bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Adaptations of Forward and Backward Walking on Land and in Water
Authors: Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Arellano Raúl , Vanrenterghem Jos , López-Contreras Gracia
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to compare sagittal plane lower limb kinematics during walking on land and submerged to the hip in water. Eight healthy adults (age 22.1 ± 1.1 years, body height 174.8 ± 7.1 cm, body mass 63.4 ± 6.2 kg) were asked to cover a distance of 10 m at comfortable speed with controlled step frequency, walking forward or backward. Sagittal plane lower limb kinematics were obtained from three dimensional video analysis to compare spatiotemporal gait parameters and joint angles at selected events using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Key findings were a reduced walking speed, stride length, step length and a support phase in water, and step length asymmetry was higher compared to the land condition (p<0.05). At initial contact, knees and hips were more flexed during walking forward in water, whilst, ankles were more dorsiflexed during walking backward in water. At final stance, knees and ankles were more flexed during forward walking, whilst the hip was more flexed during backward walking. These results show how walking in water differs from walking on land, and provide valuable insights into the development and prescription of rehabilitation and training programs.
Central and Peripheral Fatigue During Resistance Exercise – A Critical Review
Authors: Zając Adam , Chalimoniuk Małgorzata , Gołaś Artur , Lngfort Józef , Maszczyk Adam
Published: January 2016

Resistance exercise is a popular form of conditioning for numerous sport disciplines, and recently different modes of strength training are being evaluated for health benefits. Resistance exercise differs significantly in nature, and several variables determine the direction and range of adaptive changes that occur in the muscular and skeletal system of the body. Some modes of resistance training can also be effective in stimulating the cardiovascular system. These variables include exercise selection (general, specific, single or multi joint, dynamic, explosive), type of resistance (free weights, variable resistance, isokinetics), order of exercise (upper and lower body or push and pull exercises), and most of all the training load which includes intensity expressed as % of 1RM, number of repetitions, number of sets and the rest interval between sets. Manipulating these variables allows for specific adaptive changes which may include gains in muscle mass, muscle strength or muscle endurance. It has been well established that during resistance exercise fatigue occurs, regardless of the volume and intensity of work applied. The peripheral mechanisms of fatigue have been studied and explained in more detail than those related to the CNS. This review is an attempt to bring together the latest knowledge regarding fatigue, both peripheral and central, during resistance exercise. The authors of this review concentrated on physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying fatigue in exercises performed with maximal intensity, as well as those performed to exhaustion with numerous repetitions and submaximal load.
Physiological Adaptations to Training in Competitive Swimming: A Systematic Review
Authors: Costa Mário J. , Balasekaran Govindasamy , Vilas-Boas J. Paulo , Barbosa Tiago M.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize longitudinal studies on swimming physiology and get implications for daily practice. A computerized search of databases according to the PRISMA statement was employed. Studies were screened for eligibility on inclusion criteria: (i) present two testing points; (ii) on swimming physiology; (iii) using adult elite swimmers; (iv) no case-studies or with small sample sizes. Two independent reviewers used a checklist to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Thirty-four studies selected for analysis were gathered into five main categories: blood composition (n=7), endocrine secretion (n=11), muscle biochemistry (n=7), cardiovascular response (n=8) and the energetic profile (n=14). The mean quality index was 10.58 ± 2.19 points demonstrating an almost perfect agreement between reviewers (K = 0.93). It can be concluded that the mixed findings in the literature are due to the diversity of the experimental designs. Micro variables obtained at the cellular or molecular level are sensitive measures and demonstrate overtraining signs and health symptoms. The improvement of macro variables (i.e. main physiological systems) is limited and may depend on the athletes’ training background and experience.
Knee Muscles Isokinetic Evaluation after a Six-Month Regular Combined Swim and Dry-Land Strength Training Period in Adolescent Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Dalamitros Athanasios A. , Manou Vasiliki , Christoulas Kosmas , Kellis Spiros
Published: January 2016

Previous studies demonstrated significant increases in the shoulder internal rotators’ peak torque values and unilateral muscular imbalances of the shoulder rotators after a competitive swim period. However, there are no similar data concerning the knee muscles. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a six-month training period on knee flexor and extensor peak torque values, examine a possible bilateral strength deficit and evaluate the unilateral strength balance in competitive swimmers. Eleven male adolescent swimmers (age: 14.82 ± 0.45 years) were tested for concentric knee extension and flexion peak torque (60°/s) with an isokinetic dynamometer, before and after a regular combined swim and dry-land strength training period. A trend towards greater improvements in the knee extensor compared to flexor muscles peak torque was observed. Furthermore, the bilateral strength deficit remained almost unchanged, whereas unilateral strength imbalance was increased for both limbs. However, all results were nonsignificant (p > 0.05). According to the data presented, a six-month regular combined swim and dry-land strength training period caused non-significant alterations for all the parameters evaluated during isokinetic testing. This study highlights the fact that competitive adolescent swimmers demonstrated unilateral knee strength imbalances throughout a long period of their yearly training macrocycle.
Selected Cognitive Abilities in Elite Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Baláková Veronika , Boschek Petr , Skalíková Lucie
Published: January 2016

The identification of talent in soccer is critical to various programs. Although many research findings have been presented, there have been only a few attempts to assess their validity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between talent and achievement variables in the Vienna Test System. The participants were 91 Czech soccer players, representing four youth soccer teams, who were born in the year 2000. These boys were divided into two groups according to their coaches’ assessments using a TALENT questionnaire. A two-factor model (component 1: “kinetic finesse”; component 2: “mental strength”) was designed to interpret the responses of the coaches on the questionnaire. The Vienna Test System was used to determine the level of players’ cognitive abilities. In total, the subjects performed seven tests in the following order: Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a reaction test (RT), a determination test (DT), a visual pursuit test (LVT), a Corsi Block-Tapping Test (CORSI), a time/movement anticipation test (ZBA), and a peripheral perception test (PP). To analyze the relationship between talent and achievement variables within the Vienna Test System, correlation analyses were performed. The results revealed that the talented group attained significantly better results on only 1 of the 16 variables, which was ZBA2: movement anticipation - deviation of movement median (r = .217, p = .019). A comparison of the two talent components showed that component 1 (“kinetic finesse”) was a more significant factor than component 2 (“mental strength”). Although we observed statistically significant correlations, their actual significance remains questionable; thus, further research is required.
Characterisation of dairy soiled water in a survey of 60 Irish dairy farms
Authors: Minogue D. , French P. , Bolger T. , Murphy P.N.C.
Published: January 2016

Dairy farming in Ireland generates an effluent known as dairy soiled water (DSW), which consists of a relatively dilute mixture of cow faeces, urine, spilt milk and detergents that is typically applied to grassland. However, relatively little is known about the volumes generated, nutrient content and management factors that influence volume and concentration. Sixty dairy farms that had a separate storage tank for storing DSW were selected for this study. The spatial distribution of the farms reflected the spatial distribution of dairy cows across the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland, with each farm representing between 10,000 and 20,000 dairy cows. Samples were analysed for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonium N (NH4-N), total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), phosphorus (molybdate-reactive and total) (MRP and TP) and dry matter (DM) content. Management characteristics and parlour properties were quantified. Factors influencing volume and concentration of DSW were determined using mixed model multiple regression analysis. On average, 9784 l (standard error 209 l) of DSW, including rainfall, was produced cow−1year−1and this contained significant quantities of total N, P and K (587, 80 and 568 mg l−1, respectively). A typical Irish dairy farm stocked at 1.9 cows ha−1could therefore supply approximately 13, 2 and 12 kg ha−1of total N, P and K, respectively, across the farm, annually to meet some of the nutrient requirements for herbage production and potentially replace some of the synthetic fertilizer use. Seventy one percent of samples were within the regulated concentration limits of soiled water for BOD (<2500 mg l−1), rising to 87% during the closed period for slurry spreading (mid October to mid-late January), while 81% were within the concentration limits for DM (<1% DM), rising to 94% during the closed period. The efficiency of a milking parlour (cows per unit, time taken) plays a key role in determining the volume of DSW generated. This, in turn, also influences the concentration of nutrients and other chemicals. Large variability was found in nutrient concentrations and this presents a challenge for effective nutrient management to maximise the fertilizer replacement value of DSW.
Comparison of herbage yield, nutritive value and ensilability traits of three ryegrass species evaluated for the Irish Recommended List
Authors: Burns G. A. , O’Kiely P. , Grogan D. , Watson S. , Gilliland T. J.
Published: January 2016

This study examined 169 of the newest varieties of three ryegrass species, perennial (Lolium perenne L.), Italian (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and hybrid (Lolium boucheanum Kunth), from Recommended List trials in Ireland. The traits examined were yield, dry matter concentration, three nutritive value traits (in vitro dry matter digestibility, water-soluble carbohydrate on a dry matter basis and crude protein concentration) and two ensilability traits (buffering capacity and water soluble carbohydrate concentration on an aqueous phase basis). Varietal monocultures of each species underwent a six cut combined simulated grazing and silage management in each of two years following sowing. Perennial ryegrass yielded less than both other species in one-year-old swards, but less than only Italian ryegrass in two-year-old swards, but generally had the higher in vitro dry matter digestibility and crude protein values. Italian ryegrass displayed the most favourable ensilability characteristics of the three species with perennial ryegrass less favourable and hybrid ryegrass intermediate. Overall, despite the high yields and favourable nutritive value and ensilability traits recorded, the general differences between the three ryegrass species studied were in line with industry expectations. These findings justify assessing the nutritive value and ensilability of ryegrass species, in addition to yield, to allow farmers select species that match farming enterprise requirements.
Boron application in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) seed production
Authors: Tomić Dalibor , Stevović Vladeta , Đurović Dragan , Madić Milomirka , Bokan Nikola , Stanisavljević Rade
Published: January 2016

A field trial with four red clover cultivars was established on acid soil in order to evaluate the effect of foliar boron application on seed yield. The crop received foliar boron treatment during the second growth of the second year at two applications. Although seed yield showed a significant increase in boron-treated plants in 2011 compared with control (26.0%), its relative increase was far higher in 2010 (43.2%), which had increased total rainfall amounts during flowering. Sufficient level of boron supply to red clover plants for seed production has a remarkably positive effect under conditions hampering pollination and fertilisation.
Transformative Adult Learning in New Social Movement – a Case Study from South Africa
Authors: Čubajevaitė Marta
Published: January 2016

New social movements in South Africa could play a prominent role in mobilizing the communities to reflect critically and address the repercussions of the neo-liberal agenda which manifests itself in perpetual exclusion of under-educated adults and provision of poor quality education.

Few studies especially from the perspective of the activists leave a potential research area of a very interesting phenomenon of how people learn while struggling for social justice. Therefore this article based on a single multi-site case study on a social movement cohering around literacy issues in Gauteng, South Africa, aims at answering, what forms of learning and education the social movement encompassed, how did the group conscientization occur and what are the individual transformations.

Semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were held with 13 learnersactivists and 2 adult educators. By applying Mezirow’s individual transformation and Freirean group conscientization models the analysis of primary and secondary data, revealed that the engagement in the social movement challenged and changed learnersactivists’ understanding of educational status within their respective communities. This in turn led to transformative action addressing the problems identified. On the individual level, some learners-activists became more tolerant and willing to cooperate with those of different political ideologies, able to tap into community resources. Finally, the potential of social movements as adult learning environments are outlined.
Investigation on Electrothermoelastic Behavior of FGPM Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Dai Hong-Liang , Qi Yi-Nan , Luo Wei-Feng
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an analytical solution for electrothermoelastic behavior of FGPM (functionally graded piezoelectric material) cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell is assumed to be made up of two piezoelectric materials with their volume fractures varying along the thickness according to a simple power law. Based on classical thin shell theory, an analytical solution for electrothermoelastic performance of the FGPM cylindrical shell is presented. To investigate the influence of the power lower exponent, thermal environment, mechanical loading and electric boundary conditions on the electrothermoelastic behavior of FGPM cylindrical shells, numerical examples are presented and discussed, and some meaningful and valuable results are discovered, which will be very helpful for the design and application of such smart sensory structures.
Orphans as agents for change
Authors: Gjotterud Sigrid Mari , Krogh Erling , Dyngeland Cecilie , Mwakasumba Nicholaus Solomon
Published: January 2016

Transformative experiences can happen at unexpected times, in unexpected ways. This paper tells the story of how a gift of a goat can lead to the transformation of a life. Many organisations globally are engaged in a struggle to overcome poverty and injustice by providing livestock as a means for transformation. The animals in themselves are not enough for the transformed lives; they can be a valuable starting point. In the Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania, a Tanzanian and a Norwegian together took one such initiative in order to support teen-age orphans, one of the most vulnerable groups in the community who were struggling to survive. As practitioners and researchers, the four authors had been taking part in the development of the Mgeta Orphan Education Foundation (MOEF), which had developed through action learning/action research. Selected students received a goat and training, and the opportunity to join and develop a network of orphans throughout the region. In this article, we discuss the benefits and challenges the orphaned youngsters face when joining the foundation. How do they benefit from having the goat and what are the challenges, how do they learn and how do they contribute to fellow farmers in their communities? We claim that many of the students have experienced transformation, and provide examples to give evidence of this claim. However, the students are not the only ones who are transforming; so are we who, as co-researchers, have had the opportunity to play a role in and witness their efforts.
Influence Of Membership Function’s Shape On Portfolio Optimization Results
Authors: Rutkowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2016

Portfolio optimization, one of the most rapidly growing field of modern finance, is selection process, by which investor chooses the proportion of different securities and other assets to held. This paper studies the influence of membership function’s shape on the result of fuzzy portfolio optimization and focused on portfolio selection problem based on credibility measure. Four different shapes of the membership function are examined in the context of the most popular optimization problems: mean-variance, mean-semivariance, entropy minimization, value-at-risk minimization. The analysis takes into account both: the study of necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of extremes, as well as the statistical inference about the differences based on simulation.
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials of kolaviron: mechanisms of action
Authors: Onasanwo Samuel A. , Rotu Rume A.
Published: January 2016

Background: Major attention has been on dietary and medicinal phytochemicals that inhibit or reverse abnormal conditions caused by nociceptive and inflammatory stimuli. Garcinia kola (Guttiferae) seed, known as “bitter kola”, plays an important role in African ethno-medicine and traditional hospitality like in the treatment of inflammation, colds, bronchitis, bacterial, and viral infections. A number of useful phytochemicals have been isolated from the seed, and the most prominent of them is kolaviron (Garcinia bioflavonoid), which has been suggested to have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials. The aim of this experiment is to explore the mechanisms of action of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials of kolaviron.

Methods: The probable mechanisms of action of kolaviron were assessed by using naloxone, prazosin, and atropine to investigate the involvement of adrenergic, opioidergic, and cholinergic systems, respectively, using tail flick, the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. Also, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to analyze the level of inflammation.

Results: In the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice, pretreatment with naloxone, prazosin, and atropine significantly reversed the antinociception effects of kolaviron (200 mg/kg) when compared with control and kolaviron groups. In the formalin-induced paw licking test in mice, there was a significant decrease on the antinociceptive effects of kolaviron in the late phase when compared with the control, while the pretreatment with naloxone and prazosin significantly reversed the antinociception of kolaviron but atropine did not have any significant decrease when compared with the kolaviron group. In the tail flick latency assay in rats, pretreatment with naloxone and prazosin significantly reversed the antinociception of kolaviron but atropine; however, did not have any significant increase when compared with the control and kolaviron groups. The result of the study also shows a highly significant inhibition of paw edema in the carrageenan-induced receiving kolaviron when compared with the vehicle carrageenan-induced groups. Histological staining also showed that kolaviron significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the paw tissues.

Conclusions: Kolaviron possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, both centrally and peripherally, which justifies its folkloric use to relieve pain and inflammation. It may be exerting its effects through mechanisms that involve opioidergic and adrenergic systems, and may not involve the cholinergic system.
Isomorphisms and automorphisms
of extensions of bilinear
dimensional dual hyperovals and quadratic APN functions
Authors: Dempwolff Ulrich , Edel Yves
Published: January 2016

In [J. Algebraic Combin. 39 (2014), 457–496] an extension construction of
(n + 1)-dimensional dual hyperovals using n-dimensional
bilinear dual hyperovals was introduced.
Related to this construction is a construction of APN functions
in dimension n + 1 using two APN functions in dimension n.
In this paper we show that the isomorphism
problem for the (n + 1)-dimensional extensions can be
reduced to the isomorphism
problem of the initial n-dimensional objects.
The automorphism problem can be reduced in an
analogous way.
The association of thyroid hormones and blood pressure in euthyroid preadolescents
Authors: Park Bo Hyun , Baik Sun Jung , Lee Hye Ah , Hong Young Sun , Kim Hae Soon , Park Hyesook
Published: January 2016

Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide, and both high and low blood pressures are associated with various chronic diseases. Thyroid hormones have profound effects on cardiovascular function, including on blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that childhood hypertension can lead to adult hypertension. Therefore, adequate blood pressure control is important from early life. Employing a life-course approach, we aimed to investigate the association between thyroid hormones and blood pressure in children.

A total of 290 children from the Ewha Woman’s University Hospital birth cohort participated in a preadolescent check-up program. We assessed the levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) and the blood pressure status in these children. Thyroid hormone concentrations were measured using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and hypertension was defined according to the guideline of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The sex-, age-, and height-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 27.0% in the present study. On regression analysis, serum FT4 showed significantly negative association with diastolic blood pressure (DBP; β=–8.24, 95% CI: –14.19–2.28, p=0.007). However, these relationships were not significant after adjustment for sex, age, and current body mass index. The levels of serum TSH showed no relationship with mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after adjustment. No significant differences in serum TSH and FT4 levels according to hypertension status were found.

These findings suggest that thyroid hormone is not independently associated with increased blood pressure in euthyroid preadolescents.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and associated hypothyroidism. A review of the literature with two classic case examples
Authors: Moyer James , Jacks Laura , Hunter Janel Darcy , Chan Gilbert
Published: January 2016

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a relatively common hip disorder often seen in overweight, peripubertal children. Although the exact etiology is uncertain, it is generally accepted that underlying endocrinopathies play a role in the pathogenesis. Hypothyroidism is the endocrine disorder cited most commonly in association with SCFE, and patients often have no history of thyroid dysfunction at the time of presentation. Despite being a well-recognized risk factor, recommendations for screening thyroid function in patients with typical presentations of SCFE have not been deemed cost-effective; however, there is data to support screening for hypothyroidism in patients with atypical presentations of SCFE or short stature. Hypothyroidism may have a significant impact on healing and bone union after surgical management of SCFE and there is a paucity of case reports in the literature describing potential peri- and postoperative complications. We performed a systematic review of the literature of all reported cases of SCFE with associated hypothyroidism using the search terms, which demonstrated a physiologic relationship between hypothyroidism and SCFE. Two case reports of SCFE in patients with hypothyroidism and associated complications are presented with the literature review. There is a physiologic relationship between thyroid dysfunction and SCFE, and we postulate that profound hypothyroidism may contribute to delayed healing or nonunion in patients undergoing operative management. We support the recommendation to screen patients with short stature, atypical presentation of SCFE, or perisistent nonunion after surgery. In cases of hypothyroidism, we recommend thyroid hormone replacement and laboratory confirmation of return to euthyroid state prior to operative intervention.
Native and non-native speaker teachers: Contextualizing perceived differences in the Turkish EFL setting
Authors: Aslan Erhan , Thompson Amy S.
Published: January 2016

Although extensive research exists on learner perceptions of native and non-native English speaker teachers (NEST/NNEST), whether prior language learning experiences impact learner beliefs about these teachers has not been investigated. This study explores the beliefs of Turkish EFL students (n = 160) via the Beliefs about Language Teachers (BALT) questionnaire, focusing on beliefs about NESTs/NNESTs regarding ease of communication, teaching style, and classroom practices. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) performed on the BALT resulted in a four-factor solution. The beliefs of multilinguals and bilinguals, categorized in two ways (experience with more than one foreign language vs. perceived positive language interaction [PPLI]) were compared using one-way ANOVAs, which revealed significant differences for some of the factors. There was not much of a difference in bilinguals’ and multilinguals’ beliefs of NESTs and NNESTs. The perceived effectiveness of the NESTs by the PPLI learners can be explained by those learners’ high tolerance of ambiguity in the classroom, whereas the perceived effectiveness of the NNESTs by the NPPLI learners can be explained by the desired to interact in the L1 for ambiguous situations. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to foreign language education policies and teacher education programs.
Changes in personnel policies of enterprises conditioned by the identification of knowledge workers
Authors: Igielski Michał
Published: January 2016

The twenty-first century requires enterprises to change in their functioning, since management has been faced with an unprecedented challenge so far – it is the result of a turbulent external environment. Due to transformations the companies cannot continue to build their competitive advantages based on investments in tangible resources and cheap labour. They have to turn into organizations based on knowledge, skills and competencies, which involves the use of new management methods. Therefore, the most desirable employees are those who through education, skills and experience are able to help businesses operate on the market. Companies in their strategies appreciate knowledge workers, who in the world today, in the era of endless crisis, can decide and determine gaining a competitive position in the market. We must also remember that the policy of qualification and skills of knowledge workers must arise from the strategy of personnel of the company. Therefore, the author of this article believes that it is necessary to customize personnel strategies in enterprises to the needs of knowledge employees working in them.
Classical and modern concepts of corporate governance (Stewardship Theory and Agency Theory)
Authors: Glinkowska Beata , Kaczmarek Bogusław
Published: January 2016

The main issues in efficiency of a company as an organisation are relations between the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of a company, and the methods of functioning of Supervisory Boards in governance systems of a company.

The classical and modern approach to the role, place, and importance of corporate governance presented in this article, is yet another prompt to continue searching for the optimum in the organisational, economical, and social meaning.
Lean Management Genesis
Authors: Parkes Aneta
Published: January 2016

Lean Management is a philosophy and management concept, based on reduction of the waste and resources used in the process of producing goods and providing services. Lean Management genesis dates back to scientific management in America (for example concepts of H. Ford and F.W. Taylor) and quality management, including development of TQM concept. Japanese Toyota Production System has been inspired by chosen elements of these concepts, and then it evolved towards global concept called Toyota Way (which connects production rules with values and work attitude).

TPS is considered to be a major precursor of lean manufacturing and now more widely – Lean Management. LM is a broader set of organisational and management tools, formed mainly by the Japanese culture, but also subjected to the Western influences in the field of organisation and management (Jakonis 2011, Parkes 2014).
The Influence of Rotor Unbalance on Turbocharger Rotor Dynamics
Authors: Knotek Jiří , Novotný Pavel , Maršálek Ondřej , Raffai Peter , Dlugoš Jozef
Published: January 2016

Shrnutí

Članek analyzuje vliv nevyvahy na dynamiku rotoru turbodmychadla. Je zde prezentovan 3D vypočtovy model rotoru turbodmychadla a hydrodynamicky model kluzne ložiska. Sestaveni vysledneho vypočtoveho modelu na urovni virtualniho prototypu je provedeno v prostředi software pro řešeni dynamiky těles. Članek prezentuje vybrane vysledky, na kterych je podrobně rozebran vliv velikosti nevyvahy na dynamiku rotoru turbodmychadla.
Bayesian Analysis of a Simple Measurement Model Distinguishing between Types of Information
Authors: Lira Ignacio , Grientschnig Dieter
Published: January 2016

Let a quantity of interest, Y, be modeled in terms of a quantity X and a set of other quantities Z. Suppose that for Z there is type B information, by which we mean that it leads directly to a joint state-of-knowledge probability density function (PDF) for that set, without reference to likelihoods. Suppose also that for X there is type A information, which signifies that a likelihood is available. The posterior for X is then obtained by updating its prior with said likelihood by means of Bayes’ rule, where the prior encodes whatever type B information there may be available for X. If there is no such information, an appropriate non-informative prior should be used. Once the PDFs for X and Z have been constructed, they can be propagated through the measurement model to obtain the PDF for Y, either analytically or numerically. But suppose that, at the same time, there is also information of type A, type B or both types together for the quantity Y. By processing such information in the manner described above we obtain another PDF for Y. Which one is right? Should both PDFs be merged somehow? Is there another way of applying Bayes’ rule such that a single PDF for Y is obtained that encodes all existing information? In this paper we examine what we believe should be the proper ways of dealing with such a (not uncommon) situation.
Theoretical and Experimental Research of Error of Method of Thermocouple with Controlled Profile of Temperature Field
Authors: Jun Su , Kochan O. , Chunzhi Wang , Kochan R.
Published: January 2016

The method of study and experimental researches of the error of method of the thermocouple with controlled profile of temperature field along the main thermocouple are considered in this paper. Experimentally determined values of error of method are compared to the theoretical estimations done using Newton’s law of cooling. They converge well.
Structure and separation quality of various N- and O-donor ligands from quantum-chemical calculations
Authors: Trumm Michael , Schimmelpfennig Bernd , Geist Andreas
Published: January 2016

Although BTP (2,6-di(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine) has been proven to be a highly effective N-donor ligand for the selective An(III)/Ln(III) separation, the origin of its selectivity is still under discussion. We present in this paper quantum-chemical calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) and MP2 level which highlight the role of the aquo ions in the separation process. Furthermore these data will be the reference for future force-field development to investigate the differences in An(III) complexation reactions compared to their Ln(III) counterparts.
A study of cerium extraction by TBP and TODGA using a rotating diffusion cell
Authors: Bromley Michael A. , Boxall Colin
Published: January 2016

For the study of the coupled interfacial-mass transfer kinetics of, inter alia, TBP, TODGA, CyMe4-BTBP and CyMe4-BTPhen based solvent extraction processes, a new rotating diffusion cell (RDC) apparatus has been established at Lancaster University. RDC studies of Ce(IV)/TBP and Ce(III)/TODGA extraction systems have been undertaken in order to improve the understanding of the chemical and kinetic processes involved. In each case, an interesting dependency on local hydrodynamics at the solution phase boundary with results suggesting that the organic extractant molecules migrate into the aqueous phase in order to capture Ce.
Carbonization of solid uranyl-ascorbate gel as an indirect step of uranium carbide synthesis
Authors: Brykala Marcin , Rogowski Marcin , Olczak Tadeusz
Published: January 2016

The studies of the synthesis of uranium carbide from uranyl-ascorbate gels using the complex sol-gel process (CSGP) have been carried out. The synthesis of uranyl-ascorbate mixture as liquid sol from uranium trioxide and ascorbic acid and solid gel by extraction of water from sol were carefully examined. Ascorbic acid was used as a complexing agent in complex sol-gel process and as a carbon source. The crucial step to obtain final uranium carbides from the aforementioned substrates is the carbonization process. The thermal behavior of ascorbic acid and uranyl-ascorbate gels in a nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature range of 25-900°C were investigated using TG-DTG. Furthermore, the products of the carbonization of uranyl-ascorbate gels in nitrogen, argon and vacuum atmosphere were identified by X-ray diffraction. TG-DTG was used also as a method for determining of carbon residues in the samples.
Reprocessability of molybdenum and magnesia based inert matrix fuels
Authors: Ebert Elena L. , Bukaemskiy Andrey , Sadowski Fabian , Lange Steve , Wilden Andreas , Modolo Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

This work focuses on the reprocessability of metallic 92Mo and ceramic MgO, which is under investigation for (Pu,MA)-oxide (MA = minor actinide) fuel within a metallic 92Mo matrix (CERMET) and a ceramic MgO matrix (CERCER). Magnesium oxide and molybdenum reference samples have been fabricated by powder metallurgy. The dissolution of the matrices was studied as a function of HNO3 concentration (1-7 mol/L) and temperature (25-90°C). The rate of dissolution of magnesium oxide and metallic molybdenum increased with temperature. While the MgO rate was independent of the acid concentration (1-7 mol/L), the rate of dissolution of Mo increased with acid concentration. However, the dissolution of Mo at high temperatures and nitric acid concentrations was accompanied by precipitation of MoO3. The extraction of uranium, americium, and europium in the presence of macro amounts of Mo and Mg was studied by three different extraction agents: tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP), N,Nʹ-dimethyl-N,Nʹ-dioctylhexylethoxymalonamide (DMDOHEMA), and N,N,N’,N’- -tetraoctyldiglycolamide (TODGA). With TBP no extraction of Mo and Mg occurred. Both matrix materials are partly extracted by DMDOHEMA. Magnesium is not extracted by TODGA (D < 0.1), but a weak extraction of Mo is observed at low Mo concentration.
Pyrochemical reprocessing of molten salt fast reactor fuel: focus on the reductive extraction step
Authors: Rodrigues Davide , Durán-Klie Gabriela , Delpech Sylvie
Published: January 2016

The nuclear fuel reprocessing is a prerequisite for nuclear energy to be a clean and sustainable energy. In the case of the molten salt reactor containing a liquid fuel, pyrometallurgical way is an obvious way. The method for treatment of the liquid fuel is divided into two parts. In-situ injection of helium gas into the fuel leads to extract the gaseous fission products and a part of the noble metals. The second part of the reprocessing is performed by ‘batch’. It aims to recover the fissile material and to separate the minor actinides from fission products. The reprocessing involves several chemical steps based on redox and acido-basic properties of the various elements contained in the fuel salt. One challenge is to perform a selective extraction of actinides and lanthanides in spent liquid fuel. Extraction of actinides and lanthanides are successively performed by a reductive extraction in liquid bismuth pool containing metallic lithium as a reductive reagent. The objective of this paper is to give a description of the several steps of the reprocessing retained for the molten salt fast reactor (MSFR) concept and to present the initial results obtained for the reductive extraction experiments realized in static conditions by contacting LiF-ThF4-UF4-NdF3 with a lab-made Bi-Li pool and for which extraction efficiencies of 0.7% for neodymium and 14.0% for uranium were measured. It was concluded that in static conditions, the extraction is governed by a kinetic limitation and not by the thermodynamic equilibrium.
Sorption of Sr-85 and Am-241 from liquid radioactive wastes by alginate beads
Authors: Oszczak Agata , Fuks Leon
Published: January 2016

The paper reports the adsorption of strontium(II) and americium(III) from aqueous solutions onto calcium alginate (CaA), barium alginate (BaA) and strontium alginate (SrA) beads. Adsorption process was studied in batch experiments as a function of the initial pH of the solution and the contact time. All sorbents were examined by the termogravimetric analysis (TG). Laboratory obtained spherical beads of CaA, BaA and SrA seem to be good metal sorbents from liquid radioactive wastes. A contact time of about 4 h and neutral pH of the initial aqueous solution have been proposed to be optimum conditions for Sr-85 and Am-241 removal from the contaminated solutions using alginate sorbents. Laboratory obtained beads of CaA, BaA and SrA are characterized by the decontamination factor (DF) equal to 85% for Sr(II) and 90% for Am(III).
Gamma radiolytic stability of CyMe4BTBP and the effect of nitric acid
Authors: Schmidt Holger , Wilden Andreas , Modolo Giuseppe , Švehla Jaroslav , Grüner Bohumir , Ekberg Christian
Published: January 2016

The highly selective nitrogen donor ligand CyMe4BTBP for An(III) separation by solvent extraction was irradiated in a 60Co γ-source under varying conditions. Organic solutions of 10 mmol/L ligand in 1-octanol were contacted with different concentrations of nitric acid to observe the influence of an aqueous phase during irradiation. In subsequent liquid-liquid extraction experiments, distribution ratios of 241Am and 152Eu were determined. Distribution ratios decreased with increasing absorbed dose when irradiation was performed in the absence of nitric acid. With addition of nitric acid, initial distribution ratios remained constant over the whole examined dose range up to 300 kGy. For qualitative determination of radiolysis products, HPLC-MS measurements were performed. The protective effect of nitric acid was confirmed, since in samples irradiated with acid contact, no degradation products were observed, but only addition products of the 1-octanol molecule to the CyMe4BTBP molecule.
The role of humic substances in detoxification process of the environment / Rola substancji humusowych w procesach detoksykacji środowiska
Authors: Ziółkowska Anna
Published: January 2016

Chemical pollution of anthropogenic origin such as heavy metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls are some of serious threats to the environment. Their main sources are industry, transport, and agriculture. Chemical substances pollute the air, water and soil, where ultimately most of them reach and accumulate.

Soil constituent involved in the adsorption of impurities is organic matter (OM), the structure of which can be divided into three fractions: humic acids (HA), fulvic acids (FA) and humin (H). The impact of pollution with OM allows the presence of active functional groups, among others, -OH, -COOH, -NH3, -OCH3. Strongly adsorbed contaminants are not available for soil microorganisms.
Genetic, Genomic and Epigenomic Studies of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (Ben)
Authors: Staneva Rada G. , Balabanski L. , Dimova I. , Rukova B. , Hadjidekova S. , Dimitrov P. , Simeonov V. , Ivanov S. , Vagarova R. , Malinov M. , Cukuranovic R. , Stefanovic V. , Polenakovic M. , Djonov V. , Galabov A. , Toncheva D.
Published: January 2016

BEN is a primary, chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis characterized with chronic anemia, absence of edema, xantoderma, normal blood pressure and normal findings on the fundus oculi. The disease is distributed in restricted areas in Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Former Yugoslavia. Despite numerous studies on genetic and environmental factors and their possible involvement in BEN, its etiopathogenesis still remains elusive.

Our recent study aim to elucidate the possible epigenetic component in BEN development. Whole genome DNA array methylation analysis was applied to compare the methylation profiles of male and female BEN patients from endemic regions in Bulgaria and Serbia and healthy controls.

All three most prominent candidate genes with aberrations in the epigenetic profile discovered with this study are involved in the inflammatory/immune processes and oncogenesis. These data are in concordance with the reported pathological alterations in BEN. This research supports the role of epigenetic changes in BEN pathology.

Exome sequencing of 22.000 genes with Illumina Nextera Exome Enrichment Kit revealed three mutant genes (CELA1, HSPG2, and KCNK5) in BEN patients which encode proteins involved in basement membrane/extracellular matrix and vascular tone, tightly connected to process of angiogenesis. We suggest that an abnormal process of angiogenesis plays a key role in the molecular pathogenesis of BEN.
New Therapies for Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Polenakovik Hari
Published: January 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), the major etiologic agent of "non-A, non-B hepatitis" was discovered 26 years ago. Even before its discovery, interferon-α (IFN) was already being used for treatment of this infection. The next two decades saw a series of incremental improvements of the IFN therapies by extending the duration of therapy, using IFN in combination with oral ribavirin, using pegylated IFN with ribavirin, and most recently adding oral compounds that inhibit the HCV replication (directly acting antivirals - DAAs) to that regimen. DAAs target multiple steps in the HCV life cycle and are now used in combination to treat HCV infection without the need of IFN. These IFN-free, oral DAAs regimens are highly efficacious, have minimal toxicity and are given for short duration. Approved DAAs can cure more then 90% of persons with chronic HCV infection, thereby reducing the risk of death from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, these drugs are very expensive, and currently their exorbitant cost significantly restricts the access to this therapy for many HCV infected patients.
Molecular Response in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Imatinib – Single Centre Experience
Authors: Pavkovic Marica , Angelkovic Rosica , Popova-Simjanovska Marija , Genadieva-Stavric Sonja , Cevreska Lidija , Stojanovic Aleksandar
Published: January 2016

Introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) dramatically improves the treatment and survival of the patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the last decade. Imatinib (IM) and other TKI induce larger percentage of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR). Treatment resistance to TKIs still remains an important problem in the treatment of CML. The aim of our study was to analyze the molecular response (MR) in CML patients treated with Imatinib in our institution.

We have analyzed 53 CML patients (pts), 28 females and 25 males, treated with IM as a front or second line treatment. Only 15 pts were treated with IM as a front-line therapy, while 38 pts were pretreated with hydroxyurea or/and interferon. Median duration of CML was 6 years (range: 1 year- 17 years). Median duration of IM treatment was 3 years (range: 1 year-10 years). MR was analyzed in one up to 8 time points with Real Time Quantitative RT-PCR method.

Forty six pts (87%) had complete hematological response and 55% of pts had MMR, 13/53(24.5%) pts had MMR at 4.0-4.5 log and 16/53(30.2%) pts had MMR at 3.0-4.0 log. MMR was not achieved in 24/53(45.3%).

Our results have shown smaller percentage of patients (55%) with MMR, mostly due to the fact that larger proportion of patients (38/53) were heavily pretreated with HU or/and Interferon for a prolonged period of time, before the IM treatment. This is a major risk factor for acquisition of additional molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities responsible for IM resistance and poor treatment response.