bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation Mechanism of Copper Selenide
Authors: Taskinen Pekka , Patana Sonja , Kobylin Petri , Latostenmaa Petri
Published: February 2014

The oxidation mechanism of copper selenide was investigated at deselenization temperatures of copper refining anode slimes. The isothermal roasting of synthetic, massive copper selenide in flowing oxygen and oxygen – 20% sulfur dioxide mixtures at 450–550 °C indicate that in both atmospheres the mass of Cu2Se increases as a function of time, due to formation of copper selenite as an intermediate product. Copper selenide oxidises to copper oxides without formation of thick copper selenite scales, and a significant fraction of selenium is vaporized as SeO2(g). The oxidation product scales on Cu2Se are porous which allows transport of atmospheric oxygen to the reaction zone and selenium dioxide vapor to the surrounding gas. Predominance area diagrams of the copper-selenium system, constructed for selenium roasting conditions, indicate that the stable phase of copper in a selenium roaster gas with SO2 is the sulfate CuSO4. The cuprous oxide formed in decomposition of Cu2Se is further sulfated to CuSO4.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Corrosion of Fe-16Cr Alloy Interconnect of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell under Various Atmospheres
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Wang Lijun , Li Fushen , Chou Kuochih
Published: February 2014

Iron-based alloys are the most hopeful interconnects of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC). Fe-16Cr alloy is one of the common iron-based alloys. Oxidation of the alloy is the key issue in the running process, which could be described in terms of diffusion path. Chemical potential, which is one of the primary factors to the diffusion process, is determined by the thermodynamics. The equilibrium phase in the oxidation of Fe-16Cr alloy was analyzed for better understanding of the mechanism of alloy oxidation in varied atmosphere. A novel form of thermodynamic diagram associated to the oxidation process was given. Phases in the equilibrium are changing with the quantitative increase of reacted fuel gas during the process. The diagram of Fe-16Cr alloy in atmospheres at cathode and anode sides were calculated. The diagram gives the intuitionistic phase transformation process corresponding to the practical oxidation process in the view of thermodynamics.
Age of first reported sexual experience among U.S. soldiers
Authors: Berry-Cabán Cristóbal S. , Jenkins Jamie N. , Goorley Elizabeth , Gray Serena
Published: February 2014

Studies show that the age of first sexual intercourse is directly correlated with risky sexual behavior among civilian populations. However, few studies have looked at the age of first intercourse and its consequence among soldiers. A study was conducted to examine the age of first sexual experience and sexual practices among soldiers surveyed at a large military post. The survey consisted of 31 fixed-choice items that focused on the soldiers’ sexual knowledge, beliefs and behaviors. A total of 450 soldiers were included in the sample. Respondents were divided into three main categories by age groupings of first sexual experience as follows: under 14 years of age, between the ages of 14 to 17 years, and over 18 years. All values were analyzed using frequency distributions with calculations of means, standard deviations, and range. Results showed that soldiers who had their first sexual experience under the age of 14 were more likely to participate in risky sexual behaviors than those whose first sexual experience occurred when soldiers were over the age of 18.
Dispatch Analysis of Off-Grid Diesel Generator-Battery Power Systems
Authors: Hsu D. , Kang L.
Published: February 2014

Diesel generator (DG)–battery power systems are often adopted by telecom operators especially in semi-urban and rural areas of developing countries. System dispatch is one of the key factors to hybrid power system integration. The contradiction between battery dispatch and DG dispatch in DG–battery power systems is that shallow and medium cycling is preferred for long battery life, while deep cycling is preferred for DG fuel and maintenance saving. In this paper, two dispatch regimes, A of full cycle charge strategy and B of partial state of charge (PSOC) strategy, and the corresponding SOC (state of charge) set points of the DG–battery power system are analysed and compared in terms of system operational expenditure (OPEX) and net present cost (NPC). The system OPEX mainly consists of fuel-related, filters-related and battery bank replacement costs. The simulation programme is established based on system efficiency calculations and battery charging regimes. The results show that (1) shallow cycling may bring long DG running time and high fuel consumption, while deep cycling is in favour of reducing DG running time and fuel consumption; (2) shallow cycling is in favour of battery life under Regime A, while deep cycling is in favour of battery life under Regime B; (3) depth of discharge (DOD)$$ \in $$[0.8, 1.0] leads to the lowest NPC for both Regime A and Regime B; (4) Regime B wins with not large difference before the battery bank replacement happened, and after then Regime A wins.
A modified quasi-boundary value method for an ultraparabolic ill-posed problem
Authors: Zouyed Fairouz , Rebbani Faouzia
Published: February 2014

In this work, we study an ill-posed problem involving two time
variables. Using a modified quasi-boundary value method, we perturb
the final conditions to form an approximate non-local problem. We
show that the approximate problems are well posed and we prove
some convergence results.
Reconstructing conductivities with boundary corrected D-bar method
Authors: Siltanen Samuli , Tamminen Janne P.
Published: February 2014

The aim of electrical impedance tomography is to form an image of the conductivity distribution inside an unknown body using electric boundary measurements. The computation of the image from measurement data is a non-linear ill-posed inverse problem and calls for a special regularized algorithm. One such algorithm, the so-called D-bar method, is improved in this work by introducing new computational steps that remove the so far necessary requirement that the conductivity should be constant near the boundary. The numerical experiments presented suggest two conclusions. First, for most conductivities arising in medical imaging, it seems the previous approach of using a best possible constant near the boundary is sufficient. Second, for conductivities that have high contrast features at the boundary, the new approach produces reconstructions with smaller quantitative error and with better visual quality.
Conditional stability for thermal convection in a rotating
couple-stress fluid saturating a porous media with temperature- and
pressure-dependent viscosity using a thermal non-equilibrium model
Authors: Sunil  , Choudhary Shalu , Mahajan Amit
Published: February 2014

A nonlinear stability threshold for convection in a rotating couple-stress
fluid saturating a porous medium with temperature- and pressure-dependent
viscosity using a thermal non-equilibrium model is found to be exactly the
same as the linear instability boundary. This optimal result is important
because it shows that linear theory has completely captured the physics of
the onset of convection. The effects of couple-stress fluid parameter
F, temperature- and pressure-dependent viscosity Γ, interface heat transfer coefficient H, Taylor number TA
, Darcy–Brinkman number

D
˜

a

$\tilde{D}a$

, and porosity modified conductivity ratio γ on the onset of convection have been
investigated. Asymptotic analysis for both small and large values of
interface heat transfer coefficient H is also presented. An
excellent agreement is found between the exact solutions and asymptotic
solutions.
Surface Stabilities of n-type GaN Dependent on Electrolyte under Photoelectrochemical Reactions
Authors: Koike Kayo , Nakamura Akihiro , Sugiyama Masakazu , Nakano Yoshiaki , Fujii Katsushi
Published: February 2014

The n-type GaN has stability problem of the surface anodic corrosion during the photoelectrochemical reaction for H2 generation. The photoelectrochemical surface stabilities of n-type GaN dependent on the electrolytes were investigated. The flatband potential in HCl obtained from Mott-Schottky plot shifted 0.1 V to positive direction compared with that in H2SO4. The variation of saturated photocurrent of 1 to 3 cycles in H2SO4 was much larger than that of HCl, NaOH and KOH. The surface morphologies also changed by the electrolytes. These results show the absorbed materials on the GaN electrode surface during the photoelectrochemical reactions were changed by the electrolyte and affected the surface reactions.
Evaluation of Sub-Gap States in Amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O Thin Films Treated with Various Process Conditions
Authors: Hayashi Kazushi , Hino Aya , Tao Hiroaki , Takanashi Yasuyuki , Morita Shinya , Goto Hiroshi , Kugimiya Toshihiro
Published: February 2014

In the present study, the sub-gap states of amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) thin films treated with various process conditions have been evaluated by means of capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics and isothermal capacitance transient spectroscopy (ICTS). It was found that the space-charge densities of the a-IGZO decreased as the oxygen partial pressure was increased during the sputtering of a-IGZO thin films. The ICTS spectra for the 4, 8, and 12 % samples were similar and the peak positions were found to be around 1 × 10-2 s at 180 K. On the other hand, the peak position for the 20 % sample shifted to a longer time regime and was located at around 2 × 10-1 s at 180 K. The total densities of the traps for the 4, 8, and 12 % samples were calculated to be 5−6 × 1016 cm-3, while that for 20 % was one order of magnitude lower than the others. From Thermal desorption spectrometer, it was found that desorption of Zn atoms started at a temperature higher than 300 °C for the 4 % sample, while desorption of Zn was not observed for the 20 % sample. The introduction of the sub-gap states could be attributed to oxygen-rich and/or Zn-deficient defects in the a-IGZO thin films formed during thermal annealing.
Low Temperature Preparation of KNbO3Films by Hydrothermal Method and Their Characterization
Authors: Kaneko N. , Shiraishi T. , Kurosawa M. , Shimizu T. , Funakubo H.
Published: February 2014

KNbO3films were prepared at 100 - 240°C on (100)cSrRuO3//(100)SrTiO3substrates by hydrothermal method using KOH and Nb2O5as source materials. The incubation time before starting deposition and the deposition rate after starting deposition increased and decreased with decreasing deposition temperature, respectively. Epitaxial {100}c-oriented KNbO3films with 300 nm thick were successfully obtained at 100°C on (100)cSrRuO3//(100)SrTiO3substrates for 144 h. We observed the typical butterfly-shape strain curves originated from the piezoelectricity for the first time for KNbO3films deposited down to 120°C.
Pressure Dependence of Crystal Growth in a Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O Superconductor Prepared by Shock Compression
Authors: Kameya Takaki , Tomioka Shigeya , Kezuka Hiroshi , Tsuruoka Makoto , Arisawa Shunichi , Endo Tamio , Endo Kazuhiro , Chen Liliang , Mashimo Tsutomu
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the effect of shock compression on the synthesis of a Bi-based oxide superconductor was investigated. Bi1.85-Pb0.35-Sr1.90-Ca2.05-Cu3.05-Ox calcined powder was shock-compacted around 20 GPa and 30 GPa, and divided specimens were annealed at 845 °C for 1, 6 and 48 hours. The specimens were evaluated by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope.
Improved Light Outcoupling from OLED by Non-Wave-Guiding Anode Designs
Authors: Slawinski M. , Brast M. , Zhang X. D. , Merget F. , Witzens J. , Heuken M. , Vescan A. , Kalisch H.
Published: February 2014

We improve the efficiency of a bottom-emitting red phosphorescent organic light emitting diode (OLED) by the suppression of wave-guided modes in the bottom contact. ITO as bottom contact layer has been substituted by a thin Ti/Au layer. Electromagnetic simulation results of both devices predict the absence of TE polarized guided contact modes by the use of 10 nm Au as bottom electrode. We measured an improved outcoupling of light which overcompensates absorption losses of the Ti/Au layer in the measured emission cone. By the use of 1 nm Ti as undercoat, a continuous Au film of 8 nm thickness could be realized with an improved transmittance for long wavelengths (λ > 550 nm). As a consequence of fewer lateral guided modes, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) has been enhanced from 11.5 % of the standard device to 14 % of the device with the Ti/Au electrode.
Theoretical energy yield of GaAs-on-Si tandem solar cells
Authors: Liu Haohui , Ren Zekun , Liu Zhe , Brandt Riley E. , Mailoa Jonathan P. , Siah Sin Cheng , Aberle Armin G. , Buonassisi Tonio , Peters Ian Marius
Published: February 2014

III-V on Si multijunction solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the energy yield of GaAs/Si tandem solar cells is performed to assess the performance potential and sensitivity to spectral variations. Recorded time-dependent spectral irradiance data in two locations (Singapore and Denver) were used. We found that a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell confers distinctive advantages over a 2-terminal scheme, giving a yield potential 21% higher than the 2-terminal scheme in Singapore and 17% higher in Denver. The theoretical energy yield benefit of a 4-terminal device emphasizes the need for further technology development in this design space.
Cutaneous lesions and finger clubbing uncovering hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis and hepatitis C with mixed cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Pinto-Almeida Teresa , Caetano Mónica , Alves Rosário , Selores Manuela
Published: February 2014

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare clinicopathologic entity characterized by urticarial lesions that persist for more than 24 hours and histologic features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Patients can be divided into normocomplementemic or hypocomplementemic. The authors report the case of a healthy 49-year-old woman with a 1-year history of highly pruritic generalized cutaneous lesions and finger clubbing. Laboratory tests together with histopathologic examination allowed the diagnosis of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, chronic hepatitis C and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia. The patient started symptomatic treatment and was referred to a gastroenterologist for management of the hepatitis C, with progressive improvement of the skin condition. The development of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in the context of chronic hepatitis C is exceedingly rare and possible pathogenic mechanisms are discussed.
Ectopic cutaneous schistosomiasis - Case report
Authors: Nunes Kathia Monielly Tenorio , Cardoso Alberto Eduardo Cox , Pereira Fabio de Souza Guedes , Batista Luiz Henrique Carvalho , Houly Ricardo Luiz Simoes
Published: February 2014

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a systemic disease caused by a helminth of the schistosoma genus. The disease is generally asymptomatic or gastrointestinal symptoms may predominate. Skin lesions related to the disease are rarely diagnosed, even in endemic areas. The authors report the case of a young girl diagnosed with cutaneous schistosomiasis with involvement of the abdomen, back and scapular region. Schistosoma eggs were found in the lesions by histopathologic exam. There was no evidence of systemic involvement. Schistosomiasis must be included in the list of differential diagnosis of skin damage, especially in endemic areas, due to the potential consequences, in case of late diagnosis and treatment.
Overdiagnosing Overdiagnosis
Authors: Yaffe Martin J. , Pritchard Kathleen I.
Published: February 2014

Solid evidence shows that screening mammography contributes to a substantial reduction in mortality from breast cancer, but it is far from a perfect test. Estimates of overdetection of breast cancer, based on extrapolation of SEER data, may suffer from considerable uncertainty because of major assumptions required in such calculations and the difficulty in correcting for confounding factors such as lead time and demographic variations. Some of the charged language used and the extreme positions taken in the discussion of screening distract from coherent communication of the complex issues surrounding this topic. More balanced discussion would better serve the public.
Test-Retest Reliability of the Bod Pod: The Effect of Multiple Assessments
Authors: Tucker Larry A. , Lecheminant James D. , Bailey Bruce W.
Published: February 2014

The Bod Pod uses air-displacement plethysmography to estimate body fat percentage (BF%). This study was designed to assess the test-retest reliability of the Bod Pod. The study included 283 women ( M age =41.0 yr., SD = 3.0). Each participant was tested at least twice in the Bod Pod. Results showed no significant mean difference between the test and the retest. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was .991. However, the absolute value of the initial trial differences (absolute mean difference) was .96 ( SD = .90). A third assessment of BF% was taken when the initial trial difference was greater than 1 percentage point, and the two closest values were compared. This strategy resulted in a significant decrease in the absolute mean difference, from .96 to .55 percentage point, and ICC increased to .998. The Bod Pod appears to measure body fat percentage reliably; however, findings suggest that multiple trials may be necessary to detect small treatment effects.
Validity and Reliability of Greek Versions of Two Scales Assessing Family and Friend Support for Exercise Behaviour
Authors: Theodoropoulou Eleni , Karteroliotis Konstantinos , Stavrou Nektarios
Published: February 2014

This study examined the validity and reliability of Greek versions of two scales assessing family and friend support for exercise behaviour. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed in a sample of 360 students. Additionally, CFAs were applied in a second sample of 726 physically active adults. Finally, associations were examined among scales and physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and socio-demographic variables. Results indicated (a) a two-factor model for the Family Support for Exercise Behaviour Scale, (b) a one-factor solution for the Friend Support for Exercise Behaviour Scale, (c) satisfactory reliability coefficients, and (d) associations among the scales and physical activity, self-efficacy and socio-demographic variables. Conclusively, the social support scales were valid and reliable.
Factors Associated with Self-Reported Arthritis 7 to 24 Years after a Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ocampo-Chan Sharon , Badley Elizabeth , Dawson Deirdre R. , Ratcliff Graham , Colantonio Angela
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to profile characteristics of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who self-reported arthritis 7 to 24 yr. post-injury. Pre- and post-injury socio-demographic factors, injury-related factors, and post-injury standardized assessments measuring health, activity, and participation outcomes were assessed in a retrospective cohort study of 274 participants. The group self-reporting arthritis had significantly more sleep disturbances, poorer overall health, lower mental health and physical function, and decreased productivity. Also, they were older and reported a shorter length of loss of consciousness from TBI. These results suggest that musculoskeletal complaints from long-term survivors of TBI should be addressed in post-acute care and could guide future research on arthritis in the TBI population.
Psychoanalysis, Artistic Obsession, and Artistic Motivation: The Study of Pathography
Authors: Kemler David S.
Published: February 2014

A modern assessment of Freud's conceptualization of the creative process focusing on drives, ego psychology, and object relation theory is presented. 40 artists and musicians were interviewed employing 13 open-ended questions to provoke responses historically associated with the theoretical conceptualizations of Freud and post-Freudian theory related to the creative process. Creative process was defined as internal object relations that motivate the external connection between artist and the creative work. Measured responses concerning purpose and understanding; motivation before, during, and after performance; obstacles in performance; and needs through the creative process were assessed. Cluster analysis segregated the participants into high, medium, and low agreement groups based on similarity of responses. A multivariate stepwise regression revealed four questions (enlightenment, drives, obstacles, and ought self discrepancies) accounted for 83.9% of the variance. A post hoc discriminant function analysis identified 82.5% of the population to their correct groups. The findings support Spitz's (2005) suggestion that we regard “drives, ego psychology, and object relation theory not as separate approaches but as parts of a whole with varying stresses or accents” (p. 503).
Predicting Agility Performance with other Performance Variables in Pubescent Boys: A Multiple-Regression Approach
Authors: Sekulic Damir , Spasic Miodrag , Esco Michael R.
Published: February 2014

The goal was to investigate the influence of balance, jumping power, reactive-strength, speed, and morphological variables on five different agility performances in early pubescent boys ( N = 71). The predictors included body height and mass, countermovement and broad jumps, overall stability index, 5 m sprint, and bilateral side jumps test of reactive strength. Forward stepwise regressions calculated on 36 randomly selected participants explained 47% of the variance in performance of the forward-backward running test, 50% of the 180° turn test, 55% of the 20 yd. shuttle test, 62% of the T-shaped course test, and 44% of the zig-zag test, with the bilateral side jumps as the single best predictor. Regression models were cross-validated using the second half of the sample ( n = 35). Correlation between predicted and achieved scores did not provide statistically significant validation statistics for the continuous-movement zig-zag test. Further study is needed to assess other predictors of agility in early pubescent boys.
A comparative analysis of Lubelskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie voivodships in the context of environmental competitiveness of regions
Authors: Kasztelan Armand
Published: February 2014

The aim of the study is an analysis of the environmental competitiveness of Lubelskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie voivodships. There was performed an analysis of indices of the condition and protection of the environment, and also of the pressures placed on the environment in particular regions in order to assess the environmental competitiveness of Polish voivodships using a rating method (point one). The comparison of Lubelskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie voivodships leads to the conclusion that these regions are characterised by a relatively good environmental potential, creating chances for specialisation in a range of those forms of economic activity which are based on the use of environmental resources and values.
Tourism and the visit rate in the tourism regions in Eastern Slovakia from the point of selected indicators
Authors: Klamár Radoslav
Published: February 2014

The submitted paper deals with the problem of tourism development and the visit rate in the selected region of Eastern Slovakia consisting of six specified tourism regions. The individual regions are briefly presented from the perspective of their potential for the development of selected tourist activitiesonsequently, based upon basic statistic information, the development and the structure of their accommodation facilities, beds, visitors, earnings, etc. are analysed while at the same time the most significant problems and disparities are pointed to. In the conclusion the possibilities of the development in the form of holiday models and their location within the evaluated territory of Eastern Slovakia are proposed.
Health condition of ageing populations of the European Union
Authors: Sojka Elżbieta
Published: February 2014

The paper is a comparative analysis of health condition of EU-27 states that are differentiated with respect to demographic situation and the level of social and economic development with the use of methods of multidimensional comparative analysis. Relationships between macroeconomic values and health indices of EU populations were also studied with the use of demometric models. The study was performed for 2009. The most favourable health situation (in the light of diagnostic qualities adopted for the study) was observed in Cyprus, where the value of synthetic measure was almost 0.9. Cyprus is a relatively young country, with the lowest rate of mortality due to malicious tumours among all the countries of the European Community. Apart from Cyprus, Ireland was found in the first group (the lowest rate of people at 65+ years of age of all EU countries), Luxembourg (low rate of infant mortality) and Spain (relatively low mortality due to diseases of circulatory system). Definitely the worst health situation was observed in majority of the countries of the former Eastern bloc. On the grounds of the correlation diagram it was possible to conclude that, together with social and economic development of the country and resulting growth in expenditures on health protection per capita, mean life expectancy at birth significantly extended. However, these relations are not linear. Logarithmically constructed regression functions proved a strong and statistically significant impact of macroeconomic values on indices of population health condition.
Sri Lanka: Physical Reconstruction and Economic Development as Conflict Prevention Factors
Authors: Đevoić Boženko
Published: February 2014

This article gives an overview of the 26 year long ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and examines physical reconstruction and economic development as measures of conflict prevention and postconflict reconstruction. During the years of conflict, the Sri Lankan government performed some conflict prevention measures, but most of them caused counter effects, such as the attempt to provide “demilitarization”, which actually increased militarization on both sides, and “political power sharing” that was never honestly executed. Efforts in post-conflict physical reconstruction and economic development, especially after 2009, demonstrate their positive capacity as well as their conflict sensitivity. Although the Sri Lankan government initially had to be forced by international donors to include conflict sensitivity in its projects, more recently this has changed. The government now practices more conflict sensitivity in its planning and execution of physical reconstruction and economic development projects without external pressure.
The “Comprehensive village renewal programme in Burgenland” as a means a strengthening the social capital in rural areas
Authors: Damyanovic Doris , Reinwald Florian
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the results of the study of the comprehensive village renewal programme in Burgenland are considered in the light of the concept of social capital. Changes to the social structures and demographic changes have a strong impact on the formation of social capital in the villages and are therefore a central challenge facing the policies of the municipalities. An objective in the further development of the programme for comprehensive village renewal is to strengthen the local and regional social capital. The implementation of participative village renewal processes has the potential for increasing social capital in the villages, but certain conditions need to be in place for this. The paper analyses and discusses how the programme has contributed to date to the formation of social capital, what opportunities the municipalities have and what instruments they will need in future to build up the social capital that is crucial to sustainable village development.
How can “gender planning” contribute to tackle the challenges of demographic change?
Authors: Wankiewicz Heidrun
Published: February 2014

Ageing society, lack of skilled workforce, changes in work life careers and changes in partner and family models, a shift in societal roles of women and men, young and old, migration flows from rural to urban, multiple residences and new forms of housing and the related spatial impacts are in focus of demographic change. It is obvious that demographic change is not to be managed without gender and equality issues. Spatial planning has a crucial role in facing these challenges as spatial planning laws demand to ensure equal access to housing, services and labour markets and to organize transparent and inclusive decision making procedures. The paper explores key concepts, methods and selected case studies from Europe on gender planning trying to focus on the potential for innovating planning discipline and tackling with demographic change issues in rural areas. Cases from Bavaria and Austria compared to rural regions in Eastern Germany with high female emigration show concrete planning approaches.
New Locality Of Viola Jordanii Han Ry In The North-Eastern Italy An D Some Remarks Of Its Distribution In Europe
Authors: Hroneš Michal , Kobrlová Lucie
Published: February 2014

A finding and description of a new locality of rare species of violet Viola jordanii (Violaceae) in the Karst area of north-eastern Italy is reported. Distribution of the species throughout the Europe is briefly discussed.
OPTIMIZATION OF SEA WATERWAY SYSTEM PARAMETERS IN MARINE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING / OPTYMALIZACJA PARAMETRÓW SYSTEMU MORSKICH DRÓG WODNYCH W UJĘCIU INŻYNIERII RUCHU MORSKIEGO
Authors: Gucma Stanisław
Published: February 2014

The article defines a system of sea waterways and discusses general principles of modeling such systems. Conditions for safe operation of marine waterway systems are specified. The author's model of waterway parameter optimization herein presented was used in designing a system of approach channels leading to the outer port in Świnoujście, the LNG terminal.
PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF RISK ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT IN MARITIME SHIPPING / PRAKTYCZNE ASPEKTY OKREŚLANIA KRYTERIÓW AKCEPTOWALNOŚCI RYZYKA W ŻEGLUDZE MORSKIEJ
Authors: Abramowicz-Gerigk Teresa , Burciu Zbigniew , Kaminski Piotr
Published: February 2014

The paper presents practical aspects of development of acceptable risk levels in maritime shipping with respect to the cooperation of parties involved in maritime safety, commonly used risk acceptance principles, criteria and uncertainties related to their development. The results of analysis of risk assessment methods used for potentially hazardous operations on board ships performed on the basis of extensive studies on the onboard safety management systems is presented. The merits and drawbacks of the approach used in the development of risk acceptance criteria in onboard safety management systems are discussed.
RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE SELECTED BRANDS OF CITY BUSES AT MUNICIPAL TRANSPORT COMPANY / PORÓWNAWCZA ANALIZA NIEZAWODNOŚCI AUTOBUSÓW KOMUNIKACJI MIEJSKIEJ
Authors: Rymarz Joanna , Niewczas Andrzej , Pieniak Daniel
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this paper was to present a reliability comparison of city transport buses on the example of Solaris Urbino 12 and Mercedes- Benz 628 Conecto LF at Municipal Transport Company in Lublin. A reliability index for the most failure parts and complex systems for the period of time up to first damage was determined. It has been demonstrated, that during the operation significant reliability differences occur between the buses produced nowadays.
EXPLOITATION OF THE CWSS IN THE ASPECT OF BELONGING TO THE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE / EKSPLOATACJA SZZW W ASPEKCIE PRZYNALEŻNOŚCI DO INFRASTRUKTURY KRYTYCZNEJ
Authors: Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara , Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna
Published: February 2014

CWSS exploitation in terms of belonging to a critical infrastructure is an important issue and requires a detailed analysis. Therefore it is important to develop emergency plans for the supply of drinking water for different crisis situations, as well as detailed analysis of the risk of possible undesirable events in CWSS, in order to develop a comprehensive safety management program of the system. In this work the problems associated with the operation of CWSS in terms of belonging to critical infrastructure were presented. Also the methodology to determine the crisis management time in the WSS, connected with a shortage of drinking water was shown.
Global diffusion tensor imaging derived metrics differentiate glioblastoma multiforme vs. normal brains by using discriminant analysis: introduction of a novel whole-brain approach
Authors: Roldan-Valadez Ernesto , Rios Camilo , Cortez-Conradis David , Favila Rafael , Moreno-Jimenez Sergio
Published: February 2014

Background. Histological behavior of glioblastoma multiforme suggests it would benefit more from a global rather than regional evaluation. A global (whole-brain) calculation of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) derived tensor metrics offers a valid method to detect the integrity of white matter structures without missing infiltrated brain areas not seen in conventional sequences. In this study we calculated a predictive model of brain infiltration in patients with glioblastoma using global tensor metrics.

Methods. Retrospective, case and control study; 11 global DTI-derived tensor metrics were calculated in 27 patients with glioblastoma multiforme and 34 controls: mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, pure isotropic diffusion, pure anisotropic diffusion, the total magnitude of the diffusion tensor, linear tensor, planar tensor, spherical tensor, relative anisotropy, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity. The multivariate discriminant analysis of these variables (including age) with a diagnostic test evaluation was performed.

Results. The simultaneous analysis of 732 measures from 12 continuous variables in 61 subjects revealed one discriminant model that significantly differentiated normal brains and brains with glioblastoma: Wilks’ λ = 0.324, χ2 (3) = 38.907, p < .001. The overall predictive accuracy was 92.7%.

Conclusions. We present a phase II study introducing a novel global approach using DTI-derived biomarkers of brain impairment. The final predictive model selected only three metrics: axial diffusivity, spherical tensor and linear tensor. These metrics might be clinically applied for diagnosis, follow-up, and the study of other neurological diseases.
A bound for the Milnor number of plane curve singularities
Authors: Płoski Arkadiusz
Published: February 2014

Let f = 0 be a plane algebraic curve of degree d > 1 with an isolated singular point at 0 ∈ ℂ2. We show that the Milnor number μ0(f) is less than or equal to (d−1)2 − [d/2], unless f = 0 is a set of d concurrent lines passing through 0, and characterize the curves f = 0 for which μ0(f) = (d−1)2 − [d/2].
An alternative solution of diatomic molecules
Authors: Öztemel Özgür , Olğar Eser
Published: February 2014

The spectrum of r −1 and r −2 type potentials of diatomic molecules in radial Schrödinger equation are calculated by using the formalism of asymptotic iteration method. The alternative method is used to solve eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of Mie potential, Kratzer-Fues potential, Coulomb potential, and Pseudoharmonic potential by determining the α, β, γ and σ parameters.
The one-dimensional Hulthén potential in the quantum phase space representation
Authors: Stanek Jerzy
Published: February 2014

The analytic expression of the Wigner function for bound eigenstates of the Hulthén potential in quantum phase space is obtained and presented by plotting this function for a few quantum states. In addition, the correct marginal distributions of the Wigner function in spherical coordinates are determined analytically.
Dilepton creation based on an analytic hydrodynamic solution
Authors: Csanád Máté , Krizsán Levente
Published: February 2014

High-energy collisions of various nuclei, so called “Little Bangs” are observed in various experiments of heavy ion colliders. The time evolution of the strongly interacting quark-gluon plasma created in heavy ion collisions can be described by hydrodynamical models. After expansion and cooling, the hadrons are created in a freeze-out. Their distribution describes the final state of this medium. To investigate the time evolution one needs to analyze penetrating probes, such as direct photon or dilepton observables, as these particles are created throughout the evolution of the medium. In this paper we analyze an 1+3 dimensional analytic solution of relativistic hydrodynamics, and we calculate dilepton transverse momentum and invariant mass distributions. We investigate the dependence of dilepton production on time evolution parameters, such as emission duration and equation of state. Using parameters from earlier fits of this model to photon and hadron spectra, we compare our calculations to measurements as well. The most important feature of this work is that dilepton observables are calculated from an exact, analytic, 1+3D solution of relativistic hydrodynamics that is also compatible with hadronic and direct photon observables.
Molecular modelling and quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of anatoxin-a and epibatidine derivatives with affinity to rodent nAChR receptors
Authors: Melo Eduardo , Moura e Silva Sidnei , Paula Fávero
Published: February 2014

Anatoxin-a and epibatidine are natural toxins with a high affinity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Nicotinic ligands have the potential to become novel therapeutic agents for various cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The determination of the physicochemical and biological properties of anatoxin-a and epibatidine derivatives is important because these might lead to the development of new cholinergic therapeutic agents. To study these features, the toxins and a set of their derivatives were subjected to a molecular modelling study and QSAR analysis. The structural analyses indicated that the geometric and steric features are important determinants of the compound’s activities. The descriptors selected for the QSAR model also highlighted the roles of the geometric and steric features, together with the importance of electronic features.
ON λ-ASYMPTOTICALLY WIJSMAN GENERALIZED STATISTICAL CONVERGENCE OF SEQUENCES OF SETS
Authors: Hazarika Bipan , Esi Ayhan
Published: February 2014

The concept of Wijsman statistical convergence was defined by [Nuray, F.-Rhoades, B. E.: Statistical convergence of sequences of sets, Fasc. Math. 49 (2012), 1-9]. In this paper we present three definitions which are a natural combination of the definition of asymptotic equivalence, statistical convergence, generalized statistical convergence and Wijsman convergence. In addition, we also present asymptotically equivalent sequences of sets in sense of Wijsman and study some properties of this concept.
LINEAR COMBINATIONS OF THE CLASSIC CANTOR SET
Authors: Pawłowicz Marta
Published: February 2014

The sets of the form C + mC, where m ℮ (0, 1) and C is the classic Cantor ternary set, are described.
POWER SERIES WITH SKEW-HARMONIC NUMBERS, DILOGARITHMS, AND DOUBLE INTEGRALS
Authors: Boyadzhiev Khristo N.
Published: February 2014

The skew-harmonic numbers are the partial sums of the alternating harmonic series, i.e., the expansion of log 2.We evaluate in closed form various power series and numerical series with skew-harmonic numbers. This provides a simultaneous solution of two recent problems by Ovidiu Furdui in the American Mathematical Monthly and the College Mathematics Journal. We also present and discuss representations involving the dilogarithm and the trilogarithm which are related to our results. Finally, we provide the evaluations of several double integrals in terms of classical constants.
ANOTHER TWIST IN THE DINING CRYPTOGRAPHERS’ PROTOCOL
Authors: Bárász Mihály , Ligeti Péter , Lója Krisztina , Mérai László , Nagy Dániel A.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we explore the Dining Cryptographers’ protocol over a cyclic group with a one-way homomorphic image, using a boardroom voting protocol as an illustration of its desirable security properties. In particular, we address the problem of anonymous disruption, which is one of the main disadvantages of DC over more usual groups like binary vectors.
A NEW STREAM CIPHER BASED ON FIALKA M-125
Authors: Antal Eugen , Hromada Viliam
Published: February 2014

In 2010, a new cipher Hummingbird by [Engels, D.-Fan, X.- -Gong, G.-Hu, H.-Smith, E. M. Hummingbird: Ultra-Lightweight Cryptography for Resource-Constrained Devices, in: 1st International Workshop on Lightweight Cryptography for Resource-Constrained Devices. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, January 2010] was proposed. It is a combination of both block and stream cipher and its design was inspired and motivated by the Enigma machine. The encryption process of the cipher can be considered as a continuous running of a rotor-cipher. Four block ciphers play the role of the rotors that apply the permutation to the 16-bit words. This cipher motivated us to investigate a new cipher design based on a Fialka cipher machine. Fialka M-125 is an Enigma based rotor-cipher machine used during the Cold War. It is considered one of the most secure cipher machines. Advantages of this cipher are based on the elimination of the Enigma’s known weaknesses. There are no known attacks on this cipher. In this paper we introduce a new cipher based on the Fialka machine. We transform the Fialka encryption algorithm to a modern stream cipher. The rotors are represented as S-boxes and shift registers are used to provide the rotor clocking. We propose three different versions of the cipher and investigate the statistical properties of their outputs. In the article we also provide basic implementation details and basic performance analysis.
FOUR DECADES OF CZECH AND SLOVAK NUMBER THEORY CONFERENCES
Authors: Porubský Štefan
Published: February 2014

The paper contains a short prehistory and history of the Czech and Slovak international number theory conferences
SIEDM FILARÓW PIOTRA SKARGI. GENEZA I ASPEKT RETORYCZNY / PIOTR SKARGA’S SEVEN PILLARS: ITS ORIGINS AND RHETORIC
Authors: Chemperek Dariusz
Published: February 2014

This article is concerned with the origins and the rhetoric of one of Piotr Skarga’s less known publications, Seven Pillars [of the Catholic Teaching about the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar]. Published in 1582, the treatise sums up a polemic, which went on for nine years, with Andrzej Wolan, a leading Calvinist theologian, over the nature of the sacrament of the Eucharist (the issue of real vs spiritual presence of Christ) and points of worship in the Catholic and the Reformed churches. The Seven Pillars is a fine example of highly-skilled rhetoric, especially in the elocutio and dispositio. Adjusting his tropes carefully to the perception of an average reader, Skarga chooses the mode of mocking, down-to-earth realism to counter and wreck Wolan’s symbolic constructions. In his argument he relies heavily on rhetorical amplificatio, yet in the wind-up he shifts to the questions of when an individual worshipper may receive or abstain from Communion, clearly an issue of secondary importance in this fundamental polemic.
„z językiem trzeba twardo”. Autotematyczne wymiary poezji Eugeniusza Tkaczyszyna-Dyckiego / “WITH LANGUAGE YOU HA VE TO BE FIRM ”: THE AUTOTHEMATIC DIMENSION OF THE POETRY OF EUGENIUSZ TKACZYSZYN -DYCKI
Authors: Dźwinel Kamil
Published: February 2014

One of the characteristic features of the poetry of Eugeniusz Tkaczyszyn-Dycki is the recurrence of certain issues, especially those that autothematic and self-referential. Tkaczyszyn-Dycki is an author bent on an unending exploration of the origin and the nature of his own idiom, deliberately piling up - often in the same volume, or neighbouring pages - opposed views on the subject of writing. An extraordinarily self-conscious writer, Tkaczyszyn-Dycki never tires of examining and re-examining his writing techniques. What usually sets him off on another autothematic quest is the possibility of an antithetical turnabout whenever the resolution of a previous pursuit is safe in hand. The article distinguishes five thematic circles in his poetry: language / word, poetry in the broad sense of the word, inspiration, the poet, and the creative process. In conclusion, it can be said that poetry about poetry and the conditions of poetry-making is Tkaczyszyn-Dycki’s most important concern.
Deus ex machina, czyli o doświadczeniu fonografii w poezji Stanisława Barańczaka / DEUS EX MACHINA, OR THE EXPERIENCE OF PHONOGRAPHY IN THE POETRY OF STANISŁAW BARAŃCZAK
Authors: Puchalska Iwona
Published: February 2014

This article deals with a new range of musical topoi that entered the literature of the 20th century following the invention of new techniques of recording and copying of sound. The phonographic revolution led to a wide-ranging revision of traditional musical terms and opened the way for new approaches to the problem of ontology of the musical work of art. Its ripples also reached the realm of poetry, giving rise to new motifs and themes of ‘poetic musicology’. Stanisław Barańczak is without doubt a typical phonographic poet, and his work both reflects the general developments in the world of music and shows a uniquely personal literary-musical profile.
In-Office, Multisinus Balloon Dilation: 1-Year Outcomes from a Prospective, Multicenter, Open Label Trial
Authors: Gould James , Alexander Ian , Tomkin Edward , Brodner David
Published: February 2014

Background

The objective of this prospective, multicenter study was to assess 1-year changes in sinonasal symptoms and health care use after office-based multisinus balloon dilation.

Methods

Adults diagnosed with chronic or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis per the 2007 adult sinusitis guidelines were en d in this Institutional Review Board-approved study. Balloon dilation of the maxillary sinuses/ethmoid infundibula with or without frontal or sphenoid ostial dilation was performed in the physician's office under local anesthesia. Intraoperative procedure technical success and subject procedure tolerance were recorded. Efficacy was assessed using the patient-reported 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) and Rhinosinusitis Symptom Inventory (RSI). Complications and revision surgeries were also recorded.

Results

A total of 313 ostial dilations were attempted and 307 were successfully completed (98.1%) in 81 subjects. Mean procedure tolerance was 2.8 ± 2.2 (0 = no pain; 10 = severe pain). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) mean SNOT-20 symptom improvement was observed at 1 and 6 months and sustained through 1 year. The RSI treatment effect for all major rhinosinusitis symptoms was “large” and improvement in each was significant (p < 0.0001). Compared with the previous 1-year period, patients reported an average of 2.3 fewer acute sinus infections (p < 0.0001), 2.4 fewer antibiotic courses taken (p < 0.0001), and 3.0 fewer sinus-related physician visits (p < 0.0 1) after balloon dilation. No serious device or procedure-related adverse events occurred. One subject (1.3%) underwent revision surgery.

Conclusion

In-office, multisinus balloon dilation is safe, effective, and well tolerated. Patients reported significant reductions in both sinonasal symptoms and health care use after balloon dilation. Efficacy observed at 1 and 6 month follow-up was sustained through 1 year with a very low rate of revision surgery. This study was a part of the clinical trial NCT01612780 registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov