bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the quality of food served under a South African school feeding scheme: A nutritional analysis
Authors: Nhlapo Nthabiseng , Lues Ryk J.F. , Kativu Edmore , Groenewald Willem H.
Published: February 2015

School feeding schemes have been implemented in various schools across the globe to improve the nutritional welfare of learners. The purpose of this study was to identify possible nutritional benefits or deficiencies of the foodstuffs served in the South African National School Nutrition Programme in the Free State Province (South Africa). Representative meal samples were collected from randomly selected schools and the nutrient content of meals was determined. The results were measured against nutrient-based standards for an average school lunch for individuals aged 7–10 and 11–18 years. The meals did not meet the nutrient standards for carbohydrate and energy contents for either age group. Protein standards were met by 90% of meals for individuals aged 7–10 years and by 40% for those aged 11–18 years. Only 10% of meals met the standards for calcium and zinc, while 80% and 30% met the iron standards for those aged 7–10 years and 11–18 years, respectively. The lipid and vitamin C contents were within standards. The implementation of proper storage and food preparation procedures may assist in preserving the quality of nutrients.
The prevalence of free-living amoebae in a South African hospital water distribution system
Authors: Muchesa Petros , Barnard Tobias G. , Bartie Catheleen
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of free-living amoebae in the water system of a teaching hospital in Johannesburg (South Africa). Water and biofilm samples were collected from the theatres, theatre sterilisation service unit, central sterilisation service unit and endoscopy/bronchoscopy unit. The samples were filtered and seeded on non-nutrient agar spread with heat-killed Escherichia coli. Of the 71 samples collected, 63 (88.7%) were positive for free-living amoeba. Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia spp. and Hartmanella spp. were identified by morphology. The presence of free-living amoeba in the hospital water network may be a potential health risk.
TaqIB and severity of coronary artery disease in the Turkish population: a pilot study
Authors: Kaman Dilara , İlhan Necip , İlhan Nevin , Akbulut Mehmet
Published: February 2015

The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a crucial role in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism. Genetic variants that alter CETP concentration may cause significant alterations in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. In this case-control study, we analyzed the genotype frequencies of CETP Taq1B polymorphisms in coronary artery disease patients (CAD; n=210) and controls (n=100). We analyzed the role of the CETP Taq1B variant in severity of CAD, and its association with plasma lipids and CETP concentration. DNA was extracted from 310 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The Taq1B polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction—restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Lipid concentrations were measured by an auto analyzer and CETP level by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.  In our study population, the B2 allele frequency was higher in control subjects than patients with single, double or triple vessel disease.  B2B2 genotype carriers had a significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration than those with the B1B1 genotype in controls (51.93±9.47versus 45.34±9.93; p<0.05) and in CAD patients (45.52±10.81 versus 40.38±9.12; p<0.05). B2B2 genotype carriers had a significantly lower CETP concentration than those with the B1B1 genotype in controls (1.39±0.58 versus 1.88±0.83; p< 0.05) and in CAD patients (2.04±1.39versus 2.81±1.68; p< 0.05). Our data suggest that the B2 allele is associated with higher concentrations of HDL-C and lower concentrations of CETP, which confer a protective effect on coronary artery disease.
Evaluation of Conventional Imaging Techniques on Preoperative Localization in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ozkaya Mesut , Elboga Umut , Sahin Ertan , Kalender Ebuzer , Korkmaz Hakan , Demir Hasan Deniz , Celen Y. Zeki , Erkılıç Suna , Gökalp Avni , Maralcan Göktürk
Published: February 2015

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and preoperative localization capacity of 99mTc methoxyisobutylnitrile (MIBI) parathyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography (USG) in enlarged parathyroid glands in the primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) as well as the relationship between the success rate of these techniques and biochemical values. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 39 patients with clinical and biological evidence of pHPT who referred to the university hospital for MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy. Patients were examined with USG and double-phase MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy for the detection of enlarged parathyroid glands. Preoperative serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, calcium (Ca), phosphate and alkaline phosphatase measurements were obtained. A total of 45 parathyroid lesions in 39 patients were reviewed. Thirty-four patients had a single adenoma and 5 patients with multi-gland disease had 11 abnormal parathyroid glands including three adenomas, whereas the remaining 8 glands showed hyperplasia. The overall sensitivities of MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy, USG and combined techniques were 85.3%, 72.5% and 90.4%, respectively; the positive predictive values (PPV) were 89.7%, 85.2% and 92.6%, respectively. The most successful approach for detection of enlarged parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism is the concurrent application of USG and MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy modalities. The concomitancy of thyroid diseases decreases the sensitivity of both MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy and USG in enlarged parathyroid glands.
Trefoil factor family peptides TFF1 and TFF3 in the nervous tissues of developing mouse embryo
Authors: Belovari Tatjana , Bijelić Nikola , Tolušić Levak Maja , Baus Lončar Mirela
Published: February 2015

Trefoil factor family peptides (TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3) are predominantly found in mucous epithelia of various organs. However, they have also been reported in the nervous tissue, particularly mouse, rat, porcine, and human brain. The aim of this research was to determine the presence of TFF1 and TFF3 in the nervous system of developing mouse embryo. Mouse embryos, at the stages E15 to E17 were isolated, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin blocks. Sagittal 6µm sections were made, processed for immunohistochemistry, and incubated with anti-TFF1 or anti-TFF3 primary polyclonal rabbit antibodies. Labeled streptavidin-biotin method was used for TFF detection. TFF1 and 3 were found in the cytoplasm of ganglion cell somata, while TFF3 staining was also visible in the cytoplasm of neurons in different areas and nuclei of brain and medulla oblongata. Neurons in the gray matter of spinal cord were also TFF1 and TFF3 positive, and signal for both peptides was found in the choroid plexus. TFF peptides might be involved in the complex processes of nervous system development and differentiation and brain plasticity.
Biogeochemical implications of biodiversity and community structure across multiple coastal ecosystems
Authors: Allgeier Jacob E. , Layman Craig A. , Mumby Peter J. , Rosemond Amy D.
Published: February 2015

Small‐scale experiments and theory suggest that ecological functions provided by communities become more stable with increased species richness. Whether these patterns manifest at regional spatial scales and within species‐rich communities (e.g., coral reefs) is largely unknown. We quantified five biogeochemical processes, and an aggregate measure of multifunctionality, in species‐rich coastal fish communities to test three questions: (1) Do previously predicted biodiversity–ecosystem‐function relationships hold across large spatial scales and in highly diverse communities? (2) Can additional covariates of community structure improve these relationships? (3) What is the role of community biomass and functional group diversity in maintaining biogeochemical processes under various scenarios of species loss across ecosystem types? These questions were tested across a large regional gradient of coral reef, mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. Statistical models demonstrated that species richness and the mean maximum body size per species strongly predicted biogeochemical processes in all ecosystem types, but functional group diversity was only a weak predictor. Simulating three scenarios of species loss demonstrated that conserving community biomass alone increased the ability for communities to maintain ecosystem processes. Multifunctionality of biogeochemical processes was maintained least in simulations that conserved biomass and community structure, underscoring the relative lack of importance of community structure in maintaining multiple simultaneous ecosystem functions in this system. Findings suggest that conserving community biomass alone may be sufficient to sustain certain biogeochemical processes, but when considering conservation of multiple simultaneous biogeochemical processes, management efforts should focus first on species richness.
Agronomic Performance of Spring‐Sown Faba Bean in Southeastern Washington
Authors: Landry Erik J. , Coyne Clarice J. , Hu Jinguo
Published: February 2015

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is the world's fourth most important cool‐season pulse crop. Currently commercial faba bean cultivars are unavailable in the United States specifically selected for grain production; therefore, a spring‐sown variety trial with 11 populations was conducted for two seasons at two contrasting locations in southeastern Washington. Early seeding was expected to achieve optimal grain yield. In 2012, the warmer Central Ferry, WA, location was sown a month earlier than at Pullman, WA (April vs. May), resulting in earlier flowering, higher grain yield, and an earlier maturity across populations. A drier March–April in 2013 allowed similar sowing dates across locations, synchronizing phenological development and improving grain yields at Pullman. However, at Central Ferry, yield was reduced due to high temperatures (>35°C) and subsequent flower and pod shedding. The National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) accession W6 12023 and the Extra Precoce Violetto × Hiverna/2 F3:5 breeding population were the highest yielding populations and earliest to flower and mature in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Across 4 site‐years, W6 12023 proved to have superior general adaptability with a high mean plant yield (22.6 g plant−1). Yield data compared favorably to other spring sown pulses currently grown in the region; therefore, a multi‐environment trial with early maturing spring‐type cultivars is warranted.
Nutrient Uptake, Partitioning, and Remobilization in Modern Soybean Varieties
Authors: Bender Ross R. , Haegele Jason W. , Below Frederick E.
Published: February 2015

The absence of recent data regarding the nutritional needs of modern soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems necessitates a greater comprehensive understanding of nutrient uptake, partitioning, and remobilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate macro‐ and micronutrient accumulation and partitioning in current soybean cultivars. Across 3 site‐years, plants were sampled at seven growth stages and divided into four plant tissue fractions for quantification of nutrient uptake. Accumulation (per ha) of 275 kg N, 21 kg P (48 kg P2O5), 172 kg K (207 kg K2O), 113 kg Ca, 50 kg Mg, 19 kg S, 335 g Zn, 371 g Mn, 325 g B, 849 g Fe, and 63 g Cu were required to produce approximately 3500 and 9500 kg ha−1 of grain and total biomass, respectively. Supplemental fertility modestly increased biomass and yield (2%), but did not alter nutrient partitioning or harvest index. Nutrients with high harvest index (i.e., percentage of total nutrient accumulation partitioned to grain) values included P (81%), N (73%), Cu (62%), and S (61%), which may serve as a limitation to high yield. Seasonal patterns of nutrient accumulation suggested that K and Fe were acquired primarily during late vegetative growth while the uptake of N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, B, and Cu were more equally distributed between vegetative and seed‐filling growth phases. These results document the rate and duration of macro‐ and micronutrient accumulation in soybean, and highlight the importance of adequate nutrient availability during key crop growth periods.
Field Assessment of Resistance QTL to Common Cutworm in Soybean
Authors: Oki Nobuhiko , Komatsu Kunihiko , Takahashi Masakazu , Takahashi Motoki , Kono Yuhi , Ishimoto Masao
Published: February 2015

The common cutworm (CCW; Spodoptera litura Fabricius) is a herbivorous insect pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in Asia and Oceania. Previous genetic analyses revealed that the CCW‐resistant soybean cultivar Himeshirazu possessed resistance alleles of two quantitative trait loci, CCW‐1 and CCW‐2, for antibiosis and qRslx1 for antixenosis, although CCW‐1 and qRslx1 are likely to be the same locus. Here we assessed the effects of these resistance loci under field conditions using three near‐isogenic lines (NILs) with different combinations of resistant alleles. Larval densities were evaluated in the three NILs and parental cultivars. The NIL with CCW‐1 (qRslx1) had lower larval densities than the susceptible recurrent parent Fukuyutaka on almost all investigation dates, and significant differences were detected multiple times. Conversely, the NIL with CCW‐2 showed no significant differences in larval densities compared with Fukuyutaka. To our knowledge, this is the first report to indicate that CCW‐1 (qRslx1) is effective for CCW resistance under field conditions. Notably, Himeshirazu represented more distinct resistance compared with the three NILs, indicating Himeshirazu may possess resistance gene(s) other than CCW‐1 (qRslx1) and CCW‐2.
Structural Control of Monuments’ Response under Sinusoidal Excitation Using Particle Dampers
Authors: Papaloun Angeliki , Strepelias Elias
Published: February 2015

The effects of particle dampers attached on a classical column under dynamical loadings are investigated. A
number of tests were performed to evaluate the ability of particle dampers to control the vibration of a small scale multidrum
column under a swept-frequency sinusoidal signal. The particle damper can reduce considerably the response of the
column to sinusoidal excitation when the size of the container, the mass ratio, the particle size and the placement of the
damper are properly selected.
Biomass production as renewable energy resource at reclaimed Serbian lignite open-cast mines
Authors: Jakovljevic Milan , Lilic Nikola , Kolonja Bozo , Knezevic Dinko , Petric Marija , Tadic Vojin , Nedic Mirko
Published: February 2015

The main goal of this paper is the overview of the scope and dynamics of
biomass production as a renewable energy source for substitution of coal in
the production of electrical energy in the Kolubara coal basin. In order to
successfully realize this goal, it was necessary to develop a dynamic model
of the process of coal production, overburden dumping and re-cultivation of
dumping sites by biomass planting. The results obtained by simulation of the
dynamic model of biomass production in Kolubara mine basin until year 2045
show that 6870 hectares of overburden waste dumps will be re-cultivated by
biomass plantations. Biomass production modeling point out the significant
benefits of biomass production by planting the willow Salix viminalis
cultivated for energy purposes. Under these conditions, a 0.6 % participation
of biomass at the end of the period of intensive coal production, year 2037,
is achieved. With the decrease of coal production to 15 million tons per
year, this percentage steeply rises to 1.4 % in 2045. This amount of
equivalent tons of coal from biomass can be used for coal substitution in the
production of electrical energy.
Numerical study to invistigate the effect of inlet gas velocity and Reynolds number on bubble formation in a viscous liquid
Authors: Islam Tariqul , Ganesan P. , Sahu J.N. , Hamad F.A.
Published: February 2015

Bubble formation dynamics has great value in mineral recovery and the oil
industry. In this paper, a single bubble formation process through an orifice
in a rectangle domain is modelled to study the bubble formation
characteristics using the volume of fluid (VOF) with the continuum surface
force (CSF) method. The effect of gas inlet velocities, Ug ~ 0.1 - 0.3 m/s on
bubble formation stages (i.e., expansion, elongation and pinch off), bubble
contact angle, dynamics and static pressure, bubble departure diameter etc.
was investigated through an orifice diameter of 1 mm. The method was also
used to study the effect of Reynolds number, Re? ~ 1.32 - 120 on bubble
formation when all other parameters were kept constant. It is found that a
high inlet gas velocity accelerated the reducing of the bubble contact angle
from an obtuse angle to an acute angle and the faster development of
hemispherical shape of the bubble. It is also found that an increasing of
Reynolds number caused speeding up of the bubble pinch-off and formed a
smaller bubble neck height due to stronger vortex ring around the bubble
neck.
Elastoplastic finite element analysis for wet multidisc brake during lasting braking
Authors: Ji Zhanling , Li Yunhua , Dong Sujun , Zhang Peng , Li Yunze
Published: February 2015

Addressed to serious heat degradation problem of the braking continuously
performed in the drag brake application for a long time, finite element
analysis for bidirectional thermal-structure coupling is adopted to
investigate temperature and stress when material properties are
temperature-dependent. Based on the constitutive relations of heat transfer
and strain-stress, three-dimensional transient finite element equilibrium
equations with many kinds of boundary conditions for bidirectional
thermal-structure coupling were derived. And it was originally presented that
start time, location, severity and evolution laws of plastic deformation were
depicted using dimensionless stress distribution contour with the yield limit
related to temperature. The change laws of plastic element number and contact
area versus braking time were expressed by plasticity ratio and contact ratio
curves, respectively. The laws revealed by the numerical calculation results
are in accordance with the objective perception and reasoning.
Cultural tourism: new opportunities for diversifying the tourism industry in Botswana
Authors: Saarinen Jarkko , Moswete Naomi , Monare Masego J.
Published: February 2015

Botswana is known as a wilderness and safari-tourism destination, which attracts high-end overseas visitors to the country. Since the 1990s the country’s tourism policy has been based on a so called ‘High Value - Low Volume’ (HVLV) strategy referring to the aim of attracting limited numbers of tourists with high expenditure patterns. However, while such tourism operations have contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and offered investment opportunities for international companies, the position of Botswana as a HVLV destination is increasingly criticised. It is seen as offering too narrow prospects for the growth of the industry and for the local participation and benefit sharing in tourism in future. Hence, there is a need for diversification of the product with deeper involvement of local people to tourism. Therefore, communities and Botswana’s cultural and heritage attractions are increasingly seen as one of the future cornerstones of tourism development. This paper provides an overview of cultural tourism with specific reference to existing cultural and heritage attractions and the potential thereof for tourism in Botswana. The paper concludes that while the role of culture is still underutilised in tourism, the cultural tourism in Botswana has the potential to contribute to a more equitable distribution of tourism-based development and the related benefits for local communities.
Indian foreign direct investments in Africa: a geographical perspective
Authors: Anwar Mohammad Amir
Published: February 2015

Foreign direct investments (FDI) into Africa from developing economies have grown substantially over the past decade. While the focus of the enquiry among the geographers has been the rise of Chinese investments in Africa, India has become an important ‘Asian driver’ within the ‘new scramble for Africa’. This article highlights the geography of Indian involvement in Africa in terms of its growing scale, new patterns and the emerging complex structure of Indian investments. The article finds that the nature of India-Africa trade relationship mirrors colonial trade relationships between India and the Great Britain. The Indian investments in Africa are resource- oriented and fused with geopolitical dynamics, driven by capitalistic agendas.
Agritourism and local economic development in South Africa
Authors: Rogerson Christian M. , Rogerson Jayne M.
Published: February 2015

The role of tourism for local economic development (LED) is a topic of critical importance for geographers. In the case of South Africa tourism is a priority sector for national economic development. The significance of research issues around tourism and LED is underlined by the ‘developmental’ mandate of local governments. Although tourism has received attention in a growing body of LED writings on South Africa issues around agritourism so far have been overlooked. Agritourism represents an evolving form of rural tourism which is targeted at mainly urban consumers. Against the background of a review of international scholarship on agritourism this article explores its potential implications for LED planning in South Africa. A national audit of agritourism is presented which shows its uneven geographical distribution. Agritourism is of special significance for small town economic development in South Africa’s intermediate tourism spaces. Policy suggestions are offered for strengthening agritourism as a driver for LED in South Africa.
Urban land restitution in Cape Town: demanding the return of land rights in Constantia and Kensington/Ndabeni
Authors: Donaldson Ronnie , Hyman Glen , Chang David , Confiado André , Ruiz Ana María , Salud Ssicarú , Yildiz Sanem
Published: February 2015

One of the hallmark policies implemented post-apartheid, the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994, is a rights-based program aimed at addressing the loss of land resulting from past racially discriminatory laws or practices. The aim of this research was to identify what are the factors that determine the different outcomes of the restitution process when claimants are demanding the return of land rights and to highlight the challenges regarding the implementation of this land restitution policy. Focusing on two specific yet contrasting areas in Cape Town, Constantia and Kensington, it was determined that due to factors pertaining to the lands in question, the neighborhood surrounding the lands, the claimants, as well as the organization, function, and performance of different public entities, the policy has managed to fulfill restorative justice, but has yet to fulfill its ultimate goal of returning land rights to the claimants and undoing the injustices of the apartheid regime.
Battlefields Tourism: The status of heritage tourism in Dundee, South Africa
Authors: Merwe Clinton David van der
Published: February 2015

Heritage tourism is a significant contemporary facet of tourism in many developing countries. This paper analyses the economic opportunities for battlefield- heritage tourism in South Africa by examining the battlefields route within KwaZulu-Natal. Through structured interviews with stakeholders and structured questionnaires with visitors and local residents, this research explores the understanding of heritage tourism as well as perceptions of its influence on the physical landscape and gauges the importance of this form of tourism as a driver for local economic development in South Africa. Dundee, a small coal-mining town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - where several battlefields are found, is used as a case study. The study demonstrates that several issues need to be addressed if this niche of cultural and heritage tourism is to be a sustainable and responsible form of tourism in South Africa.
Socio-cultural and socio-economic features of second homes in Rosendal, South Africa
Authors: Hay Anette , Visser Gustav
Published: February 2015

Second homes have seen increased research interest over the last decade. On the whole, these investigations have mainly been understood in the spatial context of the developed North. Second homes have only recently been seen as a role player in the changing economic spatialities of small town geographies in South Africa. This growing scholarship on second homes has, however, been less concerned with the social impacts of the phenomenon. The investigation is set against the argument that second homes have social impacts on the immediate and surrounding areas in which they are situated. This investigation also demonstrates that second homes are phenomena with which not only the elite engage but a range of different socio-economic cohorts, including the poor. The social impacts of second homes in this investigation are shown to vary along race and class lines. Against the backdrop that second homes are relevant to very large parts of South African society, the social impacts associated with second homes need to be taken into account in future development planning in South Africa.
Regional development of Saldanha Bay region, South Africa: The role of Saldanha Steel
Authors: Welman Lesley , Ferreira Sanette L.A.
Published: February 2015

Since 1970 the Saldanha Bay region on the West Coast of the Western Cape Province has been high on South Africa’s national development agenda. The region has been struggling for years to meet the preconditions for economic take-off. In this analysis the Saldanha Bay region is positioned in the contexts of global competition among steel-producing countries, South Africa’s national development plan and the Greater Cape Town functional region. The aim is to explain the nature and extent of the relationship between a single secondary industry - ArcelorMittal Saldanha - and the economic development of the larger Saldanha region. Following a brief introduction and background to the Saldanha Bay region, the evolutionary economic geography (EEG) approach and the role of institutions in the development of regions are reviewed. Saldanha Steel (ArcelorMittal), the pioneer industrial firm, is analysed by using a mixed-method approached, where semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey are the main research instruments. The contribution of Saldanha Steel to regional development is explored.
Green commercial property development in urban South Africa: emerging trends, emerging geographies
Authors: Rogerson Jayne M.
Published: February 2015

Within sub-Saharan Africa South Africa is one of the leaders in greening and initiatives for sustainable urban development. Notwithstanding the central role of climate change impacts and of the green challenge for the future, the greening of urban development has not been a major focus in local geographical research. The task in this paper is to investigate one aspect of reorienting the economy towards a pathway of low carbon growth and of addressing the green urban challenge. Specifically, issues around the greening of commercial property developments in South Africa are explored. Under the ratings of the Green Building Council of South Africa 50 green buildings existed by early 2014. Geographically these properties cluster in South Africa’s major cities, in particular Johannesburg, the country’s economic powerhouse and centre for corporate headquarters, and Pretoria, the administrative capital. New proposals for building retrofitting may result in a greater spatial spread of green buildings in the near future.
Threats to Transport Systems Catalogue
Authors: Siergiejczyk Mirosław , Dziula Przemysław
Published: February 2015

The article describes basic assumptions and standards of law acts concerning crisis management and critical infrastructure protection, covering one of its more important parts - transport systems. Transport systems' threats codification has been proposed, which, being significant part of crisis management essential phase, is demanded for proper performance of all activities concerned with it.
Vibration Reduction System Using Magnetic Suspension Technology
Authors: Spychała Jarosław , Żokowski Mariusz , Majewski Paweł
Published: February 2015

The article presents considerations concerning the construction of vibration reduction system using magnetic suspension technology. Presents the results of simulation, numerical and experimental the bearingless electric motor, for which successfully used this type of solution. Positive results of research and testing have become the basis for the development of the concept of building this type of active vibration reduction system , at the same time acting as a support for a technical object, which is a jet engine. Bearing failures are manifested by loss or distortion of their mass, which leads to a total destruction of the roller bearing, and thus reflected in the security. The article presents the concept of building active magnetic suspension to eliminate the bearing system of classical rolling bearing and replace it with magnetic bearing.
Reliability, Safety and Exploitation of Technical Objets - Attributes to be out of Order of Modern Civilizations
Authors: Lewitowicz Jerzy , Rutkowski Stefan , Tomaska Ryszard , Żyluk Andrzej
Published: February 2015

Civilization is a state of human society during a particular period of time, conditioned with the degree to which the humans are able to control the nature; the total of already collected material goods, means of production and exploitation, suitable skills (know-how), and social institutions. It is processes of exploitation of engineered objects and natural resources of the Earth that closely and directly relate the economy, safety (widely understood) and environmental protection. Nowadays, as the development of technology has become a hectic process, too little attention is paid to safety. People die. The above outlined considerations can be summarized in the form of the following conclusion: Exploitation is an area that covers the art of many and various activities. It is a philosophy that puts all the fields of knowledge together. Therefore, it should be considered a separate line of science.
Hydrocarbon Biocomponents use in Aviation Fuels - Preliminary Analysis of Issues
Authors: Gawron Bartosz , Kaźmierczak Urszula
Published: February 2015

Article is related to the aspect of the introduction of biofuels to power turbine aircraft engines. The paper presents the current trends in the use of alternative fuels in aviation and the problems connected with the introduction of hydrocarbon biocomponents. It is pointed to the need to take research and implementation works in the field of the subject, also in Poland.
Evaluation Method of Allowable Variance for Results of Tribological Measurement on the Basis of Their the Coherence Trends and Of the Covariance Trends
Authors: Zboiński Marek , Lindstedt Paweł , Deliś Maciej
Published: February 2015

This article discusses the possibility of assessing the technical condition of rolling bearings based on tribological tests of oil samples. The problem is to define diagnostic levels, especially when has a relatively small number of measurements (3, 4, 5 etc.). Rating variance of measurements can be performed using the dimensionless factor covariance ρ(τ) and the dimensionless coherence function y2(a). The set is compact enough when ρ ()) and γ 2(a) will be close enough to oscillate around the value of 1 [1, 3]. In summary, it is concluded that the thresholds S, 2S, 35 are reliable when ρ()) and y2(a) are greater than 0.7 [6].
Thickness Measurement of Thin Oil Layers in Triboelectrical Phenomenon Aspect
Authors: Nowiński Emil , Giemza Bolesław , Domański Marek
Published: February 2015

This paper presents problems of oil film thickness measurements, especially during tribological experiments. There are many methods of oil layer measurement. More of them is used in measurement apparatus. Most popular method to oil film thickness is electric method. Authors indicate that triboelectrical phenomenon disrupts the real value of resistance because of charge particles which change conductance of the oil layer.
Gas-Dynamic Foil Bearings Application in High-Speed Turbines
Authors: Giemza Bolesław , Nowiński Emil , Domański Marek
Published: February 2015

Authors present the general characteristics of the gas-dynamic foil bearings in the paper. The short analysis of the application and possibilities of using gas-dynamic bearings in turbo machinery, especially in the aspect of aviation technology were described. Authors also pointed out possible directions of development and gas-dynamic foil bearings application in high-speed turbines, especially working in high temperature.
Experimental Investigations of a Drifting Cloud of Droplets Dispersed from Aircraft
Authors: Seredyn Tomasz , Rowiński Robert
Published: February 2015

With widespread use of pesticides in modern agriculture, the impacts of spray drift have become a topic of considerable interest. The drifting of sprays is a highly complex process influenced by many factors. The paper presents results of experimental research on a drifting cloud of droplets dispersing from aircraft. Experiments were conducted to quantify spray drift from aerial applications of pesticide. Parallel to the blowing wind, the measurement line 800 m long was disposed. The relationships between the relative dose and the distance of drift as well as spray density and its structure on the measuring length have been established.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Radial Forces Acting on Centrifugal Pump Impeller
Authors: Karaskiewicz Krzysztof , Szlaga Marek
Published: February 2015

The paper presents the results of measurements and predictions of radial thrust in centrifugal pump with specific speed ns = 26. In the pump tested, a volute with rectangular cross-section was used. The tests were carried out for several rotational speeds, including speeds above and below the nominal one. Commercial code ANSYS Fluent was used for the calculations. Apart from the predictions of the radial force, the calculations of axial thrust were also conducted, and correlation between thrust and the radial force was found. In the range of the measured rotational speeds, similarity of radial forces was checked.
Finite Element Formulation for the Large-Amplitude Vibrations of FG Beams
Authors: Javid Mehdi , Hemmatnezhad Milad
Published: February 2015

On the basis of Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the large-amplitude free vibration analysis of functionally graded beams is investigated by means of a finite element formulation. The von Karman type nonlinear strain-displacement relationship is employed where the ends of the beam are constrained to move axially. The material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law and sigmoid distributions. The finite element method is employed to discretize the nonlinear governing equations, which are then solved by the direct numerical integration technique in order to obtain the nonlinear vibration frequencies of functionally graded beams with different boundary conditions. The influences of power-law index, vibration amplitude, beam geometrical parameters and end supports on the free vibration frequencies are studied. The present numerical results compare very well with the results available from the literature where possible.
Experimental Study of the Temperature Distribution and Microstructure of Plunge Stage in Friction Stir Welding Process by the Tool with Triangle Pin
Authors: Bisadi Hossain , Rasaee Sajad , Farahmand Mohammad
Published: February 2015

Considering the developing role of the friction stir welding in manufacturing industry, a complete study on the process is necessary. Studies on each stage of the process in particular, provide a better understanding of friction stir welding, and specially friction stir spot welding. In this study, plunge stage has been studied by experimental methods for investigating the temperature distribution around the tool during the plunge stage and microstructure changes of the workpiece. Experiments were performed on aluminium 7050 plates with coincident measurement of temperature. In the study, the tool which has a triangle pin is used. The results of this study are used as initial conditions for theoretical analysis of welding process. The results show that the temperature distribution around the tool is quite asymmetric. The asymmetric distribution of temperature is due to nonuniform load distribution underneath the tool and tilt angle of it. The temperatures of the points behind the tool are higher compared with points located forward the tool. Microstructural studies showed that four regions with different microstructures are formed around the tool during the process. These areas were separated based on differences in grain size and elongations. Grains near the tool are elongated in a particular direction that show the material flow direction.
A Semi-Analytical Solution of Thick Truncated Cones Using Matched Asymptotic Method and Disk Form Multilayers
Authors: Nejad Mohammad Zamani , Jabbari Mehdi , Ghannad Mehdi
Published: February 2015

In this article, the thick truncated cone shell is divided into disk-layers form with their thickness corresponding to the thickness of the cone. Due to the existence of shear stress in the truncated cone, the equations governing disk layers are obtained based on first shear deformation theory. These equations are in the form of a set of general differential equations. Given that the truncated cone is divided into n disks, n sets of differential equations are obtained. The solution of this set of equations, applying the boundary conditions and continuity conditions between the layers, yields displacements and stresses. The results obtained have been compared with those obtained through the analytical solution and the numerical solution. For the purpose of the analytical solution, use has been made of matched asymptotic method (MAM) and for the numerical solution, the finite element method (FEM).
The Accuracy of the Reproduction of the Lumbar Spine Elements Following CT and MRI Projections
Authors: Kroczak Paweł , Skalski Konstanty , Nowakowski Andrzej , Mróz Adrian
Published: February 2015

The paper presents an analysis of factors influencing the accuracy of reproduction of geometry of the vertebrae and the intervertebral disc of the lumbar motion segment for the purpose of designing of an intervertebral disc endoprosthesis. In order to increase the functionality of the new type of endoprostheses by a better adjustment of their structure to the patient’s anatomical features, specialist software was used allowing the processing of the projections of the diagnosed structures. Recommended minimum values of projection features were determined in order to ensure an effective processing of the scanned structures as well as other factors affecting the quality of the reproduction of 3D model geometries. Also, there were generated 3D models of the L4-L5 section. For the final development of geometric models for disc and vertebrae L4 and L5 there has been used smoothing procedure by cubic free curves with the NURBS technique.

This allows accurate reproduction of the geometry for the purposes of identification of a spatial shape of the surface of the vertebrae and the vertebral disc and use of the model for designing of a new endoprosthesis, as well as conducting strength tests with the use of finite elements method.
Experimental Study and Response Surface Methodology for Investigation of FSP Process
Authors: Weglowski Marek Stanisław
Published: February 2015

The article presents the effect of rotational and travelling speed and down force on the spindle torque acting on the tool in Friction Stir Processing (FSP) process. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to find a dependence combining the spindle torque acting on the tool with the rotational speed, travelling speed and the down force. The linear and quadratic models with interaction between parameters were used. A better fitting was achieved for a quadratic model. The studies have shown that the increase in rotational speed causes a decrease in the torque while the increase in travelling speed and down force causes an increase in the torque. The tests were conducted on casting aluminium alloy AlSi9Mg. Metallography examination has revealed that the application of FSP process results in a decrease in the porosity in the modified material and microstructure refining in the stir zone. The segregation of Si and Fe elements was evident in the parent material, while in the friction stir processed area this distribution was significantly uniform.
A Method of the Wear Prognosis of Sliding Bearings
Authors: Miszczak Andrzej , Wierzcholski Krzysztof
Published: February 2015

The considerations presented in this paper include a computer analysis of slide bearing wear prognosis using the solutions of recurrence equations complemented with the experimental data values. On the ground of the results obtained from analytical and computational numerical calculations, and taking into account the experimental parameters of bearing material and operation boundary conditions, the control problems of slide bearing wear surfaces have been presented. The obtained results allow us to see a connection between roughness, material properties, the amplitude of vibrations, the kind of the friction forces, the hardness of materials, the sliding speed in one side and the wear increments in succeeding time units of the exploitation process in other side.
On the Critical Points of Vertical Vibration in a Railway Vehicle
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina
Published: February 2015

This paper evaluates the level of the vertical vibrations in a railway vehicle carbody generated by the track irregularities and examines the position of the critical point from the comfort perspective. The issue is reviewed on the basis of both a „rigid carbody” model and a „flexible carbody” model, which considers the first two carbody bending modes. The model errors are calculated as a function of the speed behaviour, and the results prove that the comfort performance of a railway vehicle evaluated on the „rigid carbody” model basis are overestimated compared to the ones derived from the implementation of the „flexible carbody” model, mainly at the centre of the carbody. Similarly, a correct estimation of the critical point position in the level of vibrations requires the modelling of the structural vibrations of the vehicle carbody.
Comparative Performance with Different Versions of Low Heat Rejection Combustion Chambers with Crude Rice Bran Oil
Authors: Krishna M.V.S. Murali , Rao N. Durga Prasada , Prasad B. Anjeneya , Murthy P.V.K.
Published: February 2015

It has been found that the vegetable oils are promising substitute, because of their properties are similar to those of diesel fuel and they are renewable and can be easily produced. However, drawbacks associated with crude vegetable oils are high viscosity, low volatility call for low heat rejection combustion chamber, with its significance characteristics of higher operating temperature, maximum heat release, and ability to handle lower calorific value (CV) fuel etc. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of an engine consisting of different low heat rejection (LHR) combustion chambers such as ceramic coated cylinder head-LHR-1, air gap insulated piston with superni (an alloy of nickel) crown and air gap insulated liner with superni insert - LHR-2; and ceramic coated cylinder head, air gap insulated piston and air gap insulated liner - LHR-3 with normal temperature condition of crude rice bran oil (CRBO) with varied injector opening pressure. Performance parameters (brake thermal efficiency, brake specific energy consumption, exhaust gas temperature, coolant load, and volumetric efficiency) and exhaust emissions [smoke levels and oxides of nitrogen [NOx]] were determined at various values of brake mean effective pressure of the engine. Combustion characteristics [peak pressure, time of occurrence of peak pressure, maximum rate of pressure rise] were determined at full load operation of the engine.

Conventional engine (CE) showed compatible performance and LHR combustion chambers showed improved performance at recommended injection timing of 27°bTDC and recommend injector opening pressure of 190 bar with CRBO operation, when compared with CE with pure diesel operation. Peak brake thermal efficiencyincreased relatively by 7%, brake specific energy consumption at full load operation decreased relatively by 3.5%, smoke levels at full load decreased relatively by 11% and NOx levels increased relatively by 58% with LHR-3 combustion chamber with CRBO at an injector opening pressure of 190 bar when compared with pure diesel operation on CE
Postprofessional Cartography in Physical Therapy: Charting a Pathway for Residency and Fellowship Training
Authors: Robertson Eric K. , Tichenor Carol Jo
Published: February 2015

Remarkably little is known about what constitutes a good residency or fellowship training program. In contrast to entry-level programs, the job of residency and fellowship educators is sometimes more subtle and difficult to articulate. Developing advanced clinical reasoning, communication skills, use of evidence, and patient-management approaches beyond entry-level competencies for students of various levels of education and backgrounds creates unique and diverse teaching challenges. There is no gold standard and precious little evidence to guide us on how best to sequence and pace residency/fellowship curricula, integrate mentoring into didactic and clinical coursework, conduct examinations, and measure the impact of training on patient care. To this end, we'd like to congratulate Drs Rodeghero, Wang, Flynn, Cleland, Wainner, and Whitman on their paper, “The Impact of Physical Therapy Residency or Fellowship Education on Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Musculoskeletal Conditions.” This is a significant first step in the effort to explore that most important challenge of any health profession's educational initiatives: did training result in improved patient outcomes?

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(2):57–60. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0102