bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Argentinian Peso Crisis (2014)
Authors: Dapontas Dimitrios
Published: February 2015

The flow work is focused around discovering the aspects that fixed Argentina's during the recent (2014) crisis nation's destiny. Variables focused around prior analysis utilizing the logistic regression model conveyed for a twelve years period (2002-2013 to clarify the occurrence and checking whether conceivable elements could be foreseeable. The results demonstrate that foreign exchange reserves reduction, monetary aggregates (M3) raise, crises in trading partners, oil price and consumer price index level seem to boost early 2014 turbulence and they also predicted accurately the forthcoming crisis. Also the development of the phenomenon was rapid giving positive signs later than the previous works suggested. The capital flight named as the major factor that led to depreciation is statistically unimportant.
Exploring the 'Cultural Tourism-Sustainable Development' Nexus: the Case of Croatia
Authors: Demonja Damir , Gredičak Tatjana
Published: February 2015

Modern environment in which operate tourism-economic factors is characterized by a high level of instability and the dynamics of change. Changes with its influences determine external operating conditions, over which micro organizational units have no control. In order to successfully survive it is necessary to identify and adapt to them. Marketing strategy of cultural heritage tourist valorisation, in this context, appears as an adequate approach. Strategic management enables planning on an analysis of past events, and in a special way takes into account estimates and projections of future conditions of the environment. Also, it should take into account that the coexistence of cultural heritage with the achievements of modern life is defined with sustainable development syntax. This paper in which research, formulation and presentation of the results were used the methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative, descriptive and historical methods outlines the development and analyzes the current state of cultural tourism in Croatia, and discusses approach to effective strategic marketing management of cultural heritage tourist valorisation, focusing on the sustainable development of tourism.
Multidimensional Analysis of Monthly Stock Market Returns
Authors: Gulseven Osman
Published: February 2015

This study examines the monthly returns in Turkish and American stock market indices to investigate whether these markets experience abnormal returns during some months of the calendar year. The data used in this research includes 212 observations between January 1996 and August 2014. I apply statistical summary analysis, decomposition technique, dummy variable estimation, and binary logistic regression to check for the monthly market anomalies. The multidimensional methods used in this article suggest weak evidence against the efficient market hypothesis on monthly returns. While some months tend to show abnormal returns, there is no absolute unanimity in the applied approaches. Nevertheless, there is a strikingly negative May effect on the Turkish stocks following a positive return in April. Stocks tend to be bullish in December in both markets, yet we do not observe anya significant January effect is not observed.
Macroeconomic Trends in the New Member Countries of the European Union Before the Euro Area Debt Crisis
Authors: Todorov Ivan Krumov
Published: February 2015

The objective of this paper is to outline the main macroeconomic trends in the new member countries of the European Union before the Euro Area debt crisis. In order to achieve this objective, the developments in a wide range of macroeconomic indicators (exchange rates, foreign trade, monetary policy, inflation, price levels, and fiscal balances, sovereign debt, GDP, labour productivity, composition of output and current account balances) have been analyzed. The analysis results in recommendations on the macroeconomic policies the new member countries should have implemented under global crisis condition in accordance with the peculiarities of their economies and their specific national priorities.
Baltic Sea coastal erosion; a case study from the Jastrzębia Góra region
Authors: Uścinowicz Grzegorz , Kramarska Regina , Kaulbarsz Dorota , Jurys Leszek , Frydel Jerzy , Przezdziecki Piotr , Jegliński Wojciech
Published: February 2015

The coastline in the Jastrzębia Góra area can be divided into three major zones of general importance: a beach and barrier section, a cliff section, and a section protected by a heavy hydrotechnical construction. These areas are characterised by a diverse geology and origin, and hence different vulnerability to erosion. In addition, observations have demonstrated a different pace of erosion within each zone. Based on the results obtained by remote sensing methods (analysis of aerial photographs and maps), it has been determined that the coastline in the barrier area, i.e., to the west of Jastrzębia Góra, moved landwards by about 130 m, in a period of 100 years, and 80 m over about 50 years. A smaller displacement of the shoreline could be observed within the cliff. Between the middle of the twentieth and the start of the twenty-first centuries the shore retreated by about 25 m. However, in recent years, an active landslide has led to the displacement of the uppermost part of the cliff locally up to 25 m. Another issue is, functioning since 2000, a heavy hydrotechnical construction which has been built in order to protect the most active part of the cliff. The construction is not stable and its western part, over a distance of 50 m, has moved almost 2 m vertically downwards and c. 2.5 m horizontally towards the sea in the past two years. This illustrates that the erosional factor does not comprise only marine abrasion, but also involves land-based processes determined by geology and hydrogeology. Changes in the shoreline at the beach and barrier part are constantly conditioned by rising sea levels, the slightly sloping profile of the sea floor and low elevation values of the backshore and dune areas. Cliffs are destroyed by mass wasting and repetitive storm surges that are responsible for the removal of the colluvium which protects the coast from adverse wave effects. Presumably, mass movements combined with groundwater outflow from the cliff, plus sea abrasion cause destabilisation of the cliff protection construction.
Spatial variability of selected physicochemical parameters within peat deposits in small valley mire: a geostatistical approach
Authors: Pawłowski Dominik , Okupny Daniel , Włodarski Wojciech , Zieliński Tomasz
Published: February 2015

Geostatistical methods for 2D and 3D modelling spatial variability of selected physicochemical properties of biogenic sediments were applied to a small valley mire in order to identify the processes that lead to the formation of various types of peat. A sequential Gaussian simulation was performed to reproduce the statistical distribution of the input data (pH and organic matter) and their semivariances, as well as to honouring of data values, yielding more ‘realistic’ models that show microscale spatial variability, despite the fact that the input sample cores were sparsely distributed in the X-Y space of the study area. The stratigraphy of peat deposits in the Ldzań mire shows a record of long-term evolution of water conditions, which is associated with the variability in water supply over time. Ldzań is a fen (a rheotrophic mire) with a through-flow of groundwater. Additionally, the vicinity of the Grabia River is marked by seasonal inundations of the southwest part of the mire and increased participation of mineral matter in the peat. In turn, the upper peat layers of some of the central part of Ldzań mire are rather spongy, and these peat-forming phytocoenoses probably formed during permanent waterlogging.
The Influence of Real Estate on Its Surroundings Based on the Example of the Manufaktura Complex in Lodz
Authors: Olbińska Katarzyna
Published: February 2015

Real estate compared to other goods is distinguished by a high specificity. One of the signs of these specifics is the interdependence or correlation between property and its surroundings. On the one hand, the factor of closest neighborhood can largely shape the value of the property, while on the other hand, the function, use and development of real estate can strongly affect nearby property and the image of their entire neighborhood. The dynamics of the interdependence between the property and its environment reveal themselves most clearly in moments of transformation of real estate and its use.

This study has a research character. The focus of this article is one of the aspects of interdependence - the impact of the property, its use and development on its closest surroundings. The aim of this article is to show the manifestations of different types of external effects generated by the property.

Case study research was conducted on the housing market in Lodz for the purpose of the article. The study included the analysis of 3,444 transactions made during the period from July 2005 to December 2009 in the area of 27 precincts representing the proximal and distal environment of the Manufaktura complex. The study analyzed the impact of the transformation from a post-industrial area into a multifunctional one, with the dominant function of trade, on the prices and marketability of apartments located in the vicinity of the complex.

The performed analyses have not clearly confirmed the impact of the carried out transformations on the price of housing in areas surrounding the Manufaktura complex. However, the analyses did reveal that the proximity of the multifunction complex may be one of the factors influencing the activity of the housing market in the area.
Intended Use of Real Estate as a Time Changeable Attribute for Determining Compensation for Nationalized and Expropriated Lands
Authors: Adamczyk Tomasz , Bieda Agnieszka
Published: February 2015

Constitutional transformation in Poland, which took place at the turn of the eighties and nineties of the past century, was directed, among others, at creating a civil society and a free market. Changes in people’s mentality quickly brought about economic changes based on the concept of private ownership. Yet one should remember that in the period preceding this time, personal assets were significantly limited. Many people’s assets were repossessed by the state in nationalization or expropriation processes.

Present regulations permit getting these assets back. This is possible in cases when the repossessed real estate was misused with the purpose of expropriation, or it became needless. Real estate is also reacquired via invalidation of administrative decisions or provisions of law. Real estate owners and their legal successors can apply to get back real estate. It is possible to get compensation for assets which cannot be taken back in actuality, which should correspond with the actual value of the lost rights. The level of compensation should be determined on the basis of real estate market value. This value is determined for the day the decision to determine compensation is issued, taking into account the state and purpose of the real estate on the day the document approving the repossession of the real estate was prepared.

The authors present changes in law provisions connected with spatial planning in Poland from the year 1946, when the first decree connected with this topic entered into force, to this day. They describe documents kept in state archives which should be used by valuers. They also show, on the basis of examples, how important the correct determination of the intended use of real estate is, taking into account documents that have been created over the years.
Application of Qualimetric Methods for Evaluation of Urbanized Space Quality for Analyses of the Local Real Property Market
Authors: Cieślak Iwona , Strumiłło-Rembowska Dominika , Szuniewicz Karol
Published: February 2015

An important step in understanding how the real estate market functions is the process of determining the quality of properties, which is based on the principles of selecting their identifying features. It is a difficult process often affected by errors, which result from a subjective approach and a lack of clear methods of transition from identifying features to the assessment of their quality. An interesting starting point for carrying out the assessment of space quality might be its utilitarian perception.

Urbanized space is designed to meet the needs of humans, just like industrial products. As a result of this, methods of evaluating objects for the purpose of production optimization were adapted in order to determine the quality of utilitarian space, which can also be treated as properties subjected to market transactions. Quality is the state of fulfilling a given set of requirements. It surrounds us wherever we are to affect us. Quality is the guiding principle in using or purchasing any types of goods or services. Qualimetric methods, i.e. the theory of quality, are characterized by the principles and methods of measuring quality.

The aim of this paper is an attempt to apply qualimetric methods to determine the qualities of properties which form the basis for identifying urban space. The implementation of these methods for the purpose of identifying and quantifying the state of market features can become both an important tool in determining the market value of a property and giving rise to new directions of market analysis.
Multi-Criteria Land use Function Optimization
Authors: Biłozor Andrzej , Renigier-Biłozor Małgorzata , Furman Aleksandra
Published: February 2015

Space as a public good should be used in a way that is consistent with recognized social, cultural, aesthetic, economical and ecological values. The optimization of space is associated with its limitations, thus it should be subjected to rational management. Optimizing the function of city space involves identifying the most mismatched features of the area and a proposal to convert them into functions best suited with respect to the existing natural and anthropogenic, social, economic and ecological conditions. The selection criteria of the optimal use of land will be presented, as well as the parameters characterizing them and the possibility of using chosen multi-criteria methods of analysis. Social, economic and ecological criteria adopted for the analysis are the basis for the sustainable development of an area and coincide with factors which ought to be taken into account during the development of land-planning documents.
Selected Demographic Aspects of Buyers’ Activity on the Local Housing Market
Authors: Foryś Iwona
Published: February 2015

Demographic factors next to economic, political and legal ones, are important elements determining the development of the housing market. The analysis of the age structure of the population and of the dynamics of change shows that the population of baby boomers in the age group that is actively entering the labor market and becoming independent is a stimulant for the development of the housing market. Individuals who are gaining economic independence generate new needs and, with appropriate financial resources, also future demand for their own accommodation.

Deliberations regarding the housing market benefit noticeably from the analysis of home buyers’ age structure, especially in the context of the family life cycle. This issue became the focus of our study, which aims to determine the age of apartment buyers on the local market during an economic downturn and state interventionism in the form of preferential mortgages.

The analysis makes use of information from notarial acts (including the personal identity number PESEL - the year of birth of the purchaser) and statistical tools. The results of the study may support the decisions and direction of state aid aimed at meeting housing needs.
Facial Composite System Using Real Facial Features
Authors: Duchovičová Soňa , Zahradníková Barbora , Schreiber Peter
Published: February 2015

Facial feature points identification plays an important role in many facial image applications, like face detection, face recognition, facial expression classification, etc. This paper describes the early stages of the research in the field of evolving a facial composite, primarily the main steps of face detection and facial features extraction. Technological issues are identified and possible strategies to solve some of the problems are proposed.
Fréchet Metric for Space of Binary Coded Software
Authors: Masárová Renáta
Published: February 2015

As stated in (7), binary coded computer programs can be shown as a metric space. Therefore, they can be measured by metric in a sense of metric space theory. This paper presents the proof that Fréchet metric is a metric on the space of all sequences of elements M={0,1t} Therefore, it is usable to build a system of software metrics based on the metric space theory
Control of Oscillations in Second-Order Differential Equation
Authors: Šutová Zuzana , Vrábeľ Róbert , Juhásová Bohuslava , Juhás Martin
Published: February 2015

The article deals with the control of oscillations in a specific type of second-order differential equations. The purpose of the research is to prove the possibility of oscillation frequency control based on a change in the value of a singular perturbation parameter placed into a mathematical model of a nonlinear dynamical system at the highest derivative. The oscillation frequency change caused by a different value of the parameter is verified by numerically modelling the system.
Regression Analysis of Variables Describing Poultry Meat Supply in European Countries
Authors: Simonič Miro , Dumičić Ksenija , Devetak Gabrijel
Published: February 2015

In this paper, based on the analysis of official FAOSTAT and EUROSTAT data on poultry meat for 38 European countries for years 2007 and 2009, two hypotheses were examined. Firstly, considering four clustering variables on poultry meat, i.e. production, export and import in kg/capita, as well as the producer price in US $/t, using descriptive exploratory and cluster analysis, the hypothesis that the clusters of countries may be recognized was confirmed. As a result six clusters of similar countries were distinguished. Secondly, based on multiple regression analysis, this paper proofs that there exists the statistically significant relationship of poultry meat production on export and import of that kind of meat, all measured in kg/capita. There is also a high correlation between production, as a dependent, and each of two independent variables.
Why European Subordinates Trust their Managers
Authors: Andersen Jon Aarum , Kovač Jure
Published: February 2015

This article addresses the problem of why subordinates trust their managers based on the responses from 108 subordinates of seven Slovenian managers and from 138 subordinates of eight Swedish managers. The subordinates of these managers responded to a 20-item instrument tested for reliability and validity. In both samples the managers enjoyed different degrees of trust. The level of trust vested in Slovenian managers was higher than in Swedish ones. The kinds of managers’ actions that enhanced trust were similar amongst Swedish and Slovenian subordinates. Different socio-cultural contexts may theoretically explain why some other kinds of actions had contrasting effects between the samples. On the whole, the actions of managers explain trust in both countries. Subordinates’ trust in managers declines with the increasing hierarchical distance in both national samples. Managers need to show in action that they trust their subordinates, promote their interests, demonstrate appreciation of their subordinates, and solve problems.
Antioxidative responses to drought and salinity stress in plants, a comprehensive review
Authors: Saeidnejad Amir Hossein , Rajaei Peyman
Published: February 2015

Environmental stresses are one of the most important reducing factor for plant’s growth and productivity worldwide. Among them, salinity and drought are known as the most harmful. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is a frequent consequence of most stresses, including salinity and drought. These free radicals cause serious damages to plant’s structure by oxidizing membrane lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. During the evolution process, plants acquire an antioxidative system consisting of nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as β-carotenes, ascorbic acid (AA), α-tocopherol (α-toc), and antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX). Considering the fact that ROS production is an outcome of plant metabolism, controlling the ROS levels is highly vital for plant cells survive. There are considerable numbers of scientific researches regards to the antioxidative responses of plants grown under drought and salinity. These responses highly depend on plant species, other environmental conditions, growth stage and other factors. In this review, the biochemistry of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and plant’s antioxidative system changes in response to drought and salinity were expansively evaluated.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12042 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 1 - 8
Essential oil composition of Artemisia lehmanniana Bunge. Extracted by Hydrodistillation, microwave assisted hydrodistillation and solid phase micro extraction, A comparative study
Authors: Rastakhiz N. , Azar P. Abereoomand , Tehrani M. Saber , Moradalizadeh M. , Larijani K.
Published: February 2015

Artemisia lehmanniana Bunge. is a genus of small herbs and shrubs found in northern temperate regions. It belongs to the important family compositae(Asteraceae). The chemical composition of the  essential oilsfrom aerial parts of A.lehmanniana growing wild in Iran has been studied. Oils were obtained byhydrodistillation(HD), microwave assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and solid phase micro extraction (SPME) methods and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Nine compounds were identified in essential oil from plant was extracted using HD representing 94.7% of the total oil. The main constituents of the oil were camphor(52.7%),1,8-cineol(21.2%),cis-thujone(8.2%) and octane(5.0%).Ten compounds were identified in essential oil from plant was extracted using MAHD representing 96.5% of the total oil.The main constituents of the oil were camphor(40.8%),1,8-cineole(30.9%), trans-thujone (8.5%) and camphene(7.0%). five compounds were identified in essential oil from plant was extracted using SPME representing 97.7% of the total oil. The main constituents of oil were camphor(40.8%),1,8-cineol(32.9%),cis-thujone(12.0%) and camphene(6.7%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12044 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 25-27
Isolation, characterization and molecular identification of protease producing bacteria from Tashkooh mountain located in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Ebrahimpour Arezoo , Kariminik Ashraf
Published: February 2015

Thermophilic microorganisms have gained worldwide importance due to their remarkable potential to produce thermostable and thermoactive enzymes that have wide applications in pharmaceuticals and industries. Therefore, the isolation of thermophilic bacteria from natural sources and their identification are very important in terms of discovering new industrial enzymes. The aim of this research was therefore the isolation of protease producing thermophilic bacteria from Tashkooh or firing mount located in Ahvaz, Iran. 8 bacterial isolates were screened. These strains were examined for the existence of extracellular protease activity. All 8 isolated bacteria showed proteolytic activity on nutrient agar with skim-milk. 3 bacteria showed their optimum growth at alkaline pH and grew maximally at different temperature in the thermophilic range and had proteolytic activity at pH 11 in 70?C and pH 9 in 55?C.The best carbon source for proteolytic activity was starch. After performing some phenotypic tests determined that all the isolates were Gram positive, endospore forming rods, aerobic, capable to produce catalase, amylase and gelatinase enzymes and they were identified as Bacillus sp. The best isolated bacteria was identified molecularly with the aid of 16S rRNA sequencing and data revealed that the Bacillus subtilis strain G-13 (GenBank accession No. KJ139434.1).The investigation confirmed that the isolate to be a true thermophile and could be a source of thermostable protease which can be exploited for pharmaceutical and industrials applications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12054 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 39-42
Effect of Different Concentrations of Nickel on Some secondary metabolites in Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L.)
Authors: Goharriz Leila Yazdanpanah , Rajaei Peyman , Moradalizdeh Mehran
Published: February 2015

Nickel is a heavy metal that is toxic for humans, animals and plants. However, some plants are known as accumulator plants.  In some plants, nickel has been introduced as beneficial element for growth and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of nickel on some metabolites of Coriandrum Sativum L. The experiment was done under controlled conditions. Plant samples were kept in a growth chamber under standard conditions and treated with various concentrations of nickel for 12 weeks. Based on these results, leaf protein and sugar content decreased while the content of flavonoids,  phenolic and flavonol increased.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12059 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 28-32
Pertinence de la recension réaliste des écrits pour l'analyse des évaluations de programmes complexes : l'exemple du suivi dans la communauté en santé mentale
Authors: Lauzier-Jobin François , Morin Paul , Garon Suzanne
Published: February 2015

Abstract: Traditional methods for systematic review may be less suitable for synthesizing data from evaluations of complex social programs. The realist review is a promising new method for systematically reviewing data from the evaluation of complex social programs. This article discusses the realist review and its relevance for synthesizing data from evaluations of complex programs. As an example, reviews of mental health case management programs are critically analyzed. The realist review has the potential to address some of the deficiencies identified.
Think Positively! And Make a Difference Through Evaluation
Authors: Perrin Burt
Published: February 2015

Abstract: This article introduces a special theme segment of CJPE that identifies and discusses various approaches to evaluation that support positivity. It also discusses why an approach to evaluation that supports positivity is basic to the objectives and raison d’être of evaluation—to contribute, generally in an indirect manner, to social betterment. This article identifies several lessons from psychology for approaches to evaluation: that positive reinforcement generally is more effective in achieving learning and behaviour change than negative reinforcement or punishment, and that intrinsic motivation, involving internalization of values, is necessary for commitment and the desire to make changes. The article indicates how a positivity focus to evaluation is consistent with the demands of accountability and the obligation of evaluators to tell the truth.
Positive Thinking Approaches to Evaluation and Program Perspectives
Authors: Stame Nicoletta
Published: February 2015

Abstract: This article deals with the relationship between approaches to evaluation and program perspectives. When evaluated by traditional approaches, programs based on a “direct help” perspective, oriented toward addressing deficits, tend to yield the depressing result that “nothing works.” Programs based on an “indirect help” perspective, favouring people's active involvement, require evaluation approaches that are able to value innovation and change, such as positive thinking approaches. This article reviews and compares several of these approaches and analyzes them against those two program perspectives. The article also considers to what extent positive thinking evaluation approaches may be appropriate for evaluating programs of the “direct help” perspective as well as of those based on “indirect help.”
Grain growth and thermal stability in nanocrystalline Fe–B alloys prepared by melt spinning
Authors: Chen Zheng , Yang Xiaoqin , Liu Feng , Cui Rongxin , Chen Qiang , Zhang Chonghao
Published: February 2015

Using the melt spinning technique, a nanocrystalline (NC) Fe–B single-phase solid solution was prepared at a disk speed of 7 000 rpm. After treatment by isothermal annealing at 700 °C for the NC solid solution, the grain growth behavior was investigated using the dimensionless parabolic growth model, the dimensionless purely kinetic model, and a recently proposed dimensionless thermo-kinetic model. Neither the parabolic growth model nor the purely kinetic growth model with solute drag was in agreement with the experimental results, although the grain growth rate was partially inhibited. However, the thermo-kinetic model was consistent with the experimental results, which confirmed that the main stabilizing mechanism is a reduction in the grain boundary energy and an increase in the interface activation energy.
Experimental study of the phase relationships in the Al-rich corner of the Al–Si–Fe–Cr quaternary system at 700 °C
Authors: Zhou Zhe , Li Zhi , Xie Yi , Wang Xinming , Liu Yongxiong , Long Zhaohui , Yin Fucheng
Published: February 2015

The phase equilibria of the 700 °C isothermal section of the Al–Si–Fe–Cr quaternary system with Al fixed at 90 at.%, and the related Al-rich ternary systems, have been determined experimentally with scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Eight four-phase regions and a new quaternary compound named ζ are found in the 700 °C isothermal section of Al–Si–Fe–Cr quaternary system. The ζ phase is found to be in equilibrium with all phases in the section including the FeAl3, τ5, τ6, (Si), τ1, Al4Cr, Al45Cr7 and H phases, as well as the liquid phase.
Electron microscopy investigation of a cast AlSi9Mg aluminum alloy subjected to friction stir processing with overlapping passes
Authors: Kopyściański Mateusz , Węglowski Marek Stanisław , Dziadosz Magdalena , Małyszko Mateusz , Dymek Stanisław
Published: February 2015

The effect on microstructure of overlapping multiple pass friction stir processing (FSP) of an AlSi9Mg cast aluminum alloy was investigated. The microstructure was examined by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The studies show that the multiple pass FSP resulted in the elimination of porosity, the refinement of second phase particles and the decrease of grain size within the processed material surface. Electron back scattering diffraction analysis showed that high angle grain boundaries prevailed in the processed material. However, relatively high dislocation density revealed by transmission electron microscopy indicated that the recrystallization was not completed. The investigation showed that the FSP technique may be successfully used for producing a homogeneous near-surface layer in a cast aluminum alloy.
Electrical conductivity of bismuth doped dysprosia stabilized zirconia as an electrolyte material for SOFC
Authors: Raghvendra Prabhakar Singh
Published: February 2015

We report our investigations on structural, thermal and electrical behavior of 10 mol.% dysprosia stabilized zirconia (DySZr) and 2 mol.% Bi2O3-doped dysprosia stabilized zirconia (2BiDySZr) prepared via a solid state ceramic route. Addition of 2 mol.% of Bi2O3 decreased the sintering temperature of DySZr, promoted the growth of zirconia grains and also improved the density. This also supports stabilizing the cubic phase at room temperature. The electrical conductivity was found to increase on account of bismuth doping in DySZr. The activation energies for conduction in DySZr and 2BiDySZr systems were found to be 1.11 and 1.15 eV, respectively in the measured temperature range, indicating the oxygen ion conductivity in the system. The thermal expansion coefficient of the Bi2O3-doped DySZr system was found to match with the other component materials for solid oxide fuel cells.
Effects of Fines Content on Hydraulic Conductivity and Shear Strength of Granular Structural Backfill
Authors: Gomez Brian W. , Dewoolkar Mandar M. , Lens John E. , Benda Christopher C.
Published: February 2015

For cast-in-place abutments and retaining walls, structural backfill is preferred to be free-draining, which generally implies less than 5% fines content. This fines content is expected to eliminate the need to design for hydrostatic pressures. The availability of high-quality structural backfill with naturally low fines content is declining. This situation warrants an evaluation of whether granular backfill materials with greater than 5% fines content could be successfully used in practice. Flexible wall, hydraulic conductivity tests on a granular structural backfill with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% nonplastic fines content were conducted at 41, 83, and 124 kPa (6, 12, and 18 psi) confining pressures followed by consolidated drained triaxial compression tests for obtaining associated drained shear strength parameters of these gradations. The 15.2-cm (6-in.) diameter specimens were prepared at optimum moisture content and 95% of maximum standard Proctor density. To enable a comparison with respect to modified Proctor maximum densities, modified Proctor tests were also performed for all base soil–fines content mixtures. The experimental results were compared with relevant studies found in the literature. This research indicates that a nonplastic fines content up to 10% may be justified in structural backfill specifications for retaining walls and abutments.
Large-Diameter Pipe Piles Driven for Ebey Slough Bridge Replacement Project, Marysville, Washington
Authors: Petek Kathryn , Mitchell Robert A. , Buechel Gerard , Mooney Todd
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a case study of large-diameter open-end steel pipe piles for the Ebey Slough Bridge Replacement Project. The new Ebey Slough Bridge was an approximately 700-ft-long, four-lane bridge over Ebey Slough in Marysville, Washington. The project site was underlain by more than 300 ft of very loose to medium dense silt, silty sand, and silty clay. New bridge foundations consisted of 4- and 6-ft-diameter open-end steel pipe piles driven to depths ranging from approximately 150 to 240 ft. Geotechnical design of the open-end pipe piles was performed by Shannon & Wilson, Inc. Total pile compressive resistances were confirmed through a dynamic test pile program during pile installation. The static design methods provided in AASHTO are compared here to results of the dynamic test pile program. Results of the dynamic test program suggest that static design methods overestimate nominal side resistance of 4- and 6-ft-diameter open-end pipe piles. Comparison of factored side resistances using the static design methods and AASHTO resistance factors suggest potential limitations of AASHTO resistance factors for large-diameter piles.
Performance Evaluation of Roadway Subdrain Outlets in Iowa
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan , Ceylan Halil , Steffes Robert F.
Published: February 2015

The bearing capacity and service life of a pavement are adversely affected by the presence of undrained water in the pavement layers. In cold winter climates, such as in Iowa, this problem is magnified further by the risk of frost damage when water is present. Therefore, well-performing subsurface drainage systems form an important aspect of pavement design by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). However, there was a need to determine the impacts of not maintaining the subdrain outlets on pavement performance in Iowa in light of the recent Iowa DOT field maintenance staff reductions and budget cuts and the implications on subdrain outlet maintenance. Consequently, a research study was initiated to conduct a performance review of primary interstate pavement subdrains in Iowa and determine the cause of the problem if there were drains that were not functioning properly. Field investigations were conducted on 64 selected (jointed plain concrete pavement and hot-mix asphalt) pavement sites during the 2012 fall season. The study was mainly focused on the drainage outlet conditions. Findings and observations based on an extensive literature review and forensic testing are discussed in this paper. Gate and mesh screen-type rodent guards are not recommended for Iowa subdrainage systems because they tend to catalyze outlet blockage and end up potentially doing more harm (i.e., requiring more frequent maintenance) than good (i.e., protection against rodent intrusion).
Killing the Ettringite Reaction in Sulfate-Bearing Soils
Authors: Harris Pat , Harvey Omar , Jackson Leah , DePugh Meagan , Puppala Anand
Published: February 2015

The formation of ettringite in sulfate-bearing clay soils often results in rapid and significant expansion when calcium-based stabilizers are added to the soil. The researchers tested the hypothesis that ettringite crystal growth could be inhibited by adding a specific chemical that would prevent nucleation of ettringite crystallites, much like retarding the setting of portland cement by using organic additives. The researchers created ettringite in the laboratory by using clay mineral standards mixed with hydrated lime, gypsum, and water, with an ultrasonic homogenizer to catalyze the reaction. A natural soil from Texas (State Highway 289) that had caused sulfate-induced heave problems was also used. Diatomaceous earth, volcanic glass (amorphous silica), and calcium phosphate monobasic monohydrate were added in different proportions to see whether the formation of ettringite could be stopped. The diatomaceous earth and volcanic glass did not inhibit the growth of ettringite in any of the clay mineral standards or natural soil tested. However, the calcium phosphate monobasic monohydrate generated tricalcium aluminate monosulfate hydrate instead of ettringite in the kaolinite and in the natural soil, prevented the formation of both ettringite and tricalcium aluminate monosulfate hydrate. Therefore, phosphates may be a viable additive for prevention of heave in sulfate-bearing soils.
Modeling the Drying Process of Unbound Soils and Cementitiously Stabilized Soils
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Wen Haifang , Muhunthan Balasingam
Published: February 2015

Moisture variation significantly affects the strength and volume characteristics of soils. One of the barriers to implementing the stiffness-based quality assurance during construction is the variation (often drying) of moisture, which complicates the measurements of stiffness. Studies on the drying of unbound soils and cementitiously stabilized soils typically have focused on the measurement of moisture content or shrinkage, without an in-depth understanding of the drying mechanisms. An accurate characterization of the process of moisture loss in soils and cementitiously stabilized soils during drying is critical to predicting properties such as strength, stiffness, creep, and shrinkage and, therefore, is critical to understanding the engineering performance of such soils. This paper proposes a practical approach to model the moisture loss of soils and cementitiously stabilized soils under one-dimensional drying conditions at a constant temperature. The moisture loss is affected by the ambient relative humidity (RH), pore RH, and the soil's moisture diffusion coefficient. In this study, a nonlinear relationship between the soil diffusion coefficient and the pore RH is developed on the basis of experiments. The governing constitutive differential equation for predicting the pore RH is solved with the finite element method. The modeling procedure and results are verified by the experimental results with reasonable accuracy. It is found that adding cement to soil can reduce the diffusion coefficient significantly and therefore affect the moisture diffusion behaviors.
On the Scale-up of Gas-Hydrate-Forming Reactors: The Case of Gas-Dispersion-Type Reactors
Authors: Mori Yasuhiko
Published: February 2015

For establishing hydrate-based technologies for natural-gas storage/transport, CO2 capture from industrial flue gases, etc., we need appropriate guidelines for the scale-up of hydrate production/processing equipment from laboratory scales to industrial scales. This paper aims to provide technical remarks on the scale-up of hydrate-forming reactors, the central components of hydrate production/processing equipment, particularly focusing on such a reactor design that hydrate-forming gas is dispersed in an aqueous phase which is either stirred in a tank or forced to flow through a tube. Based on the principles of classical fluid mechanics and heat-transfer analysis, the paper derives semi-empirical formulas that show how the capacity for heat discharge from each reactor and the power for operating the reactor are required to change with an increase in its size. Consequently, it is concluded that the stirred-tank design is unfavorable for significant scale-up and that the scale-up of tubular reactors should be made without significantly increasing the in-tube flow velocity.
Lifecycle CO2 Reduction by Implementing Double Window Casement Systems in Residential Units in Korea
Authors: Cheong Chang , Kim Taeyeon , Leigh Seung-Bok
Published: February 2015

This study investigated lifecycle CO2 (LCCO2) emission reductions through application of double-window casement systems (DWCS) in residential units in Korea, compared with conventional single windows (SWs). The DWCS is a double window system that is energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption during operation. However, this system incorporates increased embodied CO2 emissions. We evaluated LCCO2 reductions associated with use of the DWCS by calculating CO2 emissions during space conditioning as well as the embodied CO2 emissions of the DWCS. The results showed that use of DWCS in a residential unit during the cooling season had 26.2 and 27.4 t CO2 fewer emissions than SWs in the natural ventilation and minimum ventilation modes, respectively. Although implementation of DWCS is expected to substantially reduce LCCO2 emissions, the large embodied CO2 emissions of the aluminum frame reduce the benefits of the DWCS.
Allometric Equations for Estimating Biomass of Euterpe precatoria, the Most Abundant Palm Species in the Amazon
Authors: Da Silva Fernando , Suwa Rempei , Kajimoto Takuya , Ishizuka Moriyoshi , Higuchi Niro , Kunert Norbert
Published: February 2015

Allometric models to estimate biomass components such as stem mass Ms, foliage mass Ml, root mass Mr and aboveground mass Ma, were developed for the palm species Euterpe precatoria Mart., which is the most abundant tree species in the Amazon. We harvested twenty palms including above- and below-ground parts in an old growth Amazonian forest in Brazil. The diameter at breast height D ranged from 3.9–12.7 cm, and the stem height H ranged from 2.3–16.4 m. The D, diameter at ground basis D0, crown diameter CD, H, stem specific gravity ρ, and number of fronds Nf were considered as independent variables and incorporated into a power function model. The best predictors were D2Hρ for Ms and Ma, D2HNf for Ml, and D for Mr. Slender index (H/D) ranged from 0.56–1.46 m·cm−1, and the D-H relationship suggested that the stem shape becomes more slender with increasing D. On the other hand, ρ increased with D implying a stiffening of stem tissue. The average root/shoot ratio was estimated as 0.29 which was higher than that reported for the non-palm tree species in the Amazon. Comparisons of several models to estimate Ma of different palm species, suggested that the variations of the D-H relationship and ρ should be considered to develop allometric models for estimating biomass in palm species. In particular the ρ largely varied depending on individual size, which should be important to consider, when developing the allometric models for palms.
Approaching Environmental Health Disparities and Green Spaces: An Ecosystem Services Perspective
Authors: Jennings Viniece , Gaither Cassandra
Published: February 2015

Health disparities occur when adverse health conditions are unequal across populations due in part to gaps in wealth. These disparities continue to plague global health. Decades of research suggests that the natural environment can play a key role in sustaining the health of the public. However, the influence of the natural environment on health disparities is not well-articulated. Green spaces provide ecosystem services that are vital to public health. This paper discusses the link between green spaces and some of the nation’s leading health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular health, heat-related illness, and psychological health. These associations are discussed in terms of key demographic variables—race, ethnicity, and income. The authors also identify research gaps and recommendations for future research.
Impact of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) Knowledge on HIV Prevention Practices Among Traditional Birth Attendants in Nigeria
Authors: Osuji Alice , Pharr Jennifer , Nwokoro Uche , Ike Anulika , Ali Christiana , Ejiro Ogheneaga , Osuyali John , Obiefune Michael , Fiscella Kevin , Ezeanolue Echezona
Published: February 2015

Nigeria is second in the world for the number of people with HIV and has a high rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Over 60% of births in Nigeria occur outside of health care facilities, and because of this, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal and child health. It is important that TBAs be knowledgeable about HIV prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) knowledge on the HIV prevention practices among TBAs in Nigeria. Five hundred TBAs were surveyed. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to assess differences in HIV prevention practices between TBAs with and without HTC knowledge. TBAs with HTC knowledge are significantly more likely to engage in HIV prevention practices than TBAs without HTC. Prevention practices included: wearing gloves during delivery (p < 0.01), sterilization of delivery equipment (p < 0.01), participation in blood safety training (p < 0.01), and disposal of sharps (p < 0.01). As long as a high percent of births occur outside health care facilities in Nigeria, there will be a need for TBAs. Providing TBAs with HTC training increases HIV prevention practices and can be a key to improve maternal and child health.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Is Associated with Microalbuminuria in Chinese Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Liu Yu , Chen Youming , Li Yongqiang , Shao Xiaofei , Liang Yan , Li Bin , Holthöfer Harry , Zhang Guanjing , Zou Hequn
Published: February 2015

There is no general consensus on possible factors associated with microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients nor any reported study about this issue in Chinese patients. To examine this issues, 944 hypertensive patients were enrolled in a study based on a cross-sectional survey conducted in Southern China. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the factors related with the presence of microalbuminuria and urinary excretion of albumin. The prevalence of microalbuminuria in hypertensive and non-diabetic hypertensive patients were 17.16% and 15.25%, respectively. Body mass index (BMI), but not waist circumference (WC), were independently associated with microalbuminuria and the values of urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) based on multiple regression analyses, even after excluding diabetic patients and patients taking inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system from the analyses. Furthermore, patients with obesity (BMI ≥28) had higher levels of ACR, compared with those with normal weight (BMI <24 kg/m2) and overweight (24 kg/m2≤ BMI < 28). In conclusion, BMI, as a modifiable factor, is closely associated with microalbuminuria among Chinese hypertensive patients, which may provide a basis for future development of intervention approaches for these patients.