bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculating Power by Bootstrap, with an Application to Cluster-randomized
Trials
Authors: Kleinman Ken , Huang Susan S.
Published: February 2017

Background: A key requirement for a useful power calculation is that the
calculation mimic the data analysis that will be performed on the actual data, once it
is observed. Close approximations may be difficult to achieve using analytic solutions,
however, and thus Monte Carlo approaches, including both simulation and bootstrap
resampling, are often attractive. One setting in which this is particularly true is
cluster-randomized trial designs. However, Monte Carlo approaches are useful in many
additional settings as well. Calculating power for cluster-randomized trials using
analytic or simulation-based methods is frequently unsatisfactory due to the complexity
of the data analysis methods to be employed and to the sparseness of data to inform the
choice of important parameters in these methods.Methods: We propose that among Monte
Carlo methods, bootstrap approaches are most likely to generate data similar to the
observed data. In bootstrap approaches, real data are re-sampled to build complete data
sets based on real data that resemble the data for the intended analyses. In contrast,
simulation methods would use the real data to estimate parameters for the data and then
simulate data using these parameters. Means of implementing bootstrap power calculation
are described.Results: We demonstrate bootstrap power calculation for a
cluster-randomized trial with a censored survival outcome and a baseline observation
period.Conclusions: Bootstrap power calculation is a natural application of resampling
methods. It provides a relatively simple solution to power calculation that is likely to
be more accurate than analytic solutions or simulation-based calculations, in the sense
that the bootstrap approach does not rely on the assumptions inherent in analytic
calculations. It has several important strengths. Notably, it is simple to achieve great
fidelity to the proposed data analysis method and there is no requirement for parameter
estimates, or estimates of their variability, from outside settings. So, for example,
for cluster-randomized trials, power calculations need not depend on intracluster
correlation coefficient estimates from outside studies. In contrast, bootstrap power
calculation requires initial data resembling data to be used in the planned study. We
are not aware of bootstrap power calculation being previously proposed or explored for
cluster-randomized trials, but it can also be applied for other study designs. We show
with a simulation study that bootstrap power calculation can replicate analytic power in
cases where analytic power can be accurately calculated. We also demonstrate power
calculations for correlated censored survival outcomes in a cluster randomized trial
setting, for which we are unaware of an analytic alternative. The method can easily be
used when preliminary data is available, as is likely to be the case when research is
performed in health delivery systems or other settings where electronic medical records
can be obtained.
Illite-Smectite-Rich Clay Parageneses from Quaternary Tunnel Valley Sediments of the Dutch Southern North Sea — Mineral Origin and Paleoenvironment Implications
Authors: Šegvić Branimir , Benvenuti Antonio , Moscariello Andrea
Published: February 2017

The Pleistocene sediment infill of elongated glacial incisions of the southern North Sea (SNS) is often referred to as tunnel valleys (TVs). The depositional environment is not yet fully understood and the present study addresses this challenge from the perspective of clay-mineral transformation (illite to illite-smectite) reported from the largest Elsterian TV of the SNS. Material acquired from the K14-12 borehole in the Dutch offshore was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy, electron microprobe, and laser particle-size analysis. Illite and illite-smectite (I-S) appeared as dominant clays along with minor amounts of kaolinite, kaolinite-smectite, and chlorite. The largest amount of I-S is recognized in the main TV portion, while in pre-glacial and uppermost deposits, I-S is less abundant. The XRD peak fitting and deconvolution suggest that I-S consists of several intermediates — ordered (well crystallized illite + R3 I-S) and disordered (R0 I-S + R0 I-SS). Given the average particle sizes (>2 µm) and Kübler index values (0.415–0.341°Δ2θ), illite as well as chlorite and kaolinite were interpreted as detrital. On the basis of the distinctive distribution, grain sizes, and compositional variations of I-S, formation by means of early diageneticin situsmectitization of illite under a cold climate is proposed. The process operatedviaa series of mixed-layer intermediates derived from an illite component being converted progressively to low-charged smectite. The reaction is marked by a significant net loss of K and Al with replacement by Si in a tetrahedral coordination. Layer-charge imbalance is accommodated by Fe(III) and Mg entering an octahedral sheet, whereas Ca partly fills the interlayer sites. Smectitization rates were controlled by illite grain sizes. The results of the present study support strongly the existence of an ice-marginal freshwater depositional environment at the glacial maximum in the SNS in which early diagenesis at low temperatures resulted in incomplete conversion of illite to smectite.
Adsorption of Cu(II) on Rhamnolipid-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Li Yan , Bi Hao-Yu , Li Hui , Jin Yong-Sheng
Published: February 2017

A rhamnolipid-layered double hydroxide (RL-LDH) nanocomposite, derived from the rhamnolipid (RL) biosurfactant, was synthesized through a delamination/reassembling process. The adsorption characteristics of Cu(II) on RL-LDH were investigated in detail and the results indicated the potential of using RL-LDH as an environmentally friendly adsorbent to remove Cu(II). The fabricated RL-LDH nanocomposite was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental chemical composition, and specific surface area analyses. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the influence of various factors, such as contact time, initial Cu(II) concentration, temperature, initial solution pH, and electrolyte concentration on Cu(II) adsorption by the RL-LDH nanocomposite. The RL-LDH nanocomposite had a low surface area of 11.71 m2 g−1, which suggests that surface adsorption would not be important in Cu(II) adsorption. The Cu(II) adsorption data fitted the Freundlich model well at pH 5.5, whereas the adsorption kinetics were accurately described by a pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Chemical binding, that is, the formation of a RL-Cu(II) complex in the LDH interlayer, was assumed to be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters that included Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes were also calculated. The adsorption was found to be a spontaneous and exothermic chemisorption process. Furthermore, the adsorption properties of RL-LDH for Cu(II) were compared to Cu(II) adsorption using other adsorbents.
Synthetic Zeolites Derived from Fly Ash as Effective Mineral Sorbents for Diesel Fuel Spill Remediation
Authors: Gao Pingqiang , Zhang Yan , Zhao Lin
Published: February 2017

Development of an effective sorbent for diesel fuel spill remediation remains an important challenge in the field of synthesis due to the potential capacity of sorbents to efficiently purify contaminated sites. Fly ash, a coal combustion by-product, was used as a raw material to synthesize two inexpensive zeolites (SZ-1 and SZ-2) for oil spill remediation using an alkali fusion approach prior to hydrothermal treatment. The sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N2 adsorption/desorption. Diesel fuel sorption was used to examine the potential capacity of the synthetic zeolites to sorb oil and other petroleum products. Diesel fuel viscosity and density were determined at room temperature using a viscometer and a pycnometer, respectively. The synthetic zeolites exhibited a higher diesel fuel sorption capacity than fly ash. The SZ-1 zeolite sorbed approximately 1.43 g·g−1 and SZ-2 sorbed approximately 1.9 g·g−1. The sorption was mainly a physical process and mesopore filling seemed to play the dominant role. Sorbent textures were, therefore, vital for the sorption of petroleum products.
The Human Long Interspersed Element-1 Retrotransposon: An Emerging Biomarker of Neoplasia
Authors: Ardeljan Daniel , Taylor Martin S , Ting David T , Burns Kathleen H
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

A large portion of intronic and intergenic space in our genome consists of repeated sequences. One of the most prevalent is the long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1, L1) mobile DNA. LINE-1 is rightly receiving increasing interest as a cancer biomarker.

CONTENT

Intact LINE-1 elements are self-propagating. They code for RNA and proteins that function to make more copies of the genomic element. Our current understanding is that this process is repressed in most normal cells, but that LINE-1 expression is a hallmark of many types of malignancy. Here, we will consider features of cancer cells when cellular defense mechanisms repressing LINE-1 go awry. We will review evidence that genomic LINE-1 methylation, LINE-1–encoded RNAs, and LINE-1 ORF1p (open reading frame 1 protein) may be useful in cancer diagnosis.

The repetitive and variable nature of LINE-1 DNA sequences poses unique challenges to studying them, but recent advances in reagents and next generation sequencing present opportunities to characterize LINE-1 expression and activity in cancers and to identify clinical applications.
The mechanisms underlying the muscle metaboreflex modulation of sweating and cutaneous blood flow in passively heated humans
Authors: Haqani Baies , Fujii Naoto , Kondo Narihiko , Kenny Glen P.
Published: February 2017

Metaboreceptors can modulate cutaneous blood flow and sweating during heat stress but the mechanisms remain unknown. Fourteen participants (31 ± 13 years) performed 1‐min bout of isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise at 60% of their maximal voluntary contraction followed by a 3‐min occlusion (OCC), each separated by 10 min, initially under low (LHS, to activate sweating without changes in core temperature) and high (HHS, whole‐body heating to a core temperature increase of 1.0°C) heat stress conditions. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and sweat rate were measured continuously at four forearm skin sites perfused with 1) lactated Ringer's solution (Control), 2) 10 mmol L‐NAME [inhibits nitric oxide synthase (NOS)], 3) 10 mmol Ketorolac [inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)], or 4) 4 mmol theophylline (THEO; inhibits adenosine receptors). Relative to pre‐IHG levels with Control, NOS inhibition attenuated the metaboreceptor‐mediated increase in sweating under LHS and HHS (P ≤ 0.05), albeit the attenuation was greater under LHS (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, a reduction from baseline was observed with THEO under LHS during OCC (P ≤ 0.05), but not HHS (both P > 0.05). In contrast, CVC was lower than Control with L‐NAME during OCC in HHS (P ≤ 0.05), but not LHS (P > 0.05). We show that metaboreceptor activation modulates CVC via the stimulation of NOS and adenosine receptors, whereas NOS, but not COX or adenosine receptors, contributes to sweating at all levels of heating.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Modelling The Contact Area of Grain Seeds
Authors: Frączek Jarosław , Francik Sławomir , Ślipek Zbigniew , Knapczyk Adrian
Published: February 2017

The objective of the research was to create a model which defines the relation between a fundamental contact area of a seed and the pressure force, water content in a seed and its geometrical dimensions with application of artificial neural networks (SSN). Computer program Statistica Neural Networks v. 6.0. was used for formation of a neural model. Tests were carried out on Roma wheat seed and Dańkowskie Złote rye with six various water contents: 0.11 0.15 0.19 0.23 0.28 0.33 (kg·kg-1 dry mass). Caryopses were loaded with eight values of compression force - from 41 N to 230 N. Multiplicity of iterations was 5. Seed material was moistened to obtain a specific water content. Each seed was loaded with compression force with respectively growing values: 41N, 68N, 95N, 122N, 149N, 176N, 203N and 230N. A four-layer network of Perceptron type with 10 neurons in the first and 8 neurons in the second hidden layer was selected as a model which the best defines the contact area of grain seeds loaded with axial force at various moisture levels. This network has 4 inputs (water content, pressure force, thickness and length of caryopses) and one output (elementary contact area of rye and wheat seeds). Comparison of the neural model with empirical formulas obtained from nonlinear estimation proved a considerable higher precision of the first one.
Analysis of Impact Of Biomass Added to RDF Oversize Fraction on Properties of Briquettes
Authors: Frączek Jarosław , Słomka-Polonis Karolina , Mudryk Krzysztof , Wróbel Marek , Dziedzic Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

The impact of biomass addition to the RDF oversize fraction on quality parameters obtained from this blend of briquettes produced under semi-industrial conditions was analysed. For the purposes related to the experiment four RDF mixtures with fragmented biomass of common willow Salix viminalis L., differing only with percentage participation of base elements, were prepared. The briquetting process was performed with the use of a semi-industrial briquetting machine at the determined compaction pressure of 47 MPa and a diameter of a sleeve (and a briquette at the same time) of 50 mm. Selected quality parameters of produced briquettes were determined, i.e. density, mechanical strength DU and compression strength. The best parameters were obtained for briquettes produced from the blend with a 50% share of willow (ρ=843.9 kg · m-3, DU=86.1%, Rc=0.46 MPa). The lowest parameters were in case of briquettes without biomass addition. Statistical analysis of research results indicates that biomass additions to RDF significantly affect the improvement of quality parameters of the obtained briquettes.
Dynamics of Temperature Changes in Thermophille Phase of Composting Process in The Aspect of Sanitary Condition of Obtained Material
Authors: Jakubowski Tomasz , Sołowiej Piotr
Published: February 2017

A condition of obtaining compost with proper sanitary parameters is achieving the organic recycling process temperature which exceeds 7°C. The objective of the paper was to determine the temperature course in the compost tank for organic recycling of dead poultry in relation to the applied structure forming material. Wheat, oat, barley, rapeseed and corn straw were used as a structure-forming material. A measuring system was equipped with a probe with a temperature sensor with precision of ±0.15°C, transducer and data recorder. Results were prepared with the use of the analysis of variance at the level of significance of α=0.05. Statistically significant differences of the temperature value in the thermophille phase of the composting process between combinations of the experiment were indicated. In all investigated combinations of the experiment, achievement (or exceeding) the temperature value of 70°C of the compost mass was reported.
Effect of Water Immersion of Semi-Finished Products on The Fat Content in Fried Potato Products
Authors: Sobol Zygmunt
Published: February 2017

In this study the influence of selected factors, such as duration of water sorption resulting from the process of reducing sugars elution from semi-finished products, temperature of sorbed water, frying temperature and size of the studied objects (thickness of slices), on the total fat content in dry mass of the obtained products was analyzed. The study was conducted on Innovator cultivar. The scope of the study encompassed 5, 10, 15, 20 min water sorption linked to the process of reducing sugars elution. A control study was also conducted on samples without the process of reducing sugars elution. Temperature of sorbed water was 20 and 40°C; temperature of slice frying was 140 and 180°C; the size of the studied objects, in the experiment limited by the thickness of slices, was 4 and 9 mm. Determination of the total fat content in the products was conducted using the Soxhlet method. The greatest amount of fat in dry weight was contained in the products from samples in which sugars were not eluted, when the process was conducted for a short period of time (several minutes) or when elution continued for the longest period of time, approx. 20 min. The smallest amount of fat was contained in the products from samples in which the immersion in water was conducted for 10-15 min. Thicker slices absorb smaller amounts of fat. Increase of temperature of sorbed water in the process of extracting sugars from semi-finished products results in the increase of the total fat content in dry weight of products.
Methodological Aspects of Conceptual Design of an Agricultural Machine by The Case of a Tunnel Spraying Machine
Authors: Ślipek Zbigniew , Francik Sławomir , Frączek Jarosław , Knapczyk Adrian
Published: February 2017

The article presents the procedure of determination of a structural form of an agricultural machine which encompasses methodological aspects of design related to the division of the basic objective function into member functions, multi-variant solutions and synthesis of astructural form (a virtual prototype of an agricultural machine). The suggested course of proceeding was presented by the case of a design of a tunnel spraying machine. This example reflects well and includes the specificity of the design object in the form of an agricultural machine with specific technical and agro-technical requirements. Attention was paid to the aspects related to methodology of selection of fractional solutions based on previously defined criteria.
Impact of Selected Properties of Raw Material on Quality Features of Granular Fertilizers Obtained from Digestates and ASH Mixtures
Authors: Wróbel Marek , Frączek Jarosław , Jewiarz Marcin , Mudryk Krzysztof , Dziedzic Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

The paper presents the results of research, the objective of which was to determine the impact of particle size distribution and density of digestates and ash on density and tensile strength of granular fertilizer obtained from mixtures of these substrates. Particle size distribution, absolute density, envelope density and porosity of substrates were determined. Granular fertilizers were made of clean substrates and their mixtures. Envelope density of the obtained granulates was within 0.81 - 1.88 g⋅cm-3. The determined compaction degree was within 3.65 - 10.12. While, the compaction index IS of granulates made of mixtures was within 0.5 - 0.55 and was lower in comparison to IS of granulates from digestates (0.6) and ash (0.76).
The Dynamics of Changes in Nutritionally Significant Ingredients of Carrot Juice after the Pasteurization
Authors: Mendelová Andrea , Mendel Ľubomír , Fikselová Martina , Andrejiová Alena
Published: February 2017

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) belongs to the most common type of vegetable because of its consumption, versatile usage in the canning industry and because of its beneficial effects on the health of consumers. It is valuable mainly because of the high content of β-carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, carbohydrates and minerals. The aim of this work was to compare the quality of carrot juice from different varieties of carrots regarding the content of total carotenoids and polyphenols and also to assess the dynamics of their changes evaluated under the influence of the pasteurization (85 °C). There were selected varieties of carrot such as Baltimore F1, Exhibition F1, Kamaran F1, Napoli F1, Belgrado F1, Komarno F1, Nantes, Rubina and Nandrin F1. The highest content of carotenoids, assessed by the spectrophotometry, was determined in variety Kamaran F1 (213.66 mg 100 g−1 dry matter) and the lowest in Belgrado F1 (146.80 mg 100 g−1 dry matter). After the pasteurization, the content of carotenoid decreased and ranged from 128.04 mg 100 g−1 dry matter in variety Napoli F1 to 142.55 mg 100 g−1 in Kamaran F1. The highest content of polyphenol determined by the Folin Ciocalteu method was found in fresh juice of Rubina (922.80 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter) and the lowest in the variety Nantes (535.75 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter). After the pasteurization, the content of the monitored components was found to be 450.34 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter in Napoli F1 to 751.95 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter in Komarno F1 variety.
Insect Pests Occurring on the Different Iris L. (Iridaceae) Taxa
Authors: Wojciechowicz-Żytko Elżbieta , Rogowska Barbara , Dobińska Maja , Witek Anna , Kulig Magdalena
Published: February 2017

The experiment was carried out in years 2012–2013 in the Collection of Ornamental Plants of the Agricultural University in Cracow. Six Iris taxa – Iris graminea L. and hybrids from Sibiriceae section: I. ‘Wisley White’, ‘Wiltrude Gissel’, ‘Violet Meer’, ‘White Swirl’, I. ‘Towanda Redflare’ × I. sibirica hybrid (RF × I SK) were observed. Each taxon was represented by five clumps. In weekly intervals from May to August, the insects: Mononychus punctumalbum (Hbst.), Phorbia servadei (Seguy), Oxythyrea funesta (Poda.) and Aphthona nonstriata (Goeze) were collected from the selected plants. The differences in infestation of different Iris taxa by pests were noted. The most infested by pests was the hybrid from Sibiriceae section I. ‘Wiltrud Gissel’ whereas hardly attacked species was Iris graminea. M. punctumalbum and P. servadei were the most frequently occurring insects. The adults of M. punctumalbum were observed in the greatest numbers on ‘Wiltrud Gissel’, ‘Violet Meer’ and RF × I SK hybrid. P. servadei larvae were most abundant in the buds of ‘Wiltrud Gissel’ and ‘Violet Meer’ O. funesta and A. nonstriata occurred in a small number whereas a common pest – A. newtoni – was not found.
Fixed Point Results Satisfying Rational Type Contractive Conditions in Complex Valued Metric Spaces – Revisited
Authors: Zada Mian Bahadur , Sarwar Muhammad
Published: February 2017

In our previous work titled “Fixed Point Results Satisfying Rational type Contractive Conditions in Complex Valued Metric Spaces”[Ann. Math. Sil. 30 (2016), 89-110], some errors has been made in the main results (Theorem 3.1, Theorem 3.7 and Theorem 3.22), that may misguide the readers. This note provides corrections of these errors.
Outer Measures on a Commutative Ring Induced by Measures on Its Spectrum
Authors: Dudzik Dariusz , Skrzynski Marcin
Published: February 2017

On a commutative ring R we study outer measures induced by measures on Spec(R). The focus is on examples of such outer measures and on subsets of R that satisfy the Carathéodory condition.
Survival and growth rates of juvenile salmonids reared in lowland streams
Authors: Golski Janusz , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Andrzejewski Wojciech , Przybył Antoni , Kozak Jerzy
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of propagating juvenile trout, Salmo trutta L. in small lowland streams and to evaluate the impact of the environmental conditions in the streams on the juvenile fish. Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) and sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta) early fry fed under controlled conditions were used to stock third-order lowland streams. During summer, fall, and spring catches, fry were counted, measured, and weighed. The following parameters were calculated using the data collected: fry stocking density (ind. m-2); survival; specific mortality rate (SMR); length range; mean specimen length; body weight; mean body weight; specific growth rate (SGR); body condition (Fulton’s index). The ichthyological studies were accompanied by simultaneous analyses of environmental conditions that were performed monthly, and benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled in spring and fall. No differences were observed in the biological parameters analyzed between sea trout and brown trout. Variability in environmental parameters such as temperature, oxygenation, conductivity, and stream width and depth were associated with differentiation in the biological parameters of the fry. The results clearly indicate that the considerable potential of small lowland streams for the propagation of salmonid juvenile stages is currently underexploited.
The Role of Phytodiversity in Riparian Alder Forests in Supporting the Provision of Ecosystem Services
Authors: Mariničová Patrícia , Eliáš Pavol
Published: February 2017

Nature, ecosystems and biodiversity provide human society with many benefits known as ecosystem services. Functional diversity is an important aspect of biodiversity. In this paper, we applied inductive approach to the identification, mapping and evaluation of ecosystem services of the Aegopodio-Alnetum glutinosae community in Tribeč Mts. The results from 2015 show that the alder floodplain forest represents one of the most productive forest ecosystems with seasonal maximum production of 59.03 g m−2, species diversity of N
0 = 40 and functional diversity of FD = 10. The forage potential of this community is medium, the melliferous potential is high and the therapeutic potential was estimated as extremely rich in medicinal plants. From the functional groups for providing ecosystem services, woody plants and hemicryptophytes play the most significant role.
Synthesis and properties of N-alkyl(phenyl)amido-O-methyl-1,2-alkadienephosphonates
Authors: Enchev Dobromir D.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis of the titled compounds has been described. Their reactivity towards electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents has been investigated.
Descriptor Fingerprints and Their Application to Red Wine Clustering and Discrimination
Authors: Bangov I.P. , Moskovkina M. , Stojanov B.P.
Published: February 2017

The investigation was performed to test the potentials of the fingerprint clustering algorithm for a set of 1599 red wines in relation to some wine properties, comprised in the notion “wine quality”. We have obtained a distribution of the wines into different clusters as a result. Each cluster was composed of wine-objects with similar values of laboratory parameters and with a wine quality certificate. A correlation between the. quality of wines (a sensory taste factor) and the phisicochemical descriptors (laboratory analytical test results data) was observed and analyzed.
Covalent immobilization of rabbit-antiaflatoxin-antibodies onto the poly-acrylamideacrylonitrile as well as hybrid material UREASIL and developing an optical immunosensor
Authors: Slavova M. , Georgieva-Nikolova R. , Hristov H. , Nikolova M.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this work is to describe a covalent immobilization of antibodies onto the poly- acrylamide-acrylonitrile or hybrid material UREASIL and creation of optical immunosensor for determination of aflatoxin Bl. For this purpose, mouse-anti-aflatoxin B1 antibodies with oxidized carbohydrate moieties were covalently immobilized on the membranes of polyacrylamide- polyacrylonitrile copolymer, as well as the hybrid material UREASIL. To determine the affinity> binding of the immobilized antibody with afatoxin Bl was used "sandwich" method. Associated with the immobilized antibody sought ingredients interact with a surplus of secondary’ signal antibodies. The described method has been developed as a model system, which can easily be applied for the determination of aflatoxins in samples of different origin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that in the establishment of biosensor was used hybrid material UREASIL.
Chemosuppressive activities in in vivo studies of Plasmodium falciparum-infected mice using isolated oil of Stigmaphyllon ovatum (Amazon vine) Cav.
Authors: Iyekowa Osaro , Edema Mary Olire
Published: February 2017

Problem: In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria remains one of the leading health problems. This situation has been aggravated by the increasing spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. The study was conducted to determine the chemosuppressive activities in in vivo studies of Plasmodium falciparum-infected mice with isolated oil of Stigmaphyllon ovatum leaves used in the traditional treatment of malaria in Nigeria. Methodology: The plant leaves were collected, dried, pulverized and extracted in Soxhlet extractor with hexane solvent. The crude extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator and phytochemical screening performed using standard methods. Isolation of oil from hexane extract was done using vacuum liquid chromatography while characterization was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chemosuppressive activities were conducted along with quinine to determine the antimalarial potency in Plasmodium falciparum- infected BALB/c albino mice. Findings: Glycosides, saponins, phenolics, and alkaloids among others were present. Components detected from the isolated yellow oil of S. ovatum were 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) (Rt:20.0, 19.37%), an unsaturated fatty acid, squalene (Rt:25.6, 4.58%), a terpene; 7-tetradecenal (Rt:22.6, 2.40%), an aldehyde and alicyclic compounds like bicycle (3,10) hexan-3-one (Rt:16.7, 0.22%). Quinine-treated mice exhibited the lowest parasite counts of 0.27±0.01 (83.82% mean chemosuppression) at day 4 of therapy while the lowest parasite counts for the isolated oil was 0.95±0.05 (42.92% mean chemosuppression) at day 4 of therapy. Conclusion: The chemosuppressive activities revealed that the isolated oil exhibit significant suppression (P<0.05) of Plasmodium falciparum when compared with the standard, quinine which was evident by the photomicrograph results. This work corroborates the local use of the plants for the treatment of malaria in Southern Nigeria.
Bilingualism and Diglossia as Sociocultural Phenomena in Romanian–Hungarian Translations in Transylvania
Authors: Zopus András
Published: February 2017

My study aims to scrutinize the extent to which bilingualism and diglossia influence Transylvanian translators’ texts when the target language is Hungarian. While studying the narrower and wider interpretations of these linguistic phenomena, we may find that all the conditions are given that are required for us to say: Transylvanian translators’ bilingualism and diglossia may be considered as facts, and socio-lingual effects become tangible in various translations.
Linguistic Issues in Széchenyi’s Oeuvre (Plurilingualism, Multilingualism, Mother Tongue)
Authors: Pletl Rita
Published: February 2017

Széchenyi studied the linguistic issue, the problems he faced during his public and literary activities with the caution and precision that characterize him. His inquiry into the question of language is marked by nuanced and precise terminology. The distinction between the notions of mother tongue and national language, as well as multilingualism and plurilingualism, are consistent throughout his work. In his conception, the mother tongue is the variety of a given language that is acquired by the speaker in the most intimate environment and through which he/she is linked with the communicational processes of the language community’s social interactions. The national language in his interpretation is the cultivated variety of the mother tongue, which is the language of public life and that of bourgeois national literature as well. In language use, he propagated the principle of linguistic tolerance. He considered the use of the mother tongue a right of every nation (language community). He recognized Europe’s linguistic and national diversity as a value that must be safeguarded and nurtured.
About the Definition, Classification, and Translation Strategies of Idioms
Authors: Kovács Gabriella
Published: February 2017

In translator training, the process of planning and implementing the teaching process and the design of teaching materials should be dynamic and flexible. With the future purpose to design teaching materials for idiom translation, this study proposes to explore those characteristics of idioms which might cause difficulties when translating them and some of the various classifications of idioms. Some of the relevant factors which might determine the appropriateness and acceptability of idiom translation and some of the translation strategies recommended in the specialized literature will also be presented. We proposed to analyse the idiom-translating solutions and strategies which the literary translator of the novel “A Game of Thrones” chose while translating it into Hungarian. Our aim is to decide whether the novel can be an appropriate source for authentic teaching material. We chose this novel mainly because it has recently become very popular among students, it is rich in idioms, and we believe that different aspects of idiom typology and different strategies used in idiom translation can be exemplified, demonstrated, and practised with the help of different tasks based on the original text and its Hungarian translation.
Phonological Phenomena of Hungarian Loanwords in the Romanian Language
Authors: Both Csaba Attila
Published: February 2017

The research of languages in contact has a relatively long history all over the world, but there have not been conducted many detailed researches regarding the contacts of the Romanian language. The present study aims to present the phonological phenomena occurring in the Hungarian loanwords in the Romanian: aphaeresis, prosthesis, epenthesis, anaptyxe, syncope, apocope, paragoge, and metathesis. The study includes the investigation of a corpus comprised of 1,029 Hungarian loanwords in the Romanian language.
Auf die Spuren der rätselhaften Lehrbuchlisten: was zeigen die Zahlen uns darin?
Authors: Sebestyén Krisztina
Published: February 2017

Nowadays knowing foreign languages is a must. The children learn more languages at the school, so it does not matter what kind of books they use. The aim of our paper is to present the data of the Hungarian official list of textbooks from the last 17 years. The lists contain textbooks, exercise books and other things. This survey is about the publishers, the rate of the authors with presumed to be German and Hungarian native speakers. The results show that the change of the textbooks ‘German as foreign language’ and these results can lead to other international comparisons.
Communication. Vanillyl alcohol oxidases produced in Komagataella phaffii contain a highly stable noncovalently bound anionic FAD semiquinone
Authors: Gygli Gudrun , Berkel Willem J. H. van
Published: February 2017

Vanillyl alcohol oxidase (VAO) from Penicillium simplicissimum is a covalent flavoprotein that has emerged as a promising biocatalyst for the production of aromatic fine chemicals such as vanillin, coniferyl alcohol and enantiopure 1-(4’-hydroxyphenyl) alcohols. The largescale production of this eukaryotic enzyme in Escherichia coli has remained challenging thus far. For that reason an alternative, eukaryotic expression system, Komagataella phaffii, was tested. Additionally, to produce novel VAO biocatalysts, we screened genomes for VAO homologues. One bacterial and five fungal sequences were selected for expression, using key active site residues as criteria for their selection. Expression of the putative vao genes in K. phaffii was successful, however expression levels were low (1 mg per litre of culture). Surprisingly, all purified enzymes were found to contain a highly stable, non-covalently bound anionic FAD semiquinone that could not be reduced by dithionite or cyanoborohydride. Activity experiments revealed that VAO expressed in K. phaffii does not produce vanillin because the enzyme suffers from oxidative stress.
Scenario-based Simulation of Criticality Concerning the Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Authors: Badea Dorel , Aramă Ghiţă , Coman Marian , Bucoveţchi Olga Maria Cristina , Mănescu Gabriel
Published: February 2017

The critical infrastructure protection domain, through its social implications, is a relatively new research topic, and a science in this regard is not setup yet. Its complexity, through the operational subsumed areas, through the interdependencies and cascading possible effects, through the many facets for investigation, is a special one which imposes specific approaches. This paper intends to continue the investigations in this field, which are conducted in an individual manner or by research teams, by authors with concerns in this regard who agreed to allocate to the topical subject a special attention based on its importance, beyond an exclusive approach – as a special topic. This time, there are brought into attention the issues related to chemical industry sector correlated with actual associated implications of necessary transportation activities in this field. Simulation-based scenario is the main technique employed as a research methodology by using dedicated software.
EU Military Operation Sophia – Analysing the Shortfalls
Authors: Pricopi Marius
Published: February 2017

Facing the current issue of migration, European Union leaders managed to scrap together a (widely contested) plan for the re-distribution of asylum seekers between the member states. But they also undertook pro-active measures to counter illegal migration; such is the case of the military Operation Sophia.

In this paper we do not disavow in any way the existence and necessity of Operation Sophia. Instead, as a way to hereafter identify new opportunities to enhance its’ efficiency, we analyse the criticism brought against it, which mainly concerns: the lack of full transparency, the fosterage of illegal migration and the fail to address the root causes of the on-going migration crisis.
Design and Manufacturing Process for a Ballistic Missile
Authors: Zaharia Sebastian Marian , Ştefăneanu Rareş Ioan
Published: February 2017

Designing a ballistic missile flight depends on the mission and the stress to which the missile is subject. Missile’s requests are determined by: the organization of components; flight regime type, engine configuration and aerodynamic performance of the rocket flight. In this paper has been developed a ballistic missile with a smooth fuselage type, 10 control surfaces, 8 directional surfaces for cornering execution, 2 for maneuvers of execution to change the angle of incidence and 4 stabilizers direction. Through the technology of gluing and clamping of the shell and the use of titanium components, mass of ballistic missile presented a significant decrease in weight and a structure with high strength.
Applying RANSAC Algorithm for Fitting Scanning Strips from Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Błaszczak-Bąk Wioleta , Janicka Joanna , Sobieraj-Żłobińska Anna
Published: February 2017

During the development of the data acquired by airborne laser scanning the important issue is the fitting and georeferencing of ALS point clouds by means of the tie surfaces and the reference planes. The process of scanning strips adjustment is based on mutual integration of point clouds (scanning strips) and their adaptation to the reference planes. In simultaneous adjustment all strips are combined into one geometrically coherent block, to which the coordinates are given. In the process of determining discrepancies between scanning strips it is important to determine the correct size of the shifts (offsets). Authors propose to do this by using RANSAC algorithm.
Selected Trace Element Concentrations in Peat Used for Cosmetic Production – A Case Study from Southern Poland
Authors: Glina Bartłomiej
Published: February 2017

The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of selected trace elements in organic soils used as a source to obtain a unique peat extract for cosmetics production. Peat material for laboratory analysis were collected from fen peatland located in the Prosna River Valley (Borek village). Studied peatland is managed by “Torf Corporation” company as a source of material to obtain peat extract for cosmetics production. In the collected soil samples (four soil profiles) Zn, Cu and Pb concentrations were determined by using atomic absorption spectrometer SpectraAA 220 (Varian), after acid digestion. Obtained results showed that the highest concentrations of selected trace elements were recorded in the surface horizons of organic soils. This fact might be the results of Prosna river flooding or air deposition. Howevere, according to the new Polish regulations (Ordinance of the Minister for Environment 01.09.2016 - the way of conducting contamination assessment of the earth surface), the content of trace elements in the examined soils was greatly belowe the permissible limit for areas from group IV (mine lands). Thus, described soils are proper to obtain peat extract used as a component in cosmetic production.
Thermal Renovation of Buildings with the Use of Straw - European Experience
Authors: Golański Michał
Published: February 2017

The selection of building materials to a huge extent shapes building impact on the environment. In the era of widespread awareness of health problems arising from toxicity of chemical substances, healthy and safe materials of organic origin are even more important. The work discusses examples of the use of straw-bales in thermal retrofitting of buildings located in Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary. The experience of the practical applications of this material in renovations of buildings located in similar climatic conditions indicate that these solutions can be used successfully in Poland. The prevalence of this technology can make a significant contribution to reduction of gaseous emissions, waste, as well as the emission of noise, vibration radiation.
Specifics of Formal and Legal Issues in Processes of Revitalizing Post-Industrial Buildings
Authors: Kochański Paweł
Published: February 2017

The article deals with issues from the initial phase of the investment process connected with revitalizing postindustrial buildings: planning and programming investments in the functional and financial scope, as well as designing. The described formal and legal aspects are the result of a study of a few projects concerning the adaptation of buildings to serving a new function in Zielona Góra and Żaganie. The conclusions drawn from an individual view into each of the described problems are no different than when designing new buildings. It is not until we look into the whole preparation and design process, and gathering all experiences from the formal-legal sphere, that allows us to notice that, in the case of revitalizing postindustrial buildings and their adaptation to serve modern-day functions, a multifaceted but also specific approach is required.
Revalorization Problems of the Down-Town Areas on the Example of Zielona Góra
Authors: Kononowicz Wanda , Sukienniczak Joanna
Published: February 2017

The aim of the considerations presented in the article is to determine the developmental directions of the inner urban areas respecting and honouring the cultural heritage of Zielona Gora city. The formation of useful physical form of the urban lifestyle environment is particularly important in the process of urban regeneration. The article presents polemics with the planning documents and raises the issues related to urban green areas and street furniture. The design proposal shows one of the possibilities to bring the improperly developed areas back to the city. Every city is made of people and, therefore, it is essential for these people to have social awareness of individual influence on the shape of urban areas.
The Influence of Technical Infrastructure on the Roundabout Areas Development
Authors: Kostecki Jakub , Greinert Andrzej , Owoc Ewelina
Published: February 2017

The article presents the analysis of roundabouts design aspects including the location of underground and overground infrastructure. Authors also undertake an attempt to assess the existing situation with planning conditions. Many differences depended on the roundabout size, location, surroundings, natural conditions, landform technology used were noted. Roundabouts design should include both the natural arrangements and art installations, increasing the area of urban green areas in parallel using the area as a place for works of art exposure. For Zielona Góra urban area this is of particular importance because of the multitude of roundabouts and their good position in the city structure.
Temperature Impact of Nitrogen Transformation in Technological System: Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland and Polishing Pond
Authors: Myszograj Sylwia , Bydałek Franciszek
Published: February 2017

The article describes the results of the research, purpose of which was to evaluate influence of the temperature on the effectiveness of nitrification and denitrification in the sewage treatment system consisting of vertical flow constructed wetland and polishing pond. During the analysed period, the efficiency of removing total nitrogen was low and amounted to 12.7%. In the polishing pond in the summer period, content of total nitrogen in treated sewages was further decreased by nearly 50%. In the winter period, the polishing pond fulfilled mainly retention role and thus did not improve effectiveness of the whole system. Temperature coefficients, calculated on the basis of single first-order kinetics, for nitrification process in the filter bed (N-NH4+) and denitrification process in the polishing pond (N-NO3−) amounted to 1.039 and 1.089, respectively.
Drought severity in intensive agricultural areas by means of the EDI index
Authors: Procházková Petra , Chuchma Filip , Středa Tomáš
Published: February 2017

The aim of this work was the evaluation of drought severity development in the Czech Republic for the period 1971-2015 by the means of the Effective Drought Index (EDI). Annual values of the EDI index were determined using the method of effective precipitation for 14 localities spread throughout the Czech Republic (Central Europe). The seven categories were created according to obtained index values for the drought conditions determination for years during the period 1971-2015 through the percentile method. The annual index values were compared with acquired 2nd, 15th, 45th, 55th, 85th and 98th percentiles. Both the years with precipitation unfavourable conditions: 1972, 1973, 1984, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 2015 and the years with precipitation favourable conditions: 1977, 1987, 1995, 2001, 2002 and 2010 were determined. Precipitation conditions in the growing season from 61st to 180th day of the year were also analysed. This evaluation was conducted during the period 1971-2015 through the ten-day index values which were compared with acquired 2nd, 15th, 45th, 55th, 85th and 98th percentiles. Dry growing seasons occurred in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1993. Wet growing seasons occurred in 1987, 2006 and 2010. Trend analysis of annual index values was performed through the Mann-Kendall test. Highly statistically significant increasing linear trends (P < 0.01) were found for four localities (Uherský Ostroh, Vysoká, Znojmo-Oblekovice and Žatec); statistically significant increasing trends (P < 0.05) were found for three localities (Brno-Chrlice, Lednice and Lípa). Based on the extrapolation of the trend, a slightly higher effective precipitation can be expected during the year in a substantial part of the country. However, these findings do not necessarily mean an optimal supply of agricultural land with water. Precipitation exhibits considerable unevenness of distribution through time. Given the increasing evapotranspiration demands of the environment their availability is limited.