bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue assessment of existing riveted truss bridges: case study
Authors: Siwowski T.
Published: May 2015

Many steel riveted bridges have been built in Poland since 1950 and they have not reached their design working lives yet. Nevertheless, a number of fatigue damages are found, especially with structural joints. Moreover, in the past 25 years the traffic on the Polish road network has increased significantly leading to the increasing number of heavy vehicles in the traffic flows. This may affect the safety, serviceability and durability of existing bridges. The road administration is therefore interested in reliable and agreed methods to assess the safety and durability of existing bridges. The special procedure has been prepared to provide technical insight on the way in which existing steel structures could be assessed and the remaining fatigue life could be estimated. This approach follows the principles and application rules in the Eurocodes and provides a scheme with various levels of analysis: a basic level with general methods and further levels, more complex and sophisticated and requiring specific experience and knowledge. This procedure has been used for the fatigue assessment of the 60-year-old riveted truss bridge. The applied procedure as well as the main results of the assessment have been presented in the paper.
Air curtain as a barrier for smoke in case of fire: Numerical modelling
Authors: Krajewski G. , Węgrzyński W.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the basic information about the use of air curtains in fire safety, as a barrier for heat and smoke. The mathematical model of an air curtain presented allows to estimate the velocity of air in various points of space, including the velocity of air from an angled air curtain. Presented equations show how various parameters influence the performance of an air curtain, thus allowing for better understanding of its principle of operation. Further, authors present results of their previous studies on air curtain performance and validation studies on various turbulence models used in CFD analysis. Results of new studies are presented with regards to the performance of an air curtain in case of fire, and final remarks on its design are given.
Pointwise completeness and pointwise degeneracy of fractional descriptor continuous-time linear systems with regular pencils
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: May 2015

Pointwise completeness and pointwise degeneracy of the fractional descriptor continuous-time linear systems with regular pencils are addressed. Conditions for the pointwise completeness and pointwise degeneracy of the systems are established and illustrated by an example.
Fabrication and characterization of composite materials based on porous ceramic preform infiltrated by elastomer
Authors: Chabera P. , Boczkowska A. , Witek A. , Oziębło A.
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the experimental results of fabrication and characterization of ceramic- elastomer composites. They were obtained using pressure infiltration of porous ceramics by elastomer As a result the composites in which two phases are interpenetrating three-dimensionally and topologically throughout the microstructure were obtained. In order to enhance mechanical properties of preforms a high isostatic pressure method was utilized. The obtained ceramic preforms with porosity gradient within the range of 20-40% as well as composites were characterized by X-ray tomography. The effect of volume fraction of pores on residual porosity of composites was examined. These results are in accordance with SEM images which show the microstructure of composites without any delaminations and voids. Such composites exhibit a high initial strength with the ability to sustain large deformations due to combining the ceramic stiffness and rubbery elasticity of elastomer. Static compression tests for the obtained composites were carried out and the energy dissipated during compression was calculated as the area under the stress-strain curve. The dynamic behavior of the composite was investigated using the split Hopkinson pressure bar technique. It was found that ceramic-elastomer composites effectively dissipate the energy. Moreover, a ballistic test was carried out using armor piercing bullets.
Estimation of filter order for prescribed, reduced group delay FIR filter design
Authors: Konopacki J. , Mościńska K.
Published: May 2015

FIR filters are often applied, as they possess many advantages, including linear-phase response and well elaborated design methods. However, group delay introduced by FIR filters is usually large. The reduction of group delay can be obtained by restriction of the linear phase requirement only to the passband. One of the problems that appear while designing FIR filters with a prescribed value of group delay is the choice of the filter order. In the paper a formula for filter order calculation for the given filter parameters and dedicated for equiripple or quasi-equiripple approximation of the magnitude response has been derived based on experiments. Numerous examples that explain how to use the derived formula have been included.
Azimuth ambiguity suppression in SAR images using Doppler-sensitive signals
Authors: Leśnik Cz. , Serafin P. , Kawalec A.
Published: May 2015

In the article the problem of the azimuth ambiguity in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and its genesis are presented. A method of suppressing the ambiguities by utilization of Doppler-sensitive signals is proposed, and the necessary modifications to the SAR synthesis algorithm are discussed. The SAR system parameters required for an optimal performance of the method are discussed and simulation results are presented.
Theoretical and experimental research of supersonic missile ballistics
Authors: Zygmunt B. , Motyl K. , Machowski B. , Makowski M. , Olejniczak E.
Published: May 2015

A mathematical-physical model of a supersonic missile was built, taking into account the mass and inertia properties. The model was implemented in the MathCAD14 simulation program. A numerical analysis of the missile ballistics was conducted and basic parameters were determined: range, altitude, velocity and acceleration, which enabled a test range program for manufactured missile models to be drawn up. Initial flight tests of missiles were carried out at the test range. Satisfactory accordance of experimental and theoretical dynamic parameters of the missile under study was obtained.
Thresholding techniques for segmentation of atherosclerotic plaque and lumen areas in vascular arteries
Authors: Markiewicz T. , Dziekiewicz M. , Osowski S. , Maruszynski M. , Kozlowski W. , Boguslawska-Walecka R.
Published: May 2015

The paper develops the automatic methods of segmentation of the blood vessel area in the images of the multi-slice computed tomography, allowing to separate the lumen from the atherosclerotic plaque areas. The solution is based on the application of different implementations of thresholding, including between class variance in a bimodal mode, Gaussian mixture modeling, clustering technique, polynomial and multilayer perceptron approximations. These methods are compared with many examples of arteries of different percentage of the plaque occupancy in the iliac and femoral arteries. The numerical results of segmentation have been verified by the medical experts and prove its usefulness in medical practice. The presented system can find application in an automatic evaluation of the atherosclerosis progression/regression of patients on the basis of sequence of Computed Tomography slice images.
Best Suitable Cogeneration Power for Factories from Multi-Objective Data Analysis
Authors: Al Asmar Joseph , Kouta Raed , Laghrouche Salah , El Assad Joseph , Wack Maxime
Published: May 2015

The cogeneration systems in the industrial sector have become an essential part due to their global efficiency and reduced pollution. These systems may operate from conventional fuel sources, as well as from renewable energy sources (biomass, solar, fuel cell).

Cogeneration systems could be installed as a distributed generation and on-site generation source in order to take advantage from the produced heat. The utility can motivate factories to install such systems by permitting them to link and sell their residual production capacity to the electrical grid. This work presents a new technique to find the best solution from multi-objective optimization results, using a sensitivity and data analysis method. Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization method is used with the data analysis method: Multiple Linear Regression (MLR).
α-Nearness Ant Colony System with Adaptive Strategies and Performance Analysis
Authors: Lv Jinqiu , You Xiaoming , Liu Sheng
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes an improved ant colony system with adaptive strategies, called α

-AACS and considers its performance. First of all, we introduce α-nearness based on the minimum 1-tree for the disadvantage of the Ant Colony System (ACS), which better reflects the chances of a given link, being a member of an optimal tour. Next, we utilize the adaptive operator to balance the population diversity and the convergence speed and propose other optimizations for ACS. Finally, we present an account of the experiments and the statistic-based analysis, which clearly shows that α-AACS has a better global searching ability in finding the best solutions and better performance in solution variation.
Adaptive Fuzzy H∞ Robust Tracking Control for Nonlinear MIMO Systems
Authors: Wang Sanxiu , Xing Kexin , Wang Zhengchu
Published: May 2015

In this paper an adaptive fuzzy H∞ robust tracking control scheme is developed for a class of uncertain nonlinear Multi-Input and Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. Firstly, fuzzy logic systems are introduced to approximate the unknown nonlinear function of the system by an adaptive algorithm. Next, a H∞ robust compensator controller is employed to eliminate the effect of the approximation error and external disturbances. Consequently, a fuzzy adaptive robust controller is proposed, such that the tracking error of the resulting closed-loop system converges to zero and the tracking robustness performance can be guaranteed. The simulation results performed on a two-link robotic manipulator demonstrate the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Public Opinion Evolution Based on Complex Networks
Authors: Zhao Yeqing
Published: May 2015

The Sznajd model of sociophysics can describe the mechanism of making a decision in a closed community. The Complex Agent Networks (CAN) model is studied, based on the adaptability, autonomy and activity of the individuals, as well as the complex interactions of individuals in an open community for probing into evolution of the public opinion. With the help of the theory of complex adaptive systems and the methods of complex networks, the structure of agents, the dynamic networks scenarios and the evolutionary process of the agents are described. The simulation results of CAN model show that all individuals cannot reach a final consensus through mutual consultations when the small world networks rewiring probability p is less than a specified threshold. But when the rewiring probability p is larger than the given threshold, all individuals will eventually come to a finial consensus, and that the rewiring probability p increases, whereas the time of emergence of the public opinion will be significantly reduced. It is quite obvious that in real community the mass media and many other mechanisms have an effect on the evolutionary process of the public opinion.
Image Fusion Algorithm Based on Contourlet Transform and PCNN for Detecting Obstacles in Forests
Authors: Yu Zheng , Yan Lei , Han Ning , Liu Jinhao
Published: May 2015

In this paper the image fusion algorithm based on Contourlet transform and Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) was proposed to improve the performance of the image fusion in the detection accuracy of obstacles in forests. At the same time, the wavelet transform and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were simulated for comparison with the proposed algorithm. Then visible and infrared thermal images were collected in a forest. The experimental results have shown that the fused images using the method proposed provided a better understanding of the reality, enhanced images’ clarity and eliminated factors which provided shelters for targets.
A Comparative Analysis of Depth Computation of Leukaemia Images using a Refined Bit Plane and Uncertainty Based Clustering Techniques
Authors: Purushotham Swarnalatha , Tripathy B. K.
Published: May 2015

Several image segmentation techniques have been developed over the years to analyze the characteristics of images. Among these, the uncertainty based approaches and their hybrids have been found to be more efficient than the conventional and individual ones. Very recently, a hybrid clustering algorithm, called Rough Intuitionistic Fuzzy C-Means (RIFCM) was proposed by the authors and proved to be more efficient than the conventional and other algorithms applied in this direction, using various datasets. Besides, in order to remove noise from the images, a Refined Bit Plane (RBP) algorithm was introduced by us. In this paper we use a combination of the RBP and RIFCM to propose an approach and apply it to leukemia images. The aim of the paper is twofold. First, it establishes the superiority of our approach in medical diagnosis in comparison to most of the conventional, as well as uncertainty based approaches. The other objective is to provide a computer-aided diagnosis system that will assist the doctors in evaluating medical images in general, and also in easy and better assessment of the disease in leukaemia patients. We have applied several measures like DB-index, D-index, RMSE, PSNR, time estimation in depth computation and histogram analysis to support our conclusions.
Soils Characteristics of Forest Phytocoenoses Occupied by Self-Regenerating Populations of Quercus Rubra in Silesian Upland / Właściwości Fizykochemiczne Gleb Na Stanowiskach Z Odnowieniem Dębu Czerwonego Na Wyżynie Śląskiej
Authors: Chmura Damian
Published: May 2015

Northern Red Oak is a tree species native to North America. In Polish flora it has status of invasive plants. In the years 2008-2011 autoecological studies were conducted aiming at examination on what type of soils the species tends to regenerate ie appearance of seedlings in the vicinity of maternal trees. In total 250 phytosociological relevés and 100 soil samples (400 soil subsamples) were collected. It was observed that majority stands (almost 80%) of Northern Red Oak occupy sites very strongly acid and strongly acid. In reference to pH in KCl results are a little different, however, sites with soil very strongly acid (pH = 4.1-5.0) and stronly acid (pH < 4.1) also predominate. The investigated soils were typified by very low values of magnesium (< 10 mg/1000 g), phosphorus (< 3 mg/100 g) and potassium (< 7 mg/100 g). Total nitrogen in studied sites dominated in two the lowest classes (> 0.25%). The sites of Q. rubra are rich in organic carbon. Almost 50% of all sites covers two highest classes of concentration of this element ie 4.0-8.0% and > 8.0%. Soils where seedlings of Northern Red Oak were encountered, were characterized by humus medium for mezotrophic and eutrophic broad-leaved forests and mixed coniferous forests - more than 60% had ratio of carbon and nitrogen CN > 25. In several sites this ratio reached 50. The lower values in case of content of calcium and loss on ignition dominate. The studies showed that soils on which species grows and also spontaneously regenerates are typical for coniferous and mixed coniferous forests, however, in natural range Q. rubra is component of deciduous forests. It could be associated with the fact of more frequent introduction of Northern Red Oak into poorer sites than the consequence of its habitat requirements.
Modeling Water Balance of Dammed Lakes Using Computer Code Matlab-Simulink/ Modelowanie Bilansu Wodnego Piętrzonych Jezior Za Pomocą Programu Komputerowego Matlab-Simulink
Authors: Błażejewski Ryszard , Murat-Błażejewska Sadżide , Jędrkowiak Martyna
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a water balance of a flow-through, dammed lake, consisted of the following terms: surface inflow, underground inflow/outflow based on the Dupuit’s equation, precipitation on the lake surface, evaporation from water surface and outflow from the lake at which a damming weir is located. The balance equation was implemented Matlab-Simulink®. Applicability of the model was assessed on the example of the Sławianowskie Lake of surface area 276 ha and mean depth - 6.6 m, Water balances, performed for month time intervals in the hydrological year 2009, showed good agreement for the first three months only. It is concluded that the balancing time interval should be shorter (1 day) to minimize the errors. For calibration purposes, measurements of ground water levels in the vicinity of the lake are also recommended.
Buckling Capacity Curves for Steel Spherical Shells Loaded by the External Pressure
Authors: Błażejewski Paweł , Marcinowski Jakub
Published: May 2015

Assessment of buckling resistance of pressurised spherical cap is not an easy task. There exist two different approaches which allow to achieve this goal. The first approach involves performing advanced numerical analyses in which material and geometrical nonlinearities would be taken into account as well as considering the worst imperfections of the defined amplitude. This kind of analysis is customarily called GMNIA and is carried out by means of the computer software based on FEM. The other, comparatively easier approach, relies on the utilisation of earlier prepared procedures which enable determination of the critical resistance pRcr, the plastic resistance pRpl and buckling parameters a, b, h, l 0 needed to the definition of the standard buckling resistance curve. The determination of the buckling capacity curve for the particular class of spherical caps is the principal goal of this work. The method of determination of the critical pressure and the plastic resistance were described by the authors in [1] whereas the worst imperfection mode for the considered class of spherical shells was found in [2]. The determination of buckling parameters defining the buckling capacity curve for the whole class of shells is more complicated task. For this reason the authors focused their attention on spherical steel caps with the radius to thickness ratio of R/t = 500, the semi angle j = 30o and the boundary condition BC2 (the clamped supporting edge). Taking into account all imperfection forms considered in [2] and different amplitudes expressed by the multiple of the shell thickness, sets of buckling parameters defining the capacity curve were determined. These parameters were determined by the methods proposed by Rotter in [3] and [4] where the method of determination of the exponent h by means of additional parameter k was presented. As a result of the performed analyses the standard capacity curves for all considered imperfection modes and amplitudes 0.5t, 1.0t, 1.5t were obtained. Obtained capacity curves were compared with the recommendations for different fabrication quality classes formulated in [5].
Interest Rate Policy Of Selected Central Banks In Central And Eastern Europe
Authors: Grabia Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The aim of this article is to present and evaluate interest rate policies of three selected central banks in Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary) from 2001 to 2013. The study consists of an introduction (Section 1) and three main parts. The introduction contains a theoretical description of the role of interest rate policy, the dilemmas connected with it, as well as an analysis of the strategies and goals of monetary policies of the National Bank of Poland (NBP), the Czech National Bank (CzNB), and the National Bank of Hungary (NBH) in the context of existing legal and institutional conditions. In turn, the first empirical part (Section 2) examines how the analysed central banks responded to changes in inflation, unemployment, and economic growth rates. The tools of the analysis are the nominal and real interest rates of those banks. The subsequent research part (Section 3) attempts to evaluate the degree of the contractionary nature of interest rate policies in specific countries in the context of the Taylor rule. The text ends with a summary (Section 4) encompassing concise conclusions drawn from the earlier analyses.
Modelling Of Eco-innovation Diffusion: The EU Eco-label
Authors: Kijek Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The aim of this article is to carry out a theoretical and empirical analysis of the process of eco-label diffusion. Eco-labels allow consumers to identify products and services that have a reduced environmental impact during their life cycle. Thus, they are aimed at diminishing the information gap between sellers and buyers. The results of the estimation using the Bass model indicate that the diffusion of the EU eco-label has been most dynamic in countries such as Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Germany and France. In turn, the scope of diffusion (absolute saturation level) reached the highest value for companies in France and Italy. In addition, the results of the study confirm the stimulating impact of the scope of eco-label diffusion on consumer awareness of environmental issues. This finding points to the need for environmental education among consumers, which could in turn encourage firms to undertake pro-environmental actions.
Reflections On Employment Protection Legislation: An International Comparison
Authors: Amine Samir
Published: May 2015

In Europe, as in the rest of industrialized countries, reforms of the labour market have generally concerned employment protection legislation (EPL). One of the main missions of this legislation is to insure security for workers, particularly in case of redundancy. The object of this article is to compare the strictness and the degree of rigidity of EPL in two different economies, namely, Canada and France. This choice is justified by the fact that the labour market policies in both countries do not have the same orientation and are based on different ideological references.
Evaluation and Modeling Some Engineering Properties of Three Safflower Varieties
Authors: Shahbazi F.
Published: May 2015

Several physical properties of three safflower cultivars (IL-111, LRV51-51 and Zarghan279) at moisture contents of 10, 15, 20 and 25% were determined and compared. All the linear dimensions, geometric mean diameter and sphericity of safflower seeds increase linearly with increase in seed moisture content. The values of geometric properties were higher for IL-111cultivar than the LRV51-51 and Zarghan279 cultivars. The values of the bulk densities decreased, whereas the thousand seeds mass, true density and porosity were increased with increase in seed moisture content. All the gravimetric properties for the three cultivars of safflower were significantly different (p<0.05). The values of the terminal velocity for all cultivars were significantly increased as the moisture content increased. The terminal velocity for the three cultivars of safflower were significantly different (p<0.05). On the two different surfaces, the coefficient of static friction of the IL-111 cultivar was significantly greater than that of the other cultivars. The static coefficient of friction was higher on plywood and lower for galvanized steel. The values of the angle of repose increased with increase of the moisture content. The values of the angle of repose for Zarghan279 cultivar were higher than the IL-111, LRV51-51 cultivars.
Impact of Zinc and Manganese Application to Increase Productivity of Autumn Planted Maize (Zea Mays L.)
Authors: Khan H.Z. ,   Abdullah, Amin M. , Akbar N. , Saleem M.F. , Iqbal A.
Published: May 2015

Micronutrients play a significant role in various plant metabolic processes and are required in much smaller amount by the plants as compared to the macronutrients. An experiment was conducted during 2011, at the Agronomic research area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to investigate the response of autumn planted maize to ZnSO4 and MnSO4 levels (10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) and in combinations (5 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 5 kg ha-1 MnSO4, 10 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 10 kg ha-1 MnSO4 and 15 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 15 kg ha-1 MnSO4). The randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replicates was used with plot size of 3 m x 6 m. The crop was planted on ridges 75 cm apart with recommended plant to plant distance of 25 cm. Maximum values for plant height at maturity (225 cm), cob diameter (4.29 cm), number of grains per cob (415), biological yield (20.15 tons ha-1), grain yield (7.42 tons ha-1) and seed protein content (8.96%) were recorded where 15 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 15 kg ha-1 MnSO4 was applied.
Investigations on Determination of Nutritional Status of Pear Trees According to a New Index - Deviation From Optimum Percentage (DOP)
Authors: Mirabdulbaghi Mitra
Published: May 2015

This experiment was conducted in a private orchard (Kosar) in district of Shahriar of Alborz province (Iran), during 2012-2013, to determine the effects of B and Zn applied on flowers at full bloom stage on leaf macro and micronutrient contents at 90 days after full bloom (DAFB) of three pear cultivars (Spadona and Duchesse and a pear cultivar from Iranian national collection, named as Daregazi). The deviation from the optimum percentage (DOP) index of macro and micronutrients for two studied years was used to evaluate the nutritional status: optimal (DOP = 0), deficiency (DOP < 0) or excess (DOP > 0). The SDOP for two studied years is obtained by adding the values of DOP index irrespective of sign. The larger the SDOP, the greater is the intensity of imbalances among nutrients. In general, a DOP value close to the optimum level (DOP = 0) were observed in treated studied pear cultivars with B and Zn applied on flowers at full bloom stage compared with the control trees (without any application of boron and zinc). The DOPmacro and DOPmicro were, respectively, positive and negative for all of studied pear cultivars regardless of treatments. According to £DOP index (during 2012-2013), the combination of both products (borax+zinc sulfate treatments) at full bloom stage applied on flowers of three pear cultivars (Spadona, Duchesse and Daregazi) showed better balanced nutritional values than the rest of treatments.
Potassium Fertilization Influences Growth, Physiology and Nutrients Uptake of Maize (Zea Mays L.)
Authors: Hussain A. , Arshad M. , Ahmad Z. , Ahmad H.T. , Afzal M. , Ahmad M.
Published: May 2015

A pot experiment in wire house was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium fertilization on physiology, growth and nutrient uptake of maize. Surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil physico-chemical properties and NPK contents. Pots were saturated with water and filled with soil (5 kg soil/pot). Potassium fertilizer was applied in five different treatments as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with 0, 70, 100, 130, and 160 kg ha-1, respectively. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied @ 250 and 100 kg ha-1 (recommended), respectively, in all the pots, including control. Experiment was planned in completely randomized design (CRD), with three repeats. Plant growth, nutrient uptake and concentration in roots and shoots, net photosynthesis, rate of transpiration, stomatal conductance and substomatal CO2 concentration were significantly improved with increasing K application rate. It also increased water use efficiency (WUE) and decreased root: shoot dry weight ratio of maize. Treatment T3 resulted in maximum growth, physiological characteristics and nutrient uptake. It was concluded that K fertilization improves physiological characteristics resulting in enhanced WUE and nutrient uptake eventually producing more yield. It is recommended to apply K fertilization in drought stress conditions.
Economic Yield, Fiber Trait and Sucking Insect Pest Incidence on Advanced Genotypes of Cotton in Pakistan
Authors: Shahid M.R. , Farooq J. , Mahmood A. , Iqbal M.S. , Mahmood K. , Abbas H.G.
Published: May 2015

To evaluate resistance against sucking insect pest of cotton 16 cultivars were used along with their economic yield and fiber traits. Population of jassid, whitefly and thrips was recorded by using leaf turn method, yield of seed cotton was determined by hand harvesting method, while qualitative fiber properties were measured through high volume instrumentation (HVI) method. Best yield performance and staple length was of FH- 158 (4000 kg/ha) (28.1 mm), respectively. Cotton cultivar FH-172 showed resistance toward jassid and thrips but FH-158 showed resistance against jassid. Thus these resistance cultivars along with other cultivars possessing resistance against insect pest should be explored. Additional research should identify the part of one pest species on the yield and fiber quality of cotton by managing other pest species to define better management strategies.
Effect of Water Deficit Stress and Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid on Antioxidants Enzymes Activity in Leaves of Thymus Daenensis Subsp. Lancifolius
Authors: Bahari A.A. , Sokhtesaraei R. , Chaghazardi H.R. , Masoudi F. , Nazarli H.
Published: May 2015

In order to study the effects of water deficit stress and foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on the activity of five antioxidant enzymes (catalase - CAT; EC 1.11.1.6, ascorbate peroxidase - APX; EC 1.11.1.11, glutathione reductase - GR; EC 1.6.4.2, peroxidase - POD; EC 1.11.1.7 and polyphenol oxidase - PPO; 1.14.18.1) of Thymus daenensis (subsp. lancifolius), an experiment was conducted in factorial based on completely randomized design with three replicates, during 2013. Drought treated seedlings showed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), with a concomitant increase in the activities of the enzymes CAT, APX, GR, POD and PPO, compared to controls. Under medium water deficit, APX and PPO activities significantly increased by higher SA concentration (2 mM), but under control and sever water deficit conditions, there was no significant difference between 1 mM and 2 mM concentrations regarding APX and PPO activity. Under all levels of available water, increase in SA concentration from 0.1 mM to1 mM induced significant increase in GR activity. The maximum amount of GR (under medium water deficit condition) achieved from 1mM of SA. While the maximum amounts of APX, PPO (under medium water deficit condition), CAT and POD (under sever water deficit condition) achieved from 2 mM of SA. In total, our results suggest that application of SA (as a trigger of signal cascade) could be advantageous against water deficit stress, and could protect thyme plants in mentioned conditions.
Response of Berseem Clover (Trifolium Alexandrinum L.) to Chemical, Biological and Integrated Use of Fertilizers
Authors: Chaichi M.R. , Shabani G. , Noori F.
Published: May 2015

To evaluate the effect of different fertilizer types on the vegetative growth characteristics, yield and forage quality of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), the present experiment was conducted in Mahidasht Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Station (Kermanshah, Iran), during 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The experimental treatments consisted of control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer, biological fertilizer and different combinations of chemical and biological fertilizing systems. A complete randomized block design with three replicates was employed for analysis of the data for each year. A combined analysis of variance was conducted to compare the data from the two years of the experiment. The results showed that the highest forage yield (172.1 g/m2) was produced in integrated fertilizer application (urea chemical fertilizer + mycorrhiza treatment). The highest crude protein content of 25% was obtained from integrated biological fertilizer treatment (nitrogen-fixing bacteria + phosphorussolubilizing bacteria treatment). The superiority of integrated fertilizer application for higher forage production and biological fertilizer application for higher forage quality in berseem clover could be recommended by the results of this experiment. Application of integrated fertilizing treatments not only optimized the chemical fertilizer application (consequently reducing the environmental pollutions), but it also enhanced forage quality in terms of higher macro a micronutrients concentrations. According to the results of this study it could be concluded that integrated fertilizing treatments may be accounted more efficient in dry farming than in irrigated agroecosystems.
International-local Linkages in Multistakeholder Partnerships Involved in Reconciliation, Inter-communal Bridgebuilding and Confidence-building
Authors: Roter Petra
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on the involvement of the international community (international actors) in post-conflict reconstruction in the context of multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) operating in the issue-area of reconciliation, inter-communal bridge-building and confidence-building. In particular, the paper analyses the international-local linkages within the MSPs, and suggests that although the involvement of the international community in post-conflict reconstruction (peace-building) is heavy and indispensable, it is neither straight-forward nor problem-free. In order to understand these linkages in a specific MSP context, a number of factors need to be taken into account and analysed. The paper suggests that at least three levels of analysis are required in order to understand the role of the international community and the international-local linkages in the context of MSPs addressing reconciliation, confidence-building and inter-community bridge-building in a post-conflict context. Firstly, the very complex nature of the international community itself, with many different actors seeking to achieve their own objectives in a very competitive environment; secondly, the very difficult conditions in war-torn societies that are operationally/institutionally unable to begin any peace-building processes on their own; and thirdly, the characteristics (motivations, organisation) of international and domestic actors themselves
The Bay of Bengal: Next theatre for strategic power play in Asia
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Humayun , Ahmad Amamah
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the factors behind the increasing strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal in the current geopolitical context.

The study starts by highlighting the factors contributing to the rising importance of the littoral region from a general economic, geopolitical and energy perspective. It then analyses the specific objectives and strategic aspirations of the major powers involved in the Bay, and how those may turn the area into a hub of converging, and/or conflicting interests. The focus is then shifted toward the smaller littoral nations and their individual relations with the major players. Finally, challenges to stability in the region are discussed, and a cooperative approach is suggested for the context of the Bay.

The paper argues that the strategic importance of the Bay will considerably increase in the coming years. As the nations involved are major and rising powers, the power play in the area will inevitably reshape the dynamics of the region. The interests that are at stake are also of crucial importance to the countries involved; hence, their protection will also demand a rapid militarization of the littoral. Most of these countries are now redirecting their focus from land to sea, which is adding a whole new dimension to the importance of the Bay. However, this paper argues that cooperation and competition is in all the nations’ best interest, as any conflict in the Bay region could bring in political, economic and energy insecurity affecting all the concerned countries. Another dimension this paper explores is the implication of this competition on smaller nations and their role in the larger schemes of the major powers. In order to lay out an exhaustive and holistic view, historical, economic, military, geopolitical and social factors have been taken into account in this research
The Ominous Triangle: China-Taiwanthe United States relationship
Authors: Kuntić Dario
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the complex issue of the triangular relationship between China, Taiwan and the United States. Due to its importance to both China and the United States, Taiwan has burdened the relationship between the two powers as long and as fierce as any. China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and has been unwilling to reject the use of force to settle the Taiwan issue. Under these conditions, Taiwan has chosen to balance China by aligning itself with the United States in order to avoid submission or destruction. Although the U.S. supports a “one-China” policy, it is strongly opposed to any move that could change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force. While both Beijing and Washington often emphasize positive engagement and dialogue, divergent interests of China and the United States over Taiwan, along with their contest for domination in East Asia, have remained a focal point of contention that could send the two powers on a collision course
The Algebraic Formulation: Why and How to Use it
Authors: Ferretti Elena
Published: May 2015

Finite Element, Boundary Element, Finite Volume, and Finite Difference Analysis are all commonly used in nearly all engineering disciplines to simplify complex problems of geometry and change, but they all tend to oversimplify. This paper shows a more recent computational approach developed initially for problems in solid mechanics and electro-magnetic field analysis. It is an algebraic approach, and it offers a more accurate representation of geometric and topological features.
Determination of fracture parameters for interface cracks in transverse isotropic magnetoelectroelastic composites
Authors: Lei Jun , Sun Pengbo , Bui Tinh Quoc
Published: May 2015

To determine fracture parameters of interfacial cracks in transverse isotropic magnetoelectroelastic composites, a displacement extrapolation formula was derived. The matrix-form formula can be applicable for both material components with arbitrary poling directions. The corresponding explicit expression of this formula was obtained for each poling direction normal to the crack plane. This displacement extrapolation formula is only related to the boundary quantities of the extended crack opening displacements across crack faces, which is convenient for numerical applications, especially for BEM. Meantime, an alternative extrapolation formula based on the path-independent J-integral and displacement ratios was presented which may be more adaptable for any domain-based numerical techniques like FEM. A numerical example was presented to show the correctness of these formulae.
A Mechanistic Model of a Passive Autocatalytic Hydrogen Recombiner
Authors: Rożeń Antoni
Published: May 2015

: A passive autocatalytic hydrogen recombiner (PAR) is a self-starting device, without operator action or external power input, installed in nuclear power plants to remove hydrogen from the containment building of a nuclear reactor. A new mechanistic model of PAR has been presented and validated by experimental data and results of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The model allows to quickly and accurately predict gas temperature and composition, catalyst temperature and hydrogen recombination rate. It is assumed in the model that an exothermic recombination reaction of hydrogen and oxygen proceeds at the catalyst surface only, while processes of heat and mass transport occur by assisted natural and forced convection in non-isothermal and laminar gas flow conditions in vertical channels between catalyst plates. The model accounts for heat radiation from a hot catalyst surface and has no adjustable parameters. It can be combined with an equation of chimney draft and become a useful engineering tool for selection and optimisation of catalytic recombiner geometry.
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Experimental Studies of a New Mixing Element in a Static Mixer as a Heat Exchanger
Authors: Konopacki Maciej , Kordas Marian , Fijałkowski Karol , Rakoczy Rafał
Published: May 2015

The main aim of this work is to study the thermal efficiency of a new type of a static mixer and to analyse the flow and temperature patterns and heat transfer efficiency. The measurements were carried out for the static mixer equipped with a new mixing insert. The heat transfer enhancement was determined by measuring the temperature profiles on each side of the heating pipe as well as the temperature field inside the static mixer. All experiments were carried out with varying operating parameters for four liquids: water, glycerol, transformer oil and an aqueous solution of molasses. Numerical CFD simulations were carried out using the two-equation turbulence k-ω model, provided by ANSYS Workbench 14.5 software. The proposed CFD model was validated by comparing the predicted numerical results against experimental thermal database obtained from the investigations. Local and global convective heat transfer coefficients and Nusselt numbers were detrmined. The relationship between heat transfer process and hydrodynamics in the static mixer was also presented. Moreover, a comparison of the thermal performance between the tested static mixer and a conventional empty tube was carried out. The relative enhancement of heat transfer was characterised by the rate of relative heat transfer intensification.
Asymmetrical decentralization in Spain – implications for politics and political system/ Decentralizacja niesymetryczna w Hiszpanii – implikacje polityczne i ustrojowe
Authors: Husar Wioletta
Published: May 2015

Globalization processes, weakening position of national states, integration processes, society changes and democratization of systems are just a few of the main determinants of dynamic changes taking place in the twentieth and twenty-first century. Their effects become revealed by, for example, an increasing independece tendencies among nations without their own countries. Spain, for centuries forming a heterogeneous state system, after the fall of the Francoist regime and facing the need for system transformation, has implemented many innovative solutions, especially in the field of territorial decentralization. The intensification of secession demands from the part of autonomous Spanish communities, seems to make introduction of reforms inevitable, reforms that would have to maintain the unity of the monarchy, and on the other hand, to live up to the expectations of the regions.
The right to adequate food as the example of human rights’ interdependence/ Prawo do właściwego wyżywienia jako przykład współzależności praw człowieka
Authors: Szkarłat Monika A.
Published: May 2015

Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted on 1993 recognize and affirms that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The right to adequate food as part of the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living (art. 11 CESCR) is inseparable from human dignity and physical survival of human kind.

The fulfillment and holistic approach in human rights’ analysis is perceived as an effect of enforcement of human rights’ interdependence. The prerequisite of the right to food realization is the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger. On the other hand, right to adequate food is a wider ontological and legal concept than just the requirement to fight hunger. The proper fulfillment of the right depends on several conditions such as the realization of the right to health, work, education, women rights, rights of the child, property rights, right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications, right to information and freedom of choice etc. The proper explanation of terms such as ‘adequate food’ is a sine qua non indicator for those responsible for human rights’ fulfillment.
Public Consultation as Manifestation of Civil Participation in Local Social Life. An example of Katowice/ Konsultacje społeczne jako przejaw obywatelskiej partycypacji w lokalnym życiu publicznym na przykładzie miasta Katowice
Authors: Kubas Sebastian
Published: May 2015

Public consultation, as one of direct democracy form, is the subject of the article. This problem is presented regarding theoretical, law and practical basis. As theory, I underlined the most important direct democracy qualities and then linked this form of democracy with local government. This is how I tried to understand public consultation as one of direct democracy form. As law, I analysed Polish municipal law and then local Katowice law regarding public consultation. As praxis, public consultation was presented as a tool used by the local authorities to communicate local society and the level of local society interest in taking part in public consultation
On the Directly and Subdirectly Irreducible Many-Sorted Algebras
Authors: Climent Vidal J. , Soliveres Tur J.
Published: May 2015

A theorem of single-sorted universal algebra asserts that every finite algebra can be represented as a product of a finite family of finite directly irreducible algebras. In this article, we show that the many-sorted counterpart of the above theorem is also true, but under the condition of requiring, in the definition of directly reducible many-sorted algebra, that the supports of the factors should be included in the support of the many-sorted algebra. Moreover, we show that the theorem of Birkhoff, according to which every single-sorted algebra is isomorphic to a subdirect product of subdirectly irreducible algebras, is also true in the field of many-sorted algebras.
Clinical prospects of IGF-signaling system components study in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Gershtein Elena , Kushlinskii Nikolay
Published: May 2015

Among various auto/paracrine growth-regulating signaling pathways an important role belongs to that of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin. IGF-signaling system is actively involved in the regulation of both normal ovarian function and ovarian tumor growth. On the one hand, all members of this system are expressed in malignant ovarian epithelial cells, and the prognostic significance of this expression has been revealed for some of them in ovarian cancer patients in several studies. On the other hand, circulating IGFs/IGFBPs levels have not been undoubtedly associated with ovarian cancer risk or disease progression, but some of them can be regarded as supplementary serological ovarian cancer markers. An important route to the clinical application of IGF-signaling system studies in ovarian cancer is the growing possibility of using specific molecular targeted agents to suppress its growth-stimulating and other activities. However, the introduction of such agents to practical oncology has met serious problems, with the main difficulties resulting from the absence of reliable predictive molecular markers and metabolic side effects due to the tight connection between IGF-signaling and insulin-regulated processes. The prognostic and diagnostic values of various IGF system components and the current state of corresponding molecular targeted therapies development for ovarian cancer are reviewed.