bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Responses Vary among Cool‐Season Turfgrasses during Establishment from Seed
Authors: Chang Zhihui , Jin Xiong , Li Deying
Published: September 2014

Phosphorus fertilizer is regulated in many states for use on home lawns. Such regulation should be species‐based. The objective of this study was to compare establishment of different cool‐season turfgrasses at various levels of Olsen P in a calcareous soil. Shoot density and biomass of ‘Midnight’ and ‘Fighter’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensisL.), ‘Emerald’ and ‘Accent II’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.), ‘Arid III’ and ‘Alamo’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.), ‘T1’ and ‘Seaside II’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferaL.), and ‘Maxima’ and ‘Boreal’ red fescue (Festuca rubraL.) were evaluated with P applied at 0, 3.75, 11.25, 33.75, 56.25, and 75 kg ha−1in 2012 and 2013 on soils with an initial Olsen P of 10.7 and 10.3 mg kg−1. Based on the number of days required to reach 50% ground cover (D50), Kentucky bluegrass had a critical soil Olsen P of 15 mg kg−1, which meant P application at 11.25 kg ha−1in 2012 and no application in 2013. Creeping bentgrass required a soil Olsen P of 15 to 20 mg kg−1for the same purpose. If evaluated by shoot biomass, the critical soil Olsen P values were 16.5 to 22 mg kg−1for Kentucky bluegrass, 20 to 22.5 mg kg−1for creeping bentgrass, 19 to 22 mg kg−1for tall fescue, and 22 to 25 mg kg−1for perennial ryegrass. Critical soil P levels for D50vary within a species and should be considered when making recommendations for P application.
Malt Barley Cultivar Ranking under Long‐Term Tillage Systems in a Semiarid Region
Authors: Carr Patrick M. , Horsley Richard D. , Martin Glenn B. , Hochhalter Martin R.
Published: September 2014

Malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production is shifting in the Great Plains from conventional clean‐tillage (CT) methods to reduced tillage (RT) and no tillage (NT). This study aimed to determine the effect of tillage on the relative ranking of malt barley cultivars for yield components, grain yield, and quality. Six barley cultivars were grown in southwestern North Dakota from 2010 through 2013 under long‐term CT, RT, and NT. Ranking of cultivars did not change across tillage systems for plant density, plant height, or spike density (P > 0.05). Likewise, a tillage × cultivar interaction was not detected for grain yield, except in 2012 (P = 0.007) when dry conditions developed and persisted. That year, the grain yield of cultivars Pinnacle and Conrad were 5160 and 4970 kg ha−1 under NT management compared with 4170 and 3730 kg ha−1 under CT. Yield of other cultivars was unaffected by tillage system in 2012. Tillage × cultivar interactions were detected for grain protein concentration and test weight; however, one or more cultivars consistently produced grain with quality traits that were comparable or superior to those of other cultivars in each tillage system. Grain protein concentration decreased from 131 g kg−1 under CT to 113 g kg−1 under NT across years and cultivars, whereas grain test weight was sometimes heavier under NT. The results of this research indicate that cultivar recommendations can be extended across long‐term contrasting tillage systems when malt barley is grown in the Great Plains.
Yield Improvement and Genotype × Environment Analyses of Peanut Cultivars in Multilocation Trials in West Africa
Authors: Narh Stephen , Boote Kenneth J. , Naab Jesse B. , Abudulai Mumuni , M’Bi Bertin Zagre , Sankara Philippe , Burow Mark D. , Tillman Barry L. , Brandenburg Rick L. , Jordan David L.
Published: September 2014

Yield trials are used in plant breeding programs to evaluate the yield potential and stability of selected lines. The objectives of this study were to evaluate yield potential, genotype × environment interactions, and stability of peanut genotypes for the savannah region of West Africa. Twenty peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes were tested at two sites in Ghana and two sites in Burkina Faso in 2010 and 2011. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Genotype, location, and genotype × environment interactions were highly significant, indicating genetic variability among genotypes across changing environments. Stability analyses showed that genotypes ICGV‐IS 96814, ICGV (FDRS)‐20 × F‐MIX 39, Gusie Balin (92099), ICGV‐IS 92093, and ICGV‐IS 92101 had broad adaptability, with above‐average yield across sites and a regression coefficient close to 1.0. Genotype ICGV‐IS 96814 produced the highest pod yield (1760 kg ha−1) across all environments and had a regression coefficient close to unity (b = 1.06). Therefore, genotype ICGV‐IS 96814 is less responsive to varied environmental and soil conditions. However, the released cultivar Nkatesari was considered equivalent in some respects because it had pod yield equal to ICGV‐IS 96814 but with a higher regression coefficient. High‐yielding cultivars, mostly from ICRISAT‐derived crosses, yielded nearly 80% more than the three farmer check cultivars TS 32–1, Doumbala, and Chinese, which had pod yields from 890 to 980 kg ha−1. The higher‐yielding cultivars had longer life cycle, greater leaf spot resistance, and higher partitioning than the farmer check cultivars.
Mixed Stocking by Cattle and Goats for Blackberry Control in Rhizoma Peanut–Grass Pastures
Authors: Krueger N.C. , Sollenberger L.E. , Blount A.R. , Vendramini J.M.B. , Lemos N.L.S. , Costa A.G. , Adesogan A.T.
Published: September 2014

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosas L.) can be a weed in rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.)–grass pastures. Goats (Capra hircus) have provided effective control of Rubus spp. in other environments, but their efficacy has not been tested in legume‐grass swards in this context. The objective was to evaluate rotational stocking by goats alone or with cattle (Bos spp.) for blackberry control. Treatments stocked at 2.6 animal units (AU) ha−1 included a cattle‐alone control, goats alone, concurrent stocking of cattle and goats, sequential stocking of cattle followed by goats, and sequential stocking of goats followed by cattle. The final treatment was concurrent stocking at a stocking rate of 3.5 AU ha−1. Goats grazed blackberry readily, but cattle avoided it. Blackberry selection was greatest when goats followed cattle sequentially. The blackberry proportion of total biomass increased 10% when cattle grazed alone but was reduced 11% with goats alone and 13% with mixed concurrent grazing at a high stocking rate. Treatments including goats resulted in reductions or smaller increases in blackberry mass than for cattle alone. Goats alone or with cattle resulted in greater removal of blackberry leaf and in reduced height and stem density than cattle alone. Goats reduced the blackberry contribution more than cattle, but it was not eliminated from initially heavily infested pastures across 2 yr of grazing. A greater goat stocking rate or a combination of grazing and mowing may be needed for complete eradication.
Function Analysis of Sugarcane A20/AN1 Zinc‐Finger Protein Gene ShSAP1 in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Li Xiao‐jun , Wu Yuan‐Li , Yang Ben‐peng , Wang Jun‐Gang , Zhang Shu‐Zhen , Zhang Mu‐qing
Published: September 2014

We tried to characterize the function of ShSAP1, a member of the stress‐associated protein (SAP) gene from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The expression of ShSAP1 was much higher in mature part of vegetative organs, and significantly lower in young leaves and roots in mature sugarcane plants. ShSAP1 can be up‐regulated by salt and drought stress in 2‐mo‐old sugarcane seedlings. At the late seedling stage, transgenic tobacco with ShSAP1 exhibited an enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stress, and seven stress‐related genes showed higher expression level in transgenic lines than wild‐type (WT) plants under drought stress. Drought resistance was also presented during the vegetative stage in transgenic plants, as shown by the examination of drought physiological indexes. These results suggest that ShSAP1 plays a positive role in osmotic stress response.
Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Terminal Raceme Length in Soybean
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoya , Sayama Takashi , Sasama Hiroko , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Miyoshi Tomoaki , Tanaka Yoshinori , Ishimoto Masao
Published: September 2014

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] develops inflorescence meristems on each node, including the shoot apex. The flower clusters of the soybean raceme have a highly branched inflorescence structure, and their racemes are classified as terminal, primary, secondary, and so on. Raceme phenotype is an important trait associated with the number of floral buds and pods, and is dependent on the genotype. The breeding line 1532–1 was characterized by remarkably long racemes at the shoot apex of the main stem. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conditioning the terminal raceme length (TRL), a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between 1532–1 and an ordinary cultivar, Toyoharuka. The RILs were divided into two groups according to their alleles for a maturity locus, E1. The early‐maturing RIL group with the e1 genotype was used for QTL analysis of TRL, while the late‐maturing RIL group with the E1 genotype could not mature normally and lodged severely. Analysis of the early‐maturing group resulted in the identification of a stable QTL, qTRL18–1, where the 1532–1 allele had a positive effect on TRL. Another QTL, qTRL11–1, was detected only in the RILs with the 1532–1 alleles at the qTRL18–1 locus, indicating an interaction between qTRL18–1 and qTRL11–1. The qTRL18–1 locus was located in the proximal region of the Dt2 locus. No stable QTLs for flowering time or maturing time were detected in the proximal region of qTRL18–1 or qTRL11–1. Our results provide a new strategy to increase pod number on the main stem by marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for qTRL18–1 and qTRL11–1.
Combining a Single Hydraulic Conductivity Measurement with Particle Size Distribution Data for Estimating the Full Range Partially Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Curve
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein , Khatar Mahnaz , Vanclooster Marnik
Published: September 2014

We have developed an approach for predicting the soil hydraulic conductivity curve (HCC) of soil using soil particle‐size distribution (PSD) data and one single measurement of the hydraulic conductivity in the wet range of the HCC. Unlike other models, our approach does not need a prior determination of the soil moisture characteristic curve. The development was motivated by the fact that PSD data are often available or can be inferred from soil maps and also that the hydraulic conductivity at low matric suction can be determined easily with field infiltrometer devices. The HCC prediction was good at low matric pressures, but the model performance diminished at high matric pressures. The RMSE ranged from 0.165 to 2.016, the average being 0.755 (log‐transformed hydraulic conductivity [cm d−1]). We propose to improve the accuracy of prediction models in the dry range of the HCC in future studies.
Strong Temperature Increase and Shrinking Sea Ice in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Wendler Gerd , Moore Blake , Galloway Kevin
Published: September 2014

Barrow, the most northerly community in Alaska, observed a warming of 1.51°C for the time period of 1921- 2012. This represents about twice the global value, and is in agreement with the well-known polar amplification. For the time period of 1979-2012, high quality sea ice data are available, showing a strong decrease in sea ice concentrations of 14% and 16% for the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, respectively, the two marginal seas bordering Northern Alaska. For the same time period a mean annual temperature increase of 2.7°C is found, an accelerated increase of warming over the prior decades. Looking at the annual course of change in sea ice concentrations, there is little change observed in winter and spring, but in summer and especially autumn large changes were observed. October displayed the greatest change; the amount of open water increased by 44% and 46% for the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, respectively. The large amount of open water off the northern coast of Alaska in autumn was accompanied by an increase of the October temperature at
Barrow by a very substantial 7.2°C over the 34 year time period. Over the same time period, Barrow’s precipitation increased, the frequency of the surface inversion decreased, the wind speed increased slightly and the atmospheric pressure decreased somewhat.
Fcgbp – A Potential Viral Trap in RV144
Authors: Schwartz Jacquelyn L
Published: September 2014

Years of extensive research have yielded much knowledge in many aspects of HIV-1 infection, treatments, and education. However, without a vaccine, the number of people infected worldwide continues to grow. The partial success of the Thai RV144 vaccine trial provides hope that a method of protection is indeed possible. Understanding the mechanism behind the protection is critical if we hope to achieve our goal of inhibiting new infections of HIV-1. We hypothesize that the Fc of IgG binding protein (Fcgbp) is associated with the protection observed in the RV144 vaccine trial. It has the ability to trap viral-antibody complexes in the mucosa by binding the Fc of IgG to Fcgbp. This property could be used in the form of a microbicide containing antibodies to a variety of HIV-1 epitopes to prevent sexual transmission of HIV-1. The aim of this paper is to stimulate further research into Fcgbp and its role in innate immunity.
Evidence-based Medicine and Clinical Study Designs: Examples of Applications for Allergy Research
Authors: Thomsen Simon F.
Published: September 2014

Evidence of the effect of clinical interventions in allergology, and in medicine as a whole, can be hierarchically
grouped based on the research design producing the evidence. The most weight is given to systematic reviews and metaanalyses,
and to randomised controlled trials. These trial designs are superior to non-randomised controlled trials and cohort
studies, which in turn are superior to case-control studies. The least weight is given to case-studies and anecdotal evidence.
Herein, the principles of evidence-based medicine and clinical study designs are reviewed in the context of examples
from the allergology literature.
Mechanisms for efficient investments and optimal zones in regional power market
Authors: Androcec Ivan , Krajcar Slavko
Published: September 2014

The paper is result of research different cross-border electricity trading
mechanisms impact. Focus is on investments in generation and transmission
power system facilities in regional market. Assumptions include efficient
market coupling mechanism (with more bidding zones), use of additional
investment indicators (like social welfare and congestion cost) and security
of supply issues (capacity mechanisms). There is discussion on cost benefits
analysis for particular market participants and there is possibility of risk
reduction for regional power system expansion. It is shown current
state-of-the-art, problems and trends in solving some aspects of market
integration and investment issues. In some cases smaller and well defined
bidding areas are absolutely essential in order to ensure system security and
economic efficiency. There is no single criterion for power system expansion
but it is possible to use combination of incentive schemes and possible
through one index for cross-border trade. Risk management for cross-border
electricity trading through several areas needs to be upgraded with use of
financial transmission rights like weighted average area prices,
respectively. Regional power system security is closely associated with
timely investments in energy supply in line with economic development and
environmental needs. Security of supply indicator is deriving an estimation
of security of supply improvement from the market based simulation results
when a generation or transmission investment project is implemented. All
researched makes market integration and investments in Europe more efficient
and gives more correct signals to market participants in regional market.
Evaluation of the climate change effects to the precipitation patterns in the selected Bosnia and Herzegovina cities
Authors: Vucijak Branko , Kupusovic Tarik , Midzic-Kurtagic Sanda , Silajdzic Irem , Ceric Admir
Published: September 2014

Climate change effects are most often presented with ongoing and expected
temperature increase and sea level rise, but also stressed is the shift in
rainfall patterns, often difficult to distinguish because there is much
natural variability in precipitation. Statistical process control presents
application of statistical methods and procedures for monitoring and control
of the selected process. It aims to evaluate two potential sources of a
process variation: natural (common) and assignable (special) causes.
Statistical process control was recently used to evaluate climate
change/variation, using previous referential period as a benchmark for
addressing the present variations (e. g. in temperature or precipitation) as
being triggered by natural or special causes. This means that either
variation statistically should have been expected or the natural processes
?capability? changed and variations are higher than one could expect. This
paper analytically compares specific precipitation pattern changes in the
three cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina with different annual participation.
The comparison is based on the assessment of statistical behaviour of the
precipitation data during the periods of 1961-1990 and after 1990. Such
comparison allows preliminary conclusions on the studied geographical
distribution of specific climate change/variation impacts. The presented
results show that climate variations effect the precipitation patterns
change, but do not confirm that they are as high as they could not be
statistically expected, based on previous precipitation data.
Pyrolysis kinetics and thermal decomposition behavior of polycarbonate - a TGA-FTIR study
Authors: Apaydin-Varol Esin , Polat Sevgi , Putun Ayse
Published: September 2014

This study covers the thermal degradation of polycarbonate by means of
Thermogravimetric Analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared
spectrometer (TGA-FTIR). Thermogravimetric analysis of polycarbonate was
carried out at four different heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20?C per
minute from 25?C to 1000?C under nitrogen atmosphere. The results indicated
that polycarbonate was decomposed in the temperature range of 425-600?C. The
kinetic parameters, such as activation energy, pre-exponential factor and
reaction order were determined using five different kinetic models; namely
Coast-Redfern, Friedman, Kissinger, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), and
Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS). Overall decomposition reaction order was
determined by Coats-Redfern method as 1.5. Average activation energy was
calculated as 150.42, 230.76, 216.97, and 218.56 kJ/mol by using Kissinger,
Friedman, FWO, and KAS models, respectively. Furthermore, the main gases
released during the pyrolysis of polycarbonate were determined as CO2, CH4,
CO, H2O, and other lower molecular weight hydrocarbons such as aldehydes,
ketones and carbonyls by using thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with
Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.
An experimental investigation on air-side performances of finned tube heat exchangers for indirect air-cooling tower
Authors: Du Xueping , Yin Yantao , Zeng Min , Yu Pengqing , Wang Qiuwang , Dong Zhaoyi , Chen Yitung
Published: September 2014

A tremendous quantity of water can be saved if the air cooling system is
used, comparing with the ordinary water-cooling technology. In this study,
two kinds of finned tube heat exchangers in an indirect air-cooling tower are
experimentally studied, which are a plain finned oval-tube heat exchanger and
a wavy-finned flat-tube heat exchanger in a cross flow of air. Four different
air inlet angles (90?, 60 ?, 45?, and 30?) are tested separately to obtain
the heat transfer and resistance performance. Then the air-side experimental
correlations of the Nusselt number and friction factor are acquired. The
comprehensive heat transfer performances for two finned tube heat exchangers
under four air inlet angles are compared. For the plain finned oval-tube heat
exchanger, the vertical angle (90?) has the worst performance while 45? and
30? has the best performance at small ReDc and at large ReDc, respectively.
For the wavy-finned flat-tube heat exchanger, the worst performance occurred
at 60?, while the best performance occurred at 45? and 90? at small ReDc and
at large ReDc, respectively. From the comparative results, it can be found
that the air inlet angle has completely different effects on the
comprehensive heat transfer performance for the heat exchangers with
different structures.
Relation between indoor thermal environment and renovation in liege residential buildings
Authors: Singh Manoj , Mahapatra Sadhan , Teller Jacques
Published: September 2014

Indoor thermal environment monitoring has been done in 20 residential
buildings of Liege city followed by questionnaire based comfort survey
amongst the occupants of 85 houses in order to record their preference and
expectations about indoor thermal environment in winter and spring season. It
is found from the analysis that change of glazing has a minimum or even
sometimes an adverse effect on the existing indoor environment due to the
absence of proper insulation of the rest of the building envelope. It is
observed that in winter there is a sudden drop in indoor temperature and also
overheating in summer. This is due to unplanned installation of glazing which
actually increases the fenestration area ratio leading to higher indoor
temperature fluctuation and causes discomfort. It is also important that the
occupant?s preference and expectations as well as overall assessment of
indoor environment needs to be consider towards energy efficiency
improvement.
Comparative analyses of built environment exposures relevant to health of greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in Serbia
Authors: Stefanovic Sandra , Stevanovic Zarko , Grubor Borislav , Stevanovic Zana , Zivkovic Marija , Djurovic-Petrovic Maja
Published: September 2014

Paper presents comparative analysis of residential indoor air pollutant
concentration change over future specified time horizon, implementing
building physical and thermal retrofit measures, thus creating pollution
mitigation scenarios for existing Belgrade and Nis housing stock followed by
greenhouse gas emission reduction scenarios up to 2050. Regarding specified
mitigation scenarios, the set of typical housing unit models has been
generated which define existing housing stock of Belgrade and Nis. Extensive
monitoring of physical and thermal parameters as well as detailed
socio-technical survey of selected households was performed and used as an
initial modeling input. Relationship between environment pollution and
building performances was investigated, with respect to indooroutdoor sources
of pollution, thermal and physical properties of the stock samples and
occupant?s behavior. As a final output, indoor pollutant concentrations for
each of the modelled cases was obtained and validated against the available
data. This housing modelling framework has been created in order to develop
an assessment of present and future exposure and health impact quantity
regarding single/multiple scenario interventions introduced to the housing
stock. This paper provides each strategy guidelines for taking measures
towards achieving the healthier indoor environments.
Comparative thermal performance of static sunshade and brick cavity wall for energy efficient building envelope in composite climate
Authors: Charde Meghana , Bhati Sourabh , Kheterpal Ayushman , Gupta Rajiv
Published: September 2014

Energy efficient building technologies can reduce energy consumption in
buildings. In present paper effect of designed static sunshade, brick cavity
wall with brick projections and their combined effect on indoor air
temperature has been analyzed by constructing three test rooms each of
habitable dimensions (3.0 m ? 4.0 m ? 3.0 m) and studying hourly temperatures
on typical days for one month in summer and winter each. The three rooms have
also been simulated using a software and the results have been compared with
the experimental results. Designed static sunshade increased indoor air
temperature in winter while proposed brick cavity wall with brick projections
lowered it in summer. Combined effect of building elements lowered indoor air
temperature in summer and increased it in winter as compared to outdoor air
temperature. It is thus useful for energy conservation in buildings in
composite climate.
Numerical study of perforated plate convective heat transfer
Authors: Tomic Mladen , Zivkovic Predrag , Vukic Mica , Ilic Gradimir , Stojiljkovic Mladen
Published: September 2014

Numerical simulations were performed to determine the heat transfer
coefficient of a perforated plate with square arranged cylindrical
perforations. Three parameters were varied in the study: plate porosity,
pitch Reynolds number and working fluid, while perforation diameter and plate
thickness were constant. The Reynolds number was varied in the range from 50
to 7000, and porosity in the range from 0.1 to 0.3. As working fluids,
helium, air or carbon-dioxide were set, respectively. The Nusselt number was
correlated in the function of the Reynolds number, the Prandtl number, and
the pitch-to-diameter ratio. The comparison with other correlations is given
at the end of the paper. The difference was found to be acceptable.
Laser Measurement System for the Diagnostics of Mine Hoist Components/Laserowy System Pomiarowy Do Diagnostyki Elementów Górniczych Wyciągów Szybowych
Authors: Olszyna Grzegorz , Sioma Andrzej , Tytko Andrzej
Published: September 2014

This article discusses a completely new concept for the diagnostics of sheaves in rope hoisting equipment used in deep mining, where excavated material, consumables, and people are transported via shafts. Rope sheaves involve shafting, guide sheaves, and support rollers on which ropes reel in special grooves. Those grooves may be made directly in the material of the sheave rim or in a specially installed plastic liner. Those grooves are made in the appropriate dimensions. Any change to those dimensions is due to a number of phenomena that occur in life cycle processes and significantly affects the condition of ropes. Measurement of the geometrical parameters of rope grooves for diagnostic purposes provides information about the condition of the rope system and guidance on the appropriate corrective actions. This article presents a solution that permits continuous measurement of selected geometrical parameters of the grooves using a non-contact method of scanning sheave rims with a laser beam. The basic geometric parameters of grooves and sheave rims were defined. The system was shown to be useful in the determination of axial and radial run-out of rope sheaves.
Applied Research of U-Shape Ventilation Network in Underground Mine/Badania Stosowane Sicie Wentylacyjnej W Kształcie „U” W Kopalni Podziemnej
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Pera Lluis Sanmiquel , Carla Vintro Sanchez , Zhao Yaojiang
Published: September 2014

For the purpose of fully and systematically observe, research and optimize the U-sharp ventilation system in Vilafruns mine, a simulation model based on the principles of geometric, kinematic and dynamic similarity is established in the simulation laboratory. By simulating a U-shape ventilation network, t he air volume distribution and wind velocity in different sections of the model were measured and compared with practical data obtained in Vilafruns mine. Results show that the lowest wind velocity in the model is higher than 0.42 m/s, thus it is in a turbulent f low state, which satisfies the kinematical and dynamic similarity principles. T he characteristic of air volume distribution and wind velocity in Vilafruns mine are basically simulated by the experimental model through the obtained data and figures, which reflects the establishment of the model is correct and successful, and the experimental data is accurate and reliable. Moreover, this model provides useful references for the selection of mine ventilation types and for the optimization of the existing ventilation network.
Mine Pressure and Rock Displacement Temporal Variation Analysis for Jiu Valley Directional Drifts in the Context of “n” Stability Criterion/Analiza Ciśnień I Chwilowych Przemieszczeń Skał W Badaniach Kierunkowych Wyrobisk W Kopalniach W Dolinie Jiu Z Uwzględnieniem Kryterium Stabilności ‘N’
Authors: Toderaş Mihaela , Moraru Roland Iosif
Published: September 2014

Ensuring mine workings stability over their entire operation period largely depends on the chosen support system and on their interaction with the surrounding rock. Looking at how the main horizontal mine workings are supported in Jiu Valley coal basin, we found that they fall into the category fulfilling a reinforcement role. From the data provided by the documentation of the collieries within this basin, it was found that there were generalized different metal - type supporting systems that with respect to operating and working mode are with constant or malleable strength and increasing - strength (rigid supporting systems). Research conducted on the stability analysis of horizontal mine workings aimed at elucidate the intensiveness and characteristics of mine pressure, the deformation character and contour displacement of rocks, the interplay between geo-mechanical deformation conditions and deformation extension, as good as the influence of these parameters on the supporting system’s behavior. This paper presents a methodology for determining the main laws of mine pressure regime distribution, the results of the burden load values and displacement of support, considering the “n” stability criterion as a complex parameter which can express the laws of variation, for the specific location and operating conditions of directional galleries within the floor of coal seam 3 in Jiu Valley.
The Influences of the Rank of Coal on Methane Sorption Capacity in Coals/Wpływ Rzędu Węgla Na Pojemność Sorpcyjną Metanu W Węglach
Authors: Olajossy Andrzej
Published: September 2014

Methane sorption capacity is of significance in the issues of coalbed methane (CBM) and depends on various parameters, including mainly, on rank of coal and the maceral content in coals. However, in some of the World coals basins the influences of those parameters on methane sorption capacity is various and sometimes complicated. Usually the rank of coal is expressed by its vitrinite reflectance Ro. Moreover, in coals for which there is a high correlation between vitrinite reflectance and volatile matter Vdaf the rank of coal may also be represented by Vdaf. The influence of the rank of coal on methane sorption capacity for Polish coals is not well understood, hence the examination in the presented paper was undertaken. For the purpose of analysis there were chosen fourteen samples of hard coal originating from the Upper Silesian Basin and Lower Silesian Basin. The scope of the sorption capacity is: 15-42 cm3/g and the scope of vitrinite reflectance: 0,6-2,2%. Majority of those coals were of low rank, high volatile matter (HV), some were of middle rank, middle volatile matter (MV) and among them there was a small number of high rank, low volatile matter (LV) coals.

The analysis was conducted on the basis of available from the literature results of research of petrographic composition and methane sorption isotherms. Some of those samples were in the form (shape) of grains and others - as cut out plates of coal. The high pressure isotherms previously obtained in the cited studies were analyzed here for the purpose of establishing their sorption capacity on the basis of Langmuire equation.

As a result of this paper, it turned out that for low rank, HV coals the Langmuire volume VL slightly decreases with the increase of rank, reaching its minimum for the middle rank (MV) coal and then increases with the rise of the rank (LV). From the graphic illustrations presented with respect to this relation follows the similarity to the Indian coals and partially to the Australian coals.
Monitoring Climate Changes on Small Scale Networks Using Ground Based GPS and Meteorological Data
Authors: Pikridas C.
Published: September 2014

The total zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) and its components, hydrostatic and wet parts are important parameters of the atmosphere and directly or indirectly reflect climate processes. This possibility can be more adaptive when meteorological data are combined to co-located meteorological sensors with GPS stations. In this paper eighteen months with one hour time interval ZTD estimates of a permanent GPS station are analyzed with the associated atmospheric parameters provided from a co-located meteorological sensor. The mathematical relationship through the multiple stepwise regression analysis reflects the plausible physical link of temperature and relative humidity values with ZTD’s. This regression equation is assessed by a second data set performed by a small GPS baseline few months later for the same study area. It was found that mainly due to the zenith wet delay variations and with the help of fundamental meteorological equations the behavior of water vapor pressure can be monitored and estimated. This is possible when an appropriate setup of GPS stations and a co-located meteorological sensor exist and if the GPS stations sound the same part of atmosphere. Therefore, the GPS tropospheric products are good indicators for a climate monitoring tool and can help address the physics of a climate model.
RERS2013: A New High-precision Rigid Earth Rotation Series
Authors: Pashkevich V.V.
Published: September 2014

In the previous investigation (Pashkevich, 2013) the high-precision Rigid Earth Rotation Series (designated RERS2012) dynamically adequate to the JPL DE406/LE406 (Standish, 1998) ephemeris over 2000 and 6000 years were constructed. The main aim of present research is improvement of the Rigid Earth Rotation Series RERS2012 by using the JPL DE422/LE422 (Folkner, 2011) ephemeris, and as a result is produced construction of the new high-precision Rigid Earth Rotation Series dynamically adequate to the JPL DE422/LE422 ephemeris over 2000 and 6000 years. The discrepancies in Euler angles between the high-precision numerical solutions and the semi-analytical solutions of the rigid Earth rotation problem are investigated by least squares and spectral analysis methods using the iterative algorithm (Pashkevich, 2013). In order to demonstrate the good convergence of this iterative algorithm are constructed additional solutions of the rigid Earth rotation dynamically adequate to the JPL DE422/LE422 over 2000 years by improvement solutions SMART97 (Bretagnon et al., 1998) and S9000 (Pashkevich and Eroshkin, 2005a). As the results of this investigation, the new improved high-precision Rigid Earth Rotation Series RERS2013 dynamically adequate to the DE422/LE422 ephemeris over 2000 and 6000 years have been constructed. The discrepancies in Euler angles between the numerical solution and RERS2013 do not surpass: 4 uas over 2000 years, 1 mas over 6000 years. The RERS2013 series is more accurate than the RERS2012 series, which is dynamically adequate to the DE406/LE406 ephemeris. The good convergence of the iterative algorithm of this study has been confirmed.
Vaginally-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterosacropexy for Advanced Utero-Vaginal Prolapse: A Series of 32 Cases
Authors: Elvira Brătilă V. , Brătilă P.C. , Negroiu Andra-Teodora
Published: September 2014

Advanced utero-vaginal prolapse is a frequent condition in the aging female population and several strategies aimed at its treatment have been developed. In order to demonstrate the importance of using the vaginal route in assistance to laparoscopic hysterosacropexy, a retrospective case series was designed, comparing thirty-two patients diagnosed with stage III-IV uterovaginal prolapse according to the POP-Q system. The patients were treated between 2006-2011 using one of two methods of hysterosacropexy: vaginally assisted laparoscopic hysterosacropexy (VALHS) in 18 cases and total laparoscopic hysterosacropexy (LHS) in 14 cases. The choice of method was based on the primary mechanism of central compartment prolapse. The total operative time, the time required for mesh fixation at the cervix and sacrum, the cure rate of prolapse and the rate of re-operation for prolapse were statistically analyzed for both LHS and VALHS and compared between these two procedures by Student T-Test. The main outcome parameters were related to the operative method. The total operative time proved to be equal for both procedures, although the time necessary to attach the mesh to the cervical ring was shorter in VALHS. Therefore, the combination of the vaginal and laparoscopic routes yields a minimally invasive variant of sacropexy with as short an operative time as possible. The vaginal route offers a safe alternative for suturing the mesh and treating concurrent vaginal wall prolapse, while laparoscopy reduces the inherent risks of open abdominal surgery.
The Role of the Radiological Parameters in the Diagnosis of the Ankle Joint Fractures
Authors: Obada B. , Serban Al. O. , Turcu R.
Published: September 2014

The ankle stability and its biomechanics can be compromised after ligamentous and malleolus lesions. The complete early diagnosis, and also the early and late postsurgery results, must be formulated and explained using the tibio-astragalus radiologic indices. The paper evaluates the importance of these presurgery and postsurgery indices, analyzing also the late results under causal report. Our subordinating to the exigency of radiologic indices to obtain a reparation as anatomic as possible, shows that the surgical treatment must be applied to osteo-ligamentous lesions properly, so that to get the remake of tibio-astragalus biomechanics.
The Prevalence of Chronic Diseases by Exposure to Nitrates from Environmental Factors
Authors: Beatrice Severin , Floarea Damaschin , Ileana Ion , Cecilia Adumitresi , Victoria Oancea , Broasca V. , Mocanu Elena , Chirila S.
Published: September 2014

The study aims to analyze the health effects caused by chronic exposure to elevated levels of nitrates in the water in order to improve prevention of some diseases. We analyze water quality from two villages of Constanta County in the period 2006-2012 and we take data about chronic diseases from family doctors of these localities. Analyzes on water samples were made in the laboratory of the Public Health Department. We found a significant increase of prevalence for chronic diseases in locality exposed to nitrates.
Small bowel capsule endoscopy, a modern tool for celiac disease diagnosis - case presentation
Authors: Suceveanu Andra Iulia , Mazilu Laura , Suceveanu A. , Paris S. , Voinea F. , Parepa Irinel , Catrinoiu Doina
Published: September 2014

Celiac disease is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by an inadequate immunological response when patients with specific genetic phenotypes are exposed to gluten. This article presents a case of a young woman diagnosed in Gastroenterology Department of “ St. Andrew Apostle” Emergency Hospital of Constanta with celiac disease after multiple admissions into the hospital for unspecific symptoms such as pallor, fatigue, pirosis, weight loss and 1-2 soft stools/day. The history with period irregularities and infertility without a known cause, a recent unexplained bone fracture, the muscle weakness, neuropsychiatric symptoms characterized by sleep disturbances and irritability correlated with the biological features characterized by moderate feriprive anemia, Ca and Mg decreased level, thyroid autoimmune impairment and gastrointestinal symptoms raised the suspicion of an autoimmune disorder with multiple targets. The videcapsule endoscopy (VCE) revealed the specific pattern of the celiac disease: villous atrophy of jejunum, scalloping, absent folds and cobblestone mucosal pattern. Results were correlated with immunology tests results. The patient was transferred on a gluten free diet and the clinical and VCE controlsrevealed the healing of the jejunum mucosa. The VCE can be the tool for positive diagnosis of an unusual and heterogeneous celiac disease in patients with various symptoms without an apparent cause.
Intestinal fistulas occurred after the eventration’s cure with alloplastic procedures
Authors: Berro A. , Savin Silvia , Costea D. , Tomita Maria , Nichifor Ana Maria , Nitu Th.S. , Savin M. , Sarbu V.
Published: September 2014

After eventrations’ postoperative cure through alloplastic procedures, intestinal fistulas may occur. The present study is examining a number of possible factors involved in the occurrence of intestinal fistula (type and location of the celiotomy following which appeared the eventration, the type of the net substitutes, co-morbidities and the method of the alloplastic substitution) and its treatment. The analysis was retrospective and it covered 8 (eight) cases of intestinal fistula occurred after the installation of replacement nets for eventration postoperative cure.
Relations between pulmonary venous branches and bronchial and arterial branches
Authors: Ispas S. , Bulbuc I. , Bordei P. , Iliescu D.M.
Published: September 2014

Our results were obtained on 24 cases, 12 plastic molds and 12 dissections, examining the relations between the branches of origin of the pulmonary veins, and of their roots and trunks with the corresponding bronchuses and arteries.

We assessed the situation of the superior and inferior right pulmonary veins, of the superior, middle and inferior lobes pedicles, together with the general assessment of the right pulmonary pedicles. Same is on the left. We cannot speak of a general sample that applies to the broncho-pulmonary vascular pedicles or to the relations between the pulmonary veins and their branches with broncho-arterial elements, as they are quite varied; they are characteristic of each lung lobe and even segment, being unable to assess standard relations only in the hilum. When variation in number occurs, even into the hilum we may have altered relations. Also is quite common that vascular branches may pass from one lobe to another, as long as the pulmonary fissures are rarely complete.
The Investment Environment for Renewable Energy Development in Lithuania: The Electricity Sector
Authors: Milčiuvienė Saulė , Paškevičius Julius
Published: September 2014

The article analyzes the investment environment in renewable electricity generation capacities, evaluating the credibility of long term renewable energy targets, the stability of promotion schemes and the impartiality of national administrative procedure. The article explores two main questions: (i) are the EU and Lithuanian energy policy targets and promotion schemes credible enough to convince private investors to put their money in renewable energy development; (ii) does national administrative procedure put a disproportional burden on renewable energy investors or on certain group of investors? The assessment of the investment environment includes a large number of criteria, but we analyze three of them: the stability of long term strategy; the attractiveness of promotionmeasures; and the simplicity and transparency of administrative procedure. Two further criteria are investigated: the stability of targets in renewable energy and the stability of promotional measures. The greatest uncertainty for investors occurs because of constantly changing support schemes of renewable energy sources-schemes that are not harmonized among the member States. At the national level the main driver in the development of small generators is the feed-in tariff. However, the high feed-in tariff does not always guarantee the smooth development of small scale generators of renewable energy.
Environmental influences on propagation of explosive wave on the dynamic response of plate
Authors: Barnat W.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this article is to present the influence of the environment on the propagation of a shock wave and the dynamic response of the plate load by a shock wave. In the course of research in this field an experimental study was performed. An experimental study concerns the test plate loaded by a shock wave, formed after the detonation of an explosive device with equivalent weighing of TNT equal to 1 kg. During numerical investigations environmental impacts have been tested on the dynamic response disc. The considered environments of explosions were air water and soil. A model of the phenomenon has been prepared using commercial software MSC DYTRAN.
The new, parameterised VT model for determining quality in the video-telephony service
Authors: Uhl T. , Paulsen S.
Published: September 2014

This paper describes a new method for measuring and appraising the quality of the video stream in the video-telephony service in IP environments (VToIP). The method uses the so-called VS Model and belongs to the group of parameter-based measurement techniques (offline operation, i.e. without active measurement). It delivers results that come extremely close to those contained in the corresponding Perceptual Evaluation of Video Quality (PEVQ) curves. The method is quick and easy to use - a convincing argument for using this new QoS measuring method.
A subinterval-based method for circuits with fractional order elements
Authors: Sowa M.
Published: September 2014

The paper deals with the solution of problems that concern fractional time derivatives. Specifically the author’s interest lies in solving circuit problems with so called fractional capacitors and fractional inductors. A numerical method is proposed that involves polynomial interpolation and the division of the entire time interval (for which computations are performed) into subintervals. Analytical formulae are derived for the integro-differentiation according to the Caputo fractional derivative. The rules that concern the subinterval dynamics throughout the computation are also presented in the paper. For exemplary linear circuit problems (AC and transient) involving fractional order elements the solutions have been obtained. These solutions are compared with ones obtained by means of traditional methods
Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of SAPO-11 molecular sieve synthesized in hydrothermal media using di-isopropylamine as template
Authors: Chellappa T. , Costa M. Jose Fonseca , Nascimento W.A. , De Lima L. Ferreira , Bassan I. Almeida , Tavares M. , Fernandes V.J. , Menezes A. , Meira L. Guilherme , De Medeiros J. Telesforo Nóbrega , Nascimento R. Maribondo Do
Published: September 2014

A microporous SAPO-11 Molecular sieve was successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method, using a single agent, as an organic template: di-isopropylamine (DIPA). The obtained solid was calcined at 550◦C for three hours, after which the flow of nitrogen was exchanged for that of synthetic air and submitted for another ten hours of calcination, so as to remove the single agent: di-isopropylamine, which after the removal of the template could be observed by the high crystallization of the sample. Furthermore, the molecular sieve was characterized by XRD, SEM, TG-DTG and N2 adsorption desorption (BET analysis). The obtained catalyst proved to have a high potential catalytic activity and selectivity, through the obtained characterization results, exhibiting good hydrothermal stability. The catalytic performance of SAPO-11 was tested by the deactivation/regenerability of the coked sample, furthered by cracking of n-hexane reaction and high olefins selectivity was obtained.