bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weltereignisse und Massenmedien: Zur Theorie des Weltmedienereignisses
Authors: Morgner Christian
Published: September 2015

Wie lässt es sich erklären, dass die Massenmedien über mehrere Tage hinweg in allen Teilen der Welt über ausschließlich ein und dasselbe Thema berichten? Christian Morgner nähert sich diesen »Weltmedienereignissen« und gibt soziologisch überzeugende Antworten zur Strukturförmigkeit des Phänomens. Durch Auswertung umfangreicher Fernseh- und Zeitungsmaterialien aus verschiedenen Weltregionen, die über das Attentat auf John F. Kennedy, den Unfalltod Lady Dianas und den Untergang der Titanic berichtet haben, entwickelt er begriffliche Mittel aus der empirischen Forschung heraus. Damit liegt nun eine stringente mediensoziologische Studie vor, die durch enge Kombination von Theorie und Empirie sowie durch komplexe Theorieentwicklung besticht.
Development of model to facilitate male involvement in the reproductive health context by the registered nurses
Authors: Amukugo Hans Justus , Jooste Karen , Mitonga HonorÃ© Kabwebwe
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this article is to describe the process followed in the development of the model of facilitating male partner involvement in reproductive health (RH) context by the nurses. Namibia is one of the African countries affected by cultural and socio-economic influences that have persuaded gender roles in a way that hinders male-partner involvement in RH context. This phenomenon make difficult for the nurses to facilitate their involvement.The research methods were done in four phases. Phase 1 entitled concepts analysis. Phase one was done into two steps namely step1 - concepts identification and step 2 - concepts definition. During concept identification, qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was followed. The target population included male and female partners attending health facilities and all nurse managers (registered nurses in charge) that provided RH services in the health facility in a northern region in Namibia. Individual interviews and focus were conducted until data saturation occurred. During the research three fundamental principles such as respect person, beneficence and justice were adhered. Techâ€™s eight steps of descriptive data analysis were used. Three (3) main categories, six (6) categories and twelve (12) subcategories were identified using open coding and conceptualization. The main concepts of the model were identified and classified using a survey list of Dickoff, James, Wiedenba (Dickoff,James, Wiedenbach, 1968; Mckenna, 2006). Phase 2 dealt with the creation of interrelationship statements between concepts identified in step 1. In phase 3 focuses with the description of the model using strategies proposed by (Chinn & Kramer, 1991). In phase 4, the description of guidelines and evaluation for the model was also done. The applied the principle of trustworthiness through developing dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability in all four phases.A model was developed based on a theory generated approach. The model consist of five phase namely, situational analysis in the external environment (community) and internal environment (health facilities); establishment of partnership (male and female partner and Nurses), management process, maintaining the conducive environment and control & terminus/ outcome phase. It was concluded that facilitation of Male involvement in RH care context is needed. Further the recommendations were made to implement a model within the current health care framework in which reproductive health is provided.
A Characterization of Ultrasonic Full Angle Spatial Compounding as a Possible Alternative for Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Medina Luis , Camacho Jorge , Fritsch Carlos
Published: September 2015

Breast cancer screening is based on X-ray mammography, while ultrasound is considered a complementary technique with improved detection in dense tissue. However, breast cancer screening requires a technique that provides repeatable results at the inspection interval which cannot be achieved with manual breast exploration.

During the last years there have appeared several approaches to overcome this limitation by means of automated ultrasonic tomography performed with motorized probes or with a large set of array transducers.

This work addresses these problems by considering a quite simple and low-cost arrangement, formed with a ring of conventional medical-grade array probes which are multiplexed to the electronics to build Full Angle Spatially Compounded (FASC) images. The work analyzes the performance of such arrangement in terms of resolution and isotropy, showing by numerical modelling and experimentally that it provides high resolution and homogeneity in the whole imaged region.

The implementation of this technique would provide more than one circular FASC per second and a whole breast volume image in 1–2 minutes with conventional technology, a process fast enough to be clinically useful. Moreover, the automated technique is repeatable and can be used by the clinician to perform immediately the diagnosis without requiring additional data processing.
Effects of Low- and High-Frequency Side Bands of Notched Noise on Masking and Auditory Filter Shape at Very High Frequencies
Authors: Kordus Monika , Kowalewski Borys
Published: September 2015

This paper is concerned with the determination of the auditory filter shape using the notched noise method with noise bands symmetrically located above and below a probe frequency of 10 kHz. Unlike in the classical experiments conducted with the use of Patterson method the levels as well as power spectrum densities of the lower and upper component bands of the notched noise masker were not the same and were set such as to produce the same amount of masking at the 10-kHz frequency. The experiment consisted of three conditions in which the following values were determined: (I) the detection threshold for a 10-kHz probe tone in the presence of a noise masker presented below the tone’s frequency; (II) the level of a noise masker presented above the 10-kHz probe tone frequency, at which the masker just masked the probe tone, (III) the detection threshold for a probe tone in the presence of a notched-noise masker. The data show a considerable amount of variability across the subjects, however, the resulting frequency characteristics of the auditory filters are consistent with those presented in the literature so that the Equivalent Rectangular Bandwidth is less than 11% of their centre frequency.
Impact of Microphytobenthos Photosynthesis on the Characteristics of the Echo Signal from Baltic Sandy Sediments
Authors: Gorska Natalia , Kowalska-Duda Ewa , Marszal Jacek , Schmidt Jan , Klusek Zygmunt
Published: September 2015

The understanding the influence of biological processes on the characteristics of the signals backscattered by the sea floor is crucial in the development of the hydroacoustical benthic habitat classification techniques. The impact of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the acoustical backscattering properties of the Atlantic sandy sediments was previously demonstrated by Holliday et al. (2004) and Wildman and Huettel (2012).

To account for the sensitivity of the hydroacoustical classification techniques to the backscattering properties of local marine sediments, it is important to understand the microphytobenthos photosynthesis impact for the Baltic Sea where the techniques are being actively developed now. This is the main motivation of the paper.

In the paper the influence of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the characteristics of the echo signals reflected by sandy sediments in the typical Baltic temperature and the salinity conditions is discussed. The interdisciplinary multiday laboratory experiment was conducted to study the impact of benthic microalgal photosynthesis on the characteristics of the echo signal reflected by sandy sediments. Hydroacoustical data were collected under controlled constant light, temperature and salinity conditions. The oxygen content at different levels of the water column was simultaneously monitored.
The Roots of Fencing from the Twelfth to the Fourteenth Centuries in the French Language Area
Authors: Dupuis Olivier
Published: September 2015

This article offers a partial overview on fencing, as recognized through archive records, as well as French epics and romances from the twelfth to the early fourteenth century. In the twelfth century, fencing was only attested through knightly vocabulary as a way to describe actions performed during single combats involving a combination of shield and another weapon, most commonly a sword. Fencing was progressively dissociated from the knightly arts and there were even few mentions of its use by common people. There are archive records from the thirteenth century of individuals bearing the nickname “fencer”, although there is rarely enough context to be certain that they were really practicing the art. At the end of the thirteenth century, archives and narrative fiction show an established fashion for a certain form of fencing with a short round shield, the buckler. This is clearly established in London where surviving manuscripts include many regulations on fencing, however the fashion was also spread in the continent, even though it seems to be less documented.
Honour and Fighting Social Advancement in the Early Modern Age
Authors: Gassmann Jürg
Published: September 2015

The article considers the importance of military service in social advancement, here understood as filling the role of “prince” in feudal law and thus participating in the government of an estate, in the transition from the Late Middle Ages to the Renaissance or Early Modern Age. In the context of a city burgher or a petty noble or knight advancing into a government role, did honour require that the individual have experience in fighting – in war, military organisation and leadership? How did mercenaries figure? What role, if any, did Fechtmeister, Fechtbücher, Fechtschulen or Kriegsbücher play?
A Long Time Ago in a Library Far, Far Away ... The Adventures of the Gladiatoria Manuscript from New Haven
Authors: Hagedorn Dierk
Published: September 2015

In this paper I will describe the adventurous history of an important late medieval German fechtbuch—a fighting manual—that belongs to a number of manuscripts known as the Gladiatoria group. In the beginning, the extent and the characteristics of this group of codices are explained; later on I will deal with one specific specimen that formerly belonged to a library in Germany—the Herzogliche Bibliothek in Gotha—from where it vanished during or after World War II. Until quite recently this manuscript was believed to be lost. I was able to identify a Gladiatoria manuscript from the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut, as that missing manuscript. The article presents a detailed description of the manuscript; it follows the path of the many places the codex passed through from the days of its creation until the present time; it offers a thorough line of argument that proves on one hand that the manuscript from New Haven is in fact identical to the one that disappeared from Gotha, and that verifies on the other hand an assumption by the renowned researcher Hans-Peter Hils that it is identical to yet another believed-to-be-lost manuscript that was sold by auction in Heidelberg in the 1950s and 1960s as single leaves; and finally it makes an attempt to reconstruct the original structure of the manuscript after it had been pulled apart.
Results From Recent Traffic Systems Research And The Implications For Future Work
Authors: Godwin Richard , Misiewicz Paula , White David , Smith Emily , Chamen Tim , Galambošová Jana , Stobart Ron
Published: September 2015

This paper reviews the results of recent traffic systems research and concludes that the evidence shows that with sufficient ingenuity by farmers and their equipment suppliers to match operating and wheel track widths, the traffic management systems that reduce soil compaction should improve crop yield, reduce energy consumption and improve infiltration rates (which will reduce runoff, erosion and flooding). These together will improve agronomic, economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture. Low ground pressure alternatives may well be the option that best suits some farming enterprises and should not be discounted as viable traffic management methods. The paper also considers the implications for further work to improve the robustness of the experimental data.
Potential To Increase Productivity And Sustainability In Argentinean Agriculture With Controlled Traffic Farming: A Short Discussion
Authors: Antille Diogenes L. , Imhoff Silvia C. , Alesso Carlos A. , Chamen William C. T. , Tullberg Jeff N.
Published: September 2015

Drivers for and potential barriers against adoption of controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems in Argentina are reviewed. Traffic compaction is one of the main factors affecting crop productivity within Argentinean agriculture, and has significant although less quantified impacts on the whole-of-farm system. This suggests that the benefits of no-tillage (NT), which represents the dominant form of cropping in Argentina, are not fully realised. Conservative estimates indicate that crop yields could be improved by at least 15% if NT is used in conjunction with CTF. Cost-benefit analyses of available options for compaction management are required. Despite this, and based on reported evidence internationally, a shift toward increased uptake of CTF within Argentinean agriculture is likely to: (1) improve productivity and farm profitability, (2) enhance environmental performance, and (3) maintain competitiveness of the agricultural sector. Appropriate technical advice and support is a key requirement to drive adoption of CTF. Therefore, the adoption process will benefit from collaboration developed with well-established research and extension organisations in Australia and the United Kingdom, and active engagement of machinery manufacturers.
Crop Residues Distribution After Tillage Operations Under Controlled And Random Traffic Technology
Authors: Macák Miroslav , Galambošová Jana , Rataj Vladimír , Ingeli Martin , Vitázková Božena , Ďuďák Jozef , Žitňák Miroslav
Published: September 2015

Controlled traffic farming is a technology used to avoid soil compaction introduced by field machinery load and traffic. The benefits in improved soil conditions and yield increase were shown in Australia, the US and some parts of Europe. The use of permanent tramlines for every field operation was considered as a barrier to implementation in some parts of Europe. This was mainly due to fear from tillage quality in terms of crop residues distribution. The paper reports the results of the two-year assessment of the technology compared to traditional random traffic treatments in field scale experiments. The spring barley and oilseed rape crops were grown. Measurements were taken after the stubble breaking tillage operation with the Lemken disc harrows. Image analysis was used to calculate the distribution of crop residues. Results showed that the use of permanent tramlines has no negative influence on crop residues distribution.
Zirconia Nanoparticles Impact On Morphophysiological Data And Mineral Composition Of P. ostreatus
Authors: Doroshkevich Nelya V. , Frontasyeva Marina V. , Doroshkevich Viktor S. , Lygina Olena S. , Shylo Artem V. , Ostrovnaya Tatyana M. , Pavlov Sergey S. , Pirko Nadiya N. , Zelenyak Tatyana Yu. , Konstantinova Tatyana E. , Lyubchyk Svitlana B. , Doroshkevich Aleksandr S.
Published: September 2015

Neutron activation analysis of the Pleurotus ostreatus showed that adding of solid solution of ZrO2-Y2O3 hydroxide and oxide (3 mol % Y2O3) nanoparticles of size 4 and 9 nm at a concentration of 0.2 weight percent in a nutrient medium (Czapek) alters the character of physiological processes in the biological tissues of the mushrooms. This is manifested in the form of a significant change in morphological and physiological characteristics of the mushrooms and the elemental composition of the dry biomass. In particular, it is shown that the intercalation of nanoparticles into the tissues of the mushrooms leads to an increase of 1.3-1.4 times (more than 2.6 g/dm3) of biomass accumulation (industrial strain HK 35) and decrease of 1.7-1.8 times (below 1.7-2.5 mg/mm3) of concentrations of extracellular proteins into the culture fluid at a substantially constant value of the acidity. It is shown that the addition of ZrO2+3 mol % Y2O3 nanoparticles of sizes 4 or 9 nm into tissue of mushroom at step of the mother mycelium in very small concentrations can alter effectively the chemical composition of the substances produced by the cells and consequently, its physiological activity. It is shown that the use of low concentrations of ZrO2 nanoparticles allow to increase the yield and resistance of crops to diseases up to 1.2-1.5 times, as well as in the long term can be used in biomedical technologies for the treatment of cancer diseases.
Ecological Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metals In Sediments Of A Riverine Wetland, Huaihe River Watershed, China
Authors: Yuan Hezhong , Pan Wei , Zhu Zhengjie , Wei Ying , Geng Qifang , An Shuqing
Published: September 2015

The concentrations of Zn, Cr, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb in sediment cores collected from a representative riverine wetland located in the Huaihe River watershed, China, dramaticlly increased from the bottom to upper layer of the cores. Application of principal component analysis (PCA) and enrichment factor (EF) suggested that heavy metals might primarily have been derived from the inflow of contaminated water from an industrial park and agricultural region. Component 1 of the PCA was dominated by Zn, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb, while Component 2 was dominated by As. Metals’ high concentrations and EF values showed that the anthropogenic pollutants have increased sharply in recent years and reflect the continuous development of industry and agriculture in the region of the wetland, with a corresponding dramatic deterioration of the environment due to constant effluent of pollutants. Cd exerted the highest potential ecological risk of individual metals of sediment cores. Additionally, integrated RI values for all metals indicated that sediments possessed low ecological risk from the bottom to about 6 cm depth of the cores, moderate ecological risk from about 5 cm depth upwards, then considerable ecological risk from 4 cm depth to the top layer of the sediment cores, which demonstrates a continuous deterioration of environmental quality in recent years in this region.
Bioremediation Of A Spent Metalworking Fluid With Auto- And Allochthonous Bacterial Consortia
Authors: Kaszycki Paweł , Petryszak Przemysław , Supel Paulina
Published: September 2015

Spent mineral oil-based metalworking fluids are waste products of the machining processes and contribute substantially to the global industrial pollution with petroleum oil products. Wastewaters containing oily emulsions are ecologically hazardous and thus a variety of methods have been implemented to prevent these effluents from affecting the natural environment. Most of these methods rely upon physical-chemical treatment and phase separation; however, none of them proved to be effective enough to meet tightening environmental regulations. Therefore, novel technologies need to be elaborated and there is growing interest in implementing biological treatment methods based on microbial bioremediation. In this study an oil/water emulsion obtained from a waste stream of the metal-processing industry was tested for biodegradability of its organic constituents. This liquid waste was found non-toxic to bacterial consortia and was colonized with indigenous microorganisms (approx. 107 cfu · cm−3). The total load of organic content was determined as a chemical oxygen demand (COD) value of 48 200 mg O2 · dm−3. Emulsion treatment was carried out using a threefold wastewater dilution and employing two variants of biostimulated aerobic bacterial communities: (1) uninoculated emulsion, where bioremediation was carried out by the autochthonous bacteria alone, and (2) wastewater samples inoculated with a ZB-01 microbial consortium which served as a source of specialized bacteria for process bioaugmentation. Biodegradation efficiency achieved in a 14-day test was monitored by measuring both the COD parameter and the concentration of high-boiling organic compounds. Both approaches yielded satisfactory results showing significant reduction of the emulsion organic fraction; however, the resultant decrease of wastewater load tended to be more efficient for the case where the process was bioaugmented with the inoculated consortium. Gas chromatography analyses coupled with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS) confirmed high degradation yields obtained for both cases studied (58 and 71%, respectively) in a 28-day test. It is concluded that oil-based metalworking emulsions can undergo efficient biological treatment under conditions enabling aerobic bacterial proliferation and that xenobiotic biodegradation kinetics can be accelerated by bioaugmenting the process with allochthonous microbial consortia.
The dependence of soil CO2 fluxes on atmospheric conditions during sub-periods of soil respiration
Authors: Wroński Krzysztof T.
Published: September 2015

Soil respiration was measured on rusty soil in a dry forest near Łódź. A two-year series of soil respiration measurements was divided into characteristic sub-periods, and the relationship between soil CO2 emissions to selected aspects of climatic conditions was examined. The temperature dependence of soil CO2 fluxes is linear from March to June and exponential during the period of June to March. Dividing the year into a phase of growth and a phase of decline and modelling soil respiration for each of these sub-periods separately does not significantly improve the accuracy of the model. Research shows that soil respiration responds with a delay of three days to changes in temperature and relative humidity, but with a 17-day delay to changes in precipitation.
Vegetation of the ‘Mierzwice’ nature reserve and its protection
Authors: Krechowski Janusz , Piórek Katarzyna , Falkowski Michał , Wierzba Marek
Published: September 2015

The ‘Mierzwice’ nature reserve (forest district 206b, c and d of the Sarnaki Forest Inspectorate), situated in the area of the Podlaski Przełom Bug Landscape Park, is one of the most valuable natural assets of the central Bug river valley. The 12.98 ha reserve was established in 2010 to aid protection of the stand of xerothermic vegetation and its surrounding deciduous forest. In total, eight plant associations were identified within the reserve: Geranio-Peucedanetum cervariae, Geranio-Anemonetum sylvestris, Geranio-Trifolietum alpestris, Trifolio medii-Agrimonietum, Rubo fruticosi-Prunetum, Rhamno-Cornetum sanguinei, Potentillo albae-Quercetum and Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli. Furthermore, 23 protected and 31 endangered species were found in the reserve including the following examples: Cephalanthera rubra, Thesium ebracteatum, Cypripedium calceolus, Gentiana cruciata, Anemone sylvestris, Cimicifuga europaea, Viola rupestris, Crepis praemorsa, Asperula tinctoria, Stachys recta, Laserpitium latifolium. Over the last few years, a regression of the species diagnostic number for thermophilous oak forests and xerothermic grasslands has been observed as a result of succession and expansion of Calamagrostis epigejos. Active protection of xerothermic vegetation such as uprooting of trees and bushes, regular grazing or mowing has been suggested in order to prevent the expansion of Calamagrostis epigejos.
Contact Problem Of Conducting And Heated Punch On A Multifield Foundation
Authors: Rogowski B.
Published: September 2015

The solution for a multifield material subjected to temperature loading in a circular region is presented in an explicit analytical form. The study concerns the steady – state thermal loading infinite region (heated embedded inclusion), half – space region and two – constituent magneto – electro – thermo – elastic material region. The new mono – harmonic potential functions, obtained by the author, are used in the analysis of punch problem. The more interested case in which the contact region is annular is analyzed. By using the methods of triple integral equations and series solution technique the solution for an indentured multifield substrate over an annular contact region is given. The sensitivity analysis of obtained indentation parameters shows some interesting points. In particular, it shows that the increasing of the applied electric and magnetic potentials reduces the indentation depth in multifield materials.
Study Of Three Dimensional Propagation Of Waves In Hollow Poroelastic Circular Cylinders
Authors: Shah S.A.
Published: September 2015

Employing Biot’s theory of wave propagation in liquid saturated porous media, waves propagating in a hollow poroelastic circular cylinder of infinite extent are investigated. General frequency equations for propagation of waves are obtained each for a pervious and an impervious surface. Degenerate cases of the general frequency equations of pervious and impervious surfaces, when the longitudinal wavenumber k and angular wavenumber n are zero, are considered. When k=0, the plane-strain vibrations and longitudinal shear vibrations are uncoupled and when k≠0 these are coupled. It is seen that the frequency equation of longitudinal shear vibrations is independent of the nature of the surface. When the angular (or circumferential) wavenumber is zero, i.e., n=0, axially symmetric vibrations and torsional vibrations are uncoupled. For n≠0 these vibrations are coupled. The frequency equation of torsional vibrations is independent of the nature of the surface. By ignoring liquid effects, the results of a purely elastic solid are obtained as a special case.
MHD Flow Of Walters’ Liquid B Over A Nonlinearly Stretching Sheet
Authors: Siddheshwar P.G. , Mahabaleshwar U.S. , Chan A.
Published: September 2015

The paper discusses the boundary layer flow of a weak electrically conducting viscoelastic Walters’ liquid B over a nonlinearly stretching sheet subjected to an applied transverse magnetic field, when the liquid far away from the surface is at rest. The stretching is assumed to be a quadratic function of the coordinate along the direction of stretching. An analytical expression is obtained for the stream function and velocity components as a function of the viscoelastic parameter, the Chandrasekhar number and stretching related parameters. The results have possible technological applications in liquid based systems involving stretchable materials.
Analytical Solutions To Boundary Value Problem Of Free Vibration Of Sandwich Thin Circular Plates With Discrete Elements
Authors: Żur K.K. , Jaroszewicz J. , Dragun Ł.
Published: September 2015

In the paper the influence function and the method of partial discretization in free axisymmetric vibration analysis of multilayered circular plates of constant and linearly variable thickness were presented. The effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia for the core as well as the facings were neglected. An analytical investigation based on the classical plate theory was made for the multilayered plate which satisfies Sokołowski’s condition. Discretization of mass and replacing stiffness of a fixed circular plate were presented. Formulas of influence matrix and Bernstein-Kieropian’s estimators for different steps of discretization were defined. The influence of variable distribution of parameters on the value of double estimators of natural basic and higher frequency of a sandwich circular plate was investigated.
Parameters Estimation For A Patellofemoral Joint Of A Human Knee Using A Vector Method
Authors: Ciszkiewicz A. , Knapczyk J.
Published: September 2015

Position and displacement analysis of a spherical model of a human knee joint using the vector method was presented. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation were performed using the evolutionary algorithm method. Computer simulations for the mechanism with estimated parameters proved the effectiveness of the prepared software. The method itself can be useful when solving problems concerning the displacement and loads analysis in the knee joint.
Modelling Of Random Vertical Irregularities Of Railway Tracks
Authors: Podwórna M.
Published: September 2015

The study presents state-of-the-art in analytical and numerical modelling of random vertical irregularities of continuously welded ballasted railway tracks. The common model of railway track irregularity vertical profiles is applied, in the form of a stationary and ergodic Gaussian process in space. Random samples of track irregularity vertical profiles are generated with the Monte-Carlo method. Based on the numerical method developed in the study, the minimum and recommended sampling number required in the random analysis of railway bridges and number of frequency increments (harmonic components) in track irregularity vertical profiles simulation are determined. The lower and upper limits of wavelengths are determined based on the literature studies. The approach yields track irregularity random samples close to reality. The track irregularity model developed in the study can be used in the dynamic analysis of railway bridge / track structure / highspeed train systems.
Changes in Some Quality Properties of Kefir during Storage and Inhibition Effect of Water Soluble Extracts on Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Purified by Human Plasma
Authors: Erkaya Tuba , Öztekin Aykut , Özdemir Hasan , Şengül Mustafa
Published: September 2015

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity in water soluble extracts (WSEs) of kefir was investigated. Kefir was produced traditionally using kefir grains and stored at refrigerated temperature for 20 days. During storage period (on 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days) in vitro ACE-inhibitory activity in WSEs was determined. ACE was purified from human plasma to determine kinetic parameters. Purified ACE had a specific activity of 20.75 EU.mg−1, a yield of 16.6% with a factor of 22100. The inhibition effects of kefir on ACE increased at 15 storage days than other storage days. Some microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of kefir were also studied. Counts of presumptive LAB on M-17 and presumptive LAB on MRS in the kefir were about 108 CFU.ml−1 throughout the storage period. Yeast counts were lower than lactic acid bacteria counts and the average of the counts was approximately 106 log CFU.ml−1. Storage period had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on titratable acidity and pH values. On the contrary, it had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on viscosity and serum separation values of kefir.
Endogeneity and Specialization in the European Monetary Union
Authors: Bąk Henryk , Maciejewski Sebastian
Published: September 2015

There has been a broad discussion about the viability of the European Monetary Union (EMU) in its present and prospective confines. Generally, the EMU, consisting of 19 countries, is not considered an optimal currency area due to low labor market flexibility, autonomous fiscal policies, and structural differences among its members. Considerations about the endogeneity effect of currency unions lead to the question whether the EMU will become more viable over time. According to the endogenity hypothesis formulated by Frankel and Rose [1996, 2000], a common currency area may gradually become an optimal currency area at some future point (ex post unification), despite not having been an optimal currency area (OCA) prior to (ex ante) currency unification. Currency unification should bring about increased intra-industry trade and greater business cycle synchronization among member states. The most recent literature and analyses presented in this paper suggest that the endogenity effect in the EMU has been frail since its onset. While real convergence between EMU member states has not advanced, divergence in i.a. economic structures, national income and productivity levels is observed. The most important economic mechanisms reinforcing convergence and divergence among monetary union members are presented in this paper. Using recent data and related research results, we show a significant divergence in economic structures, business cycle synchronization and productivity levels among Eurozone members in the last decade. The Krugman sectorial dissimilarity index is applied to measure changes in industrial similarity among member countries and the Hodrick-Prescott filter to estimate business cycle synchronization in the EMU. These divergence tendencies have been strengthened by the global financial crisis of 2008 and persist, calling for reforms and new policies within the EMU.
Consistency, accuracy, and fairness: a study of discretionary penalties in the NFL
Authors: Snyder Kevin , Lopez Michael
Published: September 2015

Prior studies of referee behavior focus on identifying a bias in when certain calls are made [Kovash, Kenneth, & Levitt, Steven (2009). “Professionals do not play minimax: evidence from Major League Baseball and the National Football League (No. w15347).” National Bureau of Economic Research; Rosen, Peter A. and Rick L. Wilson. 2007. “An Analysis of the Defense First Strategy in College Football Overtime Games.”
Studies on Inx(As2Se3)1-x thin films using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE)
Authors: Amin G. A. M.
Published: September 2015

The results of multi-angle ellipsometrical measurements of thermally evaporated Inx(As2Se3)1-x (x = 0, 0.01,0.05) films are presented. Optical parameters n and Es of thin Inx(As2Se3)1-x films show that indium atoms were incorporated into the host matrix of As2Se3 forming distinct features depending on the indium concentration. Refractive index, n, was found to decrease with the addition of In to the binary As2Se3. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function, ε' and ε" were also calculated from the obtained data and correlated with In concentration. It was found that e' decreases with the increase of In content while ε" increases with the increase of In content. Absorption edge is shifted towards lower photon energy with the increase of In content. As a result, the optical energy gap decreases with increasing In content. This has been correlated with the chemical character of the additive as well as with the structural and bonding aspects of the amorphous composition. Nonlinear optical constants (χ(3) and n2) were determined from linear optical parameters using semi-empirical relations in the long wavelength limit.
Many Faced Gods: Triadic (Proto-)Structure and Divine Androgyny in Early Manichaean Cosmogony
Authors: Pettipiece Timothy
Published: September 2015

This paper gathers together evidence that the Manichaean cosmogony was originally based on a trinitarian structure (Father, Mother, Child). This basic triad was subsequently expanded into various hypostases as the Manichaean myth evolved over time and across linguistic contexts.
NOx photocatalytic degradation on gypsum plates modified by TiO2-N,C photocatalysts
Authors: Janus Magdalena , Bubacz Kamila , Zatorska Justyna , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Czyżewski Adam , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: September 2015

In presented studies the photocatalytic decomposition of NOx on gypsum plates modified by TiO2-N,Cphotocatalysts were presented. The gypsum plates were obtained by addition of 10 or 20 wt.% of different types of titanium dioxide, such as: pure TiO2 and carbon and nitrogen co-modified TiO2 (TiO2-N,C) to gypsum. TiO2-N,C photocatalysts were obtained by heating up the starting TiO2 (Grupa Azoty Zakłady Chemiczne Police S.A) in the atmosphere of ammonia and carbon at the temperature: 100, 300 i 600ºC. Photocatalyst were characterized by FTIR/DRS, UVVis/DR, BET and XRD methods. Moreover the compressive strength tests of modified gypsum were also done. Photocatalytic activity of gypsum plates was done during NOx decomposition. The highest photocatalytic activity has gypsum with 20 wt.% addition of TiO2-N,C obtained at 300ºC.
Speciation of heavy metals during co-composting of livestock manure
Authors: Gul Shazia , Naz Alia , Fareed Iftikhar , Khan Abdullah , Irshad Muhammad
Published: September 2015

Heavy metals determination in manures provides beneficial information to predict the availability and the potential contamination of environment. Therefore, a study was carried out to investigate heavy metals changes in livestock manure during a co-composting process. The metals were stepwise fractionated into exchangeable, adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate precipitated and residual forms by extracting with 0.5M KNO3, de-ionized water, 0.5M NaOH, 0.05M Na2EDTA and 4M HNO3, respectively. During the extraction process, the amount of metals remained highly dependent on an extraction method and stage of manure composting. Extractions released heavy metals contents in the final composted manure as Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd. Irrespective of the days of composting, extracting agents differed in the order HNO3 > Na2EDTA > NaOH > KNO3 > H2O for all heavy metals. Higher concentrations of heavy metals were observed during the early stages of composting. Conversely, there was a progressive increase in the concentrations of K, Ca and Mg during composting of manure. Total C in the manure reduced with composting days.
The degradation of kraft lignin during hydrothermal treatment for phenolics
Authors: Tang Kai , Zhou Xue-Fei
Published: September 2015

Kraft lignin was hydrothermally depolymerized at low temperature/short time in water for producing value-added phenolics. The effects of residence time (15, 60 min) and reaction temperature (130, 180, 230ºC) on yields of oils and phenolic compounds were studied in detail. Total oil yield was found to range between 7% and 10%. The compositions of oils were analyzed by GC-MS to confirm the main compound to be guaiacol (2-methoxy phenol) in the range of 12–55% of oil depending on different reaction conditions. The most interesting was the finding that maximum value of total oil yield (10% of kraft lignin) and guaiacol amount (55% of oil) was obtained at 130ºC/15, 60 min which is a low reaction temperature/short time, while the residual kraft lignins were analyzed by FTIR with respect to the conversion mechanism of kraft lignin by this process.
Adsorption kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic investigations of Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions removal by poly(azomethinethioamide) resin with pendent chlorobenzylidine ring
Authors: Kumar P. Senthil , Ethiraj H. , Venkat Anita , Deepika N. , Nivedha S. , Vidhyadevi T. , Ravikumar L. , Sivanesan S.
Published: September 2015

This paper reports the application of poly(azomethinethioamide) (PATA) resin having the pendent chlorobenzylidine ring for the removal of heavy metal ions such as Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions from the aqueous solutions by adsorption technology. Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic models for Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions adsorption were applied by considering the effect of contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature data, respectively. The adsorption influencing parameters for the maximum removal of metal ions were optimized. Adsorption kinetic results followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model based on the correlation coefficient (R2) values and closed approach of experimental and calculated equilibrium adsorption capacity values. The removal mechanism of metal ions by PATA was explained with the Boyd kinetic model, Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion model and Shrinking Core Model (SCM). Adsorption equilibrium results followed the Freundlich model based on the R2 values and error functions. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of PATA for Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions removal were found to be 105.4 mg/g and 97.3 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic study showed the adsorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature.
Adult quality of life in congenital hydrocephalus operated cases. A twenty years retrospective study
Authors: Tascu A. , Iliescu A. , Rizea R.E. , Tudose Irina , Iencean St.M.
Published: September 2015

Congenital hydrocephalus is a health problem in many countries and in Romania the pediatric neurosurgical department of the Emergency Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni” has a large number of such patients. This is a retrospective study and it includes the patients with congenital hydrocephalus operated between 1992 and 2012 in the pediatric neurosurgical department of the Emergency Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”. The functional outcome was assessed using Karnofsky Performance Scale, Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire and Glasgow outcome scale. The total number of the patients was 372, with a predominance of boys (212 boys versus 160 girls) and at the time of our study 168 patients were over 16 years old. Functional outcome of the children over 16 years old assessed using Karnofsky Performance Scale, showed that 73 patients were above 80 and leading independent lives, and 95 were less than 80 points. The results would be better if all these patients would benefit from schooling for children with special needs.
Anatomic locations in high grade glioma
Authors: Oslobanu A. , Florian St.I.
Published: September 2015

The treatment options and prognosis in gliomas could be determined by anatomic topographic location, beside different subtypes of glioma. The aim of this study is to find if any correlation between anatomical location of a glioma and the different subtypes of high grade glioma exist, and if this differences exists, does this influence the treatment options in terms of surgery. To do this, a representative group of 318 adults with high grade glioma was used. The most frequent subtypes of high grade glioma were glioblastoma (76,1%) followed by anaplastic astrocytomas (19,1%), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (2,2), anaplastic ependymomas (1,2%), anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (0,9%), and anaplastic oligoastrocyomas (0,3%). The most frequent locations of gliomas were in the right frontal lobe in 11,95% of the cases, followed by left frontal in 9,12%, left temporal in 9,12%, right parietal in 8,18%, left parietal in 6,60%, right temporal in 5,66% for one lobe location. For multiple lobe locations the left fronto-parietal and left temporo-parietal (5,03%) were the most frequent locations. Deep-seated locations were present in 1,56% of the cases, and brain stem location was in 3,46%. No significant difference was observed between left or right predominence. Regarding the results among different subtypes of high grade glioma we noted that the anaplastic astrocytomas were more frequently located at the right frontal lobe in 18,03% compare to left frontal and left parietal lobe in 9,83%. In glioblastoma we found no significant differences in anatomical location as seen in anaplastic astrocytomas. These data results from our study could affect the therapeutic strategy regarding the extent of tumors resection.
Growing skull fracture in a 2 months old child
Authors: Tascu A. , Vapor Iulia E.B. , Iliescu A. , Tudose Irina , Iencean St.M.
Published: September 2015

A growing skull fracture, also called posttraumatic leptomeningeal cyst, is a rare complication of skull fractures - less than 1%, usually encountered in children younger than 3 years old. Although rare, this complication must be recognized early and treated to prevent permanent neurologic deficits. We present the case of a 2 months old child who had suffered a closed head trauma in a car accident 2 weeks before he was admitted in our clinic with a left parietal growing skull fracture. He was submitted to surgery and leptomeningeal cyst was evacuated, dural defect repaired and bone fragments fixed. Child was discharged 6 days postoperative without neurologic deficits. Growing skull fractures represent a rare complication of head trauma in small children. It is imperious to be recognized and treated in early phases to prevent debilitating permanent neurologic deficits in that category of population.
Ruptured fusiform aneurysm of the proximal anterior cerebral artery in young patient - case report
Authors: Ion Georgiana , Chiriac A. , Dobrin N. , Poeata I.
Published: September 2015

A 16-year old male presented with a ruptured aneurysm of the proximal segment of the anterior cerebral artery, with symptoms like sudden headache. Paraclinical explorations revealed a fusiform aneurysm of the right A1 segment. The optimal treatment used was the microsurgical one via right pterional approach. The aneurysm was associated with a saccular pseudoneurysm at the proximal part. The saccular portion was clipped and the fusiform one was wrapped with muscle. The postoperative evolution was favorable, without neurological deficits.
Transient internuclear ophthalmoparesis associated with mutism following midline cerebellar tumour surgery in an 8-year boy
Authors: Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Mahapatra A.K.
Published: September 2015

Mutism and neurobehaviour symptoms are well known features, which may occur following surgical excision of mass lesion of various histopathologies in the posterior cranial fossa, during the postoperative period. Mutism may be rarely associated with ataxia of eyelid closure and paresis of external ocular muscles. However, internuclear ophthalmoparesis is not reported in association with mutism following posterior cranial fossa surgery. We report an 8-year–boy, who developed internuclear ophthalmoparesis following suboccipital craniectomy for decompression of vermian medulloblastoma. The clinical features, aetiopathogenesis, management of transient internuclear ophthalmoparesis associated with mutism and pertinent literature is reviewed in short.
Surgical management of combined fracture of atlas associated with fracture of axis vertebrae (CAAF): Case Series
Authors: Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Vaghani Gaurang , Mahapatra A.K.
Published: September 2015

Combined fracture involving atlas together associated with axis (CAAF) accounts for approximately 3 % of traumatic cervical spine injury, CAAF are rarely reported, so modalities of management and outcome are not well understood, due to paucity of literature and only few reports reported in the form of isolated case report. CAFF management possess challenge as it is associated with high incidence non-union with previously conservative method. However, missed diagnosis and subsequent delay may be associated with catastrophic worsening in neurological deficit. So early diagnosis and management remains the key for successful neurological outcome. Such fractures are rare. Authors report five such cases of CAFF, all required surgical management with good outcome with no mortality. Current study, all cases were males (n=5), commonest mode of injury was fall (n=3), time interval since injury was within 24 hours in (n=4), however rest one presented after a gap of eight months. Commonest clinical feature was neck pain (n=3), neurological deficit (n=2), neck tenderness and swelling tenderness (n=3) Neuroimaging including X-ray, CT scan and MRI were carried out for all cases revealed fracture of arches of atlas (n=5), one case had multiple site fracture of both arches, odontoid fracture (n=2), lateral mass of atlas fracture in 1 cases. Astonishingly two cases had disruption of transverse ligament. Surgical procedures performed considering economic consideration included occipito-cervcial fusion (n=3), transarticular C1-C2 fusion and anterior odontoid screw fixation in one cases each. Management options in CAFF and review of literature discussed in present study.