bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of agricultural soils as a source of nitrous oxide emission in selected communes of Poland
Authors: Wiśniewski Paweł , Kistowski Mariusz 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the main greenhouse gases, with a nearly 300 times greater potential to produce a greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide (CO2). Almost 80% of the annual emissions of this gas in Poland come from agriculture, and its main source is the use of agricultural soils. The study attempted to estimate the N2O emission from agricultural soils and to indicate its share in the total greenhouse gas emissions in 48 Polish communes. For this purpose, a simplified solution has been proposed which can be successfully applied by local government areas in order to assess nitrous oxide emissions, as well as to monitor the impact of actions undertaken to limit them. The estimated emission was compared with the results of the baseline greenhouse gas inventory prepared for the needs of the low-carbon economy plans adopted by the studied self-governments. This allowed us to determine the share of N2O emissions from agricultural soils in the total greenhouse gas emissions of the studied communes. The annual N2O emissions from agricultural soils in the studied communes range from 1.21 Mg N2O-N to 93.28 Mg N2O-N, and the cultivation of organic soils is its main source. The use of mineral and natural fertilisers, as well as indirect emissions from nitrogen leaching into groundwater and surface waters, are also significant. The results confirm the need to include greenhouse gas emissions from the use of agricultural soils and other agricultural sources in low-carbon economy plans.
Comparison of the Linke turbidity factor in Warsaw and in Belsk
Authors: Uscka-Kowalkowska Joanna , Posyniak Michał , Markowicz Krzysztof M. , Podgórski Jerzy 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The paper describes the relationship between direct solar radiation in a city (Warsaw) and in its broadly-defined suburban area (Belsk). The analysis covers the days of 1969-2003 when observations were carried out at both sites. The degree of extinction of solar radiation was expressed by means of Linke’s turbidity factor. Its mean annual value on the selected days of the period under consideration was 3.00± 0.10 in Warsaw and 2.87±0.11 in Belsk. Average atmospheric turbidity for individual seasons of the year as well as for the whole year was higher in Warsaw than in Belsk. In all cases, except for the summer, these differences were statistically significant. The period considered was divided into two sub-periods (1969-1993 and 1994-2003), in which atmospheric turbidity in Warsaw and in Belsk was compared by individual seasons and whole years. At both analysed sites Linke’s atmospheric turbidity factor decreased in 1994-2003, compared to the values for the earlier sub-period (1969-1993). However, the average annual atmospheric turbidity in Warsaw in comparison to Belsk remained the same, i.e. greater turbidity occurred in the city in both sub-periods.
Association of prothrombotic adipokine (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) with TSH in metabolic syndrome: a case control study
Authors: Ahirwar Ashok Kumar , Singh Archana , Jain Anju , Kaim Kirti , Bhardwaj Shilpa , Patra Surajeet Kumar , Goswami Binita , Bhatnagar M.K. , Bhattacharjee Jayashree 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) involves a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, including abnormal lipids, insulin resistance and hypertension. The aim of the present study is to investigate associations between thyroid profile and the pro-thrombotic mediator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), in MetS and identify associated biochemical markers.

Materials and methods
The present study was a case control study and consisted of 50 diagnosed cases of MetS and 50 healthy volunteers as controls. MetS cases were further divided into two groups based on the presence and absence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Data collected included demographic profile, clinical history and routine lab investigation. Special investigations included the thyroid function test and serum PAI-1 levels.

Results
The mean serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly higher in MetS cases as compared to controls (5.7 ± 1.2 mIU/L vs. 2.3 ± 1.6 mIU/L, p < 0.0001), although the mean triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were comparable in two groups. The mean levels of serum PAI-1 were significantly higher in MetS cases as compared to controls(231 ± 87 ng/mL vs. 185 ± 96 ng/mL, p = 0.013). TSH and PAI-1 levels were positively correlated with various markers of MetS and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Conclusion
The present study points towards the presence of thyroid dysfunction, in the form of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), in cases of MetS. In the presence of thyroid dysfunction, abnormal adipocytes may release adipokines, such as PAI-1, which lead to increased risk of thrombotic episodes in these patients. Hence, SCH should be appropriately managed.
High-content hydrogen water-induced downregulation of miR-136 alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating Nrf2 via targeting MEG3
Authors: Wang Xiang , Wang Jiao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study was aimed to investigate the potential regulatory mechanism of high-content hydrogen water (HHW) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice model and cellular model were prepared. The serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total cholesterol (TCH) and triglycerides (TG) were measured. The expression levels of representative five microRNA (miRNAs) (miR-103, miR-488, miR-136, miR-505 and miR-148a) in liver tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The target of miR-136 was validated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assay. MiR-136, MEG3 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression levels following cell treatment were detected in hepatocytes using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Moreover, cell viability and TG content were conducted. MiR-136 was downregulated, MEG3 as well as Nrf2 was upregulated and serum lipid level was reduced in NAFLD mice model after HHW treatment, which exerted the same effect in cellular model. RIP and RNA pull-down assay confirmed that MEG2 was a downstream target of miR-136. What’s more, HHW ameliorated lipid accumulation by regulating miR-136/MEG3/Nrf2 axisin vitroandin vivo. Hence, HHW alleviated NAFLD by downregulation of miR-136 through mediating Nrf2 via targeting MEG3.
Generation of Flattened Multicarrier Signals from a Single Laser Source for 330 Gbps WDM-PON Transmission over 25 km SSMF
Authors: Ullah Sibghat , Liu Bo , Ullah Rahat , Ahmad Muhammad , Wang Fu , Zhang Lijia , Xin Xiangjun , Memon Kamran Ali , Khalid Hafiz Ahmad 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA novel technique is proposed for optical frequency comb generation with a budget friendly system. A Mach-Zehnder modulator is used in connectivity with continuous wave optical signal which is filtered by rectangle optical filter and the signal is then amplified by erbium-doped fiber amplifier. With a frequency spacing of 10 GHz 33 useable OFC lines were generated with good tone to noise ratio which is quite impressive for such a cost effective setup. Each generated carrier carries differential phase shift keying based data of 10 Gbps. A total of 330 Gbps multiplexed data is successfully transmitted through a standard single mode fiber length of 25-km. During the downlink transmission the power penalties are observed to be negligible. The resulted eye diagrams are wide and promises to be a good system for wavelength division multiplexed-passive optical network.
Dependability of the information flow process at an intermodal transhipment point
Authors: Świeboda Justyna 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
A container terminal is an inherent part of intermodal transport. Dependable operation of the system on an inland terminal affects the transport of integrated units in intermodal transport. Each logistics system is a distinguished parallel flow of cargo and information. Both of these flows are dependent on each other and have an impact on the correctness of performing tasks.
Modelling of power supplies reliability in aspect of their technical and functional state
Authors: Dąbrowski Tadeusz , Chmiel Jerzy , Rosiński Adam 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The article presents issues related to the modeling of reliability of power supply in terms of their technical and functional condition. There are designated relations allowing to determine the probability of staying the power supply in the state: full suitability, incomplete suitability and unsuitability. There is also examined the impact of time restore of the state of full suitability for the value of the probability of staying the power supply in the state of incomplete suitability.
Risk assessment issues in the process of freight transport performance
Authors: Tubis Agnieszka , Werbińska-Wojciechowska Sylwia 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
In the presented paper, authors focus on the issues related to risk assessment of transport processes performance. Thus, there are presented the basic definitions related to the research area. Later, there is discussed the possibility of risk assessment performance in the freight transport, outlining an assessment approach compatible with ISO 31000 standard and ERM concept. This gives the possibility for the presentation of risk assessment of transport processes performance in the chosen road transport company. The article concludes with a summary, including directions for further research.
Model of designating the critical damages
Authors: Zwolińska Bożena , Kubica Łukasz 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Managing company in the lean way presumes no breakdowns nor reserves in the whole delivery chain. However, achieving such low indicators is impossible. That is why in some production plants it is extremely important to focus on preventive actions which can limit damages. This article depicts the method of designating the critical damages in accordance with lean maintenance method. The article consists of two parts which make for an integral body. Part one depicts the characteristic of a realistic object, it also contains productions capabilities analysis of certain areas within the production structure. Part two depicts the probabilistic model of shaping maximal time loss basing on emptying and filling interoperational buffers.
Development of Hand-Held Surgical Robot ODRO-2 for Automatic Bone Drilling
Authors: Boiadjiev George , Chavdarov Ivan , Delchev Kamen , Boiadjiev Tony , Kastelov Rumen , Zagurki Kazimir 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This paper represents the development of a prototype robotic system for automatic bone drilling in orthopaedic surgery. A new design of the mechanical structure is proposed, answering the surgical requirements for the robot dimensions and weight to be as small as possible. The new structure design is based on idea of parallelism of the axis of the linear actuator and the axis of the rotary one. The control system is improved by using a new micro-controller. A new type of linear drive and a new force sensor (load cell) are built in, so that the quality characteristics of the “Orthopaedic bone Drilling Robot” (ODRO) are not only the same as previous its two versions, but becomes better.
An experimental setup is arranged and experiments are executed to test and to verify the robot quality features and functional capabilities.
Experimental Research of Rotational-and-Frictional Boring of Big Holes in Large Parts
Authors: Sherov K.T. , Sikhimbayev M.R. , Donenbayev B.S. , Sagitov A.A. , Ainabekova S.S. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
When producing large-dimensional parts of heavy machines, the largest specific weight in the general labour input is made by the operations, connected with machining the main holes, i. e. holes of large diameter. To the holes of large diameter of large-dimensional parts, there are specified high requirements in the aspect of accuracy of the size, shape and arrangement. Machining of holes still remains one of the topical problems of present day mechanical engineering, in particular machine-building enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Solving the problem of ensuring accuracy and quality of machining large holes of large-dimensional parts requires the development of new resource-saving technologies of machining. In this work there are presented the results of studying a resource-saving method of rotation-friction boring of large diameter holes. There has been achieved good results in providing the quality indicators, when machining by the proposed method of rotation-friction boring with the use of the tool (a disk cutter) made of steel 90CrSi5 in comparison with well-known boring of holes. The diagram of chip formation of cutting and the results of studying the zone of chip formation by the metallographic method is also presented.
Torsional Wave Propagation in a Pre-Stressed Structure with Corrugated and Loosely Bonded Surfaces
Authors: Singh Manoj K. , Sahu Sanjeev A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn analytical model is presented to study the behaviour of propagation of torsional surface waves in initially stressed porous layer, sandwiched between an orthotropic half-space with initial stress and pre-stressed inhomogeneous anisotropic half-space. The boundary surfaces of the layer and halfspaces are taken as corrugated, as well as loosely bonded. The heterogeneity of the lower half-space is due to trigonometric variation in elastic parameters of the pre-stressed inhomogeneous anisotropic medium. Expression for dispersion relation has been obtained in closed form for the present analytical model to observe the effect of undulation parameter, flatness parameter and porosity on the propagation of torsional surface waves. The obtained dispersion relation is found to be in well agreement with classical Love wave equation for a particular case. The cases of ideally smooth interface and welded interface have also been analysed. Numerical example and graphical illustrations are made to demonstrate notable effect of initial stress, wave number, heterogeneity parameter and initial stress on the phase velocity of torsional surface waves.
The possibility of functioning micro-scale biogas plant in selected farm
Authors: Czekała Wojciech , Gawrych Karolina , Smurzyńska Anna , Mazurkiewicz Jakub , Pawlisiak Artur , Chełkowski Dawid , Brzoski Michał 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRenewable energy sources (RES) become more and more popular. In Poland, biomass has the highest energy potential among all RES. Methane fermentation is one of possible ways to use it. The aim of the study was to perform energy and economic calculations for the biogas plant installation project in an existing farm situated in the Wielkopolska voivodeship. Because of the small area of the farm and the type of production, the calculations were carried out for micro-installation biogas plants. During the preparation of the project the production potential of the substrates was determined, allowing for further analyses. It was calculated that the electrical power of the designed biogas plant was 8.10 kW, with a total annual production of biogas at 29 471 m3. The obtained amount allows to generate in the cogeneration system 66 450 kWh of electricity and 71 190 kWh of heat energy. Some of the energy produced can be used on the farm and its surplus sold to the grid, which will allow for financial and environmental benefits.
Application of expanded polystyrene filter for tertiary treatment of domestic waste effluent in the UK
Authors: Fylypchuk Viktor , Induchny Stanislav , Pearce Pete , Fylypchuk Leonid , Martynov Serhii 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe use of expanded polystyrene filters is a promising method for tertiary treatment of domestic waste effluent where biologically treated effluent is filtered through a layer of buoyant polystyrene beads. The advantage of such filters is in the absence of backwashing pumps, containers of clean washing water, while having low energy costs, high resistance of polystyrene to various chemical contaminants that may be in the effluent, easy automation of switching modes.The article describes the features of the design and principles of the expanded polystyrene filter operation with an upward filtration flow which works in automatic mode. The article includes the comparison of operation and the structural technological characteristics of polystyrene filters with disc filters, which are usually used in practice of tertiary-treatment of effluent in the UK.Experimental results were obtained from the operation of expanded polystyrene filters with an upward flow of filtration at two operational wastewater treatment plants. The effectiveness of the tertiary-treatment of waste effluent was evaluated by measures of BOD and COD in non-filtered and filtered samples, as well as total suspended solids during the months of the year and hours of the day. The filter demonstrated an average removal of 40% BOD, 28% of COD and 66% of TSS.
Farmers’ participation in Water User Association in western Iran
Authors: Gholamrezai Saeed , Sepahvand Fatemeh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOne of the main challenges of water scarcity is the water consumption in the agriculture sector. Therefore, optimizing water consumption and applying an optimal management in the agriculture sector is necessary. The implementation of a participatory management of water resources in the rural areas and the creation of Water User Association (WUA) can be a successful approach towards this management. That requires the continuity of the management, the comprehensive participation of farmers, and the exploitation of water resources; however, this action needs to understand the factors affecting the behavior of consumers. Thus identifying the factors influencing farmers’ intentions towards participation in WUA is essential. The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting farmers' intentions towards participation in water user association, by theory of planned behavior (TPB). There are 21 agriculture water pumping stations active in Lorestan Province. Farmers at each agriculture water pumping stations make up a Water User Association. The population of this study consisted of all WUAs in western Iran (N = 1990), and through a proportional stratified random sampling technique farmers were selected (N = 133) from the population. Moreover, the validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated at pre-test stage for different parts of the questionnaire ranging from 0.83 until 0.91. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20 software. The results revealed that there were effective variables including subjective norm, attitude, and extension training courses which contributed to the importance of participation in the water management, and that the educational level of farmer was a controlled variable that could affect farmers' attitudes towards participating in Water User Association; these factors could explain 53% of farmers' participation totally.
Evaluation of the possibilities of using water-damming devices on the Tyśmienica River to build small hydropower plants
Authors: Kowalczyk-Juśko Alina , Mazur Andrzej , Grzywna Antoni , Listosz Agnieszka , Rybicki Roman , Pytka Aneta , Dorozhynskyy Oleksandr , Jóźwiakowski Krzysztof , Gizińska-Górna Magdalena 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHydropower plants in Poland currently use only 19% of the river’s energy potential. Development of hydropower is limited by environmental regulations as well as by economic grounds. From the environmental point of view, it is desirable to build small hydropower plants integrated into the local landscape. This paper presents results of the research aimed at estimating the amount of energy that could be produced in the case of small hydroelectric power plants on weirs existing on the Tyśmienica River. There is also a legal framework that should be adapted at hydropower development. It was calculated that the technical capacity of the small hydropower plants that could be built on 4 existing weirs, is 0.131 MW. These power plants could produce 786 MWh of electricity per year. The economic efficiency of this production is currently difficult to assess, because a new support system for renewable energy sources is currently being implemented, which will be a decisive factor for entrepreneurs. It should be borne in mind that potential investments will be made in protected areas within the Natura 2000 network, which may limit their constructing or impose the obligation to assess their impact on selected environmental elements. Location within the protective area does not eliminate such investments, especially when solutions with the least possible environmental impact are used.
Community engagement for irrigation water management in Lao PDR
Authors: Kuntiyawichai Kittiwet , Dau Quan V. , Inthavong Saengdavanh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSustainable water resources management and community engagement are essential for water security. Referring to the above context, this study proposed to carry out an assessment of community engagement for irrigation water management in the Nam Haad Left Irrigation Project (NHLIP). The household and community level practices and the farmers’ levels of participation in irrigation water management of the NHLIP were carefully considered. From respondents’ responses, the results revealed that a husband-wife partnership plays a remarkable role in irrigation water management of the NHLIP for rice farming. The results also proved that most of the respondents engage with a high participation level in managing irrigation water of the NHLIP project as illustrated by a high score of 3.80 on the five-point Likert scale. To determine the significance of each activity on farmers’ levels of participation in irrigation water management of the NHLIP, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed and the standardized regression equation for determining overall participation levels can be presented as:Y= 0.538x1+ 0.831x8+ 0.534x14+ 0.607x18+ 7.572. Finally, the outcomes of this study indicated the willingness of participation in cooperating and supporting the activities related to the improvement and management of the NHLIP project.
Investigations of the mechanism of the fouling in microgranular adsorptive filtration
Authors: Malczewska Beata 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The application of microgranular adsorptive filtration (μGAF) has been successfully used in conjunction with membrane filtration. It proves to be efficient not only in removal of natural organic matter (NOM) but also it significantly reduces the extent of fouling. There are a few mathematical models evaluated to understand the underlying mechanism of fouling. This paper describes a method of predicting filtration capacities using constant flow datasets collected when μGAF was applied. The results suggest that the behaviour of fouling in microgranular adsorptive filtration system varies between different filtration operations and natural water quality. In analysed case the mechanism of pores blocking can be described by the complete blocking mechanism.