bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Repeat Station Network on the Baltic Sea — Why So Needed?
Authors: Welker Elżbieta , Reda Jan , Pałka Andrzej
Published: May 2018

The development of navigation systems requires more and more accurate base data. Currently, attention is paid to utilization of geophysical fields — gravitational and magnetic ones — for navigation purposes. The Earth’s magnetic field distribution — both onshore and offshore — is complicated and variable in time. Hence, it is essential to precisely know the secular variations in the area of interest. In the case of Baltic Sea, this involves establishing (re-establishing) of a marine network of secular points (repeat stations) and regular magnetic measurements of the three independent components of the Earth’s magnetic field. Such measurements require equipment that ensures not only high stability, but also information about sensors’ orientation in relation to geographic north and to the level. This article presents a new project of the Baltic network of repeat stations and gives a solution for the instruments usable for quasi-absolute magnetic measurements.
Proposition of Ionospheric Grid in Navigation Satellite System BeiDou
Authors: Lamparski Jacek
Published: May 2018

This study shows the way of ionospheric data usage obtained from 2 Tables using D2 NAV message Chinese BeiDou system. It was identified particular algorithms for Table’s calculation. Authors also suggested data Table 2 modification and special algorithms useful for that Table. It was given calculated examples for BeiDou system Tables as well as for new suggested system.
Analysis of Ship Traffic Over Subsea Pipeline in the Gdańsk Bay Area
Authors: Dzikowski Remigiusz , Marcjan Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

The paper discusses issues of the impact of traffic density of the vessels on the sea surface to offshore underwater pipelines. The risk includes vessel foundering, sinking, grounding, dropping and dragging anchors, trawling fishing gear. The density of merchant, offshore field support vessels and fishing vessels presented by this paper is base for build risk model for underwater infrastructures. As an example it has been analyzed ships traffic over underwater gas pipeline between platform Baltic Beta and Wladyslawowo power plant.
Analysis of The Impact of Weather Conditions on the Effectiveness of Oil Spill Recovery Operation in Simulated Conditions (Pisces II)
Authors: Jarząbek Dorota , Juszkiewicz Wiesław
Published: May 2018

The ability to use computer simulation to predict the behavior of oil spills at sea enables better use of available personnel and resources to combat such spills. The use of oil collecting equipment properly selected to suit the conditions is essential for the operation to be effective. Therefore, an attempt is made to verify the influence of weather conditions on the efficiency of oil recovery. Three types of spilled crude oil were simulated. A relevant experiment was conducted on a PISCES II oil spill simulator.
Modeling the dynamic operation of a small fin plate heat exchanger – parametric analysis
Authors: Motyliński Konrad , Kupecki Jakub
Published: May 2018

Given its high efficiency, low emissions and multiple fuelling options, the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) offer a promising alternative for stationary power generators, especially while engaged in micro-combined heat and power (μ-CHP) units. Despite the fact that the fuel cells are a key component in such power systems, other auxiliaries of the system can play a critical role and therefore require a significant attention. Since SOFC uses a ceramic material as an electrolyte, the high operating temperature (typically of the order of 700–900 °C) is required to achieve sufficient performance. For that reason both the fuel and the oxidant have to be preheated before entering the SOFC stack. Hot gases exiting the fuel cell stack transport substantial amount of energy which has to be partly recovered for preheating streams entering the stack and for heating purposes. Effective thermal integration of the μ-CHP can be achieved only when proper technical measures are used. The ability of efficiently preheating the streams of oxidant and fuel relies on heat exchangers which are present in all possible configurations of power system with solid oxide fuel cells. In this work a compact, fin plate heat exchanger operating in the high temperature regime was under consideration. Dynamic model was proposed for investigation of its performance under the transitional states of the fuel cell system. Heat exchanger was simulated using commercial modeling software. The model includes key geometrical and functional parameters. The working conditions of the power unit with SOFC vary due to the several factors, such as load changes, heating and cooling procedures of the stack and others. These issues affect parameters of the incoming streams to the heat exchanger. The mathematical model of the heat exchanger is based on a set of equations which are simultaneously solved in the iterative process. It enables to define conditions in the outlets of both the hot and the cold sides. Additionally, model can be used for simulating the stand-alone heat exchanger or for investigations of a semiadiabatic unit located in the hotbox of the μ-CHP unit.
Identification Of Marginal Land Suitable For Biofuel Production In Serbia
Authors: Radojević Uroš , Ninković Miloš , Milovanović Jelena
Published: May 2018

The use of biomass as a potential energy source has both advantages and disadvantages. Biomass is a potential source of fuel energy that provides economic and environmental benefits such as less expensive and less energy intensive production, carbon sequestration and soil preservation. However, the main concern associated with biofuels is that land needed for food will be used for biofuel crops. One potential solution is the use of marginal lands which are not suited for food production. Marginal lands generally refer to the areas not only with low production, but also with limitations that make them unsuitable for agricultural practices and ecosystem functions. This can be due to various forms of land degradation such as pollution, surface exploitation of mineral resources, erosion, overexploitation and others. We used remotely sensed data, environmental data and field survey data to identify possible marginal lands in Serbia. All gathered data was transferred to GIS in order to create maps and database of potential marginal lands which could be used for biomass production.
Development of Incomes and Expenditures in Slovak Households
Authors: Lazíková Zuzana
Published: May 2018

The household income is one of the basic indicators of the human living standard in the countries or their regions. The indicator of income is very closely connected to the indicator of expenditures, which completes the view of the living standard of households. During the last two decades, there were some important events that have influenced the development of household incomes and expenditures in Slovakia, such as accession of the Slovak Republic into the EU, adoption of the common currency euro or economic crisis as well. In the last years, the net incomes as well as the net expenditures of the Slovak households have increased. According to the results, this trend will continue; however, the net expenditures will increase faster than the net incomes of households. Therefore, we can expect that the savings rate will decrease. On the other hand, the differences of net household income and expenditures among the regions of Slovakia were not eliminated. There is still a high difference of the net household income mainly between the Bratislava region and the Prešov region.
The Cultivation of Fast-Growing Trees on Agricultural Land in Slovakia and Czechia : Legal Comparison
Authors: Gaduš Ján , Melišková Ina , Roháčiková Oľga
Published: May 2018

The paper analyses the legal regulation of the cultivation of fast-growing trees on agricultural land in Slovakia and Czechia. The focus is on the differences in the legislation of the two countries, the application of the regulations of cultivation of fast-growing trees in practice, the level of protection of agricultural land, and the support system for the cultivation of fast-growing trees. Comparison of national legislation dealing with the issue of planting fast-growing trees, taking into consideration the protection of agricultural land and the legislation on granting the state support has also been investigated in the context of European legislation. The procedure before the start of planting, the permission conditions for planting of fast-growing trees, the conditions and the process of support provision have been studied. The result of the documents analysis is a comprehensive comparative overview of the above-mentioned areas of legislation on the cultivation of fast-growing trees in Slovakia and Czechia and the identification of differences, benefits and practical impacts on the cultivation of fast-growing trees.
Bioethics in animal experimentation
Authors: Popa V.I. , Lascar I. , Valcu M. , Sebe Ioana Teona , Caraban B. , Margina Arina Cristiana
Published: May 2018

Animal experiments are used on a large scale worldwide in order to develop or to refine new medicines, medicinal products or surgical procedures. It is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, this is why animal experimentation causes serious moral problems.

We must realize that we have moral and legal obligations when dealing with animals in our care, and this should become our high priority before any experiment. We have to take responsibility for the life of the animals and we have to act honorably regarding this issue because we have been given a trust by society in general which is not to be taken lightly.

There is an ongoing societal debate about ethical issues of animal use in science. This paper is addressed to current and future researchers and is an appeal for them to (re)consider their personal views concerning the issue under scrutiny and their responsibility in ensuring that results would make the sacrifice worthwhile.
Dupuytren’s disease digital radius IV right hand and carpal tunnel syndrome on ipsilateral hand
Authors: Teona Sebe Ioana , Lascar I. , Valcu M. , Caraban B. , Anca Colcigeanu
Published: May 2018

Dupuytren’s contracture is a fibroproliferative disease whose etiology and pathophysiology are unclear and controversial. It is a connective tissue disorder, which takes part in the palmar’s fibromatosis category and has common characteristics with the healing process. Dupuytren’s disease is characterized by the flexion contracture of the hand due to palmar and digital aponevrosis. It generally affects the 4th digital radius, followed by the 5th one. Without surgery, it leads to functional impotence of those digital rays and/or hand. It is associated with other diseases and situational conditions like Peyronie’s disease, the Lederhose disease (plantar fibromatosis), Garrod’s digital knuckle-pads, diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholism, micro traumatisms, stenosing tenosynovitis and not the least with carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy with the incarceration of the median nerve at the ARC level, expressed clinically by sensory and motor disturbances in the distribution territory of the median nerve, which cause functional limitations of daily activities of the patient. After the failure of the nonsurgical treatment or the appearance of the motor deficit, is established the open or endoscopic surgical treatment with the release of the median nerve. Postoperative recovery in both diseases is crucial to the functionality of the affected upper limb and to the quality of the patient’s life. The patient, a 61 years old man, admitted to the clinic for the functional impotence of the right hand, for the permanent flexion contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of the 4th finger with extension deficit, for the damage of the thumb pulp clamp of the 4th finger, for nocturnal paresthesia of fingers I-III and pain that radiates into the fingertips. After clinical, paraclinical, imagistic and electrical investigations, surgery is practiced partial aponevrectomy, carpal ligament section, external neurolysis of the median nerve, flexor tendon tenolisys. The particularity of this case is the coexistence of two pathologies: Dupuytren’s disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, the decision to solve in the same operator time and the problem of immobilization. Reportation of this case supports previous reports in literature, such as Dupuytren’s disease and carpal tunnel syndrome are observed at the same patient, at the same time or one after another.
Microscopic evaluation regarding time behavior of orthodontic cements used for disjunctor cementing
Authors: Ruxandra Bartok , Dimitriu B. , Varlan C. , Stanciu R. , Sanziana Scarlatescu , Loredana Mitran , Mitran M. , Irina Gheorghiu , Ioana Suciu , Iliescu D.M.
Published: May 2018

In order to fulfill their function, orthodontic devices must be cemented on teeth using orthodontic rings. The retention of the orthodontic ring is influenced mainly by the type of dental-ring adhesion. This study was initiated to determine possible microleakage events while using zinc phosphate cement Adhesor (Spofa Dental), conventional glass ionomer Ketac Cem (3M ESPE) and Fuji Ortho (GC) and a compomer Transbond Plus (3M Unitek). The results of the study are consistent with those reported in the literature reference, the compomer is the preferred adhesive material for cementing the orthodontic rings, compared to conventional glass ionomer cements and zinc-phosphate cement.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis In A Population With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Claudia Mihailov , Irina Tica
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) associates a multitude of osteoarticular and muscular complaints but, in the same time, the association between AIT and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a matter of controversy.

Material, patients and method: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study over 69 patients with RA admitted successively in the the IInd Medical Clinic of Railway Hospital between 01 Jan 2015 and 01 Aug.2015, subdivided into two groups: with and without AIT. A number of parameters were studied in each group: age, environment, parity and number of gestations, smoker status, education level, medium duration of disease, presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), of anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, treatment for RA, VAS score, DAS 28 score.

Conclusions: The percentage of patients with RA and AIT is 17.391%, higher than in general population, and so we consider that screening for AIT in patients with RA should be done. Patients with RA and AIT have a younger age of RA onset, belong to the urban environment and have a higher level of education than the ones with RA but without AIT. No correlation between the occurrence of AIT and the presence of ACPA was found.
Clinical, Aetiologic, And Evolution-Related Aspects Of Pleurisy In Children
Authors: Corina Frecus , Adriana Balasa , Adina Ungureanu , Larisia Mihai , Viviana Cuzic , Seila Ibadula , Hangan L.T. , Chirila S.
Published: May 2018

Objectives: Establishing the frequency of pleurisy from the total number of admissions in the Paediatrics Department, as well as the frequency of pleurisy from the total number of respiratory ailments that required hospitalization; evaluating age group distribution and determining the influence of environmental factors; describing clinical manifestations, laboratory, radiologic, and bacteriological investigations in patients with pleurisy; quantifying clinical manifestations and investigations so as to establish an appropriate therapeutic approach; identifying clinical aspects that indicate a favourable/unfavourable evolution; analyzing the evolution of cases after treatment as revealed by radiologic imaging.

Method: Retrospective study on 47 patients diagnosed with pleurisy and admitted in the Paediatrics Department of Constanta Clinical Emergency Hospital, over a span of 3 years (2011-2013), based on data collected from observation sheets.

Results: A downward trend in what regards the frequency of pleurisy can be observed from 2011 to 2013. Rural provenience and other environmental factors continue to play an important role. Clinical manifestations tend to be more significant for younger patients and they are directly related to the specific pathogen identified during laboratory investigations.

Conclusion: Following an early diagnosis and a subsequent adequate treatment, evolution tends to be favourable in most cases, although certain post-hospitalization measures still need to be implemented in order to ensure full recovery and restitution ad integrum.
An Assessment of Soybean (Glycine max, L. Merrill) Grain Yield in Different Environments Using AMMI and GGE Biplot Models in Humidorest Fringes of Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Edugbo Richmond Emuohwo , Nwofia Godson Emeka , Fayeun Lawrence Stephen
Published: May 2018

The yield of four soybean (Glycine max, L. Merrill) genotypes under six planting dates in two years was assessed using the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype and Genotype-by-Environment biplot models. The results of combined analysis of variance for grain yield of the four genotypes of soybean grown in 12 environments showed that soybean grain yield was significantly (P < 0.01) affected by environments (E), genotypes (G) and genotype by environment interactions (GE). Genotypes and environments accounted for about 6.56% and 47.66% of the variation, respectively, while the GE explained 14.47% of the variation, which is more than double of the genotypic effects of the total variation. AMMI biplot indicated genotype TGx1485-1D and the early July 2012 environment were above average for grain yield and had positive specific interactions with each other. However, TGx1485-1D had negative interactions with the other environments while genotypesTGx14482E, TGx1987-10F and TGx1835-10E had positive interactions with all the environments except E5. In the differential yield ranking of genotypes across the twelve environments TGx1485-1D had the highest yield in seven out of the twelve environments. TGx1835-10E was the highest yielding genotype in three environments, while TGx1448-2E gave the greatest yield in two environments. Although TGx1485-1D exhibited high GEI, in the GGE biplot it was ranked as the most desirable genotype. GGE biplot identified early July 2012(E5) as the best environment. The result showed that application of AMMI and GGE biplots facilitates visual comparison and identified superior genotypes for each target set of environments.
Irreparable Global Spread of Pathogens and International Trade – Sanitary Requirements
Authors: Kouba Václav
Published: May 2018

Sanitary requirements for international trade in animals and their products are regulated by World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). None of them requires exported animal commodities to be of full sanitary quality, i.e. to be free of pathogens causing mass suffering and premature death of immense numbers of animals and humans. Both organizations using different methods try to avoid requirements of importing countries for pathogen-free animal commodity. They support the exporting countries at the expense of health in the importing ones that are not self-sufficient in animal production and thus contribute to worldwide man-made spreading of pathogens through “legal” trade. They ignore the global irreparable consequences of their common “trade over health” policy. They also deprive the importing countries of freedom to reject goods having no sanitary harmlessness guarantee. They ignore pathogen reproduction/spreading/resistance abilities and the fact that every case is different. Admitting pathogen spread is in stark contrast to the only duty of the OIE. It is therefore recommended: Documents and provisions supporting pathogen spread through “legal” international trade to be immediately abolished; to use and apply normal free market fair trade principles for animal commodities, i.e. full quality requirements based on demands of the importing country to avoid pathogen introduction and on bilateral agreement without any external interference. State animal health services must be significantly strengthened to be able to control international trade on-the-spot and organize infection control/eradication programmes. Modern action-oriented epizootiology methods have to be used. All intergovernmental anti-epizootic agenda should be concentrated in United Nations Organization and dealt with as a priority programme to protect global health and life.
New Methods Of Plant Selection For Food Aroma Recovery Aided By Oxidation Processes
Authors: Bezysov Anatoliy , Dubova Halyna , Rogova Nataliya
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a novel approach to the selection of plants to restore the lost aroma based on the oxidation processes. The predisposition of raw material components to lipid oxidation is the basis of selection criteria. It was determined that the content of unsaturated fatty acids in the lipid extract of watermelon, pumpkin, cucumbers is 30-40%, the ratio of linoleic and linolenic acids in fruit is different. The formation of diene conjugates and hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde after various processing treatment methods is shown. The efficiency of aroma restoration depends on the number of formed 9-, 13- hydroperoxides that serve as a substrate for aroma-forming enzymes. The antioxidant capacity and the oxidation-reduction potential of fresh fruits and fruits after cooking have been analyzed. These characteristics determine the fruit ability to repeated formation of aromatic components. It has been ascertained that gourds have sufficient potential to restore aroma by exogenous lipoxygenases.
A Study on Different Approaches of Six-Sigma and Knowledge Management Integrated Models to Identify the Leveraging Effects
Authors: Baral Lal Mohan , Kifor Claudiu Vasile
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this paper is to review the different models which integrate Six Sigma and Knowledge Management (KM) approaches and also to identify the advantages and disadvantages of those models. Based on literature, the available Six Sigma and KM models have been reviewed. All the models have been critically analysed according to their structure and end users and finally the advantages and disadvantages are enlisted. The Overview expressed that more or less every model has been proposed aiming to the specific endues and each model has both strength and weakness for application to all sectors. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of existing Six Sigma-KM models have been identified. This study may offer some guidance to find new directions to eliminate the week points of those models by introducing new ideas and methodologies
The Influence of Leadership in Implementing Management Systems
Authors: Nae Ilie , Solomon Gheorghe , Severin Irina
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a new perspective of the implementation of Management Systems within organizations in order to increase the success rate. The objective is to analyse how the leadership could influence positively or negatively the implementation, according to the leadership approach chosen. It offers a method to analyse the maturity of the leadership for any organization, based on existing leadership models, completing these models with specificities of a Management System. The Maturity Grid is extended to key elements of the Organizational Leadership: Strategic Planning, Process and Performance. The results expected are to change the current understanding of leadership during a Management System implementation(leadership seen as a principle) to an active leadership, implemented at organizational level. It propose an alternative of the classic management approach, to a Performance Management approach, that integrates naturally the leadership in all processes and methods
Applications of Ontologies in Knowledge Management Systems
Authors: Rehman Zobia , Kifor Claudiu V.
Published: May 2018

Enterprises are realizing that their core asset in 21st century is knowledge. In an organization knowledge resides in databases, knowledge bases, filing cabinets and peoples' head. Organizational knowledge is distributed in nature and its poor management causes repetition of activities across the enterprise. To get true benefits from this asset, it is important for an organization to “know what they know”. That’s why many organizations are investing a lot in managing their knowledge. Artificial intelligence techniques have a huge contribution in organizational knowledge management. In this article we are reviewing the applications of ontologies in knowledge management realm
Analysis and classification of physical and chemical methods of fuel activation
Authors: Fedorchak Viktoriya , Fedorchak Taras
Published: May 2018

The offered article explores various research studies, developed patents in terms of physical and chemical approaches to the activation of fuel. In this regard, national and foreign researches in the field of fuels activators with different principles of action were analysed, evaluating their pros and cons. The article also intends to classify these methods and compare them regarding diverse desired results and types of fuels used. In terms of physical and chemical influences on fuels and the necessity of making constructive changes in the fuel system of internal combustion engines, an optimal approach was outlined.
Bankruptcy Prediction: A Survey on Evolution, Critiques, and Solutions
Authors: Fejér-Király Gergely
Published: May 2018

After the economic crisis and the BASEL agreement, the bankruptcy prediction research has evolved substantially due to its importance in corporate finance. This paper summarizes the short history of bankruptcy prediction from the beginning until quite recently. First, it presents a short summary of bankruptcy prediction evolution pointing to the most used models. Then, it provides a summary of the most cited papers that discuss the evolution of bankruptcy prediction and of those papers that have contributed to bankruptcy prediction. Finally, it summarizes some critiques about bankruptcy prediction that the literature has formulated over time and provides some suggestions for future research on bankruptcy prediction.
A natural Galois connection between generalized norms and metrics
Authors: Száz Árpád
Published: May 2018

Having in mind a well-known connection between norms and metrics on vector spaces, for an additively written group X, we establish a natural Galois connection between functions of X to ℝ and X2to ℝ.
The Aharonov-Bohm Effect and Transport Properties in Graphene Nanostructures
Authors: Racolta D. , Micu C.
Published: May 2018

In this paper we discuss interplays between the Aharonov-Bohm effect and the transport properties in mesoscopic ring structures based on graphene. The interlayer interaction leads to a change of the electronic structure of bilayer graphene ring such that the electronic energy dispersion law exhibits a gap, either by doping one of the layers or by the application of an external perpendicular electric field. Gap adjustments can be done by varying the external electric field, which provides the possibility of obtaining mesoscopic devices based on the electronic properties of bilayer graphene. This opens the way to controllable manipulations of phase-coherent mesoscopic phenomena, as well as to Aharonov-Bohm oscillations depending on the height of the potential step and on the radius of the ring. For this purpose one resorts to a tight-binding model such as used to the description of conductance.
Intercomparison of Radon in Soil Instruments at Reference Site in Czech Republic
Authors: Burghele Bety D. , Moldovan Mircea C.
Published: May 2018

Intercomparison exercises of radon instruments play an important part when it comes to domestic survey as well as international or national mapping in dwellings, soil or water. Therefore, it is of prime interest to improve and standardize technical methods of measurement and also to verify quality assurance through comparison between different instruments and techniques. In the present paper is described the latest intercomparison exercise performed between the Laboratory of Environmental Radioactivity (hereafter called LER) of our department and other 15 different teams around Europe. The test has been held at two radon reference sites located 60 km SW of Prague, Czech Republic.
Invasive vascular plant species of oxbow lakes in south-western Poland
Authors: Spałek Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

Natural water reservoirs are very valuable floristic sites in south-western Poland. Among them, the most important for the preservation of biodiversity of flora are oxbow lakes. The long-term process of human pressure on habitats of this type caused disturbances of their biological balance. Changes in the water regime, industrial development and chemisation of agriculture, especially in the period of the last two hundred years, led to systematic disappearances of localities of many plant species connected with rare habitats and also to the appearance of numerous invasive plant species. They are: Azolla filiculoides, Echinocystis lobata, Erechtites hieraciifolia, Impatiens glandulifera, I. parviflora, Reynoutria japonica, Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea and S. graminifolia. Field works were conducted in years 2005-2012.
The alien flora of the Rzeszów Foothills
Authors: Jaźwa Małgorzata , Stadnicka-Futoma Agata
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to analyze the synanthropic flora of the Rzeszów Foothills (south-eastern Poland). Floristic studies were carried out in years 2007-2013 using the cartogram method in the ATPOL system (2×2 km square grid). Here we present the numerical data (number of species in each historical-geographical group, families most frequently represented by anthropophytes), show the proportion of specific growth forms and describe habitat preferences. The Rzeszów Foothills region had already been shown as strongly impacted by anthropogenic pressures. The total number of vascular plant species detected was equal to 1115; among them, the synanthropes represent about 30%. Also the index of synanthropy was calculated to confirm strong anthropogenic transformation of the studied area. In the presented study, 47 invasive plant species were discovered in the region. Moreover, the role and distribution of the most interesting and invasive of the synanthropic species was analyzed based on their negative impact on the native flora. We also identified plant species with high invasive potential and indicated causes of their appearance and spread.
Gradient Of Genetic Diversity Of Erigeron Annuus In The Part Of Invasive European Range
Authors: Tunaitienė Virginija , Naugžemys Donatas , Patamsytė Jolanta , Žvingila Donatas
Published: May 2018

Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (Asteraceae) is native species to eastern North America, but has been introduced to Europe and many other temperate regions of the world. In order to assess the impact of spreading history and settlement time on the genetic diversity of invasive populations of E. annuus, individual plants were sampled from 16 populations located in Switzerland, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia along the south-northern expansion direction of this species in Europe. One population was collected in native range (New Brunswick, Canada). The analysis of ISSR polymorphism in 253 plants revealed 161 polymorphic bands. The highest genotype variation and genetic diversity parameters were revealed in the populations from Switzerland and Poland, the least – in Latvian populations. All 37 plants from Latvia were clones of the same genotype. The comparison of genetic diversity parameters of populations from different countries showed the decrease of genetic diversity on the south-north direction.
Cyanobacteria Diversity In Kamanos Raised Bog (North-West Lithuania)
Authors: Koreivienė Judita , Kasperovičienė Jūratė , Karosienė Jūratė
Published: May 2018

The current study summarised the diversity of cyanobacteria found in various habitats of the second largest raised bog of Lithuania. A total of 56 cyanobacteria species that comprise 19% of all phycoflora diversity in Kamanos raised bog were recorded. Species from the Chroococcales (32 species) order and the Chroococcus (7), Aphanothece (7) genera were the most numerous. Twenty one cyanobacteria species were found in Lithuania for the first time. Most of species recorded in Kamanos raised bog were cosmopolite or distributed in temperate zone. One third of the species were characteristic particularly of the peat bogs. Thirty nine species of cyanobacteria were specific to the particular water body and occurred only in 1–3 of the studied localities. Only five species, i.e. Chroococcus turgidus, Aphanocapsa grevillei, Aphanothece elabens, Cyanosarcina sp. and Hapalosiphon sp. were common. Peculiarities of the habitat were the most important drivers determining species richness and composition of cyanobacteria in a particular locality.
Granular Computing in Intelligent Transportation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Dewen Seng , Xinhong Cheng , Jing Chen , Xujian Fang
Published: May 2018

With the continuous development of the cities, the traffic situation has gradually become a topic of concern. The concept of an intelligent transportation system has been proposed and developed. In the field of intelligent transportation, the traffic data has gradually increased. People have higher demands to real time data. The traditional data processing methods and tools have become unable to meet the needs of urban transport development. In this paper we analyzed the basic theory of granular computing, the methods, technology and current situation of granular computing. Besides, we discussed the hot issues of granular computing in an intelligent transportation system. Finally, granular computing in the development of intelligent transportation fields was also discussed.
Regular Expression Based Online Aided Decision Making Knowledge Base for Quality and Security of Food Processing
Authors: Wen Liu , Peng Liu , Qiang Li , Min Duan , Yan-Rong Wang , Yue Dai
Published: May 2018

With regard to the inefficient application of a food processing information system due to shortage of the knowledge acquisition measure and self-updating function of knowledge, a method of constructing an online aided decision making knowledge base for quality and security of food processing, based on regular expression, is discussed in the paper. Firstly, the method establishes an online aided decision making knowledge base for quality and security of food processing based on regular expression; and then an automatic knowledge inference engine is applied to update the knowledge in the base, combined with industry experts’ experience knowledge. Continuous deriving of food processing knowledge can be realized based on the inference engine. The research will greatly enhance the efficiency and applicability of obtaining knowledge from an online aided decision making system for quality and security of food processing.
A Video Camera Road Sign System of the Early Warning from Collision with the Wild Animals
Authors: Matuska Slavomir , Hudec Robert , Kamencay Patrik , Trnovszky Tibor
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a camera road sign system of the early warning, which can help to avoid from vehicle collision with the wild animals. The system consists of camera modules placed down the particularly chosen route and the intelligent road signs. The camera module consists of the camera device and the computing unit. The video stream is captured from video camera using computing unit. Then the algorithms of object detection are deployed. Afterwards, the machine learning algorithms will be used to classify the moving objects. If the moving object is classified as animal and this animal can be dangerous for safety of the vehicle, warning will be displayed on the intelligent road sings.
Modelling Parameters Characterizing Selected Water Supply Systems in Lower Silesia Province
Authors: Nowogoński Ireneusz , Ogiołda Ewa
Published: May 2018

The work presents issues of modelling water supply systems in the context of basic parameters characterizing their operation. In addition to typical parameters, such as water pressure and flow rate, assessing the age of the water is important, as a parameter of assessing the quality of the distributed medium. The analysis was based on two facilities, including one with a diverse spectrum of consumers, including residential housing and industry. The carried out simulations indicate the possibility of the occurrence of water quality degradation as a result of excessively long periods of storage in the water supply network. Also important is the influence of the irregularity of water use, especially in the case of supplying various kinds of consumers (in the analysed case - mining companies).
The Load-Bearing Capacity of Timber-Glass Composite I-Beams Made with Polyurethane Adhesives
Authors: Rodacki Konrad
Published: May 2018

This article discusses the issue of composite timber-glass I-beams, which are an interesting alternative for load-bearing beams of ceilings and roofs. The reasoning behind the use of timber-glass I-beams is the combination of the best features of both materials - this enables the creation of particularly safe beams with regard to structural stability and post-breakage load capacity. Due to the significant differences between the bonding surfaces of timber and glass, a study on the adhesion of various adhesives to both surfaces is presented at the beginning of the paper. After examination, two adhesives were selected for offering the best performance when used with composite beams. The beams were investigated using a four-point bending test under quasi-static loading.
Changes in the Strength of the Polymer Concrete Used in the Electroplating Vats Under Operational Load
Authors: Radna Lidia , Sakharov Volodymyr
Published: May 2018

Due to the strong and aggressive electrolyte media and thermal load, design of the electroplating vats in the copper industry often relies on the resin concrete. The article presents the results of the strength tests of the polymer concrete based on the "Derakane" resin, used in the construction of electroplating vats. Samples were taken from the real vats - both new and 17-year old. Strength tests included compression and bending tensile strength test. To assess the effect of operational conditions the tests were performed on the same-age vats, some of which were never used while others were subjected to the operational load. During the operation, the vats sustained load of the anode and cathode weights, cyclic electrolyte loading with a temperatures up to 60°C. As a result, it was noted that the operational conditions led to the increased strength of the polymer concrete material.
Exergetic Analysis For A Complete Node Of Fluidised-Bed Drying Of Poppy Seeds
Authors: Skoneczna-Łuczków Joanna , Ciesielczyk Włodzimierz
Published: May 2018

The article presents an experimental-theoretical analysis of fluidised-bed drying of poppy seeds directed on minimisation of energy. The analysis was performed for a complete drying node incorporating a heat exchanger and a fan. Two complementary factors were used in the exergetic evaluation: exergy efficiency and unit consumption of exergy. An analysis of drying in stationary bed was carried out for comparison purposes. Results of the exergetic analysis can become a basis for innovative works focused on decreasing energy consumption of a technological node being analysed, e.g. by the use of recirculation of fluidising-drying medium.
Response on: Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) in the Czech Republic: the historical occurrence of this species in Bohemia and its return on the checklist
Authors: Jansen Justin J.F.J.
Published: May 2018

The Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) is for the last time reliably recorded at 23 February 1995 at Merja Zerga, Morocco. This paper re-evaluates the recent addition by Hudeček (2016) of the species to the Czech Republic list.
Clonal evolution in a patient with aplastic anemia – case report
Authors: Brinza Melen , Jardan Cerasela , Vasilache Didona , Dobrea Camelia , Coriu Daniel
Published: May 2018

Background: Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare and serious disease characterized by pancytopenia and hypoplastic bone marrow in the absence of infiltrates/fibrosis. It occurs more frequently in childhood and young adulthood (10-30 years) and with older age (>60 years), with equal distribution among men and women. As hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndromes (hMDS) are also associated with cytopenia and hypocellular marrow,they may be difficult to differentiate from AA. The presence of dysplastic features (others than erythroid) and/or blast cells >5% is essential to distinguish hMDS from AA. Cytogenetic tests may reveal clonal evolution in hMDS. As the two disorders differ greatly in means of management and prognosis, the correct diagnostic is very important.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 39 years old female diagnosed in 2005 (at age 29) with aplastic anemia. She received treatment with corticosteroids, Cyclosporine, blood transfusions and growth factors with partial response and no transfusion independency. After 8 years of evolution she developed dysplastic features within the megakaryocytic and granulocytic lineages and an increase in the blast population. The bone marrow slowly became hypercellular. The treatment with cyclosporine and growth factors was stopped.
Supervenient Freedom and the Free Will Deadlock
Authors: Elzein Nadine , Pernu Tuomas K.
Published: May 2018

Supervenient libertarianism maintains that indeterminism may exist at a supervening agency level, consistent with determinism at a subvening physical level. It seems as if this approach has the potential to break the longstanding deadlock in the free will debate, since it concedes to the traditional incompatibilist that agents can only do otherwise if they can do so in their actual circumstances, holding the past and the laws constant, while nonetheless arguing that this ability is compatible with physical determinism. However, we argue that supervenient libertarianism faces some serious problems, and that it fails to break us free from this deadlock within the free will debate.
Chinese university students’ ELF awareness: Impacts of language education in China
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: May 2018

This paper sets out to investigate Chinese university students’ ELF awareness, which is conceptualised with regards to language education. The study, based on 24 semi-structured interviews, demonstrates that Chinese university students are still framing their understanding of English with the affiliation to idealised notions of monolingual origin of native English, despite being situated in a changing world where multilingual speakers of English are becoming the majority of English users and ELF is becoming a prominent communicative phenomenon. The participants’ account reveals the role of language education as the interface between language ideology and linguistic reality in China. Based on the study, this paper suggests ways of minimising the gap in ELF awareness. While this paper appreciates Chinese philosophy of education, the focus is on promoting awareness of English in relation to its sociocultural context and considering “imagined communities” in the learning so as to come to terms with sociolinguistic reality.
The industrial city and its structural changes in local plans on the example of Ruda Śląska, Poland
Authors: Rysz Kamil , Janiszek Monika
Published: May 2018

In the modern world, the subject of spatial planning is being increasingly raised by residents of municipalities - mainly because of the lack of a direct influence on the process of local development and aesthetics of the surroundings. Today, the primary objective of spatial planning is not only to form a proper connection between function and space but also to balance public and private interests. Constantly developed geographic spatial information systems allow not only for easy navigation around the city, but more importantly for more advanced analyses, such as the recognition of the current trends in estate development, communication systems, changes in agricultural and forest areas. The main objective of the research is to define functional-spatial links determined by social-economic needs reflected in local plans and to verify the similarities between local plans, that were drawn up in three different periods (PRL, the transition period, and in accordance with nowadays applicable laws), how the changing economic, social goals and current needs of the city affected the continuation of the adopted solutions. The study shows that despite changes in the law and abandoning the idea of industrial city, in which the landscape is dominated by blast furnaces and mine shafts, the basic trend has been maintained and local plans prepared in subsequent years form a continuum, and despite the different scales of development are closely linked. At the same time it has been shown that modern GIS tools enable verification of the continuity of spatial policy of the municipality.
The positive aspects of the natural environment in shaping the regional identity of young people
Authors: Adamczewska Maria
Published: May 2018

The relations between man and nature constitute an immemorial subject of the geographical research. Man, while striving to understand the surrounding world and its secrets, simultaneously alters and transforms it. The importance of knowing the rules of rational functioning in the natural environment, especially in the modern, globalized world is proven by it being a subject of schooling at all education levels. The purpose of the students gaining knowledge on the natural environment and the rules of its normal functioning in order to provide a balanced development thereof, is also meant to shape appropriate attitudes, consciousness and responsibility for the natural environment, both in the global and local aspects. Therefore, an attempt to determine the significance of the natural environment in shaping the sense of local identity in young people has been made. Studies on the local and regional identity have been conducted with the high schoolers from the Łódź voivodeship using the survey method. The results of the research allowed to determine the level of knowledge on the natural environment in the area of the students’ places of residence, including the areas protected by law. A high importance of natural values in shaping the pride of a person’s place of residence was also proven. Moreover, it turned out that the advantages of the natural habitat are in a high position in terms of areas considered “magical places”. The natural environment values are more likely to shape local identities in students residing in rural areas, in a direct neighbourhood of protected areas, forests or rivers.
Doing It by the Book: Training Student Teachers at the Faculty of Letters, the University of Porto (FLUP) to Evaluate English Language Teaching (ELT) Materials
Authors: Hurst Nic
Published: May 2018

Understanding what the use of a coursebook implies is at the heart of any consideration of how ELT instruction in Portugal operates and, as such, should also be central to any pre-service teacher education. Since the curricular reorganization prompted by the ‘Bologna Process’, the Faculty of Letters, the University of Porto (FLUP) has included within its ‘Masters in English and other Foreign Language Teaching’ course (Mestrado em Ensino de Inglês e de Alemão / Francês / Espanhol no 3.º ciclo do Ensino Básico e no Ensino Secundário) an optional, one semester subject called the “Production of Didactic Materials”. This talk will demonstrate and discuss how, in this case, training student teachers to develop a criteria based framework for evaluating FL teaching materials, and applying that same framework, can be considered a way of re-focusing the traditionally, largely theoretical, lecture-based training courses typical of the Portuguese paradigm.