bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation State of Ti Atoms and Ti-O Bond Length on Natural Sapphire Gem-Materials Probed by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Monarumit Natthapong , Wongkokua Wiwat , Satitkune Somruedee
Published: June 2017

Sapphire, an inorganic gem-material in a variety of corundum, mainly consists of alpha-alumina (α-Al2O3) structure. The geological origins of sapphire are related to either basaltic or metamorphic rocks. The causes of the color on sapphire are some trace elements such as Cr, Fe, and Ti. It could be mentioned that Ti atoms have cooperated with Fe atoms for creating the blue color. In this study, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) technique focused on the x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and the extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is employed to identify the oxidation state of Ti atoms and Ti-O bond length on sapphire samples. The Ti K-edge XANES and EXAFS spectra of natural sapphires were carried out using the 13-channel array germanium detector in fluorescence mode. The XANES spectra showed that the oxidation state of Ti was Ti4+ regardless of Fe content. Moreover, the Ti-O bond length on a-Al2O3 was equal to the Ti-O bond length on rutile (TiO2) analyzed from the EXAFS spectra. From these results, it could be concluded that the oxidation state of Ti atoms on natural sapphires was Ti4+ which substitutes Al3+ on the sapphire structure.
Influence of Contact of Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beam and Strengthening Slab for Deformation and Resistance of Reinforced Element in the Long-Term Loading
Authors: Krizma Martin , Bolha Lubomir , Moravcik Martin , Holubek Matus
Published: June 2017

Experimental and theoretical research oriented on the influence of the time factor to limit states of damaged and then reinforced beams by the strengthening slab. In experiments there were performed two types of contact - reinforced contact (beams ST) "damaged beam / strengthening slab", respectively unreinforced contact with geometric indented modification (beams Z). Both types are based on rules EC2 for short-term load. The results are compared with short-term tests of both types of contact. In long-term studies, we have used as comparative values results for unreinforced beams (beams LTL-n). In both cases the creep coefficients are set for the following variables - total deflection a (tot), and the deflections a (sh) of shear, and the a (fl) the bending moment, the shear deformation γ, curvature ρ. All tests were carried out at the level of loading γ = 0.50. The determining of the creep coefficients was based on the experimental deformation of the fictitious truss system, which have been processed by Williot-Mohr translocation patterns. The results form the input values for the experimental elements in repetitive loading at the same level load.
Frequent Failures of FRC Industrial Floors
Authors: Čajka Radim , Smirakova Martina , Mateckova Pavlina
Published: June 2017

Floors in industrial buildings are often loaded with heavy traffic or stored material. For this reason floors are often created by fiber-reinforced concrete. Fibers contribute to larger impact - or abrasion resistance. The issue of design of fiber concrete slabs is quite complicated. Poorly designed layer structure under slabs or poorly subsoil can have very important effect of result properties and create the first group of source of problem. The second group of causes of problems is real implementation of concrete slab primarily the amount of fibers and correct and even placement. If amount or placement of fibers are incorrectly then significant failure can arise.
This paper deals with frequently failures of FRC floors in practice. It will be described several buildings in which were fiber concrete slab constructed and where some failure arose. It will be presented what kind and what range of failure arose. Causes of failures will be also described in this paper. Also possible solution of problem will be designed if it exist.
Actual Problems of the Safety and Reliability of the NPP Structures in Slovakia
Authors: Kralik Juraj
Published: June 2017

The last accidents of the NPP in Chernobyl and Fukushima give us the new inspiration to verify the safety level of the NPP structures. This paper presents the new requirements to test of the safety and reliability of the NPP structures due to the last accidents in the world. The risk assessment to verify of the safety and reliability of the NPP structures based on probabilistic and nonlinear analysis is presented. The uncertainties of the loads level (long-time temperature and dead loads), the material model (concrete cracking and crushing, behaviour of the reinforcement and liner), degradation effects and other influences following from the inaccuracy of the calculated model and numerical methods were taken into account in the LHS method. The results of the deterministic and probabilistic analysis of the NPP structures are presented.
Testing and Modelling of Concrete Pile Foundations
Authors: Burkovič Kamil , Smirakova Martina , Mateckova Pavlina
Published: June 2017

Foundation of building on concrete piles is often used when it is necessary to carry the load into larger depth as by common foundation. Bearing capacity of piles or piled raft foundation is wide area to research. This paper deals with experimental load test of concrete pile and with their numerical modelling. Several types of foundation construction were tested and two kinds will be presented and compared in this paper - reinforced concrete foundation slab and raft foundation (made of reinforced concrete foundation slab supported by drilled reinforced concrete pilot). These types of foundation constructions were constructed as models, in a reduced scale, approx. 1:10. The size had to be adjusted due to limited capacity of the testing equipment and financial reasons. Except measuring of the foundation behaviour, there was also carried out measurement of the adjacent terrain.The aim of this paper is to compare the behaviour of rigid slab and the piled raft. The measurement results will be then compared with the results of numerical modelling.
Influence of Antisymmetrical Actions at Reinforced Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Balaz Ivan , Kolekova Yvona , Kovac Michal , Veghova Ivana
Published: June 2017

Calculation of the cross-sectional properties of the concrete box-girder with two-cells using Vlasov`s theory and Generalized Beam Theory. Calculation of the internal forces of the St. Venant torsion, the warping torsion, the antisymmetrical and the symmetrical distortion on the basis analogy with beam on the elastic foundation loaded by transverse actions and tension force at the end of the beam. Creating of influence lines of torsion, antisymmetrical distortion and symmetrical distortion internal forces of large concrete cable-stayed bridge with continuous box-girders with two spans. The application for real reinforced concrete Harp bridge over pond Jordán near Tábor in Czech Republic is investigated. Evaluation of internal lines for action according to Eurocode EN 1991-2.
Parallelization of Computational Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slabs on Foundation
Authors: Brozovsky Jiri , Krejsa Martin
Published: June 2017

The paper discusses one of possible approaches for speedup of computational analysis of reinforced concrete slabs on foundation. The parallel processing is utilised to accomplish this task. The studied structure is divided to several parts are processed in parallel. A solution of real problems which can include iterative procedures and different levels of interaction between them, however it requires refinement and adaptation of such procedures.The main aim of the paper is to discuss these challenges and to propose solution of them for the particular case of the concrete and reinforced concrete slabs on a foundation.
Nonstationary Thermodynamic Analysis of a Chosen Critical Detail in a Waterproof Concrete Basement Structure Using an Experimentally Verified Model
Authors: Ignacak Miroslav , Matiaskova Lydia , Šoltész Július
Published: June 2017

When concrete structures with specific performance requirements call for cracking to be avoided, a reliable crack assessment of hardening concrete members is a crucial task for the design. Concrete walls cast onto already hardened foundation slabs represent an example of externally restrained members commonly subjected to strains resulting from early-age movements. As a consequence, unacceptable cracks may develop. The key parameter for a reliable design of such members is a correct assessment of the hardening phase with respect to the deformation behavior followed with parallel evolution of stiffness and strength properties.This contribution aims to present a macroscopic numerical thermodynamic model which can be used for solving the transient thermal field of a chosen structural detail subjected to thermal loads during early ages. In connection with stress development control, the model represents a mechanical based crack assessment tool for hardening concrete members. Its applicability is discussed at a model solution of a wall-to-slab connection detail in a waterproof concrete basement structure. The model outcome values are verified using data from experimental field measurements.
Analysis of Ceiling Slab of Office Centre
Authors: Tvrdá Katarina , Vasecka Marek
Published: June 2017

This paper is devoted to an analysis of the ceiling slab using conventional and advanced technologies, namely, lightweight panels using Cobiax bodies. The design was modeled in Scia Engineer 1.15. Lightened variant was based on the classical model slab on which it was necessary to optimize the hollow core and solid parts. To speed up the optimal distribution of the massive and lightweight panels, computer equipment was used. Acquired results were verified by manual calculation. After the overall design and assessment of the both types of slabs the results were mutually compared in order to find a preferable variant.
Immunity to Conducted Transients on Power Leads
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: June 2017

This SAE Standard defines methods and apparatus to evaluate electronic devices for immunity to potential interference from conducted transients along battery feed or switched ignition inputs. Test apparatus specifications outlined in this procedure were developed for components installed in vehicles with 12-V systems (passenger cars and light trucks, 12-V heavy-duty trucks, and vehicles with 24-V systems). Presently, it is not intended for use on other input/output (I/O) lines of the device under test (DUT).
The Obesity Epidemic and the Potential of Augmented Reality
Authors: Poku Michael , Behkami Nima , Bates David
Published: June 2017

Citation: Poku MK, Behkami NA, Bates DW. The obesity epidemic and the potential of augmented reality. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 612–616 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2017-01-LE-0021
Technical note: Fu–Liou–Gu and Corti–Peter model performance evaluation for radiative retrievals from cirrus clouds
Authors: Lolli Simone , Campbell James R. , Lewis Jasper R. , Gu Yu , Welton Ellsworth J.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. We compare, for the first time, the performance of a simplified atmospheric radiative transfer algorithm package, the Corti–Peter (CP) model, versus the more complex Fu–Liou–Gu (FLG) model, for resolving top-of-the-atmosphere radiative forcing characteristics from single-layer cirrus clouds obtained from the NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network database in 2010 and 2011 at Singapore and in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA, in 2012. Specifically, CP simplifies calculation of both clear-sky longwave and shortwave radiation through regression analysis applied to radiative calculations, which contributes significantly to differences between the two. The results of the intercomparison show that differences in annual net top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) cloud radiative forcing can reach 65 %. This is particularly true when land surface temperatures are warmer than 288 K, where the CP regression analysis becomes less accurate. CP proves useful for first-order estimates of TOA cirrus cloud forcing, but may not be suitable for quantitative accuracy, including the absolute sign of cirrus cloud daytime TOA forcing that can readily oscillate around zero globally.
Generalised block bootstrap and its use in meteorology
Authors: Varga László , Zempléni András
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In an earlier paper, Rakonczai et al.(2014) emphasised the importance of investigating the effective sample size in case of autocorrelated data. The simulations were based on the block bootstrap methodology. However, the discreteness of the usual block size did not allow for exact calculations. In this paper we propose a new generalisation of the block bootstrap methodology, which allows for any positive real number as expected block size. We relate it to the existing optimisation procedures and apply it to a temperature data set. Our other focus is on statistical tests, where quite often the actual sample size plays an important role, even in the case of relatively large samples. This is especially the case for copulas. These are used for investigating the dependencies among data sets. As in quite a few real applications the time dependence cannot be neglected, we investigated the effect of this phenomenon on the used test statistic. The critical value can be computed by the proposed new block bootstrap simulation, where the block size is determined by fitting a VAR model to the observations. The results are illustrated for models of the used temperature data.
Coccolithophore fluxes in the open tropical North Atlantic: influence of the Amazon river and of Saharan dust deposition
Authors: Guerreiro Catarina V. , Baumann Karl-Heinz , Brummer Geert-Jan A. , Fischer Gerhard , Korte Laura F. , Merkel Ute , Sá Carolina , de Stigter Henko , Stuut Jan-Berend W.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Coccolithophores are calcifying phytoplankton and major contributors to both the organic and inorganic oceanic carbon pumps. Their export fluxes, species composition and seasonal patterns were determined in two sediment trap moorings in the open equatorial North Atlantic (M4 at 12° N 49° W and M2 at 14° N 37° W), which collected settling particles synchronously in successive 16-day intervals from October 2012 to November 2013, at 1200 m water depth. The two trap locations show a similar seasonal pattern in total coccolith export fluxes and a predominantly tropical coccolithophore settling assemblage throughout the monitored year. Species fluxes were yearlong dominated by lower photic zone (LPZ) taxa (Florisphaera profunda, Gladiolithus flabellatus), but also included upper photic zone (UPZ) taxa (Umbellosphaera spp., Rhabdosphaera spp., Umbilicosphaera spp., Helicosphaera spp.). The LPZ flora was most abundant during fall 2012, whereas the UPZ flora was more important during summer. In spite of these similarities, the western part of the study area produced persistently higher fluxes, averaging 241 × 107 coccoliths m−2 d−1 (117 × 107 to 423 × 107 coccoliths m−2 d−1) at station M4, compared to only 66 × 107 coccoliths m−2 d−1 (25 × 107 to 153 × 107 coccoliths m−2 d−1) at station M2. Higher fluxes at M4 were mainly produced by the LPZ species, although most UPZ species also contributed higher fluxes, reflecting enhanced productivity in the western equatorial North Atlantic. In addition, we found two marked flux peaks of the more opportunistic species Gephyrocapsa muellerae and Emiliania huxleyi indicating a fast response to nutrient-enrichment of the UPZ, probably by wind-forced mixing, whereas increased fluxes of G. oceanica and E. huxleyi in October/November 2013 coincided with the occurrence of Amazon River affected surface waters. Since the spring and fall events of 2013 were also accompanied by two dust flux peaks we propose a scenario where atmospheric dust also provided fertilizing nutrients to this area. Enhanced surface buoyancy associated to the river plume indicates that the Amazon acted not only as a nutrient source, but also as a surface density retainer for nutrients supplied from the atmosphere. Still, lower total coccolith fluxes during these events compared to the maxima recorded in November 2012 and July 2013 indicate that transient productivity by opportunistic species was less important than background tropical productivity in the equatorial North Atlantic. This study illustrates how two seemingly similar sites in an open-ocean tropical setting actually differ greatly in ecological and oceanographic terms, and provides valuable insights into the processes governing the ecological dynamics and the downward export of coccolithophores in the tropical North Atlantic.
Brief Communication: A low-cost Arduino®-based wire extensometer for earth flow monitoring
Authors: Guerriero Luigi , Guerriero Giovanni , Grelle Gerardo , Guadagno Francesco M. , Revellino Paola
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Continuous monitoring of earth flow displacement is essential for the understanding of the dynamic of the process, its ongoing evolution and designing mitigation measures. Despite its importance, it is not always applied due to its expense and the need for integration with additional sensors to monitor factors controlling movement. To overcome these problems, we developed and tested a low-cost Arduino-based wire-rail extensometer integrating a data logger, a power system and multiple digital and analog inputs. The system is equipped with a high-precision position transducer that in the test configuration offers a measuring range of 1023 mm and an associated accuracy of ±1 mm, and integrates an operating temperature sensor that should allow potential thermal drift that typically affects this kind of systems to be identified and corrected. A field test, conducted at the Pietrafitta earth flow where additional monitoring systems had been installed, indicates a high reliability of the measurement and a high monitoring stability without visible thermal drift.
Impacts of freshwater changes on Antarctic sea ice in an eddy-permitting sea-ice–ocean model
Authors: Haid Verena , Iovino Doroteaciro , Masina Simona
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In a warming climate, satellite data indicate that the sea ice extent around Antarctica has increased over the last decades. One of the suggested explanations is the stabilizing effect of increased mass loss of the Antarctic ice sheet. Here, we investigate the sea ice response to changes in both the amount and the spatial distribution of freshwater input to the ocean by comparing a set of numerical sensitivity simulations with additional supply of water at the Antarctic ocean surface. We analyze the short-term response of the sea ice cover and the on-shelf water column to variations in the amount and distribution of the prescribed surface freshwater flux.Our results confirm that enhancing the freshwater input can increase the sea ice extent. Our experiments show a negative development of the sea ice extent only for extreme freshwater additions. We find that the spatial distribution of freshwater is of great influence on sea ice concentration and thickness as it affects sea ice dynamics and thermodynamics. For strong regional contrasts in the freshwater addition the dynamic response dominates the local change in sea ice, which generally opposes the thermodynamic response. Furthermore, we find that additional coastal runoff generally leads to fresher and warmer dense shelf waters.
Using wind speed from a blade-mounted flow sensor for power and
load assessment on modern wind turbines
Authors: Pedersen Mads M. , Larsen Torben J. , Madsen Helge Aa. , Larsen Gunner Chr.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In this paper an alternative method to evaluate power performance and loads on wind turbines using a blade-mounted flow sensor is investigated. The hypothesis is that the wind speed measured at the blades has a high correlation with the power and loads such that a power or load assessment can be performed from a few hours or days of measurements. In the present study a blade-mounted five-hole pitot tube is used as the flow sensor as alternative to the conventional approach, where the reference wind speed is either measured at a nearby met mast or on the nacelle using LiDAR technology or cup anemometers. From the flow sensor measurements, an accurate estimate of the wind speed at the rotor plane can be calculated. This wind speed is disturbed by the presence of the wind turbine, and it is therefore different from the free-flow wind speed. However, the recorded wind speed has a high correlation with the actual power production as well as the flap-wise loads as it is measured close to the blade where the aerodynamic forces are acting. Conventional power curves are based on at least 180 hours of 10 minute mean values, but using the blade-mounted flow sensor both the observation average time and the overall assessment time can potentially be shortened. The basis for this hypothesis is that the sensor is able to provide more observations of with higher accuracy, as the sensor follows the orientation of the rotor and because of the high correlation between the flow at the blades and the power production. This is the research question addressed in this paper. The method is first tested using aero-elastic simulations where also the dependence of radial position and effect of multiple blade-mounted flow sensors is investigated. Next the method is evaluated on basis of full-scale measurements of a pitch-regulated, variable-speed 3.6MW wind turbine. It is concluded that the wind speed derived from the blade-mounted flow sensor is highly correlated with the power and flap-wise bending moment, and that the method has advantages over the traditional approach where the met mast wind speed is used as reference, e.g. the capability of measuring the shear, veer and turbulence. The aero-elastic simulations show that the assessment time can be reduced, but this reduction cannot be confirmed from the current measurement database due to practical issues and circumstances, i.a. sensor problems. Measuring the wind speed at the rotor plane also has a price as the wind speed is affected by the induction which may be sensitive to the changes you want to evaluate, e.g. different vortex generator configurations. Furthermore it is concluded that it requires a robust instrument and measurement system to obtain accurate and reliable wind speed recordings from pitot tube measurements.
DEVIATION FROM CLASSICAL ELASTICITY IN THE ACOUSTIC RESPONSE OF AUXETIC FOAMS
Authors: Guild M. D. , Walker C. N. , Calvo D. C. , Mott P. H. , Roland C. M.
Published: June 2017

Acoustic properties of an auxetic foam were measured to validate a previously proposed lower bound for Poisson's ratio, ν ≥ 1/5, inferred from classical two-parameter elasticity theory. This limit differs from the commonly reported lower limit of −1 for isotropic materials in the linear elastic range. For a foam measured to have a value of ν > 0.2, agreement was found between the measured flexural resonance frequency of a disk sample and the theoretical value. On the other hand, for an auxetic sample (ν < 0), the prediction from the two-parameter theory was significantly in error. Thus, for materials having ν < 1/5 (auxetic foams, as well as very hard solids such as diamond, germanium, and fused quartz), the equations of classical elasticity are invalid.
Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty followed by Toric Lens Implantation for the Treatment of Concomitant Anterior Stromal Diseases and Cataract
Authors: Scorcia Vincenzo , Lucisano Andrea , Savoca Corona Vincenzo , De Luca Valentina , Carnevali Adriano , Busin Massimo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) followed by phacoemulsification and toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for the treatment of concomitant stromal disease and cataract.

Methods

In this retrospective non-comparative interventional case series, ten eyes affected by stromal disease and cataract underwent DALK followed by phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation after a minimum period of 5 months from complete suture removal. In each case, topographic astigmatism, refraction, visual acuity, and endothelial cell density were recorded before DALK and 1, 6, and 12 months after cataract surgery. In addition, IOL rotation was evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Results

Big-bubble DALK was performed in all eyes but one that received manual dissection. Topographic astigmatism averaged 5.6 ± 2.2 diopters (D) after suture removal; refractive astigmatism decreased to 0.55 ± 0.61 D as early as one month after cataract surgery and did not change substantially throughout the follow-up period. In all patients, one month after phacoemulsification uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were, respectively, ≥20/40 and ≥20/25 with a residual spherical equivalent of 0.00 ± 0.84 D. At the latest follow-up visit, in all cases the IOL rotation was ≤5 degrees from the intended position and the endothelial cell loss within 8.5%. No complications were recorded.

Conclusions

DALK followed by phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation optimizes visual and refractive outcomes in patients with concomitant stromal disease and cataract. In comparison with a combined procedure, the sequential approach offers better predictability of the postoperative refraction in the absence of an increased risk of complications.
Integrated Imaging of Avascular Serous Pigment Epithelium Detachment in Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Querques Giuseppe , Pastore Marco R. , Khlifi Houda , Georges Anouk , Querques Lea , Souied Eric H.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

This study describes the imaging of avascular serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods

A total of 18 patients with avascular serous PED underwent assessment of best-corrected visual acuity, infrared (IR) reflectance, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and SD-OCT evaluation at baseline and at last follow-up visit. The imaging of avascular PED was compared with vascularized PED.

Results

A total of 23 eyes with 15.5 ± 6.4 months’ follow-up were included. Imaging revealed 3 features associated with avascular serous PED. A reticular pattern, highly reflective (IR), and hyperautofluorescent matching with a reticular area of decreased fluorescence (FA and ICGA) was constantly observed (23/23 eyes). This reticular pattern correlated on SD-OCT with dense hypereflective deposits beneath and within the sensory retina. This reticular pattern was observed in only 2/19 eyes with vascular serous PED (p<0.05). A sharp border of increased IR reflectance, matching with a halo of reduced fluorescence on both FAF and late FA frames, was observed in 23/23 eyes. This sharp border appeared as a sharp hypofluorescent border on late ICGA frames, and as an abrupt elevation of the retinal pigment epithelium on SD-OCT. Hyporeflective fluid beneath the foveal depression was observed in 17/23 (74%) eyes. Only 1/23 eyes developed choroidal neovascularization during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Integrated imaging shows peculiar features of avascular PED and possibly contributes to distinguishing this clinical identity from neovascular AMD.
Influence of Fasting followed by Acute Water Ingestion on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Eyes of Healthy Subjects
Authors: Blanco-Garavito Rocio , Astroz Polina , Yves Cohen Salomon , Souied Eric H.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To investigate the influence of at least 12 hours of fasting followed by acute water ingestion on macular choroidal thickness in eyes of healthy subjects.

Methods

Prospective case series study including healthy volunteers from April 1, 2015 to May 31, 2015. Macular choroidal thickness was measured on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and on swept-source (SS)-OCT after 12 hours of fasting, and 60 minutes after acute water ingestion (750 mL in 5 minutes).

Results

A total of 52 eyes of 26 healthy volunteers were included in this study. The mean age for participants was 32 years old. After 12 hours of fasting, the mean (±SD) subfoveal choroidal thickness was 335.43 (±104.82) μm on EDI-OCT and 286.16 (±80.32) μm on SS-OCT. The mean (±SD) subfoveal choroidal thickness after acute water intake was 352.32 (±120.36) μm and 290.5 (±85.86) μm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean subfoveal thickness at baseline and 60 minutes after acute water ingestion for any of the choroidal imaging techniques (p = 0.1386 for EDI-OCT and p = 0.0659 for SS-OCT).

Conclusions

These results suggest that choroidal circulation can physiologically quickly adapt to systemic vascular changes in healthy eyes. Choroidal thickness did not depend upon the hydration status for the subjects participating in this study.
Servicing the Mediterranean Empire: Non-state Actors and Maritime Logistics in Antiquity
Authors: Gambash Gil
Published: June 2017

This article highlights the intense involvement of non-state actors in the development and maintenance of maritime logistics in antiquity. Among their many other functions, non-state actors also came to serve the various needs of central Mediterranean forces, such as the Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman empires. While the arbitrary, opportunistic nature of this process is emphasized, notions of imperial grand strategy are found to be less important and are ultimately dismissed.
Navigating Modernity: Lessons in Government and Statecraft in Precolonial Morocco
Authors: Terem Etty
Published: June 2017

This article examines two letters of political advice written in 1911 by the Moroccan scholar Muḥammad al-Ḥajwī to the reigning Sultan 'Abd al-Ḥafīẓ. In his letters, al-Ḥajwī discussed the specific political, economic, and cultural difficulties facing Morocco during the first decade of the twentieth century, and offered a concrete program of reform designed to revitalize the state. My analysis explores al-Ḥajwī's discourse of political critique and delineates his reform initiative. By looking beyond the state and considering a project of reform conceived by a non-state actor, this article seeks to escape the limitations of a state-centered analytical framework and draws attention to the need to explore the ways in which other important political, economic, cultural forces in society negotiated the new historical conditions shaped by Moroccan modernity. I argue that al-Ḥajwī's letters underscore the dialectical nature of the modernization of Moroccan state and society. Al-Ḥajwī engaged the dramatic changes brought by modernity and introduced his understanding of becoming modern. I go further to argue that Moroccan modernization was a site of multiple, competing visions of reform resulting from debate and contestation.
Mediterranean Agriculture, Ecology, and Law: Creating a New Non-state Actor to Counteract Agro-ecological Collapse in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Head John W. , Marples Kate , Simpson Jon
Published: June 2017

The Mediterranean Basin faces severe ecological degradation: inappropriate agricultural and fishing practices have placed much of the area at risk of ecosystemic collapse. Climate change will intensify the crisis. To address this situation, the Mediterranean Basin should be the subject of a new supranational legal and institutional structure ensuring ecological restoration and agricultural reform, with sovereignty over “environmental” matters (broadly defined) resting not in each of the region's twenty-plus nation-states but rather in a novel supranational institution with legal personality and binding authority over existing national and subsidiary governmental agencies. This article summarizes the rationale, aims, structure, legitimacy, and operations of such a new non-state actor.
To a God Unknown: Drought, Climate, and Race in the West
Authors: Jones Gavin
Published: June 2017

To a God Unknown (1933) has typically been viewed as one of John Steinbeck's most problematic works, not least because of the novel's apparently jarring mixture of realistic and fantastic elements. This article reevaluates Steinbeck's early novel by placing it in the context of emergent ideas about race and about climate—and indeed, about the links between race and climate—in the American West. To a God Unknown is best understood not as a failed early novel but as an experimental work that attempts to fuse realist and symbolic modes in ways parallel to the genre of magical realism, which first developed in post-Expressionist art from the 1920s, and flowered in Latin American writing from the 1960s. By exploring Steinbeck's thinking during his composition of the novel, particularly his interest in “race psychopathology” and his reading of Ellsworth Huntington's Civilization and Climate (1915), we discover how To a God Unknown's magical realism marks a pioneering attempt to understand and represent the aridity and drought that define the climate of the West and have profound implications for the kind of “civilization” it can sustain. Through formal analysis in historical context, the essay attempts to lay the groundwork for further considerations of Steinbeck as a writer of the Anthropocene whose works are continuous with the environmental and racial critique associated with later writers of the Global South.
Translating Steinbeck
Authors: Augenbraum Harold
Published: June 2017

Though John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl is based on an anecdote he supposedly heard in Baja, Mexico, during his trip with Ed Ricketts to the Sea of Cortez, in order to transmute the tale from a brief, Spanish-language story into an English-language novel meant for an American reader, he had to both convince the reader of the story's “Mexican-ness” and provide a “domesticated” story for Americans. To do so, he employs expeditionaries' and translators' techniques as well as the novelist's empathy.
Logos, Pathos, Ethos, Caninus: Rhetorical Strategies in Steinbeck/Steinbeckian Dog/Travel Memoir
Authors: Donohue Cecilia
Published: June 2017

Drawing on the traditional Aristotelian rhetorical appeals of logos, pathos, and ethos, this article examines John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley in Search of America along with selected subsequent memoir/travel writing inspired by the 1962 best seller. The predominant argumentative strategies implemented in Steinbeck's Travels with Charley, Benoit Denizet-Lewis's Travels with Casey, Bill Steigerwald's Dogging Steinbeck, and Gregory Zeigler's Travels with Max will be identified and assessed from the standpoints of overall execution and potential for reader acceptance.
Rethinking a Central European City
Authors: Chmielewski Adam
Published: June 2017

Wrocław, a metropolitan city in the region of Lower Silesia, has a history spanning more than a thousand years. It became a Polish city only after World War II. Now inhabited by about 630 thousand people, it is fourth largest in terms of population in Poland, and second strongest in terms of economy, following only Poland’s capital city of Warsaw. It is also the thirty-fourth largest city in the European union. Despite its lively industrial, academic, and cultural life, it is surrounded by an aura of enigmaticity. This is due to the fact that it continues to be known internationally by its former German name of “Breslau” rather than its present Polish one. A desire to overcome this state of affairs was one of the main reasons it applied for the status of European Capital of Culture, a distinction awarded to cities belonging to the European Union.

This essay tells the story of the program of the European Capitals of Culture, initiated in 1985 by Melina Mercouri, and recounts leading ideas informing the successful bid of Wrocław, which helped to win this title for the city. While emphasizing the success story of Wrocław, whose population learned to deal with its multinational and multicultural past, the paper also stresses major social problems resulting from the rapid transformation of the city from its industrial past to its postindustrial present. Particularly important among these are various forms of exclusion and self-exclusion from urban cultural life.
Jędrzej Kitowicz and his Description of Eighteenth-Century Polish Culture: An Introduction and Three Translated Excerpts
Authors: Swan Oscar E.
Published: June 2017

Father Jędrzej Kitowicz (1728–1804) bequeathed to posterity two major works, Opis obyczajów za panowania Augusta III (Description of Customs During the Reign of August III) and Pamiętniki czyli historia polska (Memoirs, or a History of Poland), the first being a colorful depiction of customs during the middle of the eighteenth century under the reign of the last elected Saxon king, August III (reigned 1734–1763). Despite his Description’s indubitable literary merits, not to mention its sheer entertainment value, Kitowicz is barely known today except among Polish eighteenth-century historians and specialists in earlier Polish writing, and is rarely given more than a short paragraph or footnote in surveys of the country’s literature and culture. After a brief recounting of Father Kitowicz’s life, and a similarly brief literary appreciation of his work, three translated excerpts from the Description are appended, aimed at bringing this keen-eyed observer of his times, without a doubt one of eighteenth-century Poland’s greatest humorists, to the notice of an English-speaking readership.
Visualizing the Memory of World War II: Photographs from Fort VII in Poznań, Poland
Authors: Topolska Anna
Published: June 2017

Fort VII was a Nazi concentration camp established during World War II on Polish territory, which, after the war, was long omitted from the official historical narrative. Photographs constitute a significant part of the exhibit of the museum created in the 1980’s on that site and play an important role in creating the memory of it. By applying the theory of Roland Barthes, the author analyses the visual history of the commemoration of Fort VII in Poznań, Poland, and demonstrates that photography constitutes a specific language, evokes emotions, and contributes to the creation of narratives concerning historical sites of conscience as well as to the visualization of memory of such sites.
A Polish King at the World of Tomorrow: A Brief Social History
Authors: Kopacz Marek S. , Bajka-Kopacz Aleksandra
Published: June 2017

On July 15, 1945, the King Jagiełło Monument was unveiled in New York’s Central Park. For all its grandeur, it is hard to believe that so impressive a monument was never originally intended for Central Park. This monument generated considerable interest when it was first unveiled as part of the Polish Pavilion at the World’s Fair of 1939 and 1940. The outbreak of World War II, however, cast a shadow of uncertainty over what would become of this monument. In this brief social history, we attempt to create a cohesive narrative leading up to the unveiling of this monument in Central Park. More than a work of public art, today this monument represents a unique episode in Polish-American relations.
An Analysis of the Development Path of Business English Teachers in Local Institutions of China
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: June 2017

The application-oriented development of local institutions has become a trend. Business English, with its “compound and cross-disciplinary” characteristics and the development of local economy have put forward higher requirements for the development of business English teachers in local institutions. This paper surveys and analyzes the current situation and development bottleneck of business English teachers in local institutions of China, and puts forward the development path of business English teachers from four aspects. It aims to provide reference for the construction of business English teaching faculty and the construction of business English discipline.
TRENDS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR UPGRADING BATTLE TANKS OF THE POLISH ARMY
Authors: Magier Mariusz
Published: June 2017

Some combat characteristics of tanks T-72, PT-91, and LEOPARD 2A4 and 2A5 used by the Polish Army are studied in the paper and compared with selected world designs. Moreover the upgrading possibilities of used armourclad equipment regarding armour systems and enemy attacking capacities are evaluated.
INVESTIGATING EXPLOSIVE SENSITIVITY TO ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE ACCORDING TO NATO STANDARDIZATION DOCUMENTS
Authors: MISZCZAK, Maciej , Kwiecień Cezary , Gryka Sławomir
Published: June 2017

Some small scale methods for testing the sensitivity against ESD (Electro Static Discharge) of solid explosives like primary explosives, booster explosives, high explosives, gun and rocket propellants (smokeless powders and solid rocket propellants) and pyrotechnic compositions are overviewed in the paper from the point of NATO standardisation documentation that includes Standard Agreement (STANAG) 4490 [1], Allied Ordnance Publication AOP-7 [2] and STANAG 4170 [3]. The overview is supplemented with analyses and assessments of methods and received results. ESD sensitivity tests of explosives in small scale have not been unified yet in NATO standardization documentation in contradiction to NATO large scale tests. Such unification would be beneficial as it could lead to a greater reliability of results of explosive ESD susceptibility tests performed e.g. in the frame of interlaboratory tests.
MODELING AND STRENGTH ANALYSYS OF A VESSEL FOR TRANSPORTING EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
Authors: SZCZEPANIAK Marcin , KRYSIAK Piotr , Śliwiński Janusz , WOJCIECHOWSKI Andrzej , WOJCIESZYŃSKA Patrycja
Published: June 2017

The paper presents calculations and a real model for a vessel transporting goods with explosive materials. Two options of the vessel were fabricated. An extreme value of pressure at the blast wave-front generated by the explosion of 1 kg TNT inside the vessel was determined at the beginning. Then analytical calculations of stress values for vessel frame were conducted. In order to verify the stress level, strain gauges have been attached to the surface of structural members. In the next stage experimental tests were conducted on the proving ground by ex-plosion of 1 kg of TNT inside the vessel. Deformations were measured at the tests. An analysis of measured data is illustrated in diagrams of stress distribution versus time.
LIFE CYCLE ASSURANCE POLICY FOR ORDNANCE
Authors: FONROBERT Piotr , ĆWIK Dariusz
Published: June 2017

According to Decision of the Minister of National Defence No 78/MON from 03 March, 2006 (Official Diary of MoD No 4, pos. 53) the procedures and actions connected with development of products, including especially results of conceptual studies, safety requirements, selection and verification of units and subunits, risk analysis for probability of failures, have to be evaluated and qualified by a national commission approving safety requirements (equivalent of NSAA - National Safety Approving Authority – defined in STANAG 4187). The paper represents an opinion in discussion about creating the Polish authority dealing with the whole issues of safety for the ordnance used by the Polish Armed Forces.
Avaliação do impacto da retroação na aprendizagem apoiada por uma ferramenta educacional
Authors: Barausse de Moura Vívian Ariane , Peres Leticia Mara
Published: June 2017

This article discusses some of the results of a Masters research that proposes and applies a method of pedagogical experimentation based on retroaction of errors and successes with regard to the use of learning objects in student learning FARMA tool. This work was conducted by performing theoretical and practical research. On theoretical research was proposed one evaluation method of the teaching-learning process, using concepts of retroaction, mobile learning, authoring tools in IA, and learning objects. The research practice understood the application of the method, based on diagnosis, pretest, post-test and interaction, and analysis. This application was conducted in two schools in the State of Paraná, with 260 ninth grade students of the elementary school and first year of high school. Learning objects were developed in FARMA covering math content to the stage of interaction. The analysis of the data was statistical. The methods highlighted that all participants have achieved some kind of gain. When comparing the pedagogical experimentation based on retroaction of mistakes and successes, there was statistically significant difference for the students of the first year of high school.
Ben Highmore ja esteetiline uurijateadlikkus. Saateks
Authors: Annus Epp
Published: June 2017

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Impact of isolation method on doubling time and the quality of chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiated from murine dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Megat Abdul Wahab Rohaya , Mohamed Rozali Nur Akmal , Senafi Sahidan , Zainol Abidin Intan Zarina , Zainal Ariffin Zaidah , Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham
Published: June 2017

Background

Stem cells are normally isolated from dental pulps using the enzymatic digestion or the outgrowth method. However, the effects of the isolation method on the quality of the isolated stem cells are not studied in detail in murine models. The aim of this study was to compare the matrices secreted by osteoblast and chondrocytes differentiated from dental pulp stem cells isolated through different means.

Method

DPSC from murine incisors were isolated through either the outgrowth (DPSC-OG) or the enzymatic digestion (DPSC-ED) method. Cells at passage 4 were used in this study. The cells were characterized through morphology and expression of cell surface markers. The cells’ doubling time when cultured using different seeding densities was calculated and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison post-test. The ability of cells to differentiate to chondrocyte and osteoblast was evaluated through staining and analysis on the matrices secreted.

Results

Gene expression analysis showed that DPSC-OG and DPSC-ED expressed dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell markers, but not hematopoietic stem cell markers. The least number of cells that could have been used to culture DPSC-OG and DPSC-ED with the shortest doubling time was 5 × 102 cells/cm2 (11.49 ± 2.16 h) and 1 × 102 cells/cm2 (10.55 h ± 0.50), respectively. Chondrocytes differentiated from DPSC-ED produced  2 times more proteoglycan and at a faster rate than DPSC-OG. FTIR revealed that DPSC-ED differentiated into osteoblast also secreted matrix, which more resembled a calvaria.

Discussion

Isolation approaches might have influenced the cell populations obtained. This, in turn, resulted in cells with different proliferation and differentiation capability. While both DPSC-OG and DPSC-ED expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers, the percentage of cells carrying each marker might have differed between the two methods. Regardless, enzymatic digestion clearly yielded cells with better characteristics than outgrowth.