bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A process-based growth model for the grass stage pine seedlings
Authors: Koskela Jarkko
Published: September 2014

A carbon- and nitrogen-balance model, applying pipe model theory and a modification of functional balance as growth-guiding rules, is presented for the grass stage pine seedlings. Three populations of Pinus merkusii Jungh. et de Vriese, originating from northern and northeastern Thailand, were grown under controlled environment for 47 weeks to obtain parameter information, to evaluate the model performance and to investigate genotypic variation in various characteristics among the populations. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the sensitivity of the model behaviour to varying parameter values and to calibrate the model for each population. With given sets of parameter values, the simulated biomass development fitted rather well the observed one during the experiment. The two most important parameters determining model performance were within-shoot shading and specific nitrogen uptake rate of fine roots. The fit of simulated versus measured fine roots had a major effect on acceptable model performance in Monte Carlo simulations. Significant variation in biomass growth, nitrogen use efficiency, height, stem diameter, total carbon concentrations of stem and fine roots, and total nitrogen concentrations of needles, transport roots and fine roots was found among the populations. The observed genotypic variation in seedling biomass and stem diameter was consistent with the geographical distribution of the populations while the variation in the rest of the measured characteristics was not. It seems that P. merkusii populations in Thailand are adapted to more site specific conditions rather than climatic conditions alone, and that the variation in biomass growth may result from variation in internal carbon and nitrogen dynamics among the populations.
Analysis of Cronartium flaccidum lesion development on pole-stage Scots pines
Authors: Kaitera Juha
Published: September 2014

Historical and current lesion development and sporulation of Cronartium flaccidum was investigated in a stand of artificially seeded pole-stage Pinus sylvestris in northern Finland. An average of 6.5 lesions developed per infected tree, most of them occurring on a minority (25%) of the trees. During the monitoring period of five years, fresh aecia appeared mainly in 7â10-year-old shoots, the age of the shoots bearing aecia varying between 3â20 years. Aecia appeared for the first time most frequently in 5â10-year-old shoots. Infection waves occurred, whereas lesions were formed most frequently in shoots formed in various years through the 1980s. After the lesions started to sporulate, sporulation in most lesions that finished sporulating during the monitoring period lasted for 1â2 years. The aecia in between 47% and 59% of the infected shoots developed annually over a longer length in proximal direction than in distal direction next to the previous yearâs infection. The aecia-bearing distal part of the shoot was longer in between 19% and 37% of the shoots.
Defining forest owner’s forest-management goals by means of a thematic interview in interactive forest planning
Authors: Pykäläinen Jouni
Published: September 2014

Numerical optimization may not be the best way to launch an interactive planning process. The forest owner may not be able to identify precise management goals, as required in numerical optimization, for his forest. The owner may also think that it is impossible to express forest-management goals numerically. Due to these reasons, thematic interview was tested as an introductory method in interactive planning in several actual planning cases. It was observed that these interviews helped the owners in outlining their forest-management goals, and they offered an appropriate framework for defining these goals. It was also noticed that the goals defined in the course of the interviews could be included in the planning model in a way understood and accepted by the owners, and the goals defined could be fulfilled.
El Quehacer de los Editores: ¿Vocación o Profesión?
Authors: Rojas Galeano Sergio Andrés
Published: September 2014

Editorial 2013-II
Evolución y tendencias actuales de los Web crawlers
Authors: Sarmiento Fernando Iván Camargo , Ordóñez Salinas Sonia
Published: September 2014

La información disponible en redes de datos como la Web o las redes sociales se encuentra en continuo crecimiento, con unas características de dinamismo especiales. Entre los mecanismos encargados de rastrear los cambios en dicha información se encuentran los Web
crawlers, los cuales por la misma dinámica de la información, deben mejorarse constantemente en busca de algoritmos más eficientes. Este documento presenta el estado actual de los algoritmos de rastreo de la Web, sus tendencias, avances, y nuevos enfoques dentro del contexto de la dinámica de las redes sociales.
European multicenter analytical evaluation of the Abbott ARCHITECT STAT high sensitive troponin I immunoassay
Authors: Krintus Magdalena , Kozinski Marek , Boudry Pascal , Capell Nuria Estañ , Köller Ursula , Lackner Karl , Lefèvre Guillaume , Lennartz Lieselotte , Lotz Johannes , Herranz Antonio Mora , Nybo Mads , Plebani Mario , Sandberg Maria B. , Schratzberger Wolfgang , Shih Jessie , Skadberg Øyvind , Chargui Ahmed Taoufik , Zaninotto Martina , Sypniewska Grazyna
Published: September 2014

International recommendations highlight the superior value of cardiac troponins (cTns) for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction along with analytical requirements of improved precision and detectability. In this multicenter study, we investigated the analytical performance of a new high sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay and its 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL).

Laboratories from nine European countries evaluated the ARCHITECT

Total imprecision of 3.3%–8.9%, 2.0%–3.5% and 1.5%–5.2% was determined for the low, medium and high controls, respectively. The lowest cTnI concentration corresponding to a total CV of 10% was 5.6 ng/L. Common interferences, sample dilution and carryover did not affect the hs-cTnI results. Slight, but statistically significant, differences with sample type were found. Concordance between the investigated hs-cTnI assay and contemporary cTnI assay at 99th percentile cut-off was found to be 95%. TnI was detectable in 75% and 57% of the apparently healthy population using the lower (1.1 ng/L) and upper (1.9 ng/L) limit of the LoD range provided by the ARCHITECT

The new ARCHITECT
Impact of assay design on test performance: lessons learned from 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Farrell Christopher-John L. , Soldo Joshua , McWhinney Brett , Bandodkar Sushil , Herrmann Markus
Published: September 2014

Current automated immunoassays vary significantly in many aspects of their design. This study sought to establish if the theoretical advantages and disadvantages associated with different design formats of automated 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) assays are translated into variations in assay performance in practice.

25-OHD was measured in 1236 samples using automated assays from Abbott, DiaSorin, Roche and Siemens. A subset of 362 samples had up to three liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry 25-OHD analyses performed. 25-OHD

The assay that combined release of 25-OHD with analyte capture in a single step showed the most accurate 25-OHD

Variations in design among automated 25-OHD assays influence their performance characteristics. Consideration of the details of assay design is therefore important when selecting and validating new assays.
Quantification of polyclonal free light chains in clinical samples using a single turbidimetric immunoassay
Authors: Faint Jeffrey M. , Basu Supratik , Sutton David , Showell Paul J. , Kalra Philip A. , Gunson Bridget K. , Jackson Colette E. , Mushtaq Adeel , Assi Lakhvir K. , Carr-Smith Hugh D. , Cockwell Paul , Harding Stephen J.
Published: September 2014

Elevated polyclonal serum free light chain (FLC) levels have been associated with increased mortality and disease activity in many conditions. Currently, polyclonal FLC quantification requires summation of individual FLCκ and FLCλ assays. Here we present a single assay for combined FLC (cFLC, Combylite™) which reduces assay time and eliminates potential imprecision errors incurred by summating FLC assays (ΣFLC).

Sheep FLCκ- and FLCλ-specific antibodies were conjugated to latex microparticles to quantify FLCκ and FLCλ in a single assay. Combylite results were compared to ΣFLC (Freelite

cFLC and ΣFLC results were highly concordant (Passing-Bablok equation y=0.98x–1.59 mg/L, R

cFLC values obtained using Combylite were comparable to ΣFLC results over a wide concentration range, were elevated in diseases characterised by B cell activation and were associated with increased mortality in a haematological referral population. These observations indicate the Combylite assay has value for investigating the role of B cell activation in disparate disease groups and could be considered as a surrogate indication of B cell function.
Influence of Military Training and Standardized Nutrition in Military Unit on Soldiers' Nutritional Status and Physical Fitness
Authors: Tomczak Andrzej , Bertrandt Jerzy , Kłos Anna , Kłos Krzysztof
Published: September 2014

Tomczak, A, Bertrandt, J, Kłos, A, and Kłos, K. Influence of military training and standardized nutrition in military unit on soldiers' nutritional status and physical fitness. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2774–2780, 2016—Despite suspension of conscription in Polish Army, trainings of soldiers are still carried out. It is expected that they will be effective and will contribute to obtaining optimum level of psychophysical efficiency that enables fulfillment of military tasks. Total of 60 soldiers took part in the study. During the 9-month military service, soldiers had 200 hours of physical training and basic military training (shooting, drill, anti-chemical training, topography, general tactics, and military equipment operation). The training lasted 8 hours everyday. To assess fitness level, 4 trials were done: long jump, pull-ups, sit-ups, and 1,000 m run. Evaluation of food was based on the analysis of full board menus using the “Tables of composition and nutritional value of food products.” Energy value was assessed, and content of basic nutrients was calculated. Assessment of nutritional status was based on anthropometric measurements, such as body height, body mass, and thickness of 4 selected skinfolds. Body height and body mass were the basis for the body mass index calculation. Soldiers serving in the mechanized infantry unit, after completing the training, got better results only in 1,000 m run (from 250.3 to 233.61 seconds). During the research, an average energy value of a daily food ration planned for consumption was 4,504 kcal. This value consisted of 13.2% of energy from protein, 31.9% of energy from fat, and 54.9% from carbohydrates. In the course of military service, percentage of subjects indicating overweight increased from 10.2 to 25.4%.
Quantification of BRAF V600E alleles predicts papillary thyroid cancer progression
Authors: Kim Min-Hee , Bae Ja Seong , Lim Dong-Jun , Lee Hyoungnam , Jeon So Ra , Park Gyeong Sin , Jung Chan Kwon
Published: September 2014

TheBRAFV600E mutation is the most common genetic alteration in thyroid cancer. However, its clinicopathological significance and clonal mutation frequency remain unclear. To clarify the inconsistent results, we investigated the association between the allelic frequency ofBRAFV600E and the clinicopathological features of classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Tumour tissues from two independent sets of patients with classic PTC were manually microdissected and analysed for the presence or absence of theBRAFmutation and the mutant allelic frequency using quantitative pyrosequencing. For external validation, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were analysed. TheBRAFV600E mutation was found in 264 (82.2%) out of 321 classic PTCs in the training set. The presence ofBRAFV600E was only associated with extrathyroidal extension and the absence of thyroiditis. InBRAFV600E-positive tumours, the mutant allelic frequency varied from 8 to 41% of the totalBRAFalleles (median, 20%) and directly correlated with tumour size and the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Lymph node metastases were more frequent in PTCs with a high (≥20%) abundance of mutant alleles than in those with a low abundance of mutant alleles (P=0.010). These results were reinforced by validation dataset (n=348) analysis but were not reproduced in the TCGA dataset. In a population with prevalentBRAFmutations, quantitative analysis of theBRAFmutation could provide additional information regarding tumour behaviour, which is not reflected by qualitative analysis. Nonetheless, prospective studies are needed before the mutated allele percentage can be considered as a prognostic factor.
Memory, Materiality, and Provenance in Dio Chrysostom's “Rhodian Oration”
Authors: Atwill Janet M.
Published: September 2014

In the late first century CE, probably under the rule of the Roman Emperor Titus, the Greek Bithynian Sophist Dio Chrysostom traveled to the city of Rhodes to scold its citizens for their treatment of statues. These were not religious statues, nor were they exemplary works of art. They were certainly not the marble statues commissioned by wealthy individuals for private display. In what would be known as his “Rhodian Oration,” Dio interceded on behalf of honorific portrait statues, erected by the city to honor those who had provided public gifts or services. This exchange of gift and honor is now referred to as euergetism (good works) or benefactions—a system of finance and governance whereby individuals subsidized public functions (such as religious festivals) and the construction of public facilities (such as the baths) or provided other gifts and services to the city. According to Dio, Rhodes was reusing honorific portrait statues—authorizing artisans to chisel out the names of those previously honored and reinscribe the statues' bases with the names of new honorees. As Dio argues, the city was, effectively, plundering its own statues.
Incorporating climate change adaptation strategies in urban water supply planning: the case of central Chile
Authors: Bonelli Sebastián , Vicuña Sebastián , Meza Francisco J. , Gironás Jorge , Barton Jonathan
Published: September 2014

Water management systems have been typically designed and operated under the assumption of stationarity. This assumption may no longer be valid under climate change scenarios. Water availability may change dramatically at some locations due mainly to possible impacts of changes in temperature and precipitation over streamflow volume and seasonality, adding pressure to water supply systems. It has been shown that snowmelt-dominated basins are particularly sensitive to such changes. Hence, human settlements and economic activities developed in such areas are particularly vulnerable. The Maipo river basin in Central Chile – where more than 6 million people live – is one of these areas. We used a calibrated water resources model of the Maipo river basin, in order to propose a general framework to evaluate adaptation options at the urban level. When comparing a mid-21st century period to a historic control period, results for three selected performance metrics showed a decrease in water system performance. Adaptation measures were evaluated in their capacity to maintain current water security standards. Two alternatives stand as highly effective options to this end: water rights purchases and improvements in water use efficiency. The political and economic costs of implementing these options, which could deem them unviable, are not considered here but are worthy of further research.
Detailed dynamic pumping energy models for optimization and control of wastewater applications
Authors: De Keyser W. , Amerlinck Y. , Urchegui G. , Harding T. , Maere T. , Nopens I.
Published: September 2014

Despite the increasing level of detail in wastewater treatment process models, oversimplified energy consumption models (i.e. constant ‘average’ power consumption) are being used in optimization exercises. A new dynamic model for a more accurate prediction of pumping costs in wastewater treatment has been developed to overcome this unbalance in the coupled submodels. The model is calibrated using two case studies. The first case study concerns the centrifugal influent pumps (Nijhuis RW1-400 · 525A) of the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Eindhoven (The Netherlands), governed by Waterboard De Dommel. For the second case study, concerning a centrifugal pump (Flygt, type NT3153 · 181) of the intermediate pumping station (pumping primary treated wastewater) of the Mekolalde WWTP, located in Bergara (Guipúzcoa, Spain), a model extension was necessary in order to allow a better description of the pump curve, making the model more generic. Both cases showed good agreement between the model predictions and the measured data of energy consumption. The model is thus far more accurate compared with other approaches to quantify energy consumption, paving the way towards ‘global’ process optimization and new, improved control strategies for energy reduction at WWTPs.
Assessment of climate change impacts on irrigation water requirement and rice yield for Ngamoeyeik Irrigation Project in Myanmar
Authors: Shrestha S. , Thin N. M. M. , Deb P.
Published: September 2014

This study analyzes the impacts of climate change on irrigation water requirement (IWR) and yield for rainfed rice and irrigated paddy, respectively, at Ngamoeyeik Irrigation Project in Myanmar. Climate projections from two General Circulation Models, namely ECHAM5 and HadCM3 were derived for the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s. The climate variables were downscaled to basin level by using the Statistical DownScaling Model. The AquaCrop model was used to simulate the yield and IWR under future climate. The analysis shows a decreasing trend in maximum temperature for three scenarios and three time windows considered; however, an increasing trend is observed for minimum temperature for all cases. The analysis on precipitation also suggests that rainfall in wet season is expected to vary largely from −29 to +21.9% relative to the baseline period. A higher variation is observed for the rainfall in dry season ranging from −42% for 2080s, and +96% in the case of 2020s. A decreasing trend of IWR is observed for irrigated paddy under the three scenarios indicating that small irrigation schemes are suitable to meet the requirements. An increasing trend in the yield of rainfed paddy was estimated under climate change demonstrating increased food security in the region.
Analytic Hierarchy Process Application for the Selection of a Metal Matrix Composite
Authors: Sergio Baragetti
Published: September 2014

The multi-attribute decision-making methods allow to solve arbitrary problems governed by several
parameters. In this paper, the choice of a composite material was analyzed, by considering the availability from four
companies. The multi-attribute decision Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) procedure was used to select the best levels
for different attributes, both parametric and non-parametric, and to select the best company.
Quality Metrics of Spike Sorting Using Neighborhood Components Analysis
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wan Hong , Shi Li
Published: September 2014

While an electrode has allowed for simultaneously recording the activity of many neurons in microelectrode extracellular recording techniques, quantitative metrics of cluster quality after sorting to identify clusters suited for single unit analysis are lacking. In this paper, an objective measure based on the idea of neighborhood component analysis was described for evaluating cluster quality of spikes. The proposed method was tested with experimental and simulated extracellular recordings as well as compared to isolation distance and Lratio. The results of simulation and real data from the rodent primary visual cortex have shown that values of the proposed method were related to the accuracy of spike sorting, which could discriminate well- and poorly-separated clusters. It can apply on any study based on the activity of single neurons.
Stress Analysis of Buried Gas Pipeline Traversing Sliding Mass
Authors: Chen Liqiong , Wu Shijuan , Lu Hongfang , Huang Kun , Lv Yitang , Wu Jiali
Published: September 2014

Landslides are one of the primary dangers associated with gas pipelines. Pipeline spans can be divided into two categories: longitudinally traversing and laterally traversing. The load brought on by a landslide can cause pipeline failure, thus stress analysis of both ways of traversing is of great necessity. Through stress analysis, the junction of the conventional buried pipeline and the landslide has been confirmed as coming under the heaviest loads. Therefore, stress checks against accidental loads should be emphasized during the stress analysis of gas pipelines traversing sliding masses.
Systemic Sclerosis is a Complex Disease Associated Mainly with Immune Regulatory and Inflammatory Genes
Authors: Jin Jingxiao , Chou Chou , Lima Maria , Zhou Danielle , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: September 2014

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a fibrotic and autoimmune disease characterized clinically by skin and internal organ fibrosis and vascular damage, and serologically by the presence of circulating autoantibodies. Although etiopathogenesis is not yet well understood, the results of numerous genetic association studies support genetic contributions as an important factor to SSc. In this paper, the major genes of SSc are reviewed. The most recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are taken into account along with robust candidate gene studies. The literature search was performed on genetic association studies of SSc in PubMed between January 2000 and March 2014 while eligible studies generally had over 600 total participants with replication. A few genetic association studies with related functional changes in SSc patients were also included. A total of forty seven genes or specific genetic regions were reported to be associated with SSc, although some are controversial. These genes include HLA genes,STAT4,CD247,TBX21,PTPN22,TNFSF4,IL23R,IL2RA,IL-21,SCHIP1/IL12A,CD226,BANK1,C8orf13-BLK,PLD4,TLR-2,NLRP1,ATG5,IRF5,IRF8,TNFAIP3,IRAK1,NFKB1,TNIP1,FAS,MIF,HGF,OPN,IL-6,CXCL8,CCR6,CTGF,ITGAM,CAV1,MECP2,SOX5,JAZF1,DNASEIL3,XRCC1,XRCC4,PXK,CSK,GRB10,NOTCH4,RHOB,KIAA0319,PSD3andPSOR1C1. These genes encode proteins mainly involved in immune regulation and inflammation, and some of them function in transcription, kinase activity, DNA cleavage and repair. The discovery of various SSc-associated genes is important in understanding the genetics of SSc and potential pathogenesis that contribute to the development of this disease.
Analysis of the resistivity imaging results conducted over karst voids in Klucze using Depth of Investigation Index
Authors: Olga Krajewska , Glazer Michał , Jolanta Pierwoła
Published: September 2014

Conducted by "Olkusz" Speleological Club exploratory works related to the Gieńkówka cave led only to its partial opening. There are indications stating that this cave has continuation beyond its currently available parts. In order to verify those assumptions resistivity imaging method has been used. During analysis of the resistivity models obtained from field measurements the synthetic model, simulating the intersection of the cave corridor, has been utilized. In order to assess the reliability of resistivity cross sections in terms of the presence of artifacts left by the inversion process Depth of Investigation (DOI) index has been applied. For preparing DOI maps two inversions on the same data set were carried out using different reference models. Then the results were compared to each other. High resistivity anomalies revealed on obtained models show strong correlation with actual caves known in this area. In addition, similar anomalies have been found in place of the predicted continuity in Gieńkówka cave, thus confirming the hypothesis made in this research. High DOI index values in the occurrence of caves pointing to the instability of the inversion process in those areas
Phase composition of Katowice – Wełnowiec pytometallurgical slags: preliminary SEM study
Authors: Warchulski Rafał , Szopa Krzysztof
Published: September 2014

Exploitation on Zn-Pb ores in Upper Silesia region dates back to the XIII century. Analyzed slags are associated with Hohenlohe smelting plant which started its work in 1804 as an iron smelter, and continued as zinc smelter since 1873. Waste material from smelting plant production was stored in Katowice - Wełnowiec, although nowadays most of it has been used for commercial purposes. Slags are composed of silicates and aluminosilicates, e.g. willemite, pyroxene- and melilite-group, K-feldspar accompanied by silico-phosphates close to perhamite, harrisonite and arsenate-chloride with composition similar to nealite. Chemical composition of most phases is simple with some unique substitutions in case of Sr and Ce
Improving Project Manufacturing Coordination
Authors: Korpivaara Ville , Elfvengren Kalle , Kassi Tuomo
Published: September 2014

The objective of this research is to develop firms’ project manufacturing coordination. The development will be made by centralizing the manufacturing information flows in one system. To be able to centralize information, a deep user need assessment is required. After user needs have been identified, the existing system will be developed to match these needs. The theoretical background is achieved through exploring the literature of project manufacturing, development project success factors and different frameworks and tools for development project execution. The focus of this research is rather in customer need assessment than in system’s technical expertise. To ensure the deep understanding of customer needs this study is executed by action research method. As a result of this research the information system for project manufacturing coordination was developed to respond revealed needs of the stakeholders. The new system improves the quality of the manufacturing information, eliminates waste in manufacturing coordination processes and offers a better visibility to the project manufacturing. Hence it provides a solid base for the further development of project manufacturing.
Reduction in the Number of Comparisons Required to Create Matrix of Expert Judgment in the Comet Method
Authors: Sałabun Wojciech
Published: September 2014

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are associated with the ranking of alternatives based on expert judgments made using a number of criteria. In the MCDM field, the distance-based approach is one popular method for receiving a final ranking. One of the newest MCDM method, which uses the distance-based approach, is the Characteristic Objects Method (COMET). In this method, the preferences of each alternative are obtained on the basis of the distance from the nearest characteristic ob jects and their values. For this purpose, the domain and fuzzy numbers set for all the considered criteria are determined. The characteristic objects are obtained as the combination of the crisp values of all the fuzzy numbers. The preference values of all the characteristic ob ject are determined based on the tournament method and the principle of indifference. Finally, the fuzzy model is constructed and is used to calculate preference values of the alternatives. In this way, a multi-criteria model is created and it is free of rank reversal phenomenon. In this approach, the matrix of expert judgment is necessary to create. For this purpose, an expert has to compare all the characteristic ob jects with each other. The number of necessary comparisons depends squarely to the number of ob jects. This study proposes the improvement of the COMET method by using the transitivity of pairwise comparisons. Three numerical examples are used to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed improvement with respect to results from the original approach. The proposed improvement reduces significantly the number of necessary comparisons to create the matrix of expert judgment.
Towards perpetual neoliberalism in education: The Slovak path to postcommunist transformation
Authors: Kaščák Ondrej , Pupala Branislav
Published: September 2014

Slovak education policy is an example of the kind of transformations occurring in the education spheres of postcommunist countries. While at the end of the 1990s, it seemed that education policy was still attempting to ensure that Slovakia caught up with education levels in western countries, the period that followed brought with it a shift towards neoliberalization of the education sector and towards the economization of education. Slovakia’s entry into the EU was accompanied by the total assimilation of the neoliberal agenda within education and since then it can be said that Slovak education policy has followed a path towards so-called perpetual neoliberalism. The aim of this article is to show how education policy has developed within Slovak politics, in terms of how it is gradually adapting to neoliberal ideas. The article analyzes government documents from 1998 onwards, particularly Slovak government programs, which document the process of neoliberalization in education.
Is everyone upright? Erwin Straus’ “The Upright Posture” and disabled phenomenology
Authors: Abrams Thomas
Published: September 2014

This paper provides a close reading of Erwin Straus’ “The Upright Posture” from a disability studies perspective. Straus argues that the upright posture dominates the human world. But he excludes those who dwell in it otherwise. By reviewing phenomenological disability literature, this paper asks what a disabled phenomenology would look like, one rooted in the problem of inclusion from the outset. Disabled phenomenology addresses ‘subjectivity’ critically, asking: what socio-material arrangements make subjectivity possible in the first place? This project is, I argue, equal parts political economy and existential phenomenology. I conclude with some suggestions for future research.
The reflection of human activity in the sediments of Iwankowskie Lake from Subatlantic Phase (Polish Outer Carpathians)
Authors: Bucała Anna , Margielewski Włodzimierz , Starkel Leszek , Buczek Krzysztof , Zernitskaya Valentina
Published: September 2014

The paper presents the analysis of organic and mineral sediments filling the depression, which developed over the landslide located at the slope (767–773 m a.s.l.) of Lubań ridge decscending to the Ochotnica river valley in the Polish Flysch Carpathians. The landslide formed in an early stage of the Subatlantic Phase (2490 ± 35 BP). The top of peat is dated at 1360 ± 50 years BP and is covered by 72 cm of clayey silts with some sandy intercalations, which indicate slopewash after deforestation. The pollen of ruderal plants and Cerealia (undiff.) reflect agricultural activity in the surroundings. The fragments of charcoal indicate the age of the forest clearance to the first half of the 17th century. The late forest clearance at the elevated north exposed slopes followed 200–300 years later in relation to the foundation of the village at the valley floor.
Optical dating and sedimentary record from the terrace depositional profile of the Warta River (Central Poland)
Authors: Dzieduszyńska Danuta , Petera-Zganiacz Joanna , Twardy Juliusz , Kittel Piotr , Moska Piotr , Adamiec Grzegorz
Published: September 2014

Results of OSL dating and sedimentary studies from the profile of the low alluvial terrace of the middle Warta River are presented. The samples were dated using the single-aliquot regenera-tive method. Dating was used to establish a timing of the Weichselian Late Glacial events in the river valley environment. Stable conditions on the floodplain are expressed by the deposition of organic-rich series radiocarbon dated at 12 900-12 600 cal BP and 11 600-10 770 cal BP. Samples for OSL dating were collected from the mineral material deposited during the intensification of flood events during the Weichselian decline. The results obtained for the alluvia range from 12.78 ± 0.62 ka b2k to 14.33 ± 0.74 ka b2k. Sedimentological criteria allowed to distinguish between particular flood events. Overestimation of OSL ages is probably a result of rapidity of environmental changes in that time.
Abstract syntax driven approach for language composition
Authors: Chodarev Sergej , Lakatoš Dominik , Porubän Jaroslav , Kollár Ján
Published: September 2014

Popularity of domain-specific languages brings the problem of language components reuse. It should be possible to use parts of different languages in development of new one to lower costs and also allow incremental development. This problem could be solved using the composition of languages. In this paper we discuss the view of language composition from the perspective of concepts composition, where the role of concrete syntax is lowered. We present examples of language composition based on the principles of object composition implemented using YAJCo parser generator, that allows to specify the language based on its abstract syntax.
Speeding up simultaneous alignment and folding of RNA sequences
Authors: Šimalová Mária , Andrejková Gabriela
Published: September 2014

In the paper, we describe and develop more effective solutions of two important problems in bioinformatics. The first problem is the multiple sequence alignment problem and the second problem is RNA secondary structure prediction (folding) problem. Each of these problems should be solved with better results if we know the solution of the other one, but usually we only have sequences and we know neither the alignment nor the secondary structure. Precise algorithms solving both of these problems simultaneously are computationally pretentious according to the big length of RNA sequences. In this paper, we have described the method of speeding up the Sankoff’s simultaneous alignment and folding algorithm using the Carrillo-Lipman approach to cut off those computations, that can never lead to an optimal solution.
Database reverse engineering based on meta-models
Authors: Ristić Sonja , Aleksić Slavica , Čeliković Milan , Dimitrieski Vladimir , Luković Ivan
Published: September 2014

Reengineering is one of the key concepts in software maintenance and evolution. It generally includes some form of reverse engineering followed by some form of forward engineering or restructuring. In the paper we focus on database reverse engineering. Model-driven software engineering promotes the idea of abstracting implementation details by focusing on: models as first class entities and automated generation of models or code from other models. In the approach meta-models are used to define the modeling languages. A database reverse engineering process can benefit of integrating meta-modeling and meta-models in the process. The plethora of models related to databases points out to the need and importance of model-to-model transformations between these models at different abstraction levels. These transformations are based on meta-models that are conformed by the source and target models of the transformations. A database reverse engineering process can be performed through a chain of model-to-model transformations based on a set of meta-models. In the paper we discuss the importance of meta-modeling in the context of database reverse engineering and present a case study illustrating an approach to database reverse engineering.
Medical procedure breaches detection using a fuzzy clustering approach
Authors: Găceanu Radu , Pop Horia
Published: September 2014

We present a fuzzy clustering approach for detecting flaws in the application of predefined medical protocols. In case of cardiac arrest, the outcome of the intervention is greatly influenced by the precise compliance to certain predefined procedures. We propose a clustering scheme in order to detect possible deviations from the standard protocols. Several interacting agents are employed in this regard. The fuzziness of our approach allows the discovery hybrid data which in this case may be an indication of the medical intervention quality level. We provide experiments on a dataset containing information from real patients that suffered cardiac arrest, on a synthetic dataset and on a standard dataset.
Categorical structures as expressing tool for differential calculus
Authors: Steingartner William , Radaković Davorka
Published: September 2014

Category is a mathematical structure consisting of objects and morphisms between objects with some specific properties. Categories examine in abstract way the properties of particular mathematical concepts by formalizing them as collections of objects and morphisms. Categorical structures are widely used in computer science for exact mathematical modeling. This paper highlights the most typical use of categories for constructing the model of part of differential calculus by using special category named arrow category; and codomain and domain functors.
Release of hydrogen peroxide by phagocytes from bovine colostrum in the peripartum period
Authors: Gomes Viviani , Madureira Karina Medici , Soriano Sergio , Pontes Gerlândia Neres , Silva Bruno Toledo , Della Libera Alice Melville Paiva , Benesi Fernando José
Published: September 2014

Changes in the composition of colostrum in the peripartum period focused on the neonate’s immunity can minimize the response of the mammary gland before natural exposure to mastitis pathogens. This research evaluated the oxidative activity of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear phagocytes of bovine colostrum. Bacteriologically negative (n = 171) bovine colostrum samples of first and second milking postpartum were evaluated. The oxidative activity was assessed by the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released either spontaneously or upon stimulation by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). For this, three treatments were used: control (C) – only cells; non-opsonized (NO) - cells and ETEC non-opsonized; and opsonized (O) – cells and ETEC opsonized. Median values of concentrations (nmol/106) of H2O2 produced by cells obtained from the first and second milking treatments C, NO and O were 149.1 and 39.9 (P = 0.0007); 125.5 and 49.1 (P = 0.0007); 102.4 and 54.4 (P = 0.008), respectively. No differences were observed between the treatments at each milking. The amount of H2O2 produced at first milking exceeded the values found thereafter. Furthermore, the presence of bacteria did not determine the increased amount of H2O2 released by phagocytes. Thus, we concluded that the mammary gland’s events during the peripartum period have an effect on the proportion and activity of phagocytes, which can cause injuries to the breast parenchyma by the large amount of free radicals produced. The high frequency of bovine mastitis during this period indicates the need for studies of the immunity of the mammary gland and research of susceptibility factors for bacterial infections.
Histological characteristics of the musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle fibres in pigs in relation to selected RYR1, MYOG, MYOD1 and MYF6 genotypes
Authors: Stupka Roman , Čítek Jaroslav , Šprysl Michal , Okrouhlá Monika , Brzobohatý Luboš , Stádník Luděk , Zita Lukáš
Published: September 2014

Histochemical and biochemical muscle fibre properties are the factors that influence the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pork meat. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of genetic effects of selected genetic markers MyoD genes andRYR1on the achieved indicators of muscle fibres in the musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT). The study included a total number of 216 hybrid pigs with the mean slaughter weight of 123 kg. Gene polymorphism was determined by the PCR-RFLP method. The gene polymorphism was determined in theRYR1, MYOD1, MYOG,andMYF6genes.Muscle fibre types from MLLT were identified. Concerning theRYR1gene, the study found that homozygous-dominant animals reached a lower number of type I (8.35 vs. 10.52;P< 0.05) and a higher number of IIA (3.66 vs. 2.10;P< 0.05) and a higher number of IIB (76.61 vs. 67.91;P< 0.05). The maximum number in all types of muscle fibres reached BB genotype of theMYOGgene (type I: 14.02; IIA: 18.47; IIB: 83.08;P< 0.05). The AA genotype of theMYOD1gene showed the lowest (P< 0.05) number of muscle in all fibre types (type I: 9.20; IIA: 0.85; IIB: 69.23). The influence of individual genotypes of selected genes on the selected muscle fibre characteristics was proven. The obtained results confirm the possibility of affecting the quality of pork with genomic selection of MyoD genes family.
Lamb congenital lymphatic malformation - a case report
Authors: Santos Neria , Ferrer Luís Miguel , Lacasta Delia , Ramos Juan José , Uixera Alicia , Climent María , Figueras Luis
Published: September 2014

Lymphatic malformations have been rarely reported in literature either in humans or in animals. However, in recent years, concern about these malformations in humans has increased. A five-month-old Rasa Aragonesa male lamb was received at the Ovine Clinical Service of the Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Spain, with a history of cervical protuberances coming from birth. The lamb showed three round swollen lumps (5–12 cm in diameter) parallel to the trachea on the left side of the neck. Clinical examination, haematology, ultrasonography, fluid examination and histopathology were performed. No abnormalities were found in blood samples and ultrasound confirmed a multicystic lesion with internal separations. Histological evaluation of the tissue revealed dilated lymphatic vessels and channels in the dermis and hypodermis; some lymphatic vessels were filled with amorphous proteinaceous material and occasional lymphocytes and macrophages. These protuberances were diagnosed as congenital lymphatic malformations. Most of the gross and microscopical lesions were very similar to those described in humans. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that a congenital lymphatic malformation is described in sheep.
Use of Dacron prosthesis in esophageal diverticula in a dog – a case report
Authors: Muste Aurel Nicolae , Tănase Andrei , Muste Marius Mihai , Beteg Florin Ioan
Published: September 2014

A one-and-a-half-year-old male dog of the Caniche breed was examined for repeated regurgitation episodes. At clinical examination food or liquid regurgitation episodes were reported at different times after food ingestion. The esophagus was visualized with the videoendoscope and then examined on liquid barium sulphate. The assessment revealed the existence of two cervically and mediastinally (intrathoracically) located dilatations. The surgical procedure was based on polyester vascular prostheses also used in human vascular surgery. The surgery was performed in two stages with a 4 week interval in between, without the resection of the dilated walls, with the prostheses positioned and fixed in different ways and with very good post surgery recovery. Eleven months after the surgery the dog’s health condition was very good. To our knowledge, this is the first report about these procedures which avoid the resection of a portion of the esophagus wall, thus preventing the occurrence of scars or strictures at this level, and prostheses increase the support and stability of the affected esophagus portion.
Evaluation of the Reliability of NDTesting in Russian Railway Transport
Authors: Konshina Vera , Dymkin Gregory , Shevelev Alexandr , Jaenisch Gerd-Rüdiger
Published: September 2014

Algorithms to estimate ultrasonic testing method based on the integrated use of indicators of reliability and accuracy are presented, and built according to the nature of techniques, features of their application and evaluation purposes (comparison of techniques, introduction of new methods, test procedures, etc.). On the basis of the main revision of ISO 5725-1, 5725-2 the estimation of reproducibility and repeatability of measured characteristics determine the design of reflectors and real defects, and thus the reliability of non-destructive testing, including ultrasonic inspection of railways.
Reliable Evaluation of Acceptability of Weld for Final Disposal Based on the Canister Copper Weld Inspection Using Different NDT Methods
Authors: Pitkänen Jorma , Bertovic Marija , Brackrock Daniel , Brekow Gerhard , Ewert Uwe , Kanzler Daniel , Müller Christina
Published: September 2014

The inspection of the sealing weld is an important phase for the evaluation of the acceptability of final disposal canister, but the weld is only a part of the 3D shielding of copper shell. The main tasks for reliable NDT evaluation requires an extensive evaluation of the parameters – which contains typical inspection related items like repeatability, S/N ratio, POD, setting up the equipment for inspection, and all practices for inspections. The other parameters are material parameters, their variation must be taken into account in the evaluation of NDT reliability. Further parameters include human factors, i. e. human inspectors and their interaction with technical systems; their effects were studied on an example of the evaluation of eddy current data. Final parameters are related to evaluation of detected defects, which means sizing and base for acceptance and this can be done in different ways. Some examples are given and results are compared with different methods for instance between radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing by raw data analysis and PA-SAFT results. Also, preliminary curves for the evaluation of metallographic results of 55 defects will be shown by EB weld measurements. Some practical items concerning copper inspections will be also discussed related to acceptability.
Corrosion Properties and Impact Toughness of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel after TIG Welding*
Authors: Basyigit Aziz Barış , Kurt Adem
Published: September 2014

Application fields for duplex stainless steels are drastically increasing. Industries producing and operating petrochemical process equipment, pipelines, bridges, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, rotors, and sea-water systems have a high demand for these steels. In this study, UNS S32205 duplex stainless steel plates of 3 × 40 × 145 mm were TIG welded with welding wires of W22 9 3 NL (2209). The main aim was to investigate the effects of various amounts of magnetic δ-ferrite and other important phases or intermetallic compounds that are formed during and after welding. The phase quantities differing by the welding conditions and argon shielding gas mixtures containing 0, 1, 3, 6, and 9 vol.-% N2 are studied. The investigations included Charpy V-notch impact tests, weight loss corrosion tests, and microstructural analyses according to ASTM A 923 and magnetic δ-ferrite measurements according to EN ISO 17655, and EN ISO 8249 as well as image analyses according to ASTM E-562, ASTM E 1245 for a comparision of the effect of the amounts of all phases. The differences with respect to the welding parameters were also identified.
An Investigation of TIG Welding of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Sheets*
Authors: Demir Bilge , Durgutlu Ahmet
Published: September 2014

In this study, butt welding of commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets has been investigated by using the tungsten inert gas welding process with alternating and pulsed current. Magnesium alloy welding, although well developed and understood, can present some problems, such as porosity, hot cracking, oxide formation, etc. Samples of the welded parts have been examined by optic microscopy and mechanic tests. Results showed that porosities and homogeneous micro size oxides were rarely found. Orientation of the weld microstructure in direction of the heat transfer were also rarely observed and equiaxed grain morphology was the dominant grain structure as in the base metals. In addition, fusion zone and HAZ of the welded samples have generally shown twins. This seems to be a very dominant grain type particularly in pulsed samples. Hot cracking was not observed in any samples. Results of mechanical tests showed that pulsed current seems to generate more favorable higher mechanical properties of weld joints than alternating current for magnesium alloys.