bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of black‐tailed prairie‐dog populations affected by plague in northern Colorado, USA
Authors: George Dylan B. , Webb Colleen T. , Pepin Kim M. , Savage Lisa T. , Antolin Michael F.
Published: July 2013

The spatial distribution of prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies in North America has changed from large, contiguous populations to small, isolated colonies in metapopulations. One factor responsible for this drastic change in prairie‐dog population structure is plague (caused by the bacteriumYersinia pestis). We fit stochastic patch occupancy models to 20 years of prairie‐dog colony occupancy data from two discrete metapopulations (west and east) in the Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado, USA, that differ in connectivity among suitable habitat patches. We conducted model selection between two hypothesized modes of plague movement: independent of prairie‐dog dispersal (colony‐area) vs. plague movement consistent with prairie‐dog dispersal (connectivity to extinct colonies). The best model, which fit the data well (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.94 west area; 0.79 east area), revealed that over time the proportion of extant colonies was better explained by colony size than by connectivity to extinct (plagued) colonies. The idea that prairie dogs are not likely to be the main vector that spreadsY. pestisacross the landscape is supported by the observation that colony extinctions are primarily caused by plague, prairie‐dog dispersal is short range, and connectivity to extinct colonies was not selected as a factor in the models. We also conducted simulations with the best model to examine long‐term patterns of colony occupancy and persistence of prairie‐dog metapopulations. In the case where the metapopulations persist, our model predicted that the western metapopulation would have a colony occupancy rate approximately 2.5 times higher than that of the eastern metapopulation (∼50% occupied colonies vs. 20%) in 50 years, but that the western metapopulation has ∼80% chance of extinction in 100 years while the eastern metapopulation has a less than 25% chance. Extinction probability of individual colonies depended on the frequency with which colonies of the same size class occurred in the metapopulation. Thus, the long‐term persistence of prairie‐dog metapopulations depended on specific details of the metapopulation.
Multilevel statistical models and the analysis of experimental data
Authors: Behm Jocelyn E. , Edmonds Devin A. , Harmon Jason P. , Ives Anthony R.
Published: July 2013

Data sets from ecological experiments can be difficult to analyze, due to lack of independence of experimental units and complex variance structures. In addition, information of interest may lie in complicated contrasts among treatments, rather than direct output from statistical tests. Here, we present a statistical framework for analyzing data sets containing non‐independent experimental units and differences in variance among treatments (heteroscedasticity) and apply this framework to experimental data on interspecific competition among three tadpole species. Our framework involves three steps: (1) use a multilevel regression model to calculate coefficients of treatment effects on response variables; (2) combine coefficients to quantify the strength of competition (the target information of our experiment); and (3) use parametric bootstrapping to calculate significance of competition strengths. We repeated this framework using three multilevel regression models to analyze data at the level of individual tadpoles, at the replicate level, and at the replicate level accounting for heteroscedasticity. Comparing results shows the need to correctly specify the statistical model, with the model that accurately accounts for heteroscedasticity leading to different conclusions from the other two models. This approach gives a single, comprehensive analysis of experimental data that can be used to extract informative biological parameters in a statistically rigorous way.
The Inlay Technique With an Allograft Block Used for the Rehabilitation of an Atrophic Posterior Mandible: A Case Report
Authors: Checchi Vittorio , Felice Pietro
Published: July 2013

Introduction: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this case report is the first in the literature to describe the reconstruction of a severely atrophic poster mandible using an allograft block in the inlay technique.

Case Presentation: Differently orientated osteotomic cuts were performed in order to coronally elevate the osteotomized bony segment. An allograft block was then shaped and placed between the segment and the basal bone. Only 2 months after the grafting procedure, the allograft seemed to be well integrated and two dental implants were placed.

Conclusion: In this clinical case, after only 2 months, allograft block seemed to be an effective material for the reconstruction of the posterior mandible with the inlay technique.
The Incidence of Blindness Due to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in the UK
Authors: Best JL , Silvestri G , Burton BJ , Foot B , Acheson J
Published: July 2013

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of blindness secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in the United Kingdom.

Methods:

New cases of blindness occurring secondary to IIH were identified prospectively through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) from October 2005 to November 2006. Only idiopathic cases of intracranial hypertension and those meeting the World Health Organisation`s definition of blindness were included. Cases that were already blind or had already been blind registered before the study period were excluded.

Results:

There were 24 new cases of registerable blindness secondary to IIH reported during the 12 month period. Questionnaires were completed for 19 cases. Of these 19 cases, 3 were not truly idiopathic and 3 cases did not fulfil the strict criteria for blindness. One case was a duplicate report. There were 12 definite cases of blindness secondary to IIH giving a UK incidence of blindness secondary to IIH of 0.6-2% (assuming a UK population of 63.2 million and an incidence of IIH of 1-3/100,000). If the 5 cases reported as blind but without a completed questionnaire are assumed to be true cases then the incidence of blindness would be 1-3%.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that approximately 1-2% of new cases of IIH are likely to become blind in a given year. This contrasts with rates of between 4-10% reported previously in hospital-based studies, but may be a more accurate figure for the population as a whole. Under-ascertainment and improving standards of care may also have contributed to the lower figure than previously reported.
Primary Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma of the Liver in a 13-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Xiong Bo , Chen Min , Ye Feng , Zhang Zhuxue , Yin Lijuan , Huang Huifen , Chen Huijiao , Zhang Hongying
Published: July 2013

Synovial sarcoma originating in the liver is extremely rare, and thus far only 3 cases have been reported in the English literature. Herein, we report a primary hepatic synovial sarcoma in a 13-year-old Chinese boy. This patient present with a 10-day right upper quadrant pain, and a heterogeneous mass was documented in the right hepatic lobe by computed tomography. Subsequently, the patient underwent right hepatectomy. Histologically, the tumor exhibited classic features of monophasic synovial sarcoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of SS18 gene rearrangement and identification of SS18-SSX1 fusion transcript. Unfortunately, a relapsing mass was detected 11 months after the surgery. To the best of our knowledge, the current case is the 1st published example in the pediatric population.
Development of a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of domperidone: In vitro and in vivo characterization
Authors: Jakki Ramesh , Afzal Syed Muzammil , Kandadi Prabhakar , Veerabrahma Kishan
Published: July 2013

The main objective of this work was to prepare a self-micro emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for enhancement of oral bioavailability of domperidone, a poorly water soluble drug. The solubility of the drug was determined in various vehicles. A pseudo ternary phase diagram was constructed to identify the self-micro emulsification region. The in vitro self-micro emulsification properties and droplet size analysis of SMEDDS were studied following their addition to water under mild agitation. Further, the resultant formulations were investigated for clarity, phase separation, globule size, effect of pH and dilutions (1:100, 1:500, 1:1000) and freeze-thaw stability. The optimized formulation, SMEDDS-B used for in vitro dissolution and bioavailability assessment, contained oil (Labrafac CC, 25 %, m/m), surfactant (Tween 80, 55 %, m/m), and co-surfactant (Transcutol®, 20 %, m/m). The preliminary oral bioavailability of domperidone from SMEDDS was 1.92-fold higher compared to that of domperidone suspension in rats. The AUC0-24 and cmax values were 3.38 ± 0.81 μg h mL-1 and 0.44 ± 0.03 μg mL-1 for SMEDDS-B formulation in comparison with 1.74 ± 0.18 μg h mL-1 and 0.24 ± 0.02 μg mL-1 for domperidone suspension, suggesting a significant increase (p < 0.05) in oral bioavailability of domperidone from SMEDDSS.
Chemometrically assissted optimization and validation of RP-HPLC method for the analysis of itraconazole and its impurities
Authors: Kasagić Irena , Malenović Anđelija , Jovanović Marko , Rakić Tijana , Jančić Stojanović Biljana , Ivanović Darko
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the chemometrically assisted optimization and validation of the RP-HPLC method intended for the quantitative analysis of itraconazole and its impurities in pharmaceutical dosage forms. To reach the desired chromatographic resolution with a limited number of experiments in a minimum amount of time, Box- -Behnken design was used to simultaneously optimize some important chromatographic parameters, such as the acetonitrile content in the mobile phase, pH of the aqueous phase and the column temperature. Separation between itraconazole and impurity F was identified as critical and selected as a response during the optimization. The set optimal mobile phase composition was acetonitrile/ water pH 2.5 adjusted with o-phosphoric acid (50:50, V/V). Separations were performed on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18, 4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm particle size column with the flow rate 1 mL min-1, column temperature set at 30 °C and UV detection at 256 nm. The established method was then subjected to method validation and the required validation parameters were tested. For the robustness evaluation, fractional factorial 24-1 design was utilized and factors that might significantly affect the system performance were defined. As other validation parameters were also found to be suitable, the possibility to apply the proposed method for the determination of itraconazole, its impurities B and F in any laboratory under different circumstances has been proven.
Optical Fiber Technology 2012
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S. , Wójcik Waldemar
Published: July 2013

The Conference on Optical Fibers and Their Applications, Nałȩczów 2012, in its 14th edition, which has been organized since more than 35 years, has summarized the achievements of the local optical fiber technology community, for the last year and a half. The conference specializes in developments of optical fiber technology, glass and polymer, classical and microstructured, passive and active. The event gathered around 100 participants. There were shown 60 presentations of 20 research and application groups active in fiber photonics, originating from academia and industry. Topical tracks of the Conference were: photonic materials, planar waveguides, passive and active optical fibers, propagation theory in nonstandard optical fibers, and new constructions of optical fibers. A panel discussion concerned teaching in fiber photonics. The conference was accompanied by a school on Optical Fiber Technology. The paper summarizes the chosen main topical tracks of the conference on Optical Fibers and Their Applications, Nałȩczów 2012. The papers from the conference presentations will be published in Proc. SPIE, including a conference version of this paper. The next conference of this series is scheduled for January 2014 in Białowie˙za.
A Multistage Procedure of Mobile Vehicle Acoustic Identification for Single-Sensor Embedded Device
Authors: Astapov Sergei , Riid Andri
Published: July 2013

Mobile vehicle identification has a wide application field for both civilian and military uses. Vehicle identification may be achieved by incorporating single or multiple sensor solutions and through data fusion. This paper considers a single-sensor multistage hierarchical algorithm of acoustic signal analysis and pattern recognition for the identification of mobile vehicles in an open environment. The algorithm applies several standalone techniques to enable complex decision-making during event identification. Computationally inexpensive procedures are specifically chosen in order to provide real-time operation capability. The algorithm is tested on pre-recorded audio signals of civilian vehicles passing the measurement point and shows promising classification accuracy. Implementation on a specific embedded device is also presented and the capability of real-time operation on this device is demonstrated.
Laser Technology and Applications 2012
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S. , Gajda Jerzy
Published: July 2013

The research and technical achievements in the area of lasers are summarized every three years by the National Symposium on Laser Technology held in the Baltic See Resort ś winoujście near Szczecin, Poland. The paper presents a review of the main symposium subjects tracks debated during this key national laser event in September 2012. There are shown development tendencies of laser materials and technologies and laser associated branches of optoelectronics in this country, including the efforts of academia, governmental institutes, research businesses and industry. The symposium work are divided to two branches: development of lasers and laser applications, where the laser systems operators and laser users present their achievements. Topical tracks of the meeting are presented, as well as the keynote and invited subjects delivered by key representatives of the laser industry. The STL 2012 was a jubilee meeting held for the Xth time.
A Study on Modelling the Plane Strain Behaviour of Sand and its Stability
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Sławinska Justyna
Published: July 2013

The plane strain behaviour of sand is studied using, previously proposed, incremental model describing its pre-failure deformations. Original model has been formulated for the tri-axial configuration, and then generalized for 3D conditions. This 3D model was subsequently adapted to study deformations of sand in the plane strain conditions, in the x1; x3 plane. There are three unknowns in such a configuration, namely the principal strains "1; "3 and the principal stress σ2. Respective equations were derived, and then applied to study deformations of sand for chosen stress paths. The governing incremental equations were integrated numerically, and it was shown, for some loading paths, that σ2 epends linearly on the other principal stresses, so introduction of apparent Poisson’s ratio is justified, as a kind of approximation. Subsequent analysis of deformations of sand was performed using this concept, as well as using full system of governing equations.
Effects of vertical and horizontal plyometric exercises on running speed
Authors: Singh Dalwinder , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of vertical, horizontal and a combination of both vertical and horizontal plyometric exercises (depth jumping) on running speed.

Methods

A purposively selected sample of 80 male students were randomly assigned into either a control group or groups training the vertical depth jump, horizontal depth jump or a combination of both. The experimental groups trained twice weekly for 10 weeks, performing 6 sets of 10 repetitions per session. Drop height was increased from 20 to 40 cm according to the step method. Running speed was measured by a 45.72 m dash test before and after the 10-week period.

Results

Analysis of covariance was applied to compare scores. A pair-wise comparison was performed using Scheffe’s post-hoc test at a 0.05 level of confidence. The results showed significant improvements among the three experimental groups as compared with the control group, whereas a comparison between the three experimental groups was found to be insignificant. The percentage of performance increase from pre-test to post-test running speed was 2.23%, 2.96% and 3.57% for the groups training vertical, horizontal and both vertical and horizontal depth jumps, respectively.

Conclusions

A combination of both vertical and horizontal depth jumping, with a slightly larger emphasis on horizontal plyometric training, can aid sprinters’ performance.
The Message of The Damascus Sermon for Muslim-Christian Relations
Authors: Vries Marten de
Published: July 2013

The context in which Bediüzzaman Said Nursi wrote the first version of his now famous Damascus sermon was a meeting on a continent and in an age in which Muslims were being forced to reflect on their identity due to negative interaction with non-Muslims.

Meanwhile, the relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims have changed drastically. Nonetheless, not only Muslims but also Christians and even Muslims and Christians together in dialogue now have more rather than fewer reasons to be concerned about the question of how they, based on their authentic religious values, can contribute to a good society.

Even the mid-20th century Turkish revision of the Damascus sermon is dated. The document does, however, offer a clarifying template that can still be highly beneficial for Muslims and Christians a century later in striving for what is beneficial for themselves and their environment while keeping their own identities in mind.

Christians could also acknowledge a great deal in the six ailments and remedies the healer identifies in the “Six Words.” At the same time, it suits the spirit of the age to proceed not only via a set of major resemblances between both religions but also mutatis mutandis in connection with what is typical for each religion. As a Christian, I would like to flesh this out with “hope,” “faithfulness,” “love,” “unity,” “dignity,” and “consultation,” based on my faith, of which Jesus Christ is the centre.

The challenge of today’s and tomorrow’s globalised reality that Muslims and Christians have to cope with is, for instance, to formulate a new Purifying paradigm based on the concepts listed by Nursi, designed to be fully respective of the well understood uniqueness of the other. Christian acceptance of Muslims should not depend on the extent to which they are integrated into Western society, nor should Christians be viewed by Muslims as pre-Muslims.

This challenge goes further and is more difficult than striving to come to “a common word”: in fact, we will need to understand a variety of words. But if the efforts are crowned with success, this is a more valid way for Muslims and Christians - who together make up the majority of the world’s population - to be a good example for society.

From a Christian point of view and that of the 20th century’s disenchantment, Nursi is overly optimistic when he suggests society can be affected by implementing religious values. Religious people and non-religious people alike in the current demographic will continue to co-exist and individually suffer from the cited and notcited maladies, and this was no different in the golden eras of yore.

Nevertheless, we can point to signs of hope when we succeed together in resolving the dilemma of right-wing capitalism and liberalism on the one hand and left-wing communism and socialism on the other by means of our own religiously motivated values to allow Christians, Muslims, and others to sample a bit of the future heaven on earth.
Nâmah Al-Saadah (Blessed Letter) Sent To the Malik (Ruler) of Ghassan and Transfer to the Ottoman State of the Copy of Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter on Power in the Holy Qur’an) Written by Caliph Ali
Authors: Şenturk Abdülmecit
Published: July 2013

The letter of the Exalted Prophet Muhammad to the King of Ghassan, Harith bin Abi Shamir, to invite him to convert to Islam and the copy of the Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter on Power in the Holy Qur’an) made by Caliph Ali, was bought by a Frenchman called François Perpinyan in Paris in 1866 and brought to Istanbul. The Office of Sheikh Al- Islam examined the copies twice in 1866 and 1876, judging them to be authentic in the second examination. The documents were then purchased from the Frenchman in return for 4,000 Ottoman liras. But although an edict was issued by Sultan Abd Al- Hamid II for payment to be made in 1876, Perpinyan did not receive his money for 17 years. In this article, we will study the examination of these documents by Maqam Al- Mashihah (Directorate of Religious Afffairs), their purchase, and the period of delay in the payment for them in respect of the Ottoman bureaucracy.
Reforms Concerning Women Rights in the Family Act of 1917 in the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Belkiz Akgunduz Saime
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we will discuss the reforms concerning family life that started with Tanzimat finished with the Family Act of 1917 (HAK=Hukuk-i Aile Kararnamesi). Women’s rights and the value given to women in Islam have always been on the world’s agenda. The Family Act that was prepared in the final years of the Ottoman Empire is the most important legal work in the Islamic world with respect to women’s rights.
The Operationalization of the Concept of Participation from the Islamic Perspective in Community Development Research Methodology
Authors: Amir Zal W. A.
Published: July 2013

The operationalization of a concept is an important issue within social science research because it has to do with the content validity of the research concept and the accuracy of the variable. Nevertheless, the operating concept has been emphasized in the Western perspective on research, but it is not discussed much from an Islamic perspective. This is due to the fact that many Islamic perspectives emphasize the practical aspects of human life as seen through the revelatory source. To assess the situation, this paper reviews a comparative study that uses content analysis design and applied methods for comparing various dimensions of library methods. These methods operationalize both Western and Islamic perspectives in the area of community development. The data was coordinated and analyzed by QSR NVivo computer software. Overall, the study shows that the Islamic perspective has its own explanations with respect to the concept of participation, its own operationalization, and integral multiple-dimensions. Thus, this paper illustrates that the Islamic perspective has successfully proven its ability to conduct scientific research through its own ontology and epistemology of areas of community development
Reflections of Design-Oriented Pedagogy for Sustainable Learning: an International Perspective
Authors: Vartiainen Henriikka , Enkenberg Jorma
Published: July 2013

This paper focuses on the expansion of design-oriented pedagogy that encourages approaching global phenomena such as sustainable development from the perspective of local environments, cultures and associated ways of doing things. It aims to determine how project members and teachers from eight different European countries (n = 221) who had participated in the project ìCase Forest ñ pedagogy towards sustainable developmentî experienced the pedagogical model and evaluated its usability from the perspectives of their own educational cultures. The main sources of both theory and data-driven qualitative content analysis are the reports obtained from each country and transcripts of the oral presentations and collaborative discussions. The results indicate that the teachers find current school practices, belief systems and traditional teaching models problematic and see the model as one way to change their schoolsí practices towards sustainable learning.
Global φ-attractor for a modified 3D Bénard system on channel-like domains
Authors: Kapustyan O.V. , Pankov A.V.
Published: July 2013

In this paper we prove the existence of a global '-attractor in the weak topology of the natural phase space for the family of multi-valued processes generated by solutions of a nonautonomous modified 3D Bénard system in unbounded domains for which Poincaré inequality takes place
Physical Culture Patterns in the Lifestyle of the Polish Society
Authors: Nowak Maria Alicja
Published: July 2013

Society's lifestyles, influenced by the evolving preferences of values of subsequent generations, are subject to gradual changes. This variation in lifestyles requires a reflection on the patterns of physical culture and values amongst the youth, adults and the elderly. Patterns of physical culture shaped in the European tradition are also present in the contemporary lifestyles of all generations. People's choices concerning physical culture depend on the type and level of their physical activity, attitudes towards of the body, age, gender and education. In the classic physical types distinguished by Polish sociologists we can identify positive traits conducive to human development, traits inducing controversial attitude, and clearly negative ones that are health-threatening.

In conclusion the paper puts forward a question about the direction of the development of physical culture patterns in future and the level of recognition of particular values by different generations. Some of the contemporary lifestyles arouse concerns of educators.
Comparative analysis of the theoretical models of ideal propulsor, ideal fluid brake, ideal screw propeller and ideal axial wind turbine
Authors: Koronowicz Tadeusz , Szantyr Jan A.
Published: July 2013

The article presents a detailed discussion of the theoretical models of four different fluid dynamic devices: an ideal propulsor, an ideal fluid brake, an ideal screw propeller and an ideal turbine. The four models are presented with all relevant mathematical formulae regarding the forces, the power and the efficiency. It is demonstrated that the application of the model of an ideal optimum fluid brake according to the Betz theorem for determination of the maximum effectiveness coefficient of an axial wind turbine is not correct. In the case of a turbine the inclusion of important rotational flow losses may increase the maximum value of the turbine effectiveness coefficient above the level defined by Betz. Therefore the model of an ideal turbine should be an inversion of the model of an ideal screw propeller. This conclusion is supported by numerical calculations. It may influence the design procedures of wind turbines and may lead to increase in their efficiency.
Numerical calculations of the hydrodynamic performance of the contra-rotating propeller (CRP) for high speed vehicle
Authors: Ghassemi Hassan , Taherinasab Mohsen
Published: July 2013

Several different methods have been used to analyze the marine propellers. In this paper a boundary element method (BEM) for modelling steady hydrodynamic performance of a contra-rotating propeller (CRP) has been developed. The potential flow across the front and rear propellers have been considered. By calculating the induced flow, the interaction between two propellers is studied. This method has been applied to a typical CRP. The results are included in the form of the hydrodynamic performance coefficients, total thrust and torques. Numerical calculations indicate that the predicted hydrodynamic performance shows good conformity with experimental results.
Study of the state a Francis turbine
Authors: Żółtowski Mariusz , Żółtowski Bogdan , Castaneda Leonel
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a methodology to evaluate the technical state of a Francis turbine by shaft rotor dynamic simulation. There are several rotor dynamic criteria that define the technical state of a turbo-machine. To feed the shaft rotor dynamic model this delivers the required information to accomplish the technical assessment. The numerical rotor dynamic model uses as input, the field forces obtained by the fluid-solid interaction analysis undertaken over the blades of the runner.

The rotor dynamic numerical simulations allow to determinate the record-in-time of the displacements of any point along the shaft. This information is relevant for diagnosis tasks, because it is possible to decompose it spectrally and to estimate the severity of the vibrations. Comparing the results of the numerical model against those obtained from machines that operates under normal conditions, it is possible to determinate the technical state of the turbo-machine. This allows studying the stability of the turbine working on several operation ranges.

A Francis turbine is a very complex machine that involves many physical phenomena of different nature. In this way, the hydraulic input forces needed by the rotor dynamic model should not be assumed but calculated directly from the fluid interaction over the turbine structure.
Design analysis of ORC micro-turbines making use of thermal energy of oceans
Authors: Piwowarski Marian
Published: July 2013

The article presents the results of the analysis of energy conversion cycles making use of thermal energy of oceans. The objects of analysis were two cases of closed Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants, which were: the cycle in which the vapour of the working medium was produced by warm oceanic water in the circum-equatorial zone, and the so-called “arctic” cycle in which this vapour was produced by non-frozen water in the circumpolar zone. Between ten and twenty low-boiling media were examined for which operating parameters were optimised to obtain the highest cycle efficiency. A preliminary design of an ORC turbine which was obtained by optimising basic design parameters is included. It has been proved that realisation of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) cycle is possible both in the warm and permanently frozen regions. The results of the calculations have also revealed that the efficiency of the OTEC cycle is higher in the circumpolar zone. Selecting a low-boiling medium and designing a highly efficient turbine operating in both abovementioned regimes is technically realisable.
Controlling a team of unmanned underwater vehicles performing water region search tasks
Authors: Zak Andrzej
Published: July 2013

The article discusses a problem of performing a mission and controlling a team of unmanned underwater vehicles which perform a task of water region search. The team of underwater vehicles has been modelled as a multi-agent system, which made it possible to use the mechanism of multi-agent systems for controlling the team of cooperating underwater vehicles, with each vehicle being treated as an individual agent. Solutions to cooperation problems in multi-agent systems were proposed, including the presentation of the system structure and the data exchange method. Issues relating to cooperation actions in the team of underwater vehicles were described and solved using the theory of games and the vector quality index. The process of negotiations between the vehicles was modelled as the multiplayer cooperative game, which secured successful realisation of the task performed by the team of vehicles with respect to time, which represents the economic aspect of the task. The optimal solution was selected based on the vector quality index, which provided opportunities for minimisation of costs having the form of energy used by the entire team, and maximisation of profits in the form of time needed for completing the water region search task. The proposed method for dividing the action space in the water region search tasks performed by the team of underwater vehicles consists in assigning to each of cooperating underwater vehicles a task the realisation of which contributes to the realisation of the globally defined task. Finally, the results of water region search tasks performed by a team of cooperating underwater vehicles are presented and discussed taking into account possible vehicle failures happening during task realisation.
The influence of organic polymer on properties of mineral concentrates
Authors: Popek Marzenna
Published: July 2013

Transport of mineral concentrates is associated with high risk of liquefaction of the cargoes. This type of goods containing water may liquefy and shift dangerously across the cargo compartments. Therefore, it is rational to limit the moisture content of the cargoes which may liquefy. To prevent sliding and shifting of ore concentrates in storage biodegradable materials composed of starch are added to the mineral concentrates. The influence of adding starch materials to the mineral concentrates on its parameters determining ability for safe shipment was assessed on the basis of determination of the following parameters: permeability, cohesion and internal friction angle of concentrates.
A New Approach to Innovation and its Application to the Countries of the European Union
Authors: Agüeros Manuel , Casares-Hontañón Pedro , Coto-Millán Pablo , De Castro Pablo , Pesquera Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2013

This research provides a new theoretical approach to innovation. Innovation relies on collaborative relationships between universities, private companies and public administration. This theoretical approach offers an opportunity for scientific discovery in an environment of collaboration. Innovative ideas are not self-contained items; they are more like ecosystems and networks. The article also provides data processed in recent years (2003-2009) for the European Union states, providing relevant empirical evidence on the relationship between human capital, relational capital, technological capital and innovation. In the econometric and statistical modelling, the countries of the Europe of the Fifteen (EU-15) will be considered.
Federal Revenue Sharing, Marginalisation and Sub-National Inter-Regional Inequality in Human Capital Development in South-Eastern and Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ingwe Richard , Ukwayi Joseph K. , Utam Edward U.
Published: July 2013

Regional development planning/management responds to needs for preventing inequality among regions within nations characterised by multi-culturality and variation among regions, through the planning/management of appropriate programmes and policies. This paper examines inequality in the development of two of Nigeria’s states in the geographical South-East and the political South-South. Among other issues, historical conflicts among various ethno-cultural groups constituting Nigeria and culminating in violence (e.g. the 1967-1970 civil war fought against the programme of Ibo (a socio-cultural group) seceding from Nigeria’s federation to found Biafra) are reviewed. Despite Nigeria’s tragic civil war, inequality persists. We examine inequality resulting from systematic implementation of policies/programmes of Nigeria’s federal government institutions that marginalise Cross River State. Using the methods of comparative analysis and a descriptive case study, we show the consequences of marginalisation policies implemented by the federal government alone or in collaboration with (i.e. in support of) Akwa Ibom State for the development of human capital in Cross River State. The specific acts of marginalisation referred to here include: the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula - a part of Cross River State - to the Republic of Cameroon in 2005, and more recently (2009) another ceding of 76 oil wells, hitherto the property of Cross River State, to Akwa Ibom State. We argue that, strengthened by marginalising/polarising policies (higher revenue allocation based on derivation principle of oil production), Akwa Ibom’s ongoing implementation of free education policy promises to facilitate its achievement of millennium development goals in basic education by 2015, beyond which it might reach disproportionately higher levels of tertiary educational attainment by 2024 and after. By contrast, the contrived dwindling of oil revenue accruing to Cross River State deprives it of funding for competitive human capital development programme(s). We recommend that Cross River State employs serious monitoring of marginalising schemes against its people considering recent traumatising experience, and plan/implement human capital development programmes aimed to improve its competitiveness under the context of intra-regional inequality.
Dwelling or Living in a Block of Flats. Towards the Polish Geography of Home
Authors: Klima Ewa
Published: July 2013

This article consists of two parts. The first includes a review of Polish and mainly English-language publications in geography related to the theme of home and the flat. The second part presents the results of a study of ‘homes in a block of flats’. It is primarily an attempt to identify opportunities that studying homes offers the contemporary cultural geographer. One of the aims is to pinpoint differences between the Polish and English output in this field, and to prove that such studies in our country are justified. The results clearly indicate the universal character of the notion of home and help to lift the spell of a hostile space off a block of flats. In more general categories related to the geographical understanding of space, it should be added that, as respondents indicate, this is a space which is neither homogeneous nor monotonous.
Methods for Determining the Impact of the Temporal Trend in the Valuation of Land Property
Authors: Maleta Monika
Published: July 2013

The presented case study is to provide various methods of determining the impact of the time trend on the changes in transaction prices of undeveloped land properties. The basis for each property valuation is an analysis of the local market, where the valued property is located. This analysis lies in the implementation of activities related to determining the trend of changes in the prices of real estate and their update on the valuation date, as well as in determining the impact of the various attributes of a property on the formation of a unit transaction price. The valuer making a valuation of a property is required to take into account the changes in price which occur as a result of the passage of time. The price adjustment is done properly if all the changes in price during a certain period of time are taken into consideration. In order to determine the trend of transaction prices, one can use:

- a method of comparing property prices by similar pairs,

- linear and nonlinear additive models,

- nonlinear multiplicative models (e.g., in the form of a multiplicative exponential function, power).

The choice of the right method of updating transaction prices depends on the sample size adopted for the analysis of the real estate market. It is also crucial to select the right representative real estate database that best reflects the tested reality.

A practical and theoretical research method of the time trend was developed using undeveloped land property price data. An analysis of determining the impact of time on real estate prices has been presented using each of the above mentioned mathematical models.

The object of the study was the local market of undeveloped land properties, including sale and purchase transactions conducted in Stoczek Łukowski. A merit analysis of the methods used and a comparison of the obtained results have also been provided.
Merger and Division - A Case Study
Authors: Kwartnik-Pruc Anita
Published: July 2013

Administrative proceedings regarding the approval of a draft property division are governed by the provisions of the Real Estate Management Act. On 22 September 2004, under the provisions of the Act of 28 November 2003 amending the Real Estate Management Act as well as some other acts (Journal of Laws No. 141, item. 1492), the text of the Real Estate Management Act was supplemented with article 98 b, which states that “the owners or perpetual users of the properties shaped in a way that hinders their rational development may submit a joint application on their merger and re-division into parcels of land, if they are entitled to uniform rights to those properties”.

This provision introduces detailed regulations regarding the necessary conditions for a merger and division: a commitment to carry out an exchange procedure in the form of a notarial deed, uniformity of the rights to the property, a conditional decision to approve the merger and division, and the need to convey the rights to the property within the date specified in the decision. Municipalities encourage this type of activity, that is conducting local mergers and divisions, because it does not engage them directly. The municipality does not finance these proceedings and there is no obligation to build the necessary technical infrastructure, as is the case in the event of a merger and division of a property. Problems with the implementation of merger and division procedures contained in the example analyzed in this article prompted the author to a deeper analysis of the regulations of article 98b of the Act on Real Estate Management, which revealed them to be insufficient. The legislature assumed that a property is created as a result of a merger, which will then be divided into plots of land. However, a merger implemented in such a way, at an intermediate stage, results in the emergence of a plot of land labeled as one record parcel, the individual parts of which belong to different entities and are disclosed in different land and mortgage registers. The plot is recorded both in the mortgage register and in the land registry. Based on the analysis of a specific case, practical problems were presented, regarding determining the content of the regulation and the decision issued during administrative proceedings, associated with the formulation of a notarial deed of the obligation to carry out the exchange procedure and the exchange itself as well as the disclosure of the merger and division in land and mortgage registers. Sources of the problems were identified and supplementation of insufficient legal regulations was proposed.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Real Estate Market Using Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Cichociński Piotr , Dąbrowski Janusz
Published: July 2013

The paper proposes the use of geographic information system tools for the analysis of spatial and temporal aspects of the real estate market. In particular, it focuses on the graphical presentation of the spatial distribution of price and its variability over time. The possibility of presenting an image of the spatial distribution of prices in the form of a 3D model is studied. A topographic surface is proposed as an alternative to traditional methods of spatial interpolation. Visual verification and numerical comparison have shown its superiority over other previously used methods.

The best method of presenting four-dimensional data - the variation in time of the spatial distribution of house prices - was sought. The possibility of taking time into account as one of the attributes of the analyzed and presented objects, available in advanced GIS software, was used for this purpose. The undertaken activities were based on formal guidelines for the registration of time set out in the ISO 19100 series of standards dedicated to geographic information.

Potential sources of data for this kind of analysis were identified and their availability was examined. The paper also presents how to build a spatial database on the basis of the available information, which is a starting material for further analysis.

The carried out research demonstrated the benefits of the spatial approach to trends of changes in real estate prices, which can be used, among others, for mass appraisal.
Mobility and distribution of barium and strontium in profiles of podzolic soils
Authors: Jeske Agnieszka
Published: July 2013

The study was aimed at determining the content, distribution and mobility of barium and strontium in various forest podzol soils. Samples with a wide range of chemical and physical properties were collected from typical uncontaminated soils of south-western Poland. The total metal content in the analyzed soils was considered as the geochemical background thanks to the natural features of the study site. Sequential chemical extraction procedure were used to provide information on the mobility and bioavailability of the studied metals in the soil. Fractions of Ba and Sr were determined using the five-step procedure of Tessier et al. (1979). The results show that heavy metals were generally represented by the exchangeable fraction (F1 . barium) and the residual fraction (F5 . strontium) with the average values at 53 and 69%, respectively. The mobility of barium in all soil profiles was very high, ranging within 52.54% and indicating a generally high availability and mobility. Relatively very low levels of the trace elements were found in the fraction bound to organic matter (F4: 3.8%). Very low levels of strontium were found also in the fraction bound to carbonates (F2: 2.3%). Humic-eluvial, illuvial and sideric horizons were enriched in the fractions of barium and strontium bound to iron and manganese oxides (F3).
The influence of anthropogenically increased pH on the content and the mobility of nickel in arable soils in the surroundings of “Małogoszcz” cement plant
Authors: Jaworska Hanna , Bartkowiak Agata , Różański Szymon
Published: July 2013

The aim of the conducted research was the evaluation of the influence of increased pH on the content and mobility of nickel in arable soils in the surroundings of Małogoszcz Cement Plant. The physico-chemical properties of the investigated soils were determined by the methods commonly used in soil laboratories. The total content of Ni was determined after mineralization in the mixture of HF and HClO4 acids, and the content of forms available for plants, after the extraction with DTPA solution, using ASA method. The investigated soils are characterized as loamy sands or sands (PTG 2008). These soils have the content of C-organic in the range of 10.3.24.2 g·kg-1 in the surface horizons and 8.3.20.3 g·kg-1 in the subsurface horizons. The pH values allow to classify these soils as alkaline. In all of the investigated soils calcium carbonate occurs. The values of total content of nickel were in the range of 1.47.2.82 mg·kg-1 in surface horizons and 1.80.2.45 mg·kg-1 in subsurface horizons, which allows to classify these soils as soil with natural nickel content. The content of Ni-DTPA were in the range of 0.06.0.26 mg·kg.1. The sequential analysis of the obtained results indicates on significant statistically positive correlation between the total content of Ni and C-organic, which has the value of 0.648143 and between the content of Ni-DTPA and the content of fraction with Ø<0.002 mm, with the value of 0.581113 on p=0.05.
Uptake of heavy metals by darnel multifloral (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at diverse soil reaction and organic matter content
Authors: Kwiatkowska-Malina Jolanta , Maciejewska Alina
Published: July 2013

Organic matter takes part in all soil processes and influences the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The paper presents the analysis of heavy metal contents (Zn, Pb, Cd) in soil and biomass of darnel multifloral (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) cultivated at diverse conditions of soil reaction and organic matter content. A brown coal preparation (Rekulter) was applied as the source of organic matter in autumn 1999 to the studied soil, which was contaminated with cadmium, lead and zinc. The limiting influence of Rekulter on the uptake of heavy metals by darnel multifloral (two cuts of the test plant) was the highest in the case when the largest dose was applied to soil with the highest pH (about 6.0). Bioaccumulation indexes (BI) for Cd, Pb, Zn indicate the mobility and bioavailability of Cd, Pb and Zn in soils. The BI for particular heavy metals were generally low, with the lowest in the case when the largest dose of Rekulter was applied to all cuts of the test plant