bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of oral administration of green tea extract in various dosage schemes on oxidative stress status of mice in vivo
Authors: Bártíková Hana , Skálová Lenka , Valentová Kateřina , Matoušková Petra , Szotáková Barbora , Martin Jan , Kvita Vojtěch , Boušová Iva
Published: May 2015

Green tea is a favorite beverage and its extracts are popular components of dietary supplements. The aim of the present in vivo study was to obtain detailed information about the effect of a standard green tea extract (Polyphenon, P), at different doses, on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers in murine blood, liver, small and large intestine. In all doses, P improved the oxidative stress status via an increased content of plasmatic SH-groups (by 21-67 %). Regarding antioxidant enzymes in tissues, the low dose of P had the best positive effect as it elevated the activity of NADPH quinone reductase in liver and small intestine, thioredoxin reductase in small intestine and hepatic superoxide dismutase. Based on these facts, consumption of green tea seems to be safe and beneficial, while consumption of dietary supplements containing high doses of catechins may disturb oxidative balance by lowering the activity of thioredoxin reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase
Development and validation of a simple and sensitive size-exclusion chromatography method for quantitative determination of heparin in pharmaceuticals
Authors: Matanović Maja Radivojša , Grabnarm Iztok , Grabnar Pegi Ahlin , Roškar Robert
Published: May 2015

Heparin is widely used as an anticoagulant for the treatment and prevention of various thrombotic diseases. However, due to its high anionic charge, heterogeneity in size distribution and high polarity, its analysis is very challenging. In this paper, a novel method based on size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) for quantitative determination of intact heparin in pharmaceuticals is presented. Analyses were performed on a BioSep-SEC-S 2000 column with Larginine solution at pH 6.5 as mobile phase and UV detection at 210 nm. The proposed method was found to be selective, linear (R2 > 0.997) over the concentration range of 3.1 to 1222 μg mL-1, with a limit of detection of 1.0 μg mL-1. Intraday and inter-day precision were below 5.1 % and inaccuracy expressed as bias did not exceed 6.5 %. The reported method is simple, selective, sensitive, and requires no laborious sample preparation, which makes it appropriate for routine quantitative analysis of heparin in pharmaceuticals
Obročkovalna Dejavnost in Pregled Najdb Obročkanih Ptic V Sloveniji V Letu 2013 / An overview of bird ringing in Slovenia in 2013
Authors: Vrezec Al , Fekonja Dare , Šere Dare
Published: May 2015

In 2013, 73,529 birds of 161 species were ringed in Slovenia, with 114 finds from abroad, 73 finds of foreign-ringed birds and 1580 local finds. The most numerous ringed species were Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, while among ringed nestlings Great Tits Parus major and Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus prevailed. The most numerous species among recoveries was the Mute Swan Cygnus olor with probably the oldest swan recorded in Slovenia so far, a 25-year-old female. The longest distance recovery concerned a Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus from Norway (2,801 km). Of interest among local finds is the longest recovery distance (122 km) recorded for Ural Owl Strix uralensis in Slovenia so far. In 2013, two rare species for Slovenia were ringed, Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (2 individuals) and Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope, which was the first record for Slovenia. The first analysis of ringing sites in Slovenia is given as a baseline for establishing a network of Constant Effort Sites
Rezultati januarskega štetja vodnih ptic leta 2014 v Sloveniji / Results of the January 2014 waterbird census in Slovenia
Authors: Božič Luka
Published: May 2015

In 2014, the International Waterbird Census (IWC) was carried out in Slovenia on 18 and 19 Jan. Waterbirds were counted on all larger rivers, along the entire Slovenian Coastland and on most of the major standing waters in the country. During the census, in which 268 observers took part, 413 sections of the rivers and coastal sea with a total length of 1395.1 km and 226 other localities (178 standing waters and 48 streams) were surveyed. Altogether, 45,346 waterbirds of 62 species were counted. This is the lowest number of waterbirds recorded after the 1997 and 1998 censuses. The greatest numbers of waterbirds were counted in the Drava count area, i.e. 20,217 individuals (44.6% of all waterbirds in Slovenia). By far the most numerous species was Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (43.0% of all waterbirds), followed by Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (10.1% of all waterbirds), Coot Fulica atra (7.9% of all waterbirds), Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis (6.0% of all waterbirds) and Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (4.6% of all waterbirds). The number of 1,000 counted individuals was also surpassed by Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Pochard Aythya ferina, Tufted Duck Ay. fuligula and Teal An. crecca. Among the rarer recorded species, the Black Stork Ciconia nigra (registered for the first time during the January Waterbird Censuses; only the second winter record in Slovenia), Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (both registered only for the second time during the IWC) should be given a special mention. Numbers of the following species were the highest so far recorded during the IWC: Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata, Shoveler An. clypeata, Redthroated Loon Gavia stellata and Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus. Also, the total number of C and E category species/taxa was the highest to date, although still quite low with 70 individuals. Numbers of the following species were the lowest so far recorded during the IWC: Cormorant, Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis and Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Navigation of autonomous mobile robot using different activation functions of wavelet neural network
Authors: Panigrahi Pratap Kumar , Ghosh Saradindu , Parhi Dayal R.
Published: May 2015

An autonomous mobile robot is a robot which can move and act autonomously without the help of human assistance. Navigation problem of mobile robot in unknown environment is an interesting research area. This is a problem of deducing a path for the robot from its initial position to a given goal position without collision with the obstacles. Different methods such as fuzzy logic, neural networks etc. are used to find collision free path for mobile robot. This paper examines behavior of path planning of mobile robot using three activation functions of wavelet neural network i.e. Mexican Hat, Gaussian and Morlet wavelet functions by MATLAB. The simulation result shows that WNN has faster learning speed with respect to traditional artificial neural network.
The efficiency of detecting the failures and troubleshooting while applying technical diagnostics for multi-computer systems
Authors: Ye Kyaw Zaw , Kyaw Htike Aung , PORTNOV EVGENE MIKALOVISH , BAIN ALEKSANDAR MIKALOVISH , Vasant Pandian
Published: May 2015

This paper presents techniques which base on the concept of flows thinning together with the identification techniques. These methods are proposed to determine the expected number of failures to assess the efficiency of technical diagnostics of instruments. Additionally, this research focuses on the improvement of multi-machine troubleshooting systems, based on the ‘AND-OR’ graphs. Respective algorithms are presented. The majority principle uses the input information to check the correctness of the decision regarding identification of faulty machines. In this paper we base on the complete testing algorithm for elements of multi-computer complexes searching by criteria of failed element.
Equitable and semi-equitable coloring of cubic graphs and its application in batch scheduling
Authors: Furmańczyk Hanna , Kubale Marek
Published: May 2015

In the paper we consider the problems of equitable and semi-equitable coloring of vertices of cubic graphs. We show that in contrast to the equitable coloring, which is easy, the problem of semi-equitable coloring is NP-complete within a broad spectrum of graph parameters. This affects the complexity of batch scheduling of unit-length jobs with cubic incompatibility graph on three uniform processors to minimize the makespan.
Following 3D paths by a manipulator
Authors: Mazur Alicja , Płaskonka Joanna , Kaczmarek Mirela
Published: May 2015

In the paper a description of a manipulator relative to a desired three-dimensional path was presented. The path is parameterized orthogonally to the Serret-Frenet frame which is moving along the curve. For the path two different time parameterizations were chosen. The control law for the RTR manipulator which ensures realization of the task was specified. Theoretical considerations were illustrated by simulation results.
Analysis of Using Resources in Business Process Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Vasilecas Olegas , Laureckas Evaldas , Rima Audrius
Published: May 2015

One of the key purposes of Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is to support graphical representation of the process model. However, such models have a lack of support for the graphical representation of resources, whose processes are used during simulation or execution of process instance. The paper analyzes different methods and their extensions for resource modeling. Further, this article presents a selected set of resource properties that are relevant for resource modeling. The paper proposes an approach that explains how to use the selected set of resource properties for extension of process modeling using BPMN and simulation tools. They are based on BPMN, where business process instances use resources in a concurrency manner.
Relationships between UML Sequence Diagrams and the Topological Functioning Model for Backward Transformation
Authors: Ovchinnikova Viktoria , Asnina Erika , García-Díaz Vicente
Published: May 2015

The software system needs to be analyzed and designed before the program code is written. A Computation Independent Model (CIM) and a Platform Independent Model/ Platform Specific Model (PIM/PSM) from Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) will be partially considered in this paper. A Topological Functioning Model (TFM) will be considered as a formal CIM, and UML sequence diagrams - as a behavioral PIM/PSM of the software system. The paper presents a short overview of the TFM and sequence diagrams with their constructs, as well as the example of transformation from the sequence diagrams to the TFM.
State Synchronization Approaches in Web-based Applications
Authors: Grocevs Aleksejs , Prokofyeva Natalya , Leye Stefan
Published: May 2015

The main objective of the article is to provide insight into technologies and approaches available to maintain consistent state on both client and server sides. The article describes basic RIA application state persistence difficulties and offers approaches to overcoming such problems using asynchronous data transmission synchronization channels and other user-available browser abilities.
On parameters determination of multi-port equivalent scheme for multi-winding traction transformers
Authors: Sobczyk Tadeusz J. , El Hayek Joseph
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to present a new equivalent scheme of multi-windings traction transformers, based on multiport purely inductive circuit. The mathematical background of this equivalent scheme is described. The determination of the different scheme elements is made through a finite-elements calculation of both main and leakage inductances, for the case of a four-winding transformer. A procedure is defined, which allows to estimate the values of these elements from some measurements on the transformer at no-load and short-circuit operations. A specific strategy of short-circuit tests is described, allowing to determine all parameters in a rather simple way.
Simulation and experimental results of hybrid electric machine with a novel flux control strategy
Authors: Paplicki Piotr , Wardach Marcin , Bonisławski Michał , Pałka Ryszard
Published: May 2015

The paper presents selected simulation and experimental results of a hybrid ECPMS-machine (Electric Controlled Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine). This permanent magnets (PMs) excited machine offers an extended magnetic field control capability which makes it suitable for battery electric vehicle (BEV) drives. Rotor, stator and the additional direct current control coil of the machine are analyzed in detail. The control system and strategy, the diagram of power supply system and an equivalent circuit model of the ECPMS-machine are presented. Influence of the additional excitation on the performance parameters of the machine, such as: torque, efficiency, speed limits and back-EMF have also been discussed.
The Effect of Pallet Component Geometry on Temperature Gradient During Cooling
Authors: Bajwoluk A. , Gutowski P.
Published: May 2015

The paper discusses the impact of the geometry of foundry pallet components on the value of temperature gradient on the wall crosssection during heat treatment. The gradient is one of the most important factors determining the distribution of thermal stresses in these items. Analysis of quantitative simulation was carried out to detect possible effect of the type of connection between pallet walls and thickness of these walls (ribs) on the interior temperature distribution during rapid cooling. The analysis was performed for five basic designs of wall connections used in pallets. Basing on the results obtained, the conclusions were drawn on the best connection between the ribs in foundry pallets.
The Mathematical Model of Hydrodynamics and Heat and Mass Transfer at Formation of Steel Ingots and Castings
Authors: Bondarenko V.I. , Bilousov V.V. , Nedopekin F.V. , Shalapko J.I.
Published: May 2015

The generic mathematical model and computational algorithm considering hydrodynamics, heat and mass transfer processes during casting and forming steel ingots and castings are offered. Usage domains for turbulent, convective and non-convective models are determined depending on ingot geometry and thermal overheating of the poured melt. The expert system is developed, enabling to choose a mathematical model depending on the physical statement of a problem.
Expert System for Analysis of Casting Defects - ESVOD
Authors: Elbel T. , Králová Y. , Hampl J.
Published: May 2015

The powerful tool for defect analysis is an expert system. It is a computer programme based on the knowledge of experts for solving the quality of castings. We present the expert system developed in the VSB-Technical University of Ostrava called ‘ESWOD’. The ESWOD programme consists of three separate modules: identification, diagnosis / causes and prevention / remedy. The identification of casting defects in the actual form of the system is based on their visual aspect.
The Reliability of the Results of the Modified Low-cycle Fatigue Test for Cast Iron Evaluated by Metallographic Studies
Authors: Maj M. , Pietrzak K.
Published: May 2015

This study discloses the characteristic features of the modified low-cycle fatigue test used for the determination of the mechanical properties of two types of cast iron, i.e. EN-GJL-250 and EN-GJS-600-3. For selected materials, metallographic studies were also conducted in the range of light microscopy and scanning microscopy.
Prediction of Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing in Squeeze Casting Using Fuzzy Logic Based Approaches
Authors: Patel M.G.C. , Krishna P. , Parappagoudar M.B.
Published: May 2015

The quality of the squeeze castings is significantly affected by secondary dendrite arm spacing, which is influenced by squeeze cast input parameters. The relationships of secondary dendrite arm spacing with the input parameters, namely time delay, pressure duration, squeeze pressure, pouring and die temperatures are complex in nature. The present research work focuses on the development of input-output relationships using fuzzy logic approach. In fuzzy logic approach, squeeze cast process variables are expressed as a function of input parameters and secondary dendrite arm spacing is expressed as an output parameter. It is important to note that two fuzzy logic based approaches have been developed for the said problem. The first approach deals with the manually constructed mamdani based fuzzy system and the second approach deals with automatic evolution of the Takagi and Sugeno’s fuzzy system. It is important to note that the performance of the developed models is tested for both linear and non-linear type membership functions. In addition the developed models were compared with the ten test cases which are different from those of training data. The developed fuzzy systems eliminates the need of a number of trials in selection of most influential squeeze cast process parameters. This will reduce time and cost of trial experimentations. The results showed that, all the developed models can be effectively used for making prediction. Further, the present research work will help foundrymen to select parameters in squeeze casting to obtain the desired quality casting without much of time and resource consuming.
Thermal Analysis in the Technological “Step” Test of H282 Nickel Alloy
Authors: Pirowski Z.
Published: May 2015

Superalloys show a good combination of mechanical strength and resistance to surface degradation under the influence of chemically active environments at high temperature. They are characterized by very high heat and creep resistance. Their main application is in gas turbines, chemical industry, and in all those cases where resistance to creep and the aggressive corrosion environment is required. Modern jet engines could never come into use if not for progress in the development of superalloys. Superalloys are based on iron, nickel and cobalt. The most common and the most interesting group includes superalloys based on nickel. They carry loads at temperatures well in excess of the eighty percent of the melting point. This group includes the H282 alloy, whose nominal chemical composition is as follows (wt%): Ni - base, Fe - max. 1.5%, Al - 1.5% Ti - 2.1%, C - 0.06% Co - 10% Cr - 20% Mo - 8.5%. This study shows the results of thermal analysis of the H282 alloy performed on a cast step block with different wall thickness. Using the results of measurements, changes in the temperature of H282 alloy during its solidification were determined, and the relationship dT / dt = f (t) was derived. The results of the measurements taken at different points in the cast step block allowed identifying a number of thermal characteristics of the investigated alloy and linking the size of the dendrites formed in a metal matrix (DAS) with the thermal effect of solidification. It was found that the time of solidification prolonged from less than ome minute at 10 mm wall thickness to over seven minutes at the wall thickness of 44 mm doubled the value of DAS.
Effect of Sr and Sb Modification on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 226 Silumin Pressure Casts
Authors: Szymczak T. , Gumienny G. , Pacyniak T.
Published: May 2015

The work presents the effect of strontium and antimony modification on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 226 silumin casts. The performed research demonstrated that strontium causes high refinement of silicon precipitations in the eutectic present in the microstructure of the examined silumin and it significantly affects the morphology of eutectic silicon from the lamellar to the fibrous one. Sr modification also causes an increase of: the tensile strength „Rm” by 12%; the proof stress „Rp0,2” by 5%; the unit elongation „A” by 36% and the hardness HB by 13%. Antimony did not cause a change in the microstructure of the silumin, yet it caused an increase in Rm and HB by 5%, in Rp0,2 by 7% and in A by 4%.
Analysis of Microstructure Images Referred to Percolation Theory
Authors: Trzaskowski W. , Sobaszek W. , Myszka D. , Świłło S.
Published: May 2015

The paper discusses possible applications of the percolation theory in analysis of the microstructure images of polycrystalline materials. Until now, practical use of this theory in metallographic studies has been an almost unprecedented practice. Observation of structures so intricate with the help of this tool is far from the current field of its application. Due to the complexity of the problem itself, modern computer programmes related with the image processing and analysis have been used. To enable practical implementation of the task previously established, an original software has been created. Based on cluster analysis, it is used for the determination of percolation phenomena in the examined materials. For comparative testing, two two-phase materials composed of phases of the same type (ADI matrix and duplex stainless steel) were chosen. Both materials have an austenitic - ferritic structure. The result of metallographic image analysis using a proprietary PERKOLACJA.EXE computer programme was the determination of the content of individual phases within the examined area and of the number of clusters formed by these phases. The outcome of the study is statistical information, which explains and helps in better understanding of the planar images and real spatial arrangement of the examined material structure. The results obtained are expected to assist future determination of the effect that the internal structure of two-phase materials may have on a relationship between the spatial structure and mechanical properties.
Artificial Neural Network to the Control of the Parameters of the Heat Treatment Process of Casting
Authors: Wróbel J. , Kulawik A. , Bokota A.
Published: May 2015

In the paper the use of the artificial neural network to the control of the work of heat treating equipment for the long axisymmetric steel elements with variable diameters is presented. It is assumed that the velocity of the heat source is modified in the process and is in real time updated according to the current diameter. The measurement of the diameter is performed at a constant distance from the heat source (Δz = 0). The main task of the model is control the assumed values of temperature at constant parameters of the heat source such as radius and power. Therefore the parameter of the process controlled by the artificial neural network is the velocity of the heat source. The input data of the network are the values of temperature and the radius of the heated element. The learning, testing and validation sets were determined by using the equation of steady heat transfer process with a convective term. To verify the possibilities of the presented algorithm, based on the solve of the unsteady heat conduction with finite element method, a numerical simulation is performed. The calculations confirm the effectiveness of use of the presented solution, in order to obtain for example the constant depth of the heat affected zone for the geometrically variable hardened axisymmetric objects
Contribution to the Identification of Porosity Type in AlSiCu High-Pressure-Die-Castings by Experimental and Virtual Way
Authors: Ignaszak Z. , Hajkowski J.
Published: May 2015

The paper concerns the problem of discontinuity in high pressure die castings (HPDC). The compactness of their structure is not perfect, as it is sometimes believed. The discontinuities present in these castings are the porosity as follow: shrinkage and gas (hydrogen and gas-air occlusions) origin. The mixed gas and shrinkage nature of porosity makes it difficult to identify and indicate the dominant source. The selected parameters of metallurgical quality of AlSi9Cu3 alloy before and after refining and the gravity castings samples (as DI - density index method), were tested and evaluated. This alloy was served to cast the test casting by HPDC method. The penetrating testing (PT) and metallographic study of both kinds of castings were realized. The application of the NF&S simulation system allowed virtually to indicate the porosity zones at risk of a particular type in gravity and high-pressure-die-castings. The comparing of these results with the experiment allowed to conclude about NF&S models validation. The validity of hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of formation and development of porosity in HPDC casting were also analyzed.
Wymagania Jakościowe W Procesach Obsług Oraz Napraw Statków Powietrznych
Authors: Woźny Piotr , Błachnio Józef
Published: May 2015

W trakcie eksploatacji statki powietrzne (SP) podlegają użytkowaniu, obsługiwaniu, naprawie i utylizacji. Każdy z tych procesów musi spełnić odpowiednie wymagania jakościowe. W pracy przedstawiono wymagania związane z zarządzaniem jakością, jakie powinien spełniać podsystem obsługi i napraw SP. Przeprowadzono analizę dokumentów zawierających wymagania dotyczące sfery zarządzania, jak i sfery technicznej. Przedstawiono obowiązujące normy i przepisy mające wpływ na zapewnienie jakości procesu naprawy SP. Zawarto opis norm, których przestrzeganie jest niezbędne do skutecznego działania współczesnych podsystemów obsługi i napraw, mających zdecydowany wpływ na utrzymanie wymaganego stanu zdatności SP. Przedstawiono złożoność procesu podejmowania decyzji dotyczących obsług i napraw SP w podsystemie utrzymania zdatności
Quality Requirements Regarding Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services
Authors: Woźny Piotr , Błachnio Józef
Published: May 2015

During operation, aircraft (AC) are subject to use, maintenance, repair and disposal. Each of those processes requires adequate quality. This study presents requirements related to quality management with which an AC maintenance and repair sub-system ought to comply. Documents containing requirements pertaining to both management and technical aspects have been analysed. Applicable standards and regulations affecting the AC repair process quality assurance have been presented. A description of standards observance of which is required to ensure effective operation of modern AC maintenance and repair subsystems significantly affecting maintenance of the AC required airworthiness has been included. Complexity of the decision-taking process pertaining to AC maintenance and repair within the airworthiness maintenance sub-system has been presented
Investigation Of Tribologic Processes in Bearing Nodes with the Use of the Fam-C And Fdm-A Methods – The Model With Elevated Passive Resistance
Authors: Gębura Andrzej
Published: May 2015

The paper discloses selected results of application of the FAM-C (a.c. generator) and FDM-A (d.c. generator) methods for comprehensive troubleshooting of bearing nodes in single-spool turbojet engines.

A.c. generators provide information about slow-changing processes and, consequently, that information makes it possible to monitor radial and axial clearance of bearings as well as misalignment of shafts. On the other hand, the information transmitted by d.c. generators refers to fast-changing processes and is suitable to monitor dynamic properties of antifriction bearings: variations in the Q factor of bearings, slip factor of mating antifriction surfaces, rates of bearing cage rotation against its journal, etc.

Nearly ten years of observations and data collection from a numerous set of engines during their operation have made it possible to classify processes associated with wear of bearings and categorize them into four phenomenological models. This paper is devoted to the model of elevated passive resistance
Quick Reference Guide for Critical Appraisal of Economics Evaluations for Busy Decision Makers / Kratki referentni vodič za kritičku procenu ekonomskih evaluacija za zauzete donosioce odluka
Authors: Veličković Vladica , Višnjić Aleksandar , Mihajlović Jovan
Published: May 2015

Economic evaluations in health economics are analytical methods used for the analysis of costs and consequences of two or more alternative health programs or interventions. These analyses involve identification, measurement, evaluation and comparison of costs and consequences. Whenever there are two alternative health programs or treatments that lead to different consequences and have different cost, it is recommended to use adequate and proven analytical techniques in the process of making a decision on which intervention to choose. Health economics evaluation techniques can be of great benefit as they stand for proven and highly advanced methods that exhibit high degree of usefulness in practice. Validity of results of health economic evaluation and adequacy of their use in practice is doubtless. Nevertheless, it is evident that these results are insufficiently used in everyday decision making practice, even in countries with a very long tradition and developed health economics. This phenomenon is characterized by multifactorial genesis, but its two main causes are reflected in: insufficient training of decision makers in the field of health economics and lack of credibility of studies. With respect to the aforementioned facts, the aim of our paper was to create a tool for decision makers which will enable relatively simple and rapid assessment of relevance and suitability of economics evaluations to their needs.
Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) inoceramid bivalves of the genus Mytiloides from the Sredna Gora Mountains, north-western Bulgaria
Authors: Dochev Docho
Published: May 2015

The inoceramid bivalves of the genus Mytiloides, from the Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Sredna Gora Mts (north-western Bulgaria), are studied. The material comes from three sections: Izvor, Filipovtsi, and Vrabchov dol. Eight species are described taxonomically, with one left in open nomenclature: M. cf. mytiloides (Mantell, 1822), M. mytiloidiformis (Tröger, 1967), M. incertus (Jimbo, 1894), M. scupini (Heinz, 1930), M. herbichi (Atabekian, 1969), M. striatoconcentricus (Gümbel, 1868), M. labiatoidiformis (Tröger, 1967) and M. carpathicus (Simionescu, 1899). Mytiloides incertus and Mytiloides scupini are index species for the eponymous Upper Turonian inoceramid biozones.
Landscape As A Resource For Squat Farming
Authors: TÓTH Attila , FERIANCOVÁ L’ubica
Published: May 2015

The contemporary Urban Agriculture (UA) is represented by a range of diverse farming typologies taking place in the urban environment. Nowadays, there is an unconventional form of UA called squat farming. The research object of this paper is represented by the case study of Can Masdeu which stands for a squatted and cultivated land at the northern city border of Barcelona. The goal of our Short Term Scientific Mission carried out in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region was to define and study diverse typologies of UA at different levels and scales. One of these types is represented by the ongoing phenomenon of squat farming. Concerning this form, there are two main research questions: 1) How are landscape and urban structures influenced and formed by the activity of land cultivation? and 2) How is the social dimension of squat farming structured – who are the users, what is their motivation, aim and vision? To answer the first research question, we applied spatial and perceptual analyses, and concerning the second research question, the users have been interviewed within discussions and questionnaires. The results include characteristics of spatial and social dimensions of squat farming described on the case study of Can Masdeu.
Pollution Spread Analysis In The Malá Nitra River By Using Of 1-D Model
Authors: VELÍSKOVÁ Yvetta , HALAJ Peter , SOKÁČ Marek , BÁREK Viliam
Published: May 2015

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a key initiative aimed at improving water quality throughout the EU. The development of the computer technologies enables us to solve the ecological problems in water management practice very efficiently. The mathematical and numerical modelling allows evaluating various situations of contaminants spread in rivers (from everyday wastewater disposal through the fatal discharges of toxic substances) without immediate destructive impact on the environment. The paper deals with 1-dimensional numerical model HEC-RAS and its response on various values of dispersion coefficient. This parameter is one of the most important input data for simulation of pollution spread in streams. There were performed tracer experiments in the Malá Nitra River and results of these measurements are compared with results of numerical simulations. The values of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient were estimated from this comparison. The range of mean values of this coefficient determined on the base of numerical model application was 0.05 – 0.13 m2 s−1, for the other flow condition it was 0.07 – 2.5 m2 s−1 or 0.28 – 0.6 m2 s−1. The next task was carrying out the model sensitivity analysis, which means to evaluate input data influences, especially longitudinal dispersion coefficient, on outputs computed by 1-dimensional simulation model HEC-RAS. According to the results it can be said that the model HEC-RAS responds to longitudinal dispersion coefficient value changes adequately, suitably and proportionately. The application of the model HEC-RAS demonstrated the eligibility for simulation of pollution spread in streams, which means that it is a suitable tool allowing a reasonable support in decision making process connected to river water quality management.
Health protection and risks for rescuers in cases of floods / Zdravstvena zaštita i rizici za spasioce u poplavljenim područjima
Authors: Holcer Janev Nataša , Jeličić Pavle , Grba Bujević Maja , Važanić Damir
Published: May 2015

Floods can pose a number of safety and health hazards for flood-affected populations and rescuers and bring risk of injuries, infections, and diseases due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and different biological and chemical contaminants. The risk factors and possible health consequences for the rescuers involved in evacuation and rescuing operations during the May 2014 flood crisis in Croatia are shown, as well as measures for the prevention of injuries and illnesses. In cases of extreme floods, divers play a particularly important role in rescuing and first-response activities. Rescuing in contaminated floodwaters means that the used equipment such as diving suits should be disinfected afterwards. The need for securing the implementation of minimal health and safety measures for involved rescuers is paramount. Data regarding injuries and disease occurrences among rescuers are relatively scarce, indicating the need for medical surveillance systems that would monitor and record all injuries and disease occurrences among rescuers in order to ensure sound epidemiological data. The harmful effects of flooding can be reduced by legislation, improvement of flood forecasting, establishing early warning systems, and appropriate planning and education.
Levels of soya aeroallergens during dockside unloading as measured by personal and static sampling / Razine aeroalergena soje za vrijeme iskrcavanja na lučkom doku
Authors: Mason Howard , Gómez-Ollés Susana , Cruz Maria-Jesus , Smith Ian , Evans Gareth , Simpson Andrew , Baldwin Peter , Smith Gordon
Published: May 2015

Soya is an important worldwide agricultural product widely shipped and imported in bulk. It contains a number of recognised allergens and the use of soya products and its dockside unloading have been associated with occupational asthma and community episodes of asthma. Two recognised inhalation soya allergens, soya trypsin inhibitor (STI) and hydrophobic soya protein (HSP), were measured in personal and static air samples collected at a United Kingdom (UK) dock during 3 days of unloading three bulks of processed soya beans and soya pelletised husk. Static samples included task-related and those taken at the workplace perimeter and neighbouring sites. Soluble total protein (STP) and gravimetric dust analyses were also undertaken. While gravimetric dust results in personal air samples were below half of the current UK exposure limit of 10 mg m-3 for grain dust, and generally less than 0.5 mg m-3 for the static samples, airborne concentrations for STI and HSP ranged between 0-3,071 and 11-12,629 ng m-3, respectively, while the correlation between the two specific allergen measurements was generally good (Rank Spearman coefficient 0.74). The data from this investigation suggest that HSP is a more sensitive indicator of soya exposure than STI, but only for soya husk, while STI may be equipotent in detecting exposure to both hull and bean derived soya products. Both assays appear sensitive techniques for investigating the control of exposure to allergenic soy material. The endotoxin level in the husk bulk was 15-60-fold that found in the two chipped bean bulks.
The Role of Light-Induced Fluorescence in the Treatment of Smooth Surface Carious Lesions with Icon Infiltration and the Results After 1 Year
Authors: Kabaktchieva R. , Gateva N. , Peycheva K.
Published: May 2015

Caries infiltration is a novel technique that brings out immediate esthetic improvement in the opacity of the white spot lesions. Light-induced fluorescence method is a modern caries diagnostic method. In this study SoproLife camera (Acteon, France) was applied for diagnosing and follow-up of the results. The aims of this in vivo study are to test the role of light-induced fluorescence method (SoploLife camera) in the diagnosis of non-cavitated smooth surfaces carious lesions (ICDAS codes 1 and 2) of primary and permanent teeth and in the follow-up period immediately after application, 6 months and 1 year after applying ICON material (DMG). Teeth: n = 90; primary teeth: 6 kids; n = 40 teeth; permanent teeth: 6 patients; n = 50 teeth. Visual examination by ICDAS without probe, dry for 10 s with 3-in-1 syringe using lightening; SoproLife camera (450 nm), digital photos. LIF method applied with SoproLife camera (Diagnostic mode with day light and blue light) is more accurate than visual examination only when applied for single tooth diagnose. Moreover, LIF method for single tooth is more accurate in following up the effect of non-operative treatment of smooth surfaces lesions than using digital images. ICON is a material that stops the progression of non-cavitated smooth surfaces carious lesions in both primary and permanent teeth and make the aesthetic result better up to 1 year following the procedure.
Measles Induced Death in Eastеrn Europe
Authors: Ananiev Ju. , Vassilev Iv. , Arabadjiev G. , Ramdan V. , Chokoeva A. , Tchernev G. , Wollina U.
Published: May 2015

The infectious disease of measles is becoming a rarity in the member states of the European Union. After the implementation of the mandatory immunization calendar, cases of measles among children rarely encounter while those that have been registered usually pass lightly and without any significant complications. We present two cases of a measles-type infection with a fatal outcome for two children - 4 and 11 years of age respectively - who had not been immunized by the time of the event and who developed an unfolding clinical picture with the respective complications. In a number of countries in the European Union (as well as within some ethnical groups, the Roma population included), standard-type vaccinations may appear to be problematic. The most frequently encountered complications, resulting from such “blunders”, are pneumonia and encephalitis but controlling the clinical symptoms is not always possible because of: 1) late medical intervention due to the poor knowledge ability of the respective ethnical group (overdue contact with the specialized medical personnel), as well as 2) the superposed bacterial infections which unmask the initial diagnosis. Obtaining a clear picture of the symptoms in such patients is difficult. In the rare cases, when the therapy is rewarded with some success, patients remain partial or permanent invalids because of the irreversible damage to the brain and/or the functions of the lungs.
A Probabilistic Method for Certification of Analytically Redundant Systems
Authors: Hu Bin , Seiler Peter
Published: May 2015

Analytical fault detection algorithms have the potential to reduce the size, power and weight of safety-critical aerospace systems. Analytical redundancy has been successfully applied in many non-safety critical applications. However, acceptance for aerospace applications will require new methods to rigorously certify the impact of such algorithms on the overall system reliability. This paper presents a theoretical method to assess the probabilistic performance for an analytically redundant system. Specifically, a fault tolerant actuation system is considered. The system consists of dual-redundant actuators and an analytical fault detection algorithm to switch between the hardware components. The exact system failure rate per hour is computed using the law of total probability. This analysis requires knowledge of the failure rates for the hardware components. In addition, knowledge of specific probabilistic performance metrics for the fault detection logic is needed. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the proposed analysis method.
Systematic Fault Tolerant Control Based on Adaptive Thau Observer Estimation for Quadrotor Uavs
Authors: Cen Zhaohui , Noura Hassan , Younes Younes Al
Published: May 2015

A systematic fault tolerant control (FTC) scheme based on fault estimation for a quadrotor actuator, which integrates normal control, active and passive FTC and fault parking is proposed in this paper. Firstly, an adaptive Thau observer (ATO) is presented to estimate the quadrotor rotor fault magnitudes, and then faults with different magnitudes and time-varying natures are rated into corresponding fault severity levels based on the pre-defined fault-tolerant boundaries. Secondly, a systematic FTC strategy which can coordinate various FTC methods is designed to compensate for failures depending on the fault types and severity levels. Unlike former stand-alone passive FTC or active FTC, our proposed FTC scheme can compensate for faults in a way of condition-based maintenance (CBM), and especially consider the fatal failures that traditional FTC techniques cannot accommodate to avoid the crashing of UAVs. Finally, various simulations are carried out to show the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Smac–Fdi: A Single Model Active Fault Detection and Isolation System for Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Ducard Guillaume J.J.
Published: May 2015

This article presents a single model active fault detection and isolation system (SMAC-FDI) which is designed to efficiently detect and isolate a faulty actuator in a system, such as a small (unmanned) aircraft. This FDI system is based on a single and simple aerodynamic model of an aircraft in order to generate some residuals, as soon as an actuator fault occurs. These residuals are used to trigger an active strategy based on artificial exciting signals that searches within the residuals for the signature of an actuator fault. Fault isolation is carried out through an innovative mechanism that does not use the previous residuals but the actuator control signals directly. In addition, the paper presents a complete parameter-tuning strategy for this FDI system. The novel concepts are backed-up by simulations of a small unmanned aircraft experiencing successive actuator failures. The robustness of the SMAC-FDI method is tested in the presence of model uncertainties, realistic sensor noise and wind gusts. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion on the computational efficiency of the method and its ability to run on small microcontrollers.
The usefulness of white light endoscopy, narrow band imaging, and magnification for the optimization of diagnosis in Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: Boeriu Alina , Brusnic Olga , Onișor Danusia , Pascarenco Ofelia , Boeriu C. , Dobru Daniela
Published: May 2015

The diagnosis of dysplasia and early neoplasia in Barrett’s esophagus by conventional endoscopy is based on a four- quadrant random biopsies protocol that is prone to sampling errors. Novel endoscopic techniques have been developed to enhance the detection of premalignant and malignant lesions by real time assessment of microvasculare architecture and mucosal structure. Chromoendoscopy with magnification has improved the visualization of lesions, but the dye application impairs a clear evaluation of vascular network. Narrow band imaging endoscopy enhances vascular imaging by using narrow bandwidth lights, with penetration to superficial mucosal structures. Different classification systems of mucosal and vascular patterns have been developed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of non-dysplastic and dysplastic BE, as well as of early esophageal cancer. This article is focused on both the clinical benefits and controversies surrounding conventional and advanced endoscopic methods used for screening and surveillance of patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Current evidence shows that the adoption of new technology in routine practice requires a high level of performance as well as the standardization of various classification systems.
Improved cardiac protection with Sabax cardioplegia in Langendorff isolated rat hearts
Authors: Perian M. , Mărginean M. , Dobreanu D. , Scridon Alina
Published: May 2015

Objective: Cardioplegia is an important step to facilitate cardiac surgery while limiting intraoperative myocardial injury. Although recent advances in cardioplegic arrest methods have significantly contributed to better postoperative outcomes, there is still controversy regarding the optimal composition and temperature of the cardioplegic solution. Accordingly, we aimed to assess whether cold or lukewarm Sabax cardioplegia offer improved myocardial protection compared with the classical Krebs-Henseleit solution. Methods: The hearts of 40 male Wistar rats were isolated and submitted to constant-flow retrograde perfusion using a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. The hearts were randomly assigned to cold Krebs-Henseleit (K-H), cold Sabax, or lukewarm Sabax cardioplegia. The ECG, heart rates, and left ventricular systolic pressures (LVSP) were recorded pre- and post-cardioplegia. The time needed for cardioplegia induction and post-cardioplegia recovery were also noted. Results: Both cold and lukewarm Sabax cardioplegia insured faster induction and faster recovery following isothermic reperfusion compared to the standard K-H solution (both p< 0.01). With K-H cardioplegia, the hearts presented a 21.7% force loss after reperfusion (p< 0.001), whilst Sabax cardioplegia was associated with a slight increase in ventricular mechanical activity (3% LVSP increase with lukewarm Sabax cardioplegia, p< 0.001 and 2% LVSP increase with cold Sabax cardioplegia, p = 0.02). With Sabax cardioplegia the hearts displayed considerably less major arrhythmic events and presented less significant bradycardia. Conclusions: The present data suggest that Sabax cardioplegia may be superior to the classical cold crystalloid K-H solution in preserving mechanical activity of the heart and may provide superior protection against major arrhythmias.