bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aboveground Net Primary Production of tree cover at the post-disturbance area in the Tatra National Park, Slovakia
Authors: Konôpka Bohdan , Pajtík Jozef , Šebeň Vladimír , Bošeľa Michal 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Large-scale disturbances under the conditions of Slovakia, caused especially by storm and bark beetle, bring dramatic decline in carbon budget of the country, besides other negative consequences. The largest disturbance in modern history of the Slovak forestry was the storm damage that occurred in November 2004. The Tatra National Park (TNP) was one of the most affected regions. Thus, in this territory, two transects (T1 – the Danielov dom site and T2 – near the Horný Smokovec village) were established to survey basic dendrometric properties of trees in young stands established after the disaster. The standing stock of aboveground biomass in tree cover for the spring and autumn 2014 was calculated using the recorded variables, i.e. tree height and diameter measured at the stem base, together with the region-specific allometric relations. Then, the Aboveground Net Primary Production (ANPP) in tree cover was estimated with respect to its components (stem, branches and foliage). ANPP was 315 g m−2 per year (Transect T1), and 391 g m−2 per year (Transect T2). The differences in the structure of ANPP, i.e. contribution of tree components, were found between transects T1 and T2. They were caused by the contrasting tree species composition, specifically the ratios between Norway spruce and broadleaved species. Broadleaves allocated more biomass production to foliage than spruce. This phenomenon together with higher turnover (once a year) of foliage caused that broadleaves manifest higher share of fast-cycling carbon in comparison to the amount of carbon sequestrated in woody parts (stem and branches). High variability of ANPP was found within the transects, i.e. among the plots (microsites). As for the representative estimation of the standing stock of aboveground part of tree cover as well as ANPP at the post-disturbance area in the TNP territory, the survey should be performed on a net of research plots. Only this approach enables reliable estimates of carbon amount sequestrated in woody parts, eventually carbon yearly absorbed by young forest stands.
Salvage felling in the Slovak forests in the period 2004–2013
Authors: Kunca Andrej , Zúbrik Milan , Galko Juraj , Vakula Jozef , Leontovyč Roman , Konôpka Bohdan , Nikolov Christo , Gubka Andrej , Longauerová Valéria , Maľová Miriam , Kaštier Peter , Rell Slavomír 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Salvage felling is one of the indicators of the forest health quality and stability. Most of the European Union countries monitor forest harmful agents, which account for salvage felling, in order to see trends or functionality between factors and to be able to predict their development. The systematic evidence of forest harmful agents and volume of salvage felling in Slovakia started at the Forest Research Institute in Zvolen in 1960. The paper focuses on the occurrence of the most relevant harmful agents and volume of salvage felling in the Slovak forests over the last decade. Within the 10 years period (2004–2013) salvage felling in Slovakia reached 42.31 mil. m3 of wood, which was 53.2% of the total felling. Wind and European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus damaged 78.4% of salvage wood, i.e. they were the most important pest agents. Norway spruce (Picea abies) was the most frequently damaged tree species that represented the amount of 35.6 mil. m3 of wood (81.2% of total volume of salvage felling). As Norway spruce grows mostly in mountains, these regions of Central and Northern Slovakia were most affected. At the damaged localities new forests were prevailingly established with regard to suitable ecological conditions for trees, climate change scenarios and if possible, natural regeneration has been preferred. These approaches in forest stand regeneration together with silvicultural and control measures are assumed to gradually decrease the amount of salvage felling over long term perspective.
Historical abiotic damage to forests in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids (Czech Republic)
Authors: Křístek Štěpán , Holuša Jaroslav 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Historical sources provide evidence of the condition and damage to forests over time. Lesprojekt (The Forest Management Institute, which is a governmental institution under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic) evaluated data from records deposited in the national archives in three cycles of historical research (1966–67, 1976, 1982–83) conducted in the state forests (forest enterprise of the state forests). The processed data was critically evaluated and formed the foundation of a long term series (1875–2012) of windfalls and snow damage. The aim of this paper was to summarise the data pertaining to such enormous abiotic damage in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids (Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic), its temporality, frequency and intensity. A spatial analysis of snow calamities was conducted during the last disturbance episodes in the winters of 2005/2006 and in October 2009. The historical records showed that the most extensive disturbances occurred in 1916, when 600,000 m3 of wood was damaged in the monitored area. Some findings were discussed in relation to silvicultural interventions in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. In the conclusion, some problems and limitations concerning the reliability of data obtained this way are indicated.
Source areas of the Grybów sub-basin: micropaleontological, mineralogical and geochemical provenance analysis (Outer Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Oszczypko-Clowes Marta , Wójcik-Tabol Patrycja , Płoszaj Mateusz 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The Grybów Unit occurring in the Ropa tectonic window was the subject of micropaleontological and geochemical investigation. Studies, based on calcareous nannofossils, proved that the level of reworked microfossil is not higher than 22 % and it varies between two sections. Quantitative analyses of the reworked assemblages confirmed the domination of Cretaceous and Middle Eocene species. The Sub-Grybów Beds, Grybów Marl Formation and Krosno Beds were assigned to the Late Oligocene and represent the terminal flysch facies. Detrital material accumulated in the Oligocene sediments originated from the Marmarosh Massif, which is the eastern prolongation of the Fore-Magura Ridge. The microscopically obtained petrological features agree with the chemical composition of the samples. Mica flakes, rounded grains of glauconite, heavy mineral assemblage, including abraded grains of zircon, rutile and tourmaline as well as charred pieces of plant tissues are reworked components. Enrichment in zircon and rutile is confirmed geochemically by positive correlation between Zr and SiO2. Zr addition is illustrated on 10×Al2O3–Zr–200×TiO2 and Zr/Sc vs. Th/Sc diagrams. Interpretation of the A–CN–K diagram and variety of CIA and CPA values indicate that the source rocks were intensely weathered granite-type rocks.
Activity Comparison of Acidic Resins in the Production of Valuable Glycerol Acetates
Authors: Ekinci Emine Kaya , Gündüz Gamze , Oktar Nuray 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Acetates of glycerol have been produced in a heterogeneous reaction system using acidic ion-exchange resin catalysts; Amberlyst-15 (A-15), Amberlyst-16 (A-16), Amberlyst-36 (A-36), Amberlite-IR 120 (A-IR 120) and Relite-EXC8D (R-EXC8D). Effect of reaction temperature on glycerol conversion and product (mono, di and tri glycerol acetates) selectivities were investigated via reaction experiments conducted with glycerol to acetic acid initial molar ratio (G/Ac) of 1/6. Increase in glycerol conversion with an increase in temperature was observed for all catalysts. Among the catalysts investigated, R-EXC8D exhibited the highest activity in the temperature range of 95–150°C. Reaction was completed within a 25 minute short time period.
Interaction Of Propylthiouracil With Model Systems Generating A Superoxide Radical
Authors: Valcheva-Traykova Maria L. , Traykov Trayko T. , Bocheva Georgeta S. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
Propylthiouracil is used against Grave's Disease and for developing animal models of hypothyroidism. Apart from depressed metabolism, free radical-induced tissue damage has been registered as an effect from this drug. Superoxide is essential for generation of free radicals in tissues. The mutual effects of Propylthiouracil and superoxide radical have not been well investigated.
The in vitro effects of Propylthiouracil on the free radicals in three model systems generating superoxide were measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and spectrophotometry. The drug did not affect the formation of free radicals in the presence of potassium superoxide and in pyrogallol-oxygen solutions, while in the presence of the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system a distinct prooxidant effect was registered. The investigation of the system propylthiouracil/xanthine oxidase showed mild free radicals formation along with decreasing intensities of the drug's UV-specter.
Our in vitro investigation indicated that, along with the transformation of xanthine to uric acid over xanthine oxidase, some free radicals may be produced due to the interaction of propylthiouracil with the enzyme. It was proposed that this might contribute to the in vivo free radicals-induced tissue damage observed in the presence of propylthiouracil.
Levels Of Resistin And Visfatin In Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rayanova Ginka H. , Ganeva Silvia S. , Todorova Katya N. , Lukanov Tsvetan H. , Gecheva Svetla P. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The aim of the study is to investigate the serum levels of adipokines-resistin and visfatin in patients with metabolic syndrome. A prospective study was performed, including 153 (103 female, 50 male) subjects with metabolic syndrome. Carbohydrate metabolism was estimated by oral glucose tolerance test with 75g of glucose. Of the subjects investigated, 40 were with normal glycaemic tolerance, 40 - with impaired fasting glycaemia, 28 - with impaired glucose tolerance and 45 - with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2. The results were compared to those in a control group of 20 subjects without findings indicating metabolic syndrome. The serum levels of resistin and visfatin were measured with an enzyme immunoassay method (ELISA, BioVendor Laboratory Medicine, Inc., Czech Republic). There were significant differences in body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, plasma level of blood glucose and serum level of triglycerides between the examined subjects with metabolic syndrome, as compared with the control group. The amount of serum resistin in subjects with metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 was significantly higher, as compared to the controls. Subjects with metabolic syndrome and pathological glucose tolerance-impaired fasting glycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 were found with a significantly higher serum level of visfatin, as compared to normal glucose tolerance and to the controls. Subjects with metabolic syndrome and pathological glucose tolerance-impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 exhibited significantly changes in serum levels of adipokines-resistin and visfatin.
A New Method for Solving Single- and Multi-Objective Capacitated Solid Minimum Cost Flow Problems under Uncertainty
Authors: Kaur Manjot , Sadiq Rehan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn real life, a person may assume that an object belongs to a set, but it is possible that he (she) is not sure about it. In other words, there may be hesitation or confusion whether an object belongs to a set or not. In fuzzy set theory, there is no means to incorporate such type of hesitation or confusion. A possible solution is to use intuitionistic fuzzy set [K. T. Atanassov, Intutionistic fuzzy sets, Fuzzy Sets Syst.20 (1986), 87–96]. In this article, the concept of unbalanced fully fuzzy multi-objective capacitated solid minimum cost flow (SMCF) problems is generalized by unbalanced intuitionistic fully fuzzy multi-objective capacitated SMCF (CSMCF) problems and new methods are proposed for solving these problems. The main advantage of the proposed methods over the existing methods is that all the unbalanced fully fuzzy single- and multi-objective CSMCF problems that can be solved by the existing methods can also be solved by the proposed method.
Measuring Level of Compliance of Publishers with the Legal Deposit of Pakistan: An Exploration
Authors: Iqbal Sohail , Qutab Saima , Soroya Muhammad Shahid 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the situation of print publication in Pakistan and further develop feasible and reliable methods/techniques that can be used to measure the level of compliance to the depository law of the country. This study was the first attempt of its kind in measuring the compliance level of Pakistani publishers using the check list techniques which has been contiguous for four years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. The sample technique (indicator A1.1.4.2 b) was selected by considering numerous list checking techniques, either proposed by ISO, ISO/TR 28118:2009 or Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) studies and Penzhorn studies. 200 commercial publishers from Lahore and Rawalpindi, in an equal ratio, were selected through convenience sampling. The analysis of existing data was carried out to obtain figures indicating the number/percentages of books delivered as legal deposit. It revealed a compliance rate of 18% to 30% which is very low in view of most countries who claim to have 100% or nearly a 100% compliance. The compliance of larger publishers is better as compared to medium and smaller publishers. The compliance rate of English books is comparatively better but Urdu books and especially Islamic books’ compliance rate is not up to the mark. It also revealed that the publication of PNB (Pakistan National Bibliography) was not consistent till 1999 but after that period the national bibliography was published annually. However, the coverage of the 2014 publication was late. This type of exploration has never been conducted previously and the main goal of this project is related to its innovative and creative role in recognizing the applied matters that are confronted in the jurisdiction of depository law in Pakistan and this study will help to initiate more detailed and comprehensive studies.
Preparation and characterization of multilayer mesoporous γ-alumina membrane obtained via sol-gel using new precursors
Authors: Tafrishi R. , Taheri-Nassaj E. , Sadighzadeh A. , Eskandari M. Jafari 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this paper, a mesoporous γ-alumina membrane coated on a macroporous α-alumina support via sol-gel method has been reported. A crack-free γ-alumina membrane was obtained by adding PVA to the alumina solution and optimum parameters of roughness, temperature and porosity were achieved. The support was dip-coated in different solutions using two new different solvents with different particle size distributions. Using these two solvents led to the uniform distribution of pore size in the final membrane. The alumina sols showed particle size distributions in the range of 20 to 55 nm which was measured by a DLS Zeta Sizer. X-ray diffraction technique, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the membrane layer. XRD and DTA data for the γ-alumina membrane showed its thermal stability up to around 600 °C. The thickness of the mesoporous γ-alumina membrane was about 4 μm with 16 nm of surface roughness and 5 nm pore size. The resultant crack-free mesoporous membrane shows that the membrane preparation procedure was optimum. In this work, it has been investigated the performance of γ-alumina membranes for single gas permeation and separation of binary gas mixtures.
A model of the response of GMR of metallic multilayers to external magnetic field
Authors: Uba J.I. , Ekpunobi A.J. , Ekwo P.I. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIt has not been possible to transform resistivity models in terms of magnetic field in order to account for variation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) with external magnetic field, which would have led to determination of material properties. This problem is approached mathematically via variation calculus to arrive at an exponential function that fits observed GMR values. Using this model in free electron approximation, the mean Fermi vector, susceptibility and total density of states of a number of metallic multilayers are determined from their reported GMR values. Susceptibility is found to depend on interface roughness and antiferromagnetic (AF) coupling; thus, it gives qualitative measure of interface quality and AF coupling. Comparison of susceptibilities and GMRs of electrodeposited and ion beam sputtered Co/Cu structures shows that a rough interface suppresses GMR in the former but enhances it in the latter.
Metal-organic chemical vapour deposition of lithium manganese oxide thin films via single solid source precursor
Authors: Oyedotun K.O. , Ajenifuja E. , Olofinjana B. , Taleatu B.A. , Omotoso E. , Eleruja M.A. , Ajayi E.O.B. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractLithium manganese oxide thin films were deposited on sodalime glass substrates by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) technique. The films were prepared by pyrolysis of lithium manganese acetylacetonate precursor at a temperature of 420 °C with a flow rate of 2.5 dm3/min for two-hour deposition period. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and van der Pauw four point probe method were used for characterizations of the film samples. RBS studies of the films revealed fair thickness of 1112.311 (1015atoms/cm2) and effective stoichiometric relationship of Li0.47Mn0.27O0.26. The films exhibited relatively high transmission (50 % T) in the visible and NIR range, with the bandgap energy of 2.55 eV. Broad and diffused X-ray diffraction patterns obtained showed that the film was amorphous in nature, while microstructural studies indicated dense and uniformly distributed layer across the substrate. Resistivity value of 4.9 Ω·cm was obtained for the thin film. Compared with Mn0.2O0.8thin film, a significant lattice absorption edge shift was observed in the Li0.47Mn0.27O0.26film.
Structural and optical characteristics of SnS thin film prepared by SILAR
Authors: Mukherjee A. , Mitra P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSnS thin films were grown on glass substrates by a simple route named successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The films were prepared using tin chloride as tin (Sn) source and ammonium sulfide as sulphur (S) source. The structural, optical and morphological study was done using XRD, FESEM, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. XRD measurement confirmed the presence of orthorhombic phase. Particle size estimated from XRD was about 45 nm which fitted well with the FESEM measurement. The value of band gap was about 1.63 eV indicating that SnS can be used as an important material for thin film solar cells. The surface morphology showed a smooth, homogenous film over the substrate. Characteristic stretching vibration mode of SnS was observed in the absorption band of FT-IR spectrum. The electrical activation energy was about 0.306 eV.
Investigation on photoluminescence quenching of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots by organic charge transporting materials
Authors: Yuqiu Qu , Liuyang Zhang , Limin An , Hong Wei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe effect of different organic charge transporting materials on the photoluminescence of CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots has been studied by means of steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. With an increase in concentration of the organic charge transporting material in the quantum dots solutions, the photoluminescence intensity of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots was quenched greatly and the fluorescence lifetime was shortened gradually. The quenching efficiency of CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots decreased with increasing the oxidation potential of organic charge transporting materials. Based on the analysis, two pathways in the photoluminescence quenching process have been defined: static quenching and dynamic quenching. The dynamic quenching is correlated with hole transporting from quantum dots to the charge transporting materials.
A theoretical analysis of bi-metallic (Cu–Ag)n = 1 − 7 nano alloy clusters invoking DFT based descriptors
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Dhail Seema , Venigalla Srujana , Kumar Ajay , Ledwani Lalita , Chakraborty Tanmoy 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDue to its large scale applications in the real field, the study of bi-metallic nano-alloy clusters is an active field of research. Though a number of experimental reports are available in this domain, a deep theoretical insight is yet to receive. Among several nano-clusters, the compound formed between Cu–Ag has gained a large importance due to its remarkable optical property. Density Functional Theory (DFT) is one of the most popular approaches of quantum mechanics to study the electronic properties of materials. Conceptually, DFT based descriptors have turned to be indispensable tools for analyzing and correlating the experimental properties of compounds. In this venture, we have analyzed the experimental properties of the (Cu–Ag)n = 1 − 7 nano-alloy clusters invoking DFT methodology. A nice correlation has been found between optical properties of the aforesaid nano-clusters with our evaluated theoretical descriptors. The similar agreement between experimental bond length and computed data is also reflected in this analysis. Beside these, the effect of even-odd alternation behavior of nano compounds on the HOMO-LUMO gap is very important in our computation. It is probably the first attempt to establish such type of correlation.
Policy Brief: The Case for Using Robust Measures to Evaluate Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: R. Cooper Katherine , Shumate Michelle 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAlthough nonprofit organizations are expected to engage in continuous evaluation, its effectiveness is hampered by limited resources and competing and untested instruments. This paper makes the case for the creation and use of more robust measures in nonprofit evaluation. Specifically, we argue for the involvement of nonprofits in the development of reliable and valid instruments that can be used to benchmark nonprofit organizations against one another and for funders and government to support these efforts through their investment in nonprofit measurement. We cite a particular measure, The Nonprofit Capacities Instrument, as an exemplar.
Smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled-release drug delivery
Authors: Karimi Mahdi , Mirshekari Hamed , Aliakbari Masoumeh , Sahandi-Zangabad Parham , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStimuli-responsive controlled-release nanocarriers are promising vehicles for delivery of bioactive molecules that can minimize side effects and maximize efficiency. The release of the drug occurs when the nanocarrier is triggered by an internal or external stimulus. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) can have drugs and bioactive cargos loaded into the high-capacity pores, and their release can be triggered by activation of a variety of stimulus-responsive molecular “gatekeepers” or “nanovalves.” In this mini-review, we discuss the basic concepts of MSN in targeted drug-release systems and cover different stimulus-responsive gatekeepers. Internal stimuli include redox, enzymes, and pH, while external stimuli include light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields, and temperature can either be internal or external.