bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of kinetics of multicomponent, heterogeneous granular mixtures - Laminar and turbulent flow approach
Authors: Królczyk Jolanta B. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Mixing of granular materials is unquestionably important. Mixing solids is common in industrial applications and frequently represents a critical stage of the processes. The effect of mixing determines the quality of the products. Achieving a gas or liquid mixture ideally homogeneous in terms of composition in the case of dissolving components is not that difficult, while in case of granular materials that usually differ in sizes and densities, obtaining a homogenous mixture is practically impossible. The aim of the paper is to present the kinetics of mixing of a multicomponent, nonhomogeneous granular mixture. For the first time in mixing of granular materials, a reference has been made to the terminology used in kinematics of fluid mixtures to determine the state of the mixture: turbulent or laminar. By means of statistical analysis the mixing process was divided into two stages. The initial phase of the process was called the stage of turbulent changes, due to large differences in the quality of the observed mixtures; the final step of the process was called the stage of laminar, stable changes, where further mixing did not result in a significant improvement in quality. The research was conducted in industrial conditions in a two-tonne mixer.
The influence of chitin structure on its enzymatic deacetylation
Authors: Jaworska Malgorzata M. , Roberts George A.F. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The possibility of producing chitosan by enzymatic deacetylation of chitin has been the subject of numerous investigations over the last twenty years, but to date no satisfactory method has been developed. In this paper the influence of chitin chain conformation and chitin particle crystallinity on the enzymatic deacetylation of chitin is investigated to determine the relative importance of these two factors on the process. It is shown that the high crystallinity of chitin is the main obstacle to converting chitin to chitosan by enzymatic deacetylation.
Barter Online Network
Authors: Van Ngoc Tran 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Barter is the direct exchange of goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money. Barter faced a number of limitations, and according to Smith (1776), these limitations led to the emergence of money. However, trading with money also exposes traders to the problems of monetary economy such as inflation, deflation, currency de-valuation, and currency exchange fluctuation. According to Statista.com (2015), in 2016, global Business to Customer (B2C) e-commerce sales will reach 1.92 trillion US dollars. On the other hand, online barter solutions are rare on the market. The only attempts to tackle online barter are mobile applications, carried out by small businesses. The market gap is caused by the unsolved inefficiencies of barter. The aim of this thesis is to identify the problems of barter, propose an IT solution for the problems of barter, and finally, produce an artefact, which is the realisation of the proposed IT solution by utilising computer systems and computer algorithms.
MyETL: A Java Software Tool to Extract, Transform, and Load Your Business
Authors: Michele Nuovo 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The project follows the development of a Java Software Tool that extracts data from Flat File (Fixed Length Record Type), CSV (Comma Separated Values), and XLS (Microsoft Excel 97-2003 Worksheet file), apply transformation to those sources, and finally load the data into the end target RDBMS. The software refers to a process known as ETL (Extract Transform and Load). Those kinds of systems are called ETL systems.
The analysis involved research on the theory behind the ETL process as well as the theory behind the various phases of the applied methodology. Also an in-depth look at the design and architecture of the software has been made. To create a complete design needed to be used for the implementation, different techniques and diagrams where used to visualise and refine ideas: UML class diagrams, System Architecture Diagrams, Physical Data Model, and Project Timeline.
The implementation of the project involved the translation of the system architecture into working software using the Extreme Programming Methodology and the Java programming language. A mapping algorithm module and design patterns have been used in the implementation phase. A transformation syntax has been defined to achieve data transformation.
The testing of the software was done in the form of a unit test. A formal test plan was prepared to ensure that the main features of the system worked as defined. An error handling code implementation has been developed to avoid an unexpected crash of the system and to communicate to the user problems or errors.
Ontology Translation: The Semiotic Engineering of Content Management Systems
Authors: Alejandro Villamarin M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The present paper proposes the application of Semiotic Engineering theory to Content Management Systems (CMS) focusing on the analysis of how the use of different ontologies can affect the user’s efficiency when performing tasks in a CMS. The analysis is performed using the theoretical semiotic model Web-Semiotic Interface Design Evaluation (W-SIDE model).
The Ontology Translation concept is proposed as a practical enhancement for the W-SIDE model. The enhanced model is validated by using a proof of concept based on test cases of a fictitious scenario. The validation process is carried out modifying an open source CMS. The testing of the modified CMS if performed by a volunteer tester that fits both the Ontology Translation concept and the fictitious scenario. Finally, the results of the experiment are critically evaluated establishing limitations, conclusions, and recommendations for future studies.
Alien shades of grey: new occurrences and relevant spread of Sciurus carolinensis in Italy
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Amerini Rachele , Mazza Giuseppe , Bertolino Sandro , Battiston Roberto , Sforzi Andrea , Menchetti Mattia 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The eastern grey squirrel is listed among the worst invasive species throughout the world. This species of American origin is currently replacing the native Eurasian red squirrel in most of the Great Britain, as well as in parts of Ireland and Italy. It may debark trees and exert damages to woodlands and tree plantations. Therefore, its spread may be deleterious for biodiversity and environment, emphasising the need for a rapid detection in new areas of occurrence. In this work, we reported for the first time, the presence of new populations of this invasive species in Tuscany (Central Italy) and some updates and analyses regarding the status of this species in Veneto (North-Eastern Italy). Occurrences were collected through citizen-science contributory approach supported by photos, road-kills, and/or hair-tube sampling. Field investigations ad hoc were carried out in Veneto and Tuscany to confirm the repeated reports in the surroundings of Arezzo and in the province of Siena.
Although records can be possibly related to erratic or single individuals escaped from captivity, reproductive nuclei have also been detected in both regions, with the observations of juveniles and/or lactating females. The occurrence of the species in these regions is still scarce and localised, but considering the surrounding favourable wooded habitats, a rapid removal of the animals would be required to prevent their spread.
Polylactide/polycaprolactone asymmetric membranes for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Domalik-Pyzik Patrycja , Morawska-Chochół Anna , Chłopek Jan , Rajzer Izabella , Wrona Agata , Menaszek Elżbieta , Ambroziak Maciej 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe aim of this work was to develop bioresorbable, asymmetric membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Two resorbable polymers – polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were used in fabrication process. Two different manufacturing methods were applied: electrospinning in the case of PLA and freeze-drying of PCL. Mechanical properties, stability in a water environment and biocompatibility of fabricated membranes were evaluated. Microstructure [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] of the membranes was assessed in terms of level of porosity, as well as size and shape of the pores. Study showed that combination of electrospinning and freeze-drying methods allows biocompatible PLA/PCL bi-phasic materials of appropriate mechanical properties and diverse microstructure to be produced, that should on the one hand prevent soft tissue growth, and on the other hand be a suitable scaffold for the growth of bone cells.
Subspace confinement for switched linear systems
Authors: Shang Yilun 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
In this note,
we introduce the asymptotic subspace confinement problem,
generalizing the usual concept of convergence in discrete-time linear systems.
Instead of precise convergence,
subspace confinement only requires the convergence of states to a certain subspace of the state space, offering useful flexibility and applicability.
We establish a criterion for deciding the asymptotic subspace confinement,
drawing upon a general finiteness result for the infinite product of matrices.
Our results indicate that the asymptotic subspace confinement problem is algorithmically decidable when an invariant subspace for the set of matrices and some polytope norms are given.
Outer automorphism groups of simple Lie algebras and symmetries of painted diagrams
Authors: Chuah Meng-Kiat , Zhang Mingjing 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Let

𝔤

${{\mathfrak{g}}}$

be a simple Lie algebra.
Let

Aut
⁢

(
𝔤
)

${{\rm Aut}(\mathfrak{g})}$

be the group of all automorphisms on

𝔤

${\mathfrak{g}}$

,
and let

Int
⁢

(
𝔤
)

${{\rm Int}(\mathfrak{g})}$

be its identity component.
The outer automorphism group of

𝔤

${\mathfrak{g}}$

is defined as

Aut
⁢

(
𝔤
)

/
Int

⁢

(
𝔤
)

${{\rm Aut}(\mathfrak{g})/{\rm Int}(\mathfrak{g})}$

.
If

𝔤

${\mathfrak{g}}$

is complex and has Dynkin diagram

D

${{\rm D}}$

,
then

Aut
⁢

(
𝔤
)

/
Int

⁢

(
𝔤
)

${{\rm Aut}(\mathfrak{g})/{\rm Int}(\mathfrak{g})}$

is isomorphic to

Aut
⁢

(
D
)

${{\rm Aut}({\rm D})}$

.
We provide an analogous result for the real case.
For

𝔤

${\mathfrak{g}}$

real, we let

𝔤

${\mathfrak{g}}$

be represented by
a painted diagram

P

${{\rm P}}$

. Depending on whether
the Cartan involution of

𝔤

${\mathfrak{g}}$

belongs to

Int
⁢

(
𝔤
)

${{\rm Int}(\mathfrak{g})}$

, we show that

Aut
⁢

(
𝔤
)

/
Int

⁢

(
𝔤
)

${{\rm Aut}(\mathfrak{g})/{\rm Int}(\mathfrak{g})}$

is isomorphic to

Aut
⁢

(
P
)

${{\rm Aut}({\rm P})}$

or

Aut
⁢

(
P
)

×

ℤ
2

${{\rm Aut}({\rm P})\times\mathbb{Z}_{2}}$

.
This result extends to the outer automorphism groups
of all real semisimple
Lie algebras.
The humor of Skopje 2014: Between effects and evaluations
Authors: Takovski Aleksandar 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn 2010, the Macedonian government commissioned a controversial urban project titled Skopje 2014, designed to aesthetically revamp the look of the capital’s center. The announcement gave rise to conflicting views, both supportive and critical of the idea. Part of the criticism leveled at the project was expressed through on-line humor which produced no major sociopolitical effect, public debate or counter-humor production. Yet its production and reception may be taken as emblematic of the societal tensions underlying the contradiction between its effects and its evaluations.By outlining the political context of the humor’s emergence, analyzing the examples produced, and voicing humor creators’ and citizens’ understanding of its political role, the study reflects upon humor’s specifics and limitations in order to argue that the humor produced and its understanding reflect the political impulses, tensions, and ambiguities of a hybrid society such as Macedonia. Using input from the discussions on the role of humor across political systems, and especially relying on studies of political on-line humor in democracies and audience research, the study intends to determine the political effect of the humor produced so as to argue that faced with many challenges, the humor failed to become a democratic means of political engagement, remaining largely a tool for the expression of personal dissatisfaction. Nonetheless, there is an existing paradox in the face of citizens’ beliefs in the potential of this humor. This study tries to explain this paradox.
Effect of ion exchange substrate on grass root development and cohesion of sandy soil
Authors: Chomczyńska Mariola , Soldatov Vladimir , Wasąg Henryk , Turski Marcin 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The effect of small additions of ion exchange substrate (nutrient carrier) on root development and accompanying ground cohesion (characterized by its penetration resistance) was studied. During two pot experiments Dactylis glomerata L. was grown on sand and its mixture with 1 and 2% (v/v) of ion exchange substrate, respectively. The number and total length of roots were measured during the first test. Penetration resistance was measured with a pentrologger, following the second experiment. After six weeks of growth, number and length of roots in sand mixture with 1 and 2% substrate was greater than in sand-only medium by 211-287 and 273-323%, respectively. At the same time, penetration resistance in series with substrate additions was significantly higher than in control medium at depth of 2.5-7(8) cm, whereas after 12 week of growth, penetration resistance in series with 1 and 2% substrate additions was significantly greater than in control sand at the whole analyzed depth. The highest resistance values in media with substrate additions 2-2.5 times greater than those in sand alone – were observed at depth of 3.5-4.0 cm. Higher resistance of sand-substrate mixtures results from more intensive development of root systems, forming a mesh which binds sand particles. Such media would be less susceptible to erosion.
Impact of post-infiltration soil aeration at different growth stages of sub-surface trickle-irrigated tomato plants
Authors: Li Yuan , Jia Zong-xia , Niu Wen-Quan , Wang Jing-wei 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Sensitivity to low rhizosphere soil aeration may change over time and therefore plant response may also depend on different growth stages of a crop. This study quantified effects of soil aeration during 5 different periods, on growth and yield of trickle-irrigated potted single tomato plants. Irrigation levels were 0.6 to 0.7 (low level) or 0.7 to 0.8 (high level) of total water holding capacity of the pots. Soil was aerated by injecting 2.5 l of air into each pot through the drip tubing immediately after irrigation. Fresh fruit yield, above ground plant dry weight, plant height, and leaf area index response to these treatments were measured. For all these 4 response variables, means of post-infiltration aeration between 58 to 85 days after sowing were 13.4, 43.5, 13.7, and 37.7% higher than those for the non-aerated pots, respectively. The results indicated that: post-infiltration soil aeration can positively impact the yield and growth of sub-surface trickle-irrigated potted tomato plants; positive effects on plant growth can be obtained with aeration during the whole growth period or with aeration for partial periods; positive growth effects of partial periods of aeration appears to persist and result in yield benefit.
Comprehensive analysis of soil nitrogen removal by catch crops based on growth and water use
Authors: Yasutake D. , Kondo K. , Yamane S. , Kitano M. , Mori M. , Fujiwara T. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
A new methodology for comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of nitrogen (N) removal from greenhouse soil by catch crop was proposed in relation to its growth and water use. The N removal is expressed as the product of five parameters: net assimilation rate, specific leaf area, shoot dry weight, water use efficiency for N removal, and water requirement for growth. This methodology was applied to the data of a greenhouse experiment where corn was cultivated under three plant densities. We analyzed the effect of plant density and examined the effectiveness of the methodology. Higher plant densities are advantageous not only for total N removal but also for water use efficiency in N removal and growth because of the large specific leaf area, shoot dry weight, and decreased soil evaporation. On the other hand, significant positive or negative linear relationships were found between all five parameters and N removal. This should improve the understanding of the N removal mechanisms and the interactions among its components. We show the effectiveness of our analytical methodology, which can contribute to identifying the optimum plant density according to the field situations (available water amount, soil N quantity to be removed) for practical catch crop cultivation.
Simulation of climate change impacts on grain sorghum production grown under free air CO2 enrichment
Authors: Fu Tongcheng , Ko Jonghan , Wall Gerard W. , Pinter Paul J. , Kimball Bruce A. , Ottman Michael J. , Kim Han-Yong 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Potential impacts of climate change on grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) productivity were investigated using the CERES-sorghum model in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer v4.5. The model was first calibrated for a sorghum cultivar grown in a free air CO2 enrichment experiment at the University of Arizona, Maricopa, Arizona, USA in 1998. The model was then validated with an independent dataset collected in 1999. The simulated grain yield, growth, and soil water of sorghum for the both years were in statistical agreement with the corresponding measurements, respectively. Neither simulated nor measured yields responded to elevated CO2, but both were sensitive to water supply. The validated model was then applied to simulate possible effects of climate change on sorghum grain yield and water use efficiency in western North America for the years 2080-2100. The projected CO2 fertilizer effect on grain yield was dominated by the adverse effect of projected temperature increases. Therefore, temperature appears to be a dominant driver of the global climate change influencing future sorghum productivity. These results suggest that an increase in water demand for sorghum production should be anticipated in a future high-CO2 world.
The Use of Social Media by Alleged Members of Mexican Cartels and Affiliated Drug Trafficking Organizations
Authors: Nix Justin , Smith Michael R. , Petrocelli Matthew , Rojek Jeff , Manjarrez Victor M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Focusing on Mexican cartels and affiliated drug trafficking organizations, this article examines how self-proclaimed cartel members use social media to further the criminal activities of their organizations. Employing an open-source, intelligence-driven methodology, the authors identified, followed, and mapped the connections between and among 75 alleged cartel members over a period of 4 months. Results indicated that cartel members actively use Facebook to plan, organize, and communicate in real-time. These findings provide tentative validation to the utility of using open-source social media platforms to study the social structure and operations of Mexican drug cartels. Implications for law enforcement, homeland security, and the intelligence enterprise are discussed.
Micropropagation of Clerodendrum phlomidis L.F.
Authors: Kher Mafatlal M. , Soner Deepak , Srivastava Neha , Nataraj Murugan , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Clerodendrum phlomidis L. f. is an important medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, particularly its roots, which are used for various therapeutic purposes in a pulverized form. The objective of this study was to develop a standard protocol for axillary shoot proliferation and rooting of C. phlomidis for its propagation and conservation. Nodal explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium that was supplemented with one of six cytokinins: 6-benzyladenine, kinetin, thidiazuron, N
6-(2-isopentenyl) adenine (2iP), trans-zeatin (Zea) and meta-topolin. Callus induction, which was prolific at all concentrations, formed at the base of nodal explants and hindered shoot multiplication and elongation. To avoid or reduce callus formation with the objective of increasing shoot formation, the same six cytokinins were combined with 4 μM 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid (TIBA) alone or in combination with 270 μM adenine sulphate (AdS). Nodal explants that were cultured on the medium supplemented with 9.12 μM Zea, 4 μM TIBA and 270 μM AdS produced significantly more and longer shoots than on medium without TIBA and AdS. Half-strength MS medium supplemented with 8.05 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid was the best medium for root formation. Most (75%) in vitro rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized under natural conditions.
In vitro Propagation of Solanecio biafrae and Determination of Genetic Stability of Plantlets Using RAPD and ISSR Markers
Authors: Opabode Jelili , Akinyemiju Oluyemisi 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
An efficient and reproducible micropropagation protocol of Solanecio biafrae (Oliv. & Hiern) C. Jeffrey has been developed from nodal stem segments. Shoot development was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone and in combination with zeatin and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Elongated shoots were rooted in the presence of zeatin or 3-indole-butyric acid (IBA) alone or in combinations. The highest number of explants forming shoots (100%) as well as the highest number of shoots per explant (3.4) and the longest shoots (22 mm) were recorded on medium containing 4.0 mg·dm−3 BAP, 2.0 mg·dm−3 NAA, and 1.0 mg·dm−3 zeatin. About 76% of shoots formed roots on half-strength MS medium free of plant growth regulators. The best root formation (approximately 88%) was recorded on the medium containing 1.0-1.5 mg·dm−3 IBA. The micropropagated shoots with well-developed roots were efficiently acclimatized under greenhouse conditions. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification products were monomorphic in micropropagated plants and similar to those of mother plant showing their genetic uniformity. This is the first report of micropropagation of S. biafrae, which will facilitate in vitro mass propagation, conservation, and germplasm exchange of this endangered African vegetable.
Laser Light Stimulation Effects on Scorzonera hispanica L. Seeds Germination, Field Emergence and Photosynthetic Pigments Content
Authors: Dziwulska-Hunek Agata , Krawiec Marcela , Sujak Agnieszka 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The study presented herein concerns the effect of pre-sowing stimulation of scorzonera seeds with He–Ne laser on germination capacity, field emergence of seedlings and the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids. Seeds of scorzonera cv. ‘Duplex’, from harvests of various years, dis-played variable quality expressed by their germination capacity. They were subjected to pre-sowing stimulation with He–Ne laser light of the power of 40 mW and wavelength of 632.8 nm, surface power density of 5 mW·cm−2 and different exposure times. Germination capacity on Petri dish test increased only in one lot of seeds after exposure for 1 and 5 min. Increase in seedling emergence in the field experiment in the result of laser treatment occurred only in one seed lot. One-min laser treatment increased contents of chlorophylls and carotenoids in 8-day cotyledons (laboratory test) and in the second true leaves (field experiment).