bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulatory antimicrobial activity of piper arboreum extracts
Authors: Tintino Saulo R. , Souza Celestina E. S. , Guedes Gláucia M. M. , Costa Jaqueline I. V. , Duarte Francisco M. , Chaves Maria Célia O. , Silva Viviane A. , Pessôa Hilzeth L. F. , Lima Micheline A. , Garcia Carlos A. , Coutinho Henrique D. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe side effects of certain antibiotics have been a recent dilemma in the medical arena. Due this fact, the necessity of natural product discovery could provide important indications against several pharmacological targets and combat many infectious agents. Piper arboreum Aub. (Piperaceae) has been used by Brazilian traditional communities against several illnesses including rheumatism, bronchitis, sexually transmitted diseases and complaints of the urinary tract. Medicinal plants are a source of several remedies used in clinical practice to combat microbial infections. In this study, ethanol extract and fractions of Piper arboreum leaves were used to assay antimicrobial and modulatory activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using microdilution method of ethanol extract and fractions from the leaves of P. arboreum ranging between 8 and 1024 μg mL-1. The capacity of these natural products to enhance the activity of antibiotic and antifungal drugs was also assayed. In these tests, natural products were combined with drugs. The natural products assayed did not demonstrate any clinically relevant antimicrobial activity (MIC ≥ 1024 μg mL-1). However, the modulation of antibiotic activity assay observed a synergistic activity of natural products combined with antifungal (such as nystatin and amphotericin B) and antibiotic drugs (such as amikacin, gentamicin and kanamycin). According to these results, these natural products can be an interesting alternative not only to combat infectious diseases caused by bacteria or fungi, but also to combat enhanced resistance of microorganisms to antibiotic and antifungal drugs.
Towards a design space exploration methodology for system-on-chip
Authors: Chariete A. , Bakhouya M. , Gaber J. , Wack M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of a design space exploration methodology for customizing or tuning a candidate OCI architecture, given a resources budget and independent of a particular application traffic pattern. Three main approaches are introduced. The first approach allows customizing the On- Chip Interconnect by adding strategic long-rang links, while the second consists in customizing the buffer sizes at each switch according to the traffic. The third approach uses a feedback control-based mechanism for dynamic congestion avoidance. Some results are presented to shed more light on the usefulness of these approaches for System-on-Chip design.
Discrete-time modeling and input-output linearization of current-fed induction motors for torque and stator flux decoupled control
Authors: Enev Stanislav 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper an exact discrete-time model of the induction motor in a current-fed mode, including stator flux components is derived and validated. The equations of the motor are written in a frame aligned with the rotor electrical position, which results in a linear, time-invariant system. Based on the derived exact discrete-time representation of the motor dynamics, an input-output linearizing control law is designed for decoupled torque and stator flux control. The applied design technique led to a non-trivial, still useful, definition of the electromagnetic output of the motor. Simulation results are presented showing that the aimed performance is obtained, that is, no coupling exists between the outputs, and the initial design problem of controlling a nonlinear interacting TITO system is reduced to a problem of controlling two linear and decoupled SISO systems with simple dynamics.
Effect of Zinc Sulphate Fertilizer Rate on the Breakage Susceptibility of Three Wheat Varieties
Authors: Shahbazi F. , Sharafi R. , Rahimi Chegni R. , Tolabi N.Z. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Mechanical damage of seeds due to harvest, handling and other process is an important factor that affects the quality and quaintly of seeds. Seed damage results in lower grain value, storability problem, and reduces seed germination and seedling vigor and subsequent yield of crops. The objectives were to determine the effect of different levels of zinc sulphate fertilization on the breakage susceptibility of three irrigated wheat varieties (Bahar, Shiraz and Pyshtaz). An experiment was conduct at the Experimental research station of Lorestan University, Iran. A factorial experiment was conducted with three replicates in a completely randomized block design (CRBD). Factors included three levels of zinc sulphate. Zinc sulphate treatments were combinations of three fertilization rates (0 - control, 25 and 50 kg/ha) at three replicates. The harvested seeds were subjected to impact energies of 0.05 and 0.1 J at constant moisture contents of 9.8, 15 and 20% using an impact test apparatus. The analysis of variance showed that wheat variety, fertilization level of zinc sulphate and moisture content significantly influenced breakage susceptibility of wheat seeds at the 1% probability level. Resistance to the breakage of wheat seeds for all varieties increased, as polynomial functions, with increase in the zinc sulphate rate. The average values of percentage breakage of seeds decreased from 37.07 to 27.80% as the fertilization level of zinc sulphate increased from 0 to 50 kg/ha. Bahar variety exhibited the highest resistance to breakage than other varieties. As the moisture content increased from 9.8 to 20% the percentage breakage of seeds decreased from 36.58 to 30.03%. Increasing the impact energy from 0.05 to 0.1 J caused an increase in the percentage breakage of seeds from 16.19 to 50.47%.
Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield and Oil Quality of Indian Mustard Grown under Different Plant Densities
Authors: Keivanrad S. , Zandi P. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The study investigated agronomical and qualitative features of Indian mustard in a semi-arid region from Iran. Field trials were designed in split plot arrangement based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates at the Agricultural Faculty of Takestan, Iran. In the study, plant height (cm), the number of seeds in the siliqua (seed/siliqua), the number of siliquae in the plant (siliqua/plant), seed yield (kg/ha), biological yield (kg/ha), thousand-seed weight (g), harvest index (%), oil content (%) and oil yield (kg/ha) were determined. The all growth and yield parameters of mustard plant were significantly affected by nitrogen fertilization. All the parameters, except for harvest index (HI), were drastically affected by used densities. The highest seed yield and oil yield (2961 and 1159 kg/ha, respectively) were obtained for the crop utilized with 200 kg N/ha in plots with 80 plants/m2. The maximum oil content (43.97%) was recorded in the lowest plant density (80 plants/m2) and nitrogen application level of 50 kg/ha. Results suggest that in semi-arid region of Takestan, researchers must direct their selection treatments to increase oil quality of Indian mustard
Study of the Turbulent Flow Structure around a Standard Rushton Impeller
Authors: Kysela Bohuš , Konfršt Jiří , Fořt Ivan , Kotek Michal , Chára Zdeněk 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The velocity field around the standard Rushton turbine was investigated by the Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The mean ensembleaveraged velocity profiles and root mean square values of fluctuations were evaluated at two different regions. The first one was in the discharge stream in the radial direction from the impeller where the radial flow is dominant and it is commonly modelled as a swirling turbulent jet. The validity range of the turbulent jet model was studied. The second evaluated region is under the impeller where flow seems to be at first sight rather rigorous but obtained results show nonnegligible values of fluctuation velocity.
EPR Study of Paramagnetic Centers in Human Blood
Authors: Kubiak Tomasz , Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Dobosz Bernadeta 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Electron paramagnetic resonance investigations of paramagnetic centers in whole human blood were carried out at 170 K using X-band EPR spectrometer. The study included a group of patients and healthy volunteers. The EPR signals from high spin Fe3+ ions in transferrin (g = 4.2) and Cu2+ ions in ceruloplasmin (g = 2.05) are characteristic of each frozen blood sample. An overview of all recorded spectra revealed in several cases additional lines derived from high spin Fe3+ ions in methemoglobin (g = 5.8 - 6), free radicals (g = 2.002 - 2.005) and various low spin ferriheme complexes (g = 2.21 - 2.91). The lines from cytochromes (g = 3.03 and 3.27) were observed only twice. The EPR measurements have not confirmed the correlation between the occurrence of a particular type of low-spin iron complex and a specific disease entity. Moreover, the presence of EPR lines from trivalent iron also did not differentiate patients from healthy volunteers.
Elemental accumulation in the black sea brown algae cystoseira studied by neutron activation analysis
Authors: Kravtsova Alexandra , Milchakova Nataliya , Frontasyeva Marina 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
For the first time the concentration of 26 macro- and microelements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, Sm, Nd, Ag, Au, and U) in the thalli of brown algae Cystoseira barbata C. Ag. and Cystoseira crinita (Desf.) Bory was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), Sevastopol region, south-western Crimea, the Black Sea. The observed peculiarities of the elemental accumulation showed that Cystoseira spp. can be used as a biomonitor of coastal waters pollution in the study area.
Physiological response of two brassica napus l. cultivars to nickel treatment
Authors: Peško Matúš , Kráľová Katarína 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Adverse effect of nickel on hydroponically cultivated plants of two Brasssica napus L. cultivars (Verona and Viking) was investigated. Dry mass of shoots and roots as well as some biochemical characteristics (concentration of photosynthetic pigments, TBARS and proteins) of plant leaves were determined. In addition, the content of nickel in plant organs was estimated. Visible symptoms of Ni toxicity were notable already at the lowest applied concentration (6 μmol · dm-3). Higher applied Ni concentrations (24, 60 and 120 μmol · dm-3) resulted in moderate to strong toxic effects on plants of both studied cultivars. After application of 6 and 12 μmol · dm-3 Ni shoot dry mass of cv. Viking was substantial lower than that of cv. Verona. Decrease of root dry mass after treatment with 6, 12 and 120 μmol · dm-3 Ni was similar for both cultivars. Strong decrease in content of photosynthetic pigments was observed after application of 120 μmol · dm-3. Comparing to the control, the content of these pigments in leaves of plants dropped under 50% (both cultivars). The highest applied Ni concentration 120 μmol · dm-3 caused that protein content in leaves dropped by 39% (cv. Verona) and 37% (cv. Viking) comparing to the control plants. After application of 120 μmol · dm-3 Ni the content of malondialdehyde in leaves was 2.64- (Viking) and 2.31- (Verona) times higher than that of control. Nickel amounts accumulated in roots of plants were higher than those in shoots. Accumulated Ni amounts in roots of cv. Verona plants were 1.3- (120 μmol · dm-3) to 1.9- (6 μmol · dm-3) times lower than those of cv. Viking plants, whereas metal amounts accumulated in shoots of cv. Verona plants were 1.2- (120 μmol · dm-3) to 1.8- (6 μmol · dm-3) times lower than those of cv. Viking plants.
Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment profiles of the anthropogenically transformed plociduga reservoir
Authors: Skwierawski Andrzej , Sidoruk Marcin 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the level of contamination of the bottom deposits in the former lake Plociduga in Olsztyn by selected heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd). Today Plociduga is a transformed wetland ecosystem, surrounded by urbanized areas (residential housing, industrial development). The main point sources of pollution are the outlets of two storm water drains. The study was conducted in 2009. Samples of bottom deposit cores were collected in two separate parts (northern and southern) of the former lake. The study revealed very high concentrations of lead, zinc and chromium in the uppermost layer of the sediments in the part of the ecosystem fed by rainwater. The concentrations of the analyzed elements were substantially lower in deeper sediment layers and in the samples collected in the southern part of the ecosystem, not exposed to the direct pollutant inflow. The accumulation of heavy metals in the surface layers of bottom deposits is indicative of the poor ecological condition of the investigated ecosystem and increased human pressure resulting from progressive urbanization.
The evaluation of the influence on the environment as an instrument of sustainable development management
Authors: Nowak Maciej J. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The procedure of assessing the project’s influence on the environment during which, inter alia, the compliance of the implemented project (eg concerning technical infrastructure, linear investments, or processes that affect the forms of nature) with the requirements of the environmental protection is verified, constitutes an environmental management instrument. Especially the environmental authorities leading or consulting this procedure may apply different limits and concepts of the action. At the same time they are limited by legal determinants. The aim of this article is to identify the most significant organizational problems that have arisen during the application of this procedure at the level of regional directors of environmental protection throughout the country. As a part of the study to fulfill the aim of the research, an analysis of all cases conducted by them was carried out. This led to a dispute and a consequence in the form of an appeal against the issued decision on the environmental conditions and the outcome of the appeal by the Director General of Environmental Protection. This article has verified the substantive scope of the issues, the ways to resolve conflicts and their impact on the regional and national development. Based upon these results, the proposals for changes of the environmental management system have been formulated.
On-demand Bandwidth and Stability Based Unicast Routing in Mobile Adhoc Networks
Authors: Basarkod P. I. , Manvi S. S. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Characteristics of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) such as lack of central coordination, dynamic topology and limited resources pose a challenging problem in quality of service (QoS) routing. Providing an efficient, robust and low overhead QoS unicast route from source to destination is a critical issue. Bandwidth and route stability are the major important QoS parameters for applications where long duration connections are required with stringent bandwidth requirements for multimedia applications. This paper proposes an On-demand Bandwidth and Stability based Unicast Routing scheme (OBSUR) in MANET by adding additional QoS features to existing Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol. The objective of the OBSUR is to provide QoS satisfied, reliable and robust route for communicating nodes. The scheme works in following steps. (1) Each node in the network periodically (small regular intervals) estimates bandwidth availability, node and link stability, buffer availability, and stability factor between nodes. (2) Construction of neighbor stability and QoS database at every node which is used in route establishment process. (3) The unicast path is constructed by using route request and route reply packets with the help of route information cache, and (4) route maintenance in case of node mobility and route failures. Simulation results show that there is an improvement in terms of traffic admission ratio, control overhead, packet delivery ratio, end to end delay and throughput as compared to Route Stability Based QoS Routing (RSQR) in MANETs.
Transformation of methane in peatland environments
Authors: Stępniewska Zofia , Goraj Weronika 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Wetlands and particularly peatlands are the main natural source of methane. Data indicate that 10-45% of methane emission comes from these sources. Methane emission from wetlands is the result of the balance between methanogenesis and methanotrophic processes and is actively affected by the wetland plant community composition. There are many factors affecting the balance of CH4: for instance, vegetation has a strong effect on CH4 emissions from wetland ecosystems by influencing methane production, consumption and transport in the soil. The effects of plants on methane fluxes may be mediated by: molecular diffusion, internal transport through plant aerenchyma tissues and ebullition. Methane is formed in the process of methanogenesis under anaerobic conditions. It may then be emitted into the atmosphere directly from the soil or by internal transport through the plant. Alternatively, it may undergo methane oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria, both free-living in the root zone and associated with the host plant in symbiosis. Sphagnum moss is of particular importance for this processes as it contains methanotrophic bacteria in its endophytic system. Methanotrophic bacteria live inside the dead hyaline cells or on the surface of Sphagnum leaves and are able to oxidise methane produced in the soil during methanogenesis, making peatlands a natural biofilter for methane, one of the main greenhouse gases
Chemical constituents of ethanol extract of leaves and molluscicidal activity of crude extracts from vitex trifolia linn.
Authors: Jangwan Jeet S. , Aquino Rita P. , Mencherini Teresa , Picerno Patrizia , Singh Raghubir 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
β-sitosterol and two triterpenoids: ursolic acid acetate and platanic acid have been isolated from ethanolic extract of Vitex trifola leaves. β-sitosterol was previously isolated from the leaves, stem and seeds of Vitex trifolia. Ursolic acid acetate has been isolated for the first time in this plant species. Platanic acid has been reported for the first time in Vitex trifolia and even in the family of this plant: Verbenaceae. These compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods including 1D-1HNMR, 13CNMR, ESIMS and 2D-NMR (HSQC, HMBC, COSY) experiments and confirmed by comparison of their NMR data with those from the literature. A preliminary molluscicidal test for ethanol, chloroform and n-hexane extracts of leaves of Vitex trifolia against Biomphalaria alexandrina adult snails showed that ethanol extract of leaves with LC50 value 26.42 mg/l (27.92 mg/l - 24.99 mg/l) was more effective than n-hexane extract with LC50 value 35.48 mg/l (43.81 mg/l - 28.72mg/l) and chloroform extract with LC50 value 46.77 mg/l (53.59 mg/l - 43.81 mg/l) after 24 h exposure.
Effects of Body Mass Index and Full Body Kinematics on Tennis Serve Speed
Authors: Wong Francis Kh , Keung Jackie Hk , Lau Newman Ml , Ng Douglas Ks , Chung Joanne Wy , Chow Daniel Hk 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Effective training to improve serve speed is important for competitive tennis players. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of anthropometric factors and whole body kinematics of elite players on ball speed and to propose possible training strategies for improving the quality of tennis serves. Body and racket kinematics of tennis serves of 12 male elite Hong Kong players were investigated. The tennis serve was divided into four phases: I) Back-Swing Phase, II) Lead-Leg-Drive Phase, III) Forward-Swing Phase, and IV) Follow-Through Phase. It was shown that racket-side knee range of motion during phases II and III (r=0.705; p<0.05), racket-side knee peak extension velocity during phase II (r=0.751; p<0.01), racket-side hip peak extension velocity during phase II (r=0.657; p<0.05), racket-side shoulder range of motion in the coronal plane during phase III (r=0.616; p<0.05), racket-side elbow peak extension velocity during phase III (r=0.708; p<0.01) and body mass index (r=0.577; p<0.05) were significantly correlated with ball speed. Body mass index and the identified kinematic parameters that were significantly correlated with ball speed could be used as training guidelines for coaches and players to improve serve speed. Players should pay particular attention in training to increasing the extension velocity and range of motion of the identified joints.
Effect of Fatigue Upon Performance and Electromyographic Activity in 6-RM Bench Press
Authors: Tillaar Roland van den , Saeterbakken Atle 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fatigue during one set of 6-RM bench pressing upon the muscle patterning and performance. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age 22.5±2.0 years, stature 1.82±0.07 m, body mass 82.0±7.8 kg) conducted a 6-RM bench press protocol. Barbell kinematics and EMG activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus abdominis, oblique external and erector spinae were measured in each repetition during the 6-RM bench press. Total lifting time increased and the velocity in the ascending movement decreased (p≤0.001). However, the kinematics in the descending phase deferred: the time decreased and velocity increased during the 6-RM (p≤0.001). Generally, muscles increased their EMG amplitude during the six repetitions in the ascending movement, while only three of the seven measured muscles showed an increase over the six repetitions in the descending part in 6-RM bench pressing. It was concluded that the bench pressing performance decreased (lower barbell velocities and longer lifting times) with increasing fatigue in the 6-RM execution. Furthermore EMG increased in the prime movers and the trunk stabilizers (abdominal and spine), while the antagonist muscle (biceps) activity was not affected by fatigue during the lifting phase in a single set of 6-RM bench pressing
Swimming Stroke Mechanical Efficiency and Physiological Responses of 100-m Backstroke with and without the use of paddles
Authors: Messinis Spilios , Beidaris Nikos , Messinis Spyros , Soultanakis Helen , Botonis Petros , Platanou Theodoros 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The use of swimming aids during training contributes to greater swimming efficiency by the improvement of the swimming specific power of the athlete. The purpose of this study was to compare the swimming stroke technical characteristics and the physiological responses of swimming 100-m backstroke, with and without the use of paddles at maximum and sub-maximum intensities at the same swimming speed. Eight swimmers competing at the national level participated in this study. The measurements took place at 4 different sessions. At every session, each participant swam individually one 100-m backstroke swimming trial with or without paddles at the same speed and two levels of intensity (100% and 85% of maximum speed). The results revealed lower stroke length, greater stroke number and gliding length without the use of swimming paddles at both intensities. Βlood lactate concentration (10.03±2.96 vs. 5.85±2.23 mmol/l) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (17.43±2.07 vs. 12±2.82) were greater without the use of swimming paddles only at 100% of maximum speed. Thus, swimming backstroke with paddles compared to unaided swimming, at a similar speed, showed a greater efficiency at maximal but not at sub-maximal intensity.