bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalizing Locations: Production-Consumption Relations in the Hip-hop Movement in Brazil and Portugal
Authors: de Souza Angela Maria
Published: May 2015

This article is part of the ethnography for the doctoral thesis in social anthropology, in which the fieldwork was conducted in Greater Lisbon and Greater Florianópolis on the hip hop Movement. This analysis addresses two rap styles, Rap Creole, in Lisbon, made predominantly by Cape Verdeans and Angolans immigrants, and in Florianópolis, rap de quebrada, a form of expression of the population, mostly black residents, of the periphery. In both rap styles can be perceived the development of an aesthetics that becomes outlined in the tension between the individual and the collective, the global and the local. Based on the styles mentioned here, I reflect on consumption relations that create networks and flows among the hip hop movement in different urban spaces, creating a kind of parallel globalization among the peripheries, but remaking itself in a variety of cultural contexts.
A Place Called Supermarket
Authors: Goidanich Maria Elisabeth , Rial Carmen
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study is to interpret supermarket stores as privileged spaces for the observation of social relations. The article is based on an ethnography of shopping conducted in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil, by observing middle class housewives during their daily shopping in supermarkets. These stores are seen as places, in opposition to that proposed by Augè (1995), who affirms that supermarkets are non-places produced by supermodernity. The article discusses the history of supermarkets, their role in the cultural and social transformations of the twentieth century, as well as ethnographic data, and shows that it is possible to identify many social interactions inside Brazilian supermarkets.
Interpolation Of Data Gaps Of SLC-Off Landsat ETM+ Images Using Algorithm Based On The Differential Operators
Authors: Singh Raghvendra , Prasad P. Rama Chandra
Published: May 2015

The scan-line corrector (SLC) of the Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensor failed in May 2003, and this abnormal functioning of SLC resulted in about 22% of the pixels per scene without being scanned. By filling the un-scanned gap by a good technique will help in more use of ETM+ data for many scientific applications. While there have been a number of approaches developed to fill in the data gaps in ETM+ imagery, each method has shortcomings, especially they require SLC-on (images acquired before SLC-off anomaly) imagery for the same location to fill the gaps in SLC-off (images acquired after SLC anomaly) image. To overcome such shortcomings this study proposes an alternative interpolation method based on the partial derivative. This case study shows that this technique is very much useful to interpolate the missing pixel values in the SLC-off ETM+ data.
AnnoGene: RESTful Web Service For Annotating Genomic Features
Authors: Tomski Andrzej , Piechota Marcin , Przewłocki Ryszard
Published: May 2015

Modern high-throughput sequencing techniques generate a constantly increasing amount of genomic data from eukaryotes. The main problem is quickly identifying the data that may provide information about the nature of intracellular processes, such as the targeting of transcription factor-binding sites. Typically, thousands of peaks or signals are found across the genome and the nearby genes must be annotated. We introduce AnnoGene - a web service for annotating genomic features. AnnoGene was implemented in a representational state transfer (REST) architectural style. The program searches for the gene nearest to the center of a genomic position. Subsequently, the location and annotationsof the gene are shown. The tool can be downloaded and run on a local computer, but it was designed to be a web service. AnnoGene is freely available through a web browser. Moreover, our paper covers examples of the REST clients written in the Python, R and Java programming languages. AnnoGene only requires genomic positions from the user. Even when annotating several thousand positions, the output is typically ready in a few seconds. Moreover, this tool supports Seqinspector – a web tool for finding regulators of the genes.
Automated Approach To Classification Of Mine-Like Objects Using Multiple-Aspect Sonar Images
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Liu Xuan , Japkowicz Nathalie , Matwin Stan
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the detection of mines or other objects on the seabed from multiple side-scan sonar views is considered. Two frameworks are provided for this kind of classification. The first framework is based upon the Dempster–Shafer (DS) concept of fusion from a single-view kernel-based classifier and the second framework is based upon the concepts of multi-instance classifiers. Moreover, we consider the class imbalance problem which is always presents in sonar image recognition. Our experimental results show that both of the presented frameworks can be used in mine-like object classification and the presented methods for multi-instance class imbalanced problem are also effective in such classification.
Flatness-Based Adaptive Fuzzy Control Of Spark-Ignited Engines
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos G. , Siano P.
Published: May 2015

An adaptive fuzzy controller is designed for spark-ignited (SI) engines, under the constraint that the system's model is unknown. The control algorithm aims at satisfying the H
∞ tracking performance criterion, which means that the influence of the modeling errors and the external disturbances on the tracking error is attenuated to an arbitrary desirable level. After transforming the SI-engine model into the canonical form, the resulting control inputs are shown to contain nonlinear elements which depend on the system's parameters. The nonlinear terms which appear in the control inputs are approximated with the use of neuro-fuzzy networks. It is shown that a suitable learning law can be defined for the aforementioned neuro-fuzzy approximators so as to preserve the closed-loop system stability. With the use of Lyapunov stability analysis it is proven that the proposed adaptive fuzzy control scheme results in H
∞ tracking performance. The efficiency of the proposed adaptive fuzzy control scheme is checked through simulation experiments.
Analysis of Fiscal Rules in the European Monetary Union
Authors: Šehović Damir
Published: May 2015

: The EMU fiscal system is specific in many areas compared to other classic fiscal systems of national states. Specific features mainly reflect in the implementation of economic policy within the EMU which is carried out by combining a common centralized monetary policy under the ECB jurisdiction and decentralized fiscal policies under the jurisdiction of the member states. The member states` sovereignty in governing their fiscal policies is one of the key causes of the EU fiscal system underdevelopment, i.e. its indigent structure in relation to “standard fiscal systems”.

More indigent structure of the EU fiscal system is reflected in the fact that it consists of only three segments. The first one refers to the EU budget which is also the only instrument for implementing fiscal policy at the supranational level. The second one refers to the harmonization of taxation systems in accordance with inputs and other legislation adopted at the EU level with the aim of fostering the single internal market. Finally, the third segment refers to the fiscal policy coordination of the EMU member states related to appropriate fiscal rules, which mainly stem from the Maastricht convergence criteria and the Stability and Growth Pact.
Macroeconomic and Institutional Determinants of Non-performing Loans
Authors: Tanasković Svetozar , Jandrić Maja
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to analyse macroeconomic and institutional empirical determinants of growth of NPL ratios. Research is focused on selected CEEC and SEE countries in the period 2006- 2013. For our analysis we use static panel model approach with the logarithm of share of NPLs to total loans as a dependent variable. As independent variables we used a combination of country-specific macroeconomic and financial indicators which are commonly used in reference literature, as well as relevant institutional variables. Our results show that there is a negative relationship between increases in GDP and rise of the NPL ratio. Along with GDP, foreign currency loans ratio and level of exchange rate are positively related with the increase of NPL ratio. This confirms the expectation that countries where domestic currency is not the main medium of credit placements will have larger problems with the level of NPLs, which is even more pronounced in periods of domestic currency depreciation. In the presented models, the inflation rate is reported as statistically insignificant for sample countries. In the group of institutional variables, only financial market level of development is reported as statistically significant in relation to the level of NPL - with a more developed financial market the level of NPLs should be lower.
Analysis And Synthesis Of Model Reference Controller For Variable Speed Wind Generators Inertial Support
Authors: Bećirović Elvisa , Osmić Jakub , Kušljugić Mirza , Perić Nedjeljko
Published: May 2015

Model Reference Controller (MRC) for contribution of Variable Speed Wind Generators (VSWG) in inertial response of Electrical Power System (EPS) is presented and analyzed in this paper. MRC is synthesized based on a model of Generating Unit With non-Reheat Steam Turbine (GUNRST) thus enabling VSWG to emulate GUNRST response during the initial stage of dynamic frequency response ie inertial phase. Very important property of conventional steam generating units is that its contribution to inertial phase response is independent from the initial generating power. By using MRC in VSWG it is accomplished that in most common wind speed region (3-12 m/s) VSWG inertial support is almost independent from wind speed. Since in most EPSs VSWG replaces conventional steam generators, application of MRC algorithm provides that the characteristics of EPS in terms of inertial response are preserved, regardless of the growing trend of introducing VSWG. Evaluation analysis of the proposed MRC is performed on modified nine bus power system when VSWG with MRC is connected to one of the power system buses.
Uncertainty Of The Measurement Of DC Conductivity Of Eramics At Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Štubňa Igor , Trnovcová Viera , Vozár Libor , Csáki Štefan
Published: May 2015

The electrical DC conductivity is measured at room and elevated temperatures on green ceramic samples prepared from kaolin. The arrangement of the sample, with two platinum wire electrodes inserted in the kaolin prism that was used is suitable for measurements of temperature dependences of the DC conductivity from 20 °C to 1100 °C in the air. The uncertainty analysis taking into account thermal expansion of the sample, homogeneity of the temperature field, measurement regime, corrosion of the electrodes, and overlapping of the electrodes is done for 1000 °C. Uncertainties connected with current and voltage measurements and uncertainties connected with the instruments that were used are also considered. The sum of all the partial uncertainties gives an expanded uncertainty of the conductivity measurement. The uncertainty varies with temperature and reaches the value of ∼ 6.5% at 1000 °C.
Study Of The Fluxset Magnetic Probe Speed–Sensitivity Developed For Detection Of Magnetic Nanoparticles In Surgery
Authors: Datz Dániel , Gasparics Antal , Vértesy Gábor
Published: May 2015

Markers for imaging are vital parts of surgical processes. Since radioactive compound pose considerable risk to both the recipient and the surgical staff, alternative marking techniques are of interest. In NANOMAGDYE project, magneto-optically active nano-particles were created for this reason. The detection of the magnetic interaction of low mass nano-particles in surgical environment is very challenging; so far only quasi-stationary measurements were taken. This paper shows a measurement setup for measurements with continuously moving probe at lower velocities (5–10 mm/s) and at hand movement velocity (20–30 cm/s). It was found that at the velocity of hand movement there is only probe response amplitude reduction of at most 10–15% of the original amplitude. These results indicate that the probe used for the detection of the nano-particles is sufficient to be used in practical purposes in surgery.
Coerced Confusion? Local Emergency Policy Implementation After September 11
Authors: Hildebrand Sean
Published: May 2015

This study examines what motivates local emergency management officials to implement federal emergency management and homeland security policies within their own departments since the September 11 attacks. Pre-existing research claims there is confusion among local governments about potential changes to the role local emergency management services play before, during, and after natural, accidental, or terror related incidents. Meanwhile, additional research claims the federal disaster management policies (The National Response Plan, National Incident Management System, and Incident Command System) lack flexibility in implementation expectations, and there is limited cohesion among the layers of government, actors, and interests involved. This study asserts that something must spur local actors to comply with federal policy demands in their daily operations given how the post-September 11 policies change the field. The study specifically examines the effects of coercion, defined as actions taken by the federal government to force state and local implementers to comply with federal policy demands. Available federal grant dollars for emergency management and homeland security practices could make a dramatic difference to local emergency management operations, forcing these actors to comply with federal policy demands, even if it is in a begrudging fashion that deviates from traditional Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM) principles.
Public road infrastructure inventory in degraded
global navigation satellite system signal
environments
Authors: Sokolova N. , Morrison A. , Haakonsen T. A.
Published: May 2015

Recent advancement of land-based mobile mapping
enables rapid and cost-effective collection of highquality
road related spatial information. Mobile Mapping
Systems (MMS) can provide spatial information with subdecimeter
accuracy in nominal operation environments.
However, performance in challenging environments such
as tunnels is not well characterized. The Norwegian Public
Roads Administration (NPRA) manages the country’s
public road network and its infrastructure, a large segment
of which is represented by road tunnels (there are about
1 000 road tunnels in Norway with a combined length of
800 km). In order to adopt mobile mapping technology
for streamlining road network and infrastructure management
and maintenance tasks, it is important to ensure that
the technology is mature enough to meet existing requirements
for object positioning accuracy in all types of environments,
and provide homogeneous accuracy over the
mapping perimeter.

This paper presents results of a testing campaign performed
within a project funded by the NPRA as a part
of SMarter road traffic with Intelligent Transport Systems
(ITS) (SMITS) program. The testing campaign objective
was performance evaluation of high end commercial
MMSs for inventory of public areas, focusing on Global
Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal degraded environments.
Hydrodynamic modeling of stratified estuary: case study of the Jadro River (Croatia)
Authors: Ljubenkov Igor
Published: May 2015

The Jadro River with total length of 4.3 km and average annual discharge of 7.9 m3 s-1 is a relatively small river on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, close to Split. Field campaign measurements were made to estimate salt intrusion in the Jadro estuary in July 2012. This measurement confirmed the stratified character of the estuary where fresh water flows in a thin layer over denser sea water. Furthermore, a numerical model was set up for simulating unsteady stratified flow without mixing between the layers. The model is applied for the Jadro River and field measurements are used for calibration. In addition, the steady state of stratification within the estuary is analyzed by a box model which assumes mixing between layers. Results of the numerical and the box models were compared. The flushing time estimated with the box model is approximately 1.5 day for summer steady conditions. Numerical analysis however shows that the residence time is much larger owing to flow unsteadiness
Water table effects on measured and simulated fluxes in weighing lysimeters for differently-textured soils
Authors: Wegehenkel Martin , Gerke Horst H.
Published: May 2015

Weighing lysimeters can be used for studying the soil water balance and to analyse evapotranspiration (ET). However, not clear was the impact of the bottom boundary condition on lysimeter results and soil water movement. The objective was to analyse bottom boundary effects on the soil water balance. This analysis was carried out for lysimeters filled with fine- and coarse-textured soil monoliths by comparing simulated and measured data for lysimeters with a higher and a lower water table. The eight weighable lysimeters had a 1 m2 grass-covered surface and a depth of 1.5 m. The lysimeters contained four intact monoliths extracted from a sandy soil and four from a soil with a silty-clay texture. For two lysimeters of each soil, constant water tables were imposed at 135 cm and 210 cm depths. Evapotranspiration, change in soil water storage, and groundwater recharge were simulated for a 3-year period (1996 to 1998) using the Hydrus-1D software. Input data consisted of measured weather data and crop model-based simulated evaporation and transpiration. Snow cover and heat transport were simulated based on measured soil temperatures. Soil hydraulic parameter sets were estimated (i) from soil core data and (ii) based on texture data using ROSETTA pedotransfer approach. Simulated and measured outflow rates from the sandy soil matched for both parameter sets. For the sand lysimeters with the higher water table, only fast peak flow events observed on May 4, 1996 were not simulated adequately mainly because of differences between simulated and measured soil water storage caused by ET-induced soil water storage depletion. For the silty-clay soil, the simulations using the soil hydraulic parameters from retention data (i) were matching the lysimeter data except for the observed peak flows on May, 4, 1996, which here probably resulted from preferential flow. The higher water table at the lysimeter bottom resulted in higher drainage in comparison with the lysimeters with the lower water table. This increase was smaller for the finer-textured soil as compared to the coarser soil.
A head loss model for homogeneous slurry transport for medium sized particles
Authors: Miedema Sape A.
Published: May 2015

Slurry transport in horizontal and vertical pipelines is one of the major means of transport of sands and gravels in the dredging industry. There exist 4 main flow regimes, the fixed or stationary bed regime, the sliding bed regime, the heterogeneous flow regime and the homogeneous flow regime. Of course the transitions between the regimes are not very sharp, depending on parameters like the particle size distribution. The focus in this paper is on the homogeneous regime. Often the so called equivalent liquid model (ELM) is applied, however many researchers found hydraulic gradients smaller than predicted with the ELM, but larger that the hydraulic gradient of liquid. Talmon (2011, 2013) derived a fundamental equation (method) proving that the hydraulic gradient can be smaller than predicted by the ELM, based on the assumption of a particle free viscous sub-layer. He used a 2D velocity distribution without a concentration distribution.

In this paper 5 methods are described (and derived) to determine the hydraulic gradient in homogeneous flow, of which the last method is based on pipe flow with a concentration distribution. It appears that the use of von Driest (Schlichting, 1968) damping, if present, dominates the results, however applying a concentration distribution may neutralise this. The final equation contains both the damping and a concentration distribution giving the possibility to calibrate the constant in the equation with experimental data. The final equation is flexible and gives a good match with experimental results in vertical and horizontal pipelines for a value of ACv = 1.3. Data of horizontal experiments Dp = 0.05-0.30 m, d = 0.04 mm, vertical experiments Dp = 0.026 m, d = 0.125, 0.345, 0.560, and 0.750 mm.
Spatial interpolation of point velocities in stream cross-section
Authors: Hasníková Eliška , Pavlásek Jiří , Vach Marek
Published: May 2015

The most frequently used instrument for measuring velocity distribution in the cross-section of small rivers is the propeller-type current meter. Output of measuring using this instrument is point data of a tiny bulk. Spatial interpolation of measured data should produce a dense velocity profile, which is not available from the measuring itself. This paper describes the preparation of interpolation models.

Measuring campaign was realized to obtain operational data. It took place on real streams with different velocity distributions. Seven data sets were obtained from four cross-sections varying in the number of measuring points, 24-82. Following methods of interpolation of the data were used in the same context: methods of geometric interpolation arithmetic mean and inverse distance weighted, the method of fitting the trend to the data thin-plate spline and the geostatistical method of ordinary kriging. Calibration of interpolation models carried out in the computational program Scilab is presented. The models were tested with error criteria by cross-validation. Ordinary kriging was proposed to be the most suitable interpolation method, giving the lowest values of used error criteria among the rest of the interpolation methods.
Investigation of seasonal thermal flow in a real dam reservoir using 3-D numerical modeling
Authors: Üneş Fatih , Varçin Hakan
Published: May 2015

Investigations indicate that correct estimation of seasonal thermal stratification in a dam reservoir is very important for the dam reservoir water quality modeling and water management problems. The main aim of this study is to develop a hydrodynamics model of an actual dam reservoir in three dimensions for simulating a real dam reservoir flows for different seasons. The model is developed using nonlinear and unsteady continuity, momentum, energy and k-ε turbulence model equations. In order to include the Coriolis force effect on the flow in a dam reservoir, Coriolis force parameter is also added the model equations. Those equations are constructed using actual dimensions, shape, boundary and initial conditions of the dam and reservoir. Temperature profiles and flow visualizations are used to evaluate flow conditions in the reservoir. Reservoir flow’s process and parameters are determined all over the reservoir. The mathematical model developed is capable of simulating the flow and thermal characteristics of the reservoir system for seasonal heat exchanges. Model simulations results obtained are compared with field measurements obtained from gauging stations for flows in different seasons. The results show a good agreement with the field measurements.
Treated wastewater irrigation effects on soil hydraulic conductivity and aggregate stability of loamy soils in Israel
Authors: Schacht Karsten , Marschner Bernd
Published: May 2015

The use of treated wastewater (TWW) for agricultural irrigation becomes increasingly important in water stressed regions like the Middle East for substituting fresh water (FW) resources. Due to elevated salt concentrations and organic compounds in TWW this practice has potential adverse effects on soil quality, such as the reduction of hydraulic conductivity (HC) and soil aggregate stability (SAS). To assess the impact of TWW irrigation in comparison to FW irrigation on HC, in-situ infiltration measurements using mini disk infiltrometer were deployed in four different long-term experimental orchard test sites in Israel. Topsoil samples (0-10 cm) were collected for analyzing SAS and determination of selected soil chemical and physical characteristics.

The mean HC values decreased at all TWW sites by 42.9% up to 50.8% compared to FW sites. The SAS was 11.3% to 32.4% lower at all TWW sites. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were generally higher at TWW sites. These results indicate the use of TWW for irrigation is a viable, but potentially deleterious option, as it influences soil physical and chemical properties.
Linear Regression Diagnostics in Cluster Samples
Authors: Li Jianzhu , Valliant Richard
Published: May 2015

An extensive set of diagnostics for linear regression models has been developed to handle nonsurvey data. The models and the sampling plans used for finite populations often entail stratification, clustering, and survey weights, which renders many of the standard diagnostics inappropriate. In this article we adapt some influence diagnostics that have been formulated for ordinary or weighted least squares for use with stratified, clustered survey data. The statistics considered here include DFBETAS, DFFITS, and Cook's D. The differences in the performance of ordinary least squares and survey-weighted diagnostics are compared using complex survey data where the values of weights, response variables, and covariates vary substantially.
Ratio Edits Based on Statistical Tolerance Intervals
Authors: Young Derek S. , Mathew Thomas
Published: May 2015

The role of statistical tolerance intervals for developing ratio edit tolerances in a parametric setup is investigated. The performance of the methodology is assessed for the normal and Weibull distributions. The numerical results show that in terms of Type I and Type II errors, statistical tolerance intervals exhibit better performance compared to other ratio edit procedures available in the literature. The methodology is illustrated using 2010 and 2011 data from the Annual Survey of Manufacturers.
Application of reduced doses of chlorsulfuron in semi-dwarf and full-height cultivars of winter triticale
Authors: Kaczmarek Sylwia , Matysiak Kinga
Published: May 2015

The aim of the field experiments carried out in the years 2009-2011 was to assess the application of reduced doses of chlorsulfuron on yield and quality parameters of winter triticale semi-dwarf and full-height cultivars. The herbicide effect was evaluated in two cultivars, Grenado and Pizarro. The cultivars were of different plant heights. Chlorsulfuron was applied at the recommended dose (15 g a.i. ∙ ha-1), at areduced dose (10.5 g a.i. ∙ ha-1) and at areduced dose with an adjuvant. Treatments with the herbicide were conducted directly after the triticale had been sown. Visual assessment of weed infestation was carried out in spring, after the start of the vegetation of the cultivated plant. The study assessed triticale grain yield, grain number per ear, thousand grain weight, and selected qualitative parameters of grain (protein and starch content). The obtained data proved the usefulness of reduced doses of chlorsulfuron in weed control both separately and in a combination with the adjuvant. The average percent of the weed control was very high for both cultivars and for the assessed doses of herbicide. Both experimental factors (herbicide dose and triticale cultivar) influenced the level of the obtained grain yield of triticale, and the thousand kernel weight. While grain number per ear and protein and starch content depended only on the examined cultivar
Eucalyptus dundasii Maiden essential oil, chemical composition and insecticidal values against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)
Authors: Aref Shiva Parsia , Valizadegan Oruj , Farashiani Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: May 2015

The insecticidal effects of Eucalyptus dundasii Maiden essential oil was studied on the adults of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). Essential oil was obtained by the hydro-distillation method and essential oil composition was analysed by GC-MS. Chemical analysis indicated that 1,8-cineole (54.15%), p-cymene (12.41%), α-thujene (11.37%), and E-caryophyllene (6.7%) were major constituents. For R. dominica and O. surinamensis, the LC50 of E. dundasii essential oil was 41.69 and 57.92 μl · l-1 of air, respectively. Increasing the concentration of the essential oil and the exposure time, increased mortality. The durability of fumigant toxicity on O. surinamensis adults was higher than on R. dominica adults and was statistically different. Based on the mean of the repellent indexes and the standard deviation, E. dundasii essence was repellent for both insects at 70, 140, and 280 μl · l-1 of air concentrations. Statistical analysis showed that Relative Growth Rate (RGR) in O. surinamensis was higher than in R. dominica, and the Relative Consumption Rate (RCR), the Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food (ECI), and the Feeding Deterrence Index (FDI) in O. surinamensis was lower than in R. dominica. The many diverse bio-effects of E. dundasii essential oil confirmed that it is a good candidate for management of R. dominica and O. surinamensis
The health state of Ginkgo biloba L. in the presence of microfungi
Authors: Adamčíková Katarína , Hrubík Pavel
Published: May 2015

The health state of Ginkgo biloba L. and damage caused by microscopic fungi were evaluated over the 2010-2011 time period, in selected localities of Slovakia and Czechia. The trees were assessed and put into two categories of health. Trees in very good (category 1) or good vitality and health with no or only light damage (category 2). A total of seven species of microscopic fungi were identified from samples taken from branches, fruits, and leaves. The following fungal genera were detected: Epicoccum, Fusarium, Alternaria, Phomopsis, Cylindrosporium, Phyllosticta, and Cladosporium. This present study is the first report about microscopic fungi determined on G. biloba for Slovakia
Biodiversity of segetal weed community in continuous potato cultivated with metribuzin-based weed control
Authors: Pawlonka Zbigniew , Rymuza Katarzyna , Starczewski Krzysztof , Bombik Antoni
Published: May 2015

The objective of the work reported here was to determine the relationship between herbicide rate and the biodiversity of weed communities in potato cultivated in continuous cropping. A seven-year field experiment was conducted to examine the effect of 4 metribuzin rates and an uncontrol on weed infestation in successive years of continuous potato cultivation. The following indices were calculated: the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s indices of species diversity and the Simpson’s index of domination. A total of 33 species were recorded in the experimental plots. Echinochoa crus-galli was the dominant species. The most abundant segetal communities were observed in untreated plots. An application of the herbicide reduced the biodiversity of the agrophytocenosis. Cultivation in continuous cropping increased the species number of the weed community in potato. The herbicide and cultivation in continuous cropping did not significantly affect the biodiversity indices but their values, to a great extent, confirmed the trends revealed by the analysis of weed infestation
Incidence of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary on potato and tomato in Maine, 2006–2010
Authors: Olanya Ocen Modesto , Larkin Robert Philip , Honeycutt Charles Wayne
Published: May 2015

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is a devastating disease which is found worldwide. In Maine, United States (US), we recorded late blight on potato and tomato during the 2006-2009 cropping seasons. From 2006 to 2008, over 90% of the diseased samples were collected in potato fields from northern and central Aroostook County in Northern Maine, US. Then, in 2009, an unprecedented influx of inoculum on infected tomato transplants shipped to retail garden centers throughout the Northeast US significantly changed the late blight infection patterns. In 2009, 43% of diseased samples obtained were from tomato, and 57% from potato, and disease was found to occur all over the state. Moran’s index and spatial autocorrelation analysis of disease occurrence, geographical locations, host factors, and infection levels from previous years, were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Therefore, random distributions of late blight incidences were recorded across locations and years. Nearest neighbor analysis revealed that mean spatial distances for late blight occurrence ranged from 1.51 to 71.4 km from 2006 to 2008, and 7.4 to 126.5 km in 2009. The frequency and locations of late blight outbreaks in 2009 were substantially greater than in 2006, 2007, and 2008, as affected by the influx of inoculum and movement of infected tomato seedlings as well as conducive environmental conditions. All were contributing factors for late blight occurrence in Maine. In 2010, few disease samples were collected, indicating that the influx of inoculum in 2009 did not persist to cause widespread disease in 2010. The reduction of inocula sources, fungicide protection of susceptible hosts, and the removal and destruction of infected tomato seedlings and potato cull piles or volunteer plants, can greatly reduce late blight occurrences and improve potato production. These actions should be considered as an integral part of late blight management programmes in regions where late blight commonly occurs
Analytical and Numerical Investigation on the Duffing Oscilator Subjected to a Polyharmonic Force Excitation
Authors: Stoyanov Svetlin
Published: May 2015

An analytical solution for a specific case of the forced Duffing oscillator is proposed. The excitation force contains two harmonics with significant difference frequencies. This case corresponds to a presence of a defect in the machinery and is in the art of the machinery vibration diagnostics. The results obtained show an amplitude modulation. Therefore, the presence of an amplitude modulation in the vibration signal may be used as an indicator for a malfunction. Analytical solution derived clarifies how the amplitude modulation occurs. Also, a numerical solution is realized and compared with the analytical one. For this, the Duffing equation is solved numerically and then, the spectrograms of vibrations are obtained through a Discrete-time Fourier Transform.
Deterministically – Probabilistic Approach for Determining the Steels Elasticity Modules
Authors: Popov Alexander , Klitcheva Galina
Published: May 2015

The known deterministic relationships to estimate the elastic characteristics of materials are not well accounted for significant variability of these parameters in solids. Therefore, it is given a probabilistic approach to determine the modules of elasticity, adopted to random values, which increases the accuracy of the obtained results. By an ultrasonic testing, a non-destructive evaluation of the investigated steels structure and properties has been made.
Prediction of precipitation deficit and excess in Bydgoszcz Region in view of predicted climate change/ Prognoza niedoboru i nadmiaru opadu w rejonie Bydgoszczy w świetle przewidywanej zmiany klimatu
Authors: Bąk Bogdan , Łabędzki Leszek
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the prediction of rainfall shortage and excess in Bydgoszcz region in the growing seasons (April-September) in 2011-2050 in the perspective of climate change. Based on the predicted monthly sum of precipitations for the percentile 50%, calculated by the regional climate model RM5.1 for Poland with boundary values taken from global model ARPEGE, a decrease in the amount of rainfall during the growing season by approximately 55 mm is predicted, compared to 1971-2000 taken as a reference period. The qualification of rainfall shortage and excess was made using the standardised precipitation index (SPI). According to the predicted values of SPI, the occurrence of 38 months of rainfall excess and 40 months of rainfall deficit in the period 2011-2050 is predicted. Dry months will constitute 16% of all months, wet months - 13%, and normal months - 71%. The occurrence of 13 several-month long periods of rainfall excess and 14 such periods of drought are predicted. The longest periods of both wet and dry weather will last 5 months. So long wet periods are expected in 2020, 2022 and 2031, and drought periods in 2017-2018, 2023-2024 and from 2046 to 2049.
Emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus into rivers from agricultural land – selected controversial issues/ Ładunki azotu i fosforu wprowadzane do rzek z terenów rolniczych – wybrane dyskusyjne problemy
Authors: Ilnicki Piotr
Published: May 2015

The research methodology for determining the sources of nutrients responsible for the eutrophication of rivers and seas, as well as the extent of their load in particular drainage basins, has for many years been at the centre of vigorous discussion. In the Oder and Vistula river basin, apart from the calculation of monthly and annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus, based on the discharge and chemical monitoring data of waters, the MONERIS (Modeling Nutrient Emissions in River Systems) model has also been applied in determining nutrient sources. This article, on the basis of a comprehensive review of the professional literature, shall cast a critical eye over six issues that have been at the centre of past robust discussion: 1) determining the balance of N and P in agriculture, 2) the effects of a significant improvement in sewage treatment, 3) impact of technology on agriculture, 4) determination of nutrient retention in drainage basins, 5) impact of tile drainage practices on the leaching of nutrients, 6) as well as the accuracy of calculations made according to the MONERIS model. It would appear that for practical purposes it is sufficient to determine given loads of N and P from the drainage basins of particular rivers, as well as to adjust the above mentioned model, or indeed - resign from the unproven methodology of determining nutrient sources in rivers.
Optical Properties of Polish Lakes: The Secchi Disc Transparency
Authors: Borowiak Dariusz
Published: May 2015

The spatial variation of water transparency of the largest Polish lakes was presented on the basis of documentary material collected by the Voivodeship Inspectorates for Environment Protection as well as university geography departments in the period of 1991-2013. Seasonal results of the Secchi disc measurements (spring, summer) for 706 lakes were gathered. This is more than 68% of the total number of Polish lakes with a surface area larger than 50 ha. The mean water transparency of these lakes was 1.87 m, while the median was 1.58 m. Distinct inter-regional differences of the Secchi disc transparency were found, and it was also possible to distinguish three relatively homogeneous groups of macroregions where lakes have different optical characteristics. They can be divided into areas with lakes with high (3.05 m), medium (1.99-2.11 m) and low (1.22-1.52 m) water transparency. The Secchi disc transparency of these lakes was also analysed in relation to concentration values of the main forms of the optically significant constituents of water (coloured dissolved organic matter, suspended matter). The mean transparency of turbid, stained and clear lakes was, respectively, 1.16, 2.02, and 2.92 m. Moreover, regional empirical models to predict Secchi disc transparency from chlorophyll a concentration were also developed. It was assumed that inter-regional differences between models could be due to the probably different time of the ice sheet recession. The influence of the lake morphometry was most fully reflected in the impact of the depth conditions.
Factors controlling sedimentation in the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley during the Pomeranian phase of the Weichselian glaciation: an overview
Authors: Pisarska-Jamroży Małgorzata
Published: May 2015

During the Pleistocene the Scandinavian ice sheet drained huge quantities of sediment-laden meltwaters. These meltwaters supplied ice-marginal valleys that formed parallel to the front of the ice sheet. Not without significance was the supply of ice-marginal valleys from extraglacial rivers in the south. Moreover, periglacial conditions during and after sedimentation in ice-marginal valleys, the morphology of valley bedrocks, and erosion of older sediments played important roles in the depositional scenarios, and in the mineralogical composition of the sediments. The mechanisms that controlled the supply and deposition in ice-marginal valleys were analysed on the basis of a Pleistocene ice-marginal valley that was supplied by northern and southern source areas in the immediate vicinity. Investigations were conducted in one of the largest ice-marginal valleys of the Polish-German lowlands, i.e., the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley, in sandurs (Drawa and Gwda) supplied sediments and waters from the north into this valley, and on extraglacial river terraces (pre-Noteć and pre-Warta rivers), formed simultaneously with the sandurs and ice-marginal valley (Pomeranian phase of Weichselian glaciation) supplied sediments and waters from the south into this valley. A much debated question is how similar, or different, depositional processes and sediments were that contributed to the formation of the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley, and whether or not it is possible to differentiate mostly rapidly aggraded sandur sediments from ice-marginal valley sediments. Another question addresses the contribution of extraglacial feeding of the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley. These matters were addressed by a wide range of analyses: sediment texture and structure, architectural elements of sediments, frequency of sedimentary successions, heavy-mineral analysis (both transparent and opaque heavy minerals), analysis of rounding and frosting of quartz grains, and palaeohydrological calculations. Additionally, a statistical analysis was used. The specific depositional conditions of distribution of sediments in ice-marginal valley allow to distinguish new environment of ice-marginal valley braided river. The spectrum of depositional conditions in the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley and their specific palaeohydraulic parameters allow to distinguish three coexisting zones in the ice-marginal valley braided-river system: (1) deep gravel-bed braided channel zone with extensive scours, (2) deep sand-bed braided channel zone with transverse bars, and (3) marginal sand-bed and gravel-bed braided channel zone with diamicton and breccia deposition, which were characterised in detail. Some of the results have been published previously, which is why they are discussed in the present paper within the context of new data
Sail-Type Wind Turbine for Autonomous Power Supplay: Possible Use in Latvia
Authors: Sakipova S. , Jakovics A.
Published: May 2015

Under the conditions of continuous increase in the energy consumption, sharply rising prices of basic energy products (gas, oil, coal), deterioration of environment, etc., it is of vital importance to develop methods and techniques for heat and power generation from renewables. The paper considers the possibility to use a sail-type wind turbine for autonomous power supply in Latvia, taking into account its climatic conditions. The authors discuss the problems of developing a turbine of the type that would operate efficiently at low winds, being primarily designed to supply power to small buildings and farms distant from centralized electricity networks. The authors consider aerodynamic characteristics of such a turbine and the dependence of the thrust moment of its pilot model on the airflow rate at different angles of attack. The pilot model with a changeable blade shape has been tested and shows a good performance.
Do Fathers Matter: Influencing Neural Phenotypes Through Non-Genetic Transmission of Paternal Experiences?
Authors: Hehar Harleen , Mychasiuk Richelle
Published: May 2015

Understanding the role of fathers and how paternal experiences actually influence offspring outcomes is a rapidly growing field of research. This Lamarkian mode of inheritance offers offspring an additional mechanism for environmental adaptation that can occur in a single generation, rather than waiting for chance mutations in DNA that may or may not increase an individual’s chances for survival. This review article examines the influences of many paternal experiences including, stress, drugs, and alcohol, along with enrichment, exercise, diet and paternal age, on offspring neural phenotypes. Where possible, there is also discussion of the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the transmission of these experiences to the offspring. Although previous ideologies maintained a small role for fathers (merely as sperm-donors) in the developmental trajectories of the offspring they sired, research now demonstrates that they influence a wide range of outcomes such as drug and alcohol tolerance, susceptibility to mental illness, and patterning of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) stress response. These novel findings emphasize the complexity and extensive realm of factors that can influence the development of offspring neural phenotypes.
Review on origin of the unusual high-Tc superconductivity in Ca1−xRExFe2As2 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)
Authors: Zhou W. , Shi Z. X.
Published: May 2015

Since the discovery of high temperature superconductivity in iron pnictides in 2008, many iron-based superconductors (IBSs) with various crystal structures have been exploited.Among them, superconductivity with the onset transition temperature T
Mobility of interacting inorganic nanoparticles
Authors: Dziedzic-Kocurek Katarzyna , Fornal Piotr , Stanek Jan
Published: May 2015

The mobility of the 110 nm-Fe2O3 particles in a viscous sucrose solution depends on the concentration of the nanoparticles. When the average particle–particle nearest neighbor distance  is less than 250 nm, the particle interaction slows down their mobility. When  is more than 170 nm, the small mobility of nanoparticles does not depend on their concentration. The critical distance is approximately equal to 2Rh
= 260 nm, where Rh
is the hydrodynamic radius, determined by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method.
Temperature dependence of the short-range order parameter for Fe0.90Cr0.10 and Fe0.88Cr0.12 alloys
Authors: Idczak Rafał , Konieczny Robert
Published: May 2015

The 57Fe Mössbauer spectra for the iron-based solid solutions Fe0.90Cr0.10 and Fe0.88Cr0.12 were measured at different temperatures ranging from 300 K to 900 K. Analysis of the obtained spectra shows that the distribution of impurity atoms in the two first coordination shells of 57Fe nuclei is not random and it cannot be described by the binomial distribution. Quantitatively, the effects were described in terms of the atomic short-range order (SRO) parameters and the pair-wise interaction energy with the help of a quasi-chemical type formulation introduced by Cohen and Fine. The obtained results reveal strong clustering-type correlations in the studied samples (a predominance of Fe-Fe and Cr-Cr bonds). Moreover, the changes in SRO values observed during thermal processing suggest that the distribution of Cr atoms in an α-iron matrix is strongly temperature dependent.