bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of microwave radiation on the process of aerobic digestion of sewage sludge
Authors: Czajkowska Justyna , Malarski Abde Maciej , Nowak Piotr , Siwiec Tadeusz
Published: November 2017

The process of aerobic stabilization of sludge is a process used in small or medium sewage treatment plants (up to 15 000 ENI). Owing to its energy intensity resulting from the need for intensive sedimentation and longterm process, many researches are being conducted on its intensification. One such method is disintegration. The purpose of disintegration is to increase the susceptibility of sewage sludge to aerobic decomposition by breaking up sediment flocs into fine particles along with the breakdown of cell membranes and then allowing biodegradation. The paper presents results of research of aerobic stabilized sludge, which is a mixture of non-disintegrated and microwave disintegrated sludge in different volume proportions. It was shown that sludge stabilized more quickly during the first days of the process. The minimum reduction of organic solids required at 38% for stabilized sludge occure earlier in mixed sludge tests than in non-disintegrated sludge.
Międzyodrze: an example of diverse economic and nature-related activities in the part of the Lower Odra Valley
Authors: Dąbkowski Szczepan L. , Wesołowski Piotr , Brysiewicz Adam , Humiczewski Maciej
Published: November 2017

Międzyodrze is an area in Lower Odra Valley, from the fork of the riverbed to Szczecin, with the islands between the Odra River and Lake Dąbie. In the past, it has served primarily as a waterway route and now serves a variety of economic and nature-related functions. This paper presents the historical and present role of Międzyodrze, taking into account the specific natural values of the Lower Odra Valley, hydrography, hydrology and soil conditions. In the area of Międzyodrze, there are basically three types of organic matter and the nature’s point of view, the area is rich in flora and fauna. The current stimulation to activity of Międzyodrze is to take account of the needs of the natural environment, tourism and recreation, while improving the hydrological and retention potential of the area. Exceptional natural values, complicated hydraulic system of canals, the complexity of hydrological phenomena and the specificity of soils make the selection of activities aimed at achieving the objectives of area revitalization requires comprehensive environmental and hydrological analyses as well as economic analyses. The paper outlined the range of difficulties encountered by this assessment.
Comparative evaluation of various approaches to the foundation of parameters of agricultural drainage
Authors: Rokochinskiy Anatoliy , Volk Pavlo , Pinchuk Oleg , Mendus Serhiy , Koptyuk Roman
Published: November 2017

The traditional and optimization approaches to substantiation of the parameters of agricultural drainage and the results of their comparative effectiveness are considered. The results of calculation of the defined yields of crops grown at appropriate levels of drainage efficiency show that in given conditions the optimal distance between the drains at the lowest level of the hierarchy of crop performance varied from 20 m for potatoes in peat up to 38 m for cereals on sand at the appropriate change of calculation of the drainage runoff module across the entire spectrum of efficiency from ecological drainage of 0.4 m2·day-1 to the economic one of 0.85 m2·day-1.
The use of constructed wetlands for the treatment of industrial wastewater
Authors: Skrzypiecbcef Katarzyna , Gajewskaad Magdalena H.
Published: November 2017

Constructed wetlands are characterized by specific conditions enabling simultaneous various physical and biochemical processes. This is the result of specific environment for the growth of microorganisms and hydrophytes (aquatic and semiaquatic plants) which are capable of living in aerobic, anaerobic and facultative anaerobic conditions. Their interaction contributes to the intensification of oxidation and reduction responsible for the removal and retention of pollutants. These processes are supported by sorption, sedimentation and assimilation. Thanks to these advantages, treatment wetland systems have been used in communal management for over 50 years. In recent years, thanks to its advantages, low operational costs and high removal efficiency, there is growing interest in the use of constructed wetlands for the treatment or pre-treatment of various types of industrial wastewater. The study analyzes current use of these facilities for the treatment of industrial wastewater in the world. The conditions of use and efficiency of pollutants removal from readily and slowly biodegradable wastewater, with special emphasis on specific and characteristic pollutants of particular industries were presented. The use of subsurface horizontal flow beds for the treatment of industrial wastewater, among others from crude oil processing, paper production, food industry including wineries and distillery, olive oil production and coffee processing was described. In Poland constructed wetlands are used for the treatment of sewage and sludge from milk processing in pilot scale or for dewatering of sewage sludge produced in municipal wastewater treatment plant treating domestic sewage with approximately 40% share of wastewater from dairy and fish industry. In all cases, constructed wetlands provided an appropriate level of treatment and in addition the so-called ecosystem service.
New readings in the Hieroglyphic-Luwian inscriptions of BURUNKAYA and KIZILDAĞ 4
Authors: Oreshko Rostislav
Published: November 2017

The paper presents results of collations of two Hieroglyphic-Luwian inscriptions of king Hartapu found in Central Anatolia and belonging to the post-Empire period (12th/11th century BC). In BURUNKAYA the improvements include: 1) identification of the first sign in the king’s name as a separate sign (instead of earlier ), probably L.417; 2) reading of one of the titles of the king as (DEUS)TONITRUS PURUS2-za/i (or EUNUCHUS2-za/i, phonetically kummaza) ‘priest of the Storm-God’; 3) identification of a part of the sign URBS/ REGIO in the second line of the inscription. In KIZILDAĞ 4 the discussion focuses on the central weathered part of the second line (§ 3); here, traces of two signs ANIMAL and of an animal head could be identified, which, in combination with other indications, allow the passage to be interpreted as an appeal to different visitors of the site to offer sacrificial animals to the Celestial Storm-God.
Récapitulatifs mycéniens: la série Ed de Pylos
Authors: Duhoux Yves
Published: November 2017

Étude des cinq tablettes récapitulatives de la série Ed en linéaire B de Pylos. Contrairement à ce qui est généralement admis, elles concernent les terres enregistrées non pas dans les séries Eb et/ou Ep, mais dans d’autres séries actuellement perdues. Ed 236, 317, 847 et 901 concernent un territoire proche de la localité de Pa-ki-ānes comme, par exemple, la ‘“campagne” de Pa-ki-ānes’ Pa-ki-ānios agros. La dernière tablette récapitulative, Ed 411, n’a aucun rapport perceptible avec les précédentes. Peut-être se rapportait-elle à la localité de Pa-to-wo-te.
Four probable terms in Mycenaean Greek pertaining to water management, some possible references, and broader implications
Authors: Lane Michael Franklin
Published: November 2017

1. Given the latest archaeological evidence, one should expect terms pertaining to water management and hydraulic engineering in the Linear B corpus. Identification of such terms will aid in current and future interpretations. 2. Archaeological context. 3. Four terms: (1) a-de-te /*arde(s)tḗr/ ‘irrigator’; (2) e-re-e-u /heleheu̯s/ ‘he pertaining to marshland’ (probably land improvement functionary in reciprocal management relationship with e-sa-re-u); (3) *po-te-re-u /*bothreu̯s/ (/*phothreus/?) ‘he pertaining to trenches’; (4) *u-do-no-o /(h)udr̥nohos/ ‘water-channeler’ (< IE *nei̯H-/*noi̯H- ‘channeling, directing, diverting, driving’, etc.). 4. Some possibilities: ko-ku-ro, pe-re-wa-ta, e-ko-me-no, and za-e-to-ro. 5. Discussion: water management and organization of labor recorded in the Linear B texts. 6. Conclusions.
Zum Agora-Pfeiler in Xanthos V: das Nordgedicht auf Cheriga (TL 44c, 32 ff.)
Authors: Schürr Diether
Published: November 2017

Der poetische Text auf der Nordseite des Agorapfeilers in Xanthos wird nach eingehender Uberprufung neu ediert, ein Vokabular erstellt und die poetische Gestalt mit Abteilung der Strophen und versuchsweiser Abteilung der Verse (drei pro Strophe) und Halbverse rekonstruiert. Dieser Text unterscheidet sich deutlich von dem poetischen Text auf der Westseite: Es handelt sich offenbar um zwei verschiedene Gedichte, die allerdings beide von dem Dynasten Cheriga handeln. Nur der Text des ‚Nordgedichts‘ ist aber vollstandig, und er hat eine Ringstruktur, die sich aus der Rahmung einer langen, von H. Eichner entdeckten Rede des Wettergotts ergibt.
The Coase Theorem and Core Theory
Authors: Aivazian Varouj A. , Callen Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2017

The writings of Ronald Coase, along with those of Armen Alchian and Harold Demsetz, on the theory of property rights, transaction cost economics, and the economics of institutions have yielded powerful insights and transformed many areas of economics. The seminal paper of Ronald Coase (Coase 1960, “The Problem of Social Cost,” Journal of Law and Economics, 3(1),1–44) not only clarified the notion of externality but also laid the foundations for a powerful theory of property rights and transaction cost economics. The insights of that paper have helped to shape the field of Law and Economics and also proved important in such fields as Environmental Economics, among others. It is worth mentioning that Coase’s work also led to our late colleague John Dales’ important book (Dales 1968, Pollution, Property, and Prices: An Essay in Policy-Making, University of Toronto Press) that formulated the idea of markets in pollution rights (cap-and-trade). In this note we will briefly review our work spanning many years linking the Coase Theorem to Cooperative Game Theory and Core Theory, emphasizing inter alia the importance of our approach for rationalizing property rights and contractual arrangements.
Urban agriculture and place-making: Narratives about place and space in Ghent, Brno and Bristol
Authors: Koopmans Marlinde E. , Keech Daniel , Sovová Lucie , Reed Matt
Published: November 2017

Despite rising enthusiasm for food growing among city dwellers, local authorities struggle to find space for urban agriculture (UA), both literally and figuratively. Consequently, UA often arises, sometimes temporarily, in marginal areas that are vulnerable to changes in planning designation. In the literature, spatial issues in relation to UA have either addressed structural questions of land use, governance and planning, or have highlighted social and personal benefits of UA. This paper aims to revisit and combine both streams of inquiry, viewing them as two co-constitutive forces that shape places through UA. The paper analyses three case studies in Brno, Ghent and Bristol, using a spatial lens that exposes important tensions as inherent characteristics of UA and conceptualises them as tensions within two space-narratives, namely abstract space and concrete place. It is suggested that UA, as a collective socio-cultural process, can transform functionally replicable spaces into unique places and thus contributes to place-making. This function should be recognised within urban planning circles, which should not only secure physical spaces to develop urban agriculture, but also create possibilities for local autonomous governance.
Challenges for the revitalisation of peri-urban agriculture in Spain: Territorial analysis of the Madrid and Oviedo metropolitan areas
Authors: Morán Alonso Nerea , Obeso Muñiz Ícaro , Hernández Aja Agustín , Fernández García Felipe
Published: November 2017

Contemporary urban sprawl and urban functional centrality at the regional scale have made the classical urban-rural dichotomy no longer valid. Instead, urban development generates a range of peri-urban transitional areas in which urban and rural uses are mixed in a fragmented land mosaic. The main objective of this paper is to detect opportunitites for the revitalisation of peri-urban agriculture based on an analysis and comparison of its evolution in two different regional contexts in Spain. The peri-urban space is delimited according to density, topography and perceptual criteria. Aerial images and cartographic bases are used to identify land quality and land use changes in the areas, concluding that peri-urban agriculture has suffered both urban occupation and internal changes in crops and agricultural uses, experiencing a process of decline. Innovative initiatives performed in these spaces are also explored as opportunities for revitalisation from a multifunctional approach, linking urban population to peri-urban agriculture, organic farming or landscape management. This analysis serves as a prerequisite to develop new policies for the planning of peri-urban agriculture at local and regional scales, based on a deep understanding of the territory and its evolution.
Changes in a hydrographic network of the Słowiński National Park in terms of photogrammetric analyses
Authors: Góraj Maciej , Kucharski Marcin , Karsznia Krzysztof , Karsznia Izabela , Chormański Jarosław
Published: November 2017

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in the hydrographic network of Słowiński National Park. The authors analysed the changes occurring in the drainage network due to limited maintenance in this legally protected natural area. To accomplish this task, elaborations prepared on the basis of aerial photographs were used: an orthophoto map from 1996, hyperspectral imaging from June 2015, and a digital terrain model based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) from June 2015. These spatial data resources enabled the digitisation of the water courses for which selected hydro-morphological features had been defined. As a result of analysing the differences of these features, a quality map was elaborated which was then subjected to interpretation, and the identified changes were quantified in detail.
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Intersection of Macrovascular and Microvascular Disease, or Much More?
Authors: Mitevska Irena , Bosevski Marijan
Published: November 2017

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for over 75% of deaths in diabetic patients, the majority caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients might be independently associated with other pathophysiologic mechanisms than coronary artery disease, epicardial and microvascular disease. There is an increasing notion that diabetic patients suffer from an additional cardiac condition named “diabetic cardiomyopathy”. There are several clinical, experimental, pathological and epidemiological researches that support the existence of a specific “diabetic cardiomyopathy”. This is assumed to be influenced by complex interaction of several metabolic changes that leads to both functional and structural alterations of the diabetic myocardium. In this review epidemiological aspects and clinical implications of this condition are presented.
Chronic Kidney Disease as a Long-term Consequence of Preeclampsia and Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Kitanovska Biljana Gerasimovska , Gerasimovska Vesna
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by hypertension, proteinuria after 20th week of gestation, dysfunction of other maternal organs or uteroplacentary dysfunction and is associated with short-term renal damage. Recent studies report on potential association of preeclampsia with chronic kidney disease in later life. The aim of this study was to determine this potential association by literature review and our results.

Methods. A Pubmed (Medline) literature search on the association of preeclampsia and subsequent chronic kidney disease was carried out. Our study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology of the University Clinical Centre Skopje in 2010 and included women who consulted the Clinic due to hypertension or impaired renal function and who had either preeclampsia or hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Thirty patients with decreased glomerular filtration that occurred 1-28 years after pregnancy with hypertensive disorder were included in the study.

Results. Literature search yielded 227 abstracts, of which 19 papers were selected, and they referred only to chronic kidney disease in the period after delivery in patients with preeclampsia. Various risks for emergence of chronic kidney disease in later life were reported in recent literature, varying from 1.2 to 14 for preeclampsia and in patients with superimposed preeclampsia, the risk was 45 times higher. In our study, risk of reduction in glomerular filtration rate was highest in the first 5 years (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.06-22.5). Delivery before 27 weeks of gestation insignificantly increased the risk of reduced glomerular filtration in the later period (OR 1.33 95% CI 0.2-8.5). Preeclampsia is not a direct risk factor for chronic kidney disease, however, proteinuria over 0.3 g/24h in the group of patients with hypertension or preeclampsia in pregnancy, increased the risk of reduced glomerular filtration rate by 28 times (OR 28.5, 95% CI 2.7-30.9).

Conclusions. Patients with preeclampsia need careful monitoring in postpartal and long-term period, not only for cardiovascular but for chronic kidney disease.
Surgical Treatment of Patient with Ruptured Dissection of the Thoracic Aorta – Stanford A, De Bakey I – Case Report of the Patient Surgically Treated at UC of State Cardiosurgery – Skopje
Authors: Jovev Sashko , Kolev Aleksandar , Dameska Suzana , Mehmedovikj Nadica , Dzemali Omer , Kachar Sasha , Kachar Mirjana
Published: November 2017

Introduction. A 59-year-old male patient with dissection of the thoracic aorta, DeBakey I, Stanford A is presented in this case study. We present his symptoms, his preoperative condition, diagnostic procedures, the surgical procedure and his postoperative treatment at the UC of State Cardiosurgery-Skopje.

Case report. The surgery was performed two days after establishment of the diagnosis and more than 3 days (72 hours) after the symptoms occured, due to absence of patient’s consent for the surgery. This resulted in more difficult preoperative condition of the patient, surgical procedure harder to perform, and reduced survival expectations. Preoperative risk of predicted mortality from the cardiovascular surgery calculated according to EUROSCORE was 28.6%.

Results. In this case study we also present classification, etiology, pathophysiology, and some statistics about the incidence of thoracic aorta dissection and survival rates emphasizing the increased mortality rate in delayed surgical interventions.
Thermoelectric properties of Ni0.15Co3.85Sb12 and Fe0.2Ni0.15Co3.65Sb12 skutterudites prepared by HPHT method
Authors: Kong Lingjiao , Ma Hongan , Zhang Yuewen , Guo Xin , Sun Bing , Liu Binwu , Liu Haiqiang , Liu Baomin , Chen Jiaxiang , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: November 2017

N-type polycrystalline skutterudite compounds Ni0.15Co3.85Sb12 and Fe0.2Ni0.15Co3.65Sb12 with the bcc crystal structure were synthesized by high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) method. The synthesis time was sharply reduced to approximately half an hour. Typical microstructures connected with lattice deformations and dislocations were incorporated in the samples of Ni0.15Co3.85Sb12 and Fe0.2Ni0.15Co3.65Sb12 after HPHT. Electrical and thermal transport properties were meticulously researched in the temperature range of 300 K to 700 K. The Fe0.2Ni0.15Co3.65Sb12 sample shows a lower thermal conductivity than that of Ni0.15Co3.85Sb12. The dimensionless thermoelectric figure-of-merit (zT) reaches the maximal values of 0.52 and 0.35 at 600 K and 700 K respectively, for Ni0.15Co3.85Sb12 and Fe0.2Ni0.15Co3.65Sb12 samples synthesized at 1 GPa.
Crystal structure of (S)-tert-butyl-(1-hydroxypropan-2-yl)carbamate, C8H17NO3
Authors: Alapour Saba , Zamisa Sizwe J. , Koorbanally Neil A. , Ramjugernath Deresh
Published: November 2017

C8H17NO3, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 10.4369(3) Å, b = 9.4976(2) Å, c = 10.8153(3) Å, β = 114.911(1)°, V = 972.33(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0287, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0733, T = 173(2) K.
Crystal structure of catena-(μ3-5-bromoisophthatato-κO,O′: O′′,O′′′′)-(1,2-bis(imidazol-1-yl)ethane-κN:N′)cobalt(II), C16H13CoN4O4Br
Authors: Han Min-Le , Wang San-Tai , Li Zhong-Qi
Published: November 2017

C16H13CoN4O4Br, orthorhombic, Pnna (no. 52), a = 16.921(2) Å, b = 19.211(2) Å, c = 10.2928(12) Å, V = 3345.9(7) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0335, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0713, T = 296 K.
Crystal structural of 2-amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-cyano-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-4H-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran, C19H20N2O3
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan
Published: November 2017

C19H20N2O3, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 30.474(9) Å, b = 9.331(2) Å, c = 26.269(7) Å, β = 112.591(3)°, V = 6897(3) Å3, Z = 16, R
gt(F) = 0.0462, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1379, T = 293 K.
Influence of nonlinear thermal radiation on rotating flow of Casson nanofluid
Authors: Archana M. , Gireesha B. J. , Prasannakumara B. C. , Gorla R.S.R.
Published: November 2017

The heat and mass transfer of rotating Casson nanofluid flow is incorporated in the present study. Influence of magnetic field, nonlinear thermal radiation, viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects are taken into the account. A set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations are obtained from the governing partial differential equations with the aid of suitable similarity transformations. The resultant equations are solved for the numerical solution using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth-fifth order method along with shooting technique. The impact of several existing physical parameter on velocity, temperature and nanofluid concentration profiles are analyzed through graphs and tables in detail. It is found that, velocity component decreases and temperature component increases for rotating parameter.
Elaboration of topographic bases for statistical maps, their contents and importance
Authors: Cebrykow Paweł
Published: November 2017

The author’s objective is to present the role of base contents for a statistical map and determine its desired features which would influence optimum perception of the main contents of the map. The article consists of two main parts.

The first part discusses selection of cartographic projection. Presented recommendations could be summarized in a short conclusion that application of equal-area projections is the optimum solution. It results from the necessity of preserving correct spatial relations during the perception of the thematic map contents. It is recommended to show cartographic graticule on statistical maps, for it helps to recognize geometrical attributes of the map and plays the localizing role.

The second part of the article concentrates on the issue of selection of base contents’ elements on statistical maps. Such selection depends on the method of presentation of the thematic contents of the map. Because of that the optimum contents of the map is discussed in the context of basic cartographic presentation methods, i.e. the dot method, the choropleth method, the diagram method and the isoline method. The role of base elements in the process of reading of the main contents is also underlined. It is shown that it is not only the localizing role. Including additional elements of base contents facilitates understanding of the spatial distribution of the phenomenon which is the main topic of the map.

The article encourages extension of the contents of statistical maps by additional elements of contents, which, while keeping correct spatial relations, can improve the efficiency of map use.
Analysis on trust influencing factors and trust model from multiple perspectives of online Auction
Authors: Yu Wang
Published: November 2017

Current reputation models lack the research on online auction trading completely so they cannot entirely reflect the reputation status of users and may cause problems on operability. To evaluate the user trust in online auction correctly, a trust computing model based on multiple influencing factors is established. It aims at overcoming the efficiency of current trust computing methods and the limitations of traditional theoretical trust models. The improved model comprehensively considers the trust degree evaluation factors of three types of participants according to different participation modes of online auctioneers, to improve the accuracy, effectiveness and robustness of the trust degree. The experiments test the efficiency and the performance of our model under different scale of malicious user, under environment like eBay and Sporas model. The experimental results analysis show the model proposed in this paper makes up the deficiency of existing model and it also has better feasibility.
KINETIC AND KINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS AS THE BASIS FOR EVALUATING TAKE-OFF IN BACKWARD ACROBATIC JUMPS
Authors: Król Henryk , Klyszcz-Morciniec Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Some of the most important roles of coaches are organising the technical training for evaluating movement technique and indicating errors as gymnasts perform the elements of this movement. This can only be applied in individual gymnasts [2, 3], and there are gaps in our knowledge about the details of the technique of individual gymnasts. Therefore, due to the structural complexity of acrobatic elements, the evaluation of a technique should precisely locate errors indicated in specific phases of the exercise. Material and methods. In this paper, the results of the atypical back tucked somersault and counter movement jump of one of the participants are reported on. This participant was a 16-year-old female gymnast with a body mass of 51 kg and a height of 156 cm. While coaches use a subjective qualitative analysis of the sporting movement to determine what advice must be given, a sports biomechanics researcher must make use of objective quantitative data. In our study, we have used the multimodular measuring system SMART when studying the structure of the acrobatic jumps, and we conducted a complex analysis of these exercises. Results. These exercise approaches may be used to achieve important training goals. It seems logical, therefore, that physical educators, coaches, and athletes should look to biomechanics for a scientific basis for the analysis of the individual techniques used in sports. As for practical implications, we recommend that coaches and physical education educators carefully monitor the gymnast’s leg joints and avoid extension of the knee and ankle at the counter movement phase during standing acrobatic jumps.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS OF THE LOCOMOTOR SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE IN JUDO
Authors: Boguszewski Dariusz , Buda Małgorzata , Adamczyk Jakub Grzegorz , Białoszewski Dariusz
Published: November 2017

Introduction. The high demands imposed by judo with regard to physical fitness can predispose athletes practising this sport to injury. The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between the degree of functional limitations and performance outcomes in judo athletes. Material and methods. The study involved 23 judo athletes aged 17-27 years. For the purpose of carrying out comparative analyses, the judokas were divided into two groups according to their level of achievement. The first group consisted of medallists in international tournaments and Polish championships, and the second group was composed of non-medallists. The research tool used was the Functional Movement Screen test battery, which included seven exercise tests whose performance was rated on a scale from 0 to 3. Relationships between variables were assessed using Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients. Inter-group differences were determined by means of the Mann-Whitney U test, and differences between the left and right side of the body in bilateral tests were examined using the Wilcoxon test (statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05). Results. The total score for the FMS test was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in judo athletes who had a higher level of achievement. Scores below 14 points, which were indicative of high susceptibility to injury, were received by two athletes from the group of medallists and 8 non-medallists. Major asymmetries were not found in the subjects; significant differences were observed only in the shoulder mobility test in senior judokas (p < 0.05) and non-medallists (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Judo athletes who had better performance outcomes in competitions had higher scores in the FMS test. Functional limitations can have an impact on the outcomes of performance in judo; their degree is indicative of the quality of the movement as well as of susceptibility to injury.
PHYSIQUE AND BODY COMPOSITION OF GIRLS PRACTISING CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Authors: Przednowek Karolina H. , Kopeć Dorota , Walaszczyk-Iskra Anna
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Physique and body composition are often explored in sport-related research. This is due to the fact that morphological features can be useful for determining a person’s predispositions for practising a given type of physical activity. Dance, as any other sports discipline, has an impact on the physique and motor skills of those who practise it. Most research concerning the physique and body composition of dancers conducted so far has focused on persons practising ballet or competitive ballroom dancing. Investigating these issues in contemporary dancers is a new field of study. The aim of the current study was to examine the physique and body composition of girls aged 14-17 years practising contemporary dance. Material and methods. The study involved 23 girls who trained contemporary dance twice a week for 2 hours. The participants of the study had been training since the age of six. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed. Body composition was analysed based on parameters measured using a Tanita body composition analyser. Conclusions. The analysis found that girls training contemporary dance were characterised by a leptosomatic physique. BMI values in both younger and older contemporary dancers indicated that their weight was normal. Compared to girls who did not practise any particular type of sport, contemporary dancers had a lower weight, a lower body water percentage, and a lower body fat percentage. The dancers were also characterised by a greater circumference of the waist, hips, arm, and chest compared to untrained peers.
Performance evaluation of hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane for extraction of uranium(VI) from acidic sulfate solution
Authors: Zahakifar Fazel , Charkhi Amir , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Davarkhah Reza
Published: November 2017

The performance of the hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane (HFRLM) in the continuous and recycling modes for the extraction of uranium(VI) from the acidic sulfate solution has been investigated. Alamine 336 diluted in kerosene was used as a carrier in liquid membrane (LM) phase. In the batch experiments, the effects of sulfuric acid, extractant and uranium(VI) concentration were studied and the optimum concentration of the donor and LM phases were determined 0.15 mol L−1 and 0.0125 mol L−1, respectively. Various parameters affecting the HFRLM performance including the lumen and shell side flow rate, organic/aqueous volume ratio, acceptor phase type and concentration of carrier and acceptor phase were studied. The mass transfer flux increases with increasing the lumen side flow rates and the shell side flow rate did not have any significant effect. The uranium transfer flux increases with increasing O/A ratio, acceptor and Alamine 336 concentration, and reaches a maximum value at 1/20, 0.5 mol L−1 and 0.0125 mol L−1, respectively. Further increase in these parameters result in uranium transfer decrement. The results show that liquid membrane phase is a rate-controlling step. Among the investigated acceptor phases, 0.5 mol L−1 NH4Cl result in 60.35% uranium(VI) recovery in the recycling mode.
General Aspects Regarding the Situations when the Rules of Good Conduct in Scientific Research Can Become Offences
Authors: Șulea Ionela Cecilia
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the paper is to clarify the situations when deviations from the rules of good conduct in scientific research are considered to be offenses. The paper, in the first part, it is focused on the idea of offence and it definition, because it is important to define this term in order to compare deviations and offences. In the second part, the paper refers to those situations when the deviations from the rules of good conduct in scientific research can become offences according to the Criminal Code. In addition, in the paper are analyse the regulation from art. 21 Law no. 206/2004 and some examples of situations when deviations can became offences. To complete this picture frame in conclusions we propose some changes of the current legislations.
Carcinogenesis induced by low-dose radiation
Authors: Piotrowski Igor , Kulcenty Katarzyna , Suchorska Wiktoria Maria , Skrobała Agnieszka , Skórska Małgorzata , Kruszyna-Mochalska Marta , Kowalik Anna , Jackowiak Weronika , Malicki Julian
Published: November 2017

Background

Although the effects of high dose radiation on human cells and tissues are relatively well defined, there is no consensus regarding the effects of low and very low radiation doses on the organism. Ionizing radiation has been shown to induce gene mutations and chromosome aberrations which are known to be involved in the process of carcinogenesis. The induction of secondary cancers is a challenging long-term side effect in oncologic patients treated with radiation. Medical sources of radiation like intensity modulated radiotherapy used in cancer treatment and computed tomography used in diagnostics, deliver very low doses of radiation to large volumes of healthy tissue, which might contribute to increased cancer rates in long surviving patients and in the general population. Research shows that because of the phenomena characteristic for low dose radiation the risk of cancer induction from exposure of healthy tissues to low dose radiation can be greater than the risk calculated from linear no-threshold model. Epidemiological data collected from radiation workers and atomic bomb survivors confirms that exposure to low dose radiation can contribute to increased cancer risk and also that the risk might correlate with the age at exposure.

Conclusions

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of response to low dose radiation is crucial for the proper evaluation of risks and benefits that stem from these exposures and should be considered in the radiotherapy treatment planning and in determining the allowed occupational exposures.
Clinical significance of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the follow-up of colorectal cancer: searching off approaches increasing specificity for detection of recurrence
Authors: Ince Semra , Okuyucu Kursat , Hancerliogulları Oguz , Alagoz Engin , San Huseyin , Arslan Nuri
Published: November 2017

Background

Nearly 40% of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurs within 2 years after resection of primary tumor. Imaging with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (l8F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is the most recent modality and often applied for the evaluation of metastatic spread during the follow-up period. Our goal was to study the diagnostic importance of18F-FDG-PET/CT data of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and the difference of SUVmax on dual-time imaging in CRC.

Patients and methods

We examined the SUVmax value of lesions on control or restaging18F-FDG-PET/CT of 53 CRC patients. All lesions with increased SUVmax values were confirmed by colonoscopy or histopathology. We compared PET/CT results with conventional imaging modalities (CT, MRI) and tumor markers (carbohydrate antigen 19-9 [Ca 19-9], carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]).

Results

Mean SUVmax was 6.9 ± 5.6 in benign group, 12.7 ± 6.1 in malignant group. Mean TLG values of malignant group and benign group were 401 and 148, respectively.18F-FDG-PET/CT was truely positive in 48% of patients with normal Ca 19-9 or CEA levels and truely negative in 10% of cases with elevated Ca 19-9 or CEA. CT or MRI detected suspicious malignancy in 32% of the patients and18F-FDG-PET/CT was truely negative in 35% of these cases. We found the most important and striking statistical difference of TLG value between the groups with benign and recurrent disease.

Conclusions

Although SUVmax is a strong metabolic parameter (p = 0.008), TLG seems to be the best predictor in recurrence of CRC (p = 0.001); both are increasing the specificity of18F-FDG-PET/CT.
Lipid profile pattern in pediatric overweight population with or without NAFLD in relation to IDF criteria for metabolic syndrome: a preliminary study
Authors: Bălănescu Anca , Bălănescu Paul , Comănici Valentina , Stan Iustina , Acs Beata , Prisăcariu Laura , Brezan Florin , Ciomârtan Tatiana , Gherghina Ioan
Published: November 2017

Background and aims. The aim of this study is to assess the lipid profile pattern of pediatric overweight and/or obese patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in relation to IDF Consensus Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).

Material and Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional preliminary study on 45 consecutive pediatric patients. Overweight or obese children aged from 3 to 18 years were included. Standardized measurement of blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were performed. Biological evaluation included inflammatory status, lipid profile, glycemic profile, full blood count and liver function tests. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in all patients.

Results. Prevalence of MetS was 44.4%. A number of 21 patients (46.7%) had NAFLD. MetS patients had higher risk for NAFLD (OR = 9.5, 95% CI = 2.42-37.24). Also patients with positive familial history of type 2 diabetes had a 6.61 fold higher risk for NAFLD (OR = 6.61, 95% CI = 1.74-25.1). We performed a subgroup analysis in patients under ten years old. Patients under the age of ten which had both NAFLD and MetS met more frequently the hypertriglyceride criterion. After adjusting for age and MetS presence, triglyceride levels independently associated with NAFLD (adjusted R square = 0.46, unstandardized B coefficient = 34.51, 95% CI = 4.01-65.02, p = 0.02).

Conclusion. NAFLD obese patients had higher prevalence of MetS, higher BMI and particular lipid profile pattern. Triglyceride levels independently associated with NAFLD after adjusting for age and MetS presence. According to our findings we suggest early triglyceride testing (even below the age of ten) in selected patients.
Asymmetric rolling process
Authors: Fajfar Peter , Lah Alenka Šalej , Kraner Jakob , Kugler Goran
Published: November 2017

Asymmetric rolling is a novel technique used to control both the texture and the grain refinement of metallic materials. The aim of asymmetric rolling is to apply a large shear strain uniformly through the thickness of the plate, by maintaining a high degree of friction between the sheet and the rolls. It can be used to improve the formability of material. One of the advantages of asymmetrical rolling is that the rolling force and torque can be decreased. The methods used for the asymmetric rolling are single roll drive, different work roll speeds, different work roll diameters or different lubricated work roll surfaces.
On the stability of solutions to stochastic 2D g-Navier–Stokes equations with finite delays
Authors: Anh Cung The , Thanh Nguyen Van , Tuan Nguyen Viet
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we study the exponential mean square stability and almost sure exponential stability of weak solutions to the stochastic 2D g-Navier–Stokes equations with finite delays in bounded domains.
Modelling of Technological Solutions to 4th Generation DH Systems
Authors: Vigants Edgars , Prodanuks Toms , Vigants Girts , Veidenbergs Ivars , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: November 2017

Flue gas evaporation and condensing processes are investigated in a direct contact heat exchanger - condensing unit, which is installed after a furnace. By using equations describing processes of heat and mass transfer, as well as correlation coherences for determining wet gas parameters, a model is formed to create a no-filling, direct contact heat exchanger. Results of heating equipment modelling and experimental research on the gas condensing unit show, that the capacity of the heat exchanger increases, when return temperature of the district heating network decreases. In order to explain these alterations in capacity, the character of the changes in water vapour partial pressure, in the propelling force of mass transfer, in gas and water temperatures and in the determining parameters of heat transfer are used in this article. The positive impact on the direct contact heat exchanger by the decreased district heating (DH) network return temperature shows that introduction of the 4th generation DH system increases the energy efficiency of the heat exchanger. In order to make an assessment, the methodology suggested in the paper can be used in each particular situation.
Assessment of Staff Intercultural Competences in Health Care Organisations
Authors: Stašys Rimantas , Šimanskienė Ligita , Paužuolienė Jurgita
Published: November 2017

As a consequence of globalisation, people’s mobility has been increasing, which brought cultural diversity to a number of countries of the world, therefore intercultural competences became a particularly important research object in organisation management. Scientific literature is rich in publications on the topic, however, the latter problem and its specificity has been insufficiently studied in health care organisations whose performance is especially important for each patient and the cost of errors, possibly caused also by insufficient intercultural competences, may be very great. The conducted research justifies the meaning and significance of intercultural competences in health care organisations and identifies the principal problems in organisations faced when communicating in an intercultural environment. The development of intercultural competences was not sufficiently promoted in health care organisations, leaving that to the staff’s responsibility. Quite a few of health care services providers had a poor knowledge of etiquette and did not know much about the customs and traditions of other countries.
Export, Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Inter-Linkages: The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Dudzevičiūtė Gitana , Šimelytė Agnė
Published: November 2017

This paper has aimed to examine the causal relationships between energy consumption – economic growth, export – energy consumption and export – economic growth in Lithuania during the period of 1998 – 2015. Descriptive statistics analysis and econometric techniques have been applied for this purpose. Granger causality test has been used to a time series data set to determine the causality between variables. The results of Granger causality test have shown unidirectional causality running from GDP to energy consumption, from export to GDP and from export to energy consumption. It is obvious that GDP and export play significant roles in accelerating energy consumption in Lithuania. The determination of the causal links between energy consumption – economic growth, export – economic growth and energy consumption – export has provided policy makers with the main insights to formulate future policy directions for sustainable economic development in Lithuania.
Modifying SAMseq to account for asymmetry in the distribution of effect sizes when identifying differentially expressed genes
Authors: Kotoka Ekua , Orr Megan
Published: November 2017

RNA-Seq is a developing technology for generating gene expression data by directly sequencing mRNA molecules in a sample. RNA-Seq data consist of counts of reads recorded to a particular gene that are often used to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes. A common statistical method used to analyze RNA-Seq data is Significance Analysis of Microarray with emphasis on RNA-Seq data (SAMseq). SAMseq is a nonparametric method that uses a resampling technique to account for differences in sequencing depths when identifying DE genes. We propose a modification of this method that takes into account asymmetry in the distribution of the effect sizes by taking into account the sign of the test statistics. Through simulation studies, we showthat the proposed method, comparedwith the traditional SAMseqmethod and other existing methods provides better power for identifying truly DE genes or more sufficiently controls FDR in most settings where asymmetry is present. We illustrate the use of the proposed method by analyzing an RNA-Seq data set containing C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) mouse strains samples.
Multivariate association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in Alzgene linkage regions and structural changes in the brain: discovery, refinement and validation
Authors: Szefer Elena , Lu Donghuan , Nathoo Farouk , Beg Mirza Faisal , Graham Jinko
Published: November 2017

Using publicly-available data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, we investigate the joint association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in previously established linkage regions for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and rates of decline in brain structure. In an initial, discovery stage of analysis, we applied a weighted
Transformations of Contemporary Theatre Practices. A Reflection on the Creative Process as Research
Authors: Ballay Miroslav
Published: November 2017

The study offers an outline of certain modifications of contemporary Slovak theatre culture under the influence of ongoing socio-cultural changes. The author reviews the status of contemporary theatre in society while following the ever-changing character of its individual functions. He deals with innovative trends of various directorial representatives in the context of independent culture in Slovakia. He offers a more in-depth view of the non-standard theatre practices, which connect creative process to research; documentary practices and intermedia theatre practices.
Form(ulat)ing Mistrust in the State in the 1990s’ Slovak Live-Action Films
Authors: Dudková Jana
Published: November 2017

The text deals with the ways in which Slovak live-action films made in the 1990s introduced the topic of mistrust in the State and in its institutions. Using specific examples, the text demonstrates that such mistrust was not primarily a critical attitude, but rather consisted of two basic forms of rejection. On the one hand, live-action films made for cinema often promoted the post-modern principle of a “relative” truth, presenting a lifestyle with minimal ties to the State, sometimes also formulating a mistrust in specific state institutions (the police, state-run artistic institutions, education system) by means of irony. On the other hand, films made for state television frequently drew attention to corruption in state organisations and the fact it was usually being generally accepted as a status that did not need to be analysed. In both cases, the message of the 1990s was carried onto the next millennium, and can eventually be interpreted as a way of solidifying the discourse of mistrust that we perceive in contemporary Slovak film for cinemas and television.