bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sediment Erosion Rate Flume (SERF): A New Testing Device for Measuring Soil Erosion Rate and Shear Stress
Authors: Crowley Raphael W. , Bloomquist David B. , Shah Falak D. , Holst Courtney M. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
A new apparatus that measures soil erosion in a flume is described. It is designed to measure a bed material’s erosion rate and approximate its corresponding applied shear stress (erosion function). The apparatus, or Sediment Erosion Rate Flume (SERF), is unlike similar devices, in that during an erosion test, sample advancement is computer-controlled through a feedback loop via a series of lasers, ultrasonic depth sensors, and a Servo-stepper motor. Because of this computerized control mechanism, the SERF can be used to measure near-instantaneous erosion rate as opposed to average erosion rate over an elapsed time domain. Also, included with the SERF is a device that can measure shear stress directly for a sample with a certain uniform roughness. Using the SERF, erosion versus time curves were used to estimate erosion rate for both synthetic and natural samples. For synthetic samples, a roughness approximation was conducted to estimate shear stress. Tests with the shear stress sensor appear to indicate that smooth-wall approximations used in previous flume-style erosion rate testing apparatuses under-predict shear stress. However, further analysis of erosion results indicates that the smooth-wall approximation is conservative; and until a direct method for measuring shear stress is discovered, it may be appropriate for devices like this. Using this rationale, erosion functions were estimated for natural samples.
Identification of Low-Organic-Content Soils: An Engineering Approach
Authors: Huang Pao-Tsung , Bobet Antonio , Santagata Marika 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
From a geotechnical engineering perspective, the presence of organic matter in soils can often be a concern, because of its negative impact on many mechanical properties and its potential interference with soil stabilization reactions. For this reason, many regulating agencies have strict limits on the maximum allowable organic content in subgrade soils and backfills, requiring that it fall below a threshold value in the 2 %−7 % range. Methods currently used in practice for the identification of organic soils and for the quantification of organic matter have shortcomings when applied to soils with organic matter content less than ∼10 %−15 %. For such soils, the loss on ignition often overestimates the true organic content, and the criteria employed by the ASTM and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials classification systems are generally insensitive to the presence of these amounts of organic matter. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to identify a practical approach for the identification of soils with organic content in the 3 %−15 % range. The study explored the relationship between true organic content, as determined through the dry combustion test, and the results of three tests: loss on ignition, Atterberg limits (with and without oven drying), and the colorimetric test. Tests were conducted on a number of natural soil samples, select clay minerals, and three types of laboratory-prepared soils. It was found that the combined use of these tests is effective in screening soils for the presence of percentages of organic matter in the 3 %−15 % range. Results of thermal gravimetric analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, and x-ray diffraction analyses performed on select tests provide an improved scientific understanding of the results.
The Role of Ballast-Fouling Characteristics on the Drainage Capacity of Rail Substructure
Authors: Tennakoon Nayoma , Indraratna Buddhima , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat , Nimbalkar Sanjay , Neville Tim 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The ballast layer is designed to be free draining, but when the voids of the granular medium are wholly or partially filled because of the intrusion of fine particles, the ballast is considered to be “fouled.” To ensure acceptable track performance, it is necessary to maintain good drainage within the ballast layer. This paper critically examines the current methods commonly used for evaluating the degree of ballast fouling and, because of their limitations, a new parameter, “void contaminant index” is introduced. A series of large-scale constant head hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted with different levels of fouling to establish the relationship between the void contamination index and the associated hydraulic conductivity. Subsequently, a numerical analysis was executed to simulate more realistic two-dimensional flow under actual track geometry capturing the drainage capacity of ballast in relation to the void contamination index. In the context of observed test data, the drainage condition of the track could be classified into different categories together with a classification chart capturing the degree of fouling. The contents of this paper have already been considered in track maintenance schemes in the states of Queensland and New South Wales.
Whole-Genome Regression and Prediction Methods Applied to Plant and Animal Breeding
Authors: de los Campos Gustavo , Hickey John M , Pong-Wong Ricardo , Daetwyler Hans D , Calus Mario P L 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGenomic-enabled prediction is becoming increasingly important in animal and plant breeding and is also receiving attention in human genetics. Deriving accurate predictions of complex traits requires implementing whole-genome regression (WGR) models where phenotypes are regressed on thousands of markers concurrently. Methods exist that allow implementing these large-p with small-n regressions, and genome-enabled selection (GS) is being implemented in several plant and animal breeding programs. The list of available methods is long, and the relationships between them have not been fully addressed. In this article we provide an overview of available methods for implementing parametric WGR models, discuss selected topics that emerge in applications, and present a general discussion of lessons learned from simulation and empirical data analysis in the last decade.
Interactions between Tacrolimus and Metronidazole in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Catic-Djordjevic Aleksandra , Velickovic-Radovanovic Radmila , Stefanovic Nikola , Cvetkovic Tatjana 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
We present a case which reports the occurrence of a potential elevation of Tacrolimus (Tac) plasma levels to toxic values in a renal transplant recipient after adding Metronidazole (Met) to the medication regimen. A 30-year old female, status post living-related renal transplant, who was stabilized on Tac 4.5 mg, twice daily, for 4 months, presented to the clinic with diarrhea. We used Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) to determine Tac trough concentration (trough concentrations 5–10 ng/ml). After 6 days of Met therapy on 1.5 g/d, Tac trough concentration and serum creatinine (sCr) increased to 20.2 ng/ml and 7.8 mg/dl respectively. Met therapy was discontinued, also one dose of Tac was withheld, while daily dose was decreased to 2 mg/d. Four days after Met discontinuation, Tac concentration dropped to 8.7 ng/ml, sCr to 2.1 mg/dl, warranting Tac dose increase to 3 mg/d. Co-administration of Tac with Met may result in elevated Tac concentrations, possibly leading to tacrolimus nephrotoxicity. Clinicians should be aware of this potential interaction and closely monitor Tac concentration and renal function.
Ergodic theory approach to chaos: Remarks and computational aspects
Authors: Mitkowski Paweł , Mitkowski Wojciech 
Published: June 2012

Ergodic theory approach to chaos: Remarks and computational aspectsWe discuss basic notions of the ergodic theory approach to chaos. Based on simple examples we show some characteristic features of ergodic and mixing behaviour. Then we investigate an infinite dimensional model (delay differential equation) of erythropoiesis (red blood cell production process) formulated by Lasota. We show its computational analysis on the previously presented theory and examples. Our calculations suggest that the infinite dimensional model considered possesses an attractor of a nonsimple structure, supporting an invariant mixing measure. This observation verifies Lasota's conjecture concerning nontrivial ergodic properties of the model.
Hand gesture recognition based on free-form contours and probabilistic inference
Authors: Kasprzak Włodzimierz , Wilkowski Artur , Czapnik Karol 
Published: June 2012

Hand gesture recognition based on free-form contours and probabilistic inference
A computer vision system is described that captures color image sequences, detects and recognizes static hand poses (i.e., "letters") and interprets pose sequences in terms of gestures (i.e., "words"). The hand object is detected with a double-active contour-based method. A tracking of the hand pose in a short sequence allows detecting "modified poses", like diacritic letters in national alphabets. The static hand pose set corresponds to hand signs of a thumb alphabet. Finally, by tracking hand poses in a longer image sequence, the pose sequence is interpreted in terms of gestures. Dynamic Bayesian models and their inference methods (particle filter and Viterbi search) are applied at this stage, allowing a bi-driven control of the entire system.
Backpropagation generalized delta rule for the selective attention Sigma-if artificial neural network
Authors: Huk Maciej 
Published: June 2012

Backpropagation generalized delta rule for the selective attention Sigma-if artificial neural networkIn this paper the Sigma-if artificial neural network model is considered, which is a generalization of an MLP network with sigmoidal neurons. It was found to be a potentially universal tool for automatic creation of distributed classification and selective attention systems. To overcome the high nonlinearity of the aggregation function of Sigma-if neurons, the training process of the Sigma-if network combines an error backpropagation algorithm with the self-consistency paradigm widely used in physics. But for the same reason, the classical backpropagation delta rule for the MLP network cannot be used. The general equation for the backpropagation generalized delta rule for the Sigma-if neural network is derived and a selection of experimental results that confirm its usefulness are presented.
Development and validation of a bioanalytical LC-UV method with solid-phase extraction for determination of valproic acid in saliva
Authors: Tonic-Ribarska Jasmina , Haxhiu Arlinda , Sterjev Zoran , Kiteva Gordana , Suturkova Ljubica , Trajkovic-Jolevska Suzana 
Published: June 2012

Development and validation of a bioanalytical LC-UV method with solid-phase extraction for determination of valproic acid in salivaA bioanalytical HPLC method with UV detection for the determination of the antiepileptic drug valproic acid in human saliva has been developed and validated. Saliva represents an alternative matrix for therapeutic monitoring of antiepileptic drugs due to the increasing interest in free drug concentration. The proposed method involved solid-phase extraction for sample preparation and yielded very good mean recoveries of 99.4 % and 97.9 % for valproic acid and IS, respectively. The calibration function for valproic acid was linear over the concentration range of 1.0-50.0 μg mL-1(R2= 0.9989). Within-run and between-run precision and accuracy were studied at four concentrations and RSDs were less than 7.3 and 2.2 %, while accuracy values were higher than 96.8 and 97.5 %, respectively. The described method provides sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and is suitable for analyses of valproic acid in saliva samples.
Simplified Method of GED Distribution Parameters Estimation
Authors: Purczyński Jan 
Published: June 2012

Simplified Method of GED Distribution Parameters EstimationIn this paper a simplified method of estimating GED distribution parameters has been proposed. The method uses first, second and 0.5-th order absolute moments. Unlike in maximum likelihood method, which involves solving a set of equations including special mathematical functions, the solution is given in the form of a simple relation. Application of three different approximations of Euler's gamma function value results in three different sets of results for which the χ2test is conducted. As a final solution (estimation of distribution parameters) the set is chosen which yields the smallest value of the χ2test statistic. The method proposed in this paper yields the χ2test statistic value which does not exceed the value of statistic for a distribution with parameters obtained with the maximum likelihood method.
Does the modification of ball mass influence the types of attempted and successful shots in youth basketball?
Authors: Arias José L. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis study aimed at determining: (a) whether the effect of modifying ball mass allowed youth basketball players to attempt a greater number of lay-ups and hook shots during real games, and (b) whether the modification affected successful shots.MethodsFifty-four boys from six basketball teams, aged between 10–11 years, participated in the study. The independent variable was ball mass and the dependent variable was the attempted and successful type of shots (set and jump shot, lay-ups, and hook shot). We established three situations in which four games were played with each of the following balls: (a) a regulation ball, (b) a ball of smaller mass (440 g), and (c) a ball of greater mass (540 g). Four observers were trained (intra- and inter-observer reliability > 0.96). Four observers recorded the data utilizing a systematized register from observation of the game videos.ResultsA higher percentage of lay-ups were attempted with the 440-g ball in comparison with the regulation ball (<i>U</i> = 227906, <i>p</i> = 0.01, <i>ES</i> = 0.152) and with the 540-g ball (<i>U</i> = 218614, <i>p</i> = 0.01, <i>ES</i> = 0.160). A higher percentage of lay-ups were successful with the 440-g ball in comparison to the 540-g ball (<i>U</i> = 223080, <i>p</i> = 0.02, <i>ES</i> = 0.210).ConclusionsOnly attempted lay-ups increased with the 440-g ball in comparison to the regulation ball, but the percentage of the rest of kinds of attempted shots and successful shots were similar when comparing the modified balls to the regulation ball.
The relationships between the effectiveness of team play and the sporting level of a team
Authors: Panfil Ryszard , Superlak Edward 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis study aimed at determining what relationships exist between the determinants of team play efficiency (cooperation) for creating scoring situations in volleyball and the sporting level of a team. These relationships take into consideration the number of players who cooperate within a team and the speed at which sets are performed.MethodsThe study gathered observational data on how three leading male volleyball teams, namely Brazil, Russia and Serbia, played in the semi-finals of the 2010 World League, finishing first, second and fourth, respectively. The research tool was a self-made data registration sheet which included the description of the chosen variables, namely the type of plays used and how sets were formed, and the criteria for their quantification. The collected results were presented as tables and indexes. An interdisciplinary interpretation of the results was conducted, which included a qualitative identification of the dependencies that existed between the chosen variables.ResultsThe efficiency of team cooperation when solving situational problems in the offense was not significantly different in the analysed teams. The prevailing activities during the game were those performed in the 2<sup>nd</sup> tempo, i.e. team play requiring the coordination and synchronization of three players. Players’ activity as well as the performance efficiency of the sets they performed in the 2<sup>nd</sup> tempo increased along with an increase in the sporting efficiency of the examined teams. In the case of sets performed in the 3<sup>rd</sup> tempo, activity and the efficiency of coordination declined along with the growth of sports efficiency. The suggested indexes of the employment and application of synergy enable us to determine its level within the teams which differ in regards to sports efficiency. A diagnostic value of the index of synergy usage, which is determined by the efficiency of sets in various paces, is higher than a diagnostic value of the index that is determined by the activity of team play.ConclusionsNowadays, sport teams, especially those which play volleyball at the highest world level, are characterized by a high level of dynamic organization of players’ activities, which is manifested in the game with the high efficiency of team play when solving situational problems in the offense, particularly with the use of two or three players conducted in the 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> tempos.
Long-term investigation of metal concentrations in brown algae Fucus vesiculosus from the Gulf of Riga, Baltic Sea
Authors: Seisuma Zinta , Kuļikova Irīna , Botva Uldis , Boikova Elmīra 
Published: June 2012

Long-term investigation of metal concentrations in brown algae Fucus vesiculosus from the Gulf of Riga, Baltic Sea
The study was conducted in the coastal area of the Gulf of Riga at three stations (Ainaži, Saulkrasti, Mērsrags) from 1997 till 2010. Brown algae samples were collected at 3.0-m depth from a boat using scuba gear in August and September. The concentrations of metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method (model Spektra A 880), and of Hg by FIMS (Flow Injection Mercury System, Perkin Elmer). The aim of this investigation was to determine the concentration levels of metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn) in the dominant species of macroalgae (Fucus vesiculosus) in the Gulf of Riga in different stations and years. Metal concentrations in F. vesiculosus varied between sampling years and stations, and significant differences in Hg, Pb and Ni concentrations between years were detected. In some years the concentrations of metals in F. vesiculosus were similar in all three stations. Brown algae F. vesiculosus can accumulate metals to concentrations thousand times higher than in marine water.
Genetic profiles and diversity of Baltic spring barley material
Authors: Brantestam Agnese , Rashal Isaak , Tuvesson Stine , Weibull Jens , von Bothmer Roland 
Published: June 2012

Genetic profiles and diversity of Baltic spring barley material
The objectives of this study were to generate molecular passport data for identification and differentiation of Baltic spring barley accessions (cultivars, landraces and breeding lines) and to estimate the genetic variation within and among these accessions. Allelic profiles of 21 microsatellite and 8 isoenzyme loci were obtained and analysed for 64 Baltic spring barley accessions. The microsatellite data was successfully used to separate all of the accessions by individual allelic pattern and frequencies, whereas only 30 of the studied accessions could be distinguished by isozyme data. Variation was detected both among and within the accessions and was significant. The variation within accessions accounted for 20.6% and 14.3% of the total variation, based on microsatellite and isozyme data, respectively. The six-rowed and two-rowed material was well differentiated by both types of marker data: according to AMOVA this differentiation accounted for 16.9% of the microsatellite variation and 26.8% of isozyme variation. Differentiation of accessions based on the country of origin could be detected only by isozyme markers and accounted for 9% of the total izozyme variation. Both isozyme and microsatellite data showed that accessions of Latvian origin had the highest total diversity values, while material from Estonia was the least diverse.
Contribution of Jānis Lielmanis in plant breeding in Latvia
Authors: Belicka Ina , Kalmanis Zigurds 
Published: June 2012

Contribution of Jānis Lielmanis in plant breeding in Latvia
In autumn 1922, the Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia delegated agronomist Jānis Hilarijs Lielmanis (1895-1970) to organise and establish the State Stende Breeding Station. For many years, he was a director (1922-1940) and later a researcher (1945-1956) of the State Stende Breeding Station. Under the guidance of Lielmanis, an infrastructure for breeding work was formed and research into the morphological, biological, and economic traits of local plant varieties obtained from different Latvian regions were begun in the station. Already in 1924, breeders started breeding of cereals, peas, flax, potato, and clover, using selection from local and foreign varieties and also hybridisation. Until 1945, breeders in Stende, under the guidance of Jānis Lielmanis, developed 16 plant varieties, in the period from 1945 to 1960 — 19 varieties. Parallel to his work in Stende, Lielmanis delivered lectures on plant breeding at the University of Latvia (1933-1940) and lectures on genetics, breeding, and seed production at the Latvian University of Agriculture (1940-1944, then Jelgava Academy of Agriculture; 1945-1948). In the later part of his life, Lielmanis worked in the Latvian Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture (1957-1970), where he conducted research in crop farming and breeding of red clover using traditional breeding methods, as well as polyploidy and heterosis methods, which was modern for that time. The research results of oat growth and acclimatisation were summarised by Lielmanis in his habilitation paper (1933), and the results of breeding and growth of red clover — in his dissertation thesis. He was awarded a degree of candidate of agricultural sciences in 1957 and a doctoral degree in 1968. He was very principled in his scientific viewpoints; he supervised five doctoral theses written by candidates of agricultural sciences, published 457 scientific and popular-scientific articles, and wrote six books. Taking into consideration the contribution of Lielmanis to Latvian agricultural science, in 1995, the Jānis Lielmanis award was established, which has been received by breeders, breeding groups, and seed producers for their contribution in plant breeding and seed production in Latvia.
Temperamental traits and life and job satisfaction
Authors: Kasprzak Elżbieta , Brzuszkiewicz Katarzyna 
Published: June 2012

Temperamental traits and life and job satisfaction
The aim of this research project was to evaluate the impact of the temperamental traits and structure (as defined by Strelau's Regulative Theory of Temperament) on the level of life satisfaction and job satisfaction (interpreted according to Zalewska's Transactional Model of Quality of Life). The participants of the study were employees (N=199) having different jobs and from different workplaces. The results indicate that there exists a positive relationship between both types of satisfaction and activity and endurance as well as a negative relationship between the measures of satisfaction and emotional reactivity. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that activity and emotional reactivity are temperamental predictors of life satisfaction. The temperamental predictor of job satisfaction in the cognitive aspect is only activity, whereas in the case of job satisfaction in the emotional aspect - activity and endurance. The statistical analysis revealed that the temperament structure harmonising in the dimension of under-stimulation - over-stimulation has no correlation with any types of satisfaction.