bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical performances of the D-100TM hemoglobin testing system (Bio-Rad) for HbA1c assay
Authors: Jaisson Stéphane , Leroy Nathalie , Guillard Emmanuelle , Desmons Aurore , Gillery Philippe
Published: May 2015

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA

The analytical performances of the method as well as the influence of the most frequent interferences regarding HbA

Intra- and between-assay CVs were respectively lower than 0.93% and 1.46% (HbA

The D-100
The Comparison of Measured and Simulated Dynamic Responses of Vehicles Indicated by Road Pavement Unevenness
Authors: Decký Martin , Kováč Matúš , Kotek Peter
Published: May 2015

The article presents the comparison of measured and simulated dynamic responses of heavy vehicle which are indicated by road pavement unevenness. This unevenness was represented by speed control bumps, potholes and stochastic pavement unevenness. The objective simulations were realized through the medium Quarter- Car Simulation by means of application of simulated theory of dynamic systems. The reliability of used model was verificated with comparison of measured and simulated values of sprung mass T815 vehicle accelerations. In the article, there are presented courses of total vertical forces of Quarter-Car Simulation for the first, the second and the fourth classification degree of unevenness, which was considered through the world's respected parameter IRI (International Roughness Index). Obtained simulated dynamic effects of the vehicle on the pavement were used for modification of a relevant Slovak design method of asphalt pavements.
Simulator of Road Tunnel
Authors: Danišovič Peter , Schlosser František , Šrámek Juraj , Rázga Martin
Published: May 2015

A Tunnel Traffic & Operation Simulator is a device of the Centre of Transport Research at the University of Žilina. The Simulator allows managing technological equipment of virtual two-tube highway tunnel, which is interconnected with simulation of vehicle traffic in tunnel. Changes of the traffic-operation states and other equipment are reflecting at the simulated traffic, as well as simulations of various emergency events in traffic initiate changes in tunnel detecting and measuring devices. It is thus possible to simulate emergency states, which can be affected by various faults of technology as well as by climatic conditions. The solutions can be found in irreplaceable experiences of Slovak road tunnel operators, changes of trafficoperation states, visualizations of operator technological display screens, technological devices labelling in order to increase operational safety of road tunnels.
Fire Protection in Various Types of Wooden Structures
Authors: Gašpercová Stanislava , Makovická Osvaldová Linda
Published: May 2015

Design of new modern systems for low energy efficient construction in a passive, zero standard or energy-autonomous buildings, as well as the increased popularity of solid wood construction means intervention into the very structure of its statics, building physics, but also fire properties. Some prototype design solutions are not verified whether the tests, by good computational analysis or verification of long-term use of the building. In the context of changing standards in building design, new approaches are needed. If in wooden buildings the potential risk of fire is higher than other buildings, we need special methods, materials and practical skills.
Spatial distribution and statistic analysis of the anthropogenic line forms on the different basic fields
Authors: Szypuła Bartłomiej
Published: May 2015

Despite the rapid development of geoinformation technology and GIS - a classic cartogram is still widely used method for presenting geographic features and phenomena, especially with regard to the relative values connected with the basic fields. The aim of this article was to investigate how the size and shape of the different basic fields influence the results of the phenomenon presentation (in this case anthropogenic line forms). In the experiment were used fields in the shape of: square, hexagon, circle and triangle with different sizes: 1 km, 2 km, 4 km, 8 km and 10 km. Different field areas with the same height, but of a different shape affected to varied quantitative characteristics within them. However, different field heights have caused an obvious increase or decrease the detail of the results. To take a look at the image of the spatial distribution of line forms compared cartograms with another, independent method - kernel density analysis. After setting kernel density image with cartograms one turned out that basic fields shape did not change the image of spatial relations significantly and wellcharacterized them in general. For this study area the best results obtained after the application fields with heights of 2 km and 4 km in the shape of squares and hexagons. It appears that the hexagons better than squares reflect the spatial image of the forms (hexagons allow better representation of the directions and shapes of the studied phenomena), however, they are less common in a geostatistical researches, and that's why they are more difficult to use, especially for comparative analysis.
A new lowland locality for the mountain plant Streptopus amfexifolius (L.) DC. (Silesian voivodeship, Southern Poland)
Authors: Rostański Adam , Cabała Stanisław , Mielczarek Jarosław
Published: May 2015

The occurrence of mountain plant species in the Polish lowlands has been at the centre of attention of many botanists. In 2008-2011 we carried out field studies aimed at describing a new lowland population of White Twisted-stalk S. amplexifolius discovered in 2008. We focused on the following aims: to determine the current status of the lowland population of S. amplexifolius; to characterize phytocenoses and habitat conditions in which the species occur; to identify factors that can potentially pose a threat on the population and to propose guidelines for its protection. The newly discovered population is located in the Trójca Forest District (50º 38.737’ N; 18º 48.945’ E), forest department 61L. The main part of the population (ca. 70%) occupies an area of approximately 100 m2. Currently, to protect the population from grazing, the whole area (about 0.25 ha) has been surrounded by metal mesh fence. The population occurs within a poorly developed patch of Fraxino- Alnetum. It contains 107 branched and fruiting individuals of S. amplexifolius and 83 smaller plants (branchless and sporadically fruiting). The number of fruits per plant varies between 6 and 20. One fruit contains an average of 5 seeds (a maximum of 12 seeds and a minimum of 3 seeds per fruit). The occurrence of numerous Padus serotina seedlings and young plants is recorded within the site. Human-related factors have caused substantial changes in the water relations and, subsequently, also in the species composition of these plant communities. The population of S. amplexifolius within the described site seems to be in good condition and develops normally.
Human activity and aeolian relief of Starczynów “Desert”, Poland
Authors: Pełka-Gościniak Jolanta
Published: May 2015

Starczynów „Desert” is located in the eastern part of the Silesian Upland (southern Poland) and makes a compact area with the occurrence of aeolian sands, which till the 1960s. were intensively blown. Its flat surface is diversified by many dunes of different shapes and sizes. Aeolian coversands are formed here as a cover of changing thickness. The „desert” is not a typical dry climatic area. The term Starczynów „Desert” refers to the area of occurrence of bare sands and aeolian processes and makes a geographical name that can be found on topographic maps. Its development was conditioned by human activity, where since the Middle Ages dense forest areas have been cut to obtain timber for the needs of contemporary mining and metallurgy of lead and silver ores causing the activation of aeolian processes at sandy substratum, built from the Vistulian proluvial-deluvial deposits. In the formation of the aeolian relief of Starczynów „Desert” it is possible to distinguish some stages of intensive wind activity: the 13th-15th centuries, the 16th-17th centuries, the turn of 18th and 19th centuries, the turn of 20th and 21st centuries. In present times human interference in the environment of Starczynów „Desert” consists of fixing sandy areas to protect them from deflation. Human damage exists here in the aeolian relief through terrain levelling and building fire escape roads. In the north-eastern part of the „desert” sand was exploited, therefore a sandpit appeared. This area was subject to the activity of mining for Zn-Pb ores, which caused numerous collapsed cones. In the last few years this part of the „desert” was properly reclaimed.
Macrophytes in the assessment of river ecological condition on the example of Pszczynka River (Silesian Upland)
Authors: Sierka Edyta , Tomczak Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

The Water Framework Directive introduced an ecological approach to the assessment and classification of waters. The part of the assessmentare macrophyte - based methods used in the evaluation of the ecologicalcondition of rivers in respect of biodiversity. The Macrophyte Method for River Assessment has been used in Poland since 2007 and provides us with an information about ecological state of the rivers. Presented analyses were aimed to describe macrophyte development in the sandylowland type of river in the Silesian Upland. The assessment was made for lowland Pszczynka River (45.8 km total length, total catchment area 368.3 km2), which is a left-bank tributary of Vistula River. At the selected 10 research sections of the river (100 m each) the composition of macrophytes and abiotic conditions of the river were described. The paper presents the results of preliminary assessment of ecological condition of Pszczynka River on the background sources of substances discharged to the riveralongits course. Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR) was calculated based on the results of the research - river bed surface coverage by the particular plant species. The MIR limit values were used to determine the class of water quality in the examined river. Overall, the ecological status of Pszczynka River was rated as moderate and its water classified as Class III of water quality.
Social investment conflicts related to the construction of the A1 motorway in the Silesian voivodeship (Southern Poland)
Authors: Hibszer Adam
Published: May 2015

Motorway construction poses various problems, both in green fields, mainly because of concerns about the natural environment, as well as in brown fields, for technical reasons and due to disturbing residents. The Silesian voivodeship is one of the particularly problematic areas. The construction of the A1 motorway is not an easy task there. It is not only because of the potential changes in the environment or difficulties in conducting construction work in mining areas, but also because of the highly urbanised area, requiring both the compulsory purchase of land, as well as demolition of housing infrastructure. The aim of the study is to present the most serious conflicts related to the construction of the A1 motorway in the Silesian voivodeship. The method used in the study was the analysis of documents related to its construction from the websites of the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (Generalna Dyrekcja Dróg Krajowych i Autostrad - GDDKiA), the Voivodeship Office in Katowice and evaluation of information from the websites of communities in which the motorway investments were carried out. Moreover, voivodeship electronic editions of magazines and daily newspapers from the years 2006-2013 on the disputes arising from the construction of the A1 motorway were reviewed. As a result of the study it was found that for different sections of the motorway social conflicts occurred. They were diverse in nature, extent and the course. The analysis of the results shows that the implementation of this type of investment requires not only financial expenses and studies on the environmental impact, but also activities involving their social environment.
Expectations of employers on the example of Słupsk local labour market (with the particular emphasis on the need for geographical competences)
Authors: Szmielińska-Pietraszek Paulina , Szymańska Wioletta
Published: May 2015

On today's labour markets, the basic characteristics of the quality of the labour force is knowledge, qualifications, skills and experience possessed by it. Today, employers are looking for employees with high interpersonal competences, manners, responsible, hard-working, independent, honest and having the ability to learn quickly. For this, as an asset, they add the higher education, preferably directional, creativity and experience. The taken research area is characterized by economic lag in comparison with Gdańsk agglomeration area, as well as with other regions. In the article the reference was made to the declared needs of employers towards future employees, based on interviews conducted in 101 entities of the city of Słupsk and Słupsk county. The main aim of the research was to determine the usefulness of geographic knowledge for the local labour market. And thus indicating the possibility of increasing the attractiveness of geographical graduates in the labour market. Among the needs of employers of Słupsk labour market in accordance with the overall national trend, there is a large deficit of soft competencies, but also, among others, the gap typically professional related to information technology and engineering skills have been diagnosed. There has been a large gap identified in the ability to apply the knowledge (academic) in practical activities, which is called by the employers 'the professional experience'. In contrast, the studies on the usefulness of (the attractiveness of the labour market) competencies that are possible to learn while studying geography, showed the particular importance, valuable for the modern labour market skills of searching, collecting and processing of information. Currently in Poland, even in conditions of high unemployment existing mismatch between qualification and professional structure of supply and demand for labour can be observed. In the labour market, the presence is noted at the same time, the deficit and surplus professions and employers tend to have difficulty in recruiting people with specific skills and vocational skills. Not innovative small entities (which predominate in the structure of entities, inter alia, in Słupsk local labour market) are not able to take over the education of strictly professional competences due to a lack of capital. The role of practical education courses for universities is visible here. They are accumulating equipment and supplies for practical training which may in a flexible way try to respond to changing economic conditions.
Loliolide - the most ubiquitous lactone
Authors: Grabarczyk Małgorzata , Wińska Katarzyna , Mączka Wanda , Potaniec Bartłomiej , Anioł Mirosław
Published: May 2015

The searching for biologically active compounds produced by living organisms led to the discovery of a number of compounds with more or less complicated structure. One of the simplest molecules are monoterpenoid lactones and loliolide is the most common among them. Loliolide was found in animals (insects) and plants (flowers, shrubs, trees) both terrestrial and marine, such as algae and corals. Many years of research on plants used in traditional folk medicine of different countries have led to the conclusion that this compound has a variety of biological properties such as anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant ones. Moreover, plants containing loliolide are used in alternative medicine in treatment of diabetes and depression. It is extremely interesting that this lactone also affects the behavior of ants as well as the development of certain plants (allelopathic activity). However, sometimes there are side effects as in the case of structural analogues of loliolide contributing to extinction of tropical coral.
Interrelationships among motor coordination, body fat percentage, and physical activity in adolescent girls
Authors: Chagas Daniel das Virgens , Batista Luiz Alberto
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the interrelationships among motor coordination, body fat percentage, and physical activity levels in adolescent girls.

Methods

Sixty-eight girls aged 12–14 years participated in the study. Skinfold thickness was measured and the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder test was administered. Participants completed a self-reporting questionnaire on physical activity. Bivariate and partial correlations were used to analyze the interrelationships among the selected variables.

Results

There were no significant (p > 0.05) correlations between any motor coordination scores and physical activity levels with and without controlling for body fat percentage. All motor coordination scores were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with body fat with and without controlling for physical activity levels.

Conclusions

The relationships between motor coordination scores and physical activity levels, as well as between motor coordination scores and body fat percentage, were not influenced by body fat and physical activity levels, respectively. However, the overall low physical activity level in this sample may have biased these results. Additional research involving girls with higher physical activity levels should be pursued.
Effects of aqua aerobics on body composition, body mass, lipid profile, and blood count in middle-aged sedentary women
Authors: Kantyka Joanna , Herman Damian , Roczniok Robert , Kuba Lidia
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The aim of the present investigations was to determine the effects of aqua aerobics on body weight and composition, lipid profile, and selected blood count parameters in middle-aged sedentary females.

Methods

Twenty-one women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (age 56.20 ± 2.57 years, height 162.80 ± 4.76 cm, weight 74.03 ± 3.84 kg) that participated in aqua aerobics classes three times a week for three months and a control group (mean age 56.44 ± 3.28 years, height 165.00 ± 3.91 cm, weight 70.01 ± 11.36 kg) not involved in any kind of targeted exercise. The aqua aerobics classes were tailored to suit the age and abilities of the participants, with workout intensity controlled and maintained at approximately 128–137 bpm.

Results

Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found for body weight, total body water, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass. A significant increase in post-intervention hemoglobin and erythrocyte counts was observed in theexperimental group.

Conclusions

Future studies should determine the intensity of physical activity with the most beneficial effect on blood variables in middle-aged and older individuals.
Assessment of physical activity by pedometer in Polish preschool children
Authors: Czajka Kamila , Sławińska Teresa , Kołodziej Małgorzata , Kochan Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the physical activity patterns of preschoolers aged 6–7 years.

Methods

A sample of 221 preschool children (116 boys and 105 girls) aged 6 (5.92 ± 0.30) and 7 (6.91 ± 0.25) years was recruited. Physical activity was assessed over 7 consecutive days by using pedometers to determine step counts (steps/day). Accrued anthropometric data included height, mass, and BMI. Data were compared with ANOVA to determine any significant differences between age and sex groups and the part of the week (weekday/weekend); intergroup differences were evaluated with Fisher's LSD test. A < 0.05 level of significance was adopted for all statistical tests.

Results

No significant differences were found between the age groups (6- and 7-year olds). Physical activity over the 7-day period was significantly greater in the boys (13318 ± 2354 steps/day) than girls (12300 ± 2750 steps/day). Mean weekday step counts were greater among boys (13800 ± 2458 steps/day) than girls (12587 ± 2802 steps/day); this difference was statistically significant. Mean weekend steps were 12112 ± 3467 and 11579 ± 3930 steps/day for the boys and girls, respectively. Mean weekday steps were significantly greater (p < 0.001) than mean weekend steps in both groups. The recommendation of 12000 steps/day was met by 60.6% of the sample (69.0% boys, 51.4% girls).

Conclusions

Sex differences in physical activity patterns were observed in the sample of preschool children. Boys, compared with girls, were characterized with a higher physical activity level on both weekdays and weekend days. Physical activity for both sexes was lower on weekend days than weekdays. The results indicate the need for improved health literacy among parents on current recommended physical activity guidelines and the suitability of a pedometer-based assessment method.
Effect of Capillarity on Fourth Order Nonlinear Evolution Equation for Two Stokes Wave Trains in Deep Water in the Presence of Air Flowing Over Water
Authors: Dhar A.K. , Mondal J.
Published: May 2015

Fourth order nonlinear evolution equations, which are a good starting point for the study of nonlinear water waves, are derived for deep water surface capillary gravity waves in the presence of second waves in which air is blowing over water. Here it is assumed that the space variation of the amplitude takes place only in a direction along which the group velocity projection of the two waves overlap. A stability analysis is made for a uniform wave train in the presence of a second wave train. Graphs are plotted for the maximum growth rate of instability wave number at marginal stability and wave number separation of fastest growing sideband component against wave steepness. Significant improvements are noticed from the results obtained from the two coupled third order nonlinear Schrödinger equations.
Analytical Solution to the MHD Flow of Micropolar Fluid Over a Linear Stretching Sheet
Authors: Siddheshwar P.G. , Mahabaleshwar U.S.
Published: May 2015

The flow due to a linear stretching sheet in a fluid with suspended particles, modeled as a micropolar fluid, is considered. All reported works on the problem use numerical methods of solution or a regular perturbation technique. An analytical solution is presented in the paper for the coupled non-linear differential equations with inhomogeneous boundary conditions.
Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability of Two Superposed Elastico – Viscous Fluids of Different Permeability with Dust in Porous Medium
Authors: Singh M. , Mehta C.B.
Published: May 2015

Rayleigh-Taylor instability of two superposed Walters’ B has elastico-viscous fluids in a uniform magnetic field through a porous medium with different permeability been studied to include the suspended (dust) particles effect. Using normal mode technique a dispersion relation has been derived. The stability analysis has been carried out. The magnetic field stabilizes the unstable configuration for the wave number band K > K* in which the system is unstable in the absence of the magnetic field. It is also found that for a potential stable arrangement for Walters B’ elastico-viscous fluids of different permeabilities in the presence of suspended particles through a porous medium the system is stable, whereas in the potentially unstable case instability of the system occurs.
A Synthesis Model for Forcing Action Arrangement in the System of Reducing Dynamic Loads of a Mobile Machine
Authors: Kaźmierczak H. , Pawłowski T. , Zembrowski K.
Published: May 2015

An idea is presented for a method to lower excessive dynamic loads in the system of supporting structure, mechanical-hydraulic forcing system, vibration isolation system, protective unit. The dynamic characteristics of the system are determined by the method of dynamic susceptibility. An analytical model of the system was built (mobile machine to carry out protective treatments; project WDN-POIG.01.03.01-00-164/09).
Study of Uncoated and Coated Carbide Insert on Tool Life, Surface Roughness and Material Removal Rate in Machining of EN27 steel
Authors: Ghubade Anil , Gupta Ajay , Abrol Abhishek , Singh Satsimran
Published: May 2015

Metal cutting industries are facing challenges to increase production rate at minimum cost with improvement in quality in the final product. The increasing need of productivity, closed tolerance, dimensional stability and cost put tremendous pressure on manufacturing industries to design and develop new technologies to meet the required goal. Hence, coating over the existing tool plays an important role in achieving higher production rate, better tool life and minimization in cost. In this paper, we analyzed the effect of uncoated and coated carbide (triple and six layer coated) tool on tool life, surface roughness and material removal rate during dry turning of EN27 steel. Taguchi approach is used to find the best optimum parameter setting for turning of EN27 steel. A L9 orthogonal array, signal-to-noise ratio and ANOVA are applied to study machining parameters (Spindle speed, Feed rate and Depth of cut) in consideration of tool life (VB), material removal rate (MRR) and surface finish (Ra). The experimental investigation shows that the best machining performance is achieved by six layer coated carbide insert compared to uncoated and triple coated carbide insert under the selected machining conditions.
Polymer stabilized Monodispersed Liquid Crystal Droplets: Microfluidics Generation and Optical Analysis
Authors: Lucchetta D. E. , Simoni F. , Pagliusi P. , Cipparrone G.
Published: May 2015

Liquid crystal droplets are widely used in optics and photonics applications. They can act as simple resonators or be arranged in interconnected periodic configurations when their external dimension are similar. In this work we optically analyze and describe the microfluidic generation of liquid crystal droplets in a thermally stabilized environment, namely water, which enables a narrow droplets diameter distribution.We demonstrate a fine control of the droplet dimensions in both nematic and isotropic phases by controlling the ratio between liquid crystal andwater flows. Droplets generated in the isotropic phase show a complex internal structure which reflects their high degree of internal disorder. Moreover, the internal configuration of the droplets also depends on the purity degree of the water in which they grow. In order to investigate their size distribution and their internal structure, a small amount of photo-polymerizable agent (NOA61 optical glue)was added to the liquid crystal to stabilize the droplets structure and to avoid their coalescence. Acting this way, polymer stabilized liquid crystal droplets were created after light induced polymerization, which are stable even after water evaporation. The polarized microscope analysis shows that the bipolar or radial order of the liquid crystal is still preserved inside the droplets depending on the water purity. Moreover an improved size uniformity is reported.
Challenging Heritage Visualisation: Beauty, Aura and Democratisation
Authors: Jeffrey Stuart
Published: May 2015

In this paper I will pose a challenge to digital heritage visualisation that takes as its starting point the
weirdness of the digital world in comparison to everyday experience. Related to this is the apparent inability
for digital objects to benefit from or acquire aura from their originals. I contend that, unless mitigated, these
properties will cause a continuing lack of engagement with digital heritage visualisation beyond the professional
and academic circles in which they are created. Contrary to expectations, I will argue digital objects can indeed
manifest an auratic quality and that this is in fact fundamental to how they are received by various audiences. I
contend that both aura and the intimate relationship between digital representation, aesthetics and the creative
imagination need to be understood and embraced in practice. Finally, I will suggest some ways of addressing the
challenge by looking at modes of co-production, physical replication and aesthetic quality.
Effect of the Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Component on Conventional Diesel Fuel Properties
Authors: Kumbár V. , Votava J.
Published: May 2015

The effect of the rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) component in diesel fuel was assessed. Dynamic viscosity and density of blends were particularly observed. Measurements were performed at standard constant temperature. Increasing ratio of RME in diesel fuel was reflected in increased density value and dynamic viscosity of the blend. In the case of pure RME, pure diesel fuel, and the blend of both, temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity and density was examined. Considerable temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity and density was found out and demonstrated for all three samples. This finding is in accordance with theoretical assumptions and literature data sources. Mathematical models were developed and tested. Temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity was modelled using the 3rd degree polynomial. Temperature dependence of density was modelled using the 2nd degree polynomial. The proposed models can be used for flow behaviour prediction of RME, diesel fuel, and their blends.
Effects Of Spring Herbicide Treatments On Winter Wheat Growth And Grain Yield*
Authors: Hamouz P. , Hamouzová K. , Novotná K.
Published: May 2015

Herbicides provide a low-cost solution for protecting crops from significant yield losses. If weed infestations are below damage thresholds, however, then herbicide application is unnecessary and can even lead to yield loss. A small-plot field trial was conducted to examine the effect of herbicides on winter wheat yields. Weeds were removed manually from the trial area before herbicide application. Twenty-four treatments were tested in four replications. Treatment 1 consisted of an untreated weed-free control, whereas the other treatments comprised applications of the following herbicides and their combinations: metsulfuron-methyl + tribenuron-methyl (4.95 + 9.99 g ha−1), pinoxaden (30 g ha−1), fluroxypyr (175 g ha−1), and clopyralid (120 g ha−1). Water (250 l ha−1) or a urea-ammonium nitrate fertilizer solution (UAN, 120.5 l ha−1) was used as the herbicide carrier. Crop injury 30 days after treatment and yield loss were recorded. Results showed minor crop injury by herbicides and their combinations when applied without UAN and moderate injury caused by UAN in combination with herbicides. Yield losses reached 5.3% and 4.3% in those treatments where all of the tested herbicides were applied with and without UAN, respectively. The effect of all treatments on crop yield was, however, statistically insignificant (P = 0.934).
Rural School In The Context Of Community-Led Local Development*
Authors: Hudečková H. , Husák J.
Published: May 2015

The paper is based on the general concept of knowledge society and deals with regional development theories which emphasize local environment as an important part of rural development. The following two questions were studied: (1) What is the early experience of municipalities when establishing a Community School? (2) In which other municipalities would it be possible and appropriate to build such a school? For this purpose, both secondary and primary research methods were combined with data collection techniques – document study, observation, and questioning. Because the examined problem is set in the context of community-led local development (CLLD), violation of the ‘bottom-up’ approach principle is also highlighted. The paper presents the first experiences in the establishment of seven Community Schools within the Pilsen region and based on them also recommendations for the feasibility and suitability of establishing this type of school in other rural municipalities. The results show that the educational sector is not assisting in the modernization of rural schools with regard to community education and that the possibility of the contemporary and meaningful existence of schools in small rural municipalities remains ignored.
Analysis of a Turbine Blade Failure in a Military Turbojet Engine
Authors: Sahoo Benudhar , Satpathy R. K. , Panigrahi S. K.
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with failure analysis of a low-pressure turbine blade of a straight flow turbojet engine. The blade is made of a wrought precipitation hardened Nickel base superalloy with oxidation-resistant diffusion aluminizing coating. The failure mode is found to be fatigue with multiple cracks inside the blade having crack origin at metal carbides. In addition to the damage in the coating, carbide banding has been observed in few blades. Carbide banding may be defined as inclusions in the form of highly elongated along deformation direction. The size, shape and banding of carbides and their location critically affect the failure of blades. Carbon content needs to be optimized to reduce interdendritic segregation and thereby provide improved fatigue and stress rupture life. Hence, optimization of size, shape and distribution of carbides in the billet and forging parameters during manufacturing of blade play a vital role to eliminate/reduce extent of banding. Reference micrographs as acceptance criteria are essential for evaluation of raw material and blade. There is a need to define the acceptance criteria for carbide bandings and introduce more sensitive ultrasonic check during billet and on finished blade inspection.
Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease – Role of Arterial Calcification and Impact on Treatment
Authors: Phan Olivier , Burnier Michel , Wuerzner Grégoire ,   Service of Nephrology, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 17, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. E: olivier.phan@chuv.ch,   Service of Nephrology,   Clinical Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
Published: May 2015

Hypertension contributes to the progression of kidney diseases as well as to the occurrence of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. The prevalence of hypertension is elevated in patients with kidney disease, and increases progressively as glomerular filtration rate falls. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to hypertension in renal diseases has been gained in recent years; in this article we will review the pathogenesis of hypertension in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a special focus on vascular calcification because calcification is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients. Although calcification of large arteries and blood pressure increase with age, few studies have specifically investigated a possible connection between these two factors as determinants of the severity of hypertension in CKD. Finally, we will review the trends in hypertension treatment in CKD patients. Expanded understanding of the role of CKD as both a cause and a target of hypertension highlights key points of pathophysiology of hypertension and may contribute to the identification of new strategies for its prevention and treatment.
Experimental and analytical investigations of bonding ultrahigh strength fibre concrete panels on reinforced concrete structures with low concrete strength
Authors: Wang Jian , Morikawa Hidenori , Kawaguchi Tetsuo
Published: May 2015

A large number of aging reinforced concrete (RC) bridges have become huge potential safety hazards. Due to poor design and/or construction, some of these old RC bridges do not even meet basic safety requirements such as shear capacity. This paper presents a new shear strengthening technique of bonding ultrahigh strength fibre reinforced concrete (UFC) panels onto the ends of girders of aging RC bridges. This technique has many attractive characteristics, such as outstanding durability, workability, efficiency and reliability. To investigate the effect UFC strengthening has on the shear resisting mechanism and bond–slip properties of rebars embedded in RC beams, experiments and finite-element analyses were conducted. The experimental results show that both the shear resisting capacity and the bond–slip properties of rebars improved when UFC panels were applied. Analytical results from the modified bond–slip model show good agreement with the experimental results in terms of load–deflection and crack patterns.
Immunization with 3-oxododecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone-r-PcrV conjugate enhances survival of mice against lethal burn infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Golpasha Isar Dejban , Mousavi Seyed Fazlollah , Owlia Parviz , Siadat Seyed Davar , Irani Shiva
Published: May 2015

Quorum Sensing and type III secretion system play an important role in the virulence of Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa in burn wound infections. We aimed to explore the feasibility of using 3-oxo-C12-HSL-r-PcrV conjugate as a candidate vaccine against P. aeruginosa caused infections. 3-oxo-C12-HSL-r-PcrV conjugate was prepared and used for immunization of mice (10 μg, subcutaneous, three times, at 2-week intervals). Mice were divided into five groups: I: PcrV; II: 3-oxo-C12-HSL-r-PcrV (10 μg); III: 3-oxo-C12-HSL-r-PcrV (20 μg); IV: 3-oxo-C12-HSL; and V: PBS receiving groups.  After each shot of immunization, total and isotype antibody responses against corresponding antigen were measured to determine the immunization efficacy. One month after the last immunization, all groups were burned and challenged subeschar with P. aeruginosa PAO1. Survival rate and bacterial quantity in the skin and internal organs (liver and spleen) were evaluated 25-hr after burn infection. Immunization with 3-oxo-C12-HSL-r-PcrV significantly increased total IgG and specific subclass antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgM) in the serum of the groups II and III compared to the control group (p<0.001). While all the control mice (PBS injected group) died within 2 days after bacterial challenge, 64% of the group I, 78% of group II, and 86% of group III, survived within 14 days after challenge. Interestingly, bacterial burden in the liver and spleen of 3-oxo-C12-HSL-r-PcrV injected group (III) was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001).  The present study proposed two-component vaccine to inhibit Pseudomonas infections in burned mouse.
Fractalkine receptor polymorphism may not be associated with the development and clinical course of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Gokcan Hale , Yurtcu Erkan , Selcuk Haldun , Sahin Feride Iffet
Published: May 2015

Fractalkine (CX3C), a chemokine expressed by epithelial cells within normal and inflamed colorectal mucosa, induces leukocyte adhesion and migration via fractalkine receptor. The aim of this study was to investigate two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the fractalkine receptor gene as a risk factor both for the development and clinical findings of ulcerative colitis. In this study, 51 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 80 controls were recruited. Genotypes of fractalkine receptor c.745G>A (V249I) and c.839C>T (T280M) polymorphisms were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses after polymerase chain reaction.Genotype distribution and allele frequencies of V249I and T280M were not statistically significantly different between UC and control groups (p>0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between fractalkine receptor polymorphisms and clinical findings of UC. We observed no significant difference in fractalkine receptor polymorphism between patients and control group and no genotype-phenotype relation. Therefore, we concluded that fractalkine receptor polymorphisms may not contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of UC.
Study and Application of Forced Convection in Road Bus Heating System
Authors: Biazus Scheila Sandi , Altafini Carlos Roberto
Published: May 2015

This work deals with a replacing the heating system of intercity buses, made by long heat exchangers distributed on the sides of the passenger saloon by small and compact ones that use forced convection to heat dissipation. At the beginning the calculation was made of the heat capacity of a heat exchanger with the parameters defined by the supplier, and then conducted an analysis of change in these parameters in order to improve its efficiency. The method for examining the heat exchanger is based on the correlations available in the convection flow inside and outside to determine the respective convective coefficients, and therefore the overall coefficient of heat transfer. Following, the heat exchanger in its original form, was tested on bench. Thus, from the thermal load of the bus model studied, the amount of exchangers required has been defined to satisfy the thermal comfort of passengers. Field tests of the heating systems with new heat exchangers were performed to obtain actual data of the proposed system. The original factory system showed to be efficient in meeting the needs thermal load and economically viable, such that the critical thermal load can be met with ten heaters installed along the body. Furthermore, this system offers the possibility of varying the parameters to best fit to the project, where the flow variation of the fans or the spacing between the fins of the heat exchanger decreases the amount of heaters required. At the same time, the system showed the need for further study to assess its distribution along the passenger saloon in order to meet a best uniformity temperature distribution. http://dx.doi.org/10.18226/23185279.v3iss1p29
Evaluating rehabilitation efforts following the Milford Flat Fire: successes, failures, and controlling factors
Authors: Duniway M. C. , Palmquist E. , Miller M. E.
Published: May 2015

Uncontrolled wildfire in arid and semiarid ecosystems has become an increasing concern in recent decades. Active rehabilitation of fire‐affected areas is often quickly initiated to minimize long‐term ecosystem damage. However, the complex soil‐geomorphic‐vegetation patterns and low and variable moisture conditions in these regions makes restoration challenging. To further inform these post‐fire management decisions, we present results from 5 years of vegetation and sediment flux monitoring following the Milford Flat Fire in west‐central Utah, USA. Our sampling design includes monitoring plots in areas not burned, areas burned but where no rehabilitation was attempted, and burned areas where various rehabilitation approaches were implemented. At each of the 25 plots, vegetation cover and composition data were collected annually, and wind‐driven sediment flux was measured using passive dust traps. To evaluate effectiveness of post‐fire rehabilitation treatments in establishing desired species and limiting dominance of undesired species, we analyzed the temporal response of individual species and functional groups as well as community‐level multivariate responses. The warm and dry conditions that persisted for approximately 12 months post‐treatment, coupled with the surface disturbing rehabilitation approaches used, resulted in near‐surface dust fluxes several orders of magnitude higher in treated areas than in unburned or burned areas where no rehabilitation occurred. These dry conditions and high surface sediment flux limited the establishment of seeded species in rehabilitation areas for nearly 3 years. Post‐fire rehabilitation did not limit dominance by invasive annual species of concern. Perennial species composition in the areas burned but not subject to post‐fire rehabilitation was relatively similar to unburned throughout the study period. In contrast, the burned plots where rehabilitation was attempted were characterized by no (<3%) perennial cover or, in response to moister conditions, seeded forage species. These results suggest the post‐fire rehabilitation efforts conducted in the lower elevation regions affected by the Milford Flat Fire were not generally successful. Though dry conditions are likely to blame for the lack of success, the low and variable precipitation characteristic of these regions suggest future post‐fire rehabilitation decisions must assume that precipitation is going to be insufficient and plan rehabilitation efforts that are resilient to dry conditions.
The Simplest Chronoscope IV: Lateral Differences in Choice Reaction Time Responses Obtained by Meterstick versus Machine
Authors: Montare Alberto
Published: May 2015

This study compared right-hand and left-hand two-choice CRT responses of college students to both the simplest chronoscope (a falling meterstick) and to a digital-readout multi-choice reaction timer (machine). Tests of ipsilateral differences showed significant differences in CRT between the meterstick and the machine methods for both right and left hands. There were no significant contralateral differences in CRT with either the meterstick or machine methods. Combined total scores showed that there were significant differences in CRT responses obtained by meterstick versus machine, whereas there were no differences in CRT responses for all right-hand responses versus all left-hand responses. Results suggest that perhaps the workings of two different reaction time systems may account for the robustness of differences between CRT's obtained by meterstick versus machine.
Reliability analysis of the results of RTN GNSS surveys of building structures using indirect methods of measurement
Authors: Krzyżek Robert
Published: May 2015

This paper presents accuracy characteristics of determining the position of corners of building structures with RTN GNSS surveying, using indirect methods of measurement. The studies included the following methods: a point on a straight line, intersection of straight lines and distance-distance intersection. The research experiment analyzed the coordinates of the corners of building structures obtained from the surveys and the mean errors of their position as well as mutual relationships of check measurements, or tie distances. The accuracy analysis also took into account base errors determined in real time. Statistical analysis of these parameters was carried out, as a result of which a distance-distance intersection method was very well rated. For other methods, the results were diversified. The article also emphasizes a need to search for other solutions to modernize the indirect methods of measurement in such a way that their use in RTN GNSS surveys would give results most probable when compared to the real ones.
Influence of Storage on Briquettes Mechanical Properties
Authors: Brožek M.
Published: May 2015

The effects of the storage place, placing manner, and storage time on mechanical properties of briquettes made from birch chips were laboratorily tested. A unique methodology developed by the present author enabling a relatively easy assessment of mechanical properties of the briquettes is described. The briquettes properties were evaluated by their density and rupture force determination. From the test results it follows that if the briquettes are stored in a well closed plastic bag, neither the place nor the storage time influence significantly their life time. When stored in a net plastic bag, the briquettes get seriously damaged, namely depending on their storage place and storage time.