bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ravel and Robert-Houdin, Magicians
Authors: Fillerup Jessie
Published: December 2013

When Claude Debussy called Ravel an “enchanting fakir” in 1907, he anticipated a critical approach typified by Vladimir Jankélévitch's 1939 Ravel biography. In it, Jankélévitch evoked the rich language of theatrical magic, comparing Ravel to a sorcerer, conjurer, and illusionist. Contemporary critics used similar terms to describe the composer's music as early as 1909, around the same time that a parallel narrative emerged: Ravel as a master of mechanism and artifice. A contextual study of theatrical magic, which has yet to be applied to Ravel criticism, provides a substantive connection between these narratives of mechanism, enchantment, and artifice.

I begin with the French illusionist Robert-Houdin (1805–71), whose enduring legacy furnishes a forgotten background for Ravel criticism. Robert-Houdin claimed that he was not a mere juggler but “an actor playing the part of a magician,” which resonates with accounts of Ravel's Baudelairean artifice in life and work. For magicians, “illusion” was interchangeable with “effect.” The word “effect” recurs in both Ravel's writings and “The Philosophy of Composition,” a theoretical-didactic essay by Edgar Allan Poe, whom Ravel cited as one of his most important artistic influences. Ravel's appreciation of Poe has a much richer grain than has been imagined, extending beyond compositional artisanship to include literary and theatrical stratagems.

Robert-Houdin, who started his career as a clockmaker, featured automata at his Soiréé fantastiques—but sometimes, like von Kempelen's Turk, these automata were illusions themselves. Ravel's fascinations with enchantment and mechanism converge in the presence of these trick machines. In the opera L'Enfant et les sortilèges (1925), Ravel uses techniques known to both magicians and cognitive neuroscientists, exploiting the aural equivalent of an afterimage and manipulating the spectator's attentional frames.
On the psychology of self knowledge
Authors: Pataki Ferenc
Published: December 2013

Annak ellenére, hogy a pszichológia egy népszerű fogalma, az önbelátás nem vált középponti szervező témakörré az empirikus pszichológiában (Wilson és Dunn, 2004). A fogalom tanulmányozása során tapasztalható nehézségek az önmegismerésre irányuló törekvés és a tükröződő én kettőssége miatt merülnek fel. A szerző az alábbi kapcsolódó témák szisztematikus áttekintésére vállalkozik: a megismerő folyamatok közvetlen elérhetetlensége (Nisbett és Wilson, 1977), az önmegismerés paradoxona, az önreflexív cselekedetek motivációs és egyéb komponensei, illetve a szelfről szerzett információ szerveződésének módozatai. Ezen összefüggés mentén az önmegismerés folytatása fontosabb motivációs tényezőnek tekintendő az önmagunkról való tudáselemek egyszerű összegzésénél. Az önmegismerés tanulmányozásának lehetőségei a pszichológiában ennélfogva közvetlenül kapcsolódnak a tudományág egészének eredményeihez.„Mindaddig, amíg a kutatók nem veszik birtokukba mindazon pszichológiai folyamatoknak teljesebb áttekintését, amelyek elvezetnek az önmegítélés pontosságának és melléfogásainak megértéséhez, meglehet, korai lenne átfogó elméletek megfogalmazásához hozzálátni.“ (Dunning, 2005)Hangsúlyozván egyaránt a pszichológiai tudásunk integrálásának és a tudományterület következetességének fontosságát, a szerző kiemeli a megválaszolatlan kérdések időszerűségét.
Consciousness as Presence: An Exploration of the Illusion of Self
Authors: Fink Charles Kedric
Published: December 2013

Buddhism teaches that ‘self’ as a substantial, enduring entity is an illusion. But for self to be an illusion there must be something in our experience that is misinterpreted as self. What is this? The notion of an experiential self plays an important role in phenomenological investigations of conscious experience. Does the illusion of self consist in mistaking a purely experiential self for a substantial self? I argue against this and locate the source of the illusion in time-consciousness. It is the essence of consciousness to flow, but the flow of consciousness presupposes an experiential present. The experiential present — an abiding sense of ‘now’ — is the dimension through which experiences are experienced as streaming. It is this, I argue, that is misinterpreted as an enduring self. I support my account by arguing that the synchronic and diachronic unity of consciousness can be accounted for in terms of impersonal, temporal experience, and that conceiving of consciousness as the presence-dimension rather than as the I-dimension affords a solution to the brain-bisection puzzle.
Sacred Things of Contemporary Anglophone Atheism
Authors: Hubble Cale
Published: December 2013

Contemporary Anglophone atheism—popularly known as the “New Atheism”—may be characterized as a diffuse movement in Anglophone societies whose members are defined by an affiliation with and high respect for a set of celebrities, books and values. Individuals such as Christopher Hitchens, texts such as The God Delusion, and values such as personal autonomy are some of the key identifying markers that these atheists use to define themselves and their group. The article uses a Durkheimian notion of sacredness to understand the relationship between members, the collective identity of the group, and these central objects. Such identifying markers of the movement may be used in further research to identify affiliates of the movement or distinguish it from other atheisms. Fieldwork research was conducted at the Global Atheist Convention held in Melbourne, Australia on 13–15 April 2012.
Reducing Tobacco-Related Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Summary of an Institute of Medicine Workshop
Authors: Balogh Erin P. , Dresler Carolyn , Fleury Mark E. , Gritz Ellen R. , Kean Thomas J. , Myers Matthew L. , Nass Sharyl J. , Nevidjon Brenda , Toll Benjamin A. , Warren Graham W. , Herbst Roy S.
Published: December 2013

Learning Objectives

Describe strategies that clinicians can implement to reduce the burden of tobacco-related cancers. Identify potential actions that could facilitate access to and advance tobacco cessation treatment.
Bornologies and bitopological function spaces
Authors: Özçağ Selma
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to study certain closure-type properties of function spaces over metric spaces endowed with two topologies: the topology of uniform convergence on a bornology and the topology of strong uniform convergence on a bornology. The study of function spaces with the strong uniform topology on a bornology was initiated by G. Beer and S. Levi in 2009, and then continued by several authors: A. Caserta, G. Di Maio and L'. Hol? in 2010, A. Caserta, G. Di Maio, Lj.D.R. Kocinac in 2012. Properties that we consider in this paper are defined in terms of selection principles.
Educational Methods as Commodities within European Education: A Norwegian-Danish Case
Authors: Ottesen Eli , Lund Birthe , Grams Sarah , Aas Marit , Prøitz Tine Sophie
Published: December 2013

A number of studies in the past few decades address how the governing of educational systems are changing as a result of intensified measurement and use of statistics. This article suggests that another consequence may be the construction of solutions, tools, and methods which target the problems constructed through comparable indicators and benchmarks. An increased proliferation and accessibility of models, methods, and outcomes has inspired both governments and practitioners to look beyond their national borders for solutions to specific problems or challenges. As a consequence, ideas, methods, and approaches increasingly resemble commodities in the global marketplace. The article investigates the diffusion of a method for school development, namely the model for learning environment and pedagogical analysis (the LP-model). The model was developed in Norway in 2005 and later spread to a number of schools and municipalities across the country, and subsequently to Denmark. We analyse the cross-national borrowing process by applying the framework of policy borrowing. The framework serves as a heuristic in our analysis of information from the LP-model's websites, evaluation reports and booklets. The analysis shows that similar descriptions of problems and high policy expectations for addressing the problems constitute central preconditions for the borrowing process. We also find that claims that the model works play an important part in marketing the model. Moreover, the model was warranted by high-profile researchers in Norway and Denmark constituting powerful personal and professional networks.
Transforming Insecurity into a Commodity: Using the Digital Tools Unikum and InfoMentor as an Example in Swedish Education
Authors: Andreasson Ingela , Dovemark Marianne
Published: December 2013

New forms of activities now shape and govern the Swedish education system, based on governance through comparison. The focus on comparison can be regarded as soft governance and different types of (self-) evaluations and valuations are, at present, deeply embedded keystones in the decentralised education system. Recently this has, together with the transformation of the Swedish education system, led to an increase in the number of documents being written in school for quality assurance and in order to assess, follow-up and evaluate students' learning and development. To address these challenges, different commercial actors have become part of school practices and market, e.g. digital tools for assessment. The government's acceptance of this industry has allowed the rise of neo-liberal ideas that are required in so-called ‘knowledge economies’. The aim of this article is to report the findings from three empirical studies of how digital tools for documentation are viewed by teachers and used in practice. Our findings show that the digital tools shape both students’, as well as the professionals’, identities through their role of governing activities and processes. The usage of the tools could jeopardise teachers' profession and there is a risk of de-professionalism.
The Erasmus Programme in France, Italy and the United Kingdom: Student Mobility as a Signal of Distinction and Privilege
Authors: Ballatore Magali , Ferede Martha K.
Published: December 2013

With three million participants since 1987, Erasmus promotes educational and crosscultural exchange. It claims to be the world's most successful student exchange scheme. The pertinent question is, successful for whom? This mixed-methods study of 758 survey respondents and over 100 interviews of Erasmus participants and non-participants in France, Italy and the UK finds that participation differs by social class. Compared with sedentary students, Erasmus students engaged in more academic and leisurely travel and have higher socio-economic status (SES). The authors argue that in the age of increased education access, an Erasmus year may be used to signal distinction and privilege. Participants are also more open to international opportunities, increasing their employment chances and further reinforcing their advantages.
Expression of Phosphofructokinase in Skeletal Muscle Is Influenced by Genetic Variation and Associated With Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Keildson Sarah , Fadista Joao , Ladenvall Claes , Hedman Åsa K. , Elgzyri Targ , Small Kerrin S. , Grundberg Elin , Nica Alexandra C. , Glass Daniel , Richards J. Brent , Barrett Amy , Nisbet James , Zheng Hou-Feng , Rönn Tina , Ström Kristoffer , Eriksson Karl-Fredrik , Prokopenko Inga ,   MAGIC Consortium,   DIAGRAM Consortium,   MuTHER Consortium, Spector Timothy D. , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Deloukas Panos , McCarthy Mark I. , Rung Johan , Groop Leif , Franks Paul W. , Lindgren Cecilia M. , Hansson Ola
Published: December 2013

Using an integrative approach in which genetic variation, gene expression, and clinical phenotypes are assessed in relevant tissues may help functionally characterize the contribution of genetics to disease susceptibility. We sought to identify genetic variation influencing skeletal muscle gene expression (expression quantitative trait loci [eQTLs]) as well as expression associated with measures of insulin sensitivity. We investigated associations of 3,799,401 genetic variants in expression of >7,000 genes from three cohorts (n = 104). We identified 287 genes with cis-acting eQTLs (false discovery rate [FDR] <5%; P < 1.96 × 10−5) and 49 expression–insulin sensitivity phenotype associations (i.e., fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance, and BMI) (FDR <5%; P = 1.34 × 10−4). One of these associations, fasting insulin/phosphofructokinase (PFKM), overlaps with an eQTL. Furthermore, the expression of PFKM, a rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, was nominally associated with glucose uptake in skeletal muscle (P = 0.026; n = 42) and overexpressed (Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.03) in skeletal muscle of patients with T2D (n = 102) compared with normoglycemic controls (n = 87). The PFKM eQTL (rs4547172; P = 7.69 × 10−6) was nominally associated with glucose uptake, glucose oxidation rate, intramuscular triglyceride content, and metabolic flexibility (P = 0.016–0.048; n = 178). We explored eQTL results using published data from genome-wide association studies (DIAGRAM and MAGIC), and a proxy for the PFKM eQTL (rs11168327; r2 = 0.75) was nominally associated with T2D (DIAGRAM P = 2.7 × 10−3). Taken together, our analysis highlights PFKM as a potential regulator of skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.
The Algorithm for Determining the Coordinates of a Point in Three-Dimensional Space by Using the Auxiliary Point
Authors: Oszczak Bartlomiej , Sitnik Eliza
Published: December 2013

During the process of satellite navigation, and also in the many tasks of classical positioning, we need to calculate the corrections to the initial (or approximate) location of the point using precise measurement of distances to the permanent points of reference (reference points). In this paper the authors have provided a way of developing Hausbrandt's equations, on the basis of which the exact coordinates of the point in two-dimensional space can be determined by using the computed correction to the coordinates of the auxiliary point. The authors developed generalised equations for threedimensional space introducing additional fixed point and have presented proof of derived formulas.
Development of an Integrated Digital Elevation Model for Safe Takeoff and Landing of the Aircraft
Authors: Ciećko Adam , Jarmołowski Wojciech
Published: December 2013

The article describes preliminary results of the augmentation of Global Navigation Satellite System/Inertial Navigation System positioning (GNSS/INS) by Digital Elevation Model (DEM) based on the data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and data from field survey.

The prototype software is developed to refer the position of the aircraft to DEM and informs the user about the current relevant flight parameters. The number of the parameters may be arbitrarily increased, however, currently we investigate the altitude above the terrain and the aircraft position relative to the descent path and airfield.

The study provides some information on the local SRTM accuracy in relation to the field survey of the airfield "Dajtki" - Aeroclub of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.
Agent-Based Evolutionary Method of Simulation the Co2 Emission Permits Market
Authors: Stańczak Jarosław
Published: December 2013

This article describes the problem of simulation of the CO2 emission permits market. First, it introduces a CO2 permission market model with transactions and purchase prices, in particular with a separate goal function for each party, transactions with price negotiations between regions and - as a consequence of introducing prices for permits - the possibility of investigating the influence of purchase/sale prices on the market. The behavior of such market model is simulated using a method, which is based on a specialized evolutionary method but introduces independent agents with their own transaction preferences.
Historic flood marks and flood frequency analysis of the Danube River at Bratislava, Slovakia
Authors: Pekárová Pavla , Halmová Dana , Mitková Veronika Bačová , Miklánek Pavol , Pekár Ján , Škoda Peter
Published: December 2013

In this paper we focused on the history of floods and extreme flood frequency analysis of the upper Danube River at Bratislava. Firstly, we briefly describe the flood marks found on the Danube River in the region of Bratislava, Slovakia, and provide an account of the floods’ consequences. Secondly, we analyzed the annual maximum discharge series for the period 1876-2012, including the most recent flood of June 2013. Thirdly, we compare the values of T-year design discharge computed with and without incorporating the historic floods (floods of the years 1501, 1682, and 1787 into the 138-year series of annual discharge peaks). There are unfortunately only a few historic flood marks preserved in Bratislava, but there are very important and old marks in neighbouring Hainburg and other Austrian cities upstream to Passau. The calculated T-year maximum discharge of the Danube at Bratislava for the period 1876-2010 without and with historic flood values have been compared. Our analysis showed that without incorporating the historic floods from the years 1501, 1682, and 1787 the 1000-year discharge calculated only with data from the instrumented period 1876- 2013 is 14,188 m3 s-1, and it is lower compared to the 1000-year discharge of 14,803 m3 s-1 when the three historic floods are included. In general, the T-year discharge is higher throughout the whole spectrum of T-year discharges (10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500-year discharge) when the three historic floods are included. Incorporating historic floods into a time series of maximum annual discharge seems to exert a significant effect on the estimates of low probability floods. This has important implications for flood managements and estimation of flood design discharge.
Organic Functions in a multiple economic entity – localization options. Case study
Authors: Sobotkiewicz Dariusz
Published: December 2013

Organic Functions in a multiple economic entity - localization options. Case study Objective of this study is to identify localizations of fulfilling organic functions within organizational structure in a multiple economic entity and determination of the degree of their centralization and concentration. The nature of this elaboration is theoretical and empirical. The theoretical part presents depending that takes place in management, basic and auxiliary functions. Their inseparability was indicated, they are integrated. What is more, changes in the function areas, for instance caused by use of various management concepts, were shown. In the final part of the theoretical considerations matrix is shown in terms of subject distribution of organic functions. Empirical part focuses on verifying the theoretical assumptions, especially function location. The research had been conducted in all of the subsidiaries of a German automotive industry concern. The following research question was pursued: What organic functions are fulfilled in the subsidiaries and what degree of centralization and concentration is present? Elaboration ends with presentation of conclusions and references.
The methods of raising philanthropic funds in the management of non-governmental organization; determinants
Authors: Stankiewicz Janina , Seiler Bartosz
Published: December 2013

The methods of raising philanthropic funds in the management of non-governmental organization; determinants The article discusses the issues of obtaining financial resources by Polish non-governmental organizations, with particular emphasis on the philanthropic funds. The prevalence of the use of philanthropic resources by the analyzed entities was presented, as well as the determinants related to this process.
The concept of social responsibility in non-governmental organizations
Authors: Łoś-Tomiak Anna , Dalecka Magdalena
Published: December 2013

The concept of social responsibility in non-governmental organizations The paper presents the idea of social responsibility, which is adequate for modern and efficient management of the enterprise. The analysis of the interdependence of the market and nongovernmental sector has been made. The article includes the presentation of the justification for the existence of non-profit institutions as the entities that bridge the gap between the sector of enterprises and the state. The attempt has been made to prove that the universal principles, typical of corporate social responsibility, could be also applied in the management of non-governmental sector entities.
Dynamics of professional burnout - a comparative analysis considering the selected sectors in Poland, part II
Authors: Witkowski Stanisław , Ślazyk-Sobol Magdalena
Published: December 2013

Dynamics of professional burnout - a comparative analysis considering the key sectors in Poland, part II The article is a continuation of the study presented in the text entitled: „Professional burnout - a comparative analysis considering the selected sectors in Poland”. Management. University of Zielona Góra, Faculty of Economics and Management, Vol. 16, No.2., (p. 87 - 102). The authors present the results of the second part of the research on analysing the phenomenon of burnout among employees of the major sectors in Poland. The present material relates to the results of the re-test conducted after the nine-month interval. One again the cause-effect dependency models for the verified variables were presented for all the tested employed people and separately for each of the specified sectors. The most relevant applicable conclusions resulted from the implemented research projected were formulated.
Determinants, Advantages and Threats Resulting from Application of The Relationship Marketing Concept and CRM Technology In Maintaining Customer Loyalty In Travel Offices in Poland
Authors: Rapacz Andrzej , Michalska-Dudek Izabela
Published: December 2013

Implementation of The Relationship Marketing Concept and CRM Technology In Maintaining Customer Loyalty In Travel Offices in Poland In this paper, there are presented both the essence of the relationship marketing concept and the characteristics of CRM class systems, as well as basic advantages and threats resulting from their implementation. There are also described results of the questionnaire survey, which estimated the awareness and level of application of marketing relationship concept and CRM technology in functioning of travel offices in Poland. Conducted survey results allowed for an assessment of the crucial component of the study becomes an identification of benefits and concerns related to implementing these solutions by travel offices.
Using Smartphones in Supply Chains
Authors: Szymczak Maciej
Published: December 2013

Using Smartphones in Supply Chains Mobile phones have settled in our lives for good. The technological development made them actual miniature computers with significant computing capability and many diverse functions, which earned them the name „smartphones”. They create new possibilities of application, also in business environments. As it turns out, already today smartphones are the most popular mobile devices used in supply chain management. Surely, as versatile and multi-functional devices, they will gain even larger share in the implementation of business tasks in the foreseeable future. The purpose of this paper is to describe the potential areas in supply chain management smartphones can be used in, compared to the current trends. The specified examples of application will be used to draw conclusions regarding the expected effects of use and most promising areas of implementation. These deliberations will be put in a wider social context, which is inevitable if we are to treat the consumer as the last link in the supply chain which, owing to the reported demand, is becoming a causative factor in all flows of goods.
Computer Applications in Eco-efficiency Assessment in Logistics
Authors: Burchart-Korol Dorota , Czaplicka-Kolarz Krystyna
Published: December 2013

Computer Applications in Eco-efficiency Assessment in Logistics The goal of this study is to present computer applications in eco-efficiency assessment in Logistics based on Umberto for Ecoefficiency software. The study defines the major components of eco-efficiency analysis like: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Material Flow Analysis (MFA). According to ISO 14045:2012 eco-efficiency assessment is a quantitative management tool which enables the study of life-cycle environmental impacts of a product system along with its product system value for a stakeholder. Within eco-efficiency assessment, environmental impacts are evaluated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The eco-efficiency methodology is proposed with using Umberto for Eco-efficiency software. Therefore, this article presents the results of Life Cycle Assessment according to methods used in Umberto software on the case study of valuation of the different logistic possibilities. The results of this study can be used as the first step in performing a full cradle-to-grave eco-efficiency that includes all phases of the logistics system.
Talking Suicide
Authors: Westerlund Michael
Published: December 2013

The present article discusses intimate conversations about suicide that are pursued on the Internet. Computer-mediated communication has made it possible for participants to remain anonymous and, simultaneously, enter into a public space to share personal thoughts about a stigmatized and taboo subject. This has also created new and unique opportunities to study a type of communication that was previously very difficult to access. Most of the participants on the studied forum are teenagers or young adults who communicate based on a need to recognize themselves in others, and to receive acknowledgement for their thoughts, feelings and experiences, thereby gaining acceptance and understanding. However, there are also destructive elements in the form of an exchange of suicide methods and participants exhorting each other to go ahead with their suicide plans. Moreover, participants are able to practise suicide behaviour in a mediated, conversational form, thereby making the act seem less fearful. The participants are furthermore involved in constructing and re-constructing a counter-discourse in which established society’s perceptions and values concerning suicide are questioned, as expressed in a critique against public institutions, mainly psychiatry.
The Mashups of YouTube
Authors: Simonsen Thomas Mosebo
Published: December 2013

This article focuses on YouTube mashups and how we can understand them as a specific subgenre on YouTube. The Mashups are analysed as audiovisual recontextualizations that are given new meaning, e.g., via collaborative social communities or for individual promotional purposes. This is elaborated on throughout a discussion on Mashups as a mode of everyday bricolages, which are moreover discussed through a theoretical approach to Mashups as exponents of what has been called “Vernacular Creativity”. The article also argues that the novelty of Mashups is not be found in its formal characteristic, but rather in its social and communicative abilities within the YouTube community. This leads to the article’s overall argument that the main characteristic of the YouTube Mashup can be explained in terms of connectivity. It is argued that Mashups reveal a double articulation of connectivity; one that involves the social mechanisms of the Mashups, and another mode, which concerns the explicit embedding of structural connectivity that accentuates the medium-specific infrastructure of YouTube. This double articulation of connectivity is furthermore elaborated on by including Grusin and Bolter’s concept of remediation.

Methodologically, the article draws on empirical observations and examples of Mashups are included to demonstrate the article’s main arguments.
Use of Development Dialogues in Learning and Changing Journalism Practice
Authors: Hujanen Jaana
Published: December 2013

The present article analyses a case study in which the author experimented with use of the interventionist development dialogue method in journalism practice. Journalistic work is conceptualized as a network of multivoiced, contradictory, historically changing and artefact-mediated activity systems. Through the use of development dialogues, the study aimed at understanding and facilitating the innovation, change and expansive learning that can take place in relation to journalistic work. The data include collaboration between the researcher and four Finnish newspaper journalists, pre- and post-intervention interviews, and diaries kept by the journalists. The data were analysed using the methods of qualitative text analysis. The case study indicates that an interventionist research approach that focuses on journalists’ personal experiences and needs, and makes use of concrete development tasks, is of value to them. It fosters the imagination and the creation of novel journalistic and discursive practices that help journalists reflect on, understand and pursue journalism. As power relations and control impinged on and were manifest in the research process, the development task-oriented interventionist research approach calls for a thorough evaluation that looks at the power relations within an activity system and at the question of the political aim of an interventionist research approach.
Fluctuations of tidewater glaciers in Hornsund Fjord (Southern Svalbard) since the beginning of the 20th century
Authors: Błaszczyk Małgorzata , Jania Jacek A. , Kolondra Leszek
Published: December 2013

Significant retreat of glaciers terminating in Hornsund Fjord (Southern Spits− bergen, Svalbard) has been observed during the 20th century and in the first decade of the 21st century. The objective of this paper is to present, as complete as possible, a record of front positions changes of 14 tidewater glaciers during this period and to distinguish the main factors influencing their fluctuations. Results are based on a GIS analysis of archival maps, field measurements, and aerial and satellite images. Accuracy was based on an as− sessment of seasonal fluctuations of a glacier’s ice cliff position with respect to its mini− mum length in winter (November-December) and its maximum advance position in June or July.Morphometric features and the environmental setting of each glacier are also pre− sented. The total area of the glacier cover in Hornsund Fjord in the period of 1899-2010 diminished approximately 172 km2, with an average areal retreat rate of 1.6 km2a−1. The recession rate increased from ~1 km2a−1 in first decades of the 20th century up to ~3 km2a−1 in years 2001-2010. The latest period was more thoroughly studied using optical satellite images acquired almost every year. The importance of glacier morphology and hypspmetry, as well as fjord bathymetry and topography is analyzed. Large glacier systemswith low slopes terminating in deeper waters are retreating faster than small steep glaciers ter− minating in shallower water. A relation between mean annual air temperature and aerial retreat rate of tidewater glaciers was found for long time scales. A sudden temperature in− crease, known as the early 20th century warming in Svalbard, and an increase in temperatures during recent decades are well reflected in deglaciation rate. Influence of sea water temperatures on calving and retreat of glaciers was considered and is significant in short−time intervals of the last decade. Surge events are non−climatic factors which com− plicate the record. They are reflected in front advance or fast retreat due to a massive calving depending on the relation between ice thickness and water depth. Despite the influence of many factors, the response of tidewater glaciers to climate change is evident. The average linear retreat rate of all the tidewater glaciers in Hornsund amounted to ~70 ma−1 in 2001-2010 and was higher than the average retreat of other Svalbard tidewater glaciers (~45 ma−1). Thus, glaciers of this basin can be considered as more sensitive to climate than glaciers of other regions of the archipelago.
Effects of Energy and Macronutrient Intake on Cognitive Function Through the Lifespan
Authors: Gibson Edward Leigh
Published: December 2013

This paper reviews effects of both insufficient and excessive energy and macronutrient intake on cognition over the lifespan, including the prenatal period, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. In the brain, the hippocampus is particularly vulnerable to both protein malnutrition and energy undernutrition in utero or infancy, resulting in impaired neurogenesis and deficits in memory and spatial learning, reduced anxiety and increased impulsivity, reflected in impairments of neurotransmitter systems. Conversely, higher protein intake is associated with improved motor development but not mental development, whereas breastfeeding benefits mental development. Nevertheless, pre- and post-natal protein-energy supplementation has been shown to improve cognition in later childhood, and in adulthood, above energy alone. Similarly, n-3 essential fatty acid intake during pregnancy may have long-lasting effects on children’s cognitive abilities. However, over-nutrition, particularly during gestation, may lead to metabolic programming that increases risk of cognitive impairment. In undernourished school children, breakfasts can benefit cognitive performance. In normally nourished children, benefits of breakfast are less clear; nevertheless, acutely, breakfasts lower in glycaemic index can benefit memory, whereas higher glycaemic breakfasts may improve vigilance. This difference depends on the impact of the carbohydrate on cortisol release. In adolescents and adults, moderate carbohydrate loads can benefit cognition, provided that glucoregulation is efficient. Protein intake may benefit memory by restraining task-related cortisol release. Chronically high intake of saturated fats may contribute to cognitive decline, whereas n-3 fatty acids, and perhaps reduced energy intake, may be protective. With aging populations, dietary prediction of cognition in adults is a key area for research.
Content of Alkylresorcinols in Cereals Grown in Latvia Determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV
Authors: Bobere Natālija , Podjava Antons , Meija Laila , Jākobsone Ida
Published: December 2013

Cereal alkylresorcinols (ARs) are a group of phenolic lipids mainly found in the outer parts of grains of rye and wheat. They have been suggested for use as selective biomarkers for intake of whole grain and bran products of these cereals. Consumption of whole grains and whole grain products has been associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2, obesity and some types of cancer. In this article a sensitive and rapid method of High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection for quantitative determination of ARs in the cereals grown in Latvia is described. Instrument detection limits (IDL) were determined for C17:0, C19:0 and C21:0 homologues (coefficient of variation < 3%). According to the results of these studies, ARs were found in rye (87.1-112.0 mg/100 g), wheat (24.0-40.2 mg/100 g), triticale (32.1-74.4 mg/100 g), and in small amounts in barley (2.2-3.7 mg/100 g), but not in oats.
Investigation of the oil and Meal of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles Japonica) Seeds
Authors: Mierina Inese , Seržaneļ Rasma , Strele Maija , Moskaļuka Jūlija , Ivdre Elga , Jure Māra
Published: December 2013

Various extracts of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) seeds obtained using organic solvents were studied for their polyphenol content and antiradical activity. It was established that petroleum ether, hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, as well as toluene and chloroform extracts, in comparison to synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), demonstrate better (or comparable) activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Methods for detoxification of seeds, meals and press-cakes are proposed. Phenolic composition of different extracts (80% ethanol, 70% acetone), both acid and alkali hydrolysates of seeds, as well as seed oil methanol/water extract were analysed by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): chlorogenic acid was found for the first time in seed extract; protocatechuic acid predominated in all extracts. The content of other major phenolic acids was detected; it was found that seed oil contains syringic acid. It was determined that Japanese quince seeds contain almost ten times more α -tocopherol than barley grain. Due to the presence of α -tocopherol and phenolic compounds, seed oil and lipophilic extracts of seeds could serve as antioxidants.
Consumer Attitude and Sensory Evaluation of Marshmallow
Authors: Ungure Eva , Straumīte Evita , Muižniece-Brasava Sandra , Dukaļska Lija
Published: December 2013

Marshmallow is sugar-candy with foam-like structure. Many studies have revealed the high nutritional value of bee pollen. Due to the nutritional composition of pollen, and according to nonscientific studies, dried bee pollen has been used as an additive in human diets, which provides a well-being sensation and contributes to functional and harmonious balance of the body. Sensory evaluation and market research are an important part of developing a new product. The research was aimed to clarify the situation in the Latvian market, to summarise Latvian consumer attitude on marshmallow, and to determine the sensory properties and quality of marshmallows with bee pollen. A questionnaire was developed - 900 respondents answered questions about their consumption patterns, opinions on quality indices, and possible types of marshmallow packaging. Marshmallow was enriched with three different pollen concentrations: 1.0; 1.5 and 2.5%. Sensory evaluation was carried out to estimate the optimal concentration of bee pollen that which should be added to marshmallow. Sensory evaluation of experimental marshmallow was characterised by using a 9-point hedonic scale (determination degree of liking). The obtained results showed that consumers liked the marshmallow with 1.5% bee pollen best of all.
Microbiological Risk Analysis in Catering Establishments
Authors: Melngaile Aija , Kārkliņa Daina
Published: December 2013

The epidemiological data suggest that the food preparation process in public catering establishments involves the risk of food microbiological contamination. To develop a preventive food safety assurance system based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles, adequate identification, monitoring and communication of food safety hazards are important considerations. The aim of the research was microbiological risk analysis of catering establishments. Statistical analysis was used in microbiological risk assessment and to ensure science-based proposals for control of microbiological contamination and prevention of outbreaks of food-borne infections. The results on microbiological testing of 17 192 food samples and 17 604 surface swab samples were analysed using the SPSS 13.0 and MS EXCEL software packages. Statistically significant differences in microbiological contamination of food and environmental surfaces with regard to Aerobic Plate Count, coliforms and S. aureus were found. Impact of technological processing on safety of ready-to-eat foods was demonstrated. Petrifilm rapid test methods were tested for use as self-control purposes. The results of the research demonstrate characteristic trends in contamination of foods and environmental objects in catering establishments and ensure scientific justification for setting priorities with regard to relevant control measures during technological processing and serving of food.
CdS/TiO2 composite films for methylene blue photodecomposition under visible light irradiation and non-photocorrosion of cadmium sulfide
Authors: Hernández-Torres María , Ojeda-Carrera María , Sánchez-Cantú Manuel , Silva-González Nicolás , Gracia-Jiménez Justo
Published: December 2013

Cadmium sulfide/titanium dioxide (CdS/TiO2) composite films were grown on glass by the chemical bath deposition (DBQ) and sol-gel/dip coating methods, respectively, in order to increase the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 in photodegradation processes. The influence of the CdS deposition time on the morphology, optical absorption, and phononic modes of the composites were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed clearly the CdS deposit on the TiO2 surface. The absorbance spectra indicated that the absorption of composites depends on the CdS deposition time and the absorption edges are shifted to the visible range. Micro Raman spectra exhibited the phonons associated with the TiO2 anatase and the longitudinal optic (LO) phonon of CdS whose intensity increases with the CdS deposition time. Photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation was observed in all films and the results were compared with those obtained with TiO2 films. The decomposition is higher for the composite with the CdS deposition time of 15 min. This optimal deposition time allows maximal enhancement of the charge carriers transfer to TiO2 involved in the photocatalysis. No signal associated with cadmium was detected by the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), which means that the CdS photocorrosion does not occur since trap centers such as OH-Cd-S and Cl−, which trap holes and inhibit the photocorrosion, are produced during the growth process.
An overview of occupational voice disorders in Poland
Authors: Niebudek-Bogusz Ewa , Śliwińska-Kowalska Mariola
Published: December 2013

Occupational voice disorders make the most frequently certified category of occupational diseases in Poland, making up approximately 20% of all cases. This study presents the current knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of occupational voice disorders. It stresses the importance of the evaluation of vocal loading by means of objective measurements. Furthermore, this study discusses the medico-legal aspects of the procedure of certifying occupational voice disorders in Poland. The paper also describes the preventive programs addressed particularly to teachers, including multidisciplinary and holistic management of occupational dysphonia. Their role in the improvement of occupational safety and health (OSH) arrangement for vocally demanding professions is emphasized.
Konkurrenz zwischen stofflicher und energetischer Holznutzung – auch eine Frage der Allokation
Authors: Becker Gero , Brunsmeier Martin
Published: December 2013

Competition between material and energetic use of wood – also a question of allocation

The amount of wood used for energy purposes has recently strongly increased in Germany. This has resulted in a competition for some wood assortments between raw material and energy uses. This has led to price increases and supply bottlenecks in wood industries facing international competition. An easing of this tension can be achieved by an increase in the volume of wood harvested, changes in the allocation of the assortments, alternative silvicultural concepts and optimized harvesting techniques. Moreover, an improvement in efficiency of the supply and conversion of energy wood increases the potential of wood. Whether wood is to be used for material or energy purposes is not only determined by economic aspects: the risks which have been taken into account, the investment which has been made, but also the obligation to deliver because of regional political structures can be decisive reasons for the allocation of wood. More research is needed to clarify the question of whether and in what way stakeholders within the supply chain influence the decision making process.
Stand der Technik und Trends bei der Erzeugung von Strom und Treibstoffen aus Holz
Authors: Biollaz Serge
Published: December 2013

State of the art and trends in generation of electricity and fuels from wood

Advanced conversion processes such as gasification technology for biomass have been under development for the last 30 years. First commercial plants went into operation. Over this period, motivation for biomass gasification has changed repeatedly. At first, production of high-temperature heat was the major motivation, later generation of electricity or combined heat and power (CHP). During the last ten years production of liquid and gaseous biofuels via gasification has been intensely studied and developed, which has increased the demands on the quality of syngas. This paper focuses on gasification development within Europe. Selected examples give an impression of current status and expected developments of gasification technologies for the production of electricity, liquid or gaseous biofuels. The examples make clear that there is still a considerable potential for innovation. Therefore, in coming years further technological breakthroughs can be expected. This development is expected to be supported by the implementation of the European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative (EIBI) and the planned European Public Private Partnership of bio-based industries (“Bridge”). It will be necessary to simultaneously advance fundamentally different technological options (e.g. enzyme- and thermochemical-based processes) and to perform intensive broad-based research to increase the efficiency of processes and to optimize the yields. For the market introduction of large-scale biomass gasification plants, i.e. of at least 50 MWWood power production, framework conditions have to be adapted in order to reduce commercial risk for investors. Biomass gasification can make a significant contribution for reduction of CO2 and the use of non renewable energy sources. It has to be understood as an integral part of an overall energy system.
Rock Art in Kurdistan Iran
Authors: Lahafian Jamal
Published: December 2013

Kurdistan, with great potential and prehistoric resources, has numerous petroglyphs in different areas of the province. During the last 14 years of extensive field study, more than 30 sites of rock art have been identified and introduced by the author. In this article, we summarize these rock art areas in Iranian Kurdistan.
Development and in Vitro Characterization of Photochemically Crosslinked Polyvinylpyrrolidone Coatings for Drug-Coated Balloons
Authors: Petersen Svea , Minrath Ingo , Kaule Sebastian , Köcher Jürgen , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Sternberg Katrin
Published: December 2013

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a conventionally applied hydrophilic lubricious coating on catheter-based cardiovascular devices, used in order to ease movement through the vasculature. Its use as drug reservoir and transfer agent on drug-coated balloons (DCB) is therefore extremely promising with regard to the simplification of its approval as a medical device. Here, we developed a PVP-based coating for DCB, containing paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug, and studied the impact of crosslinking via UV radiation on drug stability, wash off, and transfer during simulated use in an in vitro vessel model. We showed that crosslinking was essential for coating stability and needed to be performed prior to PTX incorporation due to decreased drug bioavailability as a result of photodecomposition and/or involvement in vinylic polymerization with PVP under UV radiation. Moreover, the crosslinking time needed to be carefully controlled. While short radiation times did not provide enough coating stability, associated with high wash off rates during DCB insertion, long radiation times lowered drug transfer efficiency upon balloon expansion. A ten minutes radiation of PVP, however, combined a minimized drug wash off rate of 34% with an efficient drug transfer of 49%, underlining the high potential of photochemically crosslinked PVP as a coating matrix for DCB.