bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Hydrogen Concentration in Sparging Gas on Hydrogen Production and Consumption via Anaerobic Fermentation
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Li Leigang , Wu Chao , Zhao Zeyin , Meng Liang
Published: July 2017

Abstract.

The main problem of hydrogen production via anaerobic fermentation is the very low production rate due to severe hydrogen-consuming reactions. Hydrogen partial pressure is a major factor influencing reactions of hydrogen production and consumption. To study the influence of H2 concentration on hydrogen production and consumption, H2 was mixed with N2 at initial concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% to sparge the fermentation broth. The results showed that H2 concentration had significant influence on these reactions, changing the pathway of glucose hydrolysis and acidification. With increasing H2 concentration in the sparging gas, the pathway of glucose acidogenesis hydrolysis transferred from mixed acid production (propionic acid and butyric acid) to propionic acid production. When the H2 concentration was 20% and the N2 concentration was 80%, the production rates of propionic acid and butyric acid were highest (0.76 and 0.41 mmol mmol-1 glucose consumed d-1, respectively) and accounted for 100% of total soluble metabolic products. When the H2 concentration in the sparging gas was more than 40%, the production rates of propionic acid and butyric acid decreased, and glucose degradation was inhibited. In addition, due to propionic acid type fermentation and high hydrogen partial pressure, acetogenesis was not feasible thermodynamically, resulting in a low production rate of H2 during the whole fermentation process. When the initial H2 concentration in the sparging gas was 40%, the production rate of H2 was highest, (0.42 mol mol-1 glucose consumed d-1). In addition, the theoretical production rate of H2 calculated from the production of soluble metabolic products was less than the actual value. This resulted from the co-existence of homoacetogenesis and acetic acid oxidation due to the bidirectionality of homoacetogens, establishing a new symbiotic relationship. Keywords: Anaerobic fermentation, Hydrogen consumption, Hydrogen partial pressure, Hydrogen production, Sparging.
Policy of Empowerment: Pope Francis in Cuba
Authors: Petra Kuivala
Published: July 2017

This article evaluates the visit of Pope Francis to Cuba in September 2015 through interviews with significant actors in the events surrounding it. Encompassed with a multitude of expectations relating to the processes of change taking place in Cuba, the papal visit marked a historic moment both for the Catholic Church in Cuba and the Cuban state, also due to the conflictual history of the church–state relations and the increasingly active participation of the Catholic Church in Cuban society. A significant factor of the papal visit was the role of Pope Francis in the rapprochement between Cuba and the US. As the visit portrayed Pope Francis as an active participant in the processes of change that is occurring in Cuba, the article also examines the expectations, interpretations and outcomes of the visit as well as the role attributed to Pope Francis in contemporary Cuba.
La Revolución Energética: A Model for Reducing Cuba's Dependence on Venezuelan Oil
Authors: Tom Fletcher
Published: July 2017

Given Cuba's growing dependence on subsidised Venezuelan oil, which accounts for a majority of oil consumed in Cuba, any collapse in existing agreements could have wide-ranging consequences for the Cuban economy. As such, strategies to reduce this dependence, and to mitigate the impact of an end to subsidised oil, are becoming an increasingly important issue. This article aims to illustrate how aspects of Cuba's so-called ‘Energy Revolution’ of 2005 can be drawn upon as part of a range of proposed solutions to the problem of over-dependence on Venezuelan oil. The article firstly investigates why a reduction in dependence is necessary. This is accomplished first through an examination of the oil agreement between the two countries, after which an assessment of the extent of Cuba's dependence is presented, followed by an adjudication of the likelihood of a breakdown in agreements. Finally, this is used to evaluate how Cuba would be affected should Venezuelan oil subsidies end. The article then explores the potential of three strategies to reduce this dependence, and therefore the impact of any breakdown, or renegotiation of agreements. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the effect of existing government policies, and building the case for further work in each of the strategy areas, with the ultimate aim of making the Cuban economy more resilient to supply disruption from Venezuela.
Minority Report: Cuban Gays in the International Media
Authors: Emily J. Kirk
Published: July 2017

Revolutionary Cuba has been a fixture in the international media for decades. Topics that made headlines around the globe have included Fidel Castro's death, US–Cuba relations, visits to Havana by the Pope, Cuba's international medical missions, and economic changes under Raúl Castro. One topic, however, which has been crucial to human development in contemporary Cuba, has received comparatively little media attention – sexual diversity (LGBT) rights. This study examines articles that focus on sexual diversity rights published from among the most popular news outlets of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Two fundamental questions are addressed: what is the international media's perception of sexual diversity rights in Cuba? And what does this suggest about the overall understanding of the Revolution?
Birches Too Difficult to Cut Down: The Rejection and Assimilation of the Soviet Reference in Cuban Culture
Authors: Rafael Pedemonte
Published: July 2017

The concept of ‘nostalgia’ has been recently coined to characterise the remnants of the Soviet past and its psychological impact in Cuban society. This article claims that during the 1960s, relationships with the USSR engendered divergent reactions, sometimes accompanied by strong resistance, to the canons of the ‘International communism’. The Cuban revolutionary experience did not always match with Moscow's priorities, especially in the cultural field, which was reflected on multiple debates about the appropriateness of applying the Soviet model. Although the 1970s and 1980s were decades of massive Soviet influences, producing in Cuba a growing adoption of the Socialist realism's techniques, the fall of the Berlin wall and the Periodo Especial have generated a renovated way of expression. Nowadays, a post-Soviet generation of artists seeks to unveil the fractures produced by the definitive collapse of the illusions embodied by the Soviet Union.
A farewell to youth: The slippery modernity of Rapsodia satanica and Addio giovinezza!
Authors: Cannamela Danila
Published: July 2017

Rapsodia satanica (‘Satanic rhapsody)’ by Oxilia (1917) and Addio giovinezza! (‘Goodbye youth!’) by Genina (1918) constitute a cinematographic diptych on the theme of lost youth. While the former is a reinvention of Faust’s deal with the devil with a feminine protagonist, the latter is a homage to the carefree college years. Filmed in an era in which the dream of the Belle Époque clashed with the trauma of World War I, the two films epitomize the challenges of depicting the precariousness of modernity, while experiencing the crisis of Italian silent cinema. Analysing these interrelated questions, the first section of the article compares the marketing strategies through which Rapsodia satanica and Addio giovinezza! affirmed cinema as the catalyst of modernity. The second section examines how the two films adopted different techniques to represent parallel issues, such as the dichotomy of youth– adulthood and the ageing of the diva-model.
Politicize and popularize: The theoretical discourse on feminicide in Italian feminist blogs
Authors: Mandolini Nicoletta
Published: July 2017

The concept of feminicide (‘femminicidio’) has been recently introduced to the Italian socio-political context and since 2012 a prolific theoretical debate on the topic has begun, both on traditional media and on the Internet. This article aims at analysing the current online discussion on feminicide and, in particular, the synergy of dialogue and activism which has appeared within the domain of feminist blogs. Drawing from the theoretical and methodological framework of Foucauldian Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA), my objective is to investigate the bloggers’ ability to promote existing theories on sexist murders for a larger readership (popularization) and to redefine the notion of feminicide with new socially relevant meanings capable of extending the discursive perimeter of existing feminist theories on the phenomenon (politicization).
Film Reviews
Authors: Nerenberg Ellen , Verdicchio Pasquale
Published: July 2017

Review of student films, Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia-Rome, CSC-Milan, and DARvipem, University of Bologna

1.200 km di bellezza, Italo Moscati (2016), Roma: Luce/Cinecittà
Island Operations of Electric Generators Connected to One Substation
Authors: Neumann Petr
Published: July 2017

While increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES), which are unregulated and difficult to predict, a large system of nuclear power plants must provide balancing peaks in the production of renewable energy. It is also important to simulate the rapid changes in the power of individual large Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) units, and for these regimes to train operators of nuclear units. Therefore the paper is aimed to island operations of more parallel electricsynchronous generators connected to one substation of a power grid.
Automated Water Classification in the Tibetan Plateau Using Chinese GF-1 WFV Data
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Zheng Guoxiong , Gao Yang , Xiang Yang , Lei Yanbin , Li Junli
Published: July 2017

The unique climate and topography of the Tibetan Plateau produce an abundant distribution of lakes. These lakes are important indicators of climate change, and changes in lake area have critical implications for water resources and ecological conditions. Lake area change can be monitored
using the huge sets of high-resolution remote sensing data available, but this demands an automatic water classification system. This study develops an algorithm for automatic water classification using Chinese GF-1 (or Gaofen-1) wide-field-of-view (WFV)
satellite data. The original GF-1 WFV data were automatically preprocessed with radiometric correction and orthorectification. The single-band threshold and two global-local segmentation methods were employed to distinguish water from non-water
features. Three methods of determining the optimal thresholds for normalized difference water index (NDWI) images were compared: Iterative Self Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA); global-local segmentation with thresholds specified
by stepwise iteration; and the Otsu method. The water classification from two steps of global-local segmentations showed better performance than the single-band threshold and ISODATA methods. The GF-1 WFV-based
lake mapping across the entire Tibetan Plateau in 2015 using the global-local segmentations with thresholds from the Otsu method showed high quality and efficiency in automatic water classification. This method can be extended to other satellite datasets, and makes the high-resolution global
monitoring and mapping of lakes possible.
Quantitative Identification of Construction Risk
Authors: Kasprowicz T.
Published: July 2017

Risks pertaining to construction work relate to situations in which various events may randomly change the duration and cost of the project or worsen its quality. Because of possible significant changes of random events, favorable, moderate, and difficult conditions of construction work are considered. It is the first stage of the construction risk analysis. The probabilistic parameters of construction are identified and described by using the design characteristics model of the structure and the construction technology model. The first describes the probabilistic properties of the structure execution’s technology. The second describes the probabilistic properties of the works execution. Both models contain basic probabilistic data for scheduling, cost estimating, and risk assessment of the construction.
Application of Simulation Methods of Stochastic Processes to Vortex Excitation
Authors: Lipecki T. , Flaga A.
Published: July 2017

A description of direct simulation of crosswind loads caused by critical vortex excitation and the response of the structure to these loads are presented in this paper. Tower-like structures of circular cross-sections are considered. A proposed mathematical model of vortex excitation has been numerically implemented and a selfserving computer program was created for the purpose. This software, cooperating with the FEM system, allows for a simulation of a crosswind load and lateral response in real time, meaning that at each time step of the calculations the load is generated using information regarding displacements seen beforehand. A detailed description of the mathematical model is neglected in this paper, which is focused on numerical simulations. WAWS and AR methods are used in simulations.
Effect of Technological Parameters on the AlSi12 Alloy Microstructure During Crystallization Under Pressure
Authors: Pastirčák R. , Ščury J. , Brůna M. , Bolibruchová D.
Published: July 2017

The paper deals with the impact of technological parameters on the heat transfer coefficient and microstructure in AlSi12 alloy using squeeze casting technology. The casting with crystallization under pressure was used, specifically direct squeeze casting method. The goal was to affect crystallization by pressure with a value 100 and 150 MPa. The pressure applied to the melt causes a significant increase of the coefficient of heat transfer between the melt and the mold. There is an increase in heat flow by approximately 50% and the heat transfer coefficient of up to 100-fold, depending on the casting conditions. The change in cooling rate influences the morphology of the silicon particles and intermetallic phases. A change of excluded needles to a rod-shaped geometry with significantly shorter length occurs when used gravity casting method. By using the pressure of 150 MPa during the crystallization process, in the structure can be observed an irregular silica particles, but the size does not exceed 25 microns.
Effect of Different Inoculants on Impact Toughness in High Chromium Cast Iron
Authors: Siekaniec D. , Kopyciński D. , Guzik E. , Tyrała E. , Nowak A.
Published: July 2017

The present work, presented the study of effect of different inoculants on impact toughness in High Chromium Cast Iron. The molds were pouring in industrial conditions and samples were tested in laboratory in Faculty of Foundry Engineering at AGH. Seven samples were tested - one reference sample, three with different addition of Fe-Ti, and three with different addition of Al. The samples were subjected to impact toughness on Charpy hammer and the hardness test. The presented investigations indicate that for the each inoculant there is an optimal addition at which the sample obtained the highest value of impact toughness. For the Fe-Ti it is 0.66% and for Al is 0.17%. Of all the examined inoculants best results were obtained at a dose of 0.66% Fe-Ti. Titanium is a well-known as a good modifier but very interesting results gives the aluminum. Comparing the results obtained for the Fe-Ti and Al can be seen that in the case of aluminum hardness is more stable. The hardness of all samples is around 40-45 HRC, which is not high for this type of cast iron. Therefore, in future studies it is planned to carry out the heat treatment procedure that may improves hardness.
Effect of Temperature on Chromite-Based Moulding Sands Bonded with Sodium Silicate
Authors: Stachowicz M. , Kamiński M. , Granat K. , Pałyga Ł.
Published: July 2017

In the paper, a research on effects of baking temperature on chromite sand base of moulding sands bonded with sodium silicate is presented. Pure chromite sand and its chromite-based moulding sand prepared with use of sodium silicate were subjected to heating within 100 to 1200 °C. After cooling-down, changes of base grains under thermal action were determined. Chromite moulding sand was prepared with use of 0.5 wt% of domestic made, unmodified sodium silicate (water-glass) grade 145. After baking at elevated temperatures, creation of rough layer was observed on grain surfaces, of both pure chromite sand and that used as base of a moulding sand. Changes of sand grains were evaluated by scanning microscopy and EDS analyses. It was found that changes on grain surfaces are of laminar nature. The observed layer is composed of iron oxide (II) that is one of main structural components of chromite sand. In order to identify changes in internal structure of chromite sand grains, polished sections were prepared of moulding sand hardened with microwaves and baked at elevated temperatures. Microscopic observations revealed changes in grains structure in form of characteristically crystallised acicular particles with limited magnesium content, intersecting at various angles. EDS analysis showed that these particles are composed mostly of chromium oxide (III) and iron oxide (II). The temperature above that the a.m. changes are observed in both chromite-based moulding sand and in pure chromite sand. The observed phenomena were linked with hardness values and mass of this sand.
Optimization of Micro-Alloying Elements for Mechanical Properties in Normalized Cast Steel Using Taguchi Technique
Authors: Chokkalingam B. , Raja V. , Anburaj J. , Immanual R. , Dhineshkumar M.
Published: July 2017

In this study, Taguchi method is used to find out the effect of micro alloying elements like vanadium, niobium and titanium on the hardness and tensile strength of the normalized cast steel. Based on this method, plan of experiments were made by using orthogonal arrays to acquire the data on hardness and tensile strength. The signal to noise ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to investigate the effect of these micro alloying elements on these two mechanical properties of the micro alloyed normalized cast steel. The results indicated that in the micro alloyed normalized cast steel both these properties increases when compared to non-micro-alloyed normalized cast steel. The effect of niobium addition was found to be significantly higher to obtain higher hardness and tensile strength when compared to other micro alloying elements. The maximum hardness of 200HV and the maximum tensile strength of 780 N/mm2 were obtained in 0.05%Nb addition micro alloyed normalized cast steel. Micro-alloyed with niobium normalized cast steel have the finest and uniform microstructure and fine pearlite colonies distributed uniformly in the ferrite. The optimum condition to obtain higher hardness and tensile strength were determined. The results were verified with experiments.
Aluminium Alloys Smelting in Shaft- Reverberatory Furnaces in a Liquid Bath Mode
Authors: Grachev V.
Published: July 2017

The aim of research was creation of a furnace for aluminum alloys smelting “in a liquid bath” in order to reduce metal loss. In the paper, the author demonstrates the results of research on smelting of aluminum alloys in a shaft-reverberatory furnace designed by the author. It has been shown that smelting aluminum alloy in a liquid bath was able to significantly reduce aluminum loss and that shaft-reverberatory design provided high efficiency and productivity along with lower energy costs. Ensuring continuous operation of the liquid bath and superheating chamber, which tapped alloy with the required texture, was achieved by means of the optimal design of partition between them. The optimum section of the connecting channels between the liquid bath of smelting and the superheating chamber has been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed. The author proposed a workable shaft-reverberatory furnace for aluminum alloys smelting, providing solid charge melting in a liquid bath.
Studies of Binding Kinetics and Choice of Self-Hardening Moulding and Core Sands Used for Casting Massive Parts for Wind Power Industry under the Conditions of Krakodlew Foundry
Authors: Rączka M. , Isendorf B.
Published: July 2017

In highly developed countries, a significant progress in the use of alternative and clean energy sources has recently been observed. The European Union has implemented a programme to build wind turbines. It is estimated that in the coming years, thanks to the support in tax and credit, the global energy will develop very intensively. Many components of the wind turbines are castings. The basic material used for these castings is ductile iron, which in this particular case must meet high requirements imposed by the operating conditions of wind turbines. Anticipating an increase in customer demand for this type of castings, Krakodlew SA has decided to modernize its foundry using the ability to obtain external financing. The ductile iron manufacturing technology is now being developed and adapted to the specific conditions of the foundry plant, including the melting process yielding cast material with the required chemical composition, the technology of moulding, and the conditions for possible secondary metallurgy, spheroidizing treatment and graphitizing inoculation. The fulfilment of the imposed conditions for the casting production demands the use of advanced casting technologies introduced to the manufacturing process. The development of technology to launch the production of ductile iron castings for the wind power industry was supported by The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR). This article presents part of research on the binding kinetics of furan resin sands and choice of their composition for moulds and cores to make heavy castings used as components of equipment for the wind power industry.
Reduced–Order Perfect Nonlinear Observers of Fractional Descriptor Discrete–Time Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this work is to propose and characterize fractional descriptor reduced-order perfect nonlinear observers for a class of fractional descriptor discrete-time nonlinear systems. Sufficient conditions for the existence of these observers are established. The design procedure of the observers is given and demonstrated on a numerical example.
Stochastic Fractal Based Multiobjective Fruit Fly Optimization
Authors: Zuo Cili , Wu Lianghong , Zeng Zhao-Fu , Wei Hua-Liang
Published: July 2017

The fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) is a global optimization algorithm inspired by the foraging behavior of a fruit fly swarm. In this study, a novel stochastic fractal model based fruit fly optimization algorithm is proposed for multiobjective optimization. A food source generating method based on a stochastic fractal with an adaptive parameter updating strategy is introduced to improve the convergence performance of the fruit fly optimization algorithm. To deal with multiobjective optimization problems, the Pareto domination concept is integrated into the selection process of fruit fly optimization and a novel multiobjective fruit fly optimization algorithm is then developed. Similarly to most of other multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs), an external elitist archive is utilized to preserve the nondominated solutions found so far during the evolution, and a normalized nearest neighbor distance based density estimation strategy is adopted to keep the diversity of the external elitist archive. Eighteen benchmarks are used to test the performance of the stochastic fractal based multiobjective fruit fly optimization algorithm (SFMOFOA). Numerical results show that the SFMOFOA is able to well converge to the Pareto fronts of the test benchmarks with good distributions. Compared with four state-of-the-art methods, namely, the non-dominated sorting generic algorithm (NSGA-II), the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), and multiobjective self-adaptive differential evolution (MOSADE), the proposed SFMOFOA has better or competitive multiobjective optimization performance.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Matrix Type Transdermal Therapeutic Systems
Authors: Antonoaea Paula , Todoran Nicoleta , Rédai Emőke , Ciurba Adriana , Bogdan Cătălina , Moldovan Mirela , Muntean Daniela Lucia
Published: July 2017

Objective: Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTSs) represent an intensely studied alternative to oral delivery of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of rheumatic diseases due to its ability of avoiding the side effects of the oral route. This study aims to present the evaluation of the mechanical properties of three NSAIDs (meloxicam, tenoxicam and indomethacin) individually included in four type of polymeric matrixes, as part of new formulations development process. Methods: 12 products in form of TTS matrixes were prepared by solvent casting evaporation technique, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC 15000, HPMC E5) and/or ethylcellulose as matrix-forming polymers. Each of the resulted products was evaluated by determining the water vapor absorption, desorption or transmission in controlled atmosphere humidity (evaluation of porosity); the elongation capacity, tensile strength and bioadhesiveness (evaluation of mechanical properties). Results: The analysis of three groups of the experimental data expressed as averages on each group was necessary, in order to identify the parameters which statistically are critically influenced by the ingredients associated in the TTSs matrix compositions. Analysis by normality tests, variance and correlation tests (Anova, Pearson) enabled evaluation of the effect of NSAID type vs. the effect of polymer matrix type on the parameters of the NSAID TTS matrix. Conclusions: Meloxicam incorporated in the structure of HPMC 15000 polymeric matrix favors its viscoelastic structure. Ethylcellulose functions as plasticizer and supports the matrix bioadhesiveness. HPMC E5 does not meet the requirements for TTS preparation in the used experimental conditions.
The Influence of CYP2D6 Phenotype on the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Atomoxetine in Caucasian Healthy Subjects
Authors: Todor Ioana , Muntean Dana , Neag Maria , Bocsan Corina , Buzoianu Anca , Vlase Laurian , Leucuta Daniel , Gheldiu Ana-Maria , Popa Adina , Briciu Corina
Published: July 2017

Objective: To analyze a potential phenotypic variation within the studied group based on the pharmacokinetic profile of atomoxetine and its active metabolite, and to further investigate the impact of CYP2D6 phenotype on atomoxetine pharmacokinetics. Methods: The study was conducted as an open-label, non-randomized clinical trial which included 43 Caucasian healthy volunteers. Each subject received a single oral dose of atomoxetine 25 mg. Subsequently, atomoxetine and 4-hydroxyatomoxetine-O-glucuronide (glucuronidated active metabolite) plasma concentrations were determined and a noncompartmental method was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of both compounds. Further on, the CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) metabolic ratio (atomoxetine/ 4-hydroxyatomoxetine-O-glucuronide) and specific statistical tests (Lilliefors (Kolgomorov-Smirnov) and Anderson-Darling test). The phenotypic differences in atomoxetine disposition were identified based on the pharmacokinetic profile of the parent drug and its metabolite. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that the AUC metabolic ratio data set did not follow a normal distribution. As a result, two different phenotypes were identified, respectively the poor metabolizer (PM) group which included 3 individuals and the extensive metabolizer (EM) group which comprised the remaining 40 subjects. Also, it was demonstrated that the metabolic phenotype significantly influenced atomoxetine pharmacokinetics, as PMs presented a 4.5-fold higher exposure to the parent drug and a 3.2-fold lower exposure to its metabolite in comparison to EMs. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic and statistical analysis emphasized the existence of 2 metabolic phenotypes: EMs and PMs. Furthermore, it was proved that the interphenotype variability had a marked influence on atomoxetine pharmacokinetic profile.
Das ist kein Papier
Authors: Gfrereis Heike
Published: July 2017

Das Literaturmuseum der Moderne und das Schiller-Nationalmuseum zeigen die Bestände des Deutschen Literaturarchivs Marbach. Das heißt vor allem: viel Papier, viel Schrift und vieles, was nicht sichtbar ist – den Kern des Schreibens und Denkens, die Energiezentren unseres Erfindungsdrangs. Die ausgestellte „Flachware“ ist so immer auch ein Drittes zwischen Körper und Geist, Material und Sinn, Zeichen und Sprache.
Is dental implantation indicated in patients with oral mucosal diseases
Authors: Kalogirou Eleni-Marina , Sklavounou Alexandra
Published: July 2017

Background/Aim: Dental implants are a reliable treatment choice for rehabilitation of healthy patients as well as subjects with several systemic conditions. Patients with oral mucosal diseases often exhibit oral mucosal fragility and dryness, erosions, blisters, ulcers or microstomia that complicate the use of removable dentures and emphasize the need for dental implants. The aim of the current study is to review the pertinent literature regarding the dental implantation prospects for patients with oral mucosal diseases. Material and Method: The English literature was searched through PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases with key words: dental implants, oral mucosal diseases, oral lichen planus (OLP), epidermolysis bullosa (EB), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), cicatricial pemphigoid, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, leukoplakia, oral potentially malignant disorders, oral premalignant lesions, oral cancer and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Results: Literature review revealed dental implantation in patients with OLP (14 articles), EB (11 articles), pemphigus vulgaris (1 article), SS (14 articles), systemic sclerosis (11 articles), systemic lupus erythematosus (3 articles) and oral SCC development associated with leukoplakia (5 articles). No articles regarding dental implants in patients with pemphigoid or leukoplakia without SCC development were identified. Most articles were case-reports, while only a few retrospective, prospective or observational studies were identified. Conclusions: Dental implants represent an acceptable treatment option with a high success rate in patients with chronic mucocutaneous and autoimmune diseases with oral manifestations, such as OLP, SS, EB and systemic sclerosis. Patients with oral possibly malignant disorders should be closely monitored to rule out the development of periimplant malignancy. Further studies with long follow-up, clinical and radiographic dental data are required to predict with accuracy the outcome of dental implants in patients with oral mucosal diseases.
Oral granular cell tumor: Report of case series and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Karakostas Panayiotis , Matiakis Apostolos , Anagnostou Eleftherios , Kolokotronis Alexandros
Published: July 2017

Background/Aim: The present analysis focuses on examining a case series of eight patients diagnosed with a granular cell tumor located in the oral cavity. Case series: The patients’ clinical states were thoroughly studied, along with the histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations findings. Their surgical treatment and postoperative course are also within the scope of this analysis. Numerous histogenesis theories and the appropriate tumor treatment are mentioned within the article being always in accordance with the relative literature. Conclusions: Oral granular cell tumor is a benign oral disease of possible neural origin commonly located on the tongue. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. In any case, histological and immunohistochemical examination confirm both the clinical diagnosis and the differential diagnosis between oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Orofacial Crohn’s disease: A case report
Authors: Budanur Tuncer , Şirin Merve , Sepet Elif , Ünür Meral , Güllüoğlu Mine , Cantez Serdar , Uğurcan Durmaz
Published: July 2017

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major relapsing conditions of inflammatory bowel diseases. Case Report: A case of Crohn’s disease with orofacial manifestations in a 10 year old girl is described. She had suffered from fever, dysphagia, arthralgia, painful recurrent ulcers of the oral mucosa and swelling of the lower lip lasting over 6 weeks. Clinical examination and the punch biopsy from the buccal mucosa revealed major recurrent aphthous ulcerations. A partial regression and significant relief of lesions were achieved two weeks after the treatment, but the patient suffered from abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, arthritis, multiple hyperplastic and swollen mucosal folds, after 3 months. The patient was referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed pyloric ulcer formation. Abdominal ultrasound showed increased thickening of the ileal wall with multiple enlarged lympadenopathies in the periileal region. Colonoscopy images showed deep ulcers with surrounding erythema. The histopathological examination of biopsies from the terminal ileum and the colon showed basal plasmacytosis, minimal crypt distortions and aphthous ulcerations. The diagnosis of Orofacial Crohn’s disease was made. Exclusive enteral nutrition for 8 weeks, followed by azathiopurine treatment was started with an excellent clinical response on abdominal and oral symptoms. Conclusion: Diagnosis of the disease by dentists and other clinicians through the evaluation of oral clinical findings is very rare. Mucocutaneous and granulomatous lesions of the oral cavity should alert the clinician to pursue an underlying systemic cause. Early communication with a gastroenterologist can help early diagnosis of Crohn’s disease for better patient management and prognosis.
How Do Cultural and Institutional Distance Affect China’s OFDI towards the OBOR Countries?
Authors: Zhang Lin , Xu Zheqian
Published: July 2017

In order to examine the impact of cultural and institutional distance on China’s OFDI towards the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) area, the paper selects 28 countries along The Belt and Road. The empirical results using panel data from 2006-2014 indicate that institutional distance is negatively correlated with China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). At the same time, cultural distance interacts with bilateral trade, resulting in a “benefit of foreignness” effect.
Export Promotion Aims and Reality: A Comparison of the Iberian, Baltic and Central European Region
Authors: Éltető Andrea , Antalóczy Katalin
Published: July 2017

As a consequence of the international crisis in 2008-2009, the role of exports in economic growth came into focus in most countries. Exports of EU Member States gained momentum from 2010 onward but with certain changes in their structure and direction. In several countries, the turn towards non-EU areas, such as China or Latin America was part of the state export strategy. On the one hand, our article describes these foreign trade strategies and their institutional framework of the Iberian, Baltic and Central European governments, detecting possible similarities. On the other hand, we analyse recent export data. This way we can get a picture on the structure and direction of exports of periphery economies and this can be compared to the aims of the given states. Our hypothesis is that there is a gap between the reality and the intentions of the governments. The size of this gap varies and is influenced by certain factors such as the different involvement of multinational companies in foreign trade or the different economic structure of these countries. In our paper we list which countries adopted a government strategy and with what aim. We provide a short literature review on state trade promotion policies and discuss these policies and their institutions in the Baltic, Visegrád and Iberian countries.
Current and Potential Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Grešš Martin , Brocková Katarina
Published: July 2017

This article presents an overview of current and potential investment from China into the Slovak Republic within the broader CEEC region cooperation based on the 16+1 platform. Based on a business study on the automotive industry in the CEEC region, and particularly Slovakia as one of the industrial sectors for possible Chinese investment with immense potential, the article aims to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of the region as a foreign direct investment destination. The article also analyses the impact of FDI inflows on the Slovak economy. We come to the conclusion that the recent FDI inflow from China to Slovakia has been statistically insignificant, which may, however, change in case the envisaged Chinese investment into the steel industry in Slovakia will be realised. With respect thereto, the article also points at the need to set out a new revised framework for the international legal protection of Chinese investment in the EU. It has been established that further research is required to assess the impact of Chinese FDI on the Slovak economy.
Alien herbaceous plant species new to Lithuania
Authors: Gudžinskas Zigmantas
Published: July 2017

This paper presents information about ten new alien plant species recorded in Lithuania in the period from 1995 to 2014. These species belong to eight families: Cucurbitaceae (Lagenaria siceraria), Juncaceae (Luzula sylvestris), Lamiaceae (Physostegia virginiana, Sideritis montana), Poaceae (Melica altissima, Miscanthus sacchariflorus), Portulacaceae (Claytonia perfoliata), Scrophulariaceae (Digitalis purpurea), Solanaceae (Datura inoxia) and Zygophyllaceae (Tribulus terestris). Three species (Claytonia perfoliata, Sideritis montana and Tribulus terestris) were introduced accidentally, whereas other seven species were introduced deliberately and later escaped from cultivation. One species, Luzula sylvatica, is ascribed to the group of established aliens, whereas other recorded species are treated as casual. Local establishment of Claytonia perfoliata, Digitalis purpurea and Melica altissima is expected, whereas Miscanthus sacchariflorus can become established and even invasive in the future.
Mitotic and meiotic studies on two species of Ocimum (Lamiaceae) and their F1hybrids
Authors: Idowu Johnson Ademola , Oziegbe Matthew
Published: July 2017

Ocimum L. species are important aromatic and medicinal plants. Many researchers have observed complexity in their chromosome numbers and ploidy levels. We studied the somatic and germline chromosomal features and behaviour of Ocimum basilicum L., two variants of O. canum Sims (‘c1’ and ‘c2’) and their F1hybrids. Chromosomes from root tips and flower buds were investigated using standard techniques; karyograms were formed and analysed. A chromosome number of 2n = 4x = 52 was observed in O. basilicum and O. canum ‘c1’ and their F1hybrid. One of the variants, O. canum ‘c2’ had a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 24 and its intraspecific hybrid O. canum ‘c2’ × O. canum ‘c1’ had a chromosome number of 2n = 38. These Ocimum species and their F1hybrids showed different karyotype formula, but their chromosomes were mostly metacentric (174) and submetacentric (36) with few subtelocentric (8). Based on pairing configuration, O. basilicum is an allotetraploid plant, O. canum ‘c1’ is an autotetraploid plant and the O. canum ‘c1’ is a diploid. The F1 hybrids showed higher frequency of meiotic abnormalities than the parents. The study showed intraspecific and interspecific variation in chromosome numbers and pairing patterns, but the chromosomes of the Ocimum species were similar in their centromeric positions.
Placental protein-13 (PP13) in combination with PAPP-A and free leptin index (fLI) in first trimester maternal serum screening for severe and early preeclampsia
Authors: De Villiers Carin P. , Hedley Paula L. , Placing Sophie , Wøjdemann Karen R. , Shalmi Anne-Cathrine , Carlsen Anting L. , Rode Line , Sundberg Karin , Tabor Ann , Christiansen Michael
Published: July 2017

Background:

Placental protein-13 (PP13) is involved in placental invasion and has been suggested as a maternal serum marker of preeclampsia (PE) development. However, the discriminatory ability of PP13 in first trimester has not been completely clarified.

Methods:

PP13 was measured in first trimester (week 10+3–13+6) maternal serum from 120 PE pregnancies and 267 control pregnancies and was correlated with clinical parameters. The population screening performance of PP13 in combination with the PE markers pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) and free leptin index (fLI) was assessed by Monte Carlo simulation.

Results:

In severe PE (including HELLP) cases (n=26) the median PP13 concentration was 35.8 pg/mL (range: 17.8–85.5 pg/mL) and in PE pregnancies (n=10) with birth prior to week 34, the median PP13 concentration was 30.6 pg/mL (13.1–50.1 pg/mL), compared to controls with a median of 54.8 pg/mL (range: 15.4–142.6 pg/mL) (p<0.04). The population screening detection rate (DR) for a false-positive rate of 10% for severe PE and HELLP was 26% for PP13, 28% for PP13+PAPP-A, 33% for PP13+fLI, and 40% for PP13+PAPP-A+fLI.

Conclusions:

PP13 is a marker of severe PE and HELLP syndrome. The screening performance of PP13 can be markedly improved by combining it with fLI and PAPP-A.
Seedling Establishment, Biomass Yield and Water use Efficiencies of Four Maize Varieties as Influenced by Water Deficit Stress
Authors: Anjorin F.B. , Adejumo S.A. , Are K.S. , Ogunniyan D. J.
Published: July 2017

Water stress is one of the major abiotic factors affecting crop growth and development at every growth stages. Effects of water deficit on the vegetative growth stage of four maize varieties consisting of two Quality Protein Maize varieties (ILE1OB and ART98SW6OB) and two drought tolerant checks (TZPBSR and DTESTRSYN) were evaluated under the screen house conditions at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R & T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Maize seeds were sown in 20 L plastic pots filled with 15 kg top soil, which were subjected to four watering regimes of 25, 50, 75 and 100% field capacities (FC). The experimental design was a 4 × 4 factorial fitted into CRD with four replications. Data were collected on days to germination, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, leaf extension rate, biomass yield and water use efficiency. The result showed that days to germination were prolonged as the moisture availability decreases, while water use efficiency increased as the moisture level reduced. Reduction in moisture availability caused significant reduction in the other evaluated parameters. At 25% FC DTESTRSYN was superior in leaf area, number of leaves per plant, days to germination and water use efficiency, TZPBSR had highest values for stem diameter and biomass yield, while ILE1OB was superior in plant height, stem diameter, leaf and stem extension rate. ILE1OB competes favourably with the drought tolerant checks and performed better than ART98SW6OB. Adequate moisture condition is fundamental for normal growth and development in maize crops.
Yield Potentiality of Maize as Relay Crop with T. Aman Rice under Different Agronomic Management
Authors: Islam M.R. , Zaman R. , Alam M.A. , Khan M.A.A. , Hossain J.
Published: July 2017

The experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Ishwardi, Pabna, Bangladesh, during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to introduce maize as relay crop with T. Aman rice under different agronomic practices for determine the production potentials. The experiment was design split plot with three replications. The agronomic management practices included four plant spacing viz. S1=75 cm×20 cm (66666 plants/ha), S2=60 cm×20 cm (83333 plants/ha), S3=50 cm×20 cm (100000 plants/ha) and S4=40 cm×20 cm (125000 plants/ha) and four soil management practices viz. M1=soil mulching at 25 DAE, M2=earthing up at 25 DAE, M3=straw mulching at 25 DAE and M4= without earthing up and mulching (control). Seeds were relayed by dibbling manually in 10 days before the harvest of T. Aman rice. Results showed that an increasing plant spacing increased leaf area Index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), crop growth rate (CGR) and light energy interception (LEI). Grain yield was higher in S3spacing (8.44 t/ha) than others (S48.11 t/ha, S27.34 t/ha and S16.89 t/ha). Among the soil management practices, M2increased LAI, TDM, CGR, LEI as well as grain yield. Moreover, M2and M1gave similar grain yield (8.22 t/ha and 8.02 t/ha), that were significantly greater than other two soil management practices (M37.55 t/ha and M46.98 t/ha). From the economic point of view, combination of S3M1gave better performance with gross margin of Tk. 95000/ha and BCR of 2.17. On the basis of results, S3M1combination was suitable for growing maize under relay sowing with T. Aman rice.
Effects of Neem Seed Cake and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Eifediyi E.K. , Ahamefule H.E. , Remison S.U. , Aliyu T.H. , Akanbi N.
Published: July 2017

Soils of the southern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria are low in organic matter content, inherently infertile due to intensive weathering and leaching caused by high temperature and rainfall. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin, during the 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons, to determine the effect of neem seed cake and NPK fertilizer on the performance of sesame crop (Ex Sudan cv). Treatments consisted of three levels of NPK fertilizer 20:10:10, applied at 0, 100 and 200 kg ha−1and neem seed cake (NSC), applied at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 t ha−1. The experiment was laid out in a 3 x 5 factorial arrangement replicated thrice. Data were collected on soil parameters (some physical and chemical properties), plant growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves and leaf area) and yield components (number of capsules per plant, weight of seeds per plant and weight of seeds per hectare). The result of the study indicated that using the highest level of application of NPK fertilizer, neem seed cake and their combinations significantly (p<0.05) increased the growth of sesame plants, in the 2 years of study. However, the 100 kg ha−1of NPK and 3 tha−1and their combinations gave the highest yield and yield components of sesame during the period of study. The result of the study revealed that using high levels of NPK, neem seed cake and their combinations favoured vegetative growth at the expense of seed formation. Farmers are therefore encouraged to use organic and inorganic fertilizer moderately to prevent excessive vegetative growth of sesame.