bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of humates in diet of dairy cows on the raw milk main components
Authors: Potůčková Miroslava , Kouřimská Lenka
Published: October 2017

The effect of supplemental humic substances (HS) on the main milk components was investigated. A total of 10 dairy cows (Czech pied cattle, crossbred Czech pied cattle ´ Ayrshire and crossbred Czech pied cattle ´ Red Holstein) were tested. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups, control (C) and experimental (E). Animals fed the same feed mixture and group E was additionally supplemented with HS (200 mg.kg-1 of product Humafit prepared from the Sakhalin Leonardite). The experimental period took 3 months. Cows were milked twice a day. The milk composition (lactose, fat, crude protein, pure protein and casein) of every cow was monitored on days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 of the experiment. Pure protein content was determined by Kjeldahl method, other components were analysed using an infrared analyserMilkoScan FT 120. It was found that the crude protein, pure protein and casein content in milk of group E significantly (p <0.05) increased from the 56th day of the experimental period. Differences of the protein fraction contents in group C and of the dry matter, non-fat dry matter, lactose and fat content in both groups were non-significant (p <0.05).Higher protein and especially casein content in milk could be very important for the cheesemaking as it could increase the cheese yield.
Morphological characteristics and determination of volatile organic compounds of Diospyros virginiana L. genotypes fruits
Authors: Grygorieva Olga , Klymenko Svitlana , Vergun Olena , Hudz Nataliia , Nikolaieva Nataliia , Schubertová Zuzana , Palamarchuk Olena , Brindza Ján
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to determine morphometric differences of fruits and seeds between 19 selected American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.) genotypes. The genotypes of American persimmon have been growing more than 15 years in Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine. They are well adapted to the climatic and soil conditions. The fruits were collected at the period of their full maturity (October). The population differs in a weight, shape, size and color of fruits and seeds. Their morphometric parameters were following: fruit weight from 2.30 to 81.30 g, fruit length from 8.84 to 49.73 mm, fruit width from 12.84 to 55.34 mm, seed weight from 0.1 to 1.0 g, seed length from 8.30 to 20.88 mm, fruit width from 7.04 to 14.88 mm, seed thickness from 1.98 to 7.09 mm and number of seeds in the fruit from 1 to 8. Partenocarpic fruits are found in some genotypes. The shape indexes of fruits and seeds were found ranging from 0.74 to 1.10 and from 1.01 to 1.77, respectively. During the analysis of qualitative composition and quantitative content of volatiles of fruits from the 4 perspective genotypes of Diospyros virginiana 106 compounds were detected. From them 83 compounds were identified. The identified compounds belong to alcohols, saturated and unsaturated aldehydes, ketons, fatty acids, esters, terpenoids etc. The fruits are rich in fat acids. The outcome of the research points to the fact that the genepool of Ukrainian Diospyros virginiana is a rich source of genetic diversity and might be used in selection for creation a new genotypes and cultivars.
A Corpus-Based Comparative Study of Malaysian ESL Learners and Native English Speakers in Compliment Patterns
Authors: Muthusamy Paramasivam , Farashaiyan Atieh
Published: October 2017

Even though many language learners are concerned with to master target proficiency, owing to years of meticulous studies, immersion in TL environments, access to multimedia and educational amenities, in addition to availability of affluent sources or merely thanks to God-given language talents, many will seldom take off from conspicuous learner-language and might never produce authentic language either in speech or in writing. In recent years, however, with corpus linguistics gaining currency in academia, a new light has begun to glimmer at the end of the tunnel that corpus-based materials and data-driven language instructions can actively and consciously engage learners and acquaint them with what authentic language is rather than what the text books prescribe it to be. Already, a growing body of research has been dedicated to data-driven learning across the world to survey the effectiveness of incorporating corpora in ELT. As such, the purpose of this research is to investigate the patterns of compliments in writings of the Malay ESL students and compare the findings with native English speakers.  The results showed that the Malay ESL learners used a rather different number of syntactic patterns compared to the English native speakers and their frequency of patterns outgrew those of the natives.
Analysis of Substitute Products in the Demand for Food Products in Côte D’Ivoire
Authors: Beke Tite
Published: October 2017

This study analyzes the demand for staple foods in Côte d’Ivoire and assesses the impact of fluctuations in food prices on household well-being. It focuses on the price- and income elasticities of food demand, as they are useful parameters for measuring households’ reaction to the changes in prices and incomes, and for improving food policies. The study also assesses the loss in well-being arising from food crises with a view to recommending more effective measures for supporting households. It uses an approach that estimates a Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) in order to highlight price and expenditure elasticities. The data used in the study were obtained from the National Household Living Standards Survey (ENV) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in 2008. The estimated expenditure- and price elasticities show that the four food clusters under analysis (cereals, root crops and tubers, fruit and vegetables, and animal products) were staple foods that were price inelastic for all the households. A substitutability relationship is observed between cereals, and root crops and tubers. However, animal products and vegetables are found to be complementary to each other and complementary to cereals and root crops and tubers.
Assessment of corrosion resistance of cast cobalt- and nickel-chromium dental alloys in acidic environments
Authors: Mercieca Sven , Caligari Conti Malcolm , Buhagiar Joseph , Camilleri Josette
Published: October 2017

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare the degradation resistance of nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys used as a base material for partial dentures in contact with saliva.

Methods:

Wiron® 99 and Wironit Extra-Hard® were selected as representative casting alloys for Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys, respectively. The alloys were tested in contact with deionized water, artificial saliva and acidified artificial saliva. Material characterization was performed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and microhardness and nanohardness testing. The corrosion properties of the materials were then analyzed using open circuit potential analysis and potentiodynamic analysis. Alloy leaching in solution was assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques.

Results:

Co-Cr alloy was more stable than the Ni-Cr alloy in all solutions tested. Leaching of nickel and corrosion attack was higher in Ni-Cr alloy in artificial saliva compared with the acidified saliva. The corrosion resistance of the Co-Cr alloy was seen to be superior to that of the Ni-Cr alloy, with the former exhibiting a lower corrosion current in all test solutions. Microstructural topographical changes were observed for Ni-Cr alloy in contact with artificial saliva. The Ni-Cr alloy exhibited microstructural changes and lower corrosion resistance in artificial saliva. The acidic changes did not enhance the alloy degradation.

Conclusions:

Ni-Cr alloys are unstable in solution and leach nickel. Co-Cr alloys should be preferred for clinical use.
Tumor Necrosis Factor and its Soluble Receptors as Potential Diagnostic Markers of Endometriosis
Authors: Rocha Ana L. , Vieira Erica L. , Ferreira Márcia C. , Teixeira Antonio L. , Reis Fernando M.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a proinflammatory and angiogenic factor produced by activated macrophages. TNF acts through the cell membrane receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2, whose soluble forms play an important role in regulating TNF activity through competition with its receptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TNF and/or its soluble receptors are useful to detect endometriosis in women undergoing laparoscopy for gynecological complains.

Methods

This was a prospective, controlled, cross-sectional study including 75 consecutive women scheduled for gynecological laparoscopy due to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or a pelvic image suggestive of endometrioma. Plasma TNF and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) were measured by flow cytometry with the Cytometric Bead Array Human TH1/TH2 Kit (BD Biosciences).

Results

Women ultimately proven to have endometriosis had lower preoperative plasma levels of sTNFR1 (median 81 pg/mL vs. 121 pg/mL, p<0.05), resulting in higher TNF/sTNFR1 ratios compared to those without endometriosis (0.055 vs. 0.033, p<0.05). Using the cut-off <108 pg/mL for plasma sTNFR1 to detect endometriosis in this setting, the sensitivity was 51.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35%-68%), the specificity was 75.0% (95% CI, 61%-85%) and the positive likelihood ratio was 2.1 (95% CI, 1.1-3.8). The area under the ROC curve was 0.647 (SE = 0.065; 95% CI, 0.519-0.774; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Plasma sTNFR1 levels are lower in symptomatic women with confirmed endometriosis compared to symptomatic women without endometriosis. The lower plasma sTNFR1 levels may increase the bioavailability of TNF, thereby contributing to the systemic low grade inflammation associated with endometriosis.
“Paying the Shot”: Hank Morgan's Miller-Gun and Monetary Policy in Camelot
Authors: Wonham Henry B.
Published: October 2017

Hank Morgan thinks of himself as an instigator of the first industrial revolution, but his career in Camelot more accurately maps onto a late nineteenth-century revolution, one that witnessed the decline of the profit-driven entrepreneur and the rise of the corporate oligarch whose interest was less in establishing a competitive advantage among rivals than in maintaining price and currency stability across the economy. The novel grapples more seriously than critics have realized with this transition and with a changing conception of money that accompanies the rise of the corporate regime. A seemingly innocuous object, something Hank calls the miller-gun, plays an important role in this story about the emergence of economic stability as an aspiration among corporate and political leaders of the 1880s and '90s.
Ética y ciudadanía: el papel del filósofo en el siglo XXI
Authors: López Velasco Sirio
Published: October 2017

This brief notes reflect on the experience and situation of American Latin philosopher. The author poses that the philosopher has currently a role that must not be ideological and can not be characterized as an "organic intellectual". Due that the philosopher is committed with the opressed. What the society expects from her or him is a commitment with the social struggles and a critical point of view about them. Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 114, 2007: 643-653
Historic Community Preservation: The Approach Suitable to Thai Context
Authors: Prompayuk Supoj , Chairatananonda Panayu
Published: October 2017

Historic community is actually a kind of cultural heritages. However, in Thailand, a phenomenon contradicting such idea is often found. Namely, tangible heritages, such as residences, buildings or architectural features are well preserved, while intangible heritages, such as social, economic and cultural structure and traditional way of life are widely changed as a result of rising economic opportunities. This phenomenon emerges after a community becomes a historic community which is a way to raise the economic values in locality. Consequently, the other values of the historic community are diminished or faded away. However, there are Thai communities which can preserve the original conditions and maintain their value as a historic community. Hence, this research aims to find the preservation approach and supporting factors in those communities. It is found that those communities raise awareness of local inhabitants and attract them to participate in the preservation in the direction which they want the community to be. As a result, this preservation becomes more sustainable.
Teachers’ Views on the Implementation of the English Language Proficiency Programme in Namibia
Authors: Ngololo Elizabeth N. , Nekongo-Nielsen Haaveshe
Published: October 2017

The study explores teachers’ views on the impact of the English Language Proficiency Programme in Namibian schools that was implemented over a period of five years, from 2011 to 2015. The program aimed at improving teachers’ proficiency in English. The summative evaluation was conducted in 2016 in the following five (5) regions: Erongo, Hardap, Khomas, Ohangwena and Omusati, selected on the basis of the level of participation and accessibility. The evaluation focused on the following aspects of the project: program development, program implementation and administration as well as assessment of learning outcomes. The study followed a qualitative approach using document analysis to inform the development of evaluation instruments and a phenomenological design to assess teachers’ lived experiences during program implementation. Data was collected through focus group discussions among teachers. The study established that teachers did not appreciate the program as it was ill-planned, irrelevant to their needs and disturbed their daily routines. Nevertheless, a few teachers embraced the program and reported positive benefits in terms of teachers’ career development goals. The study recommends the revision of the program in terms of content and implementation procedures. In addition, teachers’ support systems, learning materials and the mode of delivery need improvement to effectively enhance teaching and learning in Namibian schools.
The Efficacy of a PD Program on Enhancing On-The-Job Teaching Skills
Authors: Sidky Gihan
Published: October 2017

This study assessed the methods of teaching English course taught at the general diploma at the college of Graduate Studies in Education, Cairo University in light of English teachers’ needs and expectations. The Methodology course was reconstructed using the premises of students centered teaching techniques and taking into consideration what is identified by teachers as their basic needs to improve teachers’ linguistic skills and to allow teachers to get acquainted with recent teaching techniques that focus on enhancing the qualifications of the graduate students. The participants in the study were 50 English teachers who graduated from faculties of tongues and arts, English major. They were studying to get a general diploma in education. Some of them had different years of English teaching experience and others never taught in their life. Three instruments were implemented to elicit teachers’ needs from the methods of teaching English course: a pilot study to elicit teachers’ needs and expectations of the methodology course and a directed questionnaire that resulted in a number of suggested topics to be included in the methodology course. A pre and a posttest were administered before and after the implementation of the program to record changes in teachers’ knowledge and skills due to the application of the revised course. Teachers’ responses showed that the participants were dissatisfied with the topics and applications offered by the methods of teaching English course in its first form and suggested a number of topics and applications to be added to satisfy their future needs and expectations. The program was revised and reconstructed in light of teachers’ needs and it was taught for two semesters during the academic year 2014/ 2015. The results showed a noticeable improvement in teachers’ knowledge and skills, which were manifested in teachers’ responses to the posttest.
The Relationship between Higher Order Thinking Skills and Academic Performance of Student in Mathematics Instruction
Authors: Tanujaya Benidiktus , Mumu Jeinne , Margono Gaguk
Published: October 2017

Higher order thinking skills (HOTS) is one of important aspects in education. Students with high level of higher order thinking skills tend to be more successful. However, do this phenomenon also happen in the learning of Mathematics? To answer this question, this research aims to study the relationship between HOTS and students' academic performance in Mathematics instruction. The research is conducted by occupying correlation research method on 41 students of mathematics education in university of Papua who had already completed 120 credits. The instrument in a test format for HOTS measurement has two main indicators; the critical thinking skill and creative thinking skill. Students are selected as research subjects, and are asked to do 9 questions of HOTS test in 60 minutes. The holistic rubric is used to assess the higher order thinking skills of students. The results of research show that these two variables have a high value of correlation (r = 0.814) and the regression equation is grade point average = 2,105 + 0,017 HOTS. Both of statistics show that there is a significant relationship between HOTS and students' academic achievement.
Monetary Policy and Nigeria’s Economy: An Impact Investigation
Authors: Chidiebere Ekwe Micheal , Ogbonnaya Amah Kalu , Omodero Cordelia Onyinyechi
Published: October 2017

The major objective of this study is to empirically analyze the impact of monetary policy on the economy of Nigeria. To achieve this major objective, the study made use of broad money supply (M2) and credit to the private sector (CPS) as the independent variables explaining the dependent variable which is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The time series data employed cover the period of 1996 to 2016 and have been collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The statistical tool used in this study is the multi regression and student t-test with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to analyze the impact of the individual explanatory variables on the economy. The result indicates that the monetary policy in Nigeria does not have significant impact on the economy. At 5% level of significance, the broad money supply (M2) is 0.36 > 0.05 while the CPS shows 0.22 > 0.05. The result proves that the broad money supply has not been properly regulated and the bank lending rate to the private sectors so high that the economy has been adversely affected. The study therefore, recommends that the Central Bank of Nigeria should put every machinery in place to ensure that the monetary policy is geared towards economic growth through substantial reduction of bank lending rate to the private sector and proper regulation of broad money supply.
Sociolinguistic Perspectives on the Implications of the Homogenization of the Circles of World Englishes
Authors: Prinsloo Christiaan
Published: October 2017

The marginalization of English second (L2) and foreign language (EFL) users in the academic and practical pursuit of English language teaching (ELT) has fueled the hegemonic power of the inner circle of world Englishes (CWE). Because of the inequality among the circles of world Englishes, this paper pursues a dual purpose: firstly, it sets out to determine the sociolinguistic effects of globalization on the CWE; and secondly, it establishes how these sociolinguistic effects contribute to the homogenization of the circles and a seemingly more equitable notion of (world) English(es). Drawing on available qualitative descriptions and empirical data, three practical contexts of sociolinguistics were identified (viz. demographic shifts, economic motivations, and language education policy) to realize the dual research purpose. Based on a qualitative instrumental case study of a purposive sample of one country from each CWE, the study assesses the possibility to justify the proposition that the functions of English across the circles are becoming more similar as globalization homogenizes the global English sociolinguistic ecology. The findings support claims of major evolutionary processes that entail significant implications for the ELT community across the CWE.
Motivation to Learn English Language: A Study of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh
Authors: Lashari Ajab Ali , Mashori Ghulam Mustafa , Abbasi Abdul Malik , Talpur Quratulain
Published: October 2017

The present study aims to investigate the motivational factors which are directly involved in learning English language among Bachelor of Science (B.S) first year undergraduate students of Institute of English Language and Literature, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh Pakistan. The study focuses on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors, which motivate students to learn English language. The questionnaire has been administered among students (N=70) which are based on 30 Likert scale items. Attitude Motivation Test Battery/AMTB (Gardner, 2004 English version) has been used in this regard. SPSS has been used to quantify the data. The semi-structured interview has been conducted by using purposive sampling for in-depth study from (N= 6) students. The results reveal that the students have extrinsic reasons as dominant factors for motivation to learn the target language. The dominant extrinsic factors which were investigated among the students are to get a good job and to qualify exams. The intrinsic factors such as learning English for developing self-image and communication skills in English with proficiency in their daily routine work are responsible for motivating students to learn English language.
Linguistic Variation across Research Sections of Pakistan Academic Writing: A Multidimensional Analysis
Authors: Azher Musarrat , Mehmood Muhammad Asim , Shah Syed Imran
Published: October 2017

With the concept of language variation, it has become utmost important to analyze linguistic patterns across register. Pakistani academic writing like other registers in Pakistan is an area that still seeks the attention of the researchers and linguists. This target register needs to be fully described in terms of linguistic characteristics to strengthen the distinct identity of Pakistani academic writing as a register. The present research strives to explore linguistic variation across research sections of Pakistani academic writing as a register along with five new textual dimensions explored through the technique of Multidimensional analysis (Azher & Mehmood, 2016). The research is based on the corpus of 235 M. Phil and PhD research dissertations taken from different universities all over Pakistan. The corpus was further divided into five research sections and was tagged for 189 linguistic features. The ANOVA results on variation among research sections indicate that there lie statistically significant differences among research sections of Pakistani Academic Writing on all the new textual dimensions.
Dialectical Logic K-Model: A Mathematical Model for Machine
Authors: Jiang Yaozhi
Published: October 2017

An axiom system for dialectical logic K-model which based on Kirchhoff energy-method is established by author in the paper. The author describes that subjective-laws is the mirror imagine reflected from objective-laws and defines that the three-step which named by sensation, abstraction and thinking in artificial intelligence. At same time, describes that axiom system for dialectical logic K-model, in which contains such as logic-variable energy conservation law, Mozi’s principle( mini-max principle) and forbidden law, etc. In the axiom system also contain such as a continuous true-value-function system valued on interval  and the K-graph for logic-variable. And describes the giving value method by matrix based on K-graph satisfied Kirchhoff laws to the logic variable. The author describes simply the linear and nonlinear logic variable system. And describes simply the logic variable involved three-dimension Euclidean space and topology networks space separately. Dialectical logic K-model would supply an computation algorithm idea for machine so that the machine is able to think by dialectical logic method, thus an important information-treated method maybe the dialectical logic.
Velvet Bean and Cowpea Residual Effects on Maize Crop in Smallholder Farming Areas of Zimbabwe
Authors: Jiri Obert , Mafongoya Paramu L
Published: October 2017

On-farm research was conducted in Dendenyore Communal Land and Zana Resettlement areas of Hwedza District, Zimbabwe from 1999 to 2001. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of velvet bean and cowpea on growth and yield of maize in legume-maize rotation system. A total of 14 treatments, which consisted of forage legume and maize crops were examined. The experiment was established in a randomized complete block design with 9 replicates. On-farm sites were the replicates. The results show a significant residual effect of velvet bean and cowpea, when grown with single super phosphate fertiliser, on the maize stover and grain yield. They indicate significant phosphorus residual effects on a subsequent maize crop on sandy soils. Forage legumes contribute to residual soil fertility in fallen leaves and roots that increases yield of subsequent crops. The results also reveal that biomass production in perennial leys, grazed during the dry season, would be greater in the second season than in the establishment year. The results also indicate that in the velvet bean systems, especially green manure, nitrogen is lost very early in the season. This may lead to lack of synchrony between nutrient availability and crop uptake. The maize after green manure system had a nitrogen use efficiency of about 11 kg/kg of nitrogen applied. These results show the residual potential of forage legumes in reducing nitrogen fertiliser need for subsequent maize crops in mixed livestock-cropping systems.
Regulering van de vestiging en uitzetting van Nederlanders binnen het Koninkrijk
Authors: Aswani S.N.
Published: October 2017

Regulering van de vestiging en uitzetting van Nederlanders binnen het Koninkrijk

Binnen het Koninkrijk geldt een gezamenlijke nationaliteit die een ongedeeld karakter kent, namelijk de Nederlandse nationaliteit. Uit de officiële toelichting bij het Statuut en uit diverse handboeken en Kamerstukken blijkt dat de landen binnen het Koninkrijk een grote mate van vrijheid genieten om een toelatingsbeleid ten opzichte van Nederlanders te creëren, maar hierbij mag geen onderscheid worden gemaakt naar het land van afkomst van de Nederlander. Om de vestiging van de Caribische Nederlanders te reguleren, wil de Nederlandse politiek een toelatingsbeleid creëren. Er is ook een wetsvoorstel aanhangig gemaakt waarbij een terugzendmaatregel in het leven wordt geroepen voor criminele Antillianen.
Research on the flow characteristics of opening unit in the rotor spinning unit
Authors: Jin Yuzhen , Zhu Shihe , Cui Jingyu , Li Jun , Zhu Zuchao
Published: October 2017

The opening unit is an important device in a rotor spinning unit to comb fibres and remove trash. In this paper, numerical simulation is carried out to study the flow structure in the rotor spinning channel and the trash removal process in the trash removal unit. Firstly the effect of the opening unit on the airflow field in the rotor channel is investigated by singlephase simulation. The result shows that the effective area for fibre conveyance enlarges as the absolute value of negative pressure at the outlet increases, while it decreases as the opening roller speed increases. However, the effect of the negative pressure and the opening roller speed on the length of the vortex in the axial direction is quite small. Secondly the trash separation process in the trash removal unit is simulated using the Discrete Phase Model (DPM). Suitable rotational speeds of particles of different diameters are acquired. These results could provide a valuable reference for parameter selection in the trash-removal process.
Modeling of Ozonation of Reactive Black 5 Through a Kinetic Approach
Authors: Bilińska Lucyna , Bilińska Lucyna , Żyłła Renata , Smółka Krzysztof , Gmurek Marta , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: October 2017

C.I. Reactive Black 5 (RB5) is the most commonly used dye in the textile industry. Ozone is a strong oxidan that can decompose many barely degradable pollutants, including dyes. Although there are many literature reports devoted to the treatment of textile wastewater and dye solutions by ozone, the ozonation mechanism and modeling of the kinetics is still not well covered. In this work a kinetic model of the process of RB5 decolourisation by ozone has been proposed and validated on the basis of experimental data. The experiments were carried out in a liquid-liquid system to avoid mass transfer limitation. A model was established for acid reaction medium. The main RB5 reaction was direct oxidation of the dye with molecular ozone. The self-decomposition of ozone in liquid phase was taken into account and described by an empirical equation. The reaction rate constants of RB5 with ozone were estimated from the experimental data in the range of (1.88 ± 0.08) × 104 – (2.53 ± 0.10) × 105 M-1s-1 (invariant with initial dye concentration). An empirical equation k2′ = 1.06 × 108(COH−)0.31 was built for the constant to make it dependent on the pH value. A solution of the non-linear inverse problem allowed for identification of the kinetic constants on the basis of the experimental data obtained. The model gave a good match between the prediction and experimental data for pH between 1.88 and 4.0.
Functionalization of Non-woven Viscose with Formulation of Chitosan and Honey for Medical Applications
Authors: Šauperl Olivera , Kunčič Marjetka Kralj , Tompa Jasna , Zemljič Lidija Fras , Valh Julija Volmajer
Published: October 2017

The aim of this research was to develop the formulation of chitosan in combination with honey in different mass proportions of each of the components within the separate mixture. Such a formulation could serve as a functional coating suitable for wound healing. From the perspective of different formulations used within research presented, it is assumed that the different mass fraction of components will affect antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the functionalised substrate differently. To apply the separate formulation onto a non-woven viscose substrate, the conventional pad-drying process was selected. Moreover a study of the effectiveness of the individual treatment was performed systematically, which is also reflected in the systematics of the experimental techniques selected. Considering antioxidant and antimicrobial action, honey-functionalised non-woven viscose shows higher effectiveness if compared to non-woven viscose functionalized with the chitosan:honey combination.
Structural Parameters of Functional Membranes for Integration in Smart Wearable Materials
Authors: Eldessouki Mohamed , Eldessouki Mohamed , Aysha Tarek , Ratičáková Magdaléna , Šašková Jana , Padil Vinod V.T. , Ibrahim Mayza , Černík Miroslav
Published: October 2017

Smart clothes can be described as textiles that change their behavior under some external factors (stimulants). The response of the smart cloth can be passive (just as a sensor) or active (where a combination of sensing and another reaction takes place). The materials involved in these textiles are crucial for many applications, especially for health related applications where the “wearables” can provide instantaneous monitoring and aid to people with certain disabilities. This work consists of two main parts: First it investigates the different materials used in smart clothing for monitoring the vital activities of the human body (e.g. the breathing rates) with an emphasis on piezoresistive structures as they work sensing elements for mechanical strains. Second this work presents the production of functional membrane samples based on synthesized pyrrolinone ester hydrazone dye with a preliminary investigation of their chemical and geometrical parameters, especially their sensitivity for monitoring the presence of ammonia to function as a smart textile based colorimetric chemosensor.
Using a 3D Body Scanner in Designing Compression Products Supporting External Treatment
Authors: Ilska, Anita , Ilska, Anita , Kowalski Krzysztof , Kłonowska Magdalena , Kuzański Wojciech , Kowalski Tomasz Marek , Sujka Witold
Published: October 2017

The work comprises a statistical tolerance analysis of human body dimensions using a 3D body scanner and its impact on the value of unit pressure exerted by a compression product on the subject’s body. Model calculations of changes in unit pressure due to the susceptibility of the human body were carried out on the basis of the Laplace law using experimentally determined values of circumferences of particular parts of a female subject, with and without a compression product. Experimentally documented changes in the body circumferences under the influence of a compression garment are one of the reasons for the differences between the intended and actual pressure value exerted by the product.
Lithuanian Political Parties’ Attitudes toward European Integration: an analysis of 2016 Parties’ Manifestos
Authors: Šmagarienė Inokaitytė
Published: October 2017

The paper introduced here focuses on the particularities of Lithuanian political parties’ discourse on European integration. The questions which this paper seeks to answer are: how much ‘Europe’ actually figures into parties’ national election manifestos and what parties says about the nature of the European polity and the policy objectives to be implemented by the EU? The results of the analysis show that, although in principle there is a support to the European integration, political parties follow the logic of instrumental rationality containing strategic actions and specific domestic interest implementation in the united Europe. These contradictions may lead to the inconsistencies of party politics toward European integration.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19344
An Oblique 2D+T Approach for Hydrodynamic Modeling of Yawed Planing Boats in Calm Water
Authors: Tavakoli Sasan , Dashtimanesh Abbas , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: October 2017

Determination of forces acting on planing hulls in maneuvering has been turned into an interesting problem during the last decade. Different methods, based on mathematical or empirical approaches, are elicited to compute hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on the boat in different simplified conditions, such as steady yawed or heeled conditions. Modeling of different conditions and combining them with each other may lead to initiate a final simulation model for 6DOF motion of planing boats in calm water. These simple modeling approaches, in other words, can be considered as basics of a final 6DOF model. The current article address hydrodynamic modeling of yawed motion for hard-chine planing boats in calm water. The current research paper is primarily focused on the determination of horizontal force and yaw moment acting on the boat as it moves forward in a steady yawed condition. The derivation approach is based on mathematical formulation of 2D+T theory and added mass variation in longitudinal direction. Virtual mass of a wedge in horizontal direction is analytically found and then the final force and moments are computed using extension of sectional forces, acted on wedge section of the boat, over entire wetted length of the vessel. The precision of the proposed model is verified by comparing the computational values against previous experimental data. An improvement for the model has been considered to conquer some of the drawbacks reported by previous researchers. The comparison exhibits an improvement of the model; the increase in added mass which was previously discussed by previous researchers can be seen. Also, it is observed that in the case that the wetted length of the boat is small, the transom reduction works well and leads to an accurate prediction of sway force. Finally, it is viewed that the computed yaw moments are in a fair agreement with previous experimental data.
Atypical Melanocytic Proliferation in a Pediatric Patient with Double Advancement Flap Repair
Authors: Pollack Daniel
Published: October 2017

This report highlights an unusual case of an atypical melanocytic proliferation in a pediatric patient and the surgical method used to repair the defect. I describe a 10-year-old boy with hallux irregular discoloration that was present from birth and rapidly enlarging. A biopsy led to the diagnosis of atypical melanocytic proliferation, which may represent an unusual manifestation of early melanoma in situ. Complete excision of the patch was performed, and the hallux was repaired using a double advancement flap for closure, thus curing the patient.
Exploratory search during directed navigation in C. elegans and Drosophila larva
Authors: Klein Mason , Krivov Sergei V , Ferrer Anggie J , Luo Linjiao , Samuel Aravinthan DT , Karplus Martin
Published: October 2017

Many organisms—from bacteria to nematodes to insect larvae—navigate their environments by biasing random movements. In these organisms, navigation in isotropic environments can be characterized as an essentially diffusive and undirected process. In stimulus gradients, movement decisions are biased to drive directed navigation toward favorable environments. How does directed navigation in a gradient modulate random exploration either parallel or orthogonal to the gradient? Here, we introduce methods originally used for analyzing protein folding trajectories to study the trajectories of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the Drosophila larva in isotropic environments, as well as in thermal and chemical gradients. We find that the statistics of random exploration in any direction are little affected by directed movement along a stimulus gradient. A key constraint on the behavioral strategies of these organisms appears to be the preservation of their capacity to continuously explore their environments in all directions even while moving toward favorable conditions.
Trainspotting in a cilium
Authors: Kumar Dhivya , King Stephen M
Published: October 2017

A new imaging technique sheds light on how cilia regulate their length and growth.
Inorganic, organic, and encapsulated minerals in vegetable meal based diets forSparus aurata(Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Domínguez David , Rimoldi Simona , Robaina Lidia E. , Torrecillas Silvia , Terova Genciana , Zamorano María J. , Karalazos Vasileios , Hamre Kristin , Izquierdo Marisol
Published: October 2017

Substituting fishmeal (FM) with vegetable meal (VM) can markedly affect the mineral composition of feeds, and may require additional mineral supplementation. Their bioavailability and optimal supplementation levels depend also on the form of delivery of minerals. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different delivery forms of three major trace elements (Zn, Mn and Se) in a marine teleost. Gilthead sea bream juveniles of 22.5 g were fed a VM-based diet for 12 weeks that was either not supplemented with these minerals or supplemented with inorganic, organic, or encapsulated inorganic forms of minerals in triplicate and compared to a FM-based diet. Our results showed that mineral delivery form significantly affected the biochemical composition and morphology of posterior vertebrae. Supplementation of VM-based diets with inorganic forms of the target minerals significantly promoted growth, increased the vertebral weight and content of ash and Zn, enhanced bone mineralization and affected the vertebral shape. Conversely, encapsulation of inorganic minerals reduced fish growth and vertebral mineral content, whereas supplementation of organic minerals, enhanced bone osteogenesis by upregulating bone morphogenetic protein 2 (bmp2)gene and produced vertebrae with a larger length in relation to height. Furthermore, organic mineral forms of delivery downregulated the expression of oxidative stress related genes, such as Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Znsod) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (gpx-1),suggesting thus that dietary minerals supplemented in the organic form could be reasonably considered more effective than the inorganic and encapsulated forms of supply.
An Investigation of the Ionospheric Disturbances Due to the 2014 Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events Over Brazilian Sector
Authors: de Jesus R. , Batista I. S. , Jonah O. F. , de Abreu A. J. , Fagundes P. R. , Venkatesh K. , Denardini C. M.
Published: October 2017

The present study investigates the ionospheric F region response in the Brazilian sector due to sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events of 2014. The data used for this work are obtained from GPS receivers and magnetometer measurements during day of year (DOY) 01 to 120, 2014 at different stations in the equatorial and low‐latitude regions in the Brazilian sector. In addition, the data obtained from Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System satellites during DOY 01 to 75 of 2014 are used. The main novelty of this research is that, during the 2014 SSW events, daytime vertical total electron content (VTEC) shows a strong increase on the order of about 23% and 11% over the equatorial and low‐latitude regions, respectively. We also observed that the nighttime VTEC (SSW days) is increased by 8% and 33% over equatorial and low‐latitude regions, respectively. The magnetometer measurements show a strong counterelectrojet during the SSW days. The results show an amplification of the 0.5 day and ~2–16 day periods in the VTEC and equatorial electrojet during the SSWs. The occurrences of ionospheric irregularities during the SSW events are around 84% and 53% in the equatorial and low‐latitude regions, respectively, which is less frequent when compared with those during the pre‐SSW periods.
Pressure and Fluid Effect on Frequency‐Dependent Elastic Moduli in Fully Saturated Tight Sandstone
Authors: Yin Hanjun , Zhao Jianguo , Tang Genyang , Zhao Liming , Ma Xiaoyi , Wang Shangxu
Published: October 2017

We developed a system to explore the effects of pressure and fluid viscosity on the dispersion and attenuation of fully saturated tight sandstones, especially at seismic frequencies. Calibration of the new system revealed that the system can operate reliably at frequencies of [2–200, 106] Hz. Tight sandstone with a “crack–pore” microstructure was tested under nitrogen gas (dry), brine, and glycerin saturation. A frequency‐dependent effect was not found for the dry case. However, apparent dispersion and attenuation for the undrained/unrelaxed transition was clearly observed for sample under brine or glycerin saturation, the magnitude of which was largely suppressed by increasing effective pressure. The measurement results illustrated that increasing the fluid viscosity or the effective pressure will shift the dispersion curve to the lower frequency range. A simple squirt‐flow model with dual‐porosity scheme was used to compare with the measurement results. Although the estimated values deviated slightly from the data, the trend fitted the saturated data relatively well, especially at low effective pressures. Therefore, considering the crack–pore microstructure of the tight sandstone, dispersion and attenuation are induced predominantly by the squirt‐flow stiffening effect from cracks to pores.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Methane Concentrations, Fluxes, and Sources in Lakes in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Townsend‐Small Amy , Åkerström Frida , Arp Christopher D. , Hinkel Kenneth M.
Published: October 2017

Climate warming may lead to a positive feedback of increased emissions of CH4 from sediments beneath Arctic lakes, but the contribution of these lakes to the global CH4 budget is poorly quantified. Here we present results of a study of CH4 concentrations and sources from a series of 50 lakes in Arctic Alaska across an 80,000 km2 spatial gradient and a 2 year time period. We measured dissolved CH4 concentrations and stable isotopes of CH4 in lakes in the North Slope of Alaska in August 2014 and 2015 and April 2015 (under ice). Stable isotopes indicated that biogenic CH4 dominated versus thermogenic sources, with both acetate fermentation and carbonate reduction sources. Dissolved CH4 was about 100 times higher under the ice than during the summer, indicating that the spring ice off period is a large source of atmospheric CH4. Open‐water dissolved CH4 concentrations had a negative relationship with latitude in both years of our study, although CH4 fluxes were consistent among a subset of lakes measured along a ~150 km north to south transect in both years (14 lakes in 2014 and 12 in 2015). Dissolved CH4 concentrations and fluxes were significantly higher in August 2015 versus August 2014, concurrent with a 3°C higher mean water temperature in 2015 versus 2014. Much longer‐term monitoring is needed, however, to conclude that CH4 emissions from Arctic lakes mirror observed warming trends. This study provides valuable baseline data and can inform methods for future studies investigating carbon cycle‐climate change feedbacks in Alaskan Arctic lakes.
Ocean Modeling on a Mesh With Resolution Following the Local Rossby Radius
Authors: Sein Dmitry V. , Koldunov Nikolay V. , Danilov Sergey , Wang Qiang , Sidorenko Dmitry , Fast Irina , Rackow Thomas , Cabos William , Jung Thomas
Published: October 2017

We discuss the performance of the Finite Element Ocean Model (FESOM) on locally eddy‐resolving global unstructured meshes. In particular, the utility of the mesh design approach whereby mesh horizontal resolution is varied as half the Rossby radius in most of the model domain is explored. Model simulations on such a mesh (FESOM‐XR) are compared with FESOM simulations on a smaller‐size mesh, where refinement depends only on the pattern of observed variability (FESOM‐HR). We also compare FESOM results to a simulation of the ocean model of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPIOM) on a tripolar regular grid with refinement toward the poles, which uses a number of degrees of freedom similar to FESOM‐XR. The mesh design strategy, which relies on the Rossby radius and/or the observed variability pattern, tends to coarsen the resolution in tropical and partly subtropical latitudes compared to the regular MPIOM grid. Excessive variations of mesh resolution are found to affect the performance in other nearby areas, presumably through dissipation that increases if resolution is coarsened. The largest improvement shown by FESOM‐XR is a reduction of the surface temperature bias in the so‐called North‐West corner of the North Atlantic Ocean where horizontal resolution was increased dramatically. However, other biases in FESOM‐XR remain largely unchanged compared to FESOM‐HR. We conclude that resolving the Rossby radius alone (with two points per Rossby radius) is insufficient, and that careful use of a priori information on eddy dynamics is required to exploit the full potential of ocean models on unstructured meshes.