bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shift in failure modes in foam core sandwich composites subject to repeated slamming on water
Authors: Figueroa Evaristo , Shafiq Basir
Published: May 2013

A test program designed and carried out to mimic the repeated impact of the bow section of fast-moving small boats on the ocean surface provided some unique observations in terms of failure mode transition. Damage progression and modes of failure were evaluated for two types of sandwich composites with comparable global strength and stiffness but different foam density and facesheet strength. Testing was performed on flat rectangular specimens that contained symmetric semi-elliptical edge flaws produced near the end of the specimen held by the rotating cam. Type 1 specimens (softer core/stronger facesheet) consistently failed by interface and through-the-thickness core shear, independent of the flaw size. In contrast, a gradual decrease in flaw size in Type 2 specimens (denser core/weaker facesheet) produced a striking transition in the mode of failure from local buckling in the vicinity of the flaw site along with exponentially increasing lifetime, to interface shear failure at the free end accompanied by a dramatic drop in lifetime. The lifetime of Type 2 specimens was more than two orders of magnitude greater than that of Type 1 specimens.
A Hybrid Data Cloning Maximum Likelihood Estimator for Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Laurini Márcio Poletti
Published: May 2013

Abstract: In this article, we analyze a maximum likelihood estimator using Data Cloning for Stochastic Volatility models. This estimator is constructed using a hybrid methodology based on Integrated Nested Laplace Approximations to calculate analytically the auxiliary Bayesian estimators with great accuracy and computational efficiency, without requiring the use of simulation methods such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo. We analyze the performance of this estimator compared to methods based on Monte Carlo simulations (Simulated Maximum Likelihood, MCMC Maximum Likelihood) and approximate maximum likelihood estimators using Laplace Approximations. The results indicate that this data cloning methodology achieves superior results over methods based on MCMC, comparable to results obtained by the Simulated Maximum Likelihood estimator. The methodology is extended to models with leverage effects, continuous time formulations, multifactor and multivariate stochastic volatility.
Economic Development and the Legal Foundations of Regulation in Brazil
Authors: de Castro Marcus F.
Published: May 2013

The paper describes the evolution of legal ideas underlying authoritative discourse used as grounds for changes in economic policy in Brazil. It examines the role of legal ideas in the shaping of policy since the rise of enlarged administrative power in the nineteenth century to the emergence of the developmentalist state in the 1930s, to pro-market reforms of the mid-1990s and early twenty-first century. A description of the contrasts between three major clusters of legal ideas is offered, covering: imported French-style legal doctrinalism in the “classical liberal” era (1850–1930), changes introduced by the administrative law of the “old developmentalism” (1930–1980), and imported Anglo-Saxon legal and economic concepts of the pro-market reforms phase (1990–2000).
Government–Third Sector Relations in European Rural Development: A Critical Perspective
Authors: Iliopoulos Constantine N. , Valentinov Vladislav , Kvartiuk Vasyl , Bartkowski Bartosz
Published: May 2013

Rural development has significantly benefited from intensifying relations between the government and third sector organizations (TSOs) during the last several decades. TSOs can induce innovation in rural development in a variety of ways including advocacy, awareness raising, contracting, and direct delivery of public goods. However, there is a growing concern that these partnerships may be prone to inefficiencies due to adverse fundraising incentives. Utilizing Young’s (2000) typology in a literature review, this paper illuminates potential causes for mission and goal displacement due to adverse incentives generated by public funding programs. The paper suggests that complementary and supplementary TSOs are generally more likely to suffer from adverse incentives in comparison to adversarial ones. Institutional merging between the TSOs and the state may significantly limit the scope for innovation in rural development.
Intellectual property protection strategies for nanotechnology
Authors: Zhang Yuanjia , Sulfab Maisoun , Fernandez Dennis
Published: May 2013

The field of nanotechnology has been widely recognized as comparable to biotechnology and digital information revolutions. As a general-purpose technology, nanotechnology is expected to have widespread applications across many critical industrial sectors. The growing market and competition require careful attention to intellectual property (IP) rights and strategies. The American patent system is currently going through the biggest reform since the passage of Patent Act of 1952, and many changes apply directly to the field of nanotechnology. This review discusses basic IP definitions, recent IP developments, and advanced protection strategies to better understand the status quo of IP specifically in nanotechnology. The potential impact from the patent system reform is also discussed.
Uncommon and parallel developmental patterns of thymidylate synthase expression and localization in Trichinella spiralis and Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Dąbrowska Magdalena , Gołos Barbara , Wałajtys-Rode Elżbieta , Zieliński Zbigniew , Wińska Patrycja , Cieśla Joanna , Moczoń Tadeusz , Rode Wojciech
Published: May 2013

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic nematode causing trichinellosis, a serious disease, and Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living nematode, which is used as a model in parasitological studies. High levels of thymidylate synthase (EC 2.1.1.45; ThyA) and certain other enzymes involved in thymidylate biosynthesis were found throughout T. spiralis and C. elegans developmental cycles, including developmentally arrested forms, that is, T. spiralis muscle larva and C. elegans dauer larva. As ThyA activity is characteristic for cells that left the G0 phase of the cell cycle, an exceptional regulation of the cell cycle in nematodes is suggested, manifested by a global cell cycle arrest in developmentally arrested larvae of the two species. ThyA immunolocalization during development of T. spiralis and C. elegans revealed the presence of high enzyme levels not only in the developing embryos, where it was expected, but also in gonad primordia, egg and sperm cells, nerve ring and secretory cells, opening to T. spiralis esophagus and C. elegans pharynx, where it may point to those cell populations remaining cell cycle arrested.
Spot analyses of serum neopterin, tryptophan and kynurenine levels in a random group of blood donor population
Authors: Ünüvar Songül , Girgin Gözde , Palabıyık Ş. Sezin , Karaağaç Tülay , Özcebe Osman Ilhami , Şahin Gönül , Baydar Terken
Published: May 2013

In transfusions, safety measures are used for the health of both receivers and donors. In this regard, early and sensitive markers are strongly needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate neopterin profile and tryptophan degradation in a group of Turkish blood donors. The effect of age, gender, blood type and Rh factor were also assessed. Neopterin was measured by ELISA kits. Serum tryptophan and kynurenine were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Kynurenine/tryptophan (kyn/trp) was calculated to estimate tryptophan degradation. Tryptophan, kynurenine and kyn/trp levels were found to be higher in males compared with females (all p<0.05). Neopterin and kynurenine levels tended to increase with age in age subgroups (all p<0.05). On the contrary, smoking, Rh factor and blood types were all observed to have no effect on measured parameters (all p>0.05). In routine analysis, early and reliable biomarkers are needed. In parallel with current markers, neopterin can be used to select safe donors and to maintain the safety of transfusion. In the face of our results, we recommend that donations with neopterin levels above 19 nmol/L should be excluded from the program because increased neopterin levels indicate activation of the cellular immune system.
The Production of Institutional Facts in Economic Discourse
Authors: Eskelinen Teppo , Sorsa Ville-Pekka
Published: May 2013

Economic discourses are dominated by stylized facts and other statements of fact concerning the institutional economic order. Yet, there is still very little knowledge on how exactly facts are formed in economic discourse, how they serve as a means for rendering issues “economic”, and how they legitimize, renew and change institutions. This article introduces a theoretical model for studying the relationships between the presentation of institutional facts, institutional change and processes of economization. The model is based on John R. Searle’s theory of speech acts, on the so-called discursive institutionalism in political science and the study of institutional entrepreneurship as a political activity. The model is then applied on a limited scope to study the construction of institutional facts concerning public sector economies in three Finnish government and consultant reports. The key empirical findings conclude that the most common institutional facts are produced either by generalizing individual facts for various institutionalized activities or by combining one fact into various meanings. These facts are used to legitimize various policies, including cuts in public spending, strengthening the power of experts, increasing budgetary stability, lengthening working careers and the increase in public sector productivity.
Graphisches Crossing
Authors: Spitzmüller Jürgen
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes to adapt the sociolinguistic concept of language crossing (Rampton 1995) to the analysis of graphic phenomena (on the level of graphematics, typography and the writing system), where multiple graphic systems are put in juxtaposition. It argues that, like in language crossing, distinctive indexical orders can be merged with the aim of constructing specific contexts that derive from the attitudes that are linked with the phenomena in question. The paper discusses the transferability of the concept of crossing and demonstrates its potential, using examples from all of the three aforementioned basic scriptural levels
Relaxin induces rapid, transient vasodilation in the microcirculation of hamster skeletal muscle
Authors: Willcox Jordan M , Summerlee Alastair J S , Murrant Coral L
Published: May 2013

Relaxin produces a sustained decrease in total peripheral resistance, but the effects of relaxin on skeletal muscle arterioles, an important contributor to systemic resistance, are unknown. Using the intact, blood-perfused hamster cremaster muscle preparationin situ, we tested the effects of relaxin on skeletal muscle arteriolar microvasculature by applying 10−10 M relaxin to second-, third- and fourth-order arterioles and capillaries. The mechanisms responsible for relaxin-induced dilations were explored by applying 10−10 M relaxin to second-order arterioles in the presence of 10−5 M N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor), 10−5 M glibenclamide (GLIB, ATP-dependent potassium (K+) channel inhibitor), 10−3 M tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 10−7 M iberiotoxin (IBTX, calcium-associated K+channel inhibitor). Relaxin caused second- (peak change in diameter: 8.3±1.7 μm) and third (4.5±1.1 μm)-order arterioles to vasodilate transiently while fourth-order arterioles did not (0.01±0.04 μm). Relaxin-induced vasodilations were significantly inhibited byl-NAME, GLIB, TEA and IBTX. Relaxin stimulated capillaries to induce a vasodilation in upstream fourth-order arterioles (2.1±0.3 μm), indicating that relaxin can induce conducted responses vasodilation that travels through blood vessel walls via gap junctions. We confirmed gap junction involvement by showing that gap junction uncouplers (18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (40×10−6 M) or 0.07% halothane) inhibited upstream vasodilations to localised relaxin stimulation of second-order arterioles. Therefore, relaxin produces transient NO- and K+channel-dependent vasodilations in skeletal muscle arterioles and stimulates capillaries to initiate conducted responses. The transient nature of the arteriolar dilation brings into question the role of skeletal muscle vascular beds in generating the sustained systemic haemodynamic effects induced by relaxin.
Modeling Copper Diffusion in Silicon Oxide, Nitride, and Carbide
Authors: Zubkov Vladimir , Han Joseph , Sun Grace , Musgrave Charles , Aronowitz Sheldon
Published: May 2013

Density functional theory was applied to simulate copper diffusion in silicon oxide, nitride, and carbide (SiOx, SiNx, SiCx). Because copper drift into oxide is significantly enhanced by negative bias, copper ions are the active diffusing species. Clusters and, in some cases supercells, modeling various ring configurations of the amorphous networks of silicon oxide, nitride, and carbide were employed. Interactions of both neutral copper and its cation, Cu+, with the network were explored. Calculations revealed a strong binding of Cu+ to SiOx, SiCx, and SiNx in contrast with neutral Cu. The Cu+ attraction to carbide clusters is significantly lower than to SiOx and SiNx, explaining the effective barrier properties of SiCx. The estimated lower bounds for activation energies for Cu+ hops between stable ring clusters of SiOx and SiNx are similar. This implies that the difference in Cu diffusion properties between oxides and nitrides is likely due to a higher percentage of large rings in amorphous oxides compared with nitrides. An approach to increasing the resistance of oxides to Cu+ diffusion is suggested.
Seismic performance of lightly reinforced structural walls for design purposes
Authors: Wibowo Ari , Wilson John L. , Lam Nelson T. K. , Gad Emad F.
Published: May 2013

Lightly reinforced concrete walls are commonly found in low-to-moderate seismic regions such as Australia. While many theoretical analyses on lateral load–displacement of structural walls have been proposed and widely used, not many have been developed for lightly reinforced concrete walls. The lateral load–displacement behaviour and failure mechanism of lightly reinforced structural walls differ to those of heavily reinforced concrete walls, particularly in terms of tension stiffening effects, possible failure mechanisms and drift capacities. An analytical study on lightly reinforced rectangular concrete walls is presented in this paper. A parametric study was conducted to provide initial insight into the effect of four design parameters (aspect ratio, axial load ratio, transverse reinforcement ratio and longitudinal reinforcement ratio) on the ultimate displacement capacity of reinforced concrete walls. Two analytical models were developed to predict the lateral load–displacement behaviour of lightly reinforced walls consisting of a detailed wall model and a simplified wall model that provides a quick and conservative estimate for initial design checking purposes using displacement-based principles. Both models are shown to provide good agreement with experimental results in the literature.
The Justinian system: one of the oldest flood control facilities in the world
Authors: Kürkçüoğlu A. Cihat , Yenigün Kasım , Yazgan Mustafa S.
Published: May 2013

In ancient times, the city of Urfa suffered serious flood disasters due to the Karakoyun river which surrounded the city on the north and west sides. In order to prevent the recurrence of such disasters, in 525, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian had built a huge wall of stone (Justinian wall) to the northwest of the city that conducted the river to the north and east walls of the city. He also constructed an artificial channel and three bridges which are known as the Justinian system. This system has been used by the many civilizations that have occupied the city, since the 6th century. Each civilization added some new water structures to the system and carried out some renovations to it. The system, being still in use, defended the city against moderate size floods and survived for 1,500 years. In this paper, the Justinian system is evaluated from the hydraulic point of view together with its ongoing functionality. It is interesting that although the cultural structures of the civilizations settled in the city do not have the same characteristics, the water structures have similar features in terms of hydraulic and architectural perspectives.
From ancient times to the present: development of the drinking water supply system of Şanliurfa in south-eastern Turkey
Authors: Yenigün Kasım , Kürkçüoğlu A. Cihat , Yazgan Mustafa S. , Gerger Reşit , Ülgen Uğur
Published: May 2013

In this paper, water supply, distribution and storage structures in Şanlıurfa city that were built since the ancient times are investigated and technological details of some water supply structures are given. The city is one of the oldest cities and has hosted many civilizations throughout the centuries, beginning from 11500 BC. The acquired archaeological heritage shows that the city had important water supply practices. Many water structures, which can be categorized as the structures of the pre-Islamic Period (Roman Period) and post-Islamic Period (Ottoman Period), were constructed in the city. Charity structures and cisterns, Turkish baths, aqueducts and dams, water balance facilities, maksems, bridges, wells, fountains and karliks are among these structures. Roman influence is observed in the water architecture of the Ottoman Empire. The influence is best observed in the hayrats of the city, built in the pre-Islamic and post-Islamic Period. During the history of the city, the settled communities have destroyed many of the cultural structures of previous civilizations; however they have protected and developed water structure systems. This situation has meant that water structures have lasted to the present and it is interesting to note that most of these systems are still in use.
The effect of seasonal climate on bottled water distribution in rural Cambodia
Authors: White D. , Hutchens C. A. , Byars P. , Antizar-Ladislao B.
Published: May 2013

The rural population of Cambodia currently has limited access to improved water sources, with monthly access significantly varying between the wet and dry seasons. This poses difficulties for many households across the country, especially in the dry season when stored rainwater – a common source for many – becomes difficult to obtain, necessitating a switch to sources unsafe for consumption. This study evaluates the effect of seasonal climate on bottled water as an alternative solution to accessing safe drinking water. A study of 240 households in the Battambang province, Cambodia correlated seasonal uptake of bottled water with household wealth, quality of road access and access to alternatives. This was supported by historical data on bottled water uptake from three communities. The results suggest that substantial seasonal change in uptake occurs in rural Cambodia; most noticeably in households of low wealth. As one of the first studies on bottled water in Cambodia, these are important findings; particularly given the recent increase in rural bottled water distribution. The study finds bottled water is not an appropriate means for Non-Governmental Organisations targeting the poorest strata of the community; however there is potential for the private sector to supply more affluent households.
Wastewater management techniques from ancient civilizations to modern ages: examples from South Asia
Authors: Fardin H. F. , Hollé A. , Gautier E. , Haury J.
Published: May 2013

Wastewater management appeared about 3000 BC in South Asia, and spread on the whole subcontinent with the development of urbanization during its early history. Domestic grey water and black water were canalized through street-side drains, and cesspits was implemented at house outlet level, or at drain crossing, in order to avoid the clogging of the system. Nothing seems to be known about the ultimate place where the drains canalized wastewater. In South India, wastewater was managed previously to the 1st century AD, at the very same period as the presence of Mediterranean population on the subcontinent. But, we cannot confirm a Mediterranean influence on wastewater management, because of the previous development of several techniques in the region. In today rural Puducherry area, traditional techniques are used to manage wastewater, quite similar to the method used to treat wastewater of Puducherry urban zone.
Removal of NO3– from groundwater by PP-g-AA-Am non-woven fabric using fixed-bed column reactors
Authors: Park Hyunju , Han Mooyoung , Bak Gippeum
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the effect of PP-g-AA-AM non-woven fabric on the removal of nitrate nitrogen from groundwater. The breakthrough time was 1.5–2.6, 2.5–5.5, and 6.2–12.2 h for a superficial velocity of 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5 cm/s, respectively, for the nitrate nitrogen concentration in groundwater to satisfy the safe standard for drinking of 10 mg/L (as per the Ministry of Environment in Korea's 2011 Management of Drinking Water Act); the slower the superficial velocity, the longer is the breakthrough time. The ion exchange amount was a maximum of 28.37 mg/g for a superficial velocity of 2.0 cm/s, and the ion exchange amount decreased with slower or faster superficial velocities. The ratio of adsorbent used shows a linear relationship with the column diameter to length ratio and an inverse one with the superficial velocity. It is a maximum of 79% for a superficial velocity of 0.5 cm/s and a column diameter to length ratio of 1:10. Multiple regression analysis with the superficial velocity, nitrate nitrogen concentration in groundwater, and column diameter to length ratio showed that the initial nitrate nitrogen concentration has the strongest influence on the ion exchange amount. A 10% NaCl regenerant solution of 20 times the reactor volume is required to accomplish >99% of ion exchange bed regeneration in a groundwater treatment facility when applied to a packed column filled with PP-g-AA-Am.
Water resource management in ancient Iran with emphasis on technological approaches: a cultural heritage
Authors: Gholikandi Gagik Badalians , Sadrzadeh Mandana , Jamshidi Shervin , Ebrahimi Morteza
Published: May 2013

Water is an essential component in the history of Iran. Due to the unfavorable distribution of surface water and the fluctuation of yearly seasonal streams, to fulfill water demands, ancient Iranians have tried to provide a better condition for utilization of water. Accordingly, elegant designs like qanats became an indispensable element of hydraulic systems, while institutional frameworks were innovated to be combined with in water resource management. Evidence shows that hydraulic structures and water establishments date back thousands of years known as cultural heritage. Besides, the ancient Iranians have realized the importance of an organization to supervise irrigation and water conveyance. Thus, during the Achaemenid and Sasanian Empires, water engineering was developed significantly through the whole territory. The governmental endorsements associated with contemporary engineered structures have made extensive innovations in water systems, such as canals, watermills, water treatment, water storage, piping and construction. The infrastructure fulfilled a wide range of necessities of a civilized country and assisted in achieving its golden era. Consequently, this paper is aimed at studying ancient water resource management and technological approaches in Iran.
Preparation, characterization and in vitro bioactivity of polyvinyl alcohol-hydroxyapatite biphasique membranes
Authors: Balgová Zuzana , Palou Martin , Wasserbauer Jaromír , Lutišanová Gabriela , Kozánkováb Jana
Published: May 2013

Six membranes of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with various weight percent - 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % of hydroxyapatite (HA) were prepared. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the different functional groups in membrane composites. The surface morphology was examined through scanning electron microscope. The in vitro bioactivity tests in Simulated Blood Fluid (SBF) have been performed up to 28 days, especially for membrane containing 50 wt. % HA. SEM was used to characterize surface microstructure of biocomposite membranes before and after immersion in SBF. It was observed the formation of clusters within membranes with increasing amount of HA particles due to hydrogen bond and also the agglomeration and crystal growth of HA particles during drying of membranes. The bioactivity was found increasing with time immersion of biocomposite materials in SBF solution.
Quantum-chemical study of C— H bond dissociation enthalpies of various small non-aromatic organic molecules
Authors: Poliak Peter , Vagánek Adam
Published: May 2013

In this work, C-H bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE) and vertical ionization potentials (IP) for various hydrocarbons and ketones were calculated using four density functional approaches. Calculated BDEs and IPs were correlated with experimental data. The linearity of the corresponding dependences can be considered very good. Comparing two used functionals, B3LYP C-H BDE values are closer to experimental results than PBE0 values for both used basis sets. The 6-31G* basis set employed with both functionals, gives the C-H BDEs closer to the experimental values than the 6-311++G** basis set. Using the obtained linear dependences BDEexp = f (BDEcalc), the experimental values of C-H BDEs for some structurally related compounds can be estimated solely from calculations. As a descriptor of the C-H BDE, the IPs and 13C NMR chemical shifts have been investigated using data obtained from the B3LYP/6-31G* calculations. There is a slight indication of linear correlation between IPs and C-H BDEs in the sets of simple alkanes and alkenes/ cycloalkenes. However, for cycloalkanes and aliphatic carbonyl compounds, no linear correlation was found. In the case of the 13C NMR chemical shifts, the correlation with C-H BDEs can be found for the sets of alkanes and cycloalkanes, but for the other studied molecules, no trends were detected.
Corruption and Information Sharing as Determinants of Non-Performing Loans
Authors: Ahmad Fawad
Published: May 2013

Background: There are several factors that lead to the growth or decline of the nonperforming loans, such as macroeconomic variables and bank specific variables, banks ownership structure, corruption and information sharing. Among them one of the main factors that affect the non-performing loans are the corruption. In developing countries corruption plays very important role in the growth of non-performing loans. Objectives: This study investigates the impact of corruption at economy level and institution level on the nonperforming loans. This study also examines the association of information sharing between depositors, lenders and financial institutions. Methods/Approach: The current study used time series data over the period of 2001 to 2010 and employed OLS method. Results: The results provide no significant association of corruption and information sharing with non-performing loans. Conclusions: The results suggest no significant impact of corruption on non-performing loans because of the nature of the data used, but as literature provides significant impact of corruption on non-performing loans, therefore State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks can reduce the level of non-performing loans by reducing the chance of corrupt practices by following the rules and regulation of credit allocation, supervision and loan monitoring.
Diagnosis of Metallurgical Ladle Refractory Lining Based on Non-Stationary On-Line Data Processing
Authors: Petkov Venko , Hadjiski Mincho , Boshnakov Kosta
Published: May 2013

A new method for diagnosis of the remaining thickness of metallurgical ladle refractory lining working in a batch mode is proposed, where directly measured by a thermovision camera data about the amplitude and phase delay of the maximum surface temperature is used. Regression equations are obtained to determine the remaining thickness of the ladle refractory lining depending on the parameters of steady auto oscillations of the maximum surface temperature. It is shown that the data from nonstationary auto oscillations could be used for adaptation of the regression equations, predicting the remaining thickness of the ladle refractory lining in case of a local damage.
Evaluation of Equivalent Circuit Diagrams and Transfer Functions for Modeling of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Rahmoun Ahmad , Biechl Helmuth , Rosin Argo
Published: May 2013

The rapid developments in the field of electrochemistry, enabled lithium-ion batteries to achieve a very good position among all the other types of energy storage devices. Therefore they became an essential component in most of the modern portable and stationary energy storage applications, where the specific energy and the life time play an important role. In order to analyze and optimize lithium-ion batteries an accurate battery model for the dynamic behavior is required. At the beginning of this paper four different categories of electrical models for li-ion cells are presented. In the next step a comparison between equivalent circuit diagrams and fractional rational functions with the complex variable s is shown for lithium-ion battery modeling. It is described how to identify the parameters of the models in the time domain and also in frequency domain. The validation of the different models is made for high and low dynamic current profiles. In the first step the dependency of all model parameters on the temperature and on the battery age is neglected. These effects will be taken into account in the continuation of this work
Potential of the Lower Daugava for Siting Hydrokinetic Turbines / Daugavas Lejteces Enerģētiskais Potenciāls Hidrokinētisko Turbīnu Izmantošanai
Authors: Kalnach A. , Kalnach J. , Mutule A. , Persis U.
Published: May 2013

The article outlines the requirements and criteria for the hydrokinetic turbine site and determines the water flow characteristics based on which the energy potential of such a turbine is calculated for lower reaches of the River Daugava. The changes in the energy potential caused by fluctuations in the water density and flow rate are evaluated. Two investigated spans (total > 22 km) are split into ten smaller subregions with similar characteristics and comparatively evaluated regarding their suitability for electricity generation by hydrokinetic turbines.
Electric Machines with Non-Radially Mounted Rectangular Permanent Magnets / Elektriskās Mašīnas Ar Prizmatiskiem Neradiāli Novietotiem Pastāvīgajiem Magnētiem
Authors: Levin N. , Pugachev V. , Dirba J. , Lavrinovicha L.
Published: May 2013

The authors analyze the advantages and disadvantages of brushless synchronous electric machines with radially and non-radially mounted rectangular permanent magnets. The results show that the proposed nonradial mounting of permanent magnets considered in the paper, in several cases (e.g. multi-pole brushless generators with tooth windings of the armature) allows achievement of the following advantages: better technology of manufacturing the electric machine owing to simple packing of the stator winding in the stator open slots, which also increases the copper slot fillfactor; reduction in the mass-and-size of permanent magnets at least twice; significantly lower cost of the electric machine; and, finally, its greater specific power.
Cross-Sectional Temperature Field of a Solar Collector’s Absorber: Development of the Model / Saules Kolektora Absorbera Šķērsgriezuma Temperatūras Lauks Apaļas Caurulītes Gadījumā – Fināla Modelis
Authors: Barkans V. , Shipkovs P. , Vanags M.
Published: May 2013

In the work, the temperature field model is developed for the absorber of a round-pipe collector. As distinguished from previous models when the temperature of liquid was assumed to be constant over the entire pipe crosssection, the results obtained clearly show the temperature variations in the absorber’s cross-section. In the work, optimal values are found in the work for geometrical parameters of the collector (i.e. the plate thickness and the pipe diameter) that allow the highest possible temperature of liquid to be achieved.
A Journalistic Cosmology
Authors: Hovden Jan Fredrik
Published: May 2013

Can Norwegian journalism be meaningfully understood as constituting a social field in Pierre Bourdieu´s sense? And if so, how did this field emerge historically, and what is its fundamental structure? Following a structural history of the rise of journalism in Norway, a model of this field in 2005 is sketched through correspondence analysis using survey data on Norwegian journalists and editors. The analysis suggest a bipolar structure: a first dimension of capital volume that is closely linked to age, gender and medium type, and a second dimension that opposes agents with different degrees of internal recognition (symbolic capital), which in particular separates specialized news journalists in national and larger regional journalistic publications from journalists in the local press and magazines. Special attention is given to the link between this social cosmos and a specific cosmology of journalistic beliefs and position-takings, the relation between journalistic power and social class, and the intertwinedness of symbolic and economic dominance in this field.
In vivo induction of autophagy in splenocytes of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice infected with ectromelia orthopoxvirus
Authors: Martyniszyn L. , Szulc-Dąbrowska L. , Boratyńska-Jasińska A. , Badowska-Kozakiewicz A.M. , Niemiałtowski M.G.
Published: May 2013

Autophagy is a self-degradation process of cellular components. It plays both antiviral and pro-viral roles in the life cycle of different viruses and the pathogenesis of different viral diseases. In this study, we evaluated autophagy induction in splenocytes of ectromelia virus (ECTV)-resistant C57BL/6 and ECTV-susceptible BALB/c mice during infection with the Moscow strain of the ectromelia virus (ECTV-MOS). Autophagy was analyzed using the Western blot method by assessing type II microtubule-associated protein 1 (MAP1) light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin 1 expression levels relative to β-actin. Results indicated an increased ratio of LC3-II to β-actin in splenocytes of C57BL/6 mice only at 7 day post infection (d.p.i.) compared to uninfected animals. LC3-II/β-actin and Beclin 1/β-actin ratios in splenocytes of BALB/c mice increased at 5 d.p.i. and remained high until day 14 and 7 p.i., respectively. We confirmed the formation of autophagosome structures in the spleen of BALB/c mice by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, autophagy accompanied necrosis in the splenocytes of infected animals. Results suggest that ECTV-MOS induced autophagy, especially in the spleen of the susceptible mouse strain, may support viral replication and promote cell necrosis.
The effect of experimental low zearalenone intoxication on ovarian follicles in pre-pubertal bitches
Authors: Gajęcka M.
Published: May 2013

Companion animals, including bitches, may be exposed to zearalenone (ZEN) toxins that are often present in feed, and ZEN intoxication may lead to ovarian dysfunction. This study involved evaluation of the degree of ZEN-induced hypo stimulation of ovary by determination of proliferative and apoptotic indices and description of the ultra-structural organization of ovarian follicles in pre-pubertal bitches subjected to experimental, long-term exposure to low-dose ZEN mycotoxicosis. The experiment involved 30 clinically healthy, immature Beagle bitches aged approximately 70 days with initial average body weight of 8 kg, randomly divided into three groups of 10 animals each: two experimental groups (EI and EII) and a control group (C). Over a period of 42 days, ZEN was administered per os to EI animals at a dose of 50 μg/kg BW, and to EII bitches at a dose of 75 μg/kg BW. Control group animals were fed placebo containing no ZEN for 42 days. Analytical samples of the mycotoxin were administered daily in gelatin capsules before morning feeding. All the bitches were subjected to ovario-hysterectomy at the end of the experiment. Proliferation index (PCNA method) and apoptotic index (TUNEL test) values were determined by immune-histological analyses. The median for apoptotic index was determined at 13.45 for group EI, 17.84 for group EII, and 8.59 for group C. The median for proliferation index was determined at 35.25 for group EII, 42.44 for group EI, and 70.60 for group C. The results of ultra-structural examinations of the ovaries revealed that experimental, ZEN-induced hyperestrogenism enhanced apoptosis and lowered the proliferative ability of follicular cells what contributed to organelle destruction in pre-pubertal bitches. The changes observed were particularly advanced in EII animals, which were administered a higher dose of ZEN.
Host and bacterial adhesion
Authors: Słotwińska S.M.
Published: May 2013

Bacterial adhesion is an important step in tissue colonization and depends extensively on the surface properties of a bacterial cell. For many microorganisms the prerequisite for host body occupancy is a break in tissue continuity. The next step is ongoing tissue destruction by products of bacterial metabolism: microbial enzymes and toxins. This happens, for example, in the initial phase of periodontitis. The mechanisms of adhesion are related to the specific structures present on the bacterial cell surface. This article summarizes recent data about bacterial attachment to host cells.
The toxicity and adverse effects of selected drugs in animals – overview
Authors: Siroka Z. , Svobodova Z.
Published: May 2013

Therapeutic products quite often are causes of poisoning in both small and large animals. Drug poisonings in animals occur commonly due to off-label use of medicines, wrong dosage, negligence, accidental ingestion and deliberate poisonings. Toxicity of veterinary drugs may become evident also in therapeutic doses when adverse effects may occur. The aim of this review is to inform veterinary specialists about both veterinary and human drugs, specifically antiparasitics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medicinal substances, which are most often reported to cause acute poisonings or adverse reactions in animals and to contribute to their broader knowledge and more accurate use of medicines, improving instructions to the animal owners and, hopefully, decrease the incidence of drug poisonings in animals.
Advanced ultrasonography technologies to assess the effects of radiofrequency ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Toshikuni Nobuyuki , Shiroeda Hisakazu , Ozaki Kazuaki , Matsue Yasuhiro , Minato Takahiro , Nomura Tomoe , Hayashi Nobuhiko , Arisawa Tomiyasu , Tsutsumi Mikihiro
Published: May 2013

Background.Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In RFA, ultrasonography (US) is most commonly used to guide tumor puncture, while its effects are assessed using dynamic computed tomography or magnetic resonance. The differences in modalities used for RFA and assessment of its effects complicate RFA. We developed a method for assessing the effects of RFA on HCC by combining contrast-enhanced (CE) US and real-time virtual sonography with three-dimensional US data.

Patients and methods.Before RFA, we performed a sweep scan of the target HCC nodule and the surrounding hepatic parenchyma to generate three-dimensional US data. After RFA, we synchronized multi-planar reconstruction images derived from stored three-dimensional US data with real-time US images on the same US monitor and performed CEUS and real-time virtual sonography. Using a marking function, we drew a sphere marker along the target HCC nodule contour on pre-treatment US- multi-planar reconstruction images so that the automatically synchronized sphere marker represented the original HCC nodule contour on post-treatment real-time CEUS images. Ablation was considered sufficient when an avascular area with a margin of several millimeters in all directions surrounded the sphere marker on CEUS.

Results.This method was feasible and useful for assessing therapeutic effects in 13 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent RFA. In 2 patients who underwent multiple sessions of RFA, HCC-nodule portions requiring additional RFA were easily identified on US images.

Conclusions.This method using advanced US technologies will facilitate assessment of the effects of RFA on HCC.
Synanthropic Flora of Strawberry Plantations and Their Surroundings
Authors: Lisek Jerzy
Published: May 2013

Research on synanthropic flora was conducted on the strawberry plantations in Central Poland (surroundings of Skierniewice). In 2007-2010, 104 phytosociological releves were taken on plantations - in herbicide fallow, tillage places, and mulched places. The same number of releves was taken in surroundings of plantations - trodden and rutty places and roadsides. In the plantations examined, the occurrence of 127 species belonging to 30 botanical families was noted, out of which Asteraceae (17%), Poaceae (15%), Brassicacea (11%), Fabaceae (9%) and Polygonaceae (8%) were represented most numerously. 61% of species found in the plantations occurred occasionally or rarely. 21%, among others Equisetum arvense, Polygonum aviculare, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Stellaria media, Capsella bursapastoris, Geranium pusillum, Convolvulus arvensis, Viola arvensis, Galinsoga parviflora, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Poa annua, Echinochloa crus-galli, occurred frequently or very frequently in the herbicide fallow and tillage places. They were recognised as the most significant strawberry weeds. The most numerous group in the plantations constituted of therophytes (64%), which predominated over hemicryptophytes (20%) and geophytes (11%). Apophytes - native species (48%) predominated over archeophytes (39%) and kenophytes (9%). Within the vascular flora of the plantations examined, segetal species (43%), ruderal species (20%) and meadow species (14%) were predominant. Among the 48 species noted in the plantation surroundings therophytes (48%) predominated over hemicryptophytes (35%) and geophytes (13%). In trodden and rutty places and roadsides, apophytes (60%) predominated over archeophytes (25%) and kenophytes (15%). Ruderal species (50%) were more numerous than meadow species (15%) and segetal species (8%).
Housing provision and improvement programmes for low income populations in the developing world. A review of approaches and their significance in the European context
Authors: Gałuszka Jakub
Published: May 2013

The paper deals with the issue of affordable housing provision for low income populations in the developing countries and its significance in the European context. My goal is to discuss this topic through the analysis of different approaches to household provision and improvement with special focus on the involvement of communities in various upgrading procedures. Separate sections of the paper refer to the most important approaches developed in the 20th and 21st centuries. These include: site and service, slum upgrading, incremental housing and communityled upgrading which are analysed through the prism of several examples coming from various parts of the world.

The discussion of the strategies formulated in the developing world is linked with the new approaches towards housing provision that are presently promoted or are spontaneously emerging in various cities of Central Europe. These include the issues of container-houses construction in Poland and the creation of informal settlements by Roma populations in Polish and Slovakian cities.
Physical health facilities in Nigeria’s sub-national regions: geodemographic and spatial analyses of health institutions in Nigeria’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory
Authors: Ingwe Richard
Published: May 2013

This paper reports results of geodemographic-spatial analyses of physical health-care facilities in Nigeria’s 36 states and federal capital. Apart from facilitating understanding of the interaction between health facilities and population sizes and their characteristics in the states, the geodemographic-spatial analyses proved useful in ranking shares of health facilities in Nigeria’s states/territory. The findings show distributions (per capita shares) of various health-care facilities in the following states: highest shares of public (primary and secondary) health facilities and fair share of tertiary facilities in Kogi; lowest per capita shares of public and private primary health care facilities in Ebonyi; highest per capita share of private health facilities in Nasarawa (primary), Anambra (secondary) and Oyo (tertiary); highest total private health facilities of all levels due to the large number of its private primary health facilities in Nasarawa. The results show how the policies of governments and private organizations providing health services responded to health needs of state populations and highlight areas requiring further research. The policy implications of the study include the need to apply geodemographic and spatial analyses as part of the criteria for determining policy for providing or allocating health facilities in the states/territory.
The Possibilities of Determination of the Relative Age of Ballpoint Pen Ink Entries by High Performance Liquid Chromatography / Lodīšu Pildspalvas Tintes Ierakstu Relatīvā Vecuma Noteikšanas Iespējas Ar Augstefektīvās Šķidrumu Hromatogrāfijas Metodi
Authors: Freidenfelds V. , Mekšs P.
Published: May 2013

Investigation of three colour inks was performed using the HPLC method. The research is based on the theory of reducing of solvent in ink and on the change of ratio between dyes due to the degradation of the dye or changes of its extraction properties. Old samples, aged from 1 to 7 months were selected for research. Samples were made using blue, violet and black ballpoint ink. Record samples are kept in the dark, in climatic conditions of a usual office. During the identification of ink compound, by using LC/MS, a statement was made that each ink sample contains 2-phenoxyethanol as a solvent, Methyl Violet and Basic Blue dyes and their degradation products. The areas of peaks gained at characteristic wavelengths are used for the analysis of the aging process.
Characterization of Ash from the Organic Part of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Arina D. , Kalnacs J. , Grehovs V. , Grigale D. , Murashovs A. , Orupe A.
Published: May 2013

The article presents the results of ash quantity and composition investigation in municipal solid waste in Latvia. The goal was to detect the main chemical elements of ash for unsorted and screened waste fractions. The samples were taken from three solid municipal waste landfills and from two mechanized waste pre-treatment centres in Latvia. The present report summarizes results of ash investigations after combustion of the light waste fraction.