bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Risk of Career Options on Career Decision-Making of Chinese Graduates
Authors: Ye Yinghua
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the influence of Chinese graduates' career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and the moderating effect of career options on career decisions. Graduates (92 men, 119 women, 5 unreported gender; M age = 22.3 yr., SD = 1.2) from four different types of universities in Zhejiang Province participated in the study. CDMSE was measured with the CDMSE Scale for University Students, and participants rated their choices on 3 career options with different levels of risk. The results showed that participants were more likely to choose a high-risk option, and that career options moderated the relation between graduates' CDMSE and career decision. Graduate career counseling programs should encourage students to develop more reasonable career goals that match their skills.
Numerical Investigations of Effect of Indoor Air Quality on Thermal Comfort in Residential Buildings
Authors: Krzaczek M. , Tejchman J.
Published: March 2014

The influence of the CO2 concentration in a local air zone in naturally ventilated residential houses on the residents’ behaviour was numerically investigated. A numerical two-dimensional CFD model of the indoor zone based on experiments performed by the authors was used. Different resident locations in the fluid domain and different inlet velocities imposed by wind were considered in simulations. The overall thermal comfort and IAQ indices were also calculated. The investigations results show that in contrast to the overall air quality, the local CO2 was strongly dependent upon the resident location, fresh air inlet velocity and ventilation system type.
Investigation on Corroded Hss Tubular Members under Compression Strengthened with CFRP Composites
Authors: Sundarraja M.C. , Sriram P.
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this investigation is to assess the feasibility of strengthening of corroded (damaged) square hollow steel tubular sections subjected to compression and to develop or predict the suitable wrapping scheme of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) to enhance the structural behaviour of it. For this study, compact mild steel tubes were used with the main variable being FRP characteristics. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabrics was used as horizontal strips (lateral ties) with other parameters such as the number of layers and spacing of strips. Among fourteen specimens, six were externally bonded by CFRP strips having a constant width of 50mm with a spacing of 20mm and the remaining six were externally bonded by CFRP strips having a constant width of 70mm with a spacing of 20mm, two columns were unbonded. Experiments were undertaken until the failure of columns to fully understand the influence of FRP characteristics on the compressive behaviour of the square sections including their failure modes, axial stress-strain behaviour, enhancement in the load carrying capapcity, and effect of distribution of CFRP layers. Finally, the behaviour of externally bonded hollow tubular sections was compared with one another and also with the control specimens. Evaluation of the results will lead to optimum CFRP jacketing/ wrapping arrangements for the steel tubes considered here.
Apnea in preterm newborns: determinants, pathophysiology, effects on cardiovascular parameters and treatment
Authors: Haskova K , Javorka K , Javorka M , Matasova K , Zibolen M
Published: March 2014

Apnea, especially in preterm newborns (AoP) is one of the common problems encountered at neonatal units.
Numerous factors are likely to play a role in the etiology of apnea. Recent data sugest a role for genetic predisposition
of AoP. It seems, that physiological rather than pathological immaturity of the respiratory, or cardiorespiratory
control, play a major part in the pathophysiology of AoP. Immaturity of the brainstem, cerebral cortex, receptors
of the lungs and the airways as well as of the chemoreceptors contribute to the development of apnea in
preterm newborns. Several neurotransmitters (GABA, adenosin, endorphins) and their maturational changes are
including in pathogenesis of apnea, too. The instability of the upper airway in preterm infants, asynchrony of musculature
of the upper airway and diaphragm, pathological changes in the upper airway and malformations of the
central nervous system might also contribute to the occurrence and severity of AoP.
In newborns, apnea occurs more frequently in active sleep than in quiet sleep and the frequency of apnea
in active sleep is higher in the warm conditions. Durations of apnea correlate with the body heat loss.
Cardiovascular changes during apnea - bradycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction and various changes in
peripheral blood flow and pressure occur together with changes in ECG. The standard clinical management of
apnea includes non-pharmacological treatment (eliciting arousal reactions and reflex breathing by mechanical
skin, or mucosa stimulations), pharmacological treatment (methylxanthines are preferred) and application of continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) or in severe apnea - mechanical ventilation.
Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of pine and cypress litter in selected habitats of Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Seniczak Anna
Published: March 2014

Oribatid mites live in the soil or plant matter and usually feed on living and dead plant or fungal material, lichens, carrion, or some species are rarely predatory. Oribatid communities were investigated in litter under pine and cypress trees in selected locations in Sicily: Etna slopes (near Rifugio Sapienza and near Castiglione di Sicily), coastal town Giardini Naxos, Archaeological Museum in Agrigento, and Archaeological Park in Sagesta. The most abundant and diverse oribatid mites lived in cypress litter in Agrigento and on Etna slope. The lowest numbers of individuals and species were recorded in pine litter in Agrigento. In the oribatid mite communities, only 1-3 species were abundant, so the values of Shannon H’ index, and Pielou EPielou and Hurlbert EHurlbert evenness indices were rather low. Their values were the highest in pine litter near Rifugio Sapienza, located nearest to the crater of Etna, while the lowest in pine litter in Agrigento. The former habitat was rich in oribatid mites and species, with a large participation of small species, like Suctobelbella subcornigera, Brachychthonius impressus, and Liochthonius simplex, which made up nearly 63% of the total number of oribatid mites within that habitat. In other habitats, usually Oribatula propinqua dominated, but in pine and cypress litter in Giardini Naxos, Oppiella nova and Ramusella clavipectinata were the most abundant, respectively. Among oribatid mites, adults usually dominated, but Adrodamaeus femoratus, Aphelacarus acarinus, Brachychthonius impressus, Liochthonius simplex, Cosmochthonius reticulatus, Metabelba pulverulenta and Pilogalumna crassiclava were rich in juveniles.
Moss mites (Acari, Oribatida) at the edges of bog lakes and pools in Brodnica Lakeland and Orawa–Nowy-Targ Basin (Poland)
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Mistrzak Marcin , Nowicka Anna , Krasicka-Korczyńska Ewa
Published: March 2014

Moss mites were investigated at the edges of 4 bodies of water located in bogs: 2 lakes in Brodnica Lakeland (O and S) and 2 pools in Orawa-Nowy-Targ Basin (K and LP). The lakes differed from the pools in most of the analysed physicochemical parameters of water and in plant associations growing at their edges. Consequently, the species richness of Oribatida and their species composition differed between lakes and pools, but the total abundance of mites was similar. Abundance of most species was low, and only 13 had dominance indices (D) exceeding 1%. The acarofauna of both lakes was similar, as most abundant in them was Limnozetes foveolatus (D > 80%), and relatively abundant were Hydrozetes longisetosus, Limnozetes ciliatus, Punctoribates sellnicki, and Trhypochthonius nigricans. These species were absent or rare at the edges of pools K and LP. In the pools, differences in species structure of Oribatida were observed. At pool K, Trimalaconothrus maior was most abundant, accompanied by Hydrozetes octosetosus, H. lacustris, and Limnozetes foveolatus. At pool LP, Trimalaconothrus foveolatus was most abundant, which tolerates a wider range of humidity than T. maior; relatively abundant were also T. maior, Hydrozetes lacustris, and several species that were not found in the other bodies of water, including a generalist like Oppiella nova. In this study, Liochthonius furcillatus and Cultroribula berolina were recorded for the first time from Poland.
ROLE OF THE CYP1A2 GENE POLYMORPHISM ON EARLY AGEING FROM OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Authors: Eshkoor Sa. , Ismail P. , Rahman Sa. , Moin S. , Adon My.
Published: March 2014

The ageing process is influenced by many internal and external factors. The toxic substances in the environment can cause genomic damages to cells, which increase the risk of early ageing. Furthermore, the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene polymorphism is a susceptibility factor and may enhance the risk of DNA damage in cells. The current study was carried out to show whether occupational exposure could cause genotoxicity in cells carrying the CYP1A2 gene polymorphism, thus enhancing the likelihood of early ageing. This study was conducted on mechanical workshop workers and a control group by collecting buccal cells from their mouths. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) was used to identify the CYP1A2 gene polymorphism in the cells. In addition, three extra methods including micronuclei (MN) test, comet assay and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were applied to determine the effects of gene polymorphisms on DNA damage and ageing from occupational exposure. The results showed that DNA damage in the cells carrying the mutated genotype was higher than the wild genotype. In addition, the difference in MN frequency (p = 0.001) and relative telomere length (p = 0.002) between workers and controls was significant (p <0.05) in the mutated genotype. The findings indicated a possible protective effect of gene polymorphism against early ageing, which was characterized by lack of a significant influence of CYP1A2 gene polymorphism on genetic material in the subjects (p >0.05). It was concluded that the CYP1A2 gene could be a contributing factor to prevent early ageing from occupational exposure.
Diagnostic value of combinations of symptoms of migraine and tension-type headache included in the diagnostic criteria for children and adolescents in the international classification of headache disorders 2nd edition
Authors: Pacheva Iliyana H. , Milanov Ivan G. , Ivanov Ivan S. , Stefanov Rumen S.
Published: March 2014

AIM: To suggest diagnostic combinations of symptoms for migraine and tension type headache (TTH), and for differentiation of overlapping headache (classified as either migraine or TTH) through evaluation of the diagnostic value of combinations of characteristics included in the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for migraine and TTH in children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised an epidemiological school-based study (412 of 1029 pupils with chronic / recurrent headache) and a clinical study conducted in the Pediatric Neurology Ward and outpatient clinic at Plovdiv Medical University Hospital (203 patients with chronic / recurrent headache). An inclusion criterion was at least two episodes of headache during the last year. Exclusion criteria were: headache occurring only during acute infections; withdrawal of informed consent. Headache was classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd edition (ICHD-II) The diagnostic value of all combinations of items in criteria C and D for migraine and TTH was measured by sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratio.

RESULTS: The combination “unilateral location, severe intensity, aggravation by physical activity” had 100% specificity for migraine. The combination “bilateral location, pressingtightening

quality, mild intensity, no aggravation by physical activity” had 100% specificity for TTH. The combinations: “migrainous location, severe intensity, aggravation by physical

activity”, “severe intensity, nausea”, “pulsating quality, nausea”, “pulsating quality, migrainous

location, aggravation by physical activity” seemed to pose the greatest risk for developing migraine. These combinations - “no nausea, no photophobia”, “bilateral location, mild intensity and either no aggravation by physical activity or pressing-tightening quality, or no nausea or no photophobia” increased the most the TTH risk. Using these combinations as additional criteria for overlapping headache we classi ed 50% of overlapping headache as TTH and 8.3% as migraine.

CONCLUSIONS: Some combinations of symptoms clarify the diagnosis of migraine and TTH. More than 50% of overlapping headache could be differentiated as TTH or MWA by the proposed combinations.
Cystic fibrosis and celiac disease - multifaceted and similar
Authors: Genkova Nelly D. , Yankov Ivan V. , Bosheva Miroslava N. , Anavi Benjamin L. , Grozeva Dafina G. , Dzhelepova Nadezhda G.
Published: March 2014

Celiac disease and cystic fibrosis share a number of clinical manifestations. The comorbidity rate of these diseases is low: 1:200000. We present a case of a child aged 1 year and 5 months, born to a mixed-marriage parents, with concomitant cystic fibrosis and celiac disease manifesting initially with chronic diarrhea. Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made on the basis of changes in pulmonogram and three positive sweat tests with the malabsorption managed. Celiac disease was demonstrated through immunological tests (serological test of anti-transglutaminase antibodies of IgA class), histological tests (altered duodenal mucosa) and the therapeutic effect of a gluten-free diet.

This case is the first ever reported case of a child with concomitant cystic fibrosis and celiac disease in Bulgaria. The case suggests the need for targeted screening for celiac disease in children with cystic fibrosis.
Study of the reasons for heterogeneity in feldspar-quartz material after firing
Authors: Lewicka Ewa , Franus Wojciech
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Artykuł przedstawia wyniki badań dwóch pastylek uformowanych z surowców skaleniowo- -kwarcowych o różnym uziamieniu i składzie chemicznym, na powierzchni których po wypaleniu w 1200°C ujawniły się różnej wielkości (odpowiednio 7-8 i 500-600 \im) ciemne wrostki o meta- licznym połysku. W celu identyfikacji mineralogicznej tych niejednorodności oraz ustalenia przyczyn ich zróżnicowania przeprowadzono badania metodą mikroskopii scanningowej (SEM/EDS) oraz obserwacje mikroskopowe w świetle przechodzącym i odbitym. Badania te pozwoliły na powiązanie genezy powstania wrostków ze składem mineralnym i chemicznym próbek w stanie surowym, a zwłaszcza udziałem w nich faz żelazistych. Jako główną fazę mineralną budującą wrostki zidenty- fikowano hematyt. Wysnuto przypuszczenie, że powstanie jego skupień w procesie wypalania mogło być skutkiem rozpadu minerałów będących nośnikami żelaza (biotyt, chloryt) oraz wydzielenia z powstałego stopu wtórnej, skoncentrowanej żelazonośnęj fazy mineralnej. Różnicę wielkości wytrąceń autorzy wiążąz różnym uziamieniem surowców wykorzystanych do sporządzenia pastylek. Istnienie zależności pomiędzy wielkością ziaren a stopniem spieczenia i jednorodnością tworzywa ceramicznego po wypaleniu potwierdzają opublikowane badania innych autorów. Optymalne roz- drobnienie surowców stosowanych zwłaszcza w procesie szybkiego wypalania mas ceramicznych ma kluczowe znaczenie dla uzyskania tworzywa pozbawionego niepożądanych wrostków, o zwartej mikrostrukturze i wymaganych parametrach.
Managing cognitive dissonance: experience from an environmental education teachersí training course in the Czech Republic
Authors: Cincera Jan
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a qualitative evaluation of seven in-service environmental education teacher training courses conducted in the Czech Republic in 2009-2011. The evaluation applied a grounded theory approach. 14 focus groups, 13 interviews and two postprogramme questionnaires were used. The evaluation describes a process of managing cognitive dissonance between the participants' concepts of effective teaching and environmental education and concepts presented by the courses. The paper discusses the strategies applied by the course managers for facilitating a conflict and defensive mechanisms used by the participants. The paper also discusses the implication of this experience for future courses
Competitiveness and quality of higher education: graduates' evaluation
Authors: Bikse Veronika , Rivža Baiba , Latvian Ieva Brence
Published: March 2014

The aim of the paper is to find the competitiveness of Latvian university graduates in Latvia and the European Union labour market concerning aspects of entrepreneurship education. To achieve the purpose of this study to determine the competitive and qualitative levels of Latvian universities and necessary improvements that need to be made, a survey of 4,909 graduates (from the years 2006-2011) representing six Latvia universities was performed between November-December, 2011. Results indicate that, in general, the graduates consider themselves competitive in the Latvian labour market. The graduates have positive opinions concerning the quality of theoretical knowledge as well as the abilities to present information and to evaluate, analyse and systematise it. At the same time, there are serious improvements that are necessary in regard to entrepreneurship education and to increase the competitiveness of Latvian universities, which can be done by improving the quality of the study process, the content of courses, teaching (learning) methods and the attitudes of academic staff to better motive students to develop their skills emphasising the practical side of the study process
Remember Gerhard Richter in the Thunderstorm of Beethoven: The Influence of Cross-Sensory Coupling on Memory, Intercultural Communication, and the Verbalization of Paintings and Sounds
Authors: Martinez Emilie
Published: March 2014

This interdisciplinary study focuses on the perception and verbalization of messages conveyed through instrumental music, soundscapes, and contemporary paintings. International young-adult university students learning German participated in a series of experiments conducted at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany. To incorporate globalization and cultural difference into this analysis, the author compared the reactions of Western and Asian participants to auditory and visual stimuli. This paper explores the concepts of mixed media, cross-sensory coupling, and esthetic synesthesia, and throws new light on the contribution of cross-sensory coupling to verbalization and to long-term memory processes, from encoding to retrieval. In addition, the author demonstrates how intercultural communication is based upon universal emotions aroused by contemporary paintings, instrumental music and soundscapes.
The Phonological Process with Two Patterns of Simplified Chinese Characters
Authors: Jin Zheng , Lee Junehee , Lee Yang
Published: March 2014

This paper analyzed word recognition in two patterns of Chinese characters, cross referenced with word frequency. The patterns were defined as uni-part (semantic radical/component only) and bi-part (including the phonetic radical/component and the semantic radical/component) characters. The interactions of semantic and phonological access in both patterns were inspected. It was observed that in the naming task and the pronunciation-matching task, the subject performance involving the uni-part characters showed longer RT than the bi-part characters. However, with the lexical decision and meaning-matching tasks the uni-part characters showed shorter RT than the bi-part characters. It was also observed that the frequency, which is regarded as a lexical variable, displayed a strong influence. This suggests that Chinese characters require lexical access in all tasks. This study also suggested that the phonological process is primary in visual word recognition; as there is a significant phonological effect in processing the Chinese bi-part characters, resulting in either the facilitation or inhibition of phonology due to the differing demands of the two tasks
Methodological Procedure For Pre-Investment Wind Farm Ornithological Monitoring Based On Collision Risk Estimation
Authors: Busse Przemysław
Published: March 2014

Even though the proportion of wind farm victims compared to general bird species mortality is relatively low, there is necessity to limit direct and indirect losses to the bird populations caused by this kind of human activity. Estimation of threats to the birds resulting from building of wind farms is a very difficult task and it must take into account several constrains. The basic task is to build farms in localities that are the safest to birds. This can be achieved by pre-investment monitoring and direct observations at the spot and then evaluation of potential threats and risks. Field methods typical for the studies on bird populations are usually applied in such monitoring. The procedure described below includes four steps: screening (starts the process and sets preliminary constrains of the location), monitoring (standardised data are collected at the location), estimations of potential collision risk and evaluation of the location.

The key parameters determining collision risk of bird species are: (1) the number of individuals utilising the monitored area in different seasons, (2) air space utilization (height and directions of flights), as well as (3) characteristics of the species behaviour. The starting data set contains: species name, number of individuals, height of flight (three layers - below, in, above the rotor), and distance from the observer. The final estimation of the collision index (the most probable number of collisions per turbine a year) is based on (1) estimation of the total number of individuals that use the defined area during a year and (2) estimation of probability that the individual will collide. In the latter (i.e. 2) the most important is that birds can actively avoid passing through the rotor swept (active avoidance rate) and that even birds, which crossed the rotor swept area not necessarily will be killed. Calculations are performed for each species separately and then are summarised to get the farm index as well as season indices. Some values of indices for raptors studied at 76 localities in Poland are given in the table. The final evaluation of the site is made as shown in a parametric analysis table, discussion of cumulative and barrier effects and the discussion of species specific risk to species of high conservation concern.
Silica/lignosulfonate hybrid materials: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Klapiszewski Łukasz , Zdarta Jakub , Szatkowski Tomasz , Wysokowski Marcin , Nowacka Magdalena , Szwarc-Rzepka Karolina , Bartczak Przemysław , Siwińska-Stefańska Katarzyna , Ehrlich Hermann , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: March 2014

The research reported here concerns the synthesis, characterization and potential applications of silica/lignosulfonate hybrid materials. Three types of silica were used (Aerosil®200, Syloid®244 and hydrated silica), along with magnesium lignosulfonate. The effectiveness of the hybrid material synthesis methodology was confirmed indirectly, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental and colorimetric analysis. Dispersive-morphological analysis indicates that the products with the best properties were obtained using 10 parts by weight of magnesium lignosulfonate per 100 parts of Syloid®244 silica. The relatively high thermal stability recorded for the majority of the synthesized products indicates the potential use of this kind of a material as a polymer filler. Results indicating the high electrokinetic stability of the materials are also of great importance. Additionally, the very good porous structure properties indicate the potential use of silica/lignosulfonate systems as biosorbents of hazardous metal ions and harmful organic compounds.
Dynamic pressure thermal analysis of double-base propellants containing RDX
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Tonglai , Yang Li , Zhou Zunning
Published: March 2014

The thermal decomposition of five double-base propellants modified with RDX was studied by dynamic pressure thermal analysis to determine the effect of RDX content (20–60 wt.%) on performance. All have good stability. Both stability and activation energy increase as RDX increases from 20% to 50% then decrease; 50% RDX performs best. The decomposition mechanism is affected by RDX content and temperature. Increasing temperature induces autocatalysis and accelerates decomposition.
The role of hydroxy aluminium sulfate minerals in controlling Al3+ concentration and speciation in acidic soils
Authors: Povar Igor , Spinu Oxana
Published: March 2014

A thermodynamic approach for the complex chemical equilibria investigation of two-phase systems containing hydroxy aluminium sulfate (HAS) minerals in soils has been developed. This approach utilizes thermodynamic relationships combined with original mass balance constraints, where the HAS mineral phases are explicitly expressed. The factors influencing the distribution and concentrations of various soluble aluminium species have been taken into account. The new type of diagrams, based on thermodynamic, graphical and computerized methods, which quantitatively describe the distribution of soluble and insoluble inorganic, and organic, monomeric and polymeric aluminium species in acidic soil solutions in a large range of pH values has been used. The thermodynamics of equilibria of different natural HAS in soils, the conditions under which solids involving common ions can coexist at equilibrium, the acid-base and mineral equilibria and complex formation have been examined. It has been proved that the presence of sulfate ion dramatically alters the HAS mineral solubility under acidic conditions. The obtained data regarding the factors influencing Al speciation, based on the constructed diagrams of heterogeneous chemical equilibria, are in good agreement with the current experimental and theoretical evidence. The proposed approach is intended to determine the dominant processes that are responsible for the Al3+ concentration levels and its speciation in acidic soils.
Classical analogue of the statistical operator
Authors: Plastino Angelo , Plastino Angel , Zander Claudia
Published: March 2014

We advance the notion of a classical density matrix, as a classical analogue of the quantum mechanical statistical operator, and investigate its main properties. In the case of composite systems a partial trace-like operation performed upon the global classical density matrix leads to a marginal density matrix describing a subsystem. In the case of dynamically independent subsystems (that is, non-interacting subsystems) this marginal density matrix evolves locally, its behavior being completely determined by the local phase-space flow associated with the subsystem under consideration. However, and in contrast with the case of ordinary marginal probability densities, the marginal classical density matrix contains information concerning the statistical correlations between a subsystem and the rest of the system.
What is Europe Aiming at?
Authors: Gizicki Wojciech
Published: March 2014

The problems faced in the first decade of the 21st century by the integrating Europe are quite serious and require an effective action. The above is true for both economic, political and social issues. Economic dilemmas are best seen in the Economic and Monetary Union, competitiveness and economic growth. Their importance has been raised even higher by the now overwhelming global economic downturn. Political issues are invariably connected with the future vision of the European Union, and relate, among others, to the identity, security, stability and prominence of individual states. The formal empowerments of the EU remain debatable, especially when seen through the context of (non)ratification of the EU Constitution and the Lisbon Treaty. Social problems focus mainly on the demographic decline, illegal immigration, dissimilation, inequalities in life quality, etc. The EU has to be constantly guided by the demand that these difficulties are effectively surmounted.
The Political Class – Definition and Characteristics
Authors: Manolov Georgi L.
Published: March 2014

This article treats the historical- political developments of the political class phenomenon. It analyses in detail the concepts of „political class“, „elite“ and „oligarchy“, their definiteness, composition and structure, and it emphases on the characteristics of oligarchy in politics. In this sense, the separate political layers and their relationship with the contemporary political oligarchy have been outlined through in-depth theoretical analysis.
Potential Hidden Losses for Slovakia as a Member of the European Monetary Union
Authors: Stískala Jozef
Published: March 2014

Aim of this paper is to evaluate solutions for European crisis in context of Slovak participation in rescue mechanisms. The most evident element is the European stability mechanism. There is no problem with estimation of the potential losses caused by the eurozone break-up for the Slovak Republic regarding ESM. But there are other mechanisms used mainly by the ECB as monetary instruments for stabilization of the financial markets. ECB via these instruments bears potential risk of losses regarding default of the member state(s) that could damage its balance sheet. The Protocol on the statute of the European system of central banks and ECB says that losses from the common mechanisms should be borne by eurozone member states according to their share in the ECB´s capital. It is inevitable for the Slovak Republic to realize the size of its exposure via European programmes on the peripheral economies to maintain appropriate attitude as far as the eurozone issues are concerned. The author therefore tries to reveal potential hidden losses for Slovakia as a member of the European monetary union that are not explicitly seen.
Psychological Aspects of the U.S. Election Campaign
Authors: Turska-Kawa Agnieszka
Published: March 2014

Great diversity - racial and cultural as well as in terms of quality of life - in the United States forces versatility of electoral activities, pushing them to a certain level of generality, as specific, defined solutions may turn out too narrow for a broad electorate. In specific campaigns, psychological mechanisms become particularly important, especially those which in many ways provide a sense of closeness to the preferred candidate and build a relationship that leads to support and casting a vote in the elections. The present study focuses on three important - from a psychological point of view - issues, which are perfectly represented in the American elections - the narrative of the political image; communities created on the Internet thanks to management of specific electoral groups by politicians, and the presence of humor and satire in the campaign.
New Gall Midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae, Brachineurini, Ledomyiini) from the Late Eocene Rovno Amber
Authors: Fedotova Z. A. , Perkovsky E. E.
Published: March 2014

Three new genera and six new species of the tribes Brachineurini and Ledomyiini from the Late Eocene Rovno amber are described: Rovnobrachineura kiryeyevi Fedotova et Perkovsky, gen. et sp. n.; Brachineura polessica Fedotova et Perkovsky, sp. n.; Popovineura nacta Fedotova et Perkovsky gen. et sp. n.; Nascensluna mellea Fedotova et Perkovsky, gen. et sp. n.; Rhizomyia parkalovi Fedotova et Perkovsky, sp. n.; Ledomyia olgae Fedotova et Perkovsky, sp. n. Th e new species of genera Brachineura and Rhizomyia are the first extinct representatives of the respective genera. Diagnoses of Ledomyia, Brachineura and Rhizomyia are updated.
Postoperative Irrigation Therapy after Sinonasal Tumor Surgery
Authors: Jo Hae W. , Dalgorf Dustin M. , Snidvongs Kornkiat , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Sinonasal care after endoscopic tumor resection aims to manage crusting, edema, mucus, and a healing cavity. High-volume irrigation have proved beneficial in this setting. The addition of corticosteroid to the irrigation is used for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in modifying the postsurgical inflammatory response; however, its effect in endoscopic sinonasal tumor resection is unknown. Saline alone versus combination saline and corticosteroid irrigations in postoperative nasal care of sinonasal tumor patients was assessed.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients postendoscopic endonasal tumor resection was assessed. Patients used 240 mL of saline or 240 mL of saline with 1 mg of betamethasone daily. Nasal symptom scores (NSSs) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome test (SNOT-22) was recorded 3 months postoperatively. An endoscopic score was made of the area undergoing secondary healing at 3 months by two blinded assessors.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were assessed (aged 50.1 ± 18.26 years; 36% female subjects). The groups were similar in number (saline n = 31), treatment, and surgical characteristics. The endoscopic scores did not differ between the groups at 3 months. NSS was lower in the saline group (1.0 [interquartile range {IQR}, 3] versus 7.0 [IQR, 9]; p = 0.03) and, similarly, for SNOT-22 (0.24 [IQR, 1] versus 1.09 [IQR, 1]; p = 0.01) compared with the saline with steroid group.

Conclusion

Although corticosteroid irrigations have become routine for managing inflammatory sinus disease at our center, their use after tumor surgery does not appear to be warranted. The inflammatory healing process after tumor surgery differs from CRS inflammation and may explain the observed findings.
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Comorbidities of Allergic Rhinitis in South Korea: The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Rhee Chae-Seo , Wee Jee Hye , Ahn Jae-Cheul , Lee Woo Hyun , Tan Keng Lu , Ahn Soyeon , Lee Ju Hyun , Lee Chul-Hee , Cho Yang-Sun , Park Kyoung Ho , Lee Kun Hee , Kim Kyung-Su , Lee Ari , Kim Jeong-Whun
Published: March 2014

Background

There has been no nationwide epidemiological investigation of allergic rhinitis (AR) that was diagnosed by both questionnaires and laboratory tests in Korea. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities of AR in South Korea.

Methods

The Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey examined a representative sample of the Korean population. A total of 2305 participants underwent immunoradiometric assay for specific IgE antibodies against common indoor allergens. Healthy, atopy only, and AR groups were defined according to the results of allergen test. The weighted prevalence for each group was calculated. Risk factors including food and comorbidities were identified using univariate or multivariate analyses. The patients were also categorized into four subgroups according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification and associated comorbidities were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of atopy only and AR was 30.0 ± 1.2% and 16.2 ± 1.0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that the prevalence was influenced by sex (p < 0.01) for atopy only and sex (p = 0.09), age (p = 0.02), marital status (p = 0.24), and stress level (p = 0 for AR. Compared with the healthy group, asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 4.77), nasal polyp (NP; OR = 3.44), chronic rhinosinusitis (OR = 13.93), and olfactory dysfunction (OR = 4.88) were more prevalent in the AR group. Based on the ARIA guideline, intermittent mild rhinitis was most common (58.1%). Asthma was correlated to severity and atopic dermatitis and NPs was associated with persistency. Daily intake of less mackerel and more carrots, bread, and bean curd were associated with the increased risk of AR.

Conclusion

Prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities of AR were evaluated in the general Korean population, which will contribute to prevention and treatment of AR and its comorbidities in Koreans.
Smell Sparing Unilateral Intracranial Dermoid Resection
Authors: Grayson Jessica W. , Chaaban Mohamad R. , Riley Kristen O. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: March 2014

Intracranial dermoid cysts are congenital ectodermal inclusion cysts that have a propensity to occur in the midline sellar, parasellar, or frontonasal regions. These cysts enlarge by means of glandular secretion and epithelial desquamation. Surgical resection has traditionally included a craniotomy, but endoscopic approaches are now used with increasing regularity. A binostril approach is normally used to access dermoid cysts due to the midline nature of the lesions. In this case report, we describe the successful surgical resection of a dermoid with 1.5-cm of intracranial extension using a unilateral endonasal endoscopic approach with no complications and with no postoperative anosmia. Although the unilateral endoscopic technique is not plausible for all epidermoid or dermoid cysts of the anterior cranial fossa, it should be considered a viable alternative technique when faced with a dermoid limited to one side of the falx cerebri.
Occurrence of Oral Ulcerations in Patients undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: A Comparative study
Authors: Mainali Apeksha
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Intra-oral and extra-oral tissues are at risk of damage during orthodontic treatment, most commonly oral ulcerations. Clinicians should assess and monitor every aspect of patient’s treatment procedure to achieve an uneventful and successful final result.

Objective: To evaluate occurrence of oral ulcerations in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. To evaluate the most common type of ulceration and to assess the management of such ulcerations by the orthodontists.

Materials & Method: A questionnaire-based study was used among Nepalese and international orthodontists. Data were analyzed statistically using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test, p<0.05 was considered to be significant with a confidence interval of 95%.

Result: Most common oral ulceration encountered during orthodontic treatment was traumatic ulceration which was managed by symptomatic measures. There was a statistically significant difference in the method of education to the patients among national and international orthodontists.

Conclusion: Careful use of instruments, careful fitting and adjustment of the appliances should be done to avoid oral ulcerations during orthodontic treatment. Topical medicines can be used for management of such ulcers. Nepalese orthodontists should focus on using audio-visual aids for patient education as it has great promise in enhancing patient understanding and in prompting behavioral change.
Radiotracers in performance evaluation of nuclear grade resins Amberlite IRN-78 and Purolite NRW-8000
Authors: Singare P. U.
Published: March 2014

The present paper deals with evaluation of organic base nuclear grade anion exchange resins Amberlite IRN-78 and Purolite NRW-8000 by application of radioactive tracer isotopes 131I and 82Br. The evaluation was made on the basis of their performance in iodide and bromide ion-isotopic exchange reactions carried out under different experimental conditions like temperature and ionic concentration. It was observed that during iodide ion-isotopic exchange reaction at a constant temperature of 30.0 °C, as the concentration of labeled iodide ion solution increases from 0.001 mol/L to 0.004 mol/L, the percentage of iodide ions exchanged increases from 70.10 % to 77.10 % for Amberlite IRN-78, which was higher than an increase of 63.90 % to 71.00 % as obtained for Purolite NRW-8000 resins. Also at a constant temperature of 30.0 °C, using 1.000 g of ion exchange resins and 0.001 mol/L labeled iodide ion solution, the values of specific reaction rate (min−1), amount of iodide ion exchanged (mmol), initial rate of iodide ion exchange (mmol/min) and log Kd were calculated to be 0.280, 0.175, 0.049 and 11.4 respectively for Amberlite IRN-78 resin, which was higher than the values of 0.258, 0.160, 0.041 and 10.6 respectively as that obtained by using Purolite NRW-8000 resins. The identical trend was observed for the two resins during bromide ion-isotopic exchange reaction. The results of present investigation also indicate that during the two ion-isotopic exchange reactions, for both the resins, there exists a strong positive linear correlation between amount of ions exchanged and concentration of ionic solution; and strong negative correlation between amount of ions exchanged and temperature of exchanging medium. The overall results indicate that under identical experimental conditions, Amberlite IRN-78 resins show superior performance over Purolite NRW-8000 resins.
Analysis of processes in RBMK-1500 fuel rods during the operation, short and intermediate term storage
Authors: Kaliatka T. , Kaliatka A. , Makarevicius V.
Published: March 2014

Recently the reactors of both units of Ignalina NPP in Lithuania were shutdown for decommissioning (in 2004 and 2009). According to the design, the spent fuel should be returned for reprocessing to Russia. However, up to now, all assemblies of spent fuel are still stored in the spent fuel pools and in the dry storage facility on-site of the Ignalina NPP. Thus, the safety justification for short and intermediate term spent fuel assemblies storage in Ignalina NPP is very important. The most important barrier, preventing release of radioactivity from the fuel matrix to the environment is the fuel rod cladding. The condition (integrity) of cladding at the end of intermediate storage of spent fuel assemblies may be evaluated by simulating processes in fuel rods during the whole “life cycle” of the fuel assembly: beginning from the first loading into the reactor core, until the end of dry intermediate storage in special casks. This paper presents the modelling of processes in fuel rods during normal operation of fuel assemblies in reactor, short term wet storage in spent fuel pool and intermediate storage in dry cask. The analysis was performed using FEMAXI-6 integral code for the analysis of processes in fuel rod. The behaviour of thermal (pressure inside fuel rod, temperatures of fuel pellets and cladding, etc.) and mechanical (change of the gap between pellets and cladding, stresses and plastic deformation in fuel pellets and cladding, etc.) parameters were calculated. The analysis performed demonstrates the possibility to describe the state of the fuel rods after normal operation and short and intermediate term fuel storage.
Upgrading of neutron radiography/tomography facility at research reactor
Authors: Abd El Bar W. , Mongy T. , Kardjilov N.
Published: March 2014

A state-of-the-art neutron tomography imaging system was set up at the neutron radiography beam tube at the Egypt Second Research Reactor (ETRR-2) and was successfully commissioned in 2013. This study presents a set of tomographic experiments that demonstrate a high quality tomographic image formation. A computer technique for data processing and 3D image reconstruction was used to see inside a copy module of an ancient clay article provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The technique was also able to uncover tomographic imaging details of a mummified fish and provided a high resolution tomographic image of a defective fire valve.
Orientation Microscopy Using the Analytical Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Schwarzer Robert
Published: March 2014

In only two decades, EBSD has become a powerful tool in the field of quantitative characterization of solid surface microstructures in materials and earth sciences as part of the major advancements in camera and computer technology. Measurement speed already reaches more than 1 000 individual orientations per second, so that one obtains detailed orientation distribution images by scanning the sample surface (“orientation microscopy”) and may analyze the crystallographic texture. The spatial resolution is a few 10 nm. EBSD is a largely automated and user-friendly method. The current development moves towards a 3D orientation microscopy by combining EBSD and a selective layer-by-layer surface removal by means of ion sputtering/FIBing (FIB, Focused Ion Beam) as well as towards a phase discrimination by combining EBSD with analytical methods such as EDS, the evaluation of the yield of backscattered electrons, and the integration of additional information such as the morphology and contrasting techniques.
History and Technology of Terra Preta Sanitation
Authors: De Gisi Sabino , Petta Luigi , Wendland Claudia
Published: March 2014

In order to reach the Millennium Development Goals for significantly reducing the number of people without access to adequate sanitation, new holistic concepts are needed focusing on economically feasible closed-loop ecological sanitation systems rather than on expensive end-of-pipe technologies. An analysis of a former civilization in the Amazon (nowadays Brazil) highlights the possibility to close the loop with a more sustainable lifestyle integrating soil fertility, food security, waste management, water protection and sanitation, renewable energy. Terra Preta do Indio is the anthropogenic black soil produced by ancient cultures through the conversion of bio-waste, fecal matter and charcoal into long-term fertile soils. These soils have maintained high amounts of organic carbon several thousand years after they were abandoned. Deriving from these concepts, Terra Preta Sanitation (TPS) has been re-developed and adopted. TPS includes urine diversion, addition of a charcoal mixture and is based on lactic-acid-fermentation with subsequent vermicomposting. Lacto-fermentation is a biological anaerobic process that generates a pre-stabilization of the mixture. The main advantage of lacto-fermentation is that no gas and no odor is produced. What makes it particularly interesting for in-house systems even in urban areas. Instead, vermicomposting is an aerobic decomposition process of the pre-digested materials by the combined action of earthworms and microorganisms. It transforms the carbon and nutrients into the deep black, fertile and stable soil that can be utilized in agriculture. No water, ventilation or external energy is required. Starting from ancient Amazonian civilizations traditional knowledge, the aim of this work is to present TPS systems adopted nowadays.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BY WASTEWATER FROM BROWN COAL PROCESSING ¬ A REMEDIATION CASE STUDY IN GERMANY
Authors: Wiessner Arndt , Müller Jochen A. , Kuschk Peter , Kappelmeyer Uwe , Kästner Matthias , Liu Yong-Jun , Stottmeister Ulrich
Published: March 2014

The large scale of the contamination by the former carbo-chemical industry in Germany requires new and often interdisciplinary approaches for performing an economically sustainable remediation. For example, a highly toxic and dark-colored phenolic wastewater from a lignite pyrolysis factory was filled into a former open-cast pit, forming a large wastewater disposal pond. This caused an extensive environmental pollution, calling for an ecologically and economically acceptable strategy for remediation. Laboratory-scale investigations and pilot-scale tests were carried out. The result was the development of a strategy for an implementation of full-scale enhanced in situ natural attenuation on the basis of separate habitats in a meromictic pond. Long-term monitoring of the chemical and biological dynamics of the pond demonstrates the metamorphosis of a former highly polluted industrial waste deposition into a nature-integrated ecosystem with reduced danger for the environment, and confirmed the strategy for the chosen remediation management.