bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the potentials of clay and biochar in improving water retention and mechanical resilience of sandy soil
Authors: Ajayi Ayodele Ebenezer , Horn Rainer 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Changing climate is threatening rainfall regularity particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions; therefore, strategies to conserve water within their coarse-grained soils and to improve water use efficiency of crops are critical. This study compared the effectiveness of biochar and two types of clay materials in augmenting water retention and improving mechanical resilience of fine sand. The amendment of fine sand with woodchip-biochar and kaolinite (non-swelling clay) and Na-bentonite (swelling clay) improved the water retention capacity and interparticle bonding of the substrate depending of the rate of amendment and water content of the substrates. Na-bentonite was more effective at increasing water retention capacity at more negative matric potentials. Biochar was more effective at saturation due to the increased porosity, while kaolinite responds similarly to biochar. It is, however, shown that most of the water retained by the Na-betonite may not be available to plants, particularly at high amendment rate. Furthermore, the clay and biochar materials improved particle bonding in the fine sand with the Na-bentonite being more effective than biochar and kaolinite (in that order) in strengthening interparticle bonds and improving the resilience of fine sand, if the rate of amendment is kept at ≤50 g kg-1.
Polysaccharide based edible coating on sapota fruit
Authors: Menezes Joslin , Athmaselvi K.A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSapota fruits are highly perishable and have short shelf life at the ambient conditions. The edible coatings have been used on different agricultural products in order to extend their post harvest life. In the present study, the polysaccharide based edible coating made up of sodium alginate and pectin (2%) was studied on the shelf life of sapota fruits. The coating of the fruits is done by dipping method with two dipping time (2 and 4 min). The both control and coated sapota fruits were stored at refrigerated temperature (4±1°C). The physico-chemical analysis including acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, pH, weight loss, colour and firmness were measured on 1, 8, 15, 23 and 30th day of storage. There was significant difference (p≤0.05) in these physico-chemical parameters between control and coated sapota fruits with 2 and 4 min dipping time. The sensory analysis of control and coated sapota fruits showed that, the polysaccharide coating with 2 minutes dipping time was effective in maintaining the organoleptic properties of the fruits.
Comparison of selected parameters of biomass and coal
Authors: Lalak Justyna , Martyniak Danuta , Kasprzycka Agnieszka , Żurek Grzegorz , Moroń Wojciech , Chmielewska Mariola , Wiącek Dariusz , Tys Jerzy 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
As a fuel, biomass differs in its properties from fossil fuels and acquisition thereof for energy purposes is limited; hence, the ongoing search for new bioenergetically useful plants. The article presents the results of physical and chemical analyses of seven species of perennial grasses: tall wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass ‘Bamar’, brome grass, tall fescue ecotype, reed canary grass, giant miscanthus, and sorghum. The research involved technical and elemental analysis as well as analysis of the ash composition performed in order to determine their potential use for combustion process. The measurement results were compared with those obtained for hard coal and agricultural biomass, which is widely used in the energy industry. The results suggest that perennial grasses can successfully be combusted with similar performance to coal if burned in appropriate combustion installations.
Heat shock increases oxidative stress to modulate growth and physico-chemical attributes in diverse maize cultivars
Authors: Hussain Iqbal , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan , Rasheed Rizwan , Iqbal Muhammad , Ibrahim Muhammad , Ashraf Shamila 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The present investigation was conducted to appraise the physiochemical adjustments in contrasting maize cultivars, namely, PakAfgoi (tolerant) and EV-5098 (sensitive) subjected to heat shock. Seven-day-old seedlings were exposed to heat shock for different time intervals (1, 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h) and data for various physiochemical attributes determined to appraise time course changes in maize. After 72 h of heat shock, the plants were grown under normal conditions for 5 d and data for different growth attributes and photosynthetic pigments recorded. Exposure to heat shock reduced growth and photosynthetic pigments in maize cultivars. The plants exposed to heat shock for up to 3 h recovered growth and photosynthetic pigments when stress was relieved. A time course rise in the relative membrane permeability, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde contents was recorded particularly in the EV-5098 indicating that heat shock-induced oxidative stress. Activities of different enzymatic antioxidants greatly altered due to heat shock. For instance, an increase in superoxide dismutase activity was recorded in both maize cultivars. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase was greater in Pak-Afgoi. However, the peroxidase and catalase activities were higher in plants of EV-5098. Heat shock caused a significant rise in the proline and decline in the total free amino acids. Overall, the performance of Pak-Afgoi was better in terms of having lesser oxidative damage and greater cellular levels of proline. The results suggested that oxidative stress indicators (relative membrane permeability, H2O2 and malondialdehyde) and proline can be used as markers for heat shock tolerant plants.
The effect of caffeine on energy balance
Authors: Harpaz Eynav , Tamir Snait , Weinstein Ayelet , Weinstein Yitzhak 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe global prevalence of obesity has increased considerably in the last two decades. Obesity is caused by an imbalance between energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE), and thus negative energy balance is required to bring about weight loss, which can be achieved by either decreasing EI or increasing EE. Caffeine has been found to influence the energy balance by increasing EE and decreasing EI, therefore, it can potentially be useful as a body weight regulator. Caffeine improves weight maintenance through thermogenesis, fat oxidation, and EI. The sympathetic nervous system is involved in the regulation of energy balance and lipolysis (breakdown of lipids to glycerol and free fatty acids) and the sympathetic innervation of white adipose tissue may play an important role in the regulation of total body fat. This article reviews the current knowledge on the thermogenic properties of caffeine, and its effects on appetite and EI in relation to energy balance and body weight regulation.
Pneumoretroperitoneum after Attempted Epidural Anesthesia
Authors: Isakov Arkadi , Shtein Arnold , Kyzer Sholmo 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Air may extend to the retroperitoneal space from retroperitoneal perforation of a hollow viscus, infection of the anterior pararenal space with gas-forming organisms and from pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum [1]. Rare pathologies, such as open reduction and internal fixation of femoral fractures and anaerobic abscess of the hip joint have also been described in relation to this complication [1,2]. A rare case of pneumoretroperitoneum caused by insufflation of air during an attempt to achieve epidural anesthesia is described.
Assessment preferences and learning styles in ESP
Authors: Simonova Ivana 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The article deals with the research on assessment preferences reflected in learning styles within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction on the higher education level. The sample group consisted of 287 respondents of the Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. The main objective of the research was to discover expected correlations between respondents’ learning styles and relating preferences in selected assessment formats. Two questionnaires were applied to reach the objective; however, the expectations did not prove. The discovered findings were discussed within the world context.
The intercultural component in an EFL course-book package
Authors: Sándorová Zuzana 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAlong with mastery of the grammar and vocabulary of a given language, contemporary students are also expected to acquire intercultural communicative competence (ICC), i.e., the ability to use the language efficiently with regard to the sociocultural background of the communicative situation. This requirement should also be reflected in FL course-books, which are considered to be fundamental didactic tools in FL education, even in an era of information communication technologies. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to report the results of the research focused on the investigation of intercultural component in the New Opportunities Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate course-book packages.To validate the findings of the content analysis, as the main research method, the method of triangulation was used, i.e., the results of the course-book package analyses were compared with those of observation and interview analyses. The findings of the research revealed that in the investigated course-book packages only some aspects of the intercultural component could be considered relevant because they were suitably treated.
The Role of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width for Predicting 1-year Mortality in Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department with Severe Dyspnoea
Authors: Turcato Gianni , Cervellin Gianfranco , Salvagno Gian Luca , Zaccaria Eleonora , Bartucci Giuseppe , David Marco , Bonora Antonio , Zannoni Massimo , Ricci Giorgio , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: November 2016

Summary
Background: Universally accepted and validated instruments for predicting the outcome of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with severe dyspnoea do not exist so far, nor are they regularly used by the emergency physicians. This study hence aimed to establish whether red blood cell distribution width (RDW) may be a predictive parameter of 1-year mortality in a population of patients admitted to the ED with severe dyspnoea attributable to different underlying disorders.
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all the patients undergoing arterial blood gas analysis for severe dyspnoea (irrespective of the cause) during admission to ED of University Hospital of Verona from September 1, 2014 to November 31, 2014.
Results: The final study population consisted of 287 patients for whom complete clinical and laboratory information was available. Overall, 36 patients (12.5%) died after a 1-year follow-up. The RDW value was found to be considerably increased in patients who deceased during the follow-up compared to those who survived (17.2% versus 14.8%; p<0.001). In both univariate and multivariate analyses, the RDW value was found to be a significant predictor of 1-year mortality. In particular, patients with RDW ≥ 15.0% displayed a 72% increased risk of 1-year mortality after multiple adjustments.
Conclusions: The measurement of RDW, a very simple and inexpensive laboratory parameter, may represent an important factor for predicting medium-term mortality in patients presenting to the ED with severe dyspnoea.
Zum Agora-Pfeiler in Xanthos IV
Authors: Schürr Diether , Dönmez Aytac 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe Inscribed Pillar had a temenos around it, and this temenos was, for the dynast who erected the pillar, a means to differentiate himself from other dynasts who are buried around the agora. This may be connected with heroising or apotheosising the dynast, or with some comparable non-Greek form of veneration. But because of the lack of evidence we cannot know what the original form of this temenos was. Surviving evidence shows that the temenos wall may have been torn down when the new agora was built, between 60 and 80 AD in the Roman Empire period, in order to make space for the northern stoa.
The Epistemological Import of Euclidean Diagrams (in a non-Euclidean world)
Authors: Molinini Daniele 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
In this paper I concentrate on Euclidean diagrams, namely on those diagrams that are licensed by the rules of Euclid’s plane geometry. I shall overview some philosophical stances that have recently been proposed in philosophy of mathematics to account for the role of such diagrams in mathematics, and more particularly in Euclid’s Elements. Furthermore, I shall provide an original analysis of the epistemic role that Euclidean diagrams may (and, indeed) have in empirical sciences, more specifically in physics. I shall claim that, although the world we live in is not Euclidean, Euclidean diagrams permit to obtain knowledge of the world through a specific mechanism of inference I shall call inheritance.
European territorial cohesion policies: Parallels to socialist central planning?
Authors: Malý Jiří , Mulíček Ondřej 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Contemporary EU territorial cohesion policy presents some striking reminders of features of socialist central planning. The objective of socio-spatial solidarity aimed at balanced spatial development is a core principle of both spatial planning doctrines. Reviewing key planning documents, this article compares territorial cohesion discourses in terms of their normative and analytical natures in order to critically evaluate the uniqueness and novelty of the current modern concept. In spite of ideological contradictions, a commonly-shared realisation of the importance of urban agglomerations as specific integrated spatial units and the need to improve living conditions in disadvantaged areas, are crucial characteristics for both spatial planning policies. Moreover, analytical spatial planning procedures are based on similar methods and lead to nearly identical results concerning the spatial pattern for one specific case settlement system (the South Moravian Region, Czech Republic). In this respect, the currently-emphasised territorial cohesion discourse is familiar to that in former socialist areas in Central and Eastern Europe. Based on these findings, spatial planning authorities should learn from the past in reflecting on the limitations and advantages of spatial planning in the socialist era.
Crystal structure of 4-(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, C21H25NO3
Authors: Meng Jing , Dai Yifei , Sui Feng 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
C21H25NO3, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.336(4) Å, b = 10.825(4) Å, c = 12.322(3) Å, α = 70.940(18)°, β = 75.965(19)°, γ = 82.483(19)°, V = 895.8(6) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0736, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1827, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of 2-dichloromethyl-2-p-nitrophenyl-1,3-dioxolane, C10H9Cl2NO4
Authors: Qi Bo-Shu , Sun Xiao-Nan , Yang Huan-Huan , Fu Ying , Ye Fei 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
C10H9Cl2NO4, orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 11.151(2) Å, b = 7.0923(14) Å, c = 29.243(6) Å, V = 2312.7(8) Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0459, wRref(F2) = 0.1223, T = 293 K.
Sidonius Apollinaris and Horace,Ars poetica14–23
Authors: Pelttari Aaron 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSidonius knew and understood the beginning of Horace’s influentialArs poetica, the passage in which Horace pronounced in favour of artistic unity. Instead of following Horace’s advice, Sidonius opted for variety inPoem22 andLettersBook 9. Even though he ignored the advice, Sidonius at the end of both texts invoked Horace’s authority from theArs poetica. Sidonius even claimed to have written exactly as Horace said he should. A century before, Ausonius had translated Horace in a way that the source had specifically criticised. Both Sidonius and Ausonius engaged Horace’s authoritative text in order to negotiate their debt toward and place within Latin literature. Further study could describe the variety of ways in which late antique poets received and transformed their Classical inheritance.
Prolonged protein immobilization of biosensor by chemically cross-linked glutaraldehyde on mixed cellulose membrane
Authors: Shaimi Roswani , Low Siew Chun 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Protein immobilization studies with high protein binding sensitivity are of primary concern for any bio-sensing applications. In the present study, glutaraldehyde (GA) was utilized to chemically cross-link with the cellulose compound in mixed cellulose (MC) membrane and the protein molecules. Optimal cross-linking process on membrane was determined statistically and corresponded responses of protein immobilization were described through a quadratic empirical model. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) micrographs and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have demonstrated the successful deposition of GA on membranes. The optimum GA integration process condition was found at 3 wt% of GA on a single layer and 30 min of integration time, with protein binding predicted at 896.6 μg/cm3. The experimental validation was conducted at this optimum condition, and the result was found at 911.9 μg/cm3, with standard deviation of 1.6%. This small error confirms the adequacy of the empirical model and its ability to predict the GA-protein immobilization performances.
Physicochemical properties and radiolytic degradation studies on tri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP)
Authors: Sreenivasulu B. , Suresh A. , Rajeswari S. , Ramanathan N. , Antony M. P. , Sivaraman Nagarajan , Joseph M. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The solvent composed of tri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP) in n-dodecane (n-DD) is regarded as a promising candidate for reprocessing of spent fuel. In this context, the radiolytic degradation of a solution of TiAP in n-dodecane was investigated by irradiating the solvent to various absorbed dose levels of γ-radiation. The neat extractant or a solution of extractant in n-dodecane was irradiated in the presence of nitric acid. Physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity and interfacial tension (IFT) were measured for unirradiated and irradiated solutions. The extent of degradation was determined by measuring the variation in extraction behavior of U(VI) and Pu(IV) with irradiated solvent systems. Uranium and plutonium retention with irradiated solvents was also measured. The distribution ratio of uranium and plutonium increased with increase in absorbed dose. Effect of alpha degradation was studied by plutonium retention as a function of time using 1.1 M TiAP/n-DD. Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric technique was employed to identify the possible radiolytic degradation products. Similar studies were also carried out with tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) based solvent system under identical experimental conditions and the results are compared.
The simulation of the warpage rule of the thin-walled part of polypropylene composite based on the coupling effect of mold deformation and injection molding process
Authors: Zhang Jixiang , Yin Xiaoyi , Liu Fengzhi , Yang Pan 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Aiming at the problem that a thin-walled plastic part easily produces warpage, an orthogonal experimental method was used for multiparameter coupling analysis, with mold structure parameters and injection molding process parameters considered synthetically. The plastic part deformation under different experiment schemes was comparatively studied, and the key factors affecting the plastic part warpage were analyzed. Then the injection molding process was optimized. The results showed that the important order of the influence factors for the plastic part warpage was packing pressure, packing time, cooling plan, mold temperature, and melt temperature. Among them, packing pressure was the most significant factor. The optimal injection molding process schemes reducing the plastic part warpage were melt temperature (260°C), mold temperature (60°C), packing pressure (150 MPa), packing time (2 s), and cooling plan 3. In this situation, the forming plate flatness was better.
Review of the mechanical performance of variable stiffness design fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Xin Zhibo , Duan Yugang , Xu Wu , Zhang Tianyu , Wang Ben 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Variable stiffness design (VSD) has been paid more attention for its capability of further exploiting the potential of fiber-reinforced composite in composite structure design. VSD under different mechanical property indexes is reviewed in this paper. The review mostly focuses on strength, buckling, frequency, and other more common mechanical indices. Subsequently, the usage of VSD method for several years is briefly summarized. Some successful tests about variable stiffness composite parts are introduced and the experiment results are also addressed. The article summarizes the research situation from both perspectives based on a number of papers about the VSD of composite materials in recent years and provides theoretical reference and basic knowledge to new researchers.
The Robin, Erithacus Rubecula (Passeriformes, Turdidae), As a Component of Autotrophic Consortia of Forest Cenoses, Northeast Ukraine
Authors: Chaplygina A. B. , Yuzyk D. I. , Savynska N. O. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The role of the robin, Erithacus rubecula Linnaeus, 1758 as a consort of autotrophic consortia is considered. It has been found that representatives of 9 higher taxa of animals (Mammalia, Aves, Gastropoda, Insecta, Arachnida, Acarina, Malacostraca, Diplopoda, Clitellata) have trophic and topical links with the robin. At the same time, the robin is a consort of determinants of autotrophic consortia, which core is represented mostly by dominating species of deciduous trees (Quercus robur Linnaeus, 1753 (24.6 %), Tilia cordata Miller, 1768 (17.5 %), Acer platanoides Linnaeus, 1753 (22.8 %), Acer campestre Linnaeus, 1753), and also by sedges (Carex sp.) and grasses (Poaceae). The robin also belongs to the concentre of the second and higher orders as a component of forest biogeocenoses and forms a complex trophic system. In the diet of its nestlings, there have been found 717 objects from 32 invertebrate taxa, belonging to the phylums Arthropoda (99.2 %, 31 species) and Annelida (0.8 %, 1 species). The phylum Arthropoda was represented by the most numerous class Insecta (76.9 %), in which 10 orders (Lepidoptera (46.8 %) dominates) and 20 families were recorded, and also by the classes Arachnida (15.0 %), Malacostraca (5.3 %) and Diplopoda (1.9 %). The invertebrate species composition was dominated by representatives of a trophic group of zoophages (14 species; 43.8 %); the portion of phytophages (7 species; 21.9 %), saprophages (18.7 %), and necrophages (15.6 %) was the less. The highest number of food items was represented by phytophages (N = 717; 51 %), followed by zoophages (34 %), saprophages (12 %), and necrophages (3 %). The difference among study areas according to the number of food items and the number of species in the robin nestling diet is shown. In NNP “HF”, the highest number of food items was represented by phytophages - 47 % (N = 443), whereas zoophages were the most species-rich group (43.3 %, 13 species). In NNP “H”, phytophages also prevailed in food items - 62.3 % (N = 164), but the number of phyto-, zoo- and saprophage species was equal (30.8 %, 13 species). In the forest park, zoophages were more frequent - 45.5 % (N = 110), but phytophages were the most species-rich (42.9 %).
First Record of Dicheilonema Ciconiae (Nematoda, Diplotriaenoidea) From Ciconia Nigra (Aves, Ciconiidae) in Ukraine
Authors: Syrota Ya. Yu. , Kuzmin Yu. I. , Lyaskivskiy V. N. , Kobylinsky V. V. , Vasylkivska I. B. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Five specimens of a parasitic nematode Dicheilonema ciconiae (Schrank, 1788) were collected from black stork, Ciconia nigra Linnaeus, in Kyiv Zoological Park. Identification of the nematodes was confirmed by morphological examination of the specimens collected. The ornamentation of the body cuticle in caudal region of males (area rugosa) is first described in D. ciconiae.