bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human resource governance: what does governance mean for the health workforce in low- and middle-income countries?
Authors: Kaplan Avril D , Dominis Sarah , Palen John GH , Quain Estelle E
Published: February 2013

Background

Research on practical and effective governance of the health workforce is limited. This paper examines health system strengthening as it occurs in the intersection between the health workforce and governance by presenting a framework to examine health workforce issues related to eight governance principles: strategic vision, accountability, transparency, information, efficiency, equity/fairness, responsiveness and citizen voice and participation.

Methods

This study builds off of a literature review that informed the development of a framework that describes linkages and assigns indicators between governance and the health workforce. A qualitative analysis of Health System Assessment (HSA) data, a rapid indicator-based methodology that determines the key strengths and weaknesses of a health system using a set of internationally recognized indicators, was completed to determine how 20 low- and middle-income countries are operationalizing health governance to improve health workforce performance.

Results/discussion

The 20 countries assessed showed mixed progress in implementing the eight governance principles. Strengths highlighted include increasing the transparency of financial flows from sources to providers by implementing and institutionalizing the National Health Accounts methodology; increasing responsiveness to population health needs by training new cadres of health workers to address shortages and deliver care to remote and rural populations; having structures in place to register and provide licensure to medical professionals upon entry into the public sector; and implementing pilot programs that apply financial and non-financial incentives as a means to increase efficiency. Common weaknesses emerging in the HSAs include difficulties with developing, implementing and evaluating health workforce policies that outline a strategic vision for the health workforce; implementing continuous licensure and regulation systems to hold health workers accountable after they enter the workforce; and making use of health information systems to acquire data from providers and deliver it to policymakers.

Conclusions

The breadth of challenges facing the health workforce requires strengthening health governance as well as human resource systems in order to effect change in the health system. Further research into the effectiveness of specific interventions that enhance the link between the health workforce and governance are warranted to determine approaches to strengthening the health system.
TNPO3 protects HIV-1 replication from CPSF6-mediated capsid stabilization in the host cell cytoplasm
Authors: De Iaco Alberto , Santoni Federico , Vannier Anne , Guipponi Michel , Antonarakis Stylianos , Luban Jeremy
Published: February 2013

Background

Despite intensive investigation the mechanism by which HIV-1 reaches the host cell nucleus is unknown. TNPO3, a karyopherin mediating nuclear entry of SR-proteins, was shown to be required for HIV-1 infectivity. Some investigators have reported that TNPO3 promotes HIV-1 nuclear import, as would be expected for a karyopherin. Yet, an equal number of investigators have failed to obtain evidence that supports this model. Here, a series of experiments were performed to better elucidate the mechanism by which TNPO3 promotes HIV-1 infectivity.

Results

To examine the role of TNPO3 in HIV-1 replication, the 2-LTR circles that are commonly used as a marker for HIV-1 nuclear entry were cloned after infection of TNPO3 knockdown cells. Potential explanation for the discrepancy in the literature concerning the effect of TNPO3 was provided by sequencing hundreds of these clones: a significant fraction resulted from autointegration into sites near the LTRs and therefore were not bona fide 2-LTR circles. In response to this finding, new techniques were developed to monitor HIV-1 cDNA, including qPCR reactions that distinguish 2-LTR circles from autointegrants, as well as massive parallel sequencing of HIV-1 cDNA. With these assays, TNPO3 knockdown was found to reduce the levels of 2-LTR circles. This finding was puzzling, though, since previous work has shown that the HIV-1 determinant for TNPO3-dependence is capsid (CA), an HIV-1 protein that forms a mega-dalton protein lattice in the cytoplasm. TNPO3 imports cellular splicing factors via their SR-domain. Attention was therefore directed towards CPSF6, an SR-protein that binds HIV-1 CA and inhibits HIV-1 nuclear import when the C-terminal SR-domain is deleted. The effect of 27 HIV-1 capsid mutants on sensitivity to TNPO3 knockdown was then found to correlate strongly with sensitivity to inhibition by a C-terminal deletion mutant of CPSF6 (R2 = 0.883, p < 0.0001). TNPO3 knockdown was then shown to cause CPSF6 to accumulate in the cytoplasm. Mislocalization of CPSF6 to the cytoplasm, whether by TNPO3 knockdown, deletion of the CPSF6 nuclear localization signal, or by fusion of CPSF6 to a nuclear export signal, resulted in inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Additionally, targeting CPSF6 to the nucleus by fusion to a heterologous nuclear localization signal rescued HIV-1 from the inhibitory effects of TNPO3 knockdown. Finally, mislocalization of CPSF6 to the cytoplasm was associated with abnormal stabilization of the HIV-1 CA core.

Conclusion

TNPO3 promotes HIV-1 infectivity indirectly, by shifting the CA-binding protein CPSF6 to the nucleus, thus preventing the excessive HIV-1 CA stability that would otherwise result from cytoplasmic accumulation of CPSF6.
Modulation of TRP Channels by Resveratrol and other Stilbenoids
Authors: Yu Lina , Wang Shenglan , Kogure Yoko , Yamamoto Satoshi , Noguchi Koichi , Dai Yi
Published: February 2013

Background

Resveratrol (3, 5, 4′ - trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a widely distributed natural stilbenoid, was proposed to account for the unique effects of red wine on life span and health. It has been reported to possess various biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects. Here, using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques and behavioral analyses, we investigated whether resveratrol and other stilbenoids can modulate TRP channels in sensory neurons in vitro, and have analgesic effects in vivo.

Results

We found that resveratrol dose-dependently suppressed the allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)-induced currents ( IAITC) in HEK293 cells that express TRPA1, as well as in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Instead, pinosylvin methyl ether (PME), another derivate of stilbene which has a similar structure to resveratrol, dose-dependently blocked the capsaicin-induced currents ( ICAP) in HEK293 cells that express TRPV1 as well as in DRG neurons. Interestingly, resveratrol had no inhibitory effect on the ICAP, and PME had no effect on the IAITC. Otherwise, trans-stilbene showed no any effect on IAITC or ICAP. The concentration response curve of AITC showed that resveratrol inhibited the action of TRPA1 not by changing the EC50, but by suppressing the AITC-induced maximum response. By contrast, the inhibition of TRPV1 by PME did not change the capsaicin-induced maximum response but did cause a right shift of the EC50. Moreover, pre-administration of resveratrol suppressed intraplantar injections of AITC-evoked nocifensive behaviors, as well as that PME suppressed capsaicin-evoked one.

Conclusions

These data suggest that resveratrol and other stilbenoids may have an inhibitory effect on TRP channels. In addition, these stilbenoids modulate TRP channel activity in different ways.
Immunohistochemical expression of COX2 and iNOS in bladder cancer and its association with urinary schistosomiasis among Sudanese patients
Authors: Hassan Hassan Elsiddig , Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Badie , Bakhiet Amel Omer , Ahmed Hussain Gadelkarim
Published: February 2013

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine if any relationship exists between expression of COX2 and iNOS markers and urinary schistosomiasis in bladder cancers.

Methodology

Immunohistochemical expression of COX2 and iNOS was assessed in formalin fixed paraffin wax processed tissues obtained from 155 patients with bladder cancers (87 SCC and 68 TCC) and 39 patients with benign bladder cystitis.

Results

The overall immune-expressions of COX2 and iNOS were 71.6% and 57.2% respectively, of the 194 bladder lesions. A significant Positive association between COX2 or iNOS expression with bladder lesions (SCC, TCC and cystitis) was found (p.value = 0.000). COX2 and iNOS were co-expressed among 73(83.9%) of SCC, 15(22.1%) of TCC and 11(28.2%) of the cystitis group. The relationship between COX2 and iNOS immunostaining and Schistosomal ova positivity was statistically determined by P values 0.0565 and 0.1223 for Cox2 and iNOS, respectively.

Conclusion

There are high rates of positive expression of COX2 and iNOS among Sudanese patients with Schistosomal-related bladder lesions. There might be strong association between high rates of bladder cancers and urinary Schistosomiasis in the Sudan since, the great majority of lesions were positive for COX2.
The influence of HMF and furfural on redox-balance and energy-state of xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ask Magnus , Bettiga Maurizio , Mapelli Valeria , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: February 2013

Background

Pretreatment of biomass for lignocellulosic ethanol production generates compounds that can inhibit microbial metabolism. The furan aldehydes hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural have received increasing attention recently. In the present study, the effects of HMF and furfural on redox metabolism, energy metabolism and gene expression were investigated in anaerobic chemostats where the inhibitors were added to the feed-medium.

Results

By cultivating the xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain VTT C-10883 in the presence of HMF and furfural, it was found that the intracellular concentrations of the redox co-factors and the catabolic and anabolic reduction charges were significantly lower in the presence of furan aldehydes than in cultivations without inhibitors. The catabolic reduction charge decreased from 0.13(±0.005) to 0.08(±0.002) and the anabolic reduction charge decreased from 0.46(±0.11) to 0.27(±0.02) when HMF and furfural were present. The intracellular ATP concentration was lower when inhibitors were added, but resulted only in a modest decrease in the energy charge from 0.87(±0.002) to 0.85(±0.004) compared to the control. Transcriptome profiling followed by MIPS functional enrichment analysis of up-regulated genes revealed that the functional group “Cell rescue, defense and virulence” was over-represented when inhibitors were present compared to control cultivations. Among these, the ATP-binding efflux pumps PDR5 and YOR1 were identified as important for inhibitor efflux and possibly a reason for the lower intracellular ATP concentration in stressed cells. It was also found that genes involved in pseudohyphal growth were among the most up-regulated when inhibitors were present in the feed-medium suggesting nitrogen starvation. Genes involved in amino acid metabolism, glyoxylate cycle, electron transport and amino acid transport were enriched in the down-regulated gene set in response to HMF and furfural. It was hypothesized that the HMF and furfural-induced NADPH drainage could influence ammonia assimilation and thereby give rise to the nitrogen starvation response in the form of pseudohyphal growth and down-regulation of amino acid synthesis.

Conclusions

The redox metabolism was severely affected by HMF and furfural while the effects on energy metabolism were less evident, suggesting that engineering of the redox system represents a possible strategy to develop more robust strains for bioethanol production.
Effects of different serum conditions on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells in vitro
Authors: Kyllönen Laura , Haimi Suvi , Mannerström Bettina , Huhtala Heini , Rajala Kristiina M , Skottman Heli , Sándor George K , Miettinen Susanna
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Currently, human adipose stem cells (hASCs) are differentiated towards osteogenic lineages using culture medium supplemented with L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AsA2-P), dexamethasone (Dex) and beta-glycerophosphate (β-GP). Because this osteogenic medium (OM1) was initially generated for the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, the component concentrations may not be optimal for the differentiation of hASCs. After preliminary screening, two efficient osteogenic media (OM2 and OM3) were chosen to be compared with the commonly used osteogenic medium (OM1). To further develop the culture conditions towards clinical usage, the osteo-inductive efficiencies of OM1, OM2 and OM3 were compared using human serum (HS)-based medium and a defined, xeno-free medium (RegES), with fetal bovine serum (FBS)-based medium serving as a control.

Methods

To compare the osteo-inductive efficiency of OM1, OM2 and OM3 in FBS-, HS- and RegES-based medium, the osteogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and expression of osteogenic marker genes (runx2A, DLX5, collagen type I, osteocalcin, and ALP).

Results

In HS-based medium, the ALP activity increased significantly by OM3, and mineralization was enhanced by both OM2 and OM3, which have high AsA2-P and low Dex concentrations. ALP activity and mineralization of hASCs was the weakest in FBS-based medium, with no significant differences between the OM compositions due to donor variation. However, the qRT-PCR data demonstrated significant upregulation of runx2A mRNA under osteogenic differentiation in FBS- and HS-based medium, particularly by OM3 under FBS conditions. Further, the expression of DLX5 was greatly stimulated by OM1 to 3 on day 7 when compared to control. The regulation of collagen type I, ALP, and osteocalcin mRNA was modest under induction by OM1 to 3. The RegES medium was found to support the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs, but the composition of the RegES medium hindered the comparison of OM1, OM2 and OM3.

Conclusions

Serum conditions affect hASC proliferation and differentiation significantly. The ALP activity and mineralization was the weakest in FBS-based medium, although osteogenic markers were upregulated on mRNA level. When comparing the OM composition, the commonly used OM1 was least effective. Accordingly, higher concentration of AsA2-P and lower concentration of Dex, as in OM2 and OM3, should be used for the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs in vitro.
Evaluation of the metal binding sites in a recombinant coagulation factor VIII identifies two sites with unique metal binding properties
Authors: Svensson Lars Anders , Thim Lars , Olsen Ole Hvilsted , Nicolaisen Else Marie
Published: February 2013

Coagulation factor VIII is a glycosylated, non-covalent heterodimer consisting of a heavy chain (A1-A2-B domains) and a light chain (A3-C1-C2 domains). The association of the chains, and the stability and function of the dimer depend on the presence of metal ions. We applied X-ray fluorescence, X-ray crystallographic structure determination with anomalous signals at different wavelengths, and colorimetric measurements to evaluate the metal binding sites in a recombinant factor VIII molecule, turoctocog alfa. We identified a metal binding site in domain A3 dominated by Cu+ binding and a site in domain A1 dominated by Zn2+ binding.
The Effects of Economic Performance on Infrastructure Spending at the State and Local Levels
Authors: Bae Suho
Published: February 2013

Economic development and growth may induce infrastructure investment and service provision by the public sector. This article investigates to what degree economic performance affects infrastructure spending at the state and local levels. For further elaboration, it examines the differential impacts of economic performance on state and local spending on different types of infrastructure. For that purpose, infrastructure is classified into two types: knowledge infrastructure and physical infrastructure. Methodologically, it uses the time-series cross-sectional (TSCS) data from 1977 to 2000 in 50 states of the USA. To correct the complex error terms in TSCS data, it uses the ordinary least square estimation using the Prais-Winsten procedure and panel-corrected standard errors. Some endogeneity issues are also corrected. Research finds that economic development and growth contributes to the increasing infrastructure spending on a per capita basis by state and local governments; however, its magnitude is not large. When infrastructure spending is disaggregated, economic performance also contributes to the increasing state and local spending on both knowledge and physical infrastructures. In particular, the magnitude of the positive effects on physical infrastructure spending is approximately two times as large as that on knowledge infrastructure spending. However, economic performance has no significant effects on the proportion of infrastructure spending out of the total state and local spending, regardless of whether infrastructure is aggregated or disaggregated. In short, there are level effects of economic performance, but there are no compositional effects. This finding implies that state and local governments increase infrastructure investment and its service provision in responding to the economic growth; yet, they do not consider it as a top priority in comparison with other types of functional areas.
Systematischer Entwurf fehlertoleranter Steuerungen
Authors: Nke Yannick , Lunze Jan
Published: February 2013

Das Ziel einer fehlertoleranten Steuerung besteht darin, einen technischen Prozess unter der Einwirkung von Fehlern so zu beeinflussen, dass er eine vorgegebene Spezifikation auch im Fehlerfall erfüllt. Dieser Beitrag behandelt den Entwurf solcher Steuerungen für Systeme, die sich durch nichtdeterministische Eingangs-/Ausgangsautomaten beschreiben lassen. Methoden zur Vorwärts- und zur Rückwärtsrekonfiguration werden in Abhängigkeit vom Fehleridentifikationszeitpunkt eingesetzt. Dabei werden sowohl die Solltrajektorie als auch die Eingangs- und Ausgangssignale der nominellen Steuerung dem Fehlerfall angepasst. Ein einfacher Fertigungsprozess dient zur Illustration des vorgeschlagenen Vorgehens.
Ni-Silicided Deep Source/Drain Junctions Formed by Solid Phase Epitaxial Regrowth
Authors: Lauwers Anne , Lindsay Richard , Henson Kirklen , Severi Simone , Akheyar Amal , Pawlak Bartek J. , Potter Muriel de , Maex Karen
Published: February 2013

Making use of SPER (Solid Phase Epitaxial Regrowth) As and B deep source/drain junctions with high activation can be obtained at temperatures below 700°C. However, higher thermal budget is required to regrow and activate the dopants in the poly gates. Low junction leakage and low contact resistance can be obtained for Ni-silicided As and B SPER junctions making use of deep As and B implants. Because of the low thermal budget source/drain junctions obtained by SPER are an attractive alternative to conventional spike annealed junctions for technologies making use of metal gates.
Efficiency Limitations of Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells Due to Defect Clusters
Authors: Sopori Bhushan , Li Chuan , Narayanan S. , Carlson D.
Published: February 2013

Multicrystalline Si wafers used in commercial solar cell fabrication exhibit a tendency to form large “clusters” of defects, which remain laterally separated from each other. Defect clusters are also sites of impurity precipitation. Because precipitated impurities cannot be gettered by the conventional processes used in Si solar cell fabrication, defect clusters constitute low-performing regions in the cell. They shunt the device and constitute the primary efficiency limiting mechanism in current solar cells. We show that the efficiency loss caused by defect clusters can exceed 3–4 absolute points.
Plant Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Dynamics under Full and Limited Irrigation and Rainfed Maize Production
Authors: Djaman K. , Irmak S. , Martin D. L. , Ferguson R. B. , Bernards M. L.
Published: February 2013

Limited knowledge and data exist in terms of how the soil water status affects plant nutrient uptake and the availability of soil residual nutrients in order to establish effective fertilizer management under limited irrigation to prevent undesirable environmental impacts. Maize (Zea mays L.) nutrient uptake and concentrations of soil nutrients (N, P, and K) were measured under full and limited irrigation regimes and rainfed conditions. Fully irrigated treatment (FIT), 75% FIT, 60% FIT, 50% FIT, and rainfed treatments were imposed. Seasonal (emergence to physiological maturity) rainfall was 426 mm (18% below normal) in 2009 and 563 mm (9% above normal) in 2010. Irrigation regimes impacted nutrient uptake, with 60% and 75% FIT resulting in efficient and comparative performance relative to FIT. Nitrogen, P, and K uptake increased with water supply. Total N uptake ranged from 154 kg ha−1 for rainfed to 253 kg ha−1 for FIT in 2009 and from 182 kg ha−1 for rainfed to 270 kg ha−1 for FIT in 2010. The FIT had the greatest P uptake (39 kg ha−1 in 2009 and 53 kg ha−1 in 2010). Total grain N uptake was 143, 203, 216, 205, and 215 kg ha−1 in 2009 and 151, 178, 188, 193, and 209 kg ha−1 in 2010 for rainfed, 50% FIT, 60% FIT, 75% FIT, and FIT, respectively. The residual soil N averaged 77.5 kg ha−1 in 2009 and 72.4 kg ha−1 in 2010 and increased with irrigation. Relationships among plant N, P, and K concentrations were developed for within‐season nutrient diagnosis in practical applications.
Soil Moisture Estimation in Alpine Catchments through Modeling and Satellite Observations
Authors: Brocca L. , Tarpanelli A. , Moramarco T. , Melone F. , Ratto S.M. , Cauduro M. , Ferraris S. , Berni N. , Ponziani F. , Wagner W. , Melzer T.
Published: February 2013

Soil moisture is widely recognized as a state variable governing the mass and energy balance between the land surface and the atmosphere. For that, its knowledge is of upmost importance for many applications including flood and landslide prediction. In alpine catchments, soil moisture estimation is a very difficult task, because of complex topography, high vegetation density, and presence of snow and outcrops. In this study, the possibility to estimate soil moisture for these areas by using modeled and satellite data is investigated. Specifically, an updated version of a soil water balance model, which takes the snowmelt process into account, is employed. Moreover, satellite‐derived soil moisture observations obtained by the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT) sensor onboard the MetOp satellite are tested by considering two products: the Surface Soil Moisture (SSM) and the Soil Water Index (SWI). The latter is obtained through the application of an exponential filter and it is aimed to reduce the differences in the layer depth of in situ measurements (10 cm) and satellite data (∼2–3 cm). Quality‐checked in situ soil moisture measurements collected at four continuous monitoring sites in Valle d'Aosta (North Italy) are used to test the accuracy of modeled and satellite estimates. Notwithstanding the above issues, results indicated the potential not only of modeling approaches but also, unexpectedly, of satellite data to retrieve soil moisture in high elevation regions (>1000 m a.s.l.). Indeed, by estimating correctly the snowmelt contribution, the agreement between modeled and observed data is quite good, with correlation coefficient values, r, in the range 0.795–0.940. In addition, the ASCAT‐derived SWI product provides satisfactorily results with r = 0.635–0.869. Based on these findings, in situ, modeled, and satellite soil moisture data will be used for improving flood and landslide risk prediction at the Valle d'Aosta Functional center to improve the Civil Protection Alert System.
Characterization and Remediation of Chlorinated Volatile Organic Contaminants in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Brusseau Mark L. , Carroll Kenneth C. , Truex Michael J. , Becker David J.
Published: February 2013

Contamination of vadose‐zone systems by chlorinated solvents is widespread and poses significant potential risk to human health through impacts on groundwater quality and vapor intrusion. Soil vapor extraction (SVE) is the presumptive remedy for such contamination and has been used successfully for innumerable sites; however, SVE operations typically exhibit reduced mass‐removal effectiveness at some point due to the impact of poorly accessible contaminant mass and associated mass‐transfer limitations. Assessment of SVE performance and closure is currently based on characterizing contaminant mass discharge associated with the vadose‐zone source and its impact on groundwater or vapor intrusion. These issues are addressed in this overview, with a focus on summarizing recent advances in our understanding of the transport, characterization, and remediation of chlorinated solvents in the vadose zone. The evolution of contaminant distribution with time and the associated impacts on remediation efficiency are discussed, as is potential impact of persistent sources on groundwater quality and vapor intrusion. In addition, alternative methods for site characterization and remediation are addressed.
Long-Term Nephrotoxicity in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Dekkers Ilona A. , Blijdorp Karin , Cransberg Karlien , Pluijm Saskia M. , Pieters Rob , Neggers Sebastian J. , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M.
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Because little is known about long-term treatment-related nephrotoxicity, the aim was to determine risk factors for renal impairment long after childhood cancer treatment.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data from 763 adult childhood cancer survivors (414 men) were obtained during regular visits at the late-effects clinic between 2003 and 2009. Median follow-up time was 18.3 years (range=5.0–58.2). Glomerular function was assessed by estimated GFR (using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula), urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and tubular function by urinary β
2-microglobulin creatinine ratio. The association with treatment factors was analyzed with covariance analysis for estimated GFR and logistic regression for urinary albumin and urinary β
2-microglobulin creatinine ratios.

Results

Survivors treated with nephrectomy and abdominal irradiation had significantly lower estimated GFR than survivors not treated with nephrectomy/abdominal irradiation (estimated mean=90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 versus 106, P<0.001). Estimated GFR was significantly lower in survivors after treatment with high-dose ifosfamide (88 versus 98, P=0.02) and high-dose cisplatin (83 versus 101, P=0.004) compared with survivors not treated with these regimen. Nephrectomy combined with abdominal radiotherapy (odds ratio=3.14, 95% confidence interval=1.02; 9.69) and high-dose cisplatin (odds ratio=5.19, 95% confidence interval=1.21; 22.21) was associated with albuminuria. High-dose ifosfamide (odds ratio=6.19, 95% confidence interval=2.45; 15.67) was associated with increased urinary β
2-microglobulin creatinine ratio. Hypertension was present in 23.4% of survivors and 31.4% of renal tumor survivors.

Conclusions

Treatment with unilateral nephrectomy, abdominal radiotherapy, cisplatin, and ifosfamide was associated with lower estimated GFR. Persisting tubular damage was related to ifosfamide treatment.
Current Trends in Recycling of Photovoltaic Solar Cells and Modules Waste / Recykling Zużytych Ogniw I Modułów Fotowoltaicznych - Stan Obecny
Authors: Klugmann-Radziemska Ewa
Published: February 2013

In comparison to other energy producing techniques, photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most promising options: no emission of any matter into the environment during operation; extremely long operation period (estimated average: 25 years), minimum maintenance, robust technique, aesthetic aspects. The use of photovoltaics is rapidly increasing, and the respective market is developing accordingly. Although PV manufacturing equipment is now excluded from the scope of RoHS, according to the Kyoto Protocol and the EU Directives WEEE and RoHS the use of hazardous substances in electric/electronic devices has to be reduced stepwise to approximately zero level. Furthermore, a total recycling of nearly all materials involved is aimed. Thus, major attention is directed to avoidance of environmental pollution through combustion or landfill, to regain valuable material, to promote the development and use of renewable energy sources. As the lifetime of PV cells themselves is much longer than that of PV modules and the manufacturing process of cells requires much energy consumption, the reuse of base material of the cells is economically justified. The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate existing methods of PV cells and modules recycling. The article discusses the main outcomes and analyses the significance of recycling in relation to the environmental profile of the production and total life cycle of photovoltaic cells and modules
Aspects of Ethnicity, Class and Religion in Case of Slovak Immigrant Communities in the UK
Authors: Rozenfeld Julius
Published: February 2013

Since 2004 several tens of thousands of Slovaks arrived in the United Kingdom. A number of Slovak communities have emerged that bear the characteristic marks of diasporas. This paper displays an analysis of these immigrant groups based on online surveys and interviews. Questions of integration versus assimilation are discussed in the light of class, religious affiliation and ethnic identity.
Thermal consolidation of porous medium with a rheological kelvin–voigt skeleton
Authors: Bartlewska-Urban Monika , Strzelecki Tomasz
Published: February 2013

This study presents calculations results of thermal consolidation process of the porous medium with the rheological Kelvin-Voigt skeleton, obtained numerically with the use of Flex.PDE software. The investigated calculation scheme consisted of the porous column filled with a liquid. The vertical load was applied to the top surface of the column through a porous plate allowing the free flow of liquid through this surface. Numerical solution is based on compression of the sample at appropriately defined boundary conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the influence of external load and temperature gradient on the deformation tests progress at different values of three parameters: λ,rsandcv. The results obtained, in the context of further research, can also be used for the determination of the influence of other parameters of the state and model parameters on the process of thermo poroelasticity of Biot model with rheological skeleton.
Metapragmatic Evaluation of Verbal Irony by Speakers of Russian and American English
Authors: Shilikhina Ksenia
Published: February 2013

The paper discusses metapragmatic assessment of verbal irony by speakers of Russian and American English. The research combines ideas from metapragmatics, folk linguistics and corpus linguistics. Empirical data are drawn from the Russian National Corpus (RNC), the Corpus of Historical American English (COHA) and the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA). Spontaneous evaluation of linguistic behavior is an important function of both explicit and implicit metapragmatic uses of language. Distributional adjectival patterns of the Russian word ирония and English irony are treated as implicit indicators of folk metapragmatic awareness. Connotations of the adjectives reflect our everyday linguistic practices and contribute to the vagueness of the notion and the definition of irony in scholarly theorizing.
Transfer, Similarity or Lack of Awareness? Inconsistencies of German Learners in the Pronunciation of LOT, THOUGHT, STRUT, PALM and BATH
Authors: Kautzsch Alexander
Published: February 2013

The current study presents acoustic analyses of non-high back vowels and low central vowels in the lexical sets LOT, THOUGHT, STRUT, PALM and BATH as pronounced by German learners of English. The main objective is to show that learners of English at university level are highly inconsistent in approximating the vowels of their self-chosen target accents British English (BrE) and American English (AmE). To that end, the acoustic qualities of the English vowels of learners are compared to their native German vowels and to the vowels of native speakers of BrE and AmE. In order to facilitate statements about the effect of increased experience, the study differentiates between students in their first year at university and in their third year or later. The results obtained are highly variable: In some cases the learners transfer their L1 vowels to English, other cases show clear approximations to the target vowels, while other cases again document the production of new vowels neither found in German nor in English. However, close approximation to the target vowels only sometimes correlates with higher proficiency. This might be an indicator of a low level of awareness of systematic differences between the BrE and AmE vowel systems. But the data also indicate that the more advanced learners produce more distinct AmE BATH vowels and BrE THOUGHT vowels than the less advanced learners, which points to a partial increase of awareness resulting from increased experience. All in all it seems that raising the awareness of differences between target accents in L2 instruction is necessary if the envisage goal is for learners to reach near-native pronunciation.
The Effect of Word-Initial Glottalization on Word Monitoring in Slovak Speakers of English
Authors: Volín Jan , Uhrinová Mária , Skarnitzl Radek
Published: February 2013

The study investigates the impact of glottal elements before word-initial vowels on the speed of processing of the phrases taken from natural continuous speech. In many languages a word beginning with a vowel can be preceded by a glottal stop or a short period of creaky voice. However, languages differ in the extent of use and functions of this glottalization: it may be used to mark the word boundary, for instance, or to add special prominence to the word. The aim of the experiment was to find out whether the presence of the glottal element can influence reaction times in a word-monitoring paradigm. Users of different languages - Slovak and Czech learners of English, as well as native speakers of English - were participating in perception testing so that the influence of the mother tongue could be determined. The results confirm the effect of both glottalization and the L1 of the listeners. In addition, a significant effect of test item manipulations was found. Although the phrases with added or deleted glottal stops displayed no obvious acoustic artefacts, they produced longer reaction times than items with naturally present or absent glottalizations. We believe that this finding underlines the importance of inherent stress patterns, whose alterations lead to the increase in processing load.
Novel Calix[4]arene network resin for Cr(VI) ions Remediation: A Response Surface Approach
Authors: Siyal Ali N. , Memon Saima Q.
Published: February 2013

Novel Calix[4]arene Netwok (NCN) resin has been synthesized using Amberlite XAD-2 as the starting material. Hydroxyl groups have been introduced onto the para position of alkylated phenyl ring of Amberlite XAD-2 followed by the condensation to NCN by reacting it with formaldehyde. The NCN resin has been used for the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated water using factorial design approach. A face-centered Draper-Lin composite design predicted ~100% removal effi ciency at optimum variables (the initial concentration of Cr(VI) ion 10 mg/l sorbent dose 200 mg, agitation time 136 min and pH 2). The accuracy and the fi tting of the model were evaluated by ANOVA and R2 (0.9992) values. The 99.5% removal effi ciency has been achieved experimentally at the optimum values of the variables. The Langmuir and D-R isotherm models were applicable to the sorption data with the value of RL and the sorption free energy 0.0057-0.1 and 7.93 kJ/mol respectively, suggesting favorable and physical/ion-exchange nature of the sorption. The calculated sorption capacity was 176.1±2.4 mg/g. The recycling studies of NCN resin showed that the multiple use of resin is feasible. Effect of concomitants has also been studies and proposed method was applied successfully for removal (98.7%) of Cr (VI) from electroplating wastewater.
Zinc ion adsorption on carbon nanotubes in an aqueous solution
Authors: Ansari A. , Mehrabian M.A. , Hashemipour H.
Published: February 2013

The literature devoted to numerical investigation of adsorption of heavy metal ions on carbon nanotubes is scarce. In this paper molecular dynamics is used to simulate the adsorption process and to investigate the effect of the infl uencing parameters on the rate of adsorption. The predictions of the molecular dynamics simulation show that the adsorption process is improved with increasing the temperature, pH of solution, the mass of nanotubes, and surface modifi cation of CNT using hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups. The results predicted by the model are compared with the experimental results available in the literature; the close agreement validates the accuracy of the predictions. This study reveals that the water layers around the carbon nanotubes and the interaction energies play important roles in the adsorption process. The study also shows that electrostatic force controls the attraction of zinc ions on the nanotube sidewall.
Catalytic hydrogenation in the process of 2-((1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl) methyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroinden-1-one hydrochloride synthesis I. Catalyst screening and finding the optimal reaction conditions
Authors: Samardzic Zrinka Mastelic , Zrncevic Stanka
Published: February 2013

1

Catalytic hydrogenation of 2-((1-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylene)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroinden- 1-one hydrochloride () to 2-((1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroinden- 1-one hydrochloride (2) was investigated in the batch-slurry reactor. The 5% Pt/C catalyst was chosen to search the optimal reaction conditions because of its higher catalytic activity compared to other catalysts used in the work. To investigate the catalyst activity, selectivity and stability, the effect of agitation speed, catalyst loading, solvent, temperature, hydrogen pressure and catalyst reuse were studied.

The initial rate of hydrogenation increases with the increase of catalyst loading, with the temperature and solvent polarity, if alcohols were used as solvents. The hydrogenation rate decreases with higher hydrogen pressure and that was explained by competitive adsorption of both reactants.

The results also indicate that 5% Pt/C is a promising catalyst for 1 hydrogenation because at relatively mild reaction conditions selectivity towards main product was high (98%) and catalyst maintains its activity during successive runs.
Surface active agent production from olive oil in high salt conditions and its process optimization
Authors: Taran Mojtaba , Mohamadian Elham , Asadi Sahand , Bakhtiyari Salar
Published: February 2013

Microbial surfactants or biosurfactants are surface active amphiphilic macromolecules that are produced by a number of microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and fungi). These compounds have extensive application in various industries especially in food, pharmaceutical and oil industry. The aim of this paper is to optimize the culture conditions for the biosurfactant production from olive oil by a novel halophilic isolate microorganism. The Taguchi experimental design methodology based analysis of olive oil as carbon source, yeast extract as nitrogen source and KH2PO4 as phosphorus source revealed that the olive oil and yeast extract significantly affect biosurfactant production in high salt conditions. Maximum biosurfactant (E24= 40%) produced in the presence of 4% (v/v) olive oil, 0.2% (w/v) yeast extract, and 0.002% (w/v) KH2PO4 . In conclusion, halophilic archaeon Haloarcula sp. IRU1 could be a potential microorganism for the production of biosurfactant from olive oil as carbon source in high salt conditions. The optimal parameters obtained during the optimization process were: olive oil 4%, yeast extract 0.4% and KH2PO4 0.004%.
Artificial neural network to predict the natural convection from vertical and inclined arrays of horizontal cylinders
Authors: Amiri Amin , Karami Alimohammad , Yousefi Tooraj , Zanjani Mohammad
Published: February 2013

The main focus of the present study is to utilize the artificial neural network (ANN) in predicting the natural convection from horizontal isothermal cylinders arranged in vertical and inclined arrays. The effects of the vertical separation spacing to the cylinder diameter ratio (Py/d), horizontal separation spacing to the cylinder diameter ratio (Px/d) and Rayleigh number (Ra) variation on the average heat transfer from the arrays are considered via this prediction. The training data for optimizing the ANN structure is based on available experimental data. The Levenberg-Marquardt back propagation algorithm is used for ANN training. The proposed ANN is developed using MATLAB functions. For the best ANN structure obtained in this investigation, the mean relative errors of 0.027% and 0.482% were reached for the training and test data, respectively. The results show that the predicted values are very close to the experimental ones.
The effect of important parameters on the natural gas vehicles driving range
Authors: Farzaneh-Gord Mahmood , Rahbari Hamid Reza , Nikofard Hossin
Published: February 2013

One of the most important issues regarding Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) is the Driving Range, which is defined as capability of a NGV to travel a certain distance after each refueling. The Driving Range is a serious obstacle in the development and growth of NGVs. Thus the necessity of studying the effects of various parameters on the Driving Range could be realized. It is found that the on-board storage capacity and the natural gas heating value have the greatest effect on the Driving Range. The charged mass of NGV cylinders is varied due to the natural gas composition and the final in-cylinder values (temperature and pressure). Underfilling of NGV cylinders, during charging operations, is a result of the elevated temperature which occurs in the NGV storage cylinder, due to compression and other processes could be overcome by applying extensive over-pressurization of the cylinder during the fuelling operation. Here, the effects of the most important parameters on the Driving Range have been investigated. The parameters are natural gas composition, engine efficiency and final NGV on-board in-cylinder temperature and pressure. It is found that, the composition has big effects on the Driving Range. The results also show that as final in-cylinder pressure decreases (or temperature increases), the Driving Range will be increased.
Adsorption of humic acid on mesoporous carbons prepared from poly- (ethylene terephthalate) templated with magnesium compounds
Authors: Karolczyk Justyna , Mozia Sylwia , Morawski Antoni W. , Przepiórski Jacek
Published: February 2013

Porous carbons obtained from poly(ethylene terephtalate) contained in a mixture with either MgCO3 or Mg(OH)2 were examined as adsorbents for removal of humic acid from water. Adsorption of the model contaminants is discussed in relation to the textural parameters of the obtained carbon materials. Pore structure parameters of the carbonaceous materials were strongly influenced by preparation conditions including temperature and relative amounts of the inorganics used during preparations as template. Porous carbons prepared revealed a potential to purify water from the model contaminant of high molecular weight. The results presented confirmed a key role of mesoporosity in the adsorption of humic acid. Fluorescence spectroscopy was confirmed to be an useful method to evaluate concentration of humic acid in water.
The Parasite Fauna of the Gobiid Fish (Actinopterygii, Gobiidae) in the Sukhyi Lyman, Black Sea
Authors: Krasnovyd V. , Kvach Yu. , Drobiniak O.
Published: February 2013

The parasite fauna of gobiid fish of the Sukhyi Lyman, Black Sea, is described. Seventeen species of parasites are registered in the gobiids in the water body. The marine tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus has the richest parasite fauna (12 species), the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus has the fewest number of parasite species (5 species). The microsporidian Loma sp. and ciliate Trichodina domerguei are recorded for the first time for gobiids in the north-western Black Sea. The core of the parasite fauna is formed by metacercariae Cryptocotyle spp. The core, secondary, satellite, and rare species in the parasite community of each host are described. Not only marine and brackish water parasites, but also limnetic species, namely metacercariae D. spathaceum, were registered in the Sukhyi Lyman that differentiates it from the many of localities in the north-western Black Sea.
Combustion Engine Powered by a Mixture of Natural Gas and Hydrogen
Authors: Chríbik Andrej , Polóni Marián , Lach Ján
Published: February 2013

Shrnutí

Predkladaný článok sa zaoberá vplyvom primiešavania vodíka do zemného plynu (H2NG - 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30% obj. H2) na výkonové, ekonomické a emisné parametre spaľovacieho motora Lombardini LGW 702. Experimentálne merania boli vykonané pri rôznom zložení zmesi a v širokom rozsahu otáčok. Z nameraných dát sa určila optimalizačná mapa uhla predstihu zapaľovania od podielu vodíka v zmesi za účelom dosiahnutia maximálneho točivého momentu. V ďalšej časti je popísaná analýza tlakov v spaľovacom priestore, ktorá nám poskytuje dôležité údaje o dosiahnutom maximálnom tlaku, rýchlosti nárastu tlaku, charakteru spaľovacieho procesu a množstve ďalších údajov charakterizujúcich danú zmes (H2NG). V poslednej časti je ukázaný vplyv prímesi vodíka na charakter zloženia výfukových plynov (CO, CO2, O2, NOX).
The 2009 Match-fixing Incident in Taiwan’s Professional Baseball League
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Lo Renfu
Published: February 2013

The Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) was the first professional sports league ever created in Taiwan, but has been plagued by a series of match-fixing scandals starting from 1996. However, the 2009 scandal happened to the most popular club, Brother Elephants. The corrupt “Windshield Wiper” ring was the mastermind behind whole affair. Twenty-six former and active players and coaches were involved that put the games’ ethics and integrity in jeopardy. In particular, star players such as Cao Jinhui and Chen Zhiyuan were banished from baseball forever, which certainly shocked the public. Accordingly, the CPBL was again on the verge of disbandment. Facing such a crisis, fans organized a street protest and spontaneously demanded that the government take actions against such an adverse environment. Subsequently, the authorities stipulated several plans in order to revive the “national sport” people used to love.
Deformation Characteristics of Shot Concrete Lining and Steel Lattice Beams
Authors: Vojtasík Karel , Hrubešová Eva , Mohyla Marek
Published: February 2013

Deformation Characteristics of Shot Concrete Lining and Steel Lattice Beams

Steel-concrete tunnel lining is the only type of stabilizing structure statically active in phase of its construction, i.e. immediately after execution of excavating. This fact predestinates it for stabilization of excavation in interaction with solid rock mass. Deformation characteristic of the shot concrete lining is determined by variable stiffness of the lining cross-section during the construction and shortly after its completion, and it is subjected to the advancement upon construction of the lining. Variable stiffness of the lining structure enables controlled release of stress state of the solid rock mass after execution of excavation. The present contribution analyzes activity of the shot concrete tunnel lining and steel lattice beams. Deformation characteristics are determined based on mutual interaction of the lining and solid rock mass during individual constructional stages of the lining determined by geometrical parameters of the lining cross-section and state of individual shot concrete layers hardening.