bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction strategies for hierarchical multi-label classification in protein function prediction
Authors: Cerri Ricardo , Barros Rodrigo C. , P. L. F. de Carvalho André C. , Jin Yaochu
Published: September 2016

Background

Hierarchical Multi-Label Classification is a classification task where the classes to be predicted are hierarchically organized. Each instance can be assigned to classes belonging to more than one path in the hierarchy. This scenario is typically found in protein function prediction, considering that each protein may perform many functions, which can be further specialized into sub-functions. We present a new hierarchical multi-label classification method based on multiple neural networks for the task of protein function prediction. A set of neural networks are incrementally training, each being responsible for the prediction of the classes belonging to a given level.

Results

The method proposed here is an extension of our previous work. Here we use the neural network output of a level to complement the feature vectors used as input to train the neural network in the next level. We experimentally compare this novel method with several other reduction strategies, showing that it obtains the best predictive performance. Empirical results also show that the proposed method achieves better or comparable predictive performance when compared with state-of-the-art methods for hierarchical multi-label classification in the context of protein function prediction.

Conclusions

The experiments showed that using the output in one level as input to the next level contributed to better classification results. We believe the method was able to learn the relationships between the protein functions during training, and this information was useful for classification. We also identified in which functional classes our method performed better.
Between Usury and the “Spirit of Commerce”
Authors: Trivellato Francesca
Published: September 2016

By bringing French history and Jewish history into dialogue, this article intervenes in the vast scholarship on the relationship between commerce and toleration in eighteenth-century French thought. It focuses on the place of Jews in Montesquieu's ideas about doux commerce and explores the legacy of Montesquieu's views on the debate on Jewish emancipation in the 1770s and 1780s. It traces the survival and adaptation of the medieval trope of the Jewish usurer in a variety of discourses, ranging from irenic images of commercial cosmopolitanism to representations of Jewish moneylending marshaled by radical advocates of Jewish “regeneration.” The article concludes by showing that in 1790–91 the doctrine of doux commerce did not provide a consistent argument in favor of civic and political equality even though commercial practices and policies in the French Southwest had favored the integration of Jews during the Old Regime.

En mettant l'histoire française et l'histoire juive en dialogue, cet article fait une contribution aux études sur le rapport entre commerce et tolérance dans la pensée du dix-huitième siècle. Il se penche sur la place des juifs dans la doctrine du doux commerce de Montesquieu et trace l'influence des idées de Montesquieu sur le débat à propos de l'émancipation des juifs qui se déroula aux années 1770 et 1780. Il montre la persistance ainsi que l'évolution du trope médiéval de l'usurier juif dans plusieurs discours, tels que les représentations favorables au cosmopolitisme commercial ou les diabolisations des prêteurs juifs mobilisées par les promoteurs de la « régénération ». Finalement, l'article montre qu'en 1790–91, la doctrine du doux commerce n'avait pas établi de raisonnement cohérent en faveur de l'égalité civique et politique des juifs bien que le commerce ait favorisé l'intégration des juifs du Sud-Ouest pendant l'ancien régime.
Liberalism and Rationalism at theRevue de Métaphysique Et de Morale, 1902–1903
Authors: Brandom Eric
Published: September 2016

This article reconstructs and analyzes a debate on “the crisis of liberalism” that took place in a prominent philosophy journal, the Revue de métaphysique et de morale, in 1902–3. The debate was actuated by combiste anticlerical measures and the apparently liberal demand made by Catholics for freedom of instruction. Participants—all hostile to the church—sought to articulate a principled, rationalist liberalism that could respond to the needs of the republic in the post-Dreyfus era. Participants—including Célestin Bouglé, Dominique Parodi, Gustave Lanson, Elie Halévy, and Paul Lapie—balanced each in their own way the demands of rationalism, democracy, and modernity. The debate opens a window onto the transition between the Second Empire's dissident, neo-Kantian, liberal republicanism and the antitotalitarian liberalism that Halévy and his student Raymond Aron would articulate in the interwar years.

Cet article reconstitue et analyse un débat sur « la crise du libéralisme » qui a eu lieu en 1902–3 dans une revue de philosophie de premier plan, la Revue de métaphysique et de morale. Des mesures anticléricales combistes et la demande apparemment libérale faite par les catholiques pour la liberté de l'enseignement ont été au cœur de ce débat. Les participants—tous hostiles à l'Eglise—ont cherché à articuler un libéralisme rationaliste raisonné permettant de répondre aux besoins de la République suite à l'affaire Dreyfus. Les participants, y compris Célestin Bouglé, Dominique Parodi, Gustav Lanson, Elie Halévy, et Paul Lapie, ont tenté, chacun à sa manière, de trouver un équilibre entre les exigences du rationalisme, de la démocratie et de la modernité. Ce débat ouvre une fenêtre sur la transition entre le républicanisme libéral néokantien de la dissidence du Second Empire, et le libéralisme antitotalitaire que Halévy et son étudiant Raymond Aron exprimèrent dans l'entre-deux-guerres.
The Fold of Undetectable
Authors: Lee Nathan
Published: September 2016

This piece reflects on the concept of “undetectable” through the double lens of HIV/AIDS discourse and the metaphysics of Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz. With the advent of antiretroviral therapy treatments for HIV infection that effectively reduce one's viral load to levels that elude conventional testing, a new form of identity has been produced that collapses the categories of “positive” and “negative.” The undetectable person is at once neither and both, a curious indeterminacy that throws into question what we mean when we speak of our “status.” In his treatise The Principles of Philosophy; or, the Monadology (1917), Leibniz formulates an ontology based on the double operation of “continuous fulgurations,” or what Gilles Deleuze would later term “the fold.” Existence, for Leibniz, is a production of the multiple that entails a simultaneous merging and diverging, unification and differentiation. The theoretical site of this movement is the monad. The world is composed of an infinite field of monads, and every monad in turn contains the entire world. This paradox is resolved through metaphors of perception: each monad possesses an embodied optics, a zone of darkness and a view on the world. The undetectable, like the monad, is both object and process, unfolding on a field of vision.
Puppet Love: Documenting Ventriloquism in Nina Conti's Her Master's Voice
Authors: Kessler Sarah
Published: September 2016

As an audiovisual medium rooted in processes of synchronization, film has sometimes been metaphorized as ventriloquism. At the levels of film genre and form, documentary cinema in particular has also been called ventriloquial, owing to its frequent emphasis on giving voice to voiceless—or underrepresented—persons or things. This article contends that the material practice of ventriloquism has more to offer to documentary cinema than a convenient (and typically negative) metaphor for the deceptive synchrony of sound and image or the embattled relation between subject and object. Through a close examination of contemporary British ventriloquist Nina Conti's 2012 documentary film, Nina Conti: Her Master's Voice and the Legacy of Six Bereaved Puppets, the article argues that the ventriloquial technique of bifurcation—in which a ventriloquist's lips appear to move out of sync with the sound of her voice—gives us a unique model for rethinking the pairings of film sound and image and documentary subject and object not as irrevocably divided but as operating alongside one another, albeit in an uneven and instable manner. Taking inspiration from feminist and queer theories of relationality such as Trinh T. Minh-ha's concept of “speaking nearby” and Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's notion of “besideness,” this article additionally suggests that Conti's ventriloquial documentary opens us to the possibility of a puppet love distinct from heteronormative constructs.
Case Report: Multiple complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with perforation and spilled gallstones
Authors: Klubien Jeanett , Borgersen Dorte Winther , Rosenberg Jacob , Pommergaard Hans-Christian
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Perforation of the gallbladder is a benign and common complication during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, it may result in stone spilling, which potentially can lead to serious postoperative complications.

Case report

A 70-year-old male underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. The procedure was complicated by perforation of the gallbladder and spilling of gallstones. More than a year after the procedure, the patient developed subcutaneous abscesses containing some of the spilled stones, a computed tomography revealed a complex intraabdominal and intrathoracic fistula with communication from the abdominal cavity to pleura and ultrasonic imaging found a lost gallstone in the thorax. After two years, the patient developed pleural empyema and sepsis secondary to the condition. Presently, the patient awaits surgery for the fistula and empyema.

Conclusion

Proper care should be taken to avoid stone spilling during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, if perforation and stone spilling occur, all visible stones should be removed during the procedure and the complication should be noted in the medical records. Furthermore, the patient should be thoroughly informed. This may help accelerate diagnosis if the patient later suffers from a complication related to lost stones.
“Science Fiesta!” Combining student-led community outreach with local culture
Authors: Block Travis J. , Marinkovic Milos , Gray Jodie , Dowell Paul E. , Anthony Charlotte , Daly Ryan , Evans LaShauna , Fordtran Chase , Hassan Elizabeth , Holmgren Tara , Horning Aaron , Martinez-Anz Sabrina , Riggs Rosemary , Vanasse Thomas , Sifuentes Mikaela , Berman Jonathan M. , Evans Teresa M.
Published: September 2016

Science outreach improves science literacy among the public and communication skills of scientists. However, despite the array of well-documented benefits, robust outreach efforts are often absent from communities which stand to benefit the most from these initiatives. Here, we introduce “Science Fiesta,” a graduate student-led outreach initiative which utilizes cultural traditions of South Texas as a vehicle to establish self-sustaining interactions between scientists and their local community. Event assessment surveys indicated that attendees found the event both fun and educational.  At the same time, graduate students who organized the event and participated in outreach reported that they strengthened a variety of professional skills important for their future careers. More importantly, the event had a substantial positive impact on enthusiasm for science outreach.  Both public attendees and graduate students reported that they were likely to participate in future science outreach events, even though a majority of both groups had not been previously involved in outreach efforts. Science Fiesta is a model for a highly effective graduate student-led outreach initiative that is capable of 1) improving public scientific literacy, 2) reinforcing graduate education and career development and 3) creating a culture of science engagement within local communities.
Preservers of term ranks and star cover numbers of symmetric matrices
Authors: Beasley LeRoy
Published: September 2016

Let $\S$ denote the set of symmetric matrices over some semiring, $\s$. A line of $A\in\S$ is a row or a column of $A$. A star of $A$ is the submatrix of $A$ consisting of a row and the corresponding column of $A$. The term rank of $A$ is the minimum number of lines that contain all the nonzero entries of $A$. The star cover number is the minimum number of stars that contain all the nonzero entries of $A$. This paper investigates linear operators that preserve sets of symmetric matrices of specified term rank and sets of symmetric matrices of specific star cover numbers. Several equivalences to the condition that $T$ preserves the term rank of any matrix are given along with characterizations of a couple of types of linear operators that preserve certain sets of matrices defined by the star cover number that do not preserve all term ranks.
Glycated Albumin Identifies Prediabetes Not Detected by Hemoglobin A1c: The Africans in America Study
Authors: Sumner Anne E , Duong Michelle T , Bingham Brianna A , Aldana Paola C , Ricks Madia , Mabundo Lilian S , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K , Chung Stephanie T , Sacks David B
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Following immigration to the US, many Africans transition from a low-normal to a high-normal or overweight body mass index (BMI). This weight change is associated with a high rate of prediabetes in the nonobese. Studies in East Asians reveal that glycated albumin is effective in identifying prediabetes in nonobese Asians. Whether this is true in African immigrants is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) and glycated albumin to detect prediabetes in nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) African immigrants.

METHODS

Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed in 236 self-identified healthy African immigrants [mean (SD) BMI 27.6 (4.4) kg/m2]. Prediabetes diagnosis was based on glucose criteria for the OGTT. Diagnostic sensitivity of Hb A1c and glycated albumin was determined by thresholds at the upper quartile for each [Hb A1c ≥5.7% (39 mmol/mol), glycated albumin ≥13.77%].

RESULTS

Based on glucose criteria for the OGTT, prediabetes was detected in 36% (85/236). BMI and Hb A1c were positively correlated (r = 0.22, P < 0.001), whereas BMI and glycated albumin were negatively correlated (r = −0.24, P < 0.001). Although the sensitivities of Hb A1c and glycated albumin were similar in nonobese immigrants (37% vs 42%, P = 0.75), prediabetes was detected in 21 nonobese Africans by glycated albumin alone, in 18 by Hb A1c alone, and in 4 by both tests. Therefore, sensitivity of the combined tests was better than for Hb A1c alone(72% vs 37%, P < 0.01). In the obese, Hb A1c was a much better diagnostic test than glycated albumin (64% vs 16%, P < 0.01) and combining the tests did not improve sensitivity (72% vs 64%, P = 0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Glycated albumin contributes by identifying prediabetes not detected by Hb A1c in nonobese African immigrants. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00001853
O preço da crise: níveis de vida no Portugal seiscentista
Authors: Faísca Carlos Manuel
Published: September 2016

Este artigo aborda a evolução do nível de vida em Portugal no século XVII, centrando-se em dois casos específicos, designadamente, Lisboa e Coimbra, a partir do cruzamento entre um índice de preços e os salários de trabalhadores especializados da construção civil e de trabalhadores indiferenciados. Começamos por uma breve caracterização do panorama político e económico quer a nível nacional, quer das duas cidades alvo deste estudo, para de seguida apresentarmos os resultados das nossas investigações. Por último, demonstramos que os níveis de vida caíram em ambas as cidades de forma bastante semelhantes, sugerindo a integração dos dois mercados e colocando Portugal junto do grupo de países europeus em que os níveis de vida baixaram neste período, por oposição às economias liderantes como, por exemplo, as de Inglaterra e a Holanda.
Um estrangeiro na inauguração da Linha da Beira Alta (1882)
Authors: Pereira Hugo Silveira
Published: September 2016

Em 1882, era inaugurada a linha da Beira Alta, encarada na altura como a verdadeira via-férrea internacional, que ligaria de forma mais rápida Lisboa e o seu porto ao centro da Europa. Tendo em conta a importância do acontecimento, o rei, acompanhado pela sua família, não podia faltar. Não é, porém, a augusta presença o objecto deste artigo, mas sim um outro convidado, um personagem improvável, um estrangeiro, de nome B. Wolowski, que, ao longo de quase duas semanas, acompanhou não só a viagem de estreia da linha, mas também o périplo real pelas cidades do norte do país, descrevendo a paisagem, as pessoas, os costumes e idiossincrasias daquelas regiões. Mais tarde, Wolowski reuniu as suas notas num livro que deu à estampa com o título Les Fêtes en Portugal. Inauguration du chemin de fer de la Beira-Alta.
O texto seguinte é uma breve análise desta obra. Começaremos por enquadrar a linha da Beira Alta no panorama ferroviário português e no contexto político da época e depois tentaremos definir quem era este B. Wolowski. Pretendemos com isto divulgar e analisar um exemplo de literatura de viagem e de avaliação de Portugal pelos olhos de um estrangeiro.
Ganharás o pão com o suor do teu rosto: imigrantes portugueses, padeiros e experiências políticas São Paulo/BR 1870-1945
Authors: Matos Maria Izilda Santos de
Published: September 2016

Este artigo pretende ser uma contribuição para o estudo das experiências cotidianas de imigrantes portugueses na cidade de São Paulo, no período entre 1870 e 1945. A análise procurará recuperar a teia de relações cotidianas em sua dimensão da experiência no mundo dos negócios e do trabalho, recobrando as atividades de produção e comercialização do pão, observando a trama das conexões e tensões que se estabeleciam entre proprietários e trabalhadores nas padarias, na sua maioria de origem portuguesa. Privilegiando a documentação do DEOPS (Departamento Estadual de Ordem Política e Social), particularmente os prontuários, a proposta recupera enfrentamentos, formas de resistência, luta e greves que atingiram o setor da panificação.
O Conto de Amaro, uma utopia medieval?
Authors: Júnior Hilário Franco
Published: September 2016

Embora muitos entendam que o conceito de utopia não seria válido para a Idade Média, o presente estudo tenta aplicá-lo ao Conto de Amaro que, como a Utopia moreana, descreve uma outopia (lugar nenhum) e uma eutopia (lugar feliz). Descrição que, metaforicamente, parece ser da abadia de Alcobaça onde a narrativa foi produzida em vernáculo português em fins do século XlV.
Abaciológio do mosteiro de S. Vicente de Vacariça (séc. XI)
Authors: Gouveia Mário de
Published: September 2016

O objectivo do presente ensaio é apresentar uma reconstituição da sucessão abacial do mosteiro de S. Vicente de Vacariça durante o século XI, a partir da análise dos títulos diplomáticos reunidos no cartulário medieval da Sé de Coimbra conhecido pela designação de Livro preto.
A Batalha de Atoleiros (6 de Abril de 1384): ensaio geral para Aljubarrota?
Authors: Monteiro João Gouveia
Published: September 2016

Este artigo revisita, com detalhe, a batalha de Atoleiros, que teve lugar no Alto Alentejo em 6 de Abril de 1384. Trata-se de um combate pouco valorizado pela historiografia tradicional, mas que teve enorme importância política, psicológica e, claro, militar. Por um lado, consolidou o partido do Mestre de Avis mostrando a todos que ele tinha força suficiente para se impor e provando que os Castelhanos, afinal, não eram invencíveis. Por outro, impediu a junção das tropas castelhanas que invadiam o Alentejo com aquelas que já montavam o cerco a Lisboa. Além disso, a solução táctica adoptada por Nuno Álvares Pereira (combate apeado, combinando cavalaria desmontada, peonagem e atiradores) foi engenhosa e revelou grande actualização, resultante do largo contacto estabelecido durante as guerras fernandinas com os homens-de-armas ingleses. Neste sentido, a batalha de Atoleiros pode ser, a justo título, considerada como precursora da grande vitória obtida em Aljubarrota, escassos 16 meses mais tarde. Em anexo, este artigo apresenta o Centro de Interpretação da Batalha de Atoleiros, recentemente inaugurado na vila de Fronteira, a cerca de 2,5 km do campo onde se travou a batalha.
Inquirições, confirmações e registos da chancelaria régia portuguesa: notas para o seu estudo
Authors: Gomes Saul António
Published: September 2016

Neste artigo pretende-se refletir acerca do processo de produção, de registo e de arquivamento, no contexto da chancelaria régia portuguesa, em especial a do reinado de D. Dinis (1279-1325), das inquirições levadas a cabo pelos monarcas seus antecessores. Sublinha-se o valor histórico plural deste género de fontes e reflete-se sobre as reformas arquivistas, medievais ou quinhentistas, a que este tipo de informação foi sujeito.
A estreita aliança entre os bispos e o Santo Ofício em Cabo Verde (1538-1646)
Authors: Santos Matilde Mendonça dos
Published: September 2016

Neste artigo pretende-se analisar a relação que o Santo Ofício estabeleceu com os bispos da diocese de Cabo Verde, nos séculos XVI e XVII, atendendo à sua evolução ao longo deste período. Analisar-se-á, igualmente, a ligação do Santo Ofício com os outros organismos de poder, quer eclesiásticos quer seculares. Por fim, abordar-se-á ainda o impacto da acção inquisitorial no arquipélago.
Melia azedarach L. Fruit Extract as a potencial candidate in controlling the Neuraeschna Hagen, 1867 (Odonata: Aeshnidae), predominant predators for fish fingerlings
Authors: Tomazelli Jr Osmar , Souza-Franco Gilza Maria , Munarini Antonio , Niero Rivaldo , Delle Monache Franco , Dal Magro Jacir
Published: September 2016

Odonata larvae in fishponds prey on fish fingerlings and decrease the profits from production. With the goal of eliminating these larvae from fishponds, large quantities of pesticides are applied. These products are toxic to fish and have unpredictable effects on the food chain. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the plant extract of fruits of Melia azedarach (CEE) and of methyl parathion (MP) adsorbed in silica in the control of Neuraeschna larvae (Odonata: Aeshnidae). The LC50-18h for CEE was 0.57 mg L-1, and for MP the LC50-12h was 0.17 mg L-1. Two compoundsÂ  with the highest concentration were isolated and identified from CEE, linoleic acid and melianone. The latter is a triterpene precursor of limonoids, compounds with insecticide properties. The substitution of synthetic pesticides for natural products is a path towards the sustainability of fish farming.
Vom (retrokonvertierten) Kartenkatalog zur facettierten Suche – Technische Neuerungen bei der BSB-Forschungsdokumentation
Authors: Ikas Wolfgang-Valentin , Thumser Nina
Published: September 2016

Die sogenannte Forschungsdokumentation stellt für die fachwissenschaftliche Forschung über die Hand- und Druckschriftenbestände der Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek (BSB) ein unverzichtbares und somit stark nachgefragtes Hilfsmittel dar, das seit nunmehr sechseinhalb Jahrzehnten unterhalten und kontinuierlich ausgebaut wird. Die seit 2004 verfügbare Datenbank ist Anfang 2015 in einer neuen, technisch deutlich verbesserten Version unter der Adresse https://hsslit.bsb-muenchen.de zugänglich gemacht worden. Dabei galt es, sowohl auf die enorm gestiegenen Nutzererwartungen der Fachcommunity zu reagieren, als auch auf die vorhandenen personellen Ressourcen im Bibliotheksbereich eine Antwort zu finden und somit auch die Mitarbeiterperspektive entsprechend zu berücksichtigen. Trotz aller Anpassungen an die spezifischen Bedürfnisse der Bibliothek hat diese technische Lösung einen gewissen Modellcharakter.
Ein Single-Sign-On-Verfahren für virtuelle Fachbibliotheken und FIDs am Beispiel von CrossAsia
Authors: Gragert Gerrit , Kaun Matthias
Published: September 2016

Für das etablierte Portal CrossAsia soll ein web-basiertes Single-Sign-On-Verfahren auf Grundlage von Shibboleth eingeführt werden. Der herkömmliche Shibboleth-Workflow mit einer bilateralen Kommunikation zwischen einem Identity- und einem Service-Provider ist hier jedoch nicht einsetzbar, da CrossAsia unabhängig von einer Heimateinrichtung Berechtigungsattribute für den Zugriff auf lizenzierte Inhalte vergibt. Daher ist die Einführung einer Attribut-Kumulation mit Hilfe eines Attribute Providers unumgänglich.
Determination and mapping of cadmium accumulation in plant leaves on the highway roadside, Turkey
Authors: Çolak Merve , Gümrükçüoğlu Mahnaz , Boysan Füsun , Baysal Erkan
Published: September 2016

This study investigates cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the plant leaves of juglans regia (walnut) and cydonia oblanga (quince) trees related to traffic emissions on the highway roadside. The plant leaf samples were collected from 20 sites on the D-100 Highway roadside and washed with deionized water before analyzed. Determination of Cd was carried out using an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer after microwave digestion of the samples. Cd concentration on the plant leaves was found to be between 0.04–0.11 mg/kg. In order to determine the traffic-based emissions, vehicles were counted and an emission inventory was prepared. 0.18 tons of Cd was found to be delivered into the atmosphere every day. Cd accumulation depends on traffic density because there were no residential area and industrial plants. The distribution of Cd accumulation caused by traffic emissions was mapped by using a geographic information system (GIS). The maps showed that the Cd accumulation was high in the areas near the highway and then gradually decreased by moving away from the highway.
Migration of pollutants in porous soil environment
Authors: Szymański Kazimierz , Janowska Beata
Published: September 2016

Landfill leachate makes a potential source of ground water pollution. Municipal waste landfill substratum can be used for removal of pollutants from leachate. Model research was performed with use of a sand bed and artificially prepared leachates. Effectiveness of filtration in a bed of specific thickness was assessed based on the total solids content. Result of the model research indicated that the mass of pollutants contained in leachate filtered by a layer of porous soil (mf) depends on the mass of pollutants supplied (md). Determined regression functions indicate agreement with empirical values of variable m′f. The determined regression functions allow for qualitative and quantitative assessment of influence of the analysed independent variables (m′d, l, ω) on values of mass of pollutants flowing from the medium sand layer. Results of this research can be used to forecast the level of pollution of soil and underground waters lying in the zone of potential impact of municipal waste landfill.
A comparative study of the content of heavy metals in oils: linseed oil, rapeseed oil and soybean oil in technological production processes
Authors: Szyczewski Piotr , Frankowski Marcin , Zioła-Frankowska Anetta , Siepak Jerzy , Szyczewski Tomasz , Piotrowski Paweł
Published: September 2016

Vegetable oils belong to a large group of substances consumed on a daily basis. World vegetable oil production is soaring, reducing the popularity of animal fats. Heavy metals pose a threat to human health. It is estimated that about 80% of the daily dose of heavy metals enters the human body through the consumption of food. Hence, it is necessary to monitor their concentrations in food products. Besides, the presence of heavy metals is thought to have possible negative influence on the quality of oils, especially on their taste and smell. Heavy metals may also accelerate the process of the rancidifiction of oils. Rapeseeds, soybean seeds and linseeds were selected for the analysis because they are one of the most popular oilseeds and at the same time they differ in terms of growing conditions. The analyses of different fractions and the ready-made product were also performed. The aim of the study was to determine the variation in concentrations of heavy metals, iron and manganese in different fractions during production. The significant concentrations of iron, manganese and zinc were observed in oilseeds. It was also shown that during different stages of oil refining the concentrations of metals decrease. The concentrations of metals are compared with those reported in literature.
Analysis of particle size and fractal dimensions of suspensions contained in raw sewage, treated sewage and activated sludge
Authors: Kuśnierz Magdalena , Wiercik Paweł
Published: September 2016

The analysis of particle size in suspensions carried out with use of the laser diffraction method enables us to obtain not only information about the size of particles, but also about their properties, shape and spatial structure, determined basing on fractal dimension. The fractal dimension permits the evaluation of the interior of aggregates, at the same time showing the degree of complexity of the matter. In literature, much attention is paid to the evaluation of the fractal dimension of flocs in activated sludge, in the aspect of control of single processes, i.e. sedimentation, dehydration, coagulation or flocculation. However, results of research concerning the size of particles and the structure of suspensions existing in raw and treated sewage are still lacking.

The study presents optical fractal dimensions D3 and particle size distributions measured with use of laser granulometer in raw and treated sewage and activated sludge collected from six mechanical-biological wastewater treatment plants located in the Lower Silesian region.

The obtained test results demonstrate that wastewater treatment plants that use both sequencing batch reactors and continuous flow reactors are more efficient at capturing suspension particles of a size up to 30 μm and are characterized by an increased removal of particles of a size ranging from 30 μm to 550 μm to the outflow. Additionally, in the case of samples of treated sewage and activated sludge collected at the same location, at short intervals, similar particle distributions were observed. As far as the analysis of fractal dimensions is concerned, particles contained in the raw sewage suspension were characterized by the lowest values of the fractal dimension (median equals 1.89), while the highest values occurred in particles of activated sludge (median equals 2.18). This proves that the spatial structure of suspension particles contained in raw sewage was similar to a linear structure, with a large amount of open spaces, while the structure of particles contained in the activated sludge suspension was significantly more complex in the spatial aspect.
Hazards posed by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contained in the dusts emitted from motor vehicle braking systems
Authors: Chłopek Zdzisław , Suchocka Katarzyna , Dudek Magdalena , Jakubowski Andrzej
Published: September 2016

Results of research on the hazard posed by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contained in the dusts emitted from motor vehicle braking systems have been presented. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a group of chemical compounds that pose a serious danger to the human health, chiefly because of their carcinogenic properties. Investigations into the issue of environmental pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated by motor vehicle traffic were carried out in connection with the work being done at PIMOT on systems to reduce dust emission from motor vehicle braking systems. The investigations included determination of PAH contents of the dust emitted from vehicle braking systems as well as the PAH concentrations in the indoor air in a room with the stand for testing dust emissions from braking systems and in the duct to carry away gases from that room. Moreover, the PAH contents of soil were measured in the context of location of the soil sampling points in relation to traffic routes. The PAH contents were measured in Warsaw and in Zabrze. The investigation results confirmed that PAHs considered as being most harmful to the human health due to their carcinogenic properties were actually present in the dusts emitted from braking systems. The PAH contents of soil were found to be very sensitive to the location of the soil sampling points in relation to traffic routes and this is a confirmation of the thesis that motor traffic is an important source of environmental pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Monitoring of Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities in Soil with Sewage Sludge Addition Using Two Molecular Fingerprinting Methods: Do These Methods Give Similar Results?
Authors: Ondreičková Katarína , Žofajová Alžbeta , Piliarová Michaela , Gubiš Jozef , Hudcovicová Martina
Published: September 2016

In this study, bacterial genetic diversity from the rhizosphere of barley and wheat were studied. The plants were sown in pots with aliquot amount of 15 t/ha concentration of soil additive derived from sewage sludge and agricultural by-products represented by wastes from grain mill industry and crushed corn cobs. The plants sown in pots without the addition of soil additive represented control samples. The rhizosphere samples were collected on two dates (plant flowering and maturity) and the composition of bacterial communities were detected using two molecular fingerprinting methods – automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Microbial biomass expressed as the amount of metagenomics DNA was higher in soils with addition of soil additive, except during maturity stage in barley rhizosphere. Nevertheless, statistically significant differences between control and sludge samples were not detected in any case. Similarly, no changes were detected in the composition of bacterial community between control and sludge samples in barley and wheat rhizosphere by using cluster analysis. Only minor temporal changes in the composition of bacterial community between flowering and maturity periods were observed. These changes were related to the samples collected in the plant maturity stage. In this stage, plants were completely mature and their impact on the rhizosphere bacterial communities in the form of root exudates was limited. Statistically significant differences between ARISA and T-RFLP methods were detected in all measured values of diversity indices. Despite these differences, both methods gave results leading to similar conclusions.
Effect of Different Plant Arrangements on Maize Morphology and Forage Quality
Authors: Jirmanová Jana , Fuksa Pavel , Hakl Josef , Brant Václav , Šantrůček Jaromír
Published: September 2016

A study was carried out in Central Bohemia to understand the effect of row spacing and stand density on plant morphology, productivity and quality of silage maize in two row spacing treatments (0.70 m and 0.35 m) at two stand densities (92,000 plants/ha and 110,000 plants/ha). The results of the study showed that row spacing and stand density had no effect on plant height or weight; however, significantly higher ear ratio and dry matter content was found in narrow rows at 110,000 plants/ha. It was observed that plant morphology was affected more by the interaction between row spacing and stand density than by a single effect of tested factors. Significantly higher dry matter yield was recorded at higher stand density, but there was no row spacing × stand density interaction. Row spacing had no impact on the whole plant neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, crude protein of stover and starch content of ear, while narrow rows resulted in almost significantly higher stover NDF content. Our results suggest that narrow rows could be advantageous for maize morphology and quality in cases where higher stand density is applied.
Effect of Cadmium on Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Iron and Cadmium Accumulation of Faba Bean (Vicia faba cv. Aštar)
Authors: Piršelová Beáta , Kuna Roman , Lukáč Peter , Havrlentová Michaela
Published: September 2016

The influence of different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) ions (50 and 100 mg/kg soil) on growth, photosynthetic pigment content, Cd, and iron accumulation in faba bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Aštar) was studied under laboratory conditions. No significant changes were observed in the growth parameters of shoots (length, fresh, and dry weight). Both tested Cd doses resulted in decrease in root fresh weight by 31.7% and 28.68% and in dry weight by 32.2% and 33.33%, respectively. Increased accumulation of Cd was observed in roots (125- and 173-fold higher than in control) and shoots (125- and 150-fold higher than in control) as a result of applied doses of Cd. Increased accumulation of iron was detected in roots (1.45- and 1.69-fold higher than in control). Decrease in the content of chlorophyll a (by 25.52 and 24.83%, respectively) and chlorophyll b (by 6.90%) after application of Cd 100 as well as decrease in carotenoids (by 40.39 and 38.36%, respectively) was detected. Weak translocation of Cd from roots to shoots pointed to low phytoremediation potential of the tested bean variety in contaminated soil. However, the high tolerance of this cultivar, its relative fast growth, as well as priority of Cd accumulation in roots presume this plant species for phytostabilisation and revegetation of the Cd-contaminated soils.
Mathematical models for
nonlocal elastic composite materials
Authors: Autuori Giuseppina , Cluni Federico , Gusella Vittorio , Pucci Patrizia
Published: September 2016

In this paper we derive and solve nonlocal elasticity a model describing the elastic behavior of composite materials, involving the fractional Laplacian operator.
In dimension one we consider in (($\mathcal{D}$)) the case of a nonlocal elastic rod restrained at the ends, and we completely solve the problem
showing the existence of a unique weak solution and providing natural sufficient conditions under which this solution is actually a classical solution of the problem. For the model (($\mathcal{D}$)) we also perform numerical simulations and a parametric analysis,
in order to highlight the response of the rod, in terms of displacements and strains, according to different values of the mechanical
characteristics of the material. The main novelty of this approach is the extension of the central difference method by the numerical estimate
of the fractional Laplacian operator through a finite-difference quadrature technique.
For higher dimensions

N
≥
2

{N\geq 2}

we study more general problems for which the existence of weak solutions is proved via variational methods.
The obtained results provide an original contribute in the knowledge of composite materials with properties of nonlocal elasticity.
Far-Infrared Emission Characteristics and Wear Comfort Property of ZrC-Imbedded Heat Storage Knitted Fabrics for Emotional Garments
Authors: Kim Hyun Ah , Kim Seung Jin
Published: September 2016

This study examined the far-infrared emission characteristics and wear comfort properties of ZrC-imbedded heat storage knitted fabrics. For this purpose, ZrC-imbedded, heat storage PET (polyethylene terephthalate) was spun from high-viscosity PET with imbedded ZrC powder on the core part and low-viscosity PET on the sheath part using a conjugated spinning method. ZrC-imbedded PET knitted fabric was also prepared and its physical properties were measured and compared with those of regular PET knitted fabric. In addition, ingredient analysis and the far-infrared emission characteristics of the ZrC-imbedded knitted fabrics were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties, moisture absorption, and drying properties of the ZrC-imbedded PET knitted fabric were measured and compared with those of the regular PET knitted fabric. The mechanical properties using the FAST (fabric assurance by simple testing) system and the dye affinity of the ZrC-imbedded knitted fabric were also measured and compared with those of regular PET knitted fabric.
IoT business models in an industrial context
Authors: Weinberger Markus , Bilgeri Dominik , Fleisch Elgar
Published: September 2016

There is a broad consensus that the transformative power of the Internet of Things (IoT) will affect all kinds of
industries; or, to put it in a more optimistic light, that almost no domain is excluded from the opportunities to leverage
the IoT. But, what does this mean for the future of industrial processes? This article introduces the concept of
high-resolution management (HRM). IoT enables the collection of high-resolution data for the physical world where, as in
the digital world, every aspect of business operations can be measured in real-time. This capability facilitates
high-resolution management, such as short optimization cycles in industrial production, logistics and equipment
efficiency, comparable to methods like A/B-Testing or Search Engine Optimization, which are state of the art in digital
business. We take the following two perspectives on leveraging high-resolution management. First, through greater insights
into their industrial processes, companies that apply HRM in their operations are able to achieve higher efficiency,
quality and flexibility. The example of vehicle fleet management illustrates this effect. Second, we build upon the
St. Gallen Business Model Navigator in order to look in greater detail on how the IoT affects industrial
processes. Gassmann et al.

Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., and Csik, M. (2014). The business model navigator:
55 models that will revolutionise your business. Financial Times.

introduce 55 generic business model
patterns, of which our extended research identified 20 that could profit significantly from the
IoT

Fleisch, E., Weinberger, M., and Wortmann, F. (2014). Geschäftsmodelle im Internet der
Dinge. HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, 51(6), 812–826; Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., and Csik, M. (2014). The
business model navigator: 55 models that will revolutionise your business. Financial Times.

. Analyzing these
20 patterns allowed for the identification of six key components: Remote Usage
and Condition
Monitoring, Object Self Service, Digital Add-on, Digital Lock-in, Product as a Point
of Sales and Physical Freemium. These building blocks help companies to supply HRM-supported offerings. Finally,
the example of remote monitoring of process parameters shows that these business model components can also be deployed to
create offerings that
enable others to apply HRM.
Design of an ecosystem platform for manufacturing operations using loosely defined standards
Authors: Nishioka Yasuyuki , Horimizu Osamu , Chino Shinichiro , Saleck Axel H. , Usländer Thomas
Published: September 2016

Connected factories will take a key role in future manufacturing environments in which, on the one hand, manufacturers
focus on and invest in their core competitive production processes, while, on the other hand, they connect dynamically
with other enterprises in a supply chain both in cyber and physical worlds. These connected factories also participate in
engineering chains as their production lines are operated together with their engineering partners through the whole
lifecycle, supported by shared data in a connected platform environment.

While we think this view is shared globally among enterprise leaders, the path to realize these complex environments is
not straightforward. The Japanese Industrial Value Chain Initiative (IVI) has created an own, pragmatic approach focusing
on the transformation of existing advanced systems in feasible steps, rather than elaborating a complex target model
first.

The motivation is as follows: To collaborate with other connected enterprises, a communication platform and knowledge
sharing about some pre-defined standardized activities and data models is required. However, there is a risk of losing
competitiveness for an advanced player who would need to adjust his advantageous properties to the common
technology. Therefore, the IVI proposes a so-called loosely defined standard that provides a collection of reference
models for manufacturing activities, information, things and data entities. The platform allows each manufacturing site to
define its own operational models to connect within the local environments. Such an own operational model could be, for
example, the model currently in use at this site. Complementary, the platform monitors the differences of each local
definition to the reference models.
Taming corruption: rent potential, collective action, and taxability in Morocco
Authors: Corduneanu-Huci Cristina
Published: September 2016

Why do autocratic regimes contain bureaucratic corruption in some economic sectors but allow it in other areas? This paper examines variations in governance outcomes and perceptions across firms in Morocco based on a survey of 659 businesses. Three factors explain better public services and control of corruption: the magnitude of potential rents that firms can exchange with the administration, the collective action capacity of the sector vis-à-vis the executive, and the taxability of the industry. Firms in sectors with low rent potential are more likely to coordinate, claim, and obtain better governance in exchange for taxes, whereas high-rent companies find it difficult to sustain effective pro-governance collective action. The findings shed light on business–state relations in autocratic political regimes that have to balance revenue raising goals, policy commitments to selected sectors, and incentives for grand corruption.
Biomechanical evaluation of novel ultrasound-activated bioresorbable pins for the treatment of osteochondral fractures compared to established methods
Authors: Kienast Benjamin , Mohsen Hellal , Wendlandt Robert , Reimers Nils , Schulz Arndt P. , Heuer Hinrich , Gille Justus , Neumann Hanjo
Published: September 2016

Background:

Osteochondral injuries often lead to osteoarthritis of the affected joint. All established systems for refixation of osteochondral defects show certain disadvantages. To address the problem of reduced stability in resorbable implants, ultrasound-activated pins were developed. By ultrasound-activated melting of the tip of these implants, a more secure anchoring is assumed.

Materials and methods:

The aim of the study was to investigate if ultrasound-activated pins can provide secure fixation of osteochondral fragments compared to screws and conventional resorbable pins. In a biomechanical laboratory setting, osteochondral fragments of the medial femoral condyle of sheep were refixated with ultrasound-activated pins [US fused poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) (PLDLLA) pins], polydioxanone (PDA) pins and conventional titanium screws. Anchoring forces of the different fixation methods were examined, registered and compared concerning shear force and tensile force.

Results:

Concerning the pull out test, the US fused PLDLLA pins and titanium screws (~122 N and ~203 N) showed comparable good results, while the PDA pins showed significantly lower anchoring forces (~18 N). Examination of shear forces showed a significantly higher anchoring of the screws (~248 N) than the US fused PLDLLA pins (~218 N). Nevertheless, the US fused PLDLLA pins could significantly outperform the PDA pins (~68 N) concerning shear forces.

Conclusion:

The US fused PLDLLA pins demonstrated a comparable anchorage to the fixation with screws, but were free from the disadvantages of metal implants, i.e. the need for implant removal. The PDA pin application showed inferior biomechanical properties.