bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The phonetics of hyper-active feet: Effects of stress priming on speech planning and production
Authors: Shaw Jason A.
Published: May 2013

This study employs a stress priming paradigm to investigate sensitivity to metrical structure in speech planning and production in Australian English. Target words with iambic stress were preceded by primes with either congruent or incongruent stress and also embedded in metrical contexts biased towards either persistent foot types (Experiment 1) or variable foot types (Experiment 2). Both naming latency, the time from stimulus presentation to the onset of speech, and phonetic patterns showed sensitivity to metrical manipulations. The paradigm produced stress errors, iambic targets produced as trochees, and variation in vowel formants and syllable duration as a function of metrical context. Patterns in the reaction time data indicated sensitivity to global metrical biases calculated over feet. When the metrical bias was toward persistent feet, iambs were produced more quickly in the congruent stress context. When the metrical bias was reversed, iambs were produced more quickly in the incongruent stress context. This pattern of results supports a speech production model that represents metrical structure and allows competition at the metrical level to influence phonetic variability.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities: Case Law Review
Authors: Maydosz Ann , Maydosz Diane
Published: May 2013

Despite the fact that disability has been recognized as “a natural part of the human experience” (Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000) and that the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and its later reauthorizations as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should have served as an unbiased manifesto to address all students’ disabilities, a further reality is that students with disabilities who also have cultural and linguistic differences remain poorly served in today’s schools. In fact, while years of litigation and legislation have created improvement for some students with disabilities, it appears that a historic segregation may remain for culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities. This paper will examine case law and law review journals regarding students with disabilities who also have cultural and linguistic differences and their contact with the evaluation and placement phases of the special education process.
Citizens, Nonprofits and Climate Change Policy
Authors: Bies Angela L. , Lee Deanna G. , Lindsey Charles , Stoutenborough James W. , Vedlitz Arnold
Published: May 2013

The issue of climate change and its potential effects on natural and human systems is becoming more prevalent on citizen and policymaker agendas. Studies of the factors framing citizen levels of concern about climate change and potential policy reactions to it are mainly framed around traditional causal explanations like socioeconomic status, political ideology, personal vulnerability, and knowledge. The present study, building on Stern et al.’s (1999) Value-Belief-Norm theory, expands this analysis by looking at the impact of nonprofit organization influences on citizen orientations to climate change as a problem. Controlling for traditional variables, this study seeks to isolate the effects of nonprofit organizations as potential attitude and policy framers in this policy realm. Using a national public opinion survey of American citizens, the role of nonprofit organizations in framing levels of concern about, and policy reactions to, climate change are found to be more complex than once thought. It appears that environmental organization membership per se is less important than is citizen trust in environmental organizations.
Trinitätstheologische und ekklesiologische Probleme im Horizont hermeneutischer Prioritäten
Authors: Haudel Matthias
Published: May 2013

Trinitätstheologische Prioritäten und Engführungen, die sich in ekklesiologischen Gewichtungen widerspiegeln, resultieren aus unterschiedlichen hermeneutischen Prioritäten. Das betrifft nicht nur offenbarungstheologische und philosophisch-theologische Prägungen, sondern auch mentalitätsbedingte Orientierungen. Anhand der Theologiegeschichte in Ost- und Westkirche und am Beispiel aktueller theologischer Konzeptionen der großen konfessionellen Strömungen wird aufgezeigt, wie sich unterschiedliche hermeneutische Schwerpunkte entwickelt haben und welchen Einfluss sie auf trinitätstheologische Konzeptionen nehmen, die wiederum nachweislich ekklesiologische Ansätze prägen. Es wird erörtert, wie die neunizänisch-kappadozische Trinitätslehre, die sich im Ökumenischen Bekenntnis von Nizäa-Konstantinopel (381) niederschlug, eine gemeinsame hermeneutisch-offenbarungstheologische, trinitätstheologische und ekklesiologische Basis bietet. Von ihr lassen sich Differenzierungen ableiten, die zur Lösung des Filioque-Problems ebenso beitragen wie zur Eröffnung gemeinsamer trinitätstheologischer Perspektiven, welche die Überwindung der grundlegenden Differenzen im Amts- und Kirchenverständnis ermöglichen.
Proton conducting polymer electrolytes based on PVdF-PVA with NH4NO3
Authors: Muthiah Muthuvinayagam , Chellasamy Gopinathan , Natarajan Rajeswari , Subramanian Selvasekarapandian , Chinnappa Sanjeeviraja
Published: May 2013

Conducting polymer electrolyte films were prepared based on poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by using a solution casting technique. The optimized PVdF-PVA polymer blend ratio was doped with different concentrations of NH4NO3 and polymer blend electrolytes were prepared. The increase in amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and optical microscopic studies. The complex formation between the polymers and the salt was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The ac impedance studies were performed to evaluate the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte membranes in the range 303–333 K and the highest ionic conductivity was found to be 2.91×10-4 S/cm at ambient temperature for PVdF-PVA-NH4NO3 (80:20:25 MWt%) polymer electrolyte, with activation energy Ea=0.7 eV. The dielectric behavior of the electrolytes was also studied.
Tetrahydrobiopterin protects soluble guanylate cyclase against oxidative inactivation
Authors: Schmidt Kurt , Werner Ernst R. , Mayer Bernd
Published: May 2013

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a major endogenous vasoprotective agent that improves endothelial function by increasing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and scavenging of superoxide and peroxynitrite. Accordingly, administration of BH4 is considered as a promising therapy of cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. In a recent study we identified a novel function of BH4 that might contribute to the beneficial vascular effects of the pteridine. As demonstrated with cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells, oxidative inactivation of soluble guanylate cyclase with nitroglycerin or the heme-site inhibitor ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one) resulted in a decrease in NO-induced cGMP accumulation that was insensitive to scavengers of reactive oxygen species but prevented upon supplementation of the cells with BH4. Tetrahydroneopterin had the same effect and virtually identical results were obtained with RFL-6 fibroblasts, suggesting that our observation reflects a general feature of tetrahydropteridines that is unrelated to NO synthase function and not limited to endothelial cells. Protection of soluble guanylate cyclase against oxidative inactivation may contribute to the known beneficial effects of BH4 in cardiovascular disorders associated with oxidative stress.
Polymorphisms correlated with the clinical outcome of locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with ALIRI vs. FOLFIRI
Authors: Barcelos Ana , Giovannetti Elisa , de Jonge Robert , Maftouh Mina , Griffioen Pieter , Hanauske Axel R. , Peters Godefridus J.
Published: May 2013

Leucovorin-modulated 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus irinotecan (FOLFIRI) is the most common treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). 5-FU inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS) and irinotecan topoisomerase I, leading to inhibition of DNA replication and repair. FOLFIRI efficacy suggested that other TS inhibitors might synergize with irinotecan, and Phase I/II studies for second-line treatment showed promising results of combinations with the multitargeted antifolate pemetrexed (PMX), which exerts its effects primarily via TS inhibition. However, a randomized Phase II trial of PMX + irinotecan (ALIRI) showed similar efficacy and safety, but significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) compared with FOLFIRI in locally advanced or metastatic CRC. In our previous aCGH study, we evaluated genome-wide copy number variations, whereas in the current study we evaluated relationships between functional polymorphisms and PFS. Candidate polymorphisms were studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) (TSER-2R/3R) or Taqman-PCR (MTHFR-1958G>A, MTR-2756A>G, MTHFR-1298A>C, SHMT1-1420C>T, ATIC-347C>G, AMPD-134C>T, MTRR-66A>G and SLC-19A180G>A) in 84 patients (40 FOLFIRI, 44 ALIRI). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot PFS, and the log-rank test to compare curves. At univariate analysis the homozygous variants of both MTR-2756A>G and SHMT1-1420C>T were associated with significantly shorter PFS. Conversely, a significantly longer PFS (7.3 months) was observed when ATIC-347C>G CC+CG genotypes were grouped vs. GG. At multivariate analysis the genotypes MTR-2756A>G AA+AG, SHMT1-1420C>T TT+CT and ATIC-347C>G CC+CG emerged as significant predictors for PFS. Because MTR, SHMT1 and ATIC are all involved in folate pathways, we further explored the effect of a combination of their risk genotypes on PFS, showing that patients carrying two risk genotypes had a significantly shorter PFS (3.9 months, p<0.001). The correlations of polymorphisms in genes with clinical outcome underscore the importance of a candidate gene-based approach. Ultimately, the validation of the role of these polymorphisms in prospective multicenter trials might optimize currently available treatments in selected CRC patients (e.g., FOLFIRI) or PMX-based treatments in other tumor types.
Does extracellular proteolysis control mammalian cognition?
Authors: Tamura Hideki , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Shiosaka Sadao
Published: May 2013

Recent advances in neuroscience techniques for analyzing synaptic functions, have revealed that even in a fully developed nervous system, dynamic structural changes in synapses can modify a variety of interactions between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron. Accumulating evidence suggests that extracellular proteases are involved in the structural modification of synapses through various pathways, including proteolytic cleavage at specific amino acid residues of the extracellular matrix proteins, cell adhesion molecules, and neurotrophic factors. Limited proteolysis induces changes in the properties of substrate proteins or releases functional domains (such as ligands) of the substrate proteins, which activate a signal transduction cascade, and hence could serve to initiate a variety of physiological functions. Such morphological and functional synaptic plasticity might underlie cognitive processes, including learning and memory in animals and humans. Here, we review potential molecular mechanisms of cognition-related focal proteolysis in the hippocampus. In addition, we developed a novel screening method to identify the physiological substrate for proteases.
Hybridization effect on mechanical properties of short basalt/jute fiber-reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Amuthakkannan Pandian , Manikandan Vairavan , Jappes Jebbas Thangaiah Winowlin , Uthayakumar Marimuthu
Published: May 2013

Mechanical properties of fiber reinforcement that can be obtained by the introduction of basalt fibers in jute fiber-reinforced polyester composites have been analyzed experimentally. Basalt/jute fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer composites were fabricated with a varying fiber percentage by using compression molding techniques. The fabricated composite plates were subjected to mechanical testing to estimate tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of the composites. The effect of fiber content on basalt/jute fiber in the composites has been studied. Addition of jute fiber into basalt fiber composite makes it a cost-effective one. Incorporation of basalt fiber into the composites was at approximately 10%, 20%, up to 90%, and the jute fiber percentage was reduced from 90%, 80%, to 10% correspondingly. Mechanical properties were investigated as per ASTM standards. Tensile and flexural strengths were tested by using a computer-assisted universal testing machine, and impact strength by using an Izod impact tester. It has been observed that the addition of jute fiber to the basalt fiber polyester composites enhanced the mechanical properties. Water absorption of hybrid composites was also analyzed and was found to be proportional to fiber percentage.
„Ein unglaubliches Schriftbild, von Rechtschreibung oder Interpunktion ganz zu schweigen“
Authors: Brommer Sarah
Published: May 2013

The writing skills of today's youth often make great waves when mentioned in the public media. The following article is based on 671 comments made about the writing skills of young people in selected newspapers and magazines from 1994 to 2005. The opinions and criteria presented will be analysed and patterns of reasoning which repeat themselves in their structure will also be identified. In addition to descriptions of discourse content, their structure will be presented and their connection with related discourses considered. This empirical study distinctly shows in which context and manner the subject of writing skills in young people is broached by the media. However, it also shows which image of writing skills in young people dominates in the public mind, as well as presenting to what degree this image is based on objective criteria or just a cliché
Schriftlichkeit und kommunikative Distanz
Authors: Koch Peter , Oesterreicher Wulf
Published: May 2013

The fundamental distinction between the medial problem of 'phonic' vs. 'graphic' realisation of discourses, on the one hand, and the conceptional problem of their 'spoken = informal' vs. 'written = formal' character (denominated 'communicative immediacy' vs. 'distance' in the following) not only constitutes a sound theoretical basis for investigation into orality and literacy, but also leads to a better understanding of a wide range of synchronic and diachronic phenomena concerning language. The medial-conceptional distinction accounts, for example, for important problems on the level of discourse typology, comprising, for instance, 'elaborated' types of primary orality, communicative dynamics in medieval societies, modern types of electronic communication (e-mail, SMS message, chat), etc. Once it is to clearly tell the medial from the conceptional aspect of language, it is, of course, legitimate to observe the most interesting interactions between these two. The idea of a conceptional continuum between communicative 'immediacy' and 'distance' constitutes also an important contribution to variational linguistics and sociolinguistics. It can be shown that this continuum is not only one dimension of linguistic variation, but the central principle underlying the organisation of variational spaces (within one language) and of communicative spaces (involving more than one language). Moreover, the medial-conceptional distinction reveals to be of paramount importance to a modern conception of language history as observing the transformation of whole variational spaces. The questions that can be dealt with here comprise the way to literacy, processes of elaboration, Überdachung, standardization, codification, reorganization of variational spaces, etc. as well as several types of language change. Finally, a clear conceptualization of medial and conceptional problems is indispensable for a sound methodology in corpus linguistics.
Molecular pathways involved in the improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Paz-Filho Gilberto , Mastronardi Claudio Alberto , Parker Brian J , Khan Ainy , Inserra Antonio , Matthaei Klaus I , Ehrhart-Bornstein Monika , Bornstein Stefan , Wong Ma-Li , Licinio Julio
Published: May 2013

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are components of the metabolic syndrome. Serum leptin levels are elevated in obesity, but the role of leptin in the pathophysiology of the liver involvement is still unclear. To identify the effects and mechanisms by which leptin influences the pathogenesis of NAFLD, we performed epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) transplantation from congenic wild-type mice into the subcutaneous dorsal area ofLepob/obrecipient mice and compared the results with those of theLepob/obsham-operated mice. The mice were followed for 102–216 days. During killing, the transplanted mice had significantly lost body weight and exhibited significantly higher leptin levels, improved glucose tolerance, and lower liver injury scores than the sham-operated mice. Liver microarray analysis showed that novel pathways related to GA-binding protein (GABP) transcription factor targets, pheromone binding, and olfactory signaling were differentially expressed in the transplanted mice. Our data also replicate pathways known to be involved in NAFLD, such as those involved in the regulation of microRNAs, lipid, glucose, and glutathione metabolism, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, cellular regulation, carboxylic acid processes, iron, heme, and tetrapyrrole binding, immunity and inflammation, insulin signaling, cytochrome P450 function, and cancer. Conclusion: wild-type eWAT transplantation intoLepob/obmice led to improvements in metabolism, body weight, and liver injury, possibly attributed to the production of leptin by the transplanted eWAT. These improvements were accompanied by the differential expression of novel pathways. The causal relationship between GABP downregulation and NAFLD improvement remains to be determined.
new national unit for invasive species detection, assessment and eradication planning
Authors: Wilson John R.U. , Ivey Philip , Manyama Phetole , Nänni Ingrid
Published: May 2013

Even with no new introductions, the number of biological invasions in South Africa will increase as introduced species naturalise and become invasive. As of 2010 South Africa had ~8750 introduced plant taxa, 660 recorded as naturalised, 198 included in invasive species legislation, but only 64 subject to regular control (i.e. only widespread invaders are managed post-border). There is only one documented example of a successful eradication programme in continental South Africa – against the Mediterranean snail (Otala punctata) in Cape Town. Here we describe the establishment in 2008 of a unit funded by the Working for Water Programme as part of the South African National Biodiversity Institute's Invasive Species Programme (SANBI ISP) designed to (1) detect and document new invasions, (2) provide reliable and transparent post-border risk assessments and (3) provide the cross-institutional coordination needed to successfully implement national eradication plans. As of the end of 2012, the ISP had an annual budget of R36 million, employed 33 staff working across all nine provinces, supported 10 postgraduate students, hosted 35 interns (including those as part of a drive to collect DNA barcodes for all invasive taxa) and created over 50 000 days of work as part of government poverty alleviation programmes. The unit has worked towards full risk assessments for 39 plant taxa and has developed eradication plans for seven species; the unit is now helping implement these plans. By focusing on science-based management and policy, we argue that SANBI ISP can play a leading role in preventing introduced species from becoming widespread invaders.
Relative density correlations are not reliable criteria
Authors: Hamidi Babak , Varaksin Serge , Nikraz Hamid
Published: May 2013

The concept of relative density was developed with the intention of appropriately defining looseness and denseness of sand or sand–gravel soils in a meaningful way; however, there are sufficient amounts of research and case studies to demonstrate the unreliability of this concept due to its large inherent errors. Nevertheless, this parameter found its way early on as a ground improvement acceptance criterion based on the same philosophy that led to its formation. As there was general agreement among engineers that, in any case, direct testing of relative density in actual deep ground improvement projects was difficult, time consuming and costly, direct methods of relative density measurement were abandoned in favour of correlation to other field tests. At first glance, this may have seemed to work out quite well as the conceptual unreliability of relative density did not come into play, but a deeper look could reveal that the proposed correlations are also as unreliable as the concept itself. This paper will discuss the reasons why relative density correlations should not be used as ground improvement acceptance criteria, and alternative reliable criteria will be proposed.
The properties of Seljuq and Ottoman era public fountain faucets and some rare faucet samples
Authors: Topçu E. , Liman G. , Topçu A. H. , Baykal Y. A.
Published: May 2013

Until the late 19th and early 20th century, public fountains (in Turkish, ‘çeşme’) in Anatolia and Ottoman lands had an important place in everyday life. The water that was collected from various water sources and brought to the city centres through waterlines was supplied to people from the architectural stone structures which we call ‘fountains’. These fountains were constructed in squares and streets as needed; to supply water to an area or to pay for the building of a fountain was considered the greatest deed. An inseparable part of the public fountains, many of which are architectural monuments, is the faucets which are generally made of metal and through which the water would run. The faucets were also named as ‘lüles’ (meaning ‘pipes’) which indicated the flow rate of water. Faucets were paid great attention in the construction of public fountains. This work examines the Seljuq and Ottoman era faucets registered in the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum as historic artefacts and are a part of the Adell Armature Collection. Within this scope, the alloys and metals of which faucets are made; their size and measurements, their design features, on and off mechanisms, wall-mount features, the patterns and decorations on the faucets were also compared. While Seljuq era faucets have stylised dragon heads and other powerful animals depicted in their metal work, Ottoman era faucets usually have floral patterns and not animal figures. This subject draws much attention.
The ponds of Hattuša – early groundwater management in the Hittite kingdom
Authors: Wittenberg Hartmut , Schachner Andreas
Published: May 2013

From about 1650 until 1200 BC Hattuša (pronounced Hattusha) was the capital of the Hittite Empire in central Asia Minor. On the steep terrain of today's ruined city lived and worked thousands of people whose homes, cattle, tools and places of worship had to be supplied with water. The question arose regarding how water was conveyed into the large-scale ponds in the urban area. The silted East Ponds (36,000 m3) and South Ponds (20,000 m3) have been excavated since the 1980s. A supply of the large volumes of water by a long pipeline from outside the city was repeatedly discussed. Due to the topographic, hydraulic and geo-hydrological conditions however, a long distance supply would have been uneconomic and also unnecessary. Still today, many willow fountains in the region are fed by artesian groundwater. It was therefore assumed that the ponds were cut into the slope aquifers and filled during the wet season. To verify this hypothesis, groundwater monitoring stations were installed in the autumn of 2009 directly uphill of the pond banks. Observed groundwater levels 2009–2011 are low in summer but rise above the former pond surfaces during winter. The Hittites used exfiltrating groundwater also in other reservoirs avoiding hefty and strongly varying surface inflows.
The city blueprint: experiences with the implementation of 24 indicators to assess the sustainability of the urban water cycle
Authors: van Leeuwen Cornelis J. , Chandy Philipo C.
Published: May 2013

A set of indicators, i.e. the city blueprint, has been developed to assess the sustainability of the water cycle (SWC). The city blueprint comprises a set of 24 dedicated indicators divided over eight categories, i.e. water security, water quality, drinking water, sanitation, infrastructure, climate robustness, biodiversity and attractiveness and governance including public participation. The city blueprint can be used as a first step or quick-scan to benchmark the SWC in cities and may help: (1) to communicate a city's SWC performance and exchange experiences, (2) to select appropriate water supply and sanitation strategies, (3) to develop technological and non-technological options as future alternatives for the water cycle, where several possible changes in the use of technology, space and socio-economic scenarios can be introduced. This should finally lead to: (4) a selection of measures, including an evaluation of their costs and benefits under different development scenarios, and how to integrate these in long-term planning on urban investments. So far, a city blueprint has been made for the city of Rotterdam. This study reports on three other cities, i.e. two Dutch cities (Maastricht and Venlo) and one city in a developing country (Dar es Salaam in Tanzania). Experiences so far and further plans will be discussed.
Architect Sinan's Kırkçeşme water supply system outside the city of Istanbul and city network
Authors: Uyumaz Ali , Dabanlı İsmail
Published: May 2013

The city of Istanbul has important water system remnants from old civilizations among which water line systems begun with Byzantine period and continued during Ottoman era, including Kırkçeşme water supply system. The original gallery structure within the Kırkçeşme system has been altered with time at some places as a result of necessary planning activities, restoration and repair works. All these activities helped to keep almost the system originality. Since its first opening in 1564, its discharge increased steadily as a result of additional drainage feeding line connections to the main gallery. However, through time only a couple of the 570 additional lines have remained in operation. Although other similar establishments have perished in time without leaving even traces, the Kırkçeşme system is its vivid and harmonious appearance in front of eyes even today. Four dams were constructed at the most convenient locations along the water supply lines from 1620 to 1818. The water from the streams was collected during the rainy season and discharged to the city at times of need with increasing capacity. In general, the Kırkçeşme system has two branches: one extends towards the east, which seemed to have more water, due to its feedback from the Kirazlı, Topuz and Paşa tributaries of the Kağıthane stream; the other branch is westwards which is fed by the Ayvad Deresi, Orta Dere and Bakraç Dere tributaries of the Kağıthane stream. All the water are brought together at Başhavuz (main pool) south of Kemerburgaz, where they collectively enter the main supply line crossing the Alibey Stream over the Mağlova Aqueduct, and then joining a branch from the Cebeciköy Stream and finally flow in towards the south. In a historical document called Tezkiret'ül Bünyan, (The Book of Structures) the author states that Sinan pledged to the Sultan about the existence of some old waterways. However, the Roman waterway still remains in the vicinity of Cebeciköy, which is located at a higher elevation than the Kırkçeşme water supply line but ran parallel to it. The water supply system should have integrated perspective for operation and maintenances. On the other hand, standing structures give to humanity the impression that the stability and design carry not only water, but also valuable cultural heritage. Moreover, they connect many civilizations with each other and also past as well as future.
Preparation of magnetic alginate–layered double hydroxide composite adsorbents and removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution
Authors: Lee Chang-Gu , Park Jeong-Ann , Lee In , Kang Jin-Kyu , Yoon Seo-Young , Kim Song-Bae
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using magnetic alginate–layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites. Magnetic iron oxide and calcined Mg-Al LDH powders were synthesized in the laboratory. The magnetic composites were prepared through immobilization of synthetic magnetic iron oxide and calcined Mg-Al LDH powders into an alginate matrix. The magnetic composites had a particle size of 1.5 ± 0.1 mm and showed magnetic properties under an external magnetic field. Results demonstrated that the magnetic composites were effective in the removal of Cr(VI). In the magnetic composites, calcined Mg-Al LDH played a major role in the sorption of Cr(VI), whereas magnetic iron oxide provided the magnetic property along with a minor role in Cr(VI) sorption. Kinetic tests showed that Cr(VI) sorption to the magnetic composites reached equilibrium at 24 h. The maximum Cr(VI) removal capacity was 11.15 mg/g. Results also indicated that Cr(VI) removal was not sensitive to solution pH between 4.1 and 9.5. This study demonstrated the potential applications of magnetic alginate–LDH composites for chromate removal from aqueous solution in combination with magnetic separation.
The Mycenaean drainage works of north Kopais, Greece: a new project incorporating surface surveys, geophysical research and excavation
Authors: Kountouri E. , Petrochilos N. , Liaros N. , Oikonomou V. , Koutsoyiannis D. , Mamassis N. , Zarkadoulas N. , Vött A. , Hadler H. , Henning P. , Willershäuser T.
Published: May 2013

The attempt to drain the Kopais Lake was one of the most impressive and ambitious technical works of prehistoric times in Greece, inspiring myths and traditions referring to its construction and operation. The impressive remnants of the Mycenaean hydraulic works represent the most important land reclamation effort during prehistoric Greek antiquity, thus attracting the attention of the international scientific community. Nevertheless, in spite of the minor or extended contemporary surveys, the picture of the prehistoric drainage works in Kopais has remained ambiguous. Concerning the function of these works and their precise date within the Bronze Age, the proposed theories were based solely on indications from surface survey; data stemming from archaeological or geophysical research methods have been largely neglected. A new interdisciplinary project focusing on the interpretation of the Mycenaean drainage works of Kopais has been established and paper presents the results of the first study season.
Characterization of cordierite-mullite ceramics prepared from natural raw materials
Authors: Albhilil Abdulmula Ali , Palou Martin , Kozánková Jana
Published: May 2013

Series of six cordierite-mullite ceramics were synthesized via solid state reaction at various temperatures from 1250 °C for pure cordierite to 1500 °C for pure mullite. Then the samples were submitted to the test of thermal shock resistance based on cycling heating-quenching procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) have been used to characterize the samples before and after cycling heating-quenching method. Sample 6 was broken after 35 heating-quenching cycles, while the five other reminded stable. The refractoriness of samples is found to be higher than that of commercial ones. XRD shows that heating-quenching procedure has led to crystallization of cordierite and mullite phases. Apart from sample 6, the pore structure is stable with slight consolidation. The microstructure images confirm the results of XRD and MIP showing crack in sample 6 only, but compact and larger particles resulting from crystal growth in other samples due to the repeated action of heating.
Preparation and NMR properties of derivatives of arylamino-methylidene malonic acid and pentane-2,4-dione
Authors: Tarabová Denisa , Milata Viktor , Hanusek Jiří
Published: May 2013

A set of 22 anilinomethylidene derivatives (13 new ones) of di(m)ethyl malonate, malononitrile and pentane-2,4-dione with various substituents in position 4- and 3-, respectively were prepared to study the characteristic influence of these substituents and solvents on chemical shifts in 13C NMR spectra and like reference compounds for kinetic measurements.
Inhibition of pathophysiological proteases with novel quercetin derivatives
Authors: Danihelová Martina , Veverka Miroslav , Šturdík Ernest
Published: May 2013

Novel quercetin derivatives were prepared to change its physicochemical properties and effects on activity of proteolytic enzymes. For them preparation, the selective protection procedures some of the quercetin hydroxyl groups and acylation of the others with acylchlorides were used. The ability of these compounds to inhibit the activity of serine proteases e.g. trypsin, thrombin, urokinase and elastase was studied. In micromolar range, tested derivatives were the most potent inhibitors of thrombin. There was estimated better inhibition of thrombin for prenylated, acetylated, feruloyl and caffeoyl quercetin esters. Slight inhibitory effect of all quercetin derivatives on elastase was found. Among tested derivatives only diquercetin displayed better inhibiton. Trypsin and urokinase were inhibited by quercetin at comparable level. Slight improvement in inhibitory effect of trypsin and urokinase was seen for chloronaphtoquinone quercetin that revealed enhanced inhibiton of thrombin, too. However, no influence on elastase activity was determined for this compound. Obtained results indicate that certain modifications of quercetin structure could improve its biological properties.
Analysis of natural aroma and flavor of MD2 pineapple variety (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.)
Authors: Žemlička Lukáš , Fodran Peter , Kolek Emil , Prónayová Nadežda
Published: May 2013

Aroma and flavor profile of MD2 pineapple variety was investigated. Fruits imported from different geographical regions (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico) were labeled as an organic food. Characteristic volatile and non-volatile compounds obtained by hydro-distillation and direct percolation were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). At least 22 components in percolated extract (or 17 in distillate) were detected according to their mass spectra and retention time. Relative concentration of identified substances varied from 547.7 to 1110.0 μg.kg-1. Analysis showed dominance of esters and furanone-derived compounds as major aroma constituents. Most abundant volatiles identified in all samples were methyl 2-methylbutanoate and methyl hexanoate. Relationships between volatile and non-volatile compounds were also studied.
A new pathway of preparation and refined structure of (NH4)2[FeCl5(H2O)]
Authors: Lacková Darina , Ondrejkovičová Iveta , Koman Marián
Published: May 2013

The title compound, (NH4)2[FeCl5H2O] has been prepared by reaction between iron(III) chloride and ammonium chloride which was formed by hydrolysis of isonicotinamide or thionicotinamide in ethanol. The characterization was based on elemental analysis and infrared spectra. The crystal structure of the title compound has been refined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method at 293 K. Crystals are orthorhombic, Pnma, with unit cell parameters: a = 13.760(1) A, b = 9.960(1) A, c = 7.060(1) A, Z = 4 and R = 3.5 %. The iron(III) atom in [FeCl5(H2O)]2- ion is approximately octahedrally coordinated by five Cl atoms and one O atom of H2O molecule. This distortion is caused by the extensively hydrogen-bonded lattice. Structural parameters and IR spectra of similar compounds are compared and discussed.
Invited Article: The Future of CRM is UX
Authors: Crnkovic Jakov (Yasha)
Published: May 2013

Background: This paper connects several sides of the web and mobile usages in business. The idea is to utilize Customer Relations Management (CRM) as the vehicle to establish connection from Web one and Web two into Web three. Objectives: This paper has the main purpose combine efforts in developing business strategies into general path of future Web development. Methods/Approach: Using the extensive literature, business cases and software trends in the area, the paper is focused on predicting the future in the area of the business trends in Information Technology (IT). Results: After discussion of the development using selected milestones: CRM is supported by the Social Networks (SN) and is enabled by Cloud Computing (CC), we were able to achieve the predictions. Conclusions: The final conclusion is in the convergence of the business efforts and SN methods on the new paradigm called the User eXperience (UX).
An Empirical Evaluation of GARCH Models in Value-at-Risk Estimation: Evidence from the Macedonian Stock Exchange
Authors: Bucevska Vesna
Published: May 2013

Background: In light of the latest global financial crisis and the ongoing sovereign debt crisis, accurate measuring of market losses has become a very current issue. One of the most popular risk measures is Value-at-Risk (VaR). Objectives: Our paper has two main purposes. The first is to test the relative performance of selected GARCH-type models in terms of their ability of delivering volatility estimates. The second one is to contribute to extend the very scarce empirical research on VaR estimation in emerging financial markets. Methods/Approach: Using the daily returns of the Macedonian stock exchange index-MBI 10, we have tested the performance of the symmetric GARCH (1,1) and the GARCH-M model as well as of the asymmetric EGARCH (1,1) model, the GARCH-GJR model and the APARCH (1,1) model with different residual distributions. Results: The most adequate GARCH family models for estimating volatility in the Macedonian stock market are the asymmetric EGARCH model with Student’s t-distribution, the EGARCH model with normal distribution and the GARCH-GJR model. Conclusion: The econometric estimation of VaR is related to the chosen GARCH model. The obtained findings bear important implications regarding VaR estimation in turbulent times that have to be addressed by investors in emerging capital markets
A Simple Discrete Approximation for the Renewal Function
Authors: Brezavšček Alenka
Published: May 2013

Background: The renewal function is widely useful in the areas of reliability, maintenance and spare component inventory planning. Its calculation relies on the type of the probability density function of component failure times which can be, regarding the region of the component lifetime, modelled either by the exponential or by one of the peak-shaped density functions. For most peak-shaped distribution families the closed form of the renewal function is not available. Many approximate solutions can be found in the literature, but calculations are often tedious. Simple formulas are usually obtained for a limited range of functions only. Objectives: We propose a new approach for evaluation of the renewal function by the use of a simple discrete approximation method, applicable to any probability density function. Methods/Approach: The approximation is based on the well known renewal equation. Results: The usefulness is proved through some numerical results using the normal, lognormal, Weibull and gamma density functions. The accuracy is analysed using the normal density function. Conclusions: The approximation proposed enables simple and fairly accurate calculation of the renewal function irrespective of the type of the probability density function. It is especially applicable to the peak-shaped density functions when the analytical solution hardly ever exists.
Academic Mobility in the Western Balkans
Authors: Bošnjović Jasna , Trivun Veljko
Published: May 2013

Background: With the aim of encouraging mobility between higher education institutions in the Western Balkan countries and those in the European Union (EU), the European Commission initiated a series of measures to increase the share of students primarily from the Western Balkans who spend at least one semester away from their home institutions, but also the share of young people from EU member states who come to Western Balkan (WB) countries. Objectives: Aim of the paper is to determine the degree of representation of internationalisation strategy and policy elements in the internal documents of higher education institutions and its direct impact on the development of mobility. Methods/Approach: An electronic survey has been created and sent to representatives of 9 EU and 11 WB universities. Respondents were mainly international relations officers or management representatives. Mann-Whitney test was applied in order to test differences between EU and WB universities. Results: The conducted Mann-Whitney nonparametric tests show that the degree of representation of internationalisation strategy and policy elements in the internal documents of a higher education institution has a direct impact on the development of mobility. Conclusions: By 2020, the European Commission aims to have 20% of all students acquiring an academic degree within the European Higher Education Area participate in mobility. This paper sheds light on this segment and indicates possible directions for actions aimed at developing mobility at institutions in Western Balkan countries
Some Results on Point Set Domination of Fuzzy Graphs
Authors: Vimala S. , Sathya J. S.
Published: May 2013

Let G be a fuzzy graph. Let γ(G), γp(G) denote respectively the domination number, the point set domination number of a fuzzy graph. A dominating set D of a fuzzy graph is said to be a point set dominating set of a fuzzy graph if for every S⊆V-D there exists a node d∈D such that 〈S ∪ {d}〉 is a connected fuzzy graph. The minimum cardinality taken over all minimal point set dominating set is called a point set domination number of a fuzzy graph G and it is denoted by γp(G). In this paper we concentrate on the point set domination number of a fuzzy graph and obtain some bounds using the neighbourhood degree of fuzzy graphs.
AC-DC Converter with Asymmetrical Higher Harmonics Compensation Function in Sustainable AC Grid
Authors: Wrona Grzegorz , Jasinski Marek
Published: May 2013

In this paper the grid current higher harmonic compensation method for two level AC-DC converters in sustainable AC grid is described. The algorithm is based on Direct Power Control with Space Vector Modulator (DPC-SVM), which was extended by additional Higher Harmonics Compensation (HHC) module. The HHC block is composed of several resonant filters tuned to appropriate frequencies. Both, symmetrical and asymmetrical types of grid currents distortions are analyzed. Operation of the HHC module in stationary αβ coordinates and rotating dq coordinates is discussed. Selected waveforms illustrating operation of the developed algorithm are presented. It is shown that in dq coordinates asymmetrical voltage distortions needs additional effort for its compensation in comparison to symmetrical higher harmonics. The subject is important because in practice asymmetrical higher harmonics usually can appear when one phase nonlinear load is connected to the grid. Even within such conditions the grid connected ACDC converter (GCC) should provide sinusoidal-like current. This assumption provides the reduction of negative impact of the GCC in power quality in Point of Common Coupling (PCC) in sustainable AC grid
Utilization of Electric Vehicles Connected to Distribution Substations for Peak Shaving of Utility Network Loads
Authors: Mägi Marek
Published: May 2013

Use of modern electric vehicles and their effective integration into power grids depends on the technologies applied around distribution substations. Distribution substations equipped with energy storing and V2G capability enable peak load shaving and demand response, which will reduce the need to make new investments into building new power sources or power grids to meet peak demand. This paper presents a distribution substation topology for utilizing electric vehicles as energy resource units for peak shaving of utility network loads. The topology allows bidirectional energy exchange among electric vehicles, battery pack energy storage devices and utility networks. The substation acts as a service provider in a microgrid. Functions of a microgrid application were simulated with MATLAB. The evaluation of the results has shown that electric vehicles can be effectively utilized for peak shaving of utility network loads. The results of the modelling and simulation were used for the development of a microgrid prototype. Assessment of capacities of electric vehicles showed that electric vehicles can provide short term support for the utility network.
Plant Communities of Travertine Outcrops of the Saturnia Area in Southern Tuscany (Central Italy)
Authors: Viciani Daniele , Maffei Barbara , Selvi Federico
Published: May 2013

A phytosociological survey was carried out in a poorly known travertine area of southern Tuscany harbouring a rich vegetation mosaic with chamaephytic garrigues, species-rich xerophytic grasslands, chasmophytic coenoses, annual species-dominated communities, shrublands and thermophilous deciduous forests. Field sampling and data analysis allowed to identify and characterize several community types, some of which of significant interest due to their ecological specificity and rarity in peninsular Italy. In particular, our data confirm the associations Pistacio terebinthi-Paliuretum spinosae and Pistacio terebinthi-Quercetum pubescentis, respectively a shrub and forest community type previously unknown for Tuscany. In addition, a new therophytic association of travertine debris named Sedetum hispanico-caespitosi and placed in the Hypochoerion achyrophori alliance (Brachypodietalia distachyi order, Tuberarietea class) is also described. Finally, dynamic relationships between the vegetation types are highlighted and the presence of conservation priority habitats in the area are pointed out.
Evaluation of Pseudomonas and Bacillus Bacterial Antagonists for Biological Control of Cotton Verticillium Wilt Disease
Authors: Mansoori Mahdiyeh , Heydari Asghar , Hassanzadeh Nader , Rezaee Saeed , Naraghi Laleh
Published: May 2013

Verticillium wilt is considered the most important disease of cotton in the world, including Iran. Cultural practices and the use of resistant varieties are the most common strategies used to control Verticillium wilt of cotton. These strategies are not always available or effective. In recent years, biological control using fungal and bacterial antagonists, has been applied to control some cotton diseases including damping-off. In this study, we investigated the possibility of biological control of Verticillium wilt of cotton using bacterial antagonists. Suspension of eight bacterial strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus spp. isolated from different rhizospheric soils and plant roots in the Iranian cotton fields, were prepared with a concentration of 108 cfu/ml. Ten cotton seeds (cv Varamin) were then coated with each bacterial suspension and were planted in soil pre-inoculated with Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia. The efficacy of bacterial antagonists in reducing wilt disease was evaluated by determination of the disease index in different treatments. The results indicated that most isolates were effective in reducing disease (compared to the untreated control) 90 days after sowing. Isolates B5, B6, B2, B7, and B3 were the most effective, respectively, in reducing wilt index. In contrast, isolates B1, B4, and B8 did not significantly reduce the disease. In general, P. fluorescens isolates were more effective than Bacillus isolates. This study suggests that bacterial antagonists might be potential biological control agents of cotton.