bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prospects for Consumer-Oriented Social Media
Authors: Clarke Roger
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose: The term ‘social media’ refers to a cluster of applications and online services that support human interaction and content broadcasting and sharing. Current services are isolated islands or ‘walled gardens’, and are based on a business model that is highly exploitative of individuals and their data.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Surveys of the refereed literature have been undertaken on several occasions during the period 2012-13. Reviews were conducted of social media services that are reasonably described as ‘consumer-oriented’. Media reports on those services were uncovered. The available information was then subjected to analysis, including reflection based on prior research conducted by the author.

Results: Required characteristics of consumer-oriented social media, and barriers to emergence and adoption of such services were identified. That provided a basis for proposing means to overcome those barriers. Key impediments to the emergence of such services were identified, and means of overcoming the impediments outlined.

Conclusion: An alternative, consumer-oriented approach is feasible, involving open architecture, inter-operability and portability features, fair terms and privacy-sensitivity.
A synopsis of the genus Orchidotypus (Orchidaceae, Vandoideae) in Colombia, with description of a new species
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta , Mystkowska Katarzyna
Published: January 2015

A synopsis of the genus Orchidotypus Kraenzl. in Colombia is presented. Morphological descriptions of all national representatives of the genus are provided, together with information about their habitat, ecology and general distribution, detailed illustrations of the studied plants, and an identification key for Colombian Orchidotypus species. A new species discovered during these studies is described and a new generic combination is proposed.
Second record of the rare species Phacus bętkowskii (Euglenophyceae)
Authors: Richter Dorota
Published: January 2015

The paper presents new data on the occurrence of Phacus bętkowskii Stawiński (Euglenophyceae). The species was found in a small midfield pond in southwestern Poland. This is its second locality in the world. The paper includes detailed morphological and metric characteristics of Ph. bętkowskii along with characteristics of its environment, particularly water physicochemistry. Research on a greater number of samples enabled emendation of the species description. Original microphotographs and line drawings of Ph. bętkowskii are presented.
Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Caloplaca in Central European Russia
Authors: Muchnik Eugenia , Wilk Karina , Vondrák Jan , Frolov Ivan
Published: January 2015

The paper provides data on 21 Caloplaca Th. Fr. species from central European Russia. Two species are new for Russia: C. atroflava (Turner) Mong. s.l. and C. soralifera Vondrák & Hrouzek. A further seven are new for European Russia [C. flavocitrina (Nyl.) H. Olivier, C. inconnexa (Nyl.) Zahlbr., C. marmorata (Bagl.) Jatta, C. oasis (A. Massal.) Szatala] or central European Russia [C. dichroa Arup, C. interfulgens (Nyl.) J. Steiner, C. monacensis (Leder.) Lettau]. Short taxonomic notes together with information on habitat and distribution are provided for the newly recorded species. An additional twelve Caloplaca species recognized in the area are also briefly presented.
Youth Volunteering in Sport: A Case Study of The Benefits of “The European Voluntary Service” for a Sport Organization
Authors: Esra Erturan-Ogut E.
Published: January 2015

The European Voluntary Service of the European Union is thought to play a key role in promoting and encouraging volunteering among young people. Integrating the social work of EVS volunteers into activities through sport organizations is believed to help develop the perception of volunteering as an element of social commitment. The aim of this study is to therefore examine a case of youth volunteering practice in an EVS project in Turkey within the context of the benefits of volunteering. Data was collected using various tools. These included semi-structured interviews, participant observation (non-structured), and document analyses. Content analyses were applied to the interview data. The study established that the EVS is a beneficial channel for youth volunteering and provides benefits for each of the parties: the volunteers, the organization, and the sport participants.
Effects of Marginalization on School Physical Education Programs: a Literature Review
Authors: Laureano Justin , Konukman Ferman , Gümüşdağ Hayrettin , Erdoğan Şamil , Yu Jong-Hoon , Çekin Resul
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this research was to examine the causes of marginalization in Physical Education (PE) and to examine how PE teachers can counter the effects of this marginalization. Therefore, a recent literature review was conducted for the purpose of investigating the effects of marginalization. Four studies addressed feelings of burnout among PE teachers, including isolation, lack of equipment, and lack of space. Three research articles addressed communication with parents to encourage their support of PE. These three articles examined the use of PE websites as a tool to stay in constant communication with parents. In addition, one research study looked at how PE assessments needed to be consistent with other content areas and aligned with state and national standards. Moreover, one research article addressed the causes of parents' misconceptions of their children's PE programs. The final research article was a case study that related to how one teacher was able to change the parents' misconceptions about the PE programs. Results from this literature review study indicated that PE programs are being marginalized, yet there are ways for PE teachers to combat this issue.
The Impact of Heavy Rainfall in the Hydrological Regime of Suha River Basin in 2006
Authors:   Tirnovan, Tirnovan Alina , Romanescu Gheorghe , Cojoc Gianina Maria
Published: January 2015

Recent climate changes mentioned in the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC, 2013) report highlight the fact that in the past 50 years at the planetary level have occurred major changes in all climate components. In this regard the analysis of rainfall oscillations and of their impact on the hydric regime is particularly important, being witnessed in the surface and groundwater level variations. In the Suha River Basin, the year 2006 has been characterized by large rainfall quantities that have been generated, in particular, in June by persistent retrograde cyclonic activity (223 mm at Slătioara 3 hydrometric station, 269.1 mm at Gemenea 5 station, 271.6 mm at Valea lui Ion station and 351.8 mm at Stulpicani). On the main course of Suha, but especially on its tributaries (Gemenea and Slătioara) have been recorded very high flow rates (5% and 2% insurance) caused by the amounts of rainfall felt in a short time. To estimate the impact of rainfall on the Suha basin hydrological regime we used data collected by the Siret Basin Water Administration-Bacau, being analyzed the rainfall quantities, duration, intensity, tendency and effects.
Evaluation of Health Consequences of Air Pollution Induced by Beam Rolling Mills Factory (Iran)
Authors: Rafiei Masoud , Gadgil A.S. , Patil Hemlata , Jamir Tongdi
Published: January 2015

The increases in air pollution over the metropolitan cities are a threat to human health and environment. An attempt has been made to evaluate the health consequences of indoor air pollution induced by Beam Rolling Mills Factory at Ahwaz (Iran). A questionnaire was prepared to obtain information on health of 481 workers, out of which 200 each were selected from exposed and non-exposed category by stratified randomized method. Fisher exact test and chi-square test were used to calculate the values. The study concludes that more than 80% of the workers have high exposure risk to diseases. Analysis of the health impacts reveals that exposed workers are more prone to various diseases as compared to the non-exposed workers. It is also observed that exposure to air pollutants might be the causative factor for various diseases among the smokers but also nonsmoking workers. The analysis also reveals that there is higher relative risk in occupational fatigue and cardio-vascular disease. Further, the study found that percentage of workers having various diseases is much higher in the indoor environment as compared to the outdoor environment
Analysis of the Dynamics of the Forest Surfaces in the County of Iaşi Between 1990 and 2012
Authors: Cojinovschi Alina Daniela , Rusu Eugen
Published: January 2015

The main dynamics that shaped the evolution of the forest surfaces between 1990 and 2012, in the county of Iaşi, are related to the legislative context and to the territorial reforms that affected the district limits. Analyzing these mechanisms in a geographical context shows that these trends are also related to the spatial frame. This study emphasizes that moderate negative coefficients of spatial and territorial autocorrelation can also describe these trends, suggesting that these evolutions are rather chaotic at local scale. This aspect makes us suspect that the loss of forest surfaces in each district is not only dependent on the economic, social and legislative context of the transition period, it is also subject to geographical factors. Analyzing these factors is the main intention of our study because they can provide us a better understanding of the extremely complicated frame of forest dynamics in the study area
Climate Change, Urbanization and Livelihood Perspective of Indigenous Fishing Communities of Mumbai, India
Authors: Senapati Sibananda , Gupta Vijaya
Published: January 2015

This study is an attempt to derive the socio-economic implications of climate change and other environmental issues pertaining to fishing communities residing in and around Mumbai, India. A substantial number of populations in Mumbai city are the fishing communities, popularly known as ‘Koli’. They are the earliest inhabitants of the city. Coastal cities are most productive as well as most vulnerable to environmental changes. They support a number of economic activities which include fishing, agriculture, urbanization, real estate, tourism, transport, oil exploration etc. As a result, the anthropogenic pressure on coastal cities is increasing. Koli communities in Mumbai encounter diverse socio-economic and climatic pressures including sea level rise, floods, storms, etc. The implications of climate change on Koli communities as well as other environmental issues pertaining to fishing villages in Mumbai are discussed in detail in this study. Five fishing villages from Mumbai are selected for a primary study based on a structured questionnaire. Nearly 200 households are surveyed in a period over six months in 2011-12, finally 182 households information is considered for further analysis. On the basis of the findings, this study suggests that issue of lack of asset formation and financial insecurity among young fishermen may be taken care by linking the fisheries societies in Mumbai and in other regions with the support from local governments. The benefits of subsidies, insurance may be distributed progressively based on their financial needs to all fishermen rather than benefiting the large scale fishermen alone.
Types and Forms of Relief on Gherasim Torrential Valley, Târgu Ocna
Authors: Mară M. , Dârlău Oana
Published: January 2015

The present study brings new data regarding the landforms occurring on gypsum rocks through the action of denudation processes. The landforms signaled complement the domain literature with natural dams, vertical shafts and reappearing springs, developed at the contact between the Subcarpathians and Berzunţi Mts. The presence of the gypsum dam has slowed down the intensity of erosion processes upstream, in comparison to the neighboring valleys. The analyzed area has also an educational importance, offering sufficient objectives for the knowledge of the local characteristics or for field applications. The perimeter presents sufficient objectives also to be included on the list of protected areas of national interest.
Suitability of Wind Potential in Some Areas of Central Moldavian Plateau
Authors: Liviu Apostol , Tiron Mihăiţă
Published: January 2015

In the contemporary period, the most important element in sustaining and developing the society, under all its aspects, is represented by energy. Due to the fact that in society consumption is increasing, the actual preoccupation is to reduce the energy consumption and also to find clean, alternative sources to produce energy. The theme of this article is directed towards the concepts of increased availability and energetic independency and concerns estimations over the wind potential in certain areas of Central Moldavian Plateau. For this purpose there were analyzed genetic factors of the wind in the analyzed area and those parameters of wind speed, useful to the justification of the wind potential study. The obtained results confirm the fact that in Central Moldavian Plateau, in many areas, especially those of high altitude, are favorable conditions to use wind energy. Along with the remoteness from the Eastern Carpathians and the proximity of the Black Sea, the conditions become more and more favorable. Unfortunately, the lack of meteorological stations on the top of hills (besides the Barnova station, situated in the woods). Increased wind speed in the meaning of what was stated, was approved only on high valleys and upper terraces in the main valleys, especially on the Prut.
Frequency of Thermal Inversions Between Siret and Prut Rivers in 2013
Authors: Ichim Pavel , Apostol Liviu , Sfîcă Lucian , Kadhim-Abid Adriana-Lucia , Istrate Vasilică
Published: January 2015

Temperature inversions represent complex phenomena, specific for depression forms of relief which introduce changes in vertical zoning (Apăvăloae, Apostle, Pîrvulescu, 1986 by stable air stratification (Erhan, 1981), because of their morphological features, this is due to the interdependence of general movement and characteristics of the active surface, being the cause of their production (Apăvăloae, et. al., 1984, 1986, 1987). The generation of thermal inversions, their intensity and frequency is a consequence of altitude topography, morphology, fragmentation, orientation and degree of closure to external drives. (Apăvăloae, Apostle, Pîrvulescu, 1988). Thermal inversions represent complex phenomena, specific to depression landforms that introduce changes within the vertical zoning (Apăvăloae, Apostol, Pîrvulescu, 1986) by stable air stratification (Matveev, 1958, Erhan, 1981, Yinghui Liu, 2002) where vertical thermal gradient is negative (Matveev, 1958), due to their morphological features, also as a consequence of the interdependance of general circulation and characteristics of the active surface, the cause of their generation (Apăvăloae, et. al., 1984, 1986, 1987).
Influence of Plum Rootstocks on the Content of Reducing Sugars in the Annual Shoots of Cultivar ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’
Authors: Dēķena Dzintra , Jänes Heljo , Alsiņa Ina
Published: January 2015

The lack of suitable plum rootstocks for Baltic conditions has become a problem during recent years due to changing climatic conditions. Rapid temperature fluctuations between freezing and thawing are occurring more frequently. The winter-hardiness of rootstocks is essential for overwintering of trees in such conditions. The content of accumulated reducing sugars is an important physiological factor influencing wintering ability of trees. The dynamics of reducing sugars was investigated during two winter seasons (2010/2011 and 2011/2012) in one-year-old ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ (Prunus x rossica Erem.) hybrid plum shoots from two orchards planted in 2001 at Pūre Horticultural Research Centre (Latvia) and Polli Horticultural Research Centre (Estonia). Cultivar ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ was grafted on eight clonal rootstocks: ‘St. Julien A’, ‘Brompton’ cuttings, ‘Ackermann’, ‘Pixy’, GF8/1, G5/22, GF655/2, ‘Hamyra’ and eight seedling rootstocks: ‘St. Julien INRA 2’, ‘St. Julien d’Orleans’, ‘St. Julien Noir’, ‘Brompton’ seedlings, ‘Wangenheims Zwetsche’, ‘St. Julien Wädenswill’, ‘Myrobаlan’ and Prunus cerasifera var. divaricata. Trees were planted at 5×3 m spacing in four replications per rootstock with three trees per plot. Shoot samples were harvested five times during the winter period. The concentration of reducing sugars (mg g-1 dry weight) was determined with Bertran’s method. Significant differences in concentration of reducing sugar were found between samples coming from different locations and in two seasons. The maximum concentration of reducing sugar was found in December or January depending on growing location and meteorological conditions
The Cost-estimation of Mechanical Pre-treatment Lines of Municipal Solid Waste in Latvia
Authors: Āriņa Dace , Kļavenieks Kaspars , Burlakovs Juris
Published: January 2015

Production of refuse derived fuel from municipal solid waste in future shall play a strategic role in an integrated waste management system. The amount of landfilled biodegradable materials thus will be diminished according to provisions of the 1999 Waste Landfill Directive. The aim of this article is to evaluate cost effectiveness based on cost evaluation of the different complication of the waste pre-treatment equipment complectation and based on regenerable waste quantities in Latvia. The comparison of cost estimates is done in 3 scenarios considering potential waste quantities in Latvia: Scenario I - planned annual waste quantity is 20 kT; Scenario II - 40 kT and Scenario III - 160 kT. An increase in amount of waste and processing capacity means the decrease in costs of mechanical pre-treatment of 1 ton of waste. Thus, costs of mechanical sorting line under different scenarios with capacities of 10 t h-1, 20 t h-1 and 80 t h-1 are EUR 32 per t, EUR 24 per t and EUR 15 per t, respectively. Most feasible cost for a set of mechanical pre-treatment equipment for the capacity of 10 t h-1 is EUR 32 per t by using rotating drum screener with the following manual sorting. Mechanical pre-treatment equipment of unsorted municipal waste is economically nonbeneficial, when the use of fine (biologically degradable) fraction is not possible. As the sorting of biodegradable kitchen waste is not developed under the current waste management system in Latvia, the lines for mechanical pre-treatment of household waste would be better to install in landfills.
Crude Protein and Non-protein Nitrogen Content in Dairy Cow Milk
Authors: Ruska Diana , Jonkus Daina
Published: January 2015

Milk composition is of prime economic importance for farmers. Milk total proteins are composed of casein, whey proteins and non-protein nitrogen. The objective of this work was to establish milk crude protein, non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and urea content in dairy cow milk produced in different farms in Latvia. Cow milk samples (n=30) were collected in September 2012 from four different farms breeding diverse cow breeds. Average crude protein, casein and urea content in milk varied significantly among farms. NPN content in cow milk varies among farms - from 0.194% to 0.232%. Average crude protein and casein content was significantly higher (p<0.05) for Latvia Brown breed cows, while NPN content did not differ significantly among breeds. Regression between NPN and urea content in milk was R² = 0.458. Correlation between NPN and urea content was significant (r = 0.677). This study allowed establishing that crude protein and NPN content in milk varied significantly (p<0.05) in farms with differing dairy cow housing and feeding technologies
Relationship Between Eyespot Severity and Productivity of Winter Wheat in Lithuania
Authors: Ramanauskienė Jūratė , Gaurilčikienė Irena , Česnulevičienė Rūta
Published: January 2015

Cereal yield loss from eyespot directly depends on the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between eyespot damage in winter wheat and components of yield of winter wheat cultivars Ada, Mulan and Tukan in Lithuania in the 2011/2012 cropping season. Several eyespot did not decrease the grain number per ear cv. of Tukan while for cvs. Ada and Mulan the decrease was 14 and 15%, respectively; however, the grain number per ear of moderately eyespot-affected stems of cv. Ada did not differ from that of visually healthy stems. For cv. Ada, the grain weight per ear of moderately affected stems was 5.8% less and that of severely affected stems was 12.8% less than that of healthy stems, while for cv. Mulan the decrease in grain weight per ear was 40.3 and 35.5%, respectively and for cv. Tukan it was 59.0 and 63.2%, respectively for moderately and severely affected stems. The decrease in thousand grain weight of moderately eyespot-affected stems of cv. Ada was less (6.5%) compared with that of cv. Mulan (31.3%) and cv. Tukan (55.8%). Thousand grain weight of severely eyespot-affected stems of cvs. Ada, Mulan and Tukan was 22.2, 26.0, and 65.0%, respectively, less than that of healthy stems. Screening of healthy, moderately and severely affected plants of the winter wheat varieties Ada, Mulan and Tukan for grain number per ear, grain weight per ear and TGW revealed that these varieties differed in tolerance to eyespot
Changes in Fusarium Link Species Composition From Lithuanian Wheat Grain in Years 2005-2007 to 2011-2013
Authors: Sakalauskas Simonas , Stumbriene Karina , Suproniene Skaidre , Svegzda Povilas
Published: January 2015

Changes in Fusarium species composition from naturally contaminated spring and winter wheat grain from the years 2005-2007 to 2011-2013 are presented. In general, Fusarium infection spring wheat grain was much more frequent than in winter wheat. In 2005-2007 F. avenaceum was dominant in both crops, with F. sporotrichioides, F. poae and F. culmorum isolated at lower levels, and F. graminearum, F. tricinctum, F. equiseti and F. oxysporum were occasionally found on both spring ant winter wheat. In 2011-2013, F. avenaceum lost its dominating status among Fusarium isolates in both crops, but the species composition of most frequently isolated fusaria in spring and winter wheat was quite different: F. graminearum, F. sporotrichioides, F. culmorum and F. avenaceum constituted the major part of fusaria isolated from spring wheat grain, while in winter wheat F. poae, F. sportotrichooides and the declining F. avenaceum were dominant.
Assessment of Genes R1 and R3 Conferring Resistance to Late Blight and of Gene R Ysto Conferring Resistance to Potato Virus Y in Two Wild Species Accessions and their Hybrid Progenies/ Izturîbas Pret Lakstu Puvi Gçnu R1 Un R3 Un Izturîbas Pret Kartupeïu Vîrusu Y Gçna Rysto Novçrtçjums Divu Savvaïas Sugu Lînijâs Un To Hibrîdos
Authors: Zoteyeva Nadezhda , Meþaka Ieva , Vilcâne Daiga , Carlson-Nilsson Ulrika , Skrabule Ilze , Rostoks Nils
Published: January 2015

The oomycete Phytophthora infestans Mont. (de Bary), which causes potato late blight, and Potato Virus Y (PVY) are economically important potato pathogens. More virulent P. infestans strains have evolved and are able to overcome resistance genes introgressed earlier to cultivated potato from wild Solanum species, especially from S. demissim Lindl. Potato cultivars resistant to the previously common type of PVYN may be susceptible to the more virulent isolates of PVY. In previous research, S. guerreroense Corr. (grr) and S. neoantipoviczii Buk. (nan) accessions were rated as resistant to P. infestans and to two (grr) and three (nan) strains of PVY. These parental accessions and their respective hybrid offspring were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect alleles conferring resistance to P. infestans (R1 and R3) and to PVY (Rysto). Screenings were made in detached leaflet tests (P. infestans), and with the aid of ELISA tests (PVY). The resistance of two hybrids derived from grr was rated as high, mostly due to a hypersensitivity reaction. The allele R3 was detected in only one grr plant among 20 plant populations for each grr and nan accession. R1 and R3 alleles were more frequently detected in one hybrid of grr (grr × B.d.R5.). The resistance allele Rysto was found in nan and provided host plant resistance to three strains of PVY, including PVYNTN. Hybrids derived from this accession were characterised by a high frequency of plants bearing the resistant allele Rysto. In the parental clone tbr × phu, as well as in grr and its hybrids, only the susceptible allele at Rysto locus was detected.
Anther Culture Effectiveness in Producing Doubled Haploids of Cereals/ Putekðòu Kultûras Efektivitâte Graudaugu Dubultoto Haploîdu Izveidoðanâ
Authors: Grauda Dace , Miķelsone Andra , Ļisina Nadežda , Žagata Kârlis , Ornicāns Reinis , Fokina Oksana , Lapiņa Lita , Rashal Isaak
Published: January 2015

Our goal was to improve the method of obtaining double haploids (DH) by anther culture from Latvian breeding material for several agriculturally important cereals in Latvia: barley, spring and winter wheat. Hybrids from Latvian breeders were initial material. It was found that copper (2.5 mg/l) added to barley anther pre-treatment media and to both barley (C3) and wheat (liquid AMC) induction media, resulted in a higher percentage of green plants-regenerants. In general, the winter wheat hybrids exhibited lower embryogenesis than spring wheat hybrids. Obtaining a large number of DH lines from barley and wheat hybrids with unknown androgenesis response can be organized in two stages: first - selection from breeding initial material hybrids responsive in anther culture, which enables production of green plants-regenerants, and second - production of DH lines in a large scale from selected hybrids.
Effect of Genotype and Farming System on Concentration of Mineral Elements in Organically and Conventionally Grown Cereals/ Genotipa Un Saimniekoðanas Sistçmas Ietekme Uz Minerâlvielu Saturu Bioloìiski Un Konvencionâli Audzçtos Graudaugos
Authors: Legzdiņa Linda , Strazdiņa Vija , Beinaroviča Indra , Muceniece Ruta
Published: January 2015

About half of the human population suffers from deficiency of mineral elements, mostly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). The purpose of the research was to compare the concentration of Fe and Zn in grain of 19 spring barley (in Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes and the concentration of Zn and manganese (Mn) in grain of 19 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown in organic and conventional management systems during two growing seasons. The average concentration of Fe in barley ranged from 32.51-86.85 mg·kg-1 and was higher under conventional management (p < 0.001); the effect of genotype was significant (p = 0.014). The average concentration of Zn in barley ranged 16.79-48.51 mg·kg-1 and was significantly higher under the organic system (p < 0.001); in wheat it was 21.52-29.89 mg·kg-1 with no difference between the management systems; the effect of genotype was significant (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001 for barley and wheat, respectively). The average concentration of Mn in wheat ranged from 24.63-36.07 mg·kg-1 and was higher under the conventional system (p < 0.001); significant differences between genotypes were observed (p < 0.001). Barley and wheat genotypes with higher concentrations of the investigated elements were identified for use in breeding for improvement of grain quality. Zn concentration correlated negatively with grain yield and positively with grain protein concentration.
Effects of Enzymatic Biofertiliser on Growth and Yield of Lentil Genotypes under Deficit Irrigation/ Enzimatisko Biomçslojumu Ietekme Uz Daþâdu Lçcu Genotipu Augðanu Un Raþu Irigâcijas Trûkuma Apstâkïos
Authors: Janmohammadi Mohsen , Mostafavi Hamid , Sabaghnia Naser
Published: January 2015

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) is one of the important pulse crops in semiarid agro-ecological zones with a Mediterranean-type climate. Terminal drought stress and poor plant nutrition are important factors limiting crop under these regions. The effects of enzymatic biofertiliser (MOG) application at sowing time or during reproductive stage on some morphological traits and yield components of eight lentil lines were evaluated under deficit-irrigation conditions at Maragheh (37°23' N; 46°16' E) in northwestern Iran. Results revealed that application of biofertiliser did not significantly affect most of the morphological traits. However, foliar application of MOG during early flowering stage somewhat increased 100-grain weight and grain yield and decreased the number of empty pod per plant. Moreover, the results indicated that there was significant diversity between lentil lines for the investigated traits. The best performance for grain yield was recorded for FLIP 86-35L. The overall lack of considerable response of lentil to the MOG treatments may suggest that the optimal efficiency of biofertiliser cannot be achieved under water scarcity conditions. Improvement in the adaptation of enzymatic fertilisers to semi arid regions with terminal drought stress requires to be increased.
Potential Effect of Two Different Anaesthesia Techniques on the Activation of Hhv-6 and Hhv-7 Infection in Relation to Changes in Total Lymphocyte Count and Peripheral Immune Cell Distribution after Prolonged Microvascular Free Flap Surgery / Divu Atšķirîgu Anestēzijas Metožu Ietekme Uz Hhv-6 Un Hhv-7 Infekcijas Aktivāciju Saistībā Ar Limfocītu Skaitu Izmaiņām Un Perifēro Imūno Šūnu Sadali Pēc Ilgstošām Mikrovaskulārām Brīvo Lēveru Operācijām
Authors: Vilks Arnis , Rasa Santa , Doniņa Simona , Murovska Modra , Mamaja Biruta
Published: January 2015

Microvascular free flap surgery is a complex method of wound closure for large wounds. Tissue trauma, surgical stress and general anaesthesia are known immunosuppressors that may exacerbate postoperative infections. Beta-herpesviruses HHV-6 and HHV-7 are immunomodulating viruses highly prevalent in the population of healthy individuals, which can interfere with the function of the host immune system. These viruses can be reactivated in immunosuppressed conditions. The aim of this study was to monitor the potential effects of two different anaesthesia techniques - general anaesthesia (GA) and regional anaesthesia (RA) - on the activation of HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection in relation to changes in the total lymphocyte count and peripheral immune cell distribution after microvascular free flap surgery. We found significant increase in the frequency of active HHV-7 infection after surgery (p < 0.05) in the GA group. In the RA group changes were not significant. The activation of HHV-7 infection was associated with decrease in the total lymphocyte count post-operatively in patients from the GA group. The data of our study show that reconstructive flap surgery under GA is linked with more frequent postoperative lymphopenia, which is a potential post-operative immunosuppressor that probably triggers the activation of HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection
Arterial Stiffness Measured by Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients with Early Sepsis / Artēriju Cietība Un Pulsa Viļņa Izplatīšanās Ātrums Pacientiem Ar Agrīnu Sepsi
Authors: Kazūne Sigita , Grabovskis Andris , Strīķe Eva , Vanags Indulis
Published: January 2015

Sepsis is characterised by massive inflammatory response, which can affect vascular function. This study was designed to assess the impact of early severe sepsis and septic shock on arterial stiffness and the relationship of this impact to outcome. Twelve patients with severe sepsis and 22 with septic shock were included in the study. We measured carotid to femoral and carotid to radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index of aortic and brachial arterial stiffness, in patients with early severe sepsis and septic shock within 24 hours of admission to intensive care unit and repeatedly after 48 hours. No difference was observed between patients with severe sepsis and septic shock regarding carotid to femoral PWV (11.7 ± 2.2 vs. 11.3 ± 3.6 m/s) and carotid to radial PWV (12.0 ± 3.8 vs. 9.5 ± 2.2 m/s). On 48 hour follow-up, PWV did not significantly differ between survivors and non-survivors. A positive, similar correlation occurred between PWV and pulse pressure in all patients (r = 0.35, p = 0.05), and there was a negative correlation between PWV and C-reactive protein levels (r = -0.43, p = 0.04). In conclusion, PWV is not affected by disease severity or prognosis.
Focus Assessed Echocardiography Performed By Inexperienced Examiners In A Cardiac Intensive Care Unit / Fok Spe Kusētā Ehokardiogrāfija, Ko Sirds Ķirurģijas Intensīvās Terapijas Nodaļā Veic Nepieredzējuši Ciālisti
Authors: Macas Andrius , Maciulienė Asta , Ovsianas Justas , Juodviršytė Greta , Bakšytė Giedrė
Published: January 2015

Focus assessed echocardiography (FATE) provides an excellent possibility to evaluate basic haemodynamic determinants, such as preload, afterload, contractility, compliance and relaxation, by observing obvious pathology, assessing wall thickness and chamber dimensions, biventricular function, and pleura, and relating the acquired information to the clinical situation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the applicability of FATE protocol in cardiac ICU when it was performed by inexperienced examiner. A total of 101 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were enrolled in the study. All AMI subjects were examined by two examiners with no previous experience in ultrasound using standard FATE protocol with addition of inferior vena cava (IVC) and aortic views. Data collected by inexperienced examiners was compared with the data from echocardiography performed by a cardiologist. We acquired a mean number of 5.75 ± 1.2 informative echo windows for each patient of 7 used in protocol. Mean number of informative echo windows acquired for one patient was greater in the non-smoker compared to no respiratory disease patient group (6.0 ± 1.2 vs 5.3 ± 1.8; p = 0.032). Quantitative echo measurements from inexperienced examiners correlated with measurements conducted by a cardiologist: LVEDD (R = 0.74; p < 0.01); IVSd (R = 0.71; p < 0.01); LVPWd (R = 0.61; p < 0.01). Substantial inter-observer agreement was observed for evaluation of diastolic function (K = 0.68; p < 0.01) and presence of pleural effusion (K = 0.76; p < 0.01).
Structure of the EU28 plus ukraine economic region from the growth pole theory perspective
Authors: Kotlebová Jana , Širaňová Mária
Published: January 2015

Economic and debt crisis in Europe has brought along the question which member states could become a source of future economic growth of EU28 region. With respect to this question, this paper aims to contribute to this debate by identifying possible economic growth poles within the EU28 economic region. In light of recent debate centered on the future of the Ukraine we use a broad definition of the European economic space with EU28 as well as the Ukraine included. Our results show that the dominance of the United Kingdom has been successfully challenged by Germany and Poland represents the only country from the “new” EU countries that can be labeled as a European growth pole. Additionally, the heterogeneous distribution of growth pole potential partially resembles the distribution based on Zipf’s law but with a growth potential concentrated more in the upper part than in the case of Zipf’s law benchmark.
The empirical evidence for corporate tax competition among the EU member states
Authors: Huňady Ján , Orviská Marta
Published: January 2015

The paper is focused on the problem of corporate tax competition in EU as one of the current key issues for EU member states tax policies. The main objective is to empirically verify theoretical assumptions about corporate tax competition among EU member states. Based on the available empirical data we analyzed trends in effective and statutory tax rates and tested the theoretical assumption of possible spontaneous tax coordination. We found almost no support for spontaneous tax coordination for EU as a whole, but it appears to be more evident among neighbouring member states as well as in within the same regions. The differences in corporate tax rates between neighbour countries are mostly smaller and tend to shrink over the time. We have used panel data cointegration analysis to test for, and DOLS and FMOLS panel estimators to estimate, the long-run parameters. Finally panel vector error correction models (VECM) were used to examine short-run as well as long-run dependencies among the corporate tax policies of neighbouring EU countries. Based on our results we find evidence for relatively strong relationships between neighbouring EU member states in corporate tax rate setting.
Techno-Environmental Assessment Of Co-Gasification Of Low-Grade Turkish Lignite With Biomass In A Trigeneration Power Plant
Authors: Amirabedin Ehsan , Pooyanfar Mirparham , Rahim Murad A. , Topal Hüseyin
Published: January 2015

Trigeneration or Combined Cooling, Heat and Power (CCHP) which is based upon combined heat and power (CHP) systems coupled to an absorption chiller can be recognized as one of the best technologies recovering biomass effectively to heat, cooling and power. Co-gasification of the lignite and biomass can provide the possibility for safe and effective disposal of different waste types as well as for sustainable and environmentally-friendly production of energy. In this article, a trigeneration system based on an IC engine and gasifier reactor has been simulated and realized using Thermoflex simulation software. Performance results suggest that utilization of sustainably-grown biomass in a Tri-Generation Power Plant (TGPP) can be a possibility for providing cooling, heat and power demands with local renewable sources and reducing the environmental impacts of the energy conversion systems.
Zero Emission Building And Conversion Factors Between Electricity Consumption And Emissions Of Greenhouse Gases In A Long Term Perspective
Authors: Graabak Ingeborg , Bakken Bjørn Harald , Feilberg Nicolai
Published: January 2015

The CO2 emissions from a building’s power system will change over the life time of the building, and this need to be taken into account to verify whether a building is Zero Emission (ZEB) or not.

This paper describes how conversion factors between electricity demand and emissions can be calculated for the European power system in a long term perspective through the application of a large scale electricity market model (EMPS). Examples of two types of factors are given: a conversion factor for average emissions per kWh for the whole European power system as well as a marginal factor for a specific region.
Development Of Educational Programs In Renewable And Alternative Energy Processing: The Case Of Russia
Authors: Svirina Аnna , Shindor Olga , Tatmyshevsky Konstantin
Published: January 2015

The paper deals with the main problems of Russian energy system development that proves necessary to provide educational programs in the field of renewable and alternative energy. In the paper the process of curricula development and defining teaching techniques on the basis of expert opinion evaluation is defined, and the competence model for renewable and alternative energy processing master students is suggested. On the basis of a distributed questionnaire and in-depth interviews, the data for statistical analysis was obtained. On the basis of this data, an optimization of curricula structure was performed, and three models of a structure for optimizing teaching techniques were developed. The suggested educational program structure which was adopted by employers is presented in the paper. The findings include quantitatively estimated importance of systemic thinking and professional skills and knowledge as basic competences of a masters’ program graduate; statistically estimated necessity of practice-based learning approach; and optimization models for structuring curricula in renewable and alternative energy processing. These findings allow the establishment of a platform for the development of educational programs.
Climate Considerations Of The Electricity Supply Systems In Industries
Authors: Asset Khabdullin , Zauresh Khabdullina
Published: January 2015

The study is focused on analysis of climate considerations of electricity supply systems in a pellet industry. The developed analysis model consists of two modules: statistical data of active power losses evaluation module and climate aspects evaluation module.

The statistical data module is presented as a universal mathematical model of electrical systems and components of industrial load. It forms a basis for detailed accounting of power loss from the voltage levels. On the basis of the universal model, a set of programs is designed to perform the calculation and experimental research. It helps to obtain the statistical characteristics of the power losses and loads of the electricity supply systems and to define the nature of changes in these characteristics. Within the module, several methods and algorithms for calculating parameters of equivalent circuits of low- and high-voltage ADC and SD with a massive smooth rotor with laminated poles are developed.

The climate aspects module includes an analysis of the experimental data of power supply system in pellet production. It allows identification of GHG emission reduction parameters: operation hours, type of electrical motors, values of load factor and deviation of standard value of voltage.
Art, Society, and Transgression. An Essay in the Philosophy of Culture / Sztuka, społeczeństwo, transgresja. Esej z filozofii kultury
Authors: Nowak Witold M.
Published: January 2015

An article is concerned with the theoretical conditions of transgression in pre-modern, modern and contemporary society. Author argues that in pre-modern worldview there were no conceptual conditions which made transgression possible. In modern and especially postmodern de-enchanted world a real transgression is a creative work which goes beyond the limitations of exclusive humanism. Among the discussed authors are: Ch. Taylor, D. Castaldo, M. Douglas
Dreams Give Birth to Reality”. Engraving Austroseraphicum Coelum as an Attempt to Create a New Reality by the Spanish Habsburgs Dynastic Propaganda / Sny rodzą rzeczywistość…”. Grafika Austroseraphicum Coelum jako próba kreowania nowej rzeczywistości za pomocą propagandy dynastycznej Habsburgów hiszpańskich
Authors: Kurowiak Jan
Published: January 2015

As a work of propaganda, graphics Austroseraphicum Coelum Paulus Pontius should create a new reality, make appearances. The main impression while seeing the graphics is the admiration for the power of Habsburgs, which interacts with the power of the Mother of God. She, in turn, refers the viewer to God, as well as Franciscans placed on the graphic, they become a symbol of the Church. This is a starting point for further interpretation of the drawing. By the presence of certain characters, allegories, symbols, we can see references to a particular political situation in the Netherlands - the war with the northern provinces of Spain. The message of the graphic is: the Spanish Habsburgs, commissioned by the mission of God, they are able to fight all of the enemies, especially Protestants, with the help of Immaculate and the Franciscans. The main aim of the graphic is to convince the viewer that this will happen and to create in his mind a vision of the new reality. But Spain was in the seventeenth century nothing but a shadow of former itself (in the time of Philip IV the general condition of Spain get worse). That was the reason why they wanted to hold the belief that the empire continues unwavering. The form of this work (graphics), also allowed to export them around the world, and the ambiguity of the symbolic system, its contents relate to different contexts, and as a result, the Habsburgs, not only Spanish, they could promote their strength everywhere. Therefore it was used very well as a single work of propaganda, as well as a part of a broader campaign
Estimating Particle Concentration in Natural Water by Far Field Speckle Intensity
Authors: Chicea Dan , Chicea Liana-Maria
Published: January 2015

A coherent light-scattering experiment on an aqueous clay suspension having a concentration that stretches over an extended range was carried on. The far field speckle was recorded in an unconventional manner.

A computer code for image processing, written for this purpose, was used to extract the scattered light intensity. The variation of the average scattered light intensity with the particle concentration was analyzed, and a possible fast procedure for assessing the particle concentration is suggested.
The Dead Sea Ecosystem Influenced by Red Sea – Dead Sea Conduit Project (Peace Conduit)
Authors: Wedyan Moh’d , El-Oqlah Ahmed , Altif Khalil , Khlifate Khalid
Published: January 2015

Recently, the rapid drying out of the Dead Sea is one of the most challenging problems facing the scientists and governments of the region. Its level has dropped more than 20 m in the past decade. Massive precipitation of halite from the water column has led to a decrease in Na+ concentration, concomitant with an increase in Mg2+, making the lake supersaturated with NaCl. This situation presents a big challenge to the microbial life of the lake. However, despite these harsh conditions in the lake, several microorganisms, including members of the groups bacteria, unicellular algae, fungi, viruses, and Archaea, have been able to survive.

To understand the factors that affect the microbes in the Dead Sea and to predict the possible effects of the planned conveyance of Red Sea water to the Dead Sea, a series of experiments were performed in the field, as well as in the laboratory. The results of the laboratory experiments showed that the growth of the Dunaliella was possible only when Dead Sea water was diluted with a minimum of 10% (by volume) Red Sea water. Addition of phosphate was essential for the algae to grow and growth rates and yields increased with increasing phosphate concentration and decreasing salinity. Field experiments revealed that the growth of algae was rapidly followed by the development of dense blooms of red halophilic Archaea. Although it should be realized that the closed system formed by the shallow ponds differs from the conditions in the lake, the results suggest that a microbial bloom, once formed, can remain present in the Dead Sea for months to years. These observations are important when attempting to predict how the biological properties of the lake may change in the future and they have important implications for the planning of the Red Sea- Dead Sea conduit.

The “Peace Conduit”, a water carrier between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, has been proposed to prevent the drying out of the lake and to restore the water level to a desired elevation. The present simulation experiments were designed at the Al Hussein bin Talal University (AHU) field station atMa’an to get information on the ecological impacts of the Dead Sea when the “Peace Conduit” plans are implemented and massive quantities of Red Sea water will enter the Dead Sea and lower the salinity of the upper water layers.

Preliminary analysis was carried out of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and Polar lipid of Archaea and Bacteria collected from the experimental ponds containing different Dead Sea-Red Sea water ratios, in order to analyze how they affect the microbial communities of the ponds. The Archaea community changed significantly according to the water mixture, presenting the greatest diversity when 30% Red Sea water was added to Dead Sea water.