bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holomorphic Poisson Cohomology
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Grandini Daniele , Poon Yat-Sun
Published: July 2015

Holomorphic Poisson structures arise naturally in the realm of generalized geometry. A holomorphic
Poisson structure induces a deformation of the complex structure in a generalized sense, whose cohomology
is obtained by twisting the Dolbeault @-operator by the holomorphic Poisson bivector field. Therefore,
the cohomology space naturally appears as the limit of a spectral sequence of a double complex. The first
sheet of this spectral sequence is simply the Dolbeault cohomology with coefficients in the exterior algebra of
the holomorphic tangent bundle. We identify various necessary conditions on compact complex manifolds
on which this spectral sequence degenerates on the level of the second sheet. The manifolds to our concern
include all compact complex surfaces, Kähler manifolds, and nilmanifolds with abelian complex structures
or parallelizable complex structures.
Cerodontha (Poemyza) unisetiorbita Zlobin, 1993 (Diptera: Agromyzidae), a leaf-miner on bamboo: first records from Central Europe/ Cerodontha (Poemyza) unisetiorbita Zlobin, 1993 (Diptera: Agromyzidae), vrtalka minující na bambusu: první nálezy ve střední Evropě.
Authors: Černý Miloš , Roháček Jindřich
Published: July 2015

Cerodontha (Poemyza) unisetiorbita Zlobin, 1993 (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is added to the fauna of the Czech Republic and Germany, based on rearing records from the Zoological garden Zlín-Lešná (Czech Republic) and from the Bamboo garden near Hannover (Germany). The distribution and biology of C. (P.) unisetiorbita are reviewed. The new records are given with illustrated habitat and host-plant data and photographs of living females, puparium and a hymenopterous parasitoid (Braconidae) reared from the puparium, and their significance is discussed.
Self-Biased Magnetoelectric Composites: An Overview and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Maurya Deepam , Yan Yongke , Srinivasan Gopalan , Quandt Eckhard , Priya Shashank
Published: July 2015

Self-biased magnetoelectric (ME) composites, defined as materials that enable large ME coupling under external AC magnetic field in the absence of DC magnetic field, are an interesting, challenging and practical field of research. In comparison to the conventional ME composites, eliminating the need of DC magnetic bias provides great potential towards device miniaturization and development of components for electronics and medical applications. In this review, the current state-of-the-art of the different self-biased structures, their working mechanisms, as well as their main characteristics are summarized. Further, the nature and requirement of the self-biased magnetoelectric response is discussed with respect to the specific applications. Lastly, the remaining challenges as well as future perspective of this research field are discussed.
Comparison of the Flight Loads Spectra of Two Business Jets
Authors: Kliment Linda K. , Rokhsaz Kamran
Published: July 2015

Operational flight loads have been analyzed from two business jets, a Global 5000 and a Global Express XRS. It is shown that both airframes were subjected to nearly the same number of ground-air-ground cycles, even though the flight times were much different. Flights have been divided into various phases, and loads and turbulence data have been categorized by altitude bands within each phase. Cumulative occurrences of incremental vertical gust load factors have been compared and shown to be comparable for the two airframes. Maneuver load factors have been shown to spread over a wider range of values for the 5000 in every phase. This has been confirmed through comparison of combined loads with those from a CRJ100 and an ERJ-145XR. Derived gust velocities, obtained from the load factors are presented in the form of exceedance spectra. These results from both aircraft are shown to agree well
Selected Aspects Related to the Applied Loads Control During Fatigue Tests of a Metallic Airframe
Authors: Brzęczek Józef , Chodur Jerzy , Pietruszka Janusz
Published: July 2015

Service life of the PZL M28 is computed based on the results of the full-scale fatigue tests of the structure [1]. As the PZL M28 is a commuter category airplane according to the 14 CFR Part 23 and CS-23 regulations, the test objects are: (1) wing and wing load carry-through structure, (2) empennage and attached fuselage structure. Additionally, there are fatigue tests carried out for the landing gear and other selected elements including control system elements. The aircraft load carry-through structure is metallic and the cabin is unpressurized. The fatigue tests are conducted stage-by-stage. As tests progress, it is possible to extend the aircraft target service life, applying the safe life philosophy with reference to the primary components of the load carry-through structure.

The article brings into attention the issue of the applied loads control in conducting fatigue tests of the metallic airframe.
Physician Self-Referral of Physical Therapy Services for Patients with Low Back Pain: Implications for Use, Types of Treatments Received and Expenditures
Authors: Mitchell Jean M. , Reschovsky James D. , Franzini Luisa , Reicherter Elizabeth Anne
Published: July 2015

Prior research on treatment of low back pain has documented large increases in use of spinal surgery, MRIs and lumbosacral injections linked to physician self-referral arrangements. No recent research has examined whether physician ownership of physical therapy services results in greater use of physical therapy to treat low back pain. The objective of this study is to investigate whether physician ownership of physical therapy services affects frequency of use, visits and types of physical therapy services received by patients with low back pain. Using claims records from insured patients covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (2008–2011) we compared several metrics of use of physical therapy services for low back pain episodes controlling for self-referral status. We identified 158,151 low back pain episodes, 27% met the criteria to be classified as “self-referral.” Only 10% of “non-self-referral” episodes received physical therapy compared to 26% of self-referral episodes (p<0.001). The unadjusted and regression adjusted self-referral effect was identical – about 16 percentage point difference (p<0.001). Among patients who received some physical therapy, self-referral episodes were comprised of 2.26 fewer visits and 11 fewer physical therapy service units (p<0.001). Non-self-referring episodes included a significantly higher proportion of “active” (hands on or patient engaged) as opposed to “passive” treatments (p<0.001). The regression-adjusted difference was 30 percentage points when measured as actual counts and 29 percentage points when measured in RVUs (p<0.001). Total spending on back-related care was 35% higher for self-referred episodes compared to their non-self-referred counterparts (p<0.001). Ownership of physical therapy services influence physicians’ referral to initiate a course of physical therapy to treat low back pain, but also affect the types of physical therapy services a patient receives.
Luminescence Dating of Fluvial Deposits in the Rock Shelter of Cueva Antón, Spain
Authors: Burow Christoph , Kehl Martin , Hilgers Alexandra , Weniger Gerd-Christian , Angelucci Diego E. , Villaverde Valentín , Zapata Josefina , Zilhão João
Published: July 2015

The fluvial sediments at Cueva Antón, a Middle Palaeolithic rock shelter located in the valley of the River Mula (Southeast Spain), produced abundant lithic assemblages of Mousterian affinities. Radiocarbon dates are available for the upper part of the archaeological succession, while for the middle to lower parts chronometric data have been missing. Here we present luminescence dating results for these parts of the succession. Quartz OSL on small aliquots and single grain measurements yield ages ranging from 69 ± 7 ka to 82 ± 8 ka with a weighted mean of 72 ± 4 ka for sub-complexes AS2 to AS5. Equivalent dose estimates from large aliquots were highest and inconsistent with those from single grains and small multiple grain aliquots. This is probably caused by the presence of over-saturating grains, which have been quantified by single grain measurements. Additional post-IR IRSL measurements on coarse grained feldspar give strong support to a well-bleached quartz OSL signal. While independent chronometric control is missing, the results are within the expected age range and support the notion of a rapid accumulation of the fluvial deposits.
Luminescence Dating of Fluvial Deposits from the Weser Valley, Germany
Authors: Roskosch Julia , Tsukamoto Sumiko , Frechen Manfred
Published: July 2015

Luminescence dating was applied on coarse-grained monomineralic potassium-rich feld-spar and polymineralic fine-grained minerals of five samples derived from fluvial deposits of the Riv-er Weser in northwestern Germany. We used a pulsed infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) single aliquot regenerative (SAR) dose protocol with an IR stimulation at 50°C for 400 s (50 μs on-time and 200 μs off-time). In order to obtain a stable luminescence signal, only off-time IRSL signal was rec-orded. Performance tests gave solid results. Anomalous fading was intended to be reduced by using the pulsed IRSL signal measured at 50°C (IR50), but fading correction was in most cases necessary due to moderate fading rates. Fading uncorrected and corrected pulsed IR50 ages revealed two major fluvial aggradation phases during the Late Pleistocene, namely during marine isotope stage (MIS) 5d (100 ± 5 ka) and from late MIS 5b to MIS 4 (77 ± 6 ka to 68 ± 5 ka). The obtained luminescence ages are consistent with previous 230Th/U dating results from underlying interglacial deposits of the same pit, which are correlated with MIS 7c to early MIS 6.
The Relative Age Effect in Spanish Female Soccer Players. Influence of the Competitive Level and a Playing Position
Authors: Sedano Silvia , Vaeyens Roel , Redondo Juan Carlos
Published: July 2015

The purposes of the study were to examine relative age effects (RAEs) in Spanish female soccer and to identify the influence of a playing position. The sample comprised all female players (n=4035) of five different competitive levels in the 2010-2013 seasons: First, Second and Third divisions (n=936, n=1711 and n=870, respectively), and National and Regional (n=232 and n=286, respectively) teams were included. Differences between the observed and expected birth-date distributions were tested based on data from the general Spanish population, using the chi-square statistic followed up by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results revealed that the birth-date distributions of almost all groups of football players showed an overrepresentation of players born in the first quartile. Only in the lowest level was age distribution not significantly different from that of the general population. Moreover, the RAE risk progressively increased with a higher level of involvement. It was also observed that at some playing positions the birth-date distributions were significantly biased. That was the case for goalkeepers and defenders. It could be concluded that in the current structure of Spanish female soccer there is a relative age effect, probably due to the early processes of talent identification.
Connecting Athletes’ Self-Perceptions and Metaperceptions of Competence: a Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Cecchini Jose A. , Fernández-Rio Javier , Méndez-Giménez Antonio
Published: July 2015

This study explored the relationships between athletes’ competence self-perceptions and metaperceptions. Two hundred and fifty one student-athletes (14.26 ± 1.89 years), members of twenty different teams (basketball, soccer) completed a questionnaire which included the Perception of Success Questionnaire, the Competence subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, and modified versions of both questionnaires to assess athletes’ metaperceptions. Structural equation modelling analysis revealed that athletes’ task and ego metaperceptions positively predicted task and ego self-perceptions, respectively. Competence metaperceptions were strong predictors of competence selfperceptions, confirming the atypical metaperception formation in outcome-dependent contexts such as sport. Task and ego metaperceptions positively predicted athletes’ competence metaperceptions. How coaches value their athletes’ competence is more influential on what the athletes think of themselves than their own self-perceptions. Athletes’ ego and task metaperceptions influenced their competence metaperceptions (how coaches rate their competence). Therefore, athletes build their competence metaperceptions using all information available from their coaches. Finally, only taskself perfections positively predicted athletes’ competence self-perceptions.
An Examination of Mixed Martial Arts Spectators’ Motives and their Sports Media Consumption in Poland
Authors: Zembura Paweł , Żyśko Jolanta
Published: July 2015

The study attempted to analyse the concept of spectators’ motives at mixed martial arts (MMA) events in Poland. In addition, we investigated the relation between motives and sports media consumption. The sample consisted of 273 people attending three similar, regional MMA events. Exploratory factor analysis was used to refine the structure of motives. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a reasonable fit of the obtained model (RMSEA = 0.41). Using ANOVA we found three significant differences in assessment of motives, based on gender. The factor of aesthetics and knowledge was ranked the highest for men and women. Men rated drama and violence, while women perceived socializing and crowd experience, and drama, as the following factors. Path analysis indicated that these motives explained 56% of variance in media consumption for men and 57% for women. The findings showed that the motive of vicarious achievement was the main predictor of media consumption for men, while aesthetics and knowledge were the key predictors for women. The results and ideas for further research are discussed.
Parametric Study of Pulsed CO2 Laser Surface Treatment of Alumina Ceramics
Authors: Bharatish A. , Murthy H. N. Narasimha , Radder Ajithkumar , Mamatha V. , Anand B. , Satyanarayana B. S.
Published: July 2015

This paper focuses on investigating the influence of laser power, pulse frequency and scanning speed on material removal rate and surface roughness during CO2 laser surface treatment of alumina ceramics. Pulse frequency and laser power were the significant factors influencing the material removal rate and surface roughness, respectively. Adequate response surface models were established to correlate the laser parameters and the measured responses. Grey relational analysis predicted the optimal responses at 90 W laser power, 5 kHz pulse frequency and 400 mm/s scanning speed. Desirability function based Multi objective optimization results indicated that minimum material removal rate (0.5117 mm3/s) and surface roughness (0.5968 µm) are achieved at 90 W laser power, 5 kHz pulse frequency and 337.37 mm/s scanning speed which were in close agreement with Grey Relational results. Increase in homogeneity and smoothness of the laser treated alumina surface along with formation of micro recast particles away from the laser traverse path were evidenced by the SEM micrographs.
A finite mixture latent trajectory model for modeling ultrarunners’ behavior in a 24-hour race
Authors: Bartolucci Francesco , Murphy Thomas Brendan
Published: July 2015

A finite mixture latent trajectory model is developed to study the performance and strategy of runners in a 24-h long ultra running race. The model facilitates clustering of runners based on their speed and propensity to rest and thus reveals the strategies used in the race. Inference for the adopted latent trajectory model is achieved using an expectation-maximization algorithm. Fitting the model to data from the 2013 World Championships reveals three clearly separated clusters of runners who exhibit different strategies throughout the race. The strategies show that runners can be grouped in terms of their average moving speed and their propensity to rest during the race. The effect of age and gender on the probability of belonging to each cluster is also investigated.
Stress Analysis of Lap Joints With Embedded Cover Plate
Authors: İşcan Bahattin
Published: July 2015

In this study, the effects of the bonding joints that are partly embedded in the adherent on the tensile behaviour of reinforcing plate adhesive joint have been investigated by 2D finite element method. In the study, the SBT 9244 material was used as the adhesive, and the adherent was the AA2024-T3 material. Three different models were built for the height of the embedded part in the adherent (a) and five models for the length of the embedded part (b), while three models were built for the total overlap length (c). Results showed that with the increase of the height of the embedded part and total overlap length, the strength of the joint was considerably increased. The increase of the length of the embedded part was initially led to an increase in the strength of the joints but after 0.25 value of the b/c the strength was reduced.
Trade, Development and Child Labor: Regulation and Law in the Case of Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry
Authors: Bertrand William , de Buhr Elke
Published: July 2015

Voluntary private sector agreements are common as a tool to regulate industries including the enforcement of labor laws in domestic and overseas markets. Agreements cover many different industries, and they differ greatly in scope, implementation and monitoring. Challenging to enforce, they have often been criticized by consumer groups and have sometimes failed. This article examines one of the oldest and most prominent examples of a voluntary industry agreement in agriculture, the Harkin-Engel Protocol targeted at addressing the worst forms of child labor in the cocoa sectors of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. In 2006, the authors of this paper were first tasked by the U.S. Department of Labor to oversee the implementation of the Harkin-Engel Protocol on behalf of the U.S. Congress. They have since documented the Protocol’s implementation for more than eight years. This paper discusses the authors’ experience with private sector voluntary agreements for achieving social change in developing countries at the example of the Protocol. Special issues around the role of regulation and law within this process are our focus in this article.
Research Engagement in the EFL Pre-Service Practicum
Authors: Akyel Ayşe
Published: July 2015

The study aims to add to our understanding of pre-service teachers’ perceptions and experiences of research engagement during the school practicum. Specifically speaking, the following research question was addressed: What are Turkish pre-service EFL student teachers’ perceptions of the extent to which research engagement in the school practicum is beneficial for their professional development? Twenty-Four EFL student teachers (22 female, 2 male) participated in the study. They all took the practicum course together with the teacher research course during the 8th semester of their four-year undergrad education. Data came from an open-ended questionnaire, student teachers’ written reflections, conclusion sections of the research projects and semi-structured interviews with some of the participants after graduation. The findings indicated that participants benefited from research engagement during their practice teaching experience in questioning and reframing their understandings of teaching. However, they had some difficulties in research engagement during the school practicum. These findings have some crucial implications for the school practicum component of EFL teacher education programs. There is a common agreement that the pre-service teacher education programs are ideally responsible for laying the foundation for “contextualized” and “personalized” (Freeman & Johnson,1998) learning opportunities and preparing novices “to learn in and from their practice”(Feiman-Nemser, 2005). To this end, teacher candidates need support in using their own teaching practice as well as that of others (Kane and Francis, 2013) as a site of inquiry to examine and or reframe their understandings of teaching and students. (Ball and Cohen, 1999; Cochran and Smith and Lytle, 2009; Norman and Feiman-Nemser, 2005; Parr and Timperley 2010, Trent 2012). However, it is generally accepted that opportunities for such a process are not efficiently created by pre-service teacher education programs (Freeman&Johnson 1998, Feiman- Nemser 2009; Kane and Francis, 2013)
The Contribution of Portfolios to Professional Development in TESOL: An Investigation into Teachers’ Beliefs and Attitudes
Authors: Xerri Daniel , Campbell Caroline
Published: July 2015

This article explores teachers’ beliefs and attitudes in relation to the implementation of portfolios and their contribution to professional development in Malta. Based on the results of a mixed methods study, the article demonstrates that in order for the implementation of a portfolio system to cultivate professional development teachers’ beliefs and attitudes need to be adequately examined. Through an investigation of such beliefs and attitudes, this study highlighted a number of issues that need to be considered in order to maximize the benefits of portfolios. Such research is necessary because it provides an opportunity to foreground teacher agency with respect to effective portfolio implementation and use.
Is Hong Kong Sign Language a topic-prominent language?
Authors: Sze Felix
Published: July 2015

This paper addresses two questions. First, how can we know if a language is topic-prominent (Tp) in the spirit of
Toward completely automated vowel extraction: Introducing DARLA
Authors: Reddy Sravana , Stanford James N.
Published: July 2015

Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) is reaching further and further into everyday life with Apple’s Siri, Google voice search, automated telephone information systems, dictation devices, closed captioning, and other applications. Along with such advances in speech technology, sociolinguists have been considering new methods for alignment and vowel formant extraction, including techniques like the Penn Aligner (Yuan and Liberman 2008) and the FAVE automated vowel extraction program (Evanini et al. 2009; Rosenfelder et al. 2011). With humans transcribing audio recordings into sentences, these semi-automated methods can produce effective vowel formant measurements (Labov et al. 2013). But as the quality of ASR improves, sociolinguistics may be on the brink of another transformative technology: large-scale, completely automated vowel extraction without any need for human transcription. It would then be possible to quickly extract vowels from virtually limitless hours of recordings, such as YouTube, publicly available audio/video archives, and large-scale personal interviews or streaming video. How far away is this transformative moment? In this article, we introduce a fully automated program called DARLA (short for “Dartmouth Linguistic Automation,”http://darla.dartmouth.edu), which automatically generates transcriptions with ASR and extracts vowels using FAVE. Users simply upload an audio recording of speech, and DARLA produces vowel plots, a table of vowel formants, and probabilities of the phonetic environments for each token. In this paper, we describe DARLA and explore its sociolinguistic applications. We test the system on a dataset of the US Southern Shift and compare the results with semi-automated methods.
Generating Stationary Gaussian Processes Using The Spectral Representation Theorem
Authors: Majercsik Luciana , Simulescu Ion
Published: July 2015

The paper presents the Spectral Representation Theorem of a stationary process and two simulation methods derived from it. In order to test the accuracy of the two simulation methods two numerical applications are employed. First, using a theoretical power spectral density (PSD), two sets of sample functions, corresponding to each method, are generated and a comparison of the obtained numerical results with the analytical PSD is carried out. The second example is more complex and consists in using the stationary zone of the strong motion of the recorded NS acceleration registered at INCERC during the 1977 Vrancea earthquake. The corresponding Fourier Spectrum is calculated. In order to obtain a smoother PSD representation for the real Fourier spectrum, a specific barrier model spectrum (SBM) is fitted to it and the corresponding PSD calculated. This PSD is used to generate two sets of samples. The mean PSD obtained using both methods of simulation is compared with that characterizing the registered acceleration. The paper shows that the generated time series possess all the theoretical probabilistic characteristics discussed below, when the number of terms used in the simulation formulas is large. Three types of estimators are employed in the numerical evaluation of both simulation methods
Grain growth kinetics for B2O3-doped ZnO ceramics
Authors: Yuksel Berat , Ozkan T. Osman
Published: July 2015

Grain growth kinetics in 0.1 to 2 mol % B2O3-added ZnO ceramics was studied by using a simplified phenomenological grain growth kinetics equation Gn = K0 · t · exp(-Q/RT) together with the physical properties of sintered samples. The samples, prepared by conventional ceramics processing techniques, were sintered at temperatures between 1050 to 1250 °C for 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 hours in air. The kinetic grain growth exponent value (n) and the activation energy for the grain growth of the 0.1 mol % B2O3-doped ZnO ceramics were found to be 2.8 and 332 kJ/mol, respectively. By increasing B2O3 content to 1 mol %, the grain growth exponent value (n) and the activation energy decreased to 2 and 238 kJ/mol, respectively. The XRD study revealed the presence of a second phase, Zn3B2O6 formed when the B2O3 content was > 1 mol %. The formation of Zn3B2O6 phase gave rise to an increase of the grain growth kinetic exponent and the grain growth activation energy. The kinetic grain growth exponent value (n) and the activation energy for the grain growth of the 2 mol % B2O3-doped ZnO ceramics were found to be 3 and 307 kJ/mol, respectively. This can be attributed to the second particle drag (pinning) mechanism in the liquid phase sintering.
Catalyst free growth of single-crystalline bismuth nanorods by closed space sublimation technique
Authors: Usman Wajeeha , Maqsood Asghari
Published: July 2015

In the present study, bismuth (Bi) thin films having thickness of 335 nm have been deposited onto a glass substrate by closed space sublimation (CSS) technique. Besides this, spontaneous growth of Bi nanorods has also been investigated for the first time, without template and catalyst assistance in a substrate temperature range of 380 to 430 °C using CSS technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate microstructure, morphology and roughness of the Bi nanorods. The diameter and length ranges of Bi nanorods were 80 to 400 nm and 3 to 5 μm, respectively. Moreover, they exhibited a rhombohedral structure with a dominant peak indexed at (012), (104), and (110). The mass percentage of Bi, determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), was 99.93 %. The studies of electrical resistivity, Hall coefficient, magnetoresistivity, hole mobility and carrier concentration of Bi thin films were performed at 300 to 350 K and the electrical properties were found to be a function of temperature. The basic aim was to investigate the spectacular evolution of Bi nanostructures on as-deposited thin films and effects of thickness on their structural, electrical and dielectric properties. Detailed examination of SEM micrographs eliminated all other growth modes except self-catalytic tip growth by Vapor-Solid (VS) growth process which is believed to provide the driving force for spontaneous nanorod growth at high substrate temperature. Deposition of thinner Bi films provided a new possibility for fabrication of Bi nanorods of high quality.
Different Approaches in Uncertainty Evaluation for Measurement of Complex Surfaces Using Coordinate Measuring Machine
Authors: Vrba Igor , Palencar Rudolf , Hadzistevic Miodrag , Strbac Branko , Spasic-Jokic Vesna , Hodolic Janko
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a methodology for uncertainty assessment for Coordinate Measuring Machine measurement of complex real work pieces from industry. The study applied two approaches (in scanning mode only) for estimating the measurement uncertainty with the support of Taguchi plan in the experiment containing five factors: scanning speed, sample density, probe configuration, scanning direction, and position of measuring object. In the first approach the uncertainty was estimated by measuring the basic geometric objects (primitives like sphere and torus) representing the decomposition of complex surfaces and in the second one a complex surface was treated as an unknown quantity. Calculated uncertainty Type A for both measurement tasks was in the range from 0.65 μm to 6.47 μm. Evaluation of the uncertainty Type B covered specifications of the machine and standard uncertainties derived from temperature effects. Total uB
component was found to be in order of 0.4 μm. Future research will be directed towards the development and application of simulation methods
Contribution to the bryoflora of Australia, V. Colura streimannii sp. nov. from Queensland
Authors: Pócs Tamás
Published: July 2015

A new species of Colura (Dumort.) Dumort., was collected in the Cape Tribulation area of Queensland, in the mangrove forests of Daintree National Park. It is a member of subgenus Colura, section Harmophyllum Grolle, and differs from the superficially similar Colura pulcherrima Ast and C. queenslandica B. M. Thiers (both belong to another subgenus or section) by its easily detachable valve or by its acutely papillose lobule surface. Cheilolejeunea occlusa (Herz.) Kodama & Kitagawa occurs in the same habitat. This is a new record for Australia.
The comparison of the scope of the content and classification methods on topographical maps of Polish territory annexed by Russia issued at the turn of 19th and 20th century
Authors: Panecki Tomasz
Published: July 2015

The aim of the article was a comparison of the content’s scope, classification and presentation methods on topographical maps issued at the turn of 19th and 20th century covering the territory of former Russian partition. Three of such maps were chosen for the analysis, namely: Russian (scale 1:84,000), Austrian (scale 1:75,000) and German (scale 1:100,000). As a starting point of the study served an attempt at reconstruction of map legends, as, a coherent symbology key (i.e. map legend) can be found neither for Russian nor German map. It was conducted by employing the symbology keys prepared in the Interwar Period, as for the Russian map there was no legend enclosed, while in the case of German the legend enclosed featured only the road network. Apart from the legends, an analysis of the map sheets covering four areas was conducted. Those areas were, as follow: Brest, Dęblin, Pinsk and Pułtusk vicinites. The next stage was to elaborate a legend comparison with summary in the form of a table for particular thematic layers: settlement and built-up area, transport network, sacral buildings facilities and other buildings, land cover, hydrography, relief, and borders. An assumption was made that despite the apparent similarity of the scales (1:75,000, 1:84,000, 1:100,000) and source materials the maps analysed are distinct in terms of presentation of the geohistorical landscape. The settlements on the Russian map were illustrated in a schematic manner, while the other maps approached the subject more meticulously. The discrepancies involve also such areas as: road network, land cover, and waters, which were categorised along different sets of criterion. It happened that some categories present on the Russian map were absent from the Austrian and German. It involved such objects as: fascine roads, wooden churches or radiostations. Those differences stem from not only the “military mode” of elaboration of the German and Austrian map, but also conscious interference in the scope of content and classification methods.
Modern Procedures Used in Cleaning Old, Illegibly and Blackened Icons
Authors: Pruteanu Silvea , Sandu Ion , Vasilache Viorica
Published: July 2015

In order to restore the original aesthetic aspect, to improve the state of the age patina and of the gold halo, similar processes are required. The cleaning process is one of the most important aspects for an artwork and is considering a series of deteriorations and degradations, like dirt deposits (clogged or unclogged) opalescent varnish, colors blackening, burns, blisters, gaps (missing ground, painting layer or varnish). This step in the restoration process includes physical and mechanical proceedings like dusting (with a vacuum), brushing (with a brush), scraping (with a scalpel), removal or polishing etc. The scalpel and the milling process are rough unconventional means that are used only in exceptional cases. The wet cleaning of dirt includes classic washing processes, with water or other complex systems of organic solvents (emollients, surface additives or surfactants, mixtures of solvents). Cleaning the clogged dirt deposits with unconventional methods can be done by means of electronic laser, ion and thermal exchange or ultrasounds. Laser cleaning is often used in removing unwanted dirt deposits from different layers of the art piece. A lot of attention goes towards the controlled elimination of the exterior protection layer (varnish), which can be photo- degraded and oxidized by atmospheric exposure. Visual analysis, with enlargers (OM, SEM, AFM etc.) combined with transmission or penetration techniques (radiography, endoscopy, X-ray diffraction etc.) provides information on the superficial structures of the art work. In order to determine the modifications of the desiccant oils, SEM was used to observed the changes in the morphology of the oil painting layers. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) can be used to detrmine detergent residues on the painting layer.
Index Bioclimatic "Wind-Chill"
Authors: Teodoreanu Elena
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an important bioclimatic index which shows the influence of wind on the human body thermoregulation. When the air temperature is high, the wind increases thermal comfort. But more important for the body is the wind when the air temperature is low. When the air temperature is lower and wind speed higher, the human body is threatening to freeze faster. Cold wind index is used in Canada, USA, Russia (temperature "equivalent" to the facial skin) etc., in the weather forecast every day in the cold season. The index can be used and for bioclimatic regionalization, in the form of skin temperature index.
An Uncommon Course Of Acute Appendicitis With Sepsis – A Case Report
Authors: Żyluk Andrzej , Jagielski Wojciech
Published: July 2015

Authors report a case of 54-years-old patient, who presented to the hospital due to three-day history of weakness, abdominal pain and diarrhea. His general shape was severe, abdomen was tender at palpation in hypogastrium, peritoneal signs were positive, and blood tests showed highly elevated markers of inflammation, including procalcitonin, what suggested the sepsis. Despite unclear clinical picture, the presence sepsis was an argument to give the patient surgery. Intraoperatively, perforated appendix was found, being in mass with the omentum and small bowel. An appendectomy was performed. Postoperative course was complicated by the wound infection, but recovery progressed quickly and patient was dismissed at 5 days after operation.

In the discussion the authors referred to the similar cases reported in the literature, concluding that acute appendicitis can be a life threating event for – to date – healthy adult person. Although a tendency to treat conservatively an uncomplicated acute appendicitis and to delay operations is supported by scientific evidence, the cases may occur in which only prompt surgical intervention protects the patient from serious complications.
Screening method for the determination of tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones in animal drinking water by liquid chromatography with diode array detector
Authors: Patyra E. , Kowalczyk E. , Grelik A. , Przeniosło-Siwczyńska M. , Kwiatek K.
Published: July 2015

A liquid chromatography – diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) procedure has been developed for the determination of oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TC), chlorotetracycline (CTC), doxycycline (DC), enrofloxacin (ENR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), sarafloxacin (SAR) and flumequine (FLU) residues in animal drinking water. This method was applied to animal drinking water. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up on an Oasis HLB cartridge allowed an extract suitable for liquid chromatographic analysis to be obtained. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 analytical column, using gradient elution with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid – acetonitrile – methanol at 30°C. The flow-rate was 0.7 mL/min and the eluate was analysed at 330 nm. The whole procedure was evaluated according to the requirements of the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, determining specificity, decision limit (CCα), detection capacity (CCβ), limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision and accuracy during validation of the method. The recoveries of TCs and FQs from spiked samples at the levels of 10, 100 and 1000 μg/L were higher than 82%. The developed method based on HPLC-DAD has been applied for the determination of four tetracyclines and four fluoroquinolones in animal drinking water samples.
Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated from beavers (Castor fiber)
Authors: Platt-Samoraj A. , Syczyło K. , Bancerz-Kisiel A. , Szczerba-Turek A. , Giżejewska A. , Szweda W.
Published: July 2015

Pseudocloacal swabs and palatine tonsils from beavers have been examined for theYersinia enterocoliticapresence. Thirty-six samples from 24 beavers were collected and subjected to bacteriological examinations including sero- and biotypisation. Amplicons confirmed by PCR asY. enterocoliticawere sequenced. Positive samples originated from 4 out of the 24 beavers (16.7 %) and all the strains belonged to biotype 1A. The study suggested thatY. enterocoliticacould be isolated from beavers, which may therefore be treated as a reservoir, a significant factor of water contamination and a vector of theY. enterocolitica.
Comparison Of The Powers Of Energy Losses In A Variable Capacity Displacement Pump Determined Without Or With Taking Into Account The Power Of Hydraulic Oil Compression
Authors: Paszota Zygmunt
Published: July 2015

Powers of energy losses in a variable capacity displacement pump are compared with or without taking into account the power of hydraulic oil compression. Evaluation of power of liquid compression in the pump was made possible by the use of method, proposed by the Author, of determining the degree of liquid aeration in the pump. In the method of determining the liquid aeration in the pump and of powers of volumetric losses of liquid compression a simplified formula (qPvc × ΔpPi)/2 was used describing the field of indicated work of volumetric losses qPvc of liquid compression during one shaft revolution at indicated increase ΔpPi of pressure in the chambers. Three methods were used for comparing the sum of powers of volumetric losses ΔPPvl due to leakage and ΔPPvc of compression and also ΔPPm|ΔpPi
of mechanical losses resulting from increase ΔpPi of indicated pressure in the working chambers.
Clocking In Turbines: Remarks On Physical Nature And Geometric Requirements
Authors: Swirydczuk Jerzy
Published: July 2015

The article discusses two issues relating to the clocking phenomenon in turbines, which are the physical course of stator wake deformation in rotor passages and its further interaction with downstream stator blades, and turbine geometry parameters which are believed to be most favourable for clocking. In both cases, the results presented in the article have made it possible to verify and reformulate the previously accepted opinions.
Mathematical Modelling Of Elastic Deflection Of A Tubular Cross-Section
Authors: Zastempowski Marcin , Bochat Andrzej
Published: July 2015

Cutting a tubular element into thin rings is an operation often used in engineering processes. Total work of the cutting consists of that necessary for initial deflection of cut material and the cutting work itself. This paper presents mathematical models which describe deflection of cross-section of a single tubular element as well as a single layer of tubes under action of external forces (acting and reacting ones). The deflection concerns end part of tube hence the cutting object model has been reduced to a thin ring. Results of calculation by using the developed models are presented for selected materials of tubular elements, which are commonly used for structures of the kind; moreover, they are prepared in a form of dimensionless diagrams, that makes it possible to use them for an arbitrary material.
Distribution And Clinicopathological Features Of Breast Cancer Histological Subtypes In Latvia
Authors: Srebnijs Andrejs , Isajevs Sergejs , Eglītis Jānis , Krūmiņš Viesturs , Bērziņš Juris , Vikmanis Uldis
Published: July 2015

Breast cancer is a heterogenous disease. It consists of several histological subtypes that can be separated by morphology and immunohistochemistry. The aim of our study was to determine the distribution of breast cancer histological and molecular subtypes, and their relationship with clinical and pathological characteristics. A total of 561 patients who underwent breast carcinoma surgical treatment from January 2003 till December 2012 were enrolled in the study. In total, invasive ductal carcinomas not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS) plus invasive ductal carcinomas no special type (IDC-NST) were observed in 430 patients (76.65% of cases), medullar carcinoma in 14 patients (2.45%), other rare ductal carcinoma subtypes in 13 patients (2.31%), lobular carcinoma in 81 patients (14.4%) and tubulolobular carcinoma in 23 patients (4.19%). Ductal carcinoma, lobular and tubulolobular carcinoma had predominantly luminal A and B subtype, whereas medullar carcinoma had HER2-positive and triple-negative (TN) subtype. Tubular, cribriform, mucinous, papillary, and apocrine carcinomas had predominantly luminal A subtype. Significant differences between breast cancer histological subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics were observed. Our study for the first time reported the distribution and characteristics of breast cancer histological subtypes in Latvian women and relationship to clinical and tumour histopathological characteristics.
Volatile Organic Compounds Of Hybrid Rugosa Roses In Latvia
Authors: Sparinska Anta , Rostoks Nils
Published: July 2015

Hybrid Rugosa is the most winter hardy group of roses in the climatic conditions of the Baltic Sea region. This study aimed at identifying new qualities of Hybrid Rugosa by focusing on determination of content of volatile organic compounds of flower petals and in hydrosols produced from these. Volatiles of seven cultivars were extracted using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with subsequent separation by gas chromatography. Identification was made by comparison with mass spectral libraries and by calculating linear retention indexes and comparing them with literature data. Twenty-five volatile aroma compounds were identified in the petals and hydrosols of six Hybrid Rugosa and species. Among those, phenylethylalcohol, ß-citronellol, geraniol and nerol were predominant. Species Rosa rugosa and variety ‘Plena’ showed the highest total level of volatiles and contained 26% and 31% ß-citronellol, respectively. Varieties ‘Raita’ and ‘Sniedze’ contained up to 57% citronellol. The main volatile compounds were detected in hydrosols in the same proportions, but their concentration was higher than in petals. The varieties ‘Raita’ and ‘Violeta’, bred in Latvia, are recommendable for use as a source of hydrosol.
Influence Of Meteorological Factors On Maize Performance In Latvia
Authors: Gaile Zinta , Arhipova Irina
Published: July 2015

Latvia is recognised as a marginal area for growing of maize (Zea mays L.), as years of high yielding can be broken by years with failures. The aim of this paper is to describe maize yield, dry matter (DM) content in fresh yield, and some other quality indicators in silage maize field trials at the Research and Study Farm “Vecauce” of the Latvia University of Agriculture (56° N), in relation to temperature and moisture conditions. The study was carried out for 15 years (1999–2013). In total, 217 maize hybrids, belonging mainly to the early-maturity group (FAO up to 220), were investigated. Meteorological conditions considerably differed, and, according to heat conditions, only 10 years were suitable for maize production. The mean fresh maize yield varied from 43.01 t ha−1 to 63.39 t ha−1 during the study period, which 1.8 to 2.9 times higher than the average statistical yield in Latvian farms in the respective years. The DM yield ranged between 8.77 t ha−1 (in 2004) and 20.05 t ha−1 (in 2013) and was significantly correlated with temperature in May and June. The study suggested that cold tolerance of hybrids during early development stages should be investigated in future. Fresh and DM yield of maize were significantly (p < 0.001) affected by hybrid and year as factors, as well as by their interaction. DM content in fresh yield was correlated with active temperature sum. Low precipitation was a yield-limiting factor during some years. Ear proportion in yield decreased when moisture stress occurred before and during silking.
Antioxidant defence-related genetic variants are not associated with higher risk of secondary thyroid cancer after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence
Authors: Vodusek Ana Lina , Goricar Katja , Gazic Barbara , Dolzan Vita , Jazbec Janez
Published: July 2015

Background

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common secondary cancers after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence. Thyroid gland is very sensitive to the carcinogenic effect of ionizing radiation, especially in children. Imbalance between pro- and anti-oxidant factors may play a role in thyroid carcinogenesis. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between genetic variability of antioxidant defence-related genes and the risk of secondary thyroid cancer after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence.

Patients and methods

In a retrospective study, we compared patients with childhood or adolescence primary malignancy between 1960 and 2006 that developed a secondary thyroid cancer (cases) with patients (controls), with the same primary malignancy but did not develop any secondary cancer. They were matched for age, gender, primary diagnosis and treatment (especially radiotherapy) of primary malignancy. They were all genotyped for SOD2 p.Ala16Val, CAT c.-262C>T, GPX1 p.Pro200Leu, GSTP1 p.Ile105Val, GSTP1 p.Ala114Val and GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions. The influence of polymorphisms on occurrence of secondary cancer was examined by McNemar test and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Between 1960 and 2006 a total of 2641 patients were diagnosed with primary malignancy before the age of 21 years in Slovenia. Among them 155 developed a secondary cancer, 28 of which were secondary thyroid cancers. No significant differences in the genotype frequency distribution were observed between cases and controls. Additionally we observed no significant influence of investigated polymorphisms on time to the development of secondary thyroid cancer.

Conclusions

We observed no association of polymorphisms in antioxidant genes with the risk for secondary thyroid cancer after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence. However, thyroid cancer is one of the most common secondary cancers in patients treated for malignancy in childhood or adolescence and the lifelong follow up of these patients is of utmost importance.