bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New detector tube for the detection of nitrite in water
Authors: Pitschmann Vladimír , Kobliha Zbyněk , Tušarová Ivana , Vetchý David 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A new colorimetric detector tube for the detection of trace concentrations of nitrite in water was developed. The detector tube is based on a diazo coupling reaction of nitrite with dapsone and N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine dihydrochloride during the formation of red-violet azo dye. Spherical granules (pellets) made from the composite material were used as the carrier of chemical reagents. They were prepared by pelletizing the mixture of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, kaolin and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Colouring is done on a layer of silica gel impregnated with citric acid. The detector tube is highly sensitive, selective and stable when stored. The detection limit is 0.1 μg.ml-1, i.e. 0.03 μg.ml-1 N(NO2 -). The optimal measuring range of nitrite concentration in the analyzed sample ranges from 0.5 to 80 μg.ml-1, i.e. 0.15-24.36 μg.ml-1 N(NO2 -). The detector tube can easily be structurally modified for analysis of nitrates with a detection limit of 1 μg/ml-1, i.e. 0.23 μg.ml-1 N(NO3 -).
Calcium hydroxide: An efficient and mild base for one-pot synthesis of curcumin and it’s analogues
Authors: Kulkarni Pramod S. , Kondhare Dasharath D. , Varala Ravi , Zubaidha Pudukulathan K. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Calcium hydroxide was found to be an efficient mild base for the one-pot synthesis of curcumin and its analogues obtained by condensation of one equivalent of acetyl acetone with two equivalents of corresponding aromatic aldehyde. The present protocol offers various advantages such as high yields, inexpensive easily available mild base, easy workup and eco-friendly method.
Modeling and Simulation of Systems of Systems – a Survey
Authors: Tzanev Anjel 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The paper surveys the current state of the art and perspectives in the theoretical and practical achievements at the area of Systems of Systems (SoS) and SoS Engineering (SoSE). The conceptions about SoS simulation modeling, subsystem integration and practical implementation issues in the face of main three tendencies for development (academic, military and industrial) are considered. Comprehensive generalized methodology for design, testing and efficiency evaluation of SoS, named DEVS Unified Process (DEVSUP), is briefly summarized.
Enhancing the Precision of Walsh Wavelet Based Approach for Color and Texture Feature Extraction in CBIR by Including a Shape Feature
Authors: Rakhee M. , Govindan V. K. , Karun Baiju 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This paper proposes a method for enhancing the performance of Content Based Image Retrieval, employing a shape feature along with color and texture of Walsh wavelet. The color and texture features of the images are extracted using Walsh Wavelet and the shape feature is extracted by edge detection using any of Roberts, Sobel, Prewitt or Canny Operator. The performance of the approach is tested based on the precision values on a database containing 44 images. The results show that the precision of retrieval is increased when a shape feature is employed in the second stage of a two-stage retrieval process. Adding the shape as a third feature in a single stage retrieval process does not provide any improvement in retrieval performance with respect to precision and recall. Performance comparison was also carried out with other existing approaches, namely Walshlet and Walsh transform. The experimental results show that Walsh Wavelet has higher precision than Walshlet and Walsh transform. Also, shape extraction with Sobel and Prewitt operators provides better performance when compared to Canny and Roberts.
Discrete Time Sliding Mode Flow Controllers for Connection-Oriented Networks with Lossy Links
Authors: Bartoszewicz Andrzej , Leśniewski Piotr 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this paper we propose two discrete-time sliding mode flow controllers for multisource connection-oriented networks. Each connection in the considered networks is characterized by a time delay and a packet loss ratio. The proposed controllers take advantage of appropriately designed sliding hyperplanes, which ensure the closed-loop system stability and finite-time error convergence to zero. Moreover, the proposed controllers ensure full utilization of the bottleneck link available bandwidth, guarantee bounded transmission rates, and eliminate the risk of buffer overflow in the bottleneck node. Since the primary controller may lead to excessive values of the transmission rate at the beginning of the control process, the modified controller is designed using the concept of the reaching law, which helps the removing of the undesirable effect.
Simulation of Grid Connected Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped qZS Inverter using PSCAD
Authors: Roncero-Clemente Carlos , Romero-Cadaval Enrique , Husev Oleksandr , Vinnikov Dmitri , Stepenko Serhii 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper is focused on a single-phase three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-z-source inverter when it is operating being connected to the electrical grid. A control strategy for injecting current synchronized in phase with the voltage at the point of common coupling has been proposed and studied. It is achieved by means of controlling the output voltage between branches adjusting the output current by using a d-q frame and the analysis of the output filter. The control strategy generates the reference to be used in the modulation technique and it has been validated with and without shoot-through switching states. A method to calculate the minimum value of the shoot-through duty cycle is also explained in order to assure the proper control of the injected current when the input voltage is less than peak value of the grid voltage. It is an important feature because 3L-NPC qZSI due to its possibility of boosting input voltage in a single stage would operate better than a traditional inverter, for instance in photovoltaic applications when the value of irradiance is decreased. The presented results have been obtained using PSCAD/EMTDC as a simulation tool.
Dimmable LED Drivers Operating in Discontinuous Conduction Mode
Authors: Tetervenoks Olegs , Milashevski Irena 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFor the modern smart lighting systems one of the most attractive LED advantages is the dimming possibility. Many researchers and engineers from the field of lighting engineering are trying to find compromise between the efficiency of LED dimming process and the ease of its implementation. This paper also presents an attempt to improve LED dimmer parameters. Comparative investigation of the operation of buck LED drivers in continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode are discussed here. The first section of paper briefly describes the controllability parameters of the converter in both of these modes. The positive impact of discontinuous conduction mode on the controllability parameters as well as the results of the analytical estimation and the results of associated experiments are summarized at the end of the first section. The second section describes the impact of discontinuous conduction mode on the losses of LED dimmer. The analytical estimation of power losses in the main converter components for both operation modes as well as the summary of the experiments to identify distribution of power losses between these components are presented in this section. Finally, the conclusions about using discontinuous conduction mode for dimmable LED lamps as well as guidelines for the choosing of the components with the most appropriate parameters are drawn
Phytosociology And Ecology Of The Dinaric Fir-Beech Forests (Omphalodofagetum) At The North-Western Part Of The Illyrian Floral Province (Nw Dinaric Alps)
Authors: Surina Boštjan , Dakskobler Igor 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We studied the phytosociology, ecology and biogeography of the Dinaric fir-beech stands (Omphalodo-Fagetum) in the Trnovski gozd plateau, at the north-western part of the Illyrian floral province. We identified and confirmed two geographical variants (var. geogr. Saxifraga cuneifolia - central and western part of the plateau, and var. geogr. Calamintha grandiflora - eastern part of the plateau), and 10 floristically and ecologically well differentiated subassociations (-rhododendretosum hirsuti,-saxifragetosum cuneifoliae, -adenostyletosum glabrae, -festucetosum altissimae, -calamagrostietosum arundinaceae, -stellarietosum montanae, -seslerietosum autumnalis, -calamagrostietosum variae, -sambucetosum nigrae and -asaretosum europei). The most frequent stands bellong to the subassociation -festucetosum altissimae and -calamagrostietosum arundinaceae, which, in terms of site ecology and floristic composition, represent the central forest types in the research area. They are floristically impoverished and lack majority of association’s characteristic species which is in line with the biogeographic peculiarites of the research area.
Species Composition and Occurrence of Thrips on Tomato and Pepper as Influenced by Farmers’ Management Practices in Uganda
Authors: Ssemwogerere Charles , Nyaburu Ochwo-Ssemakula Mildred Kathrynn , Kovach Joe , Kyamanywa Samuel , Karungi Jeninah 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A biological monitoring survey was carried out in central Uganda for two consecutive seasons to provide information on species composition and occurrence of thrips on tomato and pepper as influenced by farmers’ management practices. A total of 50 farms for each crop participated in the study. Data was collected on cropping system, crop variety, type of pesticide used, pesticide spray regime, and on thrips populations. Results indicated that a total of six thrips species: Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips tabaci, F. schultzei, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Ceratothrips ericae and Megalurothrips sjostedti infest tomato in the region. Pepper had the same thrips profile with the exception of F. schultzei. There was a distinct seasonal effect on thrips occurrence in the case of tomato. Higher thrips populations (61%) were recorded in the first season of the study as compared to the second. The majority of the thrips were recorded in the flowering stage of crop development for both crops, and 100% in the case of pepper. Generally, for both crops, plants in intercropped arrangements had higher thrips counts than the monocropped ones. Different tomato/pepper varieties sustained variable thrips populations. All the farmers applied pesticides to manage the complex of pests on the crops, albeit to variable extents. In this region, thrips populations were reduced when an increase in the number of pesticide applications in a given week was used.
Biocontrol Potential of Metarhizium Anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), Isolated from Suppressive Soils of the Boyer-Ahmad Region, Iran, Against J2s of Heterodera Avenae
Authors: Ghayedi Samaneh , Abdollahi Mohammad 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In order to study the nematode parasitic fungi, eighty soil samples were collected from different regions of Boyer-Ahmad, Iran. Extracted nematodes were examined for fungal parasitism. The naturally parasitized nematodes were surface sterilized and cultured on lactic acid containing media, then incubated at 25°C for 7-10 days. Metarhizium anisopliae was isolated from five soil samples. An in vitro test of the potential antagonistic efficiency of M. anisopliae against J2s of Heterodera avenae was evaluated. Nematodes were exposed to concentrations of 103, 104, 105, 106, and 107 conidia per ml. Results showed that the isolated M. anisopliae is highly pathogenic to them. The number of parasitized J2s varied between 14.9% and 47.1% for 103 and 107 conidia per mL, respectively. To assess the optimum temperature of the isolate, cultured fungi were incubated at 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, 37, and 38°C. The optimum temperature for growth was 27-35°C and no growth was observed at 38°C. This is the first report of a natural occurrence as well as the biocontrol potential of M. anisopliae on nematodes in Iran.
Dynamic In-game Advertising in 3D Digital Games
Authors: Raatikainen Olli 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Lately, digital games have developed concerning their use as a marketing medium. The present article is part of a study aimed at building a theoretical model for measuring and analyzing dynamic in-game advertising in 3D digital games. The study is explorative in nature, because it intends to build a new model of a real phenomenon based on one or more existing theories. Dynamic in-game advertising can be implemented in a 3D digital game without harming the gameplay experience, while still being effective from the marketer’s point of view. An optimized dynamic in-game advertisement is realistically and repeatedly, but subtly placed and interactive advertisement of a low-involvement product.
The Centrality of Culture in the 20th Century Estonian Press
Authors: Kõnno Andres , Aljas Agnes , Lõhmus Maarja , Kõuts Ragne 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The present article highlights the importance of the comparative longitudinal study of massmediated content in comparing the evolution of public spheres in neighbouring countries. In order to contextualize our research on the Estonian media system, we simultaneously conducted a similar study on Finnish and Russian newspapers of the same period. The 20th century was a period of rapid change in Estonian society and, compared with Finnish and Russian newspapers, Estonian newspapers paid more attention to issues that were labelled as “cultural”. In the Estonian press the understanding that ‘culture’ is important prevailed, as it was one of the most stable elements of content throughout the century. The significance of governance-politics and economics depended on the political situation and historical context. The interpretation of data is based on the binaries “centre” vs. “periphery” and “self-reference” vs. “other-reference”.
Bone mineral density (BMD) and computer tomographic measurements of the equine proximal phalanx in correlation with breaking strength
Authors: Tóth P. , Horváth C. , Ferencz V. , Tóth B. , Váradi A. , Szenci O. , Bodó G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite the fact that bone mineral density (BMD) is an important fracture risk predictor in human medicine, studies in equine orthopedic research are still lacking. We hypothesized that BMD correlates with bone failure and fatigue fractures of this bone. Thus, the objectives of this study were to measure the structural and mechanical properties of the proximal phalanx with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to correlate the data obtained from DXA and computer tomography (CT) measurements to those obtained by loading pressure examination and to establish representative region of interest (ROI) for in vitro BMD measurements of the equine proximal phalanx for predicting bone failure force. DXA was used to measure the whole bone BMD and additional three ROI sites in 14 equine proximal phalanges. Following evaluation of the bone density, whole bone, cortical width and area in the mid-diaphyseal plane were measured on CT images. Bones were broken using a manually controlled universal bone crusher to measure bone failure force and reevaluated for the site of fractures on follow-up CT images. Compressive load was applied at a constant displacement rate of 2 mm/min until failure, defined as the first clear drop in the load measurement. The lowest BMD was measured at the trabecular region (mean ± SD: 1.52 ± 0.12 g/cm2; median: 1.48 g/cm2; range: 1.38-1.83 g/cm2). There was a significant positive linear correlation between trabelcular BMD and the breaking strength (P=0.023, r=0.62). The trabecular region of the proximal phalanx appears to be the only significant indicator of failure of strength in vitro. This finding should be reassessed to further reveal the prognostic value of trabecular BMD in an in vivo fracture risk model.
Oral folic acid supplementation decreases palate and/or lip cleft occurrence in Pug and Chihuahua puppies and elevates folic acid blood levels in pregnant bitches
Authors: Domosławska A. , Jurczak A. , Janowski T. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of the occurrence of lip and/or palate cleft (CL/CP) in new-borns of two breeds, Pugs and Chihuahuas, and to measure the folic acid blood levels in bitches during gestations both with and without folic acid oral supplementation. Bitches of 13 Pugs and 17 Chihuahuas with CL/CP cases were used in the study. In trial 1, the animals of the experimental group (n=25) were given additional folic acid from the onset of heat till the 40th day of gestation. The females of the control group (n=12) were fed a traditional diet. From all the animals blood was collected at the onset of heat, 14 days later and on the 30th day of the gestation to estimate folic acid concentration. In trial 2, the prevalence of CP/CL cases in litters from pregnancies before and after supplementation was compared. The percentage of puppies with CL/CP after supplementation decreased in both Pugs and Chihuahua puppies (10.86% and 15.78% vs. 4.76% and 4.8% respectively). On Day 0, the concentrations of folic acid were at a low physiological level (around 8 ng/ml) in all the animals. In bitches of the experimental group the blood level of folic acid on day 14th and 30th of the treatment showed an increase in both breeds (13.65 ± 4.27 ng/ml in Pugs, 10.79 ± 2.84 ng/ml in Chihuahuas, and 14.94 ± 3.22 ng/ml in Pugs, 12.95 ± 3.58 in Chihuahuas, respectively) while in the control group, this level decreased with time of gestation both in Pugs and in Chihuahuas (around 6 ng/ml). Folic acid supplementation seems to be a simple, effective preventive method to reduce the risk of CL/CP, especially in the predisposed breeds.
Real time PCR detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in rabbits infected with different European strains of RHDV
Authors: Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. , Hukowska-Szematowicz B. , Działo J. , Tokarz-Deptuła B. , Deptuła W. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The paper concerns the use of a novel, very effective diagnostic method, a real-time PCR for diagnosis of a viral agent causing viral haemorrhagic disease in rabbits - RHDV. Until now, the method was widely used for detecting many different viruses, both DNA, and RNA, but as far as RHDV is concerned, there are not many records of such use. This study aimed at the detection of 17 different strains from different European regions, differing in biological features and mortality. The study confirmed that real-time PCR is an applicable and effective method for diagnosis of RHDV, irrespective of the stains’ features.
Fibromuscular dysplasia in arteries and in a vein in broiler chickens
Authors: Gesek M. , Paździor K. , Otrocka-Domagała I. , Rotkiewicz T. , Szarek J. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a group of nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory diseases of blood vessels with unknown aetiology. In our study, FMD was diagnosed in blood vessels in samples taken from kidneys, liver and lung of broiler chickens. The FMD occurred during rearing in 8 of 108 broiler chickens examined for the effects of intensive rearing on the internal organs. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed medial subtypes of FMD, medial fibromuscular dysplasia and medial fibromuscular stenosis. The first subtype presented as plugs in vessel lumens consisting of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue originating from the tunica media. The second subtype presented as a proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts originating from the media and leading to lumen stenosis. The aetiology of FMD is still unknown. Thus, genetic factors are suspected as a cause of the disease. This is the first report of FMD in a vein of an animal species.
First report of swine-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in Lithuania
Authors: Ruzauskas M. , Couto N. , Belas A. , Klimiene I. , Siugzdiniene R. , Pomba C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDuring 2011, 160 nasal samples were taken from pigs on 8 different farms in Lithuania. Four methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were obtained. The isolates were ST398, spa type t011 and SCCmec V and none carried the lukF/lukS genes. Strains were resistant to tetracycline, attributed to tetK and tetM genes, and to erythromycin owing to the ermB gene. One MRSA strain was resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and carried the dfrK gene. This is the first report on the presence and characteristics of livestock-associated MRSA isolated from pigs in Lithuania.
Cytokines in canine inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kołodziejska-Sawerska A. , Rychlik A. , Depta A. , Wdowiak M. , Nowicki M. , Kander M. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Canine inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic enteropathies characterized by persistent or recurring gastric symptoms with an unknown etiology which are related to histopathological changes in the mucosa of the small and large bowel in the form of cellular infiltration in the mucosal lamina propria. Recent years have witnessed a growing number of investigations into the role of the immune system and, in particular, cytokines in the development of IBD. In this article, the expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) was compared in canine patients with IBD based on clinical presentation, breed, lamina propria cell infiltrate and histopathological grade. Only selected studies confirmed higher mRNA expression levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β in dogs with IBD in comparison with healthy subjects. GSD were strongly represented in most study populations. Dogs with LPE were characterized by elevated levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β. The present studies of canine patients with LPC revealed the mRNA expression of cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β. In the reviewed studies, the progression of IBD was not accompanied by changes in the mRNA expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, IFN-γ or TGF-β.