bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvothermal syntheses, structures and luminescent property of two coordination compounds constructed from 2,2′-bipyridine and dicarboxylate ligand
Authors: Haiguang Ji , Zhou Yun , Peng Yu , Wensheng Fu , Shuai Tingting , Du Jian , Huang Kunlin
Published: February 2013

Two d
10 metal coordination polymers, [Zn(CMTB)(bipy)] · (H2O)2 (1) and [Cd(CMTB)(bipy)] · (H2O)1.25 (2) (CMTB = 4-[(carboxymethyl) thio]-benzoic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) were synthesized under mild mixed solvothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P21/n with cell parameters: a = 8.1083(16) Å, b = 17.194(3) Å, c = 28.646(6) Å, β = 97.96(3)˚ and Z = 8. It contains a one-dimensional (1D) chain structure that is further assembled into a two-dimensional (2D) network by the co-effects of the inter-chain C—H ··· O hydrogen bonds. Each Zn(II) is six-coordinated to four O atoms from two CMTB ligands, and two N atoms from the 2,2′-bipyridine forming a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. Compound 2 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P2/c with cell parameters: a = 19.656(4) Å, b = 10.716(2) Å, c = 19.455(4) Å, β = 94.10(3) and Z = 8. It displays two-dimensional framework and metal ion Cd(II) is octahedrally coordinated to four O atoms and two N atoms. Both Compound 1 and 2 are photoluminescent active and their emission properties were also studied.
Change in Lifestyle through Health Promotion Program without Face‐to‐Face Intervention in a Large‐scale Japanese Enterprise
Authors: Haruyama Yasuo , Fukuda Hiroshi , Arai Tomoe , Muto Takashi
Published: February 2013

Change in Lifestyle through Health Promotion Program without Face‐to‐Face Intervention in a Large‐scale Japanese Enterprise: Yasuo HARUYAMA, et al. Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine—

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a health promotion program with 2−3‐month Internet or printed material support without a face‐to‐face intervention at a largescale worksite.

Methods

An uncontrolled intervention was conducted. In 2005, 22,429 employees underwent a health check‐up and a lifestyle assessment. In 2006, 2,096 employees were recruited to participate in an intervention group (IntG), and the remaining 20,228 employees were allocated to a control group (ConG). After one‐year follow‐up, 1,888 employees in IntG and 15,474 employees in ConG were analyzed by Breslow's lifestyle index, overall prevalence of cardiovascular risk (OPCR) and 10% 10‐year risk based on cardiovascular risk factors in 2007.

Results

Breslow's lifestyle index (over 5 points) in IntG showed a higher OR (1.13 with a 95% CI of 1.01−1.26) than that in ConG. Compared with those with a poor lifestyle, the subjects who had maintained or improved their lifestyle showed a lower OPCR (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79−0.97; OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74−0.95 [p for trend=0.003]) and 10% 10‐year risk trend (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31−0.47; OR: 0.29, 0.22−0.37 [p for trend <0.001]).

Conclusion

The present study showed that there was a modest lifestyle behavior change using a program without face‐to‐face contact. The employees who maintained and improved their lifestyle had a lower OPCR and 10% 10‐year risk. Future study should increase the number of employees actively attempting to improve their lifestyles at a worksite.
The Relationship between Age and Work Injury in British Columbia: Examining Differences across Time and Nature of Injury
Authors: Smith Peter , Bielecky Amber , Mustard Cam , Beaton Dorcas , Hogg‐Johnson Sheilah , Ibrahim Selahadin , Koehoorn Mieke , Mcleod Chris , Saunders Ron , Scott‐Marshall Heather
Published: February 2013

The Relationship between Age and Work Injury in British Columbia: Examining Differences across Time and Nature of Injury: Peter SMITH, et al. Institute for Work and Health, Canada—

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between age and the lost‐time workers' compensation claims in British Columbia, Canada, over three time periods (1997−98, 2001−02 and 2005−06). We examined if the relationship between age and risk of lost‐time claims is consistent over time and for different nature of injury categories.

Methods

Secondary analyses of lost‐time workers' compensation claims combined with estimates of person‐years of exposure generated from the Canadian Labour Force Survey were performed. Analyses examined the relationship between age and claim risk using sex‐stratified regression models, adjusting for time period, occupational characteristics and whether the claimant was employed in the goods or service industry. Multiplicative interaction terms were used to examine if the relationship between age and lost‐time claim risk changed over time. Seven separate regression models were generated to explore the variation in the effect of age across nature of injury groups.

Results

We observed important differences in the relationship between age and risk of injury depending on the nature of injury examined. A negative relationship was observed between age and lost‐time claims for open wounds, while a positive relationship was observed for traumatic injuries to bones, nerves and the spinal cord. We found no evidence that the relationship between age and risk of lost‐time claims changed over time periods.

Conclusions

The association between age and risk of lost‐time claims depends on the nature of injury under investigation. We found no evidence that the relationship between age and overall lost‐time claim risk has changed over time in British Columbia.
Foglalkozás utáni perzisztáló dermatitis: egy gyakori kórkép ritka variánsa
Authors: Forgács Balázs
Published: February 2013

Persistent post-occupational dermatitis is a rare variant of occupational eczemas characterized by skin symptoms which persist after the elimination of occupational allergens. Further diagnostic criteria are the followings: absence of dermatitis in past history of patients, presentation confined to both hands almost exclusively, and causal role of occupational allergens with both irritative and allergic origins is confirmed. The author presents a case which meets all these diagnostic criteria. Epidemiology of occupational dermatoses, impact on quality of life and social-economic aspects are also discussed. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154(47), 228–232.
Unprecedented carbon accumulation in mined soils: the synergistic effect of resource input and plant species invasion
Authors: Silva Lucas C. R. , Corrêa Rodrigo S. , Doane Timothy A. , Pereira Engil I. P. , Horwath William R.
Published: February 2013

Opencast mining causes severe impacts on natural environments, often resulting in permanent damage to soils and vegetation. In the present study we use a 14‐year restoration chronosequence to investigate how resource input and spontaneous plant colonization promote the revegetation and reconstruction of mined soils in central Brazil. Using a multi‐proxy approach, combining vegetation surveys with the analysis of plant and soil isotopic abundances (δ13C and δ15N) and chemical and physical fractionation of organic matter in soil profiles, we show that: (1) after several decades without vegetation cover, the input of nutrient‐rich biosolids into exposed regoliths prompted the establishment of a diverse plant community (>30 species); (2) the synergistic effect of resource input and plant colonization yielded unprecedented increases in soil carbon, accumulating as chemically stable compounds in occluded physical fractions and reaching much higher levels than observed in undisturbed ecosystems; and (3) invasive grasses progressively excluded native species, limiting nutrient availability, but contributing more than 65% of the total accumulated soil organic carbon. These results show that soil–plant feedbacks regulate the amount of available resources, determining successional trajectories and alternative stable equilibria in degraded areas undergoing restoration. External inputs promote plant colonization, soil formation, and carbon sequestration, at the cost of excluding native species. The introduction of native woody species would suppress invasive grasses and increase nutrient availability, bringing the system closer to its original state. However, it is difficult to predict whether soil carbon levels could be maintained without the exotic grass cover. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings, describing how the combination of resource manipulation and management of invasive species could be used to optimize restoration strategies, counteracting soil degradation while maintaining species diversity.
On the Mechanisms of Channel Fracturing
Authors: Medvedev A. , Yudina K. , Panga M. K. , Kraemer C. C. , Peña A.
Published: February 2013

Channel fracturing combines geomechanical modeling, intermittent proppant pumping and degradable fibers and fluids to attain heterogeneous placement of proppant within a hydraulic fracture. The aim of this well stimulation technique is to promote the formation of stable voids or streaks within the proppant pack which serve as highly conductive channels for transport of oil and gas throughout the hydraulic fracture.

More than 10,000 channel fracturing treatments have been performed in over 1,000 wells during the last three years in shale-, carbonate-, and sandstone-rich reservoirs worldwide. The collective dataset on job execution and well performance shows the following trends: (a) low occurrence of near wellbore screen-outs (>99.9% of all treatments achieving 100% proppant placement); (b) reduction in the amount of proppant required to complete treatments (in average, 43% less proppant than conventional techniques aiming at placing a homogeneous proppant pack as implemented in offset wells); (c) average initial and long-term well productivity and flowing pressures consistently meeting or exceeding those of wells completed with conventional fracturing techniques.

This paper summarizes findings from a comprehensive technical study focused on ascertaining the enabling mechanisms for these trends. Results from laboratory experiments (large-scale slot flow, conductivity, proppant settling), yard tests (well site delivery characteristics, proppant slug integrity), and well performance evaluations (surface treatment data, well production data and reservoir simulations supported by history matching) are analyzed collectively to reach the following assessments: (a) heterogeneous proppant placement is achieved; (b) the low incidence of screen-outs is the result of the combination of reduced usage of proppant and intermittent pumping of proppant-free, fiber-laden slugs ("sweeps") which mitigate accumulation of proppant in the near-wellbore area; (c) well productivity trends are driven by the concomitant occurrence of enhanced fracture conductivity - enabled by the presence of heterogeneities within the proppant pack- and the development of larger fractured area within the reservoir effectively contributing to production. The development of larger effective contact area is enabled by the use of fibers, which enhance proppant transport within the fracture and mitigate proppant settling.
Analyzing Production Data From Hydraulically Fractured Wells: the Concept of Induced Permeability Field
Authors: Fuentes-Cruz Gorgonio , Gildin Eduardo , Valkó Peter P.
Published: February 2013

This work introduces a new model for production decline analysis of hydraulically fractured wells based on the concept of induced permeability field. We consider the case when the hydraulic fracturing operation – in addition to establishing the fundamental linear flow geometry in the drainage volume – alters the permeability throughout, but with varying degree depending on the distance from the main fracture plane. We show that, under these circumstances, the reservoir response departs from the uniform-permeability approach significantly.

The new model differs from the once promising group of models that are inherently related to power-law type variation of the permeability-area product and hence are burdened by a mathematical singularity inside the fracture. Analysis of field cases reveals that the induced permeability field can be properly represented by a linear or exponential function characterized by the induced "threshold permeability" and the "stimulation ratio". The threshold permeability is the minimum value of the permeability within the stimulated reservoir volume and the stimulation ratio is the contrast between its maximum and minimum values. Knowledge of these parameters is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of today’s intensively stimulated well completions, especially multi-fractured horizontal wells in shale- gas. The approach describes, in a straightforward manner, the production performance of such wells exhibiting skin factor effect, transient linear flow, and late time boundary effects.

This work provides a new approach to modeling hydraulic fractured reservoirs, together with its analytical solution in the Laplace space. Furthermore, we provide type curves for decline curve analysis, approximate solutions in the time domain, field examples, and practical guidelines for the analysis of commonly occurring production characteristics of highly stimulated reservoirs.
Hydraulic Fracturing Simulation Case Study and Post Frac Analysis in the Haynesville Shale
Authors: Farinas Mauricio , Fonseca Ernesto
Published: February 2013

Hydraulic fracturing is the primary method for realizing reserves out the conventional oil and gas wells. Million of dollars are spent in year basis in the US and little is known on how effective these treatments are and what it is required for optimization, the big question is: is the selected treatment optiumum? Current practices are mainly focused on completion trials in which different approaches are exercised to get a trend of possible optimum treatments. This learning curve takes years and lot resources are left behind.

In the presented study, a fracturing job done a horizontal well from Haynesville shale was evaluated using a 3D planar fracture simulator to get an insight on how effective the fracture treatment was, explore possible ways for optimization and ultimately delve into the causes of low recovery experienced in this particular well. The fracturing job consisted of a cross link gel type job in a multi stage horizontal well.

The stress profile used in the simulator was estimated based on the vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) model which takes into account vertical/horizontal variations on static Young modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Fracture height prediction from the planar 3D simulator was compared to microseismic events and a good agreement was found. Furthermore horizontal fracture growth occurred predominantly away from the target formation leaving low proppant coverage near wellbore and poor connectivity which explains the low expected ultimate recovery obtained from this well compared its neighbors treated with Slickwater. Finally, scenarios for fracture designs were evaluated to minimize water usage and it was found in general that frac jobs are rather conservative in this aspect and a lot of room is available for water reduction.
Investigation of Improved Conductivity and Proppant Applications in the Bakken Formation
Authors: Kurz Bethany , Darren Schmidt P. E. , Cortese Philip
Published: February 2013

Production from the Bakken and Three Forks Formations ("Bakken petroleum system") within the Williston Basin is continuing to climb as a result of applied horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Key to increased oil production is the evolution of reservoir stimulation techniques, such as fracturing fluid systems and proppant types. This study evaluated the key factors that may result in conductivity loss within the Bakken and Three Forks reservoirs. Various proppants and reservoir rock cores were exposed to common fracturing and formation fluids at reservoir conditions. The hardness of the rock cores and the strength of the proppants were evaluated prior to and following fluid exposure. The conductivity of various proppants, as well as formation embedment and spalling, was evaluated at reservoir temperatures and pressures using actual reservoir rock cores. The results of this work suggest that certain fluids may affect both rock and proppant strength and, therefore, garner consideration. The conductivity of propped fractures within the Bakken petroleum system appears to be a function of a variety of factors, including proppant and rock strength, as well as formation embedment and spalling. The results of the study highlight that advanced conductivity testing, coupled with quantification of formation embedment and spalling, can provide further understanding. Given the importance of fracturing fluids and proppant performance on conductivity and ultimately, oil recovery, a better understanding of the effects of these various factors on proppant and rock strength in the field is vital for more efficient production within unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.
Subsurface and Plant Contamination During Natural Attenuation and Phytoremediation of Silt Loam Contaminated with Chlorinated Organic Compounds
Authors: Cho Changhwan , Park Soyoung , Sung Kijune
Published: February 2013

Although natural attenuation and phytoremediation can be cost‐effective alternatives for the remediation of soils contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOC), the risk of groundwater and plant contamination during the remediation process cannot be disregarded. In this study, the potential for subsurface contamination during natural attenuation as well as for plant contamination and recovery during phytoremediation in soils contaminated with 1,1,1‐trichloroethane (TCA), trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were investigated using a total of 56 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) columns filled with soil freshly contaminated by TCA, TCE, and PCE. Contaminant concentrations of soil gas, leachate, plant roots and shoots, and soil microbial biomass were monitored. The impact of easily degradable microbial substrate addition during natural attenuation on subsurface contamination was also examined. The results showed that VOCs migrated into deep soil or groundwater during natural attenuation and phytoremediation, and hence, the manner in which a site is initially managed is important for the effective application of natural attenuation and phytoremediation of VOC‐contaminated soil. In addition, the use of plant species that are fast growing under local environmental conditions was an effective technique for reducing the release of VOC into deep soil. The addition of substrate during natural attenuation helped to reduce subsurface contamination for all three VOC‐contaminated soil systems, particularly PCE. The VOC were first detected in root and then in shoot samples as the experiment progressed. The VOC in plant shoots, unlike those in roots, still remained after the soil was cleaned. Thus, careful plant management should be considered during VOC phytoremediation.
Wildfire and Aspect Effects on Hydrologic States after the 2010 Fourmile Canyon Fire
Authors: Ebel Brian A.
Published: February 2013

Wildfire is one of the most significant disturbances in mountainous landscapes, affecting water supply and ecologic function and setting the stage for natural hazards such as flash floods. The impacts of wildfire can affect the entire hydrologic cycle. Measurements of soil‐water content and matric potential in the near surface (top 30 cm) captured the hydrologic state in both burned and unburned hillslopes during the first spring through fall period (1 June–1 Oct. 2011) after the 2010 Fourmile Canyon Fire near Boulder, CO. This time span included different hydrologic periods characterized by cyclonic frontal storms (low‐intensity, long duration), convective storms (high‐intensity, short duration), and dry periods. In mountainous environments, aspect can also control hydrologic states, so north‐ vs. south‐facing slopes were compared. Wildfire tended to homogenize soil‐water contents across aspects and with depth in the soil, yet it also may have introduced an aspect control on matric potential that was not observed in unburned soils. Post‐wildfire changes in hydrologic state were observed in south‐facing soils, probably reflecting decreased soil‐water retention after wildfire. North‐facing soils were impacted the most, in terms of hydrologic state, by the loss of water storage in the combusted litter–duff layer and forest canopy, which had provided a large “hydrologic buffering” capacity when unburned. Unsaturated zone measurements showed increased variability in hydrologic states and more rapid state transitions in wildfire‐impacted soils. A simple, qualitative analysis suggested that the range of unsaturated‐zone processes along the gravity–capillarity–adsorption continuum was expanded by wildfire for a given soil. The small number of experimental plots in this study suggests that further work is needed before these conclusions can be generalized to other geographic areas.
Distributed Soil Moisture from Crosshole Ground‐Penetrating Radar Travel Times using Stochastic Inversion
Authors: Linde Niklas , Vrugt Jasper A.
Published: February 2013

Geophysical methods offer several key advantages over conventional subsurface measurement approaches, yet their use for hydrologic interpretation is often problematic. We developed the theory and concepts of a novel Bayesian approach for high‐resolution soil moisture estimation using travel‐time observations from crosshole ground‐penetrating radar experiments. The recently developed Multi‐Try Differential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis algorithm with sampling from past states, MT‐DREAM(ZS), was used to infer, as closely and consistently as possible, the posterior distribution of spatially distributed vadose zone soil moisture and porosity under saturated conditions. Two differing and opposing model parameterization schemes were considered, one involving a classical uniform grid discretization and the other based on a discrete cosine transformation (DCT). We illustrated our approach using two different case studies involving geophysical data from a synthetic water tracer infiltration study and a real‐world field study under saturated conditions. Our results demonstrate that the DCT parameterization yields superior Markov chain Monte Carlo convergence rates along with the most accurate estimates of distributed soil moisture for a large range of spatial resolutions. In addition, DCT is admirably suited to investigate and quantify the effects of model truncation errors on the MT‐DREAM(ZS) inversion results. For the field example, lateral anisotropy needed to be enforced to derive reliable soil moisture estimates. Our results also demonstrate that the posterior soil moisture uncertainty derived with the proposed Bayesian procedure is significantly larger than its counterpart estimated from classical smoothness‐constrained deterministic inversions.
Correlation between microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of thermo-insulation bonding agents based on waste material
Authors: Terzic Anja , Pavlovic Ljubica , Stojanovic Jovica , Radojevic Zagorka
Published: February 2013

Building composites - thermo-insulating and/or high-temperature resistant
bonding agents in which fly ash, as potentially environmentally harmful waste
material, is combined with ordinary and refractory cement is new option for
reapplication of this waste material. In this study, investigated bonding
agents were based on two types of fly ashes from coal combustion process and
cements - ordinary Portland cement and highaluminate cement. Change of
mineral phase composition of the composites with increasing temperature was
analyzed by means of XRD method. Microstructural changes within investigated
composites were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Macro-performance - mechanical properties of the investigated bonding agents
was finally correlated with its microstructure. The investigated bonding
agents showed excellent compressive strength, while SEM and XRD analysis
indicated its valuable refractory and thermo-insulation properties.
Towards preparation of design spectra for Serbian national annex to Eurocode 8: Part II. Usage of the UHS approach instead of normalized spectral shapes scaled by a single PSHA parameter
Authors: Bulajic Borko , Manic Miodrag , Ladjinovic Djordje
Published: February 2013

Eurocode 8 spectra are scaled by the peak ground acceleration values that are
defined for the given site through a probabilistic seismic hazard analyses
(PSHA). However, spectra that are created by combining the empirical shapes
with the single PSHA-defined scaling factor will not represent the so-called
Uniform Hazard Spectra (UHS). Moreover, the very shape (Type 1 or Type 2) of
the Eurocode 8 elastic spectrum is selected with respect to the magnitude of
the earthquakes ?that will contribute most to the seismic hazard defined for
the purpose of probabilistic hazard assessment??. Such definition is somewhat
obscure since these ?most contributing? earthquakes are, even at the same
site and for the same probability i.e. for the same ?return period?,
different (in a general case) for different vibration periods, while the
whole Eurocode 8 spectrum is scaled by using only the PSHA estimate of the
peak ground acceleration. In this Paper we present an illustrative example of
the Uniform Hazard Spectra for the city of Belgrade and compare the obtained
UHS spectra, as well as the scenario empirical spectra scaled for different
earthquake parameters, to the corresponding Eurocode 8 spectra, further
pointing out the intrinsic ambiguities in the current EC8 suggestions for
creation of design spectra.
Housing facilities management in the Republic of Serbia from the aspect of energy efficiency improvement
Authors: Turnic Dragana , Dimitrijevic Zarko , Stankovic Danica
Published: February 2013

Housing facilities management is a term which has been evolving in its
contemporary sense in the territory of Serbia since the mid 90?s of the
previous century. Apart from such a long tradition, it encounters a problem
of its insufficiently precise definition in the standing legal regulations,
inexistence of an efficient system of implementation by the legally obliged
persons, and the unsystematic character of regulations pertaining to this
matter. Key deficiency of the existing norms is obvious in four main
segments: routine maintenance, management in unforeseeable emergency
situations, facility capital maintenance management and energy efficiency
management. Until new acts have been adopted, many obligations of the
facilities owners, which should be legal obligations that need to be
implemented, represent only a moral obligation.
Correlation of liquid-liquid equilibria of non-ideal binary systems by NRTL model
Authors: Grozdanic Nikola , Kijevcanin Mirjana , Visak Zoran , Grozdanic Dusan , Serbanovic Slobodan
Published: February 2013

Non Random Two Liquid model (NRTL) with three different forms of temperature
dependant parameters was used to correlate the liquid - liquid equilibrium
data for systems of alcohols with alkanes, and alcohols with two ionic
liquids: 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmmim][BF4]) and
1-butyl-3-ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([beim][BF4]). Different
temperature dependences of NRTL parameters were tested on thirteen literature
experimental liquid - liquid equilibrium data for binary systems.
Kiwifruit as a food allergen source
Authors: Popovic Milica , Grozdanovic Milica , Gavrovic-Jankulovic Marija
Published: February 2013

Since its first appearance on the market kiwifruit has become very popular in
the human diet due to its pleasant taste, low caloric value and high content
of vitamin C. However, kiwifruit allergy has become a frequent cause of type
I hypersensitivity in the western society. Molecular basis for kiwifruit
allergy has been ascribed to up-to-now 11 identified IgE reactive molecules.
They are proteins and glycoproteins with a molecular mass between 50 and 10
kDa. The major kiwifruit allergen is a cysteine protease denoted as Act d 1,
which represents 50% of the soluble protein extract. Due to a difference in
the abundance of protein components and biological activity, the quality of
kiwifruit extracts intended for allergy diagnosis can vary in content and
amount of IgE reactive molecules. In addition, the quality of allergen
extracts for allergy diagnosis depends on the fruit ripening stage and
storage conditions. In terms of clinical reactivity it has become evident
that kiwifruit allergy is not a homogeneous disorder. Different patterns of
IgE reactivity accompany several clinical subgroups that have been identified
in different geographical regions. In the last decade an enormous progress
has been made in isolation and characterization of kiwifruit allergens. This
paper will give an overview of the structural features of kiwifruit
allergens.
Influence of nitrogen on the tribological properties of a-C:H layers on the polycarbonate substrates
Authors: Nowak Rafal , Jonas Stanislawa
Published: February 2013

Polycarbonate (PC) possesses many commercial applications. However, PC is
still limited to non-abrasive and chemical-free environments due to its low
hardness, low scratching resistance and high susceptibility to chemical
attacks. To overcome this limitation, PC can be coated by hydrogenated
amorphous carbon layers. The a-C:H layers have very attractive properties
such as high hardness, infrared transparency, chemical inertness, low
friction coefficients, and biocompatibility. Addition of nitrogen in the
structure allows lowering internal stress and improve tribological properties
of a-C:H layers. In this work, a-C:N:H layers were deposited from mixture
CH4/N2 gases by RF PECVD method. Effects of the nitrogen incorporation on
structure and tribological properties of deposited layers were investigated.
The structure of layers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The friction
coefficient, wear resistance of a-C:H:N layers were estimated by tribometer
in ball-on-disc configuration. The IR spectra of the obtained layers have
demonstrated a presence of nitrogen bonded both to carbon and to hydrogen. A
formation of the following bonds has been confirmed: -C?N, -NH2, -C?NH2,
>C=NH. They are all typical for a-C:N:H layers. The tribological tests have
shown that the layers reduce the friction coefficient of the polycarbonate
(up to 50 %) and considerably improve wear resistance.
Simultaneous Determination of Selected Insecticides and Atrazine in Soil by Mae–GC–ECD
Authors: Barchańska Hanna , Czalicka Marianna , Giemza Anna
Published: February 2013

The procedure for simultaneous extraction from soil and determination by means of GC-ECD insecticides: aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and herbicide: atrazine was worked out. The proposed GC-ECD technique provides limits of detection in range 12 μg/mL - 18 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL, for insecticides and atrazine, respectively. Two different types of extraction: microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) with different solvents were tested to choose the procedure that provides the highest recoveries of analytes and low detection limits, typical for trace analysis (100 ppm or 100 mg/g, IUPAC). On the basis of recoveries and precision both extraction methods were compared. The insecticides recovery from soil samples obtained by UAE were in range 40-85%, coefficient of variation (CV): 1.3-5.0%, whereas for atrazine recovery was below 15% (CV: 8-18%). The most efficient and precise extraction procedure turned out to be MAE with n-hexane: acetone. The recoveries were in range 70-85% for insecticides and 84% for atrazine, CV: 0.4-2.2% and 5.3% for insecticides and atrazine, respectively. The presented MAE-GC-ECD procedure enables extraction and determination of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and atrazine in soil samples with high recoveries, precision and limits of detections in range 6 ng/g - 8 ng/g in the case of insecticides and 1.5 ng/g for atrazine.

The MAE-GC-ECD procedure was applied for the above mentioned pesticides determination in environmental samples. Soils were collected in agricultural as well as rural areas in Poland. In all cases atrazine was determined in concentration range: 0.0187 mg/g - 0.1107 mg/g. Aldrin and dieldrin was detected in soil samples from two locations.
Removal of selected chlorinated micropollutants by ozonation
Authors: Derco Ján , Valičková Mária , Šilhárová Katarína , Dudáš Jozef , Luptáková Anna
Published: February 2013

Feasibility of ozone oxidation for the elimination of selected dissolved organic micropollutants from water and wastewaters was studied. Five organochlorine pesticides, i.e. hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, lindane, and heptachlor, were used as organic contaminants of model water. The first four of them are classified as priority hazardous substances. The oxidation treatment process was performed in a jet loop reactor. Ozone was prepared from pure oxygen. Quantification of the organochlorine pesticides in water was achieved by the gas chromatographic method after liquid-liquid extraction. Significant contribution of stripping to the removal of the investigated compounds during the ozonation treatment was also proven by the results. Effective ozonation time with regard to treatment efficiencies was 30 min, which corresponds to the ozone input of 317 mg per liter of active volume of the ozonation reactor. Single power law kinetic models were used to describe experimental data and kinetic parameters were estimated. The best fit of the experimental degradation data of all studied pollutants was obtained by the second order kinetic model. It can be concluded, based on the results obtained, that the applied ozonation process is a promising procedure for the removal of the investigated pesticides from aquatic environment.
Simple Graphs as Simplicial Complexes: the Mycielskian of a Graph
Authors: Rudnicki Piotr , Stewart Lorna
Published: February 2013

Harary [10, p. 7] claims that Veblen [20, p. 2] first suggested to formalize simple graphs using simplicial complexes. We have developed basic terminology for simple graphs as at most 1-dimensional complexes.

We formalize this new setting and then reprove Mycielski’s [12] construction resulting in a triangle-free graph with arbitrarily large chromatic number. A different formalization of similar material is in [15].
Introduction to Rational Functions
Authors: Schwarzweller Christoph
Published: February 2013

In this article we formalize rational functions as pairs of polynomials and define some basic notions including the degree and evaluation of rational functions [8]. The main goal of the article is to provide properties of rational functions necessary to prove a theorem on the stability of networks
The Friendship Theorem
Authors: Pąk Karol
Published: February 2013

In this article we prove the friendship theorem according to the article [1], which states that if a group of people has the property that any pair of persons have exactly one common friend, then there is a universal friend, i.e. a person who is a friend of every other person in the group
Banach’s Continuous Inverse Theorem and Closed Graph Theorem
Authors: Sakurai Hideki , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Shidama Yasunari
Published: February 2013

In this article we formalize one of the most important theorems of linear operator theory - the Closed Graph Theorem commonly used in a standard text book such as [10] in Chapter 24.3. It states that a surjective closed linear operator between Banach spaces is bounded.
Isomorphisms of Direct Products of Finite Cyclic Groups
Authors: Arai Kenichi , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Shidama Yasunari
Published: February 2013

In this article, we formalize that every finite cyclic group is isomorphic to a direct product of finite cyclic groups which orders are relative prime. This theorem is closely related to the Chinese Remainder theorem ([18]) and is a useful lemma to prove the basis theorem for finite abelian groups and the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups. Moreover, we formalize some facts about the product of a finite sequence of abelian groups.
On L1 Space Formed by Complex-Valued Partial Functions
Authors: Watase Yasushige , Endou Noboru , Shidama Yasunari
Published: February 2013

In this article, we formalized L1 space formed by complexvalued partial functions [11], [15]. The real-valued case was formalized in [22] and this article is its generalization.
Structure Of Pronephros And Development Of Mesonephric Kidney In Larvae Of Russian Sturgeon, Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii Brandt (Acipenseridae)
Authors: Krayushkina L.S. , Gerasimov A.A. , Kirsanov A.A. , Mosyagina M.V. , Ogorzałek A.
Published: February 2013

The structure of the pronephros and development of mesonephric kidney in Russian sturgeon larvae, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt at different stages of early postembryonic development (from hatching to 14 days), were studied with histological and electronic microscopy methods. The larval pronephros is represented by the system of bilaterally located pronephric tubules with ciliated nephrostomes and funnels and exogenous single glomus, which is not integrated directly into pronephric tubules and located in the pronephric chamber. The glomus is positioned below the dorsal aorta and vascularized by its capillaries. The glomus has the same features of the thin structure that are typical of and necessary for the function of a filtering organ. The structure of the pronephros in acipenserids is discussed and compared with teleosts and amphibians. Histogenesis of the mesonephric kidney is observed during the period of pronephros functioning; it is complete by the time the larvae transfer to exogenous feeding. At this moment, the pronephros undergoes significant structural degradation.
Alternating Consecutive Maximum Contraction as a Test of Muscle Function in Athletes Following ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Knezevic Olivera M. , Mirkov Dragan M. , Kadija Marko , Milovanovic Darko , Jaric Slobodan
Published: February 2013

The novel test based on isometric alternating consecutive maximal contractions performed by two antagonistic
muscles has been recently proposed as a test of muscle function in healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to
evaluate reliability and sensitivity of a novel test as a test of knee muscles function in athletes recovering from anterior
cruciate ligament reconstruction. Fifteen male athletes with recent ligament reconstruction (4.0 ± 0.1 months following
the surgery) and 15 sport and physical education students participated in the study. Peak torques of the quadriceps and
hamstring muscles assessed both through the alternating consecutive maximal contractions and standard isokinetic test
performed at 60 º/s and 180 º/s served for calculation of the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and the bilateral difference
in strength. When applied on individuals recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the novel test
revealed a high within-day reliability and sensitivity for detecting imbalances both between antagonistic and between
contralateral muscles. The present findings suggest that alternating consecutive maximal contractions could be used as
a test of muscle function that is either complementary or alternative to the isokinetic test, particularly in the
laboratories where the isokinetic devices are not available. Potential advantages of the novel test could be both a brief
testing procedure and a possibility to conduct it using relatively inexpensive devices such as custom made kits
containing a single one-axis force transducer.
Optimalization of Metals Ions Extraction from Industrial Wastewater Sludge with Chelating Agents / Optymalizacja Procesu Ekstrakcji Jonów Metali Z Przemysłowych Osadów Ściekowych Za Pomocą Roztworów Związków Chelatujących
Authors: Karwowska Beata
Published: February 2013

The report presents the results of selected heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb) removal from industrial wastewater sludge collected from metallurgy industry. As washing solutions two chelating agents were used: EDTA and citric acid. The study was focused on 0.000 (deionized water), 0.010, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100 M and 0.000, 0.050, 0.100, 0.500, 1.000 M, EDTA and citric acid solutions, respectively.

Efficiency of EDTA and citric acid solutions for metal removal was studied by extraction of sludge samples with chelators. Chemical extraction of selected metals was effective for both types of solution. Optimal concentration of EDTA was 0.100M for Zn, Ni and Cd, 0.075 M for Cu and Pb. Optimal concentration of citric acid was 0.500 M for all analyzed metals
From the editor: Biopolitics—still descriptive?
Authors: Bucy Erik P.
Published: February 2013

With sing. concord. The interaction between politics and biology; spec. (a) politically motivated intervention in the growth or development of a population; (b) the use of biological science to explain human social or political behaviour; (c) environmental policy.
The competing meanings of “biopolitics” in political science: Biological and postmodern approaches to politics
Authors: Liesen Laurette T. , Walsh Mary Barbara
Published: February 2013

The term “biopolitics” carries multiple, sometimes competing, meanings in political science. When the term was first used in the United States in the late 1970s, it referred to an emerging subdiscipline that incorporated the theories and data of the life sciences into the study of political behavior and public policy. But by the mid-1990s, biopolitics was adopted by postmodernist scholars at the American Political Science Association's annual meeting who followed Foucault's work in examining the power of the state on individuals. Michel Foucault first used the term biopolitics in the 1970s to denote social and political power over life. Since then, two groups of political scientists have been using this term in very different ways. This paper examines the parallel developments of the term “biopolitics,” how two subdisciplines gained (and one lost) control of the term, and what the future holds for its meaning in political science.
Sixth Workshop of the Agronomy Society of Nepal (ASoN) Theme: Agronomy for food security 10-11 March 2010
Authors: Editor The
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7553 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.134-140
Protection of farmers’ rights and conservation of agro biodiversity in Nepal
Authors: Gauchan D
Published: February 2013

Farmers’ right is considered important to farmers for conservation of agro biodiversity and fostering innovations in agriculture. This paper aims to present findings of the stakeholder survey on the perceptions of farmers' rights and conservation of agro biodiversity in Nepal. The study was carried out in 2006-2007 employing combination of personal interviews, focussed group discussions and consultation meetings to collect perceptions of diverse group of stakeholders (n=124) on issues related to farmers’ rights and conservation of agrobiodiversity. Stakeholders interviewed were farmers, representatives of CBOs, I/NGOs, private sectors, and public sector R & D organisations including government planners. Findings revealed that agrobiodiversity conservation is important to ensuring food security and improving the livelihood of people. Stakeholders have high priority to protect rights of farmers and local communities to conserve rich biodiversity of agriculture. Farmers’ right to seeds, traditional knowledge, benefit sharing and participating in decision makings are their important rights perceived by the stakeholders. A large proportion of stakeholders opined that farmers should be given legal ownership rights to genetic resources and to be involved in sharing benefits arising out of the commercialization of genetic resources. Both governments and farmers should be the main stakeholders for claiming ownerships, facilitating access to genetic resources and sharing benefits arising out from the commercialization of the agrobioresources. Options for establishing institutional mechanisms for ensuring farmers’ rights and conservation of agrobiodiversity are suggested both at the local and national level as well. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7517 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.12-23
Study on quality and milling recovery of different varieties of rice at varying degree of polishing under Khumaltar condition
Authors: Thapa MJ , Shrestha MB , Karki R , Bhattarai CM
Published: February 2013

In Khumaltar, under NARC, rice varieties; Khumal-4, Khumal-8 and Radha-32 as slender varieties and Khumal-11, Taichung, Chainung-242 as bold varieties were studied for assessing their qualitative traits during 2006-08. These were milled in Satake Sheller and polished in Yamamoto polisher at different degree of polishing (0, 4, 8 and 12%). The mean milling recovery (73.4%), head rice (84.8%), broken rice (15.1%), protein (7.71%), ash (0.84%) and fat (1.34%) were recorded from the experiments. Among them, milling recovery, head rice, protein, fat, and ash were found significant (P < 0.05) with increasing degree of polishing. These attributes (head rice, protein, ash, and fat) were recorded increased at 8 and 4% degree of polishing compared to that of 12%. However, for 12% degree of polishing the milling recovery, head rice, protein, fat and, ash content were low as against 4 and 8% degree of polishing. The study showed that nutritional value of protein, fat and, ash contents were found high at 4 and 8% degree of polishing compared to that of 12%. Similarly, the percentage of head rice also increased at 4 and 8% than at 12% degree of polishing. The percentage of broken rice was also increasing with the increasing degree of polishing. Therefore, the result could be concluded that lowering the degree of polishing from 12% to 8% to 4% for both slender and bold rice could be increased rice stock by 4% in country’s total rice production. Hence, the result of this study would help strengthen the food and nutritional security and improve quality of rice in the country as well. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7523 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.88-92
Response of maize genotypes to gray leaf spot disease (Cercospora zeae-maydis) in the hills of Nepal
Authors: Manandhar G , Ferrara GO , Tiwari TP , Baidya S , Bajracharya ASR , Khadge BR , Narro L
Published: February 2013

Gray leaf spot (GLS) is an important and destructive disease of maize in the hills of Nepal. The occurrence of this disease is recorded for the first time in the country in 2006. Several genotypes of maize supposed to be resistant to gray leaf spot in SARMP Zimbabwe and CIAT Colombia were evaluated together with other varieties in observation nursery conducted at farmer’s fields as well as at Khumaltar (NARC research station in the Kathmandu Valley) during 2008 and 2009. Ten out of 28 genotypes of maize were identified as resistant to moderately resistant to GLS. The disease incidence was higher on the open pollinated varieties of maize. The severity of GLS on genotypes of maize observed as 3.0 and 2.2, respectively at Baluwapati and Dhungkharka in Kavrepalanchwok and 2.0 at Khumaltar in Lalitpur during 2008. The severity of GLS was observed as high as 2.4 at Pakhribas in Dhankuta and 1.7 at Khumaltar in 2009. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7524 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.93-101