bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model for Assessment of Public Space Quality in Town Centers
Authors: Wojnarowska Anna
Published: July 2016

Public space is an important element of urban structure, playing various spatial, social and economic roles in towns/cities. Its quality influences the quality of life of the inhabitants and the attractiveness of the town as a whole. Public space located in town center is the most representative of its identity and image, and also serves multiple functions and activities. The quality of urban space depends on different factors, which have been discussed in professional literature for the last few decades. The author of this paper developed a model for assessment of the quality of public space in town centers based on studies of methods already used in Poland and abroad, and the analysis of trends and ideas which should be taken into consideration while constructing a set of criteria for assessment methods. The main goal of this paper is to present the methodology of research on the quality of public space in town centers using this model. An important element of the model is the proposed method of delimiting the research area – the town center – based on identification of key public space of a town. The model comprises three methods, which can provide valuable information on the quality of public space, and also serve as a basis for constructing ratings of towns in each of these methods and the model as a whole. The research conducted using this model in chosen medium-sized towns of the Łódź region showed that the results of ratings obtained using particular methods and the whole model coincide with subjective opinions on public space in town centers given by its users and professionals evaluating it.
Urban Design and the Changing Context of Urban Regeneration in the Netherlands
Authors: Stouten Paul
Published: July 2016

Urban design schemes accompanied by avant-garde design of space have been an outcome of economic growth of cities and countries in many periods of time. At the beginning of the 21st century, Nieuw Crooswijk in Rotterdam was the largest area involved in nationally launched policies. Many times the conflicts surrounding the plan were in the news, particularly concerning the aim to attract higher incomes. Gentrification, with displacement of present and original residents forms a central issue and the discussions in Nieuw Crooswijk fit within the more general urban landscape and language of urban regeneration in Europe.
Future in Wood? Timber Construction in Boosting Local Development
Authors: Hynynen Ari
Published: July 2016

Large scale timber construction has been on the upswing for some time in many European countries. Besides the building cluster, also regions and cities have taken advantage of the ongoing timber boom in their economic and spatial development. In this article the focus is on the South Ostrobothnia region and the city of Seinäjoki in Western Finland, where the potential of the business is quite weakly exploited regardless of favourable preconditions. By studying the key actors of the innovation network we are able to better understand the premises of the local development platform that should aim at boosting timber construction.
Enzyklopädie des Märchens
Authors: Brednich Rolf Wilhelm
Published: July 2016

Dieser Forschungsbericht verfolgt die Geschichte der Enzyklopädie des Märchens von ihren Anfängen in Kiel im Jahr 1955 bis zu ihrem Abschluss im Jahr 2015. Nach zwanzig Jahren der Vorbereitung erschien die erste Lieferung dieses Handwörterbuchs zur historischen und vergleichenden Erzählforschung 1975. An den insgesamt 14 Textbänden mit einem Umfang von 10 300 Seiten und 3 900 Artikeln waren unter der Herausgeberschaft von Kurt Ranke (bis 1984) und von Rolf Wilhelm Brednich (1985–2015) und unter der Ägide der Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen mehr als 1 000 Autoren aus über fünfzig Ländern beteiligt. 2015 wurde dieses bislang größte volkskundliche Editionsunternehmen nach vierzig Jahren mit dem Registerband 15 abgeschlossen und durch eine internationale Konferenz in der Historischen Universitätsbibliothek Göttingen gewürdigt.
Fulfilling the Grimms' Legacy: The International Mission of the Enzyklopädie des Märchens
Authors: Zipes Jack
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the democratic and scientific heritage of the Enzyklopädie des Märchens in the work of the Brothers Grimm. After analyzing the manifold ways in which the Grimms laid the groundwork for the study of folklore in Germany, I discuss the history of the origins of the Enzyklopädie des Märchens in post World War II Germany and maintain that the Enzyklopädie is a major recuperation of the Grimms' tradition. Without being idealistic or utopian in a simplistic way, an argument can be made for analyzing the entries in the Enzyklopädie as indelible (unabgegolten) traces of relevant cultural articulations that bear witness to the quotidian folklore of past generations of different people mainly throughout Europe but also in other parts of the world. As a democratic gesture, the editors of the Enzyklopädie have made a great effort to include the slightest indication of how storytellers conceived stories to make their lives relevant, whether through oral or printed traditions.
Challenges of Folktale and Fairy-Tale Studies in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Haase Donald
Published: July 2016

Fascicle by fascicle, volume by volume, over the course of the last forty years, the Enzyklopädie des Märchens (EM) has significantly changed the landscape of folktale and fairy-tale studies. Accompanying the publication of the EM, parallel developments reflected and complemented its influential agenda to promote historical and comparative folk-narrative research. The history of these developments not only illuminates the vitality and interdisciplinary importance that contemporary folktale and fairy-tale studies have achieved; it also helps to identify and explain the challenges we face as we contemplate current research and imagine the field's future. This paper reviews critical developments of the last forty years and then considers how we might come to grips with the ensuing challenge of sustaining, in a responsible way, the comparative study of folktales and fairy tales in a global context.
Gedanken zum Ertrag der Enzyklopädie des Märchens für die religionswissenschaftliche Arbeit
Authors: Frenschkowski Marco
Published: July 2016

Die Enzyklopädie des Märchens (EM) hat nicht nur ihre eigene Wissenschaft in einer konsensfähigen und wegweisenden Form definiert, sondern gewinnt damit auch immense Bedeutung für die Nachbarwissenschaften. Das wird an Beispielen aus der exegetischen Bibelwissenschaft und der allgemeinen Religionswissenschaft ausgeführt. Was folgt aus dem durch die EM dokumentierten Material für die Arbeit am Mythos (etwa an Schöpfungsmythen), an Gleichnisgeschichten wie denen der neutestamentlichen Evangelien, oder andererseits für die Arbeit an den Traditionszusammenhängen der phantastisch-imaginativen Literatur, in der sich oft Motive aus älterem Erzählgut „phantastisch“ unter den Rahmenbedingungen der Moderne neu zu Wort melden? Die EM kann wesentlich dazu beitragen, über Zufallsfunde hinaus religiöses Erzählgut in größeren Zusammenhängen wahrzunehmen. Der Beitrag mündet in Erwägungen zu einer künftigen Enzyklopädie des Mythos, in der sich die Programmatik der EM fortsetzen, und in der das mythische bzw. mythologische Traditum der Menschheit gesichtet werden könnte.
The Application of Acoustic Anisotropy to Evaluation of Material Properties
Authors: Krysztofik Józef , Manaj Wojciech , Socha Grzegorz
Published: July 2016

Structural properties of materials change under stress, temperature and work environment. These changes are generally unfavorable. They cause a reduction in strength of materials. This has an impact on the safety and service life of machines and constructions.

In the chemical and petrochemical industry the destruction of a structure can be activated by chemical substances. In the energy industry, a key element in assisting the destruction is temperature. In aviation, the typical cause of damage is the process of fatigue. Regardless of the differences regarding/concerning the mechanisms of degradation, typical of the sectors of industry, the end result is the emergence of microvoids and microcracks in the material. In the final phase of the process, dominant cracks are formed.

The term of measure of material damage, introduced by Kachanov and Rabotnow, can be effectively used also when considering the impact of microdamages on measurable macroscopic acoustic quantities. A damage parameter proposed by Johnson allows to correlate changes in acoustic birefringence of the material with the parameter describing the degree of damage.

In this article the authors presented the nondestructive tests results concerning Inconel 718 alloy subjected to damage caused by plastic deformation. This paper focuses on the evaluation of acoustic properties in relation to the degradation of the materials tested.
Composite Aerospace Structure Monitoring with use of Integrated Sensors
Authors: Dragan Krzysztof , Dziendzikowski Michał , Kurnyta Artur , Salacinski Michal , Klysz Sylwester , Leski Andrzej
Published: July 2016

One major challenge confronting the aerospace industry today is to develop a reliable and universal Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system allowing for direct aircraft inspections and maintenance costs reduction. SHM based on guided Lamb waves is an approach capable of addressing this issue and satisfying all the associated requirements. This paper presents an approach to monitoring damage growth in composite aerospace structures and early damage detection. The main component of the system is a piezoelectric transducers (PZT) network integrated with composites. This work describes sensors’ integration with the structure. In particular, some issues concerning the mathematical algorithms giving information about damage from the impact damage presence and its growth are discussed.
Nonlinear Fatigue Damage Accumulation
Authors: Dębski Daniel Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

One important element of any computational fatigue analysis is the adoption of a hypothesis of fatigue damage accumulation. The most commonly used is the hypothesis of linear accumulation of fatigue damage called the Palmgren-Miner hypothesis. This linear hypothesis does not take into account a factor of great importance: the mutual influence of consecutive fatigue load sequences on each other. In the presented paper, only two consecutive load sequences linked by mutual relations have been analyzed and the results of the analysis have been shown. A more complex form which takes into account the full load history would create complex formula difficult to use. Perhaps, we should go in this direction, especially that today we have enormous computing power at our disposal.
The Effect of Environmental Flight Conditions on Damage Propagation in Composite Sandwich Structure
Authors: Synaszko Piotr , Sałaciński Michał , Kornas Łukasz
Published: July 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the traceability of damage growth caused by inclusions of water in the composite sandwich structure. It was assumed that as a result of temperature changes during the flight and accompanying phase transformation, the zone containing water inclusions increases. The growth is caused by the destruction (mainly the tearing of walls) of the core. As part of the work, this assumption was verified experimentally. For the experiment to be successful it was necessary to simulate actual flight conditions. The simulation involved inducing phase transformations of water in the core cell as a function of time and temperature. Before and after the experiments the non-destructive tests using pulsed thermography were performed. The test results revealed an increase in the number of cells occupied by water. Adequate specimens were designed and manufactured. The study showed that cyclical changes in temperature affected the propagation of water in core sandwich structures. Further, it was found that the increase in the surface area of water-containing inclusions could be monitored using thermographic techniques.
The Definition of the Load Spectrum for SU-22 Fighter-Bomber Full Scale Fatigue Test
Authors: Reymer Piotr , Kurdelski Marcin , Leski Andrzej , Jankowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

The Su-22 fighter-bomber is a military aircraft used in the Polish Air Force since the mid 1980’s. By the decision of the Polish Ministry of Defense the predicted service life for this type of aircraft will be extended to 3200 flight hours. Due to the fact that some aircraft were nearing the end of the service life guaranteed by the manufacturer, the actual service life, determined based on the flight profile in the Polish Air Force, had to be validated. Consequently, the Full Scale Fatigue Test (FSFT) had to be carried out in order to verify that the required service life was attainable.

This article describes the process of preparation of the load spectra used in the Su-22 FSFT. Due to the fact that the Su-22 has a variable sweep wing the whole test was divided into three Stages (landing, flight and flap loads) carried out at different wing sweep angles (30°/45°/30°).

The spectra were developed using the historical data gathered from Flight Data Recorders (FDR), strain signals acquired during the Operational Load Monitoring program (OLM) and aerodynamic calculations.
The Verification of the Technical Conditions of a Combat-Trainer Jet’s Airframe
Authors: Kurdelski Marcin , Stefaniuk Michał , Zieliński Wojciech , Bartoszek Tomasz
Published: July 2016

The combat-trainer jet aircraft is an important element in the process of fighter pilot training. This type of aircraft provides a means of transition from basic training on low-speed propeller trainers to piloting high-speed and highly maneuverable fighter aircraft. Nowadays, in Poland, the PZL TS-11 “ISKRA” jet trainers, designed in 1960s, are employed for training purposes. Because of financial considerations this trainer hasn’t been yet replaced by modern aircraft that conforms to current specifications and needs.

As is the case with other aircraft in service of the PLAF, the TS-11 fleet has a large reserve of remaining Hourly Service Life (HSL). This opens an opportunity to extend the Calendar Service Life (CSL), so as it matches the HSL. To this end, a series of technical and research activities needed to be undertaken. The Air Force Institute of Technology is conducting the necessary verification of airframe structural conditions in cooperation with the Military Aviation Works No. 1 J.S.C. (branch in Dęblin) responsible for the overhaul and repair operations.

The AFIT’s activities in this program include:

deformation analysis of the selected surface areas of the wing and the fuselage;

assessment of hidden corrosion in riveted joints;

non-destructive testing of selected riveted joints.

This paper describes the deformation analysis. As of today, the first stage of the deformation inspection has been completed. At this stage, baseline surface measurements were obtained. Further inspections shall be performed cyclically. The future measurements will be used to establish the areas that deform due to the aircraft operation.
Predictive Models for Transient Loads of the Vertical Stabilizer of an Aircraft developed using Canonican Correlation Analision
Authors: Dziendzikowski Michał , Zieliński Wojciech , Obrycki Łukasz , Woch Marta , Synaszko Piotr , Dragan Krzysztof , Leski Andrzej
Published: July 2016

Knowledge about loads occurring in the structure during aircraft operation is vital from the point of view of the damage tolerance approach to aircraft design. In the best-life scenario, such information could be available from a network of sensors, e.g. strain gauges, installed in the aircraft structure to measure local stresses. However, operational loads monitoring (OLM) systems are still not widely applied. Instead, what is available is a set of flight parameters, which by the laws of inertia and aerodynamics help determine the dominant part of loads acting on a given element. This paper discusses the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) as a method for selecting the flight parameters used to predict aircraft loads. CCA allows for the identification of both different modes of stress distribution as well as flight parameters which are best suited for their prediction. The paper presents the application of this method to identify loads acting on the vertical stabilizer of an aircraft.
Conception of New Air Target SZERSZEŃ-2
Authors: Samoraj Piotr , Sałaciński Michał
Published: July 2016

The project to introduce modifications to the air target SZERSZEŃ has been undertaken by the Air Force Institute of Technology. SZERSZEŃ has been used by the Polish Army for 10 years, during which time a number of modifications were introduced. Given this fact, it was decided to develop a new version of this UAV based on the experience gained during its maintenance and operation.

Another aspect of this project is to focus on improving the repeatability of production by optimizing the technology processes. To achieve this aim the new instrumentation for the production of composite parts in prepreg technology was designed. The paper reviews the production possibilities for this aircraft using a new technology and presents the advantages of the modified construction and the new technology.
The Effect of Superalloy Structure on Ultrasonic Wave Parameters
Authors: Nawrocki Jacek , Gancarczyk Kamil , Manaj Wojciech , Albrecht Robert , Cygan Rafał , Krupa Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

This paper analyses the nickel based superalloy Inconel 713C casts typically used in high and low pressure turbines of aircraft engines. The ingots were manufactured in the Research and Development Laboratory for Aerospace Materials at the Rzeszów University of Technology. The superalloy structures were analysed by the following methods: X-ray diffraction orientation measurement and ultrasonic wave propagation. Ultrasonic techniques are mainly used to measure the blade wall’s thickness. Measurement accuracy is determined by the velocity of the ultrasonic wave in the material tested. This work evaluates the effect of the nickel-based superalloy microstructure on the velocity of the ultrasonic wave propagation. Three different macrostructures: equiax (EQ), directionally solidified (DS) and single crystal (SX) were analysed. The authors determined the crystal misorientation in the obtained casts as the deviation of [001] crystallographic direction from the withdrawal axis or the main axis of the ingots. The measurements performed allowed researchers to identify significant differences in the wave velocity between EQ, DS and SX structures.
Preparation of Samples used in Fatigue Testing of Aircraft Materials
Authors: Manaj Wojciech , Wronicz Wojciech , Michałowski Andrzej
Published: July 2016

The application of a new type of alloy requires the evaluation of its properties, which is typically achieved with destructive methods. For this purpose, among others, static and fatigue mechanical tests are performed. Tests are performed on standardized samples in a way which reflects the level of stress occurring in real elements. These tests should limit random errors associated with sample preparation. For this reason the proper preparation of samples is crucial, not only in terms of their geometric dimensions but also in terms of the residual stress level. A sample preparation process was developed, involving checking samples’ surface for cracks, scratches, roughness, and the state of stress. The measurements are performed with nondestructive methods so as not to affect the proceeding research.

In this study, the residual stress and features of a mechanically prepared surface were characterized. The specimens were subjected to various surface finishes mainly, lathe turning and grinding surface conditions. The effects of residual surface stress (measured by XRD) were studied after machining and polishing.
The Impact of Damage in Inconel 718 on Hardness Measured by the Vickers Method
Authors: Malicki Maciej , Madejski Bartosz
Published: July 2016

To prevent failure of machine components it is necessary to measure material damage generated in a component throughout its entire lifetime. Damage can be quantified by means of damage parameters. This paper considers the usefulness of hardness measurements to evaluate damage parameter in Inconel 718. Vickers hardness tests were performed on a specimen with a variable cross section area after tensile testing. The specimen’s geometry enabled the evaluation of damage parameter in respect of hardness measurements made on one individual specimen.
Right to the Truth and International Jurisprudence as the “Conscience” of Humanity. Comparative Insights from the European and Inter-American Courts of Human Rights
Authors: Oriolo Anna
Published: July 2016

In recent decades, the right to the truth has increasingly come to the attention of international scholars and jurisprudence. Moving from the recognition of truth as a right in the international arena and exploring the reconstruction and evolution of the right to the truth in the international human rights courts’ case-law, the following analysis focuses on the ECtHR and IACtHR insights in a comparative perspective to conclude on the emerging trends of the Strasbourg Court and the Court of San José in interpreting and applying the right to the truth, thereby acting as the “conscience” of the whole of humanity.
Accumulation of phenolic compounds in the purple betony herb (Stachys officinalis L.) originated from cultivation
Authors: Bączek Katarzyna , Kosakowska Olga , Przybył Jarosław L. , Węglarz Zenon
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Purple betony (Stachys officinalis L., Lamiaceae) is a perennial of versatile medicinal usage. Nowadays, in Poland betony herb is collected exclusively from wild growing plants. Decreasing number of its natural sites results in lack of the herb supply and thus, in its limited usage.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the age of plant and term of raw material harvest on its yield and quality in cultivation conditions.

Methods: The observations were carried out on 2- and 3-year-old plants. During vegetation the herb was collected for four times. The raw material was subjected to chemical analysis. Tannins (as pyrogallol equivalent) were determined according to Polish Pharmacopoeia, phenolic acids and flavonoids – by HPLC.

Results: The mass of herb, both in the second and third year, had increased from the beginning of vegetation up to seed setting. The highest content of tannins was found in the herb collected at the vegetative stage of plant development (2.05% in the second and 2.91% in the third year). Four phenolic acids (chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic and rosmarinic acids) and five flavonoid compounds (orientin, luteolin-7-glucoside, apigenin-7-glucoside, apigenin-3-glucoside, apigenin) were identified in the obtained raw materials. In these groups, the dominant compounds were caffeic acid and apigenin. The highest content of caffeic acid was found at the beginning of plant vegetation, whereas apigenin – at the stage of full blooming and seed setting.

Conclusion: In cultivation conditions, purple betony produces high mass of herb which may be used as a valuable raw material in herbal industry.
The effect of soil type and soil additives on the selected growth parameters and yield of flowerheads of Calendula officinalis L.
Authors: Ratajczak Karolina , Sulewska Hana , Szymańska Grażyna , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Faligowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Soil additives, which usually contain nutrients and microorganism, can improve soil conditions for plants. There are still few papers dedicated to the application of soil additives in herb plants, especially in calendula.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selected soil additives on growth and yield of calendula.

Methods: In a pot experiment first order factor was a type of soil: mineral soil with straw, mineral soil and organic soil. The second order factor was soil additive: control, UG Max, EM1 and PRP SOL.

Results: The application of UG Max and PRP SOL increased the yield of dry matter of flowerheads by respectively 48.1% and 46.3% in comparison with the control group.

Conclusions: UG Max and PRP SOL proved to be the most useful soil additive for calendula growing. The effect of UG Max and PRP SOL was particularly good on organic soil.
Influence of storage and pre-sowing treatment of southern sweet-grass seeds on their germination and initial growth of seedlings
Authors: Bączek Katarzyna , Pióro-Jabrucka Ewelina , Pawełczak Anna , Węglarz Zenon
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Southern sweet-grass (Hierochloë australis /Schrad./ Roem. et Schult., Poaceae) is a perennial tuft-grass occurring in North-Eastern part of Europe. Its leaves are collected from wild growing plants as an aromatic raw material used in alcohol industry. Due to overharvest, attempts to introduce the plant into cultivation have been undertaken.

Objective: This work aims to assess the influence of southern sweet-grass seeds (spikelets) storage and pre-sowing treatment on their germination and the initial growth of seedlings.

Methods: The seeds were assessed directly after harvest and after 6, 18 and 30 months of storage. The investigated parameters, i.e. 1000 seed weight, moisture content, germinability and viability of seeds (tetrazoline test) were determined according to ISTA.

Results: After 30 months of storage, the germinability of seeds decreased from 42.6 (after harvest) to 4.6% but their viability remained high (70.9%). Stratification, short rinse of stratified seed in H2SO4 and application of KNO3 or GA3 had increased the seeds germination (over 70%).

Conclusion: Southern sweet-grass seeds become dormant shortly after maturing. The improvement of germination requires the application of combined treatments, i.e. stratification, scarification and growth-promoting substances.
Antibacterial activity of Tribulus terrestris methanol extract against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli
Authors: Batoei Sara , Mahboubi Mohaddese , Yari Reza
Published: July 2016

Introduction:
Tribulus terrestris L. is traditionally used for treatment of urinary tract infections. Escherichia coli, as the most prominent agent of urinary tract infections, can be sensitive to T. terrestris extract.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of T. terrestris methanol extract against clinical isolates of E. coli from urinary tract infections. Saponins were determined as main constituents of T. terrestris methanol extract.

Methods: The antibacterial activities of T. terrestris methanol extract were evaluated by micro-broth dilution assay. The synergistic effects of T. terrestris methanol extract were screened with gentamicin by micro titer plate and disc diffusion assays. The isobologram curve was figured and the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) was determined.

Results: The saponin content of T. terrestris methanol extract was 54% (w/w). The means of MIC and MBC values for E. coli clinical isolates (n=51) were 3.5±0.27 and 7.4±0.5 mg/ml while these amounts were 3.9±1.3 and 6.4±1.8 μg/ml for gentamicin. T. terrestris methanol extract and gentamicin had synergistic effect with FICI equal to 0.1375.

Conclusion: Therefore, T. terrestris can be applicable as alternative treatment in management of urinary tract infections.
In vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts and their fractions from three Eryngium L. species
Authors: Kikowska Małgorzata , Długaszewska Jolanta , Kubicka Marcelina Maria , Kędziora Izabela , Budzianowski Jaromir , Thiem Barbara
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Due to increasing resistance against antibiotics and antifungal agents, crude plant extracts, fractions, and isolated pure compounds became a new interest as antimicrobial agents.

Objectives: The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts and fractions of Eryngium planum L., E. campestre L., and E. maritimum L. was evaluated against selected bacteria, yeast and mould, and compared in tested Eryngium species and in their organs.

Methods: The antimicrobial activity was studied with use of broth microdilution method. The antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger) activity of selected extracts and fractions compared with the reference substance was expressed by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC). The extract and fraction compounds were identified on the basis of TLC examination.

Results: The saponin-phenolic acid fractions of E. maritimum and E. planum and a saponin fraction of E. planum showed the highest activity against S. aureus (MIC = 1–2.5 mg·ml−1). The growth of C. albicans was inhibited by methanolic extract of E. planum cell suspension culture (MIC = 7.8 mg·ml−1).

Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity depends on the Eryngium species, tested biomass, and microorganism.
Persistence of imidacloprid, acetamiprid and methomyl in qat leaves
Authors: Al-Rajab A.J. , Alhababy A.M. , Alfaifi T.
Published: July 2016

Qat leaves are chewed on a daily basis by approximately 10 million inhabitants of different countries. This study investigated the persistence of three insecticides most used in qat production, imidacloprid, acetamiprid and methomyl. These chemicals were applied separately on plots of ten qat trees each at the recommended application rates. Samples of qat leaves were collected separately at time 0 (1 h post-treatment) and 1, 3, 7, 12, 19, 26 and 37 days after application. The residues of the investigated pesticides were extracted and then quantified by liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS). The half-lives of imidacloprid, acetamiprid and methomyl were 12.2, 11.7, and 5.1 days, respectively. Overall, our findings showed that imidacloprid and acetamiprid were more persistent than methomyl in qat leaves. Taking into account the maximum residue limits (MRL) in lettuce, due to lack of MRL in qat leaves, the residue concentrations were below MRL for imidacloprid 7 days after application, and 1 day after application for acetamiprid and methomyl.
Bioecology of Nephopterygia austeritella (Lep.: Pyralidae), a potential biological control agent of Prosopis farcta (Fabaceae) in central Iran
Authors: Mohammadi-Khoramabadi A. , Alipanah H. , Belokobylskij S. , Nematollahi M.R.
Published: July 2016

Prosopis farcta (Fabaceae) is a native and common perennial weed plant in Iran. In search of environmental-friendly control methods against P. farcta, we discovered the seed feeder moth Nephopterygia austeritella (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae) in central Iran and studied its bioecology for the first time from 2008 through 2009. Infestation pattern, larval feeding behaviour, developmental period, seasonal occurrence and the adverse impact of the moth on the reproductive organs of P. farcta were investigated. Diagnostic morphological characters of the fifth larval instar of N. austeritella are provided. Two gregarious ectoparasitoids were reared and identified as Apanteles subcamilla and Phanerotoma leucobasis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Mortality rates of the larvae were 3.03 and 13.44% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Larvae destroyed 29.6-38.4% of the pods of their host plants. The potential of N. austeritella as an efficient biological control agent in IPM programs against P. farcta is discussed.
To Communicate is to Negotiate
Authors: Wolton Dominique
Published: July 2016

Considering that the beginning of the 21st century saw the emergence of a third meaning of the word “to communicate” – to negotiate, the author sets out to explore the challenges it supposes in today’s dangerous, multipolar world, where the respect for alterity and the construction of cohabitation have become the keys of peace and war. The author concludes that the political challenge of communication in the 21st century will be to enable the peaceful cohabitation of the same and the different in open societies, where economy will no longer be the only horizon of human beings.
The Schengen Space and the Primary Form of the European Legal Humanism. Revisiting Tony Honoré’s Opus, Ulpianus. Pioneer of Human Rights
Authors: Ciucă Valeriu
Published: July 2016

The author proposes here “the first Romanian attempt at a hermeneutic systematization of the philosophy of European law”, a field that is approached from an organic, integrating perspective. It has to be seen as a synchronic lectio magistralis on the ineluctable role of the spiritual roots when deciphering and assuming national identity. The complicated “euronomosophical” discourse, whose beginning is an excellent page of self-history about the “Europe” of the author, voices an appeal to a deeper self-knowledge. A complex, dynamic reality: from euromyth to euro-oniria and PaxEuropaea. Such incursions into the universe of law certainly involve an instructive and pedagogical side, building a patchwork of ideas, suggestions and themes that could be further developed.
Mainstream Media Discourse! Or the Divine Word of the Postmodern?
Authors: Rhimi Yasser
Published: July 2016

This paper calls into question the growing tendency of quasi-absolutism within postmodern mainstream media discourse under the guise of objectivity. The tendency’s major aim is to ascribe more believability to its discourse by re-presenting that which it covers as the vehicle of objective truth to the mainstream audience. Two interweaving discourses have marked such objectivity: one in the form of indoctrinating and omnipresent narratives, which via effective propaganda become tantamount to ritualism, the other epitomised in the nostalgia for rationalisation, already inherent in western positivist thought through the exponential increase of quasi-empiricism (e.g. investigative reporting or speculative statistics). Accordingly, what the media cover exists. What they do not remains in the order of myth. The article starts by rethinking objectivity within modern western academia, a discourse whose objectivity is already flawed from within. Then, with respect to human experience and media coverage, the paper concludes by raising the question of postmodern mainstream media’s substitution of religious quasi-absolutist narratives, be they secular or non-secular. Subjectivity thus emerges as the ultimate ground upon which our being may be legitimate.
Symmetrical Geometry of Flowers in Art and Nature “The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem”
Authors: Ungureanu Cristian
Published: July 2016

The aim of our study is to highlight the obvious similarities that exist between the organizational structures of the biological world, particularly in terms of the number and distribution of the petals on flower and the geometric configurations used by the great masters of European painting, both in the East but also in the West, in order to elaborate the compositional framework of paintings and icons. Taking into consideration the symbolic connotations concerning the field of biology (the primary focus this article), we chose as a case study the Russian icon from the 14th century entitled “The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem”, exhibited and venerated across the orthodox world on Palm Sunday. Starting with the circle of the aureole of Jesus, we have marked the harmonic series of concentric circles that are distributed across the nodal points of some regular polygons with seven and nine sides, which make reference to the ergonomic formulas of distribution of the petals on a flower and highlight the fact that the beauty of the natural world was and still is the main source of inspiration in the world of arts.
Post-mortem Photography: the Edge Where Life Meets Death?
Authors: Borgo Melania , Licata Marta , Iorio Silvia
Published: July 2016

Why would we ever take a picture of a dead person? This practice began as a way to perpetuate the image of the deceased, rendering their memory eternal – Victorians thought that it could be useful to have portraits of their dead loved ones. Certainly, subjects inpost-mortemphotos will be remembered forever. However, we must ask two more questions. Are they people portrayed as if they were still alive? Or on the other hand, are they bodies that represent death? Our paper takes an in-depth look at different iconographical styles as well as photographic techniques and religious and ethical reasons behindmemento moriphotos during the Victorian Age.
Religiosity versus Spirituality in the Contemporary Nigerian Gospel Music
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick Calvain
Published: July 2016

There have been remarkable (r)evolutions in the Nigerian gospel music industry for the past decades. These revolutions have led to the emergence and survival of various modern and controversial musical cultures/traditions, modes and performances including worldliness and paganism in the industry. In view of these relatively nefarious musical cultures, a good number of scholars and observers tend to arguably redefine and (re)brand Christian communication in general and Nigerian gospel music in particular. It is in following this premise that this paper examines the phenomenon of religiosity and worldliness in the Nigerian gospel music industry. Based on observations and secondary data (literary sources), the paper argues that the Nigerian gospel music industry is just a vivid reflection of the country’s gloomy socio-religious landscape, characterized by the emergence/prevalence of fake ministers and various ubiquitous instrumentalities that perpetrate spiritual bareness in the country. Aspects of religiosity observed in some Nigerian gospel songs include controversial rhythms, imitations/adaptations of worldly songs, lyrical emphasis on prosperity (materialism, fame and earthly glories) at the detriment of spirituality/salvation, gospel artists being associated with sex scandals and occult practices.
Islamisation and Militarisation of Pak Society
Authors: Singh Rajkumar
Published: July 2016

It is in the name of Islam that the country has created an image of being the most potent source of religious terrorism, which poses a threat to peace and stability in large parts of the globe. This conception of a Pakistani ideology and Pakistani identity based on Islam was put forward by the religious circles rather than the founding fathers of the nation. At the time of independence even the secular ideologists were also looking at Islam as the key symbol which consolidated the newly born and somewhat anomalous nation. The motive force for Pakistan came largely from the middle class Muslims of North India, many of whom had been educated at Aligarh. At some level, they identified with the ideas of Syed Ahmad Khan and Mohammad Iqbal along with the leaders of Muslim League including Mohammad Ali Jinnah. They all thought sincerely about the application of Islamic principles, but they certainly did not regard the movement for Pakistan as an effort to re-create some kind of a “golden age” in Islam or to re-establish Wahabiism. Over the years the social fabric of modern Pakistan underwent a radical change towards Islamisation and militarization. The paper aims to study the changes in Pak society, it however, is beneficial in studying any pro-religion society whose ruler, too, is committed to do the same way and play a significant role in changing social character of the nation like Pakistan.
Microstructure and Properties of W–Cu Composite/Fe-Based Powder Alloy Vacuum Brazed Joint with Different Filler Metals
Authors: Xia C. Z. , Yang J. , Xu X. P. , Zou J. S.
Published: July 2016

W–Cu composite and Fe-based powder alloy were brazed with filler metals of Ag–Cu and Cu–Mn–Co alloys in a vacuum furnace. Both of filler metals can join W–Cu composite with Fe-based powder alloy directly in the experiment process. Microstructure, distribution of elements and fracture morphology were observed and analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) methods, and phase composition of bonding area was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results indicated that the smooth faying surface and dense microstructure of brazed joint were formed and the primary microstructure of brazing seam were, respectively, Ag(Cu) solid solution and Cu(Mn) solid solution, which ensured forming the stable connection of brazed joint. The bending strength of Ag-based and Cu-based brazed joint can, respectively, reach to 317 and 704 MPa, where fracture showed a typical ductile fracture characteristic. The fracture of Cu-based brazed joint located at brazing seam area, and the fracture of Ag-based brazed joint occurred in Fe-based powder alloy side.
Promoting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent females in Ijebu-Ode, southwest, Nigeria: a study of sexual risk-taking
Authors: Animasahun Victor Jide , Sholeye Oluwafolahan Oluwagbemiga , Oduwole Adebisi Dare
Published: July 2016

Sexual risk-taking among adolescents, leads to several negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study assessed sexual risk behaviours and associated factors among in-school adolescent females in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 131 female adolescents selected via multi-stage sampling from senior secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, southwest Nigeria. Data was collected using a validated, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 17.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated, with p set at <0.05. Participation was fully voluntary. The mean age of respondents was 16±1.3 years. Thirty-eight (14.5%) of respondents were sexually exposed with the mean age of sexual debut being 13.4±2.8 years. Participants with sexual exposure reported vaginal sex (89.5%), digital sex (36.8%) and oral sex (5.3%). A total of 42.1% had multiple sexual partners, 47.4% used condoms during sex. Only 13% of the respondents were engaged in sexual risk-taking. Factors associated with sexual risk-taking include: age, type of school, father being alive, having a boyfriend, age of boyfriend, low self-esteem and a history of non-consensual sex. Sexually-active adolescents engaged in risky sexual behaviours. Comprehensive sexuality education, behaviour change communication and adolescent-friendly services will adequately address the situation.
Obesity and facial dysmorphism in an adolescent patient with a 16p11.2 microdeletion
Authors: Schuh Aaron M. , Taylor Jacob D. , Font-Montgomery Esperanza E. , Tosh Aneesh K.
Published: July 2016

A 17-year-old mixed race male has been followed in our adolescent clinic for severe obesity, dysmorphic features, and behavioral issues. Among other interventions, he has received symptomatic treatment for hypertension, insulin resistance, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Genetic investigation identified a 16p11.2 microdeletion, commonly associated with severe obesity and developmental delay. We present the clinical history, treatment, and implications for this patient.
Some Equal-area, Conformal and Conventional Map Projections: A Tutorial Review
Authors: Ghaderpour Ebrahim
Published: July 2016

Map projections have been widely used in many areas such as geography, oceanography, meteorology, geology, geodesy, photogrammetry and global positioning systems. Understanding different types of map projections is very crucial in these areas. This paper presents a tutorial review of various types of current map projections such as equal-area, conformal and conventional. We present these map projections from a model of the Earth to a flat sheet of paper or map and derive the plotting equations for them in detail. The first fundamental form and the Gaussian fundamental quantities are defined and applied to obtain the plotting equations and distortions in length, shape and size for some of these map projections.
Introduction: Scholarship and Inquiry in the Ancient Near East
Authors: Richardson Seth
Published: July 2016

This essay introduces a four-essay issue of the journal on the subject of scholarship, knowledge arts, and scribal epistemology in the ancient cuneiform cultures of Sumer, Assyro-Babylonia, Ugarit, and the Hittite empire.
The Scribal Culture of Ugarit
Authors: Hawley Robert , Pardee Dennis , Roche-Hawley Carole
Published: July 2016

This article explores how knowledge was created, acquired, organized, and transmitted in writing by scholars and intellectuals in the kingdom of Ugarit on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, best documented for the thirteenth century BC, with special attention to the social, cultural and political backgrounds against which such literary activities were pursued.
Factors Associated with One-year Mortality in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Opincariu Diana , Mester András , Raţiu Mihaela , Rat Nora , Bordi Lehel , Hodas Roxana , Morariu Mirabela , Jakó Beáta , Tănăsuc Camelia , Suciu Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most common cause of vascular death after myocardial infarction and stroke, being associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to assess the factors related to 1-year mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism who survived the acute event.

Material and methods: In total, 104 patients who had survived the acute episode of pulmonary embolism and underwent a one-month follow-up after the acute event were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 – patients who had survived at one year after being diagnosed with acute PE (80.76%, n = 84), and Group 2 – patients who had died after one year (19.23%, n = 20).

Results: There were no differences between the 2 groups in relation to gender (p = 0.3), or cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes: p = 0.5, smoking: p = 0.3, hypertension: p = 1, hypercholesterolemia: p = 0.5, hypertriglyceridemia: p = 0.4). Patients who had deceased were significantly older (73.35 ± 9.37 years vs. 66.36 ± 11.17 years, p = 0.005) and had a higher weight compared to the survivors (85.8 ± 21.09 kg vs. 75.89 ± 22.69 kg, p = 0.03). Left ventricular ejection fraction, measured by cardiac ultrasound, was significantly lower in the deceased group compared to survivors (45.63 ± 8.9% vs. 52.86 ± 6.8%, p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis identified the hemodynamic instability (OR = 3.17, p = 0.007), the presence of left QRS axis deviation (OR = 4.81, p = 0.001), associated pulmonary pathologies (OR = 3.2, p = 0.02) as well as the presence of chronic kidney disease (OR = 5, p = 0.04) as the most powerful predictors of death at 1 year in patients with acute PE surviving the acute event.

Conclusions: Factors associated with a higher mortality rate at 1 year in patients who had survived at 1 month following an acute pulmonary embolism episode included: older age, higher body weight, presence of associated pulmonary pathologies, chronic kidney disease, left axis deviation, low left ventricular ejection fraction, hemodynamic instability requiring inotropic support, cardiogenic shock at presentation or cardiac arrest during the acute phase.