bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi-Level Optimization in a Transport Network
Authors: Stoilov Todor , Stoilova Krasimira , Papageorgiou Markos , Papamichail Ioannis
Published: May 2015

This paper applies a bi-level formalism for the optimal control of an urban transportation network. The well known store-and-forward model in traffic control is utilized in order to increase the control space of the optimization problem. Mainly, the store-and-forward models apply the split as a control argument, assuming the traffic light cycle as a constant parameter. The paper shows that by using a bi-level formalism the control problem can be defined within increased control space comprising both the split and the cycle. Both are found as optimal solutions of a bi-level optimization problem.
Paradox Phenomena in Autonomously Self-Adapting Navigation
Authors: Varga László Z.
Published: May 2015

The online routing game model can be used to measure and prove the benefits of online real time data in road traffic navigation systems. A few properties of the routing strategies are already proved. In this paper we point out that there are some paradoxes like phenomena behind these proofs, similarly as in the Braess network.
Ramp Metering Control Based on the Q-Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ivanjko Edouard , Koltovska Nečoska Daniela , Gregurić Martin , Vujić Miroslav , Jurković Goran , Mandžuka Sadko
Published: May 2015

Modern urban highways are under the influence of increased traffic demand and cannot fulfill the desired level of service anymore. In most of the cases there is no space available for any infrastructure building. Solutions from the domain of intelligent transport systems are used, such as ramp metering. To cope with the significant daily changes of the traffic demand, various approaches with autonomic properties like self-learning are applied for ramp metering. One of these approaches is reinforced learning. In this paper the Q-Learning algorithm is applied to learn the local ramp metering control law in a simulation environment, implemented in a VISSIM microscopic simulator. The approach proposed is tested in simulations with emphasis on the mainstream speed and travel time, using a typical on-ramp configuration.
Traffic Flow Control in the Class of Distributed Parameters Systems
Authors: Nikolov Emil K. , Nikolova Nina G.
Published: May 2015

In this paper a new structure and a method are suggested for the design of a control system with a distributed parameters plant. The discussed system with distributed spatial dimensions substantially differs from the control systems with concentrated parameters plants, because in it the task of the plant spatial transition of the controlled distributed variables is structurally solved. The solution of this task is based on the usage of models and filters, included in its structure and an algorithm, through which the system has real capability for distributed plants control with the desired quality. In the paper a fractal predictive system with approximated dimensions of the spatial distribution for control of the transport traffic density in highways is designed for a particular numerical example. The system model is simulated. The characteristics of the designed system are illustrated and analyzed.
Smart Travel Planner for Urban Sustainability
Authors: Malasek Jacek
Published: May 2015

The Smart Travel Planner concept for an optimal travel choice, supported by a Personalized Internet Portal, has to promote the sustainable urban mobility. STP is an important tool for Sustainable Urban Transport Decalogue’s implementation that is intended to result in lower emissions, better health and lower investment costs in the road infrastructure. The questionnaires included are for checking its public acceptance in the city and at end users’ level.
An Object-Oriented HLA Simulation Study
Authors: Kirov Georgi
Published: May 2015

The study is dedicated to High Level Architecture (HLA) standard for software architecture of interoperable distributed simulations. The paper discusses the differences between object-oriented programming and HLA. It presents an extended simulation architecture providing a mechanism for HLA data exchange through Object-Oriented (OO) objects. This eliminates the complex network programming for HLA distributed simulations. The paper shows a sample code that implements the architecture for OO HLA/RTI simulation.
A new procedure for the synthesis of 2-[(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)sulfonyl]butanoic acid
Authors: Shi Yun-Long , Wang Ling , Qian Chao , Tao Ming , Liao Zu-Tai , Chen Xin-Zhi
Published: May 2015

A new, practical and cost-effective route for scalable synthesis of 2-[(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)sulfonyl] butanoic acid, a key intermediate of a new cyan dye-forming coupler containing a sulfone group, was developed by adopting phenol as the starting material. The synthesis was accomplished in five steps with etherification, chlorosulfonation, reduction, nucleophilic reaction by C-S coupling and hydrolyzation. An important objective of the new synthetic route was the synthesis of 2-[4- (dodecyloxyphenyl)sulfonyl]butanoate. Overall yield obtained at optimized conditions increased to 66 %. The synthetic strategy was proven to be a process enabling rapid delivery of the target product with high purity.
Commingled composites of polypropylene/coir-sisal yarn: effect of chemical treatments on thermal and tensile properties
Authors: Arya Anil , Tomlal Jose E. , Gejo George , Kuruvilla Joseph
Published: May 2015

Eco-friendly bio-composite of polypropylene (PP)/coir-sisal blended yarn was prepared using commingling technique, in which both the fibers are wound onto a metal plate and then compression molded. Various chemical treatments have been done in order to improve the interfacial adhesion between the matrix and reinforcement, thereby to increase the properties of the composite. Thermal stability study was done using thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting thermogram reveals that chemical treatments increase the thermal stability of the commingled composite to a considerable extent. A significant increase is observed in the tensile properties of the treated composite especially maleic anhydride modified PP (MAPP) treated composite as compared to the untreated one. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of MAPP treated composite was found to be 29.24 MPa and 1330 MPa, respectively, which was found to be 7.5% and 6.4% greater than that of untreated composite. The experimentally observed tensile properties of the composites were compared with the existing models of reinforced composites. The surface morphology and fiber surface treatments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Biodegradation of chemically modified lignocellulosic sisal fibers: study of the mechanism for enzymatic degradation of cellulose
Authors: Saha Prosenjit , Roy Debasis , Manna Suvendu , Chowdhury Sukanya , Banik Sruti , Sen Ramkrishna , Jo Jae-Ok , Kim Jin Kuk , Adhiikari Basudam
Published: May 2015

The susceptibility and characteristics of biological degradation of lignocellulosic fibers, such as sisal fibers, are presented in this study using a modified soil burial test (SBT) protocol. The biodegradation profile of untreated sisal fibers as well as of fibers treated with an alkaline emulsion of neem oil and phenolic resin was evaluated by estimating the enzymatic activities during the exposure of fibers to a soil/compost mix. Observation of the results indicated that biodegradation of the fibers was predominated by enzymatic hydrolysis of amorphous materials followed by degradation of crystalline cellulose. It was also evident that “oil-resin” treatment makes the fibers more resistant to biodegradation owing to the removal of amorphous materials, enhanced hydrophobicity, and possible chemical alteration of the surface hydroxyl groups of the fiber surface. This research aims to establish a systematic knowledge on the biodegradation profile of fiber components using a state-of-the-art protocol for SBT.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of carbon spheres using citric-acid-catalyzed carbonization of starch
Authors: Supriya B.S. , Nagaraja P. , Byrappa K.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of well-dispersed carbon spheres using starch as a carbon source, citric acid as a catalyst, and distilled water as a medium without involving any organic solvent at 120–150°C for 16 h under hydrothermal treatment is presented. The use of citric acid promoted starch dehydration and allowed the use of a lower hydrolysis temperature. Under similar conditions the formation of carbon spheres was not possible in the absence of citric acid. We noticed the significant effect of temperature on the particle size and shape. The particle size increased with the increase in temperature. The synthesized carbon spheres were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy.
Disinfection procedures for in vitro propagation of Anthurium
Authors: Silva Jaime A. Teixeira da , Winarto Budi , Dobránszki Judit , Zeng Songjun
Published: May 2015

Disinfection of plant material is the most important step of the tissue culture protocol. In this process, an attempt is made to eliminate microbial contaminants from the surface and interior of plant material, thus giving the explant a fighting chance at survival in vitro. Initial cultures of Anthurium species and cultivars, which are usually established from ex vitro material grown in a greenhouse, pots or in the field, easily contaminate the in vitro milieu. This review highlights the differences in disinfection protocols that exist for different species or cultivars of Anthurium. The protocol needs to be adjusted based on the material used: spadices, spathes, seeds, leaves, or roots. Regrettably, most of the currently published protocols, derived from a literature that spans over 100 published papers, have numerous weaknesses and flaws in the information provided pertaining to disinfection and infection levels. Advice for future Anthurium researchers should thus be followed cautiously.
Vineyard performance and fruit quality of some interspecific grapevine cultivars in cool climate conditions
Authors: Gąstoł Maciej
Published: May 2015

A study of 13 grapevine cultivars was carried out in a vineyard located near Krakow (Poland) in order to identify the most suitable grapevine cultivars for cool climate regions. The vines’ vigour, yield and the yield efficiency index were studied in the years 2010-2013. The grapes were analysed to determine soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, total polyphenol content (TPC) as well as fruit antioxidant activity (FRAP). Moreover, organic acid concentrations (tartaric, malic, citric and ascorbic) were ascertained. Significant fluctuations in yield and quality were caused by variable climatic conditions during the vegetation period, especially before the vintage. SSC varied from 15.7°Brix (‘Swenson Red’) to 20.8°Brix (‘Frontenac’). The highest sugar:acid ratio was measured for ‘Regent’ as well as for ‘Hibernal’ and ‘Muskat Odesskij’ among white grapes. The lowest concentration of tartaric acid was measured for ‘Frontenac’ (1.03 g L-1) as well as ‘Jutrzenka’ (1.76 g L-1). The latter cultivar tended to accumulate one of the highest amounts of malic and citric acid. The highest total polyphenol content along with outstanding antioxidant activity was measured for the following red cultivars: ‘Frontenac’, ‘Leon Millot’ and ‘Marechal Foch’. The most promising cultivars were ‘Seyval Blanc’, ‘Aurora’ and ‘Regent’, which performed well in terms of their moderate vigour, increased fruitfulness and consistently higher yields.
Traditional versus modern apple cultivars – a comparison of juice composition
Authors: Dobrowolska-Iwanek Justyna , Gąstoł Maciej , Adamska Agnieszka , Krośniak Mirosław , Zagrodzki Paweł
Published: May 2015

Apples are rich in components that are important for human health, such as polyphenols, organic acids and microelements, but their chemical composition varies with different apple cultivars. We aimed to find out if there is any superiority in traditionally grown apple cultivars in terms of their fruits’ bioactive components content. Juice from two traditionally grown apple cultivars, ‘Mutsu’ and ‘Reinette Simirenko’, was compared to eight popular apple cultivars, ‘Jonagold’, ‘Jonagold Decosta’, ‘Jonica’, ‘Šampion’, ‘Gloster’, ‘Elise’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Rubin’, and the results are presented. In the study we determined several major and minor nutrient elements, organic acids, phenolic content as well as the antioxidant activity of apple juice made from different cultivars, both modern and traditionally grown. Antioxidant activity determined as FRAP varied from 1.12 (‘Elise’) to 12.10 (‘Jonagold’) mmol Fe dm-3. The concentration of polyphenols fell between 0.16 (‘Elise’) and 1.30 (‘Jonagold’) mg ml-1 gallic acid equivalent. Malic acid concentration was highest in ‘Reinette Simirenko’ and ‘Mutsu’ (6.58 and 5.84 g dm-3, respectively) and lowest for ‘Jonagold’ (3.73 g dm-3). The microelement concentrations for the apple cultivar juices were as follows: 8-24 mg dm-3 for Na, 567-1022 mg dm-3 for K, 26.9-59.4 mg dm-3 for Mg and 0.105-0.201 mg dm-3 for Zn. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly positive correlation between total polyphenols and antioxidant activity (r = 0.98, p = 0.001).

The study revealed that modern apples had the same or higher value of bioactive compounds in comparison to the older varieties. The highest pro-health activity among the investigated apple cultivars was found in the ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Rubin’ cultivars. Other studied cultivars - with the exception of the older ones, ‘Reinette Simirenko’ and ‘Mutsu’ - had much smaller pro-health activity. Therefore, ‘Reinette Simirenko’ and ‘Mutsu’ can be a worthwhile alternative for consumers in the future.
Estimation of the macro- and micronutrient status of raspberries grown in the Lublin region
Authors: Dresler Sławomir , Bednarek Wiesław , Tkaczyk Przemysław , Hawrylak-Nowak Barbara
Published: May 2015

Environmental monitoring was conducted in the Lublin region in 2009-2012 aimed at the assessment of the supply of several macro- and micronutrients in raspberries plants. The plantations studied were located in eight main regions for the growing of raspberries (Bełżyce, Chodel, Godziszów, Kraśnik, Lublin, Międzyrzec Podlaski, Opole Lubelskie and Urzędów). The contents of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and boron (B) were determined in raspberry leaves. Furthermore, the impact of select soil properties on the content of essential elements in the leaves was assessed. The results obtained revealed the suitable N, P, K, Mg, B, Zn and Cu supplies in the plants. However, the mean content of Mn greatly exceeded the optimal level recommended for this species. Also, the content of Fe in some regions was above the optimal value. The calculated correlation coefficients between soil properties and the content of the elements in raspberry leaves suggest that these variables were interdependent in only a few cases.
Influence of biological products on the growth and development of large-fruited cranberry under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Derkowska Edyta , Paszt Lidia Sas , Szwonek Eugeniusz
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of various biological fertilizers on the growth and development of plants of the large-fruited cranberry and the degree of mycorrhizal association in their roots under controlled conditions. Plants of the ‘Pilgrim’, ‘Stevens’ and ‘Ben Lear’ cranberry cultivars were planted in rhizoboxes filled with soils collected from the areas of Krojczyn and Motoga. The following experimental treatments with fertilizers were applied: control plants, plants fertilized with NPK, a bacterial-mycorrhizal consortium, Vinassa, lignite + Vinassa, Florovit Natura and the fertilizer Crop-UP. The study has shown that there was a tendency to stimulate the vegetative growth and development of cranberry plants through the use of bio-fertilizers and beneficial fungi obtained from the rhizosphere of these plants. There was a tendency for the fresh and dry weight of cranberry shoots to increase, especially in ‘Ben Lear’, under the influence of the bio-fertilizer Florovit Natura when compared with the control plants fertilized with NPK. Compared with the NPK control, all of the bio-fertilizers significantly increased mycorrhizal frequency in the roots of the tested plants of the large-fruited cranberry, with the exception of Crop-UP and lignite compost used in conjunction with Vinassa in ‘Stevens’. No statistically significant differences were obtained for plant size and root colonisation by ericoid fungi in the plants grown in the soil from the areas of Motoga and Krojczyn.
Space-Time-Coded Adaptive Spatial Modulation in Wireless MIMO Communication Systems
Authors: Wang Shilian , Wang Fanggang , Li Zhao
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we consider a wireless multi-antenna system using a promising technique, i.e., spatial modulation, and propose an adaptive spatial modulation (ASM) scheme embedded Alamouti space-time block coding (STBC). Instead of selecting one active antenna in each transmission in conventional ASM, we activate two antennas as one antenna group simultaneously to encode the information bits into Alamouti code blocks, each of which needs two channels used. Two detection schemes are presented in different channel conditions, i.e., the maximum likelihood (ML) detection and an adaptive modulation-order selection algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme improves the error performance and provides larger diversity gain compared to conventional spatial modulation and adaptive spatial modulation.
Bit Stream Recognition and Analysis in Cognitive Radio
Authors: Jondral Friedrich K.
Published: May 2015

Cognitive radios (CRs) observe their environment, learn from it and take their findings into account when dealing with signal reception or transmission. Until now, essentially spectral observations are under discussion in the CR context. Smart spectrum sensing may allow secondary or opportunistic use of spectrum and lead to dynamic spectrum access. In this paper we investigate a CR that also employs spectrum sensing but additionally may take results of modulation recognition as well as bit stream recognition into account when tuning its receiver. Bit stream analysis as an essential prerequisite to bit stream recognition is introduced as well. In data communications, bit streams play a prominent role in burst and frame structures, scrambling, synchronization, error correction coding or ciphering. Since modulation recognition found reasonable attention in recent publications, we here concentrate on bit stream recognition and analysis in a CR.
Role of sea-level change in deep water deposition along a carbonate shelf margin, Early and Middle Permian, Delaware Basin: implications for reservoir characterization
Authors: Li Shunli , Yu Xinghe , Li Shengli , Giles Katherine A.
Published: May 2015

The architecture and sedimentary characteristics of deep water deposition can reflect influences of sea-level change on depositional processes on the shelf edge, slope, and basin floor. Outcrops of the northern slope and basin floor of the Delaware Basin in west Texas are progressively exposed due to canyon incision and road cutting. The outcrops in the Delaware Basin were measured to characterize gravity flow deposits in deep water of the basin. Subsurface data from the East Ford and Red Tank fields in the central and northeastern Delaware Basin were used to study reservoir architectures and properties. Depositional models of deep water gravity flows at different stages of sea-level change were constructed on the basis of outcrop and subsurface data. In the falling-stage system tracts, sandy debris with collapses of reef carbonates are deposited on the slope, and high-density turbidites on the slope toe and basin floor. In the low-stand system tracts, deep water fans that consist of mixed sand/mud facies on the basin floor are comprised of high- to low-density turbidites. In the transgression and high-stand system tracts, channel-levee systems and elongate lobes of mud-rich calciturbidite deposits formed as a result of sea level rise and scarcity of sandy sediment supply. For the reservoir architecture, the fan-like debris and high-density turbidites show high net-to-gross ratio of 62 %, which indicates the sandiest reservoirs for hydrocarbon accumulation. Lobe-like deep water fans with net-to-gross ratio of 57 % facilitate the formation of high quality sandy reservoirs. The channel-levee systems with muddy calciturbidites have low net-to-gross ratio of 30 %.
New predatory cockroaches (Insecta: Blattaria: Manipulatoridae fam.n.) from the Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber
Authors: Vršanský Peter , Bechly Günter
Published: May 2015

We describe a new extinct lineage Manipulatoridae (new family) of cockroaches from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar. Manipulator modificaputis gen. et sp. n. is a morphologically unique extinct cockroach that represents the first (of a total of 29 known worldwide) cockroach family reported exclusively from the Myanmar amber. This family represents an early side branch of the stem group of Mantodea (most probably a sister group of Eadiidae within Blattaria/Corydioidea) because it has some synapomorphies with the Mantodea (including the stem group and Eadiidae). This family also retains symplesiomorphies that exclude a position in the crown group, and furthermore has unique autapomorphies that exclude a position as a direct ancestor of Mantodea. The unique adaptations such as strongly elongated extremities and freely movable head on a long neck suggest that these animals were pursuit predators. Five additional specimens (including two immatures) reported from the Myanmar amber suggest that this group was relatively rare but belonged to the indigenous and autochthonous inhabitants of the ancient amber forest of the Myanmar region.
Upper Miocene endemic lacustrine gastropod fauna of the Turiec Basin: addressing taxonomic, paleobiogeographic and stratigraphic issues
Authors: Neubauer Thomas A. , Harzhauser Mathias , Pipík Radovan
Published: May 2015

The present work displays the first detailed taxonomic study on the freshwater gastropod fauna of the Upper Miocene Lake Turiec. Apart from several mentions of species and genus names in the literature, the mollusc fauna has been poorly studied up to now. Some of the cited genera implied peculiar paleobiogeographic relationships, urging a taxonomic investigation to either prove or revise such arising claims. Variable degrees of preservation, however, limited the possibility to identify all the fossils at species level. The fauna includes at least ten species, of which five turned out to be new to science. Four of those were sufficiently well preserved to be described as new species, namely Viviparus pipiki Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp., Melanopsis glaubrechti Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp., Tournouerina turiecensis Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp., and Radix kovaci Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp. Additionally, the new genus Popovicia Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. gen. is introduced for the primary homonym Metohia Popović, 1964 non Absolon, 1927. Most importantly, this taxonomic study revises many of the names cited in the literature and proves most of the alleged paleobiogeographic relationships wrong. The only biogeographic and stratigraphic surprise is the record of Popovicia cf. compressa, a species described from lower Pliocene deposits of the Metohia Basin in Kosovo. The majority of the fauna, however, has only been documented for the Turiec Basin, once more confirming the high degree of its endemicity. The faunal relationships indicate a latest Middle to early Late Pannonian (Middle to Late Tortonian) age, which is in agreement with available age models.
Polyphase tectonic evolution of the Aksu Basin, Isparta Angle (Southern Turkey)
Authors: Üner Serkan , Özsayin Erman , Kutluay Alkor , Dirik Kadir
Published: May 2015

The Aksu Basin, within the Isparta Angle, is located to the north of the intersection of the Aegean and Cyprus arcs and has been evolving since the Middle Miocene. Correlation of: (1) kinematic analysis of fault planes that cut the basin fill, (2) the reactivation/inversion of fault planes and (3) sedimentological data indicate that the Aksu Basin has evolved by four alternating compressional and extensional tectonic phases since its formation. The first phase was NW-SE oriented compression caused by the emplacement of the Lycian Nappe units which ended in Langhian. This compressional phase that induced the formation and the initial deformation of the basin was followed by a NW-SE extensional phase. This tectonic phase prevailed between the Langhian and Messinian and was terminated by a NE-SW compressional regime known as the Aksu Phase. The neotectonic period is characterized by NE-SW extension and began in the Late Pliocene. Correlation with the existing tectonic literature shows that the order of deformational phases proposed in this study might also be valid for the entire Isparta Angle area.
Attitudes of medical students toward disabilities in Nigeria
Authors: Ajuwon Paul M. , Afolabi Lesi Foluso Ebun , Odukoya Oluwakemi , Melia Carrie
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the attitudes of dental and medical students toward disability issues in Nigeria. The setting was the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. The researchers surveyed two groups of 500-level students (i.e., 142 medical and 42 dental students). Participants voluntarily and anonymously completed a survey in July 2013 after a year-long exposure to disabilities in class modules and community-based experiences. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The researchers found three factors, namely: caring for children with disabilities, eliminating disabilities and outlook toward disabilities. Participants exhibited the greatest sympathy toward caring for children with disabilities and for eliminating disabilities. However, participants overall had a negative outlook toward individuals with disabilities. Additionally, younger participants and female participants tended to be more sympathetic toward individuals with disabilities. Although the trends found in this research were largely positive, the researchers identified some negative patterns. Specifically, participants admitted to feeling frustrated while caring for individuals with disabilities. They also reported feeling that families of children with disabilities do not love and care for their children as much as other families. These findings, among other things, indicate that medical students in Nigeria could benefit from further education about disabilities.
Optimal parameters for the Green-Ampt infiltration model under rainfall conditions
Authors: Chen Li , Xiang Long , Young Michael H. , Yin Jun , Yu Zhongbo , Genuchten Martinus Th. van
Published: May 2015

The Green-Ampt (GA) model is widely used in hydrologic studies as a simple, physically-based method to estimate infiltration processes. The accuracy of the model for applications under rainfall conditions (as opposed to initially ponded situations) has not been studied extensively. We compared calculated rainfall infiltration results for various soils obtained using existing GA parameterizations with those obtained by solving the Richards equation for variably saturated flow. Results provided an overview of GA model performance evaluated by means of a root-meansquare- error-based objective function across a large region in GA parameter space as compared to the Richards equation, which showed a need for seeking optimal GA parameters. Subsequent analysis enabled the identification of optimal GA parameters that provided a close fit with the Richards equation. The optimal parameters were found to substantially outperform the standard theoretical parameters, thus improving the utility and accuracy of the GA model for infiltration simulations under rainfall conditions. A sensitivity analyses indicated that the optimal parameters may change for some rainfall scenarios, but are relatively stable for high-intensity rainfall events.
Analysis of flood events in Slovenian streams
Authors: Bezak Nejc , Horvat Alja , Šraj Mojca
Published: May 2015

The detailed analysis of individual flood event elements, including peak discharge (Q), flood event volume (V), and flood event duration (D), is an important step for improving our understanding of complex hydrological processes. More than 2,500 flood events were defined based on the annual maximum (AM) peak discharge from 50 Slovenian gauging stations with catchment areas of between 10 and 10,000 km2. After baseflow separation, the stations were clustered into homogeneous groups and the relationships between the flood event elements and several catchment characteristics were assessed. Different types of flood events were characteristic of different groups. The flashiness of the stream is significantly connected with mean annual precipitation and location of the station. The results indicate that some climatic factors like mean annual precipitation and catchment related attributes as for example catchment area have notable influence on the flood event elements. When assessing the dependency between the pairs of flood event elements (Q, V, D), the highest correlation coefficients were obtained for the Q-V pair. The smallest correlations or no correlations were observed between the Q and D variables.
Linear stability analysis reveals exclusion zone for sliding bed transport
Authors: Talmon Arnold M.
Published: May 2015

A bend or any another pipe component disturbs solids transport in pipes. Longitudinal pressure profiles downstream of such a component may show a stationary transient harmonic wave, as revealed by a recent settling slurry laboratory experiment. Therefore the fundamental transient response of the two-layer model for fully stratified flow is investigated as a first approach. A linear stability analysis of the sliding bed configuration is conducted. No stationary transient harmonic waves are found in this analysis, but adaptation lengths for exponential recovery are quantified. An example calculation is given for a 0.1 m diameter pipeline.

Also consequences for long stretches of pipe line emerged. A so far undiscovered exclusion zone is found in the I-V diagram. This exclusion zone is situated adjacent to the deposit limit velocity locus curve. This simplified physical system reveals that flow velocities should be taken about 10% greater than the calculated maximum deposit limit velocity for stable converging flow.
Bacteria transport and retention in intact calcareous soil columns under saturated flow conditions
Authors: Farrokhian Firouzi Ahmad , Homaee Mehdi , Klumpp Erwin , Kasteel Roy , Tappe Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

Study of bacterial transport and retention in soil is important for various environmental applications such as groundwater contamination and bioremediation of soil and water. The main objective of this research was to quantitatively assess bacterial transport and deposition under saturated conditions in calcareous soil. A series of leaching experiments was conducted on two undisturbed soil columns. Breakthrough curves of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Cl were measured. After the leaching experiment, spatial distribution of bacteria retention in the soil columns was determined. The HYDRUS-1D one- and two-site kinetic models were used to predict the transport and deposition of bacteria in soil. The results indicated that the two-site model fits the observed data better than one-site kinetic model. Bacteria interaction with the soil of kinetic site 1 revealed relatively fast attachment and slow detachment, whereas attachment to and detachment of bacteria from kinetic site 2 was fast. Fast attachment and slow detachment of site 1 can be attributed to soil calcium carbonate that has favorable attachment sites for bacteria. The detachment rate was less than 0.02 of the attachment rate, indicating irreversible attachment of bacteria. High reduction rate of bacteria was also attributed to soil calcium carbonate.
Sensitivity of multiple first trimester sonomarkers in fetal aneuploidy detection
Authors: Chanprapaph Pharuhas , Dulyakasem Chitnapin , Phattanchindakun Buraya
Published: May 2015

Background: Multiple first trimester aneuploidy sonomarkers have been introduced recently.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of first trimester sonomarkers in fetal aneuploidy detection without serum markers.

Methods: There were entirely 280 fetuses with 11–13+6 weeks’ gestation (crown-rump -length between 45–84 mm) enrolled to assess nuchal translucency thickness (NT), nasal bone (NB), tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and ductus venosus (DV) flow. The performance of each single marker and multiple markers for major fetal aneuploidy screening were determined.

Results: Totally, 190 fetuses (67.85%) underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis with 14 major chromosome abnormalities identified including 4 cases of trisomy 21, 4 cases of trisomy 18, 3 cases of trisomy 13 and 3 cases of 45, XO. NT was the most accurate single marker with sensitivity of 71.43% and false-positive rate (FPR) of 4.14% while NB or TR was the most specific marker (99.6%) but lacked sensitivity. Among multiple first trimester-screening sonomarkers, NT plus TR evaluation were the most sensitive test (78.57%) with FPR of 4.76%.

Conclusion: NT was the most accurate first trimester-screening marker for fetal aneuploidy. NT plus TR assessment as double-screening markers could improve the sensitivity by 7% leading to the lower number of unnecessary invasive prenatal diagnosis.
The impact of selected planned motorways and expressways on the potential accessibility of the Polish-Slovak borderland with respect to tourism development
Authors: Michniak Daniel , Więckowski Marek , Stępniak Marcin , Rosik Piotr
Published: May 2015

Further tourism development in the Polish-Slovak borderland, as well as its overall economic development, depends on the construction of a motorway and expressway network. This paper analyses the impact of selected planned motorways and expressways (D1, A4, D3/S69, R1/R3/S7, and R4/S19) on the potential accessibility of the Polish-Slovak borderland with respect to the development of tourism. The most important investment project in Slovakia is the completion of the (started) D1 motorway. The R4/S19 and the R1/R3/S7 expressways and the D3 motorway/S69 expressway are expected to contribute to improved cross-border connections.
van Inwagen’s Argument for the Existence of Fictional Characters. An Evaluation and Critique
Authors: Rami Dolf
Published: May 2015

This essay will be concerned with an evaluation, modification and critique of van Inwagen’s famous argument for the existence of fictional characters. Firstly, a reconstruction of the original argument will be provided and three different challenges for the original version of the argument will be pointed out. Secondly, there will be a more detailed investigation of the weaknesses pointed out. It will be shown how they can be cleared, and a modified, less problematic, alternative version of the argument will be proposed. Thirdly and finally, three different possible options that an irrealist concerning fictional characters has to respond to our modified argument will be evaluated. The view will be defended that the irrealist can make use of a substitutional interpretation of specific fictional generalisations based on a negative free logic to undermine the modified argument in a plausible way.
Neonatal Prophylaxis: Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency Haemorrhage and Neonatal Ophthalmia / Neonatalna Profilaksa: Preprečevanje Krvavitev Zaradi Pomanjkanja Vitamina K in Neonatalne Oftalmije
Authors: Jug Došler Anita , Petročnik Petra , Mivšek Ana Polona , Zakšek Teja , Skubic Metka
Published: May 2015

Introduction. The aim of the study was to explore two aspects of neonatal prophylaxis: the application of the vitamin K injection to the newborns and the prophylaxis against chlamydial and gonococcal eye infections, comparing Slovenian and Croatian practices.

Methods. A causal non-experimental method of quantitative empirical approach was used. The data was collected by means of predesigned questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to 14 Slovenian and 32 Croatian birth hospitals. The data wasanalysed with descriptive statistics and the Kullback test.

Results. Vitamin K is applied to all newborns in 9 (out of 14) Slovene and 22 (out of 32) Croatian birth hospitals that returned the questionnaire. The prophylaxis against chlamydial gonococcal eye infections is applied to all newborns in 9 Slovene and 16 Croatian birth hospitals that offered answers to the questionnaire. The majority of Slovene and Croatian birth hospitals perform these procedures in the first hour after birth. The majority of Slovene birth hospitals still apply vitamin K in the gluteal muscle, whereas the majority of Croatian birth hospitals usually use the thigh as an injection site. In Slovenia, 1 % Targesin is used for the prophylaxis against chlamydial and gonococcal eye infections, whereas in Croatia the prevailing medicine is Erythromycin.

Conclusions. The possibility of oral vitamin K application should be offered to parents, and pain management in practice should be discussed. The form of written informed consent could be offered to parents. Health professionals should provide intimacy and exclude routine procedures in the first couple of hours after birth. However, more research is needed as delayed administration might be related to lower efficacy and, as a consequence of that, the safety of newborns is questionable.
A Comparison of Dietary Habits Between Recreational Runners and a Randomly Selected Adult Population in Slovenia / Primerjava Prehranskih Navad Rekreativnih Tekačev In Naključno Izbranih Odraslih Ljudi V Sloveniji
Authors: Škof Branko , Rotovnik Kozjek Nada
Published: May 2015

Introduction. The aim of the study was to compare the dietary habits of recreational runners with those of a random sample of the general population. We also wanted to determine the influence of gender, age and sports performance of recreational runners on their basic diet and compliance with recommendations in sports nutrition.

Methods. The study population consisted of 1,212 adult Slovenian recreational runners and 774 randomly selected residents of Slovenia between the ages of 18 and 65 years. The data on the dietary habits of our subjects was gathered by means of two questionnaires. The following parameters were evaluated: the type of diet, a food pattern, and the frequency of consumption of individual food groups, the use of dietary supplements, fluid intake, and alcohol consumption.

Results. Recreational runners had better compliance with recommendations for healthy nutrition than the general population. This pattern increased with the runner’s age and performance level. Compared to male runners, female runners ate more regularly and had a more frequent consumption of food groups associated with a healthy diet (fruit, vegetables, whole grain foods, and low-fat dairy products). The consumption of simple sugars and use of nutritional supplements by well-trained runners was inadequate with values recommended for physically active individuals.

Conclusion. Recreational runners are an exemplary population group that actively seeks to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Anxiety, Self-Esteem and Coping With Stress in Secondary School Students in Relation to Involvement in Organized Sports / Anksioznost, Samospoštovanje In Spoprijemanje S Stresom Pri Srednješolcih V Povezavi Z Vključenostjo V Organizirano Športno Aktivnost
Authors: Dolenc Petra
Published: May 2015

Aim. The objective of the study was to examine self-esteem, anxiety level and coping strategies among secondary school students in relation to their involvement in organized sports.

Methods. The sample included 280 Slovenian male and female secondary school students aged between 15 and 19 years. The participants completed The Adolescent Coping Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the PSDQ Selfesteem Scale.

Results. Participants engaged in organized sports exhibited higher self-esteem scores and lower anxiety scores in comparison to non-sport participants. Differences between the two groups have also been identified with respect to the use of certain coping strategies. Sport participants reported more productive coping than non-sport participants, which represents an active and problem-focused approach to dealing with everyday problems. Gender differences in the referred variables have also been studied, with female athletes exhibiting higher levels of anxiety than male athletes. Female participants were also found to use more non-productive coping than males, focused mainly on reducing emotional effects of stress.

Conclusions. Organized youth sports have an important role in improving and maintaining a favorable sense of self-worth, reducing anxiety, and promoting productive coping strategies in adolescents when dealing with everyday problems.
Partitions of networks that are robust to vertex permutation dynamics
Authors: Froyland Gary , Kwok Eric
Published: May 2015

Minimum disconnecting cuts of connected graphs provide fundamental information about the connectivity
structure of the graph. Spectral methods are well-known as stable and efficient means of finding
good solutions to the balanced minimum cut problem. In this paper we generalise the standard balanced bisection
problem for static graphs to a new “dynamic balanced bisection problem”, in which the bisecting cut
should be minimal when the vertex-labelled graph is subjected to a general sequence of vertex permutations.
We extend the standard spectral method for partitioning static graphs, based on eigenvectors of the Laplacian
matrix of the graph, by constructing a new dynamic Laplacian matrix, with eigenvectors that generate
good solutions to the dynamic minimum cut problem. We formulate and prove a dynamic Cheeger inequality
for graphs, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the dynamic Laplacian matrix for both structured and
unstructured graphs.
Courtesy and Politeness in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Authors: Jucker Andreas H.
Published: May 2015

A close reading of three selected passages of the Middle English alliterative romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight provides a detailed picture of fictional and fairy-tale manifestations of courtly and polite behaviour in Middle English, a period that imported many new terms of courtesy and politeness from French. In the three passages Sir Gawain is visited in his bedchamber by the lady of the house, who tries to seduce him and thus puts him in a severe dilemma of having to be courteous to the lady and at the same time loyal to his host and to the code of chivalry. The analysis shows how Sir Gawain and the lady of the house engage in a discursive struggle of the true implications of courteous behaviour. It also shows how the two characters use nominal and pronominal terms of address to negotiate their respective positions of power, dominance and submission towards each other. And, finally, an analysis of requests reveals how the lady carefully selects appropriate strategies to reflect the severity of the imposition of her requests and her momentary standing in their discursive struggle.
The stannides RE
3Au6Sn5 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) – synthesis, structure, magnetic properties and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Fickenscher Thomas , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Niehaus Oliver , Gerke Birgit , Haverkamp Sandra , Eckert Hellmut , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: May 2015

The Ce3Pd6Sb5-type rare earth stannides RE
3Au6Sn5 (RE
= La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing in open tantalum crucibles within sealed evacuated silica ampoules. The polycrystalline samples were studied by powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of three crystals were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Pmmn, a
= 1360.3(9), b
= 455.9(2), c
= 1023.6(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0275, 1069 F
2 values, 48 variables for Ce3Au6Sn5, a
= 1352.4(4), b
= 455.1(1), c
= 1023.7(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0367, 1160 F
2 values, 48 variables for Nd3Au6Sn5, and a
= 1339.8(2), b
= 452.80(7), c
= 1012.4(2) pm, wR2 = 0.1204, 1040 F
2 values, 49 variables for Sm3Au5.59(2)Sn5.41(2). One of the gold sites of the samarium compound shows a significant degree of Au/Sn mixing. The RE
3Au6Sn5 structures are composed of three-dimensional [Au6Sn5] polyanionic networks with the two crystallographically independent rare earth atoms in larger cages, i.e., RE1@Au10Sn6 and RE2@Au8Sn8. The [Au6Sn5] network is stabilized by Au–Sn (266–320 pm), Au–Au (284–301 pm) as well as Sn–Sn (320 pm; distances given for the cerium compound) interactions. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal an antiferromagnetic ordering only for Sm3Au6Sn5, while the other compounds exhibit Curie–Weiss paramagnetism. 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy shows resonances in the typical range for intermetallic tin compounds where tin takes part in the polyanionic network [isomer shifts between 1.73(1) and 2.28(1) mm·s−1]. With the help of theoretical electric field gradient calculations using the WIEN2k code it was possible to resolve the spectroscopic contributions of all three crystallographically independent atomic tin sites in the 119Sn spectra of RE
3Au6Sn5 (RE
= La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm).
Preconsolidation of Søvind Marl—A Highly Fissured Eocene Clay
Authors: Grønbech Gitte L. , Ibsen Lars B. , Nielsen Benjaminn N.
Published: May 2015

Determination of the preconsolidation stresses is a key tool in geotechnical engineering used to evaluate and estimate the behavior of soils. However, it has proven difficult to accurately estimate these stresses in highly fissured, overconsolidated clays, due to the influence of the fissured structure. In the current study, oedometer tests were performed on Søvind Marl, a plastic Eocene clay containing a large number of fissures and slickensides. Four incremental loading oedometer tests and four continuous loading oedometer tests were performed in order to determine the preconsolidation stresses. Multiple assessment methods were used to assess preconsolidation stresses based on the oedometer test data, results of which are presented and discussed on this paper. All of the test and interpretation methods yielded very similar results, with two possible values calculated as the preconsolidation stresses. However, only the upper stress bound is actually identified as being associated with preconsolidation; the lower bound is generated as a result of the collapse of the fissured structure in response to increasing stresses that were applied during testing. The upper bounds of the preconsolidation stresses of Søvind Marl were between 6300 and 8900 kPa, whereas the lower were between of 600 and 800 kPa.