bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Germination Characteristics and Enhancement of Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Aged Seeds by Used of Gibberellin
Authors: Khajeh M. , Tabatabaei S.A. , Ansari O. , Sharif Zadeh F. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSeed priming is one of the methods that can be taken to counteract the adverse effects of abiotic stress, also Seed priming treatments have been used to reduce the damage of aging and invigorate their performance in many crops. Objective of this study was to evaluation the effect of gibberellin on germination characteristics and antioxidant enzymes of safflower seeds after aging. Experimental design was a factorial one with complete randomized design with three replications. The first factor was priming by gibberellin (0 and 50 ppm) and non-primed seeds (control) and the secondary factor was combinations of four levels of aging (0, 1, 3 and 5 days of aging, at 43°C). The results showed that the priming and aging effects on germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, seedling length, vigor index, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were significant, but on mean time to germination not significant. Results showed that, the highest germination characteristics such as; germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, seedling length, vigor index, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were attained from priming by gibberellins, under non aged conditions. Also, our results indicated that seed aging is related to decrease of enzymes activity and may contribute to low seed germination efficiency, also priming increases enzyme activity and increases enzyme activity with priming treatment may contribute to improve germination characteristics. The general decreases in enzyme activity in the seed lowers the respiratory capacity, which in turn lowers both the energy (ATP) and assimilates supply of the germinating seed.
Impact of Nanosized Titanium Dioxide on Agronomical and Physiological Characteristics of Annual Medic (Medicago scutellata L.)
Authors: Dolatabadi A. , Sani B. , Moaveni P. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of exogenous application of nano-TiO2 on annual medic, a field study was conducted in a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks with four replications. The experimental treatments included six concentrations of nano-TiO2 (Control, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.06% g/l) and spraying at two growing stages (pod stage and 10% flowering stage). Results showed that the effects of nano-TiO2 and spraying times on dry forage yield were significant (p<0.01). Nano-TiO2 spray appear to influence the malone dialdehyde (MDA) content (p<0.01). With increasing concentrations of nano-TiO2 the values of aforementioned measured variable significantly decreased. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) were affected by nanoparticle (p<0.01) and spraying times (p<0.01), as well as their interactive effect of two mentioned factors were significant in terms of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) (p<0.01) activity and dry forage yield. Among different concentrations of nano-TiO2, 0.04% and 0.06% have the best effect on all traits. Totally, treatment with nano-TiO2 were more effective in the pod stage, compared to 10% flowering stage.
CO2 Emission to the Atmosphere from Carbonate Waters: The Study Case of the Lublin Upland and Roztocze Regions
Authors: Chmiel Stanisław , Hałas Stanisław , Pieńkos Tomasz , Głowacki Sławomir , Maciejewska Ewa , Polkowska Żaneta , Sposób Joanna , Trembaczowski Andrzej 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in water (CO2(aq)) was measured in consecutive phases of the hydrological cycle. Its potentially possible degassing from groundwaters to the atmosphere was also assessed. The research was conducted in the area of occurrence of carbonate rocks of the Lublin Upland and Roztocze (SE Poland). The results of the measurements of CO2(aq) concentration varied as follows (min-max/mean): precipitation waters < 1-3/2.6 mg · dm−3, soil waters 3-50/14.2 mg · dm−3, groundwaters 10-70/30.3 mg · dm−3, river waters < 1-21/7.6 mg · dm−3. The measure of degassing of carbon dioxide from groundwaters to the atmosphere was a decrease in CO2(aq) concentration in fluvial outflow. Based on the value of groundwater outflow from the Lublin Upland and Roztocze, the annual carbon dioxide emission from waters to the atmosphere was calculated at a level of 50 thousand Mg · year−1. This value constitutes approximately 1% of anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide originating from environmentally harmful industrial plants in the Lublin province.
Effect of Meteorological Conditions and Building Location on CO2 Concentration in the University Campus
Authors: Cichowicz Robert , Wielgosiński Grzegorz 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The quality of atmospheric air and the level of its pollution is inextricably linked with the development of humanity. Its prevalence and the lack of any natural protective barriers causes that it becomes a recipient of increasingly large amounts of different types of pollutants. This is particularly dangerous in the areas where both meteorological conditions and type of building prevent the spread of pollution. By using a portable gas micro-chromatograph it is possible to observe and analyze a seasonal impact of building density on carbon dioxide concentration and the effect of atmospheric conditions on CO2 level in the air in a specified area.
Low Impact Development Practices: A Review of Current Research and Recommendations for Future Directions
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Kim Reeho 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
A low impact development (LID) is an alternative land development approach for managing stormwater that has been recommended instead of the traditional stormwater design. The main purpose of LID is to reduce the impact of development on water related problems through the use of stormwater management practices that infiltrate, evaporate, or harvest and use stormwater on the site where it falls. In recent years, more research has been carried out on the individual practice of LID such as bioretention, pervious pavements, rain garden and grassed swales. Nowadays LID practices have been successfully used to manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality, protect the environmental and hydrological aspects of the developed areas. Bioretention cells have been effectively used in retaining large volumes of runoff and pollutants on site. Pervious pavements have been extremely effective practice in infiltrating stormwater runoff as early as possible as rain fall on site and store a large quantity of water. Nowadays, sand ditch a new water harvesting technique is used that significantly reduces runoff and sediment losses and increases infiltration and soil loss. This paper highlights evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial uses of LID practices and encourage to adopt these practices for environmental friendly construction and sustainable development in the world.
Ethanol Recovery from Low-Concentration Aqueous Solutions Using Membrane Contactors with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Snochowska Karina , Tylman Michał , Kamiński Władysław 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Recovery of alcohols from diluted aqueous solutions is highly energy-intensive. In order to reduce the costs of concentration of alcohols, membrane processes (including membrane extraction) are used. This paper reports the results of ethanol concentration from diluted aqueous solutions using a hollow fiber membrane contactor with ionic liquid. The studies were performed using a contactor with microporous hollow fiber membranes. The membrane creates a barrier between the feed and extracting solvent, also providing a large mass transfer area. In the process, selected ionic liquid presenting different selectivity towards ethanol was used as extractant. The experiments were performed with feed concentrations of ethanol ranging from 1 to 5 wt.% and various feed flow rates ranging from 1 to 8 dm3/h.
Impact of Flowback Water on Activated Sludge Biocenosis During Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra , Drzewicki Adam , Kulikowska Dorota 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of flowback water on an activated sludge biocenosis during municipal wastewater treatment in the sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Two series were performed. In series 1, only municipal wastewater was treated, whereas in series 2, municipal wastewater with pre-treated flowback water was used. Flowback water constituted 3-5% of the influent and was introduced to the SBRs twice per week. Introducing flowback water did not decrease the quality of effluent from the SBRs. However, the composition of the activated sludge biocenosis differed between series, ie the biodiversity of protozoa and the relative abundance of microfauna in functional groups changed after flowback water addition. Polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) showed that the ammonia oxidizers community responded faster to flowback water addition than the total bacterial community and remained relatively stable during treatment. However, after 9 weeks of exposure to flowback water, ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) biodiversity decreased. This suggests that prolonged exposure could cause nitrification problems, leading to deterioration in effluent quality
Modified Description of Soil Processes vs. Quality of Numerical Weather Forecasts - “Bare Soil” Case
Authors: Duniec Grzegorz , Mazur Andrzej 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Soil and atmosphere boundary layer (ABL) interact with each other and influence on physical processes in soil and atmosphere. Current parameterization of soil physical processes in TERRA_ML (multilayer soil module of COSMO meteorological model) was prepared more than 40 years ago and did not give satisfactory forecast results. New parameterizations should involve physical processes in the soil (microphysics processes in soil, fluid dynamics in porous media, soil dynamics, etc.), water cycle in soil and soil-plant-water relation. The aim of this project was to improve current soil parameterization in the COSMO model, called “TERRA_ML”. The results of the work, related to the parameterization of physical processes of bare soil evaporation, vertical and horizontal water transport in soil and a runoff from soil layers, are presented in this paper. In order to eliminate underestimation of evaporation from soil in the afternoon and overestimation evaporation from soil in the morning a correction time-depending factor was also introduced. In this way, theoretical description of vertical water transport in soil is improved with temperature dependency of hydraulic diffusivity for different sort of soil.
Role of Soil Algae on the Initial Stages of Soil Formation in Sandy Polluted Areas
Authors: Rahmonov Oimahmad , Cabala Jerzy , Bednarek Renata , Rozek Dorota , Florkiewicz Adam 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Research to evaluate the role of the soil algae in the initiation of pedogenesis in sandy areas and to establish the mineral, chemical and organic composition of soil-algal crusts was done. The investigations area is located in southern Poland in a landscape of drift sand (Bledowska Desert) formed as a result of medieval deforestation related to Ag, Pb and Fe mining activities. Fifteen species of algae (Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta and Heterokontophyta) were identified. In the soil-algal crusts, Corg contents ranged from 0.35-2.23%, Pavail from 9-34 mg · kg−1 and Nt was variable. In investigated area the ground on which soil algae developed was acidic (pH 4.4-5.7 in KCl). Among mineral components in the crust, phases rich in Fe and K dominated (776.5(±2.3) - 2803(±31) mg · kg−1 and 230.5(±3.7) - 696(±22) mg · kg−1, respectively) and elevated concentrations of Zn, Mn and Pb occurred. Soil-crust organic matter includes aliphatic and aromatic compounds, carbohydrate derivatives, phenols, furan and pyrene structures. N compounds have significant contribution in composition of soil-algal crusts - the algae are main source of organic matter in this stage of soil formation. It could accelerate the regeneration of disturbed ecological systems.
Research Trends in Turkish Distance Education: A Content Analysis of Dissertations, 1986-2014
Authors: Bozkurt Aras , Kumtepe Evrim Genc , Kumtepe Alper Tolga , Aydın İrem Erdem , Bozkaya Müjgan , Aydın Cengiz Hakan 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper presents a content analytic approach on doctoral dissertations in the field of distance education in Turkish Higher Education context from the years of 1986 through 2014. A total of 61 dissertations were examined to explore keywords, academic discipline, research areas, theoretical/conceptual frameworks, research designs, research models, tests and analyses, data collection tools, participants, variables/research interests, and leading contributor institutions. It is believed that this study can be beneficial to the field of distance education in Turkish context to identify research trends and set a research agenda by exploring dissertations that were published between 1986 and 2014.
Who are the Open Learners? A Comparative Study Profiling Non-Formal Users of Open Educational Resources
Authors: Farrow Robert , de los Arcos Beatriz , Pitt Rebecca , Weller Martin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Open educational resources (OER) have been identified as having the potential to extend opportunities for learning to non-formal learners. However, little research has been conducted into the impact of OER on non-formal learners. This paper presents the results of a systematic survey of more than 3,000 users of open educational resources (OER). Data was collected between 2013 and 2014 on the demographics, attitudes and behaviours of users of three repositories. Questions included a particular focus on the behaviours of non-formal learners and the relationship between formal and non-formal study. Frequency analysis shows that there are marked differences in patterns of use, user profiles, attitudes towards OER, types of materials used and popularity of different subjects. The experience of using OER is fairly consistent across platforms in terms of satisfaction and impact on future behaviour. On the whole, non-formal learners surveyed were highly positive about their use of OER and believe they will continue to use them. With regards to this making formal study more likely some degree of polarization was observed: some believed formal study was now more likely, while others felt it made this less likely. On the whole, while non-formal learners are enthusiastic about using free and online resources, the language and concept of OER does not seem to be well understood in the groups surveyed. A range of findings relating to OER selection and use as well as differences between repositories are explored in the discussion.
The Development of Distance Education Systems in Turkey, the Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zawacki-Richter Olaf , Kondakci Yasar , Bedenlier Svenja , Alturki Uthman , Aldraiweesh Ahmed , Püplichhuysen Diana 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
In many countries, open and distance education is perceived as a way to meet the growing need for higher education. This paper explores the development of online and distance education in three countries that are still a white spot on the landscape of international distance education research although they have implemented elaborated distance education systems: Turkey, Russia and Saudi-Arabia. In order to understand the current state of distance education systems in the three countries, their respective systems are described from a historical perspective, compared in regard to their organization, important institutions for open and distance education and current developments. This comparative analysis directs the focus on little investigated education systems and contributes to an enhanced understanding of their past, present, and future.
Performance Analysis of Vertical Handoff Metrics Using Variance Based Algorithms
Authors: Bijwe Abhijit , Dethe C.G. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Vertical handover is the evolving concept in 4G for seamless communication between heterogeneous networks. In this paper, our main objective is to analyze handover between two WLAN, two Wimax, two UMTS networks. The vertical handover decision is taken based on the variance based algorithm, which calculates the variance of parameters such as delay, jitter, bandwidth and packet loss for various above mentioned networks and the network with most of the parameters with minimum variance is selected. This algorithm is also compared with other algorithms such as MEW (Multiplicative experiment weighting), SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), TOPOSIS (Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) and GRA (Grey Relational Analysis). These algorithms are appropriate for different traffic classes. Simulation results for proposed variance based algorithm in Matlab is discussed and compared with other Multiple attribute decision making algorithm basis of bandwidth; jitter, delay etc. are discussed in the paper. It can be seen that the proposed variance algorithm gives less packet delay than all the algorithms, Jitter is also is least than all the other algorithms.
Numerical Simulations for Solving Fuzzy Fractional Differential Equations by Max-Min Improved Euler Methods
Authors: Khan Najeeb Alam , Razzaq Oyoon Abdul , Riaz Fatima 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
In this paper, an extension is introduced into Max-Min Improved Euler methods for solving initial value problems of fuzzy fractional differential equations (FFDEs). Two modified fractional Euler type methods have been proposed and investigated to obtain numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear FFDEs. The proposed algorithms are tested on various illustrative examples. Exact values are also simulated to compare and discuss the closeness and accuracy of approximations so obtained. Comparatively, tables and graphs results reveal the complete reliability, efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods.
The ECB, Between Conservatism and Pragmatism
Authors: Bastidon Cécile , Gilles Philippe , Huchet Nicolas 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The 2008 and 2011 crises have durably affected the conditions of monetary policy transmission, particularly in the euro area. However, it is generally considered that the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary policy truly became unconventional only at a late stage. Our contribution is threefold. We first show that the notion of “conventional” monetary policy, which is the reference of this assessment, is a recent theoretical construction. Secondly, the mandate of the ECB, which is its institutional expression, may raise specific difficulties in managing major financial crises, particularly with regards to the forward guidance of expectations and the commitment to an accommodative policy. Finally, the resulting policies have, at this stage, paradoxically achieved acceptable levels of macroeconomic and overall financial stability, but failed to restore a private funding supply to the banking sector enabling it to play its normal role in financing economic activity.
Systemic Liquidity Shocks and Banking Sector Liquidity Characteristics on the Eve of Liquidity Coverage Ratio Application - The Case of the Czech Republic1
Authors: Brůna Karel , Blahová Naďa 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The paper contains an analysis of the economic and regulatory concept of bank liquidity in the context of systemic liquidity shock. A formal model analysis shows that the application of liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) based on Basel III will lead to a significant adaptation of banks liquidity management. LCR causes a change in bank’s liquidity allocation and funding to be less effective and more costly and restrictive for providing credits comparing with economic determinants. It is demonstrated that the application of LCR underestimates actual liquidity position of a bank and leads to allocation ineffectiveness. The empirical part contains simulation of impacts of systemic liquidity shock on the banking sector’s ability to withstand the unfavourable credit shock while solvency is maintained. The results confirm the robustness of the Czech banking system ensuing from the systemic surplus of liquidity, high volume of bank capital and its high profitability. The estimations of the VAR model show that the relations between liquidity characteristics of banks, sources of aggregate liquidity shock, interbank market illiquidity and the credit facilities of the Czech National Bank are relatively weak, supporting the conclusion that the banks face liquidity shocks of non-persistent character.
Changes in Biodiversity in the National Nature Reserve of the Bohdanečský Pond from the Explorations by the Hadač Brothers in the 1950’s to the Present Times
Authors: Prausová Romana , Zlámalová Tereza , Bálková Lenka , Šafářová Lenka 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper deals with the botanically interesting locality of the Bohdanečský pond and its surroundings in the Pardubice region. Thanks to botanists’ interest in this locality, there is a lot of floristic data that can be used for evaluation of the area development in terms of species and habitat diversity. Although there is a demonstrable decline of rare plant species, this locality still belongs to the most valuable reserves in the Czech Republic. The current state of the locality is influenced by many factors, e.g. spontaneous succession, management methods of the NNR, the influence of landscape management around the NNR, or global factors (eutrophication, climate change, etc.). Present surveys carried out since 2000 show that the condition of the NNR can be positively influenced by appropriate controlled interventions which include regular meadow mowing and removal of harvested biomass, occasional mowing of reeds and tall sedge vegetation, as well as revitalisation measures for surface water (ponds, pools, water flows).
Application of the Czech Methodology of Biogeographical Landscape Differentiation in Geobiocoenological Concept – Examples from Cuba, Tasmania and Yemen
Authors: Buček Antonín , Habrová Hana , Maděra Petr , Král Kamil , Modrý Martin , Lacina Jan , Pavliš Jindřich 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Within the area of Central Europe, and especially in the Czech Republic (and former Czechoslovakia), geobiocoenological landscape differentiation has been applied for more than 40 years to create a spatial model of the natural (potential) condition of geobiocoenoses in the landscape. Because long-term objective of geobiocoenology is to contribute to the creation of harmonic cultural landscape by gradual development of a comprehensive system of groundworks for sustainable landscape use, and as Mendel University experts work in various countries, adaptions of geobiocoenology were used also outside Europe, in tropical areas. Examples of such a work could be shown on islands such as Socotra (belonging politically to Yemen), Tasmania, and Cuba.