bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Long-Term Impact of Elevated Temperature on Changes in Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HR3C Steel
Authors: Zieliński A. , Sroka M. , Hernas A. , Kremzer M.
Published: July 2016

The HR3C is a new steel for pressure components used in the construction of boilers with supercritical working parameters. In the HR3C steel, due to adding Nb and N, the compounds such as MX, CrNbN and M23C6 precipitate during service at elevated temperature, resulting in changes in mechanical properties. This paper presents the results of microstructure investigations after ageing at 650, 700 and 750 °C for 5,000 h. The microstructure investigations were carried out using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The qualitative and quantitative identification of the existing precipitates was carried out using X-ray analysis of phase composition. The effect elevated temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of the examined steel was described.
Corrosion of Biocompatible Mg66+xZn30-xCa4 (x=0.2) Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Nowosielski R. , Cesarz-Andraczke K. , Sakiewicz P. , Maciej A. , Jakóbik-Kolon A. , Babilas R.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper was to investigate the corrosion resistance of Mg66Zn30Ca4 and Mg68Zn28Ca4 metallic glasses and evaluate the ability of this amorphous alloy use for medical applications as biodegradable medical implants. Taking into account the amount of Mg, Zn, Ca elements dissolved in multielectrolyte physiological fluid (MPF) from Mg66+xZn30-xCa4 (x=0.2) alloys the daily dose of evolved ions from alloys components was determined. Additional goal of the paper was determination of corrosion rate (Vcorr) and amount of hydrogen evolved from amorphous magnesium alloys in simulated environment of human body fluids during 24h immersion and during electrochemical tests. Corrosion studies were done in the multielectrolyte physiological fluid (MPF) at 37°C. The amount of hydrogen evolved [ml/cm2] and corrosion rate Vcorr [mm/year] of amorphous Mg66Zn30Ca4 and Mg68Zn28Ca4 alloys were compared. The work also presents characterization of Mg-based bulk metallic glasses structure in the form of 2 mm thickness plates. Samples structure was analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction. Fracture and surface morphology of magnesium alloy samples were identified using scanning electron microscopy.
Capabilities of Using Fem in Sheet-Metal Forming
Authors: Korga S. , Duda A. , Ciekanowski Z.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to determine and select boundary conditions of modeling and FEM simulation for plastic processing on the example of sheet-metal forming. For sheet-metal deformation analysis, Deform 3D has been used. The study presents research methods for real and virtual conditions. There are also described common features and these differentiating obtained results. Research of conducted process of sheet-metal forming allows to determine the effectiveness of computer research methods. The finite-element method can be used as an effective tool for the study of plastic processing phenomena considering various operating conditions of individual elements provided the appropriate tools for FEM analysis.
Quantitative Description of the Spinel Phase (NiAl2O4) Located into Al2O3 Matrix
Authors: Zygmuntowicz J. , Miazga A. , Konopka K.
Published: July 2016

The presented work focuses on the quantitative description of the spinel phase (NiAl2O4) located into Al2O3matrix. Three series of samples were prepared. Series I, II and III containing following amount of nickel powder: 0.21% vol, 0.43% vol and 1.3% vol respectively. In order to obtain nickel aluminate spinel sintering was carried out in an oxidizing atmosphere (air). Based on the SEM observation and XRD analysis the presence of spinel phase was confirmed in all samples. Difference in volume fraction of the Ni in the compacts before sintering, resulted in the different content of the spinel phase in the final material. All tested composites were characterized by homogeneous distribution of NiAl2O4in the whole volume of the material. The purpose of the study was also the use the stereological analysis to determine the shape parameters of new phase.
Glassy Carbon Coating Deposited on Hybrid Structure of Composite Materials
Authors: Posmyk A. , Myalski J. , Hekner B.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a method of production metal matrix composites with aluminum oxide foam covered by glassy carbon layer used as reinforcement. The glassy carbon coating was formed for decreasing of friction coefficient and reducing the wear. In first step of technology liquid glassy carbon precursor is on ceramic foam deposited, subsequently cured and carbonated at elevated temperature. In this way ceramic foam is covered with glassy carbon coating with thickness of 2-8 μm. It provides desirable amount of glassy carbon in the structure of the material. In the next step, porous spheres with carbon coating are infiltrated by liquid matrix of Al-Cu-Mg alloy. Thereby, equable distribution of glassy carbon in composite volume is achieved. Moreover, typical problems for composites reinforced by particles like sedimentation, agglomeration and clustering of particles are avoided. Tribological characteristics during friction in air versus cast iron as a counterpart were made. Produced composites with glassy carbon layer are characterised by friction coefficient between 0.08-0.20, thus meeting the typical conditions for solid lubricants.
Examination of Wetting by Liquid Zinc of Steel Sheets Following Various Kinds of Abrasive Blasting
Authors: Cecotka M. , Dybowski K. , Klimek L. , Lipa S. , Rylski A. , Sankowski D. , Wojciechowski R. , Bąkała M.
Published: July 2016

Abrasive blasting is one of the methods of surface working before hot-dip zinc-coating. It allows not only to remove products of corrosion from the surface, but it also affects the quality of the zinc coating applied later, thereby affecting wettability of surface being zinc-coated. The surface working can be done with different types of abrasive material.

The paper presents an effect of the method of abrasive blasting on wetting the surface of steel sheets by liquid zinc. Steels sheets following blasting with Al2O3 of different granularity and shot peening were examined. The worst wetting was recorded for a sample following shot peening - the results are below those for the reference test conducted for a sample not previously subjected to any treatment. Samples following abrasive blasting have similar parameters, regardless of the size of grain used for the treatment.
Characterisation of Microstructure of We43 Magnesium Matrix Composites Reinforced with Carbon Fibres
Authors: Gryc A. , Rzychoń T.
Published: July 2016

In the paper the microstructures of WE43 matrix composites reinforced with carbon fibres have been characterised. The influence of reinforcement type and T6 heat treatment (a solution treatment at 525°C for 8 h, a hot water quench and a subsequent ageing treatment at 250°C for 16 h) on microstructure have been evaluated. The light microscope and scanning electron microscope investigations have been carried out. No significant differences in samples reinforced with non-coated textiles have been reported. The substantial changes in sample reinforced with nickel-coated textile have been observed. The segregation of alloying elements to the matrix-reinforcement layer has been identified. The T6 heat treatment caused the appearance of disperse precipitates of β phase, but the process cannot be considered as satisfactory (irregular distribution, low volume fraction, relatively large size).
Fabrication of ZrO2-Ti Composites by Slip Casting Method
Authors: Łada P. , Falkowski P. , Miazga A. , Konopka K. , Szafran M.
Published: July 2016

Slip casting is one of the most popular shaping method in ceramic technology which allows producing a large number of elements in small period of time. This shaping technique gives a possibility to fabricate ceramic or composite materials such as ZrO2-Ti. Ti with its properties (low density, high melting point, high-temperature strength, good corrosion resistance and others) combine with ZrO2(high flexure strength, high compression resistance and very high KIC) can be considered for different applications as constructional and functional materials. For the preparation of such composite nanometric zirconium oxide powder stabilized by 3 mol% Y2O3and micrometric titanium powder were used. Water-based slurries with 35, 40, 45 and 50 vol.% solid phase content were prepared with 3, 10 and 15 vol.% addition of titanium powder. Zeta potential and pH of prepared slurries were considered. The pH changes were tested as a function of Ti content. The viscosity of the prepared slurries was measured. The sedimentation tests for selected slurries were performed. The casting rate for slurry of 35% solid phase with 10 vol.% Ti was examined. These measurements showed good stability of slurries. With the increasing of the solid phase concentration the density of the green bodies increased. However, the increase of the content of Ti powder reduced the density of green body samples. For selected samples the SEM observations was carried out. Composites produced by slip casting were characterized by a homogenous distribution of Ti particles in the ZrO2matrix.
Study of the Weldability of Austenitic PH Steel for Power Plants
Authors: Ziewiec A.
Published: July 2016

The article presents the results of Transvarestraint test of a modern precipitation hardened steel X10CrNiCuNb18-9-3 with copper. For comparison, the results of tests of conventional steel without the addition of copper X5CrNi18-10 are presented. The total length of all cracks and the maximum length of cracks were measured. The study of microstructure (LM, SEM) showed that the austenitic stainless steel X10CrNiCuNb18-9-3 is very prone to hot cracking. After performing the Transvarestraint tests three types of cracks were observed: solidification cracks occurring during crystallization, liquation cracks due to segregation in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and surface cracks. Niobium carbonitrides dispersed in the bands of segregation are the reason of high susceptibility to liquation cracking. Segregation of copper occurring during solidification causes of surface cracking. A combined effect of copper and stresses contributes to formation of hot microcracks. These microcracks propagate to a depth of 20-30 μm.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thermal Properties of Type Eu2O3-ZrO2 Sinters
Authors: Jucha S. , Moskal G. , Mikuśkiewicz M.
Published: July 2016

The oxides with pyrochlore or defected fluorite structure are a potential alternative ceramic materials for now widely used yttria-stabilized zirconia 8YSZ in the application for the insulation layer of thermal barrier coatings systems. This paper presents a procedure of synthesis of europium zirconate of Eu2Zr2O7 type, by the method of high temperature sintering under pressure. The analysis of the effect of the powders` homogenization methods on homogeneity of final sintered material showed that the highest homogeneity can be obtained after mechanical mixing in alcohol. Moreover, the DSC investigation carried out on a mixture of powders before the sintering process and on the material after high temperature sintering under pressure, suggest the synthesis of a new phase an europium zirconate Eu2Zr2O7 with the pyrochlore structure. Obtained phase was characterized by stability over the entire range of tested temperature, i.e. to 1450°C. The resulting material based on europium zirconate has a lower coefficient of thermal diffusivity than the now widely used 8YSZ.
Dendritic Structure Analysis of CMSX-4 Cored Turbine Blades Roots
Authors: Krawczyk J.
Published: July 2016

The microstructure of as-cast cored turbine blades roots, made of the single-crystal CMSX-4 nickel-based superalloy was investigated. Analysed blades were obtained by directional solidification technique in the industrial ALD Bridgman induction furnace. The investigations of the microstructure of blades roots were performed using SEM and X-ray techniques including diffraction topography with the use of Auleytner method. Characteristic shapes of dendrites with various arrangement were observed on the SEM images taken from the cross-sections, made transversely to the main blades axis. The differences in quality of the structure in particular areas of blades roots were revealed. Based on the results, the influence of cooling bores on blades root structure was analysed and the changes in the distribution and geometry of cooling bores were proposed.
Synergy of the Plastic Treatment HPT and Shot Peening in Aluminium Alloy Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr
Authors: Stegliński M. , Byczkowska P. , Sawicki J. , Kaczmarek Ł. , Januszewicz B. , Klich M.
Published: July 2016

An improvement in fatigue strength is one of the main factors enabling the use of high-durability Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloys in functional components of mobile robots. As part of this study, a computer simulation was carried out using ANSYS LS-DYNA software that involved the hybridization of high pressure torsion (HPT) and shot peening (SP) forming processes. The numerical analysis was aimed at determining residual stresses and strains that affect the durability and stress characteristics of the analyzed Al alloy. Results of the study indicate that tensile stresses of σ = 300 MPa generated as a result of HPT are transformed into a beneficial stress of σ = 25 MPa resulting from plastic strains caused by SP surface treatment.
Erosive Wear of Inconel 625 Alloy Coatings Deposited by CMT Method
Authors: Solecka M. , Kopyściański M. , Kusiński J. , Kopia A. , Radziszewska A.
Published: July 2016

The article presents the investigation results concerning the determination of the characteristics of erosive wear caused by the impact of Al2O3 solid particles on the surface of Inconel 625 alloy after plastic working and the same material after weld cladding process using the CMT method. Erosion wear tests were performed at two temperatures: 20°C and 650°C. The erosion tests were conducted using the standard ASTM G76. A jet with a specified abrasive waight was directed to the surface of the tested material at an α impingement angle varied in the range of 30-90° at a velocity imparted to the abrasive by the medium, which was compressed air. The eroded surface was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the depths of craters caused by the erosion tests were measured with an optical profilometer. The predominant mechanisms of the formation of mass losses during solid particle erosion were microcutting and microfissuring.
Effect of the Combined Heat Treatment and Severe Plastc Deformation on the Microstructure of Cunisi Alloy
Authors: Głuchowski W. , Rdzawski Z. , Sobota J. , Domagała-Dubiel J.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this work was to study the microstructure and functional properties of CuNi2Si1 alloy. The material was prepared classically by melting, casting, hot rolling and cold rolling. The obtained strips were processed with combined operations of supersaturation, ageing and one of the intensive deformation method - repetitive corrugation and straightening. The efficiency of RCS operation in shaping of functional properties in precipitation hardened copper alloys depends not only on tool geometry and operating parameters but also on whether and at what stage of strip production the supersaturation operation was applied. Application of the supersaturation before RCS operation broadens the potential to shape the set of functional properties. Comparable functional properties of the precipitation hardened copper alloy strips can be reached without application of the supersaturation operation in their manufacturing processes. The process of RCS applied after annealing, and the potentially slightly lower mechanical properties would be compensated by higher electrical conductivity.
Effect of Zr Purity and Oxygen Content on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Melt-Spun and Suction-Cast Cu46Zr42Al7Y5 Alloy
Authors: Kozieł T. , Latuch J. , Cios G. , Bała P.
Published: July 2016

The effect of oxygen content in zirconium on the structure and mechanical properties of the Cu46Zr42Al7Y5alloy, in the form of melt-spun ribbons and suction-cast rods, was investigated. Two types of Zr, rod and crystal bar of different nominal purities and oxygen contents, were used to synthesize the alloy by arc melting. Rapidly solidified ribbons were produced by melt spinning and their amorphous structures were confirmed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Bulk samples in the form of rods were cast using a special water-cooled suction casting unit attached to the arc melting system. XRD and DSC studies proved the amorphous structure of the bulk alloy synthesized from low-oxygen Zr and partial crystallization of the same alloy for high-oxygen Zr. In both bulk samples, uniformly distributed crystalline particles were identified as yttrium oxides. Higher mean compressive strength of amorphous alloy was observed. The hardness of amorphous phase was close to 500 HV1 in both bulk alloys, while the hardness of crystalline dendritic areas, observed in the alloy synthesized from high oxygen Zr, was lower by about 50 HV1.
Measurement uncertainty for clinical laboratories – a revision of the concept
Authors: Dallas Jones Graham Ross
Published: July 2016

The uncertainty of a measurement result is a fundamental concept in metrology indicating the range within the “true” value of a measurement should lie. Although not commonly reported with results, the calculation of measurement uncertainty (MU) has become common in routine clinical laboratories. Interpretation of numerical pathology results is made by comparison with data from other measurements. As MU is aimed at assisting with result interpretation, it should be related to the specific comparison being made. There are three basic type of comparators: a previous result from the same patient, a population reference interval, or a clinical decision point. For each comparison, the “true” value is that which would have been obtained from the instrument used to make the comparator measurements if it was measured without uncertainty. The MU is the range of likely deviations from this true value due to the method used to produce the result under interpretation. For patient monitoring, if the two measurements were made on the same analyzer, the uncertainty is the imprecision of the assay over the relevant time frame. In comparing with a manufacturer-specific reference interval, the MU is deviation from the manufacturer’s master calibrator. For clinical decision points produced with the assays traceable to international references, the MU is related to deviation from that reference standard. For optimal use of MU in the clinical laboratory, it may be necessary to consider the use of the test result and the concept of a single MU for each result may need to be revised.
Eyelid Reconstruction with Full Thickness Skin Grafts After Carcinoma Excision
Authors: Zlatarova Zornitsa I. , Nenkova Binna N. , Softova Ekaterina B.
Published: July 2016

Background: Various techniques have been proposed for reconstruction of the eyelid anterior lamella after carcinoma excision: among these are the transposition of skin flaps, and full-thickness skin grafts or combination of these two.

Aim: To present our experience in eyelid reconstruction with full-thickness skin grafts and to assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Patients and methods: The present retrospective study included 39 patients (20 males, 19 females, mean age 71 yrs) with surgically excised eyelid carcinoma, followed by reconstruction using full-thickness skin grafts. The patients were treated between 2005 and 2014. Parameters recorded were patient demographics, histological classification of malignancy, tumor localization and size, postoperative defect size. In cases of large full-thickness lower lid defect Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap was used for reconstruction of posterior lamella. Full-thickness skin grafts donor sites included upper eyelid, preauricular area and inner brachial area. We appraised the grafts viability one week after surgery and the aesthetic results - 6 months after surgery by the graft colour and lid position.

Results: In 95% of the cases the skin grafts were viable. The full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) failed in two patients because of subcutaneous haematoma. There were a few early postoperative complications including graft hypertrophy, graft contraction, and partial graft failure, which were managed without additional surgery. All 39 patients had normal postoperative lid function. All 39 had either good (14) or excellent (25) cosmetic results.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that full-thickness skin graft is a good choice in periocular reconstructive surgery after carcinoma excision. The surgical technique is easy to perform producing proper functional and aesthetic results.
Symptomatic Os Subtibiale Associated with Chronic Pain Around the Medial Malleolus in a Young Athlete
Authors: Iliev Alexandar A. , Georgiev Georgi P. , Landzhov Boycho V. , Slavchev Svetoslav A. , Dimitrova Iva N. , Ovtscharoff Wladimir А.
Published: July 2016

An os subtibiale is a rare accessory bone located below or behind the medial malleolus. Herein we present a rare case of a painful os subtibiale in a young triathlete who presented with pain, redness and swelling below his left medial malleolus. Plain radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomography revealed a well-defined oval bone distal to the left medial malleolus. After conservative treatment failed, the ossicle was excised in an open surgery with complete resolution of symptoms. This case report emphasizes the need for clinical awareness of different anatomical variations of the bones of the foot.
Industrial WSN Based on IR-UWB and a Low-Latency MAC Protocol
Authors: Reinhold Rafael , Underberg Lisa , Wulf Armin , Kays Ruediger
Published: July 2016

Wireless sensor networks for industrial communication require high reliability and low latency. As current wireless sensor networks do not entirely meet these requirements, novel system approaches need to be developed. Since ultra wideband communication systems seem to be a promising approach, this paper evaluates the performance of the IEEE 802.15.4 impulse-radio ultra-wideband physical layer and the IEEE 802.15.4 Low Latency Deterministic Network (LLDN) MAC for industrial applications. Novel approaches and system adaptions are proposed to meet the application requirements. In this regard, a synchronization approach based on circular average magnitude difference functions (CAMDF) and on a clean template (CT) is presented for the correlation receiver. An adapted MAC protocol titled aggregated low latency (ALL) MAC is proposed to significantly reduce the resulting latency. Based on the system proposals, a hardware prototype has been developed, which proves the feasibility of the system and visualizes the real-time performance of the MAC protocol.
Quasi Eighth-Mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) Fractal Resonator Filter Utilizing Gap Coupling Compensation
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Rao Jia-Yu , Tai Wen-Si , Wang Ting , Liu Fa-Lin
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a kind of quasi eighth substrate integrated waveguide resonator (QESIWR) with defected fractal structure (DFS) is proposed firstly. Compared with the eighth substrate integrated waveguide resonator (ESIWR), this kind of resonator has lower resonant frequency (
Dorsal Branches of Abdominal Aorta in the Rabbit and the European Hare
Authors: Flešárová S. , Maženský D.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical arrangement of the branches arising from the dorsal surface of the aorta abdominalis in the rabbit and the hare. The study was carried out on ten adult rabbits and ten adult European hares using the corrosion technique. After the euthanasia, the vascular network was perfused with saline. After polymerization of the casting medium, the maceration was carried out in a KOH solution. We found different variations in; the number of arteries, level of their origin and arrangement. The aa. lumbales of the same level arose by means of a common trunk or their origin was independent. The aa. lumbales VI or aa. lumbales VI et VII originated also from the a. sacralis mediana. By aa. lumbales we found an important interspecies difference in; number, diameter, ramification and density of dorsal branches, which are designated for the dorsal muscles of the body stem. All listed parameters of branches were higher in the hare. This anatomical arrangement of dorsal branches is adapted to the higher movement activity of the hare. According to our results, it can be concluded that the anatomical arrangement of the branches of the aorta abdominalis shows a higher number of variations in the domesticated rabbit in comparison with the hare.
Serological and Molecular Survey of Serious Intracellular Coccidia in Red Foxes in Eastern Slovakia
Authors: Reiterová K. , Špilovská S. , Čobádiová A.
Published: July 2016

We tested the sera or meat juices of 215 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), collected during 2009-2014 at different localities of Eastern Slovakia for the presence of anti- Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies. We also examined the brains or muscle tissues and uncoagulated blood samples for the presence of both parasite’s DNA. The mean seropositivity to T. gondii was 72.6% (95% Confidence Interval CI 66.1-78.4) and to N. caninum 33.9% (95% CI 27.7-40.7). We observed higher Toxoplasmaseropositivity in adults (71.1%) than in juveniles (60.0%). Neospora-seropositivity was almost the same in both age groups about of 30%. In general, we observed less frequently the DNA of parasites, T. gondii (14.5%) and N. caninum (20.3%) in the tissue samples and uncoagulated blood samples. Coccidioses are considerably common in red foxes and circulate in locations of Eastern Slovakia. The high infection rate in foxes is probably due to their infected prey. On the other hand, the contamination of the environment with oocysts and their subsequent transfer to other farm and wild animals is also possible.
The Debtor’s Property Selling in the Cross-Border Insolvency Proceedings
Authors: Sproge Daiga
Published: July 2016

The title of this research is “The debtor’s property selling in the cross-border insolvency proceedings”. The insolvency proceeding gets the cross-border status also in case, if a debtor is an owner of the property outside of the main interests’ centre, namely, in another country. Therefore, there are many problematic cases when insolvency administrator (also called insolvency practitioner) defines the real estate in this other country and has to make a decision concerning the methods of selling the real estate in accordance with the law of the Member State in which territory the insolvency proceedings have been started. At the same time, the administrator shall provide that the property is sold in particular with regard to procedures for the realization of assets defined in the legislation of that country, where such real estate has been located. The article’s aim is to give a view of the features of the sale of the property in the insolvency proceedings and to define the possible lack and improvements in the cross-border insolvency concerning the selling of a debtor’s property. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union has adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of 20 May 2015 on Insolvency proceedings, which shall apply from 26 June 2017, with some exceptions Despite the regulation of the cross-border insolvency has been improved, the procedure of the property disposal is still incomplete in the cross-border insolvency proceedings. Within the study the following research methods are applied: the analytical method, comparative method, sociological method and descriptive method. The predicted value of the research is theoretical and also practical. The research should be useful for the insolvency proceedings administrators, the companies and the banks, other experts involved in the cross-border insolvency proceedings, as well as for students to improve their theoretical knowledge about the cross-border insolvency.
Land and Forest Management by Land Use/ Land Cover Analysis and Change Detection Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Ankana
Published: July 2016

Remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) are the most effective tools in spatial data analysis. Natural resources like land, forest and water, these techniques have proved a valuable source of information generation as well as in the management and planning purposes. This study aims to suggest possible land and forest management strategies in Chakia tahsil based on land use and land cover analysis and the changing pattern observed during the last ten years. The population of Chakia tahsil is mainly rural in nature. The study has revealed that the northern part of the region, which offers for the settlement and all the agricultural practices constitutes nearly 23.48% and is a dead level plain, whereas the southern part, which constitute nearly 76.6% of the region is characterized by plateau and is covered with forest. The southern plateau rises abruptly from the northern alluvial plain with a number of escarpments. The contour line of 100 m mainly demarcates the boundary between plateau and plain. The plateau zone is deeply dissected and highly rugged terrain. The resultant topography comprises of a number of mesas and isolated hillocks showing elevation differences from 150 m to 385 m above mean sea level. Being rugged terrain in the southern part, nowadays human encroachment are taking place for more land for the cultivation. The changes were well observed in the land use and land cover in the study region. A large part of fallow land and open forest were converted into cultivated land.
Association of GSTO1 and GSTO2 Polymorphism with Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease Development and Patient Survival
Authors: Cimbaljevic Slavica , Suvakov Sonja , Matic Marija , Pljesa-Ercegovac Marija , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Radic Tanja , Coric Vesna , Damjanovic Tatjana , Dimkovic Nada , Markovic Rodoljub , Savic-Radojevic Ana , Simic Tatjana
Published: July 2016

Background: Oxidative stress in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with long-term cardiovascular complications. The cytosolic family of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) is involved in the detoxication of various toxic compounds and antioxidant protection. GST omega class members, GSTO1 and GSTO2 possess, unlike other GSTs, dehydroascorbate reductase and deglutathionylation activities. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of genetic polymorphisms of GSTO1 (rs4925) and GSTO2 (rs156697) as risk determinants for ESRD development, as well as in the survival of these patients.

Methods: A total of 199 patients and 199 healthy subjects were included in the study and genotyped for both GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphism. Protein thiol and carbonyl groups as markers of protein oxidative damage were determined spectrophotometrically. Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to investigate the role of GSTO1 and GSTO2 genetic polymorphism on mortality of ESRD patients during the follow-up period (36 month).

Results: Individuals carrying the variant GSTO2 GG genotype were at 2.45-fold higher risk of ESRD development compared to the wild type GSTO2 AA genotype (OR=2.45; 95%CI=1.18-5.07; p=0.016). The results of GSTO1/GSTO2 haplotype analysis showed that the haplotype combi - nation of GSTO1 (*A)/GSTO2 (*A) (GSTO1 variant/GSTO2 wild type allele) was protective for ESRD (OR=0.23 95%CI=0.12-0.44, p=0.001). Patients carrying at least one GSTO1 reference allele have shorter mean overall (Log rank=2.844, p =0.241) and cardiovascular survival probability (Log rank=4.211, p=0.122).

Conclusions: GSTO polymorphisms have been shown to act as significant markers in assessing the risk of ESRD development and patients’ survival.
Pre-Test and Post-Test Applications to Shape the Education of Phlebotomists in A Quality Management Program: An Experience in A Training Hospital
Authors: Aykal Güzin , Keşapli Mustafa , Aydin Özgür , Esen Hatice , Yeğin Ayşenur , Güngör Faruk , Yilmaz Necat
Published: July 2016

Background: After the introduction of modern laboratory instruments and information systems, preanalytic phase is the new field of battle. Errors in preanalytical phase account for approximately half of total errors in clinical laboratory. The objective of this study was to share an experience of an education program that was believed to be successful in decreasing the number of rejected samples received from the Emergency Department (ED).

Methods: An education program about laboratory procedures, quality requirements in the laboratory, patient and health-care worker safety was planned by the quality team to be performed on 36 people who were responsible for sample collection in the ED. A questionary which included 11 questions about the preanalytic phase was applied to all the attendees before and after training. The number of rejected samples per million was discovered with right proportion account over the number of accepted and rejected samples to laboratory after and before the training period.

Results: Most of the attendees were nurses (n: 22/55%), with over 12 years of experience in general and 2-4 years experience in the ED. Knowledge level of the attendees was calculated before training as 58.9% and after training as 91.8%. While the total rate of sample rejection before training was 2.35% (sigma value 3.37-3.50), the rate after training was 1.56% (sigma value 3.62-3.75).

Conclusions: Increasing the knowledge of staff has a direct positive impact on the preanalytic phase. The application of a pre-test was observed to be a feasible tool to shape group specific education programs.
Decreased undercarboxylated osteocalcin in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Takaya Junji , Tanabe Yuko , Kuroyanagi Yuichi , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: July 2016

Background:

Osteocalcin (OC) is a bone-specific protein secreted by osteoblasts and often used as a bone formation biomarker. OC undergoes post-translational carboxylation to yield carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (uc-OC) molecules. The aim of this study was to explore the association between bone and glucose metabolism by evaluating OC, ionized cations, and markers of glucose metabolism in children with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

Methods:

The subjects were nine children with DM2 [six males, three females; age 15.7±4.1 years; duration of disease 3.2±1.2 years], 18 children with simple obesity [12 males, six females; age 12.6±4.1 years], and 12 controls [eight males, four females; age 12.3±3.2 years]. Serum Gla-OC and uc-OC levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

Patients with DM2 (0.65±0.46 ng/mL), but not with obesity (1.11±0.55 ng/mL), had lower uc-OC levels than controls (1.25±0.49 ng/mL). Serum uc-OC was negatively correlated with mean serum glucose levels (r=–0.447, p=0.013) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (r=–0.455, p=0.012) in all subjects. Serum Gla-OC was correlated with serum alkaline phosphatase (r=0.601, p<0.001) and inorganic phosphorus (r=0.686, p<0.001), yet negatively correlated with age (r=–0.383, p=0.030). Mean serum ionized magnesium was lower in DM2 subjects than in controls. Mean serum ionized calcium was higher in obese subjects than in controls. In all subjects, mean serum ionized magnesium was negatively correlated with mean serum glucose levels.

Conclusions:

Osteoblast-derived protein OC, especially uc-OC, may have a role in the pathophysiology of diabetes by being associated with blood glucose homeostasis.
Mechatronic Scanning System with Integrated Micro Electro Mechanical System Position Sensors
Authors: Stavrov Vladimir , Chakarov Dimitar , Shulev Assen , Tsveov Mihail
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a study of a mechatronic scanning system for application in the microbiology, microelectronics research, chemistry, etc. is presented. Integrated silicon micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) position sensor is used for monitoring the displacement of the scanning system. The utilized silicon MEMS sensors with sidewall embedded piezoresistors possess a number of key advantages such as high sensitivity, low noise and extremely low temperature dependence. Design of 2D scanning system with a travel range of 22 × 22 μm2 has been presented in present work. This system includes a Compliant Transmission Mechanism, (CTM) designed as a complex elastic mechanism, comprising four parallelograms. Computer aided desigh (CAD) model and finite element analysis (FEA) of the Compliant Transmission Mechanism mechanisms have been carried out. A prototype of the scanning system is fabricated, based on CAD model. An experimental set-up of an optical system and a correlation technique for digital image processing have been used for testing the scanning system prototype. Results of the experimental investigations of the prototyped scanning system are also presented.
Motion of a Point Mass in a Rotating Disc: A Quantitative Analysis of the Coriolis and Centrifugal Force
Authors: Haddout Soufiane
Published: July 2016

In Newtonian mechanics, the non-inertial reference frames is a generalization of Newton’s laws to any reference frames. While this approach simplifies some problems, there is often little physical insight into the motion, in particular into the effects of the Coriolis force. The fictitious Coriolis force can be used by anyone in that frame of reference to explain why objects follow curved paths. In this paper, a mathematical solution based on differential equations in non-inertial reference is used to study different types of motion in rotating system. In addition, the experimental data measured on a turntable device, using a video camera in a mechanics laboratory was conducted to compare with mathematical solution in case of parabolically curved, solving non-linear least-squares problems, based on Levenberg-Marquardt’s and Gauss-Newton algorithms.
Prosodic vowel lengthening in a spontaneous speech corpus of Vimeu Picard
Authors: Halicki Eric
Published: July 2016

The goal of this paper is to present findings about vowel lengthening at morpho-syntactically defined prosodic boundaries. The data come from a corpus of spontaneous speech from Vimeu Picard, a Gallo- Romance language. A total of 10 672 vowel durations are measured, and 5336 vowel ratios are calculated, providing data for the prosodic word, clitic group, phonological phrase, intonational phrase, and the utterance. A general increase in vowel duration is observed as one ascends the prosodic hierarchy, without adjusting for rate of speech. Significant differences in vowel ratio are found between the clitic group and all other phrases, the prosodic word and the intonational phrase, the phonological phrase and the intonational phrase, and the intonational phrase and the utterance. Contrary to what was expected, vowel ratios at the utterance edge were found to be significantly shorter than vowel ratios at the intonational phrase edge. This may be because pauses are greater for the utterance than for the intonational phrase.
Inflection – semantics interfaces in a typological setting: number and non-specific nominal items in Old Spanish legal codices
Authors: Nkollo Mikołaj , Tkaczyk Magdalena
Published: July 2016

Mikołaj Nkollo & Magdalena Tkaczyk. Inflection - semantics interfaces in a typological setting: number and non-specific nominal items in Old Spanish legal codices. The Poznań Society for the Advancement of Arts and Sciences, PL ISSN 0079-4740, pp. 17-29

The present inquiry has been spurred by the observation of the morphological behaviour of human-denoting common nouns in Old Spanish codices (13th to 15th century). In spite of the fact that legal norms are designed to apply to an unrestricted number of potential addressees, this class of nominal items surfaces nearly exclusively in the singular, with plural forms being strongly underrepresented. A series of parameters converge to account for this form - function mismatch, thus revealing an essentially interdependent nature of linguistic mechanisms underlying it: type of inflection (inherent vs. contextual), text genre characteristics (distance pole vs proximate pole) and syntactic environment (conditional protases). The pervasiveness of the singular is traced back to non-specificity. Out of two mutually exclusive typological clines accounting for the likelihood of inflectional variation in noun morphology, Definiteness Hierarchy is given preference over degrees of animacy: non-specifically used items, even if highly ranked on animacy scale, are the least likely to surface as plural forms. Competing motivations are assumed to provide a suitable analytical framework to account for typological conflicts such as the one exemplified in Old Spanish legal codices.
Evolution of ergativity in the Western Hindi
Authors: Sigorskiy Alexander A.
Published: July 2016

Alexander A. Sigorskiy. Evolution of ergativity in the Western Hindi. The Poznań Society for the Advancement of Arts and Sciences, PL ISSN 0079-4740, pp. 41-58

The early stage of the Western Hindi vernaculars demonstrates two types of typology competing with each other - Nominative typology and Split Ergative typology. Ergative typology includes a number of ergative strategies existing in different vernaculars and in the one and the same vernacular as well. In the course of standardization of Modern Standard Hindi (MSH) Split Ergative Typology wins. The main features of Old Hindi case system are: 1) Old Hindi demonstrates the same, dative case marking both for Subject (Agent) and Object (Patient), whereas MSH has differentiated these case markers, 2) Old Hindi has two types of agreement - (a) only with unmarked S/O and (b) both with unmarked and marked S/O, while MSH allows only the first one.
English Loanwords in the Language of Young, Contemporary Computer Gamers
Authors: Szymańska Marta , Sporek Paweł
Published: July 2016

The following article is about the presence of English loanwords in the language used by young gamers. It is of research nature - it is based on the recognition, around the mother tongue, of primary and secondary school students. It emerges from survey research whose aim was to examine how the language of young Poles is influenced by information technology, especially computer games and films related to gaming. The most important aim of the research was to diagnose to what extent and in what form English vocabulary used in computer games penetrates everyday language of students. It was also important to establish the way in which Polish absorbs loaned vocabulary in natural communication and adjusts it to its rules (inflexion, syntax, word building). The questions prepared for the purpose of the survey examined linguistic intuition of students who had the possibility to choose the lexicon (English word and its Polish equivalent), as well as show the understanding of words typical of computer games which derive from English and are also changed in some way. The research tool also examined the student's lexical competence which was supposed to be directly related to the environment of new technology and computer games as well as examined the use of given lexicon in various syntactic constructs. The foundation for the described results and the topic discussed in this article were the thoughts regarding the role and the influence of new technological and socio-cultural reality and their influence on the changes in the language.
Brueghel’s Two Monkeys – a Tiny Painting by Bruegel, a Very Short Poem by Szymborska and the Biggest Problems of Mankind
Authors: Kołodziej Piotr
Published: July 2016

There is a great power in works of art. Art provides knowledge about human experience, which is not available in another way. Art gives answers to the most important and eternal questions about humanity, even though these answers are never final. Sometimes it happens that works of some artists encourage or provoke a reaction of other artists. Thanks to this in history of culture - across borders of time and space - there lasts a continuous dialogue, a continuous reflection on the essence of human existence.

This text shows a fragment of such a dialogue, in which the interlocutors are a sixteenth-century painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder and a twentieth-century poet and Nobel Prize winner Wislawa Szymborska. Szymborska, proposing a masterful interpretation of a tiny painting by Bruegel, poses dramatic questions about human freedom, formulates a poetic response and forces a recipient to reflect on the most important topics.

This text also brings up a question of a word - picture relationship, a problem of translation of visual signs to verbal signs, as well as a problem of translation of poetry from one language to another.
Crystal structure of dichlorido{bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-5′-([2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridin]-4′-yl)-[1,1′:3′,1′′-terphenyl]-4,4′′-dicarboxylate-κ3
N,N′,N′′}zinc(II), C39H31Cl2N3O6Zn
Authors: Li Yaping , Sun Dajun , Ming Julia , Su Guanfang
Published: July 2016

C39H31Cl2N3O6Zn, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 20.7170(16) Å, b = 14.4553(11) Å, c = 11.2717(8) Å, β = 90.072(2)°, V = 3375.5(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0489, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1469, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of 2-amino-4-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile, C18H16F2N2O2
Authors: Lou He
Published: July 2016

C18H16F2N2O2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.619(3) Å, b = 9.481(2) Å, c = 14.555(3) Å, β = 98.799(4)°, V = 1584.6(6) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0404, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1139, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of tert-butyl 2-phenylethylcarbamate, C13H19NO2
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Alshammari Mohammed B. , Ajarim Mansour D. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: July 2016

C13H19NO2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 5.2692(3) Å, b = 13.8663(9) Å, c = 17.8020(13) Å, β = 93.323(6)°, V = 1298.50(15), Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0590, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1932, T = 293 K.
Körper, wissen und kommunikation
Authors: Knoblauch Hubert
Published: July 2016

Die Sozialität von Körper und Wissen ist ein Gegenstand der phänomenologisch orientierten Wissenssoziologie. Ausgehend vom leiblich verstandenen Begriff der Lebenswelt vermeidet sie eine Reduktion von Wissen auf Kognition. Wissen stellt den sozial vermittelten Sinn dar. Es reicht vom lebensweltlichen Grundlagenwissen über das habitualisierte und sedimentierte Wissen bis zu den zeichenhaften Objektivationen. Weil Sinn wesentlich durch den Leib und durch Objektivationen als Wissen vermittelt wird, können wir genauer von Kommunikation bzw. kommunikativem Handeln reden. Von diesem allgemeinen Begriff der Wissensvermittlung als Kommunikation muss jedoch die Wissenskommunikation unterschieden werden, die Wissen als Wissen zum Gegenstand macht.
Zu einer tiefenpsychologischen Hermeneutik des Leibes
Authors: Rugenstein Kai
Published: July 2016

Ausgehend von der Leitmetapher der Tiefe untersucht der Beitrag das Aufeinanderbezogensein von Sinnverstehen und Leiblichkeit in den tiefenpsychologischen Entwürfen Nietzsches und Freuds. Es wird gezeigt, wie therapeutisch relevante Selbsterkenntnis am Schnittpunkt von leiblich-agierter und sprachlich-narrativer Wirklichkeit, in der Konvergenz von Sinnesund Sinnerfahrung entsteht. Die Formulierung „Hermeneutik des Leibes“ wird in einer doppelten Lesart präsentiert: Der Leib, der zunächst als etwas Auslegungsbedürftiges, sich unserem Verstehen jedoch in eigentümlicher Weise Entziehendes in den Blick kommt, entpuppt sich dabei schließlich als schöpferische Instanz, als auslegender Leib.

Tyger Tyger, burning bright

William Blake