bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of Evolutionary Algorithms for Decision Making on Building Construction Engineering (TSP Problem)
Authors: Wazirali Raniyah A. , Alzughaibi Arwa D. , Chaczko Zenon
Published: May 2014

The report revolve on building construction engineering and management, in which there are a lot of requirements such as well supervision and accuracy and being in position to forecast uncertainties that may arise and mechanisms to solve them. It also focuses on the way the building and construction can minimise the cost of building and wastages of materials. The project will be based of heuristic methods of Artificial Intelligence (AI). There are various evolution methods, but report focus on two experiments Pattern Recognition and Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP). The Pattern Recognition focuses Evolutionary Support Vector Machine Inference System for Construction Management. The construction is very dynamic are has a lot of uncertainties, no exact data this implies that the inference should change according to the environment so that it can fit the reality, therefore there a need of Support Vector Machine Inference System to solve these problems. TSP focus on reducing cost of building construction engineering and also reduces material wastages, through its principals of finding the minimum cost path of the salesman.
Analysis of the duration of basic logging operations performed using a chainsaw
Authors: Gałęzia Tomasz
Published: May 2014

Motor-manual machinery, i.e. chainsaws, is still commonly used for timber harvesting in Poland, especially in northern-east part of the country. The main goal of this research was to analyse the duration of operations such as felling, delimbing and bucking of the main tree species in Augustów Primeval Forest. Our aim was also to estimate the quantity of fuel necessary to perform these operations as well as the CO2 emission. Working’s day activity study was selected as a method of time measurement. Data was collected from 8 clear-cuts during the logging of 327 m3 of timber. On average, the most time-consuming operation was delimbing (26% of total time). Felling took 15% and bucking 18% of total time. Breaks took up a significant proportion of time (10% of total time), as well as technical maintenance, change of workplace and preparation of work-place that each took up 9%. The average exploitation productivity of lumberjacks reached 7.5 m3 h-1 and fuel consumption was 0.14 l m-3. Results on the duration of operational times confirm earlier research, however due to final felling conditions and large dimensions of trees fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 were smaller than those given in the existing literature. The most time-consuming operation for coniferous was delimbing (Scots pine 29%, Norway spruce 36% of working time) and for the broadleaves it was bucking (silver birch 27%, black alder 28% of working time). Workers’ operational productivity depended on tree species and was the greatest in the case of Scots pine (15.2 m3 h-1) and the smallest in the case of Norway spruce (6.2 m3 h-1). Operational productivity was strongly correlated with the volume and the trunk diameter
Opportunity costs of establishing nature reserves in selected forest districts of the Mazowieckie Province
Authors: Kaliszewski Adam , Młynarski Wojciech
Published: May 2014

The article presents the results of research on the opportunity costs related to establishing nature reserves in four randomly-selected forest districts located in the Mazowieckie Province: Celestynów, Grójec, Płońsk and Zwoleń. Our analysis included calculation of profits forgone by forest districts due to the cessation of timber harvesting in nature reserves and an estimation of work places lost as a result of introduction of new limitations, as well as the expenses incurred by municipalities related to their establishment of forest tax concessions in nature reserves. The establishment of nature reserves incurred losses related to timber harvest of about 246 thousand m3 during the period of 10 years, which is equivalent to between 4.1% and 19.8% of the planned timber harvest stated in the forest management plans of the studied forest districts. Total opportunity costs were equal to 25.5-27.2 million PLN during these 10 years or 1502-1605 PLN/ha of nature reserve annually. Annual opportunity costs calculated per unit of forest area were equal to 56-60 PLN/ha. The estimated loss in work places was 98.8 working days annually per 1000 ha of forest area in forest districts. Total expenses incurred by municipalities related to establishment of forest tax concessions in nature reserves reached about 18.1 thousand PLN in 2011. The research results show that the economic and social costs of nature protection activities are concentrated in their places of their origin. Those costs are felt the most by the owners of the affected forests and local communities. We recommend that possibilities are explored for the introduction of instruments to allow the mitigation of negative effects resulting from restrictions in forest use. Restructuring of forest and nature protection policy, to take into account the interests of all stakeholders would provide an improved model for the use of these forests
Antiviral and cytotoxic activities of anthraquinones isolated from cassia roxburghii linn. leaves
Authors: Mohammed Magdy M. D. , El-Souda Sahar S. , El-Hallouty Salwa M. , Kobayashi Nobuyuki
Published: May 2014

The cytotoxic activity of petroleum ether extract of the leaves of Cassia roxburghii Linn. against HCT-116 and MCF-7 cell lines resulted with IC50=34.9 and 38.04 μg/ml, respectively, while against HepG-2 showed no activity. A bioassay guided-fractionation approach was conducted to isolate and identify the active cytotoxic principles. Further chromatographic separation and purification of the petroleum ether extract resulted in the isolation of two anthraquinones identified as aloe-emodin acetate and aloe-emodin, along with stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and palmitic acid. The structure elucidation of isolated compounds was performend using 1D, 2D-NMR and HR-MS. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of aloe-emodin acetate and aloe-emodin were evaluated and resulted with IC50=153.30 and 70.02 μg/ml against HCT-116 and with 93.20 and 53.20 μg/ml against MCF-7, respectively, while against HepG-2 showed no activity. Moreover, the antiviral activity of the two isolated anthraquinones was tested against influenza virus-A, and resulted with IC50=10.23 as well as 2.00 and with CC50=1.32 and 0.47 μg/ml, respectively.
Effect of camellia sinensis extract on the expression level of transcription factors and cytochrome p450 genes coding phase i drug-metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Bogacz Anna , Karasiewicz Monika , Bartkowiak-Wieczorek Joanna , Ożarowski Marcin , Seremak-Mrozikiewicz Agnieszka , Kujawski Radosław , Mikołajczak Przemysław Ł. , Mrozikiewicz-Rakowska Beata , Bobkiewicz-Kozłowska Teresa , Czerny Bogusław , Grześkowiak Edmund , Mrozikiewicz Przemysław M.
Published: May 2014

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is widely used as a popular beverage and dietary supplement that can significantly reduce the risk of many diseases. Despite the widespread use of green tea, the data regarding the safety as well as herb-drug interactions are limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the influence of standardized green tea extract (GTE) containing 61% catechins and 0.1% caffeine on the expression level of rat CYP genes and the corresponding transcription factors expression by realtime PCR. The findings showed that GTE resulted in a significant decrease of CYP2C6 expression level by 68% (p<0.001). In case of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2, the mRNA levels were also reduced by extract but in a lesser degree compared to CYP2C6. Simultaneously the significant increase in the mRNA level of CAR, RXR and GR factors was observed by 54% (p<0.05), 79% (p<0.001) and 23% (p<0.05), respectively after 10 days of green tea extract administration. In addition, there was noted a small increase of CYP1A1 expression level by 21% (p>0.05) was noted. No statistically significant differences were observed for CYP1A2 and CYP2D1/2. In the same study we observed an increase in amount of ARNT gene transcript by 27% (p<0.05) in the long-term use. However, green tea extract showed the ability to stimulate HNF-1α both after 3 and 10 days of treatment by 30% (p<0.05) and 80% (p<0.001), respectively. In contrast, no change was observed in the concentration of HNF-4α cDNA. These results suggest that GTE may change the expression of CYP enzymes, especially CYP2C6 (homologue to human CYP2C9) and may participate in clinically significant interactions with drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
Development of organic cultivation of medicinal plants in the north india
Authors: Malik Afaq Ahmad , Ahmad Javed , Abdin M.Z.
Published: May 2014

Out of 750,000 known plants in the world, a major part are medicinal and aromatic plants - a source of raw material for folk and documented systems of medicines worldwide. The folk and documented medicine in India use about 6,000 plants, although, less than 50 species have been scientifically studied and cultivated to any sizeable extent. The main factor behind the slow pace of domestication of medicinal plants is the absence of knowledge on cultivation practices and lack of suitable technology. About 90% of the medicinal plants for trade are harvested from the wild and the demand for traditional medicinal plants is increasing rapidly. Continuous exploitation of several medicinal plant species from the wild has resulted in their population decline. Hence, an effective strategy is needed for their sustainable utilization and conservation. Cultivation is the most effective way of conservation. Cultivation can also ensure production of standardized raw materials. Thereby, enhances the quality of the manufactured products. The methods and techniques of modern chemical agriculture cannot be adopted for the cultivation of medicinal plants as they should be free from harmful residues. Pesticides and other harmful chemicals have been detected in some herbal products. Hence, to ensure a safe, residue-free and reliable material for use in herbal drug industry, there is an urgent need to adopt strategies for cultivation of medicinal plants that are consistent with principles of good agricultural practices.
Application of essential oils as natural cosmetic preservatives
Authors: Dreger Mariola , Wielgus Karolina
Published: May 2014

Nowadays, safety of chemical preservatives has been questioned by a big number of consumers. Traditionally used preservatives often cause skin irritation and lead to allergenic reactions. Growing demands for more natural and preservative-free cosmetics promoted an idea of the replacement of synthetic preservatives with essential oils (EOs) of antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial effect of essential oil depends on content, concentration and interactions between the main active compounds. Effective preservatives should be characterized by a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity at a minimum concentration. Formulations containing both types of preservatives: essential oil and a synthetic one have been tested and proposed as a compromise that allows for reducing concentration of both components due to their synergistic activity. Although most essential oils are regarded as safe, some of them may cause risk of contact allergy or phototoxic reaction. A well balanced risk-benefit assessment of essential oils is one of the great challenges for scientists or health policy authorities. This paper presents current state of knowledge on essential oils focused on their antimicrobial properties, the assessment of their efficacy and safety as cosmetic preservatives.
Importance of Muscle Power Variables in Repeated and Single Sprint Performance in Soccer Players
Authors: López-Segovia Manuel , Dellal Alexandre , Chamari Karim , González-Badillo Juan José
Published: May 2014

This study examined the relationship between lower body power and repeated as well as single sprint performance in soccer players. The performance of nineteen male soccer players was examined. The first testing session included the countermovement jump (CMJL) and the progressive full squat (FSL), both with external loads. Power in the CMJL and FSL was measured with each load that was lifted. The second session included a protocol of 40-m repeated sprints with a long recovery period (2 min). The number of sprints executed until there was a 3% decrease in performance for the best 40-m sprint time was recorded as a repeated sprint index (RSI). The RSI was moderately associated with power output relative to body mass in the CMJL and FSL (r = 0.53/0.54, p ≤ 0.05). The most and least powerful players (determined by FSL) showed significant differences in the RSI (9.1 ± 4.2 vs. 6.5 ± 1.6) and 10 m sprint time (p

0.01). Repeated and single sprints are associated with relatively lower body power in soccer players.
Hybrid Materials – Past, Present and Future.
Authors: Kickelbick Guido
Published: May 2014

Hybrid materials represent one of the most growing new material classes at the edge of technological innovations. Unique possibilities to create novel material properties by synergetic combination of inorganic and organic components on the molecular scale makes this materials class interesting for application-oriented research of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. The modular approach for combination of properties by the selection of the best suited components opens new options for the generation of materials that are able to solve many technological problems. This review will show in selected examples how science and technological driven approaches can help to design better materials for future applications.
New insights in caspase-11 functions in noncanonical inflammasome signalling
Authors: Bodnar Mélanie , Petrilli Virginie
Published: May 2014

Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that play a crucial role in innate immunity. They are assembled by cytosolic sensors of the Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich repeat containing Receptor (NLR) and PYrin and HIN (PYHIN) domain-containing protein families upon sensing various pathogens and danger signals. Inflammasome formation culminates in caspase-1 activation, which causes the cleavage of pro-IL-1β and pro- IL-18 into active cytokines; this eventually results in the induction of an inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis. Recent data using Gram-negative bacteria suggests a role for caspase-11 not only in NLRP3 inflammasome activation but also in a caspase-1- and inflammasome-independent cell death. This novel caspase-11-dependent pathway is critical to control infection by Gram-negative bacteria and has been named the noncanonical inflammasome.
Extension of mushroom shelf-life by ultrasound treatment combined with high pressure argon
Authors: Lagnika Camel , Zhang Min , Nsor-Atindana John , Tounkara Fatoumata
Published: May 2014

Effects of ultrasound, high pressure argon, and treatments comprising their combinations on physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of white mushrooms were studied during 9 days of storage at 4°C. High pressure argon treatments were relatively effective in retaining firmness and were found to maintain the cell integrity. White mushrooms firmness after 9 days of storage was increased from 2.79 N for untreated mushrooms up to 3.01, 3.24, 3.58 N for ultrasound, treatments comprising ultrasound and high pressure argon, high pressure argon, respectively. Similarly, the loss of water, ascorbic acid and total soluble solid in fresh mushroom was also greatly reduced by the high pressure argon treatment. The ultrasound treatment followed by treatments comprising ultrasound and high pressure argon and high pressure argon, respectively exhibited a pronounced effect on retarding browning and in delaying mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, yeasts and moulds growth in white mushroom, compared to the control during 9 days of cold storage. Treatments comprising ultrasound and high pressure argon treatment delayed pseudomonas growth, implying that it could extend shelf life of white mushrooms to 9 days at 4°C.
Modelling and analysis of compressive strength properties of parboiled paddy and milled rice
Authors: Nasirahmadi Abozar , Abbaspour-Fard Mohammad H. , Emadi Bagher , Khazaei Nasser Behroozi
Published: May 2014

The present investigation deals with analyzing the compressive strength properties of two varieties (Tarom and Fajr) of parboiled paddy and milled rice including: ultimate stress, modulus of elasticity, rupture force and rupture energy. Combined artificial neural network and genetic algorithm were also applied to model these properties. The parboiled samples were prepared with three soaking temperatures (25, 50 and 75°C) and three steaming times (10, 15 and 20 min). The samples were then dried to final moisture contents of 8, 10 and 12% (w.b.). In general, Tarom variety had higher compressive strength properties for paddy and milled rice than Fajr variety. With increase in steaming time from 10 to 20 min, all mentioned properties increased significantly, whereas these properties were decreased with increasing moisture content from 8 to 12% (w.b.). Coupled artificial neural network and genetic algorithm model with one hidden layer, three inputs (soaking temperature, steaming time and moisture content), was developed to predict the compressive strength properties as model outputs. Results indicated that this model could predict these properties with high correlation and low mean squared error.
Life cycle assessment of fertilizers: a review
Authors: Skowrońska Monika , Filipek Tadeusz
Published: May 2014

Life cycle assessment has become an increasingly common approach for identifying, quantifying, and evaluating the total potential environmental impact of production processes or products, from the procurement of raw materials (the ‘cradle’), to production and utilization (the ‘gates’) and their final storage (the ‘grave’), as well as for determining ways to repair damage to the environment. The paper describes life cycle assessment of mineral fertilizers. On the basis of results provided by life cycle assessment, it can be concluded that an effective strategy for protecting the environment against the harmful effects of fertilizers is to attempt to ‘seal’ the nutrient cycle on a global, regional, and local scale. Pro-environ- mental measures aim on the one hand to reduce resource utilization, and on the other hand to limit losses of nutrients, during both production and use of fertilizers. An undoubted challenge for life cycle assessment when used in agricultural production is the need for relevance at each scale.
Influence of the Sand Particle Shape on Particle Size Distribution Measured by Laser Diffraction Method
Authors: Polakowski Cezary , Sochan Agata , Bieganowski Andrzej , Ryzak Magdalena , Földényi Rita , Tóth Judit
Published: May 2014

The aim of this paper was to show how the shape of sand particles affects the results of particle size distribution obtained by the laser diffraction method. On the basis of the results obtained one can conclude: the shape of the investigated particles influences particle size distribution obtained by the laser diffraction method. This phenomenon occurs in the sand fraction, as shown in our investigation. The importance of this effect depends on the type of the measured material and on the aim of the investigations. For most researchers in soil science and sedimentology who investigate sand fractions, this impact can be negligible. Further investigations with other soil and sediment fractions are needed.
Quality of Rapeseed Bio-Fuel Waste: Optical Properties
Authors: Sujak Agnieszka , Muszyñski Siemowit , Kachel-Jakubowska Magdalena
Published: May 2014

The objective of the presented work was to examine the optical properties of selected bio-fuel waste. Three independent optical methods: UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and chromametric measurements were applied to establish the possible quality control test for the obtained substances. The following by-products were tested: distilled glycerine, technical glycerine and matter organic non glycerine fraction from rapeseed oil bio-fuel production. The results show that analysis of UV-Vis spectra can give rapid information about the purity of distilled glycerine, while no direct information can be obtained concerning the concentration and kind of impurities. Transmission mode is more useful as compared to absorption, concerning the detection abilities of average UV-Vis spectrometers. Infrared spectroscopy can be used as a complementary method for determining impurities/admixtures in samples. Measurements of chroma give the quickest data to compare the colour of biofuel by-products obtained by different producers. The condition is, however, that the products are received through the same or similar chemical processes. The other important factor is application of well defined measuring background. All the discussed analyses are quick, cheap and non-destructive, and can help to compare the quality of products.
Black-box Brain Experiments, Causal Mathematical Logic, and the Thermodynamics of Intelligence
Authors: Pissanetzky Sergio , Lanzalaco Felix
Published: May 2014

Awareness of the possible existence of a yet-unknown principle of Physics that explains cognition and intelligence does exist in several projects of emulation, simulation, and replication of the human brain currently under way. Brain simulation projects define their success partly in terms of the emergence of non-explicitly programmed biophysical signals such as self-oscillation and spreading cortical waves. We propose that a recently discovered theory of Physics known as Causal Mathematical Logic (CML) that links intelligence with causality and entropy and explains intelligent behavior from first principles, is the missing link. We further propose the theory as a roadway to understanding more complex biophysical signals, and to explain the set of intelligence principles. The new theory applies to information considered as an entity by itself. The theory proposes that any device that processes information and exhibits intelligence must satisfy certain theoretical conditions irrespective of the substrate where it is being processed. The substrate can be the human brain, a part of it, a worm’s brain, a motor protein that self-locomotes in response to its environment, a computer. Here, we propose to extend the causal theory to systems in Neuroscience, because of its ability to model complex systems without heuristic approximations, and to predict emerging signals of intelligence directly from the models. The theory predicts the existence of a large number of observables (or “signals”), all of which emerge and can be directly and mathematically calculated from non-explicitly programmed detailed causal models. This approach is aiming for a universal and predictive language for Neuroscience and AGI based on causality and entropy, detailed enough to describe the finest structures and signals of the brain, yet general enough to accommodate the versatility and wholeness of intelligence. Experiments are focused on a black-box as one of the devices described above of which both the input and the output are precisely known, but not the internal implementation. The same input is separately supplied to a causal virtual machine, and the calculated output is compared with the measured output. The virtual machine, described in a previous paper, is a computer implementation of CML, fixed for all experiments and unrelated to the device in the black box. If the two outputs are equivalent, then the experiment has quantitatively succeeded and conclusions can be drawn regarding details of the internal implementation of the device. Several small black-box experiments were successfully performed and demonstrated the emergence of non-explicitly programmed cognitive function in each case
Hybrid Chaos Synchronization of Four–Scroll Systems via Active Control
Authors: Karthikeyan Rajagopal , Sundarapandian Vaidyanathan
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the hybrid chaos synchronization of identical Wang four-scroll systems (Wang, 2009), identical Liu-Chen four-scroll systems (Liu and Chen, 2004) and non-identical Wang and Liu-Chen four-scroll systems. Active control method is the method adopted to achieve the hybrid chaos synchronization of the four-scroll chaotic systems addressed in this paper and our synchronization results are established using Lyapunov stability theory. Since the Lyapunov exponents are not required for these calculations, the active control method is effective and convenient to hybrid synchronize identical and different Wang and Liu-Chen four-scroll chaotic systems. Numerical simulations are also shown to illustrate and validate the hybrid synchronization results derived in this paper.
Fisheries cooperative organization and sustainable development in the rural community
Authors: Contreras Loera Marcela Rebeca , Zulawska Urszula
Published: May 2014

Fishing cooperatives are located in areas characterized by basing its economy on natural resource use. This representation suggests the need to implement practices that contribute to economic, social and ecological region.

This paper presents preliminary results of research aimed at identifying the impact of fishing cooperatives in sustainable development of the region. The collection of data was conducted through observation and semi-structured interviews.

The findings suggest that in Sinaloa there are fishing cooperatives facing problems resulting from overfishing, overcapacity of fishing fleets, increased fishing population and poaching, the unclear definition of fisheries property rights and fisheries management, among others. Even though, the government provides support to solve them but they are insufficient. From the above it is concluded that the situation of the fishing cooperatives and the communities where they operate, has become a social problem that cannot be solved without the participation and involvement of stakeholders and is required to form a

common front to improve economic, social and environmental development by joining efforts with the government and the people of a community
Linking diversity management and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Mazur Barbara
Published: May 2014

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a complex concept which embraces three organizational logics: economical, social and environmental. ADAMPOL, a Polish firm operating in Podlasie region, serves as an example of a company which declares in its documents (like the CSR report) that it has balanced CSR logics. The study contributes with insights to the organizational management of potentially opposing logics in CSR. Managing contradictions of CSR is an ongoing challenge and accomplishment influencing whether ethical, social and business logics collide or reinforce each other. The study shows - on the basis of research findings of a Danish frontrunner firm DanCo - that when ethics are framed as means to economic ends, some social responsibilities have a tendency to be disregarded in practice.
Effect of Septoria Leaf Blotch and its Control with Commercial Fungicides, on arbuscular-mycorrhizal-Fungal Colonization, Spore Numbers, and morphotype Diversity
Authors: Schalamuk Santiago , Velazquez Silvana , Simón María Rosa , Cabello Marta
Published: May 2014

Arbuscular-mycorrhizal internal structures (i.e. total root colonization, arbuscules, vesicles) and external structures (i.e. spore density), and Glomeromycota spore morphotypes, were evaluated in wheat severely infected with Mycosphaerella graminicola - the causal agent of Septoria leaf blotch. Plots in which the infection was controlled with a commercial fungicide at recommended field doses, were also examined. The commercial fungicide used was an admixture of trifloxistrobin and tebuconazole. No negative effects of the fungicide application on arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were found. The M. graminicola fungicidal treatment actually favoured the formation of arbuscules and AMF spores, as there was a selective increase in the density of spores belonging to the glomoid morphotype. Arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi have an absolute dependence on the carbon provided by the plant. A severe foliar disease leading to a diminished carbon supply to the roots would generate decreases in carbon availability. Such decreases would strongly affect mycorrhizal associations and development. Furthermore, the change in the green-leaf area produced by a severe foliar disease and/or a reversal of that condition through fungicide treatment could result in shifts in the composition of the AMF community so as to favour glomoid morphotypes. Glomoid species have been previously considered as r-strategists
Comparison of methods used in the recovery of Phylloplane bacteria: a case study of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi applied to the Phylloplane of Olea europaea sub-species
Authors: Lamichhane Jay Ram , Varvaro Leonardo
Published: May 2014

An efficient and accurate method of sampling, recovery, and enumeration of epiphytic bacterial populations are of fundamental importance for their precise estimation. In this study, effectiveness and reliability of processing methods, sampling type, sample storage, and plating techniques, for the recovery of the epiphytic bacterial populations, were evaluated. Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi, the causal agent of olive knot disease, and two olive sub-species were used. Bulk-leaf sampling allowed for a higher number of the bacterial recovery. The use of a lab blender was the most effective and reliable method among the four commonly used processing methods. A short storage of leaf samples was possible through freezing. Bacterial survival was not influenced as long as the samples were processed within 5 days and frozen without a buffer. No difference was observed among the drop and spread platings, suggesting that one of them can be used and the choice depends on the cost and time required.
Expression of the pathogenesis related proteins, NH-1, PAL, and lipoxygenase in the iranian Tarom and Khazar rice cultivars, in reaction to Rhizoctonia solani – the causal agent of rice sheath blight
Authors: Sayari Mohammad , Babaeizad Valiollah , Ghanbari Mohammad Ali Tajick , Rahimian Heshmat
Published: May 2014

Pathogenesis related (PR) genes of rice are among the most important defense genes in the interaction of rice with pathogens. In this study, the role of NH-1, several PR genes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and lipoxygenase in the defense responses of rice against Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of rice sheath blight disease, was evaluated. The Tarom and Khazar cultivars (cvs), as resistant and susceptible genotypes, respectively, were used. The expression rate of defense genes in two-week-old seedlings inoculated with a virulent isolate of R. solani AG-I-1 A was investigated. The lesions in the Tarom cv were less than half the size of those on the Khazar cv. The expression scripts of the genes were calculated by quantative Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR). Results showed that the expression rate of all genes in the resistant cultivar was higher than that of the susceptible genotype, post inoculation. Analysis of data by the t-Student test also indicated significant differences in the expression level of the genes between Khazar and Tarom. The results of this study suggest that the investigated genes are involved in the resistance responses of rice against the sheath blight agent. For the first time, the induction of PR-5, PR-9, PR-10, PR-12, PR-13, and NH-1 was observed in this study in the resistant and susceptible Iranian cultivars of rice following attacks by R. solani.
Spatial distribution of the cottony camellia scale, Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in the tea orchards
Authors: Naeimamini Sakineh , Abbasipour Habib , Aghajanzadeh Sirus
Published: May 2014

In the north of Iran, near the Caspian Sea, about 35,627 ha is cultivated with tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze on both plain and hilly land. The cottony camellia scale, Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is one of the most important pests of tea orchards in the north of Iran. Spatial distribution is an important item in entomoecology and needs to be studied for many pest management programs. So, weekly sampling of P. floccifera population was carried out throughout the 2008-2010 season, in the tea gardens of the Tonekabon region of the Mazandaran province of Iran. Each cut branch of tea was determined as a sample unit and after primary sampling, sample size was calculated using the equation: N = (ts/dm)2, (d = 0.15, sample size = 50). The data acquired were used to describe the spatial distribution pattern of P. floccifera by Tylor’s power law, Iwao’s mean crowding regression, Index of Dispersion (ID), and Index of Clumping (IDM). Tylor’s power law (R2 > 0.84) and Iwao’s mean crowding regression (R2 > 0.82) indicated that spatial distribution of 1st and 2nd nymphal instars is aggregated, but the distribution of 3rd instars, adults, and egg ovisacs is uniform. A result of ID and IDM showed that distribution of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars, adults, and egg ovisacs were aggregative each time the sampling was done.
Effect of Thymus vulgaris L. and Origanum vulgare L. essential oils on toxicity, food consumption, and biochemical properties of lesser mulberry pyralid Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Yazdani Elham , Sendi Jalal Jalali , Hajizadeh Jalil
Published: May 2014

The essential oils of Thymus vulgaris L. and Origanum vulgare L. were investigated for their toxicity and physiological aspects on the lesser mulberry pyralid Glyphodes pyloalis Walker in controlled condition (24±1°C, 75±5% RH and 16L : 8D). The leaf disc method was used to study acute toxicity, the effect of LC10, LC30, and LC50 on the feeding efficiency of 4th instar larva, and biochemical indices. The essential oil doses of LC10, LC30 and LC50 were estimated to be 0.107%, 0.188% and 0.279% for T. vulgaris, and 0.67%, 1.173% and 1.728% for O. vulgare, respectively. The results showed that T. vulgaris was more toxic than O. vulgare. The essential oil sublethal dose LC30 affected the nutritional indices of 4th instar larvae of G. pyloalis. The essential oils reduced total protein, carbohydrate, and lipid. Some concentrations of essential oils changed the activity level of α-amylase, protease, lipase, general esterases, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) but others showed no effect on these enzymes. It was concluded that the used essential oil concentrations were both toxic to G. pyloalis and showed irreversible effects on key metabolic processes, therefore, the used essential oil concentrations may be considered as alternatives to the classic pest control agents.
Cellular energy allocation in the predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), following sublethal exposure to diazinon, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos
Authors: Chitgar Moloud Gholamzadeh , Hajizadeh Jalil , Ghadamyari Mohammad , Karimi-Malati Azadeh , Sharifi Mahbobe , Hoda Hassan
Published: May 2014

It is necessary to study the biochemical changes in insects exposed to toxicants if we want to predict the potential of various chemicals on the natural enemy. Physiological energy, as a biochemical biomarker, may be affected by many pesticides including organophosphate compounds. Therefore, in this study, the sublethal effects of diazinon, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos on the cellular energy allocation (CEA) of the predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a potential biological control agent, was studied on 5th-instar nymphs. Among the energy reserves of the A. spinidens nymphs, only total protein was significantly affected by pesticide treatments, and the highest value was observed in chlorpyrifos treatment. The energy available (Ea) and energy consumption (Ec) in A. spinidens were significantly affected by these pesticides. In exposed bugs, these parameters were affected by fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos more than diazinon. The activity of the electron transport system (ETS) in the Ec assay showed that A. spinidens exposed to chlorpyrifos had the highest rate of oxygen consumption. Although, there was no significant change in CEA, the insecticides caused a marked change in the physiological balance of A. spinidens. The results suggested that the adverse effect of these insecticides on A. spinidens should be considered in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Assessment of some medicinal plants for their allelopathic potential against redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)
Authors: Nekonam Marzieh Sabagh , Razmjoo Jamshid , Kraimmojeni Hasan , Sharifnabi Bahram , Amini Hajar , Bahrami Frouzan
Published: May 2014

The study was conducted to determine the allelopathic effects of Crocus sativus L., Ricinus communis L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Datura inoxia Mill., Nerium oleander L., and Sorghum vulgare L. on the germination and growth of Amaranthus retroflexus (redroot pigweed). Powder and aqueous extracts of these plants were used to run the experiment under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, all aqueous extracts showed a significant inhibitory effect on the germination, seedling length and weight of redroot pigweed plants. The most allelopathic against the redroot pigweed were R. communis, N. tabacum, and D. inoxia. In the greenhouse experiment, extracts and the powder of these plants also showed significant inhibitory effects on pigweed dry weight, height, leaf area, number of survivor plants, and amount of chlorophyll. In the germination bioassay and application of powder, the inhibitory effect was dosage dependent - the higher the concentration, the strongest the inhibitory effect. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the powder and extracts of the tested species have an herbicidal potential against redroot pigweed and could be used as natural herbicides and mulches.
The invasive flea beetle Luperomorpha xanthodera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), potentially noxious to ornamental plants – first record in Poland
Authors: Kozłowski Marek Wojciech , Legutowska Hanna
Published: May 2014

A specimen of a flea beetle collected by plant sweeping from an experimental plot of oregano in Warsaw showed characteristics of the invasive species Luperomorpha xanthodera. This beetle, originating from Far East, appeared in Europe at the beginning of this century and seems to extend its range continuously. So far, it has been noted from England, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary but not from Poland. Being polyphagous, adult flea beetles of this species may appear in numbers on flowers of various ornamental plants causing considerable damage.
Small (natural) water retention in rural areas / Mała (naturalna) retencja wodna na obszarach wiejskich
Authors: Mioduszewski Waldemar
Published: May 2014

Since 1960`s in Poland a phrase „small retention” has been used although it has been unknown in other countries. “Small retention” means various forms of human activity aiming towards limiting the fast water runoff after snow melting and heavy rains. It is believed that water that has been retained in periods of its excess can supply water courses during summer. It can also be used for agricultural purposes as it increases water availability for crops and improves biodiversity of rural areas. Many different methods of water retention have been defined. Among others, increase of potential retention of surface waters can be achieved by construction of reservoirs or damming on rivers and lakes. Ground water retention capacity can be improved by increasing recharge of aquifers and improvement of soil structure in the aeration zone. Due to the form and way of implementation of small retention measures they can be divided into technical and non-technical measures. In other words, small retention can be defined as a set of measures aiming towards reconstruction of natural retention in the catchment that has been modified or destroyed by human activity. In this paper, it has been stressed that activities and tasks undertaken in Europe in recent years under phrase “increase of natural retention” can be covered by the definition of small retention.
Comparison of shallow foundation design using Eurocode 7 and Polish Standard
Authors: Olchawa Andrzej , Zawalski Andrzej
Published: May 2014

Bearing capacity of cohesive soils was calculated based on PN-B-03020:1981P and Eurocode 7. Strength parameters of cohesive soil modified by the authors: shear strength in undrained conditions cu, effective cohesion c' and effective friction angle φ' were adopted for calculations acc. to Eurocode 7. Values of these parameters depend on a leading parameter - liquidity index IL. Bearing capacity was calculated for two pad foundations of a size B × L = 2.0 × 3.0 m and 1.5 × 2.0 m and for one 2.0 × 14.0 m strip foundation. The capacity calculated acc. to EC 7 was reduced by multiplying by a factor α = 0.87 to account for different bearing capacity coefficients in Polish Norms and Eurocodes. Performed calculations showed comparable bearing capacity of substratum irrespective of adopted norms EC 7 and PN for foundation pads. In all analysed cases, however, the bearing capacity of foundation strips calculated acc. to Eurocode 7 was higher than those calculated acc. to PN-B-03020:1981P. The reason is in the values and ways of accounting partial security coefficients and in differences in the values of shape coefficients used in the equation for ultimate bearing resistance of soil substratum.
Heat stress and occupational health and safety – spatial and temporal differentiation
Authors: Błażejczyk Krzysztof , Baranowski Jarosław , Błażejczyk Anna
Published: May 2014

Evidence of climatic health hazards on the general population has been discussed in many studies but limited focus is placed on developing a relationship between climate and its effects on occupational health. Long working hours with high physical activity can cause health problems for workers ranging from mild heat cramps to severe heat stroke leading to death. The paper presents the possible risk of heat hazard to outdoor workers, using the example of Warsaw. The heat stress hazard, defined by WBGT values above 26 and 28°C and UTCI above 32 and 38°C, is assessed from two perspectives: its spatial distribution on a local scale and its temporal changes during the 21st century due to climate change. City centre and industrial districts were identified as the places with the greatest heat stress hazard. The number of heat stress days in a year (as predicted for the 21st century) is increasing, meaning that heat-related illnesses are more likely to have a direct impact on workers’ health.
Modeling and Simulating Asymmetrical Conductance Changes in Gramicidin Pores
Authors: Xu Shixin , Chen Minxin , Majd Sheereen , Yue Xingye , Liu Chun
Published: May 2014

Gramicidin A is a small and well characterized peptide that forms an ion channel in lipid membranes. An important feature of gramicidin A (gA) pore is that its conductance is affected by the electric charges near the its entrance. This property has led to the application of gramicidin A as a biochemical sensor for monitoring and quantifying a number of chemical and enzymatic reactions. Here, a mathematical model of conductance changes of gramicidin A pores in response to the presence of electrical charges near its entrance, either on membrane surface or attached to gramicidin A itself, is presented. In this numerical simulation, a two dimensional computational domain is set to mimic the structure of a gramicidin A channel in the bilayer surrounded by electrolyte. The transport of ions through the channel is modeled by the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations that are solved by Finite Element Method (FEM). Preliminary numerical simulations of this mathematical model are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results in the literature. In addition to the model and simulations, we also present the analysis of the stability of the solution to the boundary conditions and the convergence of FEM method for the two dimensional PNP equations in our model.
Urban Ozone Concentration Forecasting with Artificial Neural Network in Corsica
Authors: Tamas Wani , Notton Gilles , Paoli Christophe , Voyant Cyril , Nivet Marie-Laure , Balu Aurelia
Published: May 2014

Atmospheric pollutants concentration forecasting is an important issue in air quality monitoring. Qualitair Corse, the organization responsible for monitoring air quality in Corsica (France), needs to develop a short-term prediction model to lead its mission of information towards the public. Various deterministic models exist for local forecasting, but need important computing resources, a good knowledge of atmospheric processes and can be inaccurate because of local climatical or geographical particularities, as observed in Corsica, a mountainous island located in the Mediterranean Sea. As a result, we focus in this study on statistical models, and particularly Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) that have shown good results in the prediction of ozone concentration one hour ahead with data measured locally. The purpose of this study is to build a predictor realizing predictions of ozone 24 hours ahead in Corsica in order to be able to anticipate pollution peaks formation and to take appropriate preventive measures. Specific meteorological conditions are known to lead to particular pollution event in Corsica (e.g. Saharan dust events). Therefore, an ANN model will be used with pollutant and meteorological data for operational forecasting. Index of agreement of this model was calculated with a one year test dataset and reached 0.88.
Molecularly imprinted microspheres prepared by precipitation polymerization at high monomer concentrations
Authors: Renkecz Tibor , László Krisztina , Horváth Viola
Published: May 2014

Highly crosslinked polymer microparticles have been prepared by precipitation polymerization using high monomer loadings (≥25 v/v %) which generally would lead to bulk monoliths. The microparticle format was achieved by the use of non-solvating diluents either alone or in combination with co-solvents. Two distinct morphologies were observed. Monodisperse smooth microspheres were obtained using a thermodynamically good co-solvent whereas segmented irregular particles were formed with poorer co-solvents. It has been found that during polymerization the forming polymer particles were enriched in the co-solvent and this effect was more pronounced when good co-solvents were used. The type of functional monomer, crosslinker and co-solvent, and the non-solvent/co-solvent ratio were identified as influential parameters on the microparticle morphology. With the proposed methodology molecularly imprinted microparticles have been prepared successfully for three different templates, naproxen, diclofenac and toltrazuril using various functional monomers, crosslinkers and polymerization solvent mixtures.
Linear Mixed Models: Gum and Beyond
Authors: Arendacká Barbora , Täubner Angelika , Eichstädt Sascha , Bruns Thomas , Elster Clemens
Published: May 2014

In Annex H.5, the Guide to the Evaluation of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) [1] recognizes the necessity to analyze certain types of experiments by applying random effects ANOVA models. These belong to the more general family of linear mixed models that we focus on in the current paper. Extending the short introduction provided by the GUM, our aim is to show that the more general, linear mixed models cover a wider range of situations occurring in practice and can be beneficial when employed in data analysis of long-term repeated experiments. Namely, we point out their potential as an aid in establishing an uncertainty budget and as means for gaining more insight into the measurement process. We also comment on computational issues and to make the explanations less abstract, we illustrate all the concepts with the help of a measurement campaign conducted in order to challenge the uncertainty budget in calibration of accelerometers.