bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Design and Control of Pipeline Leak Detection Robot Fish
Authors: Cai Jian-xian , Zhou Xu , Pan Zhen-ling , Gao Peng-gang , Luo Yu-xin , Lin Zi-xian
Published: September 2018

Based on the simplified fish motion model, a robot fish which could detect the oil leakage point of pipeline was designed by the method of single-joint driving. The Hawkeye OV7725 was used to design the image acquisition module to obtain the current movement of the fish and the current pipeline situation and the collected data was processed for making the relevant decisions to achieve the direction of movement control with the STM32 microcontroller. On the basis of binarization image centroid method, the image recognition algorithm was studied. By using the coordinates of the white point in the two-dimensional array, a linear regression equation which can reflect the distribution trend of the white point in a frame image was designed and the motion direction of the current robot could be detected. Since the linear regression equation converge to the characteristics of discrete data points, the oil leakage point inside the white area of the image could be detected. Experiment results showed that the robot fish can effectively complete the oil spill point detection task.
Implementing the Main Circular Economy Principles within the Concept of Sustainable Development in the Global and European economy, with Particular Emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe – the Case of Poland and the Region of Lodz
Authors: Wysokińska Zofia
Published: September 2018

The aim of the article is to present the effects of selected activities implemented at the global, European and regional levels within the idea of sustainable development. Of particular importance here is the presentation of activities undertaken at the level of the Lodz region (one of the central regions of Poland) in which among 6 regional specializations, particular attention was paid to innovative organic farming and to the textile industry based on modern fashion and innovative design. All 6 specializations in the Lodz region, including medicine, pharmacy and the cosmetics industry, advanced building materials, electricity generation (including renewable energy sources), IT and telecommunications were directed to the implementation of the overarching bio‑economy program aiming at achieving the main assumptions of the circular economy based on the 3Rs, i.e., “reduce, reuse, and recycle.”
The New Geological Epoch, “Anthropocene,” as a Result of Human Economic Activity
Authors: Ievdokymov Viktor , Oliinyk Oksana , Grytsyshen Dymytrii , Ksendzuk Valentyna , Nord Galyna
Published: September 2018

The impact of human economic activity on the environment and its irreversible changes. An interdisciplinary approach to the development of the economic system has been used in this paper due to the fact that the subject of the study goes beyond the functional economic sciences, and economics in general. The study is aimed at investigating the interaction of man, as an economic agent, and the environment. It has led to the study of research papers devoted to natural science, in particular, to changes in geological epochs, sustainable development and economic processes from the position of their influence on the environment. This allowed us to synthesize new economic knowledge about the importance of economic activity in the formation of the new geological epoch, “Anthropocene”. Based on the results of the study, the influence of human economic activity on the environment in the light of the geological, technocratic and economic development of society has been proved. The scientific results which were obtained can be used in reforming national economic systems by adapting them to leading world concepts on sustainable development.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of the Metal-Based Ignition Propensity Test Thermodynamics
Authors: Guindos Pablo , Patel Apurva , Rodriguez Minia-Xisela
Published: September 2018

This research analysed in detail the performance of the new alternative ignition propensity test prescribed in the standard ASTM E2187-16, which is based on the utilization of a substrate comprising a thin steel plate along with one filter paper. The analysis was performed both experimentally, by means of infrared temperature measurements, and theoretically by using a comprehensive finite element model that was able to predict the temperature of the substrate with errors of only 7.3% and 15.7% in space and time, respectively. While the new alternative test was able to reduce the variability of the heat absorbance from 33% to only 4% with respect to the conventional tests, it showed several downsides that critically reduce its reliability. The heat absorbance of the alternative test did not correctly emulate the conventional procedure as it absorbed as much heat as twice. The gravity effect on the plate increased the air gap thickness more than twice, thereby decreasing potentially the heat absorbance by 13%. In addition, a mechanical analysis showed that compressive stresses due to high temperature gradients could cause irreversible buckling, creep and yielding of the plate. Experiments showed that in fact the concavity of the plate was prone to increase after testing. Assuming the maximum concavity allowed by the standards, the heat absorbance was halved in respect to a perfectly flat plate. In view of these results, the utilization of the conventional test method still appears clearly more appropriate than the alternative one.
Analysis of Menthol, Menthol-Like, and Other Tobacco Flavoring Compounds in Cigarettes and in Electrically Heated Tobacco Products
Authors: Reger Lea , Moß Julia , Hahn Harald , Hahn Jürgen
Published: September 2018

Although smoking is responsible for a huge variety of diseases which result in ~16% of the fatalities in the United States and Europe respectively, cigarettes are still being sold far and wide. Mentholated cigarettes were introduced in 1920, since then to today social recognition and the use of flavored tobacco products is still increasing especially within young people. The EU adopted as its measure to reduce tobacco use among adolescents the prohibition of tobacco products with a characteristic flavor by means of the directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and the Council.

For this reason, we developed a method for the simultaneous determination of 14 tobacco flavors like menthol, menthol-like and other compounds via gas-chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry (GC/MS) and analyzed 21 different tobacco products (mentholated and non-mentholated cigarettes, as well as electrically heated tobacco products (EHTPs)) of the German market regarding their flavoring compound patterns. The highest amounts of flavoring compounds were determined in menthol cigarettes (~10,000 μg/stick) whereas non-mentholated cigarettes and EHTPs featured only ~10 μg/stick. In total, seven flavoring compounds like menthol, L-menthone, L-linalool, isopulegol, geraniol, camphor and WS-3 (cooling agent) were available within the samples. Mentholated cigarettes could be clearly identified since > 99% of the measured flavoring compounds was represented by menthol. Although flavoring compounds in non-mentholated cigarettes and EHTPs were quite comparable, they could be differentiated due to different flavoring compound patterns. Brandspecific flavoring compound patterns were not recognized.
From vascular biology to vascular medicine
Authors: Paolacci Stefano , Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Cardiovascular disorders include various conditions characterized by morphological and functional defects of the heart and vascular system. Molecular biology techniques (in particular DNA sequencing) have recently offered new insights into the etiology of cardiovascular defects, revealing their association with germline as well as somatic mutations.

Genetic tests are evaluated on the basis of their analytical and clinical validity, clinical utility, and ethical, legal and social implications. Next generation sequencing is so far the best approach for molecular diagnosis of congenital heart defects and vascular anomalies, the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of which makes them difficult to diagnose. Understanding the molecular causes of congenital heart defects and vascular anomalies has permitted clinical trials of drugs targeting affected genes and pathways.

The articles in this Special Issue aim to provide guidance for those concerned with diagnosis and research in the field of cardiovascular defects. The approach to genetic testing is discussed.
Genetic testing for lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Paolacci Stefano , Marinelli Carla , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

We studied the scientific literature and disease guidelines to summarize the clinical utility of genetic testing for lymphedema distichiasis (LD) syndrome. LD is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, and has unknown prevalence. It is caused by variations in the FOXC2 gene. Clinical diagnosis involves clinical examination, targeted at identifying primary lymphedema (chronic swelling of the extremities) and distichiasis (double row of eyelashes). The genetic test is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for cystic hygroma
Authors: Maltese Paolo Enrico , Rakhmanov Yeltay , Zulian Alessandra , Notarangelo Angelantonio , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Cystic hygroma (CH) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the region of the fetal neck and is a major anomaly associated with aneuploidy. Morphologically characterized by failure of the lymphatic system to communicate with the venous system in the neck, the clinical manifestations of CH depend on its size and location. Incidence is estimated at one case per 6000-16,000 live births. CH has autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for atrioventricular septal defect
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Paolacci Stefano , Fanelli Francesca , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart defect characterized by a shared atrioventricular junction coexisting with deficient atrioventricular septation. The main morphological characteristic of AVSD is a common atrioventricular canal. The prevalence of AVSD is estimated at 0.31/1000 live births and is higher among subjects with PTPN11 mutations. ASD may have autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was prepared on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for Ebstein anomaly
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Bruson Alice , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital tricuspid valve malformation, characterized by downward displacement of the septal leaflet and an atrialized right ventricle. About 80% of cases of EA are non-syndromic; in the other 20%, the anomaly is associated with a chromosomal or Mendelian syndrome. The prevalence of EA is estimated at about 1 per 20,000 live births, and accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart defects. EA has autosomal dominant inheritance. Likely causative genes are: NKX2-5, MYH7 and TPM1. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, potential risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Marinelli Carla , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a congenital pulmonary valve malformation. It can be classified as valvular, subvalvular or supravalvular. Isolated forms of PS are rare. PS is associated with the development of massive pulmonary arterial dilatation. Patients with PS have a high consanguinity rate and the disorder is highly familial, which is why knowing the genetic aetiology of this defect is important. Prevalence is estimated at about 4/10,000 live births, and incidence at about 10% of all children with congenital heart defects. PS has prevalently autosomal dominant and rarely autosomal recessive inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Zulian Alessandra , Paolacci Stefano , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a congenital aortic defect in which the aortic lumen narrows due to thickening or calcification of the aortic valve without obstructing left ventricular outflow. Depending on the site of obstruction, AVS is classified as valvular, sub-valvular or supra-valvular. The prevalence of AVS is about 3% and increases with age. One in eight persons over the age of 75 years has moderate or severe AVS. AVS has autosomal dominant inheritance. It can be associated with mutations in the following genes: NOTCH1, SMAD6, SMAD4, and ELN. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of the analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials, when available.
Genetic testing for coarctation of aorta
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Zulian Alessandra , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is an inherited narrowing of the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Histological features include localized medial thickening and infolding with superimposed neointimal tissue. CoA is diagnosed by detection of a murmur or hypertension during routine examination. Typical clinical features are delayed or absent femoral pulses and difference in blood pressure between the arm and legs. These symptoms may appear in the first weeks of life or after the neonatal period. CoA accounts for 4-6% of all congenital heart defects and has a reported prevalence of about 4 per 10,000 live births. It is more common in males than females (59% vs 41%). This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Bruson Alice , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital defect in which the aortic valve has two rather than three leaflets. In many patients valve function may be normal but valve decompensation may occur due to other associated congenital abnormalities and secondary valve and aortic complications. Decompensation manifests as stenosis or regurgitation and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Cystic medial necrosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of BAV. Prevalence of BAV is estimated at 0.5-2.0%. In children, 70-85% of stenotic aortic valves are bicuspid, compared to at least 50% in adults. BAV has autosomal dominant inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for Mendelian stroke due to cerebrovascular anomalies and other syndromes
Authors: Maltese Paolo Enrico , Rakhmanov Yeltay , Bruson Alice , Lorusso Lorenzo , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Stroke is defined as a focal or at times global neurological impairment of sudden onset and presumed vascular origin. 85% of strokes are due to cerebral ischemia and the other 15% to primary intracerebral hemorrhage.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is characterized by complete or partial obstruction of a vessel in the brain, resulting in lack of blood supply and death of brain tissue. The most common causes of IS are atherosclerosis, cardioembolism and small-vessel disease (lacunar stroke). Genetic factors play important role. Incidence rates for IS in the 15- to 45-year age range are ≈10 per 100,000 person years.

Hemorrhagic stroke (HS) is the least treatable and the most fatal form of cerebrovascular disease. Genetic mechanisms play a role in its development. Occurrence depends on many risk factors, including hypertension, heavy alcohol intake and anticoagulant treatment. According to the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer stroke worldwide each year. The overall incidence of spontaneous HS worldwide is 24.6 per 100,000 person years. Strokes are the third most common cause of death and the most common cause of disability in developed countries.

This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Genetic testing for cerebral cavernous malformations
Authors: Rakhmanov Yeltay , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Marinelli Carla , D’Agruma Leonardo , Beccari Tommaso , Dundar Munis , Bertelli Matteo
Published: September 2018

Cavernous cerebral malformations (CCM) are vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord. CCM affect up to 0.5% of the general population, predisposing to headaches, seizures, cerebral hemorrhage and focal neurological deficit. CCM may be familial or sporadic. Familial forms have autosomal dominant inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was prepared on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials.
Influence of Physical Aspects and Throwing Velocity in Opposition Situations in Top-Elite and Elite Female Handball Players
Authors: Ferragut Carmen , Vila Helena , Abraldes Jose Arturo , Manchado Carmen
Published: September 2018

The relationship between anthropometric and physical characteristics of female handball players and throwing velocity is considered an important factor in handball performance. The aim of this study was to examine key differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between top elite and elite female players competing in the first Spanish handball league. A total of 89 players from the first Spanish handball league were divided into two groups, top elite (38) and elite (51) players, and assessed for anthropometric and fitness characteristics (throwing velocity, vertical jump and hand grip strength). A Student’s t-test was used to determine whether a statistically significant difference between the two different levels of play occurred. Significant differences were found in age, body height, body mass, arm span, muscle mass, different girths (tensed and flexed arm, forearm, wrist, ankle), dominant hand width and length, different breadths (biacromial, bitrochanteric, bistyloid breadth and biepicondylar humerus) and fitness characteristics (hand grip strength and throwing velocity for different positions). Top elite players compared to elite players showed differences in anthropometric characteristics which were mainly located in the upper limbs and mostly were nonmodifiable aspects by training. Furthermore, the best players were able to maintain a high throwing velocity in different tactical situations.
Foul or no Foul? Effects of Permitted Fouls on the Defence Performance in Team Handball
Authors: Fasold Frowin , Redlich Dennis
Published: September 2018

Attacking phases in team handball are highly dynamic, characterized by fast movements and a high frequency of fast passes with the aim to score a goal. Consequently, the opposing/defending team tries to prevent successful offensive actions by restraining the offensive opportunities and the probabilities of scoring a goal. According to the rules, defensive players are allowed to use body contact (e.g. with bent arms) to get in and keep their optimal defending position. If such a contact is not in line with the rules (e.g. clutching or pushing) and results in a turnover of ball possession, a foul is called and a free-throw awarded. However, there is a lack of research answering the question if a permitted foul (without personal sanction) is an effective way to increase the probability of defending the own goal successfully, because afterwards the attacking team keeps possession of the ball. Thus, we investigated 1052 attacking phases during games at the elite level to verify whether fouls committed by a defender influenced successful attacking (goal vs. no goal). It was found that when the attack was interrupted by a permitted foul, 50.60% of the attacks ended with a goal. Yet, when no foul was committed, only 47.09% of the attacks ended with a goal, however, the analysis revealed that this difference was not significant. Therefore, we concluded that neither a strategy of stopping offensive actions by body contact nor avoiding fouls and focusing only on intercepting the ball were favourable solutions in successful defending in team handball. It seems effective to implement a defence strategy with clearly defined fouling zones and situations, to deal with the tactical possibility of permitted fouls in handball. This idea and further considerations are discussed for sports practice.
The Relationship Between Early and Senior Level Participation in International Women’s and Men’s Handball
Authors: Bjørndal Christian Thue , Luteberget Live Steinnes , Holm Simen
Published: September 2018

International competitions at the youth elite level have become an important part of attempts to identify, foster and develop sporting talent. However, sports science scholars disagree strongly about the value and importance of such competitions because little is known about the relationship between early performance, at both the team and individual level, and later success in adult elite sports. The first aim of this study was therefore to explore the relationship between international match experience at the youth international team level and subsequent match experience at the junior and the senior international team levels. The second aim of this study was to explore the relationship between youth national team results and subsequent junior and senior national team results in international competitions. The individual-level analysis was based on official match participation statistics of all Norwegian handball players with either youth, junior and/or senior national team experience (n = 657) between the years 1993 and 2017. The team level analysis was based on team result rankings from the handball European and World Championships at the youth, junior and senior national team levels during this period. Statistical analysis at the individual level showed a significant difference between those handball players who did and did not have international match exposure at the youth and junior levels, and the number of matches they played at the senior international team level. No to weak correlations were found between the number of matches played at the youth, junior and senior international team levels. Statistical analysis at the team level showed a strong correlation between result rankings at the youth, junior and senior international team levels. Collectively, these findings suggest that having youth and junior international experience is strongly associated with the number of matches played at the senior international level. However, the number of matches played at the youth and junior international levels does not appear to determine success or predict which players will or will not achieve success at the senior international level.
Muscle Strength Variations of Knee Joint Muscles in Elite Female Handball Players after Pre-Season Conditioning
Authors: Gonosova Zuzana , Stastny Petr , Belka Jan , Bizovska Lucia , Lehnert Michal
Published: September 2018

Monitoring seasonal variations in strength performance and the relative risk of injury indicators related to strength of hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) in female elite athletes is beneficial for the training process. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the level of muscle strength, the conventional ratio (HCONC/QCONC) as well as two functional and strength ratios reflecting the movement of knee extension (HECC/QCONC) and flexion (HCONC/QECC), and the bilateral percentage strength deficit (BSD) in elite female handball players. The concentric and eccentric isokinetic peak torque was measured at an angular velocity of 60°/s on three occasions (in-season cessation, 4 weeks of rest followed by 4 weeks of individual conditioning and 6 weeks of group conditioning) in eleven female handball players (age: 23.1 ± 3.5 years, body height: 1.73 ± 0.6 m). According to ANOVA results, the BSD of H muscles in the concentric mode decreased between the in-season cessation and the end of the pre-season, and HCONC/QCONC increased at the beginning of the pre-season and at the end of the pre-season in comparison with inseason cessation measurement. The effect size analyses showed that the off-season rest followed by 10 weeks of the conditioning programme increased Q and H strength in comparison with the previous season with a large effect. Coaches should include progressive conditioning in the pre-season phase to decrease the bilateral strength deficit and to support further conditioning development.
Influence of heat flow direction on solder ball interfacial layer
Authors: Otáhal Alexandr , Szendiuch Ivan
Published: September 2018

This paper deals with the research of an intermetallic layer of SAC305 solder balls soldered from three directions of the heat flow in the ball-attach process for BGA package. From the point of view of the heat flow direction, the samples were soldered by infrared heating. The heat sources were placed on the top, bottom and both lateral sides of the BGA package. After the solder balls-attach process, a metallographic cross-section was performed, followed by selective etching to visualize the relief of the intermetallic layer. Images of the interfacial between the solder and solder pad were taken from the created samples, followed by measurement of the average thickness and root mean square roughness of the intermetallic layer. The results showed changes in the intermetallic layer. The largest thickness of the intermetallic layer was observed on samples soldered from the top and both sides. Soldering with the bottom infrared heater resulted to the smallest thickness of the intermetallic layer. The same trend was in the roughness of the IMC layer. The greatest roughness was found for samples soldered by the top and both side heaters. The top soldered samples exhibit the smallest roughness.
New design of dual-band bandpass microwave filter based on electromagnetic effect of metamaterial resonators
Authors: Berka Mohammed , Mahdjoub Zoubir , Hebali Mourad
Published: September 2018

Recent research on microwave filters show that there are constraints in their design; Effective solutions are needed for high-quality systems. In this manuscript, a new design of microwave dual-band bandpass filter is presented. The complementary metamaterial resonators with magnetic activity and negative permeability (µ < 0) are engraved on the lower ground plane and coplanar guides are maintained in the upper plane of the filter. Both (CSRRs) used have different shapes and dimensions from one another to have a dual band-pass behavior of our filter outside the range 5 to 6 GHz to avoid clutter with other microwave transmission systems. The supply lines used for the inlet and the filter outlet has coplanar access. To show the influence of the coupling of the two metamaterials resonators with the coplanar waveguides on the qualities of the filter, we do simulations using HFSS commercial software.
Relationship among Adolescents’ Characteristics, Peer Group Influence and Anti-Social Behaviour
Authors: Onoyase A. , Ebenuwa-Okoh E. E.
Published: September 2018

This study examined the relationship among Adolescents’ developmental characteristics, peer group influence and their anti-social behaviours. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. The study is a survey -research. The sample size for this study is 594 students. The respondents were randomly selected from secondary schools in the 3 Senatorial Districts of Delta State. Questionnaire titled ‘Relationship among Adolescents’ Characteristics, Peer Group Influence and their Anti-social Behaviours” was used for this study. It has face and content validity. The reliability indices for the subgroups are as follows: physical characteristics, 0.68, intellectual characteristics, 0.68, social/emotional characteristics, 0.70, peer group influence, 0.71 and adolescents’ anti-social behaviours, 0.69. Regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that physical, intellectual, social/emotional characteristics and peer group influence adolescents’ anti-social behaviours. It was recommended that adolescents should be made to indulge in productive leisure time activities where they can dissipate their energies.
Grammatical Influences (Morphological) of Albanian Language in the Languages of Minorities in the Region of Prizren
Authors: Neziri Senad
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this paper is to prove the presence of calques (loan translation) of Albanian language in the languages of minorities (Gorani community, Bosnian community) in the region of Prizren. We will make an effort to provide evidence for the role of Albanian as a donor language through daily contacts with the members of the above-mentioned communities. The corpus of this study will be the edited volume of songs and folk tales from minority areas, respectively from the population of Gorani and Bosnian ethnicity and their dialects. The research will be focused in minority areas in the municipality of Dragash (Sharr) where Gorani people live, as well as in other areas of minority language speakers, mainly in Zhupa, in the municipality of Prizren. The paper will be important in enlightening the facts of using the structure of Albanian, both in the spoken language of the minority community and that of Albanian community. The cases where certain elements of Albanian language are encountered in another language, where Albanian appears as a donor language, will be considered as important. The reason which has pushed us to conduct the research regarding the presence of Albanian elements, basically morphological, in a non-Albanian speaking community in Kosovar society, respectively in the multi-ethnic society of Prizren, is the way of speaking of this minority community and the confirmation of the impact of Albanian language and ethno-culture on this minority language since ancient times to the present.
Critical Literacy and the Multiliteracies of Dance: A First Approach
Authors: Fountzoulas Giorgos K. , Koutsouba Maria I. , Nikolaki Evgenia
Published: September 2018

Greek traditional dance’s transition from its “first” to the “second” existence took place in the context of the urbanization as this took place in Greece. This transition was accompanied, among others, with its teaching into a classroom that had to follow the principles governing every educational process. In this new context, the dance teaching is subject to literacy processes, which, in this case, are related to a literacy of dance and therefore of culture, that is to a dance and cultural literacy. The aim of this study is to look at dance as an educational subject that can lead to critical literacy through dance’s multiliteracies as a synthesis of dance, movement, cultural and art literacy, with specific reference to Greek traditional dance. For this, literature-based research methodology is adopted that includes analysis and evaluation of relevant published literature. The literature review showed that Greek traditional dance, in the modern education framework, can be perceived in the light of critical literacy based on its multiliteracies, which are related to the concepts of movement, dance, art and cultural literacy.
Analysis of Teachers’ Commitment and Dimensions of Organizational Commitment in Edo State Public Secondary Schools
Authors: Peretomode Victor F. , Bello Stella O.
Published: September 2018

The study investigates the level of teachers’ overall commitment and the level of commitment in each of the three dimensions of organizational commitment. This study which adopts the ex-post facto research design uses descriptive statistics to analyze the data. The findings reveal that the overall level of teachers’ commitment to official duties is very high and also high across each of the three dimensions of organizational commitment. It, however, recommends that government should provide funds for training and retraining of teachers so as to meet the challenges of the on-going economic and social reforms in this time of dwindling State and national resources in order to sustain and possibly improve upon this high level of commitment among the teachers to their duties and to the schools.
Adsorptive removal of ciprofloxacin and isoniazid from aqueous solution
Authors: Dube Cyril , Tandlich Roman , Wilhelmi Brendan
Published: September 2018

This paper describes study of ciprofloxacin and isoniazid removal from aqueous solutions using coal fly ash (FA), kaolinite, perlite, talc and vermiculite. The adsorptive features of the adsorbents were evaluated for ciprofloxacin and isoniazid with regards to the effects of contact time, pH, the solid/liquid ratio and antibiotic concentration. All adsorbents were sterilised by dry heat before use to avoid the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance by the bacteria present on the adsorbents during experiments. The regression correlation coefficients indicate that the Langmuir model gives the best fit for the sorption of both antibiotics onto FA and talc, ciprofloxacin onto kaolinite, and isoniazid onto perlite and vermiculite with R2 values ranging from 0.908 – 0.999. The Freundlich isotherm best describes the sorption of ciprofloxacin onto vermiculite and isoniazid onto kaolinite with R2 values of 0.999 for both. The Tempkin model best describes the sorption of ciprofloxacin onto perlite with an R2 = 0.997. The values of the Freundlich exponent, 1/n, range from 0.221 – 0.998, indicating a favourable adsorption of ciprofloxacin and isoniazid onto the adsorbents. The heat of sorption, B, calculated from the Temkin plots has values ranging from 0.018 – 10.460 J/mol, indicating a physical adsorption process (physisorption). Adsorption equilibrium was achieved after 30 min for both antibiotics and the kinetic data obtained conforms best to the pseudo-second order equation with R2 values ranging from 0.998 – 0.999. The removal of ciprofloxacin and isoniazid by all adsorbents except FA was strongly influenced by the pH suggesting that electrostatic interactions play a major role in the adsorption processes.
Preparation of metal nanoparticles by femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Teplicky Tibor , Chorvat Dusan , Michalka Miroslav , Chorvatova Alzbeta Marcek
Published: September 2018

Nanoparticles (NPs) proved to have numerous applications in various fields, including biomedicine and environmental sciences. In this work, we designed and created an apparatus for fabrication of metal NPs directly in liquids initiated by femtosecond laser pulses. The laser parameters leading to ~10 μJ/pulse energy and 0.1 GW peak power resulted in predominantly spherical particles with the sizes varying from <10 nm to ~100 nm in diameter. NPs generated from Cobalt and Zinc targets were smaller in order of magnitude compared to that of Nickel. The fabricated NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, while spectroscopic properties were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and spectrally resolved fluorescence imaging. We also tested the possible interaction of the created NPs with living algae for their potential use for environmental research. Employing such ultrashort laser opens route to provide on-demand production of NP's in-situ at even factory environment.
Insecticidal effect of essential oil and powder of Mentha pulegium L. leaves against Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus, 1763) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Tenebrionidae), the main pests of stored wheat in Morocco
Authors: Lougraimzi Hanane , El Iraqui Salma , Bouaichi Abdelaaziz , Gouit Safae , Achbani El Hassan , Fadli Mohamed
Published: September 2018

Stored grains are threatened by several insects, leading to losses in quality and quantity. Several studies have revealed the risks of using chemicals that can cause serious health problems for humans. It is in this perspective that the objective of our work should be seen: It was to assess the effect of the essential oil and leaf powder of Mentha pulegium against Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum adults attacking post-harvest cereals. The insecticidal activity of the essential oil against these two insects was evaluated by three methods: contact, inhalation and ingestion. The ingestion method was used in the case of the leaf powder. The essential oil and leaf powder of Mentha pulegium exhibited insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum adults (Mentha pulegium essential oil caused up to 100% mortality of both insects). Both insects were influenced affected by the dose, exposure time and the method by which the insecticidal activity of the essential oil was demonstrated. Adults of Sitophilus oryzae were more sensitive to different concentrations of essential oil and leaf powder than those of Tribolium castaneum. The essential oil has no effect on the germination rate of soft wheat grains (Triticum aestivum). On the contrary, it acts positively by reducing the damage caused by these major stock pests. The data from this study could present an alternative solution for replacing synthetic insecticides for the protection of stored commodities.
Climate Change and its Impact on the Conditions of Late Blight Occurrence
Authors: Litschmann T. , Hausvater E. , Dolezal P. , Bastova P.
Published: September 2018

The paper is focused on the evaluation of trends in weather indicators influencing conditions for late blight occurrence, and subsequently on trends in the first treatment forecasts, number of infections, and number of infection days. The processing covering the period 1975–2016 was done with a higher density of points for the Czech and Slovak Republics and a lower density for European regions with more important distribution of potato growing on arable land. The obtained results show an unambiguous statistically significant trend in the increase of minimum temperature by around 0.5°C per 10 years; contrarily, no more significant trends were recorded for air humidity. For precipitation no statistically significant decreases were found at any of the processed localities, increases were rarely detected. Considering the number of days with precipitation, for the western part of the studied territory rather increases, while for the eastern part stagnation, and for Ukraine decrease in days with precipitation were recorded. Trends in the processed characteristics using the index method of late blight indicate a statistically more significant earlier onset of the first treatment especially at Czech localities; however, at most localities a slight increase in the number of infection periods and in the number of days with infection pressure was found.
Teoría crítica de la educación
Authors: Navarro Salcedo Wisberto
Published: September 2018

El artículo presenta los elementos conceptuales fundamentales de la Teoría Crítica de la Educación. Se inicia con la controversia entre la Teoría Crítica de la Ciencia y la Teoría Tradicional de la Ciencia con citas de algunos de sus teóricos (Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, Habermas). Continua con el desarrollo del tema de la educación crítica y su objetivo fundamental: la emancipación del educando, categoría que se trata de enriquecer desde diversos autores. Finaliza con unas tareas a desarrollar dentro de esta perspectiva y el tipo de maestro que se requiere.
Enhanced oil recovery after polymer flooding by wettability alteration to gas wetness using numerical simulation
Authors: Li Kewen , Cheng Changhui , Liu Changwei , Jia Lin
Published: September 2018

Polymer flooding, as one of the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods, has been adopted in many oilfields in China and some other countries. Over 50% oil remains undeveloped in many oil reservoirs after polymer flooding. It has been a great challenge to find approaches to further enhancing oil recovery when polymer flooding is over. In this study, a new method was proposed to increase oil production using gas flooding with wettability alteration to gas wetness when polymer flooding has been completed. The rock wettability was altered from liquid- to gas-wetness during gas flooding. An artificial oil reservoir was constructed and many numerical simulations have been conducted to test the effect of wettability alteration on the oil recovery in reservoirs developed by water flooding and followed by polymer flooding. Production data from different scenarios, water flooding, polymer flooding after water flooding, gas flooding with and without wettability alteration after polymer flooding, were calculated using numerical simulation. The results demonstrate that the wettability alteration to gas wetness after polymer flooding can significantly enhance oil recovery and reduce water cut effectively. Also studied were the combined effects of wettability alteration and reservoir permeability on oil recovery.
New method for predictingn-tetradecane/bitumen mixture density: correlation development
Authors: Rostami Alireza , Shokrollahi Amin , Hossein Ghazanfari Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, incredible growth of the energy consumption has changed the global attention to the production and utilization of the heavy crude oils such as bitumen resources around the globe. Amongst the bitumen properties, density is an important parameter which improves bitumen recovery efficiency and transportation quality. For easy production of bitumen,n-alkanes are usually injected into the reservoir to reduce its viscosity and density; however, there are few numbers of models focusing on proper estimation/prediction of diluted bitumen mixture density in literature. In present work, a new method was proposed to accurately prognosticate the bitumen/n-tetradecane mixture density as a function of thermodynamic conditions using Gene Expression Programming (GEP) for the first time as a function of solvent composition, pressure and temperature. Consequently, the proposed model here predicts the mixture density with the average Absolute Relative Deviation (AARD%) of 0.3016% andR-squared (R2) of 0.9943. Moreover, it is found out the solvent concentration has the highest impact value on mixture density estimation. In conclusion, results of the present study can be so valuable for field engineers and researchers working on solvent-assisted recovery methods from heavy oil reservoirs.
Slotted shell resilient elements for drilling shock absorbers
Authors: Velichkovich Andrii , Dalyak Taras , Petryk Ivan
Published: September 2018

The new design of a resilient element for application in drilling devices of vibration protection is presented. A cylindrical shell with a cut along its generatrix is the peculiarity of the proposed design. The presented resilient element has high loaded and damping properties upon cross dimension hard restriction condition. Besides, the design is simple, technological and low cost. The drilling shock absorber is tested, which is manufactured on the base of several slotted shell resilient elements, operating in parallel manner. A calculation method for slotted shell resilient elements for drilling devices vibration protection is given. This work presents results of slotted cylindrical shell study in conditions of contact interaction with a resilient filler. To provide the research, the authors have developed a verified numerical model of the shell resilient element with a slit and used iterative algorithms for contact problem solving, considering contact surface friction. The stress-strain state of the shell resilient element of the drilling shock absorber was analyzed. Strength of the structure is evaluated by the energy criterion. Hysteresis loops were developed and analyzed for some histories of resilient element cyclic loading. The obtained results make possible rather accurately to take into account effect of the shell and the filler material resilient characteristics, their geometrical parameters and tribological properties on operational characteristics of drilling devices for vibration protection. In its turn, this makes possible to use efficient drilling vibration protection devices, develop vibroinsulator shell designs by the criteria of maximum compliance and required damping level.
Valoración visual del espacio turístico de Real de Catorce, México
Authors: Barriga Rivas Marco Antonio
Published: September 2018

En este trabajo se muestra la utilización de un método visual en la Geografía del turismo para obtener la valoración visual que tienen los turistas que visitan el Pueblo Mágico de Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí. La encuesta fotográfica fue el método seleccionado para realizar esta investigación que da a conocer otra manera de adquirir información y de interacción entre el investigador y el turista. Los resultados muestran que la percepción de lo histórico, la riqueza cultural y lo místico están presentes en la imagen que los visitantes tienen sobre la localidad en general. Sin embargo, desde un punto de vista geográfico existe una desigualdad en la valoración y el número de visitantes por sitio debido a la falta de conocimiento de la oferta turística o de la principal motivación del viaje que determina con anticipación cuáles son los lugares a visitar.