bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Organic Inputs on Strength and Stability of Soil Aggregates Under Rice-Wheat Rotation
Authors: Das Bappa , Chakraborty Debashis , Singh Vinod K. , Aggarwal Pramila , Singh Ravender , Dwivedi Brahm S. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The study aims to elucidate the impact of organic inputs on strength and structural stability of aggregates in a sandy loam soil. Tensile strength, friability and water stability of aggregates, and the carbon contents in bulk soil and in large macro (>2 mm), small macro (0.25-2 mm), micro (0.053-0.25 mm) and silt+clay size (<0.053) aggregates were evaluated in soils from a long-term experiment with rice-wheat rotation at Modipuram, India, with different sources and amounts of organic C inputs as partial substitution of N fertilizer. Addition of organic substrates significantly improved soil organic C contents, but the type and source of inputs had different impacts. Tensile strength of aggregates decreased and friability increased through organic inputs, with a maximum effect under green gram residue (rice)-farmyard manure (wheat) substitution. Higher macroaggregates in the crop residue- and farmyard manure-treated soils resulted in a higher aggregate mean weight diameter, which also had higher soil organic C contents. The bulk soil organic C had a strong relation with the mean weight diameter of aggregates, but the soil organic C content in all aggregate fractions was not necessarily effective for aggregate stability. The soil organic C content in large macroaggregates (2-8 mm) had a significant positive effect on aggregate stability, although a reverse effect was observed for aggregates <0.25 mm. Partial substitution of nitrogen by organic substrates improved aggregate properties and the soil organic C content in bulk soil and aggregate fractions, although the relative effect varied with the source and amount of the organic inputs.
Thermophysical and Chemical Properties of Perennial Energy Crops Depending on Harvest Period
Authors: Stolarski Mariusz J. , Krzyżaniak Michał , Śnieg Malwina , Słomińska Emilia , Piórkowski Marek , Filipkowski Radosław 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper presents analyses of the thermophysical and chemical properties of eleven perennial crop species harvested in one-year rotation cycles. The crops included four species grown for biomass in the form of straw, five species producing semi-wood biomass, and two species yielding wood biomass. The research comprised three consecutive crop harvests. In each harvesting season, biomass samples for analyses were taken on six dates at one-month intervals. Thermophysical and chemical properties of the biomass were significantly differentiated within the main experimental factors and their interactions. The biomass produced by Virginia mallow had the best quality parameters as solid fuel. In fact, it achieved the lowest water content and the highest lower heating value during all of the analyzed seasons and harvest dates. The biomass of the species yielding straw or semi-wood products attained better quality as solid fuel on later harvest dates. In turn, the quality of willow biomass remained practically unchanged between the harvest dates.
Electrical and Capacitance Diagnostic Techniques as a Support for the Development of Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Mikolášek Miroslav , Nemec Michal , Kováč Jaroslav , Harmatha Ladislav , Minařík Lukáš 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper we present the utilization of capacitance and current-voltage diagnostic techniques to analyse silicon heterojunction solar cell structures properties, particularly focused on the inspection of the amorphous emitter and amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon hetero-interface. The capacitance characterization of investigated samples have revealed the need for improvement of the a-Si:H/c-Si heterointerface quality as a main direction to obtain superior output performance of heterojunction cells. In addition, current-voltage characterization emphasized importance for enhancement of the light management in the structure. The obtained results demonstrate that electrical and capacitance diagnostic techniques can represents important diagnostic tools in the process of optimization of solar cells.
Inductive High Power Transfer Technologies for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Madzharov Nikolay D. , Tonchev Anton T. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Problems associated with ”how to charge the battery pack of the electric vehicle” become more important every passing day. Most logical solution currently is the non-contact method of charge, possessing a number of advantages over standard contact methods for charging. This article focuses on methods for Inductive high power contact-less transfer of energy at relatively small distances, their advantages and disadvantages. Described is a developed Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) system for fast charging of electric vehicles with nominal power of 30 kW over 7 to 9 cm air gap.
Dataset for Creating Pedotransfer Functions to Estimate Organic Liquid Retention of Soils
Authors: Hernádi Hilda , Makó András 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Soil properties characterising pressure-saturation relationships (P-S), such as the fluid retention values or the fitting parameter of retention curves are basic input parameters for simulating the behaviour and transport of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in subsurface. Recent investigations have shown the limited applicability of the commonly used estimation methods for predicting NAPL retention values in environmental practice. Alternatively, building pedotransfer functions (PTFs) based on the easily measurable properties of soils might give more accurate and reliable results for estimating hydraulic propertie s of soils and enable the utilisation of the wide range of data incorporated in Hungarian and international datasets. In spite of the availability of several well-established PTFs to predict the water retention of soils only a limited amount of research has been done concerning the NAPL retention of soils. Thus, in our study, data from our recent NAPL and water retention mea surements were collected into a dataset containing the basic soil properties as well. Relationships between basic soil propert ies and fluid retention of soils with water or an organic liquid (Dunasol 180/220) were investigated with principal component analysis. NAPL retention of soil samples were determined with PTFs, based on basic soil properties and their d erived values, and using a scaling method. Result of the statistical analysis (SPSS 13.1) revealed that using PTFs could be a promising alte rnative and could give more accurate results compared to the scaling method both for determining the NAPL saturation or the volumetric NAPL retention values of soils.
Sediment Dynamics in a Small, 2Nd Order Urban River Awba Catchment, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adediji Aderemi , Fashae Olutoyin A. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The sediment dynamics in a small 2nd order catchment of River Awba in the territory of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria was investigated between January and December 2012. The river was gauged by daily measurements of water level as well as sampling of water for determination of suspended sediment load. In this regard, apart from weekly sample, twelve (12) storm flow events which occurred during the day were sampled for determination of suspended sediment concentration. The results showed that during the storms the suspended sediment concentration varied between 636 mg/l in May and 3641.5 mg/l in September, with a mean of 2136.8 mg/l. Also, the value of monthly suspended sediment yield ranged from 10.85 kg in January to 288.4 kg in October with a mean of 89.5 kg. The variability in monthly sediment load closely followed the trend of monthly rainfall in the study area. However, in order to minimize the storm runoff and sediment load generated from the rainstorms events, the paved surfaces within the study catchment should be grassed with the planting of some few tree species. This could further reduce the rate of floods occurrence.
Environmental Changes in Historical Times Near Apostag on the Danube-Tisza Interfluve, Hungary (A Complex Research Based on Archaeological Excavation and Geomorphological Investigations)
Authors: Nyári Diána , Knipl István , Sipos György , Kiss Tímea 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The sensitive, partly fixed dune areas are good indicators of alteration, since they react rapidly to changing environmental conditions. Due to the climate changes, especially the increased aridity during the Holocene, many blown sand areas became active. Later, humanity had increasing impact of on its environment, thus sand movements occurred due to anthropogenic activities. Aeolian activities were identified not only in the historical times but also a few decades ago, when the moving sand caused significant problems on surfaces becoming bare. The present work will provide good evidence on sand movement in historical times caused by human impact on the environment with the help of OSL dating and archaeological research in the vicinity of the town of Apostag, which is located on the largest blown-sand area of Hungary on the Danube-Tisza Interfluve. The aims of the research were to identify the ethnical groups and their possible activities; to map the geomorphology of the study area; to determine the periods of aeolian activity; to assign the possible types of human activities in connection with climatic changes enabling aeolian activity.
Longitudinal Studies on Traits and Behaviors of Polish Managers
Authors: Mączyński Jerzy , Sułkowski Łukasz , Chmielecki Michał , Zajączkowska Agnieszka 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The main objective of our research was to compare followers evaluation of Polish middle managers in regard to their traits and behaviors, which are essential for leadership effectiveness, in the years of 2008/2009; 2010/2012; 2012 and during 1996/1997 under the GLOBE research project. As was unexpected, our research results indicate the Polish middle managers under our follow-up study scored significantly lower than their counterparts investigated under the GLOBE study in 1996/1997 on Performance Orientation, Team Orientation, Humane Orientation, Integrity, Visionary and Inspirational Leadership Dimensions, and significantly higher on Autocratic Leadership style. Our findings point to the conclusion that profound changes in political anc socioeconomic systems in Poland, have shown little effects so far on managerial values and subsequent attitudes and behaviors. We postulate that deep changes in peoples' mentality are needed to generate beneficial changes in the societal and organizational values and succeeding attitudes and behaviors.
On certain limitations of the globalization discourse in Poland: a cultural studies perspective
Authors: Rek Jan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The assumption that globalization means the relatively free circulation of goods, texts, people, ideas and information on a global scale, as well as the circulation of concepts of globalization and views on it, is the starting point of this essay. Its main aim is to define the salient features of the Polish globalization discourse by comparing it with the analogous discourse in the West, where it was first conceptualized. The conclusions arising from a closer analysis of the Polish discourse are as follows: regardless of whether methodological nationalism is considered a fundamental limitation upon any social science research determining its general priorities, such discourse privileges traditional concepts of nation-state as a mode of sovereignty territorially legitimated and/or state-centrism on a world scale, which rest upon resentments motivated by national memories of an inauspicious past and are of emotional, psychologically enduring character.
Culture and Project Management
Authors: Kuchta Dorota , Sukpen Joseph 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Project management in every situation is based on planning, organizing, motivating and controlling resources for the attainment of certain goals. This essentially means that the success of the management of a project will depend on the results achieved as well as the resources committed in achieving such results. Irrespective of the objectives of a project, one fundamental fact remains significant, that is, the fact that projects are geared towards the improvement of conditions in a particular society. This article is interested not only in the art of project management but also the factors which could influence the success or failure of these projects. In this article, the influence of the culture of the society for which a project is meant will be examined to find out whether it influences the conception and implementation of the project in any way. In this regard some case studies of projects will be studied to find out the extent to which the cultural context of the society played a significant role in particular projects. The other case which will receive attention in this write up will be the significance of culture at each stage of the project. These elements will be discussed paying particular attention to the dimensions of culture proposed by Hofstede and how they influence the project management process. The conclusion of this article will propose an approach to project management which takes into consideration the cultural context in which the project will be realized and the stages of the project management process which should involve more cultural orientation
Conceptual negotiation metaphors across cultures – research findings from Poland, China, The United States and Great Britain
Authors: Chmielecki Michał 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the cultural dimensions of conflict resolution. Books, numerous studies, and courses have offered perspectives on the nature of culture and its complex relationship to the transformation of conflict. This article focuses on metaphors concerning negotiations across cultures. The study attempts to contribute knowledge in the field of cross-cultural studies on language and culture, especially with regards to negotiation metaphors. The article attempts to answer a question how does the usage of metaphors for the process of negotiation differ across cultures
Post-Effort Changes in Activity of Traditional Diagnostic Enzymatic Markers in Football Players’ Blood / Promene U Aktivnostima Tradicionalnih Dijagnostičkih Enzimskih Markera U Krvi Fudbalera Posle Fizičkog Naprezanja
Authors: Chamera Tomasz , Spieszny Michał , Klocek Tomasz , Kostrzewa-Nowak Dorota , Nowak Robert , Lachowicz Milena , Buryta Rafał , Ficek Krzysztof , Eider Jerzy , Moska Waldemar , Cięszczyk Paweł 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Background: Long-term and intensive physical effort causes metabolic and biochemical adaptations for both athletic and non-athletic objectives. Knowing the importance of aerobic training in football players, the aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the activity of: creatinine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CKMB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ahydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), cholinesterase (ChE) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in response to a semi-long distance outdoor run under aerobic conditions among both female and male football players.
Methods: Sixteen participants aged 21.9±2 years (women) and 18.4±0.5 years (men), all of them voluntarily recruited football players, took part in an outdoor run, the women covering a distance of 7.4±0.3 km while men covered a distance of 10.7±1.0 km. Plasma activities of the studied enzymes were determined using an appropriate diagnostic assay kit.
Results: Our results indicate that total LDH activity could be a useful tool in evaluating physical fitness among athletes. We simultaneously established that ChE could not be a marker useful in assessing metabolic response to physical effort in athletes. Moreover, our results suggest that post-effort changes in ALP activity might be used to estimate early symptoms of certain vitamin deficiencies in an athlete’s diet.
Conclusions: We confirmed that the assessment of activity of selected traditional diagnostic enzymatic markers provides information about muscle state after physical effort.
Characterization of Phytoplasmas Related to Aster Yellows Group Infecting Annual Plants in Iran, Based on the Studies of 16S rRNA and RP Genes
Authors: Sichani Fereshteh Vali , Bahar Masoud , Zirak Leila 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Several annual field crops, vegetables, ornamentals, oilseed crops, and weeds showing phytoplasma diseases symptoms were collected to detect phytoplasmas related to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’. The collecting was done in the central regions of Iran. For general detection of phytoplasmas, 16S rRNA gene fragments were amplified using phytoplasma universal primer pair P1/P7 in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by primer pair R16F2n/R16R2 in nested PCR. Then, for finer detection of phytoplasmas related to ‘Ca. P. asteris’, DNA samples were used to extend the rp and tuf gene fragments by PCR using aster yellows group specific primer pairs rp(I)F1A/rp(I)R1A and fTufAy/rTufAy, respectively. Restriction fragment lenght polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of rp gene fragments using digestion with AluI, MseI, and Tsp509I restriction enzymes indicated that aster yellows group related phytoplasmas in these Iranian regions, belong to rpI-B subgroups. Sequence analysis of partial 16S rRNA and rp genes from representative phytoplasma isolates confirmed the RFLP results. This research is the first report of annual plants infected with phytoplasmas related to subgroup rpI-B in Iran.
Pathogenicity of the fungus Lecanicillium longisporum against Sipha maydis and Metopolophium dirhodum in laboratory conditions
Authors: Fadayivata Safoora , Moravvej Gholamhossein , Karimi Javad 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of two cereal aphids, Sipha maydis (Passerini) and Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), to the entomopathogenic fungus, Lecanicillium longisporum (Zimm.) Zare and Gams strain LRC 190, under controlled conditions. The conidial suspension of the fungus was administered using a sprayer on the whole plant over apterous adult aphids. The results indicated that both aphid species were susceptible to L. longisporum and that aphid populations were significantly reduced, compared to the control. Nine days after treatment, the LC50 value of the fungus was obtained as 5.9 × 105 and 3.2 × 106 conidia/ml for S. maydis and M. dirhodum, respectively. The LT50 value of the fungus at a concentration of 108 conidia/ml was obtained as 2.9 and 4.4 days for S. maydis and M. dirhodum, respectively. The results demonstrated that there was a varying susceptibility to the fungus between aphid species. The estimated LC50 and LT50 indicated that L. longisporum was more virulent to S. maydis than to M. dirhodum. The LT50 and R0 decreased as the conidial concentration increased. This is the first study to demonstrate the susceptibility of S. maydis to the entomopathogenic fungi. The present study suggests that L. longisporum has high virulence against the aphids S. maydis and M. dirhodum. Further research with an emphasis on greenhouse and field tests are required, however, before making any decision about using the fungus in a control program
A Model Parameter Extraction Method for Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ozone Chamber using Differential Evolution
Authors: Amjad M. , Salam Z. , Ishaque K. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In order to design an efficient resonant power supply for ozone gas generator, it is necessary to accurately determine the parameters of the ozone chamber. In the conventional method, the information from Lissajous plot is used to estimate the values of these parameters. However, the experimental setup for this purpose can only predict the parameters at one operating frequency and there is no guarantee that it results in the highest ozone gas yield. This paper proposes a new approach to determine the parameters using a search and optimization technique known as Differential Evolution (DE). The desired objective function of DE is set at the resonance condition and the chamber parameter values can be searched regardless of experimental constraints. The chamber parameters obtained from the DE technique are validated by experiment.
Potential of Nanocarriers in Antigen Delivery: The Path to Successful Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Patravale Vandana , Prabhu Priyanka 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVaccination has indubitably made noteworthy contribution to global health. Recent years have witnessed the employment of subunit antigens rather than inactivated or live attenuated vaccines, owing to the superior safety of the former. The intrinsic weak immunogenicity of subunit antigens makes it imperative to formulate them with an adjuvant. Presently, the armamentarium of approved vaccine adjuvants is very poor. Nanocarriers hold great promise for successful vaccine delivery owing to their versatility, excellent cellular uptake properties, capacity to protect antigen, amenability to targeting, and ability to offer prolonged antigen presentation. All these attributes ultimately endow nanocarriers with immense potential to achieve needle-free vaccine delivery, reduce the number of vaccinations, attain dose sparing of antigen, and lead to stronger immune response generation. Nanocarriers can be explored in manifold ways to accomplish targeted antigen delivery to antigen presenting cells. They can be formulated to contain both antigen and immunostimulant molecules, and they can be engineered from specific materials to achieve antigen presentation through the desired pathway to stimulate a particular arm of the immune response. This review discusses the basics of immune response generation, mechanisms of adjuvanticity by nanocarriers, parameters influencing their adjuvanticity, and finally describes the incredible opportunities offered by a gamut of nanocarriers for vaccine delivery
Cannabis retail purchases in a low-risk market: Purchase size and sex of buyers
Authors: Moeller Kim , Pedersen Michael 
Published: May 2014

Aim To analyse the composition of cannabis retail purchases in a representative sample of purchases made in Christiania, Copenhagen in 2004. Material Transactions (n=1,123) were registered along four variables; type (loose resin or joints), quantum (n=957, grams or number of joints), sex (n=559, female or male) and payment (n=707, notes or coins). Results We found that more than half of all transactions were for joints only. The median transaction quantum was small, at two joints or three grams of resin, valued at DKK 100. Of the resin transactions, 88% were three grams or below. Women made 11% of the purchases. There was no statistically significant difference in the preferences for quantum or type between males and females. Conclusions Buyers prefer joints over loose resin despite the higher price, which is interesting. The small median transactions size is consistent with findings in the international literature. Illicit drug buyers appear to prefer small acquisitions across drugs and social context. The share of purchases made by women is 11%, which is similar to the estimated proportion of women among daily cannabis users. This finding suggests an interesting question for future research. At what point in a cannabis-using career do users purchase their drugs? These findings contribute to the existing research by documenting the proportion of female buyers, and preferences for type and quantum in a sample that is representative of a market and is not based on self-reported purchases.