bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud-Based Testing for Context-Aware Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Berger Christian
Published: June 2013

Cloud-based applications like email services or office suites enable real-time collaboration and traceability for shared data from nearly anywhere by using a modern web-browser. Thus, a significant shift has happened to these common applications to focus only on their usage than on their maintenance. However, today’s software development projects spend a noteworthy amount of resources to setup and maintain necessary development tools–over and over again. Thus, a similar shift for these development tools in the future would enable to spend valuable resources more on the actual project’s goals than on the tools’ maintenance. Especially development projects for cyber-physical systems, which interact with the real life’s surroundings by relying on sensors and actuators, have specific needs when using cloud-based solutions. In this contribution, preconditions, design decisions, and limitations of a cloud-based testing approach for CPS are outlined and discussed on the example “Hesperia.” “Hesperia” bases on the experiences from the development of “Caroline”–an autonomously driving vehicle for the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. “Hesperia” as a cloud-based testing approach was tested 2009 during the development of an autonomously driving vehicle at the University of California, Berkeley.
Reuse across Multiple Architectures
Authors: Kumara Indika , Gamage Chandana
Published: June 2013

The commonality across software systems can be exploited to develop multiple heterogeneous systems successfully without undue cost, time, and effort. The systematic reuse across different systems is of paramount importance. With a well-planned reuse approach, a vendor can offer individualized products, which are products tailored to meet the requirements of a particular user effectively, as well as the products constructed to deliver solutions for a greater variety of application domains such as enterprise application integration and business process management. This chapter describes the development of software systems having different architectures reusing most of the implementations of the required functionalities as-is. It presents a systematic process for crafting multi-architecture reusable components and for using those components in formulating software systems. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the significance of the strategic reuse across systems in three contemporary research spheres.
An Investigation into whether Building Information Modelling (BIM) can Assist with Construction Delay Claims
Authors: Gibbs David-John , Emmitt Stephen , Ruikar Kirti , Lord Wayne
Published: June 2013

It is probable that a construction project anywhere in the world will encounter some form of delay as a consequence of change. The impact of the delay on a project will vary, but it is likely to have a negative financial outcome. Compensation can be requested by an affected party in the form of a claim; however, issues of liability and quantum can be difficult given the ever increasing complexity of construction work involving numerous differing successive parallel tasks with varying levels of interrelated resources. Experts are often employed to analyse delays based on project records and report their findings to a tribunal. This paper identifies the difficulties associated with the retrieval and representation of information for delay claims and recognises technological opportunities to deal with these challenges. The potential to exploit aspects of BIM to support these possibilities are discussed, concluding that it can assist through the ease of access to coordinated contemporaneous project information and the use of visualisation through multiple dimensions. In order to support this initiative a detailed review of the literature is undertaken which forms part of an Engineering Doctorate.
Three-Dimensional Study of Fatigue Crack Growth in a Rotating Disc
Authors: Hadi Eskandari , Rahim Nami Mohammad
Published: June 2013

The problem of fatigue-crack-growth in a rotating disc at different crack orientation angles is studied by using an automated numerical technique, which calculates the stress intensity factors on the crack front through the three-dimensional finite element method. Paris law is used to develop the fatigue shape of initially semi-elliptical surface crack. Because of needs for the higher mesh density and accuracy near the crack, the sub-modeling technique is used in the analysis. The distribution of SIF’s along the crack front at each step of growth is studied and the effect of crack orientation on the rate of crack-growth is investigated. The calculated SIF’s are reasonable and could be used to predict the probable crack growth rates in fracture mechanics analysis and can help engineers to consider in their designing and to prevent any unwanted failure of such components.
Online Simulator Use in the Preparing Chemical Engineers
Authors: Yerrick Randy , Lund Carl , Lee Yonghee
Published: June 2013

Active learning strategies (including simulations) have been promoted by engineering education reformers as an effort to move traditional STEM teaching toward more constructivist practices. In this study chemical engineering students were studied during the implementation of simulators to promote critical thinking. While many have studied achievement and perceptions of students to measure engineering tools and their development, this study specifically examined students’ outcomes connecting the tool to specific teaching and learning strategies. A case study was conducted using pre- and post-test, survey questionnaire, individual interviews, and classroom observations. Results showed the use of simulator was associated with increases in students’ scores but the novelty of innovation was not the single explanation for increased scores or favored technology usage. Interviews and other qualitative data suggested that outcomes may closely tie teaching strategies to the effectiveness of the tool rather than the focus on the tool itself. Implications for teaching and future research are discussed.
Risk Assessment Using AHP in a Petrochemical Engineering Case Study
Authors: Manabi Reza , Salahshou Jamshid , Dezfouli Abdolkarim Abasi
Published: June 2013

Identification, quantification and assessment of uncertainty are essential in the petrochemical industry. During the construction or maintenance phases of an oil transportation pipe line, there is a high degree of risk for accidents, which would be fatal to the human resources and the environment. The Society of Consulting Engineers are subject matter specialists in Iran who are required to provide risk assessment services for oil and gas field pipe line projects. The purpose of this study was to survey 30 Consulting Engineer experts for their priorities on most likely risks, which occur in oil pipelines during construction or maintenance modes. The risk categories were informed from a literature review (theory deduction). Then the Analytical Hierarchy Procedure was used to normalize the uncertainty estimates and to rank the risk occurrence likelihood. The results indicated that gas compressors, ancillary facilities, storage tanks and pumping stations, respectively, had the highest risk level according to the experts.
The Industrial Law and Right to Retrench in Malaysia from a Human Resource Management Perspective
Authors: Muniapan Balakrishnan
Published: June 2013

This paper explores the legal right to retrench employees from a human resource management perspective in Malaysia. The paper is based on the analysis of the relevant statues on retrenchment such the Employment Act 1955, The Industrial Relations Act 1967, the Employment (Termination and Lay-Off Benefits) Regulations 1980 and the Code of Conduct for Industry Harmony 1975. The author has also used criterion based sampling of the Industrial Court and Superior Court awards to analyze retrenchment cases and to provide recommendations to human resource management practitioners. Findings from these cases analyses reveal that many of the retrenchment awards were made against the employers due to poor selection of workforce for retrenchment, and the handling of the retrenchment exercise itself which violated the relevant statutes and the established procedures. The author suggests that retrenchment should not be viewed as a reactive but a proactive exercise, which begins with effective human resource planning aligned with the organizational strategic plan. The retrenchment exercise should also need be seen as a last resort when limiting recruitment, reduction in working hours, helping the employees (workmen) to find alternative employment, encouraging early retirement, offer of voluntary separation scheme (VSS) and other measures have been exhausted. The author hopes with many proactive measures, taken by employers in the management of retrenchment, the number of unfair retrenchment claims made to the Industrial Relations Department will be reduced.
Effect of Institutional Configuration on Innovation Activities in East Asian Firms
Authors: Tohyama Hironori , Harada Yuji
Published: June 2013

This paper looks to contribute to the recent literature on institutional comparative analyses of Asian economies; it makes three distinct contributions. First, the authors investigate the institutional diversity of Asian economies by using multivariate methods, and show five different groups within Asian economies that can be distinguished from advanced economies. Second, based on firm-level data, they determine whether institutional environments have a favorable effect on the innovation activities of firms; concurrently, and discuss whether or not joining a global supply chain induces firms to engage in innovation activities. Their analytical results show that institutional characteristics have a positive effect on firms’ decisions to engage in those activities, and that institutional configurations provide the foundation for a global supply chain built in East Asian economies. Third, the authors emphasize that the current institutional diversity can persist, given the positive interaction between the institutional diversity of Asian economies and the innovation activities of Asian firms.
Keyword-Based Sentiment Mining using Twitter
Authors: Baumgarten M. , Mulvenna M. D. , Rooney N. , Reid J.
Published: June 2013

Big Data are the new frontier for businesses and governments alike. Dealing with big data and extracting valuable and actionable knowledge from it poses one of the biggest challenges in computing and, simultaneously, provides one of the greatest opportunities for business, government and society alike. The content produced by the social media community and in particular the micro blogging community reflects one of the most opinion- and knowledge-rich, real-time accessible, expressive and diverse data sources, both in terms of content itself as well as context related knowledge such as user profiles including user relations. Harnessing the embedded knowledge and in particular the underlying opinion about certain topics and gaining a deeper understanding of the overall context will provide new opportunities in the inclusion of user opinions and preferences. This paper discusses a keyword-based classifier for short message based sentiment mining. It outlines a simple classification mechanism that has the potential to be extended to include additional sentiment dimensions. Eventually, this could provide a deeper understanding about user preferences, which in turn could actively and in almost real time influence further development activities or marketing campaigns.
Social Vulnerability to Coastal and Inland Flood Hazards
Authors: Montgomery Marilyn C. , Chakraborty Jayajit
Published: June 2013

Previous research on exposure to flood hazards suggests that individuals characterized by low social vulnerability are more likely to reside in coastal flood hazard zones than individuals of higher social vulnerability, but few studies have examined if similar exposure patterns can be observed in inland flood hazard zones. This paper examines differences in environmental justice implications between coastal and inland flood hazard zones in Tampa Bay, Florida, based on implementation and comparison of five different GIS-based interpolation methods. The results of the authors’ study indicate that individuals with traits of low social vulnerability are more likely to reside within either coastal or inland flood hazard zones than areas outside flood zones, and socially vulnerable individuals are more likely to reside within inland flood zones than coastal. They also observe that choice of spatial interpolation method does not significantly affect which socio-demographic groups are most exposed to coastal and inland flood hazards.
Exploring Relationships in Tailoring Option, Task Category, and Effort in ERP Software Maintenance
Authors: Ng Celeste See-Pui
Published: June 2013

Maintenance to in-house applications is often done by modifying source code; however, packaged applications also enable certain maintenance to be done through changes to configurational parameters rather than through changes to the source code. This research presents preliminary evidence from the field to fill this gap in the empirical understanding of ERP maintenance. Using data from 503 ERP maintenance requests, the author’s results suggest that relative maintenance effort distributions for all maintenance categories and tailoring options are not normal distributions but heavy-tailed positively skewed distributions. Comparing ERP systems to in-house developed software, the author found a large proportion of corrective maintenance requests than adaptive requests. Enhancement and corrective task categories that use the programming tailoring option show a trend of increment in relative maintenance effort per request moving median over time. In contrast, enhancement and adaptive task categories that use the configuration tailoring option show a trend of reduction in relative maintenance effort per request moving median over time. The number of maintenance requests for all tailoring options and task categories were increasingly high four months after the introduction of a new module. Comparatively, under the same period, there was relatively higher number of maintenance requests for enhancement task category than other task categories, indicating that unique or orthogonal requirements were not available in the ERP system.
Self-Service Technology Banking Preferences
Authors: Elgahwash Fouad Omran , Freeman Mark Bruce
Published: June 2013

Technology-enabled banking services are currently being implemented in developing countries. This research examines how citizens of developing countries adapt to these changes in their banking services. Technological expansion has been occurring in the Arabic region since the 1980s; however, the focus has been on trade and services offered by industries. The banking sector is an information intensive industry and should be at the forefront of advanced use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The banking sector has started to utilize technology-enabled services through the Internet and mobile devices, with the goal of improving customer relationships by empowering customers. One common trend is increasing the use of self-service technologies, which are facilitated by ICTs. This study discusses how Libyan banks should focus their technology strategies to relate to customers, reduce costs and improve services, achieved through the use of a survey completed by customers who have become accustomed to technology-enabled banking services in the developed world. The current availability of technology-enabled banking services in Libya is limited. This paper presents a comparative review of the use of technology-enabled banking services by Libyans when they are in Libya and whilst they are in Australia (a foreign developed country where Libyans are furthering their education).
Tools for the Automatic Generation of Ontology Documentation
Authors: Peroni Silvio , Shotton David , Vitali Fabio
Published: June 2013

Ontologies are knowledge constructs essential for creation of the Web of Data. Good documentation is required to permit people to understand ontologies and thus employ them correctly, but this is costly to create by tradition authorship methods, and is thus inefficient to create in this way until an ontology has matured into a stable structure. The authors describe three tools, LODE, Parrot and the OWLDoc-based Ontology Browser, that can be used automatically to create documentation from a well-formed OWL ontology at any stage of its development. They contrast their properties and then report on the authors’ evaluation of their effectiveness and usability, determined by two task-based user testing sessions.
PragmatiX
Authors: Walk Simon , Pöschko Jan , Strohmaier Markus , Andrews Keith , Tudorache Tania , Noy Natalya F. , Nyulas Csongor , Musen Mark A.
Published: June 2013

With the emergence of tools for collaborative ontology engineering, more and more data about the creation process behind collaborative construction of ontologies is becoming available. Today, collaborative ontology engineering tools such as Collaborative Protégé offer rich and structured logs of changes, thereby opening up new challenges and opportunities to study and analyze the creation of collaboratively constructed ontologies. While there exists a plethora of visualization tools for ontologies, they have primarily been built to visualize aspects of the final product (the ontology) and not the collaborative processes behind construction (e.g. the changes made by contributors over time). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there exists no ontology visualization tool today that focuses primarily on visualizing the history behind collaboratively constructed ontologies. Since the ontology engineering processes can influence the quality of the final ontology, they believe that visualizing process data represents an important stepping-stone towards better understanding of managing the collaborative construction of ontologies in the future. In this application paper, the authors present a tool – PragmatiX – which taps into structured change logs provided by tools such as Collaborative Protégé to visualize various pragmatic aspects of collaborative ontology engineering. The tool is aimed at managers and leaders of collaborative ontology engineering projects to help them in monitoring progress, in exploring issues and problems, and in tracking quality-related issues such as overrides and coordination among contributors. The paper makes the following contributions: (i) They present PragmatiX, a tool for visualizing the creation process behind collaboratively constructed ontologies (ii) the authors illustrate the functionality and generality of the tool by applying it to structured logs of changes of two large collaborative ontology-engineering projects and (iii) they conduct a heuristic evaluation of the tool with domain experts to uncover early design challenges and opportunities for improvement. Finally, the authors hope that this work sparks a new line of research on visualization tools for collaborative ontology engineering projects.
Empirical Study of Cyber Harassment among Social Networks
Authors: Kuzma Joanne
Published: June 2013

The growth of Online Social Networking sites has brought new services and communication methods to consumers. However, along with benefits, serious problems such as online cyber harassment have recently come to the forefront of the electronic media. This behavior can have significant negative effect on individuals, businesses and the social networks. Some sites have begun to provide some levels of protection and create specific anti-harassment policies in their terms of service along with implementing protection technologies. However, these protective measures are not consistent among social media, leaving some consumers at greater risk. This study analyzed 60 worldwide social sites and determined the level of cyber-harassment protection. It reviewed statistical differences among geographical-based social networks. The results showed significant gaps among various social networks, but suggests methods for improving consumer safeguards to provide consistent levels of protection.
Elements of Integration in Winter Wheat Protection Programs
Authors: Jańczak Cecylia , Filoda Grażyna , Matysiak Robert
Published: June 2013

In Poland winter wheat is grown on the area of 1.600.000 ha. Most of the plant protection treatments are being done without thorough analysis of real threats from pests and diseases. The aim of the research is to develop the optimal program of wheat protection against pests and diseases based on integration of various methods of plant protection. Two programs: conventional and integrated were compared. In integrated program the eventual needs and terms of treatments were estimated on the basis of detailed observations of plant infection, pest appearance, their natural enemies and thorough analysis of weather conditions and forecasts. The role of disease resistant wheat varietes and nitrogen fertilizers was also analysed. The research took into account beneficial entomofauna and its influence on pest numbers as well as influence of chemicals used in agriculture on their species. As the result the selective pesticides, safe to beneficial organisms, were selected. The quantity and quality of winter wheat yield was analysed, including protein and gluten contents. The economic effectiveness of various programs of wheat protection against pests and diseases was assessed. The results of research are important both in practical and scientific sense.
A response of entomopathogenic fungi to botanical fungicides and synthetic fungicides in vitro
Authors: Sapieha-Waszkiewicz Anna , Marjańska-Cichoń Barbara , Miętkiewski Ryszard , Żurek Mieczysław
Published: June 2013

The growth colonies' morphology and sporulation of entomopathogenic fungi was estimated on Sabouraud medium containing botanical fungicides (Bioczos liquid and Biosept 33 SL), and synthetic ones (Teldor 500 SC and Sumilex 500 SC). Entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana (Balls.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown et Smith.), were isolated from soil by means of Galleria mellonella larvae as baits. Isolates Bb I, Ma I, Pf I derivered from herbicide fallow from apple orchard and isolates Bb II, Ma II and Pf II from arable field adjacent to orchard. Fungicides were added to Sabouraud medium at the following concentrations: A-recommended dose, B-10-times lower than the recommended, C-100-times lower than the recommended. The growth of colonies their morphological changes and sporulations were estimated after 5 and 20 days. The same parametrs were observed when fungi were transfered from the medium containing fungicides on the medium with out fungicides. From botanical fungicides Bioczos liquid inhibited fungal growth more than Biosept 33 SL. Both of fungicides were most toxic to fungi at concentration A. Both of P. fumosoroseus isolates were the most sensitive to Bioczos liquid and M. anisopliae to Biosept 33 SL. All concentrations of synthetic fungicides (Sumilex 500 SC, Teldor 500 SC) restricted growth of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates more from arable soil than from herbicide fallow but opposite reaction was found with respect to P. fumosoroseus.
The spectrum and occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in soils from apple orchards
Authors: Marjańska-Cichoń Barbara , Miętkiewski Ryszard , Sapieha-Waszkiewicz Anna
Published: June 2013

The spectrum and occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in orchard soil and arable soil were evaluated using an "insect bait method". Soil samples taken in autumn and spring from sward, herbicides fallow and arable soil were baited with Galleria mellonella larvae. Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown et Smith were isolated from three species of orchards soil and adjacent arable soil. Infection levels of G. mellonella larvae were depended from species of soil . M. anisoopliae caused most frequent infections of bait insects in light loamy sand and P. fumosoroseus in alluvial silt and coarse sand. B. bassiana was dominated in alluvial silt. It was established that M. anisopliae and B. bassiana infected more larvae in autumn than in spring. In case of P. fumosoroseus an opposite tendency was observed. Generaly in arable soil and sward number of infected larvae was higher than other stands. In case of light loamy sand more infections of G. mellonella larvae were found in samples from herbicides fallow. Irrespective of soil type B. bassiana was the dominated species isolated from herbicides fallow, M. anisopliae from sward and P. fumosoroseus - from arable soil.
Communities of fungi in grain from several generations of triticale
Authors: Kwiatkowski Jacek , Wachowska Urszula
Published: June 2013

An assessment of health status of winter triticale grain obtained from a longterm reproduction experiment was performed in 1993-1994. Grain from six generations of triticale was examined each year. In both years of the study, the most frequently isolated fungus was Alternaria alternata. The number of isolated pathogens as well as the total extent of grain infestation by fungi depended on the weather conditions during the vegetative growth of triticale plants. There was no correlation between the generations of triticale and fungal infestation of triticale grain.
Population and species composition of weed under differentiated conditions of weed control method
Authors: Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek
Published: June 2013

The results presented in this paper were obtained in the field experminent carried out in the years 1999-2001 on a soil a very good rye complex. In this experiment definited number of weeds and their floristic species composition. The application of mixtures herbicides decreased of number of weeds as compared with the number obtained for mechanical control of 397-500% at the beginning of the vegetation and of 180-220% prior to tubers harvest. The herbicides reduced the composition of weed species, moreover.
Effects of temperature and incubation period on production of toxic metabolites by Alternaria radicina and A. alternata
Authors: Tylkowska Krystyna , Grabarkiewicz-Szczęsna Jadwiga , Szopińska Dorota , Dorna Hanna , Solfrizzo Michele , De Girolamo Annalisa
Published: June 2013

The production of toxic metabolites by four isolates of Alternaria radicina and two isolates of A. alternata in rice grains and carrot discs at 1, 10 and 20°C was investigated. Incubation lasted 21 and 35 days or 14 and 28 days for rice grains and carrot discs, respectively. Accumulation of toxins in inoculated carrot roots stored for 24 weeks and in inoculated dried carrots stored for 48 weeks was also determined. It was found that A. radicina produced radicinin (RAD) and epi-radicinol (epi-ROH), whereas tenuazonic acid (TeA), altertoxin I (ATX I), alternariol (AOH) and alternariol methyl ether (AME) were produced by A. alternata. Although the isolates tested were capable of producing toxins in rice grains at 1°C, none of them was detected in carrot discs. Accumulation of epi-ROH was observed in carrot roots stored for 24 weeks, whereas decreased amounts of RAD and epi-ROH were observed in dried carrots stored for 48 weeks. No A. alternata toxins were detected in stored carrot roots, whereas trace amounts of AOH were recorded in dried carrots after 32 and 48 weeks of storage.
The effectiveness of post-culture liquids of antagonistic bacteria in the protection of soybean from soil-borne fungi
Authors: Patkowska Elżbieta , Pastucha Alina
Published: June 2013

The objective of the paper was to determine the effectiveness of post-culture liquids of Bacillus sp. Bsch 19 and Pseudomonas sp. Psch 16 in the protection of soybean from soil-borne fungi. The use of post-culture liquids of those bacteria in seed dressing positively affected the number, healthiness and yielding of soybean plants. The plants were mainly infected by Fusarium spp., Phoma exigua var. exigua, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Those fungi were isolated much more rarely from the plants in combinations with the use of post-culture liquids of antagonistic bacteria as compared with the plants from the control combination, i.e. without seed dressing. A reverse relation was found for the occurrence of saprophytic fungi from the genera of Gliocladium, Penicillium and Trichoderma
Occurrence of fungal diseases on angelica (Archangelica officinalis Hoffm.) in the region of Małopolska
Authors: Mazur Stanisław , Szczeponek Agnieszka
Published: June 2013

The field experiment on angelica (Archangelica officinalis Hoffm.) was carried out in the years 2001-2002 at the plantations situated in Małopolska (Mydlniki near Kraków and Królówka near Bochnia). The results of two years' investigations pointed out, that angelica plants during vegetation were infested by many pathogens. The most often noticed on the plants were angelica rust (Puccinia anglicae), powdery mildew (Erysiphe umbelliferarum) and Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora sp.). Moreover, many various types of disease symptoms, which were described and made a diagnosis. There were mainly spots on leaves and steams, from which there were isolated most often fungi from Alternaria genus. The investigations on the salubrity of the seed material (angelica fruits) coming from different sources showed that fungi from genus Alternaria were likely to transfer by seeds and caused disease symptoms on plants during vegetation. Fungi from genus Alternaria were most often isolated from angelica fruits. Saprotrophic fungi (Epicoccum purpurascens, Penicillium spp., Mucor hiemalis) were also often isolated from angelica fruits. Disinfection on fruits reduced number of isolated fungi and bacteria.
Occurrence of fungi on Sparaxis sp. corms cultivated near Lublin
Authors: Piwoni Agnieszka
Published: June 2013

The healthiness analysis of Sparaxis sp. corms was carried out in the years 2002-2003 on the experimental fields of The Agricultural University near Lublin. Plants were cultivated in trials treated with: Asahi SL (sodium nitrophenole derivates), Tytanit (tytanium), herbicides: Afalon 450 SC (linuron), Devrinol 450 SC (napropamide), Stomp 400 SC (pendimethaline) and in control trial without treatment. The healthiness was evaluated after digging and after storage. Among fungi isolated from sparaxis corms after digging and storage, the species Fusarium oxysporum predominated. The corms infected with it were deformed, wrinkled and covered with brown, scaby lesions. This species also dominated among fungi isolated from all the trials, regardless a preparation applied. The disease index values ranged within 6.0 - 9.25 after digging and within 9.25 - 15.75 after storage respectively. There was no a marked positive effect of a used preparation on the healthiness of sparaxis corms.
The evaluation of winter wheat roots and leaf sheath diseases diagnostic methods
Authors: Solarska Ewa , Grudzińska Magdalena
Published: June 2013

The maltose and mineral media for isolation of Gaeumannomyces graminis from roots were assessed. The differences in numbers of obtained isolates were found depending on the medium used and sampling date. Easier identification of pathogen was possible employing maltose medium. The fungi from genus Fusarium occurring on winter wheat leaf sheaths were identified by mycological analysis and PCR, while the fungus Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides was detected by PCR and ELISA methods. PCR and ELISA methods enabled to detect pathogens also in periods before the disease symptoms on plants occurred.
Health status of five spring barley cultivars cultivated under organic system
Authors: Baturo Anna
Published: June 2013

The objective of the study was to compare health status of harvested grain of spring barley cv. Rudzik, Rodos, Start and Maresi cultivated in organic system and cv. Damazy grown in an organic farm. Analyses showed that prevalent pathogen on grain was Bipolaris sorokiniana isolated from 48% of grains. Fungi from genus of Fusarium were obtained less numerously, from 27% of grains and were represented mainly by F. poae and F. avenaceum. Microscopic analysis of F. poae was confirmed by PCR analysis. All cultivars were intensively diseased by B. sorokiniana, thus it is impossible to show a cultivar especially recommended for this system, where B. sorokiniana can be serious problem. However cv. Damazy showed relatively the lowest infestation by B. sorokiniana and it also was not more intensively diseased by Fusarium spp. It is very important in nutrition aspect because these fungi can be dangerous for both human and animal health due to their abilities to produce mycotoxins.
Species biodiversity of microscopic fungi of common reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) in the rush communities of Lake Glinno
Authors: Mazurkiewicz-Zapałowicz Kinga , Janowicz Krystyna , Wolska Maria , Słodownik Anna
Published: June 2013

The studies were carried out on common reed (Phragmites australis) growing on the shores of Lake Glinno and forming rush communities of the alliance Phragmition. 10 plants with disease symptoms were gathered from each of five sites. The isolation and marking of pathogens were performed twice from fragments of leaf and blade tissues with disease symptoms. First, directly after collecting the plants incubated in sterile humid chambers and microorganism cultures on CDA and PDA medium, and then phytopathogen and saprotroph species occurring on dried green material were identified for 2-4 months. The occurrence of 31 species of microscopic fungi overall was observed on the leaves, blades and inflorescences of P. australis, including 2 mycelia of Mycelia sterilia. The most frequently occurring species, present at all sites of Phragmites australis are: Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Doratomyces stemonitis and Puccinia phragmitis, P. magnussiana and two mycelia of Mycelia sterilia. The most common species occurring on blades and inside them are: Acremoniella atra, Acremonium alternatum and Fusarium sambucinum. Sporadically, Ustilago grandis was also observed inside blades. Tiny necrotic stains on leaves and blades were caused by the presence of three species of the genus Leptoshaeria: L. culmifraga, L. eustoma and L. fuckelli. The occurrence of the sclerote of Claviceps microcephala was found in inflorescences.
Occurrence of disease symptoms and selected biotic factors connected with beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) dieback phenomenon in stands of The Magurski National Park
Authors: Rojek Piotr
Published: June 2013

The studies were carried out in 12 beech stands, growing on mountain fresh forest site in Magurski National Park. Stands differed in respect of exposition (northern and southern) and age - lower age classes (21-60 years old) and higher age classes (81-120 years old). This paper presents evaluation of frequency of disease symptoms occurrence in the crowns and on the trunks of beeches. The presence and the place of occurrence of fungus Ascodichaena rugosa and insects Cryptococcus fagisuga and Ectoedemia liebwerdella, which could be connected with beech bark necrosis on the trunks were noted down. In each stand 50 trees, growing side by side in center of the stand, were analyzed. Among 600 analyzed trees of Fagus sylvatica, 2.6% had a dead top. Crown thinning were present on 51.8% of trees. It appeared frequently in higher age class stands and didn't cover more than ¼ of the crown. Moreover, in crowns of 4.1% of trees the leaf chlorosis appeared. The most frequent symptom on trunks of beeches were local necroses (98% of trees), that were sometimes connected with slime fluxing (3.3%). Necroses were the most number in stands growing on the southern exposition and on south parts of the trunks. Cryptococcus fagisuga appeared mostly in high age class stands. Intensity of its appearance was similar on the trees growing on the southern and northern exposition (respectively, 48.3% and 53.3%). Particular parts of the trunks were colonized with similar frequency by C. fagisuga irrespective of cardinal points (N-29.3%; S-21.7%; W-22.7%; E-26.2%) and number of necroses on the trunks. Ascodichaena rugosa appeared on 8.6% of trees, more frequently on their north parts of the trunks (7.3%). In the places colonized by fungi A. rugosa, insect C. fagisuga was absent. Occurrence of larvae of Ectoedemia liebwerdella was mostly found on trunks of beeches growing on the southern exposition (43.0%), on 35.3% of trees they colonized south parts of trunks. There wasn't observed any connection between the occurrence of these larvae and symptoms of local necroses.
Susceptibility of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) cultivars to crown gall [Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith et Townsend) Conn]
Authors: Schollenberger Małgorzata
Published: June 2013

The susceptibility of 29 cultivars of chrysanthemum, representing various types of growth, to crown gall was studied. Two isolates of Agrobacterium tumefaciens: chrysanthemum and apple were used for testing plants. The inoculation was made to the stem base of rooted cuttings and places of pinching off. The first method gave larger galls on most tested plants and only three cultivars were resistant to inoculation with both A. tumefaciens isolates. Weak symptoms were obtained after cutting of stem tips, thus plants of 9 and 5 cultivars (in subsequent tests) showed no symptoms. Only three chrysanthemum cultivars were resistant to crown gall in all tests: Epidote Jaune, Epidote Orange and Epidote Rouge, all belonging to potted chrysanthemum. Plants of Maracas cultivar were resistant when bacteria were applied to the wound of stem tips. In all tests, the apple isolate was weak pathogenic, thus no gall were observed on many cultivars.
Morphological and ultrastructural studies on Ulva flexuosa subsp. pilifera (Chlorophyta) from Poland
Authors: Messyasz Beata , Czerwik-Marcinkowska Joanna , Massalski Andrzej , Uher Bohuslav , Rybak Andrzej , Szendzina Lidia , Pikosz Marta
Published: June 2013

Ulva flexuosa subsp. pilifera (Kütz.) M. J. Wynne 2005 (= Enteromorpha pilifera Kützing 1845) was previously found in Argentina, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden, recently also in Poland. The genus Ulva was first time described as Enteromorpha. Interestingly, Enteromorpha is used nowadays as a synonym for Ulva, a development which is based on molecular data. The morphologies of both young and mature specimens were studied, and most life cycle stages could be observed. Further, the formation of calcium carbonate crystals on the surface of Ulva thalli seems to influence the arrangement of the cells. A detailed ultrastructural (TEM) analysis of cell walls is presented. The TEM reveals in great details highly complex, irregular structures with stratification lines.
Electrical conductivity of vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber/polyester textile‐based composites
Authors: Sabetzadeh Niloufar , Najar Saeed Shaikhzadeh , Bahrami S. Hajir
Published: June 2013

The main objective of this study was to investigate the capability of vapor‐grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) to improve the electrical conductivity of textile‐based composites. A combination of mechanical stirring and ultrasonication was used to disperse VGCNFs at various weight fractions (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt %). Textile‐based composites were fabricated with a hand‐layup method with the application of three fabric types, including carbon, Kevlar, and polyester fabrics. The electrical conductivity of the samples was measured with a four‐point probe method, and morphological analysis was performed with field emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrical conductivity of the composite samples was investigated from the standpoint of the VGCNFs' weight fraction, fabric type, cure process temperature. and sonication time. We found that with increasing VGCNF weight fraction, the conductivity increased. Also, the optimum conductivity was obtained at a sonication time of about 2 h. A higher conductivity was observed in the carbon fabric‐based composites than in the Kevlar‐ and polyester‐fabric‐based composites. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference among the electrical conductivities of the VGCNF/polyester‐textile‐based composites prepared at room temperature and 60°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3009–3017, 2013
Using bibliometrics to support the facilitation of cross‐disciplinary communication
Authors: Williams Christopher J. , O'Rourke Michael , Eigenbrode Sanford D. , O'Loughlin Ian , Crowley Stephen J.
Published: June 2013

Given the importance of cross‐disciplinary research (CDR), facilitatingCDReffectiveness is a priority for many institutions and funding agencies. There are a number ofCDRtypes, however, and the effectiveness of facilitation efforts will require sensitivity to that diversity. This article presents a method characterizing a spectrum ofCDRdesigned to inform facilitation efforts that relies on bibliometric techniques and citation data. We illustrate its use by theToolbox Project, an ongoing effort to enhance cross‐disciplinary communication inCDRteams through structured, philosophical dialogue about research assumptions in a workshop setting.Toolbox Project workshops have been conducted with more than 85 research teams, but the project's extensibility to an objectively characterized range ofCDRcollaborations has not been examined. To guide wider application of theToolbox Project, we have developed a method that uses multivariate statistical analyses of transformed citation proportions from published manuscripts to identify candidate areas ofCDR, and then overlays information from previousToolbox participant groups on these areas to determine candidate areas for future application. The approach supplies 3 results of general interest:

A way to employ small data sets and familiar statistical techniques to characterize CDR spectra as a guide to scholarship on CDR patterns and trends.

A model for using bibliometric techniques to guide broadly applicable interventions similar to the Toolbox.

A method for identifying the location of collaborative CDR teams on a map of scientific activity, of use to research administrators, research teams, and other efforts to enhance CDR projects.
Development of a highly sensitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay using enhanced luminol as substrate
Authors: Tao Xiaoqi , Wang Wenjun , Wang Zhanhui , Cao Xingyuan , Zhu Jinghui , Niu Lanlan , Wu Xiaoping , Jiang Haiyang , Shen Jianzhong
Published: June 2013

In this study, a high sensitivity chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) based on novel enhancers was developed. Under optimal conditions, we developed an enhanced chemiluminescence reaction (ECR) catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP‐C) in the presence of 3‐(10'‐phenothiazinyl) propane‐1‐sulfonate (SPTZ) and 4‐morpholinopyridine (MORP) as enhancers. The limit of detection of the newly prepared chemiluminescent cocktail for HRP was 0.33 pg/well, which is lower than that of commercial Super Signal substrate. The results showed that this novel chemiluminescent cocktail can significantly increase the light output of HRP‐catalyzed ECR, which can be translated into a corresponding improvement in sensitivity. Similar improvements were observed in CLEIA for the determination of chloramphenicol in milk. In addition, the ECR of N‐azoles as secondary enhancer was also presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein folding and unfolding under force
Authors: Jagannathan Bharat , Marqusee Susan
Published: June 2013

The recent revolution in optics and instrumentation has enabled the study of protein folding using extremely low mechanical forces as the denaturant. This exciting development has led to the observation of the protein folding process at single molecule resolution and its response to mechanical force. Here, we describe the principles and experimental details of force spectroscopy on proteins, with a focus on the optical tweezers instrument. Several recent results will be discussed to highlight the importance of this technique in addressing a variety of questions in the protein folding field. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 860–869, 2013.
Twenty‐five years of nucleic acid simulations
Authors: Cheatham Thomas E. , Case David A.
Published: June 2013

We present a brief, and largely personal, history of computer simulations of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, with an emphasis on duplex structures and the Amber force fields. Both explicit and implicit solvent models are described, and methods for estimating structures, thermodynamics and mechanical properties of duplexes are illustrated. This overview, covering about two decades of work, provides a perspective for a discussion of prospects and obstacles for future simulations of RNA and DNA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 969–977, 2013.
Catalytic Properties of a Hierarchical Zeolite Synthesized from a Natural Aluminosilicate Mineral without the Use of a Secondary Mesoscale Template
Authors: Ding Jiajia , Liu Haiyan , Yuan Pei , Shi Gang , Bao Xiaojun
Published: June 2013

A hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolite with a bimodal meso‐microporous system, high crystallinity, and a large surface area and meso‐micropore volume was successfully synthesized from a natural layered aluminosilicate mineral rectorite without using a secondary mesoscale template. The physicochemical and catalytic properties of the hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolite were extensively characterized. The results showed that the mesopores of the synthesized hierarchical ZSM‐5, which are almost slitlike intercrystal pores, originate from the construction of primary nanorods of the ZSM‐5 zeolite. Analysis of the crystallization process revealed that the undissolved rectorite debris acted as seed crystals and played a structure‐directing role, which is the key factor that influences the formation of the hierarchical structure. Such a hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolite, as a result of its unique structural characteristics and increased accessibility of acid sites, possessed a remarkably enhanced activity for the cracking of 1,3,5‐triisopropylbenzene, a dramatically higher anti‐deactivation ability for cumene conversion, and a significantly improved propylene‐boosting performance for heavy oil cracking than the other catalysts tested.
Kinetic Stabilization and Reactivity of π Single‐Bonded Species: Effect of the Alkoxy Group on the Lifetime of Singlet 2,2‐Dialkoxy‐1,3‐diphenyloctahydropentalene‐1,3‐diyls
Authors: Nakagaki Tomoyuki , Sakai Tomoko , Mizuta Tsutomu , Fujiwara Yoshihisa , Abe Manabu
Published: June 2013

Kinetic stabilization and reactivity of π single‐bonded species have been investigated in detail by generating a series of singlet 2,2‐dialkoxy‐1,3‐diphenyloctahydropentalene‐1,3‐diyls (DRs). The lifetime at 293 K in benzene was found to increase when the carbon chain length of the alkoxy groups was increased; 292 ns (DRb; OR=OR′=OCH3) <880 ns (DRc; OR=OR′=OC2H5) <1899 ns (DRd; OR=OR′=OC3H7) ≈2292 ns (DRe; OR=OR′=OC6H13) ≈2146 ns (DRf; OR=OR′=OC10H21). DRh (OR=OC3H7, OR′=OCH3; 935 ns) with the mixed‐acetal moiety is a longer‐lived species than another diastereomer DRg (OR=OCH3, OR′=OC3H7; 516 ns). Activation parameters determined for the first‐order decay process reveal that the enthalpy factor plays a crucial role in determining the energy barrier of the ring‐closing reaction, that is, from the π‐bonding to the σ‐bonding compounds. Computational studies using density functional theory provided more insight into the structures of the singlet species with π single‐bonded character and the transition states for the ring‐closing reaction, thereby clarifying the role of the alkoxy group on the lifetime and the stereoselectivity of the ring‐closing reaction.