bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of soil risk element contamination level on the element contents in Ocimum basilicum L.
Authors: Růžičková Petra , Száková Jiřina , Havlík Jaroslav , Tlustoš Pavel 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Red basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cv. Red Rubin was cultivated in model pot experiment in the soil amended by arsenic, cadmium and lead solutions in stepwise concentrations representing the soil concentration levels of former mining area in the vicinity of Příbram, Czech Republic. The element levels added to the soil reached up to 40 mg Cd, 100 mg As, and 2000 mg Pb per kg of soil. Moreover, essential macro-and microelements as well as cyanidine contents were investigated to assess their potential interactions with the risk elements. The extractable element portions in soils determined at the end of vegetation period differed according to the individual elements. Whereas the plant-available (extractable with 0.11M CH3COOH) content of Cd represented 70-100% of the added Cd, the mobile portion of Pb did not exceed 1%. The risk element content in plants reflected the increasing element contents in soil. The dominant element portions remained in plant roots indicating the limited translocation ability of risk elements to the aboveground biomass of this plant species. Although the risk element contents in amended plants significantly increased, no visible symptoms of phytotoxicity occurred. However, the effect of enhanced risk element contents on the essential element uptake was assessed. Considering inter-element relationships, elevated sulphur levels were seen in amended plants, indicating its possible role of phytochelatin synthesis in the plants. Moreover, the molybdenum contents in plant biomass dropped down with increasing risk element uptake by plants confirming As-Mo and Cd-Mo antagonism. The increasing content of cyanidine in the plant biomass confirmed possible role of anthocyanins in detoxification mechanism of risk element contaminated plants and suggested the importance of anthocyanin pigments for risk element tolerance of plants growing in contaminated areas.
Application of geochemical and ecotoxicity indices for assessment of heavy metals content in soils / Zastosowanie wskaźników geochemicznych i ekotokysycznych w ocenie zawartości metali ciężkich w glebach
Authors: Baran Agnieszka , Wieczorek Jerzy 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The research aimed to use chemical, geochemical, and ecotoxicity indices to assess the heavy metals content in soils with different degrees of exposure to human pressure. The research was conducted in southern Poland, in the Malopolska (Little Poland) province. All metal contents exceeded geochemical background levels. The highest values of the Igeo index were found for cadmium and were 10.05 (grasslands), 9.31 (forest), and 5.54 (arable lands), indicating extreme soil pollution (class 6) with this metal. Mean integrated pollution index (IPI) values, depending on the kind of use, amounted to 3.4 for arable lands, 4.9 for forests, and 6.6 for grasslands. These values are indicative of a high level of soil pollution in arable lands and an extremely high level of soil pollution in grasslands and forests. Depending on the type of soil use, Vibrio fischeri luminescence inhibition was from -33 to 59% (arable lands), from -48 to 78% (grasslands), and from 0 to 88% (forest). Significantly the highest toxicity was found in soils collected from forest grounds.
The evaluation and determination of heavy metals pollution in edible vegetables, water and soil in the south of Tehran province by GIS
Authors: Shirkhanloo Hamid , Mirzahosseini Seyed Alireza Hajiseyed , Shirkhanloo Nasrin , Moussavi-Najarkola Seyyed Ali , Farahani Hadi 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this study, heavy metals pollutions in waters, soils and vegetables were investigated from farms, near oil refinery in south of Tehran city, Iran (Shahre Ray). The most important heavy metals in Iranian oil are vanadium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic and mercury (V, Co, Ni, As, Hg). In this region, the concentration of heavy metals in soils, well waters and leafy edible vegetables were evaluated in ten different points of farms. Geographic information systems (GIS) were used to estimate the levels of heavy metals concentration at unmeasured locations. After sample preparation, concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables, soils and waters were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Five different leafy edible vegetables from farms, i.e., Persian leek, dill, parsley, spinach and radish were sampled in spring, summer and autumn 2012. In vegetables and well water samples, the concentrations of V, Ni and Co were above the permissible limit of heavy metals as compared to WHO guidelines and the concentrations of these metals in agricultural soils were found to be lower in accordance to soil references. The industrial waste waters had high concentration of heavy metals in this area. In consequence, the results of this study indicate that industrial waste water can cause pollution in well waters and edible vegetables. So, this region is not suitable for cultivation and growing vegetables.
Front instability in a condensed phase combustion model
Authors: Bonnet Alexis , Dkhil Fathi , Logak Elisabeth 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe consider a condensed phase (or solid) combustion model and its linearization around the travelling front solution. We construct an Evans function
to characterize the eigenvalues of the linearized problem. We estimate this functional in the high activation energy limit. We deduce
the existence of zeros with nonnegative real part for high activation energy, which proves the linear
instability of the travelling front solution.
Nonhomogeneous linear differential equations with entire coefficients having the same order and type
Authors: Nacera Berrighi , Saada Hamouda 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper we will investigate the growth of solutions of certain class of nonhomogeneous linear differential equations with entire coefficients having the same order and type. This work improves and extends some previous results in [1], [7] and [9].
Convergence of three-step iterations for Ciric-quasi contractive operator in CAT(0) spaces
Authors: Saluja Gurucharan S. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper, we study three-step iteration process for Ciric-quasi contractive operator and establish strong convergence theorems for above mentioned operator and schemes in the setting of CAT(0) spaces. Our result extends and generalizes some previous work from the existing literature (see, e.g., [4, 30] and some others).
Assessment of drug delivery devices
Authors: Batista Elsa , Almeida Nelson , Furtado Andreia , Filipe Eduarda , Sousa Luis , Martins Rui , Lucas Peter , Petter Harm Tido , Snijder Roland , Timmerman Annemoon 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFor critical drug delivery, it is important to have a constant and well-known infusion rate delivered by the complete infusion set-up (pump, tubing, and accessories). Therefore, various drug delivery devices and accessories were tested in this article in terms of their infusion accuracy, start-up delay, response time, and dependency on the viscosity. These measurements were performed as part of the European funded research project MeDD. The obtained results show that the infusion accuracy of the devices is flow rate and accessory depended, especially for low flow rates. Viscosity does not have a significant impact on the flow rate accuracy.
Application of Triethyl Citrate to Filters in Virginia Type Cigarettes*
Authors: Jin Yong , Yu Saibo , Liu Qi , Wang Shitai , Tan Haifeng , Li Ke , Fan Hongmei 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Triethyl citrate (TEC) was applied in the preparation of cigarette filter rods by two approaches. One was to utilize TEC as a plasticizer sprayed onto the surface of cellulose acetate (CA) fibers. The other was to apply TEC as an additive coated onto the cellulosic paper of acetate-paper dual filters. Three types of cigarette filter rods, namely, triethyl citrate-cellulose acetate (TEC-CA) filter rods, triethyl citrate-cellulose acetate-paper (TEC-CA-paper) dual filter rods and cellulose acetate-paper-triethyl citrate (CA-paper-TEC) dual filter rods, were manufactured. In order to promote the curing of CA rods, high-frequency radiation was introduced into the procedure of filter manufacture. Then Virginia type cigarettes, combined with the three kinds of prepared filter rods were manufactured and the removal efficiency of phenols from the cigarette mainstream smoke was investigated. The results revealed that no matter where the triethyl citrate was applied as plasticizer or coating additive, the content of phenol, o-, m-and p-cresol in cigarette mainstream smoke could be greatly reduced. The optimal removal efficiency for phenol was 50% compared with the control. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 26 (2014) 176-182]
Development and Characterisation of a Smoking Behaviour Measurement System
Authors: Vas Carl A. , Yurteri Caner Ü. , Dickens Colin J. , Prasad Krishna 
Published: May 2015

Summary
Respiratory deposition from smoking articles is influenced by particle or droplet properties (such as diameter), puffing parameters (such as draw effort or pressure drop, flow rate, duration), mouth losses, and post-puff inhalation dynamics (determined by inhalation depth, volume and breath hold duration). The Smoking Behaviour System (SBS) described herein is a novel system with regard to its capability to measure flow and duration characteristics of typical smoking cycles, which may consist of puffing, mouth hold, post-puff inhalation, breath hold and exhalation. It combines two analysers: the first measures the puffing topography and optical obscuration from puffed aerosol, while the second measures the respiratory topography and optical obscuration from exhaled aerosol. The puffing and respiratory analysers were calibrated and operated between flow rates of 0-7 L.min-1 and 0-50 L.min-1, respectively, as typically encountered during the human smoking cycle. The volumes measured by the puffing and respiratory analysers met the design specification and tolerance limits of ± 2% and ± 5%, respectively. The optical obscuration measurements showed no statistical difference among the three units tested or in day-to-day variation, verifying the robustness of the SBS for use in optical measurements of smoke when combined with topography measurements. In conclusion, the SBS is a validated technology that provides a means to measure the real-time flow and duration profile of puffing, mouth hold, post-puff inhalation, breath hold
Corruption and System Change in the Czech Republic: Firm-Level Evidence
Authors: Koudelková Petra , Strielkowski Wadim , Hejlová Denisa 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Corruption is a widespread phenomenon in all countries undergoing market transition. However, the Czech Republic stands apart, with its incredible entanglement of corruption, politics and business. Although corruption on the firm level in the Czech Republic is heavily criticized, the results of our in-depth interviews conducted with Czech SMEs showed that almost every firm has encountered some form of corruption and even used corruption to either increase sales, help negotiations, or increase production. Most of our respondents admitted that corruption was useful for day-to-day business. This article aims to obtain information about the state of corruption in enterprises in the Czech Republic and map the behaviour of entrepreneurs in companies. Our results offer ways to fight corruption: apart from highlighting the negative traits of corruption, emphasis should be made on determining to what extent corruption would be acceptable for firms and their clients. This could be useful for designing various state policies that might influence system change and market development in CEECs and both directly and indirectly influence the volume of corruption.
Development of Corporate Governance Performance Indicators for Czech Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Pavláková Docekalová Marie , Kocmanová Alena , Kolenák Jirí 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Effective corporate governance is a key element in achieving long-term success for any company. The codes of conduct that corporate governance adopts directly determine the sustainability of business activities. With this in mind, this paper aims to demonstrate the results of research that identifies a set of key indicators of corporate governance performance. The presented research is quantitative. In order to identify key performance indicators, factor analysis was employed. It was found that corporate governance performance is influenced by two factors. For the first factor, the relationship between corporate governance and stakeholders is measured by key indicators: percentage of women within CG, contributions to political parties, politicians and related institutions and number of complaints received from stakeholders. The second factor, strategy & compliance, is generated from the following: percentage of strategic objectives met and total number of sanctions for breaching the law. This research aims to assist both academic and corporate practitioners who want to improve corporate governance performance and, through the use of key performance indicators, support the transparency and sustainability of their business.
Porovnanie kvalitatívnej produkcie dvoch bukových (Fagus sylvatica L.) porastov na kyslom stanovišti / A comparison of qualitative production of two beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands growing at acid sites
Authors: Štefančík Igor 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper, a beech thinning experiment aimed at qualitative production issues was analysed. Two beech stands (93- and 105-year-old), growing at acid sites with similar ecological conditions were compared. The stands differ in the stand age, when their tending started (at the age of 40 years in one experiment versus 60 years for the second one). In the first stand, the thinning interventions were carried out during last 45 years, while in the second stand a 53-year-long period of investigation was recorded. The research was conducted in four treatment plots: (i) heavy thinning from below (C degree according to the German forest research institutes from 1902), (ii) free crown thinning with thinning intervals of 5 years, (iii) free crown thinning with thinning intervals of 10 years, and (iv) control plot (without thinning). The stand qualitative parameters (stem and crown quality, proportion of the best quality assortment and share of crop trees) were evaluated. From the point of qualitative production, the best results were most frequently obtained at the plots with the free crown thinning followed by heavy thinning from below. The worst parameters were found at the control plot
Porovnání vybraných kvalitativních znaků kmene dubových porostů při různém vlivu pomocných dřevin / Comparison of selected qualitative characteristics of stem in oak stands under varying effects of auxiliary tree species
Authors: Slávik Martin , Štefančík Igor 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper analyses the influence of auxiliary trees species on selected qualitative characteristics of the parent oak stand aged 100-120 years from the tending aspect point of view. Stand structure described by relative height position, and stem straightness and branchiness as the main qualitative parameters were studied on 162 trees in three different forest stands: (i) without woody understorey, (ii) with understorey dominated by European hornbeam with an admixture of small-leaved linden and field maple, and iii) with understorey dominated by small-leaved linden. The results showed a positive effect of auxiliary tree species on the oak quality (straightness and branchiness of stems) in the lower part of the stem. Under the assumed elimination of genetic influences, better qualitative parameters of oak could be explained by the occurrence of auxiliary trees in the understorey.
Inovovaný prístup k tvorbe kategórií drvičov nežiaducich nárastov / Innovative approach to creating categories of forestry mulchers
Authors: Hnilica Richard , Slugeň Jozef , Dado Miroslav , Messingerová Valéria , Hnilicová Michaela 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper highlights innovative opportunities for the development of forestry machines categorisation. Nowadays, the market offers different types of forestry machines available from many manufacturers, and ordinary customers as well as the professional community have a problem to orientate themselves in a great number of products. The aim of this paper was to develop a categorisation scheme for forestry machines - mulchers to enhance the understanding and communication between vendors and potential users of these products. The proposed categorisation system takes means of propulsion into account, and is based on the following parameters: engine performance, weight, grinding diameter and flow rating. The resulting categorisation represents a pattern for the development of mechanism construction sets that takes into account the customers` requirements.
Evaluation of ecosystem services from urban forests in the City of Prague / Ocenění ekosystémových služeb městských lesů Hlavního města Prahy
Authors: Hájek Miroslav , Lípa Jan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Municipal forests primarily provide ecosystem services which are in demand by residents. If they are to meet the demands of Prague’s citizens, managers need good quality information and appropriate financial resources. One important piece of data is a valuation of all ecosystem services. The aim of this paper is to assess the current level of organisation and funding of forest management, estimate the value of forest functions and contribute to improvements in annual reporting by the Forests of the City of Prague. The results of the valuation could potentially be used for the improvement of decision making processes. The organisational structure (Centre of Forests, Watercourses and Reservoirs, Ornamental Nursery Management and Environmental Education) has been effective in delivering sustainable forest management in the City. In addition, forest management of the City of Prague has been independently certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) International Standard since May 2007.
Evaluating the progeny of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the early years of growth
Authors: Banach Jacek , Skrzyszewska Kinga , Smętek Mateusz , Kubacki Kamil 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This research was carried out on two experimental plots located in the Rymanów and Nawojowa forest districts. In the second and fifth year after planting, at three and six years of age respectively, survival and height of 25 beech progenies of selected seed stands were measured. Furthermore, we show the effect of beech origin and growth environment (significant ‘provenance × block’ and ‘provenance × test plot’ interactions). Beeches from both experimental plots differed significantly in growth and survival and this difference increased with tree age. The highest provenance heritability was obtained for the tree height after two years of growth in Rymanów. In Nawojowa, the heritability of beech survival reached zero after five years of growth. An evaluation of the stability of beech provenances (genotypes) in terms of survival and height under the habitat conditions of our experimental plots was done using the Finlay and Wilkinson method. The beech provenances of 469- Nawojowa and 452-Lesko (regional standard) were included as a stable basis for reference. A high degree of stability and high average values for the characteristics investigated indicate high progeny quality within these stands.
Radial growth variation between four provenances of Norway spruce in the conditions of central Poland
Authors: Klisz Marcin , Jastrzębowski Szymon , Chojnacka-Ożga Longina , Kowalczyk Jan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the growth variability of four provenances of Picea abies on experimental plots in the Wyszków Forest District, central Poland. The experiment was established as a system of random blocks with four repetitions per block. We selected 48 trees from each provenance and the increment cores were colected from sample trees. Standard measurements of the width of annual increments were performed using the WinDendro software. Raw data was then indexed and subject to dendroclimatic analyses based on the average monthly temperatures and precipitation of the period from 1969 to 2012. Furthermore, the COFECHA software was used to check the consistency of the data and to determine the pointer years. High data consistency as well as growth variability of particular provenances in response to climatic conditions was observed. The results obtained here will allow for an improved selection of populations best suited for growing in the climate of central Poland
Occurrence of Erysiphe alphitoides in oak stands affected by flood disaster
Authors: Szewczyk Wojciech , Kuźmiński Robert , Mańka Małgorzata , Kwaśna Hanna , Łakomy Piotr , Baranowska-Wasilewska Marlena , Behnke-Borowczyk Jolanta 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is the most valuable deciduous tree species in Poland. For almost 30 years, an oak decline resulting from stress factors leading to a decrease of tree vitality in the long-term has been observed.
The aim of the present study was to determine the proportion of leaves infected by the fungus Erysiphe alphitoides, the cause of powdery mildew, in post-flood oak stands situated in the Forest District Wołów (51°32’N, 16°62’E) as well as to evaluate effects of powdery mildew with respect to the oak decline.
In order to record the powdery mildew incidence, we selec ted three trees in each of the ten investigated oak stands, and 200 leaves were collected from the upper part of the crowns. The percentage of infected leaves as well as the reduction of carbon assimilation capacity was assessed. Furthermore, we evaluated the average reduction of carbon assimilation capacity and the percentage of withering branch tips in 25 adjacent trees.
Incidences of powdery mildew were observed in seven out of the ten stands. The maximum tree damage did not exceed 22% leaf infection and mean defoliation within the study areas ranged from 18% to 61.4%. Non-withering branch tips were observed in one post-flood area as well as in one area situated outside the flooded region. Within the remaining areas studied, the average proportion of withering branch tips ranged from 0.4% to 13.8%.
Statistical analyses showed that differences between the investigated stands with regard to the rate of powdery mildew occurrence were not significant. Correlating the means, however, revealed a relationship between powdery mildew incidence and branch tip withering. This relationship is a possible indication of the ongoing oak dieback. No statistically significant relationship between tree defoliation and powdery mildew incidence was found. The lack of statistical significance, as observed here, implies that water stagnation within the investigated stands had no effect on Erysiphe alphitoides infection.
“La chose maudite”. The concept of reification in George Bataille’s The Accursed Share
Authors: Duarte German A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper deals with the concept of reification, which is analyzed taking into account two main lines of thought. The former is the Marxist theory of reification, which is similar to and converges with the concept of alienation. The latter focuses on the phenomenon of convention that allows us to deal with extra-linguistic objects, non-computable objects, aiming at producing a shared reality; in other words, to produce simulacra through mass media. This paper analyses in particular the transformation of the understanding of the concept of reification as enabled by Bataille’s work, The Accursed Share. In this work, George Bataille highlights the existence of the phenomenon of reification outside the relationships built by the capital.