bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combination of TLR-4 agonist and saponin adjuvants increases antibody diversity and protective efficacy of a recombinant West Nile Virus antigen
Authors: Van Hoeven Neal , Wiley Steven , Gage Emily , Fiore-Gartland Andrew , Granger Brian , Gray Sean , Fox Christopher , Clements David E. , Parks D. Elliot , Winram Scott , Stinchcomb Dan T. , Reed Steven G. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: August 2018

Members of the Flaviviridae family are the leading causes of mosquito-borne viral disease worldwide. While dengue virus is the most prevalent, the recent Zika virus outbreak in the Americas triggered a WHO public health emergency, and yellow fever and West Nile viruses (WNV) continue to cause regional epidemics. Given the sporadic nature of flaviviral epidemics both temporally and geographically, there is an urgent need for vaccines that can rapidly provide effective immunity. Protection from flaviviral infection is correlated with antibodies to the viral envelope (E) protein, which encodes receptor binding and fusion functions. TLR agonist adjuvants represent a promising tool to enhance the protective capacity of flavivirus vaccines through dose and dosage reduction and broadening of antiviral antibody responses. This study investigates the ability to improve the immunogenicity and protective capacity of a promising clinical-stage WNV recombinant E-protein vaccine (WN-80E) using a novel combination adjuvant, which contains a potent TLR-4 agonist and the saponin QS21 in a liposomal formulation (SLA-LSQ). Here, we show that, in combination with WN-80E, optimized SLA-LSQ is capable of inducing long-lasting immune responses in preclinical models that provide sterilizing protection from WNV challenge, reducing viral titers following WNV challenge to undetectable levels in Syrian hamsters. We have investigated potential mechanisms of action by examining the antibody repertoire generated post-immunization. SLA-LSQ induced a more diverse antibody response to WNV recombinant E-protein antigen than less protective adjuvants. Collectively, these studies identify an adjuvant formulation that enhances the protective capacity of recombinant flavivirus vaccines.
Indibulin dampens microtubule dynamics and produces synergistic antiproliferative effect with vinblastine in MCF-7 cells: Implications in cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Kapoor Sonia , Srivastava Shalini , Panda Dulal
Published: August 2018

Indibulin, a synthetic inhibitor of tubulin assembly, has shown promising anticancer activity with a minimal neurotoxicity in preclinical animal studies and in Phase I clinical trials for cancer chemotherapy. Using time-lapse confocal microscopy, we show that indibulin dampens the dynamic instability of individual microtubules in live breast cancer cells. Indibulin treatment also perturbed the localization of end-binding proteins at the growing microtubule ends in MCF-7 cells. Indibulin reduced inter-kinetochoric tension, produced aberrant spindles, activated mitotic checkpoint proteins Mad2 and BubR1, and induced mitotic arrest in MCF-7 cells. Indibulin-treated MCF-7 cells underwent apoptosis-mediated cell death. Further, the combination of indibulin with an anticancer drug vinblastine was found to exert synergistic cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, indibulin displayed a stronger effect on the undifferentiated neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells than the differentiated neuronal cells. Unlike indibulin, vinblastine and colchicine produced similar depolymerizing effects on microtubules in both differentiated and undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells. The data indicated a possibility that indibulin may reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients.
Arbitrary shaped beam scattering from a chiral-coated conducting object with arbitrary monochromatic illumination
Authors: Wang Mingjun , Zhang Huayong , Ke Xizheng , Liu Guosheng , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: August 2018

An exact semi-analytical method of calculating the scattered fields from a chiral-coated conducting object under arbitrary shaped beam illumination is developed. The scattered fields and the fields within the chiral coating are expanded in terms of appropriate spherical vector wave functions. The unknown expansion coefficients are determined by solving an infinite system of linear equations derived using the method of moments technique and the boundary conditions. For incidence of a Gaussian beam, circularly polarized wave, zero-order Bessel beam and Hertzian electric dipole radiation on a chiral-coated conducting spheroid and a chiral-coated conducting circular cylinder of finite length, the normalized differential scattering cross sections are evaluated and discussed briefly.
Human esophageal myofibroblast secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins and GREMLIN1 and paracrine regulation of squamous epithelial growth
Authors: Zhang Chunying , Niu Chao , Yang Kevin , Shaker Anisa
Published: August 2018

We have previously shown myofibroblasts subjacent to the squamous epithelium in the normal human esophagus and an increase in esophagitis. Myofibroblast contribution to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and to paracrine mediated epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the human esophagus remains incompletely defined. We investigated BMP4 and BMP inhibitor GREM1 gene expression and protein levels in previously characterized human esophageal myofibroblast primary cultures and in a human esophageal myofibroblast cell line. We adapted human esophageal myofibroblast conditioned media into a 3D organotypic model to investigate the effect of myofibroblast secreted factors on squamous epithelial morphology, proliferation, differentiation and BMP signaling. Human esophageal myofibroblasts constitutively secrete GREM1 and increase BMP4 expression and BMP4 secretion in response to epithelial Hedgehog ligand SHH. Detection of secreted BMP4 is decreased in the presence of GREM1. Myofibroblast conditioned media increases epithelial proliferation and expression of basal markers p63 and CK14 leading to an overall increase in epithelial thickness. Epithelial BMP signaling increases with myofibroblast conditioned media. These findings were partially reversed with GREM1 inhibition. Our results demonstrate that myofibroblasts are potential sources of GREM1 and of BMP4 in the human esophagus and that human esophageal myofibroblast-epithelial paracrine interactions contribute in part to the regulation of epithelial growth.
Detoxification mechanisms involved in ivermectin resistance in the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
Authors: Le Gall Valeria Lis , Klafke Guilherme Marcondes , Torres Tatiana Teixeira
Published: August 2018

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the most important ectoparasites with great sanitary and economic impact for cattle rearing worldwide. Ivermectin is commonly used to control tick populations, but its use over the last 30 years has led to the development of resistant populations of R. microplus, and a concomitant loss of efficacy. In this context, we aimed to determine the metabolic mechanisms that contribute to ivermectin resistance in a resistant strain of this species. We performed lethal time bioassays with inhibitors of detoxifying enzymes and xenobiotic transporters (four detoxification pathways) using two strains of ticks: a susceptible strain, Mozo, and a resistant strain, Juarez. We used four inhibitors to test the involvement of different families of proteins responsible for detoxification of ivermectin, namely cytochrome P450, esterases, glutathione-S-transferase, and ATP Binding Cassette Transporters. We calculated the synergistic factor for each inhibitor and strain. To different degrees, all tested inhibitors altered the mortality rates in the strain Juarez, indicating that multiple mechanisms are responsible for the resistant phenotype. Detoxification mechanisms mediated by ABC transporters were observed to be the most important. Esterases, glutathione-S-transferases, and cytochrome-oxidases played less important roles in detoxification.
Carrier transfer efficiency and its influence on emission properties of telecom wavelength InP-based quantum dot – quantum well structures
Authors: Rudno-Rudziński Wojciech , Syperek Marcin , Andrzejewski Janusz , Rogowicz Ernest , Eisenstein Gadi , Bauer Sven , Sichkovskyi Vitalii I. , Reithmaier Johann P. , Sęk Grzegorz
Published: August 2018

We investigate a hybrid system containing an In0.53Ga0.47As quantum well (QW), separated by a thin 2 nm In0.53Ga0.23Al0.24As barrier from 1.55 µm emitting InAs quantum dots (QDs), grown by molecular beam epitaxy on an InP substrate. Photoreflectance and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies are used to identify optical transitions in the system, with support of 8-band kp modelling. The main part of the work constitute the measurements and analysis of thermal quenching of PL for a set of samples with different QW widths (3–6 nm). Basing on Arrhenius plots, carrier escape channels from the dots are identified, pointing at the importance of carrier escape into the QW. A simple two level rate equations model is proposed and solved, exhibiting qualitative agreement with experimental observations. We show that for a narrow QW the escape process is less efficient than carrier supply via the QW due to the narrow barrier, resulting in improved emission intensity at room temperature. It proves that with carefully designed energy level structure, a hybrid QW/QD system can be used as an active region in telecom lasers with improved efficiencies.
Genomic analysis of Sparus aurata reveals the evolutionary dynamics of sex-biased genes in a sequential hermaphrodite fish
Authors: Pauletto Marianna , Manousaki Tereza , Ferraresso Serena , Babbucci Massimiliano , Tsakogiannis Alexandros , Louro Bruno , Vitulo Nicola , Quoc Viet Ha , Carraro Roberta , Bertotto Daniela , Franch Rafaella , Maroso Francesco , Aslam Muhammad L. , Sonesson Anna K. , Simionati Barbara , Malacrida Giorgio , Cestaro Alessandro , Caberlotto Stefano , Sarropoulou Elena , Mylonas Costantinos C. , Power Deborah M. , Patarnello Tomaso , Canario Adelino V. M. , Tsigenopoulos Costas , Bargelloni Luca
Published: August 2018

Sexual dimorphism is a fascinating subject in evolutionary biology and mostly results from sex-biased expression of genes, which have been shown to evolve faster in gonochoristic species. We report here genome and sex-specific transcriptome sequencing ofSparus aurata, a sequential hermaphrodite fish. Evolutionary comparative analysis reveals that sex-biased genes inS. aurataare similar in number and function, but evolved following strikingly divergent patterns compared with gonochoristic species, showing overall slower rates because of stronger functional constraints. Fast evolution is observed only for highly ovary-biased genes due to female-specific patterns of selection that are related to the peculiar reproduction mode ofS. aurata, first maturing as male, then as female. To our knowledge, these findings represent the first genome-wide analysis on sex-biased loci in a hermaphrodite vertebrate species, demonstrating how having two sexes in the same individual profoundly affects the fate of a large set of evolutionarily relevant genes.
Online monitoring of the kinetic isotope effect in chemical reactions with1H and19F low-field NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Singh Kawarpal , Blümich Bernhard
Published: August 2018

Real-time monitoring of the kinetic isotope effect by low-field1H and19F spectroscopy.
An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for multiple detection of microRNAs based on a novel dual circuit catalyzed hairpin assembly
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Xue , Xu Ziqi , Chai Yaqin , Wang Haijun , Yuan Ruo
Published: August 2018

A novel double-hairpin DNA inducing a dual circuit catalyzed hairpin assembly (DC-CHA) strategy was proposed to fabricate electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensors for multiple target (microRNA-21 and microRNA-155) ultrasensitive detection.
Robust bulk preparation and characterization of sulfamethazine and saccharine salt and cocrystal polymorphs
Authors: Perumalla Sathyanarayana Reddy , Wang Chenguang , Guo Yiwang , Shi Limin , Sun Changquan Calvin
Published: August 2018

The complex between sulfamethazine and saccharine (SMT–SAC) can exist in two polymorphs, one is a cocrystal and the other is a salt.
Thermodynamic and kinetic isotope effects on the order–disorder transition of ice XIV to ice XII
Authors: Fuentes-Landete Violeta , Köster Karsten W. , Böhmer Roland , Loerting Thomas
Published: August 2018

Isotope effects accompanying the order–disorder transition of ice XIV to ice XII are studied using calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and dielectric spectroscopy, both at high-pressure and ambient pressure conditions.
Boron-based binary Be6B102− cluster: three-layered aromatic sandwich, electronic transmutation, and dynamic structural fluxionality
Authors: Feng Lin-Yan , Guo Jin-Chang , Li Peng-Fei , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: August 2018

A triple-ring sandwich Be6B102− cluster is a charge-transfer complex, which features four-fold π/σ aromaticity, electronic transmutation, and dual-mode dynamic fluxionality.
Carbon dioxide droplets stabilized by g-C3N4
Authors: Liu Lifei , Zhang Jianling , Zhang Bingxing , Shi Jinbiao , Tan Xiuniang , Han Buxing , Luo Tian , Shao Dan , Tan Dongxing , Zhang Fanyu
Published: August 2018

Here we propose the emulsification of CO2 and water with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), in which the g-C3N4-stabilized CO2 droplets were utilized as “microreactors” for in situ photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
CoZn-ZIF-derived ZnCo2O4-framework for the synthesis of alcohols from glycerol
Authors: Zhao Huaiyuan , Jiang Yuanyuan , Chen Ping , Fu Jie , Lu Xiuyang , Hou Zhaoyin
Published: August 2018

Novel Co/ZnO catalyst obtained from CoZn-ZIF precursor is highly active and selective for synthesis of ethanol from glycerol.
Gly–Gly–His tripeptide- and silver nanoparticle-assisted electrochemical evaluation of copper(ii) ions in aqueous environment
Authors: Jiang Yu , Chen Xifeng , Lan Lintao , Pan Yue , Zhu Guoxing , Miao Peng
Published: August 2018

A sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for Cu2+ assay is developed using tripeptide-based recognition and silver nanoparticle-modified electrode.
The GFRP profiles as stay-in-place formwork
Authors: Brózda Kinga , Selejdak Jacek , Koteš Peter
Published: August 2018

The GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers) materials are characterized by good mechanical properties and very high corrosion resistance. Currently the GFRP profiles in the form of modular structural elements are used as so called decking systems. However, the last researches concern the possibility of using the modular FRP profiles as a stay-in-place (SIP) formwork. In this article the conception of the shape and cross-sectional dimensions selection of the FRP profile was attempted. The conception applies to the prototype of the GFRP profile, which is able to use as a self-supporting formwork in composite slab in building structures on floors or as the deck in composite bridge structures. On the basis of theoretical and practical studies available in the literature, the theoretical evaluation of the composite element were done.
Physical and mechanical properties of composites based on hemp shives and lime
Authors: Brzyski Przemysław , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: August 2018

One of the objectives of sustainable development in construction is the use of low-processed materials. They have a positive impact on the ecological balance of the building throughout the entire life cycle. Examples of such materials are materials of plant origin - straw, shives, cellulose fibers. They are used as thermal insulation or wall material. In recent years, hemp shives are increasingly used as a component of a lime-based composite, which performs the function of wall filling in timber frame constructions. The shives, due to the high porosity, determine the high thermal insulation properties of the composite. The physico-mechanical properties of the composite can be modified depending on various factors, including the ratio of hemp shives to the binder. The lime binder, in turn, can be modified by hydraulic and pozzolan additives. The paper presents mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength) as well as physical properties (density, porosity, thermal conductivity coefficient, absorbability) of composites with various proportions of hemp shives of the Bialobrzeskie variety to the lime binder modified with Portland cement and metakaolinite.
Living quarters. A natural balanced ventilation system. Simulations part 1
Authors: Gaczoł Tomasz
Published: August 2018

In the following article the author proposes the solution for a properly functioning natural ventilation system based on the use of supply and exhaust ducts, i.e. by designing a natural balanced ventilation system. The paper is devoted to test results of air flow through natural ventilation supply-exhaust ducts in the rooms located on the lower floor of the building. The simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent software relate to such issues as: pressure system inside the room and in the exhaust duct, distribution of air temperatures in the room, vector direction of airflow through supplyexhaust ducts and in the analysed room. Three types of solutions were selected for the tests: air inflow into the room through the air intake located at the basement level, air inflow through the window ventilator (although no longer used, this solution can be found in many existing residential buildings) and the natural ventilation system supported with the so-called “solar chimney”. All simulations were conducted with an outdoor temperature of +3 degrees C. The indoor temperature is + 20 degrees C, considered to be the minimum thermal comfort level. In the era of common building sealing, the presented ventilation system may be a good solution that guarantees proper functioning of natural ventilation. In all cases presented, it meets the normative regulations and requirements for the ventilation air stream and the air exchange rate in the room. The paper (first part) describes test results concerning the room located on the lower floor of the building, i.e. with a short supply duct and a 12-meter long exhaust duct.
Natural balanced ventilation. Simulations part 2
Authors: Gaczoł Tomasz
Published: August 2018

The paper is devoted to test results of air flow through natural ventilation supply-exhaust ducts in the rooms located on the upper floor of the building that were conducted in ANSYS Fluent software. Three types of solutions were selected for the tests: air inflow into the room through the air intake located at the basement level, air inflow through the window ventilator (although no longer used, this solution can be found in many existing residential buildings) and the natural ventilation system supported with the so-called “solar chimney” that is usually a glass superstructure, located on the roof of the building above the ventilation ducts. All simulations were conducted with an outdoor temperature of +3 degrees C. The indoor temperature is + 20 degrees C, considered to be the minimum thermal comfort level. The simulations concerned such issues as: pressure system inside the room and in the exhaust duct, distribution of air temperatures in the room, vector direction of air flow through supply and exhaust ducts and in the room. Tests conducted using a computer method of air flow analysis in ducts and in the analysed room indicate that the developed natural balanced ventilation system is a good solution, especially when building sealing is so common. In all cases presented, it meets the normative regulations and requirements for the ventilation air stream and the air exchange rate in the room. The paper (second part) describes test results concerning the room located on the upper floor of the building, i.e. with a long 9-meter long supply duct and a short 3-meter long exhaust duct.
Correlation of humidity and temperature in conference rooms - preliminary tests
Authors: Gładyszewska-Fiedoruk Katarzyna
Published: August 2018

In three different conference rooms, temperature and humidity were measured, and then the correlation of these measured parameters was determined. The analysed rooms are located in buildings of the same construction and in the same town, in the temperate climate zone. The rooms had a different number of people. The experiment caused more questions than answers. The only concrete conclusions that can be formulated are that in two rooms the humidity was far too low. The HVAC system slightly disturbs the correlation of temperature and humidity. The density of people in the room affects the increase of humidity. Despite the use of air temperature controllers in all the analysed conference rooms, the temperature during the tests increased, mostly in the room with the largest number of people. The influence of the number of people on the correlation between the measured parameters has not been determined. It is also not specified if external conditions influence this correlation. Humidity measurements should be continued in rooms where there are a lot of people in various aspects. Above all, there must be constructed the mechanisms to control it.
Analysis of Gothic Revival churches designed by Stanislaw Majerski located in Podkarpacie District
Authors: Gosztyła Marek , Lichołai Rafał
Published: August 2018

The main purpose of this article was to perform an analysis of the geometric characteristics for Gothic Revival churches located in the Podkarpacie District. The authors explored five churches designed by Stanisław Majerski - an architect from Przemyśl who created at the beginning of the 20th century. In order to create point clouds of the studied buildings, the authors used the TLS method to provide the credibility of the study. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. Geometry of the facades, spatial systems and trajectory of vault arch were examined. As a result, we obtained estimated values of studied parameters that characterized the geometric oscillate of Stanisław Majerski’s churches.
Soil freezing and the depth of spread foundations
Authors: Ickiewicz Irena
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the possibility for setting heated building foundations at a depth lower than the level of „zero” isothermal line. In order for the foundation not to be susceptible to damage due to its exposure to negative temperatures, an appropriate thermal insulation was proposed. For the suggested thermal insulation - by means of numerical methods - a calculation of temperature distribution in the vicinity of the foundations was carried out. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, an optimal setting depth for insulated foundations was proposed.
The idea of zoopolis in contemporary architectural dimension
Authors: Kleszcz Justyna
Published: August 2018

In recent times, the idea of non-anthropocentric architecture has become one of the determinants of contemporary, conscious approach towards design as a process. Its characteristic feature is the extension of both, recognized as "urban" functions, as well as the group of recipients on which the created space is to interact. The direct connection between the notion of a city created by people (polis) and the animal world (zoo) was a long-lasting, multi-faceted process of broadening the meaning of animal subjectivity in culture, art and politics. The very concept of zoopolis, appearing for the first time in the work of Donaldson and Kymlicka in 2011, was initially applied to political science, in the context of places shared by man and domestic animals, where the city was understood as a political community of its inhabitants, including non-humans. In the sphere of creating physical space, this concept appeared for the first time two years later thanks to Jennifer Wolch. In terms of zoopolis, the urbanized space will be a set of parallel worlds in which both people and nature live in the same area, whose multiple layers only sometimes cross or overlap. The purpose of the work is to allow tracing the main determinants of the transformation process of contemporary policy from small point elements to systemic actions and identify the main features of a non-anthropocentric city as a place for the emergence of new functions and urban forms.
Combined heat pump-district heating network energy source
Authors: Kurtz-Orecka Karolina , Tuchowski Wojciech
Published: August 2018

The article describes the innovative combination of the heat pump's operation with the heating network called as cHPNes. The heat pump's lower heat sources used so far are air, water or ground. Their efficiency is usually incoherent with the energy needs of recipients. In the period of the lowest temperatures of the source, we have the highest demand for heat in the supplied facility. A combination of the water heat pump and the heating network is aimed at increasing the energy efficiency (COP) of the heat source and indirectly increasing the participation of renewable energy in the energy balance of buildings. The essence of the new solution is the use of returning water in the heating network to supply the heat pump evaporator. The working medium temperature of the heating network on the return in the all-year cycle is stable and high, which allows further use of energy of the heating water on the return. These are the two main advantages of network water used as the lower heat source, allowing for stable and efficient operation of the heat pump with COP above 13. This solution is a response to the need to improve the energy efficiency of highly urbanized spaces.
The basement of residential buildings as part of radon preventive measures
Authors: Kusionowicz Teresa
Published: August 2018

The Directive 2013/59/Euratom was adopted by the Council of the European Union in 2013. It lays down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers from exposure to ionising radiation. The directive obliges our country to adopt the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary for its implementation. According to research conducted by the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kraków, radon constitutes the largest source of ionising radiation a resident of our country is exposed to. Its share reaches almost 40% of the annual dose. Inhalation of radon and products of its decay in rooms constitutes a significant part of the dose of ionising radiation whose source is radon. Residential premises are the rooms in which we spend nearly 60% of our life in our climate zone. Environmental studies conducted in these rooms demonstrate that the concentration of radon in their interior is in many cases greater than its concentration outside the building. This issue is dealt with in Article 74 of the Directive 2013/59/Euratom. It recommends taking action to prevent long-term health risks resulting from exposure to radon in residential and public premises. Architectural and construction solutions applied in buildings play a significant role in the prevention of such dangers. One of the radon preventive measures in the indoor environment is the design of basements in residential buildings.
Analysis of the impact of selected factors on the effectiveness of using PCM in mobile window insulation
Authors: Musiał Michał
Published: August 2018

This article presents the results of experimental research, carried out on the elements of vertical and internal blinds, containing phase-change material in its. The research was aimed at determining the significance of such factors as: ambient temperature, shape of profiles containing PCM and the intensity of their heating to the actual amount of energy required for complete melting of PCM Samples of aluminum profiles of various cross-sectional shapes containing commercial RT 28 phase-changing material. The author carried out the research presented below on the basis of a poly-selective orthogonal plan. The analysis was performed using the finite element method, in the Statistica 12 program. The obtained effects of the performed tests and the conducted analysis enabled an independent statistical evaluation of the factors of the approximate polynomial.
Analysis of the incremental cost method and the net present value method applied in the energy sector
Authors: Noch Tadeusz , Kusto Zdzisław
Published: August 2018

The study characterizes hybrid sources applied in the power industry, created with the use of unconventional energy sources. An example of cooperation of heat pumps and conventional sources was used. The article notes the technological progress also concerning heat exchangers. To calculate economic efficiency, the MKN Incremental Cost Method and the NPV Net Present Value method were used. The article refers to the calculation of investment outlays and operating costs and repayment of a bank loan for individual heat sources. The possibility of assuming separate values of discount rates for the installation of heat pumps and hybrid boilers as well as the comparative installation were shown. Also included is the possibility of adopting a separate discount rate for income derived from savings associated with the purchase of fuel and energy and the sale of heat to a third party consumer. The analysis covered the MKN Incremental Cost Method and the NPV Net Present Value method. The computational algorithm contains costs of hybrid installation with heat pumps and costs of a comparative conventional installation in a version without revenues and with revenues from the sale of heat. Presented is the method of calculating the net present value in the next year of operation, discounting to the zero year and observing in which year the positive value will be obtained. Economic calculations, according to popular views, are the basis for choosing the optimal heating variant. Ecological effects and social demand may provide additional separate criteria in the selection of the heating system.
Sound insulation of wooden floors
Authors: Nowoświat Artur , Żuchowski Rafał , Marchacz Michał , Dulak Leszek
Published: August 2018

The objective of the article is to assess acoustic insulation of a wooden floor structure between stories in a pre-war residential building. The measurements involved acoustic insulation against impact sounds and airborne sounds. The article presents the results of acoustic tests for noninsulated floors and then for floors insulated with mineral wool. First, the results of the research were analyzed in terms of single-number acoustic insulation rates. These results were compared to the standards and findings described by other researchers. Then, an analysis was carried out for the processes as a function of frequency. The conclusions described in this article allow us to assess the applied acoustic insulation system.
Mix-use adaptations in sustainable regeneration of barrack complexes
Authors: Rudnicka-Bogusz Marta Małgorzata
Published: August 2018

Historical barrack complexes constitute a separate genre in architectural typology and a crucial component of cultural landscape in garrison towns. Their construction impacted spatial development of historic cities. Military compounds were usually formed in a raster pattern, which spawned the grid plan further to adjacent streets forming a connection with the existing urban area, thus stimulating growth and modernization of cities. Originally positioned on the outskirts, today they become liaisons between historic downtowns and contemporary suburbs. They are excellently suited for that role, because by default they are utilitarian. Still they are endangered and neglected. For singleminded investors their material substance is worthless compared to the land they stand upon. The Wrzeszcz Barracks give proof that there exists a way to innovatively reintroduce this genre into city scope. Following in the footsteps of European exponents in Turin or Freiburg, the ‘Garnizon Neighborhood’ is one of the most successful mix-use regeneration efforts of post-military complexes in Poland. The paper constitutes a case study of regeneration indicating its strong and weak points in relation to similar undertakings.
Analysis of possibilities and demand for energy in a public building using a tracking photovoltaic installation
Authors: Sawicka-Chudy Paulina , Rybak-Wilusz Elżbieta , Sibiński Maciej , Pawełek Ryszard , Cholewa Marian , Kaczor Michał
Published: August 2018

In the first part of this paper we present an overview of photovoltaic devices installed in Poland in the years 1960-2015. In the years 2009-2016, approximately 199 MW in total power of photovoltaic devices were installed. The second part of the paper we focus on presenting the research results on the usage of tracking photovoltaic installations in 2010-2016 collected in various periods of their work. PV panels were installed on the building of the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering of the Lodz University of Technology. In this paper we considered PV installations as an additional source of energy improving the total energetic efficiency of the building via the reduction of energy consumed from public electric and power networks. The installation satisfies up to 30% of annual energy demand of laboratories. However, the break-even period of the system was estimated to be about 30 years because of the high cost of installation.
Geopolymer coating as a protection of concrete against chemical attack and corrosion
Authors: Sikora Szymon , Gapys Ewa , Michalowski Bartosz , Horbanowicz Tomasz , Hynowski Mariusz
Published: August 2018

In order to mitigate and prevent chemical attack and concrete corrosion one has to choose the right concrete to make it less permeable or isolate it from the corrosive environment by using a suitable coating. Here, we present the use of geopolymer mortar made of local waste materials and sodium silicate as a chemo-resistive coating for concrete. In this paper, the development of geopolymer mortar working parameters (e.g. setting time and adhesion to concrete) is described. Here, we investigated the resistance of concrete samples coated with geopolymer to 10% inorganic/organic acids and saturated solution of sodium chloride. During the soaking in corrosive environment, weight loss and compressive strength were measured. Geopolymer coating described in this work showed great resistance to organic and inorganic acids. Coating of concrete samples reduced their weight loss after exposure to organic acids from 15% to 2% with concomitant compressive strength loss from 49% to 9% of the initial value. The difference in chemical resistance for inorganic acids was even more visible. Coating of concrete samples reduced their weight loss after exposure to inorganic acids from 73% to 0.8% with adequate compressive strength loss from 96% to only 3.5% of the initial value.
Sorptive testing of mortars with varying water-cement ratios
Authors: Stolarska Agata , Ciborowski Szymon
Published: August 2018

The article presents the results of studies on sorption performed on three samples of mortars with similar density of about 2,000 kg/m3. The tested mortars differed in their water-to-cement ratio. Three levels of w/c ratio were adopted that were respectively: 0.5; 0.55 and 0.6. The prepared mortars were cut into samples with a thickness of 1 cm, dried to constant weight at a temperature of 105°C and insulated on the side surface with silicone. The experiment was carried out at a temperature of 25°C and at six different levels of relative humidity φ ≈ 12, 33, 54, 76, 85, 98%. Relative humidity was provided by saturated solutions of the appropriate salts: LiCl (φ ≈ 12%), MgCl2 (φ ≈ 33%), Mg(NO3)2 (φ ≈ 53%), NaCl (φ ≈ 76%), KCl (φ ≈ 85%), K2SO4 (φ ≈ 98%). The adopted level of temperature and range of relative humidity meet the hygrothermal conditions which tend to affect the cement mortar in real life. The long-term measurement results were used to assess the behaviour of the tested mortars under various conditions of moisture and to determine the equilibrium sorptive humidity.
Preliminary investigations of organics soil in a new calibration chamber with the use of the FVT and DPL probe
Authors: Straż Grzegorz
Published: August 2018

The proposal of investigations of soft organic soils in a new calibration chamber performed at the Rzeszow University of Technology has been presented in this paper. The unique feature of this chamber is the possibility of simultaneous soil testing with the use of two penetrometers: FVT (Field Vane Test) and DPL (Dynamic Probing Light). It has been possible due to the large size of the cylindrical soil sample: 62.5 cm in diameter and max. 80 cm high. Additionally, a construction with a new calibration chamber has been described, concerning potential capabilities and restrictions when conducting researches. The presented calibration chamber ensures the stability of the parameters set during the tests, which allows one to compare the test results and search for the relationship between the analyzed parameters. Shear strength from the FVT test was adopted as reference. The results of preliminary research were presented and a detailed research plan was prepared, which will be implemented in the next stages of the investigations.
Successive impact of the nitrogen fertilization of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) on the canopy architecture in 9th and 10th year of regrowth of shoots
Authors: Styszko Leszek , Dąbrowski Janusz
Published: August 2018

The purpose of the present paper was an assessment of the successive impact of fertilization with nitrogen on the regrowth dynamics of the shoots of 10 genotypes (three clones and seven varieties) of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) in the 9th and 10th year of cultivation. In 2008- 2015, mineral nitrogen fertilization was applied in the whole experiment in four doses. The measurements of height and thickness of willow shoots, of the quantity of live and dead shoots in the snag and live and dead snags on the plot were performed in the experiment realized in 2016-2017. Biometric measurements showed that increased mineral nitrogen fertilization in the year of its application intensified shoots growth in height and thickness, yet in the successive impact, in the 9th and 10th year of willow vegetation weakening of shoot regrowth in height and thickness is observed, and the number of live shoots in the snag and live snags on the plot have reduced. In particular, negative successive impact of the nitrogen fertilization on the willow canopy architecture was demonstrated on the objects that were mowed twice in the first 4-year rotation and on the varieties that do not tolerate this treatment.
Vaults, roof truss and walls interaction issue in monumental masonry structures
Authors: Szkobodziński Marcin , Miedziałowski Czesław
Published: August 2018

The paper discusses the subject of interaction between a roof truss, vaults and load-bearing walls in a masonry monumental structure. The static structural analysis of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Basilica in Bialystok, as an example of Polish neogothic architecture from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries has been carried out. The building consists of a three-aisled masonry walls system, which in cooperation with cross-ribbed vaults and a timber roof truss determine the spatial rigidity of the structure. Lack of concrete ring-beams and horizontal oriented ceiling slabs cause global stiffness reduction to the horizontal loads. In the past, it could have been one of the main reason for the appearance of cracks in the structure. The basic aspect having a real influence on building global behaviour is interaction of load-bearing structural parts. This structure was subjected to the static analysis with an investigation about the influence of interaction between the roof truss, vaults and walls. The values of horizontal displacements of walls were compared as a result of wind pressure acting on the structure. Numerical calculations were carried out using finite element method.
Simulation of modified Trombe wall
Authors: Szyszka Jerzy
Published: August 2018

Passive systems are becoming increasingly popular among designers, which is reflected in their frequent use in the construction of modern buildings. The prevailing material in façade design is glass which enables i.a. photothermal conversion of solar energy either in the so-called direct systems or in one of a number of the collector-and-storage Trombe wall variants. In order to estimate how the aforementioned passive solutions affect the energy balance of a building, the efficiency of such solutions needs to be determined first. This paper presents the research proposal that would use a simple-structure laboratory simulator. The proposed method is based on the analogy of supplying heat into the TW itself with an internal heat source. In order to simulate the absorption of solar radiation that takes place in the absorber, the heat was produced by the heating cable embedded in such an absorber. The results of tests carried out according to one of the Design of Experiments (DOE) methods enabled the development of an empirical model showing the operation efficiency of the originally modified Trombe wall.
Thermographic analysis of the quality of wire connections with overcurrent switches
Authors: Tokarski Daniel , Grudniewski Tomasz , Chodyka Marta , Nitychoruk Jerzy Antoni
Published: August 2018

The article aims to present the issue of excessive heat release at installation joints due to insufficient contact surface of the joining elements. The conducted research attempts to estimate the losses caused by an insufficient contact surface area. A laser pyrometer and a thermal imaging camera were used to perform the tests. Both devices generate images without having to touch the tested element, which may indicate that the obtained results are very accurate. The completed tests have shown that an insufficient contact surface of the joints results in an increased heat release, which leads to higher electrical energy losses and increased wear of the installation connectors.
Two-parametric analysis of the Weibull distribution strength of advanced ceramics materials
Authors: Wirwicki Mateusz
Published: August 2018

Zirconium dioxide is a material known over 60 years, used for the production of ceramic and hybrid bearings and in dentistry: bows, crowns, and bridges. For testing the strength of zirconium dioxide, normative samples were made, which were subjected to strength tests. Microscopic analysis of sample fracture was performed. In addition, zirconium oxide is an easy to process material. Zirconium dioxide is a polymorphic material exhibiting three phases: monocyclic, cubic and tetragonal. In addition, during propagation of cracks, the material shows a strengthening transformation; replacement of phase and increase of the volume of molecules that inhibit microcracks in the material. For a better illustration of the destruction of the samples, a two-parameter analysis of the Weibull distribution was made, which, as shown in the literature review for this type of research is standard. This analysis is described in the standard related to statistical analysis of advanced ceramics. The paper presents the original technology of making zirconium dioxide samples, tests of strength on a servo-hydraulic machine Instron 8874 and microscopic analysis of the obtained results.
The use of heat from the CO2compression system for production of system heat
Authors: Zarzycki Robert
Published: August 2018

The study presents the concept and computations of the CO2compression for the purposes of transport and underground storage of the gas. Cooling between individual stages is needed to reduce the power needed for CO2compression. Heat obtained from the cooling process can be used to provide heat to the municipal heat power systems. A design of a heat accumulator for storage of excess heat was proposed in order to improve heat supply safety. The solution proposed in the study allows for heating condensing power units using waste heat from the CO2cooling process.
Wind farm potential for electrical energy supply to a neighbourhood of single-family houses located at the Polish Baltic seaside
Authors: Zygmunt Marcin , Gawin Dariusz
Published: August 2018

The article presents an analysis for the Polish Baltic seaside concerning wind farm potential for producing electricity for housing. The analysis includes comparison of onshore and offshore wind climate parameters important for electrical energy production. The wind turbine parameters were assumed from the datasheet for two chosen turbines while the climate conditions for an onshore and an offshore location were set from the local measuring stations. For the purposes of this article, an energy model of a neighborhood of single-family houses was defined using Energy Plus software. Selection of house types was made following the present Polish statistics concerning newly constructed buildings. The electricity load duration curve of the neighborhood was carried out. Additionally, the analysis of electrical energy supply from wind farms for the analyzed location was performed. The analysis aim is assessment of the wind farm potential for covering energy needs of single family residential housing.
Associated data: Indexation, discovery, challenges and roles
Authors: Ocvirk Pierre , Landais Gilles , Michel Laurent , Arab Heddy , Guehenneux Sylvain , Boch Thomas , Brouty Marianne , Perret Emmanuelle , Pineau François-Xavier , Pouvreau Tiphaine , Vannier Patricia
Published: August 2018

Astronomers are nowadays required by their funding agencies to make the data obtained through public-financed means (ground and space observatories and labs) available to the public and the community at large. This is a fundamental step in enabling the open science paradigm the astronomical community is striving for. In other words, tabular data (catalogs) arriving to CDS for ingestion into its databases, in particular VizieR, is more and more frequently accompanied by the reduced observed dataset (spectra, images, data cubes, time series). While the benefits of making this associated data available are obvious, the task is very challenging: in this context "big data" takes the meaning of "extremely heterogeneous data", with a diversity of formats and practices among astronomers, even within the FITS standard. Providing librarians with efficient tools to index this data and generate the relevant metadata is therefore paramount.
The Astrolabe Project: Identifying and Curating Astronomical ‘Dark Data’ through Development of Cyberinfrastructure Resources
Authors: Stahlman Gretchen , Bryan Heidorn P. , Steffen Julie
Published: August 2018

As research datasets and analyses grow in complexity, data that could be valuable to other researchers and to support the integrity of published work remain uncurated across disciplines. These data are especially concentrated in the “Long Tail” of funded research, where curation resources and related expertise are often inaccessible. In the domain of astronomy, it is undisputed that uncurated "dark data" exist, but the scope of the problem remains uncertain. The “Astrolabe” Project is a collaboration between University of Arizona researchers, the CyVerse cyberinfrastructure environment, and the American Astronomical Society, with a mission to identify and ingest previously-uncurated astronomical data, and to provide a robust computational environment for analysis and sharing of data, as well as services for authors wishing to deposit data associated with publications. Following expert feedback obtained through two workshops held in 2015 and 2016, Astrolabe is funded in part by National Science Foundation. The system is being actively developed within CyVerse, and Astrolabe collaborators are soliciting heterogeneous datasets and potential users for the prototype system. Astrolabe team members are currently working to characterize the properties of uncurated astronomical data, and to develop automated methods for locating potentially-useful data to be targeted for ingest into Astrolabe, while cultivating a user community for the new data management system.