bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of antimicrobial effect of MTAD solution in infected canal system using PCR technique
Authors: Mitic Aleksandar , Mitic Nadica , Milasin Jelena , Zivkovic Slavoljub , Gasic Jovanka , Mitic Vladimir , Popovic Jelena
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Clinically acceptable antiseptic should possess
organolithic-mineralolithic properties and antimicrobial efficacy, and should
be non-toxic. Objective. The aim of the paper was to assess the presence of
genomes of the most common microorganisms (Porphyromonas gingivalis,
Agregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tanerella forsythensis, Prevotella
intermedia, Treponema denticola and Enterococcus faecalis) in infected tooth
root canals before and after rinsing with solution of doxycycline, citric
acid and detergent Tween-80 (MTAD) in patients with clinically diagnosed
primary apex periodontitis. Methods. The content of primarily infected canals
before and after using the MTAD solution was used as a biological material in
which the presence of microorganisms DNA was proved. For the detection of
bacterial genome the multiplex PCR technique was applied. Results. The
percentage of positive samples before canal treatment was 100%. In infected
root canals E. faecalis was most dominant (37%). In a relatively high
percentage we detected P. intermedia (25%), A. actinomycetemcomitans (20%),
T. denticola (17%), T. forsythensis (15%) and P. gingivalis (10%). After
rinsing the canal system using MTAD solution, there was a statistically
significant decrease in E. faecalis (12%), P. intermedia (0%), T.
forsythensis (0%) and P. gingivalis (0%). The presence of other bacteria was
also diminished but not statistically significantly. Conclusion. With the
application of multiplex PCR technique which provided a simultaneous
amplification of various genomic sequences, using several pairs of primers,
the most dominant in infected root canals were E. faecalis. P. intermedia, A.
actinomycetemcomitans, T. denticola, T. forsythensis and P. gingivalis. After
mechanic treatment and irrigation of root canals with MTAD solution, P.
intermedia, P. gingivalis and T. forsythensis were not found. The presence of
E. faecalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. denticola was diminished,
however, not statistically significantly.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism in Serbian patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Radjenovic-Petkovic Tatjana , Pejcic Tatjana , Videnovic-Ivanov Jelica , Jevtovic-Stoimenov Tatjana , Jankovic Irena , Nastasijevic-Borovac Desa , Radojkovic Danijela
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology.
Genetic factors play a considerable role in the onset of the disease. Tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) is a proinflammatory cytokine which plays an
important role in the pathogenesis of the disease and the formation of
granuloma by regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Objective. The
aim of this study was to investigate the role of TNF-?-308 G/A polymorphism
in the development of sarcoidosis and to evaluate the association between the
aforementioned type of polymorphism and the clinical course of the disease.
Methods. Seventy patients with sarcoidosis and 50 healthy volunteers were
genotyped for the TNF-?-308G/A polymorphism. Polymorphism variants were
examined by PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
polymorphism) on the DNA isolated from blood leukocytes. Results. There were
no significant differences in TNF-?-308A allele frequency distribution
between sarcoidosis patients and the control group, but the TNF-?-308A allele
was observed significantly more frequently in the sarcoidosis patients with
L?fgren?s syndrome when compared with non-L?fgren?s patients. Conclusion. We
have found that the TNF-?-308A variant is associated with L?fgren?s syndrome
in Serbian patients with sarcoidosis.
Mucinous cystadenomas of the liver
Authors: Colovic Radoje , Grubor Nikica , Jovanovic Miodrag , Micev Marjan , Colovic Natasa , Perisic Mirjana , Latincic Stojan
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Biliary cystadenomas of the liver are rare benign tumors prone
to malignant alteration so that a total excision is recommended. Objective.
The aim of the paper is to present our experience in treatment and to
evaluate whether a simple ablation represents the appropriate treatment.
Methods. Over a 10?year period 25 patients (24 women) of the average age of
58 years suffering from cystadenomas of the liver, 18 in the right, 4 in the
left and 3 in both lobes of the liver were operated. Twenty?three patients
had a single lesion, while two patients had 3 and 6 lesions, respectively.
Pain was present in 20, occasional vomiting in 4, discomfort in 2 and a sense
of fullness in 2 patients. Three patients were jaundiced, 1 due to
cystadenoma of the liver, 2 due to concomitant tumors of the head of the
pancreas, while 5 patients had concomitant diseases. Results. A total
ablation was performed in 22 patients, left lateral bisegmentectomy in 1 and
partial excision in 2 patients. Six additional procedures were performed.
Five cystadenomas of the liver had ?ovarian like? stroma, all in women. A
focal malignant alteration was found in 2 patients aged 66 and 79 years,
respectively. Recurrence was registered in 1 female patient in whom a partial
excision had been done. Two patients with concomitant malignancy and 1
patient who developed malignant histiocytosis six months after surgery, died
after 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Conclusion. Biliary cystadenomas of the
liver may be misdiagnosed as simple liver cysts, so that ?frozen section?
histology is highly recommended. In most cases the tumor may be successfully
treated by ablation up to the healthy liver tissue. Major liver resections
are rarely necessary.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient with right internal mammary artery graft originating from arteria lusoria dextra
Authors: Aleksandric Srdjan , Stojkovic Sinisa , Tomasevic Miloje , Kostic Jelena , Banovic Marko , Menkovic Nemanja , Ostojic Miodrag
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Congenital anomalies of the aortic arch, although numerous and
heterogeneous, occur in less than 1% of individuals at autopsies. Left aortic
arch with an aberrant right subclavian artery, also called arteria lusoria
dextra, is the most common anomaly of the aortic arch, occurring in 0.5-2.5%
of individuals. Case Outline. We report the case of a 48-year-old man
suffering from acute inferoposterior-wall ST elevation myocardial infarction
successfully treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Ten years
ago, the patient had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery with the
implantation of two arterial grafts - left and right internal mammary
arteries on both left anterior descending and right coronary artery. After
several attempts to canulate truncus brachiocephalicus, angiogram revealed
the left aortic arch with the aberrant right subclavian artery. To our
knowledge, this is the first described case of primary percutaneous coronary
intervention via the aberrant right subclavian artery and right internal
mammary artery graft with stent implantation in the infarct related lesion of
the distal segment of right coronary artery. Subsequent 64-multidetector
computed tomography confirmed the angiographic findings. Conclusion. Early
recognition of congenital anomalies of the aortic arch and its great vessels,
even before coronary artery bypass graft surgery, could be crucial for the
urgent and successful treatment of patients with life-threatening conditions,
such as ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Controllable deterioration rate for time-dependent demand and time-varying holding cost
Authors: Mishra Vinod
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we develop an inventory model for non-instantaneous
deteriorating items under the consideration of the facts: deterioration rate
can be controlled by using the preservation technology (PT) during
deteriorating period, and holding cost and demand rate both are linear
function of time, which was treated as constant in most of the deteriorating
inventory models. So in this paper, we developed a deterministic inventory
model for non-instantaneous deteriorating items in which both demand rate and
holding cost are a linear function of time, deterioration rate is constant,
backlogging rate is variable and depend on the length of the next
replenishment, shortages are allowed and partially backlogged. The model is
solved analytically by minimizing the total cost of the inventory system. The
model can be applied to optimizing the total inventory cost of
non-instantaneous deteriorating items inventory for the business enterprises,
where the preservation technology is used to control the deterioration rate,
and demand & holding cost both are a linear function of time.
Improved Plasma FFA/Insulin Homeostasis Is Independently Associated With Improved Glucose Tolerance After a 1-Year Lifestyle Intervention in Viscerally Obese Men
Authors: Borel Anne-Laure , Boulet Geneviève , Nazare Julie-Anne , Smith Jessica , Alméras Natalie , Tremblay Angelo , Bergeron Jean , Poirier Paul , Carpentier André C. , Després Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

Elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are one important link between excess visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and the development of type 2 diabetes. Effects of lifestyle interventions on FFA metabolism are poorly known. This open-label study was conducted to test the effects of a 1-year healthy eating/physical activity intervention program on plasma FFA homeostasis in 117 viscerally obese men with dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance (waist circumference ≥90 cm, triglycerides ≥1.69 mmol/L, and/or HDL-cholesterol <1.03 mmol/L).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Body weight, body composition, and fat distribution were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry/computed tomography. Oral loads of lipid (60 g fat/m2 body surface area) and glucose (75 g) were measured before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

After 1 year of lifestyle intervention, visceral adiposity was reduced by −26% (95% CI −29 to −23), whereas cardiorespiratory fitness improved by +20% (95% CI +16 to +24). After 1 year, the suppression of FFAs after the glucose load improved, whereas insulin concentrations were drastically reduced. After the oral lipid load, the late increase in FFA was reduced together with reduced circulating insulin. We calculated an insulin sensitivity index to reflect the concentration of insulin needed to manage plasma FFAs after the oral lipid load, which increased after the intervention and was associated with improved glucose tolerance, independent of changes in visceral or total adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

A 1-year healthy eating/physical activity intervention improved the suppression of FFAs after oral glucose and lipid load tests in viscerally obese men, possibly due to improved responsiveness to insulin. This insulin-mediated regulation of postprandial plasma FFA levels could be a link between visceral obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis.
Why Students Choose STEM Majors
Authors: Wang Xueli
Published: May 2013

This study draws upon social cognitive career theory and higher education literature to test a conceptual framework for understanding the entrance into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors by recent high school graduates attending 4-year institutions. Results suggest that choosing a STEM major is directly influenced by intent to major in STEM, high school math achievement, and initial postsecondary experiences, such as academic interaction and financial aid receipt. Exerting the largest impact on STEM entrance, intent to major in STEM is directly affected by 12th-grade math achievement, exposure to math and science courses, and math self-efficacy beliefs—all three subject to the influence of early achievement in and attitudes toward math. Multiple-group structural equation modeling analyses indicated heterogeneous effects of math achievement and exposure to math and science across racial groups, with their positive impact on STEM intent accruing most to White students and least to underrepresented minority students.
An Analysis of Kenyan Learners’ Proficiency in English Based on Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary
Authors: Athiemoolam Logamurthie , Kibui Agnes
Published: May 2013

In Kenya, English is the medium of instruction in schools and the official language of the country, although the majority of the learners are first additional language speakers of English. The study on which this article is based aimed to assess grade 10 Kenyan learners’ proficiency in English by examining their performance in comprehension and vocabulary on the basis of three tests incorporating multiple choice and interpretative questions. The data were collected from 422 grade 10 learners representing 16 schools in four provinces of Kenya. Learners were assessed on three comprehension passages which were selected from different genres. The results revealed that a large percentage of Kenyan learners encountered challenges with comprehension and vocabulary which impacted on their English language proficiency. The implications of the study is that there is a need for a reading skills development programme incorporating word analysis, recognition of the purpose of the text and tone, and the enhancement of inferential as well as predictive and interpretive skills. Journal of NELTA, Vol. 17 No. 1-2, December 2012, Page 1-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v17i1-2.8088
Dealing with Homework in English Language Teaching: A Case of Dadeldhura District
Authors: Paudel Jagadish
Published: May 2013

Homework is a good means of reactivation; it helps students to practice language items and consolidates learnt knowledge and skills at their home. It is an indispensible tool for students to step forward in the subject. But if we glance at homework dealing situation at school level education in Nepal, the role of homework is hardly talked about in the majority of the schools, especially at government aided school. Similarly, if we look at researches and papers that are talked about on homework dealing situation at school level education, we will rarely find. For this reason, I have strived to explore homework dealing situation of English langauge teaching at grade eight in Dadeldhura District through survey questions to the students and the teachers, such as when do students feel difficult to do homework, why do they do homework, how much time do they spend to do homework, who does help them to do homework at home, how do they like their homework to be corrected, how do the teachers correct homework, and the like. It also suggests some strategies for increasing homework completion rates and making homework meaningful for the students. Journal of NELTA, Vol. 17 No. 1-2, December 2012, Page 50-60 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v17i1-2.8092
How Communicative is the Communicative Approach? – The German Teacher’s Experience
Authors: Shirin Pratiti
Published: May 2013

This study mainly focused on exploring the efficacy of applying the communicative approach to teaching German at the Goethe Institute in Bangladesh. A qualitative approach was used to collect data by using journal writing by the teacher as well as informal feedback from students. The students comprised 11 schoolteachers from a number of Bangladeshi English-medium schools. Since emphasis was given on testing reading and writing rather than on evaluation of all four skills, applying CLT was tailored to teaching reading and writing rather than speaking and listening with the effect that students at the end of the course had elementary knowledge of reading and writing but poor knowledge of speaking and listening. The question that follows is how communicative is the communicative approach if testing clashes with pedagogy? This article explores the limitations of applying CLT to the German language class and the dilemma that comes with it as to which approach is the best approach to teach a foreign language. Journal of NELTA, Vol. 17 No. 1-2, December 2012, Page 83-92 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v17i1-2.8095
Teaching Short Story through Critical Thinking (CT) Strategies
Authors: Thapaliya Mukti Prakash
Published: May 2013

This paper is an attempt to reveal the effectiveness of Critical Thinking (CT) strategies in teaching English literature in general and short stories in particular. Critiquing against the conventional teacher dominated practices in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Nepal, this also offers a set of critical thinking strategies in order to make it more participatory and effective. This heavily draws on my experience of exploiting those techniques while teaching short stories in EFL/ESL classroom in Nepal. Journal of NELTA, Vol. 17 No. 1-2, December 2012, Page 93-103 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v17i1-2.8101
Southeast Greenland high accumulation rates derived from firn cores and ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Miège Clément , Forster Richard R. , Box Jason E. , Burgess Evan W. , McConnell Joseph R. , Pasteris Daniel R. , Spikes Vandy B.
Published: May 2013

Despite containing only 14% of the Greenland ice sheet by area, the southeastern sector has the highest accumulation rates, and hence receives ∼30% of the total snow accumulation. We present accumulation rates obtained during our 2010 Arctic Circle Traverse derived from three 50 m firn cores dated using geochemical analysis. We tracked continuous internal reflection horizons between the firn cores using a 400 MHz ground-penetrating radar (GPR). GPR data combined with depth-age scales from the firn cores provide accumulation rates along a 70 km transect. We followed an elevation gradient from ∼2350 to ∼1830m to understand how progressive surface melt may affect the ability to chemically date the firn cores and trace the internal layers with GPR. From the firn cores, we find a 52% (∼0.43 m w.e. a-1) increase in average snow accumulation and greater interannual variability at the lower site than the upper site. The GPR profiling reveals that accumulation rates are influenced by topographic undulations on the surface, with up to 23% variability over 7 km. These measurements confirm the presence of high accumulation rates in the southeast as predicted by the calibrated regional climate model Polar MM5.
Calibration of a higher-order 3-D ice-flow model of the Morteratsch glacier complex, Engadin, Switzerland
Authors: Zekollari H. , Huybrechts P. , Fürst J.J. , Rybak O. , Eisen O.
Published: May 2013

We have reconstructed the ice thickness distribution of the Morteratsch glacier complex, Switzerland, and used this to simulate its flow with a higher-order 3-D model. Ice thickness was measured along transects with a ground-penetrating radar and further extended over the entire glacier using the plastic flow assumption and a distance-weighted interpolation technique. We find a maximum ice thickness of 350 ±52.5 m for the central trunk of Vadret da Morteratsch, resulting from a bedrock overdeepening. The average thickness of the glacier complex is 72.2 ±18.0 m, which corresponds to a total ice volume of 1.14 ± 0.28 km3. The flow of the glacier is modelled by tuning the rate factor and the sliding parameters taking into account higher-order terms in the force balance. The observed velocities can be reproduced closely (root-mean-square error of 15.0 m a-1, R2 = 0.93) by adopting a sliding factor of 12 x 10–16 m7 N–3 a-1 and a rate factor of 1.6 x 10-16 Pa-3 a-1 . In this setting, ice deformation accounts for 70% of the surface velocity and basal sliding for the remaining 30%. The modelled velocity field reaches values up to 125 ma-1, but also indicates an almost stagnant front and confluence area, which are crucial for understanding the ongoing glacier retreat.
Deformation in Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica: measuring shear-wave anisotropy from icequakes
Authors: Harland S.R. , Kendall J.-M. , Stuart G.W. , Lloyd G.E. , Baird A.F. , Smith A.M. , Pritchard H.D. , Brisbourne A.M.
Published: May 2013

Ice streams provide major drainage pathways for the Antarctic ice sheet. The stress distribution and style of flow in such ice streams produce elastic and rheological anisotropy, which informs ice-flow modelling as to how ice masses respond to external changes such as global warming. Here we analyse elastic anisotropy in Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica, using observations of shear-wave splitting from three-component icequake seismograms to characterize ice deformation via crystal-preferred orientation. Over 110 high-quality measurements are made on 41 events recorded at five stations deployed temporarily near the ice-stream grounding line. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first well-documented observation of shear-wave splitting from Antarctic icequakes. The magnitude of the splitting ranges from 2 to 80 ms and suggests a maximum of 6% shear-wave splitting. The fast shear-wave polarization direction is roughly perpendicular to ice-flow direction. We consider three mechanisms for ice anisotropy: a cluster model (vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) model); a girdle model (horizontal transversely isotropic (HTI) model); and crack-induced anisotropy (HTI model). Based on the data, we can rule out a VTI mechanism as the sole cause of anisotropy – an HTI component is needed, which may be due to ice crystal a-axis alignment in the direction of flow or the alignment of cracks or ice films in the plane perpendicular to the flow direction. The results suggest a combination of mechanisms may be at play, which represent vertical variations in the symmetry of ice crystal anisotropy in an ice stream, as predicted by ice fabric models.
Geophysical surveying to determine the structure and origin of the Woore Moraine, Shropshire, UK
Authors: Parkes Aidan A. , Stimpson Ian G. , Waller Richard I.
Published: May 2013

The Woore Moraine, situated within the Cheshire Plain, is one of the largest glacial landforms in Britain. However, its key characteristics, internal structure and glaciological significance are poorly understood due to limited exposure of its key geological features. This paper focuses on the results of a suite of complementary geophysical techniques (ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography and seismic refraction) that were used to image the interior structure of the moraine and help determine its origin. Geophysical imaging reveals a two-layer moraine structure comprising a thin and heterogeneous carapace of intercalated sediments overlying a core of subglacial clay-rich diamicton and proglacial sands deformed by a series of fore- and back-thrusts. These features indicate that the moraine is glaciotectonic in origin, involving initial compression of proglacial sediments against a bedrock obstruction and subsequent modification due to overriding.
Resisting Corporate Corruption: Cases in Practical Ethics From Enron Through The Financial Crisis, 2nd Edition. By Stephen V. Arbogast, Wiley-Scrivener, 2013; 552 Pages. Price US $75.00, ISBN 978-1-118-20855-7
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: May 2013

The following paragraphs are reproduced from the website of the publisher [1]. Taking a unique approach to business ethics unlike the typical focus on conceptual/legal frameworks, this book features 25 case studies that cover a full range of business practices, controls, and ethics issues. The new edition is fully updated with new case studies from the recent financial crisis, comparing it with Enron's crossing of various ethical lines. Interpretive essays explore financial control systems and lessons learned from specific case studies and circumstances. Readers will find a practical toolkit they can use to identify ethics issues and tackle problems effectively within corporations.
A Thermal Simulation Tool for Building and Its Interoperability through the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Platform
Authors: Bahar Yudi , Pere Christian , Landrieu Jérémie , Nicolle Christophe
Published: May 2013

This paper describes potential challenges and opportunities for using thermal simulation tools to optimize building performance. After reviewing current trends in thermal simulation, it outlines major criteria for the evaluation of building thermal simulation tools based on specifications and capabilities in interoperability. Details are discussed including workflow of data exchange of multiple thermal analyses such as the BIM-based application. The present analysis focuses on selected thermal simulation tools that provide functionalities to exchange data with other tools in order to obtain a picture of its basic work principles and to identify selection criteria for generic thermal tools in BIM. Significances and barriers to integration design with BIM and building thermal simulation tools are also discussed.
Life Cycle GHG of NG-Based Fuel and Electric Vehicle in China
Authors: Ou Xunmin , Zhang Xiliang , Zhang Xu , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2013

This paper compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of natural gas (NG)- based fuels to the GHG emissions of electric vehicles (EVs) powered with NG-to-electricity in China. A life-cycle model is used to account for full fuel cycle and use-phase emissions, as well as vehicle cycle and battery manufacturing. The reduction of life-cycle GHG emissions of EVs charged by electricity generated from NG, without utilizing carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology can be 36%–47% when compared to gasoline vehicles. The large range change in emissions reduction potential is driven by the different generation technologies that could in the future be used to generate electricity in China. When CCS is employed in power plants, the GHG emission reductions increase to about 71%–73% compared to gasoline vehicles. It is found that compressed NG (CNG) and liquefied NG (LNG) fuels can save about 10% of carbon as compared to gasoline vehicles. However, gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel made through the Fischer-Tropsch method will likely lead to a life-cycle GHG emissions increase, potentially 3%–15% higher than gasoline, but roughly equal to petroleum-based diesel. When CCS is utilized, the GTL fueled vehicles emit roughly equal GHG emissions to petroleum-based diesel fuel high-efficient hybrid electric vehicle from the life-cycle perspective.
Energy and Environmental Implications of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in China
Authors: Lang Jianlei , Cheng Shuiyuan , Zhou Ying , Zhao Beibei , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Shujing
Published: May 2013

The promotion of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) has been proposed as one promising solution for reducing transport energy consumption and mitigating vehicular emissions in China. In this study, the energy and environmental impacts of hybrid and EVs during 2010–2020 were evaluated through an energy conversion analysis and a life cycle assessment (LCA), and the per-kilometer energy consumptions of gasoline, coal, natural gas (NG), oil, biomass, garbage and electricity for EVs and HEVs were estimated. Results show that the EVs and HEVs can reduce the energy consumption of vehicles by national average ratios of 17%–19% and 30%–33%, respectively. The study also calculated the detailed emission factors of SO2, NOX, VOC, CO, NH3, PM10, PM2.5, OC, EC, CO2, N2O, CH4, Pb and Hg. It is indicated that the HEVs can bring significant reductions of NOX, VOC and CO emissions and lesser decreases of SO2 and CO2 for a single vehicle. The EVs could decrease many of the VOC, NH3, CO and CO2 emissions, but increase the SO2, NOX and particles by 10.8–13.0, 2.7–2.9 and 3.6–11.5 times, respectively. In addition, the electricity sources had significant influence on energy consumption (EC) and emissions. A high proportion of coal-fired energy resulted in large ECs and emission factors. The total energy consumption and pollutants emission changes in 2015 and 2020 were also calculated. Based on the energy use and emission analysis of HEVs and EVs, it is suggested that EVs should be promoted in the regions with higher proportions of hydropower, natural gas-fired power and clean energy power, while HEVs can be widely adopted in the regions with high coal-fired power ratios. This is to achieve a higher energy consumption reduction and pollutant emission mitigation. Moreover, the results can also provide scientific support for the total amount control of regional air pollutants in China.
Energy-Exergy, Environmental and Economic Criteria in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plants: Indexes for the Evaluation of the Cogeneration Potential
Authors: Torchio Marco
Published: May 2013

In the first part of this work, combined heat and power (CHP) criteria pertaining to energy, exergy, environmental (pollutant emission) and economic aspects, have been investigated and compared. Although the constraints in legislation usually refer to energy efficiency, primary energy savings and greenhouse gas savings, other criteria should also be taken into account in order to obtain a better evaluation of a cogeneration plant. Here particular attention has been paid to saving indexes for both an individual CHP-unit and for a CHP-system, that is the complete system with all the cogeneration units and the auxiliary plants necessary to cover the users’ demand. Five indexes, named potential indexes, have been introduced to evaluate the cogeneration potential: one for energy saving, one for exergy, two for environmental aspects (global and local scale) and one for economic aspects. Finally, some indexes analysed in the paper have been applied to a case study concerning a district heating cogeneration system, and the different behaviour of the energy-exergy, environmental and economic aspects has been discussed.
Assessment and Use of Optical Oxygen Sensors as Tools to Assist in Optimal Product Component Selection for the Development of Packs of Ready-to-Eat Mixed Salads and for the Non-Destructive Monitoring of in-Pack Oxygen Levels Using Chilled Storage
Authors: Hempel Andreas , O'Sullivan Maurice , Papkovsky Dmitri , Kerry Joseph
Published: May 2013

Optical oxygen sensors were used to ascertain the level of oxygen consumed by individual salad leaves for optimised packaging of ready-to-eat (RTE) Italian salad mixes during refrigerated storage. Seven commonly found leaves in Italian salad mixes were individually assessed for oxygen utilisation in packs. Each leaf showed varying levels of respiration throughout storage. Using the information obtained, an experimental salad mix was formulated (termed Mix 3) which consisted of the four slowest respiring salad leaves—Escarole, Frisee, Red Batavia, Lollo Rosso. Mix 3 was then compared against two commercially available Italian salads; Mix 1 (Escarole, Frisee, Radicchio, Lollo Rosso) and Mix 2 (Cos, Frisee, Radicchio, Lollo Rosso). Optical sensors were used to non-destructively monitor oxygen usage in all mixes throughout storage. In addition to oxygen consumption, all three salad mixes were quality assessed in terms of microbial load and sensorial acceptability. In conclusion, Mix 3 was found to consume the least amount of oxygen over time, had the lowest microbial load and was most sensorially preferred (p < 0.05) in terms of overall appearance and acceptability. This study clearly shows the potential that oxygen sensors possess in terms of assisting in the optimised development of commercial RTE salad products.
Heterotrophic Protists in Hypersaline Microbial Mats and Deep Hypersaline Basin Water Columns
Authors: Edgcomb Virginia , Bernhard Joan
Published: May 2013

Although hypersaline environments pose challenges to life because of the low water content (water activity), many such habitats appear to support eukaryotic microbes. This contribution presents brief reviews of our current knowledge on eukaryotes of water-column haloclines and brines from Deep Hypersaline Anoxic Basins (DHABs) of the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as shallow-water hypersaline microbial mats in solar salterns of Guerrero Negro, Mexico and benthic microbialite communities from Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia. New data on eukaryotic diversity from Shark Bay microbialites indicates eukaryotes are more diverse than previously reported. Although this comparison shows that eukaryotic communities in hypersaline habitats with varying physicochemical characteristics are unique, several groups are commonly found, including diverse alveolates, strameonopiles, and fungi, as well as radiolaria. Many eukaryote sequences (SSU) in both regions also have no close homologues in public databases, suggesting that these environments host unique microbial eukaryote assemblages with the potential to enhance our understanding of the capacity of eukaryotes to adapt to hypersaline conditions.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-Antioxidant Biflavonoids from Garcinia madruno
Authors: Osorio Edison , Londoño Julián , Bastida Jaume
Published: May 2013

Six biflavonoids were isolated from G. madruno, one of which, 7''-O-(6''''-acetyl)-glucoside of morelloflavone, is a new compound identified on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR (HMQC and HMBC) spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. The antioxidant activity of the biflavonoids against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation induced with Cu2+, was studied by means of a TBARS assay. The antioxidant potential of a biflavonoid fraction (BF) was also evaluated and correlated with its biflavonoid content. The flavanone-(3→8'')-flavone biflavonoids displayed antioxidant activity, particularly morelloflavone, which was significantly more potent than quercetin, with a CE50 of 12.36 μg/mL. Lipid peroxidation, was also significantly reduced in the presence of the BF (EC50 = 11.85 μg/mL). These results suggest that the BF is an excellent antioxidant.
Bolaamphiphiles Derived from Alkenyl L-Rhamnosides and Alkenyl D-Xylosides: Importance of the Hydrophilic Head
Authors: Gatard Sylvain , Nasir Mehmet , Deleu Magali , Klai Nadia , Legrand Vincent , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: May 2013

The two step synthesis of a new bolaamphiphile derived from alkenyl l-rhamnosides was described. The general synthetic strategy of bolaamphiphiles derived from l-rhamnose was based on a previous work describing the synthesis of bolaamphiphiles derived from d-xylose. The conformational properties of this new compound were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy in an aqueous film in order to obtain a reference for further studies about the membrane-interacting properties. Moreover, the surface activity of this new bolaamphiphile was analyzed by Langmuir balance technology and was compared with that of the analogous bolaamphiphile derived from alkenyl D-xylosides. The findings indicate that the rhamnoside-based bolaform has an increased surface activity and a better ability to form aggregates than xyloside-based one.
A Novel Sensor Platform Matching the Improved Version of IPMVP Option C for Measuring Energy Savings
Authors: Tseng Yen-Chieh , Lee Da-Sheng , Lin Cheng-Fang , Chang Ching-Yuan
Published: May 2013

It is easy to measure energy consumption with a power meter. However, energy savings cannot be directly computed by the powers measured using existing power meter technologies, since the power consumption only reflects parts of the real energy flows. The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) was proposed by the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO) to quantify energy savings using four different methodologies of A, B, C and D. Although energy savings can be estimated following the IPMVP, there are limitations on its practical implementation. Moreover, the data processing methods of the four IPMVP alternatives use multiple sensors (thermometer, hygrometer, Occupant information) and power meter readings to simulate all facilities, in order to determine an energy usage benchmark and the energy savings. This study proposes a simple sensor platform to measure energy savings. Using usually the Electronic Product Code (EPC) global standard, an architecture framework for an information system is constructed that integrates sensors data, power meter readings and occupancy conditions. The proposed sensor platform is used to monitor a building with a newly built vertical garden system (VGS). A VGS shields solar radiation and saves on energy that would be expended on air-conditioning. With this platform, the amount of energy saved in the whole facility is measured and reported in real-time. The data are compared with those obtained from detailed measurement and verification (M&V) processes. The discrepancy is less than 1.565%. Using measurements from the proposed sensor platform, the energy savings for the entire facility are quantified, with a resolution of ±1.2%. The VGS gives an 8.483% daily electricity saving for the building. Thus, the results show that the simple sensor platform proposed by this study is more widely applicable than the four complicated IPMVP alternatives and the VGS is an effective tool in reducing the carbon footprint of a building.
RENESANSO LAIKOTARPIO STATYBOS VILNIUJE KLAUSIMU/ABOUT RENAISSANCE CONSTRUCTION IN VILNIUS
Authors: Zilinskas Robertas
Published: May 2013

The paper describes the Renaissance phenomenon and name,its peculiarities and connection with innovations in different areas of life of the Lithuanian society and with historic personalities. Preconditions for the phenomenon s existance occurred in 1518–1655. Circumstances hindering cognoscibility of the phenomenon are analysed. The construction and decoration technique of the Renaissance are characterized. The method of material selection for this paper is described. The discovered cases of Renaissance construction and reconstruction in Vilnius are briefly reviewed. It is found that Renaissance construction determined the urban framework of Vilnius historic part. Santrauka Aprašoma renesanso, kaip reiškinio, jo pavadinimo kilmė ir apraiškos kultūros istorijoje, požymiai, sąsajos su naujovėmis skirtingose Lietuvos visuomenės gyvenimo srityse ir su istorinėmis asmenybėmis, prielaidos reiškiniui gyvuoti, buvusios nuo 1518 m. iki 1655 m. Analizuojamos reiškinio pažinumą apsunkinančios aplinkybės. Apibūdinama Renesanso laikotarpio statybos ir puošybos technika. Apibūdinamas medžiagos atrankos straipsniui metodas. Pateikiami išaiškinti Vilniaus Renesanso laikotarpio statybų ir rekonstrukcijų atvejai. Nustatyta, kad šio laikotarpio statyba nulėmė Vilnius istorinės dalies urbanistinį karkasą.
KIČO APRAIŠKOS ŠIUOLAIKINIAME INTERJERE/MANIFESTATIONS OF KITSCH IN LITHUANIAN MODERN INTERIOR
Authors: Mačiulis Algimantas
Published: May 2013

With Lithuania’s regained statehood and introduction of free market conditions, the image of ours towns has improved. However, we can also observe some negative aspects: predominance of commercialism, manifestations of kitsch, particulary in interiors.

Several kitsch manifestation trends can be distinguished in modern interior: (1) “Wild West”, reflections of the American cowboy cult and (2) primitive “national”, “country” style. Currently the trends of architecture stylized with folk art motives are flourishing, when using naturalistic, sham elements bad taste interiors are created that demonstrate a vulgar understanding of national traditions. Original interiors created in the 60s–80s are destroyed. Modern and stylish interiors in Vilnius, Kaunas, and other towns did not survive. Kitsch could be noticed in architecture of private dwelling houses as well, when buildings remind of castles, mills, elevators, etc. due to the use of unusual symbols.

Manifestations of kitsch in the design of modern interior and urban architecture could be linked to post-modernism that propagates eclecticism, orientation to regionalism, “country” forms, retrospection to historism, “citing” in modern architecture historical and “local dialect” forms from a paradox to an ironic sarcasm.

Santrauka

Peržvelgiamos kičo, stilizacijos, komerciškumo šiuolaikiniame interjere tendencijos. Išskiriamos kelios kičo apraiškos kryptys: 1) komercinis amerikietiškasis „laukinių Vakarų“ stilius ir 2) primityvi „tautiška“, „kaimiškoji“ stilizacija interjeruose. Kičas siejamas su postmodernizmu, kuris propaguoja eklektizmą, „kaimiškąsias“ formas, stilizaciją, istorizmo tendencijas.
INTERACTION OF ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIETY: PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AS TOOL TO IMPROVE LOCAL ECONOMY AND ARCHITECTURE/ARCHITEKTŪROS IR VISUOMENĖS SĄVEIKA: VIEŠIEJI PIRKIMAI KAIP PRIEMONĖ GERINANT VIETINĘ EKONOMIKĄ IR ARCHITEKTŪRĄ
Authors: Jakaitis Jonas
Published: May 2013

One of the main tasks of public authorities is to find ways how, in the course of the development of urban architecture, to manage and create assumptions for the public to become a new-type, active and cooperative civic society taking part in urban development processes. The research of these problems is important seeking to ensure sustainability in natural, economic-social environment and urban architecture. Assessing the features for application of democratic principles in planning in Lithuania the main objective of this paper is to try to reveal the problems of quality in the development of urban architecture in the context of public procurement of services and to assess the efficiency of procedures defined by legal acts from the viewpoint of architectural quality. Interdisciplinary, comparative analysis methods are used to achieve this objective by revealing the particularity of momentary events.

The paper is prepared on the basis of URBACT/LCS (Leveraging City Services) conference of November 2007 (Hudson 2007) (Jakaitis 2007); besides, analysis by S. Mockaitis of Vilnius City Municipality practical experience was used.

Santrauka

Vienas iš pagrindinių valdžios institucijų uždavinių – rasti būdų, kaip formuojant miesto architektūrą valdyti procesus ir sudaryti prielaidas visuomenei tapti naujo tipo aktyviai bendradarbiaujančia, dalyvaujančia miesto kūrimo procese pilietine visuomene. Šių problemų tyrimas yra svarbus siekiant gamtinės, ekonominės ir socialinės aplinkos, miestų architektūros darnos. Pagrindinis šio straipsnio tikslas – įvertinant demokratinių planavimo principų Lietuvoje taikymo ypatumus pabandyti atskleisti miestų architektūros formavimo kokybės problematiką viešųjų paslaugų pirkimų kontekste, įvertinti teisės aktais apibrėžtų procedūrų efektyvumą architektūrinės kokybės požiūriu. Šiam tikslui pasiekti taikomi tarpdisciplininis, lyginamosios analizės metodai atskleidžiant dabartinių įvykių specifiką.
KRAŠTOVAIZDŽIO FORMAVIMO TEISINĖ BAZĖ IR APLINKOS FORMAVIMO PRAKTIKA/LEGAL BASIS OF LANDSCAPE FORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN PRACTICE
Authors: Staniūnas Eugenijus
Published: May 2013

The design of an environment and its legal basis should make a harmonious whole. However, to realize this idea is not so easy. It can be perceived in the Lithuanian legal regulations. The Lithuanian law gives two different definitions of landscape. It puts designers and planners into a contradictory situation. It is noty the only problem. The terms, used in the Law on Protected Territories (one of the laws, giving the definition) are relatively rare and unusual. The laws do not describe them. The Lithuanian laws do not describe even such an important term as “ecological balance”. The task of design and planning of landscape is even more difficult when you try to understand the legal formulations of the tasks of landscape design and planning. All these features of laws open the possibility of different interpretations and discussions. They are especially active in planning practice. It is proposed in the paper to check the language of the laws and harmonize the Lithuanian regulations of landscape design and planning with the European Landscape Declaration.

Santrauka

Regis, suprantama, kad civilizuotoje valstybėje aplinkos formavimas ir jį reglamentuojantys įstatymai turėtų sudaryti darnią visumą, tačiau realizuoti šią idėją nėra taip paprasta. Straipsnyje tai ir parodoma, nagrinėjant Lietuvos kraštovaizdžio teisinio reglamentavimo ir jo projektavimo praktikos santykį. Kalbama apie tai, kad dėl įstatymų miglotumo, reglamentų prieštaringumo aplinkos formavimo teisės ir praktikos ryšys korektiškas būti kol kas tiesiog negali.
FORMS AND FUNCTIONS OF MARKET SQUARES IN SMALL TOWNS OF LOWER SILESIA/MAŽŲ ŽEMUTINĖS SILEZIJOS MIESTELIŲ FORMOS IR FUNKCIJŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Borcz Zuzanna , Niedźwiecka-Filipiak Irena
Published: May 2013

In the paper market squares in small towns of Lower Silesia region are presented, their area does not exceed 1 ha. For the present work 15 localities were selected: 10 towns and 5 villages which formerly had civic rights. The variety of shapes of market squares mainly resulted from the fact that the towns were founded in a different way. Most of them were formed as completely new settlements, the so-called settlements “on a rough root”, the other ones developed from boroughs or commercial villages. It should be pointed out that the function of a market square is its crucial feature. In the course of time the market square in many towns underwent transformations of its function along with the loss of importance as the central place of a town. Today market places for wholesale as well as for retail trade are designed at other points of a town. An old market square remains till now as an imposing place, although it may also be used as a car park.

Concluding, it may be established that market squares played in the past and still play an important role in a town.

Santrauka

Pateikiami Žemutinės Silezijos miestelių istorinių turgaus aikščių raidos ir šiandieninės situacijos tyrimo rezultatai. Tyrimui buvo parinkti charakteringiausi 1 ha ploto neviršijančių 10 miestelių ir 5 kaimo gyvenviečių, anksčiau turėjusių civilinių teisių, pavyzdžiai. Šio tyrimo tikslas – atskleisti aikščių, praradusių prekybos paskirtį, raidos tendencijas šiandieninės miestų kultūros ir urbanistinės plėtros kontekste. Autorės nagrinėja miestelių turgaus aikščių atsiradimo ir formavimosi urbanistines ir socialines prielaidas, atskleidžia funkcinio konteksto poveikį istoriniam aikštės plano pavidalui ir orientavimui erdvėje, jos architektūrinei kompozicijai. Išryškinami nagrinėjamų aikščių kompoziciniai ryšiai su kitomis svarbiomis visuomeninėmis erdvėmis ir architektūrinėmis dominantėmis. Aprašoma turgaus aikščių funkcinė transformacija, vykusi XX a. daroma išvada, kad buvusių turgaus aikščių lokalizacija miestelio centre ir jų meninė kompozicinė, taip pat ir istorinė vertė nulėmė tai, kad aikštės ir šiandien tebėra svarbios visuomeninės erdvės.
BAZINIAI KULTŪRINĖS MIESTO FUNKCIJOS MODELIAI. MIESTO KULTŪRINIO KARKASO METMENYS/BASIC MODELS OF CITY‘S CULTURAL FUNCTION. OUTLINES OF URBAN-CULTURAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: Butkus Tomas S.
Published: May 2013

The paper discuss the basic models of city’s cultural function (CF) formed on the basis of cultural potential. It is analysed how they become an accumulative source of CF. According to the CF concept, which defines the term as the complex of places, objects and phenomena that expose in an urban structure as the reproduction of city‘s power, three basic model groups are educed: enclaves, institutions (cultural centers) and habitats (environments). The author proposes applied model strategy based on combination of historic world paradigms of cultural planning. The premise of urban-cultural framework is brought forward, and the outlines of its spatial and composite arrangement are presented.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjami baziniai kultūrinės miesto funkcijos modeliai, kurių formavimosi pagrindas – kultūrinis potencialas. Aiškinamasi, kaip šie modeliai tampa akumuliaciniu kultūrinės funkcijos šaltiniu. Išskiriamos trys bazinių modelių grupės: anklavai, institucijos, habitatai. Remiantis istorinėmis pasaulio šalių kultūros planavimo paradigmomis siūloma šešių taikomųjų modelių strategija. Iškeliama miesto kultūrinio karkaso prielaida, pateikiami jo erdvinės ir kompozicinės sandaros principų metmenys. Analizė remiasi kultūrinės miesto funkcijos koncepcija, urbanistinėje struktūroje apibrėžta kaip vietų, objektų ir reiškinių kompleksu ir pasireiškiančiu miesto galių reproduktyvumu.