bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erozyjny wpływ kosztów funduszy inwestycyjnych na wartość kapitału inwestorów w Polsce na tle wybranych krajów europejskich
Authors: Oleksy Paweł
Published: May 2015

One factor that has a critical impact on mutual fund investors' terminal wealth is the fees which investors incur directly or indirectly in connection with establishing and maintaining their investment. Applying the Sharpe's Terminal Wealth Ratio Analysis, this study shows that cost burdens imposed by mutual funds operating in Poland greatly exceed the cost burdens of comparable investments made in more developed European countries, magnifying the erosive effect on investors' terminal wealth value, especially as the investment horizon is extended. For example, over a forty-year investment period the reduction in investment performance (investors' terminal wealth value) attributed only to the disparity of mutual fund fees in Poland compared with the other European countries, on average, are as follows: about 35% in money market funds, 42% for fixed-income funds, 197% in the case of equity funds, and 234% in the case of allocation funds. This fact demonstrates both the immaturity of the Polish mutual fund market and a lack of economic knowledge and experience among domiciled  investors. This, coupled with the absence of sufficient involvement of public institutions to create a cheap, efficient and safe allocation mechanism for investors' savings, contributes to a much deeper erosion of their wealth than in developed countries.
Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics in Male Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Masci Giovanna , Caruso Michele , Caruso Francesco , Salvini Piermario , Carnaghi Carlo , Giordano Laura , Miserocchi Vittoria , Losurdo Agnese , Zuradelli Monica , Torrisi Rosalba , Di Tommaso Luca , Tinterri Corrado , Testori Alberto , Garcia-Etienne Carlos A. , Gatzemeier Wolfgang , Santoro Armando
Published: May 2015

Background.

Due to its rarity, male breast cancer (mBC) remains an inadequately characterized disease, and current evidence for treatment derives from female breast cancer (FBC).

Methods.

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of mBCs treated from 2000 to 2013.

Results.

From a total of 97 patients with mBC, 6 (6.2%) with ductal in situ carcinoma were excluded, and 91 patients with invasive carcinoma were analyzed. Median age was 65 years (range: 25–87 years). Estrogen receptors were positive in 88 patients (96.7%), and progesterone receptors were positive in 84 patients (92.3%). HER-2 was overexpressed in 13 of 85 patients (16%). Median follow-up was 51.5 months (range: 0.5–219.3 months). Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 50%, whereas overall survival (OS) was 68.1%. Patients with grades 1 and 2 presented 5-year PFS of 71% versus 22.5% for patients with grade 3 disease; 5-year OS was 85.7% for patients with grades 1 and 2 versus 53.3% of patients with grade 3. Ki-67 score >20% and adjuvant chemotherapy were also statistically significant for OS on univariate analyses. Twenty-six of 87 patients (29.8%) experienced recurrent disease and 16 of 91 patients (17.6%) developed a second neoplasia.

Conclusion.

Male breast cancer shows different biological patterns compared with FBC, with higher positive hormone-receptor status and lower HER-2 overexpression. Grade 3 and Ki-67 >20% were associated with shorter OS.

Implications for Practice:

There is little evidence that prognostic features established in female breast cancer, such as grading and Ki-67 labeling index, could be applied to male breast cancer as well. This study found that grade 3 was associated with shorter overall survival and a trend for Ki-67 >20%; this could help in choosing the best treatment option in the adjuvant setting. Many questions remain regarding the impact of HER-2 positivity on survival and treatment with adjuvant anti-HER-2 therapy. Regarding metastatic male breast cancer, the results suggest that common regimens of chemo-, endocrine and immunotherapy used in female breast cancer are safe and effective for men. Male breast cancer patients show a higher incidence of second primary tumors, especially prostate and colon cancers and should therefore be carefully monitored.
Nanomaterials synthesis by electrodeposition techniques for high-energetic electrodes in fuel cell
Authors: Paul Subir
Published: May 2015

Nanosynthesis by electrodeposition technique is very much encouraging as it gives nanograin size with the right morphology and the required electrocatalytic properties, by simply controlling the parameters of current, potential and electrolyte chemistry and using inexpensive equipments. This article discusses the mechanism of electrodeposition at atomistic level and the effects of various controlling parameters to enhance the rate of nucleation and to depress the rate of growth so that the electrodeposition produces nanostructure. Organic inhibitors are found to have a strong influence on the formation of nanodeposit. Pulse current electrodeposition is a better technique than the normal direct current to encourage more nucleation than growth. The operating parameters of nano-electrodeposition, for a particular metal or oxide, can be found by a few laboratory experiments, namely, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometric and potentiodynamic polarization.
300 neonatal clubfeet evaluated at birth: statistical analysis
Authors: Omarov Gamzat Gadzhievich , Rumyantsev Nikolai Yurievich , Kruglov Igor Yurievich
Published: May 2015

Aim - to study the initial parameters of clubfeetbefore treatment, to analyze clubfoot population. Materials and methods. The research includes196 neonates with a total of 300 clubfeet. All feetwere initially evaluated during the first day of life.Patients with myelomeningocele, arthrogr yposisand other syndromes were not included. The initialclubfoot severity was evaluated according to Piraniand Dimeglio scales. Patients with Dimeglio I and IItypes of clubfeet were excluded from the study. Thefollowing criteria were analyzed: gender, unilateralor bilateral involvement, family history and prenatalclubfoot visualization. Results and conclusions. Female/male ratio was1 : 2,16. Unilateral/bilateral clubfoot ratio was 1 : 1,13.Left side/right side ratio in unilateral clubfoot groupwas 1 : 1,79. Family history was positive in 24 of196 patients (12,2 %). Clubfoot was prenatally detected in 98 patients (50 %). Most of clubfeet had Dimeglio III type (88 %) and only 12 % were Dimeglio IV. In bilateral cases the right foot was more severely affected than the left one in 64 % of the patients. 48 clubfeet in 34 patients were evaluated at birth and on 7th day of life provided no treatment was performed. The deformity increased significantly in 100 % of cases. Clubfoot was more often observed among boys. In cases of unilateral clubfoot it is the right foot that is involved more often than the left one. Most patients do not have any family history of clubfoot. The most severe clubfoot type (Dimeglio IV) was found much more rarely than Dimeglio III. The clubfoot severity progressed significantly in all the affected feet during the first week of life.
Identificação e quantificação de amianto em solo no entorno de fábrica de materiais de construção a base de fibrocimento, no bairro da Várzea, Recife (PE)
Authors: Santos Filipe Rafael Ferreira dos , Souza Neto João Adauto de
Published: May 2015

Amianto é o termo comercial dado a seis minerais de hábito fibroso que foram largamente utilizados pela indústria devido a sua alta resistência física e química, sendo eles: crisotila, amosita, crocidolita, antofilita, actinolita e tremolita. Porém estes minerais foram associados a várias doenças, inclusive câncer, naquelas pessoas expostas ambiental ou ocupacionalmente. O bairro da Várzea, na Zona Oeste do Recife, conta com uma fábrica de fibrocimento que utilizou amianto como matéria-prima durante o período de 1949 a 2002. Este trabalho teve como objetivo Identificar e quantificar amianto no solo do entorno da fábrica, para que se avalie a possível relação com a mesma. Para tanto foram coletadas 18 amostras em locais próximos a esta fábrica, em estações de amostragem escolhidas estrategicamente com base na direção predominante dos ventos na área, visando se avaliar uma possível ligação com o transporte aéreo de partículas oriundas da fábrica. As amostras foram secas e calcinadas (extração de matéria orgânica), e nestas as fibras amiantíferas foram caracterizadas com o auxílio de lupa binocular, microscopia de luz polarizada (com uso de líquidos de imersão adequados) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura com espectrômetro de comprimento de onda acoplado (WDS). Foram encontradas fibras de amianto em quinze das dezoito amostras analisadas. Em todas estas o tipo de fibra encontrado foi crisotila, não apresentando teores de contaminação e uma provável relação com a atividade da fábrica e com aterramento de terrenos.
Petrografia e propriedades físicas de rochas: um estudo para corpos graníticos e rochas gnaissicas paleo- neoproterozóicos do domínio Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste da Província Borborema
Authors: Assunção Aryane Leonídio do Carmo , Lins Fernando Antonio Pessoa Lira , Galindo Antonio Carlos
Published: May 2015

O magmatismo granítico paleo-neoproterozoico do Domínio Rio Grande do Norte-DRN tem sido alvo de diversos trabalhos que abordam desde seus aspectos texturais e composicionais a geoquímicos e geocronológicos, não obstante uma abordagem sobre propriedades petrofísicas dessas rochas ainda é pouco explorada. Este trabalho apresenta um conjunto de dados petrofísicos, condutividade térmica, densidade e susceptibilidade magnética, de 101 amostras de rochas graníticas (relacionadas ao plutonismo neoproterozíco do DRN) e gnáissicas (relacionadas ao embasamento paleoproterozóico do DRN), onde se faz uma discussão com base em diagramas de correlação linear entre a composição modal dessas amostras e as propriedades em questão. A relação condutividade térmica e composição modal mostra que o quartzo é a fase mineral que mais influencia o aumento desta propriedade, ou seja, há uma correlação positiva, no geral forte, entre quartzo e a condutividade térmica. Em contrapartida, observa-se uma correlação negativa entre a condutividade térmica e o somatório dos minerais máficos (biotita, anfibólio, titanita e opacos, dominantemente). Por outro lado, os feldspatos tendem a mostrar baixas correlações, positiva ou negativa, ou dispersão. A relação entre densidade e composição modal é um espelho do que acontece com a condutividade térmica, ou seja, quartzo mostra correlação negativa e os minerais máficos uma forte correlação positiva. Aqui novamente os feldspatos tendem a dispersão ou baixas correlações. Para a susceptibilidade magnética foram considerados apenas os minerais máficos (biotita, anfibólio, titanita e minerais opacos). Neste caso,apenas os minerais opacos apresentam uma fraca correlação positiva, com os outros Máficos apresentando sempre uma forte dispersão.
Productivity and fishing pressure drive variability in fish parasite assemblages of the Line Islands, equatorial Pacific
Authors: Wood Chelsea L. , Baum Julia K. , Reddy Sheila M. W. , Trebilco Rowan , Sandin Stuart A. , Zgliczynski Brian J. , Briggs Amy A. , Micheli Fiorenza
Published: May 2015

Variability in primary productivity and fishing pressure can shape the abundance, species composition, and diversity of marine life. Though parasites comprise nearly half of marine species, their responses to these important forces remain little explored. We quantified parasite assemblages at two spatial scales, across a gradient in productivity and fishing pressure that spans six coral islands of the Line Islands archipelago and within the largest Line Island, Kiritimati, which experiences a west‐to‐east gradient in fishing pressure and upwelling‐driven productivity. In the across‐islands data set, we found that increasing productivity was correlated with increased parasite abundance overall, but that the effects of productivity differed among parasite groups. Trophically transmitted parasites increased in abundance with increasing productivity, but directly transmitted parasites did not exhibit significant changes. This probably arises because productivity has stronger effects on the abundance of the planktonic crustaceans and herbivorous snails that serve as the intermediate hosts of trophically transmitted parasites than on the higher‐trophic level fishes that are the sole hosts of directly transmitted parasites. We also found that specialist parasites increased in response to increasing productivity, while generalists did not, possibly because specialist parasites tend to be more strongly limited by host availability than are generalist parasites. After the effect of productivity was controlled for, fishing was correlated with decreases in the abundance of trophically transmitted parasites, while directly transmitted parasites appeared to track host density; we observed increases in the abundance of parasites using hosts that experienced fishing‐driven compensatory increases in abundance. The within‐island data set confirmed these patterns for the combined effects of productivity and fishing on parasite abundance, suggesting that our conclusions are robust across a span of spatial scales. Overall, these results indicate that there are strong and variable effects of anthropogenic and natural drivers on parasite abundance and taxonomic richness. These effects are likely to be mediated by parasite traits, particularly by parasite transmission strategies.
The influence of geometrical characteristics on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotube arrays for degradation of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater
Authors: Noeiaghaei T. , Yun J.-H. , Nam S. W. , Zoh K. D. , Gomes V. G. , Kim J. O. , Chae S. R.
Published: May 2015

The effects of geometrical characteristics such as surface area (SA) and porosity of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) on its photocatalytic activity were investigated by applying variable voltages and reaction times for the anodization of Ti substrates. While larger SA of nanotubes was observed under higher applied potential, the porosity of TNAs decreased by increasing anodizing voltage. Under applied potential of 80 V, the SA of TNAs increased from 0.164 to 0.471 m2/g as anodization time increased from 1 to 5 hours, respectively. However, no significant effect on the porosity of TNAs was observed. On the other hand, both SA and porosity of TNAs, synthesized at 60 V, increased by augmenting the anodization time from 1 to 3 hours. But further increasing of anodization time to 5 hours resulted in a decreased SA of TNAs with no effect on their porosity. Accordingly, the TNAs with SA of 0.368 m2/g and porosity of 47% showed the highest photocatalytic activity for degradation of 4-chlorobenzoic acid (4CBA). Finally, the degradation of refractory model compounds such as carbamazepine and bisphenol-A was tested and more than 50% of both compounds could be degraded under UV-A irradiation (λmax = 365 nm).
Magnesium hydroxide coagulation performance and floc properties in treating high pH reactive orange wastewater
Authors: Liu Meile , Lu Jingfang , Wei Lei , Wang Kang , Zhao Jianhai
Published: May 2015

Application of magnesium hydroxide as a coagulant for treating high pH reactive orange wastewater was studied. The coagulation performance and magnesium hydroxide-reactive orange floc properties were investigated under different dosages, feeding modes and pH values. Flocculation index (FI) was then discussed with controlled experiments using an intelligent particle dispersion analyzer and optimum coagulant dose of 150 mg/L (magnesium ion) was obtained for pH value 12. The results showed that the optimum magnesium ion dose tended to decrease with the increase of initial pH value. One time addition feeding mode led to relatively large FI value and higher removal efficiency compared with other addition modes. All of the flocs under investigation showed a limited capacity for re-growth when they had been previously broken. Based on the changes of zeta potential and floc properties, charge neutralization and precipitate enmeshment were proposed to be the main coagulation mechanisms.
The application of removal coefficients for viruses in different wastewater treatment processes calculated using stochastic modelling
Authors: Dias Edgard , Ebdon James , Taylor Huw
Published: May 2015

This study proposes that calculating and interpreting removal coefficients (K20) for bacteriophages in activated sludge (AS) and trickling filter (TF) systems using stochastic modelling may provide important information that may be used to estimate the removal of phages in such systems using simplified models. In order to achieve this, 14 samples of settled wastewater and post-secondary sedimentation wastewater were collected every 2 weeks, over a 6-month period (May to November), from two AS and two TF systems situated in southern England. Initial results have demonstrated that the removal of somatic coliphages in both AS and TF systems is considerably higher than that of F-RNA coliphages, and that AS more effectively removes both phage groups than TF. The results have also demonstrated that K20 values for phages in AS are higher than in TF, which could be justified by the higher removal rates observed in AS and the models assumed for both systems. The research provides a suggested framework for calculating and predicting removal rates of pathogens and indicator organisms in wastewater treatment systems using simplified models in order to support integrated water and sanitation safety planning approaches to human health risk management.
Performance evaluation of wastewater treatment using horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands optimized by micro-aeration and substrate selection
Authors: Zhong Fei , Wu Juan , Dai Yanran , Xiang Dongfang , Cheng Shuiping , Ji Hongjiu
Published: May 2015

The effects of micro-aeration and substrate selection on domestic sewage treatment performance were explored using three pairs (with or without micro-aeration) of horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands (CWs) filled with zeolite, ceramsite or quartz granules. The individual and combined effects of micro-aeration and substrate selection on the purification performance of the experimental-scale HSSF CWs were evaluated. The results showed that micro-aeration significantly increased the treatment efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus (TP), ortho-phosphate (PO43−-P) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) using HSSF CWs, while the substrate selection significantly affected the TP, PO43−-P and NH4+-N removal efficiencies (p < 0.05). A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was a significant interaction term (i.e. micro-aeration × substrate selection) for NH4+-N removal (p < 0.05). Among the three substrates, ceramsite was the best substrate for the treatment of domestic sewage using HSSF CWs. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that a ceramsite-filled HSSF CW with micro-aeration could be the optimal configuration for decentralized domestic sewage treatment.
The Effect of Intangibility on the Perceived Risk of Online Mass Customization: Utilitarian and Hedonic Perspectives
Authors: Moon Heekang , Lee Hyun-Hwa
Published: May 2015

We examined the effect of intangibility on the perceived risk of online mass customization (OMC) from utilitarian (usefulness) and hedonic (enjoyment) perspectives. We collected 400 valid responses using an online survey in Korea. Both generality of intangibility and mental intangibility
had a significant effect on the utilitarian and hedonic aspects of perceived risk. In addition, perceived risk had a significant effect on user intention toward OMC. The results provided a better understanding of the role of intangibility in OMC in terms of predicting consumers' responses.
Practical implications are discussed.
Managing for the Moment: The Role of Earnings Management via Real Activities versus Accruals in SEO Valuation
Authors: Kothari S. P. , Mizik Natalie , Roychowdhury Sugata
Published: May 2015

We assess the role of both accruals manipulation (AM) and real activities manipulation (RAM) in inducing overvaluation at the time of a seasoned equity offering (SEO). Our results reveal that earnings management is most consistently and predictably linked with post-SEO stock market underperformance when it is driven by RAM; in particular, the opportunistic reduction of expenditures on R&D and selling, general, and administrative activities. Thus, overvaluation at the time of the SEO is more likely when managers actively engage in more opaque channels to overstate earnings. Our findings are particularly relevant because managers exhibit a greater propensity for RAM at the time of SEOs, even though RAM is more costly in the long run.

JEL Classifications: G14; G31; M4; M41
BIM Deficiency Protects NOD Mice From Diabetes by Diverting Thymocytes to Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian , Chee Jonathan , Jhala Gaurang , Trivedi Prerak , Catterall Tara , Selck Claudia , Gurzov Esteban N. , Brodnicki Thomas C. , Graham Kate L. , Wali Jibran A. , Zhan Yifan , Gray Daniel , Strasser Andreas , Allison Janette , Thomas Helen E. , Kay Thomas W.H.
Published: May 2015

Because regulatory T-cell (Treg) development can be induced by the same agonist self-antigens that induce negative selection, perturbation of apoptosis will affect both negative selection and Treg development. But how the processes of thymocyte deletion versus Treg differentiation bifurcate and their relative importance for tolerance have not been studied in spontaneous organ-specific autoimmune disease. We addressed these questions by removing a critical mediator of thymocyte deletion, BIM, in the NOD mouse model of autoimmune diabetes. Despite substantial defects in the deletion of autoreactive thymocytes, BIM-deficient NOD (NODBim−/−) mice developed less insulitis and were protected from diabetes. BIM deficiency did not impair effector T-cell function; however, NODBim−/− mice had increased numbers of Tregs, including those specific for proinsulin, in the thymus and peripheral lymphoid tissues. Increased levels of Nur77, CD5, GITR, and phosphorylated IκB-α in thymocytes from NODBim−/− mice suggest that autoreactive cells receiving strong T-cell receptor signals that would normally delete them escape apoptosis and are diverted into the Treg pathway. Paradoxically, in the NOD model, reduced thymic deletion ameliorates autoimmune diabetes by increasing Tregs. Thus, modulating apoptosis may be one of the ways to increase antigen-specific Tregs and prevent autoimmune disease.
Δ14C and δ13C Variations in Organic Fractions of Baltic Sea Sediments
Authors: Lujanienė Galina , Mažeika Jonas , Li Hong-Chun , Petrošius Rimantas , Barisevišiūtė Rūta , Jokšas Kçstutis , Remeikaitė-Nikienė Nijolė , Malejevas Vitalijus , Garnaga Galina , Stankevišius Algirdas , Kulakauskaitė Ieva , Povinec Pavel P
Published: May 2015

This article investigates variations of Δ14C and δ13C of total organic carbon (TOC) in sediments as well as in humic acids, lipid, and phospholipid fractions isolated from the surface (0–3 cm) sediment samples collected in the Curonian Lagoon and in the Baltic Sea. This study was performed to estimate relative contributions of the marine and terrestrial inputs to organic carbon in sediments, to assess a possible effect of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination on radiocarbon signatures, and to elucidate a possible leakage of chemical warfare agents (CWA) at the Gotland Deep dumpsite. Depleted Δ14C values of the TOC (down to −453‰) and of the total lipid extracts (down to −812.4‰) were detected at the CWA dumpsite. Application of the compound-specific method indicated a possible effect of CWA on depleted Δ14C and δ13C values in the investigated organic carbon fractions. The obtained results have indicated the different origin and behavior of lipids and TOC at the CWA dumpsite as compared to the area affected by the terrestrial-freshwater OC input. The Δ14C data of the TOC and total lipid extracts showed that recent sediments at the CWA dumpsite contain an excess of fossil carbon capable of influencing the 14C dating at the site.
Marine Radiocarbon Reservoir Values in Southern California Estuaries: Interspecies, Latitudinal, and Interannual Variability
Authors: Holmquist James R , Reynolds Laura , Brown Lauren N , Southon John R , Simms Alexander R , MacDonald Glen M
Published: May 2015

Many studies use radiocarbon dates on estuarine shell material to build age-depth models of sediment accumulation in estuaries in California, USA. Marine 14C ages are typically older than dates from contemporaneous terrestrial carbon and local offsets (ΔR) from the global average marine offset need to be calculated to ensure the accuracy of calibrated dates. We used accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dating on 40 pre-1950 salt marsh snail and clam shells previously collected from four California estuaries. The average ΔR and standard deviation of 217 ± 129 14C yr is consistent with previous calculations using mixed estuarine and marine samples, although the standard deviation and resulting age uncertainty was higher for our estuarine calculations than previous studies. There was a slight but significant difference (p = 0.024) in ΔR between epifaunal snails (ΔR = 171 ± 154 14C yr) and infaunal clams (ΔR = 263 ± 77 14C yr), as well as between samples from individual estuaries. However, a closer examination of the data shows that even for the same species, at the same estuary, ΔR can vary as much as ∼500 14C yr. In some cases, the bulk of this variation occurs between samples collected by different collectors at different times, potentially indicating time dependence in carbon sources and ΔR variation. These variations could also be attributed to differences in collection location within a single estuary and resulting spatial differences in carbon sources. Intertidal specimens located in the high marsh may have lower ΔR than fully marine counterparts because of increased terrestrial 14C input. The large variations in ΔR here highlight the need for conservative chronological interpretations, as well as the assumption of wide uncertainties, when dating samples from estuarine sources.
Ovules, Female Gametophytes and Embryos are More Sensitive to Heavy Metal Pollution than Anthers and Pollen of Cardaminopsis Arenosa (L.) Hayek (Brassicaceae), A Member of Calamine Flora
Authors: Monika Kwiatkowska , Romana Izmaiłow
Published: May 2015

Reproductive processes including male and female lines, embryo and endosperm development were studied in Cardaminopsis arenosa (syn. Arabidopsis arenosa) growing on two metalliferous sites (Bukowno and Bolesław, S. Poland), rich in Zn, Pb, Cd and other metals. Disturbances of developmental processes and necroses observed in anthers and ovules influenced plant fertility and seed set of plants from both metal-polluted sites. In anthers, disturbances and necrosis during male meiosis and pollen development occurred at low frequency (4-5%). Pollen grain viability was very high, reaching over 90%. In ovules the frequency of abnormal meiosis, female gametophyte developmental disturbances and necrosis was high, 23.5-28% depending on site. The polluted environment also affected embryo and endosperm. Necrosis of whole generative structures decreased plant fertility. This study indicates that the range of disturbances and necroses in embryological structures and processes (at gametophyte level) gives a set of useful characters to determine plant tolerance to stress, complementary to many tolerance characters at the sporophyte level of plant ontogenesis.
The Effect of Welding Conditions on Mechanical Properties of Superduplex Stainless Steel Welded Joints
Authors: Świerczyńska A. , Łabanowski J. , Fydrych D.
Published: May 2015

The tests results of superduplex stainless steel welded joints made with a different heat input, using automatic submerged arc welding (SAW) and semi-automatic flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) have been presented. Metallographic examinations, the measurements of the ferrite content, the width of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the hardness of the welds in characteristic areas have been performed. Significant differences in the amount of ferrite in the weld metal and in the heat affected zone microstructure of joints were found.
Comparative Analysis of Measured and Predicted Shrinkage Strain in Concrete
Authors: Kossakowski P. G. , Raczkiewicz W.
Published: May 2015

The article discusses the issues related to concrete shrinkage. The basic information on the phenomenon is presented as well as the factors that determine the contraction are pointed out and the stages of the process are described. The guidance for estimating the shrinkage strain is given according to Eurocode standard PN-EN 1992-1-1:2008. The results of studies of the samples shrinkage strain of concrete C25/30 are presented with a comparative analysis of the results estimated by the guidelines of the standard according to PN-EN 1992-1- 1:2008
Solderability of Alsi Foams and AlSi + SiC Composite Foams and the Joints Properties
Authors: Kawiak M. , Nowacki J.
Published: May 2015

The cellular structure and unique properties of aluminum foams are the reason of problems concerning their cutting and bonding. The content of the paper includes characterization of the essence of properties and application of aluminum foams, limitations and chances of aluminum foams soldering. The aim of the research is consideration of possibilities and problems of soldering AlSi foams and AlSi - SiC composite foams as well as mechanical properties. The possibility of soldering AlSi foams and AlSi - SiC composite foams using ZnAl solders was confirmed and higher tensile strength of the joint than the parent material was ascertained
Evaluation of Strain Distribution for the P91 Steel under Static Load Using Espi System
Authors: Grzywna P. , Kukla D.
Published: May 2015

The goal of the research was to evaluate the change of displacement/strain phases in the P91 steel under static load conditions. Undertaken tests were aimed at estimation and analysis of the impact of the material state, which was subjected to loading conditions, on the distribution of stress pattern using ESPI system. Specimen made of high temperature creep resistant steel X10CrMoVNb9-1 (P91) used as a construction material for boiler steam feed heaters, vapor tanks, pressure vessels and vapor pipelines, is used in the service conditions of temperature range up of 650°C. Test samples were taken from two P91 steel pipes. One sample came from a segment of a pipeline transporting fresh vapor in time 80 000 h, under the pressure of 8.4 MPa and temperature 540 °C. The second sample was the same material but in the delivery state.
Novel Mechanically Stable, Heat Resistant and Nonflammable Functionalized Polystyrene/Expanded Graphite Nanocomposites
Authors: Kausar A. , Ullah W. , Muhammad B. , Siddiq M.
Published: May 2015

This study examined effect of inclusion of expanded graphite (Exp-G) on morphology, thermal, mechanical and flame retardant properties of PS, nitro-substituted polystyrene (N-PS) and amino-functional polystyrene (A-PS). FESEM showed exfoliated sheet morphology due to intercalation of N-PS and A-PS in expanded galleries. Tensile strength of A-PS materials (31.5-56.9 MPa) was higher than PS and N-PS. 10 % weight loss of A-PS nanocomposites (482-518 °C) was higher relative to pristine polymer and other nanocomposites. Cone calorimetry results revealed that there was lowering in PHHR of A-PS nanocomposites with 0.5 wt.% filler (428 kW/m2), while PS nanocomposites showed PHHR of 443 kW/m2.
Validation of the X-Ray Stress Measurement Method
Authors: Szymański W. , Lech-Grega M.
Published: May 2015

One of the most important characteristics of the material allowing us to predict its applicability for specific tasks as a single object or as an integral part of the whole structure is the presence of stresses. There are many methods to measure stress. Among them, increasingly important and recognised as the most accurate non-destructive method is the X-ray measurement technique. The aim of this study was validation of the results obtained by the X-ray stress measurement method. Stress measurements were performed on samples of the three materials subjected during measurement to the effect of tensile forces. Studies revealed close relationship between the stress values measured by X-ray technique and actual values present in the examined material. The summation of residual stresses present in the material and stresses caused by the effect of external forces was observed.
Amplifier Noise Based Optical Steganography with Coherent Detection
Authors: Wu Ben , Chang Matthew P. , Caldwell Naomi R. , Caldwell Myles E. , Prucnal Paul R.
Published: May 2015

We summarize the principle and experimental setup of optical steganography based on amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. Using ASE noise as the signal carrier, optical steganography effectively hides a stealth channel in both the time domain and the frequency domain. Coherent detection is used at the receiver of the stealth channel. Because ASE noise has short coherence length and random phase, it only interferes with itself within a very short range. Coherent detection requires the stealth transmitter and stealth receiver to precisely match the optical delay,which generates a large key space for the stealth channel. Several methods to further improve optical steganography, signal to noise ratio, compatibility with the public channel, and applications of the stealth channel are also summarized in this review paper.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer, 1934) Nickle 1970 – pinewood nematode: a threat to European forests
Authors: Čerevková Andrea , Mota Manuel , Vieira Paulo
Published: May 2015

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the main causal agent of the pine wilt disease and a worldwide pest with high economic impact. As a serious
invasive and destructive species, it is listed as a quarantine pest in the legislation of more than 40 countries. B. xylophilus was reported
for the first time in Europe in Portugal in 1999 and in 2008 the whole country has been considered an affected area. In 2008, presence of
B. xylophilus was confirmed in Spain. This paper reports on the biology, introduction, spread and the control of B. xylophilus as potential
risk element in European coniferous forests.
IDEAS in AGORA: The Philosophy of the Empires, Fear and Sense of Exemplarity
Authors: Maximiliano Korstanje
Published: May 2015

Why do the United States reserve the right to be called “America” by conferring the “Americas” to the whole continent?, is that a clear sign of discrimination or supremacy or both? Ideologically, America refers to the United States of “America” excluding other regions such as Latin America, central or South America. This leads some scholars to explain convincingly that, beyond this subtle grammatical difference, the Anglo-ethnocentrism in the United States has been drawn to make their citizens believe they are unique, outstanding, and special. Basically, this belief allowed not only to fight against the political enemies in Europe or in any other geographical point, but also to control the incipient worker union leaderships. What merits further attention, anyway, is the sentiment of exemplarity instilled by the founding parents of this nation. Fear was historically a mechanism of control employed by US governments at different stages in several ways. Our intention is not only to review how the fear disciplined by the claims of work-force, but also explain why the sentiment of exemplarity and fear are inextricably intertwined.
SIGNS and MEANINGS: Translation in the Middle Ages versus Translation today: The Semiotics of Translation
Authors: Guillaume Astrid
Published: May 2015

Translation in the Middle Ages did not involve the same constraints as translation today for various reasons, which this article will attempt to highlight through a semiotic analysis of the opposing powers and other translation-related pressures which interact in the translation process. This process involves a source language and a target language, but above all a source culture and target culture. Translation in the Middle Ages, like translation today, is primarily about taking into consideration certain constraints, some of which are shared between the two eras but which, in all cases, take into account the period in which they were translated. Indeed, an era involves modes of thought, political and religious ideologies, translation and stylistic practices that are unique to that particular time. If, as example periods, we have chosen two eras which are quite remote from each other, it is to demonstrate that the issues certainly differ, but not as much as one might imagine, particularly in certain political and ideological contexts.
“Ethics” of Interval
Authors: Bejan Petru
Published: May 2015

In the Christian imaginary, the ternary representation of the universe is reiterated by appealing either to the Platonic texts, or to the Stoic ones. The triadic scheme of the worlds certifies an ambiguous status of man, of an individual placed neither here nor there, by the force of some circumstances which he cannot resist. Situated at equal distance from sidereal heights - credited as having the monopoly on perfection - and from the terrifying shadows, managed in a totalitarian manner by the instances of evil, in “the world between the worlds”, he thinks of the interval as of a space of communication, filled with signs, shapes and characters, by means of which distances can be “neared, compressed and “humanised”. Each step, stage, climb or descent is perceived as a “rupture of level”, as overcoming of the human condition by assuming a trans-mundane axiological repertoire
An Exercise in a Transdisciplinary Approach for New Knowledge Paradigms
Authors: Crumpei Gabriel , Agop Maricel , Gavriluţ Alina , Crumpei Irina
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we aim at an exercise that is transdisciplinary, involving science and religion, and interdisciplinary, involving disciplines and theories which appeared in the second half of the 20th century (e.g., topology, chaos theory, fractal geometry, non-linear dynamics, all of which can be found in the theory of complex systems). The latter required the reformulation of quantum mechanics theories starting with the beginning of the century, based on the substance-energy-information triangle. We focus on information and we also attempt a transdisciplinary approach to the imaginary from a psychological - physical - mathematical perspective, but the religious perspectives find their place along with the philosophical or even philological vision
The Legislation of Islamic Jurisprudence: A Dialogue between Opponents and Proponents
Authors: Ahmadi Amir
Published: May 2015

Ijtihād, either individual or collective, has been controversial from the very beginning with respect to what extent the legislation of verdicts by Muslim jurists is allowed. There are two main opinions about taqnīn, i.e., the legislation of Islamic jurisprudence. The majority of Saudi scholars say that it is ḥarām i.e., legally forbidden in Islamic Sharīʿa, whereas the majority of Egyptian jurists are of the opinion that it is essential and needed in the modern period. Most Muslim countries follow the Egyptian view by enforcing written constitutions and laws. The conclusion from the comparative study of arguments is that it is somehow better that there be no taqnīn. The evidence and arguments presented bythose scholars who argue for doing away with taqnīn seem more convincing because their basis is sharīʿa rulings and they also provide logical, historical, and observable evidence as well, whereas the other side proves it case by quoting general principles from Maṣlaḥa, Sadd al-Dharāʾiʿ, and Istiḥsān, and most of their arguments are based on experience, logic, and demonstrable proofs and do not provide enough Sharīʿa support. Historically, however, we have seen and how skillfully and exquisitely Sharīʿa Courts have worked in the past 13 centuries without taqnīn.
Critical discussion of concrete additives influence on corrosion behavior of galvanized steel
Authors: Pokorný P.
Published: May 2015

Streszczenie

Přehledový článek sleduje vliv přídavku chemických látek do cementu na korozní chování žárově zinkované oceli v čerstvém betonu. Z hlediska původu je diskutován nejen vliv anorganických látek (chromanů a peroxidu vodíku), ale i skupiny organických látek (derivátů imidazolu a benzimidazolu). U jednotlivých látek je často popsán vliv jejich přídavku na soudržnost zinkované oceli s betonem v krátkých periodách jeho zrání. Probírány jsou i legislativní záležitosti spjaté s případným použitím těchto látek a jejich vliv na mechanické vlastnosti betonu.
Vývoj Sondy Pro Kontinuální Mìøení Rosného Bodu Spalin V Energetických Kotlích / The Development of a Probe for Continuous Monitoring of the Dew Point of Combustion Products in Energy Boilers
Authors: Mlnařík J. , Hruška J.
Published: May 2015

V důsledku poklesu teploty spalin pod teplotu rosného bodu dochází u řady energetických celků k problémům s korozí vlivem zkondenzovaných kyselin. Dochází tak k značným korozním napadením a poškozením zejména na ohřívácích vzduchu, ekonomizérech, vedeních kouřovodů, ale i v samotném komíně. Ve SVÚM se vyvíjí automatický systém pro kontinuální měření teploty rosného bodu spalin přímo ve spalovacím zařízení. V této práci jsou shrnuty výsledky z dosavadních příprav pilotního provozu v uhelné elektrárně.
Kompozitní Cr povlaky pro pístní kroužky / Composite chromium coatings for piston rings
Authors: Chocholatý O. , Kříž A.
Published: May 2015

Článek se zabývá přehledem a technologií výroby kompozitních chromových povlaků pro pístní kroužky. Popisuje funkční podmínky pístních kroužků a způsob výroby kompozitních povrchových úprav s chromovou matricí a plnivem z tvrdých částic.
The Impact of the Type of Soil Contaminated with Heavy Metals on the Risk of their Translocation to the Consumption Parts of Maize
Authors: Stanisławska-Glubiak Ewa , Gołda Sylwia
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the research was to examine the extent to which the type of soil co-contaminated with Cd, Pb and Zn affected the accumulation and distribution of these metals in maize; a crop that plays a significant role in feeding of animals and humans. Two 1-year microplot experiments were conducted using four types of soils. The soils were as follows: sandy soil with a low content of organic matter (S1), sandy soil of analogical granu-lometric composition, but with a higher content of organic mat-ter (S2), loess poor in organic matter (L1) and the same loess with its higher content (L2). The differences between the soils in terms of the availability of individual metals for maize and their transport from the roots to the aerial parts were evaluated on the basis of bioaccumulation factors (BF) and translocation indexes (TL). It was found that maize cultivation on the soil poorly pol-luted with Cd, Pb and Zn, regardless of its type, poses the dan-ger of translocation of these metals to the grains in the amounts exceeding the maximum limit in foods. However, the amount of metals accumulated in the grain, as well as in the cobs, do not exclude the use of these plant parts for feed.
The Analysis of the Exhaled Nitric Oxide in a Group of Patients with Asthma, Aged 3-18
Authors: Pirogowicz Iwona , Ceglecka Dominika , Gojny Łukasz , Patyk Mateusz , Frej-Mądrzak Magdalena , Popecki Paweł , Gąszczyk Grzegorz , Pawlas Krystyna
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to analyse the results of exhaled nitric oxide examination in a group of patients with hyper-responsive-ness. The study was performed on a group of 297 children who underwent spirometry, examination of exhaled nitric oxide, skin prick test and stress probe in years 2010-2012 in Pulmonology and Allergy Centre in Karpacz. Mean age of patients was 11.86. Patients were divided into four groups: with diagnosed asthma, with bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), with described asthma without BHR and a group with BHR without diagnosed asthma. The results of the study confirmed the presence of high-er amount of exhaled nitric oxide in patients with asthma and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The elevation of NO concen-tration correlated with age; there was no significant difference between sexes.
Social Innovations in the Field of Wastewater Treatment in Rural Areas
Authors: Eymontt Andrzej , Wierzbicki Krzysztof
Published: May 2015

In order to meet social needs and create new social relations, the EU Commission classified under the concept of social innovations, development and implementation of new ideas (products, services, models). In rural areas, this kind of social needs is represented among others by the need of solving the issue of domestic wastewater treatment. The paper describes the imple-mentation of sewerage development program in Poland, as well as problems derived from large value variation of factors encoun-tered characterising the domestic sewage contamination. In view of the current state, the environmental risks due to improper use of domestic wastewater treatment technologies were specified.
Fiscal Cliff and other Topographical Metaphors
Authors: Đurović Tatjana
Published: May 2015

Within the broad theoretical framework of the Cognitive Theory of Metaphor, in this paper we explore the figurativeness of a number of expressions (fiscal cliff, fiscal gorge, fiscal slope, etc.) pertaining to the most recent U.S. fiscal situation. We analyse the context-dependent use of the metaphorical linguistic expressions gathered via an Internet search and discuss to what extent they are motivated, that is, well-grounded.
Postposing and Information Structure in English and Farsi/Persian
Authors: Shafiei Soheila
Published: May 2015

The term postposing denotes any construction in which a phrasal constituent appears to the right of its canonical position, leaving its initial position either empty or occupied by an expletive. Ward and Birner (2004) argue that postposed constructions preserve the old-before-new information structure paradigm in English. The present paper investigates postposed constituents in Persian to find out the information structure paradigm of such constructions. The data have been taken from 34 interviews. The findings show that various constituents might undergo postposing in spoken Farsi (known as Tehrani dialect), and, in contrast to English, NPs were found to be triggered in postposed position when the referent was hearer-old.
Translating the other: Marlow’S Discourse between Imperial Rhetoric and Primary Orality
Authors: Băniceru Ana Cristina
Published: May 2015

The present paper attempts to see what determines Marlow’s difficulty to turn his Congolese experience into language. Therefore, I argue that Marlow’s storytelling collapses because at the core of his discourse there is the unknown semantic universe of the other. In the “heart of darkness”, on the banks of the Congo River, there stands an unknown language, the language of the natives which is known only by Kurtz. Thus it becomes impossible for Marlow to translate it and incorporate it in his story.
Desire for the other and the Iterable Identity in the Social Context: A Postmodern Reading of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire
Authors: Hooti Noorbakhsh , Salehi Ali
Published: May 2015

In postmodern outlook, the boundary between the different divisions made inside the mind is blurred. It is the Other of one’s self that indirectly defines the identity of a character or makes it abject. The purpose of this study is to recognize the adjustment identity of Blanche in “The Streetcar Named Desire” in diverse social contexts. The identity of Blanche is under surveillance through some key elements in the postmodern bedrock. The chains of signifiers that are produced by the considered character distinguish the mayhem of the mind that is trying to find a new identity in the altered social context. The study aims to unravel the desire for the Other or the hidden alter that is trying to adapt itself to the new environment while the character is unraveled as abject for the others in the special context. The dangling state of Blanche’s mind is exposed through multiple features of the concepts to embody the blurring border between the Other and the self.