bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of Solid Fuel by Torrefaction Using Coconut Leaves As Renewable Biomass
Authors: Pestaño Lola Domnina Bote , Jose Wilfredo I. 
Published: December 2016

The reserves of non-renewable energy sources such as coal, crude oil and natural gas are not limitless, they gradually get exhausted and their price continually increases. In the last four decades, researchers have been focusing on alternate fuel resources to meet the ever increasing energy demand and to avoid dependence on crude oil. Amongst different sources of renewable energy, biomass residues hold special promise due to their inherent capability to store solar energy and amenability to subsequent conversion to convenient solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. At present, among the coconut farm wastes such as husks, shell, coir dust and coconut leaves, the latter is considered the most grossly under-utilized by in situ burning in the coconut farm as means of disposal. In order to utilize dried coconut leaves and to improve its biomass properties, this research attempts to produce solid fuel by torrefaction using dried coconut leaves for use as alternative source of energy. Torrefaction is a thermal method for the conversion of biomass operating in the low temperature range of 200oC-300oC under atmospheric conditions in absence of oxygen. Dried coconut leaves were torrefied at different feedstock conditions. The key torrefaction products were collected and analyzed. Physical and combustion characteristics of both torrefied and untorrefied biomass were investigated. Torrefaction of dried coconut leaves significantly improved the heating value compared to that of the untreated biomass. Proximate compositions of the torrefied biomass also improved and were comparable to coal. The distribution of the products of torrefaction depends highly on the process conditions such as torrefaction temperature and residence time. Physical and combustion characteristics of torrefied biomass were superior making it more suitable for fuel applications.Article History: Received June 24th 2016; Received in revised form August 16th 2016; Accepted 27th 2016; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Pestaño, L.D.B. and Jose, W.I. (2016) Production of Solid Fuel by Torrefaction Using Coconut Leaves As Renewable Biomass. Int. Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 5(3), 187-197.http://dx.doi.org/10.14710/ijred.5.3.187-197
A Novel Global MPP Tracking of Photovoltaic System based on Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Cherukuri Santhan , Rao Rayapudi Srinivasa 
Published: December 2016

To harvest maximum amount of solar energy and to attain higher efficiency, photovoltaic generation (PVG) systems are to be operated at their maximum power point (MPP) under both variable climatic and partial shaded condition (PSC). From literature most of conventional MPP tracking (MPPT) methods are able to guarantee MPP successfully under uniform shading condition but fails to get global MPP as they may trap at local MPP under PSC, which adversely deteriorates the efficiency of Photovoltaic Generation (PVG) system. In this paper a novel MPPT based on Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is proposed to analyze analytic modeling of PV system considering both series and shunt resistances for MPP tracking under PSC. The proposed algorithm is tested on 6S, 3S2P and 2S3P Photovoltaic array configurations for different shading patterns and results are presented. To compare the performance, GWO and PSO MPPT algorithms are also simulated and results are also presented. From the results it is noticed that proposed MPPT method is superior to other MPPT methods with reference to accuracy and tracking speed.Article History: Received July 23rd 2016; Received in revised form September 15th 2016; Accepted October 1st 2016; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Kumar, C.H.S and Rao, R.S. (2016) A Novel Global MPP Tracking of Photovoltaic System based on Whale Optimization Algorithm. Int. Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 5(3), 225-232.http://dx.doi.org/10.14710/ijred.5.3.225-232
Cost Estimate Reduction Using Analogue Building Materials
Authors: Platace Laura , Gusta Sandra 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
One of the most important parameters that is currently used in public and private procurement in building process is the lowest price. The legislation of Latvia permits that an estimate forming process does not include criterions of quality, durability, and the potential high cost of maintaining the building during the exploitation time. That allows the constructor to reduce the cost estimate by using cheaper construction product or technology and does not let to provide the highest possible quality and the basic principle of sustainable construction. One of possible construction cost reduction solutions is the replacement of building material with equal building material, at the same time assessing the quality and replacement impact on the direct costs of estimate. The tasks of the research are: (1) to do literature review on what is an estimate, what an estimate includes and the basis of estimate; (2) to analyse the existing construction estimate, to evaluate the used construction materials and to study technical characteristics of materials, to explore a specific construction junction; (3) to replace the selected construction materials with analogous, thus reducing the direct costs of estimate; (4) to evaluate the affect of the price of the construction material on quality; (5) to compare the obtained cost estimate with the current cost estimate; (6) to implement laboratory research and to compare technical characteristics of the construction materials and analogue materials in order to check if they are the performing parameters that are defined in the declaration of performance. After comparing of the obtained direct costs of construction and analysing the quality of construction materials it is possible to provide the most appropriate offer of the direct costs of estimate to satisfy the customer’s interests.
The Environmental and Economic Substantiation of Investments in Green Buildings
Authors: Kauškale Linda , Riemenschneider Frank 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Investment tendencies in a country and particular region in general have a crucial role in the creation of the sustainable environment of the city, spatial planning and land use management. Green construction has great potential for investing and can provide variety of benefits for sustainable longterm development of the country. The aim of the research is to analyse the environmental and economical substantiation of investments in green buildings, with particular focus on the experience of Germany. The researchers used logical, inductive, quantitative and statistical analysis logical methods, analysis of scientific literature as well as comparative analysis. Lack of information is a peculiarity of real estate market, and especially affects the activities in green building construction, that also shows the necessity of developing economic and environmental criteria for substantiation of the decision-making process. Future research directions have been identified as well.
Social Partner Involvement in Latvia Special Economic Zones
Authors: Gulbis Ivo , Geipele Sanda 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
With increasing global competitiveness, countries must have instruments to attract and keep businesses. One way involves attracting a core of foreign investors with the help of special economic zones (SEZs) and integrating them in local economy, causing industrial clustering. The aim of this research is to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive analysis of clustering potential in Latvia via its special economic zones. The empirical research relied on survey results conducted among 27 business associations with the combined member count of over one thousand businesses, operating in 12 broad fields. Initial results gathered from the 24 organizations that responded to the interview questions show that there is a very low degree of involvement in the SEZ by various social partners. This shows that something has gone awry in the way SEZ operate in Latvia and has led to a lot of missed opportunities from both sides.
Differentiation of Five Species ofMegachile(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), based on Wing Shape
Authors: Falamarzi Shahram , Habibpour Behzad , Mossadegh Mohammad S. , Monfared Alireza 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn the present work we used landmark-based geometric morphometrics to compare the wing shapes of five species ofMegachile(belonging to three subgenera) to confirm whether this technique may be used reliably for differentiation of this group. Analyses of wing shape by the use of principal component analysis (PCA), and canonical variate analysis (CVA) led to a clear differentiation among species. We found a close phenotypic similarity in wing shape betweenM. albisecta(belonging to the subgenus Creightonella) andM. picicornis(belonging to the subgenus Eutricharaea). According to the results of UPGMA, a higher degree of divergence betweenM. farinosa(belonging to the subgenus Pseudomegachile) and species belonging to other subgenera, was detected. The results of a cross-validation test indicated that geometric morphometrics is an effective technique to use for distinguishing betweenMegachilespecies. The reliability rate of this technique was between 85.71-100%. Using only two submarginal cell landmarks for generating shape variables, the cross-validation test correctly assigned individuals to their respective species, with a 92.85-100% reliability rate. Significant differences in wing size were obtained among the analysed species.
The Relationship of Weight and Ovarian Development in Bombus terrestris L. Workers under Different Social Conditions
Authors: Gosterit Ayhan , Koskan Ozgur , Gurel Fehmi 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Egg-laying behaviour of bumblebee workers is highly flexible and influenced by the bees’ social status and social environment. In this study, the dependence of the starting time of ovarian development in Bombus terrestris workers was determined under four different social conditions. The purpose was to test the effect of group stimulation and the presence of a queen on ovarian development. The relationship between weight and the commencement of ovarian development in workers was also investigated. We created four test groups: (1) 8 callow workers with a queen, (2) 8 callow workers without a queen, (3) 1 callow worker with a queen, and (4) 1 callow worker without a queen. Mated and hibernated (freshly awoken) B. terrestris queens made up Group 1 and 3. There was no significant difference between the starting times of ovarian development in the experimental groups composed of 8 callow workers in queenright (9.81 ± 2.44 days) and queenless (9.53 ± 2.53 days) conditions. However, ovaries of workers confined singly with a queen started to develop significantly earlier (11.77 ± 3.30 days) than workers confined singly without a queen (14.70 ± 3.56 days). The observations indicate that the presence of a queen does not inhibit the ovarian development of workers. The Point-Biserial Correlation Coefficient between the starting of ovarian development in workers and their weight was −0.013. However, there was a positive correlation between the weight and the ovarian developmental status of workers in groups containing 8 workers.
Management of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella with Neem Azal- T/S, in the Laboratory and under Semi-Field Conditions
Authors: Elbehery Huda , El-Wahab Tarek Essa Abd , Dimetry Nadia Zakri 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Different concentrations of Neem Azal-T/S were used in an artificial diet, to study the mortality of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. A Neem formulation and different ages of natural beeswax combs were used for the effective management of the wax moth. While the diet was being prepared, Neem Azal-T/S was directly added ensure that the Neem formulation was distributed evenly in the diet at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4%. The obtained results showed that the different concentrations of Neem Azal-T/S mixed in the prepared artificial diet had a significant efficacy against the tested 2nd instar larvae. An outstanding elongation of the 2nd larval instar was clear in comparison with the control, even at the least tested concentration (0.25%). Neem Azal-T/S at 4, 2,1, and 0.5% caused 100% mortality for all tested larvae. When using a 4% concentration, all the tested larvae died in the 2nd instar. However, when using a 2% concentration, the larvae died in the fifth instar. When using a decreased concentration of 1.0 and 0.5%, some of the larvae were tolerant and lived till the 6th instar. Feeding the larvae on beeswax combs treated with 2% Neem Azal-T/S, caused 100% mortality when fed on very old wax. When the diet was old wax treated with 2% Neem Azal-T/S, a 91% mortality was recorded. When the diet was new wax treated with 2% Neem Azal-T/S, a 90% mortality was recorded. A 4% Neem formulation caused mortality for all larvae during the first week of treatment on the different tested ages of beeswax combs.
Amino Acid and Vitamin Content of Propolis Collected by Native Caucasican Honeybees
Authors: Eroglu Nazife , Akkus Senem , Yaman Mustafa , Asci Baris , Silici Sibel 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The polyphenol content of propolis has received a lot of attention due to the benign biological properties noted in the chemical composition studies. However, there are very limited studies about other chemical components found in trace amounts in nature which contribute to the therapeutic properties of propolis. The present study, therefore, investigated the amino acid and vitamin composition of propolis. Propolis harvested by 60 colonies of Apis mellifera caucasica belonged to local non-migratory beekeepers. The A. m. caucasica is known for its distinctive propolis collecting capability which native to the secluded Ardahan Province of Turkey. Vitamin (Thiamine, Riboflavin) combinations of propolis were determined using the HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) fluorescent detector. An amino acid analysis was also performed with the UFLC (Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography) system consisting of binary pump and UV/VIS. Our findings record that the vitamin and amino acid content of propolis samples collected from three areas of different altitudes in the same region differed from each other. Vitamin B1 content and Vitamin B2 content ranged between 0.025-0.16 mg/100g, and 0.304-0.777mg/100g, respectively. A maximum amount of amino acid was reported as leucine, while a minimum amount of amino acid was seen as tryptophan in Ardahan propolis. Consequently, the vitamin and amino acid content of propolis, which derived from secondary plant metabolites of resin, varied depending on their geographical altitudes. Those vitamin and amino acids found in the propolis composition are believed to have beneficial therapeutic properties.
Effects of Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen on the Growth of Selected Probiotic Bacteria (Bf. animalis Spp. Lactis, L. acidophilus and L. casei)
Authors: Guldas Metin 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
In this research article, the effects of bee pollen and royal jelly on the selected probiotic bacteria, as growth factors, were investigated. The probiotic cultures were activated in MRS broth at 37°C. Then, bee pollen and royal jelly (10 mg/100 μL, 25 mg/250 μL, 50 mg/500 μL, 75 mg/750 μL, and 100 mg/1000 μL) were added on the probiotic cultures in MRS broth and sampled at 0, 24, and 48 hours of incubation. The medias used for enumeration of the probiotic cultures were RCA (Reinforced Clostridial Agar) for Bf. animalis spp. lactis, MRS (deMann, Rogosa and Sharpe) Agar with D-sorbitol for Lb. acidophilus and MRS-Vancomycine Agar for Lb. casei. The lactic acid production by Lb. acidophilus, Lb. casei, and Bf. animalis spp. lactis, and acetic acid production by Bf. animalis spp. lactis, were determined to compare the bacterial proliferation. The probiotic cultures were mainly affected by the bee pollen and royal jelly during the first 24 hours. The changes observed in the number of probiotic counts between 24 and 48 hours were not significant, statistically (P<0.05). Generally, the probiotic bacterial counts increased parallel to the concentration of bee pollen or royal jelly up to 75mg, and remained unchanged above this concentration. In terms of lactic acid production and bacterial growth, the most significant growth was observed on Lb. acidophilus when bee pollen or royal jelly was added.
Rheological Properties of Some Honeys in Liquefied and Crystallised States
Authors: Bakier Sławomir , Miastkowski Krzysztof , Bakoniuk Jan Robert 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The paper presents the results of rheological measurements conducted on three types of Polish honey: rape, multi-floral, and buckwheat honeys. The investigations involved identification of the properties of the honeys in both liquefied (by heating) as well as crystallised states. Both steady shear as well as dynamic rheological tests were performed. As a result, it was possible to show that the liquefied honeys behave like Newtonian fluids. Good agreement of the results between the rotary shear and oscillation rotary tests was observed, thus fulfilling the Cox-Mertz rule. The structure of the honeys was subjected to qualitative scrutiny by analysing photographs of the crystals taken in the conditions of shearing interferometry. The quantitative analysis was made by presenting a numerical distribution of crystal colonies with reference to the maximum dimensions of individual crystals. The geometric measurements of the crystals were carried out using analiSIS software. In the crystallised form, the media showed a thixotropic effect, and their apparent viscosity was many times higher than the dynamic viscosity in the liquid state. After plasticising by deformation with an increasing shear rate of up to 450s−1, the equilibrium melting curves of the crystallised honeys were described by the Ostwald-de Waele model. One particular reason for the research was to show that the results obtained for the honeys crystallised by the steady shear method, were qualitatively different from the results obtained in the dynamic measurements. The Cox-Mertz rule cannot be applied for the crystallised honeys.
Evaluation of Antimicrosporidian Activity of Plant Extracts onNosema ceranae
Authors: Kim Jeong Hwa , Park Jin Kyu , Lee Jae Kwon 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNosemosis is one of the most common protozoan diseases of adult bees (Apis mellifera). Nosemosis is caused by two species of microsporidia;Nosema apisandNosema ceranae.Nosema ceranaeis potentially more dangerous because it has the ability to infect multiple cell types, and it is now the predominant microsporidian species inA. mellifera. In this study, we identified two anti-nosemosis plants,Aster scaberandArtemisia dubia, which reduced the spore development ofN. ceranaein spore-infected cells. The most important aspect of our results was that our treatment was effective at non-toxic concentrations. Anti-nosemosis activities of both plants were revealed in honey bee experiments. Specifically, a mixed extract of bothA. scaberandA. dubiashowed stronger activity than treatment with each single extract alone. Although the mechanisms of action ofA. scaberandA. dubiaagainstN. ceranaeare still unclear, our results suggest new medicaments and therapeutic methods to controlN. ceranaeinfection.
Floral Diversity of Pollen Collected by Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) – Validation of the Chromatic Assessment Method
Authors: Conti Ida , Medrzycki Piotr , Grillenzoni Francesca V. , Corvucci Francesca , Tosi Simone , Malagnini Valeria , Spinella Martina , Mariotti Mauro G. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Pollen collected from flowers by forager bees is the only natural protein source for the hive. This nutritional compound is fundamental for the nurse bee and brood development, and for the queen activity. Pollen has a strong influence on colony health. It is also known that the pollen quality, in terms of the amino acid profile and total protein content, varies significantly according to the floral origin. For this reason, the palynological diversity assessed in corbicular pollen is a good measure of the quality of the environment the bees live in, in terms of available food.
An international research initiative “C.S.I. Pollen” aims to elaborate a pollen diversity map for all of Europe, carried out by beekeepers. Chromatic assessment of pellet colours will be used as a method. In our study, we wanted to validate this idea, through the comparison between the two methods: chromatic assessment of the diversity of pollen pellet colours and palynological assessment of the real pollen type diversity. In other words, we wanted to verify whether the pellet-colour profile reflects the palynological one.
We found a significant correlation between results obtained from the two methods but some improvements are also proposed in order to increase the determination coefficient and to reduce the differences given by the two answers.
Metrological Aspects of Abrasive Tool Active Surface Topography Evaluation
Authors: Lipiński Dariusz , Kacalak Wojciech 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Analysis of the shape and location of abrasive grain tips as well as their changes during the grinding process, is the basis for forecasting the machining process results. This paper presents a methodology of using the watershed segmentation in identifying abrasive grains on the abrasive tool active surface. Some abrasive grain tips were selected to minimize the errors of detecting many tips on a single abrasive grain. The abrasive grains, singled out as a result of the watershed segmentation, were then analyzed to determine their geometric parameters. Moreover, the statistical parameters describing their locations on the abrasive tool active surface and the parameters characterizing intergranular spaces were determined.
Estimating the Approximation Uncertainty for Digital Materials Subjected to Stress Relaxation Tests
Authors: Adamczak Stanisław , Bochnia Jerzy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe main aim of the study was to determine the goodness of fit between the relaxation function described with a rheological model and the real (experimental) relaxation curves obtained for digital materials fabricated with a Connex 350 printer using the PolyJet additive manufacturing technology. The study involved estimating the uncertainty of approximation of the parameters of the theoretical relaxation curve. The knowledge of digital materials is not yet sufficient; their properties are not so well-known as those of metallic alloys or plastics used as structural materials. Intensive research is thus required to find out more about their behavior in various conditions. From the calculation results, i.e. the uncertainty of approximation of the relaxation function parameters, it is evident that the experimental curves coincide with the curves obtained by means of the solid model when the approximation uncertainty is taken into account. This suggests that the assumed solid model is well-suited to describe a real material.