bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of dielectric charging in micro-electro-mechanical system capacitive switches
Authors: Koutsoureli M. , Michalas L. , Papaioannou G.
Published: January 2014

The assessment of dielectric charging in MEMS capacitive switches is
investigated. The information can be obtained only from simultaneous
assessment of Metal-Insulator-Metal capacitance and MEMS capacitive switches
the former allowing the determination of material properties and the latter
of the device.
Heat transfer enhancement with elliptical tube under turbulent flow TiO2-water nanofluid
Authors: Hussein Adnan , Bakar R.A. , Kadirgama K. , Sharma K.V.
Published: January 2014

Heat transfer and friction characteristics were numerically investigated,
employing elliptical tube to increase the heat transfer rate with a minimum
increase of pressure drop. The flow rate of the tube was in a range of
Reynolds number between 10000 and 100000. FLUENT software is used to solve
the governing equation of CFD (continuity, momentum and energy) by means of a
finite volume method (FVM). The electrical heater is connected around the
elliptical tube to apply uniform heat flux (3000 W/m2) as a boundary
condition. Four different volume concentrations in the range of 0.25% to 1%
and different TiO2 nanoparticle diameters in the range of 27 nm to 50 nm,
dispersed in water are utilized. The CFD numerical results indicate that the
elliptical tube can enhance heat transfer and friction factor by
approximately 9% and 6% than the circular tube respectively. The results show
that the Nusselt number and friction factor increase with decreasing
diameters but increasing volume concentrations of nanoparticles.
An investigation of effect of biodiesel and aviation fuel jeta-1 mixtures performance and emissions on diesel engine
Authors: Yamik Hasan
Published: January 2014

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines which doesn?t contain
pollutants and sulfur; on the contrary it contains oxygen. In addition, both
physical and chemical properties of sunflower oil methyl ester (SME) are
identical to diesel fuel. Conversely, diesel and biodiesel fuels are widely
used with some additives to reduce viscosity, increase the amount of cetane,
and improve combustion efficiency. This study uses diesel fuel, SME and its
mixture with aviation fuel JetA-1 which are widely used in the aviation
industry. . Fuel mixtures were used in 1-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine
under full load and variable engine speeds. In this experiment, engine
performance and emission level are investigated. As a conclusion, as the
JetA-1 ratio increases in the mixture, lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission is
measured. Also, specific fuel consumption is lowered.
An experiment study of homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion and emission in a gasoline engine
Authors: Zhang Jianyong , Li Zhongzhao , Zhang Kaiqiang , Zhu Lei , Huang Zhen
Published: January 2014

Homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) technology has exhibited high
potential to reduce fuel consumption and NOx emissions over normal spark
ignition engines significantly. Optimized kinetic process (OKP) technology is
implemented to realize HCCI combustion in a port fuel injection gasoline
engine. The combustion and emission characteristics are investigated with
variation of intake air temperature, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate and
intake air pressure. The results show that intake air temperature has great
influence on HCCI combustion characteristic. Increased intake air temperature
results in advance combustion phase, shorten combustion duration, and lower
indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP). Increased EGR rate retards
combustion start phase and prolongs combustion duration, while maximum
pressure rising rate and NOx emission are reduced with increase of EGR rate.
In the condition with constant fuel flow quantity, increased air pressure
leads to retarded combustion phase and lower pressure rising rate, which will
reduce the engine knocking tendency. In the condition with constant air fuel
ratio condition, fuel injection quantity increases as intake air pressure
increases, which lead to high heat release rate and high emission level. The
optimal intake air temperature varies in different operating area, which can
be tuned from ambient temperature to 220? by heat management system. The
combination of EGR and air boost technology could expand operating area of
HCCI engine, which improve indicated mean effective pressure from maximum
510kPa to 720kPa.
A numerical study of the effects of injection rate shape on combustion and emission of diesel engines
Authors: He Zhixia , Xuan Tiemin , Xue Yanru , Wang Qian , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2014

The spray characteristics including spray droplet sizes, droplet
distribution, spray tip penetration length and spray diffusion angle directly
affects the mixture process of fuel and oxygen and then plays an important
role for the improvement of combustion and emission performance of diesel
engines. Different injection rate shapes may induce different spray
characteristics and then further affect the subsequent combustion and
emission performance of diesel engines. In this paper, the spray and
combustion processes based on four different injection rate shapes with
constant injection duration and injected fuel mass were simulated in the
software of AVL FIRE. The numerical models were validated through comparing
the results from the simulation with those from experiment. It was found that
the dynamic of diesel engines with the new proposed hump shape of injection
rate and the original saddle shape is better than that with the injection
rate of rectangle and triangle shape, but the emission of NOX is higher. And
the soot emission is lowest during the late injection period for the new
hump-shape injection rate because of a higher oxidation rate with a better
mixture between fuel and air under the high injection pressure.
Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Ming , Bhupathiraju Shilpa N. , Chen Mu , van Dam Rob M. , Hu Frank B.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE

Previous meta-analyses identified an inverse association of coffee consumption with the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, an updated meta-analysis is needed because new studies comparing the trends of association for caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have since been published.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for cohort or nested case-control studies that assessed the relationship of coffee consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes from 1966 to February 2013. A restricted cubic spline random-effects model was used.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight prospective studies were included in the analysis, with 1,109,272 study participants and 45,335 cases of type 2 diabetes. The follow-up duration ranged from 10 months to 20 years. Compared with no or rare coffee consumption, the relative risk (RR; 95% CI) for diabetes was 0.92 (0.90–0.94), 0.85 (0.82–0.88), 0.79 (0.75–0.83), 0.75 (0.71–0.80), 0.71 (0.65–0.76), and 0.67 (0.61–0.74) for 1–6 cups/day, respectively. The RR of diabetes for a 1 cup/day increase was 0.91 (0.89–0.94) for caffeinated coffee consumption and 0.94 (0.91–0.98) for decaffeinated coffee consumption (P for difference = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Coffee consumption was inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in a dose-response manner. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee was associated with reduced diabetes risk.
IDENTITIES OF SYMMETRY FOR GENERALIZED TWISTED BERNOULLI POLYNOMIALS TWISTED BY RAMIFIED ROOTS OF UNITY
Authors: Kim Dae San
Published: January 2014

We derive eight identities of symmetry in three variables related to generalized twisted Bernoulli polynomials and generalized twisted power sums, both of which are twisted by ramified roots of unity. All of these are new, since there have been results only about identities of symmetry in two variables. The derivations of identities are based on the p-adic integral expression of the generating function for the generalized twisted Bernoulli polynomials and the quotient of p-adic integrals that can be expressed as the exponential generating function for the generalized twisted power sums.
A NOTE ON GENERALIZED ABSOLUTE RIESZ SUMMABILITY
Authors: Özarslan H. S.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a general theorem on |A; δ|k summability methods has been proved. This theorem also includes some new results.
EXISTENCE OF EQUILIBRIUM FOR GAMES WITH UPPER SEMICONTINUOUS CORRESPONDENCES, UNDER UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Patriche Monica
Published: January 2014

In this paper we prove the existence of equilibrium pairs for the new model of a Bayesian free abstract economy which extends Kim and Lee's deterministic model of a free abstract economy (2006). Our existence theorems are proved for the case of upper semicontinuous correspondences. We also define a model of a general Bayesian abstract economy and introduce the new notion of equilibrium pair. We prove the existence of equilibrium pair and equilibrium for this type of abstract economy.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPER QUASI-EINSTEIN MANIFOLD
Authors: Halder K. , Pal B. , Bhattacharyya A. , De T.
Published: January 2014

In this paper we give characterizations of super quasi-Einstein manifold, mixed super quasi-Einstein manifold and mixed generalized quasi-Einstein manifold for both even and odd dimensions.
ALMOST α-COSYMPLECTIC ƒ-MANIFOLDS
Authors: Öztürk Hakan , Murathan Cengizhan , Aktan Nesip , Vanli Aysel Turgut
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this paper is to study a new class of framed manifolds. Such manifolds are called almost α-cosymplectic ƒ-manifolds. For some special cases of α and s, one obtains (almost) α-cosymp(lectic, (almost) C-manifolds, and (almost) Kenmotsu ƒ-manifolds. Moreover, several tensor conditions are studied. We conclude our results with a general example on α-cosymplectic ƒ-manifolds.
Assessing of Daylight Factor Values Depending on Window Opening Structures in Model Room
Authors: Balková Milada
Published: January 2014

In this article, there are compared the types of opening structures in terms of their size and in terms of covering of opening structures with curtains or blinds. Two windows were used in the first case and three windows in the second case. In the third case, the window was divided into three parts, and in the fourth case, the window was divided into three parts covered with curtains. The size of opening structures in the first half of the room, near the windows, has the greatest impact on lighting. In the rear part of the room, the difference is not so great. If the windows are covered with curtains or blinds, the difference in room lighting is significant.
Assessing the Weld Quality of Manganese Steel
Authors: Bernát Rastislav , Záležák Zoltán , Kecskés Norbert , Blaško Peter
Published: January 2014

The welding of alloy steels in practice is a difficult process in order to achieve mechanically or chemically resistant high-quality welds. In some cases, the weldability of many materials can be difficult or is not recommended because of poor and unsuitable properties of welded joints. In our research work, we investigate the selection of an appropriate welding method for welding the manganese steel HS 20 used at dynamically strained components in the car industry. The welding methods have been selected from accessible methods of the KARRER, s.r.o. Tovarníky industrial plant. Based on the comparable welding technologies MMA, MIG/ MAG and TIG, we tested and verified the quality of welds by means of selected weld tests. The quality of these welds, obtained by the abovementioned methods, was evaluated by weld tests in laboratory conditions of the Department of Quality and Engineering Technologies (Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra) in cooperation with NDB, s.r.o. Bratislava and SES Tlmače, a.s. The aim of the research work is to set the most suitable and effective method of welding for given components from all the technologies available in the mentioned industrial plant. Based on relevant information, we also want to enrich the scope of knowledge about welding of manganese materials in order to make the welding process more effective.
Results of Experimental Research of Granular Materials Transportation by Tubular Scraper Conveyors
Authors: Lyashuk Oleg , Dyachun Andriy , Zolotuy Roman , Oleksyshyn Olexandr , Zamora Yroslav , Tkáč Zdenko
Published: January 2014

A full factor experiment (FFE33) of transporting bulk materials by a tubular scraper conveyor on a curved track was conducted. There were derived the regression equation dependencies of production and torque on pipe diameter, fill factor and linear velocity. The graphical dependence of production and torque on the above-mentioned factors was constructed, and regression coefficients for different materials were determined.
A predictive estimation based control strategy for a quasi-resonant dc-link inverter
Authors: Turzyński M. , Banach P. , Murawski P. , Pepliński R. , Chrzan P.J.
Published: January 2014

Control of parallel quasi resonant dc link inverters (PQRDCLI) is usually based on dc link input inverter current. Instead of a direct measurement of this noise sensitive and fast changing current signal - its estimation with one step prediction may be considered. Estimation of an input inverter current is based on inverter output current measurements, applied in most of power electronics controlled ac drives. In this paper, the PQRDCLI fed induction motor (IM) with a predictive current estimation stabilizes resonant inverter output voltage slopes du/dt independently of load. By control of output voltage derivatives, reduction of overvoltage spikes and common mode motor currents is achieved. An analysis of the PQRDCLI control with a predictive current estimation strategy is verified by the Saber system simulation and experimental tests in a laboratory setup.
Push-pull resonant DC-DC isolated converter
Authors: Jalbrzykowski S. , Citko T.
Published: January 2014

A new concept of a DC-DC converter with galvanic isolation is proposed in this paper. The converter belongs to the class E resonant converters controlled by pulse width modulation via frequency regulation (PWM FM). Due to the possibility of operation in the boost and buck modes, the converter is characterized by a high range of voltage gain regulation. The principle of converter operation described by mathematical equations is presented. The theoretical investigations are confirmed by p-spice model simulations and the measurement of an experimental model of 1kW laboratory prototype.
Modern Direct Torque and Flux Control methods of an induction machine supplied by three-level inverter
Authors: Sikorski A. , Kulikowski K. , Korzeniewski M.
Published: January 2014

This paper describes two modern direct torque and flux control methods of an induction machine supplied by a three-level inverter. Additionally, it presents a comparison of the methods both in static and dynamic states. The methods, in a specific way, make use of an increased number of active vectors of the three-level inverter in order to improve control quality and reduce switching frequency. The two methods modify the DTC method by using its advantages and eliminating, at the same time its drawbacks.

In static states the comparison was based on the results of investigations performed for two different load values and three set values of angular speed, whereas in dynamic states the comparison was focused on the behavior of the machine at startup.

The results of the investigations have shown that both methods give very good performance. They are characterized by both sinusoidal shape of flux and low current deformations even at low angular speeds i.e. less than 10% of the nominal value. The presented methods also allow to generate nominal flux for set zero angular speed in order to achieve excitation of the induction machine. The switching frequencies for both methods are very similar in almost the whole range of control but the methods have shown some differences in control quality, particularly for higher torque values.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of fractional discrete-time linear state-space systems
Authors: Busłowicz M. , Ruszewski A.
Published: January 2014

In the paper the problems of practical stability and asymptotic stability of fractional discrete-time linear systems are addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for practical stability and for asymptotic stability are established. The conditions are given in terms of eigenvalues of the state matrix of the system. In particular, it is shown that (similarly as in the case of fractional continuous-time linear systems) in the complex plane exists such a region, that location of all eigenvalues of the state matrix in this region is necessary and sufficient for asymptotic stability. The parametric description of boundary of this region is given. Moreover, it is shown that Schur stability of the state matrix (all eigenvalues have absolute values less than 1) is not necessary nor sufficient for asymptotic stability of the fractional discrete-time system. The considerations are illustrated by numerical examples.
dual inductor-fed boost converter with an auxiliary transformer and voltage doubler
Authors: Dawidziuk J.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a dual inductor-fed boost converter with an auxiliary transformer and voltage doubler for sustainable energy power converters. The new topology integrates a two-phase boost converter and a dual inductor-fed boost converter. The energy stored and transferred by both inductors can attain a wide input-voltage and load range which uses a constant switching frequency, by controlling the time duration of the simultaneous conduction of the two switches. Among other current-fed type boost converters the presented topology is attractive due to the high voltage conversion ratio, less stress on the components and less switch conduction loss. To verify the feasibility of this topology, the principles of operation, theoretical analysis, and experimental waveforms are presented for a 1 kW prototype.
Minimum energy control of fractional positive continuous-time linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: January 2014

The minimum energy control problem for the fractional positive continuous-time linear systems is formulated and solved. Sufficient conditions for the existence of solution to the problem are established. A procedure for solving of the problem is proposed and illustrated by a numerical example.
Power transfer analysis in a single phase dual active bridge
Authors: Barlik R. , Nowak M. , Grzejszczak P.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an analysis of the power transfer between two DC circuit by use a single phase galvanically isolated dual active bridge - DAB. The analytical description of instantaneous values of the currents in both DC and in AC circuits of the DAB is done. The influence of the dead time as well as voltage drops across the transistors and diodes of the bridges is examined. The different relations between voltages of the DC circuits coupled through DAB and various phase shift ratios are considered. The analytical relations describing the average values of the currents in DC circuits are derived. These currents can be used to predict the power in both DC circuits and power losses generated in semiconductor devices of the converter. It is assumed that the voltage drops across these devices in conduction states are constant. The calculation of the transferred power as well as power losses and energy efficiency for the DAB converter power rated 5600 VA which is used to energy transfer between DC circuits 280 V and 51 V±20% is presented. The proposed relations and calculation results can be useful for preliminary evaluation of power losses generated in semiconductor devices and for design of the cooling system. Due to the high switching frequency of 100 kHz, the phase shift modulation for the control of DAB is used. To validate the theoretical investigations a few experimental results are presented.
Unified approach to the sliding-mode control and state estimation – application to the induction motor drive
Authors: Orlowska-Kowalska T. , Tarchala G.
Published: January 2014

In this paper a generalized design procedure of the sliding mode systems is described. A unified approach is applied to control and state variables estimation algorithms. Selected solutions are then applied in the induction motor drive system. An identical design procedure is used to design the speed control and MRAS-type speed estimator. Presented algorithms are verified using experimental tests performed on the 3 kW laboratory setup.
Extraordinary optical transmission and vortex excitation by periodic arrays of Fresnel zone plates
Authors: Roszkiewicz A. , Nasalski W.
Published: January 2014

Extraordinary optical transmission and good focusing properties of a two-dimensional scattering structure is presented. The structure is made of Fresnel zone plates periodically arranged along two orthogonal directions. Each plate consists of two ring-shaped waveguides supporting modes that match the symmetry of a circularly polarized incident plane wave. High field concentration at the focal plane is obtained with the short transverse and long longitudinal foci diameters. Optical vortex excitation in a paraxial region of the transmitted field is also observed and analysed in terms of cross-polarisation coupling. The structure presented may appear useful in visualization, trapping and precise manipulations of nanoparticles.
Camera navigation support in a virtual environment
Authors: Wojciechowski A.
Published: January 2014

Artificial camera navigation is the most ubiquitous and principal interaction task within a virtual environment. Efficient and intuitive virtual scene navigation affects other tasks completion performance. Though many scientists have elaborated invaluable navigation techniques design guidelines, it is still, especially for novice users, the really challenging and demanding process. The user interface input hardware imprecision, interface operation cognitive burden put on users and deficiency of direct mapping between user physical movement and virtual camera navigation evoke discrepancy between user desired and actual camera position and orientation. The provided paper concentrates on the new potential field based camera navigation support method. Originally designed and exploited potential fields support not only collisions solving, but goal profiled attraction and camera manoeuvring as well. It works both in static and dynamic environments. It can be easily boosted by the GPU approach and eventually can be easily adapted for advanced or novice interface users for a miscellaneous navigation task completion.
Sliding mode control of periodic review perishable inventories with multiple suppliers and transportation losses
Authors: Bartoszewicz A. , Maciejewski M.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this paper is to develop robust and computationally efficient supply chain management strategy ensuring fast reaction to the demand variations for periodic review perishable inventory systems. For that purpose, we apply a sliding mode approach and we propose a new discrete time warehouse management strategy. The strategy employs the sliding hyperplane appropriately designed to ensure a dead-beat performance of the closed loop system. Our strategy not only explicitly takes into account decay of goods stored in the warehouse (perishing inventories) but it also accounts for transportation losses which take place on the way from suppliers to the warehouse. The proposed strategy ensures full customers’ demand satisfaction, minimizes the on-hand inventory volume and prevents from exceeding the warehouse capacity. This reflects the need of simultaneous minimization of the lost sales costs and inventory holding costs. Furthermore, the strategy ensures that the ordered quantities of goods are always non-negative and upper bounded. These favourable properties of the proposed strategy are formally stated as a lemma and three theorems and proved in the paper.
On positive reachability of time-variant linear systems on time scales
Authors: Bartosiewicz Z.
Published: January 2014

Positive reachability of time-variant linear positive systems on arbitrary time scales is studied. It is shown that the system is positively reachable if and only if a modified Gram matrix corresponding to the system is monomial. The general criterion is then specified for particular cases of continuous-time systems and various classes of discrete-time systems. It is shown that in the case of continuous-time systems with analytic coefficients the conditions for positive reachability are very restrictive, similarly as for time-invariant systems
A Lyapunov functional for a neutral system with a time-varying delay
Authors: Duda J.
Published: January 2014

The paper presents a method of determining of the Lyapunov functional for a linear neutral system with an interval time-varying delay. The Lyapunov functional is constructed for the system with a time-varying delay with a given time derivative, which is calculated on the trajectory of the system with a time-varying delay. The presented method gives analytical formulas for the coefficients of the Lyapunov functional
Modelling and simulation of a system for verticalization and aiding the motion of individuals suffering from paresis of the lower limbs
Authors: Bagiński K. , Jasińska-Choromańska D. , Wierciak J.
Published: January 2014

There has been designed a device for verticalization and aiding the gait of individuals suffering from paresis of the lower limbs. It can be counted in the category of so-called “wearable robots”, whose task is to replace or aid human limbs. Dependently on the function realized, these robots are classified into one of the following three groups:

a) exoskeletons - strengthening the force of human muscles beyond their natural abilities,

b) orthotic robots - restoring lost or weakened functions of human limbs,

c) prosthetic robots - replacing an amputated limb.

A significant feature of the device that has been designed is the fact that it has not to replace human limbs, but only restore them to their lost motor capabilities. Thus, according to the presented classification, it is an orthotic robot. Unlike in the case of the existing systems for verticalization, the gait is to be realized in a way that is automatic to the highest possible extent, keeping the user involved as little as possible, and the device is to imitate the natural movements of man with the highest fidelity.

Within the works on the system for verticalization and aiding the motion, a simulation model of the device was created. It includes a structure of the robot, a model of the actuators and a model of the human body that constitutes the load for the driving units. Then, simulation studies were carried out, including evaluation of the power demand of the device as well as the influence of the gait rate and of the length of the steps on the operation of the system.
Parallel computations of the step response of a floor heater with the use of a graphics processing unit. Part 1: models and algorithms
Authors: Gołębiowski J. , Forenc J.
Published: January 2014

The article presents a method of computing the step response of an air floor heater. The method implements parallel algorithms on a graphics processing unit. In the analyzed concrete slab heating ducts are placed. Hot air is transferred through them, thanks to which the heat penetrates into the slab. Heat transfer into the environment takes place on the top surface of the floor by natural convection and radiation. The bottom surface of the slab is thermally insulated. A two-dimensional heat equation was discretized with the use of the implicit finite difference method. In order to solve the obtained system of equations, the conjugate gradient method was used. Moreover, in order to examine the possibility of shortening the computations time, the algorithm of this method was implemented on a graphics processing unit. A computer program, using the CUDA parallel computing platform and linear algebra libraries CUBLAS and CUSPARSE, was developed
Numerical modeling of fracture during nanoindentation of the TiN coatings obtained with the PLD process
Authors: Perzyński K. , Madej Ł.
Published: January 2014

In order to improve mechanical, frictional or biocompatibility behavior of well know materials like titanium (Ti) or titanium nitride (TiN) scientists are trying to develop new manufacturing and processing operations. One of those methods, that provide interesting results, is called deposition process. During deposition a material is upgraded with new surface layers that are characterized by specific required properties. These layers have usually different mechanical properties in comparison with a substrate material. A combination of different properties of the deposited layers can significantly change behavior of the structure under an exploitation condition. However, layers have usually nanometer scale, which causes problems with performing standard plastometric tests. One of the possibilities to solve this issue is an application of specially designed tests like nanoindentation. Nanoindentation can provide valuable information regarding mechanical and strength behavior of nanostructure components. These investigations are of importance to properly identify and design properties of the mentioned deposited materials. Unfortunately, experimental analyses at these scales are usually very expensive. That is why Authors decided to develop a numerical model of the nanoindentation test to investigate material behavior under loading conditions that can support experimental research.

The overall aim of this research is development of a failure model, which can take into account morphology of microstructure of ceramic TiN layer deposited on the silicon substrate. Modeling of crack behavior was realized on the basis of the extended finite element method (XFEM).
G-DNA – a highly efficient multi-GPU/MPI tool for aligning nucleotide reads
Authors: Frohmberg W. , Kierzynka M. , Blazewicz J. , Gawron P. , Wojciechowski P.
Published: January 2014

DNA/RNA sequencing has recently become a primary way researchers generate biological data for further analysis. Assembling algorithms are an integral part of this process. However, some of them require pairwise alignment to be applied to a great deal of reads. Although several efficient alignment tools have been released over the past few years, including those taking advantage of GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), none of them directly targets high-throughput sequencing data. As a result, a need arose to create software that could handle such data as effectively as possible. G-DNA (GPU-based DNA aligner) is the first highly parallel solution that has been optimized to process nucleotide reads (DNA/RNA) from modern sequencing machines. Results show that the software reaches up to 89 GCUPS (Giga Cell Updates Per Second) on a single GPU and as a result it is the fastest tool in its class. Moreover, it scales up well on multiple GPUs systems, including MPI-based computational clusters, where its performance is counted in TCUPS (Tera CUPS).
A new hybrid (hydro-numerical) model of the circulatory system
Authors: Darowski M. , Kozarski M. , Ferrari G. , Zieliński K. , Górczyńska K. , Szczepanowski A. , Pałko K.J. , Fresiello L. , Molfetta A. Di
Published: January 2014

The paper presents a hybrid (hydro-numerical) circulatory model built to be used as a complementary tool for clinical purposes. It was developed at the Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering - Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland) in co-operation with the Institute of Clinical Physiology - National Council of Research (Italy). Main advantages of the model are: 1) high accuracy and repeatability of parameters setting, characteristic of numerical solutions, 2) maximum flexibility achieved by implementing the largest possible number of the model’s elements in the numerical way, 3) ability to test mechanical heart assist devices provided by special computer applications; in the model two physically different signal environments - numerical and hydraulic - are connected by special impedance transformers interfacing physical and numerical parts of the model; 4) eliminating flowmeters, as the voltage controlled flow sources embedded in the system provide information on flows.

In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the circulatory model: a) modelling and simulation of physiological and pathological states parameters vs. left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Emax l) and rest volume (Vol) variations, b) testing the effect of LVAD counterpulsation on circulatory hemodynamics and ventricular energetics; it resulted in the increase of total cardiac output (COLV tot) from pathological value 3.8 to 5.4 l·min−1, mean aortic pressure mPas from 67.8 to 96.1 mmHg and in the decrease of left atrial pressure mPla from 15.7 to 7.7 mmHg and External Work nEW by 37.5%. The model was verified based on literature data.
Incompressible limit for a magnetostrictive energy functional
Authors: Gambin B. , Bielski W.
Published: January 2014

The modern materials undergoing large elastic deformations and exhibiting strong magnetostrictive effect are modelled here by free energy functionals for nonlinear and non-local magnetoelastic behaviour. The aim of this work is to prove a new theorem which claims that a sequence of free energy functionals of slightly compressible magnetostrictive materials with a non-local elastic behaviour, converges to an energy functional of a nearly incompressible magnetostrictive material. This convergence is referred to as a Γ -convergence. The non-locality is limited to non-local elastic behaviour which is modelled by a term containing the second gradient of deformation in the energy functional.
DETERMINATION OF THERMAL DECOMPOSITION REACTION CHARACTERISTICS (A, E) OF WOOD SAMPLES FOR FIRE DYNAMICS SIMULATION
Authors: Beda László , Szabó Attila
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this work is to determine the pre-exponential factor (A) and the reaction activation energy (E) of decomposition reactions that are needed for Fire Dynamics Simulation (FDS) using Derivatograph Q 1500D. The materials we investigated: Pine Wood Board (PWB), Multilayered Parquet Board (MPB), Particleboard Core (PBC) and Oriented Standard Board (OSB).
INTEGRATED BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) WITH SUPPLY CHAIN AND FEED-FORWARD CONTROL
Authors: Maghrebi Mojtaba , Waller Travis , Sammut Claude
Published: January 2014

One of the major causes of delays in construction sites belongs to the delays in delivering materials. This paper introduces the integrated Building Information Modelling (BIM) model combined with a supply chain and a controlling system, along with its efficiency for alleviating the negative effects of delays caused by a lack of materials on construction sites. So, firstly the concept of feed-forward control is discussed as a prevention feature in a monitoring system. Then the integrating BIM model with a supply chain is introduced. Finally this case study has shown how the enhanced BIM model can incorporate the feed-forward control in order to decrease the risks of delays caused by a lack of materials in construction. Moreover, this case study might be used as a decision support system for managers to prevent a construction site from future delays by providing valuable information about the required materials in advanced
First report on the occurrence of CO2-bearing fluid inclusions in the Meiduk porphyry copper deposit, Iran: implications for mineralisation processes in a continental collision setting
Authors: Asadi Sina , Moore Farid , Zarasvandi Alireza , Khosrojerdi Majid
Published: January 2014

Hydrothermal alteration of the Meiduk porphyry copper deposit, south of the Kerman Cenozoic magmatic arc and southeast of the central Iranian volcano-plutonic belt has resulted in three stages of mineralisation characterised by veins and veinlets. These are, from early to late: (1) quartz + K-feldspar + biotite + pyrite ± chalcopyrite ± pyrrhotite ± magnetite (early potassic alteration and type-A veins); (2) quartz + chalcopyrite + pyrite + bornite + pyrrhotite + K- -feldspar + biotite + magnetite (potassic-sericitic alteration and type-B veins); and (3) quartz + pyrite + chalcopyrite + sericite (sericitic alteration and type-C veins). Most ores were formed during stages 2 and 3.

Three main types of fluid inclusions are distinguished based on petrographical, microthermometrical and laser Raman spectroscopy analyses, i.e. type I (three-phase aqueous inclusions), type II (three-phase liquid-carbonic inclusions) and type III (multi-phase solid inclusions). The fluid inclusions in quartz veins of the stages are mainly homogenised at 340-530°C (stage 1), 270-385°C (stage 2) and 214-350°C (stage 3), respectively, with salinities of 3.1-16 wt.% NaCl equivalent, 2.2-43 wt.% NaCl equivalent and 8.2-22.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively.

The estimated trapping pressures are 97.9-123.6 MPa (3.7-4.6 km) in stage 1 and 62.5-86.1 MPa (2.3-3.1 km) in stage 2, respectively. These fluid inclusions are homogenised in different ways at similar temperatures, suggesting that fluid boiling took place in stages 2 and 3. The fluid system evolved from high-temperature, medium-salinity, high-pressure and CO2-rich to low-temperature, low-pressure, high-salinity and CO2-poor, with fluid boiling being the dominating mechanism, followed by input of meteoric water. CO2 escape may have been a factor in increasing activities of NaCl and S2- in the fluids, diminishing the oxidation of the fluids from stage 1 to 3. The result was precipitation of sulphides and trapping of multi-phase solid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz veins.
DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR NATURAL GAS AND BIOGAS UTILIZATION IN TRANSPORT / APSKATS PAR TRANSPORTA SEKTORĀ IZMANTOJAMĀM DABASGĀZES UN BIOGĀZES TEHNOLOĢIJĀM
Authors: Gelfgat Y. , Smigins R.
Published: January 2014

Popularity of methane-containing gaseous fuels has slowly been growing since their appearance, especially in the last decades. Occasional non-availability of liquid fossil fuels, the necessity to reduce the transportation costs and to improve the air quality are the basic factors which stimulated development of gas utilization technologies - from accumulation, compression and deflation of gas to its usage in internal combustion engines. Since then different solutions have been offered, and the authors are reviewing them - from the first use of natural gas to nowadays.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN PULSED LASER ABLATED CuInSe2 COMPOUND STRUKTURĀLĀS IZMAIŅAS IMPULSA LĀZERA ABLĒTAJĀ CuInSe2 SAVIENOJUMĀ
Authors: Ogurcovs A. , Gerbreders V. , Tamanis E. , Sledevskis E. , Gerbreders A.
Published: January 2014

CuInSe2 (CISe) compound was produced by high-temperature synthesis. After mechanical milling, the average CISe particle size decreased to 10μm. The authors study structural changes of the compound after ablation in liquid by a 1064 nm pulsed laser. The SEM examination indicated the presence of spherical particles with the average size of ~ 450 nm. A nonlinear relationship was established between the laser radiation dose and the quantity of spherical particles. The XRD analysis has shown an improvement in the CISe crystalline structure and the absence of significant changes in its stoichiometry. The 3 μm thick experimental CISe samples were screen-printed on planar Ni electrodes, and improvement also was revealed in their photosensitivity. The conclusion is that the pulsed-laser ablation can be applied to chalcopyrite structures like CISe without destruction of their initial properties.
Modification of Soil Properties for Blueberry (Vaccinium Corymbosum L.) Cultivation
Authors: Apse Jana , Karklins Aldis
Published: January 2014

Highbush blueberries are a relatively new crop in Latvia raising interest in farmers who wish to diversify their commercial horticultural activities. It is considered that soil properties are one of the possible shortcomings limiting establishment of high-productive plantations in areas where soil reaction is close to neutral. The research objective was to test the main soil characteristics in a commercial highbush blueberry plantation where initial soil properties were changed as a result of soil modification (deep tillage, peat additions) before planting of bushes and afterwards maintained (mulching with acid peat and sawdust) periodically. The research was carried out in 2011 - in a farm where the blueberry plantation had been established seven years ago. The experimental plots were arranged on a complex slope, by choosing different parts of terrain. Soil - Haplic Cambisol, sandy loam, formed on a low calcareous moraine. Original topsoil’s reaction was pH KCl 5.37. Five experimental plots, each consisting of seven bushes, were set up. Research showed that modification of topsoil significantly changed the physical and agrochemical properties of soil. Soil bulk density reduced, porosity and soil aeration increased. Sphagnum peat (pH KCl 3.0) as a soil modifier allowed efficiently reducing the soil reaction at the soil root zone and provided an optimal environment for blueberries. Soil properties were not the determinant factor that limited establishment of a productive blueberry plantation. Soil properties adjusted accordingly to the requirements of highbush blueberry gave the possibility of establishing plantations also in typical mineral soils that develop on a low calcareous moraine.
Bioactive Compounds in Latvian Beer
Authors: Dabina-Bicka Ilona , Karklina Daina , Kruma Zanda , Dimins Fredijs
Published: January 2014

Beer is a complex mixture - over 400 different compounds have been characterized in beer. Significant health and product quality promoting benefits have been attributed to its bioactive secondary metabolites such as phenolics. Polyphenols and phenolic acids present in beer are natural antioxidants. The aim of the research was to characterize the bioactive compounds in Latvian barley beer, such as phenolic acids and flavanols. In an experiment, different lager-type beers produced in Latvia were analysed. The total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Individual phenolic compounds were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant potential of beer was analyzed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydraziyl (DPPH) radical assays and expressed as micromoles of Trolox equivalents. The research showed that the total phenolic content of dark beer samples (320.8-863.6 mg GE L-1) was mostly higher than that of the light beers (300.9-475.2 mg GE L-1). In total, eleven phenols were determined in the analysed samples. Also the sum of individual phenolics in dark beer samples was higher than in the light beer brands. All beer samples exhibited a strong DPPH radical scavenging activity: from 441.3 to 1064.2 μmol TE L-1 for the light beer samples, and from 726.2 to 1748.7 μmol TE L-1 for the dark beer. The research suggests that composition of beer phenolic compounds was not dependent on the type of beer - light or dark.
FARM FAMILIES AND FUTURE OPTIONS – THE ROLE OF THE EXTENSION ADVISORY SERVICE IN SHAPING IRISH AGRICULTURE
Authors: McDonagh John , Farrell Maura , Mahon Marie
Published: January 2014

Agriculture across Europe is very much driven by the reforms initiated by the European Union (EU) and World Trade Organisation negotiations. Reforms have mobilised a shift in agricultural practices from production to a somewhat contested post-production and, more recently, multifunctional agriculture regime. Accompanying such change has been the debate on the future of farming, the role of agriculture within the countryside, and the extent to which the sector will maintain support from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU. Central to these discussions, in terms of bringing about beneficial change on farms and in rural areas, is the advice and direction available to farmers. The agricultural extension advisory services are an integral component of this process. This paper explores the position of public extension advisory services in Ireland and determines the extent to which these services are impacting the trajectory of modern agricultural practices within a framework of more traditional views of farmers and farm families.
THE PROCESS OF DEPOPULATION IN THE RURAL AREAS OF UKRAINE
Authors: Kuczabski Aleksander , Michalski Tomasz
Published: January 2014

This study gives an analysis of the diversification of the demographic situation in the rural areas of Ukraine in the years 1992-2011 in a regional depiction (it corresponds to the NUTS 2 division applied in the European Union). The demographic situation of the rural population is undergoing increasingly distinct deterioration. It is the worst in central Ukraine and relatively the best in its western part. This is an effect of political, economic and social processes initiated in today’s Ukraine after World War One. It overlaps with negative effects of the processes of political transformation taking place in already independent Ukraine. The chances of improving the demographic situation in rural areas are rather slim and depend on two factors: (1) a fundamental change in the state policy towards the Ukrainian countryside and (2) overcoming a prolonged socio-economic crisis.
TRANSACTIONS IN LAND IN THE SUBURBAN ZONE OF BYDGOSZCZ OVER THE YEARS 2007–2010
Authors: Głębocki Benicjusz , Perdał Robert
Published: January 2014

This article offers a spatial analysis of transactions in land seen against the resources of land and its use pattern in the Bydgoszcz suburban zone over the years 2007-2010. The research covered individual transactions aggregated into geodetic precincts by type of land. Its object was the most popular types of land, viz. farmland, built and unbuilt urbanised land, and recreational land. The analysis embraced the number of sale/purchase transactions concluded, the mean area of lots, and their market value.
Fostering diffusion of scientific contents of National Society Cardiovascular Journals: the new ESC search engine
Authors: Alfonso Fernando , Gonçalves Lino , Pinto Fausto , Timmis Adam , Ector Hugo , Ambrosio Giuseppe
Published: January 2014

European Society of Cardiology (ESC) National Society Cardiovascular Journals (NSCJs) are high-quality biomedical journals focused on cardiovascular diseases. The Editors’ Network of the ESC devises editorial initiatives aimed at improving the scientific quality and diffusion of NSCJ. In this article we will discuss on the importance of the Internet, electronic editions and open access strategies on scientific publishing. Finally, we will propose a new editorial initiative based on a novel electronic tool on the ESC web-page that may further help to increase the dissemination of contents and visibility of NSCJs
Coupled Effect of Elevated Temperature and Cooling Conditions on the Properties of Ground Clay Brick Mortars
Authors: Ali Abd El Aziz Magdy , Abdelaleem Salh , Heikal Mohamed
Published: January 2014

When a concrete structure is exposed to fire and cooling, some deterioration in its chemical resistivity and mechanical properties takes place. This deterioration can reach a level at which the structure may have to be thoroughly renovated or completely replaced. In this investigation, four types of cement mortars, ground clay bricks (GCB)/sand namely 0/3, 1/2, 2/1 and 3/0, were used. Three different cement contents were used: 350, 400 and 450 kg/m3. All the mortars were prepared and cured in tap water for 3 months and then kept in laboratory atmospheric conditions up to 6 months. The specimens were subjected to elevated temperatures up to 700°C for 3h and then cooled by three different conditions: water, furnace, and air cooling. The results show that all the mortars subjected to fire, irrespective of cooling mode, suffered a significant reduction in compressive strength. However, the mortars cooled in air exhibited a relativity higher reduction in compressive strength rather than those water or furnace cooled. The mortars containing GCB/sand (3/0) and GCB/sand (1/2) exhibited a relatively higher thermal stability than the others.