bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Analysis Of The Intervertebral Disc Implant Using The Finite Element Method
Authors: Kajzer W. , Kajzer A. , Pindycki I.
Published: October 2015

Dysfunctions of the vertebral column belong to a group of civilisation diseases and they affect approximately 80% of population. The underlying cause is modern (sedentary) lifestyle, low locomotive activity of people and frequent motor vehicle and sports accidents. Despite civilisation’s progress, no injury prophylactics or prevention of dysfunctions of the vertebral column have been introduced. The key element influencing function of the vertebral column is the intervertebral disc. It enables multidimensional movements and constitutes a basic connective element between the joints of the vertebral column. It also enables performing basic daily activities. Acting as a “damper”, it cushions vibrations and transmits loads between the vertebrae. One of the diseases affecting the intervertebral disc is discopathy. This is the most common degenerative disease, which can be treated by both conservative and surgical treatment. After removal of the damaged disc, it can be replaced by an adequate implant, which will assume its function. The implant will be expected to restore the vertebral column motor function, as well as to eliminate the pain resulting from compression of the spine caused by the damaged disc.

This paper presents a biomechanical analysis using the finite element method for the L2-L3 vertebrae system with natural intervertebral disc, and the L2-L3 – implant of the intervertebral disc system. Two cases of the system vertebrae-implant were analysed which differed in the placement of the artificial disc in the intervertebral space. Within the conducted analysis, the state of displacement, strain and stress of reduced analysed systems and their individual elements was determined. A comparative analysis of the results and calculations was performed, also conclusions and observations were formulated, constituting a starting point for building more advanced calculation models and further analyses of such implants.
Symphyotrichum ciliatum an Invasive Species in the Romanian Flora – Contributions to the Knowledge of the Vegetative Organs Structure
Authors: Sârbu Anca , Smarandache Daniela
Published: October 2015

Symphyotrichum ciliatum (Ledeb.) G.L. Nesom is an adventive plant first reported in Romania in 1967, which has spread rapidly over the last few decades in Moldova, Muntenia and, more recently, in Transylvania. Although the species has been known for a while in Europe and Romania, there is no information about the anatomy of the vegetative organs of this invasive taxon. This paper presents a series of structural aspects of the vegetative body, of Symphyotrichum ciliatum collected from a sandy and salty substrate (Sacalin Island - Danube Delta). These demonstrate the ability of this plant to adapt to the environment and its capacity to achieve a wide spread. As such, although this plant is an annual species, the root and stem achieve secondary growth in their width, which offers robustness to the corm; the palisade tissue has an ecvifacial disposition which enhances efficiency in capturing light, especially on sandy soil that reflects light; there are aeriferous and aquiferous formations that ensure efficiency in adapting to a wet and relatively salty environment. These results are documented by original photographs of optical microscopy and a distribution map of the taxon in Romania as at 2011.
Differentiation of the concentration of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in lake sediments depending on the catchment management (Lake Gopło case study)
Authors: Juśkiewicz Włodzimierz , Marszelewski Włodzimierz , Tylmann Wojciech
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the results of the study on the concentration of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including PAHs and PCBs, in the bottom sediments of Lake Gopło. This lake is significantly elongated (about 25 km); its longitudinal profile is diversified, and there are deeps and thresholds impeding the flow of water. The shoreline is varied, which is characteristic of tunnel valley lakes. The catchment has a typical agricultural character with a point arrangement of industrial centres. The analysis of the diversity of the concentration of heavy metals and POPs was based on 37 samples from two representative cores: one collected in the northern part of the lake, the catchment of which shows an industrial character, and the second one in the southern part where the catchment is agricultural in character.

In the sediments, the content of the following heavy metals was analysed: Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Hg and As, as well as PAHs and PCBs. The sediment age was determined by the 210Pb dating method. In order to assess the contamination level of the bottom sediments with heavy metals, the contamination factor (CF) and degree of contamination (DC) were calculated. Moreover, the impact of the changes in the catchment’s land use over the past 100 years was determined. The results showed that the sediments from the industrial part of the lake significantly exceed the geochemical background for both the heavy metals from the group identified as industrial pollution and from the group of agricultural pollutants. The southern core shows only a slight increase in the amount of pollution from the agricultural group, lack of industrial pollution and a low degree of contamination. A slight increase in persistent organic pollutants is also recorded, without any apparent effect on the state of the deposited sediment. The 210PB dating enabled the main stages of human impact to be determined: the pre-industrial revolution, from the beginning of industrialisation to the 1950s, intensive human impact from the 1960s to the 1980s, and a gradual decrease in the human impact starting from the 1990s. In addition, attention was paid to the changing sedimentation rate.
The morphology of the Luciąża River valley floor in the vicinity of the Rozprza medieval ring-fort in light of geophysical survey
Authors: Kittel Piotr , Sikora Jerzy , Wroniecki Piotr
Published: October 2015

Multidisciplinary research (including magnetic survey, earth resistance survey, geological mapping, detailed archaeological surface survey and geochemical prospection) was undertaken on an area of about 0.7–9.0 hectares (depending on the method) in the close surroundings of the medieval ring-fort relicts in central Poland. The geophysical studies of the vicinity of the Rozprza ring-fort were part of a multi-method complementary non-destructive archaeological survey. The ring-fort is situated in the Luciąża River (Vistula River basin) valley floor and the flood plain morphology is very important for the reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental conditions of settlement location. Results of aerial photographs and geophysical prospection allowed the discovery of traces of sub-fossil palaeomeanders of different sizes as well as relicts of archaeological features (system of ramparts and moats). It was possible due to the application of high resolution archaeo-geophysical surveys. Both natural structures and also anthropogenic features registered with geophysics have been verified by geological sounding. The surface geology structure of the close vicinity of the ring-fort has been recognised in detail and selected organic deposits of palaeochannel fills and overbank covers have been 14C dated. The Rozprza ring-fort was situated in a defensive location on the surface of a sandy terrace remnant in the central part of a (partly) swampy valley floor. The accumulation of recorded fills of palaeochannels and moats covers the whole Holocene, as documented by 14C data. It gives the possibility for future detailed palaeoenvironmental studies. The results of geophysical studies, due to their known precise location, allow the effective planning of further research activities, both archaeological and palaeoenvironmental.
Structure and importance of soil-protecting forests in the areas administered by the RDSF Toruń
Authors: Wiśniewski Paweł , Kistowski Mariusz
Published: October 2015

The paper presents the state and importance of soil-protecting forests in the areas managed by the RDSF in Toruń, as well as changes in their structure over 29 years. The management of the RDSF in Toruń is characterized by a systematic increase in the area, thickness and rich abundance of soil-protecting forests, particularly intense since the mid-nineteen-nineties. They cover mainly rusty soils and podzols on outwash areas, sandy terraces in sloped areas of postglacial valleys and gullies as well. Soil-protecting forests, which are managed by the RDSF in Toruń, vary a great deal considering their habitat, both in terms of dampness and trophic richness as well as spatially. The dominance of coniferous forests is due to the fact that they grow in the poorest habitats, which have not been previously used for agricultural purposes, and to the common practice in recent years of pine reforestation in open stromal areas. The assessment of the state of habitats indicates that 66.2% of the soil-protecting forest area is characterized as natural and close-to-natural. Distorted or transformed habitats occupy 26.2% of the soil-protecting forest area, while the degraded habitats 7.6%. Taking the study area into consideration we can observe the relationship between the incompatibility of habitat in its natural form and the post-arable feature. Changes in habitat characteristics are shown by 75.5% of the area of the soil-protecting forest located on former farmland, mainly in the areas with rusty podzolic soils (Albic Brunic Arenosols). Incompatibility of the habitats is, among others, the result of the creation in recent years, during the afforestation of agricultural lands, of solid pine stands, also in fertile habitats. Secondary planted pine monocultures in the forest areas resulted in podzolization of rusty soils and transformed them into rusty podzolic soils.
Transnational entrepreneurship in the Global South: evidence from Southern Africa
Authors: Rogerson Jayne M. , Mushawemhuka William J.
Published: October 2015

Transnational entrepreneurship is an evolving field of research which occupies an interface between social and regional sciences. The phenomenon of transnational entrepreneurship is driven by entrepreneurs that migrate from one country to another whilst maintaining business-related linkages with their former country of origin and the adopted country. The most critical distinguishing feature of transnational entrepreneurs is bifocality or the ability to function across two different business environments. Most writings on transnational entrepreneurship concentrate on business individuals from the global South operating enterprises in the global North. Absent are empirical studies of the nature and behaviour of transnational migrant entrepreneurs who operate across or between emerging or developing economies. This South-South gap in international research concerning transnational entrepreneurship is addressed in the paper which provides an exploratory analysis of the nature of transnational entrepreneurship occurring in Southern Africa using evidence of Zimbabwean transnational entrepreneurs based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Impact of ICT Innovative Momentum on Real-Time Accounting
Authors: Belfo Fernando , Trigo António , Estébanez Raquel Pérez
Published: October 2015

Background: Enterprises are entering into the era of the real-time economy, also called the “now economy”, which can be characterized by a substantive acceleration of business measurement, assessment and decision processes. The real-time reporting, as a phenomenon of the now economy, presents a new challenge to the Accounting Information Systems. The current long wave of prosperity is characterized by an innovative momentum of ICT, with several disruptive innovations, far from being completely utilized.

Objectives: Possible future potentialities and consequences of this innovative momentum of ICT on the real-time reporting are analysed within a network scenario approach.

Methods/Approach: The used approach is the Futures Wheel, a structured brainstorming method that structures ideas about future events, issues, trends, and strategy, organised under several layers of rings of consequences.

Results: The innovative momentum has certain visible direct consequences such as smart mobile devices, higher business intelligence, improved enterprise architecture and enterprise application integration, cloud services offer or increased business process maturity in organizations, and a significant number of indirect consequences on the real-time accounting.

Conclusions: The actual innovative momentum of ICT has a vast set of indirect opportunities for the real-time reporting which, after a proper plan, can address its implementation.
XBRL Standard for Financial Reporting in Croatia: Current State and Perspectives
Authors: Gostimir Dejan
Published: October 2015

Background: Harmonization and standardization is becoming important among regulators and business community. XBRL has entered the global stage as a financial reporting standard. Its mission was to standardize the financial reporting, lower the reporting costs and make the reporting as transparent as possible.

Objectives: The goal of the paper is to review the current usage of XBRL as a standard worldwide and to give an overview of its current state and perspectives in Croatia.

Methods/Approach: The secondary research method for examining XBRL as a standard has been applied in this work.

Results: The European Union embraced XBRL as the only standard that will be used for mandatory financial reporting and as such it is implemented in EU legislation. Croatia is a new member state and XBRL usage, which is still limited in Croatia, presents one of the country’s challenges.

Conclusions: XBRL is the new standard for financial reporting that has had its place and usage in practice for several years now. It is adopted as a mandatory reporting standard in in most countries of the world, but not without barriers.
Differences between Croatia and EU Candidate Countries: the CAGE Distance Framework
Authors: Miloloža Helena
Published: October 2015

Background: Nowadays, international cooperation is unevenly divided among countries. The decisive criteria imply cultural, administrative, geographical, and economical closeness among countries. Therefore, understanding such factors can significantly facilitate the performance of the company on foreign market.

Objectives: The goal of this paper is to identify the fundamental differences between Croatia and the EU candidate countries through a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the determinants within the CAGE Distance Framework. This systematic analysis can significantly intensify Croatia’s international exchange and improve Croatia’s performance at important foreign markets.

Methods/Approach: Research comprises original datasets on distance factors within CAGE distance framework. With cultural, administrative, geographic and economic data of Croatia and EU candidate countries, empirical support about the impact of distinctions on international exchange has been given.

Results: Cultural and geographical similarities are particularly noticeable among Croatia and EU candidate countries, although there are also no significant differences in the administrative and the economic dimension. However, Turkey is the only country that somewhat differs in each segment.

Conclusions: Similarities have significant influence on cross-border trade. With all present similarities and differences, cooperation among Croatia and the EU candidate countries has a perspective for development, especially at a time when all candidate countries join the EU.
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: Differences among Selected EU Countries
Authors: Vukic Nikolina Markota
Published: October 2015

Background: Greater transparency has become a relevant topic for companies around the world. Information and communication technologies revolution (ICT revolution) has forced companies to become more transparent. With the intention of increasing companies’ transparency, the European Union (hereinafter: the EU) has presented a new Accounting Directive 2013/34/EU which makes Corporate Social Reporting (hereinafter: CSR reporting) mandatory for certain companies.

Objectives: EU Directives should be the same for all Member States; however, some authors have concluded that CSR reporting is different in companies of different sizes, industries or from different countries. The main objective of this paper is to research into differences of CSR reporting among selected EU countries.

Methods/Approach: The Global Reporting Initiative (hereinafter: GRI) has shaped a reporting framework for CSR reporting. In this research the GRI will be used for comparison of CSR reports of different countries.

Results: Results of this research revealed that the difference in CSR reporting is statistically significant among selected EU countries.

Conclusions: As CSR reporting in the EU will become mandatory for certain companies, it will be a challenge for Member States to harmonize their national legislation to a degree which will increase companies’ transparency and at the same time protect local resources and interests of stakeholders.
Preliminary investigation of mineralogy and chemistry of peats from the Kietrz site, southern Poland
Authors: Skreczko Sylwia , Nadłonek Weronika , Szopa Krzysztof
Published: October 2015

Peat bog deposits provide a very important record of past environmental conditions, preserving biotic and abiotic processes that occurred in the vicinity of the bog. In this study, we examined three peat bog profiles from Kietrz, located in the micro-region of the Głubczycki Plateau, southern Poland.

The objective of this study was to determine the type of peat occurring in this area, through examination of its mineral composition, and evaluation of the total carbon and total sulphur content. In addition, we measured peat reaction (pH) and identified floral and faunal components occurring within the peat deposits.

The peat comprises primarily of fragments of fossilized plant and mollusk remains, as well as minerals (calcium sulphates, calcium carbonates, and pyrites). Additionally, an assemblage of iron oxides/hydroxides, Kfeldspar, apatite, zircon, and quartz grains was identified. A neutral and/or light alkalinity was recorded for the peat deposits, but an increase in acidity (pH) with increasing depth through each peat profile was also recorded. We observed a positive correlation between the pH and chemical composition of deposits, where a significant presence of calcite is associated with higher reaction (higher pH), whilst a lower pH is characteristic for sediments where carbonates are rare. The recognized species of mollusks are typical of shallow, fresh-water stagnant reservoirs with a high fluctuation of water level.
Analysis of post-blasting source mechanisms of mining-induced seismic events in Rudna copper mine, Poland
Authors: Caputa Alicja , Talaga Adam , Rudziński Łukasz
Published: October 2015

The exploitation of georesources by underground mining can be responsible for seismic activity in areas considered aseismic. Since strong seismic events are connected with rockburst hazard, it is a continuous requirement to reduce seismic risk. One of the most effective methods to do so is blasting in potentially hazardous mining panels. In this way, small to moderate tremors are provoked and stress accumulation is substantially reduced. In this paper we present an analysis of post-blasting events using Full Moment Tensor (MT) inversion at the Rudna mine, Poland, underground seismic network. In addition, we describe the problems we faced when analyzing seismic signals. Our studies show that focal mechanisms for events that occurred after blasts exhibit common features in the MT solution. The strong isotropic and small Double Couple (DC) component of the MT, indicate that these events were provoked by detonations. On the other hand, post-blasting MT is considerably different than the MT obtained for strong mining events. We believe that seismological analysis of provoked and unprovoked events can be a very useful tool in confirming the effectiveness of blasting in seismic hazard reduction in mining areas.
Influence of Heat Treatment on Photocatalytic Performance of BiVO4 Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Shen Yi , Wang Xiaomin , Zuo Guifu , Li Fengfeng , Meng Yanzhi
Published: October 2015

Monoclinic BiVO4 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method under appropriate temperature. The photocatalytic performance of BiVO4 was improved by calcining at appropriate temperature. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized BiVO4 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. It is confirmed that the photocatalytic activity of the prepared catalysts was evaluated by the photodegradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation. BiVO4 calcined under appropriate temperature exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than uncalcined BiVO4 under visible light irradiation because calcination might effectively increases the purity of monoclinic bismuth vanadate.
Changes in runoff in two neighbouring catchments in the Bohemian Forest related to climate and land cover changes
Authors: Bernsteinová Jana , Bässler Claus , Zimmermann Lothar , Langhammer Jakub , Beudert Burkhard
Published: October 2015

There is public concern that large-scale disturbances to forest cover caused by insects and storm winds in the Bohemian Forest could intensify high water flows and enhance the expected flooding risks predicted in current regional climate change scenarios. We analysed stream discharge in Upper Vydra and Große Ohe, neighbouring catchments in the Bohemian Forest, the largest contiguous forested area in Central Europe. Upper Vydra, in the Šumava National Park, and Große Ohe (including the Upper Große Ohe headwater catchment in the Bavarian Forest National Park) are similar in size, but differ in land use cover and the extent of disturbed Norway spruce stands. Publicly available runoff and meteorological data (1978–2011) were examined using non-parametric trend and breakpoint analysis. Together with mapped vegetation cover changes, the results were used to address the following questions: 1) are there significant changes in the hydrological cycle and, if so, do these changes relate to 2) the extent and expansion of disturbance in forests stands and/or 3) altered precipitation dynamics and thermal conditions?

We found no marked overall change in annual runoff or in annual or seasonal precipitation, but a significant increase in high flows in March. This overall trend related to the marked warming in late winter and early spring (+~4 K in April, p < 0.01), irrespective of altitude and slope position. It significantly shifted the end of the snow cover period by more than three weeks to the beginning/middle of April depending on altitude, and intensified snow melt.

In the Upper Große Ohe catchment, a significant decrease in catchment balance, the difference between the long term precipitation and runoff (–72 mm, 11%) was found when the loss of tree cover reached 30% of catchment area. Diminished evapotranspiration losses from severely disturbed stands increased groundwater recharge during summer and caused a significant rise in low flows in autumn.

However, observed increases in late winter high flows were due to warming only. They could be further intensified by the increasing winter precipitation predicted under present climate change scenarios, and would therefore increase the risk of flooding at lower elevations.
MHD stagnation point flow of Jeffrey fluid by a radially stretching surface with viscous dissipation and Joule heating
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Waqas Muhammad , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: October 2015

The steady stagnation-point flow of an electrically conducting fluid due to convectively heated stretched disk in the radial direction is considered. Effects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating are present. Mathematical modelling is based upon constitutive relations of Jeffrey fluid. The governing partial differential equations are first transformed into the coupled system of ordinary differential equations and then solved for the convergent series solutions. Numerical values of skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are also computed and analysed.
Barriers in communication and available resources to facilitate conversation about infertility with girls diagnosed with Turner syndrome
Authors: King Jessica E. , Plamondon Jenna , Counts Debra , Laney Dawn , Dixon Shannan DeLany
Published: October 2015

Delayed discussion about infertility with individuals affected by Turner syndrome (TS) has been found to result in psychological and social harm. The aim of this study was to identify barriers experienced when discussing infertility and determine resource types that may facilitate this conversation.

An electronic survey, given to caregivers of girls with TS diagnosed at <5 years.

Fifty percent of parents surveyed had spoken to their daughter about their possible infertility. Parents who had not yet discussed infertility with their daughter had younger daughters and reported more barriers in having the conversation. Although most individuals did not use resources to facilitate the conversation, they did express interest in additional resources.
Examples of numerical simulations of two-dimensional unsaturated flow with VS2DI code using different interblock conductivity averaging schemes
Authors: Szymkiewicz Adam , Tisler Witold , Burzyński Kazimierz
Published: October 2015

Flow in unsaturated porous media is commonly described by the Richards equation. This equation is strongly nonlinear due to interrelationships between water pressure head (negative in unsaturated conditions), water content and hydraulic conductivity. The accuracy of numerical solution of the Richards equation often depends on the method used to estimate average hydraulic conductivity between neighbouring nodes or cells of the numerical grid. The present paper discusses application of the computer simulation code VS2DI to three test problems concerning infiltration into an initially dry medium, using various methods for inter-cell conductivity calculation (arithmetic mean, geometric mean and upstream weighting). It is shown that the influence of the averaging method can be very large for coarse grid, but that it diminishes as cell size decreases. Overall, the arithmetic average produced the most reliable results for coarse grids. Moreover, the difference between results obtained with various methods is a convenient indicator of the adequacy of grid refinement.
Cross-Kerr nonlinearity: a stability analysis
Authors: Sarala Roope , Massel Francesco
Published: October 2015

We analyse the combined effect of the radiation-pressure and cross-Kerr nonlinearity on the stationary solution of the dynamics of a nanomechanical resonator interacting with an electromagnetic cavity. Within this setup,we show how the optical bistability picture induced by the radiation-pressure force is modi fied by the presence of the cross-Kerr interaction term. More specifically, we show how the optically bistable region, characterising the pure radiation-pressure case, is reduced by the presence of a cross-Kerr coupling term. At the same time, the upper unstable branch is extended by the presence of a moderate cross-Kerr term, while it is reduced for larger values of the cross-Kerr coupling.
Irrigation dose according to substrate characteristics, in hydroponic systems
Authors: Mavrogianopoulos Giorgos N.
Published: October 2015

The correct supply of water and nutrients is very
important in hydroponic growing systems in order to use
water and fertilizers efficiently and avoid stress situations.
Usually, in low-cost hydroponic greenhouses using open
hydroponic systems, the supply of water and nutrients is
performed with a constant irrigation frequency, changing
the dose to ensure that each irrigation cycle (each day)
delivers the amount of nutrient solution needed for the
plants, plus an additional 20 to 30% leaching fraction.
This type of irrigation control may result in suboptimal
conditions in many periods of time, although the total
amount of irrigation solution supplied to the crop may
be much larger than required. For an efficient irrigation
the present theoretical study proposes that in open hydroponic
systems there is a significant possibility to preserve
water and nutrients, by shifting the irrigation control from
a changeable irrigation dose according to evapotranspiration
to an irrigation dose calculated according to the
amount of used substrate in the bag, the characteristics
of the substrate and the salt concentration of used water.
The frequency of irrigation is recommended to be performed
according to evapotranspiration. The proposed
irrigation control is more rational than the currently used
control method as it takes into account the characteristics
on water holding capacity of the used substrates, resulting
to a conservation of fertilizers and water.
First Records Of Psilochilus Modestus And Elleanthus Hirtzii (Orchidaceae) From Colombia
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta
Published: October 2015

Two Orchidaceae species, Psilochilus modestus Barb. Rodr. and Elleanthus hirtzii Dodson, are reported for the first time from Colombia. Previously the latter orchid was reported only from Ecuador. Psilochilus modestus was known from Bolivia, Brazil and Venezuela. The morphological descriptions of the specimens from Colombia are complemented with brief notes on their diagnostic characters.
Five New Species Of Caucaea (Orchidaceae) From Colombia And Ecuador
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta
Published: October 2015

Five new species of Caucaea Schltr. (C. caucana Szlach. & Kolan., C. pichinchae Szlach. & Kolan., C. dodsoniana Szlach. & Kolan., C. pseudoandigena Szlach. & Kolan., C. duquei Szlach. & Kolan.) are described and illustrated. The taxonomic affinities of the new entities are discussed, and information about their habitat and ecology is provided. A key for identification of Caucaea species known from Colombia and Ecuador is provided.
Four New Species Of Heteranthocidium (Orchidaceae) From Colombia And Suriname
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Olędrzyńska Natalia , Kolanowska Marta
Published: October 2015

Four new species of Heteranthocidium Szlach., Mytnik & Romowicz are described and illustrated. Each morphological description is complemented with data on the species’ ecology and distribution. The taxonomic affinities of the novelties are briefly discussed.
Use of system approach in creation of educational electronic cartographic aids in Ukraine
Authors: Ostroukh Vitalii , Drohushevska Iryna
Published: October 2015

Through the example of State Scientific and Production Enterprise «Kartographia» the practical steps on publishing of educational electronic cartographic production in Ukraine are analysed. The main functions of using such products in the process of teaching as a key element of innovation techniques implementation into school education are defined. The authors represent the features of application of system approach to creation of electronic cartographic aids. The requirements to the educational electronic cartographic aids are related to the specific aspects of production tasks and technological solutions.

The most essential part of the process of creation of electronic aid is a methodic processing. The quality and efficiency of the aid are defined by it. Electronic aid general structure which includes a list of programme units, intermodular connections, terms and definitions for hyperlinks is a result of this processing.

Specificity of production tasks causes additional demands to creation of electronic aids. In the article authors consider the requirements and methodic approaches to the content, font style and color composition of electronic aids. Authors also present the recommendations for editor’s work.

Due to the use of system approach to the creation of electronic cartographic aids new models of planning or giving lessons can be used and modern instructional techniques can be implemented as a practical matter.
Issues related to waste sewage sludge drying under superheated steam
Authors: Hamawand Ihsan , Pereira da Silva Wilton , Eberhard Friederike , Antille Diogenes L.
Published: October 2015

Sewage sludge was dried in a rotary drum dryer under superheated steam. Particle size and moisture content were shown to have significant influences on sticking and agglomeration of the materials. Pouring partially dried sludge (70–80% moisture content, wet basis) directly into the screw feeder of the drum dryer resulted in a significant sticking to the surface of the drum and the final particle size of the product was greater than 100 mm in diameter. The moisture content of this product was slightly less than its initial value. To overcome this issue, the sludge was mixed with lignite at variety ratios and then chopped before being introduced to the feeding screw. It was found that mixing the sludge with lignite and then sieving the chopped materials through a four millimetre mesh sieve was the key to solve this issue. This technique significantly reduced both stickiness and agglomeration of the material. Also, this enabled for a significant reduction in moisture content of the final product.
The utilization of the mesoporous Ti-SBA-15 catalyst in the epoxidation of allyl alcohol to glycidol and diglycidyl ether in the water medium
Authors: Wróblewska Agnieszka , Makuch Edyta , Dzięcioł Małgorzata , Jędrzejewski Roman , Kochmański Paweł , Kochmańska Agnieszka , Kucharski Łukasz
Published: October 2015

This work presents the studies on the optimization the process of allyl alcohol epoxidation over the Ti-SBA-15 catalyst. The optimization was carried out in an aqueous medium, wherein water was introduced into the reaction medium with an oxidizing agent (30 wt% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide) and it was formed in the reaction medium during the processes. The main investigated technological parameters were: the temperature, the molar ratio of allyl alcohol/hydrogen peroxide, the catalyst content and the reaction time. The main functions the process were: the selectivity of transformation to glycidol in relation to allyl alcohol consumed, the selectivity of transformation to diglycidyl ether in relation to allyl alcohol consumed, the conversion of allyl alcohol and the selectivity of transformation to organic compounds in relation to hydrogen peroxide consumed. The analysis of the layer drawings showed that in water solution it is best to conduct allyl alcohol epoxidation in direction of glycidol (selectivity of glycidol 54 mol%) at: the temperature of 10–17°C, the molar ratio of reactants 0.5–1.9, the catalyst content 2.9–4.0 wt%, the reaction time 2.7–3.0 h and in direction of diglycidyl ether (selectivity of diglycidyl ether 16 mol%) at: the temperature of 18–33°C, the molar ratio of reactants 0.9–1.65, the catalyst content 2.0–3.4 wt%, the reaction time 1.7–2.6 h. The presented method allows to obtain two very valuable intermediates for the organic industry.
Encapsulation of L-ascorbic acid via polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-casein bioblends
Authors: Ozsagiroglu Erhan , Guvenilir Yuksel Avcibasi
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to encapsulate, L-ascorbic acid, in biopolymers in order to obtain (i) enhancing its encapsulation efficiency (ii) increasing drug release ratio using different pH mediums. Microparticles based on polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol and casein are prepared by spray drying technique. Microparticles are in vitro characterized in terms of yield of production, particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release. In this manner, the importance of the study is producing of a stable and effective drug encapsulation system by PCL-PEG-CS polymer mixture by spray dryer. We achieved minimum 27.540±0.656 μm particle size with 0.512 m2/g surface area, 84.05% maximum drug loading, and 68.92% drug release ratio at pH 9.6. Release profiles are fitted to previously developed kinetic models to differentiate possible release mechanisms. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model is the best described each release scenario, and the drug release is governed by non-Fickian diffusion at pH 9.6. Our study proposed as an alternative or adjuvants for controlling release of L-ascorbic acid.
Carbon-based acid catalyst from waste seed shells: preparation and characterization
Authors: Wang Li H. , Liu Hao , Li Li
Published: October 2015

A carbon-based solid acid catalyst was prepared by the sulfonation of carbonized seed shells of Jatropha curcas (J. curcas L.). The structure of amorphous carbon consisting of polycyclic aromatic carbon sheets attached a high density of acidic SO3H groups (2.0 mmol · g−1) was identified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The performance of the solid acid catalyst was evaluated for biodiesel production in the esterification of oleic acid with methanol. 95.7% yield of biodiesel was obtained after 2 h reaction and the conversions with reused catalyst varied in the range of 95.7% to 95.1%, showing better activity and stability than commercial catalyst amberlyst-46. It was also observed that the prepared catalyst showed enhanced activity in the transesterification of triolein with methanol when compared with other solid acid catalysts. A synergistic effect results from the high density of SO3H groups and the good access of reactants to the acidic sites can be used to explain the excellent catalytic activity, as well as the strong affinity between the hydrophilic reactants and the neutral OH groups bonded to the polycyclic aromatic carbon rings.
Reverse osmosis as one-step wastewater treatment: a case study on groundwater pollution
Authors: Ali Wajid , Ur Rehman Waheed , Younas Mohammad , Ahmad Muhammad Imran , Gul Saeed
Published: October 2015

The present case study is focused on performance evaluation of a Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane based pilot plant to treat the ground/surface drinking water sources polluted by flood, rivers and/or canals. The RO plant was designed, fabricated and then operated with polluted water. Two feed water samples having a TDS of 2.000 mg · L−1 and 10.000 mg · L−1 respectively, were taken and analyzed for physical, chemical and microbiological contaminants. The RO plant was run once through over a span of 100 hrs at an operating pressure of 15 bar. TDS rejections were found to be more than 94% while permeate flux was measured to be 25.82 L · m−2 · hr−1 to 40.55 L · m−2 · hr−1. Results show that RO plant has a potential to remove physical, chemical and microbiological contaminants like Total Coliform and E. Coli in one step.
Duplex selections, equilibrium points, and viability tubes
Authors: Kánnai Zoltán
Published: October 2015

Existence of viable trajectories to nonautonomous differential inclusions are proven for time-dependent viability tubes. In the convex case we prove a double-selection theorem and a new Scorza-Dragoni type lemma. Our result also provides a new and palpable proof for the equilibrium form of Kakutani’s fixed point theorem.
Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in elderly patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: single center experience
Authors: Ocvirk Janja , Moltara Maja Ebert , Mesti Tanja , Boc Marko , Rebersek Martina , Volk Neva , Benedik Jernej , Hlebanja Zvezdana
Published: October 2015

Background

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is mainly a disease of elderly, however, geriatric population is underrepresented in clinical trials. Patient registries represent a tool to assess and follow treatment outcomes in this patient population. The aim of the study was with the help of the patients’ register to determine the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in elderly patients who had previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer.

Patients and methods

The registry of patients with mCRC was designed to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy as well as selection of patients in routine clinical practice. Patient baseline clinical characteristics, pre-specified bevacizumab-related adverse events, and efficacy data were collected, evaluated and compared according to the age categories.

Results

Between January 2008 and December 2010, 210 patients with mCRC (median age 63, male 61.4%) started bevacizumab-containing therapy in the 1st line setting. Majority of the 210 patients received irinotecan-based chemotherapy (68%) as 1st line treatment and 105 patients (50%) received bevacizumab maintenance therapy. Elderly (≥ 70 years) patients presented 22.9% of all patients and they had worse performance status (PS 1/2, 62.4%) than patients in < 70 years group (PS 1/2, 35.8%). Difference in disease control rate was mainly due to inability to assess response in elderly group (64.6% in elderly and 77.8% in < 70 years group, p = 0.066). The median progression free survival was 10.2 (95% CI, 6.7–16.2) and 11.3 (95% CI, 10.2–12.6) months in elderly and < 70 years group, respectively (p = 0.58). The median overall survival was 18.5 (95% CI, 12.4–28.9) and 27.4 (95% CI, 22.7–31.9) months for elderly and < 70 years group, respectively (p = 0.03). Three-year survival rate was 26% and 37.6% in elderly vs. < 70 years group (p = 0.03). Overall rates of bevacizumab-related adverse events were similar in both groups: proteinuria 21/22 %, hypertension 25/19 %, haemorrhage 2/4 % and thromboembolic events 10/6 %, for elderly and < 70 years group, respectively.

Conclusions

In routine clinical practice, the combination of bevacizumab and chemotherapy is effective and well-tolerated regimen in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Estimation of cell response in fractionation radiotherapy using different methods derived from linear quadratic model
Authors: Nikzad Safoora , Hashemi Bijan , Mahmoudi Golshan , Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi Milad
Published: October 2015

Background. The aim of this study was to use various theoretical methods derived from the Linear Quadratic (LQ) model to calculate the effects of number of subfractions, time intervals between subfractions, dose per subfraction, and overall fraction time on the cells’ survival. Comparison of the results with experimental outcomes of melanoma and breast adenocarcinoma cells was also performed. Finally, the best matched method with experimental outcomes is introduced as the most accurate method in predicting the cell response.

Materials and methods. The most widely used theoretical methods in the literature, presented by Keall et al., Brenner, and Mu et al., were used to calculate the cells’ survival following radiotherapy with different treatment schemes. The overall treatment times were ranged from 15 to 240 minutes. To investigate the effects of number of subfractions and dose per subfraction, the cells’ survival after different treatment delivery scenarios were calculated through fixed overall treatment times of 30, 60 and 240 minutes. The experimental tests were done for dose of 4 Gy. The results were compared with those of the theoretical outcomes.

Results. The most affective parameter on the cells’ survival was the overall treatment time. However, the number of subfractions per fractions was another effecting parameter in the theoretical models. This parameter showed no significant effect on the cells’ survival in experimental schemes. The variations in number of subfractions per each fraction showed different results on the cells’ survival, calculated by Keall et al. and Brenner methods (P<0.05).

Conclusions. Mu et al. method can predict the cells’ survival following fractionation radiotherapy more accurately than the other models. Using Mu et al. method, as an accurate and simple method to predict the cell response after fractionation radiotherapy, is suggested for clinical applications.
The accuracy of alternative GDP growth forecasts: Do they represent a credible alternative to the official ones?
Authors: Šindelář Jiří
Published: October 2015

The paper deals with the accuracy of the real GDP growth forecasts produced by two Czech non-governmental institutions: the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS) and the Czech Banking Association (CBA) in the years 2007-2014 and 2011-2014 respectively. Utilizing a research method composed of simple (AFE), scale-dependent (RMSE) as well as relative (MASE) error measures, we found out that (i) CMKOS predictions achieved a lower forecasting error on average, beginning with a notable overestimation in the first turnover point from growth to decline (2008-2009), yet followed by gradual improvement resulting in superior accuracy over set benchmarks (Ministry of Finance, Czech National Bank, OECD) in later years (2010-2014). The CBA predictions, on the other hand, exhibited (ii) a high level of interconnection with official bodies (MF, CNB), but with overall inferior forecasting accuracy, despite the shorter time frame (2011-2014). Overall, the study suggests that of the two surveyed non-governmental bodies, only CMKOS forecasts represent a viable alternative to the official predictions published by the Ministry of Finance or the Czech National Bank, as CBA forecasts were found to be a less accurate satellite of these bodies.
Private Property in Communist Czechoslovakia
Authors: Demela Jan , Mikula Štěpán
Published: October 2015

This article analyses the development of legislation regarding private property in Czechoslovakia between 1948 and 1989 and summarizes available empirical data relating to property rights protection in the given period. Although the legislation took gradual steps towards diminishing the status of private property, no laws were passed that officially or entirely terminated its existence. The legislation of the 1960s set a status quo which codified property rights until the fall of the Communist regime in 1989. Most of the empirical data, which are available only for the 1980s, do not show any significant trend, corresponding with the unaltered situation in the legislation of that decade.
Romanian Allergology in the actual European context
Authors: Leru Polliana Mihaela , Deleanu Diana Mihaela
Published: October 2015

Allergic diseases represent an important health problem in the most of developed countries, due to continuous increasing prevalence, with significant individual and social consequences. Allergic diseases may raise serious problems in clinical practice, derived from complexity of clinical forms and mechanisms and from rising incidence of severe cases, with high fatality risk. Taking into consideration the dramatic increase of all allergies forms during the last decades, they are considered a real “epidemic” of the XXIst century, being classified by the World Health Organization as the fourth most frequent chronic diseases. The European authorities pay more attention to allergic diseases in last years and discuss the actual situation of the allergology specialty in different countries, with the aim of harmonization and improvement of medical assistance in this field. The aim of this paper is presentation of some relevant aspects of allergology specialty and practice in our country in the actual European context, mainly unmet needs and difficulties, taking into consideration recommendations and priorities recently issued by European authorities. We hope for a better recognition of the specialty and improved interdisciplinary collaboration.