bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathos: entre ação e carácter no Édipo Tirano de Sófocles
Authors: Colonnelli Marco Valério Classe
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo tem por finalidade analisar o pathos como técnica narrativa presente no enredo trágico de Sófocles, na obra Édipo Tirano. A análise centrou-se no diálogo entre as personagens nos três primeiros episódios da tragédia, com embasamento aristotélico sobre a manifestação das emoções (pathemata).
¿Un nuevo poema de Aristóteles o un error de transmisión textual? A propósito de Him. Or 40.40-55
Authors: Muñoz Llamosas Virginia
Published: January 2018

En este artículo se analizan las referencias que el orador Himerio de Prusa, en el siglo IV d. C., hace a dos poemas de Aristóteles dedicados a Hermias de Atarneo. Las noticias de Himerio presentan ciertas incongruencias con los fragmentos de Aristóteles editados por Ross y lo que conocemos de las circunstancias de composición de los poemas aristotélicos, lo que nos hace plantearnos si Himero, a pesar de esas incongruencias, se está refiriendo al epigrama editado por Ross, si habla de otro poema de Aristóteles desconocido hasta ahora (excepto por el testimonio de Himerio) o si hay algún tipo de error de transmisión textual.
A música métrica e a poética musical: influências da poética nos tratados de música portugueses nos séculos XVI-XIX
Authors: Paixão Ana
Published: January 2018

Desde o tratado de Tractado de Cãto Llano de Mateus de Aranda em 1533 até ao final do século xix, os tratadistas musicais portugueses procuraram incluir aspetos da poética nas respetivas obras teóricas. Entre outros aspetos, identificaram sequências rítmicas resultantes da utilização do metro, procedimento que António Fernandes designava, em 1626, de «música métrica». Vários outros tratadistas musicais evidenciaram a preocupação em adequar a música ao texto, incitando os compositores a uma «poética musical», isto é, ao conhecimento dos pés poéticos e à adaptação da partitura aos respetivos metros. É o que preconiza, por exemplo, Eugénio de Almeida no seu Tratado de Melodia de 1868 com exemplos de pés poéticos transcritos para pauta. Alguns tratadistas sugerem ainda analogias muito diretas entre o poeta e o músico, tal como Jerónimo Cardoso que, no Dictionarium Latino Lusitanicum de 1570, define «Musicus, i» da seguinte forma: «Ho musico, ou poeta». Evidenciar‑‑se‑‑ão também pontos de contacto entre poética e música, através de paralelismos, comparações, referências ou apropriação, abordando ainda o conceito de «música poética».
Eros y Thánatos en Camilo José Cela: Oficio de Tinieblas 5. Una visión a través de los mitos clássicos
Authors: Rodriguez-Moreno Inmaculada
Published: January 2018

El presente estudio analiza el planteamiento y función de los mitos clásicos en Oficio de tinieblas 5 de Camilo José Cela. En esta novela, los mitos sirven para conectar un pasado glorioso con un presente vil. Representan el ciclo muerte‑vida‑muerte. Esta secuencia cíclica está condicionada por el amor. Todas las historias míticas se muestran en un marco irónico, ancestral y proteico.
RAFFAELLI, Renato & Tontini, ALBA (coord.), Lecturae Plautinae Sarsinates XVIII. Stichus
Authors: Brandão José Luís
Published: January 2018

Recensão
Where is the information on USD/Bitcoin hourly prices?
Authors: Sebastião Helder , Duarte António Portugal , Guerreiro Gabriel
Published: January 2018

This paper analyses the price discovery in the USD/Bitcoin market since Mar‑2014 to Nov‑2016. The results show a positive relationship between the informational relevance of exchanges and their market shares. Information is mostly transmitted between exchanges within an hour, at least for the main exchanges, although lagged feedbacks occur from the major exchanges. Minor exchanges are merely satellite ones and react to price information with some delay. Bitfinex is the most important exchange: the lagged feedback from this exchange to the market is 18.3%, while the reverse feedback accounts only for 0.6% of the total feedback. Volatility in the major exchanges is the main factor explaining the feedback measures, which sustains the claim that the relative importance of the information-based component of volatility increases with the relative dimension of the exchange.
As reformas monetárias e o euro
Authors: Andrade João Sousa
Published: January 2018

The creation of the Euro is discussed in this text in the context of the monetary reforms historically proposed by economists. Our reflection is made in terms of monetary orders based on commodities, the consequences of the legal tender and not convertible money, and includes the proposals for the free money. The way the money supply is created, generating its own demand, is essential to understanding the new monetary order arising from the Euro. The 100 percent reserves reform, the Mervyn King’s proposal, and the extension of the function of lender of last resort are referred. We conclude by drawing attention to the need of an increased integration that leads to a more stable and credible Euro area, as well as to greater protection against financial shocks for Portugal after all.
Utilização de máquina de vetor de suporte para previsão de níveis de água subterrânea
Authors: Boeno Patricio Luiz Thiago , Freitas Gaiardo Guilherme , Silvério da Silva José Luiz
Published: January 2018

Este trabalho teve como objetivo utilizar uma técnica de regressão com Máquina de Vetor de Suporte para prever níveis diários de água subterrânea de um poço de monitoramento em aquífero livre no oeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, empregou-se séries temporais de nível estático e de precipitação pluviométrica, compreendidos em um período de monitoramento diário de 1468 observações. O intuito foi criar um modelo autorregressivo capaz de estimar os níveis de água subterrânea, a partir das séries históricas para horizontes de 120 e de 180 dias. Na etapa de teste do modelo, os ajustes das previsões realizadas apresentaram coeficientes de determinação estatístico (R²) de 0,89 e coeficientes de Nash-Sutcliffe (CNS) de 0,90, atestando a qualidade preditiva da metodologia empregada. Após a análise dos resíduos, constatou-se maior eficiência para a previsão de eventos de descarga, principalmente, para níveis estáticos altos. O uso da metodologia mostrou grande precisão para estimar os níveis de água subterrânea utilizando apenas as variáveis de nível estático e de precipitação, demonstrando grande aplicabilidade na área da hidrologia subterrânea.
Reagan’s Farewell Address: Redefining the American Dream
Authors: Rowland Robert C. , Jones John M.
Published: January 2018

This essay argues that President Ronald Reagan’s Farewell Address used a perfected and condensed form of ultimate definition consisting of an ideological argument, an underlying mythic narrative, and a value system. These three components served to redefine the American Dream and to reinforce the limited role of government, placing the responsibility for curing America’s ills on the individual rather than the federal government.
The safeguarding and preservation of the Built Heritage in old urban centres: a reflection on traditional stone masonry buildings' structural rehabilitation
Authors: Domingues José Carlos , Ferreira Tiago Miguel , Negrão João , Vicente Romeu
Published: January 2018

Following years of lack of maintenance, the high levels of degradation reached by a great part of the Portuguese old urban centres pose a threat not only to the building stock but also to an intangible heritage, composed of social relations, habits, customs and traditions. These areas constitute, in fact, an important heritage, that must be protected and enhanced, both through social revitalization and building rehabilitation. Based on this understanding, this article's objective is to reflect on the current state of the structural rehabilitation processes of the traditional stone masonry buildings, which make up the old urban centres, not only in Portugal but throughout Mediterranean Europe. It is understood that their constructive technology, different from the one that has been used in more recent decades, requires specific knowledge, approaches and methodologies, under penalty of compromising the historical authenticity and structural security of this heritage with under informed interventions.
Extended Mellin integral representations for the absolute value of the gamma function
Authors: Privault Nicolas
Published: January 2018

We derive Mellin integral representations in terms of Macdonald functions for the squared absolute value

s
↦

|

Γ
⁢

(

a
+

i
⁢
s

)

|

2

{s\mapsto|\Gamma(a+is)|^{2}}

of the gamma function and its Fourier transform when

a
<
0

{a<0}

is non-integer, generalizing known results in the case

a
>
0

{a>0}

.
This representation is based on a renormalization argument using modified Bessel functions of the second kind, and it applies to the representation of the solutions of a Fokker–Planck equation.
Market Analysis of Smallholder Goat Enterprise under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Yesufu Olufemi Adedotun , Kassali Rabirou , Aremu Fakunle John , Ojo Michael Olawale
Published: January 2018

Though smallholder goat enterprise has been a major source of livelihood in most African communities for ages, yet little efforts exist to explore its full potential through commercialization. While much has been done to improve agricultural production in the small-scale sector, little is known and documented about the current state of goat production and marketing in most parts of Nigeria. Using proportionate sampling, data were collected from 160 smallholder goat producers and 220 consumers making a total of 380 respondents for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analyses, multiple regression and Likert Scale Technique. The study showed that smallholder goat enterprise was female-dominated with majority aged between 51 - 60 years. The average cost, average revenue and gross margin per production season were ₦12,471.78, ₦16,755.51 and ₦4,904.61, respectively. The farmers realized ₦430.20, ₦450.80, ₦252.00 and ₦363.50 on a kilogram of buck, doe, male and female kids, respectively. Smallholder goat enterprise was profitable in the study area because the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) showed that every ₦100 invested per goat yielded ₦34.00 more and above the money invested. The multiple regression model analysis showed that management practice (P < 0.01), gender (P < 0.1), age of cost of medication (P < 0.01) and flock size (P < 0.05) significantly influence the profitability of smallholder goat production in the study area. The result of Likert’s scale indicated that 66.8 % of the consumers preferred goat meat to other meats because of its availability (56.8 %) and taste (22.3 %). Therefore, it is recommended that efforts should be put into commercializing goat enterprise in the tropics using the intensive system.
Effect of Socioeconomic Characteristics and Income Status on Onion Farmers Risk Attitude in Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Ayinde Opeyemi Eyitayo , Obalola Tohib Oyeyode
Published: January 2018

The study evaluates the effect of the socioeconomic variables and income on farmers risk attitude in Sokoto State. Data were elicited with the use of a structured questionnaire. The primary data used were obtained from structured questionnaire administered to 120 randomly selected farmers. Binary Logistic regression model was used in the analysis of data. The results showed that farmers’ age, farm size and access to extension service significantly influenced the farmers’ risk attitude. These were found to be statistically significant at (P < 0.05) level. The study therefore suggests that there is an apparent need for serious extension work to raise the awareness level of the farmers and to identify solutions to their problems as well as suggest ways on how such solutions can be achieved.
Game Theory Based Radio Resource Management Algorithm for Packet Access Cellular Networks
Authors: Varga Mihály , Polgár Zsolt Alfréd
Published: January 2018

The goal of Radio Resource Management (RRM) mechanisms is to allocate the transmission resources to the users such that the transmission requests are satisfied while several constraints are fulfilled. These constraints refer to low complexity and power consumption and high spectral efficiency and can be met by multidimensional optimization. This paper proposes a Game Theory (GT) based suboptimal solution to this multidimensional optimization problem. The results obtained by computer simulations show that the proposed RRM algorithm brings significant improvement in what concerns the average delay and the throughput, compared to other RRM algorithms, at the expense of somewhat increased complexity.
Multilevel Distributed Embedded System for Control of the DC Magnetron Sputtering Process
Authors: Fekete Albert-Zsombor , Kelemen András , Jakab-Farkas László
Published: January 2018

The paper presents in detail a unique multilevel control architecture designed for the comprehensive management of the DC magnetron sputtering process and of all subsystems of the sputtering equipment. The ultimate goal is to increase the repeatability, stability and the controllability of the complex process. The presented topics include embedded and distributed electronics, data acquisition and supervisory control, networking, data management, redundant local and remote data-archiving. There are presented platform independent algorithms managing the data exchange between computational devices, and conclusions are drawn regarding the efficiency of the various algorithms used.
The Great War: Cinema, Propaganda, and The Emancipation of Film Language
Authors: Stojanova Christina
Published: January 2018

The relation between war and cinema, propaganda and cinema is a most intriguing area, located at the intersection of media studies, history and film aesthetics. A truly tragic moment in human history, the First World War was also the first to be fought before film cameras. And while in the field, airborne reconnaissance became cinematic (Virilio), domestic propaganda occupied the screen of the newly emergent national cinemas, only to see its lucid message challenged and even subverted by the fast-evolving language of cinema. Part one of this paper looks at three non-fiction films, released in 1916:Battle of Somme, With Our Heroes at the Somme(Bei unseren Helden an der Somme) andBattle of Somme(La Bataille de la Somme), as paradigmatic propaganda takes on the eponymous historical battle from British, German and French points of view. Part two analyses two war-time Hollywood melodramas, David Wark Griffith’sHearts of the World(1918) and Allen Holubar’sThe Heart of Humanity(1919), and explains the longevity of the former with the powerful “text effect” of the authentic wartime footage included. Thus, while these WWI propaganda works do validate Virilio’s ideas of the integral connections between technology, war and cinema, and between cinema and propaganda, they also herald the emancipation of post-WWI film language.
Post-Modern, Post-National, Post-Gender? Suggestions for a Consideration of Gender Identities in the Visual Artworks and Moving Images of Neue Slowenische Kunst
Authors: Gravenor Natalie
Published: January 2018

Active since 1980, the multidisciplinary Slovenian art collective Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK, New Slovenian Art) and its branches, the fine arts group IRWIN, industrial music band Laibach and theatre troupe Gledališče Sester Scipion Nasice (The Scipion Nasice Sisters Theatre), have seen their works widely and often controversially discussed, most often in the context of subversion and over affirmation of totalitarian imagery, as well as the contemporary nation-state and nationalism. Gender, as another often essentialist category, has not figured prominently in the analysis of NSK’s output and impact. This paper proposes some areas (participation, representation) for investigation, as well as points of departure for a theoretical framework starting with key texts on gender by Judith Butler and R. W. Connell to analyse the moving images, performing and fine art produced within NSK in terms of the role gender plays therein, as well as its relationship to the construction of other defining categories such as nation and class.
The Chlorophytes of Curaçao (Caribbean): a revised checklist for the south-west coast
Authors: Fricke Anna , Titlyanova Tamara V. , Teichberg Mirta , Nugues Maggy M. , Bischof Kai
Published: January 2018

The global trend of unprecedented losses in coral reefs is particularly striking in the Caribbean, where dense algal assemblages are commonly replacing corals. So far, hardly anything is known about the ecology of the dominant algal groups. The present study compiled records of Chlorophytes from nine studies in the shallow reefs of Curaçao in the years preceding the onset of coral reef decline (1908–1978) and compared them with records from three recent (2007–2009) expeditions conducted at the same and nearby study locations along the south-west coast of the island. A total of 107 species were encountered, including seven new records for Curaçao (Anadyomene saldanhae, Bryopsis hypnoides, Chaetomorpha minima, Derbesia fastigiata, Ulva flexuosa subsp. paradoxa, Ulvella scutata and Ulvella lens). Sampled material revealed a higher species number during the dry seasons than during the wet seasons, indicating a seasonal variation in algal growth. Most species grew on hard substratum or were epibiotic, and 13 species were found growing on more than one substratum. Comparisons with earlier studies suggest an extension in depth range for nine species. The present work provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of Chlorophytes of the island and can serve as an important baseline for further research on coral reef ecosystem changes.
Reflections on the Role of Economic and Financial Management
Authors: Milandru Marius
Published: January 2018

The aim of this article is not merely to present economic and financial management but that of discovering and analyzing ways, in which its roles, as inseparable instruments of the micro- and microeconomic system, are defined, applied and rendered necessary within organizations. There are many ways to define economic and financial management, depending on the various approaches of authors, specialists or practitioners. At the same time, its roles sum up the essence of economic and financial processes. In fact, their implementation stands for what economic and financial management represents both as art and as science. Exercising the roles of economic and financial management correctly and efficiently is a prerequisite of the economic success of an organization. Failing to create or apply any of these roles, however insignificant its place might seem within the organization, would surely entail risks, vulnerability, and even failure.
Evaluation of the Nutrition of the Bulgarian Army Military Personnel During the Preparation for Participation in Expeditionary Operations
Authors: Nichev Nikolay
Published: January 2018

The development of the military art and of the rapidly changing security environment, define the developing and the formation of new capabilities for their management. The increasing importance of the Expeditionary Forces of NATO demands the developing of the national legislation, connected with the nutrition of the Bulgarian Army military personnel, participating in expeditionary operations. In response to the tasks, delegated to the armed forces during their participation in expeditionary operations, the provision of the units with food becomes a priority logistic capability.

The research is focused on the applicability of a new nutrition model in the Bulgarian Army, in compliance with the national and the physiological nutrition standards, with the resources security and with the specificity of the expeditionary operations, requiring a special expenditure of physical and neurological-psychological energy from the military personnel.
Working Together in Class
Authors: Pateşan Marioara
Published: January 2018

The scores obtained by the military students are very important as a lot of opportunities depend on them: the choice of the branch, selection for different in and off-campus activities, the appointment to the workplace and so on. A qualifier, regardless of its form of effective expression, can make a difference in a given context of issuing a value judgment, in relation to the student's performance assessment. In our research we tried to find out what motives students, what determines them to get actively involved in the tasks they are given and the ways we can improve their participation in classes and assignments. In order to have an educated generation we need to have not only well prepared teachers but ones that are open-minded, flexible and in pace with the methodological novelties that can improve the teaching learning process in class. Along the years we have noticed that in classes where students constituted a cohesive group with an increasing degree of interaction between members, the results were better than in a group that did not appreciate team-work. In this article we want to highlight the fact that a teacher can bring to class the appropriate methods and procedures can contribute decisively to the strengthening of the group cohesion and high scores.
Theoretical-Methodological Considerations on Maximizing the Effects of Arm Strikes in Contact Sports in Military Physical Education
Authors: Stănciulescu Robert
Published: January 2018

Due to the complex, unique, multiple demands they exert on the human body through the skills, competences and abilities, they develop as well as by contributing to the development of motor skills, fighting sports represent an effective way of preparing the military to respond to the rigors imposed by the modern war. The strikes with arms and with auxiliary equipment (light weapons, bayonets, raffles, daggers or small shovels) are part of the basic techniques used in close fight, which, if well-mastered, developed and perfected, contribute to the success of the battle.
When Politics is Quoted on the Stock Market. Case Study – Romania
Authors: Vasiu Diana Elena
Published: January 2018

The stock markets are considered to be the most sensitive markets, the variation of the titles course being generated by multiple objective and subjective factors. When social or political events take place, the stock market is rising or falling, and the press takes over and disseminates this information. Starting from this context, we analyze the measure in which the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE) reacted at times agitated from a social and political point of view, in the last period.
Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Raised Bed Wheat Cultivation
Authors: Zaman R. , Akanda A.R. , Biswas S.K. , Islam M.R.
Published: January 2018

The experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at the Regional Agricultural Research station, BARI, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh, to determine the water requirements of wheat on raised bed and the effect of different deficit irrigation on yield, water use efficiency and applied water productivity under raised bed wheat. This study consisted of following irrigation treatments: T1 = Irrigations up to 100% field capacity (FC) at crown root initiation (CRI), botting and grain filling stages (flat bed), T2 = Irrigations up to 100% FC at CRI, botting and grain filling stages on raised bed, T3 = Irrigations up to 80% FC at CRI, botting and grain filling stages on raised bed and T4 = Irrigations up to 60% FC at CRI, botting and grain filling stages on raised bed and laid out in a randomize complete block design with three replications. The result showed that significant effect of irrigation treatments were observed on plant height, spike per m2 and grain yield. Highest grain yield (4.66 t/ha) was obtained from treatment, irrigations up to 100% FC at CRI, botting and grain filling stages on raised bed, followed by irrigation up to 100% FC at same stages on flat bed. At raised bed wheat cultivation saving 14.30% water with increasing 15.66% grain yield than flat bed. Besides, comparing deficit irrigation (20% and 40% of full irrigation) and full irrigation condition on raised bed seeding system water use could be reduced about 4.18% to 5.57%, while scarifying 18.20% to 32.33% grain yield, where reduced 14.17% to 27.54% water use efficiency. Maximum applied water productivity 1.81 kg m−3 was observed in raised bed full irrigation condition. The rate of daily evaporation started to increase as the temperature started to rise and humidity started to decrease during the crop growing period. The results will be helpful for taking policy decision regarding efficient irrigation and water management under prevailing water scarce situation.
Status of Dhaincha Incorporated Soil After Rice Harvest in (Boro) Rice–Dhaincha–Rice (T. Aman) Cropping Pattern
Authors: Chanda Sontosh C. , Golam Sarwar A.K.M.
Published: January 2018

An experiment was conducted at Field Laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to find out the effect ofdhainchaincorporation on subsequent rice crop yield and postharvest soil nutrient status. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design having three replications. Ninedhainchaaccessions were used as experimental materials along with a control (withoutdhainchaplant). Seeds ofdhainchaaccessions were sown in experimental plot @ 60 kg ha−1. Sixty days olddhainchaplants were mixed up with soil. Soil samples were collected twice, before sowing ofdhainchaseeds and after rice crop harvest. Forty five days old healthy rice seedlings were transplanted in the well prepareddhainchaincorporated plots at the spacing of 15 cm x 25 cm (plant-plant x row-row). The pH and nutrient status were improved indhainchaincorporated soil over the control. The highest grain yield (5.81 t ha−1) was obtained fromdhainchaAcc. 33 incorporated plot followed by Acc. 25 (5.73 t ha−1) and the lowest in control (4.35 t ha−1). Due to the incorporation ofdhainchabiomass in soil, the rice grain yield increased 7.82% to 33.56% over the control. Among thedhainchaaccessions, number 33 showed the best performance in terms of influencing grain yield. A precise conclusion to be built up through collection of large number of germplasms from Bangladesh is needed.
Agronomical and Technological Performances of Some Early Cotton Cultivars Planted As Second Crop in Diyarbakir Condition, Turkey
Authors: Basbag S. , Ekinci R.
Published: January 2018

The opportunity to increase agricultural areas is limited, so that increasing demands can be achieved by producing more products from existent agricultural areas. Second cropping is a sustainable practice in which more than one crop is grown consecutive on the same ground. This study was carried out to determine agricultural and technological properties of growing cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) as second crop on stubble of ridge planted wheat in Diyarbakır. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of Dicle University Agricultural Faculty as randomize complete block design with three replications. Eight cotton varieties (Berke, Lachata, BA 119, STV 468, STV 373, Özbek 100, Fantom and DP 396) were used as material. Wheat, planting on ridge, was harvested approximately 10 cm above the soil surface June 12, 2012. Straws of harvested wheat were removed from the experimental area. Same day cotton varieties were planted two rows on each ridge. The results indicated that STV 468, Fantom and Berke in terms of seed cotton yield; Fantom, Berke in terms of fiber length; DP 396 and Berke interms of fiber strength had given the highest values. However, our study suggested that whether very earlier cotton varieties (Özbek 100, Berke and Fantom) are grown, cotton will be grown as second crop after ridge planted wheat in the stubble seedling under Diyarbakır ecological condition.
On the homotopy classification of proper Fredholm maps into a Hilbert space
Authors: Abbondandolo Alberto , Rot Thomas O.
Published: January 2018

We classify the homotopy classes of proper Fredholm maps from an infinite-dimensional Hilbert manifold into its model space in terms of a suitable version of framed cobordism. Our construction is an alternative approach to the classification introduced by Elworthy and Tromba in 1970 and does not make use of further structures on the ambient manifold, such as Fredholm structures.
In the special case of index zero, we obtain a complete classification involving the Caccioppoli–Smale mod 2 degree and the absolute value of the oriented degree.
Estimating Root Zone Moisture from Surface Soil Using Limited Data
Authors: Zeng Wen-Zhi , Lei Guo-Qing , Zhang Hong-Ya , Hong Ming-Hai , Xu Chi , Wu Jing-Wei , Huang Jie-Sheng
Published: January 2018

For estimation of root-zone moisture content from EO-1/Hyperion imagery, surface soil moisture was first predicted by hyperspectral reflectance data using partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. The textures of more than 300 soil samples extracted from a 900 m × 900 m field site located within the Hetao Irrigation District in China were used to parameterize the HYDRUS-1D numerical model. The study area was spatially discretized into 18,000 compartments (30 m × 30 m × 0.02 m), and Monte Carlo simulations were applied to generate 2000 different soil-particle size distributions for each compartment. Soil hydraulic properties for each realization were determined by application of artificial neural network analysis and used to parameterize HYDRUS-1D to simulate averaged soil-moisture contents within the root zone (0-40 cm) and surface (approximately 0-4 cm). Then the link between surface moisture and root zone was established by use of linear regression analysis, resulting in R and RMSE of 0.38 and 0.03, respectively. Kriging and co-kriging with observed surface moisture, and co-kriging with surface moisture obtained from Hyperion imagery were also used to estimate root-zone moisture. Results indicated that PLSR is a powerful tool for soil moisture estimation from hyperspectral data. Furthermore, co-kriging with observed surface moisture had the highest R (0.41) and linear regression model, and HYDRUS Monte Carlo simulations had a lowest RMSE (0.03) among the four methods. In regions that have similar climatic and soil conditions to our study area, a linear regression model with HYDRUS Monte Carlo simulations is a practical method for root-zone moisture estimation before sowing and it can be easily coupled with remote sensing technology.
The Effect of Landscape on the Diversity in Urban Green Areas
Authors: Kirichenko-Babko Marina , Łagód Grzegorz , Majerek Dariusz , Franus Małgorzata , Babko Roman
Published: January 2018

This article presented the results of a comparative analysis of carabid species compositions (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in urban green areas of the City of Lublin, Eastern Poland. In this study, the occurrence and abundance of ground beetles were analysed according to habitat preference and dispersal ability. A total of 65 carabid species were found in the three green areas. Obviously, the high species richness of ground beetles in the greenery of the Lublin is determined by the mostly undeveloped floodplain of the river Bystrzyca. The species richness of carabids and their relative abundance decrease in the assemblage of green areas under the effect of isolation of green patches and fragmentation of the semi-natural landscape elements in the urban environment. Generalists and open-habitat species significantly prevailed in all green areas. The prevailing of riparian and forest species at floodplain sites of the river Bystrzyca demonstrated the existence of a connection of the carabid assemblage with landscape of river valley. The Saski Park and gully “Rury” are more influenced by urbanization (fragmentation, isolation of green patches) and recreation that is consistent with the significant prevalence of open-habitats species in the carabid beetle assemblage.
Towards a more responsible sustainable innovation assessment and management culture in Europe
Authors: Popper Rafael , Popper Monika , Velasco Guillermo
Published: January 2018

This article presents new concepts and practical approaches resulting from the piloting of CASI-F - a common framework for the assessment and management of sustainable innovation (SI). Based on lessons learned from action research carried out in the context of the EU funded CASI project, the article focuses on the meta-analysis of 46 action roadmaps produced with 43 innovators supporting the practical application of CASI-F. The applied methodology helped to demonstrate that a multi-level and multi-actor advice approach promotes a shift towards improved understanding of innovations-related critical issues (barriers, drivers, opportunities and threats) and stakeholders’ relations, as well as their management, thus promoting the sustainable resilience and transformation of socio-technical systems. This paper first reflects on how we arrived to managerial lessons from the actions roadmaps and how could these lessons be used to assess the current state of affairs and potential way forward for European initiatives and instruments promoting sustainable innovation.
How do companies envisage the future? Functional foresight approaches
Authors: Kononiuk Anna , Sacio-Szymańska Anna , Gáspár Judit
Published: January 2018

The main aim of the paper is to present the synthesis of the results of methodological analysis conducted on examples of foresight projects executed in chosen companies representing four companies type: small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), nonprofit- organization, international corporations and consulting companies as well as to posit functional approach for the implementation of foresight research within organizations. The empirical part of the study is based on the qualitative approach. A multiple case study methodology is employed. The research objects are sixteen companies experienced in foresight research. The first part of the paper gives an overview of definitions of corporate foresight and the analysis of background that have influence on the conducting of foresight in large multinational companies on one side and SMEs on the other side. In the field of the theory of foresight research, the study demonstrates that there are different motivations for foresight introduction as well as different organizational structure of teams conducting the activities and the approaches that they use. In the practical perspective, the study and a detailed functional foresight approach proposed by authors could be valuable for SMEs who consider implementing foresight research into their strategic planning processes.
Teaching Environmental Management Competencies Online: Towards “Authentic” Collaboration?
Authors: Bell Simon , Lane Andy , Collins Kevin , Berardi Andrea , Slater Rachel
Published: January 2018

Environmental Management (EM) is taught in many Higher Education Institutions in the UK. Most this provision is studied full-time on campuses by younger adults preparing themselves for subsequent employment, but not necessarily as environmental managers, and this experience can be very different from the complexities of real-life situations. This formal academic teaching or initial professional development in EM is supported and enhanced by training and continuing professional development from the major EM Institutes in the UK orientated to a set of technical and transferable skills or competencies expected of professional practitioners. In both cases there can be a tendency to focus on the more tractable, technical aspects of EM which are important, but may prove insufficient for EM in practice. What is also necessary, although often excluded, is an appreciation of, and capacity to deal with, the messiness and unpredictability of real world EM situations involving many different actors and stakeholders with multiple perspectives and operating to various agendas. Building on the work of Reeves, Herrington, and Oliver (2002), we argue that EM modules need to include the opportunity to work towards the practice of authentic activities with group collaboration as a key pursuit. This paper reports on a qualitative study of our experiences with a selected sample taken from two on-line undergraduate EM modules for second and third year students (referred to respectively as Modules A and B) at the Open University, UK where online collaboration was a key component. Our tentative findings indicate that on-line collaboration is difficult to ensure as a uniform experience and that lack of uniformity reduces its value as an authentic experience. Whilst it can provide useful additional skills for EM practitioners the experience is uneven in the student body and often requires more time and support to engage with than originally planned.
Differences Between Regular and Distance Education in a Teacher’s Training Program
Authors: Zacharias Giannakoudakis , Yiannis Giossos
Published: January 2018

The aim of this research was to study the differences in social presence and autonomy concerning the two methods of education used in a training program for science teachers in the years 2015-2016. The first method was the traditional face to face and the other was the Distance Education method. In particular, the study focused on whether there are differences in the social presence and autonomy between the two teaching methods, and the teaching experience of the participants. A closed-type questionnaire of Likert type was used to collect the data, while t-test for independent samples was used for statistical analysis. The study indicated differences in the social presence and autonomy between the two methods of teaching.
A 10 GS/s time-interleaved ADC in 0.25 micrometer CMOS technology
Authors: Aytar Oktay , Tangel Ali , Afacan Engin
Published: January 2018

This paper presents design and simulation of a 4-bit 10 GS/s time interleaved ADC in 0.25 micrometer CMOS technology. The designed TI-ADC has 4 channels including 4-bit flash ADC in each channel, in which area and power efficiency are targeted. Therefore, basic standard cell logic gates are preferred. Meanwhile, the aspect ratios in the gate designs are kept as small as possible considering the speed performance. In the literature, design details of the timing control circuits have not been provided, whereas the proposed timing control process is comprehensively explained and design details of the proposed timing control process are clearly presented in this study. The proposed circuits producing consecutive pulses for timing control of the input S/H switches (ie the analog demultiplexer front-end circuitry) and the very fast digital multiplexer unit at the output are the main contributions of this study. The simulation results include +0.26/−0.22 LSB of DNL and +0.01/−0.44 LSB of INL, layout area of 0.27 mm2, and power consumption of 270 mW. The provided power consumption, DNL and INL measures are observed at 100 MHz input with 10 GS/s sampling rate.
Nonlinear power system model reduction based on empirical Gramians
Authors: Zhao Hongshan , Lan Xiaoming , Ren Hui
Published: January 2018

An effective nonlinear model reduction approach, empirical Gramians balanced reduction approach, is studied, to reduce the computation complexity in nonlinear power system model application. The realization procedure is: firstly, computing the empirical controllable and observable Gramians matrices of nonlinear power system model, secondly, by these two matrices, computing the balance transformation matrix to obtain the balanced system model of the original model, then, computing the controllable and observable matrices of the balanced system to obtain the diagonal Hankel singular matrix. Finally, deciding the lower-order subspace to obtain the reduced power system model. A 15-machine power system model is taken as an example to perform the reduction simulation analysis.
Asymptotic performance modelling of DCF protocol with prioritized channel access
Authors: Choi Woo-Yong
Published: January 2018

Recently, the modification of the DCF (Distributed Coordination Function) protocol by the prioritized channel access was proposed to resolve the problem that the DCF performance worsens exponentially as more nodes exist in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs. In this paper, an asymptotic analytical performance model is presented to analyze the MAC performance of the DCF protocol with the prioritized channel access.
Impact of impedance unbalance on the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution - A case study
Authors: Pavlov L’uboš , Skurčák L’uboš , Chovanec Juraj , Altus Juraj
Published: January 2018

This article is devoted to the analysis of the possible influence of impedance asymmetry on the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution in the electricity system in Slovakia, at a voltage level of 110 kV - 400 kV, using synchronic phasor monitoring results. For simplicity of calculations, in practice, the impedance imbalance from mutual interfacial inductive capacitances bonds is neglected. In this way, the 3-phase network is interpreted as symmetrical in the calculations. In this case, it is possible to determine only some components of losses (ohmic losses, corona loss, leakages, etc). The influence of impedance asymmetry can be quantified by calculation using the results of the monitoring of the synchronous phasors of selected electricity system elements (OHL, transformer, choke) or by 3-phase modelling of real system elements. frequency to test the transformer for induced over voltage test, and its characteristics is analysed.
Profinite groups and centralizers of coprime automorphisms whose elements are Engel
Authors: Acciarri Cristina , da Silveira Danilo Sanção
Published: January 2018

Let q be a prime, n a positive integer and A an elementary abelian group of order

q
r

{q^{r}}

with

r
≥
2

{r\geq 2}

acting on a finite

q
′

{q^{\prime}}

-group G.

We show that if all elements in

γ

r
-
1

⁢

(

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

)

{\gamma_{r-1}(C_{G}(a))}

are n-Engel in G for any

a
∈

A
#

{a\in A^{\#}}

, then

γ

r
-
1

⁢

(
G
)

{\gamma_{r-1}(G)}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k, and if, for some integer d such that

2
d

≤

r
-
1

{2^{d}\leq r-1}

, all elements in the dth derived group of

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

are n-Engel in G for any

a
∈

A
#

{a\in A^{\#}}

, then the dth derived group

G

(
d
)

{G^{(d)}}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k.

Assuming

r
≥
3

{r\geq 3}

, we prove that if all elements in

γ

r
-
2

⁢

(

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

)

{\gamma_{r-2}(C_{G}(a))}

are n-Engel in

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

for any

a
∈

A
#

{a\in A^{\#}}

, then

γ

r
-
2

⁢

(
G
)

{\gamma_{r-2}(G)}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k, and if, for some integer d such that

2
d

≤

r
-
2

{2^{d}\leq r-2}

, all elements in the dth derived group of

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

are n-Engel in

C
G

⁢

(
a
)

{C_{G}(a)}

for any

a
∈

A
#

,

{a\in A^{\#},}

then the dth derived group

G

(
d
)

{G^{(d)}}

is k-Engel for some

{
n
,
q
,
r
}

{\{n,q,r\}}

-bounded number k.

Analogous (non-quantitative) results for profinite groups are also obtained.
Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from the Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Rhizosphere
Authors: Jami Al-Ahmadi Majid , Mohammadi Abbas , Kohabadi Esmaeil Salehi
Published: January 2018

One purpose of assessing the soil alive and active community is the identification of beneficial bacteria to use them as biological fertilizers, replacing or supplementing synthetic fertilizers. Such biofertilizers are predicted for the sustainability of agricultural production, especially for low input systems such as saffron fields. The aim of this work was to isolate and identify saffron rhizobacteria and to evaluate their possible effects on saffron growth. During 2013/14, some bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of the saffron plantations of different age in Gol village, Birjand, Iran. In total, 12 bacteria species were identified based on phenotypic traits and 16S rDNA sequences analysis. The strains were identified as B. subtilis, B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. megaterium, Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, Escherichia coli, Pectobacterium sp. and Pantoea sp., with the dominant population belonging to the genus Bacillus. In the field study, inoculation of soil with these strains did not affect the leaf dry weight of the cultivated saffron, however, the strains of P. fluorescens increased the leaf area while P. fluorescens, Paenibacillus, Pectobacterium and B. megaterium increased the number of daughter corms and Azotobacter, B. cereus, B. subtilis and B. megaterium increased the corm weight. Our finding revealed that some bacteria present in the soil of perennial saffron plantations have a promising potential for developing as a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Impact of Antioxidants Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Ascorbic Acid on Patch Budding of Persian Walnut
Authors: Abbasifar Ahmadreza , Valizadehkaji Babak
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of antioxidants on the budding success of three walnut genotypes under greenhouse conditions. After stratification, seeds were planted in a greenhouse at the end of autumn. After about 20 months, the seedlings grew up to 80 cm. The budding was done using scions of Z30, Z60, and B21 genotypes. Scions were immersed in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or ascorbic acid in the concentrations 2, 3, and 4 g·dm−3 for 1 h before budding. Percentage of successful budding was determined after one month. The results showed that genotype significantly affected the percentage of budding success, but no interaction between genotype and treatments was found. The antioxidant solutions significantly affected all the parameters studied in this research. Ascorbic acid with 3 g·dm−3 resulted in the highest percentage of budding success (86.66%); no significant differences were observed with 4 g·dm−3 of ascorbic acid and 3 and 4 g·dm−3 of PVP. Furthermore, antioxidant solutions significantly affected the content of chlorophylls, and 3 g·dm−3 of ascorbic acid resulted in the highest content of chlorophylls in scion leaves.
24-Epibrassinolide Restores the Synthesis of Proteins and Amino Acids in Brassica juncea L. Leaves Under Imidacloprid Stress
Authors: Sharma Anket , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Thukral Ashwani , Bhardwaj Renu
Published: January 2018

Pesticides are applied to protect crops from a variety of insect pests but their application cause toxicity to plants that results, among others, in reduction of protein as well as amino acid contents. The present study is aimed at observing the effect of seed pre-soaking with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) on the protein and amino acid content in the leaves of Brassica juncea L. grown in soil that is amended with pesticide im-idacloprid (IMI). Soil amendment with IMI resulted in a decrease in the contents in leaves of total proteins and 21 amino acids studied. Seed soaking with 100 nM of EBL resulted in the recovery of total protein as well as amino acid contents in leaves, when compared with plants grown in only IMI amended soils.
PHKG2 mutation spectrum in glycogen storage disease type IXc: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Li Chunyun , Huang Lihua , Tian Lang , Chen Jia , Li Shentang , Yang Zuocheng
Published: January 2018

Background:

PHKG2 gene mutation can lead to liver phosphorylase kinase (PhK) deficiency, which is related to glycogen storage disease type IX (GSD IX). GSD IXc due to PHKG2 mutation is the second most common GSD IX.

Methods:

We identified a novel mutation (c.553C>T, p.Arg185X) in PHKG2 in a Chinese family and verified it by next-generation and Sanger sequencing. The mutation spectrum of the PHKG2 gene was summarized based on 25 GSD IXc patients with PHKG2 mutations.

Results:

We found that missense mutation (39%) was the most common type of mutation, followed by nonsense mutation (23%). Mutations were more prevalent in Asian (12/25) and European (9/25) populations than in populations from elsewhere. The exons had more sites of mutation than the introns, and exons 3 and 6 were the most frequent sites of mutations.

Conclusions:

This study expands our knowledge of the PHKG2 gene mutation spectrum, providing a molecular basis for GSD IXc.