bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of wood fraction, moisture and steam explosion on the development of an innovative insulation material
Authors: Andzs Martins , Tupciauskas Ramunas , Veveris Andris , Gravitis Janis
Published: June 2015

The study shows development of an innovative bulk heat insulation material from grey alder (Alnus incana L. Moench) chips and birch (Betula pendula, Betula verrucosa) flakes as residues of plywood production. The research is actual for the plywood production companies and for producers that process grey alder chips to make an innovative products with high added value. Chips and flakes eco-efficient converted to fibrous mass by steam explosion (SE) technology at temperatures (T) of 200 to 235 °C and time interval of 0 to 5 min. Application of SE technology to obtain fibrous insulating material is in the news at a global level and has not been studied previously. The bulk density of raw and SE materials determined using standardised method specified in LVS EN 15103: 2010. The bulk density of SE materials studied depending on the raw material fraction and moisture as well as depending on the SE conditions. The lowest bulk density (53 kg m-3) achieved SE material of grey alder chips with 12% of raw moisture processed at T 235 °C for 1 min. This is the optimal result, which reveals the industrial competitiveness of bulk heat insulation materials and indicate the justification for the further examination.
Experimental justification for sapropel and hemp shives use as thermal insulations in Latvia
Authors: Pleiksnis Stanislavs , Sinka Maris , Sahmenko Genadijs
Published: June 2015

Fossil energy resources in Latvia are imported from other countries, but at the same time, our country is rich in renewable energy resources and other raw materials, which are used very little. In the study it is proposed to create a thermal insulation material from hemp shives grown in Latvia as a filler material and lake sediment - sapropel as a binding agent. Both of the following materials are organic, renewable and locally available. Laboratory experiments show that ecological and complying with modern requirements thermal insulation material can be obtained from local, renewable raw materials: sapropel and hemp shives.
Analysis of service properties of cylindrically ground surfaces, using standard ISO 25178-2:2012 surface texture parameters
Authors: Bulaha Natalija
Published: June 2015

At present surface roughness is one of the main indications of component quality. During the operation mainly the outer layer of the component is exposed to external action, and depending on the roughness structure conclusions can be drawn about the service properties of the surface. Because cylindrical grinding today is rather widely used and precise method of treatment of bodies of revolution in the field of mechanical engineering the given paper pays attention to the surfaces treated on cylindrical grinding machines, and more exactly to their roughness, determining the possible use of the given surfaces. For the analyses of the roughness parameters the ISO standard ISO 25178-2:2012”Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Surface texture: Areal — Part 2: Terms, definitions and surface texture parameters” was used, in which there were determined the texture parameters of the surface. Contrary to other standards, such as ISO 4287, ISO 13565 the new standard allowed to assess real surface properties, since in the given case the surface is being viewed in three-dimension space. During the research three cylindrically ground samples treated at different cutting conditions were chosen. By the help of modern measuring equipment Taylor Hobson Talysurf Intra 50 the topography of the given samples was taken in order to obtain and compare the roughness parameters and for the purpose of setting relation between the cutting regime and roughness parameters, and determining mathematical model of cylindrically ground samples. As a result of research it was stated that the given type of surfaces is characterized by irregular roughness, that is location of micro-peaks regarding their height and shape are irregular and also the correlation function of cylindrically ground surfaces is rapidly diminishing, but the density distribution of ordinates is close to normal. Based on the above feature of surface roughness such service properties as wear resistance, retention of lubricants and coatings (adhesion) and provision of required contact area were determined.
Materials Consumption Decrease for Long-Span Prestressed Cable Roof
Authors: Stuklis Arturs , Serdjuks Dmitrijs , Goremikins Vadims
Published: June 2015

Limited raw materials and energy resources are actual national economy problems which can be solved by the decrease of weight, increase of span and durability of load bearing structures. The largest structural spans were achieved by application of cable structures. The roofs are one of the most widely used in practice type of cable structures.  However, increased deformability and necessity of the special methods of stabilizing are significant cable roofs disadvantages. The prestressing of one or several groups of cables is one of the probable methods for stabilizing of cable roofs. According to the recommendations available in the literature, all cables of the roof must be prestressed by the equal forces. But after applying of design vertical load, values of the forces, acting in the cables of the roof, changes within the wide limits. So, using of structural materials will not be rational in this case, taking into account, that the cables cross-sections are constant because the cables cross-sections were determined basing on the maximum axial force, acting in the all cables.

Possibility to decrease materials consumption by the changing of prestressing forces for cables of the roof was checked on the example of saddle-shaped cable roof with the rigid support contour and dimensions 60x60 m in the plan. Initial deflections of main suspension and stressing cables of the roof were equal to 7m.  Suspension and stressing cables of the net were placed with the step equal to 2.828 m. Steel ropes with modulus of elasticity in 1.5∙105 MPa  were considered as a material of suspension and stressing cables of the roof. Suspension and stressing cables were divided into the groups, which are differed by the prestressing forces. Amount of cables groups changes within the limits from 1 to 27. Values of prestressing forces for cables groups change within the limits from 20 to 80% from the cables breaking force.  

The dependences of material consumption and maximum vertical displacements of cable roof on the amount of cables groups and prestressing forces were determined as second power polynomial equations. It was stated, that division of suspension and stressing cables on the 18 groups enables to decrease cables material consumption by 19.2%. Values of prestressing forces for suspension and stressing cables of the roof were equal to 57 and 80 %, from it load-carrying capacity, correspondingly. 
Research Into Biological Characterictics of Dried Sapropel
Authors: Tretjakova Rasma , Grebeža Jūlija , Martinovs Andris
Published: June 2015

Microbiological characteristics of dried sapropel of Lake Rušona and Lake Ubagova and concrete containing sapropel and hemp sheaves (Ubagova Lake) have been studied. The antimicrobial activity was studied by thereference test culturesStaphylococcus aureus  ATCC 25923, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Enterococcus faecalis  ATCC 29212, Bacillus cereus  ATCC 10876, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus reference test cultures is stated in Rušona Lake sample before treatment with UV rays. Antibacterial activity is not stated in Ubagova Lake sapropel sample. 20 minutes’ long UV ray treatment is not long enough to prevent the growth of sapropel materials. Both Rušona Lake and Ubagova Lake samples contain microorganisms that start growing and intensively reproducing in favourable conditions. When in contact with humidity, at the temperature from 18 to 37± 1 0C, mold colonies form on concrete containing sapropel and hemp sheaves, for this reason this material should not get in contact with humidity when used in construction. 
Research of Oil Product Sorption Processes by Ferromagnetic Sorbents
Authors: Mironovs Viktors , Treijs Juris , Teirumnieks Edmunds
Published: June 2015

In paper, is given overview of sorbents with ferromagnetic particles. The series of newly designed composite sorbents SOMSOR, are described. Described experiment of oil spill collection from water surface, which comprises of sorbent spreading and collection. Oil sorption by capillary forces, is discussed. Concluded that use of ferromagnetic sorbents a promising direction in the field of water purification from light oil products since it allows expanding the scope of the used powder sorbents, to use the high-mechanized methods of collecting by means of magnetic and electromagnetic devices.
Mechanical and electrical properties of the solid sapropel
Authors: Martinovs Andris , Timmerberg Josef , Tretjakova Rasma , Beckmann Paul , Popa Valentina , Wagner Regina
Published: June 2015

In this paper are explored the mechanical (ultimate compression strength, ultimate strain, Young’s modulus, hardness) and the electrical (relative permittivity, specific electrical resistance, quality factor, their dependence on the electric field frequency in the range till 1MHz) properties of the solid sapropel. For the researches are used samples from the solid, monolith sapropel (obtained in the drying process) and samples from the sapropel powder that are pressed with a different force; before the measurements, a part of these samples were heated. There is explored the dependence of the relative permittivity on temperature. Are explored the methods for the forming of the products from the solid sapropel powder.
Dissipative and Damping Properties of Multi-layered Rubber-Metal Vibration Absorber
Authors: Gonca Vladimirs , Polukoshko Svetlana , Lavendelis Egons
Published: June 2015

Rubber and rubber-metal (RM) elements are successfully used as bearing, joints, compensating devices, vibration and shock absorbers in civil engineering and machine building because of rubber and rubberlike materials (elastomers) have a capability of absorbing input energy much better than other construction materials. The elastic properties of rubber in such supports allows reverse backward to its original position under dynamic load action. Along with the instantaneous elastic deformation these materials exhibit a retarded elastic deformation, viscous flow (creep) and relaxation.The mechanical properties of rubber which are necessary for the optimal design of antivibration devices are next: bulk modulus of compression, dynamic and static shear modulus, energy dissipation factor. To describe the relationship between the compressive (or shear) stress σ(t) and strain ԑ(t) the creep and relaxation kernel, taking into account the viscoelastic properties of the rubber, is used. The kernels proposed by A. Rzhanitsin, Y. Rabotnov, M. Koltunov give satisfactory results for the mechanical properties of rubber in the mean frequency domain (10-3 < ω < 103 s-1). In this paper for the accounting of dissipative properties of the rubber Rabotnov’s kernel is used, the energy loss during one oscillation period is calculated. The flat-type RM absorber with kinematic excitation, which lower base oscillates harmonically is considered, oscillation parameters of the upper base on which the protected object is placed, are calculated. Damping properties are expressed by the ratio of the amplitude of the forced oscillations of the upper base (and object) to the amplitude of driving lower base. 
Thermodynamic cycle with two-component working fluid
Authors: Perminov Andrey , Lukyanov Yuri , Tikhonov Sergey , Ilyin Alexander
Published: June 2015

The article deals with the implementation of the thermodynamic cycle using the two-component working fluid. An estimated calculation of the efficiency of using the two-component working fluid, and a variant implementation of the thermodynamic cycle rotary vane engine with an external heat supply are described.
New Kinds of Sapropel and Peat Based Fertilizers
Authors: Agafonova Ludmila , Alsina Ina , Sokolov Guennadi , Kovrik Svetlana , Bambalov Nikolay , Apse Juris , Rak Mikhail
Published: June 2015

New types of fertilizers based on peat and sapropel were developed and can be used as solid and liquid forms of organic and organicmineral fertilizers and preparations for different crop cultivation. It was shown that use of SAPROAgro and SAPROЕlixir fertilizers increases productivity of agricultural plants by 9-16 %. Use of EleGum liquid humic microelement fertilizers provides an increase of winter wheat grain yield up to 0.88 t ha-1 , maize green mass up to 5.0 t ha-1 and maize grain to 2.06 t ha-1
Crop diversification for weed management in organic arable cropping systems
Authors: Zarina Livija , Gerowitt Barbel , Melander Bo , Salonen Jukka , Krawczuk Roman , Verwijst Teo
Published: June 2015

Within the ERA-net CORE Organic Plus transnational programmes supported project PRODIVA producing of the information required for a better utilization of crop diversification for weed management in North European organic arable cropping systems was started. To fulfill the goal of this project- not to eradicate weed problems, which is unlikely to happen in any arable farming system, but to maintain a diversified and manageable weed flora that can support beneficial organisms- there were data from ongoing long-termed cropping system experiments from Latvia analyzed.

It is hypothesised that: a) perennial weeds can be suppressed in the post-harvest period by improved cover crop establishment and pertinent selection of cover crop species; b) on-farm practices of crop diversification are related to weed pressure and species composition.

On the bases on data from organic farm and ongoing long-termed cropping system experiment on weed dynamics in six-field crop rotations with cover crop was concluded that red clover as cover crop after the harvest period is effective to manage perennial weeds. In crop rotation with higher proportions of cereals weed infection growth in six-field rotation with 50% share of cereals up to 3.4, but with 33.3 %  share-up to 2.1 times.
Genetic diversity of two perch Perca fluviatilis populations of the Latgale region
Authors: Fokina Oksana , Grauda Dace , Rashal Isaak
Published: June 2015

Molecular markers based on retrotransposons possibility of integration into genomes of many organisms are commonly used for genetic analysis of different species. The aim of this study was to test possibility of use those markers in perch and detect genetic diversity of populations of two lakes of the Latgale region of Latvia: Cirišs and Sventes. The distance between the lakes is nearly 60 km, they belong to the same Daugava river basin but are different from ecological point of view. Forty two blood samples of Perca fluviatilis were collected altogether. Extracted DNA was analyzed using inter-PBS amplification technique with specifically selected retrotransposon-based primers and agarose gel electrophoresis. Data of genetic diversity of lakes were calculated by POPGENE and NTSYS software. In total, 127 loci were found in two populations, 81 of them were polymorphic. In spite of rather small distance between lakes Cirišs and Sventes, several differences in genetic variation of populations of two lakes were found. For example, the number of polymorphic loci in samples from Sventes lake was 61, but from Cirišs lake only 47. A unique allele was found in Lake Sventes. Genetic similarity and distance between populations of lakes Cirišs and Sventes was 0.9288 and 0.0739 respectively. Results proved that molecular markers based on retrotransposons PBS regions can be very useful to test genetic diversity of fish populations.
Review-based Emergy Analysis of Energy Production
Authors: Cimdina Ginta , Prodanuks Toms , Blumberga Dagnija , Veidenbergs Ivars
Published: June 2015

The role of power and thermal energy is impossible to overestimate in development of both state economy sector and everyday life of households. Importance is connected with use of resources, economical feasibility and effect to climate changes. The optimization of energy production allows to promote development of sustainable society. The most popular and efficient technologies for generation of power and thermal energy are cogeneration plants (CHP). Traditional evaluation methodologies of energy production systems are based on analysis of energy and mass balances as well as on cost analysis. It is not enough for assessment of complete sustainability of system. Necessary environmental impact assessment of energy production is possible to implement by use of emergy analysis. Definition of emergy includes one type of energy, which is used directly or indirectly to produce materials, provide services and finances. Emergy dimension is emjoules (seJ.). Paper presents case study of emergy analysis of different operation modes of one cogeneration plant.
Artificial Neural Networks and Human Brain: Survey of Improvement Possibilities of Learning
Authors: Zorins Aleksejs , Grabusts Peteris
Published: June 2015

There are numerous applications of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) at the present time and there are different learning algorithms, topologies, hybrid methods etc. It is strongly believed that ANN is built using human brain’s functioning principles but still ANN is very primitive and tricky way for real problem solving. In the recent years modern neurophysiology advanced to a big extent in understanding human brain functions and structure, however, there is a lack of this knowledge application to real ANN learning algorithms. Each learning algorithm and each network topology should be carefully developed to solve more or less complex problem in real life. One may say that almost each serious application requires its own network topology, algorithm and data pre-processing. This article presents a survey of several ways to improve ANN learning possibilities according to human brain structure and functioning, especially one example of this concept – neuroplasticity – automatic adaptation of ANN topology to problem domain.
NDVI Short-Term Forecasting Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Stepchenko Arthur , Chizhov Jurij
Published: June 2015

In this paper predictions of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data recorded by satellites over Ventspils Municipality in Courland, Latvia are discussed. NDVI is an important variable for vegetation forecasting and management of various problems, such as climate change monitoring, energy usage monitoring, managing the consumption of natural resources, agricultural productivity monitoring, drought monitoring and forest fire detection. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are computational models and universal approximators, which are widely used for nonlinear, non-stationary and dynamical process modeling and forecasting. In this paper Elman Recurrent Neural Networks (ERNN) are used to make one-step-ahead prediction of univariate NDVI time series.
Automatic Transformation of Relational Database Schema into OWL Ontologies
Authors: Zarembo Imants
Published: June 2015

Ontology alignment, or ontology matching, is a technique to map different concepts between ontologies. For this purpose at least two ontologies are required. In certain scenarios, such as data integration, heterogeneous database integration and data model compatibility evaluation, a need to transform a relational database schema to an ontology can arise.

To conduct a successful transformation it is necessary to identify the differences between relational database schema and ontology information representation methods, and then to define transformation rules. The most straight forward but time consuming way to carry out transformation is to do it manually. Often this is not an option due to the size of data to be transformed. For this reason there is a need for an automated solution.

The automatic transformation of OWL ontology from relational database schema is presented in this paper; the data representation differences between relational database schema and OWL ontologies are described; the transformation rules are defined and the transformation tool’s prototype is developed to perform the described transformation.
CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC COMMERCE IN LATVIA
Authors: Ežmale Sandra
Published: June 2015

The electronic commerce has become an integral part of the global economy during the last decade. The most obvious indication of the importance of electronic commerce in the world economy is rapidly increasing Internet use in trade and other sectors. The successful growth of E-commerce promotes the use of other electronic media, as well as it is perspective for development of territories located in backcountry and remote regions. In the result of the Internet and electronic commerce technological development there can be observed changes also in the business environment. In these circumstances successful strategies applied in different levels and sectors for the implementation of the most modern information technology achievements, as well as for the development of professionals with appropriate knowledge, expertise and skills, are becoming increasingly important for the development of electronic commerce in Latvia. The article will view the current situation, will explain the main limiting factors and advantages for successful development of the electronic commerce in Latvia.
Models of data and their processing for introductory courses of computer science
Authors: Kryshchuk Mikola , Lavendels Juris , Sitikovs Vjaceslavs
Published: June 2015

Evolution of secondary school course on Informatics during 1990s is discussed. This evolution gave for secondary school graduates rather high level knowledge of applications usage. On the other hand Informatics became purely pragmatic matter within generally academic nature of secondary school curricula. As the result graduates of secondary schools are not prepared enough for mastering of university’s course in Computer Science. Authors are not aware of serious studies and methods of prevention of such negative habits caused by evolution of Informatics course. In this article one method applied in university’s introduction course of Computer Science is considered. The method provides use of algorithmic system closed to the human mind, and to some extent compensates topics removed from the Informatics course in secondary school.
The concept of creating an information technology of process formation of the main educational programs based on professional competencies
Authors: Motaylenko Lilia
Published: June 2015

This paper gives the definition of information technology, describes the concept of creating an Information Technology of process formation of Main Educational Programs (IT MEP) based on professional competences and gives conceptual scheme of creating IT MEP.
Instrument of determination and prediction of public opinion using IPTV statistic data
Authors: Dubovskis Vjačeslavs
Published: June 2015

Recent tendencies show an increase of information pressure on Latvia. At the moment, Latvian political figures and government persons have recognized that the country takes a hybrid war. There is a need for a new instrument of determination and prediction of public opinion. The new instrument should allow: profiling audience by identification and prediction of the rate of dissemination of information, forecasting the depth of information, forecasting how public opinion is formed, identifying and previse the adoption of the reported information. The results of the work will create a tool that a variety of institutions will be able to apply it. These institutions may be television channels, government agencies, research organizations, and others. The tool will not only accurately determine the current picture of situation, but also with high accuracy to make forecasts about the state of public opinion
iOS Applications Testing
Authors: Kulesovs Ivans
Published: June 2015

Mobile applications conquer the world, but iOS devices hold the major share of tablets market among the corporate workers. This study aims to identify the aspects (i.e. features and/ or limitations) that influence the testing of the native iOS applications. The aspects related to general mobile applications testing are identified through the systematic literature review of academic sources. iOS applications testing aspects are identified through the review of non-academic (multivocal) literature sources. The identified aspects are merged and discussed in detail using the reviewed sources and based on the author’s professional experience in iOS applications testing. The references to the credible sources are provided in order to support the professional experience findings. The study eliminates the gap that exists in the academic world in regards to iOS applications testing. The practitioners are also encouraged to fulfill their iOS applications testing strategies with the identified aspects.
Job Shop Production Planning under Uncertainty: A Monte Carlo Rollout Approach
Authors: Simroth Axel , Holfeld Denise , Brunsch Renè
Published: June 2015

The Monte Carlo Rollout method (MCR) is a novel approach to solve combinatorial optimization problems with uncertainties approximatively. It combines ideas from Rollout algorithms for combinatorial optimization and the Monte Carlo Tree Search in game theory. In this paper the results of an investigation of applying the MCR to a Scheduling Problem are shown. The quality of the MCR method depends on the model parameters, search depth and search width, which are strong linked to process parameters. These dependencies are analyzed by different simulations. The paper also deals with the question whether the Lookahead Pathology occurs. 
Causes and Effects of Marital Conflict on Educational and Social Development of Primary School Pupils in the North-West Zone B Educational District, Benue State, Nigeria: Teachers Perception
Authors: Moji Rebecca Ashikor , Ijoyah Grace Terdoo Waya , Ijoyah Joy Ojorumi
Published: June 2015

The study investigated the causes and effects of marital conflict, as perceived by teachers, on the educational and social development of pupils in primary schools. A sample size of 400 respondents (255 males and 145 females) were drawn from the entire population in the seven local government areas of the district. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire based on Teachers Perception on Marital conflict (TPMCO). The data collected were subjected to mean evaluation, while the chi-square (X2) was used to test hypothesis. The findings revealed that 55.0 % of teachers agreed that infidelity was the major cause of marital conflict with the highest mean value of 4.27, followed by poor communication between couple having 30.5 % of respondents, with a mean value of 3.92. The deprivation of instructional materials, followed by poor academic performance respectively, with the mean values of 4.82 and 3.94, were perceived by teachers, in order of ranking, as the most serious issues affecting the educational and social development of primary school pupils as a result of marital conflict. Love followed by encouragement were perceived by teachers to be the major ways in improving the educational and social development of pupils from conflict ridden homes. On hypothesis testing, marital conflict significantly (P≤0.05) affected the educational and social development of pupils, thus null hypothesis was rejected, while the alternate hypothesis was accepted.
The Investigation of the Relationship between Imagination from Brand's Suitability and Brand Preference Active Brand Detergent Consumers in Sanandaj City
Authors: Moghadam Sataie , Ladan  , Kasraie Kamran , Mansour
Published: June 2015

The current study want to determine the relationship between imagination of factional brand suitability and symbolic and trade name preference by Active brand detergent consumers. The population was consisted of all citizenship above 18 years old who live in Sanandaj city (423458 person). According to the study subject nature and studied population, it is used available sampling and 384 person completed the questionnaire based on the kokoran Formula. The study was done in a descriptive method of correlation type. Questionnaire was the information compilation tool that was distributed among respondents after estimating validity and perpetuity. Cronbach's Alph amount in questionnaire was 0/966 .Data were entered by spss20 software and data were analyzed by statistical Tests (spearman correlation coefficient). hypothesizes test results indicated that imagination variables of functional suitability and symbolic have relationship with Active brand preference by consumers. Consumers acquaintance with Active brand have positive relationship with functional and symbolic suitability imagination.
The Impact of Risk and Inflation on Residential Property Development Decision
Authors: Sunday Udoka Israel
Published: June 2015

Residential property development decision most times come as a bit to quelling housing poverty, but at the same time a veritable source of income as well as a better bulwark against inflation and other risk than any other asset in isolation. However, this paper is written to assess the impact of risk and inflation on residential property development decision as the aim. Secondary data source was adopted as methodology for the research; while the result was that residential property development/investment provides significant favourable outcome than other property investments or businesses during inflationary/risky periods. It was therefore recommended that residential property investment/development should be involved in most investment portfolios at most times to mitigate risk of whatever type.
A Study on Religious Interaction among the Sinhala-Buddhists and the Muslims in Sri Lanka
Authors: Razick Ahamed Sarjoon , Long Ahmad Sunawari , Salleh Kamarudin
Published: June 2015

In Sri Lanka, the religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Christianity are practicing, although it is a predominantly Buddhist country. However, since recent past years onward, it has been proliferated the various misinterpretations about the religions among the societies by a few nationalist groups in Sri Lanka. This effort poses a suspicious situation on the religious interaction among the Sinhala-Buddhists and the Muslims, and the same situation could be observable even in Moneragala district as well. On the above backdrop, the main objective of this paper is to examine the religious interaction through measuring the religious understanding between the Sinhala-Buddhists and the Muslims in Moneragala, one of the 25 administrative districts in Sri Lanka. There are followers of two major religions, Buddhism and Islam, forming two religious communities living side by side in a few traditional villages namely Bakinigahawela, Godigamuwa, Kanulwela and Medagama which are located in Moneragala district. This is an ethno-religious study of the religious interaction among the Sinhala-Buddhists and the Muslims in said location, and the religious understanding has been selected as an indicator in order to measure the religious interaction among them. This was measured through a questionnaire survey on a total of one hundred respondents drawn from the Sinhala-Buddhists and the Muslims in selected villages. The samples together with the above mentioned indicator proved that the negative religious interaction among the Sinhala-Buddhists and the Muslims in Moneragala district, and also the lack of understanding of other religious teachings was the determinant factor to hinder their positive religious interaction.
Unblinding History through Literature in Tanushree Podder’s, Escape from Harem
Authors: Mani Manimangai
Published: June 2015

The history of India had been coloured by series of brutal invasion, torture, bloodshed and massacre in the name of religion and conquest. One of the most remembered invasions is by the Mughals in the beginning of 16th. century where Babar successfully established the Mughal dynasty in 1526. The Mughal dynasty, from the eyes of the historians is one of the most dynamic dynasty which possessed splendour, wealth, bravery, artistic architecture and conquerors who fought to glorify Islam. While historians and history were limited to the study of chronological events, the historical novel Escape from Harem took the liberty to peep into the human and humanity of this dynasty; a scope which is deep irrelevant in the study of history. This paper intends to show how Tanushree Podder exposes some unknown episodes from the history of these great conquerors and builders through her novel, Escape from Harem. Strings of episodes and secrets which may not be deemed important by historians are revealed as the readers follow the journey of the girl who is taken into the harem. These episodes will be seen in the light of new historicism. This research reveals the dark side of the dynasty which are as intriguing as the magnitude of splendours which are identified with this kingdom and its rulers. The untold stories from the darkest chamber of the harem, massacre, filicide, fratricide, animalistic behaviour of emperors and the oppressive treatment cast upon women that was carried from one generation to another in the name of power and conquest will be brought to light through this research.
Towards Qualitative Teaching of Vocational Subjects in Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Authors: Mbah Pat E. , Azubike Ozioma
Published: June 2015

The teaching of vocational subjects in secondary schools has become paramount to achieving the entrepreneurship goals and realizing the objectives of the functional educational system. This paper examined the need for ensuring qualitative teaching of vocational subjects in secondary school, with great emphasis on methodological procedure of development of learning content. Various vocational subjects that were purported to be taught in schools as stated in the NPE (2004, 2008) were highlighted. Problems and prospects of teaching vocational subjects were identified and the various useful methods for teaching vocational subjects were explained. Recommendations on possible strategies to ensuring qualitative teaching of vocational subjects in secondary schools were suggested.
Dark Fermentation: a green way to produce hydrogen and methane
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Kothari Richa , Singh Sohini
Published: June 2015

Dark fermentation is an efficient way for the degradation of organic matter with the help of microorganism. It basically
deals with the organic matter present in the solid or liquid waste. The anaerobic microbes such as Clostridium,
Enterobacter, Escherichia etc. are found to be potential to degrade the organic matter in the useful product such as
hydrogen and methane. The enormous type of waste such as industrial waste water , industrial sludge, and other organic
waste can be degrade in the useful product such as hydrogen, alcohol and methane by dark fermentation but it is mostly
perform for the production of hydrogen as well as methane. Conversion of substrate to hydrogen perform by a series of
biochemical reactions and microorganisms and it is still inefficient. In the fermentative process most of the organic
fraction remains as soluble fermentation products such as acetic, propionic, butyric acid and ethanol. In spite of theoretical
conversion efficiency of 33% only 15% of the energy from the organic source is typically obtained in the form of hydrogen
and remaining 67-85% of the substrate remains unused. One way to utilize the remaining organic matter in a usable form
for energy production is to produce methane.
Issues of Colonialism in Dennis Lee's “Cadence, Country, Silence: Writing in Colonial Space”
Authors: Katiyar Arpit
Published: June 2015

In “Cadence, Country, and Silence: Writing in Colonial Space,” Dennis Lee finds that “for an English Canadian, exploring
the obstructions to cadence means exploring the nature of colonial space.” His statement, “the prime fact about my country
is that it has become an American client state”, speaks volumes on cultural colonization in Canada. Lee finds that,
“Canadian media is over flown with “Yankee program”, and the schoolchildren learn that, “Abraham Lincoln was their
country's greatest President”, and thus suggests that the artifacts of popular culture in Canada are imported from America.
Surprisingly he finds that, “Canadian achievement in any field, especially those of the imagination, was a direct reflection
of our sense of inferiority.” Dennis Lee candidly puts forward the pervading irony in elite media and finds himself
astonished at two findings, “the first that the American government had been lying about the war on a colossal scale, and
the second that the Canadian media, from which he had learnt most of the facts about Vietnam were spreading its lies.”
In this context how to write something of our own is the question, and for answering to it, Dennis Lee finds the process of
making a poem which “enacts in words the presence of what we live among. It arises from the tough, delicate,
heartbreaking rooting of what is in its own nonbeing. From that rooting, there arise elemental movements of being: of
hunger, of play, of rage, of celebration, of dying .Such movements are always particular, speaking the things which are. A
poem enacts those living movements in words.”
The present paper is a discussion on writing something of our own under different pressures in current cyber space of
liquid nationality, with reference to the ideas of Dennis Lee as discussed in “Cadence, Country, Silence: Writing in
Colonial Space.”
NVP-BEZ235 Enhances Radiosensitivity of Human Prostate Cancer Cells but Acts as a Radioprotector to Normal Prostate Cells
Authors: Maleka Sechaba , Serafin Antonio , Hamunyela Roswita , Hamid Mogammad , Achel Daniel , Akudugu John
Published: June 2015

Targeted therapy for prostate cancer may offer potential improvement over current conventional therapiesÃ‚Â because of its specificity. Although conventional treatments are effective, they are not always curative, andhave several limitations. In prostate cancer, activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and theÃ‚Â phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways have been implicatedin tumorigenesis, and resistance to both conventional and targeted anticancer therapies. Single-target therapiesÃ‚Â may fail due to cellular heterogeneity. Concomitant targeting of EGFR and PI3K/mTOR cell signaling componentsÃ‚Â may enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy. In this study, the effect of an EGFR inhibitor (AG-1478) and a dualÃ‚Â inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR (NVP-BEZ235) on the radiation response of a human prostate carcinoma cell lineÃ‚Â (DU145) and a normal prostate cell line (1542N) was investigated, using the colony forming assay. Treatment ofDU145 cells with AG-1478 and NVP-BEZ235, either singly or in combination, resulted in a slight radiosensitisationÃ‚Â of DU145 cells. Neither AG-1478 nor a cocktail of both inhibitors had an effect on the radiation response of theÃ‚Â 1542N cell line. Interestingly, NVP-BEZ235 significantly protected 1542N cells from radiation-induced cell death.Ã‚Â These data suggest that a specific inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR (NVP-BEZ235) could potentially be effective as aÃ‚Â radio-protector.
Microgravity Oxygen Diffusion and Water Retention Measurements in Unsaturated Porous Media aboard the International Space Station
Authors: Heinse R. , Jones S.B. , Or D. , Podolskiy I. , Topham T.S. , Poritz D. , Bingham G.E.
Published: June 2015

Water distribution patterns in pore spaces of particulate porous media directly control the resulting diffusion pathway for air required for biological activity (e.g., plant root respiration). Motivated by the potential of using plants for future life‐support systems in space, the question arises whether fluid behavior in porous media is significantly altered under microgravity (≈10−6gearth) conditions. Altered fluid phase distribution has been suspected in the onset of hypoxia in plant root modules under microgravity, yet the exact mechanisms remain uncertain. The Optimization of Root Zone Substrates (ORZS) experiment was the first to directly measure porous‐media water retention and oxygen diffusion parameters under prolonged microgravity conditions (sufficient for equilibration of the fluid phases). Porous‐ceramic aggregates tested included 1‐ to 2‐mm Turface, 0.25‐ to 1‐mm Profile, and a 50:50 mixture of both. Each porous medium had three replicates in a nine‐cell array. The experiment used sealed dual‐chamber diffusion cells controlled by an automated measurement system with water‐content adjustment. Sensors measured matric potentials and water input or withdrawal in the media, along with oxygen concentrations dynamics in the gas‐filled chambers confining the medium. The effective oxygen‐diffusion coefficients were determined from temporal variations in measured oxygen‐concentrations fitted to a Fickian‐type relationship for the dual‐chamber geometry. Ground‐based determinations of matric potential and diffusion coefficients as a function of air‐filled porosity were compared to microgravity data. Results pointed to enhanced hysteresis in the oxygen‐diffusion dependency on bulk air‐filled porosity in microgravity indicative of altered water‐distribution patterns relative to Earth‐based measurements. During drying we observed fundamentally different diffusivities in Profile and Mix attributed to nonuniform water distributions forming under drying conditions dominated by capillary and viscous forces in the absence of a hydrostatic force not observed on Earth. Water‐retention parameters were not significantly different from Earth‐based parameters, although gas diffusion parameters were significantly different for finer particle‐sized media. The apparent reduction in the volume‐averaged diffusive transport in microgravity may require adjustment in plant‐growth system management protocols and model development for reliable response prediction of microgravity porous‐medium systems.
Organic Materials Used in Agriculture, Horticulture, Reconstructed Soils, and Filtering Applications
Authors: Caron Jean , Heinse Robert , Charpentier Sylvain
Published: June 2015

Organic material has historically been used in growing media and has traditionally been harvested from peatlands. Deposits of organic material in peatlands may also be very productive when cultivated. This editorial brings attention to different sources of organic material, including peatlands, and their use as growing media and farmland. The editorial identifies new fields for which organic material may be used like green roof and filtering applications. Concepts developed in these fields are widespread in different journals and, as a result, soil scientists are somewhat unfamiliar with recent developments in the characterization of growing media and their different uses. This special issue illustrates concepts used in growing media science, and brings attention to these new fields of investigation to benefit soil scientists and horticulturists.
Association Between KCNJ11 Gene E23K Polymorphism and Body Composition Together with Its Response to Endurance Training
Authors: Duoqi Zhou , Qing He , Yang Hu , Yanchun Li , Yi Xi , Li Wen
Published: June 2015

To explore the association between KCNJ11 gene E23K polymorphism of Chinese and body composition
together with its response to endurance training. 102 biologically unrelated Han nationality male new recruits from
northern China volunteered to execute a 5000-m running program, and the intensity is 95–105% individual lactate
threshold. The protocol was lasted for 18 weeks, three times per week. The body composition index, including body
weight (WT), lean body weight (LBW), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (Fat%), was measured before
and after training. PCR-RFLP was used to detect the KCNJ11 gene E23K polymorphism. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
was observed for the frequency of genotypes in these subjects. Before training, WT, BMI and Fat% in KK group were
significantly higher than those in EE and KK group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no significant difference in LBW
among groups (P>0.05). After training, the changes of all body composition index in KK group were bigger significantly
greater than those in EE and EK groups (P<0.01). KCNJ11 gene E23K polymorphism might contribute to individual body
composition together with its response to endurance training. The body fat content at baseline in KK was more than those
in EE and EK groups, and it may hinder that individual to eliminate their body fat during endurance training.
Giant Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst and Trauma in a 9 Year-Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Sokouti Mohsen , Shokouhi Behrooz , Sokouti Massoud , Sokouti Babak
Published: June 2015

Herein, we report a case of giant lung hydatid cyst in a nine-year-old boy. For four years, he experienced mild chest pain and chronic nonproductive cough. He had a trauma resulted from a fall two days before admission. Chest X-ray showed misdiagnosed massive pleural effusion, and was aspirated in the other hospital. However, after admission, the computed tomography revealed a giant lung hydatid cyst filling the right hemithorax completely. Being considered by the diagnosis of ruptured lung hydatid cyst, he was treated surgically by right-thoracotomy. The existing hydatid cyst, (e.g., with a dimension of 30*22*20cm) filled all cavity of hemithorax extended from the right diaphragm to the apex of the lung situated in the right lower lobe. After evacuation of the hydatid fluid and laminated membrane, right lower lobectomy was carried out due to remaining no salvageable parenchyma without any complications. Also, the pathologic examination have confirmed hydatid cyst. In conclusion, giant hydatid cysts are probably misdiagnosed with massive pleural effusion in the endemic area. And, because of the risk of allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock and dissemination, it should not be aspirated.
A Calculation Model of the Net Pressure for Forming Map Cracking in
Coalbed with Cleats During Hydraulic Fracturing Process
Authors: Yuwei Li , Chi Ai , Yazhen Liu
Published: June 2015

An important prerequisite for achieving efficient exploitation of coalbed methane wells is through forming map
cracking by hydraulic fracturing. In order to analyze the mechanical mechanism for forming map cracking of the coal bed
with cleats, the mechanical conditions for forming map cracking during hydraulic fracturing process of coal bed was proposed
using extensional faulting in elastic mechanics and the shear damage criterion, and the minimum net pressure calculation
model for forming map cracking was established when the butt cleat and face cleat in coal opened at the same time.
It can be concluded through using the calculation model that the net pressure value that needed for forming map cracking
first decreased and then increased with the increasing of the angle between the face cleat and the direction of horizontal
minimum principal stress. The cleats and fissures developed along the horizontal maximum principal stress were easy to
open and extend under the effect of hydraulic fracturing. The variation of the internal friction coefficient variation of the
face cleat had little effect on the minimum net pressure that was needed for forming map fracturing after the angle between
the direction of face cleat and horizontal minimum principal stress is determined.