bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seedling survival and establishment in small canopy openings in drained spruce mires in Northern Finland
Authors: Hökkä Hannu , Repola Jaakko , Moilanen Mikko , Saarinen Markku
Published: March 2014

A large proportion of drained spruce mire stands is currently approaching regeneration maturity in Finland. Traditional regeneration methods with effective site preparation and planting generally result in satisfactory seedling stands also in spruce mires. However, natural regeneration methods may be more appropriate in protecting watercourses and minimizing regeneration costs. We studied the survival of advance growth and establishment of new seedlings in small canopy openings that were cut at three different diameters in two experimental drained spruce mire stands in Northern Finland (Tervola and Oulu) in 2004. The number of seedlings was repeatedly surveyed from five small circular plots (one 10 m and four 5 m plots in size) located within the opening. Advance growth which survived the cutting and new seedlings were separated in the surveys. The density of advance growth was on average 9000Â ha after cutting, and it decreased by 30% during the five-year monitoring period (2006â2010) due to natural mortality. The number of new seedlings increased rapidly within the three years after cutting the openings. In 2010, 11 000â26 000 new seedlings ha in Tervola and 12 000â16 000Â ha in Oulu on average were observed. The size of the opening had no clear effect on the regeneration result. The proportion of birch of the new seedlings increased with time and opening size in Tervola. The results show that Norway spruce regenerates naturally in small canopy openings cut in mature drained spruce mire stands.22â1â1â1
A Design Methodology for Energy Harvesting: With a Case Study on the Structured Development of a System to Power a Condition Monitoring Unit
Authors: Burghardt Frederick L. , Waterbury Andrew C. , Paprotny Igor , Miller Lindsay M. , Minor Peter , Send Rafael , Xu Qiliang , White Richard M. , Wright Paul K.
Published: March 2014

A design methodology is proposed for electronic systems powered by energy harvesting. The methodology first considers the operating environment. It then evaluates the supply-side (the attributes of the harvester), the demand-side (the engineering application or load which receives and uses the converted power), and the power conditioning needed between supply and demand. A test case is presented in which the vibrations of an electromagnetic device are harvested, converted, and used to power a wireless sensor node. Such a node is being used for the condition based monitoring of manufacturing equipment.
Single-molecule spectroscopy of unfolded proteins and chaperonin action
Authors: Hofmann Hagen
Published: March 2014

In the past decade, single-molecule fluorescence techniques provided important insights into the structure and dynamics of proteins. In particular, our understanding of the heterogeneous conformational ensembles of unfolded and intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) improved substantially by a combination of FRET-based single-molecule techniques with concepts from polymer physics. A complete knowledge of the forces that act in unfolded polypeptide chains will not only be important to understand the initial steps of protein folding reactions, but it will also be crucial to rationalize the coupling between ligand-binding and folding of IDPs, and the interaction of denatured proteins with molecular chaperones in the crowded cellular environment. Here, I give a personalized review of some of the key findings from my own research that contributed to a more quantitative understanding of unfolded proteins and their interactions with molecular chaperones.
Effect of Rare Earth Yttrium on the Hot Ductility of Fe-36Ni Invar Alloy
Authors: Yu Y. C. , Liu H. T. , Chen W. Q. , Zheng H. G.
Published: March 2014

The hot ductility of Fe-36Ni invar alloy doped with and without yttrium was investigated using a Gleeble-3800 thermal-mechanical simulator over the temperature range 850–1050 °C and the improvement mechanism of the hot ductility was analysed with a combination of SEM, EDS and OM. The results showed that Fe-36Ni invar alloy had a poor hot ductility below 1050 °C, which was mainly attributed to the presence of the grain boundary sliding and weak grain boundaries. The addition of 0.048% yttrium had a substantial improvement in the hot ductility of Fe-36Ni invar alloy over the whole testing temperature range especially at 950–1000 °C. At 850–900 °C, the improvement of the hot ductility was mainly associated with the grain boundary strengthening and the restriction of the grain boundary sliding because the addition of yttrium could reduce the segregation of sulfur at grain boundaries and refine the grain structure. At 950–1000 °C, the hot ductility was highly improved, which was owed to the acceleration and occurrence of dynamic recrystallization as a result of the refinement of the grain structure by addition of yttrium.
Implementing blended learning into the academic programs of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
Authors: Munir Ahmed R. , Prem Kumar D.
Published: March 2014

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, India, is established by an Act of Karnataka State Legislature in the year 1996. Its mandate is to provide training and development in health sciences sector. This University has done pioneering work in the field of curriculum designing for all the health sciences courses offered by the affiliated institutions. In this regard, it has taken lead among all the health sciences universities in India. With student strength of more than one lakh, it has now become a necessity to explore all the possible technological options, so as to provide a comprehensive education to the students. In this context, a proposal has been submitted to the executive head of the University to implement the Blended Learning Program.
Das hat gerade noch gefehlt
Authors: Schröder Anna-Konstanze
Published: March 2014

In diesem Aufsatz wird diskutiert, wie die Erkenntnisse aus Religionspsychologie und
ENDOCRINE SIDE-EFFECTS OF ANTI-CANCER DRUGS: The impact of retinoids on the thyroid axis
Authors: Graeppi-Dulac Julia , Vlaeminck-Guillem Virginie , Perier-Muzet Marie , Dalle Stéphane , Orgiazzi Jacques
Published: March 2014

Bexarotene (Targretin), approved since 1999 as a second-line treatment for late stage cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, has been shown to induce significant hypothyroidism through TSH suppression. This review revisits, through a case report, mechanisms by which rexinoids repress the expression ofTSHBgene as well asαTSHandTRHgenes. It appears that rexinoids suppress TSH independently from tri-iodothyronine. Bexarotene also differently affects the gene expression of deiodinases 1 and 2 as well as the peripheral clearance of thyroxine. These data might open new ways of research on the potential interaction between thyroid axis and endogenous rexinoids.
Cardiovascular disease in transsexual persons treated with cross-sex hormones: reversal of the traditional sex difference in cardiovascular disease pattern
Authors: Gooren Louis J , Wierckx Katrien , Giltay Erik J
Published: March 2014

Objective

The incidence of heart disease increases with age, but is lower in women than in men up to 75 years. A protective effect of female sex hormones or, alternatively, acceleration in male heart disease by testosterone at younger ages, could explain this sex difference. In contrast with the above, male-to-female transsexual subjects (MtoF) treated with estrogens (+anti-androgens) show more cardiovascular pathology than female-to-male transsexual subjects (FtoM) receiving testosterone. Why MtoF suffer more frequently from cardiovascular disease than females is as yet unclear. The mode of cross-sex hormone treatment may be a factor, and, if so, it may need adaptations.

Subjects and methods

Studies in transsexual people on the effects of cross-sex hormone treatment on surrogate cardiovascular risks and on clinical endpoints were reviewed. With regard to MtoF, a parallel was sought with men with prostate cancer, undergoing androgen deprivation and estrogen administration.

Results

Exposure of FtoM to testosterone was not associated with a strong increase in cardiovascular events. Aging and pre-existing cardiovascular pathology contributed to the risk of cardiovascular disease in MtoF. Use of the synthetic biopotent compound ethinyl estradiol in a dose two to four times of oral contraceptives increased cardiovascular risk substantially. The route of administration of estrogens (oral vs transdermal) may have impacted on the risks.

Conclusion

MtoF should not be treated with oral ethinyl estradiol. Transdermal estrogens are probably safer than oral estrogens. Pre-existing cardiovascular risks should be taken into consideration when prescribing and choosing the type of estrogens in cross-sex hormone administration (oral vs transdermal). In addition, risk factors, as they emerge with aging, should be addressed.
Parental Death During Childhood and Subsequent School Performance
Authors: Berg Lisa , Rostila Mikael , Saarela Jan , Hjern Anders
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES:

Parental death during childhood has been linked to increased mortality and mental health problems in adulthood. School failure may be an important mediator in this trajectory. We investigated the association between parental death before age 15 years and school performance at age 15 to 16 years, taking into account potentially contributing factors such as family socioeconomic position (SEP) and parental substance abuse, mental health problems, and criminality.

METHODS:

This was a register-based national cohort study of 772 117 subjects born in Sweden between 1973 and 1981. Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze school performance as mean grades (scale: 1–5; SD: 0.70) and school failure (finished school with incomplete grades). Results are presented as β-coefficients and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS:

Parental death was associated with lower grades (ORs: –0.21 [95% CI: –0.23 to –0.20] and –0.17 [95% CI: –0.19 to –0.15]) for paternal and maternal deaths, respectively. Adjustment for SEP and parental psychosocial factors weakened the associations, but the results remained statistically significant. Unadjusted ORs of school failure were 2.04 (95% CI: 1.92 to 2.17) and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.35 to 1.69) for paternal and maternal deaths. In fully adjusted models, ORs were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.31 to 1.49) and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.32). The higher crude impact of death due to external causes (ie, accident, violence, suicide) (OR: –0.27 [90% CI: –0.28 to –0.26]), compared with natural deaths (OR: –0.16 [95% CI: –0.17 to –0.15]), was not seen after adjustment for SEP and psychosocial situation of the family.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parental death during childhood was associated with lower grades and school failure. Much of the effect, especially for deaths by external causes, was associated with socially adverse childhood exposures.
Postconcussive Symptom Exaggeration After Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kirkwood Michael W. , Peterson Robin L. , Connery Amy K. , Baker David A. , Grubenhoff Joseph A.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND:

A minority of pediatric patients who have mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) report persistent postconcussive symptoms. In adults, failure on validity tests, which help to detect exaggerated or feigned problems, is associated with symptom complaints. No pediatric studies have examined the relationship between validity test performance and symptom report. We hypothesized that children failing a validity test would report significantly more postconcussive symptoms than those passing.

METHODS:

Using a consecutive clinical case series design, we examined 191 patients aged 8 to 17 years seen for neuropsychological evaluation after mTBI. Participants were administered a validity test (Medical Symptom Validity Test; MSVT) and completed a graded symptom scale as part of a neuropsychological battery.

RESULTS:

A total of 23 participants (12%) failed the MSVT. The Fail group endorsed significantly more postconcussive symptoms than the Pass group, with a large effect size (P < .001; d = 1.1). MSVT performance remained a robust unique predictor of symptom report even after controlling for other influential factors (eg, female gender, premorbid psychiatric problems).

CONCLUSIONS:

A subset of children who had persistent complaints after mTBI may be exaggerating or feigning symptoms. If such negative response bias remains undetected, errors in etiologic statements and less than optimal treatment may occur. Because the detection of invalid responding is well established in neuropsychology, clinical neuropsychologists should be incorporated routinely into clinical care for patients who have persistent complaints. To better control for noninjury effects in future pediatric mTBI studies, researchers should add validity tests to neurobehavioral outcome batteries.
Debate of the legal interpretation of definitions of medical devices and medicinal products for human use
Authors: Ferge Zsigmond
Published: March 2014

On 3 October 2013 the European Court of Justice made a decision regarding the interpretation of definitions of medical devices (Directive 93/42/EC) and medicinal product for human use (Directive 2001/83/EC), based on the Article 267 TFEU preliminary ruling. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(11), 429–433.
Electrical resistivity measurement of unsaturated concrete samples
Authors: Villagrán Zaccardi Yury A. , Di Maio Ángel A.
Published: March 2014

Electrical conduction in concrete primarily occurs via the liquid in pores. Since concrete resistivity is sensitive to moisture content, resistivity can be used to infer other moisture-dependent concrete properties. However, quantitative assessment of the relationship between concrete resistivity and the pore liquid content can be a difficult task due to contact issues between electrodes and the surface of unsaturated concrete. Resistivity is usually measured using wet sponges to assess contact with a concrete surface. This is a very effective procedure for saturated concrete but implies minor alterations in the condition of unsaturated concrete. This paper deals with a contact method to measure the resistivity of unsaturated concrete samples. Resistivity measurements dispensing with wet contacts are performed on thin samples of conventional concrete. A dry contact is achieved by means of painted electrodes on the concrete surface. Dry and wet contact methods are compared when applied to saturated concrete, and resistivity values of unsaturated concrete are related to concrete moisture content and the relative humidity of the surrounding environment. As a result, resistivity is related to the volumetric fraction of conducting water in pores and its hygroscopic equilibrium with the surrounding environment.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of RPC containing PP fibres at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zheng Wenzhong , Luo Baifu , Wang Ying
Published: March 2014

This paper illustrates the effect of temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete (RPC) containing polypropylene (PP) fibres. Thermal conductivity, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and mercury intrusion porosity measurements were taken and compressive and tensile strength tests were performed over a temperature range 20–800°C. The PP fibre content, specimen dimensions and explosive spalling were investigated as part of this study, and the various decomposition phases and microstructure were identified using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results indicated that the compressive and tensile strengths of RPC with PP fibres decreased as temperature increased. RPC containing PP fibres displayed better mechanical properties than normal-strength concrete or high-strength concrete. The addition of PP fibres at a dosage of 2·73 kg/m3 could prevent the explosive spalling of RPC and significantly increase its compressive and tensile strengths at elevated temperatures. Supplementary pores and small channels were created in the RPC due to the melting of PP fibres.
The River Segura: reclaimed water, recovered river
Authors: Ródenas M. A. , Albacete M.
Published: March 2014

The Region of Murcia is located in southeast Spain, an area known for structural water stress. The most important water source that runs through the Region is the Segura River, which is the main irrigation water resource. Late last century there was a significant environmental problem in the Segura River caused by an increase of inadequately treated wastewater discharges, in a period of low flow rates and intensive use of water resources. The situation reached such a critical point, that the Regional Government presented a General Plan for Wastewater Reclamation, to be developed in 10 years. This paper details the content and guidelines in the Plan, as well as aspects related to policy development and objective achievement: water availability has increased and the Segura River conditions have improved. In short, it can be concluded that wastewater reclamation marks a good starting point for bettering water management in arid areas. Furthermore, the case of the Region of Murcia reveals that comprehensive action lines and optimized engineering and knowledge of wastewater management is highly beneficial.
Ex situ integration of iron oxide nanoparticles onto the exfoliated expanded graphite flakes in water suspension
Authors: Jovic Natasa , Calatayud Maria , Sanz Beatriz , Montone Amelia , Goya Gerardo
Published: March 2014

Hybrid structures composed of exfoliated expanded graphite (EG) and iron
oxide nanocrystals have been produced by an ex situ process. The iron oxide
nanoparticles coated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), or
poly(acrylic) acid (PAA) were integrated onto the exfoliated EG flakes by
mixing their aqueous suspensions at room temperature under support of
1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and
N-hydroxysuccin-nimide (NHS). EG flakes have been used both, naked and
functionalized with branched polyethylenimine (PEI). Complete integration of
two constituents has been achieved and mainteined stable for more than 12
months. No preferential spatial distribution of anchoring sites for
attachement of iron oxide nanoparticles has been observed, regardless EG
flakes have been used naked or functionalized with PEI molecules. The
structural and physico-chemical characteristics of the exfoliated expanded
graphite and its hybrids nanostructures has been investigated by SEM, TEM,
FTIR and Raman techniques.
Work-Related Psychosocial Stress as a Risk Factor for Asthma, Allergy, and Respiratory Infections in the Swedish Workforce
Authors: Runeson-Broberg Roma , Norbäck Dan
Published: March 2014

This study examined the association between work-related psychosocial stress and asthma, atopy, and respiratory infections. 532 randomly selected occupationally active people (272 men, 260 women; M age=41 yr., SD = 13) in Sweden participated. Information on history of asthma, atopy, and respiratory infections was collected by a postal self-report questionnaire. Work stress was assessed based on the demands-control-support model. Current asthma and respiratory infections were associated with work-related psychosocial stress. When stratified for sex, these associations were only found in men. Associations between low control, low support, and current asthma were found among young participants (<40 years), whereas among older participants (>40 years) low supervisor support was associated with frequent respiratory infections.
Fixed Points Of F-Weak Contractions On Complete Metric Spaces
Authors: Wardowski D. , Dung N. Van
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we introduce the notion of an F-weak contraction and prove a fixed point theorem for F-weak contractions. Examples are given to show that our result is a proper extension of some results known in the literature
Positive Definite Norm Dependent Matrices In Stochastic Modeling
Authors: Kuniewski Sebastian P. , Misiewicz Jolanta K.
Published: March 2014

Positive definite norm dependent matrices are of interest in stochastic modeling of distance/norm dependent phenomena in nature. An example is the application of geostatistics in geographic information systems or mathematical analysis of varied spatial data. Because the positive definiteness is a necessary condition for a matrix to be a valid correlation matrix, it is desirable to give a characterization of the family of the distance/norm dependent functions that form a valid (positive definite) correlation matrix. Thus, the main reason for writing this paper is to give an overview of characterizations of norm dependent real functions and consequently norm dependent matrices, since this information is somehow hidden in the theory of geometry of Banach spaces
Timing of the Middle Miocene Badenian Stage of the Central Paratethys
Authors: Hohenegger Johann , Ćorić Stjepan , Wagreich Michael
Published: March 2014

A new and precisely defined chronometric subdivision of the Badenian (Middle Miocene, regional stage of Central Paratethys) is proposed. This uses global events, mainly geomagnetic polarity reversals as correlated chronometric boundaries, supported by climatic and sea-level changes in addition to isotope events and biostratigraphic data. The Karpatian/ Badenian boundary lies at 16.303 Ma, at the top of Chron C5Cn.2n, which is near the base of the Praeorbulina sicana Lowest-occurrence Zone (LOZ). The Badenian/Sarmatian boundary is placed at the top of polarity Chron C5Ar.2n, thus at 12.829 Ma. In relation to three sea level cycles TB 2.3, TB 2.4 and TB 2.5 and astronomically confirmed data, the Badenian can be divided into three parts of nearly equivalent duration. The Early Badenian as newly defined here ranges from 16.303 to 15.032 Ma (top of polarity Chron C5Bn.2n). The younger boundary correlates roughly to the base of the planktonic foraminifera Orbulina suturalis LOZ at 15.10 Ma, the HO (Highest Occurrence) of the nannofossil Helicosphaera ampliaperta at 14.91 Ma (NN4/NN5 boundary) and the Lan2/Ser1 sequence boundary at 14.80 Ma. The subsequent Mid Badenian ranges from 15.032 Ma to 13.82 Ma; the latter datum correlates with the base of the Serravallian, characterized by a strong global cooling event reflected in the oxygen isotope event Mi3b. The main part of cycle TB 2.4 falls into the Mid Badenian, which can be subdivided by a short cooling event at 14.24 Ma during the Middle Miocene Climate Transition (14.70 to 13.82 Ma). The HCO (Highest common occurrence) of the nannofossil Helicosphaera waltrans at 14.357 Ma supports this division, also seen in the tropical plankton Zones M6 Orbulina suturalis LOZ and M7 Fohsella peripheroacuta LOZ that correspond roughly to the lower and upper Lagenidae zones in the Vienna Basin, respectively. The Late Badenian is delimited in time at the base to 13.82 Ma by the Langhian/Serravallian boundary and at the top by the top of polarity Chron C5Ar.2n at 12.829 Ma. The Mediterranean Langhian/Serravallian boundary can be equated with the Mid/Late Badenian boundary at 13.82 Ma. However, the Karpatian/Badenian boundary at 16.303 Ma, a significant event easily recognizable in biostratigraphy, paleoclimate evolution and sequence stratigraphy, cannot be equated with the proposed global Burdigalian/Langhian, and thus Early/Middle Miocene boundary, at 15.974 Ma
Early Sarmatian paleoenvironments in the easternmost Pannonian Basin (Borod Depression, Romania) revealed by the micropaleontological data
Authors: Filipescu Sorin , Miclea Angela , Gross Martin , Harzhauser Mathias , Zágoršek Kamil , Jipa Cătălin
Published: March 2014

The Sarmatian sedimentary record of the Borod Depression (eastern Pannonian Basin) consists of a marine sequence with continental influence. The investigated section, located near Vârciorog, was biostratigraphically and paleoenvironmentally analysed. The micro- and macrofossil assemblages include dasycladaceans, characeans, foraminifera, molluscs, polychaetes, ostracods, crabs, bryozoans, fish and vertebrate remains, which are characteristic for a shallow marine setting with local transitions to continental facies. The microfossil assemblages are characteristic for the Elphidium reginum Zone and Mohrensternia Zone of the early Sarmatian (Serravallian). The succession of populations correlates with the sedimentological trend, allowing the separation of several genetic units. The relative sea-level changes and the progradational trend from the top of the section suggest active tectonics in the hinterland (Apuseni Mountains). The shallow seas surrounding the emerging islands (Apuseni Mountains) provided the connections between the Pannonian and Transylvanian basins during the early Sarmatian
Unsteady hydromagnetic couette flow due to ramped motion of one of the porous plates
Authors: Jha B.K. , Jibril H.M.
Published: March 2014

An unsteady flow formation in Couette motion of an electrically conducting fluid subject to transverse magnetic field has been analyzed in the presence of suction/injection through the porous plates when one of the porous plates is in ramped motion. It is assumed that the porous plates are uniformly permeable and the fluid is entering the flow region through one of the porous plates at same rate as it is leaving through the other porous plate. The resulting boundary value problem has been solved exactly under the assumption of a negligible induced magnetic field, external electric field and pressure gradient. Unified closed form expressions for the velocity field and skin-friction corresponding to the case of a magnetic field fixed relative to the fluid or to the moving porous plate have been presented. In order to highlight the impact of the ramp motion of the porous plate on the fluid flow, it has also been compared with Couette flow between porous plates when one of the porous plates has been set into an impulsive motion.
MHD and rotation effects on flow past an accelerated vertical plate with variable temperature and mass diffusion in the presence of chemical reaction
Authors: Muthucumaraswamy R. , Dhanasekar N. , Prasad G. Easwara
Published: March 2014

An exact analysis of rotation effects on an unsteady flow of an incompressible and electrically conducting fluid past a uniformly accelerated infinite isothermal vertical plate, under the action of a transversely applied magnetic field is presented. The plate temperature is raised linearly with time and the concentration level near the plate is also raised to C’w. The dimensionless governing equations are solved using the Laplace-transform technique. The velocity profiles, temperature and concentration are studied for different physical parameters such as the magnetic field parameter, chemical reaction parameter, thermal Grashof number, mass Grashof number, Schmidt number, Prandtl number and time. It is observed that the velocity increases with increasing values of the thermal Grashof number or mass Grashof number. It is also observed that the velocity increases with decreasing values of the magnetic field parameter or rotation parameter Ω.
Thermal radiation and magnetic field effects on unsteady mixed convection flow and mass transfer over a porous stretching surface with heat generation
Authors: Reddy G.V.R. , Reddy B.A. , Reddy N.B.
Published: March 2014

The effects of thermal radiation and mass transfer on an unsteady hydromagnetic boundary layer mixed convection flow along a vertical porous stretching surface with heat generation are studied. The fluid is assumed to be viscous and incompressible. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using similarity variables. Numerical solutions of these equations are obtained by using the Runge-Kutta fourth order method along with the shooting technique. Velocity, temperature, concentration, the skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number for variations in the governing thermo physical parameters are computed, analyzed and discussed.
Plastic limit load of ellipsoidal pressure vessel head with nozzle under internal pressure loading
Authors: Skopinsky V.N. , Berkov N.A. , Smetankin A.B.
Published: March 2014

A new method and numerical procedure for determining the plastic limit load in an ellipsoid-cylinder intersection using the elastic-plastic finite element analysis are presented. The proposed method is based on the maximum criterion of the rate of change of the relative plastic work. For the elastic-plastic analysis of the nozzle connections the 2D finite element method and plasticity theory with strain hardening are used. The results of the comparison of the plastic limit pressure obtained on the basis of different known criteria and the proposed criterion are presented. A parametric study of ellipsoidal heads with a nozzle under internal pressure loading was performed. The effects of nondimensional geometric parameters of shell intersection on the plastic limit pressure are discussed.
Applying the life cycle assessment method to an analysis of the environmental impact of heat generation
Authors: Dzikuć M.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents a method of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to determine the impact of the heat produced on the environment. In addition, the usefulness of this method to assess the energy sector has been shown.

This paper presents the impact of heat generation on the environment in coal power plants. A detailed analysis by the method of LCA is made to compare the environmental impact of heat generation in the Legnica Power Plant and Polkowice Power Plant.

It is pointed to the difference in the results obtained. Moreover, the causes of the reported environmental impacts are discussed. Measures are identified which will help to reduce in the future the impact of the electricity produced on the environment during the production of heat.
Pilot study on agricultural pesticide poisoning in Burkina Faso
Authors: Toe Adama M. , Ouedraogo Mustapha , Ouedraogo Richard , Ilboudo Sylvain , Guissou Pierre I.
Published: March 2014

Epidemiologic data related to agricultural pesticide poisoning cases in Burkina Faso were collected. The study was carried out using retrospective (from January 2002 to June 2010) surveys conducted among farmers and healthcare centers. One hundred and fiftythree (153) pest control products were recorded during the survey and 56 active ingredients were identified. Out of the 153 pest control products, 49 (i.e. 32%) were authorized for sale in Burkina Faso. The main risk factors are socio-demographic characteristics of farmers, their low education level, and some attitudes and practices on using agricultural pesticides. Pesticide poisonings are relatively frequent and their management was not always efficacious. Actions are needed to reduce pesticide poisoning as a global public health problem and to improve management of pesticide poisoning. To this purpose, advanced investigations should be carried out over a longer period of time to complement the present pilot study
Relationship Between Energy Prices, Monetary Policy and Inflation; A Case Study of South Asian Economies
Authors:   Atiq-ur-Rehman
Published: March 2014

Monetary policy tools, including money supply and interest rate, are the most popular instruments to control inflation around the globe. It is assumed that a tight monetary policy, either in form of reduction in money supply or an increase in interest rate, will reduce inflation by reducing aggregate demand in an economy. However, monetary policy could be counterproductive if cost side effects of monetary tightening prevail. High energy prices may increase the cost of production by reducing aggregate supply in the economy. If tight monetary policy is used to reduce this cost push inflation, the cost side effect of energy prices will add to cost side effects of monetary tightening and will become dominant. In this case, the monetary policy could be counterproductive. Furthermore, simultaneous reduction in aggregate supply and aggregate demand will bring twofold reduction in output. Therefore greater care is needed in the use of monetary policy in the situation of cost push inflation. This article investigates the presence of cost side effect of monetary transmission mechanism, the role of international oil prices in domestic inflation, and implications for monetary policy. The findings suggest that both monetary policy and oil prices have cost side effects on inflation and monetary tightening could be counterproductive if used to reduce energy pushed inflationary trend.
Total Quality Management as a Paradigm of Business Success
Authors: Luburić Radoica
Published: March 2014

Total Quality Management denotes a path by which - both in a stable and a transitional environment, in a professional and scientific way and by applying a variety of methods and techniques, through constant improvements and involvement of all employees - one could get to a model that enables a simultaneous achievement of the top quality level on one hand, and the top management level, on the other. Total Quality Management is a paradigm of business success in the entire world because its set up, inter alia, improves internal functions of an organisation, instils confidence in customers and triggers improvement chain reactions with suppliers and stakeholders. Quality is the foundation and client orientation is the base of the entire concept of total quality management. Placing customers at the centre is the main idea behind the entire quality concept around which everything is built. Improving the capacity of an organization to understand and meet the actual customer needs, both stated and implied, is the main objective of the total quality management. Teamwork and team leadership play a specific role in the total quality management, top managers have the key responsibilities, and activities of the medium and lower level managers together with all employees are of immeasurable significance. Managing the teamwork within the total quality management is not only a requirement for its set up, development and implementation, but also for its survival. Total Quality Management is a managerial philosophy and a mode of running a business in order to achieve success.
Caffeine degradation in water by gamma irradiation, ozonation and ozonation/gamma irradiation
Authors: Torun Murat , Abbasova Dinara , Şolpan Dilek , Güven Olgun
Published: March 2014

Aqueous solutions of caffeine were treated with ozone and gamma irradiation. The amounts of remaining caffeine were determined after solid phase extraction as a function of absorbed dose and ozonation time. In addition to this, some important parameters such as inorganic ions, chemical oxygen demand (COD) dissolved oxygen and total acidity changes were followed. Caffeine (50 ppm) is found to be completely decomposed at 3.0 kGy and 1.2 kGy doses in the absence of H2O2 and in 1.20 mM H2O2 solutions, respectively. In the case of gamma irradiation after ozonation, 50 ppm caffeine was removed at 0.2 kGy when the solution was ozonized for 100 s at a rate of 10 g O3 h-1 in 400 mL 50 ppm paracetamol solution.
Relationship between vegetation structure and abundance of Great-spotted Woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major) in a mosaic habitat
Authors: Ónodi Gábor , Csörgő Tibor
Published: March 2014

This study was made in a postglacial relic bog in the Ócsa Protected Landscape Area in Hungary. Secondary succession of vegetation began after peat extraction and a grove-like forest evolved. Among the eight woodpecker species that occur in this area, the Great-spotted Woodpecker is the most abundant with the largest amount of data, it is for this reason we chose this species to study. The aims of this work were to detect changes in the abundance of the study species in relation to forest succession; to examine the seasonal patterns of these changes in abundance, and to identify any relationship between the height of the trees near the nets and the number of captured birds. We used the data from 1411 mist-netted Great-spotted Woodpeckers (1984- 2010), which were captured at the Ócsa Bird Ringing Station (120 standard mist nets). The assessment of forest succession rates were based on aerial photos (1979-2010). We measured the height of the vegetation, at 12 points, near each 12 m long net. Population growth of Great-spotted Woodpeckers was significantly correlated with the rate of afforestation. The majority of birds occurred only during the dispersal period. The pattern of the captures correlated well with the vegetation structure, not just with height, but also with vegetation quality as well
Thermodynamic and mechanical characterisation of kaolin clay
Authors: Hammouda I. , Mihoubi D.
Published: March 2014

This study deals with experimental thermodynamic and rheological characterization of kaolin. Water sorption isotherms of kaolin were determined for three temperatures (30, 50 and 70°C). Desorption isotherms were fitted by using five models (GAB, BET, Henderson modified, Adam and Shove, Peleg) among the most used ones in literature. The GAB model was found to be the most suitable for describing the relationship between equilibrium moisture content and water activity for the whole range of temperature (30-70°C) and relative humidity(0-100%). Desorption enthalpy and entropy were determined. The desorption enthalpy decreases with increasing moisture content. The density and the shrinkage of the material and the Young’s modulus variations as a function of moisture content were determined experimentally. The Young modulus varies between 0.1 MPa and 14 MPa. The viscoelastic parameters of kaolin were also determined by using a series of Prony.
A regularity criterion for the Navier-Stokes equations in terms of the pressure gradient
Authors: Bosia Stefano , Conti Monica , Pata Vittorino
Published: March 2014

The incompressible three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are considered. A new regularity criterion for weak solutions is established in terms of the pressure gradient.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda – a Case Report
Authors: Vukanović Tatjana , Mijušković Željko , Kandolf-Sekulović Lidija , Zolotarevski Lidija , Zečević Radoš
Published: March 2014

Porphyria cutanea tarda is a metabolic disorder that results from a reduced enzymatic activity of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. It is the commonest chronic porphyria. Two types of this disease have been reported up to now: acquired (Type 1, 80%) and inherited (Type 2, 20%) an autosomal dominant pattern with low clinical penetrance. Both types are associated with haemochromatosis, alcohol abuse, estrogens, iron overload, hepatitis C virus infection, and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons causing deficiency of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme in the liver. In this case report we described a 23-year-old woman with increased hair growth on the face and neck, who visited an outpatient dermatology clinic for laser hair removal due to excessive hair growth on the face and neck during the last eight years (Figures 1, 2). Four laser treatments were carried out with incomplete effects. After the fourth laser hair removal treatment, a small sore on the tip of the nose was observed. The patient used oral contraceptive pills during the past 8 months. No additional medications were taken. The diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda was confirmed by specific biochemical analyses, since increased excretion of uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin were detected. After discontinuation of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (YazÒ tablets) a gradual clinical and laboratory improvement was noticed suggesting a causative role of this drug. There are many published reports discussing and describing estrogens as contraceptive agents, hormone supplements for postmenopausal replacement therapy in females, and adjunctive hormonal therapy in males with prostatic carcinoma, being the probable trigger of porphyria cutanea tarda. However, the mechanisms by which estrogens exert their effects on disease expression have not yet been fully clarified. Conclusion: this case report points to the importance of hypertrichosis as the first manifestation of porphyria cutanea tarda, since it may be a long lasting sign before the onset of other clinical symptoms of the disese
Pattern-oriented architecture design of software for logistics and transport applications
Authors: Orlov Sergey , Vishnyakov Andrei
Published: March 2014

Software architecture design plays the key role for logistics and transport software engineering. One of the design approaches is to reuse the architectural patterns, which express a fundamental structural organization of software systems and its behaviour. The usage of the proven and tested solutions allows us to increase the software quality and reduce potential risks.

In this paper the technique that allows selecting and evaluating suite of architectural patterns is proposed. It can be used for logistics and transportation software, which is constructed using Multi-tier architecture. The technique allows us to consistently evaluate the impact of specific patterns to software characteristics with a given functionality. Effectiveness and efficiency of the described method is confirmed by a case study.
Wireless energy supply to public transport units with hybrid drive – trends and challenges
Authors: Graurs Igors , Vizulis Aleksandrs , Rubenis Aivars , Laizāns Aigars
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the initial findings of research project “The Possibilities of Increasing Efficiency of City Bus Hybrid Propulsion Systems by Including Wireless Battery Charging” carried out by „LEO Research Centre” (Competency Centre for Latvian Electrical and Optical Manufacturing Industry). The project is aimed at developing wireless charging and optimising electric bus propulsion system for modern urban transportation applications. The project runs from the beginning of the 2013 until the end of 2015 and focuses on the sub-theme “Energy and Sustainable Transport”.
Updated Meta-Analysis of Learner Control Within Educational Technology
Authors: Karich Abbey C. , Burns Matthew K. , Maki Kathrin E.
Published: March 2014

Giving a student control over their learning has theoretical and intuitive appeal, but its effects are neither powerful nor consistent in the empirical literature base. This meta-analysis updated previous meta-analytic research by Niemiec, Sikorski, and Walberg by studying the overall effectiveness of providing learner control within educational technology, the characteristics of instruction along the continuum of learner control, and elements of the instructional environments that may play a role in the effectiveness of educational technology. The search terms identified 85 distinct articles, 18 of which met the inclusion criteria (29 effects were computed). The overall effect of including learner control within educational technology was almost zero (g = 0.05), and were also near zero when examining most characteristics of control and classroom contextual factors. Moderate effects were reported for providing learner control within social studies/history courses and for comprehensive technology instructional programs. The effects were larger for behavioral outcomes than academic outcomes, but both were small.
Using Student Test Scores to Measure Principal Performance
Authors: Grissom Jason A. , Kalogrides Demetra , Loeb Susanna
Published: March 2014

Expansion of the use of student test score data to measure teacher performance has fueled recent policy interest in using those data to measure the effects of school administrators as well. However, little research has considered the capacity of student performance data to uncover principal effects. Filling this gap, this article identifies multiple conceptual approaches for capturing the contributions of principals to student test score growth, develops empirical models to reflect these approaches, examines the properties of these models, and compares the results of the models empirically using data from a large urban school district. The article then assesses the degree to which the estimates from each model are consistent with measures of principal performance that come from sources other than student test scores, such as school district evaluations. The results show that choice of model is substantively important for assessment. While some models identify principal effects as large as 0.18 standard deviations in math and 0.12 in reading, others find effects as low as 0.0.05 (math) or 0.03 (reading) for the same principals. We also find that the most conceptually unappealing models, which over-attribute school effects to principals, align more closely with nontest measures than do approaches that more convincingly separate the effect of the principal from the effects of other school inputs.
Untersuchung des inhomogenen plastischen Verformungszustands geschweißter Aluminiumlegierungen unter Verwendung von Beugungsmethoden
Authors: Workowski M. , Nitschke-Pagel Th. , Dilger K.
Published: March 2014

Kurzfassung

Anhand lichtbogen- und elektronenstrahlgeschweißter Verbindungen wurde das lokale Verformungsverhalten geschweißter Aluminiumlegierungen unter quasi-statischer Belastung untersucht. In der Umgebung der Schweißnaht wurden Dehnungsmessungen durchgeführt, die durch Beugungsexperimente zur Bestimmung der Eigenspannungszustände sowie zur Beschreibung des Zusammenhangs zwischen aufgebrachter Verformung und der Veränderung charakteristischer Profilkenngrößen der Röntgeninterferenzlinien ergänzt wurden. Das Verformungsverhalten unter variierenden statischen Lasten wurde mittels In-situ-Beugungsexperimenten mit Synchrotronstrahlung analysiert. Beugungsexperimente mit Neutronenstrahlung liefern Informationen über den belastungsabhängigen Auf- und Abbau von Spannungszuständen im Querschnitt der Wärmeeinflusszone.
Welding Residual Stress Behavior in Tubular Steel Joints under Multiaxial Loading
Authors: Farajian M. , Nitschke-Pagel Th. , Siegele D.
Published: March 2014

The lack of insight into the initial welding residual stress field and its behavior during the different phases of the fatigue damage namely crack initiation and propagation has led to conservative assumptions in fatigue design codes of welds. Since a significant amount of fatigue failures in welded joints are caused by torsion or combined tension-torsion in machinery components, estimating the potential threat of the inevitable residual stresses to structural integrity seems to be mandatory for the design of the future tubular lightweight welded components and structures. In this paper the residual stresses in cylindrical specimens with bead on tube welds out of S355J2H were determined experimentally by means of X-ray and neutron diffraction. Welding residual stresses as high as almost the yield strength of the base metal were observed in the weld bead. At the weld toes which are potentially fatigue crack initiation sites, however compressive residual stresses were present. After discussing briefly the sources and origins of the residual stress field, its behavior under pure torsional and combined tension-torsion loading will be presented.