bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic ranges of reef corals (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Scleractinia) in the Indo‐Pacific
Authors: Hughes Terry P. , Connolly Sean R. , Keith Sally A.
Published: July 2013

Information on geographic ranges and the location of range boundaries of individual species is key to studies of biogeography, evolution, macroecology, and conservation biology. Traditionally, marine biogeography has emphasized patterns in contours of species or generic richness, based on counts of species collected from different locations. To understand more fully why these and other patterns occur requires data on the geographic extent of individual species, and how their ranges overlap. We compiled a spatial database of geographic range boundaries from the primary literature and from our own records for Indo‐Pacific reef‐building scleractinian corals (726 species in 17 families: Acroporidae, Agariciidae, Astrocoeniidae, Caryophylliidae, Dendrophylliidae, Euphyllidae, Faviidae, Fungiidae, Meandrinidae, Merulinidae, Oculinidae, Pocilloporidae, Poritidae, Mussidae, Pectiniidae, Siderastreidae, and Trachyphylliidae). Corals have strongly skewed range distributions, with many species being pandemics. The data show little support for Rapoport's Rule (smaller ranges near the equator) or for the more general hypothesis that range sizes are smaller, on average, where species richness peaks. The unusual disparity between species richness and endemicity in locations such as the Coral Triangle hotspot challenges conservation priorities that tend to focus on hotspots and neglect depauperate locations. The empirically observed locations of ranges diverge from predictions of mid‐domain models in ways that are consistent with the hypothesis that westward‐flowing equatorial currents influence the species distributions of Indo‐Pacific corals. The spatial database also can be used to examine species turnover at faunal boundaries, facilitating new studies that can explore barriers to dispersal and the evolution of geographic range size.
Species‐ and community‐level responses combine to drive phenology of lake phytoplankton
Authors: Walters Annika W. , Sagrario María de los Ángeles González , Schindler Daniel E.
Published: July 2013

Global change is leading to shifts in the seasonal timing of growth and maturation for primary producers. Remote sensing is increasingly used to measure the timing of primary production in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but there is often a poor correlation between these results and direct observations of life‐history responses of individual species. One explanation may be that, in addition to phenological shifts, global change is also causing shifts in community composition among species with different seasonal timing of growth and maturation. We quantified how shifts in species phenology and in community composition translated into phenological change in a diverse phytoplankton community from 1962 to 2000. During this time, the aggregate community spring–summer phytoplankton peak has shifted 63 days earlier. The mean taxon shift was only 3 days earlier, and shifts in taxa phenology explained only 40% of the observed community phenological shift. The remaining community shift was attributed to dominant early‐season taxa increasing in abundance while a dominant late‐season taxon decreased in abundance. In diverse producer communities experiencing multiple stressors, changes in species composition must be considered to fully understand and predict shifts in the seasonal timing of primary production.
Experimental and Field Data Analyses of Ball-Sealer Diversion
Authors: Nozaki M.. , Zhu D.. , Hill A.D.. D.
Published: July 2013

Diversion methods are routinely used in both matrix-acidizing and fracturing-stimulation treatments. The diversion methods are categorized into chemical diversion and mechanical diversion. In this study, we focus on one of the classical mechanical-diversion methods, ball sealers. Ball-sealer diversion is used in cased and perforated wells to divert stimulation fluids by temporarily blocking perforation holes in the casing with rubber-coated balls. This diversion method can be very effective, particularly with highrate injection, but no general methodology is available to design ball-sealer diversion, or to evaluate its effectiveness from the treating rate and pressure record.

Although some design methodologies, such as the use of buoyant ball sealers to improve the ball-sealer efficiency, have been suggested, no model has been presented for determining how many balls seat on the perforations. In this paper, experimental data from an extensive series of full-scale flow experiments conducted by Bern (1993) and Bern and Lewis (1992a, b) were analyzed. We summarized several features of the ball sealers which are not presented in the literature. Also we used the procedure presented by Brown et al. (1963) to evaluate the statistical nature of the ball behavior in the experimental results. The experiments were designed to minimize the scatter of data. However, the seating process was found to still be statistical. We developed an empirical correlation for ball-sealer performance on the basis of the experiments.

We also analyzed one field acid-fracturing treatment where ball sealers were used as a diversion method. The analyzed data were then compared to the experimental results. A similar trend in seating behavior was observed.
Interpreting Uncemented Multistage Hydraulic-Fracturing Completion Effectiveness By Use of Fiber-Optic DTS Injection Data
Authors: Holley E.H.. H. , Molenaar M.M.. M. , Fidan E.. , Banack B..
Published: July 2013

Tight gas, low-permeability reservoirs offer a tremendous challenge with respect to effectively completing and draining a target reservoir. Openhole-packer completions in horizontal wells offer a cost-efficient means of accessing the entire lateral section, assuming the target pay can be effectively stimulated. The challenge with openhole completions compared with more-conventional cased, cemented, and limited-entry perforated completions is understanding and controlling hydraulic-fracture geometry—specifically, the number and location of fracture-initiation points and the fracturing-fluid flow into the near-wellbore (NWB) region of the reservoir.

Fiber-optic-based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) offers a method for identifying, quantifying, and evaluating the NWB fracture geometry, the fracturing-fluid distribution in these broad openhole sections, and overall stimulation effectiveness. DTS can also reveal success or issues with respect to effective zonal isolation when using mechanical isolation during the hydraulic-fracturing process. In this particular case study, a lateral well in a basin-centered gas area was completed with swell-packer interval isolation by use of fracture sleeves for reservoir access. By coupling fracture-treatment responses and openhole log characteristics with the NWB DTS data during pumping and warm back, an integrated assessment of the completion stimulation effectiveness and efficiency was performed.

The end result of this assessment provided an improved understanding of the current completion performance and allowed optimization of openhole completion projects for future wells in this same area.
Photodegradation of levofloxacin in aqueous and organic solvents: A kinetic study
Authors: Ahmad Iqbal , Bano Raheela , Sheraz Muhammad Ali , Ahmed Sofia , Mirza Tania , Ansari Shakeel Ahmad
Published: July 2013

The kinetics of photodegradation of levofloxacin in solution on UV irradiation in the pH range 2.0-12.0 has been studied using a HPLC method. Levofloxacin undergoes first-order kinetics in the initial stages of the reaction and the apparent first-order rate constants are of the order of 0.167 to 1.807×10-3 min-1. The rate-pH profile is represented by a curve indicating the presence of cationic, dipolar and anionic species during the reaction. The singly ionized form of the molecule is non-fluorescent and is less susceptible to photodegradation. The increase in the degradation rate in the pH range 5.0-9.0 may be due to greater reactivity of the ionized species existing in that range. The rate appears to vary with a change in the degree of ionization of the species present in a particular pH range and their susceptibility to photodegradation. Above pH 9, the decrease in the rate of photodegradation may be a result of deprotonation of the piperazinyl group. The levofloxacin molecule is more stable in the pH range around 7, which is then suitable for formulation purposes. The photodegradation of levofloxacin was found to be affected by the dielectric constant and viscosity of the medium
Quantitation of nitrofurantoin in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Patel Dinesh S. , Sharma Naveen , Patel Mukesh C. , Patel Bhavin N. , Shrivastav Pranav S. , Sanyal Mallika
Published: July 2013

A reliable, selective and sensitive LC-MS/MS assay has been proposed for the determination of nitrofurantoin in human plasma. The analyte and nitrofurazone were extracted from 100 μL of human plasma via SPE on Strata-X 33 μm extraction cartridges. Chromatography was done on a BDS Hypersil C18 (100 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column under isocratic conditions. Quantitation was done using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for deprotonated precursor to product ion transitions of nitrofurantoin (m/z 237.0 → 151.8) and nitrofurazone (m/z 197.0 → 123.9). The limit of detection and the lowest limit of quantitation of the method were 0.25 ng mL-1 and 5.00 ng mL-1, respectively, with a linear dynamic range of 5.00-1500 ng mL-1 for nitrofurantoin. The intra- -batch and inter-batch precision (RSD, %) was ≤ 5.8 %, while the mean extraction recovery was > 92 %. The method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of a 100 mg nitrofurantoin capsule formulation in 36 healthy subjects.
Synthesis and antimicrobial studies of some Mannich bases carrying imidazole moiety
Authors: Frank Priya V. , Manjunatha Poojary Mahesha , Damodara Naral , Chikkanna Chandrashekhar
Published: July 2013

3

Starting from 2-methyl-4-nitro-imidazole, new 5-(2-methyl- 4-nitro-1-imidazomethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione () was synthesized and was subjected to Mannich reaction with appropriate amines to yield a new series of 3-substituted aminomethyl-5-(2-methyl-4-nitro-1-imidazomethyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiones (4a-j). The structure of the title compounds was elucidated by elemental analysis and spectral data. The newly synthesized Mannich bases were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Many of these compounds exhibited potent antifungal activity.
Preparation and application of a molecularly imprinted polymer for determination of glibenclamide residues
Authors: Lahsini Rym , Louhaichi Mohamed R. , Adhoum Nafaa , Monser Lotfi
Published: July 2013

The performance of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as selective packing material for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of residual glibenclamide in an industrial process was investigated. MIP was prepared using 4-vinylpyridine as monomer, ethylenedimethacrylate as cross linker, 2,2’-azobis-2-methylpropionitrile as initiator and dimethyl formamide as porogen. Use of acetonitrile as a rebinding solvent allows good recognition of the glibenclamide template. It was found that this polymer can be used for determination of trace levels of glibenclamide with a recovery percentage that could reach 87.1 %. Furthermore, the synthesized MIP showed higher selectivity towards glibenclamide than other compounds such as glimepiride and metformine. The synthesized MIP enabled direct determination of the target contaminant after an enrichment step that allowed quantification of glibenclamide at a concentration as low as 0.016 mg L-1. Combination of high performance liquid chromatography with MIP-SPE could be successfully used for quality control of pharmaceuticals during the cleaning process in the production of dry drug forms.
Formulation and in vitro evaluation of metformin hydrochloride loaded microspheres prepared with polysaccharide extracted from natural sources
Authors: Sharma Hemanta Kumar , Lahkar Sunita , Kanta Nath Lila
Published: July 2013

The present work envisages utilisation of biodegradable and biocompatible material from natural sources for the development of controlled release microspheres of metformin hydrochloride (MetH). Natural polysaccharides extracted from Dillenia indica L. (DI), Abelmoschus esculentus L. (AE) and Bora rice flour were used in fabricating controlled release microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion technique with different proportions of natural materials and were studied for entrapment efficiency, particle size, particle shape, surface morphology, drug excipient compatibility, mucoadhesivity and in vitro release properties. The prepared microspheres showed mucoadhesive properties and controlled release of metformin hydrochloride. The study has revealed that natural materials can be used for formulation of controlled release microspheres and will provide ample opportunities for further study
Optimization of process variables for phyllanthin extraction from Phyllanthus amarus leaves by supercritical fluid using a Box-Behnken experimental design followed by HPLC identification
Authors: Patil Ajit A. , Bhusari Sachin S. , Shinde Devanand B. , Wakte Pravin S.
Published: July 2013

The response surface methodology using the Box-Behnken design was established to describe supercritical carbon dioxide assisted extraction of phyllanthin from Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn leaves prior to HPLC analysis. The effects of extraction pressure, temperature, modifier concentration and extraction time on the yield of phyllanthin were investigated. By solving the regression equation, the optimum conditions were as follows: extraction pressure 23.2 MPa, temperature 40 °C, methanol as modifier at a concentration of 10 % and time 90 min. Under these conditions, the phyllanthin yield was 12.83 ± 0.28 mg g-1, which was in good agreement with the predicted values. Modifier concentration and extraction time showed a significant effect on the phyllanthin yield.
Infrared Sensor to Predict Atmospheric Visibility and Rainfall Rate
Authors: Holejko Krzysztof , Czarnecki Tomasz , Perlicki Krzysztof
Published: July 2013

The presented paper describes an instrument called Aurometer which was designed for both atmospheric visibility and rainfall rate measurement. The principle of operation of Aurometer is based on determining the amount of light scattered by particles in the air that passes through the sample volume. The achieved results show that simultaneous estimation of the atmospheric visibility and rainfall rate is possible.
A Circuit Model to a Directive Triangular EBG Antenna
Authors: Ferchichi Abdelhak , Gharsallah Ali
Published: July 2013

In This paper, we propose a directive triangular EBG antenna. This approach is derived from using an EBG surface near to a triangular patch with two grilles. The antenna frequency chosen is the 2.45GHz. The directive antenna is simulated by using HFSS and Electrical model. This proposed antenna presents a very high directivity.
A Contribution to the System-Theoretic Approach to Bandwidth Estimation
Authors: Borys Andrzej , Wasielewska Katarzyna , Rybarczyk Dariusz
Published: July 2013

The network calculus provides a theoretical background for description of traffic in computer networks. Using this tool in explanation of the so-called pathchirp method of measuring the available bandwidth, the validity and range of application of some relationships exploited are verified in this paper. The derivations are carried out in a wider context than that considered in a recent paper by Liebeherr et al. published in IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking on network bandwidth estimation, providing thereby new insights and outcomes. These results, summarized in a table, show a means of bounding the service curve, depending upon its convexity or non-convexity property assumed and upon the linearity or non-linearity of a network considered. Moreover, it is shown here that the nonlinear network example analyzed by Liebeherr et al. can be viewed equivalently as a linear parametric network. For this network, the behaviour of the cross traffic is considered in a more detail, too.
Wireless Communication Solution for Distributed Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Andrzejczak Artur , Łeczycki Paweł , Makowski Maciej , Pekosławski Bartosz , Pietrzak Piotr , Napieralski Andrzej
Published: July 2013

This paper describes a design of wireless distributed SHM (Structure Health Monitoring) system with a particular emphasis on comparison of wireless communication standards. The presented solution is being deployed in the TULCOEMPA project. Several wireless communication standards are compared, with their benefits, disadvantages and typical areas of application. A choice of proper ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band and reasons for use of Wireless Sensor Networks are also discussed. The last part of this paper presents the proposed structure and designed prototype. The chosen architecture of the system and the program algorithm used for communication and measurements are described.
Investigation and Study of Mode Splitting in Near Field Inductive Communication Systems
Authors: Thanh Hoa Doan , Agbinya Johnson I.
Published: July 2013

Frequency splitting is a near field inductive communication phenomenon where the resonant frequency divides into many separate frequencies or to different modes. In this paper, we show that this phenomenon depends on the coupling coefficients or the natural response of the circuit by using the circuit theory to derive these splitting frequencies. Also, the rules for the general matrix that is used to solve for splitting frequencies are also demonstrated clearly. Mode splitting is observed for peer-to-peer, three coils and four coil systems due to the existence of the nearest and second neighbour interactions. In particular, two, three and four modes have been analysed for two, three, and four coil systems respectively. However, the number of modes for these systems can be changed according to the degree of coupling. The differences in the resultant splitting frequencies with and without the second neighbour interaction are shown in the simulation results. Furthermore, we assess the system performances regarding to power efficiency through the inductive transfer functions. Besides, either coupling coefficients at resonance or the simplified transfer functions in some specific scenarios can be obtained by having an insight into these transfer functions. Finally, we recognise and propose that splitting frequency phenomenon can be deployed to transmit signals at many frequencies concurrently.
Lax-Wendroff and McCormack Schemes for Numerical Simulation of Unsteady Gradually and Rapidly Varied Open Channel Flow
Authors: Machalinska-Murawska Justyna , Szydłowski Michał
Published: July 2013

Two explicit schemes of the finite difference method are presented and analyzed in the paper. The applicability of the Lax-Wendroff and McCormack schemes for modeling unsteady rapidly and gradually varied open channel flow is investigated. For simulation of the transcritical flow the original and improved McCormack scheme is used. The schemes are used for numerical solution of one dimensional Saint-Venant equations describing free surface water flow. Two numerical simulations of flow with different hydraulic characteristics were performed - the first one for the extreme flow of the dam-break type and the second one for the simplified flood wave propagation problem. The computational results are compared to each other and to arbitrary solutions.
The effectiveness of different types of verbal feedback on learning complex movement tasks
Authors: Niznikowski Tomasz , Sadowski Jerzy , Mastalerz Andrzej
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of different types of verbal feedback in the learning of a complex movement task.

Methods

Twenty university students took part in a six-week training course learning how to correctly execute the vertical jump. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group E&P received verbal feedback on errors made during movement execution and on how to improve, Group P obtained verbal feedback only when they correctly performed the task, and Group E was provided with verbal feedback only when an error was made. Performance was measured on three separate occasions, before the training course (pre-training), one day after (post-training) and seven days after completing the course (retention) by executing the vertical jump in front of three gymnastic judges who scored their performance on a scale of 1 to 10. Jump kinematics were also measured pre-training and post-training by recording landing force and flight time on a force platform.

Results

Post-hoc comparison indicated that a significant improvement in performance was observed only in the group receiving verbal feedback on errors (E). Judges’ scores received in post-training were significantly higher than those measured pre-training (10.3 %; p < 0.0003) and further increased to 14.4 % in the retention test (p < 0.0001). Judges’ scores for the groups receiving verbal feedback on errors and correctness (E&P) and only correctness (P) improved insignificantly.

Conclusions

Providing too much verbal feedback when learning the vertical jump turned out to be less effective than providing limited verbal feedback only when errors were made.
On the possibility of applying achievement goal theory in competitive sports
Authors: Kuczek Piotr
Published: July 2013

Purpose

There exist numerous empirical proofs as well as theoretical bases showing that task motivational orientation and task climate allow students and athletes to function better and be more efficient. What is not certain is whether the same applies to athletes competing at the professional level. The aim of this study was to analyze whether task orientation and task-oriented climate help professional athletes avoid experiencing high levels of anxiety, thereby providing a favorable foundation for performance in high-level competition.

Methods

Basketball players from the Polish II League (amateur) and Extraleague (professional) were surveyed. Motivational orientation, motivational climate, and anxiety levels were measured by the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ), Perception of Significant Others’ Sport Success Criteria Questionnaire (PSOSSCQ), and Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS), respectively.

Results

The reliability of the research tools on a Polish population was confirmed. Motivational climate was associated with motivational orientation; task orientation and a task-oriented climate were found to not reduce anxiety levels.

Conclusions

The results do not confirm the application of achievement goal theory in high-level competitive sports.
Gait asymmetry during dual-task obstacle crossing in the young and elderly
Authors: Rocha Emmanuel S. da , Machado Álvaro S. , Franco Pedro S. , Guadagnin Eliane C. , Carpes Felipe P.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To evaluate gait asymmetry during obstacle crossing by young and elderly adults performing normal and dual-task gait.

Methods

Ten healthy young adults and ten elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment performed a gait protocol by stepping over a foam obstacle during normal gait and while performing a secondary task (Stroop task). Sagittal kinematics of the lead and trail limbs were analyzed. Statistical procedures involved analysis of variance and t tests at a significance of 0.05.

Results

Many of the kinematic variables presented a main effect for group (young adults vs. elderly adults), where the elderly featured poorer gait performance. It was observed that gait velocity during obstacle crossing in normal and dual-task gait was similar between the preferred and non-preferred limbs in both the young and elderly. However, the elderly were slower during normal and dual-task gait. A main effect for the dual-task condition was observed. Kinematic asymmetries for obstacle crossing were more frequent in the elderly and especially during the dual-task condition.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the elderly may require more compensatory adjustments after crossing an obstacle. The asymmetries observed among the elderly may contribute to higher risk of falling during perturbed gait.
Differences in the direction of effort adaptation between mountain bikers and road cyclists
Authors: Zatoń Marek , Dąbrowski Dariusz
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Different forms of cycling require the use of different abilities and skills. The aim of this paper was to attempt to identify differences in the directions and dynamics of the body’s adaption to training in road (ROAD) and mountain (MTB) cyclists.

Methods

Research was performed on a group of competitive road (n = 25) and mountain (n = 25) cyclists, mean age 16.96 ± 0.78 years presenting maximal oxygen uptake values of 4.45 ± 0.47 L/min-1. Body composition and physiological and biochemical parameters at rest, during exercise, and during restitution (cool down) were determined. Exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer in the form of a progressive load test. Analysis of the results included cluster analysis and basic statistical methods.

Results

Cluster analysis indicated that the amount of work performed during the progressive load test was a universal indicator of physical fitness. The level of base excess (BE) in the 3rd min of restitution had a large influence on the remaining parameters in both groups. Training adaptation in MTB were manifested through increased values of maximum heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, oxygen partial pressure, and lactate and BE levels in the blood, as well as a reduction in blood pH and body mass. Conversely, in ROAD, adaptation to effort was evidenced by increased maximum values of oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, cardiac output and the rate of carbon dioxide elimination as well as an increase in hematocrit count and lean body mass.

Conclusions

Adaptation to training by road cyclists is primarily evident in the development of aerobic capacity. Mountain biking induces adaptive changes in the development of anaerobic capacity by increasing the buffer capacity of the blood and muscles, as well as the development of the oxygen transportation system.
Comparison of accuracy of various non-calorimetric methods measuring energy expenditure at different intensities
Authors: Durkalec-Michalski Krzysztof , Woźniewicz Małgorzata , Bajerska Joanna , Jeszka Jan
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of three non-calorimetric methods’ measurements of energy expenditure (EE) in laboratory conditions and to compare the results obtained by each method in free-living condition in a group of adult subjects.

Methods

Measurement was performed on 20 individuals aged 19-39 years. An assessment of EE at different intensities of physical activity was conducted by: monitoring heart rate with a S-610 Polar Sport Tester (HRM), measuring body movement by an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer (AM), and recording METs (MR) by a physical activity questionnaire, for different activities (leisure and exercise) at various intensities in laboratory and free-living conditions. Indirect calorimetry (Cosmed K4b2 respirometer) was used as a reference standard.

Results

The most reliable tool for EE assessment was HRM (100% accurate). AM overestimated EE (about 60%) for activity at moderate-intensity and underestimated EE (about 40%) at vigorous-intensity. MR overestimated the results, with measurement errors increasing with an increase in physical activity intensity (about 40-120%).

Conclusions

Although AM and MR provided less accurate results than HRM in laboratory conditions, there were no significant differences between the three methods (HRM, AM and MR) when total daily energy expenditure was calculated for the participants in free-living condition.
Analogy vs. technical learning in a golf putting task: an analysis of performance outcomes and attentional processes under pressure
Authors: Schücker Linda , Hagemann Norbert , Strauss Bernd
Published: July 2013

Purpose

It is assumed that analogy learning helps prevent individuals from choking under pressure by limiting the conscious control of movements when performing in high-pressure situations. The aim of the study was to extend the application of analogy learning to golf putting and include an assessment on the proposed mechanisms of analogy learning and performance under pressure.

Methods

Golf novices learned a putting task either by technical instructions or with analogy. After the learning phase, the participants were tested under low- and high-pressure conditions. Attentional focus was measured using a dual-task paradigm based on a skill and an externally focused task.

Results

Both groups showed an increase in putting accuracy under pressure while performance in both dual-tasks decreased under pressure. Despite a difference in verbal knowledge, no group differences were found in putting or dual-task performance.

Conclusions

The results suggest that it does not matter if the skill is learned technically or by analogy with regard to performance under pressure
Globalization in the Context of Islamic Theology
Authors: Bicer Ramazan
Published: July 2013

Globalization is not a new phenomenon, but it is being expressed in a new way. It is a phenomenon all over the world; not only does it have a deep impact on the economy, it also affects all countries, all aspects of our daily life, such as our society, culture, economy, and religion. The value of globalization is the subject of debate: it has positive and negative effects. Some religious problems have emerged from globalization: secularism, individualism, New Age religious movements, the rise of religious radicalism, and the growth of religious commerce.

Theologians view their religion as a universal that can live inand adapt all ages all of the time and in any social surrounding. Their religion is weatherproof. According to this approach, theologians have to find a persuasive solution to global theological problems.
The notion of Dhikr in Islamic Mysticism
Authors: Salih Jusuf
Published: July 2013

The word dhikr is probably the most frequently used form of prayer in Islamic mysticism. This term includes all kinds of mentioning, worshiping, and remembering God and can be performed out loud or silently, according to the place or the character of the mystic. The Qur’an sometimes refers to itself by this term, and it is sometimes attributed to the Prophet Muhammad since he was as a “reminder.” Muslim mystics believe that people are directed away from the nucleus of their being and that their consciousness is imprisoned in some kind of delusion and forgetfulness (ghafla). Therefore they should “remind” (dhikr) and be reminded constantly so that they will “remember” what they have “forgotten.” When dhikr is performed, that is an indication in the person’s heart that he or she has not forgotten God but is aware of his or her weaknesses and need for constant guidance. Consequently, this “remembrance” is a spiritual ornament that ought to be deeply entrenched in the hearts of all human beings: it is a way to happiness; a lock opener on the humans’ journey toward the Divine love; it is the foundation and cornerstone of good deeds and excellent conduct.
Critical study of the erroneous attribution of the book Shajarat al-Kawn to Ibn ‘Arabī instead of to Ibn Ghānim al‐Maqdisī
Authors: Mdaghri Younes Alaoui
Published: July 2013

Shajarat al-kawn, (The Tree of the Universe) is a beautiful short treatise on Islamic mysticism that describes the universe and its true origin, the role and place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), and his central place in the sacred presence. According to some manuscripts from the 19th century (13th century A.H.), it is attributed to Muhyī d- Dīn Ibn ‘Arabī (d. 638 A.H./1240) . All scholars endorsed this attribution and it was conveyed via fifteen commercial book-prints.

The study by Arabic scholars and orientalists and some translations led to doubt about the origin of the treatise. This was the start of an adventure because what was supposed to be known up to now would become questioned.

During my research, I scrutinised two different unknown manuscripts of Shajarat alkawn. There was also a third, very old, manuscript written in the year 835 A.H. All these manuscripts refer to the author and poet ‘Izzu d-Dīn ‘Abd as-Salām Ibn Aḥmad Ibn Ghānim al-Maqdisī (d.678 A.H./1280) and not to Ibn ‘Arabī.

Furthermore, I found some proof in the biographical history and the style of writing that pointed to Ibn Ghānim as the author. I came to the conclusion that the work was actually written by ‘Izzu d-Dīn ‘Abd as‐Salām Ibn Aḥmad Ibn Ghānim. From the results of my research, we can conclude that the book Shajarat al-kawn is by Ibn Ghānim and not Ibn ‘Arabī.

This study consists of two parts. The first is: How did this treatise, Shajarat al-kawn, come to be universally attributed to Ibn ‘Arabī? The second is a discussion of the doubts that the treatise Shajarat al-kawn was written by Ibn ‘Arabī. This discussion consists of four topics: 1) the problem of copying manuscripts attributed to Ibn ‘Arabī, 2) the catalogues that attributed Shajarat al-kawn to Ibn ‘Arabī, 3) comparison of the text of the Shajarat al-kawn in both content and format with Ibn ‘Arabī and Ibn Ghānim, and 4) the studies and translations of the Shajarat al-kawn attributed to Ibn ‘Arabī.”
New Orientalist Suggestions on the Origins of Islam
Authors: Steenbrink Karel
Published: July 2013

After the quite shocking new theories on early Islam in the 1970s (Patricia Crone, John Wansbrough), a new wave of theories arose after 2000, this time mostly by German scholars. Many of the new theories are contradictory and did not find broad support among academic scholars, but some have drawn broad public attention. This contribution gives a summary of the major new theories and concludes with a critical analysis, giving priority to serious research about Qur’an manuscripts and interpretation.
Nervous Shock: Is it Available in The Islamic Law of Tort?
Authors: Mohamad Abdul Basir bin
Published: July 2013

As we know from the discussions amongst Muslim jurists in their writings, they normally highlight the law of qisas and diya as well as ta‘zir for dealing with cases of death and injury resulting from physical tort such as beating, punching, whipping, kicking, slashing, stabbing, snapping, etc. But a question may arise as to death or injury resulting from non‐physical or immaterial torts or, in current legal terminology, nervous shock. Could the case be settled by Islamic law? Nervous shock can also cause mental illness, mental retardation, morbid depression, mental shock, or, in modern terms, psychiatric damage or psychiatric illness, and in that way can also cause someone to suffer a physical injury or death. To resolve this, we have to refer to kinds of law as a yardstick to measure the tortuous liability. It surely falls under human law, even though it is combined with divine law, but human law prevails here. The Muslim jurists have exemplified this law by relating it to qisas and diya in the case of punishment for murder, injury, and wounding. As such, the cases of nervous shock are certainly included in the discussion of qisas and diya in general. In the first part of this paper the discussion on nervous shock focuses on the English law of tort and is then followed by the exploration in Islamic law of tort. As we know, the rule of nervous shock has been practiced and applied intensively in English law over a long period of time, and at the same time the discussion clearly shows that the rule of nervous shock appears in Islam and is not alien to the Islamic law of tort.
Why the Modern Intellectual Cannot Attain the Truth?
Authors: Farook Aadil
Published: July 2013

The body-soul duality has confused some of the most sophisticated minds since antiquity. The spiritual masters of all traditions claim that the soul, too, has organs. Let us look at what Western philosophy calls the mind-body problem. Neuroscientists claim the mind-brain duality is true; the mind is to the soul what the brain is to the body. The mind is a “spiritual” brain distinct from the biological brain. To understand how they interact, we will look at computer technology as an analogy. Intelligence itself is part of the software, but it cannot perform its function without its information processor, i.e. the hardware. The intelligence is the software whereas the brain is the hardware. Furthermore, in both cases, the former is non-material whereas the latter is material.

Perhaps the two most fascinating scientific discoveries in the last few years are the following. First, the biological heart, which was viewed for centuries as being nothing more than a pump, is actually a great deal more - it is an intelligent organ. Secondly, there is a duality in the heart as well: in addition to the biological heart, there is also a spiritual heart. But the mystery goes much deeper than that and, if it had been understood properly in the modern period, would not have given birth to so many “isms.” The history of Western thought is full of false prophets who claim to lead humankind out of darkness. Is it not amazing how some of the most educated and intelligent people can become completely foolish when it comes to religion? People who can design highly complex integrated circuits can still fail to understand the simple teachings of religious scriptures.

This article deals with the major philosophical and spiritual implications of the new insights brought to us by science on a much larger scale than anticipated by those who explored them.
A Review of Shaykh ul-Islam Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri’s Recent Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings: The Contemporary Importance and Relevance of the Fatwa for Pakistan
Authors: Argon Kemal
Published: July 2013

Purpose and Scope The purpose of this article is to provide a short review of the recent fatwa (religious decree or opinion) by Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri on terrorism and suicide bombings, to describe some of its context, and to assess its importance and relevance for Muslims. The fatwa will not be critiqued in a detailed way with respect to content, reasoning, and rationale. Rather, it is the context of the fatwa and the need for such that is described, showing its importance and relevance, especially in Pakistan. Qadri’s fatwa on terrorism and suicide bombings was issued and released in 2010 and received some minor coverage in the Western media.2 But the contemporary context of concern over terrorism and for better relations amongst communities makes this fatwa timely and relevant. Its potential as an important resource for Muslims in encountering others and establishing better relations amongst individuals and amongst communities within the Muslim fold and beyond is probably yet to be realized. Yet the content presents a major authoritative reference work and resource for Muslims that should be considered.
Metric Entropy of Nonautonomous Dynamical Systems
Authors: Kawan Christoph
Published: July 2013

We introduce the notion of metric entropy for a nonautonomous dynamical system given by a sequence (X
Martial Arts and Combat Sports – Similarities and Differences in Terms of the Basic Activities of a Coach
Authors: Bujak Zbigniew , Gierczuk Dariusz , Litwiniuk Stefan
Published: July 2013

Introduction. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that different approaches to the training process in the selfdefense and martial arts, reflected the hierarchical structure of the basic activities of a coach. Materials and methods. Opinions of 159 trainers with many years of experience in capoeira (n=16), taekwon-do ITF version (n=95) and wrestling (n=48) were collected. Diagnostic survey method was used, and the instrument was a questionnaire developed by Tumanian [7] and modified by Januszewski and Sterkowicz [8]. Results. Capoeira and wrestling trainers did not agree as to the status of any of the 20 coach's activities. The biggest differences were in assessing the significance of instructing trainees during competitions, developing planning process and first aid giving. Rsp ranks correlation coefficient = 0.66, p<0.01. Capoeira and taekwon-do coaches had consistent opinions in case of five activities. The largest differences occurred in terms of organizing and judging the competition and instructing trainees during competitions. Rsp rank correlation coefficient = 0.50, p<0.05. The opinions of taekwon-do and wrestling coaches were in line for two activities and the two activities were given different ranks. Rsp rank correlation coefficient = 0.71, p<0.001. Conclusions. Managing technical and physical preparation of trainees, as well as their training process and body control, were the most important activities of a coach in three combat variations. Scientific-methodical research was considered unimportant. None of the surveyed coaches agreed with others on the importance of professional activities, and their rank does not differentiate representatives of the three types of combat.
Fun and Games as a Form of Physical Culture in the Traditional Religious and Social Rituals of the Lemkos. the Ethnomethodological Approach
Authors: Cieśliński Ryszard , Szum Ernest
Published: July 2013

This article presents the Lemkos games and fun as popular forms of physical culture of the Lemko community living in former areas of south-eastern Poland. It presents them as part of the intangible culture of the vanishing ethnic group. The traditional elements of physical culture of the Lemko community, especially fun and games have been presented on the basis of the general characteristics of this ethnic group, and the entire history of the presence of the Lemkos in Poland. Folk fun and games, as a form of physical activity are presented in the broad sense of physical and cultural system and the Lemko community located within the cultural system. The need for such a study is due to the fact that there are no other ethnological or cultural anthropology studies on physical culture of this ethnic group.
Physical Activity of Warsaw's Six Year old Children and Its Correlation with Physical Fitness
Authors: Trzcińska Dorota , Tabor Piotr , Olszewska Elżbieta
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Physical activity and physical fitness are among the positive measures of health. Their assessment is justified from the point of view of prevention of many civilization diseases. The aim of this paper is to describe the physical activity of six year old children in Warsaw and to determine its relationship to physical fitness. Material and methods. The study was conducted in two series - in the spring of 2011 and 2012. Data were collected for 742 children from selected pre-school institutions in Warsaw. The average age of the children born in 2005 (2011 edition) and 2006 (2012 edition) was 5.84 ± 0.31 years. The numbers in both categories were equal, and amounted to 371 girls and boys. The choice of educational institutions was such, as to ensure that the sample was representative. In order to assess the children's physical activity, the method of diagnostic survey was used (questionnaire). The questionnaire addressed to the parents included questions about the participation of their children in pre-school, extracurricular and family forms of physical activity and the amount of time spent on passive leisure activities. To evaluate the physical fitness we used a test consisting of five motor trials (bend while sitting down, sit up from the lying position 30 s, long jump from stationary position, run 10x5 m, 1 kg medicine ball throw forward). Mathematical analysis of the material utilised selected methods of descriptive statis- 2 tics (including cluster analysis), standardization of data and the χ2 test. Results. In the both gender subgroups three clusters were formed, corresponding to the above-average, average, and reduced physical fitness. Parents of children with the highest level of motor skills often declared significant participation of their children in family and extracurricular forms of physical activity and less time spent in front of TV or computer. Conclusions. In the population of six year old children in Warsaw positive relationship were found between the claimed physical activity and physical fitness
An analysis of the welding-induced deformation of ship panels using a statistical tool
Authors: Batista Huggo S. , Graczyk Tadeusz
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes a practical way to predict the welding-induced deformation of 5-mm-thick steel ship panels prefabricated in a Polish shipyard, developed by means of a number of experiments and a body of data collected on the butt welding line using the submerged arc welding technique. The program of the experiments was so designed as to test different welding energy conditions as well as pressure values generated by the devices used during the welding. Subsequently, different welding trials were carefully carried out and data collected to find the most important parameters which contribute to welding deformation. The data obtained were analysed using the Design-ExpertR statistical software, and consideration was given to the data arrangement method that would allow for the most appropriate description of the welding deformation. As a result of the foregoing efforts, an approach to predicting the welding deformation, based on a numerical equation including the main welding parameters, was developed. The accuracy of the equation was partially evaluated and the results turned out to be satisfactory, as the actual and the predicted values were comparable. Another important advantage achieved was the arrangement of data used to compute the welding deformation.
The Information Society in Europe: Policies to Stem the Digital Divide
Authors: Armas Quintá Francisco José , Macía Arce José Carlos
Published: July 2013

A Digital Agenda for Europe is one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The main objective of this initiative consists of promoting ICT, especially the Internet, as a strategic tool to improve business, healthcare services, transport and social activity in a better global standard-of-living context. The Europe 2020 Strategy recommends broadband access for all European citizens by 2013 and higher Internet speeds (30 Mbps or above) by 2020. Nevertheless, what is the real position in the European regional and urban context? This article attempts to describe and explain the current situation and trends in relation to the Europe 2020 Strategy initiative.
Core and Periphery of Information Society: Significance of Geospatial Technologies
Authors: Werner Piotr A. , Opach Tomasz
Published: July 2013

The paper attempts to identify important factors significant for global information society development and to determine the significance of geospatial (geo-information) technologies. The starting point is international measures of the development level of information & communication technologies (ICT) and information society (IS). The relevance of the particular factors was defined using the general segmentation of the milieu, taking into account social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legal and ethical factors and also estimating the global spatial dimension of ICT and IS development. The diagnosis serves as the context of considerations concerning the contribution of geographers and cartographers to IS.
Territorial Identity of Countryside Residents in the Suburban Areas of Łódź, Poland
Authors: Wójcik Marcin
Published: July 2013

Social studies of suburban villages have important implications for modern human geography. To a large extent, they relate to a broader problem, which is a change in the value system of Polish society and the needs met in the countryside environment. It is worth considering how a society with specific needs changes the space of the contemporary suburban village. The knowledge of those processes is necessary to further develop spatial policies and local development of gminas (communes) in Poland, especially in the case of rapidly transforming villages in the vicinity of large cities. The primary objective of this paper is to identify differences in the territorial identity and social perception of rural space expressed by immigrant and local groups of long-term residents.