bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of environmental factors on distribution of Scops Owl Otus scops in the wider area of Kras (SW Slovenia)
Authors: Šušmelj Tina 
Published: June 2012

The impact of environmental factors on distribution of Scops Owl Otus scops in the wider area of Kras (SW Slovenia)
The aim of the study was to determine the key environmental factors affecting Scops Owl Otus scops occurrence in the wider Kras plateau area (SW Slovenia, 665 km2). Scops Owl was systematically censused in 2006 (180 calling males) and in 2008 (167 calling males). Males were distributed either solitarily or clumped in groups, mostly situated in villages and its surroundings, indicating the species' synanthropic character. Crude densities were 0.3 males/km2 in 2006 and 2008, respectively, while ecological densities were 1.0 males/km2 in 2006 and 0.9 males/km2 in 2008. Population distribution remained roughly the same in both years, with the highest densities in the western and central parts of the Kras plateau, on Kraški rob and on Podgorski kras plateau. Habitat selection was analyzed at three spatial scales (regional, settlement and territory scales), based on spatial data layers (22 environmental variables), using Chi-square goodness-of-fit test and logistic regression. Results revealed that at the regional scale, Scops Owl preferably selected open habitats (extensively managed orchards, built-up areas, vineyards, permanent grasslands) and avoided dense forest and agricultural land with forest trees. As far as settlements were concerned, Scops Owl was more prone to select those that were more distant from the highway, with better preserved traditional agricultural landscape (with more hedgerows) and with higher average annual air temperature. In territory selection, Scops Owl occurrence was associated with longer distance from the highway, larger number of old buildings and higher landscape mosaics. The species seems to be threatened by traffic noise, habitat loss through abandonment and intensification of land and, potentially, by lack of breeding niches within settlements. Conservation measures should include the preservation of mosaic farmland, promotion of extensive agricultural practices, prevention of scrub and forest expansion, and maintenance of breeding niches (old trees, cavities in buildings).
Regional sea level change and variability in the Caribbean sea since 1950
Authors: Palanisamy H. , Becker M. , Meyssignac B. , Henry O. , Cazenave A. 
Published: June 2012

Regional sea level change and variability in the Caribbean sea since 1950We investigate the regional variability in sea level in the Caribbean Sea region over the past 60 years (1950-2009) using an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF)-based 2-dimensional past sea level reconstruction (a mean of 3 reconstructions based on few long tide gauge records and different sea level grids from satellite altimetry and ocean circulation models) and satellite altimetry data for the last two decades. We find that over the past 60 years, the mean rate of sea level rise in the region was similar to the global mean rise (~1.8 mm/yr). The interannual mean sea level of the placeCaribbean region appears highly correlated with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices. Interpolation of the sea level reconstruction grid at different sites, in particular at the Caribbean Islands where tide gauge records are either very short or inexistent, shows that locally, the sea level trend is on the order of 2 mm/yr, i.e. only slightly larger than the mean trend over the region. Besides, correlation with ENSO is in general good, especially since the mid-1980s. We also find a significant correlation between the interannual variability in sea level and hurricane activity, especially over the past decade during which hurricane intensity and sea level interannual variability have both increased.
Mass balance and mass loss acceleration of the Greenland ice sheet (2002 - 2011) from GRACE gravity data
Authors: Joodaki G. , Nahavandchi H. 
Published: June 2012

Mass balance and mass loss acceleration of the Greenland ice sheet (2002 - 2011) from GRACE gravity dataWe examine the magnitude and acceleration of the Greenland ice sheet mass loss between 2002 and 2011. We use monthly observations of time-variable gravity from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite gravity mission. The Greenland mass loss during this time period is not a constant, but accelerating with time. We have used a quadratic trend in addition to a linear trend, which is usually applied to the GRACE monthly time series of ice mass changes, to show that it better represents GRACE observations. Results of computations provide a mass decrease of -166±20 Gigatonne per year (Gt/yr) by using a linear trend and -111±21 Gt/yr by fitting a quadratic trend to the monthly time series. Quadratic fitting shows that the mass loss increases from -121 Gt/yr in 2002 - 2003 to -210 Gt/yr in 2006 - 2007 and -271 Gt/yr in 2010 - 2011 with an acceleration of -32±6 Gt/yr2 in 2002 - 2011. This implies that the Greenland ice sheet contribution to sea level rise becomes larger with time. Contrary to recent studies, we use a non-isotropic filter whose degree of smoothing corresponds to a Gaussian filter with a radius of 340 km. Stripping effects in the GRACE data, C20 effect, and leakage effects are applied.
Application of Fenton's Reagent in the Textile Wastewater Treatment Under Industrial Conditions
Authors: Ledakowicz Stanisław , Bilińska Lucyna , Żyłła Renata 
Published: June 2012

Application of Fenton's Reagent in the Textile Wastewater Treatment Under Industrial Conditions
Application of reactive dyes is very popular in textile industry as these dyestuffs are characterized by good fastness properties. Constapel et al in 2009 estimated the production of this type of dyes for over 140,000 Mg/year. The reactive dyes are mostly (50%) employed for coloration of cellulosic fibers, however they can also be applied on wool and nylon. Unfortunately, they possess a low degree of fixation (50÷90%), since the functional groups also bond to water, creating hydrolysis and the excess of dyes applied cause a colored pollution of aqueous environment. Moreover, dyeing process requires the use of: electrolytes in the form of aqueous solutions of NaCl or Na2SO4 in the concentration up to 100 g/dm3, alkaline environment (pH > 10) and textile auxiliary agents (including detergents). Therefore, the wastewater generated during the reactive dyeing processes is characterized by high salinity, pH value and color, and due to low value of the BOD5/COD ratio are nonbiodegradable. The successful methods of textile wastewater treatment could be Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), amongst which the Fenton reagent seems to be most promising as it is the cheapest and easy in use. Based on the newest literature survey it was found that many successful tests with Fenton reaction were performed mainly in decolorization. However, not enough attention was devoted to decolorization of real industrial wastewater containing dyes, detergents and salts NaCl, or Na2SO4. The experiments carried out in a laboratory scale were focused on the impact of NaCl and textile auxiliary agent (liquid dispersing and sequestering agent) on an inhibition of decolorization process by Fenton's reagent. The objects of the investigation were synthetic mixtures simulating the composition of real textile wastewater as well as the real industrial wastewater generated in the reactive dyeing. The inhibition of the Fenton decolorization in the presence of NaCl and liquid dispersing and sequestering agent was demonstrated. Additional experiments using pulse radiolysis were carried out in order to confirm the inhibition of chloride in the decolorization process.
Determination of Kinetics in Gas-Liquid Reaction Systems. An Overview
Authors: Kierzkowska-Pawlak Hanna 
Published: June 2012

Determination of Kinetics in Gas-Liquid Reaction Systems. An Overview
The aim of this paper is to present a brief review of the determination methods of reaction kinetics in gas-liquid systems with a special emphasis on CO2 absorption in aqueous alkanolamine solutions. Both homogenous and heterogeneous experimental techniques are described with the corresponding theoretical background needed for the interpretation of the results. The case of CO2 reaction in aqueous solutions of methyldiethanolamine is discussed as an illustrative example. It was demonstrated that various measurement techniques and methods of analyzing the experimental data can result in different expressions for the kinetic rate constants.
Control of Landfill Gases Emission with Particular Emphasis on Btex
Authors: Staszewska Ewelina , Pawłowska Małgorzata 
Published: June 2012

Control of Landfill Gases Emission with Particular Emphasis on BtexLandfilling is the most popular way for waste disposal and has been widely applied globally. A large quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is released from landfills. Among them, BTEX (benzene, toluene ethylbenzene and xylene) is a major group of pollutants, which have now become a cause for concern worldwide because of their toxic properties. For this reason, strict regulations have come into force which induce researchers to find methods to reduce their emissions. This article contains descriptions of several aerobic metabolic pathways for the degradation of BTEX, which are provided by two enzymatic systems (dioxygenases and monooxygenases). Special attention was paid to biofiltration - a method for improving the efficiency of treatment of BTEX released from landfills.
Assessing the Influence of the Presence of Heavy Metals Adsorbed on Activated Carbon on the Efficiency of Degradation of Phenol Using Selected Oxidizing Agents
Authors: Dąbek Lidia , Ozimina Ewa , Picheta-Oleś Anna 
Published: June 2012

Assessing the Influence of the Presence of Heavy Metals Adsorbed on Activated Carbon on the Efficiency of Degradation of Phenol Using Selected Oxidizing Agents
Removing organic substances from wastewater is a complex problem. Different methods are used for this purpose. Recently, much attention has been given to the application of sorption and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which contribute also to the regeneration of activated carbon. The analysis presented in this paper focused on determining the influence of Cu(II) and Fe(II) ions adsorbed on activated carbon on the efficiency of oxidation of phenol by means of H2O2, Fenton's reagent Fe2+/H2O2 and 1:1 HNO3 solution exposed to 2450 MHz microwaves, and, accordingly, the influence of Cu(II) and Fe(II) ions on the sorptive capacity of regenerated activated carbons. The results show that the chemical regeneration of activated carbon using AOPs resulted in partial oxidation of the adsorbed organic substance. The presence of Cu(II) or Fe(II) ions increased the regeneration efficiency. Using nitric acid to oxidize adsorbed phenol brought about a dramatic decline in the sorptive capacity of activated carbon with respect to this substance and an increase in the sorptive capacity of carbon with respect to metal ions. A serious drawback of this method, however, is that the oxidation of adsorbed phenol caused a significant loss of mass of activated carbon regardless of the oxidizing agent used.
Assessment of Content of Fat and Tocopherols in Seeds of Amaranthus in Relation to Diversified Fertilization with Macroelements
Authors: Skwaryło-Bednarz Barbara 
Published: June 2012

Assessment of Content of Fat and Tocopherols in Seeds of Amaranthus in Relation to Diversified Fertilization with Macroelements
This study is based on the field experiment carried out in the years 2007-2008, on an individual farmer's field in Bodaczow, near Zamosc. The aim of the experiment was to determine the influence of different dosages of NPK on the content of fat and homologous tocopherols in the seeds of two varieties of amaranth: Rawa and Aztek. The experiment was started on brown soil made from loess, with high content of P, K and Mg, and slightly acidic reaction (pH in l mol KCl·dm-3 - 5.8). The experiment was started with split-plot method in three repetitions, and involved: two varieties of amaranthus (Rawa and Aztek), and 4 variants of fertilization with macroelements NPK (kg · ha-1) (1 - object without any fertilization, 2 - 70 N, 50 P2O5, 50 K2O; 3 - 90 N, 60 P2O5, 60 K2O; 4 - 130 N, 70 P2O5, 70 K2O). The content of fat was marked in the seed with Soxhlet's method, and α-, β-, γ- and Δ-tocopherol with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The study reveals that the amount of accumulated fat in the seeds of amaranthus largely depended on the variety of the plant and variant of fertilization with macroelements. Significantly high content of fat in the seeds was found at the fourth (the highest) level of fertilization with NPK. Higher content of fat in the seeds was determined in Aztec variety than Rawa. The varieties of amaranthus varied considerably in the content of: α-, β-tocopherol and their total amount. Higher content of α-tocopherol and its higher total amount was found in the seeds of Aztek variety, rather than Rawa. The seeds of Rawa variety had significantly more β-tocopherol than Aztek variety. Fertilization with growing dosages of NPK had a significant, positive influence only on the amount of α-tocopherol and its total amount.
Interfaces and contradictions comparing adults' attitude to learning and employers' expectations
Authors: Zuzevičiūtė Vaiva , Teresevičienė Margarita , Rutkienė Aušra 
Published: June 2012

Interfaces and contradictions comparing adults' attitude to learning and employers' expectations
This paper, based on empirical research, aims at analyzing interfaces and contradictions of employers' and employees' attitudes to in-service professional training. We present the results of a two-stage empirical research program. The research enabled the identification of the attitude to whether opportunities for learning are provided and what barriers can be identified. Also, the employers' attitudes to the ways of providing these opportunities, and certain contradictions and tasks for the future were identified. Several methods of empirical research have been employed as well as the critical and systemic analyses of documents and literature.
Cognitive style and experiences of working environment in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Löfström Erika 
Published: June 2012

Cognitive style and experiences of working environment in small and medium-sized enterprisesIndividual differences in information processing are viewed through the concept of cognitive style. Cognitive style is displayed in various situations in working life in which the individual engages in problem solving, decision making or learning. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between personal (gender, age, level of education) and work-specific (position, field of trade, number of years of work experience in the field) variables and cognitive style. This research applies a quantitative design by using the Cognitive Style Index and a working environment index. Data were collected from 228 staff members in 100 small and medium-sized enterprises in Finland. The study replicated previous research findings in which women display a more analytical cognitive style than men. The lower the level of education, the higher the score is on the scale measuring analytic cognitive style. Regarding position in working hierarchies, the managers constituted the least analytic group in terms of cognitive style (convergent thinking with focus on detail), the workers the most analytic one. The experiences of a supportive working environment correlated positively with an intuitive cognitive style. The experiences of a prejudiced working environment correlated positively with an analytic cognitive style (divergent thinking with focus on the "big picture"). The implications for human resources management are outlined.
Integration of ICCD camera and spectrometer for spectroscopic purposes
Authors: Savić I. , Gavanski L. , Djurović S. , Mijatović Z. , Kobilarov R. 
Published: June 2012

Integration of ICCD camera and spectrometer for spectroscopic purposesThis paper is concerned with a procedure of ICCD camera coupling and adjustment to the spectrometer and its application. In this way, the built instrument was calibrated and characterized. Testing of the obtained instrument performances for recording spectral lines as narrow as 0.34 nm was also peformed.
Thermomechanical study of non-crystalline chalcogenides in the As-S-Cd system
Authors: Lukić-Petrović S. , Vučkovac M. , Skuban F. , Dimitrievska M. , Videnović I. , Pinzenik V. 
Published: June 2012

Thermomechanical study of non-crystalline chalcogenides in the As-S-Cd systemThe work analyzes the thermomechanical behavior of glasses of the pseudobinary system (As2S3)100-x(CdS)x, consisting of variable ratios of the classical amorphous semiconducting compound As2S3and CdS molecule, which is used in manufacturing of photoresistors sensitive to visible and near infrared light. The study encompassed the determination of the thermal coefficients of linear expansion in solid and visco-plastic phases, softening temperature, and the temperature of the beginning of deformation. The results show that the values of these parameters increase with increase in the share of CdS in the initial matrix, as well as the reduction of instructural strength of the correlation matrix of glass. The analytical forms of dependence of significant physical values αg,Tg,Tw, as a function of CdS content in the structure of glasses were fitted to the measured data. Based on the obtained coefficients of linear expansion, the Poissons coefficient was also calculated.
Differences in growth and productivity between genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in the Sadovo region of Bulgaria
Authors: Stoilova Tsvetelina , Berova Malgozhata 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The study examined the differences between 10 accessions of common bean and cowpea during the vegetation period. Different stages of development and elements of yield were analysed in the climatic conditions of Sadovo (Bulgaria), which is characterised by hot summers and insufficient rainfalls. All genotypes were planted in the second 10 days of April. They emerged 10-15 days after sowing. The flowering stage occurred after 28-34 days in common bean and 45-60 days in cowpea. The vegetation period duration was much longer in cowpea (over 98 days) than in the common bean (less then 80 days). The reproductive organs (number of pods and seeds per plant, size of pods and seeds, weight of pods and seeds per plant) were quite different for the two crops. The mean number of pods per plant was 8.84 in common beans and 13.22 for cowpea; the number of seeds per pod was 4.05 for beans 10.56 for cowpea; the number of seeds per plant was 25.65 for beans and 93.47 for cowpea. The bean seeds were larger than the cowpea seeds, with 100-seed weights of 41.86 g and 15.73 g, respectively. Under the climatic conditions of Sadovo, the cowpea accessions showed a more stable yield, resulting in more pods and seeds per plant and weight of seeds per plant, when compared with common bean accessions.
Estimation of growth and yielding of five highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars
Authors: Wach Dariusz 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
In the years 1996-1999, a study was conducted on the estimation of the growth and yielding of northern highbush blueberry on a brown soil developed from loess. The study comprised bushes from five highbush blueberry cultivars - ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Bluejay’, ‘Darrow’, ‘Herbert’ and ‘Jersey’ - aged from six to nine years since planting. ‘Bluecrop’ bushes were the tallest and those of ‘Darrow’ the shortest, but ‘Darrow’ was characterised by the largest number of annual shoots. The best yielding was ‘Darrow’ and its berries were the largest. ‘Bluejay’ and ‘Jersey’ produced the lowest yields. In the study, the highest estimate was awarded to ‘Darrow’ (number of annual shoots, yielding, fruit size), and ‘Bluecrop’ also proved to be a valuable cultivar.
The Assessment of the Surface Water Quality Using the Water Pollution Index: A Case Study of the Timok River (The Danube River Basin), Serbia
Authors: Brankov Jovana , Milijašević Dragana , Milanović Ana 
Published: June 2012

The Assessment of the Surface Water Quality Using the Water Pollution Index: A Case Study of the Timok River (The Danube River Basin), Serbia
The Timok River (202 km long, 4547 km2 basin area) is located in East Serbia. It is a right tributary of the Danube River and one of the most polluted watercourses in Serbia. On the basis of the data provided by the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, the paper presents an analysis of water quality and pollution using the combined physico-chemical WPI index (Water Pollution Index) calculated for two periods - 1993-96 and 2006-2009 at four hydrological stations: Zaječar-Gamzigrad (Crni Timok River), Zaječar (Beli Timok River), Rgotina (Borska Reka River) and Čokonjar (Timok River). The following parameters were taken into consideration: dissolved O2, O2 saturation, pH, suspended sediments, Five Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODMn), nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, ammonium, metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Hg, Ni, Zn, Cd), sulphates and coliform germs. The average WPI values were calculated for the observed periods based on the comparison of the annual average values of the listed parameters and defined standard values for the I water quality class (according to the Regulation on the Hygienic Acceptability of Potable Water of the Republic of Serbia). The highest pollution degree was recorded in the Borska Reka River, where heavy metal levels (especially manganese and iron) were significantly increased. These metals are indicators of inorganic pollution (primarily caused by copper mining). Also, increased values of the organic pollution indicators (ammonium, coliform germs, Five-Day Biological Oxygen Demand - BOD5) in the Borska Reka and the Timok rivers are the result of uncontrolled domestic wastewater discharge.
Effect of <i>Pleurotus florida</i> on paddy straw digestibility and biogas production
Authors: Phutela Urmila Gupta , Kaur Karamjeet , Gangwar Madhurama , Khullar NK 
Published: June 2012

Biogas production from paddy straw offers a great potential as an alternative to fossilfuels. But, lignin and silica adversely affect the efficient utilization of paddy straw. Henceforth, the potential of biological pretreatment of paddy straw by a lignocellulolytic fungus, Pleurotus florida was investigated whereby the straw was inoculated with different spore concentrations of Pleurotus florida for different durations. Biodegradability of paddy straw was determined at different incubation periods and the selected pretreatment was further used for biogas production studies. An incubation period of 30 days was found to be the optimum pretreatment period in enhancing paddy straw digestibility with 19.3% increase in cellulose and 55.1% decrease in lignin. The biologically degraded paddy straw resulted in 15.4% increase in biogas production than that of the untreated paddy straw. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.5550