bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dados preliminares da estrutura cristalina da gahnita gemológica do pegmatito Alto Mirador, província pegmatítica da Borborema, NE do Brasil
Authors: Soares Dwight Rodrigues , Ferreira Ana Cláudia Mousinho , Lima2 Rodrigo José da Silva , Suassuna Filho José , Ferreira José Aderaldo de Medeiros
Published: May 2015

O pegmatito granítico Alto Mirador é um corpo zonado, complexo, localizado no município de Carnaúba dos Dantas, Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, inserido na Província Pegmatítica da Borborema (PPB), nordeste do Brasil. A gahnita ocorre neste pegmatito com qualidade gemológica nas cores verde clara e verde escura. Sua composição química mostra que trata-se de uma fase mineral quase pura, com traços de Mn, Mg, Ca, Si, Ti e Cr. A sua composição molecular, apresenta 95mol% de gahnita (Gh). As composições químicas médias obtidas por análises de microssonda eletrônica são dadas por: A(Zn7,51Fe2+0,14Mn0,19Mg0,06Ca0,002)7,90 (Al16,06Si0,004Ti0,003Cr0,001)  16,07O32 para a gahnita verde clara e A(Zn6,98Fe2+0,38Mn0,21Mg0,44Ca0,001)8,01(Al15,95 Fe3+0,04Si 0,004Ti0,002Cr0,001)16O32 para a gahnita verde escura. Os resultados de difração de raios X e refinamento Rietveld para a gahnita verde claro indicam a presença da fase única da ZnAl2 O4 (gahnita), com simetria cúbica e grupo espacial Fd3m (espinélio). Os resultados obtidos por refinamento Rietveld exibem os seguintes parâmetros: a = 8,07995 Å, a = b = g = 90°, volume da célula unitária V = 527,505 (Å)3 e densidade dcalc = 4.497 g/cm3.
Reservoir Modeling for Flow Simulation by Use of Surfaces, Adaptive Unstructured Meshes, and an Overlapping-Control-Volume Finite-Element Method
Authors: Jackson M.D.. D. , Percival J.R.. R. , Mostaghimi P.. , Tollit B.S.. S. , Pavlidis D.. , Pain C.C.. C. , Gomes J.L.M.A.. L.M.A. , El-Sheikh A.H.. H. , Salinas P.. , Muggeridge A.H.. H. , Blunt M.J.. J.
Published: May 2015

We present new approaches to reservoir modeling and flow simulation that dispose of the pillar-grid concept that has persisted since reservoir simulation began. This results in significant improvements to the representation of multiscale geologic heterogeneity and the prediction of flow through that heterogeneity. The research builds on more than 20 years of development of innovative numerical methods in geophysical fluid mechanics, refined and modified to deal with the unique challenges associated with reservoir simulation.

Geologic heterogeneities, whether structural, stratigraphic, sedimentologic, or diagenetic in origin, are represented as discrete volumes bounded by surfaces, without reference to a predefined grid. Petrophysical properties are uniform within the geologically defined rock volumes, rather than within grid cells. The resulting model is discretized for flow simulation by use of an unstructured, tetrahedral mesh that honors the architecture of the surfaces. This approach allows heterogeneity over multiple length-scales to be explicitly captured by use of fewer cells than conventional corner-point or unstructured grids.

Multiphase flow is simulated by use of a novel mixed finite-element formulation centered on a new family of tetrahedral element types, PN(DG)–PN+1, which has a discontinuous Nth-order polynomial representation for velocity and a continuous (order N +1) representation for pressure. This method exactly represents Darcy-force balances on unstructured meshes and thus accurately calculates pressure, velocity, and saturation fields throughout the domain. Computational costs are reduced through dynamic adaptive-mesh optimization and efficient parallelization. Within each rock volume, the mesh coarsens and refines to capture key flow processes during a simulation, and also preserves the surface-based representation of geologic heterogeneity. Computational effort is thus focused on regions of the model where it is most required.

After validating the approach against a set of benchmark problems, we demonstrate its capabilities by use of a number of test models that capture aspects of geologic heterogeneity that are difficult or impossible to simulate conventionally, without introducing unacceptably large numbers of cells or highly nonorthogonal grids with associated numerical errors. Our approach preserves key flow features associated with realistic geologic features that are typically lost. The approach may also be used to capture near-wellbore flow features such as coning, changes in surface geometry across multiple stochastic realizations, and, in future applications, geomechanical models with fracture propagation, opening, and closing.
Fitting Foam-Simulation-Model Parameters to Data: II. Surfactant-Alternating-Gas Foam Applications
Authors: Rossen W. R. , Boeije C. S.
Published: May 2015

Foam improves sweep in miscible and immiscible gas-injection enhanced-oil-recovery processes. Surfactant-alternating-gas (SAG) foam processes offer many advantages over coinjection of foam for both operational and sweep-efficiency reasons. The success of a foam SAG process depends on foam behavior at very low injected-water fraction (high foam quality). This means that fitting data to a typical scan of foam behavior as a function of foam quality can miss conditions essential to the success of an SAG process. The result can be inaccurate scaleup of results to field application.

We illustrate how to fit foam-model parameters to steady-state foam data for application to injection of a gas slug in an SAG foam process. Dynamic SAG corefloods can be unreliable for several reasons. These include failure to reach local steady state (because of slow foam generation), the increased effect of dispersion at the core scale, and the capillary end effect. For current foam models, the behavior of foam in SAG depends on three parameters: the mobility of full-strength foam, the capillary pressure or water saturation at which foam collapses, and the parameter governing the abruptness of this collapse. We illustrate the fitting of these model parameters to coreflood data, and the challenges that can arise in the fitting process, with the published foam data of Persoff et al. (1991) and Ma et al. (2013). For illustration, we use the foam model in the widely used STARS (Cheng et al. 2000) simulator. Accurate water-saturation data are essential to making a reliable fit to the data. Model fits to a given experiment may result in inaccurate extrapolation to mobility at the wellbore and, therefore, inaccurate predicted injectivity: for instance, a model fit in which foam does not collapse even at extremely large capillary pressure at the wellbore.

We show how the insights of fractional-flow theory can guide the model-fitting process and give quick estimates of foam-propagation rate, mobility, and injectivity at the field scale.
Characterizing the Effects of Lean Zones and Shale Distribution in Steam-Assisted-Gravity-Drainage Recovery Performance
Authors: Wang Cui , Leung Juliana Y.
Published: May 2015

Performance of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is influenced significantly by the distributions of lean zones and shale barriers, which tend to impede the vertical growth and lateral spread of a steam chamber. Previous literature has partially addressed their effects on SAGD performance; however, a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the heterogeneous distribution (location, continuity, size, saturation, and proportions) of shale barriers and lean zones is still lacking.

In this study, numerical simulations are used to model the SAGD process. Capillarity and relative permeability effects, which were ignored in many previous simulation studies, are incorporated to model bypassed oil. Numerous ranking schemes are formulated to analyze various aspects of SAGD performance. A detailed sensitivity analysis is performed by varying the location, continuity, size, proportions, and saturation of these heterogeneous features. Lean zones and shale lenses (imbedded in a region of degraded rock properties) with different sizes and degrees of continuity are placed in areas above the injector, below the producer, or in between the well pair. It is noted that among numerous parameters that influence the ultimate recovery, remaining bypassed oil, chamber advancement, and heat loss, continuity and position of these features in relation to the well pair play a particularly crucial role. Neural network modeling is subsequently used for constructing data-driven models to identify and propose a set of input variables for correlating relevant parameters or measures, which are descriptive of the heterogeneity and properties of the shale barriers and lean zones, to recovery and ranking results.

This work provides a guideline for assessing the impacts of reservoir and saturation heterogeneities on SAGD performance. A set of input variables and parameters that have significant impacts on the ensuing recovery response is identified. One can define readily the proposed set of variables from well logs and apply immediately in data-driven models with field data and scaleup analysis of experimental models to assist field-operation design and evaluation. One can also extend the approach presented in this paper to analyze other solvent-assisted SAGD processes.
Fitting Foam-Simulation-Model Parameters to Data: I. Coinjection of Gas and Liquid
Authors: Boeije C. S. , Rossen W. R.
Published: May 2015

Cheng et al. (2000) present a simple method to fit foam-simulation parameters without oil to data for pressure gradient as a function of superficial velocities of gas and liquid. The key in this process is the identification of “high-quality” (high gas fraction) and “low-quality” foam regimes. The method is essentially the same for the foam-model parameters in foam models in STARS (Cheng et al. 2000), UTCHEM (Cheng et al. 2000), or ECLIPSE (Schlumberger 2010). Often, however, available data are more limited: pressure gradient for one scan of foam quality at fixed total superficial velocity. We show how to extend this method to the more-limited data set. The transition in regimes occurs at the foam quality with the maximum-pressure gradient. We illustrate the method by fitting parameters to several published data sets.

Our approach is simple and direct. The model fit would be appropriate for an enhanced-oil-recovery process involving foam injection at finite water fraction, but not a surface-alternating-gas foam process involving large slugs of gas and liquid. For the latter process, the model fit should focus on data relevant to that process (i.e., at extremely high foam quality).

The approach assumes an abrupt transition between high- and low-quality-foam regimes (e.g., a large value of epdry in the STARS foam model). If the transition is less abrupt, the parameter values quickly obtained by this method could provide the initial guess for a computer-based least-squares fit of all parameters, including a smaller value of epdry, and a check on the parameters so obtained.
Filtration effects of zebra mussels on pathogens and total bacterial burden in the Odra Lagoon (South Baltic)
Authors: Daeschlein G. , Fenske C. , Scholz S. , Dahlke S. , Jünger M. , Kramer A.
Published: May 2015

As a result of their mode of filter feeding, zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha Pall.) have been observed to purify natural water bodies and in vitro. Therefore, the possibility of using zebra mussels for water purification was investigated in a slightly brackish water body of a large lagoon. In this study, water samples were taken above, near and at distance from zebra mussel beds (MB) in the Odra Lagoon in North East Germany. Near typical bacterial species like Aeromonas spp. pathogenic bacteria with potential relation to hospital wastewater pollution (Burkholderia cepacia, Staphylococcus aureus, Weeksella spp.) were detected. There were no correlations found between either total bacteria or pathogens and distance to MB and no antimicrobial effect of the mussels could be deduced. For bioremediation in larger water bodies like lagoons, natural zebra MB do not seem to play a major antimicrobial role and the effect of artificial mussel grids especially against hospital pathogens should be investigated.
Remediation of MSW landfill leachate by permeable reactive barrier with vegetation
Authors: Chiemchaisri Chart , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Witthayapirom Chayanid
Published: May 2015

This research was conducted to investigate in situ treatment of leachate by pilot-scale permeable reactive barrier (PRB) with vegetation. Two different types of PRB media, with and without the presence of ferric chloride sludge, for the removal of pollutants were examined. The composite media of PRB comprised a clay and sand mixture of 40:60%w/w (system 1) and a clay, ferric chloride sludge and sand mixture of 30:10:60%w/w (system 2). The system was operated at a hydraulic loading rate of 0.028 m3/m2.d and hydraulic retention time of 10 days. The results showed that the performance of system 2 was better in terms of pollutant removal efficiencies, with average biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and total Kjeldahl nitrogen removals of 76.1%, 68.5% and 73.5%, respectively. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix analyses of water samples and sequential extraction of PRB media suggested the removal of humic substances through the formation of iron–organic complex. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the treatment of PRB were 8.2–52.1 mgCH4/m2.d, 69.1–601.8 mgCO2/m2.d and 0.04–0.99 mgN2O/m2.d. The use of system 2 with vegetation resulted in lower GHG emissions. The results show that PRB with vegetation could be used as a primary treatment for leachate from closed landfill sites.
Characteristics of Social Categorization Based on Variations in Gender and Age
Authors: Wang Pei , Zhang Qin , Zhang Yan-Hong
Published: May 2015

Using Garner's selective attention paradigm, we investigated the characteristics of multiple social categorization based on variations in gender and age. The stimuli were presented in the following 3 conditions: In the gender-clue varying situation, gender categorization was elicited;
in the age-clue varying situation, age categorization was elicited; and in the orthogonal condition, simultaneous variations in age and gender interfered with the irrelative task. The results showed that simultaneous processing weakened variations in the age and gender subcategories. The processing
speed of older persons, which requires more cognitive resources, was slower than that of younger individuals. Additionally, perceivers paid more attention to the age clue of female faces than that of male faces.
From Anger to Attribution: Could Attention Be a Bridge?
Authors: Peng Xiaofan , Zhang Maoyang , Zhang Dajun , Xie Deguang , Guan Yusheng
Published: May 2015

We explored whether or not anger increases attribution bias toward salient information by narrowing attention scope. In Experiment 1, participants made attributions about 6 daily events while experiencing anger or in a neutral state. The anger group was more biased toward the salient
factor compared to the neutral group. Using eye-tracking methodology, in Experiment 2 we further demonstrated that attention scope that is narrowed due to anger is related to a polarized distribution of attention resources, particularly decreased eye fixation on the phrase containing nonsalient
factors. Finally, in Experiment 3 we separated attention process from information salience and further confirmed that narrowing attention scope (polarizing attention resource) could bias the attribution. In sum, our results indicate that attention scope is the bridge by which anger increases
attribution bias.
Exploitation of fishing resources in Suceava county: Profitability analysis (Rb/T) of specialized farms in a mountainous region
Authors: Bostan Ionel , Mates Dorel , Hlaciuc Elena , Grosu Veronica , Socoliuc Marian , Andronic Bogdan , Ciubotariu Marius , Apetri Anisoara , Morosan Gheorghe , Mihalciuc Camelia
Published: May 2015

Aquaculture is an economic sector that has rapidly grown in recent years, due
to European programs and the support provided for this activity. Given this
accelerated development and the attention this sector receives on an
international level, this paper focuses on identifying the growth factors in
the sector and highlighting certain general aspects of its development in
Romania, followed by an analysis of the available data on the exploitation
of fishing resources in Suceava County in terms of performance.
A survey on the Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society publishing policies: On the occasion of the 80th volume
Authors: Nedic Olgica , Dekanski Aleksandar
Published: May 2015

Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society (JSCS) is an official journal of the
Serbian Chemical Society and this year we are celebrating 85 years of its
publishing and the 80th volume. After so many years of publishing, the idea
of the Editorial board of the JSCS was to investigate what do authors,
reviewers and Sub-editors think about the journal and whether their
evaluation and suggestions can help to improve it. Questionnaires were sent
to the three investigated groups as an e-mail link. Responses were analyzed
and only the most general and the most important data are presented in this
article. Grades, comments and suggestions have shown that most of the
contributors are satisfied with the present handling and publishing policy
of the JSCS, but certain technical aspects should be improved. After
thorough inspection of the data, the Editorial Board decided to introduce
fully automatic on-line system, to speed-up the peer review process, to
improve Instructions to authors and Reviewer?s report form. All these
novelties started from March 2015.
Multi-criteria methods for ranking project activities
Authors: Hadad Yossi , Keren Baruch , Laslo Zohar
Published: May 2015

This paper presents multi-criteria methods for ranking project activities
according to several ranking indexes. The methods are based on the Analytical
Hierarchical Process (AHP), on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and on the
use of common ranking indexes. This paper reviews ranking indexes of project
activities for project management tasks. The ranking of project activities in
one project is applicable for focusing the attention of the project manager
on important activities. The selection of the appropriate ranking indexes
should be done in accordance with managerial purposes: 1) Paying attention to
activities throughout the execution phase and in the resources allocation
process, in order meet pre-determined qualities, and to deliver the project
on time and within budget, i.e., to accomplish the project within the "iron
triangle" 2) Setting priorities in order to share the managerial care and
control among the activities. The paper proposes to use multi-criteria
ranking methods in order to rank the activities in a case where several
ranking indexes are selected.
Who's the Fairest of Them All? Evidence from Closed-End Funds
Authors: Lawrence Alastair , Siriviriyakul Subprasiri , Sloan Richard G
Published: May 2015

Prior research examining the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy concludes that Level 3 fair value measurements are significantly less value-relevant than Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. We reevaluate this conclusion using the closed-end fund setting, in which fair value measurements are available for substantially all assets. Contrary to prior research, we find that Level 3 fair values are of similar value relevance to Level 1 and Level 2 fair values. Our findings suggest that the results in previous research are attributable to correlated omitted variable bias arising from the absence of fair value data for most assets.

JEL Classifications: M41; G12; G29.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the article.
Asymmetric Effects of Regulation FD on Management Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Heflin Frank , Kross William J. , Suk Inho
Published: May 2015

We document that the effect of Regulation Fair Disclosure (FD) on public management earnings forecasts (MFs) is asymmetric. Our results suggest that FD increased managers' use of MFs as a downward-guidance mechanism to help achieve meeting or beating earnings expectations. This effect is more pronounced when existing analyst forecasts are optimistic and when firms had selective disclosure policies pre-FD. We also find that the increased use of MFs as downward guidance leads to post-FD reductions in MF quality (accuracy and informativeness) for the downward guiding MFs that are most likely meet/beat motivated, while quality improves for upward-guiding MFs. Finally, our evidence suggests that results from prior research about FD-induced changes in information environment variables, such as analyst forecast quality and investor trading activities, depend on whether the firm issues MFs and whether those MFs are downward guiding.

Data Availability: All data are available from public databases identified in the paper.
Using Incentives to Overcome the Negative Effects of Faultline Conflict on Individual Effort
Authors: Tian Yu , Tuttle Brad M. , Xu Yin
Published: May 2015

In this study, we investigate the effects of faultline-induced conflict on individual effort and how incentives can be designed to overcome these negative effects. Faultlines are hypothetical dividing lines between group members based on various member attributes that can potentially split the overall group into subgroups. Results from our experiment show that team members are more likely to perceive conflict when they face a faultline-related issue, which, in turn, leads to lower effort by individual team members. Consistent with the theory of cooperation and competition, incentives moderate the effect of conflict on effort, such that team incentives have a greater effect to increase effort than individual incentives when the level of conflict is high, rather than low. Collectively, our findings suggest that competitive team incentives may be an effective tool to overcome the negative effects of faultline conflict in a group.
DISCUSSION OF: Testing Strategy with Multiple Performance Measures: Evidence from a Balanced Scorecard at Store24
Authors: Chen Clara Xiaoling
Published: May 2015

The Campbell, Datar, Kulp, and Narayanan (2015; hereafter, CDKN) study empirically investigates how the quality of a firm's business strategy can be tested and validated using statistical analysis of the firm's internal performance measurement system. Using data from the balanced scorecard of a convenience store chain, their study provides empirical evidence that the company's internal performance measures reveal timely information about problems with the strategy and can help identify where and why the strategy failed. In this brief discussion of the study, I first summarize the major strengths of their study, then discuss my concerns and comments, and finally point out some potential extensions. In summary, CDKN's study is important in that it makes significant contributions to several streams of literature. CDKN have inspired follow-up studies on the use of performance measurement systems to evaluate strategy and the testing of business models, and has opened up exciting opportunities for future research.
Plasma Adrenomedullin and Allelic Variation in the ADM Gene and Kidney Disease in People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Velho Gilberto , Ragot Stéphanie , Mohammedi Kamel , Gand Elise , Fraty Mathilde , Fumeron Frédéric , Saulnier Pierre-Jean , Bellili-Munoz Naima , Bouby Nadine , Potier Louis , Alhenc-Gelas François , Marre Michel , Hadjadj Samy , Roussel Ronan
Published: May 2015

Production of adrenomedullin (ADM), a vasodilator peptide, increases in response to ischemia and hypoxia in the vascular wall and the kidney. This may be an adaptive response providing protection against organ damage. We investigated the hypothesis that ADM has a nephroprotective effect in two prospective cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes recruited in France. The highest tertile of plasma MR-proADM (a surrogate for ADM) concentration at baseline was associated with the risk of renal outcomes (doubling of plasma creatinine concentration and/or progression to end-stage renal disease) during follow-up in both cohorts. Four SNPs in the ADM gene region were associated with plasma MR-proADM concentration at baseline and with eGFR during follow-up in both cohorts. The alleles associated with lower eGFR were also associated with lower plasma MR-proADM level. In conclusion, plasma MR-proADM concentration was associated with renal outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our data suggest that the ADM gene modulates the genetic susceptibility to nephropathy progression. Results are consistent with the hypothesis of a reactive rise of ADM in diabetic nephropathy, blunted in risk alleles carriers, and with a nephroprotective effect of ADM. A possible therapeutic effect of ADM receptor agonists in diabetic renal disease would be worth investigating.
DNA Stability Contrasts with Chromosome Variability in Allium Fistulosum Calli
Authors: Mizia Patryk , Kwolek Dagmara , Ilnicki Tomasz
Published: May 2015

RAPD analysis was applied to assess the degree of DNA polymorphism in A. fistulosum calli of high chromosomal instability. Nineteen of 24 randomly selected RAPD primers revealed scorable polymorphism between calli and seeds (reference material). Polymorphic band frequency was 55/237 in seeds and 36/233 in calli; variability on the DNA level was thus lower in calli than in seeds (15.4% vs. 23.2% of band positions). UPGMA analysis of Jaccard's coefficients confirmed the genetic similarity of the analyzed cultures. The most distinctive DNA changes in calli involved coincident loss of original bands or the appearance of novel bands. Seven such changes (4 losses, 3 gains) were observed. Our results suggest that changes on the chromosomal level and on the DNA level occurred independently of each other and that different callus lines underwent similar genetic changes during culture, presumably due to strong selection pressure effected by standard in vitro conditions.
Expression Patterns of Convergently Overlapping Arabidopsis Thaliana Gene Pairs OHP-NDP1 and OHP2-MES14
Authors: Stawski Karol , Banach Mariusz , Goc Anna
Published: May 2015

The function of one-helix proteins (OHPs) in the thylakoid membrane remains poorly understood but may be linked to plant photosystem protection. In Arabidopsis, the 3'UTRs of the genes encoding OHP and OHP2 partially overlap with NDP1 and MES14 respectively. Antisense orientation of genes has the potential to form double-stranded transcript (dsRNA) molecules which can be processed to siRNA and trigger RNA interference (RNAi). Natural siRNAs are induced by abiotic and biotic stresses. We examined whether the expression of the OHP-NDP1 and OHP2-MES14 gene pairs is regulated in this way. Both OHP genes, but neither NDP1 nor MES14, were activated by light in etiolated seedlings, whereas cold and prolonged heat treatment elevated the OHP transcript level. Expression of OHP2 was down-regulated after 2 h of osmotic and heat stress, while salt and osmotic stress increased MES14 transcript levels. No inverse regulation of these overlapping gene pairs was observed, excluding RNAi as a regulatory mechanism in the tested conditions. The presence of alternatively polyadenylat-ed transcripts of the studied genes raises the possibility of another regulatory mechanism of 3'UTR overlap.
Expression Pattern of Arabidopsis Thaliana Pollen- and Embryo-Specific Promoter in Transgenic Tobacco Plants
Authors: Jopcik Martin , Matusikova Ildiko , Moravcikova Jana , Libantova Jana
Published: May 2015

Current biotechnology research is focused on tissue-specific expression of genes of interest in plants. Promoters with specific spatial and temporal expression profiles in targeted organisms are in wide use for this. This study investigated whether the Arabidopsis thaliana seed- and pollen-specific promoter MXL maintains its specificity in transgenic tobacco plants. Histochemical analysis revealed that the MXL fusion promoter drives slightly different GUS expression in that heterologous organism. GUS staining was clearly detected in the bicellular stage of pollen development and later in germinating tobacco pollen grains. Unlike in A. thaliana, where the MXL promoter is active during the whole period of embryo development, in tobacco its activity was restricted to a short temporal and spatial window from late-heart to mid-torpedo stages, mainly in the apical part of the developing embryo. These results point to the need to test the expression profiles of heterologous promoters in targeted species before they are used in particular biotechnological programs.
Plant Regeneration Via Organogenesis and Somatic Embryogenesis in Verbascum Sinuatum L.
Authors: Karamian Roya , Ghasemlou Fatemeh
Published: May 2015

The genus Verbascum L. belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and its members are used as medicinal herbs in traditional medicines worldwide. In this study we achieved plant regeneration in Verbascum sinuatum L. via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis by culture of mature embryos. Embryogenic and nonembryogenic calli were induced from mature embryos on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzyl adenine (BA) and a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (but not for 1.5 and 3 mg l−1 NAA). For multiplication of somatic embryoids and differentiation of shoot buds, yellow and friable embryonic calli were transferred to MS medium containing 30 g/l sucrose, 0.5 mg l−1 charcoal and 0.1 or 1 mg l−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) or to MS medium containing 60 g l−1 sucrose, 50 mg l−1 casein hydrolysate (CH), 0.5 mg l−1 kinetin (Kin), 5 mg l−1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg l−1 charcoal. Shoot multiplication and plantlet regeneration were achieved by transferring shoot buds to MS medium supplemented with 1 mg l−1 BA or Kin.
Endopolyploidy Patterns in Organs of Trifolium Species (Fabaceae)
Authors: Kocová Valéria , Kolarcik Vladislav , Straková Nikola , Mártonfi Pavol
Published: May 2015

The pattern of endopolyploidy in the genus Trifolium was studied in mature organs of T. montanum and T. repens at reproductive stage, with comparative data for T. pratense, all from natural populations. Endopolyploidy in root, stem, petiole, leaf, inflorescence stalk, sepal, petal, stamen and carpel was detected by flow cytometry. 2C, 4C and 8C nuclei were found in organs of T. montanum and T. repens, and additionally 16C nuclei in organs of T. repens. The organs of T. montanum and T. repens differed in degree of endopolyploidy based on cycle values calculated from flow cytometry data; it was lowest in leaf and sepal in T. montanum and T. repens, and highest in T. montanum in petal and carpel and in T. repens in petiole and inflorescence stalk. These results are also seen in the two or more peaks of interphase nuclei in the flow cytometry histograms. There were significant correlations between the organs of T. pratense and T. repens as well as substantial differences between Trifolium species in the degree of endopolyploidy. T. pratense showed higher absolute endopolyploidy than T. montanum and T. repens. Principal component analysis showed that individuals of T. repens and T. montanum are more similar to each other than to individuals of T. pratense in degree of endopolyploidy. The observed variation between species might be explained by phylogenetic relationships and genome size differences.
Embedding in Filter-Sterilized Alginate Enhances Brassica Oleracea L. Protoplast Culture
Authors: Kiełkowska Agnieszka , Adamus Adela
Published: May 2015

The influence of sodium alginate sterilization on the viability and mitotic activity of embedded protoplasts was studied in protoplasts of Brassica oleracea subsp. alba and rubra isolated from hypocotyl tissue and leaves of seedlings or plants grown in vitro. Both leaf and hypocotyl-derived protoplasts were more viable and divided more frequently when embedded in filtrated alginate. Division frequency was highest in cv. Reball F1 and the mitotic activity of its protoplasts was three times higher when embedded in filtrated alginate (36.1 ± 6.8%) than when cultured in autoclaved alginate (10.9 ± 5.0%). Protoplast-derived calli colonies were transferred to solid regeneration media and plants of all tested accessions were obtained.
Morphological, Histological and Ultrastructural Changes in Fruit Epidermis of Apple Malus Domestica cv. Ligol (Rosaceae) at Fruit Set, Maturity and Storage
Authors: Konarska Agata
Published: May 2015

Fruit quality is closely related to the structure of the fruit peel, especially the epidermis and cuticle which form a barrier between its internal and external environments. This study used light, scanning and transmission elec-tron microscopy to examine changes in the epidermal structures of fruits of the Polish apple cultivar Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Ligol at three maturity stages. The single-layered epidermis was covered with cuticle and crystalline wax platelets. In the fruit set stage the fruit surface exhibited numerous nonglandular trichomes, stomata, microcracks and crystalline wax platelets. The surface of fruits at harvest and after 6-month controlled-atmosphere storage exhibited lenticels and horizontally or vertically oriented wax platelets. During fruit devel-opment there was an increase in epidermal cuticle thickness and a reduction in epidermal cell convexity and number of lenticels. After the storage period fruit weight declined, microcracks deepened and widened, and cuticular waxes accumulated. The cuticle was made up of two layers, lamellar and reticulate. In successive fruit development stages the width of the lamellar layer increased considerably. In the fruit set and harvest maturity stages the epidermal cells contained numerous mitochondria and plastids with starch grains. After the storage period there were fewer amyloplasts and the cell vacuoles contained flocculent residue and dark deposits.
Distribution of Arabinogalactan Proteins During Microsporogenesis in the Anther of Bellis Perennis (Asteraceae) L.
Authors: Chudzik Barbara , Szczuka Ewa , Zarzyka Barbara , Leszczuk Agata
Published: May 2015

Using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) JIM13, JIM15 and MAC207, we investigated the temporal and spatial dis-tribution of some arabinogalactan protein (AGP) epitopes in cells of the Bellis perennis L. anther at different developmental stages. AGP epitopes recognized by JIM13 were detected in the protoplasts of tapetal cells, dividing microsporocytes, and microspores; AGP epitopes recognized by JIM15 were present in the cytoplasm of tapetal cells only at the stage with tetrads of microspores in the anther loculus. AGP epitopes recognized by MAC207 were present in the cells of different somatic tissues of the flower bud, but after asymmetric mitosis in the microspore they appeared abundantly in the protoplasts of immature pollen and were still present in mature pollen grains. Callose, revealed by mAb, appeared at the same stage of microsporocyte division as AGPs labelled with JIM13 and JIM15. We discuss the differences in callose and AGP localization and the possible role of the latter during anther development.
Hybridization Processes in Putative Hybrid Swarms of Scots Pine and Mountain Dwarf Pine as Revealed by Chloroplast DNA
Authors: Kormutak Andrej , Brana Martina , Manka Peter , Galgoci Martin , Libantova Jana , Camek Vladimir , Bolecek Peter , Gömöry Dusan
Published: May 2015

Gene flow among individual trees of Pinus sylvestris and P. mugo putative hybrid swarms in Slovakia was fol-lowed at four localities using the species-diagnostic cpDNA trnV-trnH/Hinf I restriction profile. Variable proportions of P. sylvestris and P. mugo haplotypes were revealed among the sampled localities. Low between-habitus consistency of the trees and their cpDNA haplotypes indicates the hybrid nature of the swarms. Molecular analy-sis based on mutual comparison of the haplotypes of a given tree and its embryos suggests direct and recipro-cal hybridization between trees of the P. sylvestris and P. mugo haplotypes. Besides conspecific embryos resulting from hybridization of trees with the same haplotype (P. sylvestris × P. sylvestris and P. mugo × P. mugo), hybrid embryos of P. sylvestris × P. mugo (8.03%) and P. mugo × P. sylvestris (11.50%) were also detected in open-pollinated offspring. The results are discussed from the standpoint of primary and introgressive hybridization between the parental species.
Statistical Methods Use in Small Enterprises: Relation to Performance
Authors: Dumičić Ksenija , Bregar Lea , Žmuk Berislav
Published: May 2015

Background: There are several factors that lead to an improved level of competitiveness and increased net income of enterprises. Previous studies have shown that an appropriate use of statistical methods has positive effects on the level of competitiveness and on enterprises’ net income in general. Objectives: This study analyses the statistical methods use in Croatian small enterprises. The goal of this research is to establish whether most Croatian small enterprises use statistical methods and whether the enterprises that use statistical methods on average have greater net income than the enterprises that do not use statistical methods.

Methods/Approach: A web survey was conducted on the sample of 631 small enterprises in Croatia in 2012. In the analysis a complex survey design was taken into account. Results: The results have shown that in most Croatian small enterprises statistical methods are not used. The enterprises that use statistical methods on average have greater net income than the enterprises that do not use them.

Conclusions: The results suggest that even though the use of statistical methods in small enterprises leads to higher net income, they are not used in the majority of Croatian small enterprises. If Croatian small enterprises want to succeed on the demanding European Union’s market they should consider using statistical methods in their business.
A participatory framework to assess multifunctional land-use systems with multicriteria and multivariate analyses: A case study on agrobiodiversity of agroforestry systems in Tomé Açú, Brazil
Authors: Callo-Concha Daniel , Denich Manfred
Published: May 2015

In a participatory framework, the multifunctionality of agroforestry systems was assessed by applying multicriteria and multivariate analyses to identify ecological, agronomic and administrative proxies and integrate these into factors, and evaluate their effects on system performance. The assessment framework was tested in 70 farms in the municipality of Tomé-Açú in the Brazilian Amazon, an area well known for its long-standing practice of agroforestry. The overall goal was to identify management decisions that ensure sustainable production of goods together with the provision of ecosystem services, with special emphasis on agrobiodiversity. Three groups of farmers were considered based on their period of settlement, property size, technological know-how, organization and access to the market. The results show that the determinant factors of multifunctional farming are the farmers’ technical qualification, good adaptability, environmental commitment and the search for financial profitability. However, the optimization of these factors leads to trade-offs such as a decrease in biomass and woody species diversity and the decline of by-product production. By considering stakeholders’ opinions and being adaptable to various demands, the proposed framework enhances the legitimacy of the results, and supports both the assessment of complex issues and decision-making.
Shades of Greening: Reviewing the Impact of the new EU Agricultural Policy on Ecosystem Services
Authors: Hauck Jennifer , Schleyer Christian , Winkler Klara J. , Maes Joachim
Published: May 2015

In December 2013, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council formally adopted the new regulations for the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (2014-2020). The new regulations include three obligatory greening measures: ecological focus areas, maintaining permanent grassland, and crop diversification. We assess the impact of these measures on ecosystem services using scientific and gray literature. The literature review reveals that the adopted greening measures will have mixed effects, i.e., trade-offs and synergies across ecosystems services. Provisioning services, in particular crop production, are expected to decrease when the measures are implemented. All other service categories, i.e., regulating and cultural services, will increase – or are at least will not obviously be negatively affected – once the measures are implemented. However, in terms of tradeoffs and synergies, much depends on objectives being pursued, the baseline or alternative land use underlying the comparison, and on the prevalent farming systems and farm characteristics. Including the ecosystem services concept into the design and assessment of policies would allow a systematic review of the consequences of measures also for services otherwise easily ignored.
A systematic approach to assess human wellbeing demonstrated for impacts of climate change
Authors: Lissner Tabea K. , Reusser Dominik E. , Lakes Tobia , Kropp Jürgen P.
Published: May 2015

Climate change impacts will affect many important societal sectors, with potential negative consequences for human well-being and livelihoods, however an integrated and systematic measure to assess the state of livelihood conditions in this context is not available. At the same time, human livelihoods and wellbeing are an important part of (social) sustainability. Yet, aspects of human needs and well-being within assessments of sustainability are criticised for being arbitrary and incomplete. This paper presents a systematic approach to assess Adequate Human livelihood conditions for wEll-being And Development (AHEAD) on a regional to global scale. Based on an interdisciplinary literature review, we first select a consistent set of elements that allow to describe and quantify well-being and livelihoods. In a second step, we analyze documented associations between the elements to outline climate impact pathways and indirect effects of changes in single system components, using an influence matrix. The novel approach provides an important first step to point towards climate change adaptation measures, which most effectively increase human well-being, while identifying potential unintended side-effects. Even though there are some limitations to assessing well-being and livelihoods on a global scale, a consistent measure of AHEAD is of utmost importance for future sustainability and climate impact analyses.
Frequency up-conversion in Lasing Without Inversion
Authors: Davuluri Sankar
Published: May 2015

It is well known that in a three-level lambda system, spontaneous emission decay rate on the lasing transition must be smaller than or equal to the decay rate on the driving transition in order to observe LWI. Since spontaneous emission rate is proportional to cube of the corresponding transition frequency, satisfying the above condition requires the frequency of lasing transition to be smaller than the driving transitions frequency. In other words, according to this condition, frequency upconversion is not possible with LWI. The main theme of this article is to suggest the possibilty of frequency upconversion in LWI by overcoming the condition described above.
Analysis of Runway Deflectometer Campaign for Implementation on Airport Pavement Management System
Authors: Pigozzi Franco , Portas Silvia , Maltinti Francesca , Coni Mauro
Published: May 2015

The load-carrying capacity, is one of the indicators used to assess airfield pavement conditions. It could be estimated by evaluating the response of stationary dynamic loads, using a deflectometric device that simulates the stress inducted by an aircraft moving at moderate speed. This device is widely used because tests are nondestructive and rapid to execute and can be conducted for cyclic investigations, providing valuable support to maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) decision makers through pavement management system (PMS). Pavement response is evaluated as a function of the deflection basin induced by the deflectometric device. It is well known that deflectometric measurements are influenced by external parameters such as weather conditions, especially temperature of upper layers or the percentage of water contained on unbounded layers. In this study the deflections basin response obtained for different load and weather conditions has been analyzed through the application of benchmarking values for immediately structural assessments. Tests were performed using the Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) on 9 points along five longitudinal alignments from the centerline, 0.00 m, ± 3.00 m, and ± 5.20 m. The benchmarking methodology was used to evaluate and compare runway pavement performance under different weather conditions and testing loads. The applied benchmarking methodology resulted an easy and rapid assessment tool of pavement conditions at network-level.
Correlations Between Aggregate Particle Shape Parameters and Size Based on Images Captured Using a 3-D Laser Scanning Device
Authors: Mgangira Martin B. , Komba Julius
Published: May 2015

Three dimensional (3-D) laser scanning has recently proved to be an ideal technique for quantifying aggregate particle shape parameters. This is because 3-D laser scanners measure fine details and capture free-form shapes. This paper presents some results of an on-going study, which utilises 3-D laser scanning technology to quantify aggregate shape parameters. Specific correlations and shape parameters have been considered. The results have shown that meaningful correlations exist between 3-D sphericity and aspect ratio as well as between specific surface area and the particle diameter as defined in this paper. The results of the current study are consistent with generally accepted relationships between shape parameters and particle size, further validating the application of the 3-D laser scanning technology
Site Trials of Recycled and Secondary Aggregates in Concrete and Concrete Blocks in Qatar
Authors: Hassan K. E. , Kuwari M. S. , Reid J. M.
Published: May 2015

A major construction programme is underway in Qatar. A shortage of local aggregate is focusing attention on the use of recycled and secondary aggregates. Site trials using locally available materials in structural concrete and concrete blocks were carried out in three small buildings. By far the largest source of recycled and secondary aggregates in Qatar is construction, demolition and excavation waste, which is generally crudely separated into excavation waste (EW) and construction/demolition waste (CDW). The other material investigated was incinerator bottom ash (IBA). The EW was used to replace 50% of the coarse aggregate in structural C40 concrete, with the CDW replacing 50% and IBA 20% of the coarse aggregate in non-load bearing concrete blocks. The control was 100% imported gabbro coarse aggregate. The trials also incorporated replacement of 60% of the local washed sand with imported crushed rock fines; this was investigated because the reserves of suitable concrete sand in Qatar are limited. Results after one year show the materials giving equivalent or better performance than the primary aggregate controls. The Qatar Construction Specification will be updated to permit greater use of recycled and secondary aggregates (RSA) and further trials are planned in a range of applications, including unbound subbase and pavement concrete. Wider use of these materials will reduce reliance on imported aggregates. The site trials won an award for the most innovative project from the Qatar Contractors Forum 2013.
Surface Treatment of Sonotrode Material Aw 7075
Authors: Emmer Štefan , Baksa Peter , Kováčik Jaroslav
Published: May 2015

Electro spark deposited TiB2 functional layer and composite functional layers Ni-TiB2 and INC713LC-TiB2 on the aluminium alloy substrate AW 7075 were evaluated with respect to achieved microhardness, roughness, and microstructure. The thicknesses of the layers were observed in the range of 30 to 50 microns. Hardness of the layers (HV) is several times higher than the hardness of the aluminium alloy substrate AW 7075.