bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies of Binding Kinetics and Choice of Self-Hardening Moulding and Core Sands Used for Casting Massive Parts for Wind Power Industry under the Conditions of Krakodlew Foundry
Authors: Rączka M. , Isendorf B. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In highly developed countries, a significant progress in the use of alternative and clean energy sources has recently been observed. The European Union has implemented a programme to build wind turbines. It is estimated that in the coming years, thanks to the support in tax and credit, the global energy will develop very intensively. Many components of the wind turbines are castings. The basic material used for these castings is ductile iron, which in this particular case must meet high requirements imposed by the operating conditions of wind turbines. Anticipating an increase in customer demand for this type of castings, Krakodlew SA has decided to modernize its foundry using the ability to obtain external financing. The ductile iron manufacturing technology is now being developed and adapted to the specific conditions of the foundry plant, including the melting process yielding cast material with the required chemical composition, the technology of moulding, and the conditions for possible secondary metallurgy, spheroidizing treatment and graphitizing inoculation. The fulfilment of the imposed conditions for the casting production demands the use of advanced casting technologies introduced to the manufacturing process. The development of technology to launch the production of ductile iron castings for the wind power industry was supported by The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR). This article presents part of research on the binding kinetics of furan resin sands and choice of their composition for moulds and cores to make heavy castings used as components of equipment for the wind power industry.
Reduced–Order Perfect Nonlinear Observers of Fractional Descriptor Discrete–Time Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The purpose of this work is to propose and characterize fractional descriptor reduced-order perfect nonlinear observers for a class of fractional descriptor discrete-time nonlinear systems. Sufficient conditions for the existence of these observers are established. The design procedure of the observers is given and demonstrated on a numerical example.
Stochastic Fractal Based Multiobjective Fruit Fly Optimization
Authors: Zuo Cili , Wu Lianghong , Zeng Zhao-Fu , Wei Hua-Liang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) is a global optimization algorithm inspired by the foraging behavior of a fruit fly swarm. In this study, a novel stochastic fractal model based fruit fly optimization algorithm is proposed for multiobjective optimization. A food source generating method based on a stochastic fractal with an adaptive parameter updating strategy is introduced to improve the convergence performance of the fruit fly optimization algorithm. To deal with multiobjective optimization problems, the Pareto domination concept is integrated into the selection process of fruit fly optimization and a novel multiobjective fruit fly optimization algorithm is then developed. Similarly to most of other multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs), an external elitist archive is utilized to preserve the nondominated solutions found so far during the evolution, and a normalized nearest neighbor distance based density estimation strategy is adopted to keep the diversity of the external elitist archive. Eighteen benchmarks are used to test the performance of the stochastic fractal based multiobjective fruit fly optimization algorithm (SFMOFOA). Numerical results show that the SFMOFOA is able to well converge to the Pareto fronts of the test benchmarks with good distributions. Compared with four state-of-the-art methods, namely, the non-dominated sorting generic algorithm (NSGA-II), the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), and multiobjective self-adaptive differential evolution (MOSADE), the proposed SFMOFOA has better or competitive multiobjective optimization performance.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Matrix Type Transdermal Therapeutic Systems
Authors: Antonoaea Paula , Todoran Nicoleta , Rédai Emőke , Ciurba Adriana , Bogdan Cătălina , Moldovan Mirela , Muntean Daniela Lucia 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Objective: Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTSs) represent an intensely studied alternative to oral delivery of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of rheumatic diseases due to its ability of avoiding the side effects of the oral route. This study aims to present the evaluation of the mechanical properties of three NSAIDs (meloxicam, tenoxicam and indomethacin) individually included in four type of polymeric matrixes, as part of new formulations development process. Methods: 12 products in form of TTS matrixes were prepared by solvent casting evaporation technique, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC 15000, HPMC E5) and/or ethylcellulose as matrix-forming polymers. Each of the resulted products was evaluated by determining the water vapor absorption, desorption or transmission in controlled atmosphere humidity (evaluation of porosity); the elongation capacity, tensile strength and bioadhesiveness (evaluation of mechanical properties). Results: The analysis of three groups of the experimental data expressed as averages on each group was necessary, in order to identify the parameters which statistically are critically influenced by the ingredients associated in the TTSs matrix compositions. Analysis by normality tests, variance and correlation tests (Anova, Pearson) enabled evaluation of the effect of NSAID type vs. the effect of polymer matrix type on the parameters of the NSAID TTS matrix. Conclusions: Meloxicam incorporated in the structure of HPMC 15000 polymeric matrix favors its viscoelastic structure. Ethylcellulose functions as plasticizer and supports the matrix bioadhesiveness. HPMC E5 does not meet the requirements for TTS preparation in the used experimental conditions.
The Influence of CYP2D6 Phenotype on the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Atomoxetine in Caucasian Healthy Subjects
Authors: Todor Ioana , Muntean Dana , Neag Maria , Bocsan Corina , Buzoianu Anca , Vlase Laurian , Leucuta Daniel , Gheldiu Ana-Maria , Popa Adina , Briciu Corina 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Objective: To analyze a potential phenotypic variation within the studied group based on the pharmacokinetic profile of atomoxetine and its active metabolite, and to further investigate the impact of CYP2D6 phenotype on atomoxetine pharmacokinetics. Methods: The study was conducted as an open-label, non-randomized clinical trial which included 43 Caucasian healthy volunteers. Each subject received a single oral dose of atomoxetine 25 mg. Subsequently, atomoxetine and 4-hydroxyatomoxetine-O-glucuronide (glucuronidated active metabolite) plasma concentrations were determined and a noncompartmental method was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of both compounds. Further on, the CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) metabolic ratio (atomoxetine/ 4-hydroxyatomoxetine-O-glucuronide) and specific statistical tests (Lilliefors (Kolgomorov-Smirnov) and Anderson-Darling test). The phenotypic differences in atomoxetine disposition were identified based on the pharmacokinetic profile of the parent drug and its metabolite. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that the AUC metabolic ratio data set did not follow a normal distribution. As a result, two different phenotypes were identified, respectively the poor metabolizer (PM) group which included 3 individuals and the extensive metabolizer (EM) group which comprised the remaining 40 subjects. Also, it was demonstrated that the metabolic phenotype significantly influenced atomoxetine pharmacokinetics, as PMs presented a 4.5-fold higher exposure to the parent drug and a 3.2-fold lower exposure to its metabolite in comparison to EMs. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic and statistical analysis emphasized the existence of 2 metabolic phenotypes: EMs and PMs. Furthermore, it was proved that the interphenotype variability had a marked influence on atomoxetine pharmacokinetic profile.
Das ist kein Papier
Authors: Gfrereis Heike 
Published: July 2017

ZusammenfassungDas Literaturmuseum der Moderne und das Schiller-Nationalmuseum zeigen die Bestände des Deutschen Literaturarchivs Marbach. Das heißt vor allem: viel Papier, viel Schrift und vieles, was nicht sichtbar ist – den Kern des Schreibens und Denkens, die Energiezentren unseres Erfindungsdrangs. Die ausgestellte „Flachware“ ist so immer auch ein Drittes zwischen Körper und Geist, Material und Sinn, Zeichen und Sprache.
How Do Cultural and Institutional Distance Affect China’s OFDI towards the OBOR Countries?
Authors: Zhang Lin , Xu Zheqian 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In order to examine the impact of cultural and institutional distance on China’s OFDI towards the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) area, the paper selects 28 countries along The Belt and Road. The empirical results using panel data from 2006-2014 indicate that institutional distance is negatively correlated with China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). At the same time, cultural distance interacts with bilateral trade, resulting in a “benefit of foreignness” effect.
Export Promotion Aims and Reality: A Comparison of the Iberian, Baltic and Central European Region
Authors: Éltető Andrea , Antalóczy Katalin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
As a consequence of the international crisis in 2008-2009, the role of exports in economic growth came into focus in most countries. Exports of EU Member States gained momentum from 2010 onward but with certain changes in their structure and direction. In several countries, the turn towards non-EU areas, such as China or Latin America was part of the state export strategy. On the one hand, our article describes these foreign trade strategies and their institutional framework of the Iberian, Baltic and Central European governments, detecting possible similarities. On the other hand, we analyse recent export data. This way we can get a picture on the structure and direction of exports of periphery economies and this can be compared to the aims of the given states. Our hypothesis is that there is a gap between the reality and the intentions of the governments. The size of this gap varies and is influenced by certain factors such as the different involvement of multinational companies in foreign trade or the different economic structure of these countries. In our paper we list which countries adopted a government strategy and with what aim. We provide a short literature review on state trade promotion policies and discuss these policies and their institutions in the Baltic, Visegrád and Iberian countries.
Current and Potential Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Grešš Martin , Brocková Katarina 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
This article presents an overview of current and potential investment from China into the Slovak Republic within the broader CEEC region cooperation based on the 16+1 platform. Based on a business study on the automotive industry in the CEEC region, and particularly Slovakia as one of the industrial sectors for possible Chinese investment with immense potential, the article aims to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of the region as a foreign direct investment destination. The article also analyses the impact of FDI inflows on the Slovak economy. We come to the conclusion that the recent FDI inflow from China to Slovakia has been statistically insignificant, which may, however, change in case the envisaged Chinese investment into the steel industry in Slovakia will be realised. With respect thereto, the article also points at the need to set out a new revised framework for the international legal protection of Chinese investment in the EU. It has been established that further research is required to assess the impact of Chinese FDI on the Slovak economy.
Alien herbaceous plant species new to Lithuania
Authors: Gudžinskas Zigmantas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper presents information about ten new alien plant species recorded in Lithuania in the period from 1995 to 2014. These species belong to eight families: Cucurbitaceae (Lagenaria siceraria), Juncaceae (Luzula sylvestris), Lamiaceae (Physostegia virginiana, Sideritis montana), Poaceae (Melica altissima, Miscanthus sacchariflorus), Portulacaceae (Claytonia perfoliata), Scrophulariaceae (Digitalis purpurea), Solanaceae (Datura inoxia) and Zygophyllaceae (Tribulus terestris). Three species (Claytonia perfoliata, Sideritis montana and Tribulus terestris) were introduced accidentally, whereas other seven species were introduced deliberately and later escaped from cultivation. One species, Luzula sylvatica, is ascribed to the group of established aliens, whereas other recorded species are treated as casual. Local establishment of Claytonia perfoliata, Digitalis purpurea and Melica altissima is expected, whereas Miscanthus sacchariflorus can become established and even invasive in the future.
Mitotic and meiotic studies on two species of Ocimum (Lamiaceae) and their F1hybrids
Authors: Idowu Johnson Ademola , Oziegbe Matthew 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOcimum L. species are important aromatic and medicinal plants. Many researchers have observed complexity in their chromosome numbers and ploidy levels. We studied the somatic and germline chromosomal features and behaviour of Ocimum basilicum L., two variants of O. canum Sims (‘c1’ and ‘c2’) and their F1hybrids. Chromosomes from root tips and flower buds were investigated using standard techniques; karyograms were formed and analysed. A chromosome number of 2n = 4x = 52 was observed in O. basilicum and O. canum ‘c1’ and their F1hybrid. One of the variants, O. canum ‘c2’ had a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 24 and its intraspecific hybrid O. canum ‘c2’ × O. canum ‘c1’ had a chromosome number of 2n = 38. These Ocimum species and their F1hybrids showed different karyotype formula, but their chromosomes were mostly metacentric (174) and submetacentric (36) with few subtelocentric (8). Based on pairing configuration, O. basilicum is an allotetraploid plant, O. canum ‘c1’ is an autotetraploid plant and the O. canum ‘c1’ is a diploid. The F1 hybrids showed higher frequency of meiotic abnormalities than the parents. The study showed intraspecific and interspecific variation in chromosome numbers and pairing patterns, but the chromosomes of the Ocimum species were similar in their centromeric positions.
Placental protein-13 (PP13) in combination with PAPP-A and free leptin index (fLI) in first trimester maternal serum screening for severe and early preeclampsia
Authors: De Villiers Carin P. , Hedley Paula L. , Placing Sophie , Wøjdemann Karen R. , Shalmi Anne-Cathrine , Carlsen Anting L. , Rode Line , Sundberg Karin , Tabor Ann , Christiansen Michael 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background:
Placental protein-13 (PP13) is involved in placental invasion and has been suggested as a maternal serum marker of preeclampsia (PE) development. However, the discriminatory ability of PP13 in first trimester has not been completely clarified.

Methods:
PP13 was measured in first trimester (week 10+3–13+6) maternal serum from 120 PE pregnancies and 267 control pregnancies and was correlated with clinical parameters. The population screening performance of PP13 in combination with the PE markers pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) and free leptin index (fLI) was assessed by Monte Carlo simulation.

Results:
In severe PE (including HELLP) cases (n=26) the median PP13 concentration was 35.8 pg/mL (range: 17.8–85.5 pg/mL) and in PE pregnancies (n=10) with birth prior to week 34, the median PP13 concentration was 30.6 pg/mL (13.1–50.1 pg/mL), compared to controls with a median of 54.8 pg/mL (range: 15.4–142.6 pg/mL) (p<0.04). The population screening detection rate (DR) for a false-positive rate of 10% for severe PE and HELLP was 26% for PP13, 28% for PP13+PAPP-A, 33% for PP13+fLI, and 40% for PP13+PAPP-A+fLI.

Conclusions:
PP13 is a marker of severe PE and HELLP syndrome. The screening performance of PP13 can be markedly improved by combining it with fLI and PAPP-A.
Seedling Establishment, Biomass Yield and Water use Efficiencies of Four Maize Varieties as Influenced by Water Deficit Stress
Authors: Anjorin F.B. , Adejumo S.A. , Are K.S. , Ogunniyan D. J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWater stress is one of the major abiotic factors affecting crop growth and development at every growth stages. Effects of water deficit on the vegetative growth stage of four maize varieties consisting of two Quality Protein Maize varieties (ILE1OB and ART98SW6OB) and two drought tolerant checks (TZPBSR and DTESTRSYN) were evaluated under the screen house conditions at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R & T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Maize seeds were sown in 20 L plastic pots filled with 15 kg top soil, which were subjected to four watering regimes of 25, 50, 75 and 100% field capacities (FC). The experimental design was a 4 × 4 factorial fitted into CRD with four replications. Data were collected on days to germination, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, leaf extension rate, biomass yield and water use efficiency. The result showed that days to germination were prolonged as the moisture availability decreases, while water use efficiency increased as the moisture level reduced. Reduction in moisture availability caused significant reduction in the other evaluated parameters. At 25% FC DTESTRSYN was superior in leaf area, number of leaves per plant, days to germination and water use efficiency, TZPBSR had highest values for stem diameter and biomass yield, while ILE1OB was superior in plant height, stem diameter, leaf and stem extension rate. ILE1OB competes favourably with the drought tolerant checks and performed better than ART98SW6OB. Adequate moisture condition is fundamental for normal growth and development in maize crops.
Yield Potentiality of Maize as Relay Crop with T. Aman Rice under Different Agronomic Management
Authors: Islam M.R. , Zaman R. , Alam M.A. , Khan M.A.A. , Hossain J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Ishwardi, Pabna, Bangladesh, during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to introduce maize as relay crop with T. Aman rice under different agronomic practices for determine the production potentials. The experiment was design split plot with three replications. The agronomic management practices included four plant spacing viz. S1=75 cm×20 cm (66666 plants/ha), S2=60 cm×20 cm (83333 plants/ha), S3=50 cm×20 cm (100000 plants/ha) and S4=40 cm×20 cm (125000 plants/ha) and four soil management practices viz. M1=soil mulching at 25 DAE, M2=earthing up at 25 DAE, M3=straw mulching at 25 DAE and M4= without earthing up and mulching (control). Seeds were relayed by dibbling manually in 10 days before the harvest of T. Aman rice. Results showed that an increasing plant spacing increased leaf area Index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), crop growth rate (CGR) and light energy interception (LEI). Grain yield was higher in S3spacing (8.44 t/ha) than others (S48.11 t/ha, S27.34 t/ha and S16.89 t/ha). Among the soil management practices, M2increased LAI, TDM, CGR, LEI as well as grain yield. Moreover, M2and M1gave similar grain yield (8.22 t/ha and 8.02 t/ha), that were significantly greater than other two soil management practices (M37.55 t/ha and M46.98 t/ha). From the economic point of view, combination of S3M1gave better performance with gross margin of Tk. 95000/ha and BCR of 2.17. On the basis of results, S3M1combination was suitable for growing maize under relay sowing with T. Aman rice.
Effects of Neem Seed Cake and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Eifediyi E.K. , Ahamefule H.E. , Remison S.U. , Aliyu T.H. , Akanbi N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSoils of the southern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria are low in organic matter content, inherently infertile due to intensive weathering and leaching caused by high temperature and rainfall. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin, during the 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons, to determine the effect of neem seed cake and NPK fertilizer on the performance of sesame crop (Ex Sudan cv). Treatments consisted of three levels of NPK fertilizer 20:10:10, applied at 0, 100 and 200 kg ha−1and neem seed cake (NSC), applied at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 t ha−1. The experiment was laid out in a 3 x 5 factorial arrangement replicated thrice. Data were collected on soil parameters (some physical and chemical properties), plant growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves and leaf area) and yield components (number of capsules per plant, weight of seeds per plant and weight of seeds per hectare). The result of the study indicated that using the highest level of application of NPK fertilizer, neem seed cake and their combinations significantly (p<0.05) increased the growth of sesame plants, in the 2 years of study. However, the 100 kg ha−1of NPK and 3 tha−1and their combinations gave the highest yield and yield components of sesame during the period of study. The result of the study revealed that using high levels of NPK, neem seed cake and their combinations favoured vegetative growth at the expense of seed formation. Farmers are therefore encouraged to use organic and inorganic fertilizer moderately to prevent excessive vegetative growth of sesame.
Geographic Information System (GIS) as a Tool in the Epidemiological Assessment of Wetwood Disease on Elm Trees in Tabriz City, Iran
Authors: Alizadeh M. , Moharrami M. , Rasouli A.A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPlants disease epidemiology provides us with some information about the spread of diseases in different regions with various climates and helps us conduct suitable managing operations and predictions about the spread of disease to other areas. Geographic Information System (GIS) has been widely used as an important tool in epidemiological studies. Wetwood disease is one of the most important bacterial diseases on elm trees found in the Northwest of Iran. The disease has spread in different regions of Tabriz (located in the Northwest of Iran), which has become terribly epidemic. Geographic Information System as an appropriate tool in epidemiological examination of plant disease is useful in various ways. In this study, the epidemiology of bacterial wetwood disease on elm trees in Tabriz was investigated using GIS databases. The results indicate that the disease has become epidemic in different areas of Tabriz. According to the results, although the disease was not found in some regions, its severity was very high in some other areas. Based on the distribution map, the wetwood disease most highly exists in the central regions and some parts of the northern regions of the city, but eastern regions are least affected.