bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural aggregates in EU – the production in 1980–2011
Authors: Kozioł Wiesław , Ciepliński Andrzej , Machniak Łukasz
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Celem pracy było obadanie wielkości produkcji kruszyw naturalnych w krajach Unii Europejskiej na przestrzeni ostatniej dekady. W najnowszej historii rozwoju produkcji kruszyw w krajach euro- pejskich można wyróżnić dwa podstawowe okresy: dcres przedkryzysowy do około 2005 roku i okres zaznaczającego się światowego kryzysu finansowo-gospodarczego po roku 2008. Sektor produkcji kruszyw w Europie wytwarza rocznie około 3 mld Mg kruszyw o wartości około 20 mld euro. Zdecydowana większość kruszyw (około 91%) pochodzi ze złóż naturalnych, w tym kruszywa łamane - 50,0%, a kruszywa żwirowo-piaskowe -141,0%. Na pozostałą część składają się kruszywa pochodzące z recyklingu (około 5%) oraz kruszywa morskie i sztuczne (po około 2%). Przemysł kruszyw w Europie obejmuje około 17 tys. firm pozyskujących kruszywo w około 29 tys. kopalń i odkrywek, zatrudniając bezpośrednio i pośrednio około 280 tys. osób. Przeprowadzona analiza wykazała przede wszystkim, że w Unii Europejskiej oraz w krajach stowarzyszonych z UEPG ilość wytwarzanych kruszyw w poszczególnych krajach wykazuje zmienne tendencje, zarówno wzrostowe jak i spadkowe, a w znacznej grupie krajów pozostaje na mniej więcej stałym poziomie. Obraz ten został jednak zakłócony światowym kryzysem ekonomicznym, w wyniku którego produkcja kruszyw w większości krajów europejskich uległa po 2008 reku zmniejszeniu i niestety, tendencja ta trwa nadal chociaż z różnym natężeniem. Na tym tle Polska wyróżnia się korzystnie z systematycznie rosnącą (do roku 2011) produkcją kruszyw. Średnia europejska produkcji kruszyw na mieszkańca wynosiła w 2011 około 5,8 Mg/osobę i w porównaniu do 2006 roku (7 Mg mieszkańca) opadła o ponad 17%. W Polsce w latach 2006-2011 produkcja kruszyw wzrosła z około4,4 Mgósobę do 9,1 Mg/o»bę, a więc o około 107%. Duży wpływ miała na to rekordowa produkcja kruszyw w 2011 roku w ilości 345 min Mg (wzrost w porównaniu do 2010 r o 36,9%).
Influence of particle density distributions of their settling velocity for narrow size fractions
Authors: Surowiak Agnieszka
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Prędkość opadania ziaren jest cechą rozdziału, według której dokonuje się idealny rozdział ziaren w procesie wzbogacania wosadzarŚ. Uwzględnienie kompleksowych właściwości geometrycznych ziaren (wielkość i kształt ziaren) oraz fizycznych (gęstość ziaren) prowadzi do wyliczenia rozkładu granicznej prędkości opadania ziaren. Zatem graniczna prędkość opadania ziaren jest to złożona cecha rozdziału, zawierająca w sobie trzy podstawowe cechy proste ziarna (gęstość, wielkość i kształt ziania).

W artykule podano metodykę wyznaczania rozkładu prędkości opadania w próbce ziaren sferycz- nych dla turbulentnego charakteru ruchu ziaren, w którym prędkość opadania wyraża się wzorem Newiona-Rittingera. Ze względu na to, że zarówno gęstość jak i wielkość ziama są zmiennymi losowymi o pewnych rozkładach, również prędkość opadania jako funkcja tych zmiennych jest zmienną loscwą. Korzystając z twierdzeń rachunku prawdopodobieństw* odnoszących się do funkcji zmiennych losowych podano w zór na funkcję gęstości rozkładu prędkości opadania oraz wyliczono rozkłady prędkości dla kOku kombinacji rozkładów wielkości i gęstości ziama na podstawie ekspe- rymentu przemysłowego.

Artykuł przedstawia symulacyjne określanie rozkładów prędkości opadania ziaren sferycznych przy założeniu, że ziama mają kształt kulisty o średnicy równej średnicy projekcyjnej ziaren niere- gularnych. W takim przypadku, na graniczną prędkość opadania ziaren będzie miał wpływ rozkład właściwości densymetrycznych.
The influence of thermal transformation of coal mining wastes on their petrographic and mineralogical composition
Authors: Nowak Jacek
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Wydobycie węgla kamiennego nierozerwalnie związane jest z wytwarzaniem odpadów. Wiele z nich zdeponowanych zostało na zwałowiskach (hałdach) i stanowi z jednej strony źródło uciąż- liwości dla środowiska, z dmgiej zaś potencjalne źródło kruszyw*.

Odpady powęglowe zdeponowane na zwałowiskach narażone są na oddziaływanie czynników hipergenicznych. W wyniku oddziaływania tlenu atmosferycznego może dojść do samozagrzewania tych odpadów, a naw et do powstania pożarów endogenicznych. Spalanie substancji organicznej oraz oddziały w anie ciepła będącego efektem tego procesu powoduje zmiany składu mineralnego odpadów, a także ich struktur i tekstur.

Badania przeprowadzone na zwałów iskach odpadów pogómiczych, które w minionych latach wykazywały aktyw ność termiczną, a także analiza danych literaturowych pozwoliły stw ierdzić, że stopień termicznego przeobrażenia odpadów p<M ęglowych jest zróżnicow any. Na zwałowiskach wydzielono strefy: nie prze obrażoną termicznie, umiarkowanie przeobrażoną termicznie oraz inten- sywnie przeobrażoną termicznie. Odpady powęglowe z tych stref różnią się barwa, stopniem za- chowania pierwotnej struktury skal oraz składem mineralnym. Barwa stref nieprzeobrażonych termicznie jest szara do czarnej, odpady zachowały pierwotne struktury skał, z których powstały, skład mineralny uległ jedynie niewielkim zmianom związanym z procesami wietrzenia. Strefy umiar- kowanie przeobrażone termicznie cecłują się barwą pomarańcza* o-czerwoną, wy nikającą z wypa- lenia substancji organicznej i utlenienia związków żelaza. Pomimo oddziaływania wysokiej tem- peratury pierwotne struktury skał są dobrze zachowane. Skład mineralny uległ wyraźnej zmianie, część minerałów uległa przeobrażeniom termicznym (rozpadowi termiczne mu uległy minerały węgla- nowa, w minerałach ilastych nastąpiła dehydroksylacja). Odpady w strefach intensywnie termicznie przeobrażonych cechują się częściowy m lub całkowitym przetopieniem materiału skalnego. W wy- niku tego doszło do przeobrażeń pierwotnych struktur i tekstur, całkow hej zmianie uległ także skład mineralny - powstały zupełnie nowe minerały, które nie występowały w odpadach w chwili ich deponowania na zwałowisku. Dla odpadów ze stref intensywnie termicznie przeobrażonych charak- terystyczne jest występowanie szkliwa, a także minerałów wysokotemperaturowych (np. mullitu, kordierytu, sfllimanitu, spineli i innych), które w warunkach naturalnych powstają najczęściej w wy- niku metamorfizmu kontaktowego
Effect of La Niña on The Global Mean Sea Level And North Pacifc Ocean Mass Over 2005-2011
Authors: Dieng Habib B. , Cazenave Anny , Meyssignac Benoit , Henry Olivier , Schuckmann Karina von , Palanisamy Hindumathi , Lemoine Jean Michel
Published: March 2014

Interannual fluctuations of the global mean sea level are highly correlated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, with positive/negative anomalies during El Niño/La Niña. In a previous study we showed that during the 1997 - 1998 El Niño, a positive anomaly observed in the global mean sea level was mostly caused by an increase of the ocean mass component rather than by steric (thermal) effects. This result was related to an increase of precipitation over the tropical ocean and a deficit in land water storage. In the present study, we investigate the effect of the recent 2008 and 2011 La Niña events on the satellite altimetry-based global mean sea level. We find that the large global mean sea level drop associated with the 2011 La Niña results from the combined decrease of the steric and ocean mass components, with a slightly dominant contribution from the latter. We show that the ocean mass contribution to the global mean sea level drop is spatially confined over the north eastern tropical Pacific (just as was found previously for the 1997 - 1998 El Niño, but with opposite sign). Corresponding ocean mass spatial pattern is closely correlated to observed sea level and steric spatial patterns over the duration of the La Niña event. This is also observed for previous El Niño and La Niña events. Such a drop in ocean mass during ENSO in the eastern part of the tropical Pacific has not been reported before. It is possibly related to a temporary decrease in the net precipitation over the north eastern Pacific (opposite situation was found during the 1997 - 1998 El Niño).
Opportunities and challenges for integrating sustainability education into k-12 schools: case study Phoenix, AZ
Authors: Redman Erin
Published: March 2014

Teacher education for sustainability is a central part of integrating sustainability into classrooms and schools. However, educating for sustainability isnot limited to increased content knowledge; rather it encompasses different forms of knowledge that embrace the normative, dynamic and action-oriented nature of sustainability. Curriculum for a summer sustainability programme had previously been developed based on an interdisciplinary approach which incorporates research and practice from the fields of education pedagogy, sustainability and behaviour change. This article synthesises the insights provided by K-12 teachers who participated in this programme and another teacher who utilised the curriculum during a sustainability unit in her 8th form science class in Phoenix, AZ. Data was collected through surveys and interviews over the course of a year. The key findings indicate that one of the major barriers to moving away from traditional, didactic approaches to education is the importance placed on standardised tests. As long as external forces and incentive structures reinforce methods of lecture and assess, teachers will struggle transitioning to more experiential, real-world methods that enhance a multiplicity of knowledge. One important suggestion made by the teachers was for increased support by universities through pre-service and in-service programmes focused on educating for sustainabilit
Quantification of the titanium content in metallodrug-exposed tumor cells using HR-CS AAS
Authors: Schur Julia , Manna Cesar M. , Tshuva Edit Y. , Ott Ingo
Published: March 2014

High-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectroscopy (HR-CS AAS) is a valuable analytical technique for metal quantification because of its high sensitivity and selectivity for metal atoms as well as its improved background correction mode. However, the quantification of metals in biological materials, e.g. cell lysates, is still challenging because of matrix effects and other experimental complications. A method to quantify the titanium content of tumor cells exposed to titanium-based drugs was developed using HR-CS AAS. This method allows the quantification of titanium in cell suspensions in the low µg L
Gloomy Images of Yellow and Żółty in a Corpus-Based Cognitive Study
Authors: Gieroń-Czepczor Ewa
Published: March 2014

The paper reports on a comparative corpus-based semantic analysis of one colour term as it is used in two languages: English yellow and Polish żółty. The investigation of central and peripheral meanings, based on analyses of corpus concordances draws upon the methodology and constructs of cognitive linguistics, such as prototype-based categories, domains, conceptual metonymy and metaphor. The first objective of this parallel study is to determine the prototypical reference points for yellow and żółty, followed by descriptions of those motivations and mechanisms of meaning extensions which lead to ‘figurative’ usages. The results are tentatively suggested in the form of a general network of related meanings, the entrenchments of which are established on the basis of frequencies attested in samples of 1,500 citations.

The outcomes confirm a conceptual proximity reflected in the semantics of these colour terms, which seems to be - perhaps surprisingly - incongruous with the popular association of yellow/żółty with the sun. As the evidence provided by the British National Corpus and the Polish Scientific Publishers' corpus (PWN) reveals, the central and peripheral readings are inspired by the imagery of autumnal and physiological changes, while the semantics of both yellow and żółty reflect the significant influence of cultural factors, unparalleled in the polysemies of the other five basic colour terms.
The Pragmatics of Person and Imperatives in Sign Language of the Netherlands
Authors: Maier Emar , Schepper Kees De , Zwets Martine
Published: March 2014

We present new evidence against a grammatical distinction between second and third person in Sign Language of The Netherlands (NGT). More precisely, we show how pushing this distinction into the domain of pragmatics helps account for an otherwise puzzling fact about the NGT imperative: not only is it used to command your addressee, it can also express ‘non-addressee-oriented commands’.
Direct and simultaneous determination of metal impurities in catalysts based on platinum group elements
Authors: Abusenaina Ashraf , Vojteková Viera , Flórián Karol , Poperníková Zuzana , Mičková Vladislava , Hámborská Miroslava , Ružičková Silvia
Published: March 2014

Production of new catalysts requires effective analytical quality control. The study of trace element composition of heterogeneous catalysts, based on C+PdO, using atomic emission spectrometry (AES) was carried out. A new method for the direct solid-state analysis by means of AES with direct current arc discharge was developed. On the basis of the qualitative analysis of elements, Al, Fe, Ni, Si and Ti have been identified, and for these elements, the quantitative method of determination has been developed. Optimization of excitation parameters and validation of the analytical method are presented. Calibration samples of the following composition were prepared: graphite powder (as a matrix), 3% of PdO and increasing contents of determined element oxides (spectrally pure). Calibrations were calculated by means of the least squares method. Working range for element impurities was from 1% to 0.0003%, and the limits of quantification — LOQ, (10-σ criterion) varied in the range from 0.002% (Ti) to 0.0038% (Si). For the control of active component, palladium was calibrated (working range — 0.01%–10.00%; LOQ −0.027%). The developed method can be used, also, for the elemental determinations of the other carbon based catalysts with the different active components (of platinum group elements).
Significance of water quality and radiation wavelength for UV photolysis of PhCs in simulated mixed solutions
Authors: Giri Rabindra , Ozaki Hiroaki , Guo Xia , Takanami Ryohei , Taniguchi Shogo
Published: March 2014

Ultraviolet (UV) photolysis of sixteen pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) in mixed solutions with four types of water and two sets of UV radiation was investigated. UVC (254 nm) photolysis was ineffective at eliminating a large number of PhCs while a big number of them were refractory. However, vacuum UV (VUV: 185 nm + 254 nm) photolysis in the same experimental conditions eliminated the PhCs almost completely. The eliminations in ultrapure water (UPW), tap water (TW) and Neya River water (NRW) and their organic/inorganic contents were inversely correlated, which was more evident in VUV photolysis. Natural organic matter (NOM) in NRW did not have an impact in indirect photolysis, but effluent organic matter (EfOM) in secondary-treated effluent (NWTPE) enhanced indirect photolysis, which was more evident in VUV photolysis underlining the point that radiation wavelength/intensity can be a limiting factor in organic-rich waters. Moreover, VUV photolysis was far superior (90% mineralization) to UVC photolysis (10% mineralization) for PhCs mineralization. The greatly enhanced elimination and mineralization efficiencies observed for VUV photolysis were attributed to accelerated direct photolysis with 185 nm wavelength and indirect photolysis involving ·OH. The results demonstrated efficacy of VUV photolysis in wastewater treatment and its potential use as a tertiary treatment.
Multicomponent spectrometric analysis of riboflavin and photoproducts and their kinetic applications
Authors: Sheraz Muhammad , Kazi Sadia , Ahmed Sofia , Qadeer Kiran , Khan Marium , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: March 2014

Riboflavin (RF) is a light sensitive compound and is known to form a number of photoproducts. These photoproducts possess the same nucleus and may interfere in the analysis of RF by UV and visible spectrometry. Therefore, it is necessary to apply the methods of multicomponent spectrometric analysis to quantify the vitamin and its photoproducts accurately. Such methods are useful in the study of the kinetics of photodegradation reactions of RF to obtain accurate and reliable results. Any interference in these methods due to linear or nonlinear irrelevant absorption of the minor unknown products can be accounted for by the application of appropriate correction procedures prior to kinetic treatment. Various factors affecting the accuracy, precision and selectivity of these analytical procedures are also discussed. This review highlights the principles and applications of multicomponent spectrometric methods and their application to the simultaneous determination of RF and its major photoproducts in degraded solutions to evaluate the kinetics of degradation.
Bismuth and Bismuth-Chitosan modified electrodes for determination of two synthetic food colorants by net analyte signal standard addition method
Authors: Asadpour-Zeynali Karim , Mollarasouli Fariba
Published: March 2014

In this paper, an electrochemical application of bismuth film modified glassy carbon electrode for azo-colorants determination was investigated. Bismuth-film electrode (BiFE) was prepared by ex-situ depositing of bismuth onto glassy carbon electrode. The plating potential was −0.78 V (vs. SCE) in a solution of 0.15 mg mL−1 Bi(III) and 0.05 mg mL−1 KBr for 180 s. In the next step, a thin film of chitosan was deposited on the surface of bismuth modified glassy carbon electrode, thus the bismuth-chitosan thin film modified glassy carbon electrode (Bi-CHIT/GCE) was fabricated and compared with bare GCE and bismuth modified GCE.

Azo-colorants such as Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine were determined on these electrodes by differential pulse voltammetry. Due to overlapping peaks of Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine, simultaneous determination of them is not possible, so net analyte signal standard addition method (NASSAM) was used for this determination. The results showed that coated chitosan can enhance the bismuth film sensitivity, improve the mechanical stability without caused contamination of surface electrode. The Bi-CHIT/GC electrode behaved linearly to Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine in the concentration range of 5×10−6 to 2.38×10−4 M and 1×10−6 to 0.41×10−4 M with a detection limit of 10 µM (4.52 µg mL−1) and 10 µM (5.47 µg mL−1), respectively
Chemical characterization of particulate matter (PM) and source apportionment study during winter and summer period for the city of Kozani, Greece
Authors: Tolis Evangelos , Saraga Dikaia , Ammari George , Gkanas Evangelos , Gougoulas Theofilos , Papaioannou Christina , Sarioglou Anastasios , Kougioumtzidis Eleftherios , Skemperi Athina , Bartzis John
Published: March 2014

Eordaia basin located in northwest of Greece, comprises an area which is characterized by intense energy related activities, including coal burning at four power plants and the associated mining operations. Air samples of inhalable (PM10) and respirable particles (PM2.5) were collected in cold and warm periods in 2010 at an urban background site of Kozani, the major city and capital of the region which is located close to the power plants. Particulate matter concentration, particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and anionic species concentrations were determined using gravimetric, GC-MS in SIM mode and Ion Chromatography analysis, respectively. For the cold period, the mean PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentration was found to be 19.62 and 14.68 µg m−3, respectively. Correspondingly, for the warm period, the mean PM10 and PM2.5 values were 35.29 and 25.75 µg m−3, respectively. In general, the results indicated that the major sources of air pollution in Kozani are traffic, combustion from agricultural activities and lignite power plants emissions, contributing by different percentages to each particle fraction.
Azobenzene functionalized mesoporous AlMCM-41-type support for drug release applications
Authors: Mitran Raul-Augustin , Berger Daniela , Băjenaru Laura , Năstase Silviu , Andronescu Cristian , Matei Cristian
Published: March 2014

A light-responsive material, aminoazobenzene functionalized AlMCM-41, was synthesized and characterized in order to be used as carrier for drug delivery devices. The light-induced hydrophobic-hydrophilic switching effect of azobenzene functionalized aluminosilicate was exploited in the release of irinotecan, a cytostatic drug. To obtain the functionalized mesoporous support, an azobenzene-silane precursor was synthesized by coupling 4-(4′-aminophenylazo) benzoic acid with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane and further grafted on AlMCM-41. The azobenzene functionalized mesoporous aluminosilicate exhibited no significant toxicity towards murine fibroblast healthy cells and a reduced toxicity towards murine melanocyte cells. The hybrid materials obtained by loading irinotecan on AlMCM-41 (wt. 35.4%) and aminoazobenzene modified AlMCM-41 (wt. 22%), respectively were characterized by FTIR, small and wide angle XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and DSC analyses. A two-fold increase in the drug release rate from azobenzene functionalized aluminosilicate in phosphate buffer solution under UV irradiation was noticed, as compared with dark conditions. Moreover, the azobenzene functionalization of AlMCM-41 significantly increased the irinotecan delivery rate and total cumulative release in comparison with the pristine AlMCM-41 in similar conditions.
In vitro hemocompatibility and corrosion behavior of new Zr-binary alloys in whole human blood
Authors: Totea Georgeta , Ionita Daniela , Demetrescu Ioana , Mitache Mihaela
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of three binary alloys’ composition, and their biocompatibility. Depending on the intended use of the medical devices made from these materials, dynamic or static tests should be performed. We have chosen static tests as we thought they may be used as knee or hip replacement, and not as cardiac valves.

Three binary alloys ( Zr10Nb, Zr2.5Nb and Zr12Ta) were obtained from high purity powders (>99.9%), using an induction furnace first, and an electric arc furnace for a perfect homogenization. Their final composition was verified with a XRF analyzer-INNOV-X.

Hemolysis tests can determine the degree of red blood cells lysis and the release of hemoglobin. The released hemoglobin quantity was extremely small, under 2%, in all cases, and the coagulation tests showed no risk for thrombosis. The electrochemical behavior was also studied in biological fluid, human female serum, and showed a low corrosion rate.

The obtained alloys do not cause hemolysis, so they are hemocompatible with all blood types.
Synthesis, characterization and controlled toxicity of a novel hybrid material based on cisplatin and docetaxel
Authors: Prodana Mariana , Voiculet Adriana , Garea Sorina , Radu Mihaela , Iovu Horia , Demetrescu Ioana , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: March 2014

This paper is focused on the synthesis and characterization of a novel hybrid material based on cisplatin and docetaxel-loaded functionalized simultanously carbon nanotubes able to be used in cancer therapy as drug delivery system with controlled toxicity. This material was physico-chemically investigated by determining the structure, as evidenced by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) and its stability was studied with the aid of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The amount of platinum ions released into the solution of simulated body fluid (SBF) was highlighted by coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Toxicology experiments were performed with MDA-MB 231 breast cancer epithelial cells. The performance of the new drug delivery hybrid material was compared with functionalised carbon nanotubes with therapeutic agents functionalized with a single therapeutic agent.
Ultratrace-level determination of N-Nitrosodimethylamine, N-Nitrosodiethylamine, and N-Nitrosomorpholine in waters by solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kadmi Yassine , Favier Lidia , Soutrel Isabelle , Lemasle Marguerite , Wolbert Dominique
Published: March 2014

N-nitrosamines are a new class of emerging nitrogenous drinking water disinfection by-products. These compounds are probably carcinogenic which could seriously affect the safety of drinking water consumers. The aim of this study is to develop a simple, fast, and specific analytical method for the routine determination of low part per trillion levels of N-nitrosamines in waters. An ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of N-nitrosamines in waters. N-nitrosamines were extracted, purified and concentrated from water samples in one step using a solid-phase extraction (SPE). The compounds were detected in multiple reaction monitoring via electrospray ionisation source with positive ionisation mode. To achieve symmetrical peak shapes and a short chromatographic analysis time, the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile, water and formic acid (60:40:0.1, v/v/v) was used in the experiment. Chromatographic separation of N-nitrosamines was done in less than two minutes. All calibration curves had good linearity (r2≥ 0.9989). The intra- and inter-day precision of the assay ranged from 0.59% to 3.11% and accuracy ranged from 99.66% to 104.1%. The mean recoveries of N-nitrosamines in spiked water were 98%-101%. The reproducability was acceptable with relative standard deviations of less than 3.53%. The proposed method yielded detection limits very low which ranges from 0.04 to 0.16 ng L−1. Finally, the developed analytical method was successfully applied to the analysis of N-nitrosamines in natural water sample
Rich families and elementary submodels
Authors: Cúth Marek , Kalenda Ondřej
Published: March 2014

We compare two methods of proving separable reduction theorems in functional analysis — the method of rich families and the method of elementary submodels. We show that any result proved using rich families holds also when formulated with elementary submodels and the converse is true in spaces with fundamental minimal system and in spaces of density ℵ1. We do not know whether the converse is true in general. We apply our results to show that a projectional skeleton may be without loss of generality indexed by ranges of its projections.
Planck-scale corrections to Friedmann equation
Authors: Awad Adel , Ali Ahmed
Published: March 2014

Recently, Verlinde proposed that gravity is an emergent phenomenon which originates from an entropic force. In this work, we extend Verlinde’s proposal to accommodate generalized uncertainty principles (GUP), which are suggested by some approaches to quantum gravity such as string theory, black hole physics and doubly special relativity (DSR). Using Verlinde’s proposal and two known models of GUPs, we obtain modifications to Newton’s law of gravitation as well as the Friedmann equation. Our modification to the Friedmann equation includes higher powers of the Hubble parameter which is used to obtain a corresponding Raychaudhuri equation. Solving this equation, we obtain a leading Planck-scale correction to Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) solutions for the p = ωp equation of state.
The Role of the President in the Context of the Political Changes in Slovakia
Authors: Horváth Peter
Published: March 2014

The aim of the article is to introduce a number of determinants that influence the activities of the office of the President of the Slovak Republic. They caused numerous transformations, which were implemented into our constitutional order over the time. The relations between president and government within the executive power is the most common theme of amendments to the Constitution of the Slovak Republic. Even the introduction of the institute of direct election for the head of state in 1999 arose as the result of strained relations between the same power entities. Therefore, there is a clear tendency that only if both components of the executive power come from the same political background, they carry out their activities in a positive way. This statement can be demonstrated by the political development in Slovakia after the year 2010 - throughout the government of Iveta Radičová, as well as Robert Fico.
Overview of the Implementation of the EU Youth Strategy in the Field of Employment
Authors: Kovacheva Siyka
Published: March 2014

This paper provides an overview of the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy for the promotion of youth employment and entrepreneurship in the EU Member States and four non-EU states: Croatia2, Montenegro, Norway and Switzerland. It relies upon the National Reports (NRs) presenting the policy initiatives designed and accomplished during the first cycle (2010-2012) in these countries and submitted in response to a questionnaire developed by the European Commission (EC) and an examination of policy documents, academic literature and statistical data. The comparative analysis reveals a shared awareness of the gravity of the problems accumulated in the labour market integration of young people and attests to the enormous efforts put forward on European, national, regional and local levels for overcoming youth disadvantage. It also highlights the opportunities created by sharing good practices and fostering of cooperation among all policy actors for supporting the young generation to make a successful entry in the world of work.
Europeanisation of Slovak Parties’ Programmatic Documents for EP Elections: A Drop in the Bucket, or a Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Authors: Kovář Jan
Published: March 2014

Elections to the European Parliament fall within the category of second-order elections. Because there is less at stake in these types of contests voters behave differently when casting votes. But the question remains: do political parties also perceive that there is less at stake in these elections and behave differently than in national first-order elections? This paper conducts a content analysis, within a comparative framework, of selected Slovak political parties’ programmatic documents for EP elections to explicitly link the SOE model to independent behaviour of political parties. The results show that Slovak parties’ Euromanifestos feature an apparent degree of Europeanisation and exhibited only limited second-order characteristics. Consequently, these findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature.
MicroRNA-21 inhibitor potentiates anti-tumor effect of radiation therapy in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cho Bong Jun , Kim Hans H. , Lee David J , Choi Eun Jung , Hwang Yeo Hyun , Chun Sun Ha , Kim In Ah
Published: March 2014

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) plays important roles in carcinogenesis and is highly expressed in diverse human cancers. We evaluated the potential of targeting miRNA-21 to overcome the radioresistance of human cancer cells having an activated EGFR2-associated signaling and also aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of radiosensitization, and the effect on epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT). Ectopic overexpression of miR-21 up-regulated EGFR/HER2-associated signaling and increased radioresistance of a panel of human cancer cells (U251, U87, and A549 cells). In contrast, a specific inhibitor of miR-21 attenuated this signaling and radiosensitized a panel of human cancer cells. Inhibition of miR-21 was associated with persistent γH2AX foci formation. Inhibition of miR-21 decreased the typical features of EMT, such as invasion and migration and vascular tube formation. Treatment with anti-miR-21 decreased tumor burden in nude mice bearing intracranial U251 xenografts compared to controls. Combined treatment of anti-miR-21 and radiation further decreased tumor burden compared to each treatment alone. In summary, miR-21 is an important onco-miR, which confers radioresistance and diverse features of EMT. Inhibition of miR-21 could be a potential strategy for improving the efficacy of radiation therapy via unique modulation of pro-survival signaling implicated in radiation response and EMT.
Omalus sculpticollis as the Main Enemy of Psenulus fuscipennis (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae, Crabronidae) in the Crimea, Ukraine
Authors: Martynova K. V. , Fateryga A. V.
Published: March 2014

he trap-nest technique was tested in the Karadag Nature Reserve (Crimea, Ukraine). In the result the enemies of Psenulus fuscipennis (Dahlbom, 1843), which caused damage to its progeny, were revealed: Omalus sculpticollis Abeille, 1878, Melittobia acasta Walker, 1839, Perithous septemcinctorius (Th unberg, 1822), and Trichodes apiarius Linnaeus, 1758. Th e structure of the parasite complex, voltinity of the species, comparative eff ectiveness of enemies are determined on the basis of observed data. Th e taxonomical position of O. sculpticollis is discussed, its sexual dimorphism is illustrated, the detailed description of the cocoon and some structural features of the last instar larva are given for the first time. Feeding habits of the larvae of O. sculpticollis are examined and the delicate aspects of interaction with the host are discussed. Short notes on terminology are given
Radiofrequency Inferior Turbinate Reduction Improves Smell Ability of Patients with Chronic Rhinitis and Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy
Authors: Assanasen Paraya , Choochurn Panyalak , Banhiran Wish , Bunnag Chaweewan
Published: March 2014

Radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction (RFITR) of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is an effective way to treat patients with intractable nasal mucosal obstruction. The objective of this study was to assess smell ability, nasal symptoms, inferior turbinate grading (ITG), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) of patients with chronic rhinitis (CR), and ITH before and after RFITR. Patients with CR and ITH, aged 18–60 years, who underwent RFITR, were prospectively recruited. Smell ability (measured by smell detection threshold [SDT]), visual analog scale (VAS) of nasal symptoms, ITG, and PNIF before and 6–10 weeks after RFITR were compared. Forty-eight subjects were included. All nasal symptoms were significantly decreased after RFITR. After surgery, SDT (tested by phenyl ethyl alcohol) was worsened in 7 patients (14.6%), improved in 8 patients (16.7%), and did not change in 33 patients (68.7%). SDT after RFITR of six patients in the worsened SDT group were still within normal range (> −6.5). There was only one patient whose SDT changed from normosmia to mild hyposmia (–7.25 to −5.38). In the improved SDT group, two of eight patients had obviously better SDT after RFITR, which changed from moderate hyposmia to normosmia (–3.65 to −10; −3.73 to −10), whereas six of eight patients had little better SDT after RFITR. RFITR also significantly reduced ITG and improved PNIF. In conclusion, the treatment of patients with CR and ITH with RFITR significantly improved PNIF, ITG, and nasal symptoms assessed by VAS, although SDT after RFITR could be the same or improved or worsened.
Comparison of Two Nasal Cell Collection Methods in Determining Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Levels and its Association with Olfaction: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Liu Jack J. , Chan Guy C. , Hecht Avram S. , Storm Daniel R. , Davis Greg E.
Published: March 2014

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger that may be associated with olfactory function. No known studies have compared existing collection methods for determining nasal cAMP levels. This is a prospective study comparing the comfort and reliability of the nasal curette and cytobrush. A secondary outcome collected for feasibility testing was characterizing the association between cAMP and olfactory function. We enrolled 19 normal olfaction and 10 olfactory dysfunction subjects. Olfaction was measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Two samples were obtained from each nasal cavity at the initial visit and at 1 week follow-up. Comfort was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). cAMP levels were determined by an enzyme immunoassay. For the curette and cytobrush, mean VAS scores were 03 and 0.7 cm (p = 0.48). Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.81 (curette) and 0.65 (cytobrush) for the initial visit and 0.64 and 0.54 between the initial and follow-up visit. Using the curette, mean cAMP was 537 and 480 fmol/(mg/mL) for the normal and dysfunction cohorts (p = 0.18). Using the cytobrush, cAMP was 505 and 477, respectively (p = 0.65). The curette and cytobrush are both comfortable and reliable collection methods for determining nasal cAMP levels.
Mycobacterium Chelonae Dacryocystitis after Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Meyer Annika , Kumar G. Prasad , Antisdel Jastin
Published: March 2014

Mycobacterium chelonae is a rapidly growing nontuberculous Mycobacterium and an uncommon cause of aggressive, treatment-resistant ocular and periocular infection. This is the first known case report of a woman who developed unilateral M. chelonae dacryocystitis after undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and right endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with Crawford stent placement. We describe our findings and effective methods to manage the infection. Three weeks after undergoing DCR, the patient acutely developed symptoms consistent with dacryocystitis. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics followed by incision and drainage of the dacryocystocele abscess, with initial cultures showing no organisms. With continued signs of infection, the Crawford stent was later removed. Cultures eventually grew M. chelonae and the patient was treated with 4 months of antibiotic therapy. While receiving antibiotics, the patient developed three abscesses along the inferior lid requiring excision. After 21 months, the patient remains free of infection and has not experienced any other complications. This case serves as a reminder to consider M. chelonae as a potential cause of periocular infection, which may be more likely to occur postoperatively with indwelling devices, as well as in patients with sinonasal issues requiring nasal irrigations. This organism can be difficult to treat because of multidrug resistance and biofilm production. Recommended therapy includes surgical debridement, removal of any implanted devices, and a two-drug antibiotic regimen for at least 4 months.
Experimental study of PHWR debris bed under boil-off condition
Authors: Mukhopadhyay D. , Vijayan P. K. , Ghosh A. K. , Sahoo P. K.
Published: March 2014

Experiments have been carried out to study the heatup behavior of a submerged debris bed constituted of segmented reactor channels of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). The study has been done for under fully submerged, partially submerged and nearly exposed conditions. This situation may arise from a severe accident scenario of PHWR where full or segmented reactor channels are likely to be disassembled and form a submerged debris bed. An assembly of electrical heater rod, simulating fuel bundle and channel components like Pressure tube and calandria tube constitute each segmented reactor channels. Ten such reactor channels constitute the debris bed. Heatup of this debris bed is observed with respect to different water levels and at power levels of 10, 20 and 30 kW, typical to decay power levels of 0.25 %, 0.5 % and 0.75 % of reactor full power respectively. It has been observed from the set of experiments that fully submerged debris bed does not get heated up and fuel rod temperature remains at saturation temperature. Heatup is observed for exposed channels only, however the heatup rate is limited with steam and radiative cooling. For exposed debris bed, channels surrounded by neighboring channels get heated up as compared to channels at the periphery of the debris bed.
Theoretical study of deuteron induced reactions on 6,7Li, 9Be and 19F targets
Authors: Yiğit M. , Tel E.
Published: March 2014

The nuclear reactions of the deuteron particles with light nuclei have been extensively investigated in the history of nuclear physics. In this work, the cross-sections of deuteron reactions 6Li(d,n)7Be, 6Li(d,t)5Li, 7Li(d,2n)7Be, 7Li(d,p)8Li, 7Li(d,t)6Li, 9Be(d,p)10Be, 9Be(d,t)8Be, 19F(d,n)20Ne and 19F(d,p)20F were studied for the investigation of structural fusion materials. Excitation functions of these reactions were determined by using ALICE-ASH code considering equilibrium (EQ) and pre-equilibrium (PEQ) effects. The calculated cross-sections, experimental results and TENDL-2011 library data are presented in graphical form.
Assessment of the radiological health damage costs of the Yeniköy and Kemerköy lignite-fired power plants in Muğla
Authors: Köne A. Ç. , Büke T.
Published: March 2014

The health impacts and corresponding damage costs of radioactive emissions of Yeniköy and Kemerköy lignite-fired power plants in Muğla have been assessed by using the simplified impact pathway approach. Radiation dose and risk calculations have been carried out by the code CAP88-PC around the power plants. Specific isotopes, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 238U in the flying ash samples are considered as radioactive sources. The estimated total collective doses around Yeniköy and Kemerköy power plants are 3.15 × 10−4 man Sv/year and 3.77 × 10−4 man Sv/year. Health effects and the corresponding damage costs around the power plants due to radioactive emissions from the power plants are negligible.
Effectiveness of radial flow on rewetting of AHWR fuel cluster
Authors: Kumar M. , Mukhopadhyay D. , Ghosh A. K. , Kumar R.
Published: March 2014

Rewetting of a hot surface is the process of establishing direct liquid contact with a large portion of the surface whose initial temperature exceeds that required to maintain film boiling for prescribed surface and flow conditions. The Advanced Heavy water Reactor (AHWR) is a natural circulation vertical pressure tube type boiling light water cooled and heavy water moderated reactor. In case of a loss of coolant accident, the clad surface temperature goes up very high and comes down due to coolant injection from the Emergency Core Coolant System (ECCS). The rewetting takes place in Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) due to top flooding and Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR) due to bottom flooding. But in AHWR, the emergency coolant enters into the reactor core in radial direction and after this, cross flow phenomenon takes place from one fuel pin ring to next. The study is being carried out on the effect of cross flow on rewetting of AHWR fuel bundle. This paper will discuss the modeling of the experimental setup having pressure tube, fuel cluster, steam generator, accumulator etc and study the effect of radial flow on rewetting of fuel pins. An analysis of the model, considering with and without cross flow, has been carried out and shows that the pick fuel temperature is sensitive to cross flow. The thermal hydraulic safety analysis code Relap5/3.2 is being used for modeling of experimental setup for rewetting study.
Microtomographic assessment of damage in P91 and E911 steels after long-term creep
Authors: Renversade Loïc , Ruoff Herbert , Maile Karl , Sket Federico , Borbély András
Published: March 2014

Two flat hollow cylinders made of martensitic 9 wt.% Cr steels were creep deformed under in-service conditions typical of steam pipes at fossil-fuel fired power plants. Damage in the tubes was assessed through synchrotron X-ray microtomography by evaluating the shape, size and spatial-distribution of voids. The analysis of the size distribution of non-coalesced voids suggested that void growth is controlled by the plasticity constrained diffusional mechanism, a hypothesis verified by micromechanical simulations. A much higher void density was found in steel grade P91 compared to E911.
Production of Single-Chain Variable-Fragments against Carbohydrate Antigens
Authors: Fujita-Yamaguchi Yoko
Published: March 2014

The production of human single-chain variable-fragments (scFvs) against carbohydrate antigens by phage display technology is seemingly a logical strategy towards the development of antibody therapeutics, since carbohydrates are self-antigens. Panning and screening of phages displaying human scFvs using a variety of neoglycolipids presenting structurally-defined carbohydrates resulted in a number of candidate phage clones as judged by cautious evaluation of DNA sequences and specific binding to carbohydrate moieties of interest. ScFv proteins were expressed in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells from the respective genes. The characterization of isolated scFvs gene products after establishing expression, production and purification of scFv protein in different expression systems demonstrated that the production of scFv-human IgG1 Fc conjugates were originally sufficient in the media of stably-transfected cells, but declined during early passages. Bacterial expression of soluble scFv proteins with binding activity suffered low yields, whereas overexpressed scFv proteins formed inclusion bodies, which required refolding. An insect cell expression system producing soluble and active scFv proteins was found to be cost- and time-effective. The best expression system and fine adjustments for the conditions to prepare active forms had to be determined for each scFv protein. The successful production of active scFv proteins seems to be dependent on their DNA and/or amino acid sequences.
From Eutrophic to Mesotrophic: Modelling Watershed Management Scenarios to Change the Trophic Status of a Reservoir
Authors: Mateus Marcos , Almeida Carina , Brito David , Neves Ramiro
Published: March 2014

Management decisions related with water quality in lakes and reservoirs require a combined land-water processes study approach. This study reports on an integrated watershed-reservoir modeling methodology: the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to estimate the nutrient input loads from the watershed, used afterwards as boundary conditions to the reservoir model, CE-QUAL-W2. The integrated modeling system was applied to the Torrão reservoir and drainage basin. The objective of the study was to quantify the total maximum input load that allows the reservoir to be classified as mesotrophic. Torrão reservoir is located in the Tâmega River, one of the most important tributaries of the Douro River in Portugal. The watershed is characterized by a variety of land uses and urban areas, accounting for a total Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) discharge of ~100,000 p.e. According to the criteria defined by the National Water Institute (based on the WWTP Directive), the Torrão reservoir is classified as eutrophic. Model estimates show that a 10% reduction in nutrient loads will suffice to change the state to mesotrophic, and should target primarily WWTP effluents, but also act on diffuse sources. The method applied in this study should provide a basis for water environmental management decision-making.