bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media composition affects seed dormancy, apical dominance and phenolic profile of Knautia sarajevensis (Dipsacaceae), Bosnian endemic
Authors: Karalija Erna , Zeljković Sanja Ćavar , Tarkowski Petr , Muratović Edina , Parić Adisa
Published: July 2017

Knautia sarajevensisis an endemic plant of the Dinaric Alps and is mainly distributed on Bosnian Mountains. Due to the quite large flower heads and easy maintenance, this plant has a potential use as a substitute ornamental plant forK. arvensisin perennial beds. The current study evaluated the germination process in different treatments in an attempt to suppress dormancy and increase germination rate, and to develop a successful protocol for micropropagation. An over 60% germination rate was achieved through cultivation of seeds on MS basal medium with reduced mineral nutrient composition and the absence of sucrose. On the other hand, a below 10% germination rate was achieved with untreated seeds. Suppression of apical dominance was achieved through application of high concentrations of kinetin, apical shoot decapitation or cultivation of shoots in liquid media. Overall, liquid cultures were more successful as a micropropagation system for this plant. Shoots spontaneously developed roots on multiplication treatments and were successfully acclimatized. Moreover, phenolic compound profile was analysed in the light of the possible medicinal potential of this plant. Variable amounts of total phenolic compounds as well as individual phenolics were recorded, according to treatment and solidification of media. An increase in rosmarinic acid content was reported for kinetin treatments and acclimatized plants comparing to mother plants in natural habitat. The present study shows that choice of cytokinin concentration, explant type as well as culture type influences not only shoot proliferation and apical dominance suppression but alsoin vitroproduction of phenolics.
In vitro multiplication, micromorphological studies and ex vitro rooting of Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell. – a rare medicinal plant
Authors: Shekhawat Mahipal S. , Manokari M.
Published: July 2017

Hybanthus enneaspermusis a rare medicinal plant. We defined a protocol for micropropagation,ex vitrorooting of cloned shoots and their acclimatization. Surface-sterilized nodal segments were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (Kin). Medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L−1BAP was found optimum for shoot induction from the explants and 6.4±0.69 shoots were regenerated from each node with 97% response. Shoots were further proliferated maximally (228±10.3 shoots per culture bottle with 7.5±0.43 cm length) on MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg L−1each of BAP and Kin within 4–5 weeks. The shoots were rootedin vitroon half strength MS medium containing 2.0 mg L−1indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). The cloned shoots were pulse-treated with 300 mg L–1 of IBA and cultured on soilrite® in a greenhouse. About 96% of the IBA-pulsed shoots rootedex vitroin soilrite®, each shoot producing 12.5±0.54 roots with 5.1±0.62 cm length. Theex vitrorooted plantlets showed a better rate of survival (92%) in a field study thanin vitrorooted plantlets (86%). A comparative foliar micromorphological study ofH. enneaspermuswas conducted to understand the micromorphological changes during plant developmental processes fromin vitrotoin vivoconditions in terms of variations in stomata, vein structures and spacing, and trichomes. This is the first report onex vitrorooting inH. enneaspermusand the protocol can be exploited for conservation and large-scale propagation of this rare and medicinally important plant.
Exploiting Information and Communication Technologies in Teaching a Foreign Language
Authors: Niculescu Brândușa-Oana , Obilișteanu Georgeta
Published: July 2017

Education has to constantly adapt and renew itself in order to be compatible with the technology-dominated world we live in. There has been heated debate over the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in the educational process. The ICT, especially in foreign language teaching, has become the researchers’ focus of attention in the last two decades. Today’s armed forces require highly-skilled military personnel to be digitally literate and to have well-developed cultural awareness, intercultural communication ability and critical thinking competence. In this context, foreign language classes in the military higher education system should become an environment in which language, culture and civilisation encounters may be facilitated and enhanced by ICT, promoting the acquisition of knowledge and skills demanded by the exercise of roles that the armed forces have in the international theatres of operations. This paper aims at examining the necessity of introducing ICT in foreign language teaching, pointing to the numerous advantages of using these new technologies. The paper also discusses the new role and skills of the teacher in the context of exploiting the various resources provided by the ICT. In addition, we mention some of the modalities in which ICT can be put to good use in developing the cadets’ foreign language skills.
Ways to Determine the Technical Status of the Vehicles’ Braking System by Means of General Diagnosis
Authors: Todea Paul , Lazăr Daniel
Published: July 2017

Vehicles’ breaking system is one of the basic elements that lead to the maintenance of technical and road safety during transport activities on public roads or other special conditions. Therefore, particular attention is paid to all maintenance work planned or occasionally carried out on such system, as a high coefficient of vehicles availability results in an increased percentage of their productivity. Of course, there is diagnosis equipment for each element, and the brake booths within MOT centres accurately indicate the values of the measured parameters, following repair, adjustment and control operations for troubleshooting. Still, there are certain cases requesting the check of breaking system either analytically or by field experiments, i.e. when vehicles are driven on rough and rugged ground, during military specific missions and activities, where their performance no longer allows specialized equipment or when such equipment does not exist. This works presents alternatives to determine the technical condition of the braking system by means of typical solutions for the general diagnosis type.
Kinetics of Enantiomerically Enriched Synthesis of Solketal Esters Using Native and SBA-15 supported P. Fluorescens Lipase
Authors: Zniszczoł Aurelia , Szymańska Katarzyna , Kocurek Jacek , Bryjak Jolanta , Walczak Krzysztof , Jarzębski Andrzej
Published: July 2017

The studies showed that alkaline lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens enables an irreversible transesterification of vinyl esters to give enantiomeric excess (eeR) of about 80% using vinyl butyrate as acyl donor and diisopropyl ether as a solvent, at partially optimized conditions. For the native lipase the process was adequately described by a five-parameter Ping-Pong Bi Bi model for both enantiomers plus expression accounting for the formation of enzyme-acyl donor complex, but for the same lipase supported on mesoporous materials of SBA-15-Oc type, R-product inhibition also had to be taken into account. The use of hydrophobic support increased by more than two-fold the rate of the S-solketal conversion but even more that of R-solketal. Thus the immobilization of lipase had very positive effect on the process kinetics but decreased its enantioselectivity.
Measurements of Hydrogen Solubility in Nitrobenzene/Aniline Mixtures
Authors: Srebniak Aleksandra , Kraut Manfred , Görke Oliver , Sobieszuk Paweł
Published: July 2017

Measurements of hydrogen solubility in various nitrobenzene-aniline mixtures were conducted in an autoclave reactor with a stirrer and control of temperature. The solubility of hydrogen was measured at 7 different values of temperature (30 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C, 90 °C, 130 °C, 170 °C, 210 °C, respectively), 3 values of stirrer rotation speed (1200 rpm, 1600 rpm, 2000 rpm, respectively) and a range of pressure of 20 ‒ 30 bar. Moreover, pure aniline, pure nitrobenzene and their mixtures with different concentrations were used. In the next step, values of Henry’s constant were calculated. Based on experimental data a dependence of Henry’s constant on temperature for pure aniline and pure nitrobenzene was proposed. Additionally, for each temperature correlations between Henry’s constant and aniline’s concentration in mixture of nitrobenzene-aniline were found.
Waste Plant Material as a Potential Adsorbent of a Selected Azo Dye
Authors: Tomczak Elwira , Tosik Paweł
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the adsorption of Direct Orange 26 azo dye on sunflower husk - an agricultural waste product. During the study, sorption kinetics and equilibrium as well as sorption capacity of the husk were investigated. The adsorption kinetics was analyzed using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order equations, which indicated a chemical sorption mechanism. The sorption equilibrium was approximated with the two-parameter Freundlich and Langmuir equations and the three-parameter Redlich-Peterson equation. The main experiments were carried out in a laboratory adsorption column under different process conditions. Experimental data were interpreted with the Thomas model, based on the volumetric flow rate, initial composition of the feed solution and mass of the adsorbent. The results of modeling the adsorption equilibrium, adsorption kinetics and adsorption dynamics were evaluated statistically.
Balancing Between Roles and Duties – The Creativity of Mothers
Authors: Kwaśniewska Joanna Maria , Lebuda Izabela
Published: July 2017

We raise two issues in the article at hand: how women who are mothers fulfil their creative needs, and what significance they ascribe to creativity in their role as mothers. A thematic analysis of structured interviews with twenty-seven women suggests that for mothers, creative activity mostly concerns fulfilling one’s responsibilities as part of the role taken on (be it parental or professional), and the main creative challenge they face is achieving a balance between their private and professional lives. Creativity in their role as mothers relates predominantly to two areas of activity: communication with the child and activities creating a climate conducive to the child’s development of creative ability. We discuss the obtained results in relation to those of previous research on the relationship between motherhood and creativity.
Wielkie Nić / The Big Thread. Case Study
Authors: Grygiel Agnieszka
Published: July 2017

The aim of this case study is to describe the social project "Wielkie nić / The Big Thread" - the creation of embroidered messages - which has many features in common with children’s play. Just like play, it needs space, time and rules, but at the same time, also a lot of freedom. And neither need spectators. Moreover, the project - like a form of symbolic play, where children use abstract things to represent reality - has a metaphorical significance. The threads, used for common embroidery, truly connect people. They realize how much they have in common and how they need each other. This can give a sense of unity and community and even change their consciousness.
Tax Audit as a Significant Factor in Suppressing Tax Evasion
Authors: Todorović Miodrag , Stanković Ivan , Ljajić Samir
Published: July 2017

The fact that an enormous portion of the public revenue is lost through tax evasion indicates the inevitability of taking various measures to suppress it. According to the latest statistics, the outflow from the gross domestic product through tax evasion is 30%. The aim of this paper is to point to the systematisation of the matter relating to an assessment of the efficiency of tax audit as a pillar of the reduction of tax evasion and informal economy in our country. Methodology implies a descriptive research. Collected data were meticulously analysed by means of basic arithmetic operations. Due to serious consequences of tax evasion, it is necessary to upgrade the tax system modelled on developed market economies. It is necessary to modernise a Tax Administration, as well as to improve the co-operation between its segments. A synthetic income tax should be introduced. It would encompass all revenues that a taxpayer generates per year. If all taxpayers settled their tax liabilities, it would create space for tax burden reduction. In legal states only “the bravest” resort to tax evasion. Most countries have undertaken a series of measures in order to suppress tax evasion and informal economy. However, the effectiveness of the struggle varies.
Influence of the Governmental Investment Subsidies On Development of Serbian Viticulture
Authors: Vasiljević Zorica , Popović Nikola , Dimitrijević Bojan , Vujović Dragan , Bulatović Branka Kalanović
Published: July 2017

Viticulture is an important branch of Serbian agriculture. It has a long tradition, but there is the decreasing trend both in areas under vineyards and in grape production. The analysis intends to answer the question what are the reasons for those trends. The main goal of the paper is to analyse the relationship between the decrease in areas under vineyards and the level of investment effectiveness in this type of production. The paper analyses the influence of the governmental agrarian policy measures onto increase of investments′ effectiveness in vineyard establishment. The government has adopted the measures for subsidising the establishment of vineyards. The research analyses the economic effectiveness of investments by using the calculation of investments as well as dynamic multi-periodic methods of investment analysis (Net Present Value - NPV and Internal Rate of Return - IRR). The data for investment analysis (investments, the value of production, operating costs) have been collected by the farms through the survey made in Central Serbia, while the data on the governmental subsidies have been taken from The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. The analysis has shown that investments into vineyards are not profitable without governmental subsidies and support.
Wine Marketing: Impact of Demographic Factors of Serbian Consumers On the Choice of Wine
Authors: Radovanović Vladimir , Đorđević Dejan Ž. , Petrović Jelena
Published: July 2017

How consumers will behave when buying wine depends on many factors, among which economic, social, demographic, psychological and situational ones are highlighted. Research in wine consumer attitudes in Serbia is aimed at creating appropriate marketing strategies. This paper analyses the influences of demographic factors on wine consumption.Special attention was paid to the impact of the wine characteristics that affect the decision to buy the local or imported wines with geographical origin. It should be added that wine tourism is particularly important in increasing the sales of wine by direct and indirect means.To this aim, 1.705 wine buyers and consumers were interviewed during 2015. Based on Chi-test, it has been proven that the age group affects the decision on the purchase of wine. Understanding consumer motivation is possible through an adequate marketing approach which will provide increased sales of domestic wine and the quicker development of the national market.
Comparative Analysis of Serbian and European Legislation in the Area of Waste Management
Authors: Krstić Mladen , Milenković-Kerković Tamara
Published: July 2017

Waste management, ecological consciousness and environmental protection have become increasingly topical issues ever since the beginning of the 21st century, and in favour of this claim is the fact that there is an increasing number of authors dealing with environmental law, as well the level of global ecological consciousness. The contemporary consumer society is characterized by the fact that it creates a plethora of different kinds of waste. The goal is to create a modern system of integrated waste management in order to encompass the cycle of manufacturing and consumption with a recycling process at the end of the consumer products lifespan. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the European legislation, as well as to analyse the Serbian legislation in the area of waste management. The European legislation on waste management is much older and far more developed than its Serbian counterpart, hence, it represents the foundation for future development of regulations in Serbia. The current waste management legislation in Serbia is largely based on the EU legislation, however, owing to the insufficiently matured and stable Serbian institutions, implementation of these regulations is below the expected level.
An Analysis of the Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement
Authors: Vorina Anton , Simonič Miro , Vlasova Maria
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the relationship between employee engagement and job satisfaction. People spend most of their time at work, and their motivation is considered to be an important factor for job performance. Enthusiastic employees, who focus their efforts on achieving their companies′ goals are a key competitive advantage in the modern world. The effect of employee engagement on business performance has been studied by various experts. They found out the similar conclusion: “the more enthusiastic the workers are, the better operating results they achieve for the company”. An occasional sample of 594 respondents who are employed in the public and non-public sector in Slovenia was used for the purpose of this study. The main goal of the research is to determine whether (and how) the employee engagement influences job satisfaction. A written survey was conducted from 4 January 2016 to 14 March 2016. IBM SPSS 20 was used for the statistical analysis. The results confirm that the relationship between employee engagement and job satisfaction is positive and statistically significant (5 % significance level), based on the linear regression F (1, 583) =296.14, p-value = 0.000, R-square = 0.337. The results also show that there is no statistically significant difference between employee engagement and gender and there is no statistically significant difference between job satisfaction and gender.
Relationship of Ages and Gender of the Employees in Organisations in the Republic of Serbia and Their Job Satisfaction
Authors: Djordjević Biljana , Ivanović-Djukić Maja , Lepojević Vinko
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between ages and gender of employees in organisations in Serbia and their job satisfaction. When it comes to age-job satisfaction relationship the assumption is that this relationship could be represented by the “U” curve. When it comes to gender-job satisfaction relationship the authors investigate whether there is a difference in the overall job satisfaction between men and women as well as whether there is a statistically significant influence of different job facets on job satisfaction of men and women in different ages in organisations in Serbia. For testing these assumptions descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance were applied. The research methodology also included theoretical analysis of the concept of job satisfaction. Results of the study have shown that the level of job satisfaction of employees of different age cannot be represented by the “U” curve. Further, the results have shown that there is a small difference in the overall job satisfaction between men and women as well as that there are some dimensions of job that have statistically significant influence on job satisfaction of men and women in different ages. The practical implication of this paper is that it, based on the obtained results, suggests to the managers certain human resource management (HRM) practices in order to gain more satisfied and, hence, more productive employees.
Advanced Deformation Stages in Duplex Steel Investigated using Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Gadalińska E. , Baczmański A. , Zhao Y. , Le Joncour L. , Wroński S. , Panicaud B. , Francois M. , Braham C. , Buslaps T.
Published: July 2017

The grain scale of materials is an area still open for investigations within the field of materials science. The most helpful tools to perform this type of research are diffraction methods. Within the research project presented in this paper two experiments were carried out employing two different types of radiation: neutron (ISIS) and synchrotron (ESRF). The aim of the work was to describe the stress state in the necking zone during the occurrence of a damage phenomenon (Fig. 1.) in separate phase and to check the level of the homogeneity. The supplemental tools were the finite elements method and self-consistent modeling – it testified, confirmed and completed our experimental results and allowed us to formulate the justifiable conclusions.
The Impact of Damage in Anneling Inconel 718 on Hardness Measured by the Vickers Method
Authors: Malicki Maciej , Gadalińska Elżbieta , Chmiel Maciej
Published: July 2017

In the previous work [1] it was shown that strain hardening had considerable impact on the hardness of Inconel 718. In order to verify the weakening of the material associated with the damage mechanism in the tested material, the hardness tests were performed on the stretched specimen which was subsequently heat treated. The tests revealed that, after heat treatment, the measured hardness was reduced with an increasing degree of the plastic deformation present prior to heat treatment.
Comparison of Residual Stress State on Sheets Faying Surface after Standard and NACA Riveting-Numerical Approach
Authors: Wronicz Wojciech
Published: July 2017

One crucial characteristic of the aircraft structure are fatigue properties and rivets are usually critical areas in metal airframes due to fatigue cracks nucleation. According to literature, the NACA riveting method offers a huge increase in fatigue life of riveted lap joints. This paper presents FE simulations of quasi-static riveting on a press for standard countersunk rivets and the NACA riveting in two configurations: with a normal brazier rivet and a brazier rivet with a compensator. The analyzed configurations have been compared based on the stress courses on the sheets faying surfaces after riveting process. Due to a lack of data, the rivet length and the squeezing force value were assumed for NACA riveting based on FE simulations. The results indicated beneficial influence of the NACA riveting in the outer sheet (with a countersunk) and disadvantageous influence in the inner sheet. This effect was stronger in the case of the rivet with a compensator.
Hydrological properties of bark of selected forest tree species. Part 2: Interspecific variability of bark water storage capacity
Authors: Ilek Anna , Kucza Jarosław , Morkisz Karolina
Published: July 2017

The subject of the present research is the water storage capacity of bark of seven forest tree species: Pinus sylvestris L., Larix decidua Mill., Abies alba Mill., Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus robur L., Betula pendula Ehrh. and Fagus sylvatica L. The aim of the research is to demonstrate differences in the formation of bark water storage capacity between species and to identify factors influencing the hydrological properties of bark. The maximum water storage capacity of bark was determined under laboratory conditions by performing a series of experiments simulating rainfall and by immersing bark samples in containers filled with water. After each single experiment, the bark samples were subjected to gravity filtration in a desiccator partially filled with water. The experiments lasted from 1084 to 1389 hours, depending on the bark sample. In all the studied species, bark sampled from the thinnest trees is characterized by the highest water storage capacity expressed in mm H2O · cm-3, while bark sampled from the thickest trees - by the lowest capacity. On the other hand, bark sampled from the thickest trees is characterized by the highest water storage capacity expressed in H2O · cm-2 whereas bark from the thinnest trees - by the lowest capacity. In most species tested, as the tree thickness and thus the bark thickness and the coefficient of development of the interception surface of bark increase, the sorption properties of the bark decrease with bark depth, and the main role in water retention is played by the outer bark surface. The bark of European beech is an exception because of the smallest degree of surface development and because the dominant process is the absorption of water. When examining the hydrological properties of bark and calculating its parameters, one needs to take into account the actual surface of the bark of trees. Disregarding the actual bark surface may lead to significant errors in the interpretation of research results.
Regulation of gene expression for defensins and lipid transfer protein in Scots pine seedlings by necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria alternata (Fr.)
Authors: Hrunyk Nataliya , Gout Roman , Kovaleva Valentina
Published: July 2017

Damping-off disease in pine seedling, caused by fungi and oomycetes (Fusarium, Alternaria, Botrytis, Phytophthora) and other species, is one of the most dangerous diseases in conifer nurseries and greenhouses worldwide. Alternaria alternata is a necrotrophic pathogen, which causes early blight in higher plants and results in massive economic losses in agro-industry as well as in forestry. Pine seedlings that lack strong lignificated and suberized cell walls at early stages of their growth are vulnerable to damping-off disease. So, triggering the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds, such as phytoalexins, anticipins and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, is the main defense strategy to confine pathogens at early stages of pine ontogenesis. Defensins and lipid transfer proteins are members of two PR-protein families (PR-12 and PR-14 respectively) and possess antimicrobial activities in vitro through contact toxicity, and the involvement in defense signalling. In this work, we describe the changes in the expression levels of four defensin genes and lipid transfer protein in Scots pine seedlings infected with A. alternata. The expression levels of PsDef1 and PsDef2 increased at 48 h.p.i. (hours post inoculation). The levels of PsDef4 transcripts have increased after 6 and 24 hours. Notably, at 48 h.p.i., the level of PsDef4 transcripts was decreased by 1.2 times compared to control. The level of PsDef3 transcripts was reduced at all three time points. On the other hand, the level of PsLTP1 transcripts increased at 6 h and 48 h.p.i.; while at 24 h.p.i., it decreased by 20% when compared to the control sample. Our results suggest that defensins and lipid transfer protein are involved in the defense response of young Scots pine to necrotrophic pathogen. Thus, those genes can be used as the molecular markers in forestry selection and development of the ecologically friendly remedies for coniferous seedlings cultivation in greenhouses and nurseries.
The pink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Greece
Authors: Milonas P.G. , Partsinevelos G.K.
Published: July 2017

The invasive pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is reported for first time in Greece. Individuals of the mealybug were found infesting Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Linnaeus) (Malvaceae) in private and public gardens in the urban environment in Rhodes, Dodecanese islands, East Greece. This is the first report of genus Maconellicoccus in Greece.
Computational Estimation of Football Player Wages
Authors: Yaldo L. , Shamir L.
Published: July 2017

The wage of a football player is a function of numerous aspects such as the player’s skills, performance in the previous seasons, age, trajectory of improvement, personality, and more. Based on these aspects, salaries of football players are determined through negotiation between the team management and the agents. In this study we propose an objective quantitative method to determine football players’ wages based on their skills. The method is based on the application of pattern recognition algorithms to performance (e.g., scoring), behavior (e.g., aggression), and abilities (e.g., acceleration) data of football players. Experimental results using data from 6,082 players show that the Pearson correlation between the predicted and actual salary of the players is ~0.77 (p < .001). The proposed method can be used as an assistive technology when negotiating players salaries, as well as for performing quantitative analysis of links between the salary and the performance of football players. The method is based on the performance and skills of the players, but does not take into account aspects that are not related directly to the game such as the popularity of the player among fans, predicted merchandise sales, etc, which are also factors of high impact on the salary, especially in the case of the team lead players and superstars. Analysis of player salaries in eight European football leagues show that the skills that mostly affect the salary are largely consistent across leagues, but some differences exist. Analysis of underpaid and overpaid players shows that overpaid players tend to be stronger, but are inferior in their reactions, vision, acceleration, agility, and balance compared to underpaid football players.
Network structure of UEFA Champions League teams: association with classical notational variables and variance between different levels of success
Authors: Clemente F. M. , Martins F. M. L.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse the general properties of the network of elite football teams that participated in UEFA Champions League 2015–2016. Analysis of variance of the general network measures between performances in competition was made. Moreover, the association between performance variables (goals, shots, and percentage of ball possession) and general network measures also was tested. The best sixteen teams that participated in UEFA Champions League 2015–2016 were analysed in a total of 109 official matches. Statistically significant differences between maximum stages in competition were found in total links (p = 0.003; ES = 0.087), network density (p = 0.003; ES = 0.088), and clustering coefficient (p = 0.007; ES = 0.078). Total links (r = 0.439; p = 0.001), network density (r = 0.433; p = 0.001) and clustering coefficient (r = 0.367; p = 0.001) had a moderate positive correlations with percentage of ball possession. This study revealed that teams that achieved the quarterfinals and finals had greater values of general network measures than the remaining teams, thus suggesting that higher values of homogeneity in network process may improve the success of the teams. Moderate correlations were found between ball possession and the general network measures suggesting that teams with more capacity to perform longer passing sequences may involve more players in a more homogeneity manner.
Clay-organic complexes in a Polish loess soil
Authors: Czyż Ewa A. , Rejman Jerzy , Dexter Anthony R. , Jadczyszyn Jan , Rafalska-Przysucha Anna , Stanek-Tarkowska Jadwiga
Published: July 2017

Complexes formed between clay and soil organic matter are important for carbon sequestration and for soil physical quality. Here, we use samples of loessial soil from South-East Poland to explore the phenomenon of complexing in loess. Soil samples were collected from a single catchment 8 years after the introduction of strip tillage and their compositions were characterized by traditional methods. Complexing was characterized in terms of the content of non-complexed clay which was estimated in two ways: firstly, by measurement of the content of readily-dispersible clay (which was assumed to be the non-complexed clay); and secondly, by calculation using algorithms that had been developed and evaluated previously. The calculations were based on the concept that, at carbon saturation, the clay/organic carbon mass ratio is equal ton. The calculations were done with a range of values ofn. It was assumed that the correct value ofnwas that which gave the greatest coefficient of correlation between the measured values of clay dispersion and the predicted values of non-complexed clay. For the loess used, the optimum value wasn= 14.
Oil point and mechanical behaviour of oil palm kernels in linear compression
Authors: Kabutey Abraham , Herak David , Choteborsky Rostislav , Mizera Čestmír , Sigalingging Riswanti , Akangbe Olaosebikan Layi
Published: July 2017

The study described the oil point and mechanical properties of roasted and unroasted bulk oil palm kernels under compression loading. The literature information available is very limited. A universal compression testing machine and vessel diameter of 60 mm with a plunger were used by applying maximum force of 100 kN and speed ranging from 5 to 25 mm min−1. The initial pressing height of the bulk kernels was measured at 40 mm. The oil point was determined by a litmus test for each deformation level of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm at a minimum speed of 5 mmmin−1. The measured parameters were the deformation, deformation energy, oil yield, oil point strain and oil point pressure. Clearly, the roasted bulk kernels required less deformation energy compared to the unroasted kernels for recovering the kernel oil. However, both kernels were not permanently deformed. The average oil point strain was determined at 0.57. The study is an essential contribution to pursuing innovative methods for processing palm kernel oil in rural areas of developing countries.
Physico-chemical and rheological properties of gelatinized/freeze-dried cereal starches
Authors: Krystyjan Magdalena , Ciesielski Wojciech , Gumul Dorota , Buksa Krzysztof , Ziobro Rafał , Sikora Marek
Published: July 2017

The influence of gelatinization and freeze-drying process on the physico-chemical and rheological properties of cereal starches was evaluated, and it was observed that modified starches revealed an increased water binding capacity and solubility when compared to dry starches, while exhibiting the same amylose and fat contents. The molecular weights of starches decreased after modification which resulted in the lower viscosity of dissolved modified samples in comparison to native starch pastes. As it was observed by scanning electron microscopy modified starches were characterized by an expanded surface, a uniform structure and high porosity.
Effect of carbon and nitrogen addition on nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide fluxes from thawing forest soils
Authors: Haohao Wu , Xingkai Xu , Cuntao Duan , TuanSheng Li , Weiguo Cheng
Published: July 2017

Packed soil-core incubation experiments were done to study the effects of carbon (glucose, 6.4 g C m−2) and nitrogen (NH4Cl and KNO3, 4.5 g N m−2) addition on nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes during thawing of frozen soils under two forest stands (broadleaf and Korean pine mixed forest and white birch forest) with two moisture levels (55 and 80% water-filled pore space). With increasing soil moisture, the magnitude and longevity of the flush N2O flux from forest soils was enhanced during the early period of thawing, which was accompanied by great NO3−-N consumption. Without N addition, the glucose-induced cumulative CO2fluxes ranged from 9.61 to 13.49 g CO2-C m−2, which was larger than the dose of carbon added as glucose. The single addition of glucose increased microbial biomass carbon but slightly affected soil dissolved organic carbon pool. Thus, the extra carbon released upon addition of glucose can result from the decomposition of soil native organic carbon. The glucose-induced N2O and CO2fluxes were both significantly correlated to the glucose-induced total N and dissolved organic carbon pools and influenced singly and interactively by soil moisture and KNO3addition. The interactive effects of glucose and nitrogen inputs on N2O and CO2fluxes from forest soils after frost depended on N sources, soil moisture, and vegetation types.
Effect of temperature and moisture content on tensile behaviour of false banana fibre (Ensete ventricosum)
Authors: Mizera Cestmir , Herak David , Hrabe Petr , Kabutey Abraham
Published: July 2017

The mechanical behaviour of natural fibres as composite materials can be affected by changes in temperature and moisture content. The aim of this paper was to describe the effect of temperature and moisture content on tensile strength of false banana fibre (Ensete ventricosum) and to determine its water absorption. Samples of fibres were prepared and tested until rupture point with strain rate of 0.05 min−1 at temperature change between −20 and 220°C as well as moisture content between 10 and 90% wb. The water absorption and release of Ensete fibres at 60 and 90% relative humidity was also determined. Results showed that Ensete fibres exhibited stability of tensile strength in the temperature range from 0 to 100°C but the increase of temperature decreased statistically significantly the tensile strength. The effect of moisture content on tensile strength was not statistically significant. The equilibrium moisture content at 60% relative humidity and 25°C was determined.
The role of heterogeneous lithology in a glaciofluvial deposit on unsaturated preferential flow – a numerical study
Authors: Ben Slimene Erij , Lassabatere Laurent , Šimůnek Jiří , Winiarski Thierry , Gourdon Remy
Published: July 2017

An understanding of preferential flow in the vadose zone is crucial for the prediction of the fate of pollutants. Infiltration basins, developed to mitigate the adverse effects of impervious surfaces in urban areas, are established above strongly heterogeneous and highly permeable deposits and thus are prone to preferential flow and enhanced pollutant transport. This study numerically investigates the establishment of preferential flow in an infiltration basin in the Lyon suburbs (France) established over a highly heterogeneous glaciofluvial deposit covering much of the Lyon region. An investigation of the soil transect (13.5 m long and 2.5 m deep) provided full characterization of lithology and hydraulic properties of present lithofacies. Numerical modeling with the HYDRUS-2D model of water flow in the transect was used to identify the effects of individual lithofacies that constitute the deposit. Multiple scenarios that considered different levels of heterogeneity were evaluated. Preferential flow was studied for several values of infiltration rates applied after a long dry period. The numerical study shows that the high contrast in hydraulic properties of different lithofacies triggers the establishment of preferential flow (capillary barriers and funneled flow). Preferential flow develops mainly for low water fluxes imposed at the surface. The role of individual lithofacies in triggering preferential flow depends on their shapes (layering versus inclusions) and their sizes. While lenses and inclusions produce preferential flow pathways, the presence of the surface layer has no effect on the development of preferential flow and it only affects the effective hydraulic conductivity of the heterogeneous transect.
Subsurface flow and large-scale lateral saturated soil hydraulic conductivity in a Mediterranean hillslope with contrasting land uses
Authors: Pirastru Mario , Bagarello Vincenzo , Iovino Massimo , Marrosu Roberto , Castellini Mirko , Giadrossich Filippo , Niedda Marcello
Published: July 2017

The lateral saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks,l
, is the soil property that mostly governs subsurface flow in hillslopes. Determinations of Ks,l
at the hillslope scale are expected to yield valuable information for interpreting and modeling hydrological processes since soil heterogeneities are functionally averaged in this case. However, these data are rare since the experiments are quite difficult and costly. In this investigation, that was carried out in Sardinia (Italy), large-scale determinations of Ks,l
were done in two adjacent hillslopes covered by a Mediterranean maquis and grass, respectively, with the following objectives: i) to evaluate the effect of land use change on Ks,l
, and ii) to compare estimates of Ks,l
obtained under natural and artificial rainfall conditions. Higher Ks,l
values were obtained under the maquis than in the grassed soil since the soil macropore network was better connected in the maquis soil. The lateral conductivity increased sharply close to the soil surface. The sharp increase of Ks,l
started at a larger depth for the maquis soil than the grassed one. The Ks,l
values estimated during artificial rainfall experiments agreed with those obtained during the natural rainfall periods. For the grassed site, it was possible to detect a stabilization of Ks,l
in the upper soil layer, suggesting that flow transport capacity of the soil pore system did not increase indefinitely. This study highlighted the importance of the experimental determination of Ks,l
at the hillslope scale for subsurface modeling, and also as a benchmark for developing appropriate sampling methodologies based on near-point estimation of Ks,l
.
Petal Growth Physiology of Cut Rose Flowers: Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Horibe Takanori , Yamada Kunio
Published: July 2017

Roses are the most important crop in the floriculture industry and attract both pollinators and human admirers. Until now, a lot of research focusing on postharvest physiology including flower senescence has been conducted, leading to improvement in vase life. However, few studies have focused on the physiology of petal growth, the perception of light by petals, and the relationship between petal growth and environmental conditions. Regarding roses, whose ornamental value lies in the process of blooming from buds, it is also important to understand their flowering mechanisms and establish methods to control such mechanisms, as well as focus on slowing the aging process, in order to achieve high quality of postharvest cut roses. Elucidation of the mechanisms of rose flower opening would contribute to enhanced quality and commercial production of floricultural crops as well as greatly advance basic scientific knowledge regarding plant biology. In this review, we describe the progress and future prospects in the study of petal growth physiology of cut roses.
Impact of Repeated Yearly Applications of Prohexadione-Calcium On Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of ‘Golden Delicious’/M.9 Apple Trees
Authors: Atay A. Nilgün , Koyuncu Fatma
Published: July 2017

Growth retardants have great potential to balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. To assess the effects of prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca, Regalis) on reproductive and vegetative growth, return bloom, fruit set, and also fruit quality in ‘Golden Delicious’ apple grafted on M.9 rootstock, an experiment was performed during 2010-2012. The applications of 125 mg dm-3 Pro-Ca on the same trees in each year resulted in a 40-43% shoot length reducing. Internodes length decreased with Pro-Ca at about 30%, while total node number was unaffected. Results indicate that Pro-Ca applications have no effects on tree trunk growth, flowering, yield, fruit set and development. Pro-Ca also didn’t have any negative impact on fruit quality during the three consecutive years. Moreover, Pro-Ca resulted in higher fruit size compared to control in the third year of trial. The results of this experiment clearly suggest that fruit growers can use Pro- Ca for the control of vegetative growth without having any negative effects on fruit quality and yield parameters. Once a full canopy has been achieved, annual shoot growth can be suppressed in the range of 20 to 30 cm with 125 mg dm-3 Pro-Ca treatment in ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees.
Impact of Harvesting Time and Length of Cold Storage Period On Physiological and Quality Traits of Four Quince Genotypes (Cydonia Oblonga Mill.)
Authors: Tatari Maryam , Mousavi Asghar
Published: July 2017

The investigation was conducted to determine the best harvesting time and the storage period of some quince cultivars and promising genotypes from the collection of quince germplasm in the Horticultural Research Station of Isfahan, Iran. For this study, fruits of ‘Vidoja’ and ‘Isfahan’ cultivars as well as promising genotypes PH2 and NB4 were harvested on 6, 14 and 21 October 2015 and 2016 and then stored at 0 ± 1 °C with 90 ± 5% R.H. for five months. Weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acids (TA), taste index, pectin, total phenols, and percent of decay and surface browning of fruits were measured immediately after harvest and one-month intervals after storage in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications and 10 fruits per each replication. The results showed that ‘Isfahan’ cultivar had the highest TSS (18.83%), total phenols and weight loss. The least weight loss was observed in the ‘Vidoja’ cultivar. NB4 genotype showed the least taste index and pectin, while the most pectin and firmness was related to PH2 genotype. Generally, the delay in harvesting and prolongation of storage led to increasing of TSS and weight loss and declining of firmness and phenols, TA, and pectins. Until the third month of storage, there was no surface browning. Browning symptoms were observed from the fourth month of storage and increased in the fifth month up to 1.72%. Generally, the best harvesting time for ‘Vidoja’ was 185 days and for the rest of the genotypes, it was 193 days after full bloom. Fruit storage for four months in cold is advisable for these cultivars and genotypes.
Genetic Diversity and Taxonomic Studies of Allium Akaka and A. Elburzense Native to Iran Using Morphological Characters
Authors: Jafari Sajad , Hassandokht Mohammad Reza , Taheri Mahdi , Kashi Abdolkarim
Published: July 2017

Two Allium species (A. akaka S.G. Gmelin and A. elburzense W.) native to Iran are used locally as the fresh vegetables and in medical therapy. They are not cultivated, but are collected from the wild, thus, will soon be threatened with extinction. In this study, the diversity of 15 wild accessions (4 accessions of A. elburzense endemic of Iran and 11 accessions of A. akaka) collected from the north-western part of Iran were evaluated with the use of 16 qualitative and 16 quantitative characteristics. The morphological characters with high heritability included leaf length, flower number in umbel, inflorescence diameter, leaf dry weight, bulb fresh weight, weight of 100 seeds, seed length and seed length/width. Results of the principal component analysis indicated that 92.52% of the observed variability was explained by the first six components. The first two components explained about 64.74% of the total observed variability. The first and third hierarchical cluster analysis included all accessions of A. akaka. The accessions of A. elburzense, except one, were placed in a separate cluster. These morphological descriptors can successfully apply for evaluating morphological diversity of Allium wild accessions and can help in horticultural usage.