bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Antioxidant Parameters of Pleurotus Mushrooms Growing on Different Wood Substrates
Authors: Strapáč I. , Kuruc M. , Baranová M.
Published: January 2018

Extracts of the fruiting bodies of the Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on wood substrates (beech, oak, linden, walnut, poplar) and extracts of the fruiting bodies of the Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) grown in nature on aspen wood were used to determine the total phenols, total flavonoids, lycopene and β-carotene. The content of individual antioxidants varies considerably depending, not only on the substrate, but also on the extracting agents. The highest content of total phenols and total flavonoids was found in methanol and water extracts of the fruiting bodies of the Oyster mushrooms grown on oak and linden substrates. The maximum content of lycopene and β-carotene was determined in acetone and n-hexane (ratio 4 : 6) extracts of the fruiting bodies of the Oyster mushroom grown on an oak block. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that the quantitative and also probably the qualitative composition of the antioxidants in the fruiting bodies of Oyster mushrooms depended considerably on the substrate composition.
Occurence of Mastitis in Dairy Cows Situated in Marginal Parts of Slovakia
Authors: Zigo F. , Vasiľ M. , Elečko J. , Farkašová Z. , Zigová M.
Published: January 2018

A relatively large part of the Slovak territory consists of the “marginal regions”, which in terms of the economy of ruminants keeping can efficiently produce animal commodities only occasionally. The geographic, social and economic stability of these regions is strongly influenced by the rearing of ruminants and the associated market milk production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and aetiological agents of mastitis in two herds of dairy cows situated in the marginal parts of Slovakia. In total, 530 of the Slovak spotted breed and Holstein cows were involved in the study. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of the clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of the milk, determination of somatic cell count (SCC), and the bacteriological examination of the milk. The prevalence of mastitis in the two herds of dairy cows ranged from 34.7 % to 18.8 %, respectively. From the total of 2120 quarter milk samples, 36.3 % were positive to the California mastitis test (CMT). Also, pathogenic microorganisms causing intramammary infection (IMI) were isolated from 25.6 % of the samples, which accounted for most subclinical mastitis forms (23.3 %), with the SCC under 400 000, mainly caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and coliform bacteria E. coli and Enterobacter aerogenes. The clinical forms of mastitis accounted for 13.0 % of all infected cows and were caused mainly by the bacteria: Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulasenegative staphylococci.
Analysis of the cadastral data published in the Polish Spatial Data Infrastructure
Authors: Izdebski Waldemar
Published: January 2018

The cadastral data, including land parcels, are the basic reference data for presenting various objects collected in spatial databases. Easy access to up-to-date records is a very important matter for the individuals and institutions using spatial data infrastructure. The primary objective of the study was to check the current accessibility of cadastral data as well as to verify how current and complete they are. The author started researching this topic in 2007, i.e. from the moment the Team for National Spatial Data Infrastructure developed documentation concerning the standard of publishing cadastral data with the use of the WMS. Since ten years, the author was monitoring the status of cadastral data publishing in various districts as well as participated in data publishing in many districts. In 2017, when only half of the districts published WMS services from cadastral data, the questions arise: why is it so and how to change this unfavourable status? As a result of the tests performed, it was found that the status of publishing cadastral data is still far from perfect. The quality of the offered web services varies and, unfortunately, many services offer poor performance; moreover, there are plenty services that do not operate at all.
Using an Efficient Optimal Classifier for Soil Classification in Spatial Data Mining Over Big Data
Authors: Manjula Aakunuri , Narsimha G.
Published: January 2018

This article proposes an effectual process for soil classification. The input data of the proposed procedure is the Harmonized World Soil Database. Preprocessing aids to generate enhanced representation and will use minimum time. Then, the MapReduce framework divides the input dataset into a complimentary portion that is held by the map task. In the map task, principal component analysis is used to reduce the data and the outputs of the maps are then contributed to reduce the tasks. Lastly, the proposed process is employed to categorize the soil kind by means of an optimal neural network (NN) classifier. Here, the conventional NN is customized using the optimization procedure. In an NN, the weights are optimized using the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. Derived from the classifier, we categorize the soil category. The performance of the proposed procedure is assessed by means of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure. The analysis results illustrate that the recommended artificial NN-GWO process has an accuracy of 90.46%, but the conventional NN and k-nearest neighbor classifiers have an accuracy value of 75.3846% and 75.38%, respectively, which is the least value compared to the proposed procedure. The execution is made by Java within the MapReduce framework using Hadoop.
Expression evaluation of a quoted author in academic discourse: Inter-language (Lithuanian and English) case study
Authors: Celiešienė Vilija , Stankevičienė Virginija , Zavistanavičienė Daiva
Published: January 2018

The aim of this article is to analyse subject expression evaluation of the non-author language, i.e. the author whose thoughts, discoveries, research results or assumptions are relied on in scientific texts in Lithuanian and English languages, elucidate both universal properties of expression evaluation and the specific ones determined by a particular language and culture. Publication texts of education science field of social science area were selected for the research. Expression evaluation of a quoted author was analysed identifying neutral (surname / name and surname, nationality and residence, scientific and professional activity, time, scientific discoveries, activity achievements, family relations) and subjective (logic and emotional evaluation) attributes. It was determined that education science texts of both languages, Lithuanian and English, do not exhibit a variety of quoted author expression. No examples purveying all possible semantic meanings of attributes were found in both languages. Prevalence of neutral attributes of science subjects and similar aspects of usage of some attributes (surname / name and surname, nationality or residence) reveal general citation traditions determined by universal scientific text regularities rather than a particular language or culture. On the other hand, some tendencies were observed characteristic only to the texts of one or another language and reflecting specific evaluation features of science subject. In the articles of native English speakers, scientific discoveries, results of scientific activity of quoted authors are emphasised whereas Lithuanian authors are more liable to highlight scientific or professional activity and time. Moreover, it is essential to mention that every text represents its author‘s personality to some extent. Thus, the choice of the particular means of expression can be determined by personal qualities of an author.
Expert-lay interaction in jury trials (case study of closing arguments)
Authors: Krapivkina Olga A.
Published: January 2018

This study arises out of the intention to examine the features of expert-lay interaction in a jury trial. The paper studies closing arguments constructed by legal experts as possible worlds which would be attractive for jurors. Theory of possible worlds is employed to present discourse practices as versions of the real world which may overlap, supplement or contradict one another. Legal experts construe and present possible worlds to jury members who deliver verdicts on the case, i.e. possess decisional power. Efficient involvement of jurors into the possible world constructed by the legal expert signals formation of discourse of concord. In order to make their own possible world more credible than the world of the procedural opponents, legal experts employ different interaction tools: description of legal concepts, empathy, appeals to social values, imperative and question utterances, personalization.
Cluster and R&D Affecting the Competitive Advantage of the Mould and Die Sector in the Thai Automotive Industry
Authors: Fongsuwan Wanno , Chamsuk Wawmayura , Tawinunt Kanjana , Tiengtavaj Sirorath , Dansomboon Suwaj , Takala Josu
Published: January 2018

This study concerned clusters as well as research and development affecting the competitive advantage of the Thai automotive industry’s mould and die sector. The study of development, examination of the consistency of the structural equation model, and the direct influence of linkage and association of cluster, as well as research and development for competitive advantage of operational locations in the Thai automotive mould & die sector was carried out as well. Data was collected from 320 mould and die industry operators in Thailand with the goal of obtaining key information to align the business direction in response to market opportunities. An additional goal was to elevate the competitiveness of the Thai automotive mould and die industry toward positive growth and continual sustainability.
Three Translators in Search of an Author: Linguistic Strategies and Language Models in the (Re)translation of Shakespeare’s Plays into Catalan
Authors: Pujol Dídac
Published: January 2018

This article shows how the language of Shakespeare’s plays has been rendered into Catalan in three especially significant periods: the late 19th century, the early 20th century, and the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The first section centres on the contrast between natural and unnatural language in Hamlet, and considers how this differentiation is carried out (by linguistic techniques that differ substantially from Shakespeare’s) in a late 19th-century Catalan adaptation by Gaietà Soler. The second part of the article investigates the reasons why in an early 20th-century translation of King Lear the translator, Anfòs Par, resorts to medieval instead of present-time language. The last section of the article illustrates how and explores the motivations why Salvador Oliva’s first (1985) version of The Tempest is retranslated in 2006 using a different language model. The ultimate aim of the paper is to put forward the hypothesis that, in the case of Catalan, Shakespearean translations are both a reflection of the current state of the language and a major linguistic experimentation that shapes and creates (sometimes through a via negativa) the Catalan literary language.
Distinguishing between juniper-flavoured spirit drinks from different producers
Authors: Uríčková Veronika , Dobóová Kinga , Sádecká Jana
Published: January 2018

A simple method for classifying juniper-flavoured spirit drinks is proposed based on the ratio of fluorescence intensity values in synchronous fluorescence spectra. Receiver operating curves (ROC) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to compute the performance of the classification. Significant differences in the fluorescence intensity ratios (I316/I287 and I324/I287) observed in the spectra recorded using wavelength difference 10 nm were evaluated by ROC analysis to identify cutoff values that gave ideal AUCs equal to one, thus allowing for 100% correct classification of the samples according to producer criteria. LDA showed that drinks of different producers could be distinguished (100% correct classification) on the basis of their differences in the fluorescence intensity ratios (I323/I287, I324/I287, I316/I287 and I325/I287). These results show that complete synchronous spectra are not required to discriminate between producers. Instead of them, fluorescence intensity could be measured at selected wavelengths.
Forces of Change: The Sculpting of a Reformer
Authors: Patterson Paige
Published: January 2018

With this article, Paige Patterson identifies six events in the life of Martin Luther that shaped the Reformer and ultimately affected the entire Reformation. By surveying Luther’s journey to Rome, his friendship with Johann von Staupitz, the Leipzig Disputation, the Diet of Worms, his year in Wartburg Castle, and his marriage to Katharina von Bora, Patterson’s goal is for his readers to gain a greater understanding of Martin Luther. In so doing, Patterson encourages his readers to consider the contribution of these events and the people involved to their own lives still today.
Preparation of Ag nanoparticles-reinforced polyamide 6 nanocomposites by in situ polymerization and investigation of its properties
Authors: Xu Qijie , Feng Xiantao , Liu Junhe , Gong Peijun
Published: January 2018

Polyamide 6 (noted as PA6)/Ag nanocomposites were prepared by an in situ solution polymerization method. AgNO3 was used as filler and was directly reduced to silver nanoparticles resulting in uniformly dispersed nanoparticles in the PA6 matrix. The thermal stability, crystallization, melting performance, and dispersion properties of the PA6/Ag nanocomposites were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and polarized light microscopy (POM). Furthermore, the mechanical and tribological behaviors of as-prepared nanocomposites were evaluated using universal tensile testing, impact testing, and friction testing machines. The results show that Ag-nanoparticles are evenly dispersed in PA6 and decrease in size with increasing Ag content. Whereas the crystallinity increased with increasing Ag content, the crystallization temperature of the nanocomposites did not change significantly. However, the mechanical and tribological properties of the nanocomposites increased compared with pure PA6.
Purification of the gas after pyrolysis in coupled plasma-catalytic system
Authors: Młotek Michał , Ulejczyk Bogdan , Woroszył Joanna , Walerczak Irmina , Krawczyk Krzysztof
Published: January 2018

Gliding discharge and coupled plasma-catalytic system were used for toluene conversion in a gas composition such as the one obtained during pyrolysis of biomass. The chosen catalyst was G-0117, which is an industrial catalyst for methane conversion manufactured by INS Pulawy (Poland). The effects of discharge power, initial concentration of toluene, gas flow rate and the presence of the bed of the G-0117 catalyst on the conversion of C7H8, a model tars compounds were investigated. Conversion of coluene increases with discharge power and the highest one was noted in the coupled plasma-catalytic system. It was higher than that in the homogeneous system of gliding discharge. When applying a reactor with reduced G-0117 and CO (0.15 mol%), CO2 (0.15 mol%), H2 (0.30 mol%), N2 (0.40 mol%), 4000 ppm of toluene and gas flow rate of 1.5 Nm3/h, the conversion of toluene was higher than 99%. In the coupled plasma-catalytic system with G-0117 methanation of carbon oxides was observed.
Franchises Lost and Gained: Post-Coloniality and the Development of Women’s Rights in Canada
Authors: Skeet Charlotte Helen
Published: January 2018

The Canadian constitution is to some extent characterised by its focus on equality, and in particular gender equality. This development of women’s rights in Canada and the greater engagement of women as political actors is often presented as a steady linear process, moving forwards from post-enlightenment modernity. This article seeks to disturb this ‘discourse of the continuous,’ by using an analysis of the pre-confederation history of suffrage in Canada to both refute a simplistic linear view of women’s rights development and to argue for recognition of the Indigenous contribution to the history of women’s rights in Canada.

The gain of franchise and suffrage movements in Canada in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century are, rightly, the focus of considerable study (Pauker 2015), This article takes an alternative perspective. Instead, it examines the exercise of earlier franchises in pre-confederation Canada. In particular it analyses why franchise was exercised more widely in Lower Canada and relates this to the context of the removal of franchises from women prior to confederation.
Surface roughness: A review of its measurement at micro-/nano-scale
Authors: Gong Yuxuan , Xu Jian , Buchanan Relva C.
Published: January 2018

The measurement of surface roughness at micro-/nano-scale is of great importance to metrological, manufacturing, engineering, and scientific applications given the critical roles of roughness in physical and chemical phenomena. The surface roughness of materials can significantly change the way of how they interact with light, phonons, molecules, and so forth, thus surface roughness ultimately determines the functionality and property of materials. In this short review, the techniques of measuring micro-/nano-scale surface roughness are discussed with special focus on the limitations and capabilities of each technique. In addition, the calculations of surface roughness and their theoretical background are discussed to offer readers a better understanding of the importance of post-measurement analysis. Recent progress on fractal analysis of surface roughness is discussed to shed light on the future efforts in surface roughness measurement.
Significance of Fines in Hot Mix Asphalt Synthesis
Authors: Kalaitzaki Elvira , Kollaros George , Athanasopoulou Antonia
Published: January 2018

According to their size, aggregates are classified in coarse grained, fine grained, and fines. The determination of fines content in aggregate materials is very simple and is performed through the aggregate washing during the sieving procedure to define the gradation curve. The very fine material consists of grains having a size lower than 63 μm. The presence of fines directly influences the composition and performance of concrete and asphalt mixtures (e.g. asphalt content, elasticity, fracture). The strength and load carrying capacity of hot mix asphalt (HMA) results from the aggregate framework created through particle-particle contact and interlock. Fines or mineral filler have a role in HMA. The coarse aggregate framework is filled by the sand-sized material and finally by the mineral filler. At some point, the smallest particles lose contact becoming suspended in the binder not having the particle-particle contact that is created by the larger particles. The overall effect of mineral filler in hot mix asphalt specimens has been investigated through a series of laboratory tests. It is clear that a behaviour influenced by the adherence of fines to asphalt film has been developed. The optimum bitumen content requirement in case of stone filler is almost the same as that for fly ash. It has been found that the percentage of fly ash filler is crucial if it exceeds approximately a value of 4%.
Considerations on the Benefits of Using Recyclable Materials for Road Construction
Authors: Popescu Diana , Burlacu Adrian
Published: January 2018

A current worldwide economy problem includes both the responsible management of the planet's non-renewable resources and the waste management. The benefits of using recyclable materials and recycling technologies with asphalt mixtures consist mainly of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is well known that oil (from which bitumen is obtained) is a non-renewable resource, hence the its price increase. Therefore, at present, the world is looking for solutions that will lead to a better use of natural resources and to an economic integration of sub-products from various industries. This paper intends to raise awareness of the possibilities for asphalt mixtures recycling and of the recyclable materials that can be used as additives with benefits of each.
The Problem of Developing Professional Mobility of Teachers in the Works of Foreign Scholars
Authors: Pavlenko Marina
Published: January 2018

The article analyzes the positions of foreign and domestic scholars on the problem of developing professional mobility of teachers. It has been stated that today professional mobility is a necessary component of training a skilled worker. It has been indicated that the teacher possesses an appropriate set of competences that provide an opportunity to be flexible, quickly orientate in the profession, to be competitive in the labor market, ready for further training, retraining and self-education. It has been specified that the factors that actualize these requirements are innovative processes in society; rapid aging of knowledge; the dependence of success in life on the level of education and profession; dynamism and rapid changes in the labor market requirements; the emergence of new professions and the disappearance of the obsolete ones. It has been justified that professional mobility is a complex, integrative, multifactorial entity. Professional mobility provides human development through the formation of key, general professional competencies; human activity, determined by events that change the environment (the result of the activity is self-realization of an individual both in the profession and in everyday life), the process of transformation by people not only themselves, but also their professional-life environment. It has been pointed out that mobility in the pedagogical sphere is determined by objective factors as well as in material production, its direction and intensity depends more on personal, subjective factors. The society is interested in such a specialist who is able to think independently and solve various problems, apply the knowledge gained in the learning process; possesses critical and creative thinking, formed in the process of education; knows how to acquire new knowledge, is capable of self-learning, self-education. It has been concluded that the perspectives for further researchers are seen in studying the problem of developing professional mobility of teachers in European experience.
Hydrological and hydraulic analysis of a small lowland watercourse flow capacity and its functioning in the region of Silesian Lowlands in the context of rainfall water management
Authors: Wiatkowski Mirosław , Gruss Łukasz
Published: January 2018

Hydrological and hydraulic analysis of a small lowland watercourse flow capacity and its functioning in the region of Silesian Lowlands in the context of rainfall water management. The built-up areas in the catchments of small lowland watercourses faced with the risk of particularly devastating natural hazards. This risk is especially prevalent in the mouth reaches. The increasingly intense extreme natural phenomena, such as violent floods and long lasting droughts, increase the importance of irrigation, drainage and hydraulic structures. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive hydrological and hydraulic analysis of the functioning of a small lowland watercourse flow capacity in the context of water management in its catchment. The case study discussed below is a proposal that could be used by both the specialists and the designers working in the field of water management. Methods are proposed for the determination of heavy rainfall in small ungauged agricultural catchments for the purpose of rainfall water management. The area under study consists of the lower reaches of R-4, a watercourse located in the agricultural village of Dobrzeń Wielki in the Opolskie province, the Upper Odra river basin. The authors have assessed the flow capacity of R-4 based on EN 752:2008 and carried out hydrological calculations for the area being analysed as well as hydraulic calculations for R-4. It was concluded, that the small lowland watercourse and the communication structures (culverts and pipelines) on its way indicated low flow capacity. Consequently, a rainfall water management concept was proposed for the water flowing in the watercourse. A small retention reservoir with a total capacity of 3,132 m3 and a surface area of 2,088 m2 was also proposed to be constructed. In order to calculate the water inflow to the reservoir the Bogdanowicz and Stachy formula was used. This model was selected because the maximum rainfall on agricultural land calculated from this formula meets the requirements of EN 752:2008. Moreover, this formula produced the highest runoff values compared to other models. The research carried out is in line with the goals of water management in rural areas, where the management model has changed.
Some geomechanical properties of a biopolymer treated medium sand
Authors: Wiszniewski Mateusz , Skutnik Zdzislaw , Biliniak Marcin , Çabalar Ali Firat
Published: January 2018

Some geomechanical properties of a biopolymer treated medium sand. This paper presents a laboratory assessment of geomechanical properties of sandy soil improved by biopolymer application. Additives (biosubstance) consist of polysaccharides and water. Biosubstance used in the project was xanthan gum, which comes from bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. Triaxial shear compression tests and unconfined compression tests were carried out for investigation purposes. Amount of the biopolymer used in the samples was 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%, on dry weight basis. It is thought that such application, which is a relatively new technique, could be used as a ground improvement and water seepage barrier, required to strengthen and protect some geotechnical works including foundation, underground structures and waste disposals. The results indicate that behavior of the soil changes rapidly based on the amount of biosubstance. Shear strength parameters have shown a significant increase, which gives a chance for further development and possible applications.
Recognizing of sport and sporting events in social circumstances and relations of modern times
Authors: Milenković Dejan , Milenković Vesna
Published: January 2018

In terms of national, political, economic angle or of racial, religious, class, gender equality, sport and sports events are often used to express views, opinions or power of certain groups or individuals. In accordance with the popularity and the prevalence of a certain sport, the nature of the event itself, as well as depending on the means of transmission, messages that are sent are of greater or lesser echoes. The research presented in this paper refers to sport, sporting events and social circumstances and relations that govern the modern world. The aim of the research is to examine the sport and sporting events through the prism of social circumstances and relations in modern age. It also presents many sporting events and various external factors that not only followed but often had a decisive influence on them.The paper applied the historical method and the method of theoretical analysis.
Analytical Solitary Wave Solution of the Dust Ion Acoustic Waves for the Damped Forced Korteweg–de Vries Equation in Superthermal Plasmas
Authors: Chatterjee Prasanta , Ali Rustam , Saha Asit
Published: January 2018

Analytical solitary wave solution of the dust ion acoustic (DIA) waves was studied in the framework of the damped forced Korteweg–de Vries (DFKdV) equation in superthermal collisional dusty plasmas. The reductive perturbation technique was applied to derive the DKdV equation. It is observed that both the rarefactive and compressive solitary wave solutions are possible for this plasma model. The effects of κ and the strength (f
0) and frequency (ω) of the external periodic force were studied on the analytical solitary wave solution of the DIA waves. It is observed that the parameters κ, f
0 and ω have significant effects on the structure of the damped forced DIA solitary waves. The results of this study may have relevance in laboratory plasmas as well as in space plasmas.
Relationship Between Skating Economy and Performance During a Repeated-Shift Test in Elite and Subelite Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Lamoureux Nicholas R. , Tomkinson Grant R. , Peterson Benjamin J. , Fitzgerald John S.
Published: January 2018

Lamoureux, NR, Tomkinson, GR, Peterson, BJ, and Fitzgerald, JS. Relationship between skating economy and performance during a repeated-shift test in elite and subelite ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1109–1113, 2018—The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of skating economy to fatigue during repeated high-intensity efforts of a simulated ice hockey shift. Forty-five collegiate and Junior A male ice hockey players (aged 18–24 years) performed a continuous graded exercise test using a skate treadmill. Breath-by-breath data for oxygen consumption (V̇o
2) and respiratory exchange ratio were collected and used to derive energy expenditure (EE) averaged over the final 10 seconds of each stage. Economy was determined as the slope of the regression line relating V̇o
2 and EE against skating speed separately. Participants also completed 8 bouts of maximal ice skating through a course designed to simulate typical shift, with timing gates determining first half, second half, and total fatigue decrement, calculated by a percent decrement score. Partial correlation was used to determine the association between economy measures and decrement during the repeated-shift test. Twenty-six participants met inclusion criteria and were included in data analysis. Skating economy measures (both relative V̇o
2 and EE) were very likely moderate positive correlates of total fatigue decrement (r [95% confidence interval]: V̇o
2, 0.46 [0.09, 0.72] and EE, 0.44, [0.06, 0.71]) but not with first or second gate decrement. Our results indicate that skating economy plays an important role in fatigue resistance over repeated on-ice sprints designed to simulate a typical shift. This supports the use of technical skating coaching and training techniques to enhance skating economy as a means of improving ice hockey performance.
Traditional Versus Suspended Push-up Muscle Activation in Athletes and Sedentary Women
Authors: Syed-Abdul Majid M. , Soni Dhwani S. , Miller William M. , Johnson Ryan J. , Barnes Jeremy T. , Pujol Thomas J. , Wagganer Jason D.
Published: January 2018

Syed-Abdul, MM, Soni, DS, Miller, WM, Johnson, RJ, Barnes, JT, Pujol, TJ, and Wagganer, JD. Traditional versus suspended push-up muscle activation in athletes and sedentary women. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1816–1820, 2018—Many strength training programs incorporate push-up exercises, which primarily activate upper-body muscles. Past data support the fact that shoulder girdle muscles (i.e., triceps (T) and anterior deltoids [AD]) exhibit greater electromyography (EMG) activity when a push-up is performed on an unstable (i.e., suspended [SP]) vs. stable (i.e., traditional [TD]) surface (2). Sixty-nine healthy female volunteers (soccer players [SO], n = 24; gymnasts [GY], n = 21; sedentary [SE], n = 24) performed three TD and three SP push-ups. Muscle activation, expressed as absolute integral (mV), was measured using EMG analysis. Significant increases in muscle activation were exhibited by GY (TD: p < 0.01 and SP: p < 0.001) and SO (TD: p < 0.05 and SP: p < 0.05) compared to SE for the T muscle. Only SO (p < 0.05) exhibited significantly higher muscle activation during the SP versus TD. For the AD, values were significantly higher for SO (TD: p < 0.001 and SP: p < 0.001) and GY (TD: p < 0.01 and SP: p < 0.01) compared to the SE group. In addition, significantly higher values were exhibited by SO compared with GY during TD push-ups (p < 0.01). Both the SO (p < 0.05) and GY (p < 0.05) group exhibited significantly higher values during SP versus TD push-ups. Finally, values were significantly higher for the AD compared to the T muscle only in the SO group during TD (p < 0.01) and SP (p < 0.05) push-ups. Data from this study for trained women (i.e., SO) are consistent with previous studies, whereas for untrained women (i.e., SE) the findings differed during TD and SP push-ups for both muscles. Differences were also observed between female SO and GY are unexplainable and therefore need further investigation.
Compaction Process Control of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Gao Ying , Shi Yan , Zhang Liming , Li Hanguang
Published: January 2018

The quality of compaction is important to the performance of hot mixed asphalt (HMA) pavement. Most premature failures of asphalt pavement are the consequence of poor compaction. The process control method of compaction was studied here. The allowable compaction time of HMA pavement was estimated through field measurement and computer simulation. An instantaneous compaction procedure was recommended according the environment conditions and behaviors of compaction machines. The passing route of each roller was obtained using the global positioning system real-time kinematic technique. High quality compaction was achieved by controlling the operation of rollers. A pavement compaction process monitoring system was introduced to collect all the compaction information, such as the passing numbers of rollers, paving speed of pavers, and area of pavement not be compacted in time and so on. Alarm messages would be sent to roller operators, contractors, and managers when any improper operations occurred during compaction.
NDT of Cavity Defect in Metallic Plate Using dc Potential Drop Method
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Cai Wenlu , Chen Zhenmao
Published: January 2018

A zoning testing method is proposed for the nondestructive testing of cavity defects in metallic foam plates based on the principle of dc potential drop testing. The dc is injected from the two ending points of the diagonal line while the inspection signal is measured from the nodal potential of nodes at the midline of the target region. The proposed method is numerically validated in terms of its signal sensitivity to the size and the location of the defect as well as its signal interference–resistant capability to defects located in the surrounding regions. Furthermore, experimental validation is conducted, and the result shows that the proposed zoning testing method is suitable for the detection of cavity defects in practical cases.
Sensorimotor Functional and Structural Networks after Intracerebral Stem Cell Grafts in the Ischemic Mouse Brain
Authors: Green Claudia , Minassian Anuka , Vogel Stefanie , Diedenhofen Michael , Beyrau Andreas , Wiedermann Dirk , Hoehn Mathias
Published: January 2018

Past investigations on stem cell-mediated recovery after stroke have limited their focus on the extent and morphological development of the ischemic lesion itself over time or on the integration capacity of the stem cell graftex vivo. However, an assessment of the long-term functional and structural improvementin vivois essential to reliably quantify the regenerative capacity of cell implantation after stroke. We induced ischemic stroke in nude mice and implanted human neural stem cells (H9 derived) into the ipsilateral cortex in the acute phase. Functional and structural connectivity changes of the sensorimotor network were noninvasively monitored using magnetic resonance imaging for 3 months after stem cell implantation. A sharp decrease of the functional sensorimotor network extended even to the contralateral hemisphere, persisting for the whole 12 weeks of observation. In mice with stem cell implantation, functional networks were stabilized early on, pointing to a paracrine effect as an early supportive mechanism of the graft. This stabilization required the persistent vitality of the stem cells, monitored by bioluminescence imaging. Thus, we also observed deterioration of the early network stabilization upon vitality loss of the graft after a few weeks. Structural connectivity analysis showed fiber-density increases between the cortex and white matter regions occurring predominantly on the ischemic hemisphere. These fiber-density changes were nearly the same for both study groups. This motivated us to hypothesize that the stem cells can influence, via early paracrine effect, the functional networks, while observed structural changes are mainly stimulated by the ischemic event.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn recent years, research on strokes has made a shift away from a focus on immediate ischemic effects and towards an emphasis on the long-range effects of the lesion on the whole brain. Outcome improvements in stem cell therapies also require the understanding of their influence on the whole-brain networks. Here, we have longitudinally and noninvasively monitored the structural and functional network alterations in the mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. Structural changes of fiber-density increases are stimulated in the endogenous tissue without further modulation by the stem cells, while functional networks are stabilized by the stem cells via a paracrine effect. These results will help decipher the underlying networks of brain plasticity in response to cerebral lesions and offer clues to unravelling the mystery of how stem cells mediate regeneration.
Gender Differences in In-Hospital Mortality Rates among Hispanic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Al-Jeraisy Nawaf Ebrahim , Al-Sultan Abdullah M. , Aldaham Sami A.
Published: January 2018

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of death in the United States with over three million cases per year. Since the mid-1970s, the total number of deaths related to AMI in the United States has not declined. Studies suggest that women with AMI have worse outcomes compared to men. However, there is limited information regarding this topic among Hispanics. This study was a secondary analysis of the Puerto Rican Heart Attack Study, which reviewed the records of Hispanic patients of Puerto Rico hospitalized for AMI at 21 academic and/or non-teaching hospitals in 2007, 2009 and 2011. This study set examined the differences in in-hospital mortality rates between genders. A p-value of 0.2 was used to select possible confounders and the chi-square test was used to examine associations between categorical variables. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality rates were identified using logistic regression. Collinearity was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. The 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 were used to determine statistical significance of odds ratios. Analysis was restricted to patients with ICD-9-CM code 410-414 who are above 18 (n = 2265). In our sample, there were more men than women (1291 versus 974, respectively). Men were younger and smoked more compared to women. Compared to men, women were older and suffered more comorbidities, such as stroke and congestive heart failure (CHF). Women had higher rates of in-hospital mortality compared to men (OR = 1.4, p = 0.040). Factors associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality included age and CHF (p<0.001). Patients with CHF showed higher rates of in-hospital deaths compared to patients who did not have CHF (OR = 1.6, p = 0.026). Patients over the age of 86 showed higher odds of in-hospital death compared to younger patients (OR = 10.5, p <0.001) Significant disparities existed by gender in this sample of Hispanic AMI patients, with women showing higher in-hospital mortality compared to men. Women over 50 should perform regular checkups and discuss hormone replacement therapy or follow other preventive measures as suggested by their healthcare provider.
Lifestyle and psychosocial factors in musicians
Authors: Nedelcut Sebastian , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Dumitrascu Dan Lucian
Published: January 2018

Background and aim. Musicians face professional challenges that may lead them to adopt unhealthy lifestyles. They also may present performance-related anxiety. We investigated anxiety and lifestyle patterns in musicians, both professional and trainees.Methods. A prospective controlled protocol was developed. Musicians (employed or students) and matched controls (also employed and students) were surveyed with several questionnaires on lifestyle and some psychological factors: anxiety and music performance anxiety.Results. General anxiety and music performance anxiety are higher in music students compared with trained musicians. Musicians have also higher anxiety scores than their matched controls. Soloists have higher scores of anxiety, also percussion and keyboard students. Musicians smoke less than controls, but sleep also less, a factor perceived as an index for stress. BMI was also higher in musicians.Conclusions. Performing music is associated with anxiety levels that are higher than in control population. Trainees have higher scores than the employed musicians.
Where are Romanian biomedical journals now and what does the future hold for them? A scientometric analysis
Authors: Dumitrascu Dan L.
Published: January 2018

Background and aim. There is a competition between scientific journals in order to achieve leadership in their scientific field. There are several Romanian biomedical journals which are published in English and a smaller number in Romanian. We need a periodical analysis of their visibility and ranking according to scientometric measures.Methods. We searched all biomedical journals indexed on international data bases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar.  We analyzed their evaluation factors.Results. Several journals from Romania in the biomedical field are indexed in international databases. Their scientometric indexes are not high. The best journal was acquired by an international publisher and is no longer listed for Romania.Conclusions. There are several Romanian biomedical journals indexed in international databases that deserve periodical analysis. There is a need to improve their ranking.
THE INFLUENCE OF GLUCONATE BATH PARAMETERS ON THE RATE OF ELECTRODEPOSITION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Co–W COATINGS
Authors: Belevskii S.S. , Bobanova J.I. , Buravets V.A. , Gotelyak A.V. , Danilchuk V.V. , Silkin S.A. , Tsyntsaru N.I. , Dikusar A.I.
Published: January 2018

The given study overview the results obtained for Co–W alloys electrodeposited from gluconate bath. Namely, the influence of different parameters (the concentration of the bath components, pH, temperature, cathodic current density, volume current density, hydrodynamic conditions, insoluble and soluble anodes) on the rate of electrodeposition and microhardness of the coatings has been investigated. The given research determine the conditions ensuring high deposition rate, microhardness and bath efficiency. It was shown, that the deposition rate, tungsten content and microhardness reach the maximum values at pH 6.5, regardless on the concentration of bath components. Also, it was detected the macroscopic size effect of microhardness, which is linked to the fact that for a fixed cathodic current density microhardness depends on volume current density. In addition, different anodes (Pt, graphite, W and Co–W) were investigated to reveal the anode influence on reaching the maximum values of the current efficiency and microhardness.
INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF NON-TUNGSTEN ELECTRO-SPARK COATINGS ON HIGH SPEED STEEL
Authors: Penyashki T. , Kostadinov G. , Kandeva M.
Published: January 2018

In this work contactless local electro spark deposition (LESD), has been used to received wear resistant coatings from hard alloys based of ТiC, TiN, TiCN onto high speed steel HS6–5–2. The influence of the operating electric parameters and the electrode materials on the roughness, thickness, microhardness, phase composition, and on the structure of resulting coatings was studied. The impact of different electrode materials on the quality characteristics, the composition and structure of the resulting coatings has been found. The technological parameters of the LESD process for the formation of coatings with a predefined roughness, thickness, composition and structure has been determined.
WEAR ASSESSMENT OF STELLITE COATING IN SEVERAL CORROSIVE SOLUTIONS
Authors: Rodrigues I. , Figueiredo-Pina C.
Published: January 2018

Stellite™ 6 coatings deposited by HVOF on a Super Duplex Stainless-Steel substrate and wear performance was subsequently assessed. Thus, reciprocating ball-on-plate wear tests were performed in several conditions, for both coating and substrate. Results showed better wear resistance for the coating in all test conditions.
SUITABILITY OF BASESTOCKS FROM MEDIUM CHAIN FATTY ACIDS FOR HYDRAULIC FLUIDS
Authors: Labanauskas L. , Bražinskienė D. , Strakšys A. , Asadauskas S.
Published: January 2018

Basestock properties are crucial for hydraulic fluids, because the additive amounts are low. The formulated fluids must endure long service life under high humidity levels, elevated temperatures, exposure to various metals and intensive friction in vane pumps. Ester-based fluids have enjoyed success in higher technology hydraulic systems due to reduced operating temperature. Their basestocks are synthesized from petrochemically isomerized C9–C13 monocarboxylic acids, which are esterified to polyols, such as trimethylol propane. In this study, Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) of C10–C14 have been esterified with TMP and tested under thin film simulation study. Their stability, fluidity, volatility and other properties were comparable to those of mineral and synthetic basestocks. Environmental benefits of MCFA were clearly evident, because they can be produced not only from palm oil, but also from industrial crops crambe and camelina.
EFFECT OF THE TEMPORAL PROFILE OF THE FRICTION POWER ON THERMAL STRESSES DURING BRAKING
Authors: Yevtushenko A. A. , Kuciej M. , Topczewska K.
Published: January 2018

In this paper influence of the temporal profile of frictional heat flow density on the distributions of temperature and thermal stresses in a friction element during single braking was investigated. For this purpose a one-dimensional boundary-value heat conduction problem for a half-space body (which simulates a brake rotor) heated on the outer surface by the heat flux with different intensities was formulated and solved by means of Duhamel’s theorem. Solutions were obtained for ten temporal profiles of specific friction power, which are proportional to the intensity of frictional heat flow. Based on received transient temperature fields and Timoshenko’s model of thermal bending of a thick plate with unfixed edges, the analytical distributions of quasi-static thermal stresses in a friction element were found. Achieved solutions allow conducting numerical analysis of the distributions of temperature and thermal stresses in a brake rotor with different time profiles of the specific friction power.
INVESTIGATION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FRICTION PAIRS IN THE OSCILLATION REGIME: THE METHOD AND IMPLEMEN-TATION OF THE MECHATRONIC OSCILLATORY SYSTEM
Authors: Malafeev S.I. , Kopeykin A.I. , Malafeev S.S.
Published: January 2018

An oscillatory method for identifying the characteristics of friction pairs of drive systems is considered. It is based on the use of mechatronic systems with a controlled "electric spring" and allows us to investigate dissipative characteristics in the regime of forced steady oscillations in the operating frequency range, with low laboriousness and high accuracy. The mechatronic oscillatory system is realized on the basis of a synchronous electric machine with permanent magnets on the rotor and a control system for the oscillation regime. The peculiarity of the method and the technical means realized on its basis is that the determination of the moment of frictional forces occurs not in the static state of the system, but under conditions close to the operational ones, i.e. with continuous motion by changing the direction of motion.