bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expectations of Persons Accompanying Children for The Physical Environment at Ataköy 5, Kısım Children’s Park
Authors: Caymaz Gökçen Firdevs Yücel , Sirel Ayşe
Published: December 2021

This study aims to research the expectations of users who bring their children to a park of the neighbourhood scale. For this purpose, a survey was conducted randomly with 550 people in 2018. The scope of this task encompassed research entailed questions regarding the occupation, educational status, age of the users, their relation to the children, as well as the age and gender of the children they brought to the park. These research questions were tested with the analyses of the survey questions, which included matters such as security, maintenance, and adequacy of green spaces, all of which are thought to affect park quality and convenient utilization. When viewing the research result, it was concluded that the demand for better security, adequate green area, additional activities, and playgrounds was higher amongst the user group with university education.
Text Analytics in Bulgarian: An Overview and Future Directions
Authors: Hristova Gloria
Published: December 2021

Text analytics is becoming an integral part of modern business and economic research and analysis. However, the extent to which its application is possible and accessible varies for different languages. The main goal of this paper is to outline fundamental research on text analytics applied on data in Bulgarian. A review of key research articles in two main directions is provided – development of language resources for Bulgarian and experimenting with Bulgarian text data in practical applications. By summarizing the results of a large literature review, we draw conclusions about the degree of development of the field, the availability of language resources for the Bulgarian language and the extent to which text analytics has been applied in practical problems. Future directions for research are outlined. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study providing a comprehensive overview of progress in the field of text analytics in Bulgarian.
VM Consolidation Plan for Improving the Energy Efficiency of Cloud
Authors: Satveer  , Aswal Mahendra Singh
Published: December 2021

Achieving energy-efficiency with minimal Service Level Agreement (SLA) violation constraint is a major challenge in cloud datacenters owing to financial and environmental concerns. The static consolidation of Virtual Machines (VMs) is not much significant in recent time and has become outdated because of the unpredicted workload of cloud users. In this paper, a dynamic consolidation plan is proposed to optimize the energy consumption of the cloud datacenter. The proposed plan encompasses algorithms for VM selection and VM placement. The VM selection algorithm estimates power consumption of each VM to select the required VMs for migration from the overloaded Physical Machine (PM). The proposed VM allocation algorithm estimates the net increase in Imbalance Utilization Value (IUV) and power consumption of a PM, in advance before allocating the VM. The analysis of simulation results suggests that the proposed dynamic consolidation plan outperforms other state of arts.
Molecular Structure and Hybridization Patterns of Abramis brama × Rutilus rutilus Hybrids from Modrac Reservoir, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Stroil Belma Kalamujić , Ušanović Lejla , Kalajdžić Abdurahim , Lasić Lejla , Škrijelj Rifat , Pojskić Naris
Published: December 2021

Interspecific hybridization in the Cyprinidae family has been recorded worldwide, with Abramis brama (bream) and Rutilus rutilus (roach) as one of the often-reported hybridizing pairs. The only account of such an event in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been in Modrac Reservoir. Using morphological and molecular markers, the presence of hybrids was surveyed, the hybridization direction was determined and the hybrid group structure in this ecosystem was evaluated. Our findings confirmed unhindered natural hybridization between roach and bream in Modrac Reservoir. Over 50% of the hybrid specimens were classified as F2 hybrids by the NewHybrids software, while the rest were categorized as pure parental form, making it the first such finding in Europe. The analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b showed that 90% of hybrid individuals were of bream maternal origin. The hybrid group expressed higher mean values of observed heterozygosity and gene diversity than both parental species. Signs of introgressive hybridization between parental species were detected. The hybrid zone of Modrac Reservoir appears to follow the intermediate or “flat” hybrid model based on the balanced distribution of parental and hybrid genotypes. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the factors that enable the survival and mating success of post-F1 individuals.
BDNF blood serum linkage with BDNF gene polymorphism (rs6265) in thyroid pathology patients in the West-Ukrainian population
Authors: Kamyshna Iryna I. , Pavlovych Larysa B. , Sydorchuk Larysa P. , Malyk Igor V. , Kamyshnyi Aleksandr M.
Published: December 2021

Objective. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is identified as an important growth factor involved in learning and memory. Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can suffer from cognitive dysfunction, whereas BDNF is directly regulated by thyroid hormones. It seems reasonable to propose that changes in BDNF expression underlie some of the persistent neurological impairments associated with hypothyroidism.

Methods. The study involved a total of 153 patients with various forms of thyroid pathology. BDNF levels in the sera of the patients and healthy individuals were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with highly sensitive Human BDNF ELISA Kit. Genotyping of the BDNF (rs6265) gene polymorphism using TaqMan probes and TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix (4371355) on CFX96™Real-Time PCR Detection System. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for TaqMan genotyping was carried out according to the kit instructions.

Results. Distribution rs6265 variants in the patients depending on the different types of thyroid pathology showed no significant difference in the relative frequency of BDNF polymorphic variants. Presence of hypothyroidism, regardless of its cause (autoimmune or postoperative), there was a decrease in the serum BDNF levels in all genotypes carriers compared with the control group. The analysis of the correlation between BDNF levels and the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies showed a significant inverse relationship between BDNF and TSH levels (p<0.001), a direct correlation between BDNF and T4 levels in the blood (p<0.001), and a weak direct relationship between anti-Tg and BDNF levels (p=0.0157).

Conclusion. The C allele presence is protective and associates with the lowest chances for reduced serum BDNF levels in thyroid pathology patients in the West-Ukrainian population. However, the T-allele increases the risk of low BDNF levels almost 10 times in observed subjects.
Expected harmfulness of gnawing phyllophagous insects in urban stands of Kharkiv city
Authors: Kukina Olga , Kardash Eugenia , Shvydenko Inna
Published: December 2021

Urban stands are becoming increasingly important in improving the environmental health and liveability of cities. However, they weaken as a result of technogenic air pollution and become vulnerable to pests, particularly to non-native forest insects. The aim of this research was to assess potential harmfulness (bionomically determined harmfulness [BDH]), environmentally determined harmfulness (EDH) and generally expected harmfulness (GEH) of the gnawing phyllophagous lepidopterous insects in the green stands of Kharkiv (Ukraine). All supplementary parameters were assessed by analysis of publications and the own experience of authors. BDH was evaluated as a product of the duration of larvae nutrition (p1) and an index of larvae nutrition (p2). An index of larvae nutrition (p2) was considered being proportional to their imago wingspan. EDH was evaluated as a product of the value of damaged tree species (p3), location of plant damage (p4), the period of loss decorative effect (p5) and the prevalence of certain insect species in the stands (p6). GEH was estimated as a product of BDH, EDH and the ability of insect species to the outbreaks (p7).

A modified approach for evaluation BDH, EDH and GEH was suggested and implemented, considering phyllophagous leaf miner insects and phyllophagous insects with open lifestyle in the deciduous stands of streets, parks, and Forest Park of Kharkiv city. EDH of insects with an open lifestyle depends on their size and prevalence in the stand. EDH and GEH of all revealed insects with an open lifestyle increase from streets to Forest Park. Among the insects with an open lifestyle, Lymantriidae and Notodontidae had the highest BDH due to the large size and long feeding period of larvae. Among the insects with hidden lifestyle, Cameraria ohridella had the highest BDH due to the highest prevalence and the large duration of feeding period with its several generations.
Juniperus excelsa s. str. in crimea – differentiation and history inferred from genetic and morphological markers
Authors: Mazur Małgorzata , Jadwiszczak Katarzyna A. , Bona Agnieszka , Krasylenko Yuliya , Kukushkin Oleg , Marcysiak Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Juniperus excelsa s. str. (Greek juniper) in Crimea is a relic species on the limits of its range, and represents the Mediterranean flora in the Sub-Mediterranean part of the peninsula. Its origin and history in this area remains unresolved. We aimed to analyze phylogeny and potential demographic expansion of the juniper in the Crimea as well as to study its morphological differentiation. We analyzed plant material from 59 trees inhabiting eight populations. Genetic variation assessments were based on the four non-coding chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5,8S-ITS2 (ITS). To examine the morphological differentiation, eight measured/counted traits of cones, seeds, and shoots were chosen and eight ratios were calculated. Morphological parameters were compared using ANOVA, Student’s t test, discrimination analysis and Kruskal-Wallis and U Mann-Whitney tests. Two cpDNA fragments were polymorphic and, in total, 10 cpDNA haplotypes were found. Haplotype diversity (Hd) ranged from 0.0 to 0.9. Based on both cpDNA and ITS sequences variation, phylogenetic analyses revealed a close relationship of the Crimean junipers to the individuals from other parts of the species range. In general, our molecular results confirmed the low level of genetic differentiation of J. excelsa individuals inhabiting different parts of the species range, likely resulting from a common ancestry. Only slight morphological differences were found between populations with different geographic location or habitat. The analyzes showed the distinctness of the populations from the southern part of the coast. Some unique morphological and molecular features of southern coastal populations imply that they are remnants of Late Pleistocene abundant forests. We suggest that the recent fragmentation of the Juniperus populations in the Crimean Peninsula could have arisen during the Atlantic period of the Holocene.
The damage caused by wind in middle-aged Scots pine stands on permanent thinning experimental plots
Authors: Zachara Tadeusz , Gil Wojciech
Published: December 2021

In July 2002, the very strong hurricane appeared in northern Poland, which caused destruction of forest cover of area more than 10,000 ha. The permanent thinning research plot in a 53-year-old pine stand located in Myszyniec forest district (150 km north of Warsaw) was lying on the edge of damaged area. The following treatments were tested on this plot: 1) control plot (without thinning); 2) schematic cut in 20-year-old stand, selective thinning to 40 years, then thinning from below; 3) schematic cut in 20-year-old stand, then selective thinning; 4) selective thinning in young stand (20–40 years), then thinning from below and 5) selective thinning all the time.

A significant part of this plot was completely destroyed and in the other part of the plot, some trees survived. A small part of the plot resisted the wind attack. An analysis of the amount of destroyed trees (measured by basal area) showed no differences between particular silvicultural treatments. The level of damage differed between particular parts of the plot.

Another plot located in Ostrów Mazowiecka forest district (100 km NE of Warsaw) with the same thinning treatments was touched by heavy wind in July 2011 when the stand was 62 years old. Unlike the hurricane of 2002, this storm did not destroy the experimental plot which was located outside the zone of heaviest calamity. Therefore, damage on this plot had point and group character. Although on particular measurement units, share of broken or fallen trees did not exceed 10% of total basal area, it can be observed that the lowest level of damage was noticed on plots with selective thinning in young age and thinning from below in older stand.
The local populations of the fungus Schizophyllum commune Fr. as drivers of its biodiversity
Authors: Boiko Sergiy
Published: December 2021

Changes that occur on the local level can explain the processes on the population level and, at the same time, are the driving force of species adaptation. This manuscript reports data about genetic diversities of the fungus Schizophyllum commune on the level of a local population. Objects of the study were dicarious cultures of S. commune collected from 38 basidiocarps grown on the territory of Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, Lysa Hora Regional Landscape Park and Feofaniya forest parcel (Ukraine). Results showed similarity of genetic variability of S. commune in different local populations. The heterozygote deficiency of some loci that was discovered might have resulted from new forms of allozymes that have not become widespread or due to small population sizes. The degree of differentiation of genes between local studied populations was moderate due to the high flow of genes. The absence of spatial structuration of genotypes is established, and the Mantel test showed a lack of interconnection between the genetic component and the geographical coordinates of the samples. It has been suggested that wind direction and terrain are the factors that influence the genetic structure of local populations.
Can standardisation of the unit costs of wood extraction be applied in the financial system of the State Forests?
Authors: Kocel Janusz , Jodłowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

The paper presents a method for grouping forest districts that are characterised by similar natural and forest conditions and the results of standardisation of wood extraction costs for forest districts and regional directorates of the State Forests. The adopted standard costs referred to the costs which determine the reasonable level of costs necessary to perform a specific management task in the given natural, forest and economic conditions of forest districts. Forest districts were grouped based on the forest habitat types and the land diversity index (Wtri), which were determined with statistical methods to be the factors that shape wood extraction costs. In order to determine the standard unit costs of wood extraction, source materials for the year 2017 have been used, which had been obtained from the State Forests Information System for all forest districts in the country. The method of standardising wood extraction unit costs on the basis of forest district groups with similar natural and forest conditions was reduced in 2017 to the designation of eight uniform forest district groups in terms of forest habitat type structure and Wtri index. Standard unit costs of wood extraction, determined on the basis of the methodology presented in the paper, should be used in the State Forests’ financial system.
Prediction of Aggregate Impact Values and Aggregate Crushing Values Using Light Compaction Test
Authors: Das Jayanta Kumar , Deb Saikat , Bharali Biswadeep
Published: December 2021

Crushing test and Impact test are very important to estimate strength and toughness characteristics of the road aggregate. Extensive experimental procedures and different sets of equipment are required for these types of aggregate testing. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate whether the light compaction test can be a suitable alternative for both these tests. For this experimental procedure, 60 aggregate samples were collected from different rock quarries spread along North-eastern states of India. The specifications of the aggregate samples are kept similar for all of these three test procedures. The result indicates a strong correlation of Light compaction values (LCV) with Aggregate crushing values (ACV) and Aggregate Impact Values (AIV). The R2 values for the relationship was found to be more than 0.9 for both these relationships. It indicates that the LCV can be used to closely predict the ACV and AIV. The root mean square error (RMSE) values estimated based on the actual and predicted values were also found to be low which further concrete the claim that light compaction test can be a suitable alternative for crushing test and impact test of the aggregates.
Strengthening of Un-Reinforced Brick Masonry Walls Using Epoxy Mortar
Authors: Hameed Rashid , Mahmood Saba , Riaz M. Rizwan , Gillani S. Asad Ali , Tahir Muhammad
Published: December 2021

This study is carried out to investigate the effectiveness of using externally applied epoxy mortar on joints of masonry wall panels to enhance their load carrying capacity under axial compressive and lateral loads. A total of six 113 mm thick masonry wall panels of size 1200 x 1200 mm were constructed for this study. Four out of six walls were strengthened using locally available CHEMDUR-31 epoxy mortar on joints. The remaining two walls were tested as control specimens. The control and strengthened wall panels were tested under axial compression and lateral loads. In axial compression test, out of plane central deflection and vertical strain at the center of wall panel were recorded while in lateral load test, in-plane lateral displacement of wall and horizontal strain at the center were recorded at each load increment. Failure pattern of each wall panel is also studied to notice its structural behavior. The results of this experimental study showed an increase of 45% and 60% in load carrying capacity under axial compression and lateral bending, respectively by the use of strengthening technique employed in this study.
Improving Building Acoustics
Authors: Stanca Simona
Published: December 2021

One of the most significant aspects which need to be analysed in the case of a building consists in finding that the sound level perceived by listeners is a proper one (Daniela-Roxana Tămaş-Gavrea et all., 2012). Their inconsistent spreading can develop problems in audition which can be solved only by putting in work a number of measures of acoustic rehabilitation. The evaluation of the acoustic quality of a building is a delicate issue, because of the complex system of the sound field contained in closed spaces and the sound features of the outlining surfaces. This paper presents a research on improving the acoustic conditions of a building which initially had a technical-administrative destination and was then converted into an office building (Stanca S.E., 2021). The measures of acoustic protection were recommended with a view to mitigate the noise level under admissible limits in the functional unit under consideration.
Fostering the data welfare state: A Nordic perspective on datafication
Authors: Andreassen Rikke , Kaun Anne , Nikunen Kaarina
Published: December 2021

Digital tools facilitating everything from health to education have been introduced at a rapid pace to replace physical meetings and allow for social distancing measures as the Covid-19 pandemic has sped up the drive to large-scale digitalisation. This rapid digitalisation enhances the already ongoing process of datafication, namely turning ever-increasing aspects of our identities, practices, and societal structures into data. Through an analysis of empirical examples of datafication in three important areas of the welfare state – employment services, public service media, and the corrections sector – we draw attention to some of the inherent problems of datafication in the Nordic welfare states. The analysis throws critical light on automated decision-making processes and illustrates how the ideology of dataism has become increasingly entangled with welfare provision. We end the article with a call to develop specific measures and policies to enable the development of the data welfare state, with media and communication scholars playing a crucial role.
The FunCaps Framework: Reconceptualizing Operational Alignment
Authors: Bidmeshk Olfat Ganji , Mehraeen Mohammad , Pooya Alireza , Maharati Yaghoob
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose: Operational alignment, the alignment between business processes (BPs) and information systems (ISs), is a well-acknowledged requirement for improving business efficiency. However, a lack of sound foundation for the practical implementation of operational alignment remains in the existing literature. This is, in part, because previously developed coarse-grained strategic alignment models for operational alignment have overlooked the differences between strategic and operational levels of alignment. Additionally, while some studies have recognized these differences, they remain limited. This is partly due to their negligence of the IS’s socio-technical nature or their focus on identifying the social antecedents and their effect on operational alignment, without considering how ISs meet the business requirements in achieving operational alignment. To overcome this potential lack of applicability, the purpose of this paper is to determine the right level of abstraction for describing BPs and ISs and reconceptualizing operational alignment.

Methodology: This paper conducts empirical research using a grounded theory (GT), centering on semi-structured interviews with 28 experts involved in the Iranian top public universities. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software.

Results: The resulting FunCaps framework specifies the required combinations of BP functions and IS capabilities for operational alignment.

Conclusion: FunCaps reconceptualizes operational alignment based on operational planning and reciprocal integration and establishes the broader picture by considering an IS as a socio-technical system.
Are we Ready to Use Microchip Implants? An International Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Žnidaršič Anja , Baggia Alenka , Pavlíček Antonín , Fischer Jakub , Rostański Maciej , Werber Borut
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose: Despite their clear relevance to human life, microchip implants are still widely viewed as negative, threatening our privacy and raising growing concerns about our health. This paper aims to investigate the important factors influencing people’s perception of microchip implants and their willingness to use them for different purposes.

Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in three European countries and the data were analysed using the group Structural Equation Modeling approach. Only complete answers to the online survey questionnaire items were used representing a convenience sample of 804 respondents.

Results: The results show that perceived ease of use, usefulness and perceived trust are significant predictors of intention to use microchip implants. Perceived trust is influenced by privacy and technology safety. Concerns about painful procedures and other health concerns reduce the perceived usefulness of microchip implants. Apart from the predictor health concerns, the results were similar in all countries.

Conclusion: Based on the presented results, researchers interested in investigating the actual use of microchip implants can establish a solid foundation for their research. The results may assist policy makers in developing the regulations to ensure the safe use of microchip implants and allow for a higher level of security. As a follow-up, investigation of changes in the acceptance of microchip implants following the threat of a global pandemic is proposed.
Content Analysis of Gossip at Different Levels of a Hospital
Authors: Aghbolagh Maryam Babaei , Ardabili Farzad Sattari , Voitenko Elena
Published: December 2021

Background: Most societies have a negative attitude toward gossip and managers are concerned about the impact of gossips on the communication in an organizational environment. Our study examined the perception of gossip, and the context of gossip at different levels of a hospital, a case of organization with high communicational relation among staff. Also, the differences between the gossip context within the organizational context and within the social environment have been considered.

Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 informants, 9 in each of three groups: nurses, supervisors and managers of the Hospital. Recorded interviews were analyzed using content analysis, and results for each group of respondents were compared. Finally, the main gossiping issues for each group were categorized.

Results: The study revealed that the topics of gossip in a hospital can be divided into eight main categories, and 34 sub-categories all identifiable by special topics. These main topics included confidentiality issues, merits, financial status/standing, personal characteristics, position, communications, biography, and job conditions. In terms of organizational gossip, a person’s merit in the workplace and financial standing were of particular interest to the participants of this study. Also, the gossip topics at different levels among nurses, administrators, and managers had significant differences.

Conclusion: Managers should acknowledge different gossip contents among people at different organizational levels, and that employees do not have the same motives for communication at different organizational levels. Additionally, the distances between contents in the Tendency to Gossip Questionnaire and categories in the organizational environment need more studies, to explore precedents and outputs. Managers may use these findings to facilitate organizational change and communication.
A consciência histórico-efeitual de H.-G. Gadamer
Authors: Barroso Manuel Fernandes
Published: December 2021

The recovery of the prejudice as well as of the authority and tradition that Gadamer accomplishes is made with the following goal: to point out the function of the dialogue, which has a main role in the legitimation and acceptance of the tradition. The philosopher introduces the dialogue conditions between tradition and the present time, all together with their prejudices and the mutual influences of the several horizons. Also, he includes the privileged condition granted by the distance of time. Gadamer wants to make possible to each and everyone to have what he calls Wirkungsgeschichtliches Bewußtsein, especially those who investigate history. We cannot consider history as an object that accepts submissively a complete investigation as well as a definitive analysis. Gadamer try to alert us for the danger that is inserted on the lack of our dialogue capability, which will maintain veiled precisely the kind of knowledge that we most want and need to know. The faith and the search for an objective and absolute knowledge or an absolutely objective knowledge is a mistake and an ingenuousness. This systematic failure cost us the lack of a closer understanding of the historical truth and it disables us of reaching the authentic Wirkungsgeschichtliches Bewußtsein.
El papel de la darse-previo en la fenomenología trascendental
Authors: Walton Roberto J.
Published: December 2021

This article is an attempt to clarify the role of pregivenness by drawing on the accounts afforded by Eugen Fink both in the Sixth Cartesian Meditation and in the complementary writings to this study. Pregivenness is first situated, along with givenness and non-givenness, within the framework of the system of transcendental phenomenology. As a second step, an examination is undertaken of the dimensions of pregivenness in the natural attitude. Next, nonpregivenness in the transcendental sphere is examined with a focus upon the way in which indeterminateness does not undermine the possibility of a transcendental foreknowledge in the natural attitude, and on the other hand implies the productive character of phenomenological knowledge. After showing how, with the reduction, the pregivennes of the world turns into the pregivenness of world-constitution, the paper addresses the problems raised by the nonpregivenness both of the depth-levels and the reach of transcendental life. By unfolding these lines of inquiry, transcendental phenomenology surmounts the provisional analysis of constitution at the surface level as well as the limitation of transcendental life to the egological sphere. Finally, it is contended that Fink’s account of pregivenness overstates apperceptive or secondary pregivenenness because is does not deal with the pregivenness that precedes acts and is the condition of possibility for primary passivity. Reasons for the omission of impressional or primary pregivenness are suggested.
Husserl e a fenomenologia heideggeriana da fenomenologia
Authors: Borges-Duarte Irene
Published: December 2021

Heidegger’ s Prolegomena zur Geschichte des Zeitbegriff offers what could be called a phenomenology of Phenomenology itself, that is: an investigation of its history. The husserlian discovery of the “categorial intuition” appears as the second moment of this history, after Brentano’s “intentionality” and before Heidegger’s own discovery of the “original sense of the a priori”, which constitutes the third moment. Our paper seeks to understand this sequence as a way to answer the leading question of how it may be possible that “to be a intentional object can have any relationship with the being itself”. Or, to put it in another formulation: how is intentionality itself ontologically possible?
Wittgenstein e a Hermenêutica
Authors: da Silva Rui Sampaio
Published: December 2021

The article attempts to articulate Wittgensteinian and hermeneutic views of knowledge, language and understanding. Wittgenstein is not a member of the so-called hermeneutic tradition, but his late work has important affinities with the work of hermeneutic thinkers like Heidegger and Gadamer. Firstly, Wittgenstein and hermeneutics share a basic philosophical altitude that can be termed as “phenomenology of everydayness”. An important result of such an approach is the acknowledgement of the pragmatic and social dimension of knowledge. Secondly, Wittgenstein, Heidegger and Gadamer reject formal or systematic theories of meaning and claim that language is the universal medium of human experience. Thirdly, they conceive of understanding as a practical ability. Wittgenstein helps us to clarify some hermeneutic themes and develops them from an antimetaphysical standpoint. On the other hand, hermeneutics can refine some aspects of Wittgenstein’s thought; a case in point is the Gadamerian doctrine of the fusion of horizons, which avoids the danger of relativism that lurks in Wittgenstein’s late work. A comparative study of Wittgenstein and hermeneutics contributes therefore to effective philosophical progress.
Bishop Independence on the Surface of a Square Prism
Authors: Harris Liam H. , Perkins Stephanie , Roach Paul A.
Published: December 2021

Bishop Independence concerns determining the maximum number of bishops that can be placed on a board such that no bishop can attack any other bishop. This paper presents the solution to the bishop independence problem, determining the bishop independence number, for all sizes of boards on the surface of a square prism.
A Two Wheel Self-Balancing Vehicle
Authors: Ďuriš Rastislav , Labašová Eva , Oravcová Jarmila , Šimon Štefan
Published: December 2021

This paper deals with the development of the equation of motion and practical implementation of low cost two-wheel self-balancing model of a Segway transporter. The experimental model of cart was designed and made under this study. Nonlinear equations of motion of real model and linearized model were derived. To develop the mathematical model, Matlab/Simulink was applied. The mechanical part was implemented into Simulink, and a DC motor was considered as a linear system. The real model was tested for its balance by implementation of a control algorithm consisting of a complementary filter and PID algorithm on an Arduino development board with peripheral devices. The fully functional self-balancing model was used as a demonstration in the teaching process of the Mechatronics courses.
Analysis of Lifelong Learning in Industrial Enterprises in the Border Regions of the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic
Authors: Mesárošová Jana , Behúlová Mária , Pauliková Alena
Published: December 2021

Lifelong learning is a conscious learning process with the aim of acquiring knowledge, skills and competences throughout an individual’s life. For lifelong learning to be successful, learning activities must meet market requirements. Correct skills of employees and a serious approach to lifelong learning are now being viewed as essential meet the skills and workforce needs of the future. Well-adjusted education system improves quality of life and sense of self-esteem of employees, besides it brings benefits of competitiveness for the whole company. The key goal of the article was to identify the current needs of lifelong learning in industrial enterprises in technical fields. The conducted questionnaire survey was focused on the companies in the border regions of the Slovak Republic (the Trnava, Trenčín and Žilina regions) and the Czech Republic (the South Moravian, Zlín and Moravian-Silesian regions). The research was aimed primarily at the companies in the machinery and automotive industries. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the requirements for the training focused on technical areas such as: materials engineering, mechanical engineering, computer aided design and production preparation, automation and control of technological processes and mechatronic systems, production quality, IT security and others were defined.
Prospects of Transforming Conventional Commercial Buildings to Net Zero Energy Building – Balancing the Economic Aspects with Energy Patterns
Authors: Shuja Danyal , Gardezi Syed Shujaa Safdar , Idrees Muhammad Rashid
Published: December 2021

Energy crises has been a serious concern for economies especially for developing ones. The building stocks developed through conventional methods pose serious barriers towards sustainable energy consumption patterns. The transformation of such existing facilities into Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) can offer a valuable opportunity to manage the challenging energy loads. However, cost aspect of such transformations remains the key and explored in current study to assess a breakeven point with the energy conservations. Four commercial buildings, three and four story, were selected as case studies. 3D digital models were developed for energy analysis through cloud computing. Comparative analysis for energy consumption patterns was performed in four phases. For conventional approach, the annual consumptions ranged from 310 kWh/m2/yr to 563 kWh/m2/yr. Based upon the local conditions, roof insulation and PV were adopted as NZEB parameters. This resulted a maximum energy saving of 6 %. The corresponding cost analysis observed an addition expense of almost 11 % for such incorporation with an average payback period of 4.5 years.
Emissions from 3D Printers as Occupational Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Pavlovska Ilona , Martinsone Žanna , Kļaviņa Aneka , Akūlova Lāsma , Paegle Linda
Published: December 2021

While many people work remotely during the pandemic, three-dimensional (3D) printers are working to ensure the medical personnel and general public with the necessary specific materials. Ease of use, low cost, fast prototyping, and a wide range of materials are the advantages of 3D technology that can quickly adapt to specific needs in different application areas and result in increased popularity. The aim was to analyse the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in 3D printing zone where printers are located throughout the room around the perimeter and where orthopaedics and designers develop models during their full shift. The average ultrafine particles (UFP) concentration level fluctuates from 4×103 to 26×103 particles/cm3 that exceed the background level (<3×103 particles/cm3) during 8 h-shift. Microclimate was evaluated as unsatisfied regarding permissible values for air quality at workplaces: air temperature exceeds permissible upper level +25 °C, relative humidity was 21.5 % and air velocity ≤0.05 m/s. The highest particles’ number concentrations in the nano-scale range (<0.1 μm) and significantly higher mass concentrations in the coarse particle range (>2.5 μm) were detected. The median diameters of particle number (0.019, 0.014, 0.015 μm) and mass concentrations (4.394, 4.433, and 4.677 μm) were similar in all observed premises. Total VOC concentration was increased and specific substances such as toluene and formaldehyde (0.56±0.1 and 0.23±0.034 mg/m3) were found at high concentration in comparison with indoor air quality recommendations.
Ni Underlayer Effect for the Structure Development and Visible Light Photocatalytic Efficiency of Carbon-Doped TiO2 Film
Authors: Demikyte Emilija , Sakalauskaite Sandra , Kuliesiene Neringa , Tuckute Simona , Urbonavicius Marius , Varnagiris Sarunas , Daugelavicius Rimantas , Lelis Martynas
Published: December 2021

Photocatalytic treatment of contaminated aqueous solutions makes use of the specific interaction between photocatalysts and ultra-violet or visible light irradiation. This method belongs to the wider class of Advanced Oxidation Processes that generates reactive oxygen species (peroxides, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, etc.) and uses them for the non-selective oxidation of various organic and inorganic compounds. In THE current study magnetron sputtering technique was used to deposit carbon-doped TiO2 films which are known to have significant photocatalytic activity in the visible light spectra and can be used for the neutralisation of contaminated solutions. Structural properties of the as-deposited films were analysed by XRD, XPS and AFM techniques, whereas their visible light photocatalytic activity was estimated by analysing Rhodamine B solution bleaching kinetics. When carbon-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were formed on borosilicate glass XRD analysis showed that they consisted of mixed phase (rutile-anatase) TiO2 where both phases contributed by similar parts. However, when the same deposition procedure was used to deposit carbon-doped TiO2 films on glass covered by Ni layer, formation of metastable anatase phase was enhanced. Estimation of visible light photocatalytic activity of the films revealed that Ni underlayer had positive effect for the efficiency of Rhodamine B solution bleaching and it could be beneficial for the practical wastewater treatment systems. It was suggested that observed improvement was mainly achieved due to the structural changes of TiO2 crystal phase, but other mechanisms like prevention of impurity diffusion from the glass substrate to the carbon-doped TiO2 film, or positive Ni doping effect could not be excluded completely.
Effect of Polysorbates on the Growth of Rhodotorula Glutinis in Oil Rich Medium
Authors: Raita Svetlana , Spalvins Kriss , Raits Evalds , Silicka Inese , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: December 2021

The present study has investigated the effect of oil rich medium supplementation with polysorbates Tween 20, 40 and 80, for the cultivation of red oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis. R. glutinis has been cultivated in yeast extract peptone glucose modified broth (mYPG) supplemented with 2 % of waste cooking rapeseed oil and three polysorbate types with 0.5 %, 1 %, 2%, 3 %, 4 %, 5 %, 6 %, 7 %, 8 %, 9 % and 10 % concentration each. Yeast biomass was measured by the thermogravimetric method at 105 °C each day during 7-day experiment. The oil rich medium supplementation with Tween 20, 40 and 80 at concentrations ranging from 2 % to 10 % significantly increased the biomass of R. glutinis. All three types of the studied polysorbates with 0.5 % and 1 % concentration, did not affect yeast growth and the dry biomass – results were similar to the control sample without polysorbate addition. Between the three types of polysorbates, Tween 20 was selected as the preferable for R. glutinis cultivation with an optimal concentration of 2 %. Cultivation of R. glutinis in oil rich medium with polysorbates Tween 20, 40 and 80, supplementation up to 10 % concentration did not have had an inhibitory effect on the biomass growth.
Mechanical and Metallurgical Characterisation of CO2 Laser Beam Welding AISI 4130 and AISI 310 Sheets of Steel
Authors: Reddy Bijivemula Narayana , Hema Pothur , Reddy Chevireddy Eswara
Published: December 2021

Laser Beam Welding (LBW) is the fusion welding technique in which coalescence is produced by heating the work piece by impingement of concentrated beam of laser light. In this paper a full depth butt welding of alloy steel AISI 4130 and stainless steel AISI 310 of 2 mm thickness by using CO2 Laser Beam Welding machine has been performed. Design of experiment is done by using Taguchi method L25 i.e. level 5 by considering process parameters i.e. power, welding speed, beam angle, focal point position and focal length. The experimental output results that are measured for the mechanical properties of welds (Ultimate Tensile Strength and Hardness). The analysis was carried out to explain the influence of the LBW processing parameters values on the mechanical and microstructural aspects. The weld Joint is analysed by Optical Microstructure and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) was carried out to determinate the chemical composition of the weld zone.
Effect of Selected Components on Combustion of Methane
Authors: Andrej Chríbik , Matej Minárik , Marián Polóni
Published: December 2021

Article discusses the effect of various gases on the combustion of methane in LGW 702 combustion engine intended for use in cogeneration unit. The measured results were evaluated for internal, performance and economic parameters of the combustion engine the ideal operating parameters can be set. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of combustible carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and nitrogen on the parameters.
Gas Turbine Aerodynamics Improvement Via a Design of Intelligent Fractional Control
Authors: Abdesselam Debbah , Hamid Kherfane , Ridha Kelaiaia
Published: December 2021

Gas turbines are complex processes characterized by the instability and uncertainty of various sources. The range of useful operating in an axial compressor which is part of a turbine gas is limited by aerodynamic instabilities that are surge and rotating stall. This paper presents two intelligent fractional order sliding mode controllers. At first, a robust sliding fractional surface form is proposed to deal with hazardous phenomena which limit compression systems performance, and speed transitions, which can lead to temporary stall development, pressure drop at the output, degrade the effective operation of compressors and consequently gas turbines. Second, to reduce the chattering/fluctuation in control, a fuzzy logic and finite time criterion are used as switching control at the reaching phase in the sliding mode control. Additionally, the controller gains are obtained by offline multi-objective Particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) search. Finally, the surge and rotating stall of a Variable Speed Axial Compressor (VSAC) in a gas turbine are investigated under the system nonlinearities and also in presence of an external disturbance and perturbations. The simulation results signify the performance of the two MOPSO-based fractional sliding mode controllers.
Reality and Vision of the Architecture for Cogeneration Plants for Energy Recovery
Authors: Ján Ilkovič , Yakoub Meziani
Published: December 2021

Energetics is connected with industry development of the country and determines its geographic layout into certain extent. This fact defines an important and also priority position of energetics in a developed society. On the other side it evokes trying to reach sustainability of the environment and nowadays also trying to reach decreasing of the carbon footprint of human activities. The goal of the article is to present general criteria for localisation of energetic cogeneration plants on biogass base, factors presentation and confrontation of current examples and new trends in shaping architecture under the influence of the development of modern technique and technology. The article analyses mass-composition and architectonic aspects of energetic plants of the chosen performed examples and on the model studies it documents the vision of new solutions on the background of equal, non-invasive and eco-friendly architecture in the surroundings.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Processing Parameters in WEDM with Stainless Steel-304 for Die-Angular Cutting
Authors: Van Sy Le
Published: December 2021

This paper is focusing on the improvement of the accuracy of WEDM process for machining the precision-die angular stainless-steel parts. The controllable parameters are studied and analyzed by using Response Surface Method technique with respect to the responses of dimensional accuracy and surface quality. Then, these models are optimized by using the multi-objective optimization technique to realize optimal processing parameters. These optimal controllable parameters are ready for WEDM operating technicians’ use.
Dual Mass Flywheel Parameter Identification
Authors: Ľuboš Magdolen , Ján Danko , Tomáš Milesich , Tomáš Nemec , Karol Sloboda , Jozef Bucha
Published: December 2021

Reducing emissions brings changes in the design of internal combustion engines and thus new challenges for dual-mass flywheels (DMF) in terms of Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). The first part of the article describes a simple model of a centrifugal pendulum. Consequently, a more complicated DMF dynamic model involves friction between the spring components. The second part of the article deal with the multibody model of DMF using a CAD model. The dynamic model consists of a torsion spring and two bodies. The model is compared with the experimental method, which is also described in the paper.
Influencing Geometrical Parameters of Tools in Friction Stirring Technology: A Short Review
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Handa Amit , Singh Sahib Sartaj
Published: December 2021

Friction stirring based “Green” processes are ruled by geometrical and process aspects of the tools used for generating desired properties in the processed materials. Considering only geometrical aspects, the developments in tool geometry, its modifications with the time, profiles and their corresponding impacts on the property generation are addressed in the present work. It is a censorious and judicious review which consolidates the relevant information apropos of all geometrical aspects of tools and their roles in property generation.