bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and adaptive control of a novel 3-D conservative no-equilibrium chaotic system
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Volos Christos
Published: October 2015

First, this paper announces a seven-term novel 3-D conservative chaotic system with four quadratic nonlinearities. The conservative chaotic systems are characterized by the important property that they are volume conserving. The phase portraits of the novel conservative chaotic system are displayed and the mathematical properties are discussed. An important property of the proposed novel chaotic system is that it has no equilibrium point. Hence, it displays hidden chaotic attractors. The Lyapunov exponents of the novel conservative chaotic system are obtained as L1= 0.0395,L2= 0 and L3= −0.0395. The Kaplan-Yorke dimension of the novel conservative chaotic system is DKY=3. Next, an adaptive controller is designed to globally stabilize the novel conservative chaotic system with unknown parameters. Moreover, an adaptive controller is also designed to achieve global chaos synchronization of the identical conservative chaotic systems with unknown parameters. MATLAB simulations have been depicted to illustrate the phase portraits of the novel conservative chaotic system and also the adaptive control results.
The Effect of Temperature on the Result of Complex Modification of IN-713C Superalloy Castings
Authors: Binczyk F. , Gradoń P. , Mańka M. , Findziński R.
Published: October 2015

The paper presents the results of research on the determination of the effect of pouring temperature on the macrostructure of the castings subjected to complex (surface and volume) modification and double filtration. Tested castings were made of post-production scrap (gating system parts) of IN-713C superalloy. Tests included the evaluation of the number of grains per 1 mm2, mean grain surface area, shape factor and tensile strength. Casting temperature below 1470 °C positively influenced the modification effect. The grains were finer and the mechanical properties increased, especially for castings with thicker walls. On the other hand, manufacture of thin walled castings of high quality require pouring temperature above 1480 °C.
Degradation of Creep Resistant Ni - Alloy During Aging at Elevated Temperature Part II: Structure Investigations
Authors: Kaczorowski M. , Skoczylas P. , Krzyńska A.
Published: October 2015

The results of structure observations of Ni base superalloy subjected to long-term influence of high pressure hydrogen atmosphere at 750K and 850K are presented. The structure investigation were carried out using conventional light-, scanning- (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results presented here are supplementary to the mechanical studies given in part I of this investigations. The results of study concerning mechanical properties degradation and structure observations show that the differences in mechanical properties of alloy subjected different temperature are caused by more advanced processes of structure degradation during long-term aging at 850K, compare to that at 750K. Higher service temperature leads to formation of large precipitates of δ phase. The nucleation and growth of needle- and/or plate-like, relative large delta precipitates proceed probably at expense strengthening γʺ phases. Moreover, it can’t be excluded that the least stable γʺ phase is replaced with more stable γʹ precipitates. TEM observations have disclosed differences in dislocation structure of alloy aged at 750K and 850K. The dislocation observed in alloy subjected to 750K are were seldom observed only, while in that serviced at high stress and 850K dislocation array and dislocation cell structure was typical.
Structure Distribution in Precise Cast Iron Moulded on Meltable Model
Authors: Skrbek B. , Policar K.
Published: October 2015

Topic of this work is to compare metalurgy of cast irons poured into sand moulds and into shell molds at IEG Jihlava company and from it following differencies in structures of thin- and thick-walled castings. This work is dealing with investigation and experimental measurement on surfaces and sections suitable thin- and thick-walled investment castings at IEG Jihlava. Cast irons with flake graphite (grey cast iron) and cast irons with spheroidal graphite (ductile cast iron). Both mechanical and physical properties are determined using calculations from as measured values of wall thicknesses L and Lu, Vickers hardness and remanent magnetism. Measurement results are discussed, findings are formulated and methods for castings metallurgical quality improvement are recommended finally.
Numerical Model for Solidification Zones Selection in the Large Ingots
Authors: Wołczyński W. , Kwapisiński P. , Kania B. , Wajda W. , Skuza W. , Bydałek A.W.
Published: October 2015

A vertical cut at the mid-depth of the 15-ton forging steel ingot has been performed by curtesy of the CELSA - Huta Ostrowiec plant. Some metallographic studies were able to reveal not only the chilled undersized grains under the ingot surface but columnar grains and large equiaxed grains as well. Additionally, the structural zone within which the competition between columnar and equiaxed structure formation was confirmed by metallography study, was also revealed. Therefore, it seemed justified to reproduce some of the observed structural zones by means of numerical calculation of the temperature field. The formation of the chilled grains zone is the result of unconstrained rapid solidification and was not subject of simulation. Contrary to the equiaxed structure formation, the columnar structure or columnar branched structure formation occurs under steep thermal gradient. Thus, the performed simulation is able to separate both discussed structural zones and indicate their localization along the ingot radius as well as their appearance in term of solidification time.
Achieving Control of Coating Process in your Foundry
Authors: Muoio G.L. Di , Tiedje N.S.
Published: October 2015

Achieving control of coating thickness in foundry moulds is needed in order to guarantee uniform properties of the mould but also to achieve control of drying time. Since drying time of water based coatings is heavily dependent on the amount of water present in the coating layer, a stable coating process is prerequisite for a stable drying process. In this study, we analyse the effect of different variables on the coating layer properties. We start by considering four critical variables identified in a previous study such as sand compaction, coating density, dipping time and gravity and then we add centre points to the original experimental plans to identify possible non-linear effects and variation in process stability. Finally, we investigate the relation between coating penetration (a variable that is relatively simple to measure in production) and other coating layer thickness properties (relevant for the drying process design). Correlations are found and equations are provided. In particular it is found that water thickness can be directly correlated to penetration with a simple linear equation and without the need to account for other variables.
Controlled Precipitation Gaseous Cavities in Aluminium Castings
Authors: Roučka J. , Hotař J.
Published: October 2015

At thermal junctions of aluminium alloy castings and at points where risering proves to be difficult there appear internal or external shrinkages, which are both functionally and aesthetically inadmissible. Applying the Probat Fluss Mikro 100 agent, which is based on nano-oxides of aluminium, results in the appearance of a large amount of fine microscopic pores, which compensate for the shrinking of metal. Experimental tests with gravity die casting of AlSi8Cu3 and AlSi10Mg alloys have confirmed that the effect of the agent can be of advantage in foundry practice, leading to the production of castings without local concentrations of defects and without the appearance of shrinkages and macroscopic gas pores. Also, beneficial effect on the mechanical properties of the metal has been observed.
Mechanical Properties and Melt Quality Relationship of Sr-modified Al-12Si Alloy
Authors: Uludağa M. , Uyaner M. , Yilmaz F. , Dişpinar D.
Published: October 2015

The formation of oxide film on the surface of aluminium melts, i.e. bifilms, are known to be detrimental when they are incorporated into the cast part. These defects causes premature fractures under stress, or aid porosity formation. In this work, Al-12 Si alloy was used to cast a step mould under two conditions: as-received and degassed. In addition, 10 ppi filters were used in the mould in order to prevent bifilm intrusion into the cast part. Reduced pressure test samples were collected for bifilm index measurements. Samples were machined into standard bars for tensile testing. It was found that there was a good agreement with the bifilm index and mechanical properties.
In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of different pulp capping materials: a comparative study
Authors: Poggio Claudio , Ceci Matteo , Dagna Alberto , Beltrami Riccardo , Colombo Marco , Chiesa Marco
Published: October 2015

Direct pulp capping covers the exposed surface of the pulp to maintain its vitality and preserve its functional and biologic activity. The aim of the present study was to compare the biocompatibility effects of seven different pulp-capping materials in vitro: Dycal®, Calcicur®, Calcimol LC®, TheraCal LC®, ProRoot MTA®, MTA-Angelus®, and Biodentine®. Using the Transwell insert methodology by Alamar blue test, we evaluated the cytocompatibility of the above mentioned materials towards murine odontoblasts cells (MDPC-23) at three different times (24, 48, and 72 h). For additional control, the cell viability at 72 hours was also assessed by MTT assay. Morphological analysis of murine odontoblasts was assessed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. The results indicate significantly different biocompatibility among materials with different composition. Biodentine® and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based products showed lower cytotoxicity, varying from calcium hydroxide-based materials, which exhibited higher cytotoxicity. Although our findings are limited to in vitro conditions, the observation that Biodentine® caused a cytotoxic effect similar to MTA suggests that it may be considered an alternative in pulp-capping treatment, as calcium hydroxide-based materials present higher cytotoxic effects.
Levels of house dust mite allergen in cars / Razine alergena prašinskih grinja u automobilima
Authors: Mason Howard J. , Smith Ian , Anua Siti Marwanis , Tagiyeva Nargiz , Semple Sean , Devereux Graham
Published: October 2015

This small study investigated house dust mite (HDM) allergen levels in cars and their owners’ homes in north-east Scotland. Dust samples from twelve households and cars were collected in a standardised manner. The dust samples were extracted and measured for the Dermatophagoides group 2 allergens (Der p 2 and Der f 2) and total soluble protein. Allergen levels at homes tended to be higher than in the cars, but not significantly. However, they significantly correlated with paired car dust samples expressed either per unit weight of dust or soluble protein (rho=0.657; p=0.02 and 0.769; p=0.003, respectively). This points to house-to-car allergen transfer, with the car allergen levels largely reflecting levels in the owner’s home. Car HDM allergen levels were lower than those reported in Brazil and the USA. Twenty-five percent of the houses and none of the cars had allergen levels in dust greater than 2000 ng g-1. This value is often quoted as a threshold for the risk of sensitisation, although a number of studies report increased risk of sensitisation at lower levels. This small study does not allow for characterisation of the distribution of HDM allergen in vehicles in this geographic area, or of the likely levels in other warmer and more humid areas of the UK. Cars and other vehicles are an under-investigated micro-environment for exposure to allergenic material.
Photocatalytic study of organosilane-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Tăbăcaru Aurel , Buşilă Mariana , (Ghisman) Pleşcan Viorica , Muşat Viorica
Published: October 2015

In our recent studies, we have investigated the tunability of optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through surface modification with organosilane surfactants. In the present paper, the effect of ZnO NPs modified with variable amount of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (MPS) surfactant was investigated toward the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), using two different UV light sources emitting at 254 nm and 365 nm. While the maximum photodegradation efficiency of 63% was reached by ZnO NPs loaded with the highest concentration of MPS upon exposure at 254 nm, in the case of UV exposure at 365 nm an opposite photodegradation trend was observed. Actually, a significant photodegradation efficiency of 95% was recorded by the unmodified ZnO, followed by ZnO NPs modified with 2% MPS for which the photodegradation efficiency amounted to 80%, thus highlighting their best photocatalytic performance.
Cavitational Iron Microparticles Generation By Plasma Procedures For Medical Applications
Authors: Bica Ioan , Bunoiu Madalin , Chirigiu Liviu , Spunei Marius , Juganaru Iulius
Published: October 2015

The paper presents the experimental installation for the production, in argon plasma, of cavitational iron microparticles (pore microspheres, microtubes and octopus-shaped microparticles). Experimental results are presented and discussed and it is shown that absorbant particles with a minimum iron content are obtained by the plasma procedures
On A Schwarszchild-Like Metric
Authors: Anastasiei Mihai , Gottlieb Ioan
Published: October 2015

In this short Note we would like to bring into the attention of people working in General Relativity a Schwarzschild like metric found by Professor Cleopatra Mociuţchi in sixties. It was obtained by the A. Sommerfeld reasoning from his treatise "Elektrodynamik" but using instead of the energy conserving law from the classical Physics, the relativistic energy conserving law.
LIDAR Measurements Comparison Of Two Volcanic Eruptions: Environmental Influences Upon The Romanian Territory
Authors: Dănilă Mihai Nicolae , Unga Florin , Cazacu Marius Mihai , Timofte Adrian , Strat Mitachi , Dimitriu Dan Gheorghe , Gurlui Silviu
Published: October 2015

The eruption of both the Eyjafjallajokull (April 2010) and Grimsvotn (May 2011) volcanoes cumulated with two moments that gave headaches to the authorities and air traffic, and their impact on the environment upon Iasi region have been studied by means of different tools evidencing the complexity of the phenomena. In order to evidence the intrusion of pollutants in the cloud systems and to obtain additional data on the intrusion when the ash cloud was over our country, LIDAR measurements, meteorological (NMA), Satellite data (EUMETSAT), and various forecasting models (ECMWF, VAAC-Met Office, HYSPLIT) have been used. The new 3D Atmospheric Observatory Site of the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, as part of RADO (Romanian Atmospheric 3D Observatory) is presented, too.
Preliminary Study In Preparation Of Nd3+: YAG And Sm3+: Y2O3 Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Voicu F. , Gheorghe C. , Florica C.
Published: October 2015

In the present work we present preliminary research on producing of transparent polycrystalline ceramics. Samarium doped Yttrium oxide (1%, 3% and 5%) and Neodymium (1%) doped YAG (Y3Al5O12) translucent ceramics were fabricated by solid-state reaction. Commercial nanopowders was used as the starting materials: Sm2O3 (6μm) and Y2O2 (20-50 nm) for Sm3+: Y2O3 and α-Al2O3, Y2O3 and Nd2O3 (20-50 nm) for Nd3+: YAG. For the preparation of Nd3+: YAG, 0.5 wt% tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was use as sintering additive, and 1 wt % PEG (polyethylene glycol-400) as dispersant.
Simulations Of Air Flow Over A Parabolic Antenna
Authors: Bereteu Liviu , Simoiu Dorin
Published: October 2015

In this paper it is present the influence of the wind on a parabolic antenna, in order to study this influence it was made simulations of air flow over a parabolic antenna. The simulations are made with antenna positioned at 90°, 135°. A three – dimensional finite element is simulated for determination of the antenna displacement.
Mixed Symmetry-Tipe (k,1) Massless Tensor Fields. Consistent Interactions Of Dual Linearized Gravity
Authors: Bizdadea C. , Saliu S. O. , Toma M.
Published: October 2015

A particular case of interactions of a single massless tensor field with the mixed symmetry corresponding to a two-column Young diagram (k,1) with k=4, dual to linearized gravity in D=7, is considered in the context of: self-couplings, cross-interactions with a Pauli-Fierz field, cross-couplings to purely matter theories, and interactions with an Abelian 1-form. The general approach relies on the deformation of the solution to the master equation from the antifield-BRST formalism by means of the local cohomology of the BRST differential.
Evaluation Of Genetoxic Effect Of Radiation Over Vegetal Embryos In Species With Different Radiosensibilities
Authors: Vrîncianu Diana , Ionită Cristina , Băra Iulia , Creangă Dorina
Published: October 2015

This study presents the effects induced by X-rays, medium doses (20-70 Gy), over the meristematic tissues of three cereal species: one of barley and two of wheat. The cytogenetic investigation was based on the response of young seedlings during their very early ontogenetic stages to the ionizing radiation exposure. The study was focused on the identification and counting of the chromosomal aberrations for various doses compared to the control samples. Qualitative evaluation revealed: interchromatidian bridges, expulsed chromosomes or chromosome fragments, and complex aberrations (combination of the already mentioned ones). The different behavior of these three species was discussed over the mitotic index, the number of abnormal ana-telophases and over the percentages of the mitosis phases. In each case, the mitotic index was increased in comparison with the control, and also the number of aberrations was found increased; however no evident mathematical correlations with applied doses could be established.
Calculation Of The Judd - Ofelt Parameters Of The ZnAl2O4: Eu3+
Authors: Constantin S. , Stanciu M.L.
Published: October 2015

Zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) doped with rare earth metal ions has been investigated most frequently because of the unique luminescent properties resulting from its stability and high emission quantum yields. The present work is devoted to calculate the Judd-Ofelt parameters (Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6) of the trivalent europium doped in ZnAl2O4 spinel, the quality factor (Q) and the branching ratio (β).
Attribute-Based Parallel Key-Insulated Signature
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Yu Kun , Long Yu , Chen Kefei
Published: October 2015

To deal with the key-exposure protection problem in attribute-based signature systems, we extend the parallel key-insulated mechanism to attribute-based signature scenarios, and then introduce the primitive of an Attribute-Based Parallel Key-Insulated Signature (ABPKIS). After formalizing the definition and security notions for ABPKIS, a concrete ABPKIS scheme is presented. The security of our proposed ABPKIS scheme can be proved on a standard model. According to our knowledge, this is the first ABPKIS scheme up to now. Moreover, this is also the first concrete attribute-based key-insulated signature construction supporting multi-helpers.
Improving QoS Routing in Hybrid Wireless Mesh Networks, Using Cross-Layer Interaction and MAC Scheduling
Authors: Anita C. S. , Suresh R. M.
Published: October 2015

Delivering Quality of Services (QoS) for cooperative Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) is an important issue when enabling heterogeneous wireless technologies on the client side. A standard approach for satisfying the QoS requirements of different wireless clients appears to be a complex task due to the capacity variations. In addition to the routing layer, the information at the lower layers, such as Physical and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers must be considered for providing the QoS guarantee. The strength of a signal received from heterogeneous clients at the physical layer and the coupled network capacity at the MAC layer plays an important role in the efficient path assignment and time scheduling management for routing. Therefore, this paper proposes an Adaptive Multipath-Dynamic Source Routing (AM-DSR) protocol. It supports Cross-Layer Interaction (CLI) for path assignment and MAC scheduling mechanism for slot assignment to improve the mesh backbone performance for providing multimedia services to various wireless clients in a hybrid WMN. The proposed strategy measures the cross-layer parameter, such as the network capacity, using the Signal to Noise Ratio (SINR) and assigns a route that maximizes the efficiency of the multimedia services. Finally, the performance evaluation shows that the proposed cross-layer based AM-DSR protocol provides efficient QoS support for the mesh backbone enabling connections to multiple clients.
A Neuro Fuzzy Based Intrusion Detection System for a Cloud Data Center Using Adaptive Learning
Authors: Nagarajan Pandeeswari , Perumal Ganeshkumar
Published: October 2015

With its continuous improvements, the cloud computing system leaves an open door for malicious activities. This promotes the significance of constructing a malware action detection component to discover the anomalies in the virtual environment. Besides, the traditional intrusion detection system does not suit for the cloud environment. So, the proposed scheme develops an anomaly detection system, named Hypervisor Detector at a hypervisor layer to detect the abnormalities in the virtual network. Besides, the fuzzy systems have the ability to detect the presence of uncertain and imprecise nature of anomalies; they are not able to construct models based on target data. One of the successful approaches, which integrate fuzzy systems with adaptation and learning proficiencies of a neural network, such as ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System) model, is based on target values. The Hypervisor Detector is designed and developed with an ANFIS and practised with a hybrid algorithm, a combination of the back propagation gradient descent technique with the least square method. For the experiments and performance analysis, DARPA’s KDD cup data set is used. The performance analysis and results show that the model proposed is well designed to detect the abnormalities in virtual environment with the minimum false alarm rate and reduced overhead.
AAM Based Facial Feature Tracking with Kinect
Authors: Wang Qingxiang , Yu Yanhong
Published: October 2015

Facial features tracking is widely used in face recognition, gesture, expression analysis, etc. AAM (Active Appearance Model) is one of the powerful methods for objects feature localization. Nevertheless, AAM still suffers from a few drawbacks, such as the view angle change problem. We present a method to solve it by using the depth data acquired from Kinect. We use the depth data to get the head pose information and RGB data to match the AAM result. We establish an approximate facial 3D gird model and then initialize the subsequent frames with this model and head pose information. To avoid the local extremum, we divide the model into several parts by the poses and match the facial features with the closest model. The experimental results show improvement of AAM performance when rotating the head.
A two-stage model based on artificial neural networks to determine pitting corrosion status of 316L stainless steel
Authors: Jiménez-Come Maria Jesus , Turias Ignacio J. , Ruiz-Aguilar Juan Jesus
Published: October 2015

Motivated to reduce the costs incurred by corrosion in material science, this article presents a combined model based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict pitting corrosion status of 316L austenitic stainless steel. This model offers the advantage of automatically determining the pitting corrosion status of the material. In this work, the pitting corrosion status was predicted, with the environmental conditions considered, in addition to the values of the breakdown potential estimated by the model previously, but without having to use polarization tests. The generalization ability of the model was verified by the evaluation using the experimental data obtained from the European project called “Avoiding Catastrophic Corrosion Failure of Stainless Steel”. Receiver operating characteristic space, in addition to area under the curve (AUC) values, was presented to measure the prediction performance of the model. Based on the results (0.994 for AUC, 0.980 for sensitivity, and 0.956 for specificity), it can be concluded that ANNs become an efficient tool to predict pitting corrosion status of austenitic stainless steel automatically using this two-stage procedure approach.
On the boundedness of the denominators in the Zariski decomposition on surfaces
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Pokora Piotr , Schmitz David
Published: October 2015

Zariski decompositions play an important role in the theory of
algebraic surfaces. For making geometric use of the decomposition of a given divisor,
one needs to pass to a multiple
of the divisor in order to clear denominators. It is therefore
an intriguing question whether the surface has a
“universal denominator” that can be used to simultaneously
clear denominators in all
Zariski decompositions on the surface.
We prove in this paper that, somewhat surprisingly, this condition of
bounded Zariski denominators is equivalent to
the
bounded negativity of curves that is addressed in the
Bounded Negativity Conjecture.
Furthermore, we provide explicit bounds for Zariski denominators
and negativity of curves in terms of each other.
ABCG2/BCRP interaction with the sea grass Thalassia testudinum
Authors: Miguel Verónica , Otero Jon A. , Barrera Borja , Rodeiro Idania , Prieto Julio G. , Merino Gracia , Álvarez Ana I.
Published: October 2015

Background: The aqueous ethanolic extract from leaves of the marine plant Thalassia testudinum has shown antioxidant, cytoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. The chemical composition of this extract, rich in polyphenols, could interfere with active transport of drugs out of the cell and circumvent the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR). The extract can act as an MDR modulator through its interaction with efflux transporters. The ABCG2/BCRP has been shown to confer MDR acting in tumor cells.

Methods: To evaluate the interaction of ABCG2/BCRP with the extract, studies in cells overexpressing human BCRP transporter and its murine ortholog Bcrp1 were performed.

Results and conclusions:
T. testudinum extract could be included as MDR modulator, as interaction with ABCG2/BCRP has been shown through flow cytometry and MTT assays. The cells overexpressing ABCG2/BCRP in the presence of the extract (25–150 μg/mL) decreased the survival rates of the anti-tumoral mitoxantrone. Our results support its inclusion as a possible MDR modulator against tumor cells that overexpress ABCG2/BCRP.
The Use Of Pb-210 Isotope As An Indicator Of Pollutants’ Migration In The Environment
Authors: Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka
Published: October 2015

Radioactive isotopes, both natural and artificial, present in the environment, may be convenient indicators that can be used to study many physical and chemical processes as well as the transport of pollutants in the ecosystem. The studies have shown that in identification of particulate matter emission sources a radioactive lead isotope (Pb-210) can be used. The Pb-210 increased activity concentration in the top soil layers suggests its current atmospheric deposition. This conclusion is confirmed by the results of the Principal Components Analysis, conducted using the measured radionuclide content in 0-30 cm deep soil layer samples.
Evaluation Of The Usefulness Of Spider Webs As An Air Quality Monitoring Tool For Heavy Metals
Authors: Rybak Justyna , Spówka Izabela , Zwoździak Anna , Fortuna Magdalena , Trzepla-Nabagło Krystyna
Published: October 2015

The study aims at evaluating whether webs reflect the level of air pollution measured with conventional methods. Webs of species Malthonica silvestris (l. KOCH, 1872) (Araneae: Agelenidae) were sampled. Samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Zn) content. According webs analyses and classic measurements three traffic-oriented sites in Wroclaw (South-West Poland) showed significantly higher mean concentrations of heavy metals than two other sites situated in quieter, low traffic areas. A very strong significant positive correlation was revealed among average concentrations of Zn and Pb associated with fine particulate matter of atmospheric aerosol (PM1) and webs. We also observed a very strong significant positive correlation among Zn and Pb concentrations on webs and PM2.5. Any significant correlation among PM-emission fractions 2.5 and 10 and associated heavy metals and dust deposited on spider webs was not observed. Although spider webs proved useful indicators of environmental pollution the obtained results suggest that this tool should be used to evaluate the emission of heavy metals in the similar way as other bioindicators such as mosses and lichens are commonly used. The measured concentrations on webs do not reflect results obtained with classic methods. We conclude that spider webs are good for bioindication of road traffic emissions, they could be even more reliable compared to use of some other bioindicators whose activity is often limited by the lack of water and sun.
Molecular Monitoring Of Bacterial And Microalgal Biocenoses’ Biodiversity In High Loaded Farming Ponds
Authors: Karło Agata , Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra , Pilarczyk Maciej , Surmacz-Górska Joanna
Published: October 2015

Eutrophication process is a serious problem in water ecosystems. There is a great need to study the relation between the physico-chemical condition of water and the influence of these parameters on the diversity of biological life, especially on changes in the structure of microbiocenoses. The most interesting are bacteria and microalgae, due to the important roles they play in maintaining the balance of the aquatic environment. In this study, biodiversity analysis of eukaryotic microalgae and bacteria in two artificial water ecosystems - fish farming ponds - was performed. Aquaculture was based on IMTA technology, in which every part of the trophic chain plays a significant role in maintaining the balance in the ecosystems. Experimental intensive - extensive systems differed in terms of nutrient loads, ponds were characterized by high loads of organic and inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. During the experimental period, the physicochemical conditions, quantitative genotypic structure of the two biocenoses being studied and the relation between these factors were monitored and investigated. For the biodiversity analysis, the PCR - DGGE technique was used. The results of preliminary research showed that there is a correlation between nutrient loads, diversity expressed in the Shannon-Wiener Index and the overall condition of experimental systems. Higher loadings of nutrient promote the development of bacteria and microalgae without any influence on the balance in the artificial ecosystem being tested.
Distance Education as an Object of Study and Reflection of Pedagogy in Poland
Authors: Tanaś Maciej
Published: October 2015

The digitization of the media, their software and hardware combination of computers and the development of networks and their dissemination have made distance learning the subject of research, implementation of practical and scientific reflection once again. Those actions are promoted not only by the development of ICT, but also by progressive globalization, demographic changes and economic and cultural challenges. The scientific discourse is also a part of Polish experiences.

The previous treatment of the subject of this paper were historical in nature, fragmentary or were descriptions of individual experiments and experiences of individual universities. Presented approach has not only a synthetic character, but also provides an outline of the original, the Polish concept of teaching – blended learning.
E-learning Readiness of Organization and Employees
Authors: Kuruliszwili Sergo
Published: October 2015

E-learning is a widely used form of education. There are various kinds of e-learning both from the implementing institutions’ as well as from the learners’ point of view. As the learners are of different professions and educations, e-learning requires an individual approach for each users’ population. The effectiveness of e-learning has been researched, measured and proved as beneficial as other forms of learning, although the problem of readiness for learning activities which would employ modern means of education was not as high. The article presents outcomes of a research made among the group of social service workers in terms of their abilities to undertake e-learning education
Modern Didactics in Contemporary Education
Authors: Kędzierska Barbara , Wnęk-Gozdek Joanna
Published: October 2015

The rapid development of information technology and telecommunications has radically changed the two most important social processes: access to information and communication, allowing the globalization of the economy, culture, education and other areas of society. Priority, undoubtedly, is education, which determines the pace of development in particular countries and the quality of life of individuals. Hypertext and episodic flow of information dramatically changes the way we think and learn. Today, the human cognitive process can no longer be based on the linear structure because shaping knowledge is based on the conscious use of information fragments and episodes that reach the contemporary man in a continuous and often unintentional way. In such conditions, methods and forms of education used for centuries are no longer effective, especially for digital natives who build their intellectual capital.
Bone And Soft Tissue Changes In Patients With Spinal Cord Injury And Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dionyssiotis Yannis , Mavrogenis Andreas , Trovas Georgios , Skarantavos Grigorios , Papathanasiou Jannis , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis
Published: October 2015

In patients with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, deterioration of body composition (changes in bone, fat and muscle mass) is associated with increased risk for diseases such as coronary artery heart disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism abnormalities, and osteoporotic fractures in these patients. Immobility leads to a changing pattern of loading in the paralyzed areas, and secondary alteration in structure. However, bone and soft tissue changes in these patients are usually neglected. The purpose of this article is to update on the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to bone and soft tissue changes, and to increase the awareness of the treating physicians with respect to bone, muscle and fat loss and their consequences aiming to obtain measures to prevent bone and soft tissue loss in these patients.
Medical And Surgical Management Of Orbital Cellulitis In Children
Authors: Friling Ronit , Garty Ben-Zion , Kornreich Liora , Scheurman Oded , Hasanreisoglu Murat , Taler Irit , Amir Jacob , Livni Gilat , Snir Moshe
Published: October 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify features of orbital cellulitis that predict response to conservative treatment without surgical intervention and factors associated with a decision for surgery.

Patients and Methods: The medical files of patients diagnosed with orbital cellulitis at a tertiary medical center in central Israel between 1995 and 2010 were reviewed for clinical data, diagnosis, complications, and type of treatment. Comparison was made between patients treated with antibiotics and patients treated with antibiotics and surgery.

Results: Fifty-one patients (35 male) with a mean age of 6.1 years were identified. Main clinical signs included fever (mean 38.5°C), proptosis (82.3%), extraocular motility restriction (74.5%), and ocular pain (41.1%). Forty-one patients were successfully treated with antibiotics and 10 required endoscopic sinus surgery. On between-group comparison, the surgery group had severe eye pain (p = 0.009), severe proptosis (P = 0.02), longer intravenous antibiotic treatment (13.2 vs. 9.2 days, p = 0.04), and several imaging findings. Additional factors associated with surgical intervention included older children, subperiorbital abscess, larger dimension of the abscess (mean 15 mm), involvement of frontal sinuses and findings of intraorbital air bubbles. There was no visual deterioration in either group and no late sequelae.

Conclusion: Factors associated with surgery included age older than 9 years, severe ocular pain, severe proptosis, and subperiorbital large abscess. These may be used for early identification of patients at risk of failure of only medical management.
Regular subspaces of skew product diffusions
Authors: Li Liping , Ying Jiangang
Published: October 2015

Roughly speaking, the regular subspace of a Dirichlet form is also a regular Dirichlet form on the same state space. It inherits the same form of the original Dirichlet form but possesses a smaller domain. What we are concerned in this paper are the regular subspaces of associated Dirichlet forms of skew product diffusions. A skew product diffusionXis a symmetric Markov process on the product state spaceE1×E2${E_{1}\times E_{2}}$and expressed as

Xt=(Xt1,XAt2),t≥0,$X_{t}=(X^{1}_{t},X^{2}_{A_{t}}),\quad t\geq 0,$

whereXi${X^{i}}$is a symmetric diffusion onEi${E_{i}}$fori=1,2${i=1,2}$, andAis a positive continuous additive functional ofX1${X^{1}}$. One of our main results indicates that any skew product type regular subspace ofX, say

Yt=(Yt1,YA~t2),t≥0,$Y_{t}=(Y^{1}_{t},{Y^{2}_{\tilde{A}_{t}}}),\quad t\geq 0,$

can be characterized as follows: the associated smooth measure ofA~${\tilde{A}}$is equal to that ofA, andYi${Y^{i}}$corresponds to a regular subspace ofXi${X^{i}}$fori=1,2${i=1,2}$. Furthermore, we shall make some discussions on rotationally invariant diffusions onℝd∖{}${\mathbb{R}^{d}\setminus\{{\mathbf{0}}\}}$, which are special skew product diffusions on(0,∞)×Sd-1${(0,\infty)\times S^{d-1}}$. Our main purpose is to extend a regular subspace of rotationally invariant diffusion onℝd∖{}${\mathbb{R}^{d}\setminus\{{\mathbf{0}}\}}$to a new regular Dirichlet form onℝd${\mathbb{R}^{d}}$. More precisely, fix a regular Dirichlet form(ℰ,ℱ)${(\mathcal{E,F}\kern 0.569055pt)}$on the state spaceℝd${\mathbb{R}^{d}}$. Its part Dirichlet form onℝd∖{}${\mathbb{R}^{d}\setminus\{{\mathbf{0}}\}}$is denoted by(ℰ0,ℱ)0${(\mathcal{E}^{0},\mathcal{F}{}^{0})}$. Let(ℰ~0,ℱ~)0${(\tilde{\mathcal{E}}^{0},\tilde{\mathcal{F}}{}^{0})}$be a regular subspace of(ℰ0,ℱ)0${(\mathcal{E}^{0},\mathcal{F}{}^{0})}$. We want to find a regular subspace(ℰ~,ℱ~)${(\tilde{\mathcal{E}},\tilde{\mathcal{F}}\kern 0.569055pt)}$of(ℰ,ℱ)${(\mathcal{E,F}\kern 0.569055pt)}$such that the part Dirichlet form of(ℰ~,ℱ~)${(\tilde{\mathcal{E}},\tilde{\mathcal{F}}\kern 0.569055pt)}$onℝd∖{}${\mathbb{R}^{d}\setminus\{{\mathbf{0}}\}}$is exactly(ℰ~0,ℱ~)0${(\tilde{\mathcal{E}}^{0},\tilde{\mathcal{F}}{}^{0})}$. If(ℰ~,ℱ~)${(\tilde{\mathcal{E}},\tilde{\mathcal{F}}\kern 0.569055pt)}$exists, we call it a regular extension of(ℰ~0,ℱ~)0${(\tilde{\mathcal{E}}^{0},\tilde{\mathcal{F}}{}^{0})}$. We shall prove that, under a mild assumption, any rotationally invariant type regular subspace of(ℰ0,ℱ)0${(\mathcal{E}^{0},\mathcal{F}{}^{0})}$has a unique regular extension.
Globalisation of Aggression at Schools: Ethical and Moral Issues
Authors: Gluchmanová Marta
Published: October 2015

Socio-cultural changes (in families, society and culture) are frequently negatively reflected in the minds and actions of young people influenced by the media as part of the globalization of society. We often remark upon the growth in aggressiveness, violence and intolerance among young people both in school and outside school. We often consider these to be the symptoms of the moral crisis in our society.
Psychometric Properties of Subjective Assessment of Quality of Life Questionnaire on Sample of Seniors: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kačmárová Monika
Published: October 2015

The aim of the study was to verify the psychometric properties and the suitability of the Subjective Assessment of Quality of Life questionnaire (SAQL; Džuka, 2014) for use with seniors. The participants were 141 Slovak respondents aged 60-75 (M = 67.44, SD = 4.6). The values of the internal consistency of the subscales of the questionnaire representing four significant domains of quality of life- physical, cognitive, psychosocial and environmental-suggest the instrument has good reliability (α = .79 - .86). Construct validity was demonstrated on the basis of moderately strong to strong correlations between SAQL domains and domains with similar content in the generic instrument, WHOQOL-BREF (WHOQOL Group, 1998), and also a separate module-measuring the spiritual domain of quality of life (SDQL). The multi-factor ANOVA results demonstrated that the score obtained for the different scales is not dependent on the gender, marital status and education of the seniors although an exception was a physical domain, in which a significant effect of education was detected. This can be considered to support the discriminatory validity of the test methodology. The SAQL questionnaire can be considered an appropriate generic instrument for measuring subjective assessment of quality of life in the early senior age group.
Self-Esteem, Extraversion, Neuroticism and Health As Predictors of Quality of Life
Authors: Mikulášková Gabriela , Babinčák Peter
Published: October 2015

The study verified self-esteem, extraversion, neuroticism and health as predictors of subjectively-assessed quality of life. The sample included 109 adolescents (69 healthy adolescents and 40 adolescents with upper respiratory tract disease). The research tools used were WHOQOL-BREF (WHO, 1998), Rosenberg´s self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and NEO-FFI personality questionnaire (Hřebíčková et al., 2002). The results were processed using the multiple linear regression analysis stepwise method. Health was not found to be a predictor of subjectively-assessed quality of life in the research sample. Self-esteem was found to be a predictor of psychological (48% of variance) and environmental (25% of variance) quality of life. Neuroticism was confirmed as a predictor only for physical quality of life (8% of variance). Extraversion was established as a universal predictor for all the aspects of quality of life measured: physical (20% of variance), psychological (8% of variance) and environmental (10% of variance).
Adopting Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives in Constructing A Multilingual’S Identity
Authors: Bilá Magdaléna , Kačmárová Alena , Vaňková Ingrida
Published: October 2015

The cultural phenomenon of globalization has led to bilingualism and/or multilingualism (at least from a socio-pragmatic point of view). This brought to the attention of professionals the issue of the transformation of an identity from monolingual to multilingual. Due to the individual and at the same time social nature of the setting in which a man interacts, the study of the issue of personal identity has to be crossdisciplinary. We claim that in the course of this transformation the language-culture-identity interrelationship is vital and a multidisciplinary approach including (social) psychological, anthropological, philosophical, and discursive perspectives has to be undertaken. The paper approaches the issue of a multilingual’s identity through the prism of the four perspectives and in doing so offers justification for the above claim.
Structured Analysis of Critical Decision Method Data – Emergency Medicine Case Study
Authors: Harenčárová Hana
Published: October 2015

The critical decision method is a semi-structured retrospective interview used mainly in researching professional decision making within the naturalistic decision making paradigm. There are currently, two main methods of performing analysis: ETA - Emergent Themes Analysis and the structured approach (Wong, 2004). The structured approach consists of five steps: 1. decision chart, 2. incident summary, 3. decision analysis tables, 4. identification of items of interest and 5. collation and comparison of common items of interest across incidents. Naturalistic decision making can be time-consuming, involve high stakes, poorly-structured problems, uncertain dynamic environments and ill-defined or competing goals. For this reason we will demonstrate how to the structured approach to perform an analysis using the example of a decision making situation in emergency medicine.
Dialogical and Critical Nature of Philosophical Counselling
Authors: Šulavíková Blanka
Published: October 2015

The article looks at critical thinking in philosophical counselling and the concepts upon which it is based. In conceptions that place critical thinking as the basis of philosophical counselling, an important role is played by the Socratic approach to philosophising. The Socratic method in thinking allocates a fundamental role to conversation, and thus to intersubjectivity, and is therefore an alternative to individual ways of thinking. Conversation as philosophical reflection corresponds to the Socratic intersubjective understanding of truth. The author adopts the view of German philosopher H. Schnädelbach who distinguishes between dialogic and doctrinal approaches. The dialogic approach is found in the Socratic-Platonic tradition, while the doctrinal approach is found in Aristotelean approaches. Doctrinal philosophising is premised in the ideal of intersubjectivity which can be achieved by anyone (subjective thought is internalised subjectivity). Philosophical thought as reflection is always implicitly dialogic at the very least. The article considers definitions of critical thinking and provides examples of critical thinking based philosophical counselling from the thinking of Tim LeBon and Elliot D. Cohen, which link both philosophical and psychological approaches. In conclusion it is critical of an excessive focus on rationality in counselling.
Perceptions of the Maltese Public towards Local Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Mifsud Mark , Verret Marielle
Published: October 2015

The marine environment represents a central component of Maltaís local environment, and its ecosystem services play a vital role in supporting the economy as well as human well-being. Plans have been made to protect the unique ecology found within Maltese waters through the institution of five marine protected areas (MPAs). This quantitative study assessed the environmental knowledge and attitudes of the Maltese public towards the local marine environment, MPAs and education for sustainable development (ESD). A questionnaire was administered to members of the public (n = 200) at three different locations. The study found that although the Maltese public strongly appreciates the beauty of Maltaís marine environment, the level of knowledge surrounding the marine environment is low. Furthermore, the research indicates that while the public agrees that the marine environment should be protected, there is a notable lack of awareness of the five local MPAs. Based on the research findings, a model linking ESD to MPAs and aiming to foster a sense of ownership among the public by encouraging their involvement in the management of local MPAs is proposed.