bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sitkówka sewage treatment plant on the Bobrza River water quality
Authors: Kanownik Włodzimierz , Policht-Latawiec Agnieszka , Gajda Anna 
Published: November 2017

Abstract The paper presents an analysis of 20 physicochemical elements in the Bobrza River water sampled above and below the treated sewage discharge point. Sitkówka mechanical and biological sewage treatment plant with a value of 289 000 People Equivalent discharges on average 51 000 m3 of treated sewage daily, which makes up 29% of mean daily flow in the Bobrza River. On the basis of hydrochemical analyses it was stated that the discharge of treated sewage led to worsening of 18 out of 20 studied water quality indices in the Bobrza River. In the river water below the sewage discharge statistically significantly higher values of electrolytic conductivity, dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium were registered. A decrease in dissolved oxygen content in the water and increase in its electrolytic conductivity caused a change of water quality class in the Bobrza River from the maximum potential to potential below good. On the other hand, increase in concentrations of dissolved solids and sulphates caused a change of the water class from the maximum potential to good potential. Statistical factor analysis (FA) made possible a reduction of a set of 20 physicochemical elements to four mutually orthogonal factors explaining 95% (above the treatment plant) and 96% (below the treatment plant) of the internal structure of primary data. The first factor is connected with point source pollution (sewage discharge), the second describes oxygen conditions in water, the third results from seasonality and is responsible for the pollutants from natural sources, whereas the fourth factor has not been unanimously defined yet.
Comparison between different models for rheological characterization of sludge from settling tank
Authors: Malczewska Beata , Biczyński Adrian 
Published: November 2017

Abstract The municipal sludge characterized non-Newtonian behaviour, therefore the viscosity of the sewage sludge is not a constant value. The laboratory investigation was made using coaxial cylinder with rotating torque and gravimetric concentration of the investigated sludge ranged from 4.40% to 2.09%. This paper presents the investigation on the effect of concentration of rheological sludge behaviour. The three different rheological models: Bingham (plastic model), Ostwald-de Waele (power-law), Hershel-Bulkley’s were calculated by fitting the experimental data of shear stress as a function of shear rate to these models. In this study, the 3-parameter Herschel- Bulkley’s model fits the experimental data best.
Dynamic simulation for wastewater treatment plants management: Case of Souk-Ahras region, north-eastern Algeria
Authors: Sabri Dairi , Yassine Djebbar , Yahia Hammar , Dounia Mrad 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTreatment performances of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), located in North-Eastern Algeria (Souk-Ahras and Sedrata) were tested using ASM1 model. The model, to be considered as a decision tool for the appropriate management of activated sludge systems, served for the prediction of both WWTP behaviours under different operating conditions. In Sedrata WWTP the first management scenarios is based on an increase of inflow rate, taking into account a new transfer volume from a nearby zone. In a second scenerio, the ultimate flow of 40 000 m3·d-1 is estimated. Regarding Souk-Ahras WWTP, three scenarios were tested. The first tested the impact of an increase of the extraction flow rate and yielded a reduction by 37% of sludge production. The second dealt with the management of the mass budget of substrata and biomass. Finally, the third application was devoted to the estimation of the plant ultimate capacity, estimated to be 60 000 m3·d-1.
The technical aspects of using timber in the construction of forest roads
Authors: Trzciński Grzegorz , Kozakiewicz Paweł , Selwakowski Rafał 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study is on the ecological aspects and interest of the State Forest National Forests Holding (SF) units in reinforcing the ground subgrade by using timber raft construction and brushwood mattresses in forest road construction. The aim of the study was to analyse the technical parameters of forest roads made on a ground subgrade reinforced with timber raft construction and brushwood mattresses. As part of the research, the scope of SF units’ application of technological solutions and the parameters of existing forest district roads made on a timber substructure were determined. A road with reference sections using different variants of subgrade reinforced with timbers logs (oak, pine) and brushwood mattresses were studied. The technical parameters of features ensuring usability, such as, among others, the bearing capacity of the pavement, were selected for the analysis. The ability of the tested pavements to support vehicle axle loads was determined based on the deflection of the surface as well as the primary (MEI) and secondary (MEII) deformation modulus with a calculated deformation indicator (I0). The deformation modulus ME of the pavement and road subgrade were determined using a VSS plate with a diameter of 300 mm. It indicated a large range of results of secondary deformation of surfaces using timber raft construction (107-204 MN·m-2) and brushwood mattresses (26-58 MN·m-2), which are dependent mainly on the diameter of the logs used, their arrangement and the road fill used.
Hydrochemical study of Drean–Annaba aquifer system (NE Algeria)
Authors: Sayad Lamine , Djabri Larbi , Bouhsina Saad , Bertrand Catherine , Hani Azzedine , Chaffai Hicham 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Water quality is subject to frequent changes in the Drean-Annaba alluvium aquifer. Water-rock interaction can not be the only process that produces the observed modification, but dryness that the country knew during the last two decades has highly contributed to the water quality changes. During this period, irregularities in the distribution of rainfalls, in time and space, have been observed. As a result, a periodicity in hydrochemical changes in water of wells and rivers is noticed. Statistical, the principals components analysis (PCA) tools and Tickel diagram have been used to show, through chemical presentation, these effects. The results show, indeed, seasonal changes of water quality for the period 1999-2000. From a cationic point of view, a competition between alkaline and alkaline earths is shown. On the other hand, from an anionic point of view, there is a transition from chlorides to sulphates and may be to bicarbonates. The present work was carried out in a relatively small area and this was useful to show the relationship that existed between dryness and water quality of both the aquifer system and surface water.
Labor and Democracy: The Homo Faber and The Self-Governing Citizen in Ancient Greece
Authors: Wang Donni 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Is there a way of performing labor and doing work – a central activity that has so far occupied humans – that aligns with or even amplifies the core dynamics of a democratic society? This article answers in the affirmative by introducing a model of labor named homo faber based on a group of highly influential texts from ancient Greece, the birth place of the world’s first democracy. This ancient Greek ideal of homo faber conceives human nature as desirous of imparting meaning through modifying the natural surroundings. A combination of conditions is imperative for materializing this paradigm: full control and mastery over one’s work, absence of compulsion and scarcity, group solidarity and individual pride, and direct and free interaction with the public, among others. The homo faber is essential to the Greek democratic vision because it mirrors aspects of the ideal citizenry that takes matter into its own hands: both roles flourish through egalitarian, horizontal, and mutually satisfying exchange that is free of covetousness and coercion. However, the historical reality of Classical Greece at the height of its civilization in the fifth and fourth centuries is a bitter lesson: the homo faber model began to wither amidst the rise of slavery, rentierism, and imperialism. While these betrayals severely marred the legacy of ancient Greece, the aspirations of homo faber nevertheless help us deliberate what kind of configuration of work and what sort of considerations for workers best serve democratic goals.
The geography of urban agriculture: New trends and challenges
Authors: Duží Barbora , Frantál Bohumil , Simon Rojo Marian 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In the article, which is a theoretical and conceptual introduction for the Special Issue of Moravian Geographical Reports on ‘New trends and challenges of urban agriculture in the context of Europe’, the authors resume and review diverging issues of urban agriculture, exploring and discussing them from a geographical perspective and in a wider context of the transformation of urban and rural spaces, urban regeneration and renewal, agricultural restructuring, multifunctionality, ecosystem services, land-use conflicts and social responsibility. After the introduction that depicts a changing role of agriculture in the context of urban and rural transformations, the current research on urban agriculture in Europe is summarised and reviewed. Then the main trends and concepts of growing and expanding urban agriculture are presented and discussed with a special emphasis on the challenges these pose to geographers.
Relative dielectric constants and selectivity ratios in open ionic channels
Authors: Eisenberg Bob , Liu Weishi 
Published: November 2017

Abstract We investigate the effects of the relative dielectric coefficient on ionic flows in open ion channels, using mathematical analysis of reasonably general Poisson-Nernst-Planck type models that can include the finite sizes of ions. The value of the relative dielectric coefficient is of course a crucial parameter for ionic behavior in general. Using the powerful theory of singularly perturbed problems in applied mathematics, we show that some properties of open channels are quite insensitive to variation in the relative dielectric coefficient, thereby explaining such effects seen unexpectedly in simulations. The ratio between the total number of one ion species and that of another ion species, and the ratio between the flux of one ion species and that of another ion species do not depend significantly on the relative dielectric coefficient.
Thrombophilia in Pathological Pregnancies
Authors: Angelovski Jani 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Introduction. Many situations in pregnancy create a thrombophilia, which is believed to have a protective function, which is the result of the hormone influence, primarily by gestagenic hormones. This is a physiological condition and it helps in successful implantation of the embryo and prevention of bleeding. The presence of additional, hereditary or acquired cause of thrombophilia disrupts the natural balance and creates conditions for venous thromboembolism and consequences for pregnancy, such as miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, delayed intrauterine growth, eclampsia and abruption of the placenta.
Methods. The study was designed as a retrospective epidemiological cross-sectional study and was conducted at the Institute of Transfusion Medicine in Skopje in the period from June to October 2016. The study included patients with current pathological pregnancies. The following laboratory analyses were conducted in all patients: hemostasis, D-dimer, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, MTHFR, factor V Leiden and prothrombin mutation.
Results. The study included 41 patients, of whom 3 were excluded due to an insufficient medical history, 3 who were receiving corticosteroid therapy, 2 due to incomplete laboratory analyses and one patient with proven systemic lupus. Data analysis showed that family history of thrombophilia was present in 25%. The most common MTHFR mutation was recorded in 26 (82%) patients, followed by the factor V mutation present in 18 (55%) of the examined patients.
AT III deficiency was detected in only one patient (2%). In 12 patients (35%) a disturbed ratio of DD vs. markedly shortened APTT or inappropriately low levels of DD was registered, which is an indirect indicatorof hypofibrinolysis.
Conclusion. Pathologic pregnancy is a condition that is often associated with thrombophilia. Advanced age of a patient, family and personal history of thrombotic conditions indicate a high risk of complications in pregnancy. Due to the current increased frequency of high risk pregnancies associated with circulation problems with the placenta, there is a need for more frequent hemostatic examinations in pregnancy.
Legitimate Expectations in the Realm of Law – Mutual Recognition, Justice as a Virtue and the Legitimacy of Expectations
Authors: Arnold Stefan 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This essay argues that one structural feature of the law is its working as an expectations machinery that generates and protects legitimate expectations at the same time. The vindication of expectations becomes apparent when we focus on the ex post-dimension of legal norms. In their ex post-dimension, legal norms vindicate legitimate expectations, in their ex ante-dimension, they generate them. This paper identifies three categories of expectations: Mere hopes, legitimate expectations and vindicated (legitimate) expectations. In the practice of legal discourse, this categorisation is of crucial importance and decisive for our legal rights. This will be illustrated with examples concerning contract and property. The essay further shows that the classification of expectations faces an uncertainty problem. Building on Brandom, the essay argues that the rationality of the law’s classification of expectations can be ensured through the practice of legal discourse. Brandom’s theory of mutual recognition as a normative social structure must be supplemented by justice as a virtue (JAV), however. It will be argued that JAV strengthens the mutual recognition of the players of the law in their permanent reconstruction of legal content. JAV must be included in legal discourse to ensure the rationality of the law’s quest for the classification of expectations.
Complexity in Egophoric Marking: From Agents to Attitude Holders
Authors: Bergqvist Henrik , Knuchel Dominique 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe present paper considers attested variation found in egophoric marking systems in order to discuss the role of such variation for the defining features of egophoric marking viz. a speech-act participant's epistemic authority subject to his/her involvement in an event. Austin Hale's (1980) pioneering description of egophoric marking in Kathmandu Newar (called "conjunct/disjunct" by Hale) has largely shaped our conception of what such systems look like, but in recent years, research on comparable systems has revealed that egophoric marking systems vary with respect to every purportedly defining feature of such systems. The one remaining variable that appears constant is the epistemic authority of the speech-act participants. When attempting to analyze and compare egophoric marking, one should consider all relevant cross-linguistic variation in order to determine what features are defeasible, and which ones are not. In this paper we explore the range of participant-roles that can be associated with egophoric marking focusing on "secondary" egophoric markers that map onto undergoers, affected participants, and the attitudes of the speech-act participants. It will become clear that these less prototypical instances of egophoric marking bridge such systems to a seemingly unrelated grammatical constructions, known as "ethical datives".
Valorisation of chitinous biomass for antimicrobial applications
Authors: Jardine Anwar , Sayed Shakeela 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The chitin and chitosan market worldwide has shown tremendous growth, propelled by the expansion in the application domain. The market volume is projected to be more than 155 thousand metric tons by the year 2022. The global market for chitin and chitosan derivatives is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2021 up from $2.0 billion in 2016 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4%, from 2016 to 2021. Among chitin derivatives, chitosan is projected to offer the highest growth potential. The demand for a reliable source of high quality chitosan is rapidly increasing as new value added products enter the market. At the same time the growth of value added chitosan based products are limited by the availability of a sustainable supply chain. Antimicrobial properties are of special interest in the packaging, cosmetic, food and biomedical sector. Most of the latter applications warrants high-volume and low cost materials. However, the process chemistry for bulk chitosan manufacturing is currently not very environmentally friendly. Green technologies for chitosan modification have increased in recent years and now face the challenge of economic viability. In this review the status of antimicrobial chitosan derivatives will be reported with a critical review of the chemical technologies that would mitigate the commercialisation of these biopolymers in the antimicrobial biopolymer market sector. The amount of publications per annum has increased exponentially and the lack of global standardised antimicrobial test protocols make it rather challenging to properly evaluate the relative efficacy of these polymers.
The “homemade” HIPEC machine – a cost-effective alternative in low-resource countries
Authors: Bhatt Aditi , Prabhu Robin , Sethna Kayomarz , Tharayil Sajin , Kumar Madhan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundHIPEC using custom-made machines (CMM) remains unaffordable for many patients in low-income countries. We describe the assembly and use homemade HIPEC machine (HMM) as a cost-effective alternative.MethodsWe evaluated the cost of setting up the HMM, maintenance, expenses per procedure as well as technical aspects including target temperature and flow rate, safety aspects, technical failures and the technical support required. The comparison with CMM was based on the manufacturer information and published reports and not on personal experience.ResultsForm 2011 to 2017, we performed HIPEC (Coliseum technique) in 81 patients using HMM. HMM was a cardiopulmonary bypass machine available in our institution, with an additional water bath. Flow rate was 2 L/min and target temperature between 41 and 43 °C could be achieved in all cases. There were no technical failures and there was no safety issue recorded. Routine maintenance was provided yearly by an in-house technician. Chemotherapy costs (between 20 and 500 USD) were independent from the devices used. Cost of consumables was 450 USD/procedure, as compared to 1800 to 3500 USD/procedure for commercially available products. Investment cost for CMM is between 70,000 and 1,35,000 USD.ConclusionsThe HMM is a cost-effective option allowing access to HIPEC to patients in low-resource countries without loss of efficacy or additional safety concerns. The initial cost and cost per procedure were substantially less for HMM while the maintenance of both systems was similar in terms of complexity and cost. The CMM are more user-friendly and require less technical support.
Environmental microbiology
Authors: Briški Felicita , Vuković Domanovac Marija 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
For most people, microorganisms are out of sight and therefore out of mind but they are large, extremely diverse group of organisms, they are everywhere and are the dominant form of life on planet Earth. Almost every surface is colonized by microorganisms, including our skin; however most of them are harmless to humans. Some microorganisms can live in boiling hot springs, whereas others form microbial communities in frozen sea ice. Among their many roles, microorganisms are necessary for biogeochemical cycling, soil fertility, decomposition of dead plants and animals and biodegradation of many complex organic compounds present in the environment. Environmental microbiology is concerned with the study of microorganisms in the soil, water and air and their application in bioremediation to reduce environmental pollution through the biological degradation of pollutants into non-toxic or less toxic substances. Field of environmental microbiology also covers the topics such as microbially induced biocorrosion, biodeterioration of constructing materials and microbiological quality of outdoor and indoor air.
The Vehicles Traffic Flow Optimization in an Urban Transportation System by Using Simulation Modeling
Authors: Coman Marin-Marian , Badea Dorel 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The urban transportation system is characterized by the urban roads development and growth of road traffic, which leads, most of the time, to a series of congestions in the vehicles traffic. Consequently, due to a high time duration spent on the road traffic, the travel time from a location to another one could be very upsetting for any car drivers, or embarrassing for emergency services and vehicle convoys that carry goods or sensitive items. Those are mainly reasons for using simulation modeling to analyze and optimize the travel time of the road traffic actors in the an urban transportation system. This paper focuses on optimization vehicles flow in a crowded area of Sibiu city, by using agent-based modeling concept and AnyLogic simulation modeling software.
Impact on radiation dose and volume V57 Gy of the brain on recurrence and survival of patients with glioblastoma multiformae
Authors: Stojkovski Igor , Krstevska Valentina , Smichkoska Snezhana 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to analyze impact of irradiated brain volume V57 Gy (volume receiving 57 Gy and more) on time to progression and survival of patients with glioblastoma.Patients and methodsDosimetric analysis of treatment plan data has been performed on 70 patients with glioblastoma, treated with postoperative radiochemotherapy with temozolomide, followed by adjuvant temozolomide. Patients were treated with 2 different methods of definition of treatment volumes and prescription of radiation dose. First group of patients has been treated with one treatment volume receiving 60 Gy in 2 Gy daily fraction (31 patients) and second group of the patients has been treated with “cone-down” technique, which consisted of two phases of treatment: the first phase of 46 Gy in 2 Gy fraction followed by “cone-down” boost of 14 Gy in 2 Gy fraction (39 patients). Quantification of V57 Gy and ratio brain volume/V57Gy has been done. Average values of both parameters have been taken as a threshold value and patients have been split into 2 groups for each parameter (values smaller/ lager than threshold value).ResultsMean value for V57 Gy was 593.39 cm3(range 166.94 to 968.60 cm3), mean value of brain volume has was 1332.86 cm3(range 1047.00 to 1671.90 cm3) and mean value of brain-to-V57Gy ratio was 2.46 (range 1.42 to 7.67). There was no significant difference between two groups for both V57 Gy and ratio between brain volume and V57 Gy.ConclusionsIrradiated volume with dose 57 Gy or more (V57 Gy) and ration between whole brain volume and 57 Gy had no impact on time to progression and survival of patients with glioblastoma.