bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles composed of methylated N-(4-N,N-dimethyl aminobenzyl) chitosan for oral delivery of cyclosporine A
Authors: Mahjub Reza , Allahyar Robabeh , Rafiee-Tehrani Morteza , Dorkoosh Farid Abedin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Cyclosporine is considered a highly lypophilic compound meaning low bioavailability through oral administration. In this study, cyclosporine was entrapped in a novel aromatic, quaternized derivative of chitosan (i.e. methylated N-(4-N,N-dimethyl aminobenzyl) chitosan) in order to improve solubility and bioavailability. Methylated N-(4,N,N-dimethyl aminobenzyl) chitosan was synthesized by the Schiff base reaction method. Polymeric nanoparticles containing cyclosporine was prepared and the physico-chemical properties of prepared nanoparticles were determined. The nanoparticles were studied morphologically using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the release of cyclosporine from nanoparticles was studied in vitro using simulated intestinal fluid adjusted to pH of 6.8. For the preparation of nanoparticles, different formulations were studied and it was found that proper nanoparticles were prepared in equal concentration (1 mg/mL) of polymer and sodium tri-poly phosphate (TPP). The size, zeta potential, PdI, EE% and LE% of the prepared nanoparticles were reported as 173±36 nm, 23.1±4.18 mV, 0.243±0.05, 97.1±4.38% and 3.2±0.21%, respectively. The TEM images of nanoparticles revealed spherical to sub-spherical nanoparticles with no sign of agglomeration. This study suggests that preparations of nanoparticles composed of methylated N-(4,N,N-dimethyl aminobenzyl) chitosan can be a good candidate for improving the oral bioavailability of cyclosporine.
Determining species expansion and extinction possibilities using probabilistic and graphical models
Authors: Chaturvedi Rajesh , Prasad P. Rama Chandra 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Survival of plant species is governed by a number of functions. The participation of each function in species survival and the impact of the contrary behaviour of the species vary from function to function. The probability of extinction of species varies in all such scenarios and has to be calculated separately. Secondly, species follow different patterns of dispersal and localisation at different stages of occupancy state of the site, therefore, the scenarios of competition for resources with climatic shifts leading to deterioration and loss of biodiversity resulting in extinction needs to be studied. Furthermore, most possible deviations of species from climax community states needs to be calculated before species become extinct due to sudden environmental disruption. Globally, various types of anthropogenic disturbances threaten the diversity of biological systems. The impact of these anthropogenic activities needs to be analysed to identify extinction patterns with respect to these activities. All the analyses mentioned above have been tried to be achieved through probabilistic or graphical models in this study.
Identification and typology of Czech post-industrial landscapes on national level using GIS and publicly accessed geodatabases
Authors: Kolejka Jaromír , Klimánek Martin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The post-industrial landscape (PIL) is a generally accepted phenomenon of the present world. Its features are fossil in comparison to those ones in operating industrial landscapes. The required knowledge about the position, size, shape and type of PIL will help decision makers plan PIL future. The paper deals with the selection of identification features of PILs. Applicable data must be related to four landscape structures: natural, economic (land use), social (human) and spiritual. Present Czech geodatabases contain sufficient quantity and quality of data they can be interpreted as source of PIL identification criteria. GIS technology was applied for such data collection, geometric and format pre-processing, thematic reclassification and final processing. Using selected identification and classification criteria, 105 PILs were identified on the Territory of Czech Republic and classified into individual types. A SWOT analysis of results was carried out to identify the reliability level of data and the data processing. The identified PILs represent the primary results generally obtained in the Czech Republic. GIS approach allows repeated procedures elsewhere in EU member states because of some similarity of available geodatabases. Of course, an improvement of classification procedure depends on the real situation in each country.
Linking floral biodiversity with nitrogen and carbon translocations in semi-natural grasslands in Lithuani
Authors: Marcinkonis Saulius , Karpavičienė Birutė , Fullen Michael A. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long-term effects of long-term piggery effluent application on semi-natural grassland ecotop-phytotop changes (above- and below-ground phytomass production, and carbon and nitrogen allocation in grassland communities) in relation to changes (or variability) in topsoil properties. Analysis of phytomass distribution in piggery effluent irrigated grassland communities showed that dry biomass yield varied from 1.7−5.3 t ha-1. Variability in soil and plant cover created a unique and highly unpredictable site specific system, where long-term anthropogenic influences established successor communities with specific characteristics of above- and below-ground biomass distribution. These characteristics depend more on grassland communities than on soil chemical properties. Families of grasses (Poaceae) dominated the surveyed communities and accumulated most carbon and least nitrogen, while legumes accumulated most nitrogen and lignin and least carbon. Carbon concentrations in above-ground biomass had minor variations, while accumulation of nitrogen was strongly influenced by species diversity (r = 0.94, n = 10, p <0.001) and production of above-ground biomass
Land units composition of home ranges and changing of winter roosts of long-eared owl <italic>Asio otus</italic>
Authors: Tulis Filip , Jakab Imrich , Slobodník Roman , Hudec Michal 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
During the years 2010-2012, we observed the spatial activity of long-eared owls by the radio telemetry in an agricultural land. The average home range size of tracked long-eared owls for 100 and 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) was 415.93 and 350 ha, respectively. Between the breeding and the non-breeding season, we did not record significant differences in the size of home ranges. Open land units (meadows and arable lands) belonged to the most abundant land units in the home ranges of tracked owls (mean for 100 and 95% MCP was 24.6 and 24.3%, respectively). Forest edges with their ecotone character also represented the abundant land unit (mean for 100 and 95% MCP was 11.4 and 10.6%, respectively). An amount of built-inhabited areas in home ranges (mean for 100 and 95% MCP was 8.2 and 10.1%, respectively) correlated positively with their size (Spearman rank correlation: for 100% MCP: rs = 0.83, p <0.05; for 95% MCP: rs = 0.91, p <0.05) that indicates long-eared owls to be avoiding built-inhabited areas as an area of the food getting. Two individuals of long-eared owl changed the winter roosts during one non-breeding season, which were at a distance of 650 m from each other.
Woody Plants Affected by Ungulates in Winter Period, Impacts and Bark Renewal
Authors: Nevřelová Marta , Ružičková Jana 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Due to biotope fragmentation and changes in landscape structure, opportunities for forest animals to migrate and obtain food are diminishing, especially during extreme winter conditions. The main objective of this research was an assessment of ungulates, impact on woody species, evaluation of damage forms and bark renewal phases of affected woody plants. The study area is located in western Slovakia in the southeast part of Male Karpaty Mts. After the very cold and long winter of 2012/2013, 34% of woody plants were damaged by bark stripping and biting on the forest locality and 53% of evaluated trees and shrubs were damaged by biting off shoots in the non-forest locality. Together, 262 woody plants belonging to 15 species were evaluated; the girth of tree trunks and stripped bark patches were measured. The most severely affected tree species, suffering from bark stripping and bitten-off sprouts, was Fraxinus excelsior; Acer campestre was also significantly affected. Results showed that woody plants provide a significant part of hoofed mammal nutrition (especially Capreolus capreolus and Cervus elaphus). The stripped bark dendromass per forested area of 625 m2 reached 3 m2. After the mild winter in 2014, the majority (93.7%) of previously affected Fraxinus excelsior trees in the forest locality had only old damages with renewed bark in different phases of regeneration. In the non-forest locality, 96% of young Fraxinus excelsior, damaged in the winter of 2013, shot up new sprouts. The mortality of affected trees was minimal (4−5%).
Classification of Land Use Changes (Model Area: Nitra Town)
Authors: Haladová Ivana , Petrovič František 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper deals with the new classification of land use changes. We chose Nitra town in Slovakia as a model area. We examined changes of land use for the period 2003-2013. The main result of this work is a table for types of land use changes and a map that shows the location of these changes in Nitra town. Nitra is constantly expanding its area and it is also significantly changing within its borders. Agriculturally used surroundings of the town are being transformed into build-up areas and industrial parks. This transformation causes a loss of agricultural land and vegetation, in general. Agriculture in this region has been gradually declining and disappearing in the past years. On the other side, urbanisation, technicisation and industrialisation are highly supported
The Ability of Tourist Natural Trails to Resist Tourism Load and Possibilities for Reducing the Environmental Impacts : Case Study of the Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovakia)
Authors: Janočková Jana , Koščová Mária , Jablonská Jana 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The strictly protected natural area of Sucha Bela Gorge, located in the Slovak Paradise National Park, Slovakia, is exposed to environmental degradation by heavy tourist loads. Although educational and technical measures have been put in place, there is ongoing debate whether and how to limit the intensity of tourist visits. This study evaluates the ability of the trail leading through the gorge to resist trampling disturbance and to minimise the environmental impacts in the wider area of Sucha Bela by keeping tourists from moving off the designated areas. Aspects of trail layout, geological and geomorphological structures, terrain altering during the summer season, and acceptable tourist flow were investigated.The results show the current development would be acceptable in the case of limited off-trail movement. It therefore seems appropriate to review the trail allocation and marking, and to focus on environmental education rather than on limiting tourist visits.
Suffix Stripping Problem as an Optimization Problem
Authors: Tamta Pawan , Pande B. P. , Dhami H. S. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractStemming or suffix stripping is the problem of removing suffixes from words to get the root word. Word endings can be removed by developing stripping rules dependent on the morphological knowledge of a specific language; obviously such approach cannot flourish in multilingual environment. Statistical approaches survive in multilingual environment but they require significant amount of computing. We define stemming as an
The T
b theorem for inhomogeneous Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces and its application
Authors: Liao Fanghui , Liu Zongguang , Zhang Xiaojin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
In this paper, the T
b theorem of the inhomogeneous Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces associated with a para-accretive function on homogeneous type spaces is established. As an application, we obtain that the Riesz potential can be used as the lifting operator of these spaces.
Dehydration of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) Slices Using Heat Pipe Combined with Impingement Technology
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Yuan Li , Xiao Xuling , Yang Xingbin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This study is designed to investigate drying kinetics, heating characteristics and energy consumption of heat pipe-impingement drying (HID) kiwifruit slices. Subsequently, color and rehydration characteristics of dried kiwifruit slices were also studied. The results showed that Modified Page model and trinomial regression equation provided appropriate fit for drying and heating curves of kiwifruit slices, respectively. In addition, the treatment for increasing drying temperatures and air velocities, and decreasing the distance between jet nozzles and material steel wire mesh box (DJM) was shown to enhance drying productivity. It was also found that low temperature, high air velocity and low DJM contributed to the processing of high-quality dried kiwifruit and the reduction of energy consumption. These results suggest that kiwifruit slices can be dried effectively with HID, and the predictive equations of heat and mass transfer could be applied to industrial design and operational guide for the HID of kiwifruit.
Application of Bat Algorithm to Optimize Scaling Factors of Fuzzy Logic-Based Power System Stabilizer for Multimachine Power System
Authors: Sambariya D. K. , Prasad R. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This article presents the design of optimized fuzzy logic-based power system stabilizer (FPSS) to enhance small signal stability using bat algorithm (BA). The proposed optimization of scaling factors of FPSS is considered with an objective function based on square error minimization to guarantee the stability of nonlinear models of test system using BA. The BA-optimized FPSS (BAFPSS) controller is applied to the standard IEEE ten-machine thirty-nine-bus test power system model in the decentralized manner, and the performance is compared with the robust fuzzy controller. The robustness is tested by considering four different models of the test power system with different fault locations to establish the superiority of the proposed BAFPSS over the FPSS.
Choosing the Right Path: Image Schema Theory as a Foundation for Concept Invention
Authors: Hedblom Maria M. , Kutz Oliver , Neuhaus Fabian 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Image schemas are recognised as a fundamental ingredient in human cognition and creative thought. They have been studied extensively in areas such as cognitive linguistics. With the goal of exploring their potential role in computational creative systems, we here study the viability of the idea to formalise image schemas as a set of interlinked theories. We discuss in particular a selection of image schemas related to the notion of ‘path’, and show how they can be mapped to a formalised family of microtheories reflecting the different aspects of path following. Finally, we illustrate the potential of this approach in the area of concept invention, namely by providing several examples illustrating in detail in what way formalised image schema families support the computational modelling of conceptual blending.
On Mathematical Proving
Authors: Stefaneas Petros , Vandoulakis Ioannis M. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper outlines a logical representation of certain aspects of the process of mathematical proving that are important from the point of view of Artificial Intelligence. Our starting-point is the concept of proof-event or proving, introduced by Goguen, instead of the traditional concept of mathematical proof. The reason behind this choice is that in contrast to the traditional static concept of mathematical proof, proof-events are understood as processes, which enables their use in Artificial Intelligence in such contexts, in which problem-solving procedures and strategies are studied.
We represent proof-events as problem-centered spatio-temporal processes by means of the language of the calculus of events, which captures adequately certain temporal aspects of proof-events (i.e. that they have history and form sequences of proof-events evolving in time). Further, we suggest a “loose” semantics for the proof-events, by means of Kolmogorov’s calculus of problems. Finally, we expose the intented interpretations for our logical model from the fields of automated theorem-proving and Web-based collective proving.
Mapping tori of free group automorphisms, and the Bieri–Neumann–Strebel invariant of graphs of groups
Authors: Cashen Christopher H. , Levitt Gilbert 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Let G be the mapping torus of a polynomially growing automorphism of a finitely generated free group. We determine which epimorphisms from G to ℤ have finitely generated kernel, and we compute the rank of the kernel. We thus describe all possible ways of expressing G as the mapping torus of a free group automorphism. This is similar to the case for
3-manifold groups, and different from the case of mapping tori of
exponentially growing free group automorphisms.
The proof uses a hierarchical decomposition of G and requires determining the Bieri–Neumann–Strebel invariant of the fundamental group of certain graphs of groups.
Using Auxiliary Sample Frame Information for Optimum Sampling of Rare Populations
Authors: Barron Martin , Davern Michael , Montgomery Robert , Tao Xian , Wolter Kirk M. , Zeng Wei , Dorell Christina , Black Carla 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
We investigate disproportionate stratified sampling as a possibly efficient method of surveying members of a rare domain in circumstances in which there is no acceptable list of members. In this work, we assume that information is available at the sampling stage to stratify the general-population sampling frame into high- and low-density strata. Under a fixed constraint on the variance of the estimator of the domain mean, we make the optimum allocation of sample size to the several strata and show that, in comparison to proportional allocation, the optimum allocation requires (a) a smaller total sample size but (b) a larger number of interviews of members of the rare domain. We illustrate the methods using information about American consumers maintained by market-research companies. Such companies are able to develop lists of households that are thought to have a defined attribute of interest, such as at least one resident in a user-specified age range. The lists are imperfect, with false positives and negatives. We apply an age-targeted list to the National Immunization Survey (NIS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which targets the relatively rare population of children age 19–35 months. The age-targeted list comprises the high-density stratum and the rest of the survey’s sampling frame comprises the low-density stratum. Given the optimum allocation, we demonstrate potential cost savings for the NIS in excess of ten percent.
First Impressions of Telephone Survey Interviewers
Authors: Broome Jessica 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Survey nonresponse may increase the chances of nonresponse error, and different interviewers contribute differentially to nonresponse. This article first addresses the relationship between initial impressions of interviewers in survey introductions and the outcome of these introductions, and then contrasts this relationship with current viewpoints and practices in telephone interviewing. The first study described here exposed judges to excerpts of interviewer speech from actual survey introductions and asked them to rate twelve characteristics of the interviewer. Impressions of positive traits such as friendliness and confidence had no association with the actual outcome of the call, while higher ratings of “scriptedness” predicted lower participation likelihood. At the same time, a second study among individuals responsible for training telephone interviewers found that when training interviewers, sounding natural or unscripted during a survey introduction is not emphasized. This article concludes with recommendations for practice and further research.
Discovery of the elements with atomic numbers Z = 113, 115 and 117 (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Karol Paul J. , Barber Robert C. , Sherrill Bradley M. , Vardaci Emanuele , Yamazaki Toshimitsu 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The fourth IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party (JWP) on the priority of claims to the discovery of new elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 has reviewed the relevant literature pertaining to several claims. In accordance with the Criteria for the discovery of elements previously established by the 1991 IUPAC/IUPAP Transfermium Working Group (TWG), and reinforced in subsequent IUPAC/IUPAP JWP discussions, it was determined that the RIKEN collaboration has fulfilled those Criteria for element Z=113. The Dubna–Livermore–Oak Ridge collaborations claims for 115 and 117 are also in compliance. The discussion of element Z=118 will appear in a subsequent report. A synopsis of experiments and related efforts is presented along with some commentary guiding future applications of the Criteria.
Cysteine-containing peptides are produced by sequential clipping, but not released, from lupin 11S storage globulin during early germination
Authors: Capraro Jessica , Galanti Elisabetta , Marengo Mauro , Duranti Marcello , Scarafoni Alessio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe digestion of the seed storage proteins is a finely regulated process operated by several proteases whose action is influenced by the exposure of specific regions, which became progressively available upon their action. We focused our study on the initial stages of germination, where more subtle modifications to the storage proteins are expected. Small-size peptides containing cysteine residues and other possible metalbinding regions are de facto produced but are not released from the “parental” protein since they remain bound trough disulphide bridges. The meaning of these findings is discussed.
Trust in Political Institutions: The Effect of Corruption, Electoral Winners, and the Post-Communist Legacy1
Authors: Baboš Pavol 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Trust in political institutions is an important issue in contemporary democracies, as it contributes to democratic regimes’ legitimacy and sustainability. This paper investigates what effects corruption, political allegiance, and the post-communist history of a country have on political trust. Political trust is measured as trust towards parliament, political parties, and politicians. Both individual-and country-level factors are included in the analytical model in order to account for the personal and contextual characteristics that might shape political trust. This research employs the multilevel modelling for empirical analysis. The results show that the winner effect and corruption perception impact are relatively strongly affecting political trust. Surprisingly, the post-communist history of a country seems to play no significant role in driving political trust. The concluding part links the findings of this study back to the theory and draws several implications not only for the future research but also the real world of policies and politics.