bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength properties and dimensional stability of particleboards with different proportions of thermally treated recycled pine particles
Authors: Andrade Paulo Ivan , Araújo Solange de Oliveira , Neiva Duarte Miranda , Vital Benedito Rocha , Oliveira Carneiro Angélica de Cássia , Gominho Jorge , Pereira Helena
Published: September 2015

Wood-based panels made of waste and recycled raw material are lacking of dimensional stability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of heat treatment (HT) on the properties of particleboards produced from waste of Pinus sp. used for packaging. The wood particles were heat treated at 180°C, 200°C and 220°C after grinding, and panels were produced with incorporation of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% HT particles. The materials served as reference were particles without HT. Mass loss at 180°C and 200°C was small but increased significantly to 10.6% at 220°C. The HT caused a partial degradation of hemicelluloses, thereby the relative lignin content increased from 29.7% to 37.8% for the HT220°C samples. Thermogravimetry revealed higher thermal stability of the HT particles. The equilibrium moisture content decreased with HT, e.g. panels with HT220°C showed 30% lower compared to the reference. Swelling of the panels was lowered by 30% (panel with 75% HT material) compared to the reference. The results with HT pine were successful in terms of dimensional stability and lower hygroscopicity; however, the panels lost some strength properties.
Scattering Of Internal Waves By Vertical Barrier In A Channel Of Stratified Fluid
Authors: Dolai P.
Published: September 2015

The problem of two dimensional internal wave scattering by a vertical barrier in the form of a submerged plate, or a thin wall with a gap in an exponentially stratified fluid of uniform finite depth bounded by a rigid plane at the top, is considered in this paper. Assuming linear theory and the Boussinesq approximation, the problem is formulated in terms of the stream function. In the regions of the two sides of the vertical barrier, the scattered stream function is represented by appropriate eigen function expansions. By the use of appropriate conditions on the barrier and the gap, a dual series relation involving the unknown elements of the scattering matrix is produced. By defining a function with these unknown elements as its Fourier sine expansion series, it is found that this function satisfies a Carleman type integral equation on the barrier whose solution is immediate. The elements of the scattering matrix are then obtained analytically as well as numerically corresponding to any mode of the incident internal wave train for each barrier configuration. A comparison with earlier results available in the literature shows good agreement. To visualize the effect of the barrier on the fluid motion, the stream lines for an incident internal wave train at the lowest mode are plotted.
Portable Heat Pump Testing Device
Authors: Kłosowiak R. , Bartoszewicz J. , Urbaniak R.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this paper is to present the design and working principle of a portable testing device for heat pumps in the energy recirculation system. The presented test stand can be used for any refrigerating/reverse flow cycle device to calculate the device energy balance. The equipment is made of two portable containers of the capacity of 250 liters to simulate the air heat source and ground heat source with a system of temperature stabilization, compressor heat pump of the coefficient of performance (COP) of = 4.3, a failsafe system and a control and measurement system.
Determinants influencing the amount of asbestos-cement roofing in Poland
Authors: Wilk Ewa , Krówczyńska Małgorzata , Pabjanek Piotr
Published: September 2015

Because of its harmfulness to human health, asbestos has been banned in 55 countries, including the EU. In Poland, the use and production of asbestos and asbestos-containing products has been forbidden since 1997. However, there is no precise data about the amount of asbestos-containing products to be eliminated from the territory of Poland. This survey aims to identify characteristics that have a significant impact on the estimation of asbestos-containing products used in Poland. Statistical correlation between the results of the physical inventory count done in 155 municipalities was examined. As a result of the survey it was found that the amount of asbestos-cement roofing depends on the following factors: the number of individual farms in the village, the distance from the asbestos manufacturing plants, the age of the buildings and the economic situation of municipality. The results obtained may contribute to the ability to predict the amount of asbestos-containing products used in other municipalities.
Preparation, structure and optical properties of transparent conducting gallium-doped zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Gu J. H. , Lu Z. , Long L. , Zhong Z. Y. , Yang C. Y. , Hou J.
Published: September 2015

Highly conductive gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) transparent thin films were deposited on glass substrates by RF mag­netron sputtering. The deposited films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), four-point probe and UV-Vis spectrophotometer, respectively. The effect of growth temperature on the structure and optoelectrical properties of the films was investigated. The results demonstrate that high quality GZO films oriented with their crystal­lographic c-axis perpendicular to the substrates are obtained. The structure and optoelectrical properties of the films are highly dependent on the growth temperature. It is found that with increasing growth temperature, the average visible transmittance of the deposited films is enhanced and the residual stress in the thin films is obviously relaxed. The GZO films deposited at the growth temperature of 400°C, which have the largest grain size (74.3 nm), the lowest electrical resistivity (1.31×10-3 Ω·cm) and the maximum figure of merit (1.46×1O-2Ω-1), exhibit the best optoelectrical properties. Furthermore, the optical proper­ties of the deposited films were determined by the optical characterization methods and the optical energy-gaps were evaluated by extrapolation method. A blue shift of the optical energy gap is observed with an increase in the growth temperature.
Effects of partial Co replacement by Fe in Sr0.775Y0.225CoO3-δ on its magnetic property, oxygen deficiency and crystal structure
Authors: Sutjahja I.M. , Berthalita F. , Mustaqima M. , Nugroho A.A. , Tjia M.O.
Published: September 2015

A study has been conducted on the effects of partial, 10 % Co substitution by Fe in the perovskite Sr0.775Y0.225CoO3-δ compound. The XRD data show that the resulted samples of Fe-free and Fe-doped compounds exhibit good 314 single phase quality with a tetragonal I4/mmm crystal structure. The measured M-T curves display the typical feature of ferromagnetic (FM) transition at 335 K for the Fe-free sample, while showing significantly degraded FM ordering for the 10 % Fe-doped sample. The oxygen deficiency determined fro|m our 10 % Fe doped sample is found to decrease by only 0.025. Further detailed analysis of the XRD data also reveals distinctly different structural changes in the Co-O slabs compared to the 50 % Fe-doped sample which exhibits a complete suppression of FM order. The results of this study, thus, have revealed the close relations among the changes induced by Fe doping in the magnetic ordering of crystal, and its oxygen content as well as the associated local structure in the Co-O layers responsible for the magnetic properties in the compound.
Alcohol-Related Sickness Absence of Young Employees in Norway: The Impact of Social Roles and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Schou Line , Birkelund Gunn Elisabeth
Published: September 2015

Aims

First, to establish whether there are differences in alcohol-related sickness absence according to socioeconomic status and family situation among young employees in Norway. Second, if differences are found, to assess whether they can be attributed mainly to differences in drinking patterns.

Methods

A sample of young, employed adults was obtained from the fourth wave of the Young in Norway study (2005) and the data were merged with registry data from Statistics Norway (N =1611). The data were analysed using cross tables and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Being male, single, not having children and having a low income were associated with alcohol-related sickness absence, but the association was not significant on education and social status. Introducing frequencies of drinking and drinking to intoxication in the regression model attenuated some associations with alcohol-related sickness absence.

Conclusion

Alcohol-related sickness absence is more common among people who are single and without children, and more common among men than women. With the exception of income, socioeconomic factors do not seem to be important. The differences between groups appear to be only partly a result of different drinking patterns.
Revising Whitehead’s Notion of Society in the Light of Contemporary Physics
Authors: Pugliese Marc A.
Published: September 2015

This article argues that Joseph A. Bracken’s revisions of Alfred North Whitehead’s derivative notion of “society” are plausible in view of developments in physics since Whitehead. In particular, Bracken argues that Whitehead’s derivative notion of “society” should rather be a category of existence equiprimordial with “actual entity,” and that contemporary actual entities in concrescence do influence each other as they directly prehend the society as a nexus. The article begins with Whitehead’s view of the metaphysical project as empirical, tentative, and subject to ongoing revision. Next, the essay explains Whitehead’s view of societies and contemporary actual entities. Following this is a survey of developments in physics since Whitehead that are relevant to his understanding of “society” and contemporary actual entities. The article then explains how Bracken differs from Whitehead on these points and argues that the physics developments corroborate Bracken’s proposed revisions to Whitehead. The essay ends with a restatement of Whitehead’s view of metaphysics as provisional and in need of ongoing revision.
Biological removal of nickel (II) by Bacillus sp. KL1 in different conditions: optimization by Taguchi statistical approach
Authors: Taran Mojtaba , Sisakhtnezhad Sajjad , Azin Tahereh
Published: September 2015

Bioremediation is the removal of heavy-metals such as nickel (Ni) using microorganisms and has been considered as an important field in the biotechnology. Isolation and characterization of microorganisms exhibiting bioremediation activities and their optimization to treat polluted wastewaters is a vital and difficult task in remediation technologies. In this study, investigation was carried out to isolate Ni (II) remediating microbial strains from soils contaminated with municipal solid waste leachate. Furthermore, Taguchi design of experiments were used to evaluate the influence of concentration, pH, temperature, and time on bioremediation of Ni (II) using isolated bacteria. This study concluded that Bacillus sp. KL1 is a Ni (II)-resistant strain and had Ni (II) bioremediation activity. The highest bioremediation of Ni (II) was observed as 55.06% after 24 h at 30ºC, pH 7, and 100 ppm concentration. Moreover, it was also observed that concentration is the most effective factor in the bioremediation process. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that bacteria isolated from soils contaminated with garbage leachate have the Bacillus sp. KL1 bacteria which can efficiently uptake and eliminate Ni (II) from contaminated sites and thus makes it possible to treat heavy-metal containing wastewaters in industry by using this microorganism at optimized conditions.
Mechanical and thermal properties of PP/PBT blends compatibilized with triblock thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Ignaczak Wojciech , Wiśniewska Kinga , Janik Jolanta , Fray Mirosława El
Published: September 2015

A linear triblock copolymer, poly(styrene-b-etylene/butylene-b-styrene)(SEBS) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) grafted with maleic anhydride was used for compatibilization of PP/PBT blends. PP/PBT blends of different mass ratios 60/40, 50/50, 40/60 were mixed with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt.% of SEBS copolymer in a twin screw extruder. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to define the phase structure of PP/PBT blends. TPE with a rubbery mid-block shifted the glass transition of PP/PBT blend towards lower temperatures, and significant decrease the crystallization temperature of a crystalline phase of PP component was observed. The influence of the amount of compatibilizer and the blend composition on the mechanical properties (tensile and flexural strengths, toughness and moduli) was determined. Addition of 5 wt.% of a triblock TPE led to a three-fold increase of PP/PBT toughness. A significant increase of impact properties was observed for all materials compatibilized with the highest amount of SEBS copolymer.
Adsorption of penicillin by decaffeinated tea waste
Authors: Gharbani Parvin , Mehrizad Ali , Jafarpour Ismail
Published: September 2015

Removal of penicillin has been investigated using decaffeinated tea waste (DCTW). Decaffeination of tea waste was investigated using different methods. Results indicate that ozonation was the most effective process for removal of penicillin. Batch adsorption experiments were completed at various temperatures (20, 30, and 40°C), DCTW dosages (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g per 250 mL), penicillin concentrations (4, 10, and 14 mg/L), and pH (3, 7, and 10) conditions. Studies showed that adsorption reaches equilibrium within 40 min. The main factor affecting adsorption of penicillin was the solution pH, with maximum adsorption occurring at pH 3. Higher adsorbent dosages and lower penicillin concentrations also resulted in higher percentages of penicillin removal. Results show that data obeyed the pseudo-first-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. This process proves that low-cost DCTW could be used as a high performance adsorbent for removing penicillin from aqueous solutions.
Hydrodynamics of Pilot Plant Scale Airlift Reactor in Presence of Alcohols
Authors: Nandi Somnath , Jaju Someshwar J.
Published: September 2015

The overall gas hold-up of a pilot plant scale internal loop airlift reactor was studied in presence of different alcohols in varied concentration. It has been observed that these simple alcohols can enhance overall gas hold-up of the airlift assembly possibly due to formation of protective thin layer over smaller gas bubbles thereby reducing chance of their coalescence. As the alcohols can be used as food source for the micro organisms present in the system, this green and environment friendly process have potential to replace usage of hazardous surfactants often used for enhancing overall hold-up in order to obtain desired mass transfer characteristics. An empirical relationship encompassing overall gas hold-up of the reactor as a function of superficial gas velocity and alcohol concentration is also developed.
Immunotoxin – a new treatment option in patients with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Novakovic Barbara Jezersek
Published: September 2015

Background. Even though Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable disease, some of the patients have either a refractory disease or experience a relapse following a successful primary therapy. Durable responses and remissions in patients with relapsed or refractory disease may be achieved in approximately one-half with salvage chemotherapy followed by high dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (SCT). On the other hand, patients who relapse after HDT and autologous SCT or those who have failed at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens and are not candidates for HDT have limited treatment options.

Conclusions. A new treatment option in this population is an immunotoxin Brentuximab vedotin composed of a CD30 directed antibody linked to the antitubulin agent monomethyl auristatin E. It has demonstrated a substantial effectiveness and an acceptable toxicity. In the pivotal study, the overall response rate was 75% with 34% of complete remissions. The median durations of response were 20.5 and 6.7 months for those with complete remission and all responding patients, respectively. The median overall survival was 40.5 months (3-years overall survival 54%) and the median progression-free survival 9.3 months. The most common non-hematologic toxicities were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, and fatigue while the most common severe side effects were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and peripheral sensory neuropathy.
Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm treated by combined endovascular - microsurgical techniques
Authors: Chiriac A. , Ion Georgiana , Dobrin N. , Poeata I.
Published: September 2015

Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms are rare lesions that still represent a challenge from diagnosis and treatment point of view. Giant complex aneurysms of extracranial internal carotid artery are usually completely excluded by surgical approaches. We present a case of a patient with an extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm treated by a combined treatment, along with a short review of this pathology.
A Model Dinosaur
Authors: Lettieri Michael
Published: September 2015

This article explores the career of Rubén Figueroa, who, as governor of Guerrero, came to represent a classic regional boss during the latter part of the PRI regime. It examines how and why upwardly mobile actors built extensive personal networks and it offers a discussion of the nature of political power under the PRI. It advances three arguments: that effective networks were socially and spatially diverse, tying provincial aspirations to Mexico City’s corporatist politics; that these broad networks were important because of the regime’s particular metrics of “political strength;” and that this system articulated a distinctive power that linked capital and province.

Este artículo examina la carrera política de Rubén Figueroa, quien llegó a ser visto como un cacique típico durante el régimen del pri. Explorando por qué los aspirantes al poder construyeron redes personales y cómo esas redes fueron fundamentales para el poder priísta, se argumenta: que las redes que fueron efectivas eran diversas tanto en lo social como en lo espacial, y que ligaron las aspiraciones regionales a la política corporativista de la ciudad de México; que esas redes fueron importantes por la interpretación singular priísta de la “fuerza política”; y que esos entendimientos iluminan la naturaleza de poder político bajo el pri.
Considerations on assisted resilience and individualized therapy in bipolar affective disorder, with a clinical case exemplification
Authors: Bolos Alexandra
Published: September 2015

Morbidity, mortality and economic consequences of bipolar affective disorder are very important to be evaluated because many of the costs entailed by this psychiatric disorder come from indirect costs due to inadequate diagnosis and treatment and from the characteristics of the affective symptoms itself. Psychotherapy focuses on diagnosis and the newest pharmacotherapy determines a decreasing of the morbidity of the disorder and also of its social and economic burden . However, more studies are necessary, with more heterogeneous patients, to find more predictors regarding the psychosocial consequences and to find more information about the prognosis of the bipolar disorder.In this context, in this paper we discuss the role of assisted resilience and the individualization of the therapy of bipolar affective disorder, especially that the resilience must be seen as a continuum and can be used anytime and in any situation, according to the theory of Geanellos. This idea is reflected in a case presentation of a patient with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Synthesis, lipophilicity and antimicrobial activity evaluation of some new thiazolyl-oxadiazolines
Authors: Stoica Cristina Ioana , Ionuț Ioana , Pîrnău Adrian , Pop Carmen , Rotar Ancuța , Vlase Laurian , Oniga Smaranda , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: September 2015

Background and aims. Synthesis of new potential antimicrobial agents and evaluation of their lipophilicity.Methods. Ten new thiazolyl-oxadiazoline derivatives were synthesized and their structures were validated by 1H-NMR and mass spectrometry. The lipophilicity of the compounds was evaluated using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The necessary data for applying this method were obtained by reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC). The antimicrobial activities were tested in vitro against four bacterial strains and one fungal strain.Results. The lipophilicity varied with the structure but could not be correlated with the antimicrobial activity, since this was modest.Conclusions. We have synthesized ten new heterocyclic compounds. After their physical and chemical characterization, we determined their lipophilicity and screened their antimicrobial activity.
Spectrophotometric color evaluation of permanent incisors, canines and molars. A cross-sectional clinical study
Authors: Pop-Ciutrila Ioana- Sofia , Colosi Horatiu Alexandru , Dudea Diana , Badea Mandra Eugenia
Published: September 2015

Background and aims. An accurate color reproduction represents the final validation level of an esthetic anterior or posterior restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the color of permanent maxillary incisors, canines and molars, using a clinical spectrophotometer.Methods. The Vita Easyshade Advance 4.0® intraoral spectrophotometer was used by one clinician to determine the color of 369 permanent maxillary incisors, canines and molars. The best matches to Vitapan Classical® and 3D-Master® shade guides were recorded. A one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare L*, a*, b*, c* and h* color coordinates among the 3 types of teeth. Differences between the mean values of all color coordinates were evaluated by use of Bonferroni corrections. Color difference (ΔE*) between incisors, canines and molars was calculated from ΔL*, Δa* and Δb* data and the results were compared to ΔE*=3.3 acceptability threshold.Results. Except for Δa* and Δh* between canines and molars, statistically significant differences among the mean differences of all color coordinates were found when the 3 types of teeth were compared by pairs. The most frequently measured shades were A1 (48.4%), respectively 1M1 (31.5%) for incisors, B3 (36.6%), respectively 2M3 (39.8%) for canines and B3 (44.7%), respectively 2M3 (52%) for molars. Incisors had the highest lightness values, followed by canines and molars. Molars were the most chromatic with the highest a* and b* values.Conclusions. Despite the limitations of this study, color differences among incisors, canines and molars were found to be statistically significant, above the clinical acceptability threshold established. In conclusion, successful esthetic restorations of permanent teeth of the same patient need an individual color assessment and reproduction of every type of tooth.
Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of endometrial pathology
Authors: Pop Ciprian Mihaita , Mihu Dan , Badea Radu
Published: September 2015

AbstractUltrasound is the reference imaging procedure used for the exploration of endometrial pathology. As medical procedures improve and the requirements of modern medicine become more demanding, gray-scale ultrasound is insufficient in establishing gynecological diagnosis. Thus, more complex examination techniques are required: Doppler ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), 3D ultrasound, etc. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a special examination technique that gains more and more ground. This allows a detailed real-time evaluation of microcirculation in a certain territory, which is impossible to perform by Doppler ultrasound. The aim of this review is to synthesize current knowledge regarding CEUS applications in endometrial pathology, to detail the technical aspects of endometrial CEUS and the physical properties of the equipment and contrast agents used, as well as to identify the limitations of the method.
CLINICOPATHOLOGIC, DERMOSCOPIC AND ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION OF A RARE ACRAL TUMOUR INVOLVING THE NAIL- A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Grigore Lavinia Elena , Baican Corina Iulia , Botar-Jid Carolina , Rogojan Liliana , Letca Alina Florentina , Ungureanu Loredana , Cosgarea Rodica
Published: September 2015

There is a large spectrum of tumors presenting as nodular lesions that may affect the subungual space. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman presenting with a rapidly growing nodular lesion under the nail of the first left toe. Non-invasive examinations using dermoscopy, ultrasonography and elastography were performed for the preoperative assessment of the lesion. The biopsy of the lesion revealed superficial acral fibromyxoma, a benign tumor with predisposition for acral sites. The patient underwent radical surgery with wide resection margins. This is the first case report of a superficial acral fibromyxoma affecting the subungual region characterized by dermoscopic, ultrasonographic and elastographic features. We also performed a short review of the literature.
Malondialdehyde can predict survival in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Rusu Crina Claudia , Racasan Simona , Kacso Ina Maria , Moldovan Diana , Potra Alina , Patiu Ioan Mihai , Vladutiu Dan , Gherman Caprioara Mirela
Published: September 2015

Background and aims. Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Kidney disease is associated with increased oxidative stress (OS), a nontraditional CV risk factor. Few studies evaluate the effect of OS markers on CV events (CVE) and survival in HD patients. The aim of this study is to examine potential determinants of OS markers and their predictive role on survival and CV morbidity and mortality in HD patients during a long-term follow-up (108 months).  Methods. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional prospective observational study, carried on a cohort of randomly selected HD patients. We registered in 44 HD patients baseline characteristics, OS markers, mortality and CVE over a period of 108 months and we used statistical analysis (descriptive, Kaplan-Meier, univariate and multivariate Cox model) for interpretation.Results. Bound malondialdehyde (bMDA) was positively correlated with serum calcium, protein carbonyls (PC) were inversely correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and directly correlated with ferritin, NOx was directly correlated with ceruloplasmin) and serum albumin. Of the measured OS markers only bMDA was related to survival (HR=3.29 95% CI (1.28-8.44), p=0.01), and approached statistical significance in the effect on CV mortality (HR=2.85 95% CI (0.88-9.22), p=0.07). None of the measured OS markers was associated with CVE.Conclusions. bMDA has a strong predictive value on survival in HD patients in a long-term follow-up (9 years). Its value is correlated with CV mortality but is not a predictor of CV events. Regular assessment of MDA in HD patients and the development of strategies aimed at reducing oxidative stress in these patients might be beneficial.
Current management of NAFLD
Authors: Munteanu Mihai Alexandru , Nagy Georgiana Anca , Mircea Petru Adrian
Published: September 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries. It affects about 1 billion individuals worldwide. While people with simple steatosis have no higher risk of death than the general population, people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are at increased risk of death compared to general population. Current management for NAFLD includes diet and lifestyle changes, management of underlying metabolic risk factors and pharmacological therapies. The objective of therapy is to prevent the complications. The problem with dietary and lifestyle interventions is that they are hard to implement. Compliance is the key. Until now, there is still no approved drug for the treatment of NAFLD. Insulin resistance is the main target of pharmacological therapy, but the question that we ask ourselves as physicians is who should receive medical treatment among NAFLD patients and for how long.
Effects of Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi) and Yellow Foxtail (Setaria pumila) Competition on Establishment and Productivity of Switchgrass
Authors: Larson Ariel A. D. , Renz Mark J. , Stoltenberg David E.
Published: September 2015

Switchgrass is a potential feedstock for cellulosic bioenergy production. Weed competition from annual grass during the establishment year can reduce switchgrass establishment and resulting productivity, but the relationship between early season grass densities and outcomes of competition are not well understood. We measured how a range of giant and yellow foxtail densities in the establishment year influenced switchgrass establishment and resulting productivity in the first production year (second year of the growing season). In two of the three site–yr more than four foxtail plants m−2reduced switchgrass plant densities below documented thresholds of establishment success. A lesser effect of foxtails in the third site–year suggested that higher switchgrass emergence rates reduced foxtail competitive ability during establishment. Effects on yield were consistent over the three site–yr. The yield (10.96 Mg ha−1± 0.77) decreased rapidly as foxtail density increased. One foxtail plant m−2reduced switchgrass yield in the first production year by 25%, and yield loss was 90% or greater at densities > 50 foxtail plants m−2. Although switchgrass can establish in the presence of foxtail competition, these weed species should be controlled to maximize yields in the first production year.
Uncovering Plant Growth-Mediating Allelochemicals Produced by Soil Microorganisms
Authors: Carver Sarah M. , Nikulin Nadia , Kao-Kniffin Jenny
Published: September 2015

Coevolving interactions between a plant population and its microbiota can potentially yield a rhizosphere enriched in metagenomes containing the blueprints for a vast array of natural products. We describe a method of isolating those metabolites through activity-based screening of soil metagenomic libraries. The method allows for the isolation of small molecules produced in vector–host expression systems containing large-insert DNA fragments extracted from the target plant rhizospheres. Allelopathic activities derived from selected clones were screened against a series of controls. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) showed similar effects of the set of controls on lettuce growth, whereas annual bluegrass had a broader range of growth responses. Methanol extracts from clones indicating activity showed distinct patterns in grass seedling growth from the empty vector control, but the same extracts showed no effect on lettuce. The results indicate that the metagenomics method and bioassay screen of clone extracts are tools that can be used for initial determination of allelopathic activity from noncultured soil microbiota.
Rice Crop Response to Simulated Drift of Imazamox
Authors: Webster Eric P. , Hensley Justin B. , Blouin David C. , Harrell Dustin L. , Bond Jason A.
Published: September 2015

Field studies were conducted near Crowley, LA, to evaluate the effects of simulated herbicide drift on ‘Cocodrie' rice. Each treatment was made with the spray volume varying proportionally to herbicide dosage based on a spray volume of 234 L ha−1and an imazamox rate of 44 g ai ha−1. The 6.3%, 2.7-g ha−1, herbicide rate was applied at a spray volume of 15 L ha−1and the 12.5%, 5.5-g ha−1, herbicide rate was applied at a spray volume of 29 L ha−1. Rice was treated at the one-tiller, panicle differentiation, boot, and physiological maturity growth stages. Injury was observed with imazamox applied at the one-tiller timing. Injury was not observed until 21 and 28 d after treatment (DAT) when imazamox was applied at the panicle differentiation and boot timings. The greatest reduction in plant height resulted from applications at the one-tiller timing at 7 and 14 DAT; however, when evaluated at harvest, plant height was reduced no more than 10%. Imazamox, averaged over rate, applied to rice at the boot timing reduced primary crop yield 66% compared with the nontreated. Applications at the boot timing resulted in an increased ratoon crop yield; however, the yield increase did not compensate for the loss in the primary crop yield.
The Change of Environmental Group' Support Level Before and After the Exaggeration and Distortion in National Tourism Projects
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Park Joung-Koo , Chun Jin-Woo
Published: September 2015

This study examined the change of environmental organization' advocacy after exaggeration or false claims on the risks of environmental degradation raised by extreme environmental groups. Data were collected through survey of 200 college students who attended environmental courses. Two scores of pre and post with-and-without distorted damages were compared to identify the differences of social support levels of environmental groups. The hypotheses were analyzed by t-analysis, regression analysis and ANOVA. The results revealed that there were no correlations between the relationship of environmental NGO and government and sex, green consumer's classification, volunteer activity and perception of the NGO. The NGO' support levels were decreased before and after exaggeration of biosystem disturbance. The most prominent coefficient against the NGO was political power-oriented propensity, followed by struggle and violence inclination. On the contrary, collaborative partnership had a prominent effect on affirmative patronage to the environmental groups.
The Determinants of Tourism Expenditures in Local Primary Governments Hosting a Cultural Tourism Festival: Analysis of the Last 7 Years’ Panel Data
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lee Sang-Ho
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this research was to analyze the determinants of tourism expenditures in the local governments. To empirically analyze the research model constructed on the expenditure determinants theory and the punctuated equilibrium theory. The last 7 years’ panel data were gathered from a total of 128 local primary governments that host a cultural tourism festival, and were classified into four groups according to the type of festival and level of locality for analysis. The research results showed that the local tourism expenditures were determined based on the irrational category. Meanwhile, the variables associated with financial ability and tourism demand which was regarded as a rational category did not create any significant influences. These results suggest that local primary governments lack consistency and systematization with tourism budgeting system. Therefore, this study proposed that local governments should adopt the demand-oriented system of expenditure determination.
The Exploratory Investigation of Perceptions of Other Customers on Luxury Value, Well-Being Perception, Brand Engagement in Self-Concept and Willingness to Pay Premium Class: The Moderating Roles of Age, Income and Frequency
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, An Hyo-Jeong , Hyun Sung-hyup
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this research is to (1) examine the role of perceptions of other customers in the formation of premium class passengers' luxury value, (2) investigate the relationships among luxury value, well-being perception, brand engagement in self-concept and Willingness to pay premium class, and (3) test the moderating effects of age, income and frequency. The proposed conceptual model was empirically tested via structural equation modeling analysis using data collected from 300 Korean luxury passengers who had taken premium class in a recent year. The results revealed that (1) three dimensions of perceptions of other customers are critical factors in the formation of luxury value. (2) most of the hypothesis are supported, and (3) age, income and frequency play significant moderating roles. This study provided critical theoretical and practical implications for luxury marketing managers in the airline industry.
An Exploratory Study on Developing a Scale for Measuring the Corporate Social Responsibility of Casino Corporation: Focusing on the Open Casino
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lee Youn-Taek , Shin Dong-Jae
Published: September 2015

This exploratory study aimed at developing a scale for measuring the corporate social responsibility of the casino corporation. The literature review covered the concept of casino corporation, corporate social responsibility and previous researches related to the development of corporate social responsibility scale. Following this, the five-phases procedure for developing a CSR scale for this study was constructed based on the studies of Churchill(1979) and DeVellis(2003). At the first phase, the initial measuring items were proposed, and at the second phase the measuring items were refined to 25 items in five categories through the Focus Group Interview and the pretest. At the third phase, the main survey was conducted, and at the fourth phase the validity and reliability tests were conducted on the refined items. Following these phases, at the fifth phase, the study finally proposed a CSR scale for the casino corporation which contains 20 items in five categories- economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic responsibility and community contribution responsibility. The contributions of this study are anticipated in two aspects: theoretically, an objective scale for measuring the CSR of the casino corporation is suggested, and practically, this scale will be a guide line for the casino corporation to establish the desirable relations with the society.
A Study on the Influence Factors of Behavior Intention for Chinese Cosmetic Surgery Tourism: Focusing on Extended Model of Goal-directed Behavior
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Yang Eun-Ju , Cho Min-Ho
Published: September 2015

This is a study on the factors that influence behavior intention of cosmetic surgery tourism in the current situation where Chinese medical tourists, are increasing particularly by using the model of goal-directed behaviors including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, expected emotions, passion, and behavior intention, in addition to the service quality of medical tourism, narcissism, and the Hallyu star attractiveness. The subjects of this study were 485 valid sample of Chinese persons who had considered cosmetic surgery tourism in Korea and the structural equation modeling by AMOS was used for analysis. This study showed that all variables of the fitness of model met all criteria, which therefore confirms the validity of the final model. As the result, 8 of the 9 hypotheses were statistically significant, with one hypothesis being partially significant. In this study, a new model to show the factors that affect the behavior of Chinese cosmetic surgery tourists and marketing suggestion were developed by using extended method on the goal-directed behavior model.
The Effects of Hotel Employees' Role Ambiguity and Role Conflict on Organizational Effectiveness
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Goo Jung-Dae
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence concerning the effects of role ambiguity, role conflict, and organizational effectiveness(job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention) in the hotel company. The study conducted theoretical and empirical study. The data were collected from employees in deluxe hotels of Busan. To achieve the study objective, a total of 313 valid questionnaires are statistically analyzed, using frequency analysis, AMOS(7.0) for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results of analysis are: First, the role ambiguity had effects on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. Second, the role conflict had effects on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. The result shows that management must consider role ambiguity and role conflict in creating a successful organizational effectiveness. Therefore, measures to minimize the role ambiguity and role conflict among employees of hotel should be considered and, in the future, related studies should be performed as well. This study has provided sufficient evidences for future research to investigate the relationship of role ambiguity, role conflict, and organizational effectiveness in the hotel company.
A Study on Fair Tourism Behavioral Model Using Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lee Tae-Sook , Kim Chul-Won
Published: September 2015

This research sought to investigate the tourism behavioral structure of fair tourism participants based on theory of planned behavior ('TPB') developed and planned by Aizen & Fishbein(1980) in order to investigate the essence of fair tourism behavior. The fair tourism awareness through the in-depth interviews was classified into ‘economic based awareness, nature based awareness, and social based awareness.’ A survey was conducted based on the main variables(attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective regulations, and behavioral intent on fair tourism etc.) of planned behavioral theory and classified fair tourism awareness categories. The result and application possibility of the behavioral structure of fair tourism regarding planned behavioral theory was confirmed. As a result, this research has academic meaning by approaching through a concrete fair tourism sector instead of the existing normative fair tourism research, and is meaningful in the sense that it prepared a basis for systematic understanding on fair tourism.
Effect of the Tourist Behavior and Re-watching intentions on the Motivation of Sports Visitor Behavior
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lim Yeon-Woo , Kim Young-Jin
Published: September 2015

This study examined the effect of the tourist behavior and re-watching on the motivation of sport visitor behavior with the majority of professional sports in the country. This survey was conducted to people who have visited profession baseball and football game experiences and 226 respondents answered. 220 copies of questionnaire among them were effective for analysis. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0. As a results, the following findings were discovered: First, the motivation of sport visitor behavior had an influence on re-watching; Second, the motivation of sport visitor behavior had not on tourist behavior to tourism. Implications are as follows: First, In order to influence the re watching sports and tourist behavior is appealing the team scores first; Second, need to expand its facilities for families; Third, Sports visitor behavior motivation and sporting events are not relevant.
Why does the imbalance of power issues in the market of travel products remain unsolved?: In terms of unfairness perception, conflict perception, and conflict solving strategies
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Hwang Hee-Jeong , Lee Hoon
Published: September 2015

This study analyzed the relation between the unfairness perception of retail travel agency workers(RTAW) and their conflict perception. Also this research examined in what ways the conflict perception of RTAW impacts on their patterns of behavior in terms of the conflict solving strategies. The result shows that the unfairness perception of RTAW correlates with the conflict perception of RTAW. It is also revealed that the conflict perception of RTAW profoundly affects and functions their specific behavior patterns when they choose the conflict solving strategies. The result shows that they, the retail travel agency workers, are likely to evade the conflicts or they adapt themselves to the given settings. Individual efforts, in turn, can hardly contribute to the unfairness that has been deeply embedded in the distribution channels of travel products. Future research works related to this issue are expected to make a detailed suggestion that can contribute to reconstruct the market of travel agencies in terms of fairness issues.
Fostering Movements or Silencing Voices: Learning from Egypt and South Africa, Leading Against Racism
Authors: Marsh Tyson E. J. , Knaus Christopher B.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we examine the role of educational leadership in promoting and/or challenging racism as an intentional outcome of schooling. We focus on Egypt and South Africa, two countries uniquely framed as both deeply divided (by race, religion, and/or class) and as models of resistance and conscious activism. We draw upon experiences working as, or with, school principals in South Africa and Egypt to reveal how the context of education is negatively shaped by schooling practices that foster race and class-based inequalities. Using personal narratives of school principals, we situate educational leadership as core to understanding how Western educational reforms are structured, conceived and enacted within Egyptian and South African contexts. This analysis sheds light on how educational inequalities are reinforced and justified by contexts of educational leadership and how efforts to resist are institutionally silenced.
Addressing Religious Diversity through Children’s Literature: An “English as a Foreign Language” Classroom in Israel
Authors: Hayik Rawia
Published: September 2015

Conflicts between different religious groups occasionally arise in my Christian and Muslim Israeli-Arab EFL students’ school and area. In an attempt to increase students’ knowledge of and respect for other faiths in the region, I conducted practitioner inquiry research in my religiously diverse Middle-Eastern classroom. Grounded in critical literacy, I used a book set of religion-based literature alongside critical literacy engagements to effect some change in students’ tolerance towards other faiths. This article describes my journey of exploring students’ reader responses to religion-based texts and issues.
Claiming Space: An Autoethnographic Study of Indigenous Graduate Students Engaged in Language Reclamation
Authors: Chew Kari A. B. , Hicks Greendeer Nitana , Keliiaa Caitlin
Published: September 2015

This article explores the critical role of an emerging generation of Indigenous scholars and activists in ensuring the continuity of their endangered heritage languages. Using collaborative autoethnography as a research method, the authors present personal accounts of their pursuit of language reclamation through graduate degree programs. These accounts speak to the importance of access to Indigenous languages and the necessity of space at universities to engage in language reclamation. The authors view higher education as a tool—though one that must be improved—to support Indigenous language reclamation efforts.