bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Strain on Barium Titanate Epitaxial Films
Authors: Ong Lye Hock , Alrub A.M. , Chew Khian Hooi
Published: April 2013

Landau-Ginzburg free energy expression with the normalized coefficients is used to elucidate the phase transition properties of strained ferroelectric films. In particular, we investigate the need to include higher order free energy terms for epitaxial strained BaTiO3 thin films. Our study reveals that the inclusion of eighth-order expression into the free energy is crucial in determining the phase transition of highly-strained BaTiO3 epitaxial films normally grown on thick cubic substrates. The phase transition is found to be second order but the unstrained film undergoes the first order phase transition. On the order hand, the calculation based on the usual sixth-order Landau-Ginzburg expression show that the films have no phase transition, which is contrary to the experimental observations.
Novel Compact Interdigital Bandpass Filters with Multilayer Stepped Impedance Resonators/Folded Quarter–Wavelength Resonators
Authors: Wu Jia Min , Bai Tian , Lu Wen Zhong , Liang Fei , Luo Bin
Published: April 2013

Novel compact interdigital bandpass filters (BPFs) which used multilayer stepped impedance resonators (SIRs)/folded quarter–wavelength resonators were presented. Two measures were taken to reduce the sizes of the proposed filters. Firstly, two resonators (SIRs and folded quarter–wavelength resonators) with novel structures were designed. Secondly, all the designed resonators were located on different dielectric layers. The proposed interdigital BPFs, which were simulated with the high frequency structure simulator (HFSS), show excellent performance and could realize the miniaturization purpose. Furthermore, it is found that the proposed filter with folded quarter–wavelength resonators is more excellent in realizing miniaturization and improving performance than that with SIRs.
Structural, Dielectric and Electrical Studies of Ba4CaRTi3Nb7O30 (R = Eu, Dy) Ferroelectric System
Authors: Ganguly Prasun , Biradar A.M. , Jha A.K.
Published: April 2013

The polycrystalline samples of Ba4CaRTi3Nb7O30 (R = Eu, Dy), members of tungsten-bronze family, were prepared by high-temperature solid state reaction method and studied for their dielectric and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the formation of single-phase compounds having orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature. Microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the compounds have well defined grains, which are distributed uniformly throughout the sample. Detailed dielectric properties of the compounds as a function of frequency and temperature show that the compounds undergo non-relaxor kind of ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition of diffuse nature. Ferroelectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric studies of the compounds have been discussed in this paper. The temperature dependence of dc conductivity of the compounds have been investigated. The conductivity study over a wide temperature range suggests that the compounds have negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behaviour.
Structural Phase Transformation in SiC and PtC under Pressure
Authors: Singh Sadhna , Abdul Shukoor V. , Faisal Shareef M.
Published: April 2013

The study of pressure induced structural phase transition of silicon carbide and platinum carbide which crystallize in zinc blende structure (B3), has been carried out using the well described three body interaction potential model (TBIPM). Our present TBIP model consists of long range Coulombic, three body interaction and the short range overlap repulsive forces operative up to next nearest neighbor ions. These materials exhibit a first order phase transition from their ZnS (B3) to NaCl (B1) structure. The phase transition pressure for SiC and PtC are 94.5 GPa and 50GPa respectively.
Thermal Expansion and Specific Heat of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Material Bi1-xSrxMnO3 in Orthorhombic Perovskite Phase
Authors: Srivastava Archana , Gaur N.K.
Published: April 2013

With the objective of exploring the unknown thermodynamic phase diagram of Bi1-xSrxMnO3 family, we present here an investigation of the temperature-dependent (10K < T < 900K) thermodynamic behavior of Bi1-xSrxMnO3 (x=0.25, 0.30, 0.50). We report here probably for the first time the thermal expansion and specific heat along with other thermal properties of strontium doped perovskite manganite BiMnO3. The specific heat values revealed by using RIM are in closer agreement with the available experimental data for some concentrations (x) of Bi1-xSrxMnO3. In addition, the results on the cohesive energy (f) in orthorhombic perovskite phase, molecular force constant (¦), Reststrahlen frequency (no) and Gruneisen parameter (g) are also presented.
Effect of Rare Earth Oxides on the Temperature Characteristics of BaTiO3-Based Ceramics
Authors: Tang Bin , Zhang Shu Ren , Liang Jian , Liu Zhe , Hu Wen Chen
Published: April 2013

Effect of rare earth oxides (Y, Nd, Gd, Ho, Yb, Er, Pr, Dy, La, Ce) on the temperature characteristics of BaTiO3(BT)-Nb2O5-ZnO ceramics was investigated. It was found that, according to the effect on the dielectric constant peaks at 40°C and 127°C of BT ceramics, the doping rare earth oxides can be divided into three categories. The different doping effects of rare earth oxides on the temperature capacitance variation of BT ceramics can be explained by the change of the volume fraction of grain core and grain shell in the core-shell structure. BT ceramics sintered at 1140°C in air have the following properties: ε25°C>3300, tanδ≤1.0%, ρ≥1012 Ω•cm and ΔC/C(-55 to +125°C)≤±10%.
Rock Properties versus Blades and Grit Consumption in Granite Multi Blade Sawing Process
Authors: da Silva Hieres Vettorazzi , Castro Nuria F. , Coppedê Rosana Elisa
Published: April 2013

Among the dimensional stone production processes, block splitting into slabs is very important in terms of time, costs and quality of final products. The world’s leading reference equipment for granite block cutting is the multi blade gang saw, in which sawing is the consequence of the combined action of a set of steel blades settled in an oscillating frame and an abrasive slurry containing water, steel shot and lime or bentonite. As the blades enter the block, stone powder is added to the abrasive slurry and as commercial granites include very different rock types, slurry characteristics also depend on the rock nature. Consequently, parameters of the cutting process have great variability. Depending on those parameters, the steel blades and shot are worn out differently during this process having great influence on costs. Due to its complexity, stone cutting mechanisms are still not well understood but compression, abrasion, impact and stone characteristics seem to influence the most. Aiming to help with the understanding of that process and based on previous studies, this work intends to establish correlations between granite petrographic and technological characteristics and steel blades and shot consumption. Laboratorial studies that include petrographic analysis, physical indexes measurement, and abrasion, impact and compression standardized testing of a selected group of stones are being crossed over with steel blades and steel shot consumption measurements in gang saws from several Brazilian processing companies. Although it is a study in progress, preliminary results show a relationship between the characteristics of selected stones and steel blades and shot consumption within the sawing process. The higher the quartz contents of the rock the higher its abrasion resistance, which results in higher consumption of steel shot during sawing. It can be also pointed out that beyond quartz and k-feldspar contents, microfissures seem to have influence on compression strength of the stones and this strength is directly related to the steel blades consumption. This can allow not only a better understanding of slabs production in multi blade gang saws process, but also to improve that process control.
Use of Waste from Ornamental Stones Processing in Landscaping Blocks
Authors: Cattabriga Leonardo , Ribeiro Roberto Carlos da Conceição
Published: April 2013

The State of Espírito Santo (Southeastern Region of Brazil) produces about 80% of Brazilian exports of natural Stones, which are mainly directed to European countries and the USA. The city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim and the surroundings account for about 90% of the State’s production. The mineral sector is the main economic activity in the area and responsible for the generation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Before the finished products reach the market, blocks, extracted from the quarries, go through several processes as splitting, cutting and polishing. Each one of those stages generates a substantial quantity of waste in the form of mud. Estimation for Cachoeiro de Itapemirim is around 60,000 tons/month of that kind of waste. The main objective of this work was the construction of low cost landscaping blocks, using residues of marbles and granites processing, from companies located in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim. It also aims to test their use in degraded areas, with a high degree of slope that are resulting from erosion and human activity, thus stabilizing the slope and minimizing future landslides. Waste was used in the form of mud, with fine particle size, mixed with cement and sand, in varying proportions to produce landscaping blocks. Physical indexes, visual inspection, dimensional verification, compression strength, flexural strength, and mineralogical and chemical analyses were obtained for the blocks. The results are positive regarding mechanical resistance.
"Schist" from Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (NE of Portugal): Potential Use as Natural Stone
Authors: Carvalho Cristina , Aires Sílvia , Noronha Fernando , Casal Moura António , Farinha Ramos João
Published: April 2013

The main purpose of this work was to increase the knowledge about the geological resources of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region (TMAD), particularly about their “schists” (slate, phyllite and schist), due to the economic and social effects that their mining and processing can have, not only on the local economy, but also on a national level. This work presents the results of the study conducted on “schists” from TMAD, aiming for their use as natural stone. Special emphasis is given on the results obtained from the following physical and mechanical tests: compressive strength, flexural strength, apparent density, open porosity, water absorption, abrasion resistance and resistance to ageing by thermal shock. These tests were determinant to define the most suitable applications for each schistose stone that was studied, taking into account the existing groups of natural stone products. For defining the recommended applications for each “schist”, European standards for natural stone products were considered, as well as technical specifications that exist in some European countries, which were the basis for the establishment of a proposal of technical specifications for Portugal, already published by one of the authors of this work.
Development of a Tourist Route around the Mining Heritage of the Estremoz Anticline
Authors: Lopes Luís , Martins Ruben , Falé Patrícia , Passos João , Bilou Francisco , Branco Manuel , Pereira Manuel Francisco
Published: April 2013

The areas of the counties of Estremoz, Borba and Vila Viçosa, traditionally and since ancient times, have been a major region for extraction of marbles for use as a dimension stone in Portugal. The geological evolution of the Iberian Peninsula allowed the formation, in Alto Alentejo, of one of the World’s most important and famous marble deposits. The Estremoz Anticline, about 42 km long and 8 km in maximum width, is an impressive place where the strength and ingenuity of Man has been used for decades to turn the “land upside down”. The 27 km2 where the marble is concentrated is a place with a high density of quarries that have an unavoidable environmental impact, leaving stone exposed or accumulated in large tips, side-by-side with the Alentejo plains of wheat fields and olive trees. It is impossible to fully rehabilitate this area either for economic or strategic reasons, but it can be considered as resource for the promotion and development of industrial and scientific tourism and artistic and cultural events. A survey of the assets of the region has been undertaken and a wide variety of organizations and the industry are collaborating in planning a route and activities for the region.
Energy Analysis in the Natural Stone Manufacturing Process
Authors: González-Penella Vicente J. , Beltrán Berenguer Francisco , Martínez Verdú Jaime , Guillem López Celia , López-Buendía Ángel M. , Martínez-Mingote Navarro Javier
Published: April 2013

The current socio-economic situation, characterized by energy problems and environmental concerns, urgently requires an innovative intervention. Such action should be carried out in order to improve competitiveness and the strength of companies in general, and those belonging to the natural stone sector in particular. Production processes provide the largest source of data within a factory and it is therefore necessary to carry out an energy analysis, as it is a prerequisite for informed decision-making. This energy analysis would identify those areas where most energy is consumed. Consequently, an energy analysis was conducted on two of the most representative production processes (slab and tile production). First of all, researchers analysed each stage of the production process using IDEF0 standard notation. Previously, the power consumption was monitored from both electrical and thermal perspective and, using several energy indicators, an energy balance had been carried out. As a result of this analysis, the significance of electricity compared to gas was clearly identified; the analysis also showed that cutting and abrasive processes were more critical from an electrical point of view (in that order). Another important finding was that related to thermal energy: reinforcement processes were those with the greatest significance (and in particular those performed in ovens). Based on the conclusions of the energy analysis, it was possible to establish new research lines: design of cutting disc and multiblade framesaws, microwave curing technology applications, etc. Those research lines would therefore provide the most significant beneficial effects on the environment and energy saving and, hence, companies can overcome the current economic situation.
Indium Tin Oxide Films Grown at Room Temperature by RF-Magnetron Sputtering in Oxygen-Free Environment
Authors: Kudryashov Dmitry , Gudovskikh Alexander , Zelentsov Kirill
Published: April 2013

Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) thin films were grown at room temperature (RT) in oxygen-free environment by rf-magnetron sputtering on glass and Si(100)-substrates. The effects of argon pressure, sputtering power and film thickness on the electrical and optical properties of ITO films were investigated. For a 100 nm thick ITO films grown at RT in argon pressure 1.95∙10-3 mbar and sputtering power of 50 W, the transmittance was near 90% at 500 nm and resistivity was 5.4∙10-4 Ohm∙cm. It has been shown that the sputtering power plays an important role in electric properties of ITO films. SEM images of these samples show smooth surface with sharp substrate/ITO interface.
Electronic Structure and Luminescence Spectroscopy of M'Bi(MoO4)2 (M' = Li, Na, K), LiY(MoO4)2 and NaFe(MoO4)2 Molybdates
Authors: Hizhnyi Yuriy , Nedilko S.G. , Chornii V. , Nikolaenko T. , Zatovsky I.V. , Terebilenko K.V. , Boiko R.
Published: April 2013

The mechanisms of intrinsic luminescence in the set of molybdate crystals of MIMIII(MoO4)2 (MI = Li, Na, K; MIII =Bi, Y, Fe) type are revealed in complex experimental and theoretical studies. The luminescence spectroscopy under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron excitations is applied together with the electronic structure calculations carried out by the FLAPW method. The energy gaps (Eg) values of the crystals are determined in simultaneous analysis of diffuse reflectance and luminescence excitation spectra. It is found that the molybdate groups MoO42- play a dominant role in the processes of intrinsic luminescence in studied molybdate compounds
Novel KDP-ADP Nanocomposites
Authors: Ciżman A. , Rysiakiewicz-Pasek Ewa , Kutrowska J. , Poprawski R.
Published: April 2013

The influence of the size effect on the features of ADP-KDP-porous glasses composites was studied. The dielectric permittivity results of mixed ADP and KDP embedded into porous glasses with different average pore sizes in a wide temperature range are presented. The data obtained indicate that pore size affects the nature of the dielectric anomaly in the vicinity of phase transition regions.
Magneto-Optic Eddy Current Introscopy Based on Garnet Films
Authors: Vishnevskii Victor , Berzhansky Vladimir N. , Mikhailov Vladislav , Pankov Fyodor , Nedviga Alexandr , Nesteruk Alexandr
Published: April 2013

Magneto-optic eddy current introscopy device based on garnet films with stroboscopic illumination is described. Experiment was done with liquid-phase epitaxy garnet films with composition (Bi,Eu,Lu)3(Fe,Ga,Al)5O12 and (Bi,Tm)3(Fe,Ga)5O12, crystallographic orientation (111).
Mechanical Properties of Free-Standing Porous Anodic Alumina Films
Authors: Ignashev Eugene , Shulgov Vladimir
Published: April 2013

The flexural strength and microhardness of free-standing anodic alumina films obtained from the one-sided anodization of aluminum are discussed. The films formed of high-pure aluminum were shown to have maximum flexural strength. Even a small amount of impurities decreases the flexural strength of the resulting free-standing anodic alumina films to be associated with their higher defectiveness. The microhardness of thick films of anodic alumina measured on the side of a barrier layer is independent of the film thickness, and this measured on the side of the porous layer decreases continuosly from 5.39-5.88 GPa to 2.94 GPa when the film thickness increases from 50 to 500 μm. The microhardness of thin (<100 μm) films of porous anodic alumina was studied as well. When the samples were immovable in the electrolyte during the anodization, the microhardness of the resulting films is low and varies from 0.93 to 1.86 GPa. When the samples moved in the electrolyte occasionally during the anodization, the microhardness of the resulting films increases to 1.67 – 2.45 GPa. When the samples moved in the electrolyte continuously during the anodization, the microhardness of the resulting films increases to 2.45 - 3.43 GPa. This is associated with the rate of the heat removal from the sample (the oxidation rate) during the anodization. The microhardness of the free-standing porous anodic alumina films formed of low binary alloys of aluminum is lower than one of films formed of high-pure aluminum.
Thermal Expansion, Oxygen Non-Stoichiometry and Diffusion Mobility in some Ferrites-Nickelites
Authors: Vashook Vladimir , Rebello Jean , Chen J.Y. , Vasylechko Leonid , Trots Dmytro , Zosel J. , Guth Ulrich
Published: April 2013

Crystal structure,thermal expansion, oxygen non-stoichiometry, electrical conductivity and diffusion characteristics of two analogous LaFe0.7Ni0.3O3‑d and PrFe0.7Ni0.3O3‑d compositions were investigated depending on temperature (201000 °C) and oxygen partial pressure (0.6–21000 Pa). The found oxygen diffusion and oxygen exchange coefficients for the both compositions at similar conditions are near to each other and varied in the range of 110‑7110‑5 cm2s‑1 and 510‑6110‑4 cms‑1, respectively.
The cutting edge in the blunt space: an anthropological construct of auxiliary nurse midwives’ social world in the community
Authors: Kumar Avanish , Mahapatro Meerambika
Published: April 2013

Auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) are the most peripheral health providers and manage the rural health sub-centre in a community. They mediate directly between the community and the health system for the management of Maternal and Child Health Programme in India. The purpose of this study was to find out the role of cultural factors, such as ANMs’ caste, age, marital status, being non-resident in the working village and other social factors regarding their acceptance in the community. The study is exploratory and qualitative. The area of study was a multi-caste remote village, Mavaibhachan, in Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and fieldwork notes taken during and immediately after the interviews with ANMs, and thematically analyzed. Our results show that if ANMs belong to a different caste group, do not live in the working village and are relatively younger, they are socially insecure and stressed and the community hardly accepts them. Despite direct interface with the community, their social status and lowest position in the health system is reflected in acceptability and recognition. The position of ANMs needs to be strengthened, within society and the health system. In order to make public health services effective and efficient the health system has to reduce stratification based on role and status.
Cui narro haec? Augustine and his Manichaean audience: A re-reading of the first three books of the Confessions
Authors: Kotzé Annemaré
Published: April 2013

The issue of intended audience in the first three books of Augustine’s Confessions is investigated in light of the presence of terms and phrases that may have had special connotations for potential Manichaean readers. This is done against the background of definitions of protreptic and paraenetic, which typically revolve around audience location and communicative purpose. Although it has become commonplace to refer to the Confessions as a protreptic the work displays a number of characteristics more in line with current mainstream definitions of paraenetic, amongst other things, by assuming the stance of addressing insiders in agreement with the author’s world view. It is argued that the type of reader most receptive to the insider stance and allusion to the Old Testament on the one hand and to the Manichaean material on the other, would be a Manichaean apostate recently converted to Catholic Christianity.
God, memory and beauty: A Manichaean analysis of Augustine’s Confessions, Book X
Authors: Van Oort Johannes
Published: April 2013

The article first sketches some main trends in the recent study of Augustine’s Confessions as a work aimed at Manichaean readers. It then detects and analyses the Manichaean-inspired parts in Book X of the Confessions. Augustine’s famous theory of memory seems to be directly inspired by Manichaean concepts such as found in the Coptic Manichaean Kephalaia. The article end with a number of conclusions.
Awareness campaigns as survival tools in the fight against gender-based violence in peri-urban communities of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe
Authors: Damba Glory , Lunga Wilfred , Musarurwa Charles
Published: April 2013

Most of Zimbabwe’s urban settlements owe their existence to mining activities; hence most peri-urban communities around Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, are mining communities. However, research in these mining communities has shown that there is little focus on the strengthening of community dynamics that help members to cope with the challenges associated with Gender-Based Violence. Psychosocial support rarely arrives in time to effectively cover gaps left by traditional coping strategies. This paper presents and discusses experiences and insights accumulated from awareness campaigns meant to sensitise people about the nature and scope of gender-based violence. This article is a culmination of focus group discussions, informal interviews and participant observation as efforts were made towards capacity building for community members’ abilities to identify forms of risky behaviour associated with gender-based violence, and the appropriate actions members could take should they find themselves in such situations. In short, this article discusses the conceptualisation of domestic and gender violence as a risk, forms of gender-based violence, the rationale behind campaigns to reduce the internalisation of gender-based violence, and challenges faced in inculcating behaviour change efforts.
The relationship between servant leadership, affective team commitment and team effectiveness
Authors: Mahembe Bright , Engelbrecht Amos S.
Published: April 2013

Orientation: Value-based leadership practices play a critical role in teamwork in high-performance organisations. Research purpose: The aim of the study was to empirically validate a theoretical model explicating the structural relationships between servant leadership, affective team commitment and team effectiveness. Motivation for the study: The increased eliance on teams for production calls for an analysis of the role of follower-focused leadership practices in enhancing eam effectiveness.Research design, approach and method: A non-probabilityand multicultural sample consisting of 202 primary and secondary school teachers was drawn from 32 chools in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.Main findings: High levels of reliability were found and uni-dimensionality of the subscales was demonstrated through exploratory factor analyses. Good fit with the data was found for the measurement models through confirmatory factor analyses. Structural equation modelling showed a reasonable fit for the structural model. Positive relationships were found amongst servant leadership, team effectiveness and affective team commitment. Standard multiple regression analysis showed that affective team commitment moderated the relationship between servant leadership and team effectiveness.Practical/managerial implications: The findings emphasise the central role played by servant leadership and affective team commitment in team performance. Servant leadership fosters team effectiveness if employees feel committed to their work team.Contribution/value-add: The servant leadership style alone may not be a sufficient condition for team effectiveness; other variables, such as affective team commitment, also play a role. The study suggested specific variables that may also combine with leadership to positively influence team effectiveness.
Coupling bioturbation activity to metal (Fe and Mn) profiles in situ
Authors: Teal L. R. , Parker E. R. , Solan M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The relative contributions that species assemblages, abiotic variables, and their interactions with one another make to ecosystem properties are recognised but are seldom considered simultaneously, within context, and at the appropriate spatio-temporal scales. Here, we combine fluorescent time-lapse sediment profile imaging (f-SPI) and diffusion gradient thin gels (DGT) to examine, in situ, the link between an important benthic ecosystem process (bioturbation) and the availability (profiles) of Fe and Mn. Whilst the combination of these methodologies (fg-SPI) was successful in gathering high-resolution in situ data of bioturbation activity and Fe/Mn profiles simultaneously, we show that the mechanistic basis of how the infaunal community mediate Fe and Mn is difficult to reconcile because of the spatio-temporal differences between particle and porewater mixing. This mismatch means that the consideration of these mechanistic processes in isolation is likely to limit our interpretative capacity of how infaunal communities mediate various biogeochemical processes in the natural environment. Moreover, the combination of multiple technologies, process based simulation modelling and generalised additive statistical modelling achieved here, emphasises the importance of simultaneously considering additional factors that influence benthic chemistry, in particular bioirrigation and tidal flushing of the sediment profile. Our findings highlight a pressing need to determine how the relative importance of multiple abiotic and biotic factors act in concert to alter major biogeochemical pathways across a variety of contexts and habitats.
Modelling the sensitivity of soil mercury storage to climate-induced changes in soil carbon pools
Authors: Hararuk O. , Obrist D. , Luo Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Substantial amounts of mercury (Hg) in the terrestrial environment reside in soils and are associated with soil organic carbon (C) pools, where they accumulated due to increased atmospheric deposition resulting from anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to examine potential sensitivity of surface soil Hg pools to global change variables, particularly affected by predicted changes in soil C pools, in the contiguous US. To investigate, we included a soil Hg component in the Community Land Model based on empirical statistical relationships between soil Hg / C ratios and precipitation, latitude, and clay; and subsequently explored the sensitivity of soil C and soil Hg densities (i.e., areal-mass) to climate scenarios in which we altered annual precipitation, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and temperature. Our model simulations showed that current sequestration of Hg in the contiguous US accounted for 15 230 metric tons of Hg in the top 0–40 cm of soils, or for over 300 000 metric tons when extrapolated globally. In the simulations, US soil Hg pools were most sensitive to changes in precipitation because of strong effects on soil C pools, plus a direct effect of precipitation on soil Hg / C ratios. Soil Hg pools were predicted to increase beyond present-day values following an increase in precipitation amounts and decrease following a reduction in precipitation. We found pronounced regional differences in sensitivity of soil Hg to precipitation, which were particularly high along high-precipitation areas along the West and East Coasts. Modelled increases in CO2 concentrations to 700 ppm stimulated soil C and Hg accrual, while increased air temperatures had small negative effects on soil C and Hg densities. The combined effects of increased CO2, increased temperature and increased or decreased precipitation were strongly governed by precipitation and CO2 showing pronounced regional patterns. Based on these results, we conclude that the combination of precipitation and CO2 should be emphasised when assessing how climate-induced changes in soil C may affect sequestration of Hg in soils.
Model sensitivity to North Atlantic freshwater forcing at 8.2 ka
Authors: Morrill C. , LeGrande A. N. , Renssen H. , Bakker P. , Otto-Bliesner B. L.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We compared four simulations of the 8.2 ka event to assess climate model sensitivity and skill in responding to North Atlantic freshwater perturbations. All of the simulations used the same freshwater forcing, 2.5 Sv for one year, applied to either the Hudson Bay (northeastern Canada) or Labrador Sea (between Canada's Labrador coast and Greenland). This freshwater pulse induced a decadal-mean slowdown of 10–25% in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) of the models and caused a large-scale pattern of climate anomalies that matched proxy evidence for cooling in the Northern Hemisphere and a southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The multi-model ensemble generated temperature anomalies that were just half as large as those from quantitative proxy reconstructions, however. Also, the duration of AMOC and climate anomalies in three of the simulations was only several decades, significantly shorter than the duration of ~150 yr in the paleoclimate record. Possible reasons for these discrepancies include incorrect representation of the early Holocene climate and ocean state in the North Atlantic and uncertainties in the freshwater forcing estimates.
Investigating γ H2AX as a Biomarker of Radiosensitivity Using Flow Cytometry Methods
Authors: Beaton Lindsay A. , Marro Leonora , Malone Shawn , Samiee Sara , Grimes Scott , Malone Kyle , Wilkins Ruth C.
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose. This project examined the in vitro  γH2AX response in lymphocytes of prostate cancer patients who had a radiosensitive response after receiving radiotherapy. The goal of this project was to determine whether the γH2AX response, as measured by flow cytometry, could be used as a marker of individual patient radiosensitivity. Materials and Methods. Patients were selected from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the optimal timing of Dose Escalated Radiation and short-course Androgen Deprivation Therapy. Of 438 patients, 3% developed Grade 3 late radiation proctitis and were considered to be radiosensitive. Blood was drawn from 10 of these patients along with 20 matched samples from patients with Grade 0 proctitis. Dose response curves up to 10 Gy along with time response curves after 2 Gy (0–24 h) were generated for each sample. The γH2AX response in lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results. There were no significant differences between the radiosensitive and control samples for either the dose course or the time course. Conclusions. Although γH2AX response has previously been demonstrated to be an indicator of individual patient radiosensitivity, flow cytometry lacks the sensitivity necessary to distinguish any differences between samples from control and radiosensitive patients.
Unique pharmacist competency program at community-based, teaching hospitals
Authors: Tran Tu T. , El-Ibiary Shareen , Tindula Robert , Rai Neepa , Nguyen Austin , Le Jennifer
Published: April 2013

Background: The pharmacy profession continues to evolve and shape itself with increasing complexity. With this escalating complexity, pharmacist clinical competency needs to be addressed within each healthcare practice setting. The objectives of this study were to describe a unique pharmacist competency program and evaluate its satisfaction at two community hospitals. Methods: Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach are tertiary community hospitals with 308 total beds for Millers Children’s Hospital and 462 total beds for Long Beach Memorial. A unique and intensive pharmacist competency program has been established at these hospitals for over 20 years. The content of this program was assessed and a survey was conducted in March 2011 to ascertain pharmacist satisfaction. Results: The unique pharmacist competency program was structured in the form of age-related, hospital-wide and unit specific modules, pharmacy-regulated therapies (PRT), and a Pharmacy Skills Day that provide updates on PRT and other pharmacy-related topics. Forty-two of 61 (69%) pharmacists responded to the survey. Mean age of pharmacists was 38.8 ± 11.5 years, 36% were male, 86% completed residency training, and 12% were board-certified pharmacotherapy specialists. Over 80% of pharmacists agreed that the program was informative and supportive of their daily patient care activities. Although the program was well-received by the pharmacists, there were facets of the program that needed improvement, including resources for continuing education opportunities and additional modules for competency. Conclusion: A unique pharmacist competency program at two community hospitals was described. The program was well-received by the pharmacists, and, more importantly, ensured continuous professional development in pharmacy practice.
The occurrence of Ganoderma spores in the air and its relationships with meteorological factors
Authors: Grinn-Gofroń Agnieszka
Published: April 2013

According to a recent study, Ganoderma may be the third genus, after Alternaria and Cladosporium, whose spores cause symptoms of allergy and whose levels are directly related to meteorological factors. There are only few articles from different parts of the world about the relationships between Ganoderma spore count and meteorological factors. The aim of the study was to review all available publications about airborne Ganoderma spores and to compare the results in a short useful form.
Effects of culture conditions on the growth and morphology of 20 strains of Drechslera avenae (Eidam) Scharif
Authors: Cegiełko Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

Growth and sporulation of 20 single-spore isolates of Drechslera avenae grown on different agar media were investigated at 24°C and 11°C. Four different agar media were used - water agar (WA, 20 g agar x l-1), maltose-peptone agar (MPA, 20 g maltose from Difco, 2.5 g peptone, 20 g agar x l-1), potatodextrose agar (PDA, from Difco, 39 g x l-1), and rye agar (RA). The isolates were evaluated in respect of growth, colony colour, and formation of morphological structures. The study showed differences between isolates in respect of colony growth, depending on culture conditions. Comparing macroscopic features of all D. avenae isolates tested, three groups of strains formed equal colonies and four individual strains were separated. Generally, most strains, except strains number: 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13 and 17, grew faster on all agar media at 24°C than at 11°C. In case of D. avenae isolates, hyphal growth was the fastest on MPA medium and the slowest on WA. All strains investigated produced typical conidiophores and conidia both at 24°C and 11°C, but at 24°C earlier sporulation was observed. MPA and RA were the best media for the sporulation of D. avenae strains. Sporulation of this species was the latest on WA.
Selected aspects of tiny vetch [Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray S.F.] seed ecology: generative reproduction and effects of seed maturity and seed storage on seed germination
Authors: Kucewicz Magdalena , Maćkiewicz Katarzyna , Źróbek-Sokolnik Anna
Published: April 2013

Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray S.F. (tiny vetch) is a common and persistent segetal weed. Tiny vetch seeds and pods reach different stages of maturity during the crop harvest season. Some seeds that mature before cereal harvest are shed in the field and deposited in the soil seed bank, while others become incorporated into seed material. The objective of this study was to describe selected aspects of tiny vetch seed ecology: to determine the rate of individual reproduction of vetch plants growing in winter and spring grain crops and to evaluate the germination of seeds at different stages of maturity, subject to storage conditions. The seeds and pods of V. hirsuta were sorted according to their development stages at harvest and divided into two groups. The first group was stored under laboratory conditions for two months. In the autumn of the same year, the seeds were subjected to germination tests. The remaining seeds were stored in a storeroom, and were planted in soil in the spring. The germination rate was evaluated after 8 months of storage. Potential productivity (developed pods and flowers, fruit buds) was higher in plants fruiting in winter wheat than in spring barley. Vetch plants produced around 17-26% more pods (including cracked, mature, greenish-brown and green pods) and around 25% less buds in winter wheat than in spring barley. Immature seeds were characterized by the highest germination capacity. Following storage under laboratory conditions and stratification in soil, mature seeds germinated at a rate of several percent. After storage in a storeroom, seeds at all three development stages broke dormancy at a rate of 72- 75%. The high germination power of tiny vetch seeds stored in a storeroom indicates that this plant can be classified as an obligatory speirochoric weed species.
The species richness of the flora of selected sections of the Mietiułka river in the Polesie National Park
Authors: Pogorzelec Magdalena
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to conduct an environmental evaluation of 6 selected sections of the improved Mietiułka River, which included an inventory and analysis of the vascular flora associated directly with this watercourse. The results of the study have shown that the flora of the study area is diverse in taxonomic, syntaxonomic and ecological terms, and that it comprises both typical aquatic plants and species characteristic of the habitats surrounding the river. In the flora found in the study sectors, a total of 114 vascular plant species was identified, which come from 42 botanical families, 15 syntaxonomic classes and belong to different ecological groups. Hemicryptophytes, spontaneophytes, species neutral to continentality as well as species included in the phytochorion with boreal elements: Euro-Siberian subelement, were clearly predominant in the species composition of the flora of all the study sectors. The macrophytes commonly found in Poland had the largest proportion. One species with a small number of stands in the country - water dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa) - as well as two species threatened with extinction, Sagittaria sagittifolia and Hypochoeris glabra, were recorded.
Using the results of a nationwide phenological network to examine the impact of changes in phenology of plant species on the concentration of plant pollen in the air
Authors: Jabłońska Katarzyna , Rapiejko Piotr
Published: April 2013

The application of phenological data together with meteorological and pollen data in a comprehensive analysis gives an opportunity to draw conclusions on variability of the starting date of the pollen season and its dynamics in terms of meteorological factors. It is quite important especially due to the fact that studies conducted all over Europe have proved that species phenology responds to climate warming trends. There has been observed a tendency to an earlier onset of spring flowering and leafing as well as the lengthening of the growing season. Although phenological network studies differ with regard to regions, species, events observed and applied methods, their data show a clear temperature-driven extension of the growing season by up to 2 weeks in the second half of the 20th century in mid- and high northern latitudes; for example, in Germany changes in timing of phenological spring events have been estimated at about -1.6 days / decade, while in Switzerland: -2.3 days / decade. Despite interannual variability in flowering date, caused by specific meteorological conditions each year, long-time series of phenological data from the area of Poland have proved that hazel flowering occurred in the surroundings of Warsaw later in the 50's (third decade of March) than it is observed at the beginning of the 21st century (second decade of March). There is a lack of such long time series of pollen data, but we can suspect that the hazel pollen season has changed similarly to the time pattern of its flowering. Plants are very sensitive to weather conditions, therefore it is important to know as precisely as possible the impact of meteorological conditions on a plant's reactions. The determination of thermal thresholds for a specific plant's reactions may be beneficial for this purpose. The estimated value of Positive Degree Days (PDD> 50), which caused the first Corylus flowers (F2 phenophase) to bloom in the study years, requires testing in future years to make the threshold values credible.
Morphology of uredinia and urediniospores of the fungus Melampsora larici-epitea Kleb. a damaging pathogen of common osier (Salix viminalis L.) in Poland
Authors: Ciszewska-Marciniak Joanna , Jędryczka Małgorzata , Jeżowski Stanisław , Przyborowski Jerzy , Wojciechowicz Katarzyna , Zenkteler Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

Rust (Melampsora spp.) is a damaging disease of willows (Salix spp.), including common osier (S. viminalis L.). So far, the pathogens of this species found in Europe were identified as M. larici-epitea Kleb. or M. ribesii-viminalis Kleb. Moreover, a stem infecting form (SIF), deprived of a sexual stage in its life cycle was reported. The aim of this study was to find out which species of the rust fungi cause disease symptoms on common osier in Poland. The isolates from common osier were compared to the ones originating from its putative hybrids with trembling aspen (Populus tremula L.) and Simon's poplar (P. simonii Carr.). Fungal isolates were obtained in 2008-2010 from 15 different genotypes of willows, including seven varieties of common osier (4 Swedish and 3 Polish), two landraces of common osier and six putative hybrids with poplars. Fungal isolates originated from three experiment sites, including west (Wielkopolska and Lubuskie) and north-east (Warmia) regions of Poland. To ensure the genetic uniformity, the isolates were derived from single uredinia, obtained from natural infection conditions. In all collected samples the position of uredinia was always hypophyllous. The diameter of uredinia was measured by Sigma Scan Pro software, after inoculation of four standard genotypes, including two common osier and two willow hybrids. The studies proved that the main cause of common osier rust is Melampsora larici-epitea f. typica. All studied isolates, including the ones obtained on putative hybrids, were very similar according to the size of uredinia and the size and morphology of urediniospores. The average size of a uredinium was 1.1 mm diameter and slightly differed between the isolates (from 0.9 to 1.3 mm), depending on willow genotype, the quality of plant material used for artificial inoculations and infection conditions. The average size of a typical urediniospore was 12.4 x 10.5 µm, but the sizes varied from 9.8 to 13.2 µm. Urediniospores from common osier were slightly bigger and more oval (12.5 x 10.4 µm) as compared to spores from the putative hybrids Salix x Populus (12.3 x 10.6 µm), but the differences were statistically insignificant. The spores were ovoid, globoid or angular, evenly echinulated. The size of uredinia, as well as the size and morphology of urediniospores were in full agreement with literature data for M. larici-epitea f. typica.
Productivity and seed health of husked oats (Avena sativa L.) grown under different soil moisture conditions
Authors: Pszczółkowska Agnieszka , Fordoński Gabriel , Olszewski Jacek , Kulik Tomasz , Konopka Iwona
Published: April 2013

The present study investigated the effect of different soil moisture content levels (60 - 70% SWC (soil water capacity) - control; 30 - 35% SWC - water stress) on yields, gas exchange parameters, seed health, and protein fractions of husked oat grain. The study showed that water deficit resulted in a decrease in grain weight per plant and a reduction in the gas exchange rates, primarily the photosynthesis and transpiration rates. Cladosporium cladosporioides was the dominant species on oat kernels in both experimental treatment options and in both years of the study. The presence of Fusarium poae was also found. Higher contents of prolamin, albumin and globulin fractions were found in the oat grain harvested from plants grown under soil water deficit conditions.
Changes in weed infestation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under conditions of strip intercropping and different weed control methods
Authors: Głowacka Aleksandra
Published: April 2013

The experiment was conducted in the years 2004-2006 in a private farm in the village of Frankamionka in Zamość district. There were two experimental factors: I. Cultivation methods - sole cropping and strip intercropping; and II. Tending methods - mechanical, mechanical-chemical, and chemical weed control. The subject of the study was weed infestation of the Mela variety of common bean. Beans were sown between 30 April and 5 May. Weed infestation was assessed in the last week before harvesting by determining its floristic composition and the frequency of occurrence of particular weed species, as well as the air-dry weight of weeds. The dominant weed species were Galinsoga parviflora, Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium album, and Amaranthus retroflexus, which comprised 84.7% of the total number of weeds. Strip intercropping markedly reduced the number of weeds per unit area (by 50%), as well as the dry weight of their aerial parts. The most effective method of weed control was the mechanical-chemical method, which resulted in the lowest occurrence of weeds. It also significantly reduced the weight of weeds.