bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold deposits of the Czech Republic from a mineral policy perspective
Authors: Janíková Pavlína , Starý Jaromír , Klika Radúz , Kavina Pavel , Jirásek Jakub , Sivek Martin
Published: May 2018

Gold production in the region that currently makes up the Czech Republic has a thousand-year-old tradition with peaks around the third century BC, 14th century AD and 20th century AD. In general, approximately 100 metric tonnes were produced by the end of mining in 1994, of which nearly 9 tonnes were produced in the 20th century and approximately 3 tonnes were produced after World War II. Significant gold deposits were discovered during the last extensive exploration conducted in the 1970s to 1995, motivated by the sharp rise in the price of gold at the beginning of the 1970s and in the 1980s. Fifteen deposits with 239 tonnes of geological resources of gold were registered. Another 112 tonnes are recorded as prognosticated resources. None of these deposits are mined, due to unresolved issues involving environmental protection. The exploitation of these deposits is restricted primarily due to concerns regarding the environmental impacts of the mining and processing of extracted minerals. A key aspect of these restrictions is likely the existing ban on the use of cyanide mining technologies. A new and yet-to-be-approved proposal for an updated mineral policy in the Czech Republic is attempting to gradually change this stance. Yet another problem lies in the unfinished surveys of mineral deposits, which would specify the total amount of gold and upgrade the resources to higher categories concerning the level of exploration. Without these, it is impossible to prepare the necessary economic assessments of potential production and of the deposits to the fullest extent of activities involving exploration, mineral extraction and processing, including subsequent reclamation of affected areas, elimination of mining impacts and regeneration of post-mining landscapes. The future of gold deposits in the Czech Republic also greatly depends on future trends in the price of gold and accompanying (by-product) minerals occurring together with gold in mined ores.
Preparation of synthetic carnallite and amorphous silica from chromite beneficiation plant tailings
Authors: Top Soner , Yildirim Mehmet
Published: May 2018

In this paper, synthetic carnallite (MgCl2 ∙ KCl ∙ 6H2O) and amorphous silica (SiO2) preparation possibilities were investigated by utilizing chromite beneficiation plant tailings which contain 3.44% chromite (Cr2O3) and 30.55% magnesium oxide (MgO) by weight. Firstly, laboratory scale high intensity wet magnetic separator was applied for removing the magnetic materials such as chromite, iron (II ) and manganese (II ) minerals in the tailings. About 85.75% of chromite, 91.22% of MnO and 64.71% of Fe2O3 were removed by single stage magnetic separation. After the magnetic separation, hydrometallurgical recovery was initiated by leaching of the tailings with hydrochloric acid (HCl). Amorphous silica particles and the other solids were separated from the leach solution by filtration. Impurities were precipitated from the leach solution by elevating the solution pH via magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) adding. The purified magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solution was mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH ) at stoichiometric ratio. According to the XRD and chemical analysis, the synthetic carnallite was synthesized by controlled heating of this solution at 90-100°C. Also, the amorphous silica with 96.5% SiO2 content and 84.38% recovery yield was obtained by additional magnetic separation treatment.
Metal Streaming Instruments As an Tool to Increase Mining Project Values
Authors: Wirth Herbert , Koński Maciej
Published: May 2018

Stream financing is an important instrument that supports bringing projects from their development stage into production and maximizing their value. Taking relatively significant difficulties encountered by mining companies with securing project financing in recent years into account and, on the other hand, based on fundamental analysis, the positive potential of the copper market in the upcoming years, stream financing instruments can play a significant role in the copper market by supporting the development of new mining projects owned by companies with limited access to basic sources of funding. On the basis of a fundamental analysis of the copper market, the article explains and justifies presumptions for using metal streaming transactions in financing the development of mining projects at different stages of advancement. T he article explains key metal streaming structuring and valuation rules in such transactions. Additionally, it explains the main requirements related to project stages of development and the competitive position that determines the ability of efficient capital raising by means of streaming. The performed analysis justifies the potential of using metal streaming instruments to maximize project value. Disadvantages of metal streaming are related mainly to the lack of participation in potential further metal price increase in relation to the prices used in streaming instruments. Due to the discount in company valuation that may occur in the event the cost of production increases after additional revenue from precious metals no longer exists, streaming instruments are suitable mainly to the low cost assets.
Impact Of Selected Post-Mining And Metallurgical Dumps On Air Pollution On Sites In The Czech Republic And Poland
Authors: Dombek Václav , Gembalová Lucie , Tomšej Tomáš , Matýsek Dalibor , Drobek Leszek , Bzowski Zbygniew , Ženatý Lukáš , Seibert Radim
Published: May 2018

The paper studies the possible influence of selected post-mining and air pollution on metallurgicaldumps at czech republic and polish sites on air pollution load in the region. The content of PAHs and heavy metals were determined in dust samples taken from surface dumps SZOTKÓWKA I “of KWK” JAS-MOS and ČSM. The obtained data were used for modeling pollution load around hald using models SYMOS’97. On the basis of the models was assessed the effect of hunger on both air pollution situation around in terms of PAHs, heavy metals and PM10.
Chemical compounds and antimicrobial activity of petitgrain (Citrus aurantium L. var. amara) essential oil
Authors: Gniewosz Małgorzata , Kraśniewska Karolina , Kosakowska Olga , Pobiega Katarzyna , Wolska Iwona
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Due to its low cost and easy availability on the market, the petitgrain oil is commonly used in food, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. Objective: The examination of chemical composition and antibacterial activity of commercial petitgrain oil. Methods: Identification of chemical components of the petitgrain oil was performed by gas chromatography (GC). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) were determined using macrodilution method for the reference strains of bacteria and fungi. Results: Twenty components were identified. The petitgrain oil contained mostly oxygenated monoterpene hydrocarbons (98.01%), and the main components included linalyl acetate (48.06%) and linalool (26.88%). The MIC/MBC of the petitgrain oil for bacteria was in the range of 0.63-5.0/1.25-5.0 mg/ml and for fungi in the range of 1.25-40/5.0-80 mg/ml. Conclusion: The petitgrain oil had higher antibacterial activity than antifungal activity. Bacillus subtilis among the tested bacteria and Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum among the fungi were found to be highly inhibited by the petitgrain oil.
Changes in Respiratory Parameters and Fin-Swimming Performance Following a 16-Week Training Period with Intermittent Breath Holding
Authors: Stavrou Vasileios , Toubekis Argyris G. , Karetsi Eleni
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of training with intermittent breath holding (IBH) on respiratory parameters, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and performance. Twenty-eight fin-swimming athletes were randomly divided into two groups and followed the same training for 16 weeks. About 40% of the distance of each session was performed with self-selected breathing frequency (SBF group) or IBH (IBH group). Performance time of 50 and 400 m at maximum intensity was recorded and forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and SpO2 were measured before and after the 50 m test at baseline and post-training. Posttraining, the respiratory parameters were increased in the IBH but remained unchanged in the SBF group (FEV1: 17 ±15% vs. -1 ±11%; FVC: 22 ±13% vs. 1 ±10%; PEF: 9 ±14% vs. -4 ±15%; p<0.05). Pre compared to post-training SpO2 was unchanged at baseline and decreased post-training following the 50 m test in both groups (p<0.05). The reduction was higher in the IBH compared to the SBF group (p<0.05). Performance in the 50 and 400 m tests improved in both groups, however, the improvement was greater in the IBH compared to the SBF group in both 50 and 400 m tests (p<0.05). The use of IBH is likely to enhance the load on the respiratory muscles, thus, contributing to improvement of the respiratory parameters. Decreased SpO2 after IBH is likely due to adaptation to hypoventilation. IBH favours performance improvement at 50 and 400 m fin-swimming.
The Accumulative Effect of Concentric‐Biased and Eccentric‐ Biased Exercise on Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Responses to Subsequent Low‐Intensity Exercise: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Gavin James Peter , Myers Stephen , Theodorus Willems Mark Elisabeth
Published: May 2018

The study investigated the accumulative effect of concentric-biased and eccentric-biased exercise on cardiorespiratory, metabolic and neuromuscular responses to low-intensity exercise performed hours later. Fourteen young men cycled at low-intensity (~60 rpm at 50% maximal oxygen uptake) for 10 min before, and 12 h after: concentric-biased, single-leg cycling exercise (CON) (performed ~19:30 h) and eccentric-biased, double-leg knee extension exercise (ECC) (~06:30 h the following morning). Respiratory measures were sampled breath-by-breath, with oxidation values derived from stoichiometry equations. Knee extensor neuromuscular function was assessed before and after CON and ECC. Cardiorespiratory responses during low-intensity cycling were unchanged by accumulative CON and ECC. The RER was lower during low-intensity exercise 12 h after CON and ECC (0.88 ± 0.08), when compared to baseline (0.92 ± 0.09; p = 0.02). Fat oxidation increased from baseline (0.24 ± 0.2 g·min1) to 12 h after CON and ECC (0.39 ± 0.2 g·min1; p = 0.01). Carbohydrate oxidation decreased from baseline (1.59 ± 0.4 g·min-1) to 12 h after CON and ECC (1.36 ± 0.4 g·min1; p = 0.03). These were accompanied by knee extensor force loss (right leg: -11.6%, p < 0.001; left leg: -10.6%, p = 0.02) and muscle soreness (right leg: 2.5 ± 0.9, p < 0.0001; left leg: 2.3 ± 1.2, p < 0.01). Subsequent concentric-biased and eccentric-biased exercise led to increased fat oxidation and decreased carbohydrate oxidation, without impairing cardiorespiration, during low-intensity cycling. An accumulation of fatiguing and damaging exercise increases fat utilisation during low intensity exercise performed as little as 12 h later.
Talk talk, not just small talk. Exploring English contrastive focus reduplication with the help of corpora
Authors: Widlitzki Bianca
Published: May 2018

Contrastive focus reduplication (CR) is a type of reduplication in English which picks out a prototypical or intensified reading of the reduplicated element and shows contrastive stress on the reduplicant: for instance, speakers may use talk talk to indicate that a ‘real talk’ - as opposed to e.g. ‘just small talk’- took place. The present paper pursues an empirical, corpus-linguistic approach to CR: Based on three mega-corpora of contemporary English, the following aspects in particular are investigated: the importance of the co-text of CR, the possibility of emerging default interpretations for some frequent CRs, and the function(s) CR serves in discourse. In addition, it contains the first analysis of the sociolinguistics of the phenomenon, based on a corpus of blogs. It emerges that contrasts and/or synonyms are commonly employed to clarify the meaning of CR - most frequently in the form of the unreduplicated base (not talk, but talk talk) or an explanatory phrase (talk talk, by which I mean a serious conversation). CR is most frequent in blogs maintained by women and by young speakers. Its presence in blogs shows that CR is not limited to (fictional representations of) spoken dialogue. Though generally rare, it is also found in other genres (such as fiction, news, and even academic prose). Apart from its disambiguating function, CR is also used for creative purposes (as a kind of wordplay) and apparently serves to build rapport between interlocutors (or bloggers and readers) via reference to common ground.
General Purpose Technologies and their Implications for International Trade
Authors: Petsas Iordanis
Published: May 2018

This paper develops a simple model of trade and “quality-ladders” growth without scale effects to study the implications of general purpose technologies (GPTs) for international trade. GPTs refer to a certain type of drastic innovations, such as electrification, the transistor, and the Internet, that are characterized by the pervasiveness in use, innovational complementarities, and technological dynamism. The model presents a two-country (Home and Foreign) dynamic general equilibrium framework and incorporates GPT diffusion within Home that exhibits endogenous Schumpeterian growth. The model analyzes the long-run and transitional dynamic effects of a new GPT on the pattern of trade and relative wages. The main findings of the paper are: 1) when the GPT diffusion across industries is governed by S-curve dynamics, there are two steady-state equilibria: the initial steadystate arises before the adoption of the new GPT and the final one is reached after the GPT diffusion process has been completed, 2) when all industries at Home have adopted the new GPT, Home enjoys comparative advantage in a greater range of industries compared to Foreign, 3) during the transitional dynamics, Foreign gains back its competitiveness in some of the industries that lost its comparative advantage to Home.
Social Desirability Bias and Earnings Management around the World
Authors: Niszczota Paweł
Published: May 2018

In this paper we test whether inter-country variation in individuals’ tendency to conform, as measured by the Lie (social desirability) scale used in the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, can explain differences in the propensity to employ corporate earnings management around the world. Such a link is feasible, given that survey data suggest executives tend to be under severe pressure to meet earnings benchmarks, to which they often succumb by engaging in earnings management (to the detriment of the company’s long-term prospects). We hypothesize that in countries where the propensity to act in a socially desirable (outsider-satisfying) way is stronger, earnings management should be more prevalent. Research results support our hypothesis, and demonstrate the existence of a positive relationship between the prevalence of earnings management in a country and the mean score of individuals from that country on the Eysenck Lie scale, which further evidences that capital market pressure is a significant determinant of earnings management.
Flubendiamide induces transgenerational compound eye alterations in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sarkar Saurabh , Roy Sumedha
Published: May 2018

Pesticides are one of the major sources of environmental toxicity and contamination. This study reports potential of lepidopteran insecticide formulation, named Flubendiamide, in altering compound eye architecture and bristle pattern orientation for four consecutive generations (P, F1, F2 and F3) in a non-target diptera, Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae). The concentrations of the insecticide formulation selected for treatment of Drosophila (50 and 100 μg/mL) were in accordance with practiced Indian field doses (50 μg/mL for rice and 100 μg/mL for cotton). This study showed trans-generational insecticide-induced changes in the morphology of the compound eyes of the non-target insect D. melanogaster.
Hilbert Transformation Impulse Response
Authors: Sulima Mariusz
Published: May 2018

This work presents a new DHT impulse response function based on the proposed nonlinear equation system obtained as a result of combining the DHT and IDHT equation systems. In the case of input time series with selected characteristics, the DHT results obtained using this impulse response function are characterised by a higher accuracy compared to the DHT results obtained based on the convolution using other known DHT impulse response functions. The results are also characterised by a higher accuracy than the DHT results obtained using the popular indirect DHT method based on discrete Fourier transform (DFT). Analysis of these example time series with selected characteristics was performed based on the signal-to-noise ratio.
Anova-Based Method for Hurst Exponent Estimation of Heart Rate Variability Sequences
Authors: Georgieva-Tsaneva G. , Dimitrova M.
Published: May 2018

A method for determination of the Hurst exponent based on Analysis of Variance for processing of medical data sequences is proposed in the paper. It is compared to the “rescaled adjusted range method” developed by Hurst and applied in this paper to heart rate variability data. The obtained results and the performed comparative analysis demonstrate the possibility for effective application of the proposed method in novel medical information systems.
An Approach for Ontology Based Information Extraction
Authors: Borisova N.
Published: May 2018

An approach for Ontology based Information Extraction (OBIE) from unstructured text in the Bulgarian language is presented in this paper. The presented method and algorithm provide a solution for automatic data extraction from text documents exploiting ontologies. To this end, in addition to the standard tools for processing language resources in an open source free software, a dictionary-based lemmatizer for Bulgarian has been developed and integrated. It is distributed as free software, publicly available to download and use under the GPL v3 license. Due to the specifics of inflection in Bulgarian the developed tools for lemmatization will contribute to improving the results of the POS tagger. This approach will offer opportunities for developing a dynamically created gazetteer that is, in combination with a few other generic GATE resources, capable of producing ontologybased annotations over the given content with regards to the given ontology. This algorithm can also be used in the processes of content creation and management of information and knowledge.
Simulation of Cloud Computing Environments with CloudSim
Authors: Atanasov D. , Ruskov T.
Published: May 2018

Cloud computing is a recent advancement wherein IT infrastructure and applications are provided as ‘services’ to end-users under a usage-based payment model. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate CloudSim: a new generalized and extensible simulation framework that enables seamless simulation, and experimentation of emerging cloud computing infrastructures and management services.
Perturbation Analysis of the Continuous-time Regional Pole Assignment and H2 Performance Control Problems: an LMI Approach
Authors: Yonchev A.
Published: May 2018

In the paper a method to conduct perturbation analysis of regional pole assignment and H2 performance control problems for linear continuous-time systems are investigated. The studied control problems are based on solving LMIs (Linear Matrix Inequalities) and applying Lyapunov functions. The problem of performing sensitivity analysis of the perturbed matrix inequalities is done in a similar way as for perturbed matrix equations, after introducing a slightly perturbed right hand part. The calculated perturbation bounds can be used to analyze the feasibility and performance of the considered control problems in presence of perturbations in the system and the controller. An illustrative numerical example is also discussed in this paper.
Numerical solutions of the generalized Burgers-Huxley equation by implicit exponential finite difference method
Authors: İnan B. , Bahadir A. R.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, numerical solutions of the generalized Burgers-Huxley equation are obtained using a new technique of forming improved exponential finite difference method. The technique is called implicit exponential finite difference method for the solution of the equation. Firstly, the implicit exponential finite difference method is applied to the generalized Burgers-Huxley equation. Since the generalized Burgers-Huxley equation is nonlinear the scheme leads to a system of nonlinear equations. Secondly, at each time-step Newton’s method is used to solve this nonlinear system then linear equations system is obtained. Finally, linear equations system is solved using Gauss elimination method at each time-step. The numerical solutions obtained by this way are compared with the exact solutions and obtained by other methods to show the efficiency of the method.
Bi-Objective Bilevel Programming Problem: A Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Haseen S. , Bari A.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a likely situation of a set of decision maker’s with bi-objectives in case of fuzzy multi-choice goal programming is considered. The problem is then carefully formulated as a bi-objective bilevel programming problem (BOBPP) with multiple fuzzy aspiration goals, fuzzy cost coefficients and fuzzy decision variables. Using Ranking method the fuzzy bi-objective bilevel programming problem (FBOBPP) is converted into a crisp model. The transformed problem is further solved by adopting a two level Stackelberg game theory and fuzzy decision model of Sakawa. A numerical with hypothetical values is also used to illustrate the problem.
Current Concepts and New Trends in the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Dobreanu Dan
Published: May 2018

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a critical condition which often complicates the evolution of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). At the same time, co-existence of chronic multi-vessel disease can lead to the development of cardiogenic shock in cases with pronounced haemodynamic instability. Different clinical studies have tried to identify the most appropriate treatment for critical cases of CS complicating AMI. This review aims to present the current status of recommended therapeutic strategies for severe cases of CS presenting as a complication of AMI, and try to shed light on the most appropriate therapeutic strategy as outlined in the current literature. The paper will discuss the different current strategies available for use in the treatment of this condition, includig interventional revascularisation, (complete or culprit), the role of new devices for providing mechanical circulatory support, and the potential role of new drug therapies and of hypothermia.
A Reinforcement Routing Algorithm with Access Selection in the Multi–Hop Multi–Interface Networks
Authors: Jafari Amir Hosein , Shahhoseini Hadi Shahriar
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a routing algorithm is proposed for access selection in a network to find the optimal paths among intermediate nodes with multiple interfaces. Markov Decision Process is applied in each node to find optimal policy and select proper paths to the best access point in a dynamic environment. A reward function is defined as environment feedback to optimize and adapt routing behavior of nodes based on the local information. Selection metrics in each node are interface load, link quality and destination condition. It is shown, by using the proposed algorithm, there are better management in the node which decreases interference and collision and selects links with better quality toward the best possible destination. The performance of the method is exemplified and it is shown how the throughput and average delay of the network with more interface in its nodes, improved while packet loss degrades. As an example a two-interface and a one-interface network are studied. It is shown when network load is increased, interface management will improve the throughput, in the network with two-interface nodes. Also, by considering the link quality factor in the reward function, packet dropping becomes less but average delay increases.
Maximum Temperature Detection System for Integrated Circuits
Authors: Frankiewicz Maciej , Kos Andrzej
Published: May 2018

The paper describes structure and measurement results of the system detecting present maximum temperature on the surface of an integrated circuit. The system consists of the set of proportional to absolute temperature sensors, temperature processing path and a digital part designed in VHDL. Analogue parts of the circuit where designed with full-custom technique. The system is a part of temperature-controlled oscillator circuit - a power management system based on dynamic frequency scaling method. The oscillator cooperates with microprocessor dedicated for thermal experiments. The whole system is implemented in UMC CMOS 0.18 μm (1.8 V) technology.
Tinea Incognito — Incorrect Initial Diagnosis. Case Series Presentation with Emphasis on the Mycological Examination
Authors: Chiriac Anca , Brzezinski Piotr , Podoleanu Cristian , Stolnicu Simona
Published: May 2018

Tinea incognito defines a modified clinical aspect of a tinea following an immunosuppressive therapy, mostly with potent topical steroids. Its diagnosis may be delayed by its delusive appearance, especially in small children and young adults. We present a series of 2 cases of Tinea incognito developed at different ages and incorrectly diagnosed initially, where the clinical diagnosis was followed by mycological examination and positive therapeutic test with antifungal medication, helping to avoid unnecessary laboratory investigations and to prevent further complications.
Profiling as a logical form of reasoning in order to solve controversial circumstances on the crime scene
Authors: Palcu Pavel , Morostes Anca Florina
Published: May 2018

While conducting research on the scene or during the entire phase of criminal prosecution, especially for the identification of the authors or settlement of the controversial circumstances, criminal profiling by a forensic psychologist will reduce the circle of suspects, as well as provide assistance in determining possible connections with other crimes and offer to judicial organs sustainable strategies for the solution of the case. In addition to identifying and processing the material traces found on the scene, concern falling strictly within forensics, in the future, efforts against criminality of the third millennium will be oriented towards the interpretation of human behaviour with criminogenic finality.
The influence of accounting system regarding accounting and taxation of entities
Authors: Mates Dorel , Puscas Adriana , Ursachi Antonela , Ajtay Eduard
Published: May 2018

Accounting and taxation in Romania at the beginning of the third millennium are in continuous development, as a result of globalization of the world economy and of connecting the accounting and tax system to the international and European one.

The confluence of the two representative cultures – Anglo-Saxon and Latin-European – has left a strong mark on the Romanian accounting and taxation.

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the European Directives set the line to follow for both the Romanian accounting and the Romanian taxation. We get to ask whether Romania has still got its own strategies of economic, social and cultural development or we are part of a system of strategies where accounting is also included?
Driving a vehicle without a driving licence in the New Romanian Criminal Code
Authors: Zazula Bela
Published: May 2018

Improving the traffic safety represents a central objective of the European Union’s policy in the transports field. The Union has in view an improvement of the traffic safety, having as purpose the diminishing of deaths, bodily injuries and material damages. An important element of this policy is represented by the consistent application of sanctions for transgressing the circulation norms committed in the Union, an objective to which the New Romanian Criminal Code has fallen into line.
Protection of Occupants Military Vehicles Against Mine Threats and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) / Ochrona Załogi Pojazdu Wojskowego Przed Wybuchem Min i Improwizowanych Urządzeń Wybuchowych (IED)
Authors: Sławiński Grzegorz , Niezgoda Tadeusz
Published: May 2018

Risk of danger for military vehicle crew life and health increases when explosion under vehicle appears. Consideration of this phenomenon in the aspect of soldiers safety is based on coupled analysis of soldier’s body, car seat and vehicle construction elements. As the effect of blast wave interaction the vibrations of construction and passanger body acceleration appear. In the paper the analysis of improvised explosive device (IED) detonation under the military vehicle was carried out in the aspect of soldier neck spine injury. The analysis was made with the usage of numerical methods in LS Dyna computer code and considered the changeble values of displacement and acceleration registered during detonation.
Transcriptional Activity of Gene Encoding Subunits R1 and R2 of Interferon Gamma Receptor in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Slow Coronary Flow
Authors: Faramarz-Gaznagh Sanaz , Rasmi Yousef , Khadem-Ansari Mohammad-Hasan , Seyed-Mohammadzad Mir-Hossein , Bagheri Morteza , Nemati Mohadeseh , Shirpoor Alireza , Saboori Ehsan
Published: May 2018

Background: Slow coronary flow (SCF) is a coronary artery disorder characterized with delayed opacification of epicardial coronary arteries without obstructive coronary disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of SCF remain un clear. One of the possible mechanisms that may participate in the pathology of SCF is endothelial dysfunction related to the inflammatory process. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is an inflammatory cytokine that acts through its specific receptor composed of two subunits, IFN-γR1 and IFN-γR2. Trans criptional activity of the gene encoding these subunits influences IFN-γ activity. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of IFN-γ receptor subunits in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with SCF.

Methods: The study was performed with 30 patients (22 male/8 female) aged 35–76 (52.8±11.7 years) with SCF and 15 sex-(11 male/4 female), Body Max Index (BMI)-and age-matched (54.73±9.42 years) healthy subjects. Total mRNA was extracted from PBMC and was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relative expression values (2−ΔΔCt) between control and case groups were determined and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: There was a significant increase in the gene expression of IFN-γR1 in PBMC from SCF patients vs. controls (P< 0.0001); but the differences in IFN-γR2 gene expression were statistically insignificant between patient and control groups (P= 0.853).

Conclusions: It can be concluded that IFN-γR1 gene expression may influence the function of microvasculature and thereby contribute to the pathophysiology of SCF.
Detection Of High Voltage Lines Based On Analyzing Images Received From An UAV In Order To Detect Corona Discharge
Authors: Vidan Cristian , Jula Nicolae , Timmerman Martin , Haelterman Robby
Published: May 2018

In the high voltage domain, the Corona discharge represents one of the most disturbing problems for the companies that transport electricity. Corona discharge is an electrical discharge brought on by the ionization of a fluid surrounding a conductor that is electrically energized. To combat this phenomenon it is necessary to keep high voltage power lines under surveillance and try to maintain losses at a reasonable value. The best manner to do this thing is by using a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft vehicle having on board the necessary sensors for detecting Corona discharge. In this paper we will focus on extracting and detecting high voltage lines from the images received from an UAV which will be analyzed using a number ofMATLAB functions. To detect lines into an image the Radon transformwill be used which is an integral transform that maps a function to its integrals over lines.
Research On The Subject Of Nutrition In Physical Effort Determination
Authors: Martinescu Fabiana
Published: May 2018

Living organisms are in close dependence with the environment.

There is also a permanent exchange of substance, energy and information between the human body and the environment, an exchange that underlies the development of all biological processes. In the normal biological processes, the essential environmental factors compete, among which we mention the air, water and food. The importance of food (lat. alimentum - aliment)consists of the intake of nutrients necessary for all life processes.

The substances from food are generically described by the term “nutrient principles” or “food principles”, often being used the term “nutrients”. Among nutrients, depending on their amount in the food products and the physiological and biochemical role, there are the macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and protides), micronutrients (mineral compounds of biological interest and vitamins) as well as other nutrients (water, fibres, biologically-active substances).
Building A Nutritional Plan To Support Prolonged Exercise
Authors: Martinescu Fabiana
Published: May 2018

Over the years, we have heard numerous discussions and views on the nutritional plans for the bodybuilding and fitness practitioner. The most controversial meal of the day is with no doubt the dinner. Supporters of the principle according to which dinner should be eliminated and the last meal of the day should be taken in the afternoon, support their theory with solid arguments, at least theoretically. The others, more tolerant, recommend that dinner is taken at least one hour before going to bed and the latter bring relevant counterarguments to support their opinion. It is no less true that what, how much and when you are eating in the evening is essential in achieving the set goals. For example, for someone interested in increasing body weight and muscle, dinner and its caloric intake is particularly important. On the opposite end are those who want to lose weight and even more, want to keep their muscle. They will definitely not try to get more calories, but will be interested in where these calories come from.
A Possible Approach To The Quality Of Breathing Organs Protective Equipment’s Exhalation Valve Assessment
Authors: Otřísal Pavel , Florus Stanislav
Published: May 2018

One of the most important parts of most equipment designated for breathing organs protection is an exhalation valve which basically determinates the quality of breathing organs protective equipment. Its quality and technical properties affect the quality of protective equipment as the whole set in a strong way. That is why an extraordinary attention has to be devoted in terms of the exhalation valve quality assessment. An aim of information is to point to some problems related to the evaluation of the breathing organs protective equipment quality.
Program of experimental atmospheric corrosion tests of weathering steels
Authors: Křivý V. , Kreislová K. , Urban V. , Vavrušová K.
Published: May 2018

This article presents the program of experimental atmospheric
corrosion test of weathering steels. This program
is designed as a long-term project. Attention is paid to study
of corrosion processes at different structural elements of
supporting structures of bridges. Measurements of corrosion
losses and average thicknesses of corrosion products are carried
out within this experimental program. Protective ability
of corrosion products is evaluated using X-ray diffraction
analysis. The article presents results of corrosion tests after
one year of exposure of corrosion specimens. It results from the
tests that corrosion losses of weathering steels are signifi cantly
conditioned by position and location of exposed surface within
the structure.
Flexible binders, their degradation and impact on cement substrate
Authors: Knotek V. , Kučerová I. , Horáková T. , Peterová A.
Published: May 2018

Compared to the traditional inorganic binders based on
mortar or plaster, cementing clefts and cracks with polymer
fl exible binders is effective in terms of better adhesion and fl exibility.
Nevertheless, in order to be applicable in restoration
practice they must comply with the condition of a minimum impact
on the substrate, which frequently is a porous material.
Silicon-based binders, synthetic rubber and hybrid binders based
on silicone modifi ed with polyurethane and polyether were
tested in this study. The binders were artifi cially aged under
various conditions. At the same time, the study also focused on
the extent of infl uencing of the porous cement substrate by the
application of binders. The silicone binders showed the best
resistance to artifi cial aging, however, the originally hydrophilic
substrate became hydrophobic. Hybrid binders showed better
resistance to moist rather than dry atmosphere. Testing in
the QUV panel caused cracking and incoherence of all hybrid
bonders. Various categories of binders showed similar properties
in terms of resistance to aging and the extent of infl uencing
of the porous substrate. The porous cement substrate was
reported to be substantially infl uenced by all tested binders.
Therefore, none of the tested binders can be unambiguously
recommended for application in restoration practice.
Re-Reading, Re-Writing, Re-Contextualising Shakespeare
Authors: Dimitriu Rodica , Andriescu Radu
Published: May 2018

Re-contextualising Shakespeare; Re-reading Shakespeare’s unconventional female characters; Shakespeare’s language and what it tells us; Transforming Shakespeare: adaptations and replacements
Shakespeare Re-Read, Re-Written, Re-Contextualised Or... Re-Placed in Opera and Musical
Authors: Bottez Alina
Published: May 2018

Shakespeare thrives not only in the theatre, but also through what Bolter and Grusin call remediation. This article analyses how opera and musical reread Elizabethan drama shifting from spoken to sung discourse and travelling transnationally, temporally and across genres. Its main approach is comparative and relies on the history of mentalities. Rereading is dictated by cultural context, the conventions of the lyrical theatre, social and political factors and reception. Gender is reread in Bellini‘s I Capuleti e i Montecchi and in Britten‘s A Midsummer Night‟s Dream, and religion - in Gounod‘s Roméo et Juliette and Bernstein‘s West Side Story. Cultural and historical barriers enjoin recontextualisation: the English, French and Welsh verbal fun in The Merry Wives is metamorphosed into Germ-Italian in Salieri‘s Vienna, while prayer is bowdlerised in Bentoiu‘s Hamlet written in communist Romania. Porter‘s Kiss Me, Kate rewrites The Taming of the Shrew in a post-modern musical avant la lettre featuring the cast of a theatre company on- and off-stage. However, operas such as Rossini‘s Otello or Thomas‘s Hamlet are shown to have almost replaced Shakespeare‘s initial message. The article emphasises the idea that operations of rereading and rewriting, in a musical context, significantly enrich the ample panoply of Shakespearean adaptations.
Working with Text as a Determinant of the Development of Creative and Critical Thinking
Authors: Gunišová Denisa , Kozárová Nina
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with working with text as a determinant of the development of creative and critical thinking of students. In individual parts of the work, the authors focus on the theoretical basis of creative and critical thinking, and their application in educational practice. Out of several ways of working with the text developing critical thinking, the authors have chosen two ways and subjected them to a theoretical analysis. The aim of the contribution was to point out the importance of both linear and nonlinear structuring of the curriculum in educational practice as well as to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the given ways of working with text considering the development of students’ creative and critical thinking.
Effects of Using Channelling Devices to Increase Efficiency of Hydrokinetic Devices
Authors: Kalnacs A. , Kalnacs J. , Mutule A. , Entins V.
Published: May 2018

In the rivers of Latvia and of many other countries the flow velocity in the places that are most suitable for installation of hydrokinetic devices is 0.4 to 0.9 m/s. In a stream or a river the hydrokinetic devices can reach full efficiency starting from about twice higher flow velocities. It is advisable to at least double this velocity thus increasing the efficiency and power output of the hydrokinetic devices installed in such places. Since Latvia has abundance of slow rivers and almost none are fast, research in this field is of high importance. Diversified technical methods are known that allow increasing substantially the efficiency of hydrokinetic devices. These methods include the use of diffusers, concentrators, different types of other channelling devices and means of flow control. Desirable effects are achieved through changing the cross-section and/or direction of a flow, its pressure, minimizing the turbulence, etc. This work substantiates the use of such devices for increasing the efficiency of hydrokinetic devices. A method is proposed for evaluation of the effects on power output gained owing to the use of channelling devices. Results show that the efficiency of hydrokinetic devices can be increased by at least 110%.
Numerical 2D And 3D Simulations of a Spherical Fabry–Pérot Resonator for Application as a Reference Cavity for Laser Frequency Stabilisation
Authors: Nitiss E. , Bluss K. , Alnis J.
Published: May 2018

We report on the results of a numerical study of deformations of a spherical Fabry-Pérot cavity that can be used for laser frequency stabilisation. It is demonstrated that for a precise simulation of the cavity deformations a 3D model has to be used instead of a simpler 2D model, which employs simulation on the symmetry plane of the cavity. To lower the sensitivity to environmental perturbations, it is suggested to use a material with a low density and a high Young’s modulus. We also show that the mechanical resonance frequencies of the cavity are mainly determined by the size of the cavity.
Impact of Different Building Materials on Summer Comfort in Low-Energy Buildings
Authors: Ozoliņš A. , Jakovičs A. , Gendelis S.
Published: May 2018

The aim of the current paper is to analyse thermal comfort and overheating risks in the low-energy buildings in a summer season under Latvian climate conditions both experimentally and numerically. An interior temperature and relative humidity are analysed under free-floating conditions. Two cases are analysed: in one case, the solar influence through the window is taken into account; in the other this influence is omitted. Three different building solutions are observed: two building structures which mainly consist of the mineral wool and wooden materials and one structure from aerated clay bricks and mineral wool. The experiments have been implemented in test stands in Riga, Latvia. The numerical simulations based on measurements obtained from test stands have been performed using software WUFI Plus. The results show that the wooden constructions have high overheating risks.
Time and Frequency Synchronization on the Virac Radio Telescope RT-32
Authors: Bezrukovs V.
Published: May 2018

One of the main research directions of Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) is radio astronomy and astrophysics. The instrumental base for the centre comprised two fully steerable parabolic antennas, RT-16 and RT-32 (i.e. with the mirror diameter of 16 m and 32 m). After long reconstruction, radio telescope RT-32 is currently equipped with the receiving and data acquisition systems that allow observing in a wide frequency range from 327 MHz to 9 GHz. New Antenna Control Unit (ACU) allows stable, fast and precise pointing of antenna. Time and frequency distribution service provide 5, 10 and 100 MHz reference frequency, 1PPS signals and precise time stamps by NTP protocol and in the IRIG-B format by coaxial cable.

For the radio astronomical observations, main requirement of spatially Very Long Base Line Interferometric (VLBI) observations for the observatory is precise synchronization of the received and sampled data and linking to the exact time stamps. During October 2015, radio telescope RT-32 performance was tested in several successful VLBI experiments. The obtained results confirm the efficiency of the chosen methods of synchronization and the ability to reproduce them on similar antennas.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Air Flow, Heat Transfer and Thermal Comfort in Buildings with Different Heating Systems
Authors: Sabanskis A. , Virbulis J.
Published: May 2018

Monitoring of temperature, humidity and air flow velocity is performed in 5 experimental buildings with the inner size of 3×3×3 m3 located in Riga, Latvia. The buildings are equipped with different heating systems, such as an air-air heat pump, air-water heat pump, capillary heating mat on the ceiling and electric heater. Numerical simulation of air flow and heat transfer by convection, conduction and radiation is carried out using OpenFOAM software and compared with experimental data. Results are analysed regarding the temperature and air flow distribution as well as thermal comfort.
Dynamic Models of a Home Refrigerator
Authors: Schné Tamás , Jaskó Szilárd , Simon Gyula
Published: May 2018

Home refrigerators produce a substantial part of the annual power consumption in an average household. To further improve the efficiency of these devices, new intelligent control solutions are required. These solutions necessitate the behaviour modeling of the refrigerators.

We seek models with as simple structure as possible, since future intelligent controllers may use such models in real time, thus their evaluation must be feasible even on simple microcontrollers. We investigate various dynamic models to describe the behavior of the refrigerator, i.e. the cool-down and warm-up phases.

For model parameter identification real data was collected from a real home refrigerator. Data processing, modeling and the parameter identification were performed in MATLAB environment.
Embedded Implementation of a Resource-Efficient Optical Flow Extraction Method
Authors: Bakó László , Brassai Sándor-Tihamér , Enăchescu Călin
Published: May 2018

The main goal of the proposed project is to enhance a mobile robot with evolutionary optimization capabilities for tasks like egomotion estimation and/or obstacle avoidance. The robot will learn to navigate different environments and will adapt to changing conditions. This implies the implementation of vision-based navigation of robots using artificial vision, computed with on-board FPGAs. The current paper aim to contribute on the implementation of a real-time motion extraction from video a feed using embedded FPGA circuits.
Research on Corporate Social Responsibility in Dangerous Industrial Environments
Authors: Bakos Levente
Published: May 2018

The paper presents the results of a study in Tîrgu Mures Region (Romania) on large companies regarding the CSR and health concerned activities. Based on a wider, previous, research on SMEs, the objective of the present study is to compare the CSR concerns and attitude on health issues of SMEs and large industrial companies where dangerous technologies are used. We assumed that the knowledge about the CSR and the health concerns are far more developed in the case of the large industrial companies.