bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repair of Partially Embedded Metal Connector Plates
Authors: Walkup Stephanie L. , Erceg Michael , Brown Nathaniel , Brown Vicki L. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Partially embedded metal connector plates can occur in wood trusses when the plates are not properly pressed, when they “walk out” as the wood dries during service, or when there is a mismatch in member thickness. Current industry practice is to ignore the remaining strength of a partially embedded plate when making repairs. This assumption results in a large, overdesigned repair along with high material and labor costs. The project objective was to determine if a smaller clamped repair is sufficient to restore the strength of the partially embedded plate to the fully embedded connection strength. A total of 40 tension splice connections were fabricated from 2 by 6 members with 5 by 3 metal connector plates. The specimens included 10 fully embedded plates, 10 partially embedded plates, 10 partially embedded plates repaired with plywood gussets secured outside of the main 2 by 6 members (RC), and 10 partially embedded plates repaired with plywood gussets and light wood screws (RS). The average strength of the partially embedded RC specimens and partially embedded RS specimens were 87 and 108 percent of the fully embedded specimens' strength, respectively, whereas the unrepaired partially embedded plates achieved only 60 percent of the fully embedded specimens' strength. The results of the tests indicate that smaller screw-type gusset repairs are sufficient to return the strength of a tensile splice connection with a 1/16-inch partially embedded plate to its fully embedded plate capacity. Both the clamping action of the plywood gussets and the additional tensile capacity of the screwed plywood gussets were observed to contribute to the strength gains.
Design Education for Local Development
Authors: Askerud Pernille , Adler Barbara 
Published: July 2015

In the western part of the world, the concept of design is increasingly
perceived as a central means of how we organize the world and imbue it with
(cultural) meaning, rather than a quality attached to material objects. In
this article we are interested in what concept of design is implied in
typical design training activities in different cultural contexts (Morocco,
India, Thailand, Mexico, and Singapore).Inspired by the questions that have
arisen in connection with project experience and research done by the
authors in many countries, this survey outlines approaches and efforts to
establish design competence with a particular paradigm to the fostering of
sustainable economic and cultural development in local communities. Having
worked with development projects involving various aspects of design, we
have chosen to study projects with clear design goals as examples of how
diverse the interpretation of the concept of design can be. These
observations may stimulate an awareness of the important impact of notions
of design in terms of innovation and cultural diversity and may even give
rise to more research into these issues.
The Effect of Temperature, Light and Calcium Carbonate on Seed Germination and Radicle Growth of the Polycarpic Perennial Galium cracoviense (Rubiaceae), a Narrow Endemic Species From Southern Poland
Authors: Kołodziejek Jeremi , Patykowski Jacek 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Germination responses of Galium cracoviense Ehrend. (Rubiaceae), a narrow endemic species from southern Poland, were tested in light and dark conditions at three constant temperatures (5, 10, or 22°C), before and after cold-wet stratification. Additionally, seeds were germinated under different calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentrations (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 mM/L CaCO3) at 22°C in light. The high germination capacity of seeds incubated at different temperatures, shortly after collection, already suggested the absence of dormancy in this species. Thus, the seeds are ready to germinate immediately in the field when water resources are available and the temperature is adequate. Light was a significant factor for G. cracoviense; more seeds germinated in light than in darkness at all temperatures tested. Cold stratification decreased germination especially at higher temperatures. The light requirement for G. cracoviense germination ensures their successful germination on or near the soil surface, and in cracks and crevices in limestone, when temperature and edaphic conditions are favourable. Seeds of this species show temperature enforced dormancy throughout the winter. Germination was significantly affected by calcium carbonate. Non-germinated seeds germinated well after being transferred from higher CaCO3 concentrations to distilled water. The results indicate that the seeds of this species can endure CaCO3 stress without losing their viability and start germination once CaCO3 concentration is reduced. It can be concluded that the seeds of this species require lower Ca2+ ion concentration, moderate temperatures and the presence of light to germinate.
Influence Of Subsidence Fluctuation On The Determination Of Mining Area Curvatures
Authors: Kowalski Andrzej , Jędrzejec Eligiusz 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The article concerns the random dispersion of deformation indicators, especially the influence of subsidence fluctuation on the distribution of inclinations and curvatures. Surface curvatures have significant influence on building objects. The article includes the probability studies of displacement fluctuation for two arbitrarily close but different points. It was determined, if the probability is dependent on each other or not.
Therefore, the separate deformation indicators can be considered to damage hazard assessment of building objects, if their standard variation of fluctuation is well determined (dependent on the fluctuation of vertical and horizontal displacements). Consequently, it is possible to determine the confidence intervals of fluctuation for all separate deformation indicators. Even in a case of low values of predicted separate curvatures, their values can be significant higher when considering their natural dispersion.
Effect of altitude on some male fertility related traits in Saudi ovine and caprine species
Authors: Awad Nabil S. , Soliman Mohamed M. , Mohamed Alaa A. , Sabry Ayman M. , Shahaby Ahmad F. , El-Tarras Adel E. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude on some male fertility related traits in Saudi sheep and goats. Testicular tissues were collected from a slaughterhouse in Taif governorate (1800 m above sea level) and Makkah governorate (sea level). Sperm characteristics (1 - individual motility, 2 - percent live sperm 3 - percent abnormal sperm) were examined. Semi-quantitative RT -PCR assay was used to evaluate the expression of IGF-II, StAR, LDLr and CYP11A genes. No significant effect of altitude on tested sperm parameters was revealed. Expression of IGF-II gene in both sheep and goats was significantly (P<0.05) higher at sea level compared to high altitude. A similar effect of altitude on StAR gene expression was only observed in goats, while in sheep the level of effect did not reach the significance threshold. Moreover, LDLr gene expression was significantly (P<0.05) higher for both sheep and goats at high altitude than at sea level. The CYP11A gene expression was significantly (P<0.05) higher in high altitude sheep than in those raised at sea level, while the opposite trend was observed for goats. In conclusion, high altitude had an effect on the expression of some studied male fertility related genes, but sperm parameters were not significantly affected.
Aeration as an effective method for pathogen elimination in pig slurry
Authors: Bauza-Kaszewska Justyna , Paluszak Zbigniew , Olszewska Halina 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aeration on the survival of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in pig slurry. After inoculation of the aerated biomass with target bacteria, samples for the microbiological analyses were collected in different time intervals for the period of 12 days. The MPN method was used to determine the number of the investigated microorganisms. The results of statistical analysis showed the lack of significant differences in the theoretical time of survival, elimination rate and the time needed for 90% reduction between different Salmonella serotypes. Theoretical survival of Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Senftenberg W775 and enterococci in the aerated slurry ranged from 13 to 25 days. Enterococci were the most resistant to aeration, and their survival time, compared to salmonellas, was significantly higher.
Longissimus lumborum quality of Limousin suckler beef in relation to age and postmortem vacuum ageing
Authors: Florek Mariusz , Domaradzki Piotr , Stanek Piotr , Litwińczuk Zygmunt , Skałecki Piotr 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of calf age on proximate composition, fatty acid composition and mineral contents, as well as postmortem ageing under vacuum on the inherent properties of musculus longissimus lumborum of Limousin suckler beef aged to 6, 7 or 8 months. The moisture, protein, fat, and ash content, fatty acid composition, mineral concentrations and intrinsic properties (pH, electrical conductivity, drip and cooking loss, shear force, and CIE colour parameters) were determined. The calf age significantly (P≤0.05) correlated with an increased protein content and energy value of meat and decreased water:protein proportion. Moreover, increased age correlated with higher concentrations of Mg (P≤0.01), Zn and Fe (P≤0.05) and reduced concentrations of Cu (P≤0.05). The fatty acid composition was similar irrespective of calf age, with the exception of CLA content, which was significantly (P≤0.01) reduced in older animals. Muscles of calves aged 6 months were significantly lighter, less red, and showed the most significant drip loss compared to the muscles of older animals. There was no significant (P>0.05) interaction between calf age and postmortem ageing for the intrinsic properties analysed. Postmortem ageing under vacuum resulted in a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the shear force of meat (irrespective of the age of the calves). The lack of significant differences, especially with regard to the meat pH, shear force, fatty acid composition, and with the significantly higher content of protein and major elements (Fe, Mg and Zn) in relation to the slaughter age, indicates the validity of increasing the duration of fattening of the Limousin calves reared with their mothers on the pasture until the age of 8 months, which is a maximum in this category.
Role of morphometry in determining the feeding success of small freshwater fish species: Multivariate analysis of Amblypharyngodon mola, Puntius ticto, and Esomus danricus
Authors: Nandi Sudarshana , Saikia Surjya Kumar 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Factor and multiple regression analysis were used to extract the morphometric variables that contributed to feeding success in three small freshwater fishes. Of the first two factors, factor 1, showed high loading of gut weight (GW), length of the upper (UJ), and lower jaws (LJ) in mola, Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton), and GW and vertical mouth opening (VMO) in punti, Puntius ticto (Hamilton). In darikana, Esomus danricus (Hamilton), GW, horizontal mouth opening (HMO), and VMO were highly loaded on factor 2. Gut length (GL) was closely associated withGWof all three species. Subsequently, variables with high loading on factors 1 or 2 were subjected to multiple regression analysis to observe their effect on feeding success, consideringGWas the dependent variable and the extracted variables as the independent variable. In A. mola, HMO and GL influenced GW, whereas in P. ticto, only GL determined GW in the fish. In E. danricus, GL, VMO, and HMO exerted a low effect on GW. Exceptionally, the present study suggested that feeding success in small fishes is largely determined by UJ, LJ, and GL or mouth openings.
Social Insurance Pension Schemes: Stochastic Actuarial Valuation Using an Analytical Model
Authors: Iyer Subramaniam 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Actuarial valuations of social insurance pension schemes continue to be carried out almost exclusively on traditional, deterministic lines, despite certain advantages of stochastic valuations. The few instances, that there are of such valuations, have been based on the simulation methodology, which is computer-intensive and requires extensive data. It is believed that the analytical approach may provide a simpler alternative and therefore encourage the spread of stochastic valuations. This paper refines the theoretical basis of an existing analytical valuation model, and generalizes the projection formulae to accommodate several inter-correlated stochastic factors. A stochastic valuation of an on-going retirement pension scheme is illustrated. It is hoped that the paper will stimulate further theoretical and practical research, and eventually lead to the spread of stochastic valuations in social security.
Imaging evaluation of diffuse abnormalities of the cranial vault (Case report)
Authors: Deacu Cristina-Mădălina , Iordan Adriana , Baz R. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
A variety of diffuse diseases affect the calvaria. They may be identified clinically as palpable masses or incidentally in radiologic examinations. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the main diffuse calvarial lesions starting from a case report of fibrous dysplasia of the cranial vault. A 68-year-old male patient who presented with a history of right otalgia and bloody otorrhea was diagnosed to have fibrous dysplasia based on the radiological features. Most diffuse diseases of the calvaria are benign non-neoplastic lesions of unknown origin. The radiologist has a long list of differential diagnosis and their true etiology may be puzzling when the medical evaluation is based only on imaging findings.
The Effect of Soil Moisture on the Reflectance Spectra Correlations in Beech and Sessile Oak Foliage/ Talajnedvesség hatása bükk és kocsánytalan tölgy lombozat reflexiós spektrumainak korrelációira.
Authors: Eredics Attila , Németh Zsolt István , Rákosa Rita , Rasztovits Ervin , Móricz Norbert , Vig Péter 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Reflectance intensities of foliage are mostly due to biomaterials synthesised by plants. Adaptation to the continuously changing environment requires the regulated alteration of metabolic processes, which also influences the UV-VIS (Ultraviolet-Visible) and IR (Infra Red) spectra of leaves. For the calculation of various Vegetation Indices (VIs), e.g. NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), the common practice is to use the reflectance spectrum of the whole foliage and when individual leaves of the same plant are sampled, an average VI is derived. On the contrary, our method exploits the small differences between individual leaves of the same plant, making use of the similar distributions of measured reflectance values. Using particular wavelength pairs, linear regressions of reflectance intensities have been investigated. The parameters of these regressions (slope and intercept) have been compared to the temporal variations of the environmental factors, such as temperature, vapour pressure deficit and soil moisture. By assessing the sensitivity of the regression coefficient (slope) to the changing environment, wavelength pairs can be selected whose sensitivity change reflects the effect of soil moisture deficit on the plant. Based on the state-dependent correlations of the reflectance spectra of plant foliage, a new concept is presented that is capable of indicating the level of environmental stress, e.g. drought stress.
Post-epidemic Situation of a Previously Phytophthora alni-infected Common Alder Stand/ Egy korábban Phytophthora alni által fertőzött mézgáséger-állomány járvány utáni állapota
Authors: Sárándi-Kovács Judit , Lakatos Ferenc , Szabó Ilona 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper reports on the current situation of the Phytophthora species occurring in a declining common alder (Alnus glutinosa) stand in North-West Hungary. The stand was affected by a severe epidemic caused by Phytophthora alni in the late 1990s. The authors evaluated the health condition of the forest stand and collected soil samples from the rhizosphere of twenty selected trees two times per year in 2011 and in 2012 in order to isolate Phytophthora species. A diverse Phytophthora community was found in the soil consisting of eight species with different aggressiveness and with different ecological demands. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the role of the collected strains in the decline of the alder stand.
Integrated reporting vs. sustainability reporting for corporate responsibility in South Africa
Authors: Clayton Alexandra F. , Rogerson Jayne M. , Rampedi Isaac 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Large corporates have come under increasing pressure to conduct their business in a more transparent and responsible manner. In order for business to fulfil its obligations under the ethic of accountability stakeholders must be given relevant, timely, and understandable information about their activities through corporate reports. The conventional company reports on annual financial performance, sustainability and governance disclosures often fail to make the connection between the organisation’s strategy, its financial results and performance on environmental, social and governance issues. Recognising the inherent shortcomings of existing reporting models, there is a growing trend to move towards integrated reporting. South Africa has been one of the most innovative countries in terms of integrated corporate reporting. Since 2010 companies primarily listed on the country’s major stock exchange have been required to produce an integrated report as opposed to the former sustainability report. The aim in this study is to review the development of integrated reporting by large corporates in South Africa and assess the impact of the required transition from sustainability reporting to integrated reporting on non-financial disclosure of eight South African corporates using content analysis of annual reports.
Medical tourism by Indian-South Africans to India: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Dangor Faheem , Hoogendoorn Gijsbert , Moolla Raeesa 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Medical tourism is a well-established sector in developing countries, and attracts a significant number of tourists from developed countries. Medical tourism is a strong driver of economic growth, but some argue that this kind of tourism promotes inequality in terms of access to healthcare facilities in both developing and developed countries. Whilst research has been conducted on medical tourists travelling to South Africa, no research has focused on the geography of South Africans travelling abroad for medical tourist activities. This study therefore sought to obtain first-hand information from Indian-South African citizens who have partaken in medical tourism in India. Data was gathered through personal, semi-structured interviews conducted with 54 individuals. It was ascertained that the majority of the individuals interviewed in this study travelled to India primarily for medical treatment, while tourist activities were a secondary objective. A smaller proportion of interviewees travelled to India for vacation, with medical care being a secondary motivation, or an impulse due to the low cost of treatment and convenience. Medical tourism by Indian-South Africans travelling to India highlights various shortfalls in South African medical care, including a lack of treatment availability, a poorer quality of service, medical expertise abroad, and the higher cost incurred locally.
Water supply, sanitation and hygiene education in secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Egbinola Christiana Ndidi , Amanambu Amobichukwu Chukwudi 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Access to potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene education remains relatively low both in the urban and rural areas in developing countries. The main aim of the study was to get an overview of the condition of the water and sanitary facilities in schools and of hygiene education. The method of investigation involved systematic random sampling with the use of questionnaires and interviews with the students and teachers and onsite inspection of the sanitation facilities available within the schools. The results revealed that 24% of schools used W/C while 76% of schools used pit toilets, of which 88% were ordinary pit toilets and 12% VIP. The number of toilets within the schools ranged between 0 and 14 revealing a 185:1 student to toilet ratio within the study area, but ranged widely from 83:1 to 510:1 between schools. The study, however, revealed the absence of wash hand basins in 77% of the schools and no soap in 88% of the schools with wash hand basins. Investing in clean water, sanitation and hygiene education in these public schools should become a priority for governments in developing countries and School Sanitation and Hygiene Education program (SSHE) should be adopted and implemented across schools in Nigeria.
Capillary electrophoresis based on nucleic acid detection for diagnosing human infectious disease
Authors: Lian Dong-Sheng , Zhao Shu-Jin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRapid transmission, high morbidity, and mortality are the features of human infectious diseases caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These diseases may lead within a short period of time to great personal and property losses, especially in regions where sanitation is poor. Thus, rapid diagnoses are vital for the prevention and therapeutic intervention of human infectious diseases. Several conventional methods are often used to diagnose infectious diseases, e.g. methods based on cultures or morphology, or biochemical tests based on metabonomics. Although traditional methods are considered gold standards and are used most frequently, they are laborious, time consuming, and tedious and cannot meet the demand for rapid diagnoses. Disease diagnosis using capillary electrophoresis methods has the advantages of high efficiency, high throughput, and high speed, and coupled with the different nucleic acid detection strategies overcomes the drawbacks of traditional identification methods, precluding many types of false positive and negative results. Therefore, this review focuses on the application of capillary electrophoresis based on nucleic detection to the diagnosis of human infectious diseases, and offers an introduction to the limitations, advantages, and future developments of this approach.