes compared with being barefoot. No significant differences in VO2 and HR were recorded while walking around a 400 m track either with MBT shoes, weight-adjusted conventional shoes or barefoot. Nonetheless, a comparison of the MBT shoes with barefoot revealed a tendency for VO2 to be higher when wearing the MBT shoes (7.1 ± 6.5%, p < 0.1) although HR was not significantly affected.

Conclusions

The unstable shoe design predominantly effects oxygen consumption while standing, most likely due to increased muscle activity of the lower extremities.
Accuracy of replicating static torque and its effect on shooting accuracy in young basketball players
Authors: Struzik Artur , Rokita Andrzej , Pietraszewski Bogdan , Popowczak Marek
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Accurate shooting in basketball is a prerequisite for success. Coordination ability, one of the abilities that determine the repeatability of accurate shooting, is based on kinesthetic differentiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the strength component of kinesthetic differentiation ability and determine its relationship with shooting accuracy.

Methods

Peak muscle torque of the elbow extensors under static conditions was measured in 12 young basketball players. Participants then reproduced the same movement at a perceived magnitude of 25%, 50%, and 75% of static peak torque, with error scores calculated as a measure of kinesthetic differentiation. The results were compared with players’ field goal percentages calculated during game play in a regional championship.

Results

No statistically significant relationships were found between the level of kinesthetic differentiation ability and field goal percentage. Additionally, no upper limb asymmetry was found in the sample.

Conclusions

The relatively high levels of elbow static peak torque suggest the importance of upper limb strength in contemporary basketball. The lack of a statistically significant difference between the right and left limbs decreases the risk of suffering injury. It is likely that choosing other suitable tests would demonstrate the relationships between field goal percentage and kinesthetic differentiation ability.
Effects of varus orthotics on lower extremity kinematics during the pedal cycle
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Vincent Hayley , Taylor Paul John , Hebron Jack , Hurst Howard Thomas , Atkins Stephen
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Cycling has been shown to be associated with a high incidence of chronic pathologies. Foot orthoses are frequently used by cyclists in order to reduce the incidence of chronic injuries. The aim of the current investigation was to examine the influence of different varus orthotic inclines on the three-dimensional kinematics of the lower extremities during the pedal cycle.

Methods

Kinematic information was obtained from ten male cyclists using an eight-camera optoelectronic 3-D motion capture system operating at 250 Hz. Participants cycled with and without orthotic intervention at three different cadences (70, 90 and 110 RPM). The orthotic device was adjustable and four different wedge conditions (0 mm - no orthotic, 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm) were examined. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare the kinematic parameters obtained as a function of orthotic inclination and cadence. Participants were also asked to subjectively rate their comfort in cycling using each of the four orthotic devices on a 10-point Likert scale.

Results

The kinematic analysis indicated that the orthotic device had no significant influence at any of the three cadences. Analysis of subjective preferences showed a clear preference for the 0 mm, no orthotic, condition.

Conclusions

This study suggests that foot orthoses do not provide any protection from skeletal malalignment issues associated with the aetiology of chronic cycling injuries.
Evaluation of barefoot running in preadolescent athletes
Authors: Pilianidis Theophilos , Mantzouranis Nikolaos , Siachos Nikolaos
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The literature shows few studies on shod and unshod running performance in athletes, with most limited to laboratory settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate preadolescent 1000 m running performance when barefoot and in running spikes or training shoes.

Methods

A sample of 22 boys and 21 girls aged 10.6 ± 1.1 years was recruited. Anthropometric data and VO2max were recorded when completing the three study protocols in a counter balanced design. Student’s t tests were applied to compare mean 1000 m finish times while ANOVA was used to evaluate sex differences between the protocols. Pearson's correlation analysis measured interactions between the finish times, anthropometric variables, and VO2max.

Results

Running performance with spikes (4.58 min) was significantly better than with training shoes (5.21 min) and barefoot (5.18 min). Male 1000 m times were overall better than the females. A substantial effect of VO2max and body fat on performance was found in all protocols.

Conclusions

Preadolescent endurance performance was not significantly different between training shoes and barefoot; this may serve as an incentive for future research on the training of developmental age runners.
Positioning Accuracy Analysis of the Parallel Mechanism Near Singular Positions
Authors: Bałchanowski J.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a method of numerical modelling of parallel mechanisms with clearances in their kinematic pairs taken into account. The pairs with clearances are modelled as shape connections based on constraints in the form of contact interactions. Using the created models simulations were run to determine the positioning errors of the links in a parallel mechanism with three degrees of freedom (MR2120). In particular, the accuracy of positioning the links close to the mechanism singular configurations was studied.
Study of Dynamic Buckling of FG Plate Due to Heat Flux Pulse
Authors: Czechowski L.
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with a FEM analysis of dynamic buckling of functionally graded clamped plates under heat flux loading with huge power. The materials of structures as well as their properties are varying in each layer across the plate thickness formulated by the power law distribution. The heat flux was applied evenly to the whole ceramic surface. The analysis was developed in the ANSYS 14.5 software. The duration of the heat flux loading equal to a period of natural fundamental flexural vibrations of given structures was taken into consideration. To implement large deflections of structures, the Green-Lagrange nonlinear-displacement equations and the incremental Newton-Raphson algorithm were applied. An evaluation of the dynamic response of structures was carried out on basis of the Budiansky-Hutchinson criterion. The studies were conducted for different volume fraction distributions and different shapes of the heat flux loading. The computation results of the heat flux versus maximal plate deflection are shown and discussed.
Role of Induced Magnetic Field on Transient Natural Convection Flow in a Vertical Channel: The Riemann Sum Approximation Approach
Authors: Jha B.K. , Sani I.
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the role of induced magnetic field on a transient natural convection flow of an electrically conducting, incompressible and viscous fluid in a vertical channel formed by two infinite vertical parallel plates. The transient flow formation inside the channel is due to sudden asymmetric heating of channel walls. The time dependent momentum, energy and magnetic induction equations are solved semi-analytically using the Laplace transform technique along with the Riemann-sum approximation method. The solutions obtained are validated by comparisons with the closed form solutions obtained for the steady states which have been derived separately and also by the implicit finite difference method. Graphical results for the temperature, velocity, induced magnetic field, current density, and skin-friction based on the semi-analytical solutions are presented and discussed.
Analysis of Brace Stiffness Influence on Stability of the Truss
Authors: Krajewski M. , Iwicki P.
Published: May 2015

The paper is devoted to the numerical and experimental research of stability of a truss with side elastic supports at the top chord. The structure is a model of a real roof truss scaled by factor ¼. The linear buckling analysis and non-linear static analysis were carried out. The buckling length factor for the compressed top chord was calculated and the limit load for the imperfect truss shell model with respect to brace stiffness was obtained. The relation between brace normal force and loading of the truss is presented. The threshold stiffness of braces necessary to obtain the maximum buckling load was found. The truss load bearing capacity obtained from numerical analysis was compared with Eurocode 3 requirements.
Ex Vivo and in Silico Study of Human Common Carotid Arteries Pressure Response in Physiological and Inverted State
Authors: Piechna A. , Cieślicki K. , Lombarski L. , Ciszek B.
Published: May 2015

Arterial walls are a multilayer structures with nonlinear material characteristics. Furthermore, residual stresses exist in unloaded state (zero-pressure condition) and they affect arterial behavior. To investigate these phenomena a number of theoretical and numerical studies were performed, however no experimental validation was proposed and realized yet. We cannot get rid of residual stresses without damaging the arterial segment. In this paper we propose a novel experiment to validate a numerical model of artery with residual stresses. The inspiration for our study originates from experiments made by Dobrin on dogs’ arteries (1999). We applied the idea of turning the artery inside out. After such an operation the sequence of layer is reversed and the residual stresses are re-ordered. We performed several pressure-inflation tests on human Common Carotid Arteries (CCA) in normal and inverted configurations. The nonlinear responses of arterial behavior were obtained and compared to the numerical model. Computer simulations were carried out using the commercial software which applied the finite element method (FEM). Then, these results were discussed.
Capability Building and Learning: An Emergent Behavior Approach
Authors: Andreu Rafael , Riverola Josep , Mª Rosanas Josep , Santiago Rafael de
Published: May 2015

Economics-based models of firms typically overlook management acts and capability development. We propose a model that analyzes the aggregate behavior of a population of firms resulting from both specific management decisions and learning processes, that induce changes in companies’ capabilities. Decisions are made under imperfect information and bounded rationality, and managers may sacrifice short-term performance in exchange for qualitative outcomes that affect their firm’s future potential. The proposed model provides a structured setting in which these issues -often discussed only informally- can be systematically analyzed through simulation, producing a variety of hard-to-anticipate emergent behaviors. Economic performance is quite sensitive to managers’ estimates of their firms’ capabilities, and companies willing to sacrifice short-run results for future potential appear to be more stable than the rest. Also, bounded rationality can produce chaotic dynamics reminiscent of real life situations.
Burn the house, save the day: pyroptosis in pathogen restriction
Authors: Boucher Dave , Chen Kaiwen W. , Schroder Kate
Published: May 2015

Many programmed cell death pathways are essential for organogenesis, development, immunity and the maintenance of homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Pyroptosis, a highly proinflammatory form of cell death, is a critical innate immune response to prevent intracellular infection. Pyroptosis is induced upon the activation of proinflammatory caspases within macromolecular signalling platforms called inflammasomes. This article reviews our understanding of pyroptosis induction, the function of inflammatory caspases in pyroptosis execution, and the importance of pyroptosis for pathogen clearance. It also highlights the situations in which extensive pyroptosis may in fact be detrimental to the host, leading to immune cell depletion or cytokine storm. Current efforts to understand the beneficial and pathological roles of pyroptosis bring the promise of new approaches to fight infectious diseases.
Effect of supplemental UV-A irradiation in solid-state lighting on the growth and phytochemical content of microgreens
Authors: Brazaitytė A. , Viršilė A. , Jankauskienė J. , Sakalauskienė S. , Samuolienė G. , Sirtautas R. , Novičkovas A. , Dabašinskas L. , Miliauskienė J. , Vaštakaitė V. , Bagdonavičienė A. , Duchovskis P.
Published: May 2015

In this study, we sought to find and employ positive effects of UV-A irradiation on cultivation and quality of microgreens. Therefore, the goal of our study was to investigate the influence of 366, 390, and 402 nm UV-A LED wavelengths, supplemental for the basal solid-state lighting system at two UV-A irradiation levels on the growth and phytochemical contents of different microgreen plants. Depending on the species, supplemental UV-A irradiation can improve antioxidant properties of microgreens. In many cases, a significant increase in the investigated phytochemicals was found under 366 and 390 nm UV-A wavelengths at the photon flux density (12.4 μmol m-2 s-1). The most pronounced effect of supplemental UV-A irradiation was detected in pak choi microgreens. Almost all supplemental UV-A irradiation treatments resulted in increased leaf area and fresh weight, in higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging activity, total phenols, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol.
Modification of sandy soil hydrophysical environment through bagasse additive under laboratory experiment
Authors: Abd El-Halim A.A. , Kumlung Arunsiri
Published: May 2015

Until now sandy soils can be considered as one roup having common hydrophysical problems. Therefore, a laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of bagasse as an amendment to improve hydrophysical properties of sandy soil, through the determination of bulk density, aggregatesize distribution, total porosity, hydraulic conductivity, pore-space structure and water retention. To fulfil this objective, sandy soils were amended with bagasse at the rate of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4% on the dry weight basis. The study results demonstrated that the addition of bagasse to sandy soils in between 3 to 4% on the dry weight basis led to a significant decrease in bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, and rapid-drainable pores, and increase in the total porosity, water-holding pores, fine capillary pores, water retained at field capacity, wilting point, and soil available water as compared with the control treatment
Moisture-induced changes of mass and dimension characteristics in some cereal grains
Authors: Blahovec Jiri , Lahodová Magdalena
Published: May 2015

The seeds of barley, oat, rye, and two varieties of wheat were studied during wetting thereof with special respect to changes in their mass and dimensions. Two levels of wetting were used: 6-h wetting close to the end of imbibition, and 24-h wetting close to the start of germination. The results of these experiments show that the measured quantities can be well described by the Gaussian distribution. Gaussian distribution is applied for description of the wetting effects that can be well approximated also by a second-degree polynomial of the initial state. Even though an increase in the mass, length, width, and thickness was the main effect of wetting, opposite trends in some dimensionally dependent cases were also observed. Drying of the wetted specimens led to a state that differed only slightly (less than 1%) from the initial state. Among the dimensional characteristics, the highest changes were observed in the grain length.
Evaluation of canola chlorophyll index and leaf nitrogen under wide range of soil moisture
Authors: Meskini-Vishkaee Fatemeh , Mohammadi Mohammad Hosein , Neyshabouri Mohammad Reza , Shekari Farid
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a study on the effect of soil matric suction on the variation of leaf chlorophyll index and nitrogen concentration of canola. Results showed that chlorophyll index increases exponentially with soil matric suction, especially at the late season of canola growing time. At moderate matric suction (200 and 300 kPa soil suction heads), chlorophyll index remains nearly constant, but in drier soil (matric suction >300 kPa), chlorophyll index increases gradually with time. Despite the variation of the total leaf nitrogen with the soil matric suction, it is similar to the variation of the chlorophyll index, but the results showed that the chlorophyll index - nitrogen concentration curve has a demarcated bi-modal shape. We suggest that 2.7% of nitrogen and 69.8 of the chlorophyll index value represent the upper limit of the chlorophyll meter reliability for estimation of canola nitrogen under a wide range of soil moisture levels. These results confirm that the chlorophyll meter can be used as an effective tool for rapid and non-destructive estimation of the relative chlorophyll and nitrogen content in canola leaves at a wide range of soil moisture content, except for nearly wilting coefficient or extremely high drought stress
Determination of physical, mechanical, and structural seed properties of pepper cultivars
Authors: Alibas Ilknur , Koksal Nezihe
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to determine various physical, mechanical, and structural characteristics of seed of pepper cultivars Yağlık Kapya, Demre Sivri, Yalova Carliston, Kandil Dolma, and Cin Sus Yediveren, which are grown extensively in Turkey, with initial moisture content ranging between 7.03 and 7.21% (w.b.). Width, length, and thickness were found to be in the range of 3.00-3.72, 3.43-4.40, and 0.66-0.82 mm, respectively. It was revealed that sphericity of the seeds of Yağlık Kapya, Demre Sivri, Yalova Carliston, Kandil Dolma, and Cin Sus Yediveren were 51, 57, 56, 51 and 57%, respectively. In terms of the roundness which ranges between 76 and 85% depending on pepper cultivars. The aspect ratio of Yağlık Kapya, Demre Sivri, Yalova Carliston, Kandil Dolma, and Cin Sus Yediveren were determined to be 84.60, 88.04, 94.43, 85.55, and 87.67%, respectively. It was also noted that the porosity of the pepper seeds was in the range of 44.94-49.61%. Besides, we found that as the weight of pepper seeds increased, their terminal velocity increased accordingly, and thus terminal velocities were found to be 2.87-4.66 m s-1. In the current study, the static friction angle and coefficients of the cultivars were determined by means of six different plates including aluminium, stainless steel, galvanized iron, rubber, glass, and plywood. The plywood plate was found to be the least slippery; consequently, the static friction angle and coefficient were determined to be the highest for the plywood plate.
Integration of Image and Laser Scanning Data Based on Selected Example
Authors: Mikrut Sławomir , Moskal Agnieszka , Marmol Urszula
Published: May 2015

The paper aims at presentation of results of research on integration of image and laser data based on selected example. Since a few years the authors have been conducting research on processing image data, and those obtained from laser scanning in the form of the so-called point cloud. In experiments data from terrestrial and mobile laser scanning gained for two different objects were compared: a parish house from Goźlice located in the open-air ethnographic museum at the village of Tokarnia, Poland, and part of the Cracow-Warsaw railway line. The results of those experiments proved that data in the form of point cloud were not always sufficient for a precise 3D model reconstruction. Supplementing point clouds with photogrammetric images seems to be the best solution.
Color Analysis Supporting a Traffic Flow Measurement Based on Optical Flow
Authors: Pawlik Piotr , Bubliński Zbigniew , Głowacz Andrzej
Published: May 2015

The aim of this work was to develop an algorithm for estimating the waiting time of the cars stopped before the intersection in a traffic flow measurement system (based on optical flow), which does not require the generation of the background and allows to calculation in real time. The proposed method performs analysis in HSV color space - a mask generated from S component is applied to H component. In this way a background - an asphalt and horizontal whitespace - is eliminated. The result of this operation is combined with data from optical flow to detect the vehicles which should be tracked.
A Competitive Study of Graph Reduction Methods for Min S-T Cut Image Segmentation
Authors: Węgliński Tomasz , Fabijańska Anna , Goclawski Jarosław
Published: May 2015

When applied to the segmentation of 3D medical images, graph-cut segmentation algorithms require an extreme amount of memory and time resources in order to represent the image graph and to perform the necessary processing on the graph. These requirements actually exclude the graph-cut based approaches from their practical application. Hence, there is a need to develop the dedicated graph size reduction methods. In this paper, several techniques for the graph size reduction are proposed. These apply the idea of superpixels. In particular, two methods for superpixel creation are introduced. The results of applying the proposed methods to the segmentation of CT datasets using min-cut/max-flow algorithm are presented, compared and discussed.
Color-Aware Packet Marking Based on H.264AVC Coder Extensions for Improved Video Quality
Authors: Przylucki Slawomir
Published: May 2015

In recent years there is a noticeable trend to implement the video transmission systems based on shared IP networks. At the same time new generations of video codecs such as H.264 are used in industrial installations. This situation forces the need for consideration of methods for efficient video transmission in industrial networks such as surveillance, identification and control systems. The first part of the article discusses the features of modern video codecs, relevant to the streaming applications. Attention is focused on the extensions of the H.264 standard that increase the error-resilience, particularly Data Partitioning (DP) and Flexible Macroblock Ordering (FMO). Next, the principles of prioritization of the video traffic based on the DiffServ architecture is discussed. In this context, separated section presents in detail the rules for packets marking which enable appropriate forwarding the video data. This information is referenced to current recommendations and technical standards. Next the performance of several classical packet marking algorithms and their possible modifications using FMO- and DP-based errorresilience configurations of H.264 are verified in simulations.
The Romanian Migrants in Spain. An Exceptional Migratory Flow
Authors: Martínez Rafael Viruela
Published: May 2015

The Romanian population is the most important foreign population in Spain. Romanian migrants are characterized by their large number (about 800.000 residents and 268.000 contract workers) and their rapid growth. The economic and labour motivation for migration determines their geographical distribution, with high numbers of Romanian migrants in cities and in areas of agricultural, industrial and tourist industries. However, a high proportion of Romanian migrants also live in small towns and rural areas. Most of them were already illegal migrants when Romania entered the EU and they became EU citizens. From January 1st 2009, these once illegal migrants now have full freedom of employment in Spain. They adapt to circumstances of each period of time, in order to enter or to remain in the Spanish labour market. Most work in construction and agriculture as well as domestic services, trade, tourism and industries. The current economic crisis and the resulting unemployment have raised the issue of return migration to Romania.
Architectural Firms in Transylvania. Objective Positions and Field Positioning
Authors: Pop Cristian
Published: May 2015

I will discuss in this article the dynamics of business groups, using the case of architects from three Transylvanian cities (Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Brasov with emphasis on Cluj-Napoca). The architecture companies successfully represent the current trends of company organization in dynamic contexts, generated by the market changes, where services become the most important products of large cities. Using a sample of 375 architectural companies from these cities that employ 616 persons, I outline a field model inspired by Bourdieu’s work. My argument is that the large number of actors in the architectural networks from Cluj-Napoca is explained by the different forms of educational, economic, social and politic capital mobilized to create competitive companies and to survive within an instable post-socialist economic environment. Moreover, the internal structure of network organization from Cluj-Napoca is based on the usage of different types of available capital.
‘Serious girls’, prostitutes and ‘whores’. Calling genders to order
Authors: Maia Marta
Published: May 2015

The sexual representations and the sexual experiences of individuals are marked by the gender they belong to, which induces social roles and differentiated ideals and determines behaviours, namely those that concern the body and sexuality. The speeches of young people questioned in an ethnological investigation on sexual representations in the Eastern suburb of Paris, denounce the opposition between feminine and masculine values, and show the difference between the representations and behaviours of young males and females. The speeches of young people denote a distinction between the ‘serious girl’, the prostitute and the ‘whore’, which marks a hierarchy of moral values, in relation to their behaviour in general and to their sexual behaviour in particular.
The Metamorphosis of Tea. Teahouses and Tea shops in Bucharest
Authors: Luca Gabriela
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the increase of public, non-domestic tea consumption in Bucharest. In order to offer a full picture, I approached the consumer engines in terms of both teahouses’ owners and consumers. I found that most entrepreneurs have established their business in an effort to have a place of their own, quiet, where to practice their passions with people who share the same values and interests. Consumers, in turn, are attracted primarily by the interior space of the teahouses. Their reasons are the most diverse: for relaxation and dreaming, to escape from the city’s violent stimuli, for introspection, for new bodily experiences, to strengthen or build friendship, romantic or business relationships, as well as for the ‘dream’ characteristics of the teahouses’ environment. Both the teahouses’ owners and their consumers may be regarded as varieties of prosumers.
Should You Accept a Friends Request From Your Mother? And Other Filipino Dilemmas
Authors: Miller Daniel , Madianou Mirca
Published: May 2015

This paper uses the concept of ‘cutting the network’ derived from the work of Marilyn Strathern to examine the relationship between two kinds of social network, that of kinship and the system of friends constructed on social networking sites. Specifically the material comes from a study of Filipina domestic workers and nurses in the UK and their relationship to their left behind children in the Philippines. A bilateral system of kinship can lead to a proliferation of relatives, while the use of the Friendster social networking site can lead to a proliferation of friends. It is when these two systems clash following the request by one's mother to become a friend that the constraints and problems posed by both systems comes into view. Cases show that it is possible to use social networking sites to help mothers become close friends for their absent children, but more commonly the increasing presence of actual mothers through new media disrupts the relationships that children had developed for themselves to a idealised projection of motherhood.