bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A very rare partial trisomy syndrome: De novo duplication of 16q12.1q23.3 in a Turkish girl with developmental delay and facial dysmorphic features
Authors: Türkyılmaz A , Yaralı O
Published: August 2020

Trisomy 16 is the most common type of autosomal trisomy associated with spontaneous abortion and is incompatible with life. Upon examining previously reported cases of partial chromosome 16q duplication, it was noted that the majority of cases had complex chromosomal abnormalities due to parental balanced chromosomal translocation carriage. The clinical presentation of very rare pure partial trisomy 16q cases was associated with congenital anomalies, facial dysmorphic findings and intellectual disability. In this study, we evaluated the physical characteristics and genetic data of an 8-month-old girl with developmental delay and facial dysmorphic features. Dysmorphic features including prominent metopic suture, synophrys, asymmetric head shape, triangular and asymmetric face, telecanthus, epicanthal folds, down-slanting palpebral fissures, microphthalmia of the left eye, anteverted nares, smooth and tented philtrum, microretrognathia, low-set posteriorly rotated ears, auricular pits, high-arched palate, thin upper lip and hypotonia were recorded. Her karyotype was 46,XX,add(16)(q24). To identify the extension of the duplicated section, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis was performed, which showed a de novo 29.8 Mb duplication [arr[hgl9] 16q12.1q23.3(52459169-82285105) x 3], interpreted to be pathogenic. We present this case report to clarify the clinical findings of a rare chromosomal anomaly, discuss the genes that may be related to the phenotype and advance the literature in terms of knowledge regarding genotypephenotype correlation.
Prenatal diagnosis of a de novo partial trisomy 6q and partial monosomy 18p associated with cephalocele: A case report
Authors: Karaman A , Karaman B , Çetinkaya A , Karaman S , Demirci O
Published: August 2020

A 28-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 18 weeks’ gestation upon detection of increased fetal nuchal fold and parietal cephalocele on the second trimester ultrasound examination. Prenatal microarray showed a de novo unbalanced translocation resulting in a gain in 6q and loss in 18p. A female infant was delivered at 38 weeks’ gestation. At birth, cephalocele and webbed neck were noted as major dysmorphic features. The case presented here shows how a combination of different genetic studies is used to accurately elucidate a chromosomal anomaly in a prenatal setting.
Urban party zones and their changes in former communist countries on the example of Polish cities
Authors: Iwanicki Grzegorz , Dłużewska Anna
Published: August 2020

Eight former communist countries joined the European Union in 2004, and since then they have become popular party tourism destinations. In connection with social and economic transformations following the fall of communism, public spaces with the densest concentration of clubs were formed in the centres of big cities. Such a space can be called a “party zone”. This paper presents such zones delimited in Polish cities and attempts to investigate changes in those zones in 2004–17 (and thus, after accession to the EU). An additional objective was to identify the most popular clubs based on information from social media and from interviews with DJs. The results lead to two main conclusions: (a) three main types of party zones can be identified in the analysed cities taking into account their form and relationship to urban space; (b) in 2004–17 the preferences of club-goers changed in favour of open air clubs.
Psychiatric, psychological and ethical determinants of the phenomenon of self-stigmatization of mental illness – literature review
Authors: Soroka Ewelina , Stepulak Marian Zdzisław
Published: August 2020

Introduction: In psychiatry and psychology stigmatization consists in labelling a person suffering from a disorder with the stigma of mental illness, associated with numerous negative stereotypes that are established in both individual and social mentality.

Objective: The aim of the present article is to present the phenomenon of self-stigma from the perspective of psychiatric patients, including patients suffering from schizophrenia, to scientific consideration.

The state of knowledge: The available data on this subject suggests that schizophrenia is particularly stigmatized, and the degree of stigmatization of patients with this diagnosis is worsening. Self-stigma plays a significant role in various areas of patients’ lives, sometimes discouraging them to continue therapy. Psychiatric patients have to face not only the symptoms of their disorders, but also stigmatization. In the event patient’s self-stigmatization of mental illness occurs, a responsible psychiatrist and psychologist conducting the therapy has the moral obligation to supervise the process of psychiatric and psychological assistance in the context of the aforelisted issues.

Conclusions: The problem of self-stigmatization of a psychiatric patients is a topical issue that is well worth further exploration in order to better understand and help patients more effectively.
Lithium Biosorption by Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis Biomass
Authors: Zinicovscaia Inga , Yushin Nikita , Pantelica Ana , Demčák Štefan , Mitu Andreea , Apostol Andrei I.
Published: August 2020

The biosorption of lithium from batch systems by Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis biomass was studied. Adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was investigated as a function of contact time, initial metals concentration and pH values. Lithium content in biomass was determined using Proton Induced Gamma Emission technique. The ability of spirulina biomass for lithium biosorption showed a maximum at the pH = 11. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 1.75 mg/g, while the kinetic data were best described using the pseudo second-order kinetic model. The IR spectrum of the Li-loaded biomass revealed that lithium ions could be primarily bind to –OH, –COOH, –NH, –NH2, and –NH3 groups present on biosorbent surface. Arthrospira platensis biomass could be applied as environmentally friendly sorbent for lithium removal from wastewater.
An Assessment of the Reliability of Discriminatory Models on the Basis of the Bankruptcy of Comapanies in the Food Industry in Poland
Authors: Kozioł Karolina , Pitera Rafał
Published: August 2020

Research background: The widespread occurrence of the phenomenon of bankruptcy leads to an analysis of the scale and causes of this phenomenon in Polish conditions. It should be remembered that the features that inextricably accompany the conduct of any business are uncertainty and risk, hence the phenomenon of the bankruptcy of enterprises is not foreign and it is impossible to eliminate.

Purpose: Assessment of the credibility of Polish discriminatory models as a method of the early warning of bankruptcy of enterprises on a sample of enterprises from the Polish food industry.

Research methodology: Literature review and verification of 10 methods using a linear function of discrimination most frequently adopted by people dealing with bankruptcy issues and examination of the financial condition of companies. The food industry was subject to analysis and financial assessment regarding the forecast of the bankruptcy of companies in the process of empirical verification.

Results: The interpretation of the results was based on the financial statements of the survey sample consisting of 50 Polish companies (25 with a good financial condition and 25 that were bankrupt) which in the years 2005–2016 declared bankruptcy).

Novelty: The results are based on a sample of food industry companies point to the legitimacy of the research. The use of a linear discriminant function confirms the usefulness of early warning models (prognostic reliability around 70%). The study presents a classification of models according to prognostic reliability. Guided by the criterion of model credibility, one can use tools with high prognostic efficiency in assessing the financial situation.
An Analysis of Entrepreneurship in Family-Owned Stock Companies
Authors: Mioduchowska-Jaroszewicz Edyta
Published: August 2020

Research background: Family businesses are included in the functioning of each market transaction. testing their development and dissemination can be an interesting area of research from the point of view of hierarchy and from the point of view of the owners of these companies.

Purpose: The purpose of the article was to present an analysis of entrepreneurship of family-owned companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE).

Researcher methodology: The quantitative analysis method, including also the descriptive statistics method, ratio analysis, and inference was incorporated. The study was based on the financial data of 38 family capital groups. The data analysis on entrepreneurship in the years 2009–2018 indicates that in the case of all of the studied companies most were in a stable situation. The analysis of entrepreneurship, which takes into account the rate of income growth and efficiency indicators, indicates that the examined group of family companies was characterized by a high level of entrepreneurship throughout the analysed period, thus showing a downward trend.

The results: The results of the research may form the basis for further research in the field presented in the article with an emphasis on sector diversification, the size of companies and the extension of the analysed time periods.

Novelty: Entrepreneurship research in family entities can be seen from the point of view of the rate of increase of revenues and efficiency of assets and cash efficiency.
Output Volatility and Government Size in Nigeria
Authors: Nwosa Philip I. , Ehinomen Chris , Ugwu Ephraim
Published: August 2020

Research background: Output volatility has potentially adverse consequences on the economy and the stabilizing role of fiscal policy is linked to the share of government size in an economy. Hence, given the relative large share of government in developing countries, government size is expected to play an important role in stabilizing output volatility.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between output volatility and government size in Nigeria. The study seeks to establish if government size mitigates output volatility in Nigeria.

Research methodology: The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique after conducting stationarity and co-integration tests.

Results: The results of the ARDL estimate showed that government size lessens output volatility but the magnitude was insignificant. Further, the study found that volatility in aggregate government spending; international oil price and public debt were significant determinants of output volatility in Nigeria.

Novelty: This showed that the automatic stabilization role of government size on output volatility could not be established. The automatic stabilization role of fiscal policy can be improved by increasing social security transfers (pension payment), payments of unemployment benefits and increasing civil servants minimum wage.
Econometric Analysis of the Relationship Between Innovation and Foreign Trade Distance in Central and Eastern Europe Countries
Authors: Salamaga Marcin
Published: August 2020

Research background: Posner’s technology gap theories and Vernon’s product life cycle assume that differences in innovation and technology levels are the cause of foreign trade. These theories are subject to empirical verification. To date, however, the analysis of the impact of innovation distance on a country’s export competitiveness is omitted. This article tries to fill this research gap. The author attempts to examine the relationship between the innovation gap and export competitiveness in industries with varying levels of technological advancement.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to research the direction and strength of the impact of the innovation gap on export competitiveness in 10 different industries in Central and Eastern Europe countries (CEECs).

Research methodology: Dynamic panel models were used in the research, which describe the impact of the technological gap on the export competitiveness of countries. To measure innovation, the indicator of innovative comparative advantage was constructed and based on the number of patents used. The technological gap in individual countries was calculated as the Euclidean distance indicators of the innovative advantage in a given country from other countries.

Results: In light of the presented results of the study, it can be concluded that innovation generally has a significant and positive impact on the competitiveness of exports in the high and medium-high technology industries of the CEECs, while it does not significantly affect the competitiveness of trade in low technology industries. In addition, the Visegrad countries in the high and medium-high technology industries generally have a low technological gap and a smaller distance in export competitiveness using the dynamic panel data model.

Novelty: The added value of this article is an innovative study on the impact of the technological gap on export competitiveness with the example of the CEECs using the dynamic panel data model.
Analysis of Household Income in Poland Based on the Zenga Distribution and Selected Income Inequality Measure
Authors: Trzcińska Kamila
Published: August 2020

Research background: A lot of research has been directed at describing empirical distributions by using a theoretical model. In the literature there are proposals for various types of mathematical functions. In 2010 Zenga proposed a new three-parameter model for economic size distribution which possesses interesting statistical properties which can be used to model income, wealth and financial variables.

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to apply the Zenga model to income distributions in Poland by voivodeship.

Research methodology: The basis for the calculations presented in the paper has been based on the individual data coming from a random sample obtained within a Household Budget Survey conducted by the central Statistical Office in the year 2014. The parameters estimates of the Zenga distribution were obtained by means of the D’Addario’s invariants methods, mainly with the Pietra index.

Results: The results of the conducted approximations, presented in the paper confirmed the good consistency of the Zenga distribution with the empirical income distribution in Poland, both in total and for households.

Novelty: The study contributed to the application of a new three-parameter income distribution model to describe income distributions in Poland.
Genetic and morphological variability in medicinal plant Helichrysum oocephalum Boiss. (Asteraceae) in Iran
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mobina , Sheidai Masoud , Azizi Narges , Koohdar Fahimeh
Published: August 2020

Helichrysum oocephalum is a medicinal plant of the genus Helichrysum that have limited distribution in Iran. Local geographical populations may differ in their genetic content and form different gene pools. Therefore, we carried out population genetic investigation and morphological studies in five geographical populations of Helichrysum oocephalum by using ISSR molecular markers. AMOVA produced the significant genetic differences. The mean Nm value revealed some degree of gene flow among Helichrysum oocephalum 8. Molecular and morphological analysis indicated that we have 2 groups in the studied populations. The present findings may be of use in the conservation of this medicinal plant in Iran.
Forest vegetation diversity of the Slivenska Mountain (Eastern Stara planina, Bulgaria)
Authors: Alexandrova Alexandra , Dimitrov Marius , Vassilev Kiril , Sopotlieva Desislava , Pedashenko Hristo , Tashev Alexander
Published: August 2020

This study deals with the diversity of forest vegetation in the Slivenska Mountain (Eastern Stara planina) and presents a contemporary classification scheme for the identified syntaxa. A total of 137 relevés were collected and analyzed using specialized software (JUICE 7.0 and PC-ORD Version 4). As a result, forest vegetation is classified into 10 associations, 3 subassociations, 4 variants and 5 communities They belong to 7 alliances, 5 orders and 3 classes: Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae, Quercetea pubescentis and Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae. The recorded 18 distinguished vegetation groups show a relatively high diversity of forest plant communities of the study area.
Local Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm for Learning Feedforwad Neural Networks
Authors: Bilski Jarosław , Kowalczyk Bartosz , Marchlewska Alina , Zurada Jacek M.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a local modification of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LM). First, the mathematical basics of the classic LM method are shown. The classic LM algorithm is very efficient for learning small neural networks. For bigger neural networks, whose computational complexity grows significantly, it makes this method practically inefficient. In order to overcome this limitation, local modification of the LM is introduced in this paper. The main goal of this paper is to develop a more complexity efficient modification of the LM method by using a local computation. The introduced modification has been tested on the following benchmarks: the function approximation and classification problems. The obtained results have been compared to the classic LM method performance. The paper shows that the local modification of the LM method significantly improves the algorithm’s performance for bigger networks. Several possible proposals for future works are suggested.
Road-objects tracking for autonomous driving using lidar and radar fusion
Authors: Farag Wael
Published: August 2020

In this paper, based on the fusion of Lidar and Radar measurement data, a real-time road-Object Detection and Tracking (LR_ODT) method for autonomous driving is proposed. The lidar and radar devices are installed on the ego car, and a customized Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) is used for their data fusion. Lidars are accurate in determining objects’ positions but significantly less accurate on measuring their velocities. However, Radars are more accurate on measuring objects velocities but less accurate on determining their positions as they have a lower spatial resolution. Therefore, the merits of both sensors are combined using the proposed fusion approach to provide both pose and velocity data for objects moving in roads precisely. The Grid-Based Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (GB-DBSCAN) clustering algorithm is used to detect objects and estimate their centroids from the lidar and radar raw data. Then, the estimation of the object’s velocity as well as determining its corresponding geometrical shape is performed by the RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm. The proposed technique is implemented using the high-performance language C++ and utilizes highly optimized math and optimization libraries for best real-time performance. The performance of the UKF fusion is compared to that of the Extended Kalman Filter fusion (EKF) showing its superiority. Simulation studies have been carried out to evaluate the performance of the LR ODT for tracking bicycles, cars, and pedestrians.
Bi-directional relay network employing signal space diversity
Authors: Yılmaz Mümtaz
Published: August 2020

In this work, signal space diversity (SSD) method is exploited for a simple two-way relay channel (TWRC) with two end users mutually exchanging information. In order to ensure simplicity, the same rotation angle and interleavers are used under SSD framework. Also the well known decode-and-forward (DF) and amplify-and-forward (AF) protocols are adapted for the proposed TWRC. The analytical symbol error rate (SER) performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated for DF and AF protocols individually and evaluated through simulation results. The proposed scheme is shown to improve the performance of TWRC in terms of SER for both two protocols.
Reproductive Health and Metabolic Parameters in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Onea Corina Roxana , Máté Beáta , Cernea Simona
Published: August 2020

Aim: This study evaluated the correlations between metabolic parameters and reproductive health data in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Material and methods: In this observational retrospective study, data from the medical records of 324 adult women with T2DM attending their regular diabetes check-ups were collected and analyzed (i.e., anthropometric parameters at first outpatient visit and yearly thereafter, first recorded HbA1c and all HbA1c for the entire follow-up duration, as well as obstetrical/gynecological information).

Results: Age at the diagnosis of T2DM correlated positively with age at menarche (r = 0.21, [95% CI: 0.09, 0.31], p = 0.0002) and age at menopause (r = 0.18 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.29], p <0.01). Age at menarche correlated negatively with mean weight (r = –0.21 [95% CI: –0.31, –0.10], p: 0.0002) and mean BMI (–0.22 [–0.32, –0.11], p <0.0001) over the follow-up time. Patients with shorter time difference between age at menarche and age at onset of T2DM (≤45 years) had higher mean weight (83.8 ± 14.5 kg vs. 78.4 ± 16.0 kg, p = 0.0001), BMI (33.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2 vs. 31.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2, p <0.05), and HbA1c over time (6.9 ± 0.8% vs. 6.6 ± 0.9%, p <0.0001). Women with T2DM with earlier menarche (<12 years old), with irregular menses during their reproductive life, and ≥3 pregnancies had higher overall BMI, but mean HbA1c were not significantly different. However, women diagnosed with T2DM before menopause had a higher mean HbA1c over time (7.1 ± 0.8% vs. 6.7 ± 0.9%, p <0.01).

Conclusion: The BMI correlated with several indicators of reproductive health (earlier menarche, irregular menses, and higher number of pregnancies), while earlier onset of T2DM influenced metabolic control in women with T2DM.
A new method for extracting spanwise vortex from 2D particle image velocimetry data in open-channel flow
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yang Shengfa , Hu Jiang , Li Wenjie , Fu Xuhui , Li Danxun
Published: August 2020

The two-dimensional particle image velocimetry (PIV) data are inevitably contaminated by noise due to various imperfections in instrumentation or algorithm, based on which the well-established vortex identification methods often yield noise or incomplete vortex structure with a jagged boundary. To make up this deficiency, a novel method was proposed in this paper and the efficiency of the new method was demonstrated by its applications in extracting the two-dimensional spanwise vortex structures from 2D PIV data in open-channel flows. The new method takes up a single vortex structure by combining model matching and vorticity filtering, and successfully locates the vortex core and draws a streamlined vortex boundary. The new method shows promise as being more effective than commonly used schemes in open-channel flow applications.
Promoting Sustainable Social Emotional Learning at School through Relationship-Centered Learning Environment, Teaching Methods and Formative Assessment
Authors: Ferreira Marco , Martinsone Baiba , Talić Sanela
Published: August 2020

How to promote social emotional learning (SEL) at school depends largely on teachers. Mostly teachers implement specific programs, but they have difficulties in incorporating SEL into the regular curriculum. The main aim of the paper is to present the conceptual model of sustainable integration of SEL into everyday teaching practices in every subject. This approach has been developed in the project ìLearning to Be: Development of Practices and Methodologies for Assessing Social, Emotional and Health Skills within Education Systemsî. This initiative is based on the premise that the assessment of learning at school should go beyond grading studentsí knowledge and should include practices for observing young peopleís personal growth, social skills, attitudes and other general competences. The novelty of this conceptual approach is associated with integrating SEL standards, formative assessment and classroom instruction into a single sustainability-oriented model. The relationship between SEL standards (ISBE, 2003) and formative assessment strategies established by Wiliam (2011) is described, providing a detailed description of specific classroom activities. The objective of this approach is, therefore, towards building emotionally strong and flexible individuals who can deal with complex challenges through prosocial behavior that encourages human prospering and the attainment of the United Nationsí Sustainable Development Goals.
Manager’s competence model in the face of new economic challenges – research report
Authors: Igielski Michał
Published: August 2020

The main aim of the article is to try to determine, on the basis of the conducted research, the optimal competencies and skills that a manager should have in order to effectively manage the team (in the opinion of its members). The author will also indicate the connection and differences between the obtained data resulting from the Polish reality and the contemporary guidelines for the IPMA competence model. Apart from literature analysis, the author chose a diagnostic survey (research technique - questionnaire) as another research method. The respondents were, in 2019, employees (who agreed to take part in the survey) from 14 deliberately selected large enterprises based in Poland (200 people in total took part in the research process). After the analysis of the literature and the results of the conducted research, of course bearing in mind its pilot character, we can see that the perception of the competencies and skills of a manager, in Poland, is not fundamentally different from the model of competencies presented in the content. The only question that remains is whether this will be enough to bridge the gap between Poland and developed countries, especially in the face of new economic challenges.
Straight and Bent Bars Buckling Considered as the Axial Displacement of One Bar End
Authors: Berczyński Stefan , Dunaj Paweł , Grządziel Zenon
Published: August 2020

A new approach has been taken to the problem of straight and bent bar buckling, where bar buckling is considered as a function of axial displacement of one end. It was assumed that the length of a bar being buckled at any instant of buckling is the same as that of a straight bar, regardless of the size of axial displacement of one end of the bar. Based on energy equations, a formula was derived for the value of axial displacement of one bar end or buckling amplitude in the middle of bar length as a function of compressive force. The established relationships were confirmed by simulation tests using the finite element software Midas NFX and by experimental tests.
Work Safety Improvement Within Autonomous Maintenance
Authors: Furman Joanna
Published: August 2020

Employers are under a legal obligation to provide employees with safe and hygienic conditions of work. These conditions are created by environmental factors that depend on the specifics of the enterprise, production technology and used machinery and equipment. A large number of the risks to which employees are exposed is associated with the use of machinery, equipment and working tools (as confirmed by Statistics Poland). Numerous manufacturing companies increasingly use the practice of involving operators, independently from the maintenance department, in the upkeep and maintenance of machinery and equipment in order to increase efficiency. These activities are undertaken within the scope of Autonomous Maintenance (AM), which is one of the essential elements underpinning the TPM system. The activities performed by operators within AM, such as daily inspections, lubrication or simple repairs, reduce the number of machinery breakdowns. Nonetheless, they could be a potential source of risk for employees. Companies applying the traditional division of tasks entrust the performance of such activities to qualified maintenance staff, so the proper identification of risks that takes into account the specificity of the activities performed by operators and the provision of training in the safe organization of work represent a significant feature of safety improvement. Enterprises may adopt multiple solutions in this regard, including the tools and techniques of the concept of Lean Manufacturing.
Optimisation of Logistics Processes Using Simulation Tools
Authors: Kuczyńska-Chałada Marzena , Poloczek Roksana
Published: August 2020

Optimization of production logistics processes through the use of simulation tools brings a lot of benefits to a production company, and thus significantly reduces production costs. Increasing competition resulting from the use of production automation to increase productivity has increased the complexity of production systems that can only be analysed by simulation. Production logistics performs management functions such as planning, motivating, organising and controlling. It does not deal with technological processes, but the organisation of physical delivery and displacement of components and information in the system. An important feature of production logistics is combining supply logistics with distribution logistics. If the production logistics is properly organised, it provides access to all materials and components of a given product during the implementation of a specific order. Simulation tools ensure continuity and rhythm of production after it is started, as well as convenient conditions for using modern internal transport. The article presents the Flexsim simulation tool, which was used to improve production logistics in the studied enterprise. The programme also contributed as an opportunity to improve and shorten production cycles, maintain optimal inventories, select packaging and logistics units, as well as the ability to use automatic identification of raw materials, materials or semi-finished products.
Providing the Ability of Working Remotely on Local Company Server via VPN
Authors: Muc Adam , Muchowski Tomasz , Murawski Lech , Szeleziński Adam
Published: August 2020

Increasingly popular remote work requires the use of modern network technologies to provide employees in a remote location with access to the company’s IT resources. The answer to the needs of remote access to files and server services can be the use of clouds and VPS. However, this involves high costs and requires entrusting the enterprise’s data to the providers of these services. Both for reasons of data security and too high costs, enterprises sometimes cannot use these technologies. The solution to the problem may be the use of encrypted VPN tunneling, which allows the device to be connected at a remote location to the company’s local network and use its resources as if it was connected to the local network with physical transmission medium.
Influence of the Volumetric Expenditure of Air Supplied to the Longwall Through the “Y” Ventilation System on the Location of an Area at the Risk of an Endogenic Fire
Authors: Tutak Magdalena
Published: August 2020

In the case of longwall ventilation, in the underground hard coal mines, a phenomenon related to the migration of a certain amount of the air stream supplied to the longwall deep into goaf zones occurs. One of the wall ventilation systems, in which this phenomenon is quite intense, is the so called “Y” ventilation system. This migration is immensely unfavorable because it can lead to the self-heating process of coal left in a goaf and, consequently, to an endogenous fire. Such a fire is a great threat to both the safety and continuity of operation processes. For this reason, various activities are undertaken to prevent such a fire from occurring in goaf zones. One solution is a method presented in this article. It aims at determining an area in goaf zones, where an endogenous fire may occur. The study focused on the longwall ventilated with the Y system. This area was determined based on two criteria, namely air velocity and oxygen content. The study was carried out for various volumes of air supplied to the longwall. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to develop research methodology and determine the location of an area at the risk of an endogenous fire. The location of this area was determined for three different volume expenditures of air supplied to the longwall ventilated with the Y system.
Influence of the Permeability of the Longwall Goaf Zones on the Location of an Area With Explosive Methane Concentration Levels
Authors: Tutak Magdalena , Palka Dorota
Published: August 2020

One of the basic ventilation hazards and, at the same time most dangerous, in hard coal mines is the methane hazard. During the exploitation process using the longwall system with the breaking down of roof rocks, methane is released into mining excavations from both mined coal and the one left in goaves. Significant amounts of methane also flow from the underworked and overworked seams, through cracks and fissures formed in the rock mass. When accumulated at an explosive concentration level in goves and at an appropriate oxygen concentration level and the occurrence of a trigger (e.g. a spark or endogenous fire), methane may either explode or ignite. These are immensely dangerous phenomena. Therefore, the possibility of their occurrence should be limited. The article presents the results of the research aimed at determining the impact of the permeability of goaf zones on the distribution of methane and oxygen concentration levels in these goaves. The study was carried out for the longwall ventilated with the Y system. The model analysis was conducted, the results of which allowed the authors to determine these distributions. On their basis, both the location and size of the areas in which hazardous methane concentrations could occur were designated. The results are of great practical importance as they indicate areas in goaves where preventive measures should be implemented.
A Generation of Innovative Technical Ideas and Solutions as an Important Component of the KOMAG Strategy
Authors: Malec Małgorzata , Stańczak Lilianna
Published: August 2020

The article presents some strategic aspects of the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology in the field of creating innovative ideas and innovative technical solutions concerning machinery and devices for mining and preparation of minerals as regards their operational safety, productivity and reliability. Special attention is paid to a process of stimulating innovative ideas in a creative atmosphere, as KOMAG researchers and engineers are encouraged to be open-minded and to think in an unconventional way. Two examples of innovative technical solutions are described in detail, i.e. the water-and-air dust control system and the KOMTRACK haulage system for highly productive longwall systems of a new generation. The article contributes significantly to Innovation Engineering which is an important component of Production Engineering in the scope of generating and implementing innovative solutions. The authors presented an ecosystem of innovations, describing several methods of creating innovative ideas. The article concentrates on a role of Polish research institutes which play a key role in creating and implementing innovative solutions, bridging science and industry. Due to an analysis of different methods of generating innovative technical ideas and solutions, it can be concluded that an idea and a need of generating an innovative solution may appear in the research institute or at the industrial partner’s organization. In the case of the KOMAG multi-year experience and practice industrial partners include not only producers of mining machinery and equipment, but also representatives of mines of minerals. In general an innovative idea is generated in the result of an inspiration from the business environment and then it is transformed into an innovative product or service. The article contains the authors’ practical recommendations as regards a creation of innovative technical solutions. It is ended with a summary of general character and with some final conclusions.
Containerization of Server Services
Authors: Muc Adam , Muchowski Tomasz , Zawadzki Albert , Szeleziński Adam
Published: August 2020

Businesses are increasingly confronted with server-related problems. More and more, businesses are enabling remote working and need to rely on network services. The provision of network services requires rebuilding the network infrastructure and the way employees are provided with data. Web applications and server services use common dependencies and require a specific network configuration. This often involves collisions between network ports and common dependencies’ configuration. This problem can be solved by separating the conflicting applications into different servers, but this involves the cost of maintaining several servers. Another solution may be to isolate applications with virtual machines, but this involves a significant overhead on server resources, as each virtual machine must be equipped with an operating system. An alternative to virtual machines can be application containerization, which is growing in popularity. Containerization also allows to isolate applications, but operates on the server’s native operating system. This means eliminating the overhead on server resources present in virtual machines. This article presents an example of web application containerization.
The Level of Occupational Health and Safety in European Enterprises Providing Transport and Logistics Services in Terms of Quality Management Principles
Authors: Klimecka-Tatar Dorota , Matevž Obrecht
Published: August 2020

Safety and quality management are very important elements of managing production and service processes. It is important not only to manage in itself, but above all to constantly improve processes and constantly strive for excellence. However, continuous improvement of the organization is one of the key principles of quality management, it states that improvement can be obtained from the analysis of existing processes or measurement results. In this paper the level of occupational health and safety in european enterprises providing transport and logistics services in terms of quality management principles. On the basis of the presented results it was found that in large enterprises safety management principles are respected, while in small and medium enterprises the level of safety does not look very promising. An interesting phenomenon was observed in the case of micro-enterprises (family businesses). Research shows that employees know and adhere to the safety principle, but they do not see too much change in improving the level of safety.
Improving the Management of Storage Stock in the Tire Industry Using the Example of a Selected Company
Authors: Żabińska Iwona , Czaplicka-Kalaman Paulina
Published: August 2020

In a well-organized company, stock levels are precisely planned. In order to optimize inventory, various analyses of inventory usage are carried out in terms of them quantity and status. The work presents research on improving the method of managing inventory in the tire industry using the example of a selected company. The company operates warehouses in which tires for passenger cars and vans are stored. Products stored in warehouses ensure high standards. The company focuses on individuality and has a strong market position. The paper presents the results of the ABC and XYZ analysis that allow grouping tires by demand, value and number. The criteria for choosing the ABC/XYZ method are a simple way of use and low financial outlays, in contrast to such methods as MRP or just in time. Furthermore, calculations of such standards as rotation ratios for individual seasons and optimal inventory were carried out. The rotation indicator allows determine which goods are sold quickly and which goods are selling poorly, and therefore the costs associated with their storage are probably higher than from the sale of profits. As a result of the analysis, improvements were made to the inventory management system. The implementation of the proposed methods and tools for inventory management allowed the company to eliminate unnecessary inventories, reduce storage costs and minimize inventory control.
Verification of Work Ergonomics at Selected Workstations on the Assembly Line – Planning Versus Reality
Authors: Mleczko Katarzyna , Jasińska Anna
Published: August 2020

Analysis of working conditions in terms of ergonomics is an increasingly popular topic among industrial enterprises. This is primarily due to the development of departments responsible for maintaining safe and healthy working conditions, but also awareness of the impact of working conditions on maintaining safety and maintaining the rhythm of work. Care for working conditions translates into the possibility of maintaining the level of activities performed, which indirectly affects the quality of final products. Conducting activities in the field of shaping ergonomic working conditions in the context of continuous improvement based on the Deming cycle and the principles of conceptual ergonomics seem to be a key approach to care for work safety. Treating this process as a continuous and looped process gives you the ability to react quickly and predict adverse effects. However, constant control, observation, and analysis of the possibilities of implementing improvement solutions is important. The purpose of the article is to compare ergonomic working conditions at selected work stations with the assumptions and plans developed before launching the assembly line. The research included a comparative analysis of results in the form of ergonomic score obtained from TiCon software, based on MTM, UAS, and EAWS methods. The research was carried out at the turn of 2016-2020 in an automotive company dealing in the production of passenger car drive system components.
Exergoeconomic Analysis for a Two-Shaft Industrial Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Almutairi Abdulrahman , Alhajeri Hamad , Alenezi Abdulrahman , Zedan Mohamed , Al-Asousi Maha
Published: August 2020

In this work, the performance of a two-shaft industrial gas turbine engine inspired by SGT-750, one of best technology at Siemens, is analyzed thermodynamically and economically. The modelling and analyzing process for the proposed system was executed through a software package called IPSEpro and validated with manufacturers’ published data. Exergy analysis, based thermodynamics laws with mass conservation, provides valuable information about locations, magnitudes and types of wastes energy in the thermal systems. Exergoeconomic analysis, the amalgamation of exergy with economics, is useful tool to appraise the gas turbine engine cost-effectiveness. The Specific Exergy Costing method is selected in exergoeconomic evaluation because it is the most widely used reported in the literature and provides reliable results. The performance of a gas turbine engine was investigated for different load variation and climatic conditions. The result shows that the main source of irreversibilities take place in the combustion chamber, compressor and high-pressure turbine, respectively, which constitute to about 96 % of total exergy destruction. The exergetic efficiency and exergy loss rate of the proposed system are about 38.4% and 11.8% respectively. The combustion chamber has the highest value of cost (1312.9 $/h) among other components and the source losses may attribute to the component performance. The production cost of the gas turbine engine based on exergoeconomic evaluation is 12.1 US$/GJ.
A Software Tool for Automatic Geometry Generation of a Micro Turbine
Authors: Hoffmann Simon P. , Rückert Frank U. , Theis Danjana , Ruffino Alexander G. , Lehser-Pfeffermann Daniel , Hübner Dirk
Published: August 2020

Heat recovery plays an important role in increasing the efficiency of renewable energy facilities like biomass furnaces, solar power plants or biofuel combustion engines. As the overall efficiency of the facilities can be increased by recovering the energy. The available waste heat can be converted directly into mechanical energy, pressure or subsequently converted into electrical energy by coupling the expansions machine with a generator. The waste heat can be converted by Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). Therefore, an expansion machine, e.g. a turbine is required. Also small amounts of waste heat can be recovered, if so-called micro turbines are used. Design and construction of such micro turbines always follow fixed rules. Aim of this work is to explain the rules how to design a micro turbine. Furthermore, our workflow and a software tool which follows these rules should be presented.
Influence of Geometry of Channel on the Flow Noise Parameters
Authors: Gaj Patryk , Kopania Joanna
Published: August 2020

Acoustic emission through duct walls is an important problem in engineering acoustics. This phenomenon most commonly occurs in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) and other gas flow ducting (large industrial silencers). Many works focus on elaboration of more exact description of the acoustic field phenomena reflecting the real conditions in which these appliances operate. As a standard, circle or rectangular ducts are used in ventilation systems. However, technical conditions during the installation of the HVAC system, due to the limitation of the assembly space, require often the use of channels with other geometries. This paper presents aeroacoustical parameters of three most common cross-sectional shapes of air-moving ductwork. The rectangular, square with roundedcorners and circular ducts were studied. The “natural” duct attenuation, which is a consequence of duct shape or noise breakout and involves a diminution of the internally propagated sound power was observed. Natural duct attenuation can be a useful way of reducing sound power levels in long runs of duct.
Efficiency Optimisation of Blade Shape in Steam and ORC Turbines
Authors: Lampart Piotr , Witanowski Łukasz , Klonowicz Piotr
Published: August 2020

This paper is devoted to direct constrained optimisation of blading systems of large power and small power turbines so as to increase their internal efficiency. The optimisation is carried out using hybrid stochastic-deterministic methods such as a combination of a direct search method of Hooke-Jeeves and simulated annealing or a combination of a bat algorithm and simplex method of Nelder-Mead. Among free shape parameters are blade number and stagger angle, stacking blade line parameters and blade section (profile) parameters.

One practical example of efficiency optimisation of turbine blading systems is modification of low load profiles PLK-R2 for high pressure (HP) stages of large power steam turbines. Another optimised geometry is that of an ORC radial-axial cogeneration turbine of 50 kWe. Up to 1% efficiency increase can easily be obtained from optimisation of HP blade profiles, especially by making the rotor blade more aft-loaded and reducing the intensity of endwall flows. Almost 2% efficiency rise was obtained for the optimised 50 kWe ORC turbine due to flow improvement at the suction side of the blade.
Sensitivity of Composite Structure with Directional Properties of Annular Three-Layered Plate Mechanically and Thermally Loaded
Authors: Pawlus Dorota
Published: August 2020

Paper presents the sensitivity of the three-layered plate structure on the acting of mechanical and thermal loads. The cases of the annular plates, whose individual layers: facings and core have homogeneous building and/or heterogeneous one expressed by the variable material properties in radial direction have been examined. Numerical investigations have been carried out modelling the select examples of plate structure with the use of the finite element method. Plate is loaded in the plane of facings or is subjected to the flat temperature field. The evaluation of the structure sensitivity has been carried out analysing the values of critical loads or critical temperatures and corresponding with them buckling modes. Numerous results presented in diagrams create the image of plate behaviours, show responses of plate structure and indicate on the means of structure designs, which can fulfil the expected conditions of plate work.