bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extensometric observation of Earth tides and local tectonic processes at the Vyhne station, Slovakia
Authors: Brimich Ladislav , Bednárik Martin , Bezák Vladimír , Kohút Igor , Bán Dóra , Eper-Pápai Ildikó , Mentes Gyula 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The Vyhne Tidal Station of the Earth Science Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences is located in the former mining gallery of St. Anthony of Padua in the Vyhne valley, Štiavnické vrchy Mts., Central Slovakia. It is equipped with a 20.5 metre long quartz-tube extensometer measuring Earth’s tides, and long-term tectonic deformations of the Earth’s crust. Data between 2001 and 2015 with some diverse gaps were digitally collected, processed and analysed. The effects of the local conditions, such as structure of the observatory, cavity effect, topography and geological features of the surrounding rocks, were investigated in detail and these effects were taken into consideration during the interpretation of the results of the data analysis. Tidal analysis of the extensometric data between 2005 and 2015 revealed that the measured tidal amplitudes are close to the theoretical values. The tidal transfer of the observatory was also investigated by coherence analysis between the theoretical and the measured extensometric data. The coherence is better than 0.9 both in the diurnal and semidiurnal band. The effect of the free core nutation resonance was also investigated in the case of the K1 and P1 tidal components. Since the K1/O1 ratio was about the theoretical value 0.8, than the P1/O1 was between 1.0 and 1.15 instead of the theoretical value of 0.9. The rate of the long-term strain rate was also investigated and the obtained −0.05 μstr/y shows a good agreement with the strain rate inferred from GPS measurements in the Central European GPS Reference Network.
Tectonic classification of vertical crustal motions – a case study for New Zealand
Authors: Tenzer Robert , Fadil Ali 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
We investigate the relationship between vertical crustal motion and tectonic block configuration. The study is conducted along the active tectonic margin between the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates in New Zealand with a well-defined tectonic block configuration. For this purpose, the rates of vertical crustal motions relative to the ITRF2008 reference frame are estimated based on processing the GPS data (provided by the GeoNET project) collected at 123 continuous and semi-continuous GPS sites. The numerical results confirmed the uplift of the central Southern Alps at the current rate of 4.5 mm/yr. This tectonic uplift is coupled in the South Island by the subsidence on both sides of the Southern Alps. The detected rates of subsidence in the eastern South Island are typically less than 1 mm/yr. The subsidence in the Buller Region (in the northwest South Island) is 1.4–1.5 mm/yr. Except for the Taupo Volcanic Zone and the upper Raukumara Block (in the central and northeast North Island), the subsidence is prevailing in the North Island. The systematic subsidence up to 9 mm/yr is detected along the Dextral Fault Belt (in the lower North Island). The largest localized vertical displacements (between −10 and 17 mm/yr) in the Taupo Volcanic Zone are attributed to active tectonics, volcanisms and geothermal processes in this region. A classification of these vertical tectonic motions with respect to the tectonic block configuration reveals that most of tectonic blocks are systematically uplifted, subsided or tilted, except for regions characterized by a complex pattern of vertical motions attributed to active geothermal and volcanic processes.
Enhanced perversities
Authors: D’Agnolo Andrea , Kashiwara Masaki 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
On a complex manifold, the Riemann–Hilbert correspondence embeds the triangulated category of (not necessarily regular) holonomic

𝒟

{\mathcal{D}}

-modules into the triangulated category of

ℝ

{\mathbb{R}}

-constructible enhanced ind-sheaves. The source category has a standard t-structure. Here, we provide the target category with a middle perversity t-structure, and prove that the embedding is exact.
In the paper, we also discuss general perversities in the framework of

ℝ

{\mathbb{R}}

-constructible enhanced ind-sheaves on bordered subanalytic spaces.
Synthesis of Cu-BTC, from Cu and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (H3BTC), by a green electrochemical method
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thu , Buess-Herman Claudine , Thom Nguyen Thi , Nam Pham Thi , Lam Tran Dai , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA metal organic framework (MOF) material based on Cu-BTC, which is formed from Cu and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (H
CFD Analysis of Coffee Packaging in Capsules using Gas Flushing Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Authors: Spanu Simone , Mosna David , Vignali Giuseppe 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyze, by means of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), the gas flow in a packaging machine used to fill polymeric capsules with coffee. The final goal is to optimize the geometric shape of some mechanical components in the machine’s sealing station in order to reduce the inert gas consumption achieving an O2 residual which is constantly equal or below 1 % by mass in the center of the capsule. The fluid domain has been obtained starting from the 3D CAD model of the sealing station of the packaging machine. The CAD software SolidWorks has been used to design the system, while Ansys CFX 14.5 software has been used for the CFD analysis. The CFD model has been validated by comparing its results with those obtained by experimental tests. The modified solution allows reducing the average O2 residual from about 3 % to less than 1 %.
Ground penetrating radar for underground sensing in agriculture: a review
Authors: Liu Xiuwei , Dong Xuejun , Leskovar Daniel I. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBelowground properties strongly affect agricultural productivity. Traditional methods for quantifying belowground properties are destructive, labor-intensive and pointbased. Ground penetrating radar can provide non-invasive, areal, and repeatable underground measurements. This article reviews the application of ground penetrating radar for soil and root measurements and discusses potential approaches to overcome challenges facing ground penetrating radar-based sensing in agriculture, especially for soil physical characteristics and crop root measurements. Though advanced data-analysis has been developed for ground penetrating radar-based sensing of soil moisture and soil clay content in civil engineering and geosciences, it has not been used widely in agricultural research. Also, past studies using ground penetrating radar in root research have been focused mainly on coarse root measurement. Currently, it is difficult to measure individual crop roots directly using ground penetrating radar, but it is possible to sense root cohorts within a soil volume grid as a functional constituent modifying bulk soil dielectric permittivity. Alternatively, ground penetrating radarbased sensing of soil water content, soil nutrition and texture can be utilized to inversely estimate root development by coupling soil water flow modeling with the seasonality of plant root growth patterns. Further benefits of ground penetrating radar applications in agriculture rely on the knowledge, discovery, and integration among differing disciplines adapted to research in agricultural management.
Assessment of N2O emissions from rapeseed cultivation in Poland by various approaches
Authors: Syp Alina , Faber Antoni , Kozak Małgorzata 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare four tools for calculation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under the renewable energy directive. All the tools follow the methodology of the international panel on climate change. The first calculations of N2O fluxes were based on the Tier 1 method using the BioGrace tool. The second and the third ones followed the Tier 2 methodology, applying the global nitrous oxide calculator and the Lesschen emission factors, respectively. The last assessment was performed in accordance with the Tier 3 approach by using the denitrification- decomposition model. The N2O fluxes were calculated for rapeseed cultivation in a 4-year crop rotation in Poland. The same input data were applied in all methods. The average of N2O emissions varied in the range of 1.99-3.78 kg N2O ha-1 y-1, depending on the approach used (Lesschen emission factors > denitrificationdecomposition > global nitrous oxide calculator > BioGrace). This paper illustrates that, at country level, the Lesschen emission factors method worked as well as the denitrification-decomposition model for Poland. The advantage of this approach is the simplicity of collecting the necessary data, in contrast to process-based modelling. Moreover, the Tier 2 method provides mitigation measures similar to the denitrification-decomposition model, related to crop type, climatic conditions, and management practices.
Screening of the aerodynamic and biophysical properties of barley malt
Authors: Ghodsvali Alireza , Farzaneh Vahid , Bakhshabadi Hamid , Zare Zahra , Karami Zahra , Mokhtarian Mohsen , Carvalho Isabel. S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAn understanding of the aerodynamic and biophysical properties of barley malt is necessary for the appropriate design of equipment for the handling, shipping, dehydration, grading, sorting and warehousing of this strategic crop. Malting is a complex biotechnological process that includes steeping; germination and finally, the dehydration of cereal grains under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. In this investigation, the biophysical properties of barley malt were predicted using two models of artificial neural networks as well as response surface methodology. Stepping time and germination time were selected as the independent variables and 1 000 kernel weight, kernel density and terminal velocity were selected as the dependent variables (responses). The obtained outcomes showed that the artificial neural network model, with a logarithmic sigmoid activation function, presents more precise results than the response surface model in the prediction of the aerodynamic and biophysical properties of produced barley malt. This model presented the best result with 8 nodes in the hidden layer and significant correlation coefficient values of 0.783, 0.767 and 0.991 were obtained for responses one thousand kernel weight, kernel density, and terminal velocity, respectively. The outcomes indicated that this novel technique could be successfully applied in quantitative and qualitative monitoring within the malting process.
Effects of altered thyroid states on oxidative stress parameters in rats
Authors: Oktay Sehkar , Uslu Lebriz , Emekli Nesrin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground:Thyroid hormones are effective on oxidant-antioxidant balance by leading basal metabolic rate. In this study, the effects of altered thyroid states on low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and oxidative stress parameters were investigated in an experimental animal model.Methods:Thirty female Wistar Albino rats were equally divided into 3 groups as follows: control group; hypothyroid group (methimazole (75 mg/100 g was added to diet); hyperthyroid group [L-thyroxine (0.4 mg/100 g was added to diet)]. Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) levels, thyroid, and lipid parameters were determined in serum. Also lipid peroxidation (LPO), sialic acid (SA) and glutathione levels (GSH), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in tissue samples.Results:A significant increase in lipid parameters was observed in hypothyroid group, whereas these parameters were decreased in hyperthyroid group compared to control group. For ox-LDL levels, a significant increase was observed both in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups. In brain, liver and kidney tissues, LPO and SA levels were increased, whereas GSH levels were decreased both in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups. The SOD and CAT activities were significantly decreased in hypothyroid group, however, they were increased in hyperthyroid group compared to control group. Both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions modify the oxidant-antioxidant state in serum and tissues.Conclusions:Increased SOD and CAT activities in hyperthyroid group suggest that elevated thyroid hormones can reduce oxidative stress by maintaining antioxidant defense and they might have a protective effect on some tissues against oxidants.
Methanol extract of Nymphaea lotus ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors: Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa T. , Akanni Olubukola O. , Adaramoye Oluwatosin A. , Bakare Adekunle A. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background:

Nymphaea lotus (NL) is an aquatic perennial plant used traditionally in the management of various liver diseases. In this study, the protective effect of methanol extract of NL against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats was investigated.

Methods:
Male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups of five rats each. Group I received corn oil (0.5 mL p.o.) and served as control, group II received CCl4 (1 mL/kg i.p., 1:3 in corn oil), group III received NL (200 mg/kg), and groups IV, V, and VI received CCl4+NL (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) for 6 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, rats were bled and killed.

Results:
The activities of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and levels of total bilirubin (TB) in the serum, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) in the liver, and histopathology of the liver were determined using standard procedures. NL significantly (p<0.05) lowered the levels of ALT, AST, and TB and exhibited antioxidant potentials in rats exposed to CCl4 relative to the control values. Specifically, NL at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) increased CCl4-induced decrease in hepatic GSH and GPx and also decreased the level of hepatic TBARS in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Histopathological findings revealed cellular infiltration and fibrosis in rats that received CCl4 only, which were ameliorated in rats that received NL+CCl4.

Conclusions:
The data suggest that NL exhibited hepatoprotective effects in CCl4-intoxicated rats via antioxidative mechanism.
A Fatal Case of Community Acquired Cupriavidus Pauculus Pneumonia
Authors: Almasy Emoke , Szederjesi Janos , Rad Paul , Georgescu Anca 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Cupriavidus pauculus is a rarely isolated non-fermentative, aerobic bacillus, which occasionally causes severe human infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Strains have been isolated from various clinical and environmental sources.

Case presentation: A 67-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with acute respiratory failure. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, pulmonary sepsis and underwent invasive mechanical ventilation. Examination revealed diminished bilateral vesicular breath sounds, fever, intense yellow tracheal secretions, a respiratory rate of 24/minute, a heart rate of 123/minute, and blood pressure of 75/55 mmHg. Vasoactive treatment was initiated. Investigations revealed elevated lactate and C-reactive protein levels. A chest X-ray showed bilateral infiltration. Parenteral ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone were administered. Tracheal aspirate culture and blood culture showed bacterial growth of Cupriavidus pauculus. Colistin was added to the treatment. There was a poor clinical response despite repeated blood culture showing negative results. The diagnosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) caused by C. pauculus was made. The patient died eleven days after admission.

Conclusions: Clinical improvement cannot always be expected in spite of targeted antibiotic therapy. This pathogen should be considered responsible for infections that usually develop in immunocompromised patients.
Reflections from teachers and students on speaking anxiety in an EFL classroom
Authors: Akkakoson Songyut 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
This paper reports on part of the research project in which instructor perspectives on the role of anxiety in an EFL speaking classroom and anxiety-coping strategies students employ when speaking English have been investigated. The existence of students’ speaking anxiety was revealed via a teacher interview. A total of 88 students from the intact classes also responded to an interview form for an analysis of anxiety-coping strategies they utilised when speaking English in class. The qualitative data from both instruments was analysed using the content analysis. The findings of the teacher interview data put forward that students of this study have experienced speaking-in-class anxiety. This anxiety may influence their grades, to some extent. Three factors that may hinder students’ development of oral skills emerge, including their lack of self-confidence, having poor English background and having neither intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation to use English. Using the target language as the medium of communication in class is viewed by the teachers as a must in theory, but flexibility is allowed in practice. Moreover, the results of the student interview data show a wide range of strategies employed to deal with anxiety (ie social, affective, meta-cognitive, compensatory, cognitive and memory-related strategies). Social strategies are the most frequently-used techniques. Suggestions for improvement in the overall oral English (ie vocabulary focus, audiovisual focus, self-practice, social focus, auditory focus, meta-cognitive focus, compensatory focus and affective focus) have also been given by the student participants. An increased repertoire of vocabulary is viewed as the most effective tool for such improvement.
The relationship between language learning motivation and foreign language achievement as mediated by perfectionism: the case of high school EFL learners
Authors: Dashtizadeh Parisa , Farvardin Mohammad Taghi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study examined the mediating effect of perfectionism on the relationship between language learning and foreign language achievement of high school EFL learners. To this end, 400 eleventh grade high school students were recruited through cluster random sampling. They were selected from eight high schools in four cities of Iran (i.e., Tehran, Ahvaz, Semnan, and Kerman). Afterwards, two questionnaires were administered to the participants. The first questionnaire was the shortened form of Gardner’s Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) for EFL learners, and the second one was Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R) measuring the level of perfectionism among respondents. Moreover, the participants’ scores on the English final exam held by Iran’s Ministry of Education was considered as the indicator of foreign language achievement. The obtained data were analyzed through Pearson correlations and bootstrap resampling statistical method. The results indicated a positive correlation between all variables. Furthermore, it was revealed that language achievement and language learning motivation were partially mediated by perfectionism.
Romantic imagination in a comparative perspective: English and Slovak Romantic literature
Authors: Pokrivčák Anton , Pokrivčáková Silvia 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The paper discusses Romantic imagination in two, relatively distant, national literatures. The first part is concerned with the problems comparative literature has faced in recent decades. In the second part, the work of two Slovak Romantic writers, Ján Kollár and Janko Kráľ, is compared to the poetry of Lord Gordon Byron and William Wordsworth. By identifying certain affinities between the discussed literary works, the authors point to the importance of the concept of national literature which has not lost its role even in contemporary literary studies.
A case of 46,XX dysgenesis and marked tall stature; the need for caution in interpreting array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)
Authors: Narayanan Vidya Kanamkote , Kharbanda Mira , Donaldson Malcolm 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background:
Gonadal dysgenesis with an apparently normal 46,XX karyotype is a rare cause of hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Tall stature is not a widely recognized association.

Case report:
A 15-year-old girl presented with primary amenorrhoea. Examination showed a non-dysmorphic girl of normal intellect with no breast development (Tanner stage B1P4A1) who was tall compared with her parents: height standard deviation score (SDS) +1.56 vs. midparental height of +0.23 SDS, and slim build (weight −0.13 SDS). Investigations showed a 46,XX karyotype, elevated gonadotropins (FSH 119 and LH 33.7 IU/L), serum estradiol <5 pmol/L, uterine length 3.75 cm with cylindrical shape, and absent ovaries on ultrasound. Initially, a 364055-bp deletion on Xp21.2 was reported on array CGH. However, repeat analysis using BlueGnome CytoChip ISCA 4x180k v2.0 array was normal. With oral ethinyl estradiol induction puberty progressed to B4P4A2 but aged 18.4 years, the patient was remarkably tall with height SDS +2.88, weight SDS +0.97.

Conclusions:
Caution is needed in interpreting small changes with array CGH, particularly with the older assays. We postulate that the genetic change causing 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis in our patient may have also resulted in unsuppressed somatic growth. More critical height assessment, including parental height measurement, of future patients with 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis is recommended in order to determine whether or not a true association with tall stature may be present in certain cases.
‘Kingdom of Ends’ as Economic Model: Whether Transition is Possible?
Authors: Trotsak Alexey 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The article considers the connection between ethics, in particular Kant’s practical philosophy, and economics. The author examines historical reasons for Kant’s ethic not to have become part of the economic discourse and interprets modern business processes from Kant’s perspective. The article aims to demonstrate the possibilities of applying the philosophical instruments of Kant’s morals to concrete economic issues.
Regional specializationand geographic concentration: experiences from Slovak industry
Authors: Lehocký Filip , Rusnák Jaroslav 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper attempts to indicate changes in industry during the period of economic restructuring and European integration in Slovakia in the regional and sectoral contexts. The concepts of geographic concentration and regional specialization are used in order to achieve the envisaged aims. Based on the relationship between the change in the specialization index and the change in the number of companies in three size categories, the main aim is to show the strategies used in the transformation of the regional industrial structure. It is expected that the largest category of industrial companies, those with 250 or more employees, will be a significant factor in explaining the changes in regional specialization. The main output will be a graphic model of transformation strategies and the identification of regional industrial types.