bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Analysis of the Influence of Longitudinal Stress Changes on Band Dimensions During Continuous Rolling Process
Authors: Sygut P. , Klimecka–Tatar D. , Borkowski S.
Published: March 2016

The paper presents the results of studies on the effect of nonuniform temperature distribution over the length of feedstock on the variation of longitudinal stresses in the rolling direction and band dimension change during the continuous rolling process. The studies were performed based on actual engineering data for a 160x160 mm square cross-section feedstock of steel S355J0. Numerical modelling of the rolling process was performed using Forge 2008®, a finite-element based computer program. Thermovision measurements and bars geometrical dimension changes were carried out in a domestic steelworks.
Properties of the Aluminium Alloy EN AC-51100 after Laser Surface Treatment
Authors: Tański T. , Pakieła W. , Janicki D. , Tomiczek B. , Król M.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the influence of a laser surface treatment on the structure and properties of aluminium alloy has been determined. The aim of this work was to improve the tribological properties of the surface layer of the EN AC-51100 aluminium alloy by simultaneously melting and feeding silicon carbide particles into the molten pool. The silicon carbide powder was introduced into the liquid metal using a gravity feeder within a constant feed rate of 1 g/min. A high power diode laser (HPDL) was used for remelting. Laser beam energies used in experiments were 1.8 kW, 2.0 kW and 2.2 kW, combined with the constant velocity of 50 mm/min. As a result of the laser treatment on the aluminium alloy, a composite layer with greater hardness and wear resistance compared to the based material was obtained.
The Comparison of the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Sand Cast Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Dobkowska A. , Adamczyk – Cieślak B. , Mizera J. , Kurzydłowski K. J. , Kiełbus A.
Published: March 2016

The influence of different types of precipitation on the corrosion behavior was investigated in three aluminum-siliconmagnesium alloys. The microstructures of the alloys were studied through optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structures consisted of an α-Al solid solution matrix, Si eutectic crystals, secondary phases AlFeSi and AlMgFeSi (Chinese script), as well as Mg2Si. The corrosion behavior was examined with the use of a potentiodynamic polarization test followed by a SEM surface analysis. The results indicate that all the analyzed samples were in the passive state and AlSi10Mg was less reactive in the corrosive environment.
Antibacterial Composite Layers on Ti: Role of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Roguska A. , Belcarz A. , Suchecki P. , Andrzejczuk M. , Lewandowska M.
Published: March 2016

Problem of Post-operative infections of implant materials caused by bacterial adhesion to their surfaces is very serious. Enhancement of antibacterial properties is potentially beneficial for biomaterials value. Therefore, the metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles attract particular attention as antimicrobial factors. The aim of this work was to create nanotubular (NT) oxide layers on Ti with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles, designed for antibacterial biomedical coatings. Antimicrobial activities of titanium, TiO2NT and ZnO/TiO2NT surfaces were evaluated against bacterial strain typical for orthopaedic infections: S. epidermidis. TiO2NT alone killed the free bacterial cells significantly but promoted their adhesion to the surfaces. The presence of moderate amount of ZnO nanoparticles significantly reduced the S. epidermidis cells adhesion and viability of bacterial cells in contact with modified surfaces. However, higher amount of loaded nanoZnO showed the reduced antimicrobial properties than the medium amount, suggesting the overdose effect.
Study of Solidification of Continuously Cast Steel Round Billets Using Numerical Modelling
Authors: Tkadlečková M. , Válek L. , Socha L. , Saternus M. , Pieprzyca J. , Merder T. , Michalek K. , Kováč M.
Published: March 2016

The paper is dedicated to the verification of solidification of continuously cast round steel billets using numerical modelling based on the finite element method. The aim of numerical modelling is to optimize the production of continuously cast steel billets of round format. The paper describes the pre-processing, processing and post-processing phases of numerical modelling. Also, the problems with determination of the thermodynamic properties of materials and the heat transfer between the individual parts of the casting system, including the definition of the heat losses along the casting strand in the primary and secondary cooling, were discussed. The first results of numerical simulation show the so-called thermal steady state of continuous casting. The temperature field, the metallurgical length and the thickness of the shell at the end of the mould were predicted. The further research will be concentrated on the prediction the risk of the cracks and the porosity based on the different boundary conditions.
Thermal Balance of the Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic Pump for Recovery of Platinum Group Metals from Spent Auto Catalysts
Authors: Gil S. , Bialik W. , Saternus M. , Fornalczyk A.
Published: March 2016

Every new car should be equipped with the catalyst, which limits the amount of harmful chemical compounds such as NOx, CH and CO emitted to the air. Auto catalyst consists of the ceramic or metallic carrier, on which is the layer with Platinum Group Metals playing catalytic role. There are many methods using for recovery those valuable metals from spent auto catalyst, however evry of those methods have some limitations. Proces described in the article is the modified method of metal collector, which used magnetohydrodynamic pump. Rotary electromagnetic field generates in the liquid metal rotary current, which as a consequence washing out the PGM metals from the ceramic carriers. Considering the possibilities of commercialization of the described method, the energy balance was made. From that balance the energetic efficiency of the unit was determined and the analysis of the temperature distribution was shown thermographycally.
The Effect of Specific Conditions on Cu, Ni, Zn and Al Recovery from PCBS Waste Using Acidophilic Bacterial Strains
Authors: Mrážiková A. , Kaduková J. , Marcinčáková R. , Velgosová O. , Willner J. , Fornalczyk A. , Saternus M.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of static, stirring and shaking conditions on copper, zinc, nickel and aluminium dissolution from printed circuit boards (PCBs) using the mixed acidophilic bacterial culture of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. The results revealed that static conditions were the most effective in zinc and aluminium dissolution. Zinc was removed almost completely under static conditions, whereas maximum of nickel dissolution was reached under the stirring conditions. The highest copper recovery (36%) was reached under stirring conditions. The shaking conditions appeared to be the least suitable. The relative importance of these systems for the bioleaching of copper and nickel decreased in the order: stirring, static conditions, shaking.
Identification of Relevant Work Parameters of Ladle Furnace While Melting the High Ductility Steel and High-Carbon Steel
Authors: Warzecha M. , Garncarek S. , Merder T. , Skuza Z.
Published: March 2016

In the present paper, secondary metallurgical treatment in ladle furnace during smelting the high carbon steel and steel with improved ductility for cold-deforming, under industrial conditions were analyzed.

Common features of these steels are high requirements/strict standards imposed for their metallurgical purity; however they are especially exorbitant for improved ductility steels. In addition, it is widely used to specify alloying additives having significant weights- such as carbon and manganese - and explicitly restricted content of nitrogen requiring metal bath cover prior nitriding.
The Effect of Slag on the Effectiveness of Phosphorus Removal from Ferrous Alloys Containing Carbon, Chromium and Nickel
Authors: Kawecka-Cebula E. , Karbowniczek M. , Suliga I.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of slag composition on phosphorus removal from ferrous solutions containing carbon, chromium and nickel. Additions of cryolite, Na3AlF6, were applied for better fluxing and higher phosphate capacity of the slag. An X-ray analysis of final slags formed during dephosphorization of ferrous solutions containing chromium and nickel with CaO-CaF2or CaO-CaF2-Na3AlF6mixtures of different chemical compositions was carried out. The equilibrium composition of the liquid and the solid phase while cooling the slags from 1673K to 298K was computed using FactSage 6.2 software. The performed equilibrium computations indicated that the slags were not entirely liquid at those temperatures. The addition of cryolite causes a substantial increase of the liquid phase of the slag. It also has a favourable effect on the dephosphorization grade of hot metal. The obtained results were statistically processed and presented in the form of regression equations.
Computer Simulation of the Formation of Non-Metallic Precipitates During a Continuous Casting of Steel
Authors: Kalisz D. , Żak P.L. , Tokarski T. , Wzorek Ł. , Suchy J. S. , Kiczor M. , Cieślak W.
Published: March 2016

The authors own computer software, based on the Ueshima mathematical model with taking into account the back diffusion, determined from the Wołczyński equation, was developed for simulation calculations. The applied calculation procedure allowed to determine the chemical composition of the non-metallic phase in steel deoxidised by means of Mn, Si and Al, at the given cooling rate. The calculation results were confirmed by the analysis of samples taken from the determined areas of the cast ingot. This indicates that the developed computer software can be applied for designing the steel casting process of the strictly determined chemical composition and for obtaining the required non-metallic precipitates.
Modelling of Heat Transfer at the Solid to Solid Interface
Authors: Rywotycki M. , Malinowski Z. , Falkus J. , Sołek K. , Szajding A. , Miłkowska-Piszczek K.
Published: March 2016

In technological process of steel industry heat transfer is a very important factor. Heat transfer plays an essential role especially in rolling and forging processes. Heat flux between a tool and work piece is a function of temperature, pressure and time. A methodology for the determination of the heat transfer at solid to solid interface has been developed. It involves physical experiment and numerical methods. The first one requires measurements of the temperature variations at specified points in the two samples brought into contact. Samples made of C45 and NC6 steels have been employed in physical experiment. One of the samples was heated to an initial temperature of: 800°C, 1000°C and 1100°C. The second sample has been kept at room temperature. The numerical part makes use of the inverse method for calculating the heat flux and at the interface. The method involves the temperature field simulation in the axially symmetrical samples. The objective function is bulled up as a dimensionless error norm between measured and computed temperatures. The variable metric method is employed in the objective function minimization. The heat transfer coefficient variation in time at the boundary surface is approximated by cubic spline functions.

The influence of pressure and temperature on the heat flux has been analysed. The problem has been solved by applying the inverse procedure and finite element method for the temperature field simulations. The self-developed software has been used. The simulation results, along with their analysis, have been presented.
Microstructure of Hot-Deformed Cu-3Ti Alloy
Authors: Szkliniarz A. , Szkliniarz W. , Blacha L. , Siwiec G.
Published: March 2016

In the paper, results of investigations regarding temperature and strain rate effects on hot-deformed Cu-3Ti alloy microstructure are presented. Evaluation of the alloy microstructure was performed with the use of a Gleeble HDS-V40 thermal-mechanical simulator on samples subjected to uniaxial hot compression within 700 to 900ºC and at the strain rate of 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 s-1until 70% (1.2) strain. It was found that within the analyzed temperature and strain rate ranges, the alloy deformation led to partial or complete recrystallization of its structure and to multiple refinement of the initial grains. The recrystallization level and the average diameter of recrystallized grains increase with growing temperature and strain rate. It was shown that entirely recrystallized, fine-grained alloy structure could be obtained following deformation at the strain rate of min 10.0 s-1and the temperature of 800°C or higher.
Studies of the AA2519 Alloy Hot Rolling Process and Cladding with EN AW-1050A Alloy
Authors: Płonka B. , Rajda M. , Zamkotowicz Z. , Żelechowski J. , Remsak K. , Korczak P. , Szymański W. , Snieżek L.
Published: March 2016

The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of plastic forming by hot rolling of the AA2519 aluminium alloy sheets and cladding these sheets with a layer of the EN AW-1050A alloy. Numerous hot-rolling tests were carried out on the slab ingots to define the parameters of the AA2519 alloy rolling process. It has been established that rolling of the AA2519 alloy should be carried out in the temperature range of 400-440°C. Depending on the required final thickness of the sheet metal, appropriate thickness of the EN AW-1050A alloy sheet, used as a cladding layer, was selected. As a next step, structure and mechanical properties of the resulting AA2519 alloy sheets clad with EN AW-1050A alloy was examined. The thickness of the coating layer was established at 0,3÷0,5mm. Studies covered alloy grain size and the core alloy-cladding material bond strength.
Influence of Plastic Deformation Process on the Structure and Properties of Alloy WE43
Authors: Bednarczyk I. , Mrugała A. , Tomaszewska A.
Published: March 2016

The paper describes the results of structure and properties tests of flat bars made of alloy WE43 obtained in the process of extrusion with the use of KOBO method. An analysis of structure changes was conducted both in initial state and after plastic deformation.

A quantitative analysis of the material was also conducted with the use of METILO program. The paper also presents results of mechanical tests marked in the uniaxial tensile testing in room temperature and in elevated temperature for achieved flat bars. Fractographic tests were conducted after tensile test in order to determine the mechanism of cracking.
Effect of SiC and GR Reinforcement Particles on the Structure and Functional Properties of Composite Casting E43 MMC Reinforced with SiC Particles
Authors: Boczkal S. , Dolata A.J. , Nowak M.
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study was to describe the structure of composites based on the AlSi7Mg2Sr0.03 alloy matrix reinforced with SiC particles added in an amount of 10% and with a mixture of SiC and GR particles added in a total amount of 20%. Studies of the composite structure, were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the results of chemical analysis in microregions, an increased content of elements such as Mg, O and Si and of the precipitates was observed at the interface. In many places in the examined sample, GR particles formed partly disintegrated conglomerates with well developed boundaries. The effect of the content of particles of the reinforcing phase on the functional properties of the composite was investigated during studies of abrasion. The lowest mass loss of 5,33mg was obtained for the AlSi7Mg2Sr0.03 alloy reinforced with 10% SiC particles.
Conversion Coatings Produced on AZ61 Magnesium Alloy by Low-Voltage Process
Authors: Nowak M. , Płonka B. , Kozik A. , Karaś M. , Mitka M. , Gawlik M.
Published: March 2016

The resultes of anodic oxide conversion coatings on wrought AZ61 magnesium alloy production are describe. The studies were conducted in a solution containing: KOH (80 g/l) and KF (300 g/l) using anodic current densities of 3, 5 and 10 A/dm2 and different process durations. The obtained coatings were examined under a microscope and corrosion tests were performed by electrochemical method. Based on these results, it was found that the low-voltage process produces coatings conferring improved corrosion resistance to the tested magnesium alloy.
Properties of „In Situ” 7475 Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced Al3Ti Intermetalic Compound Extruded in Semi-Solid State
Authors: Szymański W.
Published: March 2016

Studies were conducted to improve the mechanical properties of composites based on 7475 aluminium alloy reinforced with Al3Ti particles fabricated by the “in situ” process.

The first step involved “dissolving” of titanium in the liquid aluminium alloy and fabricating in this way composite materials with different content of the reinforcing phase (15-45wt%). A relationship between the composite hardness and content of the reinforcing phase was confirmed.

The second step involved the improvement of cohesion between the reinforcing particles and composite matrix. By extrusion of samples in semi-solid state, an average increase in hardness by 15-20% relative to the unextruded composite was obtained.

In the third step, the fabricated composite was subjected to a heat treatment corresponding to the state T6 in 7475 alloy, which raised the hardness by about 30%. Structure examinations carried out by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopies as well as the results of hardness measurements were described. They enabled estimating the effect of the content of produced Al3Ti particles, and of the extrusion process in semi-solid state and heat treatment parameters on the composite properties. In compression test, the yield strength and compressive strength of the heat-treated composites were determined.
Influence of the Quenching Rate on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of the Fe-Based Amorphous Alloy
Authors: Nabiałek M.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the results of investigations into the structure, microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe61Co10Y8W1B20 amorphous alloy. The alloy samples were in two physical forms: (1) plates of approximate thickness 0.5 mm (so-called bulk amorphous alloys) and (2) a ribbon of approximate thickness 35 μm (so-called classic amorphous alloy). The investigations comprised: X-ray diffractometry, Mössbauer spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and selected magnetic measurements; all of the investigations were carried out on samples in the as-quenched state. Analysis of the obtained SEM and TEM images, X-ray diffraction patterns, Mössbauer spectrometry results and measurements of the magnetisation in a high magnetic field facilitated collectively the detailed description of the structure of the investigated alloy, which was found to depend on the quenching speed.
Curie Temperature and Microstructural Changes Due to the Heating Treatment of Magnetic Amorphous Materials
Authors: Gondro J. , Błoch K. , Brągiel P. , Nabiałek M. , Szota M.
Published: March 2016

Three distinct alloys: Fe86Zr7Nb1Cu1B5, Fe82Zr7Nb2Cu1B8, and Fe81Pt5Zr7Nb1Cu1B5were characterized both magnetically and structurally. The samples, obtained with spinning roller method as a ribbons 3 mm in width and 20 μm thick, were investigated as-quenched and after each step of a multi steps heating treatment procedure. Each sample was annealed at four steps, fifteen minutes at every temperature, starting from 573K+600K up to +700K depending on type of alloy. Mössbauer spectroscopy data and transmission electron microscope (HRE M) pictures confirmed that the as-quenched samples are fully amorphous. This is not changed after the first stages of treatment heating leads to a reduction of free volumes. The heating treatment has a great influence on the magnetic susceptibilities. The treatment up to 600K improves soft magnetic properties: an χ increase was observed, from about 400 to almost 1000 for the samples of alloys without Pt, and from about 200 to 450 at maximum, for the Fe81Pt5Zr7Nb1Cu1B5. Further heating, at more elevated temperatures, leads to magnetic hardening of the samples. Curie temperatures, established from the location of Hopkinson’s maxima on the χ(T) curve are in very good agreement with those obtained from the data of specific magnetization, σ(T), measured in a field of 0.75T. As a critical parameter β was chosen to be equal 0.36 for these calculations, it confirmed that the alloys may be considered as ferromagnetic of Heisenberg type. Heating treatment resulted in decreasing of TC. These changes are within a range of several K.
The Relationship between the Monomer Chain Length and the Electro-Optical Properties of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals
Authors: Liu J. , Ozga K. , Liu X. , Zhen Z. , Plucinski K.J. , Szota M. , Kityk I.V.
Published: March 2016

Five polymers dispersed liquid crystalline (LC) films were fabricated using photo-polymerizable monomers with different lengths of carbon chains. These LC films have shown different electro-optical (EO) properties. Through their SEM pictures, the relationship between the linear electro-optical effect and the mesh size of the polymer network was explored. With the increase of number of photo-polymerizable monomers, the mesh size of the polymer network would become larger. So the liquid crystal molecules would be easily oriented in the electric field and therefore, the threshold voltage and saturation voltage would decrease. The open state response times were also reduced and the off state response times would be extended. The DFT simulations have shown principal role of the ground state dipole moments in the observed electro-optical efficiency.
Influence of Dry Cleaning on the Electrical Resistance of Screen Printed Conductors on Textiles
Authors: Kazani Ilda , De Mey Gilbert , Klepacko R. , Hertleer Carla , Guxho Genti , Van Langenhove Lieva , Napieralski Andrzej
Published: March 2016

Electrically conducting inks were screen printed on various textile substrates. The samples were dry cleaned with the usual chemicals in order to investigate the influence of the mechanical treatment on the electrical conductivity. It was found that dry cleaning has a tremendous influence on this electrical conductivity. For several samples, it is observed that the electrical resistance increases with the square of the number of dry cleaning cycles. In order to explain this observation a theoretical model and a numerical simulation have been carried out, by assuming that dry cleaning cycles introduce a crack in the conducting layer. The theoretical analysis and the numerical analysis both confirmed the experimental observations.
Investigation into the UV-Protection of Woven Fabrics Composed of Metallic Weft Yarns
Authors: Ghane Mohammad , Ghorbani Ehsan
Published: March 2016

The destructive effects of sun UV radiation on human skins are now very clear to everyone. Most of the present studies were focused on the fabrics’ structural parameters such as density, warp and weft yarns finenesses, fabric pattern and printing or finishing treatments applied to the fabrics. The aim of this work is achieving a technique through which the produced fabrics possess a higher UV-protection ability. For this purpose, two different metals including aluminium and copper yarns were employed in fabrics production process and their effects on UV-protection ability of the produced fabrics were investigated. Six different fabric samples comprised of either cotton/polyester, nylon yarns as the warp yarns as well as either aluminium or copper yarns as the weft yarns were produced. Using the spectrophotometer technique, which is known as one of the UPF measuring method, the absorbency and reflectivity of fabrics within the specified range of electromagnetic waves (specially the UV radiation) were determined. The results illustrated that the higher UV absorbency was related to the fabric possessing the copper yarns in their structures. It was concluded that the absorption ability of nylon fabrics is higher than that of the cotton/polyester samples.
Thickness Optimisation of Textiles Subjected to Heat and Mass Transport during Ironing
Authors: Korycki Ryszard , Szafranska Halina
Published: March 2016

Let us next analyse the coupled problem during ironing of textiles, that is, the heat is transported with mass whereas the mass transport with heat is negligible. It is necessary to define both physical and mathematical models. Introducing two-phase system of mass sorption by fibres, the transport equations are introduced and accompanied by the set of boundary and initial conditions. Optimisation of material thickness during ironing is gradient oriented. The first-order sensitivity of an arbitrary objective functional is analysed and included in optimisation procedure. Numerical example is the thickness optimisation of different textile materials in ironing device.
Simulations of Heat Transport Phenomena in a Three-Dimensional Model of Knitted Fabric
Authors: Puszkarz A.K. , Korycki R. , Krucinska I.
Published: March 2016

The main goal of the current work is to analyse the three-dimensional approach for modelling knitted fabric structures for future analysis of physical properties and thermal phenomena. The introduced model assumes some simplification of morphology. First, fibres in knitted fabrics are described as monofilaments characterized by isotropic thermal properties. The current form of the considered knitted fabric is determined by morphological properties of the used monofilament and simplification of the stitch shape. This simplification was based on a particular technology for the knitting process that introduces both geometric parameters and physical material properties. Detailed descriptions of heat transfer phenomena can also be considered. A sensitivity analysis of the temperature field with respect to selected structural parameters was also performed.
A Trade and Welfare Analysis of Tariff Changes Within the TPP
Authors: Cheong Juyoung , Takayama Shino
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the effects of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) tariff reductions on trade flows and welfare of the TPP members and nonmembers following the Caliendo and Parro (2015) method. We use comprehensive sectoral data on 39 countries and the rest of the world, including those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Our results show that many TPP nonmembers along with the TPP members gain from the TPP tariff reductions, suggesting the existence of a positive externality, with the welfare gains mainly arising from the changes in the terms of trade. Our analysis also shows that the TPP members increase their imports from other TPP members and decrease from non-TPP members, but the trade creation effects exceed the trade diversion effects. Our calibration results under various assumptions of the model emphasize the role of multiple sectors and sectoral linkages in the welfare analysis of the TPP tariff reductions.
Estimates for the asymptotic convergence of a non-isothermal linear elasticity with friction
Authors: Saadallah Abdelkader , Benseridi Hamid , Dilmi Mourad , Drabla Salah
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we are interested in the study of the asymptotic analysis of a dynamical problem in elasticity with nonlinear friction of Tresca type. The Lamé coefficients of a thin layer are assumed to vary with respect to the thin layer parameter ε and to depend on the temperature. We prove the existence and uniqueness of a weak solution for the limit problem. The proof
is carried out by the use of
the asymptotic behavior when the dimension of the domain tends to zero.
Blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity of a healthy male during cold pressor test that induced development of neurocardiogenic syncope
Authors: Sinha Biswajit , Dubey Dinesh K.
Published: March 2016

Background: The cold pressor test (CPT) is a recognized physiological technique to evaluate autonomic cardiovascular function. The present case study assessed the cardiovascular response of a healthy adult male during 3 min of CPT.

Methods: Heart rate (HR) by single-lead electrocardiography and blood pressure (BP) by an arterial tonometer of the participant on a beat-to-beat basis were recorded before and during CPT.

Results: HR during CPT showed a biphasic pattern with an initial increase from baseline (86 bpm) to the first 30 s of CPT (93 bpm) followed by a decrease. It dropped to 51 bpm during the last 30 s of CPT. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased from baseline (110 mmHg) to 1 min (122 mmHg) followed by a decrease. SBP immediately after CPT reduced to 57 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from baseline (71 mmHg) slightly increased to 75 mmHg up to 90 s of the test, thereafter it registered a fall, and during the last 30 s of CPT, DBP fell to 30 mmHg. Stroke volume increased from baseline (75 mL/min) to the first 30 s (99 mL/min), followed by a slight reduction which was maintained till last of the test (70 mL/min). Cardiac output after an initial increase from baseline (6.4 L/min) to the first 30 s (9.2 L/min) decreased to 4.1 L/min during the last 30 s of the test. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) from baseline (9.32 ms/mmHg) plummeted to 6.67 ms/mmHg during the first 30 s of CPT followed by an increase, and after CPT, BRS was increased to 15.23 ms/mmHg. Other cardiovascular parameters such as myocardial contractility (dp/dt), total peripheral resistance, and mean arterial pressure were reduced in the individual at the time of loss of consciousness that occurred at the end of the last 30 s of CPT.

Conclusions: The present case study described the modulation of cardiovascular functions of a healthy male during CPT, which finally led to the development of neurocardiogenic syncope characterized by hypotension and bradycardia.
Multi–Scale Synthesized View Assessment Based on Morphological Pyramids
Authors: Sandić-Stanković Dragana , Kukolj Dragan , Le Callet Patrick
Published: March 2016

The Depth-Image-Based-Rendering (DIBR) algorithms used for 3D video applications introduce geometric distortions affecting the edge coherency in the synthesized images. In order to better deal with specific geometric distortions in the DIBR synthesized images, we propose full-reference metric based on multi-scale pyramid decompositions using morphological filters. The non-linear morphological filters used in multi-scale image decompositions maintain important geometric information such as edges across different resolution levels. We show that PSNR has particularly good agreement with human judgment when it is calculated between detailed images at higher scales of morphological pyramids. Consequently, we propose reduced morphological pyramid peak signal-to-noise ratio metric (MP-PSNR), taking into account only mean squared errors between pyramids’ images at higher scales. Proposed computationally efficient metric achieves significantly higher correlation with human judgment compared to the state-of-the-art image quality assessment metrics and compared to the tested metric dedicated to synthesis-related artifacts.
Novel Approach To Synthesis of Logic Circuits Based on Multifunctional Components
Authors: Crha Adam , Růžička Richard , Šimek Václav
Published: March 2016

Multifunctional logic continuously becomes an important way how to implement compact and cheap circuits with intrinsic reconfiguration features. Polymorphic electronics concept with its substantial technological independency opens a way to fulfil this objective through the adoption of emerging semiconductor technologies and advanced synthesis methods. The paper comes with a proposal of a novel synthesis method oriented on the exploitation of polymorphic electronics principles. Key part of it is based on Boolean divisor identification and function kernelling technique. The proposed method is evaluated with several test circuits.
System for Automatic Detection and Analysis of Targets in FMICW Radar Signal
Authors: Rejfek Luboš , Mošna Zbyšek , Urbář Jaroslav , Koucká Knížová Petra
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the automatic system for the processing of the signals from the frequency modulated interrupted continuous wave (FMICW) radar and describes methods for the primary signal processing. Further, we present methods for the detection of the targets in strong noise. These methods are tested both on the real and simulated signals. The real signals were measured using the developed at the IAP CAS experimental prototype of FMICW radar with operational frequency 35.4 GHz. The measurement campaign took place at the TU Delft, the Netherlands. The obtained results were used for development of the system for the automatic detection and analysis of the targets measured by the FMICW radar.
Bluetooth Communication for Battery Powered Medical Devices
Authors: Babušiak Branko , Borik Štefan
Published: March 2016

wireless communication eliminates obtrusive cables associated with wearable sensors and considerably increases patient comfort during measurement and collection of medical data. Wireless communication is very popular in recent years and plays a significant role in telemedicine and homecare applications. Bluetooth technology is one of the most commonly used wireless communication types in medicine. This paper describes the design of a universal wireless communication device with excellent price/performance ratio. The said device is based on the low-cost RN4020 Bluetooth module with Microchip Low-energy Data Profile (MLDP) and due to low-power consumption is especially suitable for the transmission of biological signals (ECG, EMG, PPG, etc.) from wearable medical/personal health devices. A unique USB dongle adaptor was developed for wireless communication via UART interface and power consumption was evaluated under various conditions.
First case report of rare congenital adrenal insufficiency caused by mutations in the CYP11A1 gene in the Czech Republic
Authors: Pomahačová Renata , Sýkora Josef , Zamboryová Jana , Paterová Petra , Varvařovská Jana , Šubrt Ivan , Dort Jiří , Dortová Eva
Published: March 2016

We characterized a case of congenital adrenal insufficiency caused by cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) deficiency. The patient presented after birth with cardiopulmonary instability, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis. We confirmed primary adrenal insufficiency. There were no signs of the external genitalia virilism. The replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids led to normal laboratory results. At the age of 12 years, we confirmed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which revealed disorder of steroidogenesis in the adrenal glands and in the gonads. The enzymatic block was found at the beginning of steroidogenesis. The mutation was confirmed in the
Seasonality of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Netherlands (Young Dudes-2)
Authors: Spaans Engelina A.J.M. , van Dijk Peter R. , Groenier Klaas H. , Brand Paul L.P. , Reeser Maarten H. , Bilo Henk J.G. , Kleefstra Nanne
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate seasonality in the initial presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among Dutch children.

Observational, nationwide study in the Netherlands. Using the national registry for both healthcare reimbursement and pharmaceutical care, data of all Dutch children (aged 0–14 years) with a diagnosis of T1DM in the period 2009–2011 were obtained.

During the study period (2009–2011) an average annual number of 2.909.537 children aged 0–14 lived in the Netherlands and 676 children were diagnosed with T1DM per year, translating into an annual incidence rate (IR) of T1DM of 23.2 per hundred thousand children (ptc). The annual IR differed significantly (p=0.03) between seasons: 6.4 ptc in winter, 4.9 ptc in spring, 5.4 ptc in summer and 6.6 ptc in autumn. This pattern was present within both boys and girls

Among Dutch children aged 0–14 years, there is seasonality in the of T1DM with a peak incidence in autumn and winter.
Legal Facts and Dependence on Representations
Authors: Almäng Jan
Published: March 2016

Barry Smith has recently argued against John Searle’s thesis that institutional facts exist because they are represented as existing in a certain community. Smith argues that institutional facts can exist even though they are not represented as existing and that institutional facts can fail to obtain even though they are represented as obtaining. In this paper it is argued that Smith’s challenge can be met for a certain class of legal facts. I argue that in order to solve the problem posed by Smith, we must distinguish between three different kinds of institutional facts and between three different kinds of representation which sustain their existence.
Collective Emotions and Joint Action
Authors: Salmela Mikko , Nagatsu Michiru
Published: March 2016

In contemporary philosophy of collective intentionality, emotions, feelings, moods, and sentiments do not figure prominently in debates on the explanation and justification of joint action. Received philosophical theories analyze joint action in terms of common knowledge of cognitively complex, interconnected structures of intentions and action plans of the participants. These theories admit that collective emotions sometimes give rise to joint action or more typically, unplanned and uncoordinated collective behavior that falls short of full-fledged jointly intentional action. In contrast, minimalist theorists pay some attention to affective elements in joint action without much concern about their collective intentionality. They refer to an association between low-level synchrony in perceptual, motor, and behavioral processes, and increased interpersonal liking, feelings of solidarity, and cooperativeness. In this paper, we outline an account of collective emotions that can bridge this theoretical divide, linking the intentional structure of joint actions and the underlying cognitive and affective mechanisms. Collective emotions can function as both motivating and justifying reasons for jointly intentional actions, in some cases even without prior joint intentions of the participants. Moreover, they facilitate coordination in joint action.
Response to Commentators
Authors: Tomasello Michael
Published: March 2016

This paper is a reply to the comments by Henrike Moll, Glenda Satne, Ladislav Koreň and Michael Schmitz on Michael Tomasello, A Natural History of Human Thinking (Harvard University Press, 2014).
Epstein on Anchors and Grounds
Authors: Guala Francesco
Published: March 2016

The distinction between anchors and grounds is one of the most innovative contributions of The Ant Trap. In this commentary I will argue that the distinction suffers from an ambiguity between tokens and types. This leads Epstein to endorse pluralism about anchors and grounds, a position that is not justified in the book and to which there are plausible alternatives.
Collective Attitudes and the Anthropocentric View
Authors: Gallotti Mattia
Published: March 2016

The anthropocentric view holds that the social world is a projection of mental states and attitudes onto the real world. However, there is more to a society of individuals than their psychological make up. In The Ant Trap, Epstein hints at the possibility that collective intentionality can, and should, be discarded as a pillar of social ontology. In this commentary I argue that this claim is motivated by an outdated view of the nature and structure of collective attitudes. If we aim at a good theory of social ontology, we need a good theory of collective intentionality.
Protection of historical lead against acetic acid vapour
Authors: Pecenová Z. , Kouřil M.
Published: March 2016

Historical lead artefacts (small figurines, appliques, bull (metal seal) can be stored in depository and archives in inconvenient storage conditions. The wooden show-case or paper packagings release volatile organic compound to the air during their degradation. These acids, mainly acetic acid are very corrosive for lead. The thin layer of corrosion products which slows atmospheric corrosion is formed on lead surface in atmospheric condition. In presence of acetic acid vapour the voluminous corrosion products are formed and fall off the surface. These corrosion products do not have any protection ability. The lead could be protected against acid environment by layer of “metal soup” which is formed on surface after immersion in solution of salt of carboxylic acid for 24 hours. The solutions of acids (with vary long of carbon chain) and their salts are examined. Longer carbon chain provides better efficiency convers layer. The disadvantages are low solubility of carboxylic acids in water and bad abrasion resistance of formed layer.
Study of diffusion processes in the oxide layer of zirconium alloys
Authors: Sialini P. , Sajdl P. , Havránek V. , Vrtílková V.
Published: March 2016

In the active zone of a nuclear reactor where zirconium alloys are used as a coating material, this material is subject to various harmful impacts. During water decomposition reactions, hydrogen and oxygen are evolved that may diffuse through the oxidic layer either through zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) crystals or along ZrO2 grains. The diffusion mechanism can be studied using the Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) method where nuclear reaction 18O(p,α)15N is used. A tube made of zirconium alloy E110 (with 1 wt. % of Nb) was used for making samples that were pre-exposed in UJP PRAHA a.s. and subsequently exposed to isotopically cleansed environment of H2
18O medium in an autoclave. The samples were analysed with gravimetric methods and IBA methods performed at the electrostatic particle accelerator Tandetron 4130 MC in the Nucler Physics Institute of the CAS, Řež. With IBA methods, the overall thicknesses of corrosion layers on the samples, element composition of the alloy and distribution of oxygen isotope 18O in the corrosion layer and its penetration in the alloy were identified. The retrieved data shows at the oxygen diffusion along ZrO2 grains because there are two peaks of 18O isotope concentrations in the corrosion layer. These peaks occur at the environment-oxide and oxide-metal interface. The element analysis identified the presence of undesirable hafnium.
The Potential of Renewable Energy Sources in Latvia
Authors: Sakipova S. , Jakovics A. , Gendelis S.
Published: March 2016

The article discusses some aspects of the use of renewable energy sources in the climatic conditions prevailing in most of the territory of Latvia, with relatively low wind speeds and a small number of sunny days a year. The paper gives a brief description of the measurement equipment and technology to determine the parameters of the outer air; the results of the measurements are also analysed. On the basis of the data obtained during the last two years at the meteorological station at the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, the energy potential of solar radiation and wind was estimated. The values of the possible and the actual amount of produced energy were determined.
Development of Power Supply Management Module for Radio Signal Repeaters of Automatic Metering Reading System in Variable Solar Density Conditions
Authors: Kondratjevs K. , Zabasta A. , Selmanovs-Pless V.
Published: March 2016

In recent years, there has been significant research focus that revolves around harvesting and minimising energy consumption by wireless sensor network nodes. When a sensor node is depleted of energy, it becomes unresponsive and disconnected from the network that can significantly influence the performance of the whole network. The purpose of the present research is to create a power supply management module in order to provide stable operating voltage for autonomous operations of radio signal repeaters, sensors or gateways of WSN. The developed management module is composed of a solar panel, lithium battery and power supply management module. The novelty of the research is the management module, which ensures stable and uninterrupted operations of electronic equipment in various power supply modes in different situations, simultaneously ensuring energy protection and sustainability of the module components. The management module is able to provide power supply of 5 V for electronics scheme independently, without power interruption switching between power sources and power flows in different directions.
Researching and Designing Photovoltaic Microsystems
Authors: Hilse D. , Kapała J. , Sztymelski K. , Zeltins N. , Ekmanis J.
Published: March 2016

Research on the photovoltaic module efficiency in the south of Poland was conducted in 2009 in Stryszawa and afterwards in 2012 in Zabrze and Stryszawa. The research involved taking measurements of electric energy produced by systems of various power and technical solutions. The efficiency of PV modules was compared to the intensity of solar radiation in the locations under consideration and, thus, the efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity was determined. The research results facilitated designing and mounting of forty PV microsystems in Zabrze in 2014 (power from 2000 Wp to 3000 Wp). To the satisfaction of their users, they operate without failure.
The impact of brand image fit on attitude towards a brand alliance
Authors: Riley Debra , Charlton Nathalie , Wason Hillary
Published: March 2016

Co-branding has become an increasingly popular strategy over recent decades. Studies have found that the pre-existing attitudes to the parent brands, fit between their product categories and perceived fit in the brands themselves as important drivers of a co-brand success. Despite its importance, most studies have treated brand fit as a simple measure of complementarily and consistency. Recently, a few papers have challenged this view, suggesting that a broader range of brand attributes (such as personality, functional and hedonic characteristics, cultural meaning) should also be considered when investigating brand alliances. The current study draws on these findings, exploring the fit between partners’ brand images and how they influence perceptions of a brand alliance. We treat brand image as a multi-dimensional construct, consisting of economic, symbolic, sensory, futuristic and utilitarian elements. Using an experimental design with nine hypothetical brand pairings with 221 respondents, we find brand image fit provides greater explanatory power over a traditional unidimensional measure of brand fit, with economic, futuristic and utilitarian dimensions having a significant influence on co-brand perceptions.
Promises of silent salesman to the FMCG industry: an investigation using linear discriminant analysis approach
Authors: Shekhar Suraj Kushe , Raveendran P.T.
Published: March 2016

Packaging which is often called as the ‘silent salesman’ is an important component of marketing. Today the importance of packaging has risen to such an extent that product packaging is rightly called as the fifth ‘P’ of marketing mix. FMCG are products which are utilized by large number of people. The present study examined the discriminating power of five selected FMCG packaging variables namely ‘picture’, ‘colour’, ‘size’, ‘shape’ and ‘material’ amidst those who purchased FMCG based on these packaging variables and for those who purchased FMCG not based on these packaging variables. Descriptive research was carried out in the study. Respondents (students) were asked to rate four packaging variable on a five point Likert’s scale. Discriminant analysis showed that only two variables namely ‘Colour’ (.706) and ‘Shape’ (–.527) were good predictors. Variables ‘Picture’, ‘size’ and ‘material’ were considered as poor predictors as far as the student communities were considered. The cross validated classification showed that out of the 240 samples drawn, 91.8% of the cases were correctly classified.