The increasing demands to learn a foreign language, especially English, encourages researchers to analyze the dynamics of foreign language learning. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the relationship among motivational orientations, basic psychological needs, and academic performance of students while learning English can be modeled. The research group consists of 603 students, attending various grades in a state high school. As data collection tools, Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) and Basic Needs Satisfaction in General (BNSG) were administered. Data were analyzed via SPSS 17.0 and AMOS 21.0 software program through Structural Equation Model. Results indicate that academic performance in the English course is merely affected by autonomy and attitude, which are among the components of motivational orientation and basic psychological needs. In addition, competence and interest in foreign languages are the remote determiners of academic performance.
The leaf area coefficients (K) for calculating area of expanded strip-shaped leaves and equivalent diameters of expanded circular leaves were evaluated based on field measurements, to identify the influence of leaf shape on individual crop leaf area. Leaf area calculation methods for leaves of different leaf shape factors were also investigated. For strip-shaped leaves, K increased with the increase of ratio between length (L) and width (W) expressed by L/W. The values of K were more stable when the values of L/W were high. Likewise, K values selected based on leaf shape factor ranges performed much better in leaf area measurements than the fixed value. For circular shaped leaves, three kinds of equivalent diameters were used for determining leaf area. Results indicated that leaf shape factor affects the optimal equivalent diameter selection. Moreover, suitable equivalent diameter selected based on leaf shape factor range performed relatively better in leaf area determination. It can conclude that the leaf shape factor, L/W, is an important factor in calculation of the individual leaf area for both strip-shaped and circular shaped leaves.
Virulent strains of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) cause severe disease in pigs and significant economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. It is well known that endothelial cells are the main target of CSFV during infection. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the response of swine umbilical vein endothelial cells (SUVECs) to CSFV infection, digital gene [removed]DGE) was used to identify regulated genes in SUVECs at 24 h post-infection with CSFV Shimen strain. Two hundred and eighty-four differentially expressed SUVEC transcripts (126 up- and 158 downregulated) were identified 24 h after infection. Further analysis used gene ontology (GO) analysis: high-enrichment GO identified intracellular, organelle, ribosome, structural molecule activity, viral infectious cycle, and cell cycle phases. Path-Net and Signal-Net analysis highlighted ribosome, proteasome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, Wnt, gap junction and transforming growth factor- signaling pathways as being significantly changed during the infection. Moreover, the key differentially expressed genes showed that CSFV infection altered proliferation of SUVECs and consequently induced an anti-inflammatory response to facilitate persistent infection. This systems analysis offers valuable information for better understanding the initial events in the host response to CSFV infection. It will benefit our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CSFV infection.
This paper aims to bring forth the transactional analysis and the emotional intelligence as tools in order to achieve the sales performance. These two concepts that are relatively new will help us approach in another manner the sales process. We chose this topic because we consider that the two concepts are very useful in the current economic context and in the attempt to evolve professionally. The study aims at revealing the fact that the emotional intelligence can play a significant role in the sales performance, both at individual level, as well as at the team level.
This paper presents an approach for overall controlling of quad-rotor. There are number of failure in quad-rotor type UAV projects are recorded because of its poor stabilization control. In Quad-rotor type UAVs altitude, attitude and position controlling are the most critical tasks and there appropriate controllers are essential and necessary part of it. Especially under various disturbances conditions such as wind burst, system and sensor noises has been a challenging research domain for the researchers. In this paper the proposed controller for over all stabilization of quad-rotor UAV that includes altitude, attitude and position controlling is based on the PID feedback structure with Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Furthermore, proposed controllers for quad-rotor altitude, attitude and position controlling are also proved global exponential stable as well as asymptotic stable by using Lyapunov Stability Theorem. Simulation result proves the effectiveness of proposed method for stabilization of attitude, altitude and position of quad-rotor.
The effects of foreign debt on the growth have been the subject of many studies because of adverse experiences in the country that occurred after the 2008 crisis. Whereas the majority of studies reveal the existence of the negative impacts of the economic growth of external debt, only a few studies represent a positive contribution to the growth. This study has analyzed external debt, current account deficit and growth relations for Balkan countries between the years 2000-2011 using fixed capital and growth rate and debt ratio variables. The panel data estimation is also analyzed and the findings of the panel estimations unsurprisingly overlap with the theory; in other words, findings support the increase in the external debt ratio has a negative effect on economic growth.
The rapid development in information technology and systems which are designed for simulation of practical problems supports the use of optimization techniques for their design. A design optimization is a difficult mathematical process, intended to find the minimum or maximum of an objective function which is mostly based on iterative procedure. The presented work deals with analyzing of optimization methods (First Order Method - FOM and Subproblem Approximation Method - SAM) and tools (Random, Gradient, Factorial, Sweep) which are implemented in individual Design Optimization module in the widely used multi-physical engineering system Ansys. The Ansys system uses the finite element method to simulate complex problems applicable in many professional fields. The efficiency and accuracy of the FOM and SAM methods are analyzed through strictly convex two-dimensional optimization problem, which is represented by volume minimization of two bars\' plane frame structure subjected to maximal vertical displacement limit.
This study investigated the temper embrittlement of dual-phase steels produced from DIN17CrNiMo6 alloy steel. Two different specimen groups were used for this purpose. The specimens in the first group were quenched from 930 °C (from the austenite zone) while the specimens in the second group were quenched from 830 °C (from the ferrite + austenite zone). Afterwards, the specimens in both groups were subjected to tempering heat treatment from 100 °C to 650 °C at 23 different temperature intervals of 25 °C for 1 h. After the heat treatments, microstructurals, scanning electron microscopy analysis and charpy impact, hardness tests were conducted. As a result of the experiments, the impact toughness values of the specimens showed an increase between 100 and 200 °C while exhibiting a decline between 225 and 400 °C. However, the impact toughness values of the specimens from two different groups were observed to increase at temperatures over 425 °C. As a result, irreversible temper embrittlement was determined in the charpy impact test specimens of both groups.
In this study, 2,4,6-trinitro benzoate (TNB) was intercalated into Zn–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by ion exchange method to obtain TNB–LDH nanohybrids. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra and elemental analyses indicate a successful intercalation of TNB with a horizontal orientation. Intercalation of organic anion of TNB into Zn–Al LDH caused the interlayer spacing of LDH to increase from 0.771 to 0.890 nm as determined by XRD studies. Thermogravimetric analyses propose that the thermal stability of the intercalated organic anion of TNB is lower than compared to the pure form before intercalation.
The development of abdominal masses during fetal life is currently detected by routine ultrasound during pregnancy and, if necessary, fetal IRM. The prenatal diagnosis offers a better approach of these neonates, decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. The most frequently abdomino-pelvic cystic masses in female neonates are ovarian cysts. \n The authors report the case of a female fetus, diagnosed at 30 gestation weeks presenting a pelvic cystic mass of 20x30 milimeters in diameter, which modified its appearance in the next 2 weeks. MRI was performed, showing a mass of 33x25x25 milimeters with intracystic hemorrhage and residue. The follow-up ultrasound showed constant cyst’s decreasing dimensions. The surgical exploration revealed floating necrotized right ovary, amputated right adnexa, and right patent canal of Nuck. It was performed the extirpation of the right ovary and closure of the right canal of Nuck. \n Ovarian cysts can be often discovered prenatally, but differentiating its true nature may be sometimes challenging. The amputated adnexa are associated with prenatal ovarian torsion. The unilateral necrotic ovary may determine structural changes in the contra lateral ovary and affect fertility. Low percentage of ovarian torsion during fetal life doesn’t recommend minimally invasive fetal approach of ovarian cysts.\n\nKey words: ovarian cyst, prenatal, torsion, ultrasonography.
This study examines optimized distribution of tasks amongst a group of workers by using the work proficiencies of workers. Work proficiencies of each worker have been presented as a fuzzy relationship matrix. Maximization of overall proficiency value of aggregated task assignments and maximization of working time of permanent workers have been used as optimization criteria (depend on capacity constraint). In this study two heuristic algorithms were suggested for the solution of the assignment problem that are similar to the Best Fit Decreasing (BFD) algorithm which is used for the solution of the classical bin packing problem. These heuristic algorithms were implemented in C++ programming language. Afterwords by using this program, various experiments were performed for similar and dissimilar capacities problems and the results were evaluated with Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. As a result, it is statistically shown that the proposed algorithms increase the task assignment qualities.
Repair and rehabilitation of deficient reinforced concrete infrastructure is assuming more importance rather than replacing them. Rehabilitation has often proved to be the most cost effective strategy and the durability of rehabilitated structures plays a significant role in determining the most effective methodology. Some of the common available rehabilitation systems in India are micro concrete jacketing, steel plate bonding technique, FRP wrapping etc. In any case, the deterioration caused by the corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete structures is one of the greatest maintenance challenges being faced by the government agencies and owners today. The most common type of repair is the ‘patch repair’ in India since a detailed rehabilitation methodology would involve higher costs. Hence, recourse is taken to ‘patch repairs’, which may be only cosmetic in nature. In such situations, the concept of ‘Ring anode’ is not well understood by the engineers leading to repeated repairs. In the final analysis, the cost of such repeated repairs would be much more than a comprehensive rehabilitation methodology which may be of a higher initial cost. The other issue arising out of such repeated repairs is the disturbance in the functionality of the structure at regular intervals due to such constant repairs. This paper discusses in detail the ‘Ring anode’ concept, which may arise out of the most common type of repair adopted in the industry, viz., ‘Patch repair’. Investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of installation of self sacrificial anodes in RC slabs with and without preconditioning and their performance was compared with control slabs.\nKeywords: Self sacrificial anode, corrosion, patch repair, half cell potential, rebar, weighted numbers
This study examined yield and some technological features of Momordica charantia L. grown in greenhouse and field conditions in the Rize/Pazar area of Turkey during 2010 and 2011. Experiments were conducted in three repetitions according to the testing pattern of randomized blocks. The study examined plant height, the number of offshoots, the number of fruits, fruit height, fruit width, seed number, fruit weight, and yield values of Momordica charantia L. grown in field and greenhouse conditions, together with fructose, glucose, sucrose values, and protein, total phenolic compound and antioxidant activity values in fruits and leaves. The highest values for the examined herbal and agricultural features were found in plants grown field conditions. The yield of fruits grown in field conditions was 28.36–34.92 t/ha, fructose content was 4.63–4.37%, glucose content was 3.13–2.87%, protein content was 6.23–6.21%. Total phenolic contents of ethyl acetate and ethanol:pure water (80:20) extracts in fruit were 62.81 ± 0.50, 42.48 ± 0.90 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. In addition, antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate and ethanol:pure water (80:20) extracts in fruit were 11.06 ± 0.32 and 25.47 ± 0.44 EC50 (µg/ml extract), respectively.
There are number of failures are recorded in UAV projects because of its non-linearity nature. In Quad-rotor type Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, position controlling is one of the most critical tasks and suitable Position stabilization controller is the essential part of these types of unmanned systems. In this paper a position stabilization (i.e. x and y axes) control with noise rejection system is presented for the quad-rotor type UAV under perturbation conditions. The proposed controller is based upon Auto-tuned PID controller with extended Kalman filter for Position stabilization controlling under noisy and external disturbance conditions. Extended Kalman filter is used to filter out the sensor noises and provide more accurate feedback signal to the PID controller. The proposed control technique is simulated on Quad-rotor’s nonlinear mathematical model under perturbed and unperturbed conditions for its position controlling using MATLAB environment. Simulation results shows that proposed controller performed well and quickly maintains quad-rotor position under perturbed conditions.
Chlorides, Carbon dioxide and Sulphate are the common environmental factors which attack the concrete and lead to the deterioration of Reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Corrosion of reinforced steel bars in concrete is the major cause of early concrete deterioration. This form of deterioration is primarily induced by ingress of chloride ions into concrete. When chloride ions penetrate to the level of rebar, corrosion of reinforcing steel starts, which plays a major role in the durability of RC structures. Rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) was carried out on fibre reinforced concrete specimens with manufactured sand as fine aggregate and domestic waste plastics as fibres. RCPT test was carried out on four types of concrete namely, normal concrete with river sand (NCRS), concrete using manufactured sand as complete replacement for river sand (NCMS), fibre reinforced concrete with river sand and domestic waste plastics as fibres (FRCRS) and fibre reinforced concrete with manufactured sand and domestic waste plastics as fibres (FRCMS). It has been observed that the resistance of chloride ion penetration is improved in fibre reinforced concrete specimens with manufactured sand as fine aggregate and domestic waste plastic as fibres.
The paper deals with the assessment of the condition of wood with regard to the evaluation of degradation using an ultrasonic pulse method. A whole range of non-destructive techniques based on various electrophysical processes are used in wood analysis. However, most of them are based on measuring the velocity of the passage of an ultrasound pulse. This article analyzes such a measurement technique applied to fir wood of different ages (17th - 21st century) taken from the embedded wood structures of ceilings or roofs in historical and modern buildings. The prepared samples took account of wood anisotropy in the precise determination of longitudinal and transverse direction; additionally, bulk density was specified for each sample. The measurement of ultrasonic pulses was carried out in all directions, and the results were analyzed according to the origin of the fir samples. Moreover, other significant wood characteristics which affect the velocity of pulse passage at a macroscopic scale, i.e., cracks, knots and bulk density, were also considered. Simultaneously, the relationship between the moisture content of wood and the velocity of pulse passage was evaluated. The conclusions from this analysis are useful for the practical application of ultrasound methods in the evaluation of the degree of wood degradation in real historical wooden structures.
Road Transportation occupies a very dominant position in the overall transportation system of India. The increasing high volume of vehicular traffic and heavy axle loads witnessed on Indian highways have brought the existing road network to a crippling condition due to the severity of deterioration and distress of road surface which has led to heavy investments being made to restore and sustain the pavements to the desired serviceability level. Without adequate and timely maintenance, roads deteriorate excessively, leading to higher vehicle operating costs, increased number of accidents and reduced reliability of transport services leading to heavy economic loss to the country. A timely assessment of the road pavements is necessary to prioritize the maintenance and repairs of pavements based on the severity of their distress and it would help save the losses in road user cost. Hence this study is done to evaluate and compare the pavement condition of the three different categories of roads –National Highways, State Highway and Arterial Roads in Chennai and to prioritize the maintenance according to the pavement failure. \n The roughness data was collected using ROad Measurement Data Acquisition System (ROMDAS) and the International Roughness Index (IRI) and the distress condition were obtained through the video log survey. The texture depth and the skid resistance tests of the pavements were also carried out. The result revealed that roads having lesser IRI value had more number of distresses and those with high IRI had lesser distresses but with higher severity.\nKeywords – Pavement Distress, ROMDAS, Roughness Index, Distress Condition,
The European sovereign debt crisis started in 2008 with the collapse of Iceland’s banking system. Regarding this crisis, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain collectively called PIIGS are the most affected countries. For instance, the Greek government has received the second bailout but still threatens to default. This paper investigates the determinants of the Greek general government debt using the Vector Error Correction Model framework, variance decomposition and the Generalized Impulse Response Function analysis. The results revealed a significant negative relationship between general government debt and government deficit, general government debt and inflation. The relationship between general government debt and current account balance is positive and significant; however, an insignificant relationship exists between gross savings and general government debt. Variation in general government debt in Greece over the years is highly cause by general government debt, followed by current account balance in the second and fourth period and inflation over the remaining periods. Shocks to general government and inflation will cause general government debt to increase while shocks to government deficit, gross savings and current account balance will cause general government debt to decrease.
In this project, we study if life satisfaction and emotional intelligence impact on resilience at university students and, after that, to study more exhaustively relationship inter concepts. In this study was developed with intentional sample former in 174 participants of different degree. Results show that life satisfaction is not a good predictor and, also, that emotional intelligence impact in resilience and, particularly, clarity is a good predictor of resilience.
Objective: The Helicobacter genus consists of a large number of species. It is difficult to differentiate these species in some cases. The aim of this study was to explore usefulness of rnpB in differentiating Helicobacter species. Methods: The rnpB gene was amplified using a pair of degenerate primers from ten species of Helicobacters. Their sequences were determined and analysed with the ClustW 2 program. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood, minimum-evolution or maximum parsimony methods. To investigate the variation within a species, the rnpB gene was PCR amplified and sequenced from 20 clinical isolates of H. pylori. Results: The rnpB gene was identified in species of Helicobacter. Sequence comparison of rnpB revealed that the average identity of rnpB between species was 75%, ranging from 63% to 96%. Within species variation of rnpB was low. The identity of rnpB between H. pylori strains was higher than 97%. Phylogenetic trees constructed with different methods yielded similar topologies, which were generally consistent with those generated with analyses of 16S or 23S rRNA gene. Conclusions: Sequence analysis of rnpB revealed large differences between Helicobacter species but low variation within a species, indicating it is suitable for differentiating species of the Helicobacter genus.
The safety automation of mobile complex systems, is the current topic issue in industry and research laboratories, especially in aeronautic. This is due to the intrinsic complexity of these systems. The behavioral models are nonlinear, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) and tightly coupled. The nonlinearity resides in the dynamic model equations and also in the aerodynamic coefficients’ variability.\nThis paper is devoted to develop the piloting law based on the combination of the robust differentiator with a dynamic adaptation gains and the robust controller via second order sliding mode, by using an aircraft in virtual simulated environments. It is within real-time simulation for virtual reality applications.\nThe aim is to design an autopilot controller. In order to do, we propose design environment framework based on SIL methodology (Software in the loop) and we use MicrosoftTM Flight Simulator (FS2004) as the environment and plane simulator.\nThe first order sliding mode control can be a solution for this problem of piloting; however, his implementation generates the chattering phenomenon. In order to reduce it, a new version of the differentiators of higher order sliding modes with a dynamic adaptation gains is proposed and used for the piloting.
A discrete event system (DES) is a dynamic system that evolves in accordance with the abrupt occurrence, at possibly unknown irregular intervals, of physical events. Because of the special nature of these systems, different tools are currently used for their analysis, design and modeling. The main focus of this paper is the presentation of a new modeling approach of Discrete Event Systems. The proposed approach is based on hybrid model which combines Interval Constrained Petri Nets (ICPN) and Timed Automata. These tools allow us to evaluate, respectively, the quality variations and to manage the flow type disturbance. An example analysis illustrates our approach.
The loss system D⁄(GI∕K∕0) with deterministic arrival of experiment, general independent time, K inspectors and no queue is investigated. We constructed a new representation of service time delay distribution by an approximation based on the binomial one with parameters d,p. Furthermore, a general formula is derived to calculate the moments of the binomial distribution. Finally, the efficiency of the modified procedure is investigated and is found to be acceptable.
Abstract:\nBackground: In cancer, the metabolism is altered, and malnutrition is common. Loss of fatty tissue is common, and the degeneration of protein increases, which leads to a progressive loss of muscle tissue. Early identification of the malnourished patient is therefore important to optimize nutritional support and outcome. The objectives of this study was to identify nutritional status and assigning the level of risk for malnutrition by using Simple Screening tool for Malnutrition (SSM),and Nutritional Risk Indicator (RNI) and test Sensitivity and specificity for these nutritional indicators for colorectal cancer patients before and after different modulates of treatment \nSubjects and methods: A cross- sectional descriptive study was carried out among (30)\nPatients at King Abdul Aziz Hospital (KAUH). All the patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Demographics characteristics, assessments included weight history, body mass index (BMI), and percentage of weight loss. Laboratory investigations includes blood analysis, and albumin, also the CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) as a diagnostic tool Cancer staging, nutritional status and assigning the level of risk for malnutrition by, using Simple Screening tool for Malnutrition (SSM), and Nutritional Risk Indictor (RNI) were calculated and test Sensitivity and specificity of nutritional indicators for colorectal cancer patients before and after different modulates of treatment. The results were analyzed by SPSS statistical package version 15.\nResults: The mean ±SD of age was 54±1.93, 49.30±1.11 for male and female respectively. Unintentional weight loss in male patients was more than female. One half of the patients (50%) had weight change during 3 months followed (16.7%) had weight change during 6 months and (16.7%) had weight change during 1 year but only (13.3%) had weight change during 1 month.\n A cross-sectional study (2x2) was conducted NRI, versus SSM. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) were 36.4%, 52.9%, 40.0% and 65.0%, respectively in SSMB. While the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) were 15.3%, 60.0%, 69.0% and 35.0%, respectively in SSMA. The difference could be explained by better conditions.\nStatistically for male there was significant difference in CEA, HB, Platelet count and Albumin between before and after treatment (P< 0.05). For female there was highly significant difference in Platelet count between before and after treatment (P< 0.001), and high significant difference at (** P< 0.0 1) in Albumin and HCT% and significant difference (P< 0.05) in CEA, WBC and RBC between before and after treatment. The NRI classified 13.3% of patients as low, 20% as medium and 66.7 % as high risk compared to 63.3% of patients were Moderately/severely malnourished and 36.7% of patients being well nourished by SSM before treatment and 56.7% were Moderately/severely malnourished & 43.3% of patients for being well nourished by SSM after treatment.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of plyometric training on growth hormone, Cortisol and their ratio in elite female football players. Methods: Twenty Nine elite females football players volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to plyometric trained (n=19, age: 21.2 ±2.3 years, BMI: 20.6 ± 1.4 kg/m2) and control groups (n=10, age: 21.4± 2.1 years, BMI: 22.6 ± 2.4 kg/m2). The plyometric training group performed eight week plyometric training program and the control group did not perform any plyometric training techniques. Resting serum levels growth hormone and cortisol were measured in each group before and end of training. Results:Two ways ANOVA analysis revealed a significant effect of training for cortisol and GH/cortisol ratio. Eight-week plyometric training decreased plasma levels of cortisol (P=0.022) and increased GH/cortisol ratio (P=0.049) but GH levels had no changes in comparison with control group (P=0.087). Conclusion: It\'s seems that Plyometric training have significant effects upon the cortisol levels, and GH/Cortisol ratio and may be is another useful indicators for determining anabolic/catabolic statues of muscle in elite female football players.
The article emphasizes the results of an empirical research focused on the assessment of the predictors reflecting the dimensions related to the performances of the e-HRM systems (operational and strategic) which mostly influence the efficiency of the administrative HR tasks and the correlation between HR policies and the business strategies. After a pretesting process based on principal component analysis and confirmatory analysis, the data collected from a representative sample of 100 companies from different fields were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics methods, such as one-way and two-way ANOVA method and linear regression analyses. The results emphasize the fact that the strategic dimension of the e-HRM systems implementation represents the most relevant predictor of both dependent variables of the conceptual pattern - the efficiency of the HR administrative tasks and the integration of the HR policies within the business strategies of the organisations. The results of this empirical survey provide a useful support in HR decision making process in the case of firms which already implemented e-HRM systems and lead to an in-depth knowledge on the manners to achieve superior outcomes, facilitated by HR tasks automation.
Introduction: This study aim to investigate the challenges of Boards Of Trustees (BOTs) of Medical Universities (MUs) in Iran in managing the universities.\nMethods: In this qualitative study 27 participants include: secretaries of BOTs, Presidents of MUs as well as staff experts of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) were interviewed. Collected data analyzed using framework analysis and Atlas-Ti software.\nResults: Five key themes are identified including: 1) infrastructure (problem in BOT Law and membership requirement) 2) planning and decision-making (evidence based decision making and planning and meeting), 3) Organizing (Ambiguity in positions and lack of necessary administrative structure), 4) performance evaluation (Self reporting, lack of time allocation, lack of evaluation criteria and lack of required structure for evaluation), 5) independence and influence on Performance (dependency to the MOHME and financial independence). T\nConclusion: Due to obsolete laws the structural and performance reform of BOTs is very essential. The issues of university autonomy and empowerment of BOTs members should be particularly considered in such reforms.\nKeywords: Board of Trustees, University, Challenges, Qualitative study.
Abstract\n\nGrain yield of winter wheat depends on nitrogen supply during the grain filling period (GFP). The main objective of the study was to explain the impact of nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, 180 kg N ha-1, under the background of potassium application systems (medium and high K soil fertility levels and applied fertilizer K: 0, 100 kg K2O ha-1) on nitrogen supply from its vegetative pools. Nitrogen concentration and content in wheat vegetative parts were recorded at: mid-anthesis (BBCH 65), mid-milk stage (BBCH 75) and maturity (BBCH 91. The importance of particular N donors to developing grain was year specific. In the dry year, all N pools, including soil, were equal in N delivery. In the optimal year, dominated stems, following by ears. The stem was a buffer for nitrogen, but highly sensitive to demand of growing grains. During the first part of the GFP grain accumulates from 2/3 up to 4/5 of final N in dry and optimal year, respectively. The ear N content, grain N at BBCH 75 and total N can be used to predict grain yield in respective stages of wheat growth. Nitrogen remobilization quota was a useful index of N management during the GFP. \n\nK e y w o r d s: wheat, grain filling period, nitrogen, partitioning, remobilization
The main aim of the paper is to make an empirical investigation on necessary hotel accommodation. Moreover, the research attempts to calculate optimum hotel accommodation supply in terms of number of hotel bed places and bedrooms. In this line, the case of Macedonia is examined by employing standard formulas and by calculating several alternative specifications. The research covers the period 2000-2012 and addresses total tourist arrivals. The results point to discrepancy between calculated optimal hotel capacity and the current ones, posing some relevant recommendations for capacity enlargement. Additionally, the research urges the need for introducing significant efforts for enhancing the up-to-date modest tourism development in Macedonia.
The objective of the study was the analysis of variability of infection of winter wheat heads with the fungus Phaeosphaeria nodorum in the area of Lower Silesia. The study on the variability of the intensity of septoria wheat glume blotch included the use of results obtained in Post-registration Experimentation on Cultivars experiments in Lower Silesia in the standard variant. Among the Post-registration Experimentation on cultivars experiments (PEC) 5 localities were selected, characterised by varied soil and climate conditions, and 11 cultivars of winter wheat. The analyses covered a 3-year period of wheat cultivation, i.e. the years 2009–2011. Cultivars ‘Mulan’ and ‘Ostroga’ displayed an increased resistance to septoria wheat glume blotch, compared to the other cultivars. Cultivars ‘Brillant’ and ‘Figura’ were characterised by increased stability of resistance to septoria wheat glume blotch. Whereas, cv. ‘Bogatka’ was characterised by notable variation of susceptibility to the fungus P. nodorum. The resistance of the cultivars was largely determined by the variable climatic conditions and probably also by the varied populations of the fungus P. nodorum at the localities studied.
This study was focused on the development of new adhesive material for ceramic tiles; new formulas were presented in order to improve selected properties. Attention was focused on increasing the adhesion to ceramic tile adherend especially after heat effect, which are the most important properties particularly in underfloor heating applications. A multi-layer flooring system is dominantly affected by the different expansions of the materials used due to the thermal and moisture exposures. A flooring system consisting of underfloor heating and with tiles as surface paving is a typical multi-layer element that combines materials of different characteristics whose interaction is affected by thermal and moisture expansion. Modified cement-based adhesives were developed to achieve suitable adhesion characteristics for such a use of ceramic tiles for underfloor heating applications. Granulated waste PE-HD (Polyethylen High Density) as a partial filler replacement and power-plant fly ash as by-products were used for newly developed mixtures of adhesive mortar. The results of this study confirm the possibility of effectively using these alternative fillers, which improve the final properties of mixtures; they allow a reduction of the environmental burden and the final product price.
Bulk CMOS technology is facing enormous challenges at channel lengths below 45 nm such as gate tunneling, device mismatch, random dopant fluctuations, mobility degradation, etc. Although multiple gate transistors and strained silicon devices overcome some of the bulk CMOS problems, it is sensible to look for revolutionary new materials and devices to replace silicon. It is obvious that future technology materials should exhibit higher mobility, better channel electrostatics, scalability, and robustness against process variations. Carbon nanotube based technology is very promising because it has most of these desired features. There is a need to explore the potential of this emerging technology by designing circuits based on this technology and comparing their performance with that of existing bulk CMOS technology for its rapid commercialization. Due to aggressive scaling, short channel devices are leaky and more prone to process variations compared to long channel MOSFETs. Various leakage components are dominant in short-channel MOSFETs. Therefore, leakage is a serious issue in scaled CMOS technology. This work makes use of CNFET (carbon nanotube field effect transistor) that offers lower leakage, lower variability and better electrostatic control over the channel region. It proposes a CNFET based single-ended 6T SRAM cell that saves dynamic as well as static power and maintains higher read stability at the cost of acceptable read/write delay. It proves its robustness by exhibiting narrower spread in various design metrics.
Any model of analysis, measurement and economic risk assessment should help identify the economic exposure to economic risks and to establish the financial impact related to these exposures. Since businesses are constantly changing their strategies, range of product and distribution channels, the management of economic organizations should be also interested in forecast results under different scenarios. In the end, the aim of this article is to present several methods, models which should provide information that enable the management to compare the company /business situation with other companies or to identify adequate ways of managing the identified risk.
Reduced moisture availability at sowing and early seedling establishment stage seriously affects seed germination, growth, and production of rain-fed wheat. The effects of seed priming with salicylic acid (50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm), ascorbic acid (10ppm,20ppm, 30ppm) and abscisic acid (50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm) on seed germination, morpho-physiological drought adopted traits and yield attributes of wheat were evaluated under control (zero drought stress) and PEG-6000 induced osmotic stress (-2, -4 and -8 bar) conditions imposed at seed germination and early seedling establishment stage of wheat cv. GA-2002. Rate of germination (E50), seminal roots, root-shoot ratio, relative water content, chlorophyll contents, membrane stability index and yield attributes were declined by the prevalent stress conditions. However, chemical priming with SA, AsA or ABA ameliorated the harmful effect of simulated water stress on measured traits. Seed priming with SA surpassed the other priming agents and over all, 50ppm of SA showed pronounced and better effects on stand establishment under moderate osmotic stress (-2bar) and resulted in more spike length, number of spikelet per spike and grains per spike by maintaining high root-shoot ratio, RWC, chlorophyll contents and MSI under osmotic stress conditions. Seed priming with low doses of SA is recommended to augment drought stress at seed germination and early growth stages of wheat.
ABSTRACT\nKeeping in view the increasing demand and high price of agar an attempt was made to find a substitute for agar. A study was conducted to investigate the potential role of psyllium husk as a low cost gelling agent in callus induction and regeneration of wheat. Immature embryos of GA-2002 cultivar were cultured in different strength of MS medium. Different concentrations of psyllium husk supplemented with agar were used for solidification of medium. Highest callus formation was achieved on MS medium containing 3 mg/L of 2, 4-D so this concentration was used for further experiments. Maximum callus induction and regeneration (about 74 % and 73 %, respectively) was recorded on MS medium solidified with 5 g/L of agar alone. Callus formation and plant regeneration on media gelled with 40 g/L psyllium husk alone was about 27 % and 39 %, respectively. Different strength of MS medium did not affect callus induction and regeneration significantly. It is evident that psyllium husk has a potential for using as a low cost gelling agent. Callus induction and regeneration on medium solidified with psyllium husk is low. Further experiments may be conducted to find out the most suitable level of the husk for higher callus induction and regeneration.
