bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquefied Natural Gas Storage of Variable Composition / Magazynowanie Skroplonego Gazu Ziemnego O Zmiennym Składzie
Authors: Łaciak Mariusz
Published: May 2015

Thanks to the increasing diversification of LNG supply sources, being a result of the growing number of LNG liquefaction installations over the World, increase of short-term trade contracts and general trend to globally liberalize gas markets, reception terminals have to cope with the broad range of qualitatively diversified LNG deliveries from various sources. Different LNG deliveries potentially have different density caused by different gas composition. Although the LNG composition depends on LNG source, it mainly consists of methane, ethane, propane, butane and trace nitrogen. When a new supply of LNG is transported to the tank, the LNG composition and temperature in the tank can be different from LNG as delivered. This may lead to the liquid stratification in the tank, and consequently the rollover. As a result, LNG rapidly evaporates and the pressure in the tank increases. More and more restrictive safety regulations require fuller understanding of the formation and evolution of layers. The paper is focused on the analysis of liquid stratification in the tank which may take place when storing LNG, and which process leads to the rapid evaporation of considerable quantities of LNG. The aim was to attempt modeling of the process of liquid stratification in an LNG tank. The paper is closed with the results of modelling.
Comments on “Determination and Analysis of the Theoretical Production of a Bucket Wheel Excavator” / Uwagi I Komentarze Do Pracy: ”Określanie I Analiza Teoretycznej Wydajności Pracy Koparki Wielonaczyniowej Kołowej”
Authors: Bošnjak Srđan M.
Published: May 2015

This paper comments on the recently published work dealing with the problem in the determination of the theoretical output of the bucket wheel excavator. It also includes remarks on the inadequacy in the problem approach and highlights the mistakes in the mathematical model. This work emphasizes the demand for a much wider and deeper approach to the problem of determining the output of the bucket wheel excavator.
Stability Assessment of the High Safety Pillars in Slovenian Natural Stone Mines / Ocena Stabilności Wysokich Filarów Bezpieczeństwa W Kopalniach Kamieni Naturalnych W Słowenii
Authors: Kortnik Jože
Published: May 2015

For the first time in Slovenia, the underground excavation of natural stone blocks was introduced on a trial basis at the Hotavlje I colourful limestone quarry in 1993, in 2002 at the Lipica II limestone quarry, in 2008 at the Lipica I limestone quarry and in 2009 also at the Doline limestone quarry. This was primarily because of the geological structure of the site, the quarry’s condition, the potentially large amounts of the overburden in the event of an expansion of the surface part of the quarry, and the increasing needs for this raw material, i.e. natural stone.

The underground excavation of natural stone in all locations are done using a modified room-and-pillar excavation method that is adjusted to each site’s characteristics, with regularly or irregularly distributed high safety pillars. Since the underground excavation of natural stone blocks is performed at a relatively shallow level under the surface, i.e., at a depth of only 10-40 m, the value of the primary vertical stress state is also relatively low (less than 1.0 MPa).

This significantly increases the risk of wedge-shaped pieces or blocks falling out of the ceiling in open underground spaces. In previous years, special attention was paid to the installation of stress-strain systems for controlling the planned dimensions (width and height) of large, open, underground spaces (rooms) and the dimensions of the high safety pillars, along with continual monitoring and identification of the instability phenomena in the ceiling and sides of the large open spaces (rooms).

The paper presents the methods and devices used for the optimization and the safety monitoring of high safety pillars for the underground excavation of natural stone blocks in Slovenian natural stone mines.
Participation of Quaternary Aquifers in Groundwater Inflow to Mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) / Udział Wodonośnych Utworów Czwartorzędowych W Procesie Zawodnienia Kopalń Górnośląskich
Authors: Różkowski Kazimierz , Różkowski Andrzej , Sołtysiak Marek
Published: May 2015

The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is situated within Variscean depression in the southern Poland. Mining of the hard coal, ore and sand deposits in the USCB has a long-lasting tradition. Exploitation has been carried out with both - open pit and mainly underground operations. The intensity of water inflows to mines depends on geogenic and technological factors. Among geogenic factors the main one is occurrence of thick water - bearing Quaternary sediments in the roof of Carboniferous ore deposits. Among technological factors the essential influence on the inflows to the mine workings have: time, depth and surface of exploitation, as well as drainage intensity.
Bibliotheken und der demografische Wandel
Authors: Kulzer Gudrun
Published: May 2015

Aufgrund der demographischen Entwicklung nimmt der Anteil der älteren Menschen an der deutschen Gesamtbevölkerung zu. Daher gewinnt diese Bevölkerungsgruppe immer mehr an Bedeutung und es wird immer wichtiger, sich mit dieser Zielgruppe auseinanderzusetzen. Die Angebote, die Bibliotheken für die Zielgruppe der Älteren entwickeln können, hängen von den jeweiligen örtlichen Voraussetzungen und den Möglichkeiten der Bibliothek (Personal, Budget, Räumlichkeiten) ab. Bei den Älteren handelt es sich um eine heterogene Gruppe, die mehrere Generationen umfasst, und deren Migtglieder unterschiedliche Bildungsabschlüsse und Interessen haben. Darüber hinaus unterscheidet sie sich im geistigen und körperlichen Zustand ebenfalls sehr stark. Die Bibliothek sollte das Spektrum des Angebots in einem Konzept mit klarer Zielsetzung entwickeln, damit es erfolgreich ist.
Make the library
really
look more like google
Authors: Bartlakowski Katja
Published: May 2015

Immer noch ist es Wunsch und Überzeugung vieler Bibliotheken, dass ihr Internetauftritt als zentrale Anlaufstelle für Informationssuchende wahrgenommen wird. In der Realität hingegen spielt der Wert der Bibliothekswebsite für Studierende und Lehrende eine zunehmend untergeordnete Rolle. Die Einführung eines Discovery-Systems bietet in diesem Zusammenhang gute Möglichkeiten, das überholte Portalkonzept bibliothekarischer Internetseiten zu überdenken und neue Wege zu gehen.
Framework for an Autonomic Transport System in Smart Cities
Authors: Schlingensiepen Jörn , Mehmood Rashid , Nemtanu Florin Codrut
Published: May 2015

Today the concept of smart cities is discussed in scientific society and politics. A core function of smart cities is transportation. This paper gives a short overview on the concepts for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for smart cities and proposes a framework for the design of an autonomic transportation system that provides personalized mobility services to its users in a smart city setting. The transportation poses extreme environment for ICT systems due to fast moving vehicles and users, requiring real-time acquisition and high performance processing of large scale data, and rapidly changing communication networks topologies and node densities. The aim of this paper is to propose a framework that will act as a reference for the design of future transportation systems that are able to cope with the ever rising system complexities and users’ demands. Therefore, a backbone system providing information at different levels was designed following the principles of a corporative ICT that were proposed in [1]. The framework fulfills the main requirement providing suitable information about the local decision engines in vehicles and infrastructure interacting in smart cities traffic systems.
Speed Profile Prediction in Intelligent Transport Systems Exemplified by Vehicle to Vehicle Interactions
Authors: Bosankic Ivan , Banjanovic-Mehmedovic Lejla , Mehmedovic Fahrudin
Published: May 2015

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) fall in the framework of cyberphysical systems due to the interaction between physical systems (vehicles) and distributed information acquisition and dissemination infrastructure. With the accelerated development of wireless Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to Infrastructure (V2I) communications, the integrated acquiring and processing of information is becoming feasible at an increasingly large scale. Accurate prediction of the traffic information in real time, such as the speed, flow, density has important applications in many areas of Intelligent Transport systems. It is a challenging problem due to the dynamic changes of the traffic states caused by many uncertain factors along a travelling route. In this paper we present a V2V based Speed Profile Prediction approach (V2VSPP) that was developed using neural network learning to predict the speed of selected agents based on the received signal strength values of communications between pairs of vehicles. The V2VSPP was trained and evaluated by using traffic data provided by the Australian Centre for Field Robotics. It contains vehicle state information, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and road maps with high temporal resolution for large numbers of interacting vehicles over a long time period. The experimental results show that the proposed approach (V2VSPP) has the capability of providing accurate predictions of speed profiles in multi-vehicle trajectories setup.
A Distribution Method of High Precise Differential Corrections for a Network Beidou/RTK System Based on Vehicular Networks
Authors: Liu Jian , Zheng Hongjiang , Chen Wei , Liu Huiheng
Published: May 2015

In recent years urban traffic safety has become a widely concerned issue due to the increasing traffic accidents caused by the growth of private car ownership. A very promising method is to provide high precision navigation service to prevent accidents. Therefore, a Network BDS/RTK System Based on Vehicular Networks (NBRSBVNs) is proposed for high precision positioning in an urban complex traffic environment in this paper. This system considers comprehensively the characteristics of the vehicular network and network RTK techniques, and also provides a new distribution method of high precision differential correction information. According to the massive field tests, this system scheme can support real-time and online high precision navigation service of multiple users at the same time. It has important practical significance in applications for vehicles active safety in a complex urban environment.
Existence and uniqueness of minimizers of general least gradient problems
Authors: Jerrard Robert L. , Moradifam Amir , Nachman Adrian I.
Published: May 2015

Motivated by problems arising in conductivity imaging, we prove existence, uniqueness, and comparison theorems – under certain sharp conditions –
for minimizers of the general least gradient problem

inf

u
∈

B
⁢

V
f

⁢

(
Ω
)

⁡

∫
Ω

φ
⁢

(
x
,

D
⁢
u

)

\inf_{u\in BV_{f}(\Omega)}\int_{\Omega}\varphi(x,Du)

,
where

f
:

∂
⁡
Ω

→
ℝ

f:\partial\Omega\to\mathbb{R}

is continuous,

B
⁢

V
f

⁢

(
Ω
)

:=

{

v
∈

B
⁢
V
⁢

(
Ω
)

:

lim

r
→
0

⁡

ess

⁢
sup

y
∈
Ω

,

|

x
-
y

|

<
r

⁡

|

f
⁢

(
x
)

-

v
⁢

(
y
)

|

=

0
⁢
 for 
⁢
x

∈

∂
⁡
Ω

}

BV_{f}(\Omega):=\bigl{\{}v\in BV(\Omega):\lim_{r\to 0}\operatornamewithlimits{%
ess\,sup}_{y\in\Omega,|x-y|<r}|f(x)-v(y)|=0\text{ for }x\in\partial\Omega\bigr%
{\}}

and

φ
⁢

(
x
,
ξ
)

\varphi(x,\xi)

is a function that, among other properties, is convex and homogeneous of degree 1 with
respect to the ξ variable.
In particular, we prove that if

a
∈

C

1
,
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

a\in C^{1,1}(\Omega)

is bounded away from zero, then minimizers of the weighted least gradient problem

inf

u
∈

B
⁢

V
f

⁡

∫
Ω

a
⁢

|

D
⁢
u

|

\inf_{u\in BV_{f}}\int_{\Omega}a|Du|

are unique in

B
⁢

V
f

⁢

(
Ω
)

BV_{f}(\Omega)

. We construct counterexamples to show that the regularity assumption

a
∈

C

1
,
1

a\in C^{1,1}

is sharp, in the sense that it can not be replaced by

a
∈

C

1
,
α

⁢

(
Ω
)

a\in C^{1,\alpha}(\Omega)

with any

α
<
1

\alpha<1

.
In vitro assessment of CYP1A2 and 2C9 inhibition potential of Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica in human liver microsomes
Authors: Savai Jay , Varghese Alice , Pandita Nancy , Chintamaneni Meena
Published: May 2015

Background: Several herbal drugs and allopathic medicines when co-administered can lead to severe herb-drug interactions. Hence, this study was undertaken in order to assess the in vitro inhibition potential of Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica with cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and 2C9 enzyme using human liver microsomes.

Methods: Inhibitory potential of crude extracts of both the medicinal plants along with their principal phytoconstituents were investigated using selective probe substrate technique. IC50, Ki values and mode of inhibition were determined.

Results: The results of the study revealed that W. somnifera showed no significant interaction with both the isoforms of CYP. However, ethanolic extract of C. asiatica significantly inhibited both CYP1A2 (IC50 value – 42.23±3.65 μg/mL/Ki value – 14.93±4.59 μg/mL) and 2C9 enzyme (IC50 value – 48.41±4.64 μg/mL/Ki value – 23.89±3.14 μg/mL) in a competitive manner. The flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol showed potent (IC50 values less than 10 μM) inhibition of CYP1A2 activity with no significant inhibition of CYP2C9 enzyme.

Conclusions: Thus, these findings of the study might be helpful for safe and effective use of C. asiatica in clinical practice. However, its in vivo interaction study in humans is still warranted.
Synthesis and application of functionalized ionic liquids as solvent to corn stalk for phenolic resin modification
Authors: Guo Liying , Zhang Bin , Bai Shiyang , Ma Xiuyun , Wang Zhiming
Published: May 2015

Three functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) of [HeMIM]Cl, [CeMIM]Cl, and [AeMIM]Br that can dissolve corn stalk were synthesized and characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H NMR. The dissolved corn stalk was in situ blended with phenol and formaldehyde to produce modified phenolic resin composites. The resulting composites were characterized via FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction analysis, and tested for their mechanical properties. In addition, the effects of ILs on the dissolution rate of corn stalks and on the mechanical properties of the modified phenolic resin were investigated as well. The results showed that the synthesized ILs presented good solubility toward corn stalk at the optimum temperature of 90°C. After modification with corn stalk dissolved in ILs, the mechanical properties of phenolic resin were significantly improved. At the same conditions, the phenolic resin modified with [AeMIM]Br presented the lowest concentration of free formaldehyde and the best mechanical properties, in which the tensile strength and impact strength were improved from 3.28 MPa and 0.93 kJ/m2 to 9.36 MPa and 5.74 kJ/m2, respectively, but the hardness only changed slightly.
Synthesis, characterization, and theoretical study of an acrylamide-based magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for the recognition of sulfonamide drugs
Authors: Chen Lei , Lee Yean Kee , Manmana Yanawut , Tay Kheng Soo , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Rahman Noorsaadah Abd
Published: May 2015

In this work, a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MION-MIP) was prepared for the recognition and extraction of sulfadiazine (SDZ). The acrylamide-based MIP was imprinted directly onto the surface of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate-modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized MION-MIP with a diameter about 100 nm possesses fast adsorption kinetics and high adsorption capacity. The results also indicated that a higher maximum adsorption capacity (775 μg g-1) was achieved by the synthesized MION-MIP. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was found to describe well the equilibrium adsorption data. The results from the competitive binding experiment showed that MION-MIP was not only selective toward SDZ but the adsorption of sulfamerazine was also dramatically high. SDZ and sulfamerazine have an almost similar substructure where these two compounds were only differentiated by one methyl group. To explain this result, a computational study was carried out. From a different level of calculation with semiempirical (PM3), Hartree-Fock (HF), and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, SDZ and sulfamerazine showed similar interaction energy and interaction mechanism with the acrylamide monomer. Therefore, both SDZ and sulfamerazine could have the same binding property with the MION-MIP.
Competitive Spillovers and Regulatory Exploitation by Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Bowblis John R. , Brunt Christopher S. , Grabowski David C.
Published: May 2015

Typically, research on the effect of ownership has considered health care providers in isolation of competitive interaction from other firms. This analysis considers how the selection of Medicare reimbursement codes for skilled nursing facilities varies by ownership and is influenced by the competitive spillovers from market dominance of for-profit institutions. We find evidence that not-for-profits are less likely to code patients into the highest reimbursement categories. Further, as the market becomes dominated by for-profits, both for-profit and not-for-profits increase the share of patients in these high reimbursement categories.
Design of OFDM Signal with Good Autocorrelation for Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Zheng Shi , Pan Xuehan , Zhang Anxue , Jiang Yansheng , Wang Wenbing
Published: May 2015

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been proved to have a number of advantages. To improve the performance of a GPR system, time domain non-periodic autocorrelation (AC) of the transmitted OFDM signal should be designed to have similar shape to an ideal pulse. Challenge in OFDM signal design for GPR is that there is little pertinent literature and the design should be different from that in communication and air radar fields. In this paper, we propose a design scheme of OFDM signal with good AC for GPR. We divide the AC into main lobe and side lobe with proving that the main lobe is dominated with the functionality of the modulating amplitudes while the side lobe’s main function is modulating phases. Thus, modulating amplitudes and phases can be designed, respectively. Performance of this proposed approach is demonstrated by numerical examples. The results show that the designed OFDM signal yields a better AC and fewer false alarms for GPR systems.
Provenance of the Permian Malužiná Formation sandstones (Malé Karpaty Mountains, Western Carpathians): evidence of garnet and tourmaline mineral chemistry
Authors: Vďačný Marek , Bačík Peter
Published: May 2015

The chemistry of detrital garnets (almandine; spessartine-, grossular-, and pyrope-rich almandine; andradite) and mostly dravitic tourmalines from three sandstone samples of the Permian Malužiná Formation in the northern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts (Western Carpathians, SW Slovakia) reveals a great variability of potential source rocks. They comprise (1) low-grade regionally metamorphosed rocks (metacherts, blue schists, metapelites and metapsammites), (2) contact-thermal metamorphic calcareous rocks (skarns or rodingites), (3) garnet-bearing mica schists and gneisses resulting from the regional metamorphism of argillaceous sediments, (4) amphibolites and metabasic sub-ophiolitic rocks, (5) granulites, (6) Li-poor granites and their associated pegmatites and aplites as well as (7) rhyolites. Consequently, the post-Variscan, rift-related sedimentary basin of the Malužiná Formation originated in the vicinity of a low- to high-grade crystalline basement with granitic rocks. Such lithological types of metamorphic and magmatic rocks are characteristic for the Variscan terranes of the Central Western Carpathians (Tatricum and Veporicum Superunits).
Upper Tithonian Himalayitidae Spath, 1925 (Perisphinctoidea, Ammonitina) from Le Chouet (Drôme, France): implications for the systematics
Authors: Frau Camille , Bulot Luc G. , Wimbledon William A.P.
Published: May 2015

This contribution focuses on the late Tithonian ammonite faunas belonging to the Family Himalayitidae Spath in the key-section of Le Chouet (Drôme, France). The great majority of specimens from the Mediterranean Tethys, previously referred to Durangites Burckhardt, are now interpreted as juveniles and/or microconchs of the highly variable species Protacanthodiscus andreaei (Kilian). Moreover, comparison between specimens from France, Spain and Bulgaria formerly assigned to Durangites astillerensis Imlay and the type material of this species, supports the introduction of Boughdiriella chouetensis gen. nov. et sp. nov. Further, the revision of the type specimens of D. astillerensis and Durangites of the D. vulgaris group shows that the former species deserves a new generic status, for which Parrasiella gen. nov. is erected. Toucasiella, previously only known from Spain and Tunisia, is also reported for the first time from south east France. The revision of the “Mediterranean Durangites” supports the rejection of a Durangites spp. Zone as part of the standard zonation for the upper Tithonian, and its replacement by the P. andreaei Zone ( = D. vulgaris Zone sensu Sarti, 1988).
Compressed and moulded wood from processing to products
Authors: Kutnar Andreja , Sandberg Dick , Haller Peer
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the state of the art of different wood densification processes as one emerging process technology. The main principles for the processes are discussed, such as bulk and surface densification, bending, moulding of shells and tubes, as well as methods for reducing the shape memory effect of densified wood. The main challenges are in the field of scaling up to industrial applications. To provide a better understanding with this regard, some relevant scientific results are presented. Furthermore, the discussion considers the contribution of thermo-hydro and thermo-hydro-mechanical processes to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
S1PR4 is required for plasmacytoid dendritic cell differentiation
Authors: Dillmann Christina , Mora Javier , Olesch Catherine , Brüne Bernhard , Weigert Andreas
Published: May 2015

The sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has various functions in immune cell biology, regulating survival, proliferation, and, most prominently, migration. S1P couples to five G protein-coupled receptors (S1PR1–5) to transduce its effects on immune cell function. Expression of S1PR4 is restricted to immune cells. However, its impact on immune cell biology is largely elusive. In the current study, we intended to answer the question of whether S1P might affect plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) migration, which dominantly express S1PR4. pDC are highly specialized cells producing large amounts of type I interferon in response to TLR7/9 ligands after viral infection or during autoimmunity. Surprisingly, we noticed a reduced abundance of pDC, particularly CD4- pDC, in all organs of S1PR4-deficient vs. wildtype mice. This effect was not caused by altered migration of mature pDC, but rather a reduced potential of pDC progenitors, especially common DC progenitors, to differentiate into pDCs. In vitro studies suggested that reduced S1PR4-deficient pDC progenitor differentiation into mature pDC might be explained by both migration and differentiation of pDC progenitors in the bone marrow. As S1PR4 also affected the differentiation of CD34+ human hematopoietic stem cells into pDC, interfering with S1PR4 might be useful to reduce pDC numbers during autoimmunity.
Sphingomyelin breakdown in T cells: role in activation, effector functions and immunoregulation
Authors: Beyersdorf Niklas , Müller Nora
Published: May 2015

Host T cell activation, a key step in obtaining adaptive immunity against pathogens, is initiated by the binding of the T cell receptor to a foreign antigenic peptide presented by the major histocompatibility complex on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell and, consequently, formation of an immunological synapse. Within the immunological synapse, the engagement of the T cell receptor in cooperation with simultaneous ligation of co-stimulatory molecules induces a precisely organized cascade of signaling events and pathways that regulate clonal expansion and differentiation of naïve T cells into effector T cells contributing to pathogen clearance. The biochemical changes that underlie T cell activation and differentiation, however, not only involve proteins but also lipids. In particular, catabolic cleavage of sphingomyelin generating ceramide can substantially influence functional responses in cells of the immune system. Changes in sphingomyelin and ceramide content have been reported to directly impact on membrane physiology, thus modifying signal transmission and interfering with diverse aspects of T cell activity. In this review we will focus on sphingomyelin breakdown/ceramide generation in T cells with regard to their function and development of T cell-mediated immunity.
A Class of Neuro-Computational Methods for Assamese Fricative Classification
Authors: Patgiri Chayashree , Sarma Mousmita , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar
Published: May 2015

In this work, a class of neuro-computational classifiers are used for classification of fricative phonemes of Assamese language. Initially, a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based classifier is used for classification. Later, another neuro fuzzy classifier is used for classification. We have used two different feature sets for the work, one using the specific acoustic-phonetic characteristics and another temporal attributes using linear prediction cepstral coefficients (LPCC) and a Self Organizing Map (SOM). Here, we present the experimental details and performance difference obtained by replacing the RNN based classifier with an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based block for both the feature sets to recognize Assamese fricative sounds.
Mutual Learning Using Nonlinear Perceptron
Authors: Saitoh Daisuke , Hara Kazuyuki
Published: May 2015

We propose a mutual learning method using nonlinear perceptron within the framework of online learning and have analyzed its validity using computer simulations. Mutual learning involving three or more students is fundamentally different from the two-student case with regard to variety when selecting a student to act as the teacher. The proposed method consists of two learning steps: first, multiple students learn independently from a teacher, and second, the students learn from others through mutual learning. Results showed that the mean squared error could be improved even if the teacher had not taken part in the mutual learning.
The Effect of Dietary Vitamin C on Carbohydrate Concentrations and Hydrolase Activity, During the Development of Honey Bee Worker Brood
Authors: Farjan Marek , Żółtowska Krystyna , Lipiński Zbigniew , Łopieńska-Biernat Elżbieta , Dmitryjuk Małgorzata
Published: May 2015

The colony collapse disorder is a growing problem world-wide. For this reason, we were prompted to search for natural and harmless agents that could improve the living conditions of honey bees. This group of agents includes exogenous antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, which boost natural immunity. We analysed the effect of vitamin C supplementation on carbohydrate metabolism in the developing honey bee worker brood. The total carbohydrate content and the concentrations of glycogen, trehalose, maltotriose, fructose, and glucose were estimated. The correlations between sugar content and the activity of the main hydrolases of carbohydrate metabolism - α-amylase, glucoamylase, trehalase, maltase, and sucrase - were determined. The addition of vitamin C to the diet of wintering bees did not impair their sugar metabolism. Vitamin C supplements exerted a positive effect by significantly increasing glycogen and trehalose concentrations in the initial phase of development and in newly emerged workers. Vitamin C did not induce significant changes in the developmental profile of carbohydrate degrading enzymes, except for the earliest stage of larval development when enzyme activity levels were below those noted in the control group.
The Importance of Field-Margin Location for Maintenance of Food Niches for Pollinators
Authors: Denisow Bożena , Wrzesień Małgorzata
Published: May 2015

Understanding the factors that have an impact on the diversity of forage flora in the agricultural landscape is a key issue in the maintenance and control of food niches for pollinators. Field margins are common linear structures in the agricultural landscape. In the present study, we evaluated the factors that exert an impact on the forage flora composition and on the diversity in field margins. The study was conducted in the 2010 - 2011 time period across the agricultural landscape on the Lublin Upland of SE Poland. Data on the forage flora were obtained while making floristic charts along 45 transect plots x 300 m; the total length being 13500 m. Multivariate ordination techniques (PCA and RDA) were employed to analyse forage-flora characteristics. Field margins represent valuable refuge areas for forage-species richness, but not for the abundance of forage species. On field margins, forage-species diversity benefits from the location of natural habitats (forests or meadows), primarily if the distance from these habitats is <1000 m or the field acreage is <10 ha. The shift from heterogeneous habitats to a more homogeneous landscape causes a reduction of forage floral diversity. Due to lack of dense forage-species patches, the promotion of sowing nectariferous and/or polleniferous species seems to be a reasonable management method to enhance the quantitative food niche on field margins and to support the conservation of pollinators in the areas surrounding farms.
Evaluating Antipoverty Transfer Programmes in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Better Policies? Better Politics?
Authors: Barrientos Armando , Villa Juan Miguel
Published: May 2015

Two broad explanations can be offered for the incidence of impact evaluations in antipoverty transfer programmes in developing countries. The first, and arguably dominant, explanation suggests this is a consequence of a shift towards evidence-based development policy. A second explanation emphasises the complementary role of policy competition and political factors in motivating evaluations. The paper assesses the relevance of the latter in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa through (i) a comparison of evaluation practice and (ii) the analysis of a new database of flagship antipoverty transfer programmes.
Sap flow index as an indicator of water storage use
Authors: Nadezhdina Nadezhda , Čermák Jan , Downey Alec , Nadezhdin Valeriy , Perämäki Martti , Soares David Jorge , Pinto Clara A. , Soares David Teresa
Published: May 2015

Symmetrical temperature difference also known as the sap flow index (SFI) forms the basis of the Heat Field Deformation sap flow measurement and is simultaneously collected whilst measuring the sap flow. SFI can also be measured by any sap flow method applying internal continuous heating through the additional installation of an axial differential thermocouple equidistantly around a heater. In earlier research on apple trees SFI was found to be an informative parameter for tree physiological studies, namely for assessing the contribution of stem water storage to daily transpiration. The studies presented in this work are based on the comparative monitoring of SFI and diameter in stems of different species (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea omorika, Pinus sylvestris) and tree sizes. The ability of SFI to follow the patterns of daily stem water storage use was empirically confirmed by our data. Additionally, as the HFD multipointsensors can measure sap flow at several stem sapwood depths, their use allowed to analyze the use of stored water in different xylem layers through SFI records. Radial and circumferential monitoring of SFI on large cork oak trees provided insight into the relative magnitude and timing of the contribution of water stored in different sapwood layers or stem sectors to transpiration.
Turbulence characteristics of favorable pressure gradient flows in gravel-bed channel with vegetated walls
Authors: Fazel Najafabadi Elham , Afzalimehr Hossein , Sui Jueyi
Published: May 2015

Field observations showed that in many gravel-bed rivers, rice stems and gravel interact with each other and affect the flow structure. This calls to conduct research in more details in laboratory to better understand impacts of interaction between rice stems and gravel bed rivers on the flow structure. The outcome of such investigations can improve the estimation of drag coefficient in hydrodynamic models. Experiments were carried out in a flume with gravel bed and the vegetated vertical flume walls to investigate turbulence characteristics under favorable pressure gradient flows. Results showed that the stress fraction involves both the sweep and ejection dominance near the vegetated flume walls, showing no negative Reynolds shear stress near water surface. The values of exuberance ratio play a significant role on the magnitude of the Reynolds shear stress which varies with the distance from the vegetation. Quadrant analysis reveals that a major part of the momentum flux is transported during a short period of strong turbulence activity near the bed at the central axis. Augmentation of the hole size makes difference between contributions of sweep and ejection with those of the outward and inward interactions near the bed, however, the hole size doesn’t play any role near the water surface.
New automatic minidisk infiltrometer: design and testing
Authors: Klípa Vladimír , Sněhota Michal , Dohnal Michal
Published: May 2015

Soil hydraulic conductivity is a key parameter to predict water flow through the soil profile. We have developed an automatic minidisk infiltrometer (AMI) to enable easy measurement of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity using the tension infiltrometer method in the field. AMI senses the cumulative infiltration by recording change in buoyancy force acting on a vertical solid bar fixed in the reservoir tube of the infiltrometer. Performance of the instrument was tested in the laboratory and in two contrasting catchments at three sites with different land use. Hydraulic conductivities determined using AMI were compared with earlier manually taken readings. The results of laboratory testing demonstrated high accuracy and robustness of the AMI measurement. Field testing of AMI proved the suitability of the instrument for use in the determination of sorptivity and near saturated hydraulic conductivity
Flow characteristics at trapezoidal broad-crested side weir
Authors: Říha Jaromír , Zachoval Zbyněk
Published: May 2015

Broad-crested side weirs have been the subject of numerous hydraulic studies; however, the flow field at the weir crest and in front of the weir in the approach channel still has not been fully described. Also, the discharge coefficient of broad-crested side weirs, whether slightly inclined towards the stream or lateral, still has yet to be clearly determined. Experimental research was carried out to describe the flow characteristics at low Froude numbers in the approach flow channel for various combinations of in- and overflow discharges. Three side weir types with different oblique angles were studied. Their flow characteristics and discharge coefficients were analyzed and assessed based on the results obtained from extensive measurements performed on a hydraulic model. The empirical relation between the angle of side weir obliqueness, Froude numbers in the up- and downstream channels, and the coefficient of obliqueness was derived.
Macroscopic and microscopic typology: Basic Valence Orientation, more pertinacious than meets the naked eye
Authors: Plank Frans , Lahiri Aditi
Published: May 2015

Basic Valence Orientation has been suggested as a typological parameter by Nichols, Peterson, & Barnes (2004). Generalising over the entire lexicon, the idea is that languages can be distinguished as transitivising or detransitivising, depending on whether their verbs are basically intransitive or transitive and the opposite valency values require some means of derivation, such as causativisation or decausativisation. Whereas derivedness among valency opposites is assessed through easy-to-spot overt segmental morphological or syntactic markers by
Two possible universals: The Major Biactant Construction; the twofold notion of subject
Authors: Lazard Gilbert
Published: May 2015

Are grammatical relations universals or only convenient comparative notions? In this article, it is claimed that, behind current grammatical notions, there might exist universal finer-grained relationships. Two likely universal invariants are presented as hypotheses: (i) The Major Biactant Construction, defined as the construction expressing prototypical action in any language, is also universally used as a model pattern for the expression of other kinds of events. (ii) The traditional notion of subject (in accusative languages) is a conflation of two different functions, predication subject and reference subject, which are separated both in ergative languages and in affective/experiential constructions. These hypotheses have to be systematically tested by extensive investigation. After verification, being located at the core of the syntax of any language, they will entail consequences of the utmost importance for typology.
Symmetry or asymmetry? Cross-border openness of service providers in Polish-Czech and Polish-German border towns
Authors: Dołzbłasz Sylwia
Published: May 2015

The symmetry and/or asymmetry in terms of cross-border openness of service providers is examined in this article, for the cases of two border twin towns: Cieszyn/Český Těšín at the Polish-Czech border, and Gubin/Guben at the Polish-German border. To assess the level of openness of firms towards clients from the other side of the border, four trans-border categories were examined: neighbour’s language visible at store location; business offers in the language of the neighbour; the possibilities of payment in the neighbour’s currency; and the staff’s knowledge of the language. This enabled a comparison of both parts of the particular twin towns in relation to the character of cross-border openness, as well as an assessment of their symmetry/asymmetry. Comparisons of Gubin/Guben and Cieszyn/Český Těšín with respect to the analysed features were also carried out. The analysis shows significant variation in the level of cross-border openness towards clients from neighbouring countries. Whereas in the Polish-Czech town a relative symmetry was observed, in the Polish-German case, significant asymmetry was noted.
The distribution of selected CORINE land cover classes in different natural landscapes in Slovakia: Methodological framework and applications
Authors: Pazúr Róbert , OŤaheľ Ján , Maretta Martin
Published: May 2015

The distribution of selected CORINE land cover classes in different physical conditions was subject to modelling, analysis and evaluation in this article. In three regions with different geo-relief, the occurrence of land cover classes was analysed by using determinants commonly used in land-use models. Using three different modelling frameworks, the importance of methodological design in land-cover modelling was demonstrated. High levels of explanatory power for the factors defined here were found in landscapes of high heterogeneity. Findings derived from the statistical models highlight the importance of landscape disaggregation by natural conditions in complex land-cover or land-use models.
Cognitive Phenomenology and Indirect Sense
Authors: Richards Bradley
Published: May 2015

Acquaintance with the non-sensory cognitive phenomenology of a given intentional content can act as a Fregean sense presenting that content. This provides (i) a mechanism for acquaintance with (a kind of) sense, (ii) a sense that is subject and context invariant, and (iii) a mechanism for the immediate presentation of a referent. This kind of sense can be used to defend Kripke’s acquaintance-based development of Frege’s claim that when a sentence S is embedded in an attitude ascription it refers to the thought that S expresses in that context (and not its unembedded referent, the true).
Neutronic analysis for core conversion (HEU–LEU) of the low power research reactor using the MCNP4C code
Authors: Aldawahra Saadou , Khattab Kassem , Saba Gorge
Published: May 2015

Comparative studies for conversion of the fuel from HEU to LEU in the miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) have been performed using the MCNP4C code. The HEU fuel (UAl4-Al, 90% enriched with Al clad) and LEU (UO2 12.6% enriched with zircaloy-4 alloy clad) cores have been analyzed in this study. The existing HEU core of MNSR was analyzed to validate the neutronic model of reactor, while the LEU core was studied to prove the possibility of fuel conversion of the existing HEU core. The proposed LEU core contained the same number of fuel pins as the HEU core. All other structure materials and dimensions of HEU and LEU cores were the same except the increase in the radius of control rod material from 0.195 to 0.205 cm and keeping the outer diameter of the control rod unchanged in the LEU core. The effective multiplication factor (keff
), excess reactivity (ρ
ex
), control rod worth (CRW), shutdown margin (SDM), safety reactivity factor (SRF), delayed neutron fraction (β
eff
) and the neutron fluxes in the irradiation tubes for the existing and the potential LEU fuel were investigated. The results showed that the safety parameters and the neutron fluxes in the irradiation tubes of the LEU fuels were in good agreements with the HEU results. Therefore, the LEU fuel was validated to be a suitable choice for fuel conversion of the MNSR in the future.
Peptidomics in veterinary science: focus on bovine paratuberculosis
Authors: Piras Cristian , Soggiu Alessio , Greco Viviana , Alloggio Isabella , Bonizzi Luigi , Roncada Paola
Published: May 2015

Bacterial infections represent a serious burden both for animal production and human health (zoonosis). Faster and more reliable diagnosis are mandatory in order to avoid economic losses and antibiotics misuse. The development of new potential diagnostic strategies for the immunodetection of pathogens is closely linked to the discovery of small polypeptides with immunogenic or immunoreactive activity. The candidate peptides used for this purpose must have several properties principally represented by their specificity and their location in the bacterial cell. Both proteomics, peptidomics and bioinformatics represent powerful complementary tools to discover specific immunoreactive peptides useful for diagnosis or vaccine. Peptidomics of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) represents a good example of the potential of this discovery-phase. This review reports a comprehensive update of the current scientific knowledge about proteins and peptides of MAP with already documented humoral response. These findings, together with bioinformatics tools available, could be extremely useful to design a better strategy for subclinical bovine paratuberculosis diagnosis. The knowledge provided also represents a reliable example on the workflow to be followed in the direction of the diagnosis of other diseases through a peptidomic approach.
The Components of Sideward Movement in the Verb Copying Construction in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Kuo Pei-Jung
Published: May 2015

In this paper, I explore the components of the sideward movement involved in the verb copying construction proposed by Cheng (2007). I first present some facts of the resultative de-clause of the verb copying construction which seems to be puzzling under Cheng’s analysis. An extended analysis is then proposed. Under the extended analysis, I propose that the sideward movement mechanism involved in the resultative de-clause can be further analyzed as internal topicalization plus differential object marking. This analysis of sideward movement is also attested in the manner de-clause of the verb copying construction. The proposed components relate the sideward movement in the verb copying construction to the syntactic mechanisms which are also observed widely in Mandarin Chinese and other languages.
Drinking Water Quality and the Geospatial Distribution of Notified Gastro-Intestinal Infections / Kvaliteta Pitne Vode in Geoprostorska Porazdelitev Prijavljenih Črevesnih Okužb
Authors: Grilc Eva , Gale Ivanka , Veršič Aleš , Žagar Tina , Sočan Maja
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Even brief episodes of fecal contamination of drinking water can lead directly to illness in the consumers. In water-borne outbreaks, the connection between poor microbial water quality and disease can be quickly identified. The impact of non-compliant drinking water samples due to E. coli taken for regular monitoring on the incidence of notified acute gastrointestinal infections has not yet been studied.

Methods. The objective of this study was to analyse the geographical distribution of notified acute gastrointestinal infections (AGI) in Slovenia in 2010, with hotspot identification. The second aim of the study was to correlate the fecal contamination of water supply system on the settlement level with the distribution of notified AGI cases. Spatial analysis using geo-information technology and other methods were used.

Results. Hot spots with the highest proportion of notified AGI cases were mainly identified in areas with small supply zones. The risk for getting AGI was drinking water contaminated with E. coli from supply zones with 50-1000 users: RR was 1.25 and significantly greater than one (p-value less than 0.001).

Conclusion. This study showed the correlation between the frequency of notified AGI cases and noncompliant results in drinking water monitoring.
The Effect of Educational Intervention on The Patient’S Willingness to Carry Out The Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer / Vpliv Izobraževalnega Ukrepa Na Pacientovo Pripravljenost Za Izvedbo Imunokemičnega Testa Za Določanje Okultne Krvi V Blatu Za Raka Debelega Črevesa In Danke
Authors: Tsvetanova Dimova Rositsa , Dimitrova Dimitrova Donka , Gencheva Stoyanova Rumiana , Angelova Levterova Boriana , Georgiev Atanasov Nikolay , Spiridonova Assenova Radost
Published: May 2015

Background. There is now compelling evidence that screening for colorectal cancer may result in significantly reduced mortality. Screening tests for colorectal cancer are not systematically performed in Bulgaria.

Aim. This article explores the effect of an educational intervention on the willingness of patients to participate in the screening for colorectal cancer with the immunochemical faecal occult blood test in the home setting.

Materials and methods. A before-after design study of the effects of educational intervention comprising distribution of a brochure and one-to-one discussion with a GP. A self-administered, original questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to 600 randomly selected patients in 40 general practices (15 patients per practice) in Plovdiv district.

Results. The intervention led to an increase with >20% of the patient’s knowledge of the importance of the test and on how to carry out the test. Statistical analysis indicated that there was an increase in knowledge after the educational intervention about the usefulness of the test (24.8% in males, 18.3% in females) and its performance (22.7% in males, 25.4% in females).

Conclusion. The educational intervention has significantly influenced the patient’s awareness about the test’s usefulness and its self-administration. It improved the awareness by providing an easy access to information, thus fostering the active involvement of the patients. A strength of the intervention was the patient-centered approach in providing additional information through one-to-one discussions, and it ensured a higher quality of the preventive screening in the general practice.