bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of soil physical and chemical variables on species composition and richness of plants in the arid region of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mutairi Khalid Awadh 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the effect of soil physical and chemical variables on the species richness and the floristic composition in four sites (Alwaz, Alqan, Sharma and Zetah) of Tabuk region in the Northwestern part of Arabian Peninsula. Only organic matter (OM), pH and calcium (Ca) showed significant differences (P < 0.05) amongst the four studied sites. Only magnesium and sodium were selected in the forward regression model and showed to be strong drivers of species richness of plants in Tabuk region (Adj-R2 = 0.438, F2,13 = 6.85, P = 0.009). The multivariate analysis of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA ) was applied to reveal the effect of the physical and chemical variables on the species composition of the plants. The CCA classifies the plant species into three groups based on their preference to the environmental variables. The first group of plant species (Group 1) is characterised by positive preference to the chloride (Cl) and negative relationship with OM and pH. The second group (Group 2) is positively correlated with most of the soil variables such as OM, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), bicarbonate (HCO3), electrical conductivity (EC), sulphate (SO4) and sodium (Na). The third group (Group 3) has positive relationship with carbonate (CO3) and negative relationship with EC and magnesium (Mg). The chloride, sodium, sulphate, EC and carbonate are the main environmental factors influencing the plant species composition in Tabuk region. The cluster analysis based on the Euclidian measure shows that Alqan and Zetah have closer species composition compared to Sharma.
Evaluation of Many Load Tests of Passive Rock Bolts in the Czech Republic
Authors: Holý Ondřej 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Within the research project “FR-TI4/329 Research and development - creating an application system for the design and analysis of soil and rock anchors including the development of monitoring elements”, an extensive stage of field load tests of rock bolts was carried out. The tests were conducted at 14 locations with varied rock composition. Before the initial tests, a loading stand was designed and constructed. A total of 201 pieces of tensile tests of bolts having lengths from 0.5 up to 2.5 m, a diameter of 22-32 mm, were performed. These were fully threaded rods, self-drilling rods, and fiberglass rods. The bolts were clamped into the cement and resin. The loading tests were always performed until material failure of bolts or shear stress failure at the interface cement-rock. At each location, basic geotechnical survey was carried out in the form of core drilling in a length of 3.0 metres with the assessment of the rock mass in situ, and laboratory testing of rock mechanics. Upon the completion of testing protocols, rock mass properties analysis was performed focusing on the evaluation of shear friction at the grouting-rock interface.
Cardiopulmonary Performance During Maximal Exercise in Soccer Players with Alterations in Renal Function
Authors: Morales Anderson Pontes , Sampaio-Jorge Felipe , da Cruz Rangel Luiz Felipe , de Souza Menezes Jackson , Leite Tiago Costa , Ribeiro Beatriz Gonçalves 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the curves of cardiorespiratory variables during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in soccer players who had acute alterations in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after performing the pre-season training protocol. Sixteen male professional soccer players (25 ± 3 years; 179 ± 2 cm; and 77 ± 6 kg) were evaluated for oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR) and pulse relative oxygen (relative O2 Pulse) curves with intervals corresponding to 10% of the total duration of CPET. Athletes were grouped according to the GFR and classified as decreased GFR (dGFR; n = 8) and normal GFR (nGFR; n = 8). Athletes from the dGFR group exhibited lower VO2 values (p < 0.05) when 90% (dGFR 49.8 ± 4.0 vs. nGFR 54.4 ± 6.1 ml·kg-1·min-1) and 100% (dGFR 52.6 ± 4.1 vs. nGFR 57.4 ± 5.9 ml·kg-1·min-1) of the test was complete; HR high values (p < 0.05) when 90% (dGFR 183.7 ± 5.1 vs. nGFR 176.6 ± 4.8 bpm-1) and 100% (dGFR 188.1 ± 5.0 vs. nGFR 180.8 ± 4.8 bpm-1) of the test was complete; and lower relative O2 Pulse values (p < 0.05) when 70% (dGFR 25.6 ± 8.4 vs. nGFR 27.9 ± 9.7 ml·beat-1·kg-1), 80% (dGFR 26.6 ± 8.8 vs. nGFR 29.1 ± 10.0 ml·beat-1·kg-1), 90% (dGFR 27.1 ± 9.0 vs. nGFR 30.8 ± 10.6 ml·beat-1·kg-1) and 100% (dGFR 28 ± 9.2 vs. nGFR 31.8 ± 10.9 ml·beat-1·kg-1) of the test was complete. A correlation was found (r = −0.66, R2 = 0.44, p = 0.00) between lower VO2 peak and elevated levels of urinary protein excretion. In conclusion, soccer players with reduced kidney function after performing the pre-season training protocol also presented alterations in cardiopulmonary variables. We suggest that monitoring of renal function may be used to identify less conditioned soccer players.
A Comparison of GPS Workload Demands in Match Play and Small-Sided Games by the Positional Role in Youth Soccer
Authors: Beenham Mathew , Barron David J. , Fry John , Hurst Howard H. , Figueirdo Antonio , Atkins Steve 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The external demands of small-sided games (SSGs) according to the positional role are currently unknown. Using a Catapult Minimax X3 5 Hz GPS, with a 100 Hz tri-axial accelerometer, we compared the accumulated tri-axial player workload per min (PLacc·min-1) during friendly youth match play (MP) (11 vs. 11) and SSGs (2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, and 4 vs. 4). Significant differences existed between all SSGs and MP for PLacc·min-1 (F = 21.91, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.38), and individual X (F = 27.40, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.43), Y (F = 14.50, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.29) and Z (F = 19.28, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.35) axis loads. Across all conditions, mean PLacc·min-1 was greater for midfielders (p = 0.004, CI: 0.68, 4.56) and forwards (p = 0.037, CI: 0.08, 3.97) than central defenders. In all conditions, greater Y axis values existed for wide defenders (p = 0.024, CI: 0.67, 1.38), midfielders (p = 0.006, CI: 0.18, 1.50) and forwards (p = 0.007, CI: 0.17, 0.15) compared to central defenders. Midfielders reported greater Z axis values compared to central defenders (p = 0.002, CI: 0.40, 2.23). We concluded that SSGs elicited greater external loads than MP, and previous studies may have underestimated the demands of SSGs.
A Model for Determining the Effect of the Wind Velocity on 100 M Sprinting Performance
Authors: Janjic Natasa , Kapor Darko , Doder Dragan , Petrovic Aleksandar , Doder Radoslava 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This paper introduces an equation for determining instantaneous and final velocity of a sprinter in a 100 m run completed with a wind resistance ranging from 0.1 to 4.5 m/s. The validity of the equation was verified using the data of three world class sprinters: Carl Lewis, Maurice Green, and Usain Bolt. For the given constant wind velocity with the values + 0.9 and + 1.1 m/s, the wind contribution to the change of sprinter velocity was the same for the maximum as well as for the final velocity. This study assessed how the effect of the wind velocity influenced the change of sprinting velocity. The analysis led to the conclusion that the official limit of safely neglecting the wind influence could be chosen as 1 m/s instead of 2 m/s, if the velocity were presented using three, instead of two decimal digits. This implies that wind velocity should be rounded off to two decimal places instead of the present practice of one decimal place. In particular, the results indicated that the influence of wind on the change of sprinting velocity in the range of up to 2 m/s and was of order of magnitude of 10-3 m/s. This proves that the IAAF Competition Rules correctly neglect the influence of the wind with regard to such velocities. However, for the wind velocity over 2 m/s, the wind influence is of order 10-2 m/s and cannot be neglected.
Critical Factors for Implementing Blended Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Mozelius Peter , Hettiarachchi Enosha 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe use of blended learning environments in higher education has rapidly increased in the 21st century. Tools and techniques that initially were used in experimental distance education courses are today part of mainstream education with blended learning as a continuum between traditional face-to-face teaching and pure online courses. In this wide variety of course design there are success stories, but at the same time examples with low pass rates and poor learning outcomes. The research question for the study is: Which aspects have to be considered in the design and implementation of blended learning in higher education? To answer this question, 15 selected publications were analysed in a literature review with the aim to identify important and critical factors when implementing blended learning in higher education. As a result of the inductive analysis around 50 found factors have been grouped into 10 Categories of critical factors and 4 Blended learning perspectives in a strive to identify critical aspects of contemporary blended learning in a comprehensive structure. One conclusion is that blended learning today can be seen as a mature educational concept still in need of redesign. Problems that were reported two decades ago are now combined with other more recently identified critical factors. The presented categories and perspectives might be valuable as a checklist for implementations of blended learning and hopefully a useful base for further research in the field of blended learning.
Numerical Solutions of the Modified Burgers’ Equation by Finite Difference Methods
Authors: Ucar Yusuf , Yagmurlu Nuri Murat , Tasbozan Orkun 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
In this study, a numerical solution of the modified Burgers’ equation is obtained by the finite difference methods. For the solution process, two linearization techniques have been applied to get over the non-linear term existing in the equation. Then, some comparisons have been made between the obtained results and those available in the literature. Furthermore, the error norms L2 and L∞ are computed and found to be sufficiently small and compatible with others in the literature. The stability analysis of the linearized finite difference equations obtained by two different linearization techniques has been separately conducted via Fourier stability analysis method.
Feasible Generalized Stein-Rule Restricted Ridge Regression Estimators
Authors: Özbay Nimet , Dawoud Issam , Kaçıranlar Selahattin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSeveral versions of the Stein-rule estimators of the coefficient vector in a linear regression model are proposed in the literature. In the present paper, we propose new feasible generalized Stein-rule restricted ridge regression estimators to examine multicollinearity and autocorrelation problems simultaneously for the general linear regression model, when certain additional exact restrictions are placed on these coefficients. Moreover, a Monte Carlo simulation experiment is performed to investigate the performance of the proposed estimator over the others.
Postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a child as a late complication of esophageal reconstruction
Authors: Vukovic Rade , Milenkovic Tatjana , Djordjevic Maja , Mitrovic Katarina , Todorovic Sladjana , Sarajlija Adrijan , Hussain Khalid 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground:Postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH) is an increasingly recognized complication of gastric bypass surgery in obese adults, distinct from the “dumping syndrome”.Case presentation:Upon birth, primary repair of esophageal atresia was performed, and at the age of 14 months definite esophageal reconstruction was performed. At the age of 3 years, recurrent brief episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia started. At the age of 5.7 years the girl was admitted to our clinic and investigations indicated hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring results revealed frequent postprandial hypoglycemic events, which were always preceded by early postprandial hyperglycemia. It was concluded that the patient had PHH caused by a delayed and hyperinsulinemic response to carbohydrate intake as a result of esophagogastric surgery. Treatment with acarbose was titrated using flash glucose monitoring, which resulted in satisfactory glucose regulation.Conclusions:This is the first described case of a child with PHH following esophageal reconstruction.
Hypercoiling of the umbilical cord in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies
Authors: Ma’ayeh Marwan , McClennen Evan , Chamchad Dmitri , Geary Michael , Brest Norman , Gerson Andrew 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background:
The umbilical coiling index (UCI) is a measure of the number of coils in the umbilical cord in relation to its length. Hypercoiled cords with a UCI of >0.3 coils/cm have been associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Aims:
The primary aim is to determine the accuracy of UCI measured on second trimester ultrasound in predicting UCI at birth. The secondary outcome is to investigate the association between hypercoiling of the umbilical cord on prenatal ultrasound and adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods:
This was a prospective cohort study of uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. Seventy two patients were included in the study. UCI was measured in the second trimester ultrasound, and compared to UCI measured postnatally. Outcomes of patients with hypercoiled cords on ultrasound were compared to outcomes of patients with normocoiled cords.

Results:
Our results failed to show a strong correlation between the UCI determined with ultrasound, and the UCI determined with examination of the umbilical cord after delivery. We also did not demonstrate that measurement of the UCI on second trimester ultrasound is able to predict adverse maternal, fetal or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that measurement of the umbilical coiling index should not be part of routine second trimester sonography in patients with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, with no other medical or surgical comorbidities.
The misoprostol vaginal insert compared with oral misoprostol for labor induction in term pregnancies: a pair-matched case-control study
Authors: Döbert Moritz , Brandstetter Aleke , Henrich Wolfgang , Rawnaq Tamina , Hasselbeck Hendrik , Döbert Timm Fabian , Hinkson Larry , Schwaerzler Peter 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAim:To compare the efficacy and safety of the misoprostol vaginal insert (MVI) with an off-label use of oral misoprostol (OM).Methods:Pair-matched case-control study comparing the induction of labor with a retrievable MVI to OM. The primary outcomes were the time from induction to delivery and the cesarean section rate. Secondary outcomes included uterine tachysystole, tocolysis, fetal scalp blood testing, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, umbilical arterial pH, and Apgar score.Results:One hundred and thirty eight women ≥37/0 weeks pregnant undergoing labor induction with misoprostol were included. The mean time from application to delivery was significantly shorter and the caesarean section rate significantly higher in the MVI group (P<0.01) with an odds ratio of 2.75 (95% CI: 1.21–6.25) in favor of vaginal delivery in the OM group. The mean 5-min Apgar scores and arterial cord pH values were significantly lower in the MVI group. An arterial pH value of 7.10–7.19 was found in 26.1% and 15.9%, and a value <7.10 was found in 4.3% and 0% of MVI and OM cases, respectively.Conclusion:The MVI compared with OM significantly shortened the time from application to delivery at the expense of a higher cesarean section rate and negative effects on neonatal outcomes.
General Anesthesia Effect on Acid Base and Serum Calcium and Phosphorus Levels in Relation to Anesthetic Risk in Dogs
Authors: Lipták Tomáš , Ledecký Valent , Ďurej Marek , Nagy Oskar , Kuricová Mária 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of general anesthesia on selected blood parameters in 53 surgical patients belonging to five ASA groups. The venous blood pH during the preoperative period was under physiological values only in the ASA V group of dogs. The lowest average values of pH levels were found in all ASA groups during the 30th minute of the surgical procedure. The pre-operative measurements revealed the average concentration of calcium in the blood serum below the physiological range in the groups with higher anesthetic risk, ASA III, IV and V. Most dogs with hypocalcemia during the whole monitored period were in the ASA III group (69.2%). After premedication and sedation a decrease in the concentration of calcium in all groups was observed, except for the ASA IV group. Changes in the concentration of calcium were significant in the ASA II group (P ≤ 0.01). Between the groups, there were no significant differences reported in calcium concentrations during the monitored period. The lowest average value of phosphorus concentration was recorded in the ASA III group and the highest in the ASA V group. In the postoperative period the increase in phosphorus concentrations was observed in all groups except ASA III. Acidaemia, hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphatemia may present a potential risk mostly in endangered animals, so additional monitoring of these parameters, along with commonly used anesthetic monitoring, is essential and might be significantly helpful.
The accessibilityof Poland’s Space to the Trans-European Transport Network
Authors: Wiśniewski Szymon 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe aim of the article is to analyse the land transport accessibility of two trans-European corridors within the boundaries of Poland. The adjustment of the course of transport routes to the distribution of the population and the country’s land development (including economic potential and logistic infrastructure) was outlined using measurements of cumulative accessibility. The results were presented in both cartographic form (isochrone approach) and tabular form (cumulative approach). Research was conducted adopting different forms of transport used for relocation (including foot traffic, car, rail and multimodal transport) and both the current and target layout of the transport network. This made it possible to determine the changes that will effectively run the process of investment in transport infrastructure on Polish territory. This allowed the identification of the areas of Poland which are particularly conveniently located in relation to domestic connections (in terms of the international network) and those for which the European transport network remains difficult to access.
Sharp phase variations from the plasmon mode causing the Rabi-analogue splitting
Authors: Wang Yujia , Sun Chengwei , Gan Fengyuan , Li Hongyun , Gong Qihuang , Chen Jianjun 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The Rabi-analogue splitting in nanostructures resulting from the strong coupling of different resonant modes is of importance for lasing, sensing, switching, modulating, and quantum information processes. To give a clearer physical picture, the phase analysis instead of the strong coupling is provided to explain the Rabi-analogue splitting in the Fabry-Pérot (FP) cavity, of which one end mirror is a metallic nanohole array and the other is a thin metal film. The phase analysis is based on an analytic model of the FP cavity, in which the reflectance and the reflection phase of the end mirrors are dependent on the wavelength. It is found that the Rabi-analogue splitting originates from the sharp phase variation brought by the plasmon mode in the FP cavity. In the experiment, the Rabi-analogue splitting is realized in the plasmonic-photonic coupling system, and this splitting can be continually tuned by changing the length of the FP cavity. These experimental results agree well with the analytic and simulation data, strongly verifying the phase analysis based on the analytic model. The phase analysis presents a clear picture to understand the working mechanism of the Rabi-analogue splitting; thus, it may facilitate the design of the plasmonic-photonic and plasmonic-plasmonic coupling systems.
Novel analytical approaches to determination of chemical warfare agents and related compounds for verification of nonproliferation of chemical weapons
Authors: Rybalchenko Igor V. , Rodin Igor A. , Baygildiev Timur M. , Stavrianidi Andrey N. , Braun Arcady V. , Morozik Yury I. , Shpigun Oleg A. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
In this paper a summary of the author’s approaches for investigation of the mass spectral behavior of some chemical warfare agents (CWAs), their degradation products and metabolites, as well as the results of development of analytical methods for confirmation of nerve and blister agents application are presented. Hydrolysis and oxidation metabolites of nerve agents, sulfur mustard and lewisite were used as biomarkers of the exposure. Sensitive analytical methods have been developed for their detection, based mainly on tandem mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. Several techniques for fast screening of CWAs degradation products based on capillary electrophoresis were also proposed. Some of developed approaches were successfully applied in the frame of the proficiency testing system of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The Moravian Gate as route of migration of thermophilous bee species to Poland: fact or myth? A case study in the “Góra Gipsowa” steppe reserve and other habitats near Kietrz
Authors: Banaszak Józef , Twerd Lucyna , Sobieraj-Betlińska Anna , Kilińska Barbara 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study complements earlier research on wild bees (Apiformes) in the “Góra Gipsowa” steppe reserve and other habitats near the town of Kietrz (SW Poland), close to the Czech border. It also attempts to reassess the opinion of some researchers about the Moravian Gate as a migration route of southern species to Poland. 109 bee species were recorded at the study sites, including 10 red-listed ones; southern species accounted for 16.5% of this number. The hypothetical route of migration of thermophilous bees through the Moravian Gate to Poland was analysed and the species composition of southern species at either side of the Moravian Gate compared. The results of this study indicate that at present the Moravian Gate plays no part in the migration of southern bee species to Poland.