bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological behavior of Genipa americana L. seeds regarding the capacity for desiccation and storage tolerance
Authors: Magistrali Paulo Roberto , José Anderson Cleiton , Faria José Marcio Rocha , Gasparin Ezequiel
Published: January 2014

Knowledge of the capacity of desiccation and storage tolerance of seeds is essential to provide adequate conditions necessary to maintain viability after seed collection. Drying rate is one of the factors which have been described as affecting the physiological response of seeds of various species. Literature reports that Genipa americana seeds exhibit an intermediate behavior, quickly losing viability if stored at negative temperatures. Thus, this work aimed to verify the effect of slow drying over the capacity of desiccation and storage tolerance of Genipa americana seeds. Seeds with 47% of water content (recently harvested) were dried over salt solutions until reaching 30%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% of water content. After drying to 10% and 5% of water content a reduction in seed viability was observed after 30 days of storage without the total loss of germination after three months in these conditions. The slow drying increased the capacity for desiccation and storage tolerance of the Genipa americana seeds if compared to the information described in literature.
Avaliação do grau de envolvimento familiar nos atendimentos de crianças com deficiência auditiva
Authors: Figueiredo Carolina Calsolari , Gil Daniela
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil de crianças com deficiência auditiva que usam aparelho de amplificação sonora individual ou implante coclear, e avaliar a participação das famílias no processo terapêutico dessas crianças. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 25 famílias de crianças com deficiência auditiva, com idades entre 0 e 14 anos, atendidas nos ambulatórios pesquisados, que estavam em terapia fonoaudiológica por, no mínimo, seis meses. Foram levantados os registros das informações dos prontuários das crianças selecionadas e, posteriormente, foi aplicada a escala Family Involvement Rating (Moeller), traduzida para o português com o nome de Escala de Envolvimento Familiar. RESULTADOS: A média do envolvimento familiar das 25 famílias estudadas foi 3,28, sendo que 40% das famílias foram classificadas com participação mediana, pelas terapeutas. Os testes utilizados não evidenciaram relação entre o envolvimento familiar e os limiares auditivos das crianças, nem entre o envolvimento familiar e o tempo em que as crianças estavam em terapia. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das famílias apresentou participação mediana no processo terapêutico de seus filhos. Não houve diferença entre os diferentes graus de envolvimento familiar no processo terapêutico e os limiares auditivos das crianças com e sem dispositivos eletrônicos, nem diferença entre o tempo de terapia das crianças e o grau do envolvimento familiar.
Changes in Weed Communities of Spring Wheat Crops of Buenos Aires Province of Argentina
Authors: Scursoni Julio A. , Gigón Ramón , Martín Andrés N. , Vigna Mario , Leguizamón Eduardo S. , Istilart Carolina , López Ricardo
Published: January 2014

During 2004 to 2008, weed surveys were conducted in 373 wheat fields of two different cropped areas (southwest [SW] and southeast [SE]) of the southern region of Buenos Aires Province of Argentina where different weed communities were expected because of changes in cropping practices over time, including tillage, crop sequence, fertilizers, and herbicides applied. Weed communities differed between regions, with greater numbers of native species for the SW. Weed community diversity was also greater for the SW region, probably due to the more diverse land use that resulted in greater landscape heterogeneity. Rush skeletonweed, sand rocket, yellow starthistle and turnipseed occurred at higher constancy (proportion of fields in which a given species is present) in the SW region, whereas common chickweed, false bishop's weed, corn speedwell, and common lambsquarters were present more frequently in the SE region. Compared with the 1982 survey, constancy of weeds increased, but those species with high constancy in 1982 were also with high constancy in the recent surveys. Diversity (species richness) was greater in conventional than in a no-tillage system. The constancy of Italian ryegrass, sand rocket, and yellow starthistle was lower under no-till than conventional tillage. Surveys allow identification of changes in weed community related to different agricultural systems. Rotation of crops and livestock avoid the homogenization of the environment at the landscape level. Management strategies will be necessary to prevent the increase of weeds populations' size, preserving plant diversity and the properties of the agroecosystem.
Environmental Triggers of Winter Annual Weed Emergence in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Werle Rodrigo , Bernards Mark L. , Arkebauer Timothy J. , Lindquist John L.
Published: January 2014

Winter annual weeds are becoming prolific in agricultural fields in the midwestern United States. The objectives of this research were to understand the roles of soil temperature (daily average and fluctuation) and moisture on the emergence of nine winter annual weed species and dandelion and to develop predictive models for weed emergence based on the accumulation of modified thermal/hydrothermal time (mHTT). Experiments were established at Lincoln, NE; Mead, NE; and at two sites (irrigated and rainfed) near Clay Center, NE, in 2010 and 2011. In July of each year, 1,000 seeds of each species were planted in 15 by 20 by 6-cm mesh baskets installed between soybean rows. Soil temperature and water content were recorded at the 2-cm depth. Emerged seedlings were counted and removed from the baskets on a weekly basis until no additional emergence was observed in the fall, resumed in late winter, and continued until emergence ceased in late spring. Weather data were used to accumulatemHTT beginning on August 1. A Weibull function was selected to fit cumulative emergence (%) on cumulativemHTT (seven base temperature [Tbase] by six base water potential [Ψbase] by three base temperature fluctuation [Fbase] candidate threshold values = 126 models); it was also fit to days after August 1 (DAA1), for a total of 127 candidate models per species. The search for optimal base thresholds was based on the theoretic-model comparison approach (Akaike information criterion [AIC]). All three components (Tbase, Ψbase, andFbase) were only important for Virginia pepperweed. For downy brome and purslane speedwell, includingTbaseand Ψbaseresulted in the best fit, whereas for dandelion includingTbaseandFbaseresulted in the best fit. A model including onlyTbaseresulted in the best fit for most species included in this study (Carolina foxtail, shepherd's-purse, pinnate tansymustard, henbit, and field pansy). For field pennycress, the model based on DAA1 resulted in the best fit. Threshold values were species specific. Soil temperature was the major environmental factor influencing winter annual weed emergence. Even though soil moisture and often temperature fluctuation are essential for seed germination, ΨbaseandFbasewere not as critical in the predictive models as initially expected. Most seedlings (> 90%) of downy brome, pinnate tansymustard, Carolina foxtail, henbit, and field pansy emerged during the fall. Virginia pepperweed, purslane speedwell, dandelion, shepherd's-purse, and field pennycress seedlings emerged during both fall and spring. The results of this research provide robust information on the prediction of the time of winter annual weed emergence, which can help growers make better management decisions.
Collaboration in an emergency: repairing London's M4 Boston Manor viaduct
Authors: Wearne Chris , Armstrong Chris , Nicholls Tony , Harrison Jamie
Published: January 2014

Three months before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games, over 100 cracks were found in the electroslag welding of the massive 1 km long Boston Manor viaduct in west London. The 1960s structure carries the M4 motorway into London from Heathrow airport and formed a vital part of the Olympic route network, so repairs were needed urgently. This paper describes how the various stakeholders formed a unified team to direct and execute the painstaking £8 million repair project within just 16 weeks, and how they benefited from the Lean technique of collaborative planning.
Civil engineers: integrity, communication, engagement
Authors: French Geoff
Published: January 2014

This is the inaugural address of Geoff French, who became the 149th president of the Institution of Civil Engineers on 5 November 2013.
Correlations between thermal and acoustic performances in residential buildings in the scope of building regulations in Serbia
Authors: Radivojevic Ana , Jovanovic-Popovic Milica
Published: January 2014

The current process of aligning the national legislation with that of the
European Union, combined with the attempts to provide a comprehensive
overview of regulations in accordance with the European framework related to
particular aspects of design and construction of buildings, has contributed
to the next step in the harmonization as mutual comparison and
synchronization of diverse performances of buildings, such as thermal and
acoustic. The two groups of properties of a building refer directly to
relevant aspects of residential convenience and comfort, which is a
particularly interesting housing issue. As residential comfort is a variable
category affected by the systems of regulations and standards, this paper
will present an account of how relevant regulatory requirements of today's
Serbia have treated thermal and acoustic comfort and related building
performances, that is, of the extent to which their comparative analysis is
possible throughout different periods of construction.
Pilot Study on Infant Swimming Classes and Early Motor Development
Authors: Dias Jorge A. B. de S. , Manoel Edison de J. , Dias Roberta B. de M. , Okazaki Victor H. A.
Published: January 2014

Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) scores were examined before and after four months of swimming classes in 12 babies (ages 7 to 9 mo.) assigned to Experimental ( n = 6) and Control ( n = 6) groups matched on age and developmental status. Infants from both groups improved their developmental status from pre- to post-test; the Experimental group improved on mean percentile rank. The sample size and the discriminative power of the AIMS do not allow conclusive judgments on these group differences, hence on the effect of infant swimming classes. Nevertheless, a number of recommendations are made for future studies on the effect of swimming classes on infant motor development.
Understanding Mechanisms in Transitive Inferences: An Eye-Tracking Study in Korean Reading
Authors: Lee Yoonhyoung , Kwon Youan
Published: January 2014

The current experiment examined the mechanism of relational information processing by assessing transitive inferences in different syntactic structures. More specifically, the current experiment focused on whether the demands of conscious inference processing interact with the difficulty of syntactic processing. This research used the eye-tracking method to investigate online processing mechanisms in complex sentences with transitive inference. Overall sentence reading times, accuracy rates of comprehension questions, and the two eye-movement measures of gaze duration and re-reading times were examined in 32 participants. The results showed that inference processing demands affected overall reading times and accuracy rates, while syntactic processing demands did not have an effect on overall reading times or accuracy rates. The results of the eye-tracking measures showed that syntactic processing demands affected gaze duration, while the inference processing demand affected re-reading times. Apparently, the difficulty of inference processing was not affected by the surface form of a sentence. The results of this study suggested that basic processes of sentence interpretation share resources with other cognitive processes such as inference.
Effect of Resistance Exercise Performed to Volitional Failure on Ratings of Perceived Exertion
Authors: Vasquez Ligia M. , McBride Jeffrey M. , Paul Judith A. , Alley Jessica R. , Carson Lauren T. , Goodman Courtney L.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of resistance exercise performed to volitional failure on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using power as an indication of fatigue. 12 male participants ( M age= 21.9 yr., SD = 1.3) performed one set of back squats at three different intensities (50%, 70%, and 90% of one repetition maximum) for both a pre-determined number of repetitions (3) and to volitional failure. RPE was significantly different between sets at 50%, 70%, and 90% when performed to a pre-determined number of repetitions, but not during volitional failure. A decrease in power between the first and the last repetitions in the volitional failure sets suggests that fatigue may confound the relationship between RPE and intensity.
Precursor concentration effect on structure and morphology of ZnO for coatings on fabric substrates
Authors: Suchea M. , Tudose I.V. , Vrînceanu N. , Istrate B. , Munteanu C. , Koudoumas E.
Published: January 2014

ZnO is a versatile functional material that has a diverse group of growth morphologies. By controlling the growth kinetics, it is possible to change the growth behavior of ZnO structures. Growth of ZnO structures can be achieved in a cheaper way at low temperature using chemical growth techniques such as aqueous chemical growth, nonaqueous solution growth, sol gel and spray deposition. Up to date, there are quite few reports in the literature presenting state of art approaches of use of ZnO material onto textile substrates for several applications as antibacterial, deodorizing and UV protection, and none regarding any systematic approach of direct growth and optimization with respect to the textile support. The successful exploitation of ZnO particles for use in various technological applications requires the development of techniques for controlling its photocatalytic activity. The present contribution presents a study of precursor concentration effect on structure and morphology of ZnO for coatings on fabric substrates. ZnO particles were obtained by direct growth onto the respective substrate by aqueous chemical growth using suitable precursors for each growth and then characterized regarding their appearance, size and structure using microscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction.
Development and evaluation of coenzyme Q10 loaded solid lipid nanoparticle hydrogel for enhanced dermal delivery
Authors: Korkm Emrah , Gokce Evren H. , Ozer Ozgen
Published: January 2014

Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were prepared by the high speed homogenization method and incorporated into Carbopol 974P hydrogels. Compritol 888 ATO (C888) was employed as the lipid base; Poloxamer 188 (P188) and Tween 80 (Tw80) were used as surfactant and co-surfactant. Optimum particle size with narrow distribution was obtained as 152.2 nm for blank and 142.4 nm for Q10 loaded SLNs. The overall charge of loaded SLNs was -13.7 ± 1.3 mV. Q10 entrapment efficiency was 89 % and the production yield was 94 %. Transmission electron microscopy analysis provided evidence of colloidal size, spherical shape while differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirmed recrystallization of the lipid after the preparation of SLNs. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) analysis has shown that antioxidant potential of Q10 can be protected in SLNs. Rheological characteristics demonstrated that the SLN incorporating gels were shear thinning and the mechanical strength of the gels was suitable for topical application. Diffusion studies from rat abdominal skin revealed that the delivery of Q10 was doubled in SLN incorporating gels, approximately 40 μg cm-2, in comparison with gels prepared with only Q10 (not incorporated in SLNs). As a result, it can be stated that Q10-SLN loaded gels can be successful delivery systems for carrying Q10 efficiently into the skin without losing its antioxidant properties.
CLINCHRIVET AS AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING
Authors: Kaščák Ľuboš , Spišák Emil , Mucha Jacek
Published: January 2014

Various materials are used in car body production which are not always possible to join by conventional joining methods such as resistance spot welding. Therefore ClinchRivet method seem to be possible alternative. The paper deals with evaluation of properties of the joints made by mechanical joining method - ClinchRivet. The joint is made with the using of a special rivet, which is pushed into the joined materials by the flat punch. Following materials were used for joining of this method: DX51D+Z and H220PD steel sheets. The tensile test for observing the carrying capacities and metallographicall analysis were used for the evaluation of joint properties. Some results of the tests of ClinchRivet joints were compared to the properties of the joints made by resistance spot welding.
The Microstructures and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy Analysis of a Hypoeutectoid Steels With 1% Cr
Authors: Rożniata E.
Published: January 2014

The results of a microstructure, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis and hardness investigations of the hypoeutectoid steels with 1% Cr, imitating by its chemical composition toughening steels, are presented in the paper. Dilatometric tests were performed using L78R.I.T.A dilatometer of the German company LINSEIS. Using dilatometer the changes of elongation (Δl) of the samples with dimensions φ 3X10mm as a function of temperature (T) were registered. Obtained heating curves were used to precisely determine the critical temperatures (critical points) for the tested steels, while the differentiation of obtained cooling curves allowed to precisely define the temperatures of the beginning and the end of particular transition to draw two CCT diagrams. The analysis of the chemical composition of the phases present in the studied steels for different cooling rates were performed using an electron microprobe (X-ray microanalyzer). In this study a point, linear and a fixed area analysis techniques were used. After placing the samples tested steels in the chamber and the achievement of appropriate vacuum, spots for analysis were identified and the EDS analysis (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) was performed. EDS analyzes were performed using Nova NanoSEM 450 scanning electron transmission microscope. Developed CCT diagrams in accordance with the Rose and Wever classification are of type IV, which means that the diffusional transformations are separated by a stability range of the undercooled austenite and have the shape of the letter ”C”. The hardenability of tested steels is similar, but molybdenum acts much more effectively than nickel. Molybdenum occupies the I-st place among the effectiveness of alloying elements for the steels designed for low tempering, where the ”background” of other elements is weak. For both tested hypoeutectoid steels an EDS analysis revealed the precipitation of alloyed cementite at the grain boundaries. Chromium, as a ferrite creative element, quite strongly diffuses into the grain boundaries. It is visible with the change of chromium distribution along pearlite/ferrite grains boundaries.
Cross wedge rolling with upsetting
Authors: Tofil A. , Tomczak J. , Pater Z.
Published: January 2014

The paper describes cross wedge rolling with upsetting, a process in which axially symmetric parts with steps whose diameters are larger than billet diameters can be formed. Taking advantage of numerical modeling, the effect of such basic geometric parameters of the rolling process as the spreading angle, forming angle, reduction ratio, and rolling length on upsetting (defined by the diameter increase ratio) was determined. The paper also presents the results of experimental tests performed to roll a stepped shaft whose one step had a diameter half as large as that of the billet.
Composite Ag-La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-σ Cathode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Mosiałek M. , Przybyła M. , Tatko M. , Nowak P. , Dudek M. , Zimowska M.
Published: January 2014

Composite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells composed of metallic silver dispersed in ceramic (La0:8Sr0:2MnO3-σ) matrix were prepared on the surface of solid electrolyte by two-step procedure. First the matrix of controlled porosity was created by sintering mixture of La0:8Sr0:2MnO3-σ powder with the organic polymer beads then the matrix was saturated with AgNO3 solution and sintered again. Such obtained cathodes showed higher electrical conductivity and lower charge transfer resistance in oxygen reduction reaction in comparison to pure ceramic cathodes
Application of a Preisach Hysteresis Model to the Evaluation of PMN-PT Ceramics Properties
Authors: Wawrzała P.
Published: January 2014

The work presents enhanced, relatively new iterative method for obtaining the classical Preisach distribution from a single, saturated hysteresis loop. As the material for research and analysis, the ceramic solid solution (1-x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (x = 0 to 0.40) was selected. Distributions were obtained for (1-x)PMN-xPT ceramics as a function of PT content, and function of temperature, for a selected composition from the morphotropic phase boundary region. The paper also proposes a mathematical model of the Preisach distribution and the parameters of the distribution were calculated. The typical factors achievable directly from the hysteresis loop with a coefficients determined from the analytical Preisach model were compared.
Study of Phase and Chemical Composition of Bi1-xNdxFeO3 Powders Derived by Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Dzik J. , Lisinska-Czekaj A. , Zarycka A. , Czekaj D.
Published: January 2014

In the present paper studies on Bi1-xNdxFeO3 for x =0.1-0.4 are reported. The mixed oxide method followed with pressureless sintering was employed for ceramics fabrication. Thermal behavior of stoichiometric mixtures of simple oxide powders, viz. Bi2O3, Nd2O3 and Fe2O3 was studied by simultaneous thermal analysis. It was found that with an increase in neodymium content the weight loss increased from 0.75% to 3.16% for x =0.1 and x =0.4, respectively. It was found that weight loss took place mainly within two temperature ranges, namely ΔT1 ≈(300-400)0C and ΔT2 ≈(600-800)°C. Bi1-xNdxFeO3 ceramics was studied in terms of its phase composition (X-ray phase analysis) and chemical composition (EDS method) at room temperature. It was found that Bi1-xNdxFeO3 suffered structural phase transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic symmetry with an increase in neodymium concentration x within the range x =(0.2-0.3).
Modeling of Mechanical Influence of Double-Beam Laser on Single-Crystalline Silicon
Authors: Shalupaev S.V. , Serdyukov A.N. , Mityurich G.S. , Aleksiejuk M. , Nikitjuk Y.V. , Sereda A.A.
Published: January 2014

The results of finite-element modeling of controlled laser thermosplitting of crystalline silicon are presented. The case of treatment by two laser beam with wavelengths, namely 0.808 μm and 1.06 μm is studied. Calculations of the thermoelastic fields formed in a single-crystalline silicon wafer as a result of consecutive two-beam laser heating and action of coolant were performed for silicon crystalline orientations: (100), (110), (111). Modeling was performed for circular and U-shaped laser beams. The results received in the presented work, can be used for the process optimization concerning the precise separation of silicon wafers by laser cutting.
ON THE EFFECTS OF MACERAL CONTENT ON METHANE SORPTION CAPACITY IN COALS / WPŁYW ZAWARTOŚCI MACERAŁÓW NA POJEMNOŚĆ SORPCYJNĄ METANU W WĘGLACH
Authors: Olajossy Andrzej
Published: January 2014

The problems connected with the sorption capacity of methane in hard coals are constantly subject to various research. In this paper, the influence of the content of macerals mainly vitrinite for the sorption capacity of chosen samples of Polish hard coals was analysed. The analysis was conducted on basis of available from the literature results of resarches of petrographic composition of this coals and methane sorption isotherms. The samples of grained coals contained from 7 ro 76% of vitrinite and their sorption capacity was obtained in the scope of high pressures; 0 < p < 80 bars, on the basis of the equation of Langmuire. In effect, it turned out that the maceral content has a little influence on the methane sorption capacity of coals. This refers mainly to high volatile and middle volatile coals. In the literature concerning this issue simillar effect may be encountered for other coals.
Selection of the air heat exchanger operating in a gas turbine air bottoming cycle
Authors: Chmielniak Tadeusz , Czaja Daniel , Lepszy Sebastian
Published: January 2014

A gas turbine air bottoming cycle consists of a gas turbine unit and the air turbine part. The air part includes a compressor, air expander and air heat exchanger. The air heat exchanger couples the gas turbine to the air cycle. Due to the low specific heat of air and of the gas turbine exhaust gases, the air heat exchanger features a considerable size. The bigger the air heat exchanger, the higher its effectiveness, which results in the improvement of the efficiency of the gas turbine air bottoming cycle. On the other hand, a device with large dimensions weighs more, which may limit its use in specific locations, such as oil platforms. The thermodynamic calculations of the air heat exchanger and a preliminary selection of the device are presented. The installation used in the calculation process is a plate heat exchanger, which is characterized by a smaller size and lower values of the pressure drop compared to the shell and tube heat exchanger. Structurally, this type of the heat exchanger is quite similar to the gas turbine regenerator. The method on which the calculation procedure may be based for real installations is also presented, which have to satisfy the economic criteria of financial profitability and cost-effectiveness apart from the thermodynamic criteria.
Thermodynamic and economic analysis of a gas turbine combined cycle plant with oxy-combustion
Authors: Kotowicz Janusz , Job Marcin
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a gas turbine combined cycle plant with oxy-combustion and carbon dioxide capture. A gas turbine part of the unit with the operating parameters is presented. The methodology and results of optimization by the means of a genetic algorithm for the steam parts in three variants of the plant are shown. The variants of the plant differ by the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) construction: the singlepressure HRSG (1P), the double-pressure HRSG with reheating (2PR), and the triple-pressure HRSG with reheating (3PR). For obtained results in all variants an economic evaluation was performed. The break-even prices of electricity were determined and the sensitivity analysis to the most significant economic factors were performed.
A physico-chemical study for some edible oils properties
Authors: Neagu Anişoara-Arleziana , Niţa Irina , Botez Elisabeta , Geaca Sibel
Published: January 2014

In the present paper we have experimentally determined the density, saponification value, iodine value, acid value, peroxide value for four different edible oils: sunflower oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil and peanut oil. Density was determined in the temperature range of 20 °C - 50 °C, with a 10 degree step increase. The physicochemical properties of the investigated oils were within the requirements of food domain: saponification value varied from 164.84 to 206.45 mg KOH/g, peroxide value varied from 9.99 to 24.49 mEg O2/kg of sample, acid value varied from 0.22 to 3.97 mg KOH/g, iodine value varied from 94.35 to 102.02 g I2/100 g sample, and density varied from 0.9031 to 0.9208 g/cm3. Based on experimental data, density were correlated with others properties of edible oils. An empirical model was proposed to correlate oil density with iodine value and temperature. The results of the proposed model were compared with a model from literature. The accuracy of the proposed model was very good, the AAD varying in the range of 0.078 % to 0.092 %. The proposed model can be recommended for density of vegetable oils evaluation based on their IV, at different temperatures in the range of 20 °C to 50°C.
Forecasting Future Salaries in the Czech Republic Using Stochastic Modelling
Authors: Šimpach Ondřej , Langhamrová Jitka
Published: January 2014

Background: In spite of the course of the economic crisis of 2008, there have not been changes dramatic to the extent that they would strongly alter the behaviour of the trend in the Average Gross Monthly Wages and the Monthly Wage Medians in the Czech Republic. In order to support public and monetary planning, reliable forecasts of future salaries are indispensable. Objectives: The aim is to provide an outline of the behaviour of the average gross wages and the gross wage medians of the Czech business sphere up to the end of 2018 using an optimised random walk model and an optimised ARIMA Model with a constant. Methods: Consumer price indices were used in the confrontation of the behaviour of the Average Gross Monthly Wages and the Monthly Wage Medians with the behaviour of inflation in the Czech Republic. The Box-Jenkins methodology is used for the time series modelling. Results: The Czech Average Gross Monthly Wages and the Monthly Wage Medians in the business sector will continue to grow more rapidly than the Czech inflation growth, expressed by consumer price indices. Conclusions: It is possible to expect that the rising trend of the Average Gross Monthly Wages and the Gross Wage Medians will be more rapid than the growth of inflation.
Elemental composition of fly ash: a comparative study using nuclear and related analytical techniques / Skład pierwiastkowy popiołów lotnych: studium przypadku z wykorzystaniem metod nuklearnych i analitycznych
Authors: Eze Chuks P. , Fatoba Olanrewaju , Madzivire Godfrey , Ostrovnaya Tatyna M. , Petrik Leslie F. , Frontasyeva Marina V. , Nechaev Alexander N.
Published: January 2014

Epithermal neutron activation analysis along with ICP-OES, LA ICP-MS, and XRF were used to determine the elemental composition of coal fly ash from the Malta coal power station in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. A total of 54 major, trace and rare earth elements were obtained by the four analytical techniques. The results were compared and the discrepancies discussed to show the merits and drawbacks of each of the techniques. It was shown that the elemental content of this particular coal fly ash are of the same order as the NIST standard reference material Coal Fly Ash 1633b.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES ON HEALTH CONDITION OF Quercus robur L. IN PARKS
Authors: Krzyżaniak Michał , Świerk Dariusz , Urbański Piotr , Walerzak Miłosz T.
Published: January 2014

Investigations concerned the effect of different environmental variables on health condition of English oak (Quercus robur L.). It was shown that in the public parks in the city of Poznan the health condition of the analysed species is good. It was stated that health condition of this species in the Poznan parks is influenced by the distance from the immediate city centre, vicinity of traffic arteries and gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels by households neighbouring with the parks. Although results recorded in this study confirm literature data concerning the effect of environmental variables on health condition of English oak (Quercus robur L.), it was shown that certain environmental variables have a greater effect on health condition of the analysed species in Poznan.
Informal Housing in Greece: A Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis at the Regional Level
Authors: Polyzos Serafeim , Minetos Dionysios
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with the primary causes of informal housing in Greece as well as the observed differentiations in informal housing patterns across space. The spatial level of analysis is the prefectural administrative level. The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicate that Greek prefectures differ in the way they experience the informal housing phenomenon. An explanation for the observed differences may be the separate development paths followed and the diverse range of economic activities in each prefecture. The Greek state has not made provisions for creating the necessary ‘urban land stock’ in each prefecture, so that everyone interested can find land parcels at an affordable price. On the contrary, the state encourages the informal housing activity by legalizing large areas of such activity sporadically and by introducing legislative initiatives of limited success in dealing with the problem.
Land Quality, Development and Space: Does Scale Matter?
Authors: Salvati Luca
Published: January 2014

This study analyzes empirically the relationship between land quality decline and the spatial distribution of per capita income observed in Italy at different spatial scales and geographical divisions. The aim of this contribution is to verify if a decline in land quality has higher probability to occur in economically disadvantaged areas and if scale may influence this relationship. Per capita income was considered a proxy indicator for the level of socio-economic development and life quality in the investigated area. Changes over time (1990–2000) of a composite index of land quality and per capita income in Italy were regressed at four spatial scales: (i) 20 NUTS-2 regions, (ii) 103 NUTS-3 prefectures, (iii) 784 local districts designed as Local Labour Market Areas (LLMAs), and (iv) 8,101 LAU-1 municipalities. Different specifications were tested, including first, second and third order polynomial equations. Linear models allowed the best fit for data examined at all spatial scales. However, elasticity of the dependent variable to per capita income varied considerably according to scale suggesting that developmental policies may have a limited impact on land quality in vulnerable southern Italian areas compared to northern and central Italy. This study suggests that geographically disaggregated data simulating different spatial levels of governance may offer further insights compared to cross-country datasets indicating targets for multi-scale policies possibly preventing a poverty-desertification spiral.
LC phase bias investigation of ASG-EUPOS stations
Authors: Araszkiewicz Andrzej , Szafranek Karolina
Published: January 2014

Monitoring of permanent stations that make up the reference frame is an integral part of the geodesists work. Selection of reference stations is based on analysis of parameters characterizing them (hardware, coordinates’ stability, mounting, location). In this paper, we took into account phase residual as an indicator of unmodelled signal. Phase residuals were computed based on ASG-EUPOS and EPN observation processing. The results show the connection between the method of mounting the antenna and the residuals. We have reviewed multipath effect at ASG-EUPOS stations, and chosen those which are characterized by the highest value of phase residual. The results show that LC phase residual is a good factor to characterize site’s solutions’ reliability. For majority of sites RMS values were less than 10 mm. Modulations associated with multipath effect were observed for few ASG-EUPOS sites only. Phase residuals are distributed specifically for sites, which antennas are mounted on pillars (more common for EPN sites). For majority of analysed sites phase residual distribution was similar for different days and did not depend directly on atmosphere condition.
Chinese Refreshment for Contemporary Political Thought: wúwéi, care, and democracy
Authors: Ott Margus
Published: January 2014

In my paper I bring out two topics from the ancient Chinese political philosophy. (1) Non-action (wúwéi) that was required from the ruler in the Legalist and Huang-Lao tradition (e.g. Han Feizi, Huainanzi) and was incorporated into the mainstream of political philosophy (e.g. Confucian Dong Zhongshu); (2) care of the people and especially of the needy, that is also required from the ruler, and was stressed mainly in the Mohist and Confucian traditions. From these two ideas I hope to get some “refreshment” for our contemporary political philosophy, and I consider them as logical extensions of democracy. On the other hand, I argue also that the traditional conception of non-acting ruler in the Legalist context should be modified with the Western ideas of the separation of powers and transparency of government; and even that this modification would be more consequent and realistic also in terms of the original Chinese idea itself.
Laozi’s precepts for daily life in the contemporary world: two popular Western (American) interpretations
Authors: Poškaitė Loreta
Published: January 2014

The paper aims to discuss two popular interpretations of Daoism and its application to contemporary world: The Dao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff and The Truth of Tao by Alex Anatole. In the first part, it will concentrate on the interpretation of Daoist concept of simplicity (pu ) in B.Hoff’s book, pointing out to the problem of its simplification and elucidating the cluster of the meanings (or aspects) of pu in this book and in comparison with its understanding in Classical Daoism. In the second part, it will discuss the main points of interpretation of Daoism as a “reflective mirror” for illuminating the problems of Western (in this case, American) contemporary consumer culture, presented in Alex Anatole’s book, with the particular attention on his ideal of “contentment” and “ideal day”. It is claimed, that such popular versions of Daoism, although seemingly contradictory and superficial, and because of this rather mostly ignored by sinologists and investigators of Daoist practices, deserve more careful study by professional scholars, since they are the manifestations of the process of globalization of Daoism, which is inevitable in 21st century. Moreover, they are especially influential in forming a popular image of Daoist teaching, since the messages of such books spread to a far wider public, than the monographs by academic specialists in Chinese (Daoist) studies.
Confucius: Philosophy between Philosophy
Authors: Mickūnas Algis
Published: January 2014

The article is devoted to the philosophy of the well-known ancient Chinese sage Confucius paying attention to the Western misunderstandings of it. The fundamental differences between Chinese and Western civilizations, the problem of transcendence, and different attitude towards history are discussed in the text. Being neither a religion nor a philosophy in the strict Western sense of the word, Confucian thinking still finds its parallels among Western philosophies. The article faces the phenomenological task to discover concrete modes of awareness, their active engagements, and their correlate contents that are sufficiently broad and founding to cut across diverse disciplinary and cultural phenomena. This brief essay is a step in that direction with explicit commitment to Confucian explication and continuity of Chinese civilization. Despite variations and different levels of interpretation, a common context between Confucius and Western philosophical trends may be found.
CALCULATING THE RIGHT-EIGENVECTORS OF A SPECIAL VIBRATION CHAIN BY MEANS OF MODIFIED LAGUERRE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: Weber Wolfgang , Zastrau Bernd W. , Anders Bernd
Published: January 2014

This contribution deals with the identification of the right-eigenvectors of a linear vibration system with arbitrary n degrees of freedom as given in [1]. Applying the special distribution of stiffnesses and masses given in [1] yields a remarkable sequence of matrices for arbi- trary n. For computing the (right-)eigenvectors a generalised approach allowing the use of Laguerre polynomials is performed.
REPEATED-BATCH PRODUCTION OF LACCASE BY CERIPORIOPSIS SUBVERMISPORA
Authors: Chmelová Daniela , Ondrejovič Miroslav
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to set parameters of repeated-batch cultivation of Ceriporiopsis subvermispora for laccase production and evaluate the efficiency of this type of cultivation for production of selected enzyme. The suitable conditions for repeated-batch cultivation were designed on the base of study of batch cultivation of white-rot fungus C. subvermispora. C. subvermispora was cultivated in media with different concentration of casein hydrolysate as nitrogen source and glucose as carbon source. A suitable concentration of casein hydrolysate to stimulate the laccase production was 1.5 and 2.5 g/L. Laccase production was started at certain critical concentration of glucose (5 g/L). In order to improve laccase production by repeated-batch cultivation of C. subvermispora, glucose was tested in concentration 10 g/L and casein hydrolysate in concentration 1.5 g/L. During a repeated-batch cultivation was measured increase laccase activities from 177.8 to 266 U/L. It was also observed, the cultivation time needed to reach maximum laccase production was shortened to 10 days.
Critical review of propeller performance scaling methods, based on model experiments and numerical calculations
Authors: Bugalski Tomasz , Streckwall Heinrich , Szantyr Jan A.
Published: January 2014

The article presents the results of experimental and numerical investigation of propeller scale effects, undertaken in co-operation of the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA), Germany, and Ship Design and Research Centre (CTO SA), Poland. The objective of the investigation was to test the adequacy of the methods currently used to account for the propeller scale effect and to develop possible improvement of the methods. HSVA has conducted model experiments in the large cavitation tunnel together with panel method and CFD calculations. CTO SA has performed model experiments in the towing tank, together with lifting surface and CFD calculations. Both institutions have suggested different new approaches to the problem and different new procedures to account for the propeller scale effects. In the article the procedures are presented together with the description of the underlying experimental and theoretical research.
SPATIAL DATABASE MODELING FOR INDOOR NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Gotlib Dariusz , Gnat Miłosz
Published: January 2014

For many years, cartographers are involved in designing GIS and navigation systems. Most GIS applications use the outdoor data. Increasingly, similar applications are used inside buildings. Therefore it is important to find the proper model of indoor spatial database. The development of indoor navigation systems should utilize advanced teleinformation, geoinformatics, geodetic and cartographical knowledge. The authors present the fundamental requirements for the indoor data model for navigation purposes. Presenting some of the solutions adopted in the world they emphasize that navigation applications require specific data to present the navigation routes in the right way. There is presented original solution for indoor data model created by authors on the basis of BISDM model. Its purpose is to expand the opportunities for use in indoor navigation.
Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in Polish freshwater bodies
Authors: Kobos Justyna , Błaszczyk Agata , Hohlfeld Natalia , Toruńska-Sitarz Anna , Krakowiak Anna , Hebel Agnieszka , Sutryk Katarzyna , Grabowska Magdalena , Toporowska Magdalena , Kokociński Mikołaj , Messyasz Beata , Rybak Andrzej , Napiórkowska-Krzebietke Agnieszka , Nawrocka Lidia , Pełechata Aleksandra , Budzyńska Agnieszka , Zagajewski Paweł , Mazur-Marzec Hanna
Published: January 2014

In this work, the authors examined the presence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in 21 samples collected from fresh water bodies located in 5 provinces in Poland: Lublin (2), Podlasie (1), Pomerania (6), Warmia-Masuria (1) and Wielkopolska (11). In addition, to determine the general pattern of geographical distribution, frequency of cyanobacteria occurrence, and cyanotoxins production, the published data from 238 fresh water bodies in Poland were reviewed. On the basis of these collected results, we concluded that Planktothrix, Aphanizomenon, Microcystis and Dolichospermum were dominant. The general pattern in geographical distribution of the identified cyanobacterial genera was typical of other eutrophic waters in Europe. The production of cyanotoxins was revealed in 18 (86%) of the 21 samples analyzed in the present work and in 74 (75%) of the 98 total water bodies for which the presence of toxins had been examined. Among the 24 detected microcystin variants, [Asp3]MC-RR was most common. These results can be verified when more data from the less explored water bodies in the southern and eastern parts of Poland are available.
Assessment of marine ecosystem health of Tianjin Offshore, China
Authors: Zheng Ting , You Xue-Yi
Published: January 2014

While the marine ecosystem health is damaged by economic activities, pollution and reclamation projects, the assessment of marine ecosystem health is strongly required to facilitate its maintenance, improvement and management. In this study, the health of the Tianjin marine ecosystem was quantitatively assessed using the ocean health index in which ten public goals are considered. The results indicated that the ocean health index for the Tianjin marine ecosystem is 66, which is higher than the global ocean health index of 60. This indicated that the overall health of the Tianjin marine ecosystem is barely good and the suitable environmental management and measures should be implemented carefully and effectively in the future.
Fast and easy method for total DNA extraction and gene amplification from larvae, spat and adult mussels Mytilus trossulus from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Lasota Rafał , Piłczyńska Joanna , Williams Suzanne , Wołowicz Maciej
Published: January 2014

Three nuclear DNA markers that diagnostically differentiate mussels within the Mytilus edulis complex (M. edulis, M. trossulus and M. galloprovincialis) are commonly used in taxonomic investigations: Glu5’, ITS and EFbis. As a rule, DNA extraction is performed before amplification. It is a time consuming process in the case of traditional methods based on chloroform and phenol extraction or relatively expensive using kits with ready spin columns. Moreover, DNA isolation from larvae is problematic, because of the small amount of tissue available. In this report we describe a simple, fast and inexpensive method of DNA extraction and gene amplification from larvae, spat and adults of the Baltic mussel Mytilus trossulus. The extraction method is adapted from that of Wang et al. (2006) and is based on digestion of tissue or whole animals in STE solution and direct gene amplification. On the basis of the results of routine analyses of mussels carried out in our laboratory we have concluded that the method we propose gives results that are consistent with standard methods, without requiring expensive reagents/equipment and is time saving.