bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical characteristics and conditions of formation of the Chah-Bazargan peraluminous granitic patches, ShahrBabak, Iran
Authors: Fazlnia Abdolnaser
Published: November 2017

Xenoliths of garnet-biotite-kyanite schist from the Qori metamorphic complex (southern part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, northeast Neyriz, Zagros orogen in Iran) in the 173.0±1.6 Ma Chah-Bazargan leuco-quartz diorite intrusion were studied. This intrusion caused these schist xenoliths to be metamorphosed to the pyroxene hornfels facies (approximately 4.5±1.0 kbar and 760±35 °C), converting them to diatexite migmatite as a result of partial melting of the xenoliths. These melts are granites in composition. Melt volumes of 20 to 30 vol. % were calculated for small patches of the peraluminous granites. It is possible that anatectic melting affected only the leucosome, such that melting was more than 20 to 30 vol. %. It is possible that a large amount of melt was not extracted due to balanced in situ crystallization, the adhesion force between melt and crystal (restite), and high viscosity of the leucosome. The Chah-Bazargan peraluminous granites are depleted in trace elements such as REEs, HFSE (Ti, Zr, Ta, Nb, Th, U, Hf, Y), Ba, Pb, and Sr. These elements are largely insensitive to source enrichment, but sensitive to the amounts of main and accessory minerals. These elements were hosted by minerals such as garnet, biotite, muscovite, K-feldspar, plagioclase, ilmenite, apatite, monazite, and zircon in the source (diatexitic migmatitic xenoliths).
Asteriacites and other trace fossils from the Po Formation (Visean–Serpukhovian), Ganmachidam Hill, Spiti Valley (Himalaya) and its paleoenvironmental significance
Authors: Singh Birendra P. , Bhargava Om N. , Mikuláš Radek , Prasad Subhay K. , Singla Garry , Kaur Ramanpreet
Published: November 2017

An assemblage of trace fossils comprising Asteriacites stelliformis, A. quinquefolius, Biformites insolitus, Helminthoidichnites? isp., Lingulichnus isp., Lockeia siliquaria, Palaeophycus tubularis, Planolites isp., Protovirgularia isp. A, Protovirgularia isp. B, Protovirgularia isp. C, Psammichnites isp., Rusophycus isp., and Treptichnus isp. from the Po Formation (Visean-Serpukhovian) exposed along the base of Ganmachidam Hill near the village of Chichong, Spiti Valley in the Himalaya, is described. Storm beds (tempestites) are highly bioturbated. Sedimentary structures such as hummocky cross-stratification (HCS), low-angle planar and trough cross beds, and shallow, slightly asymmetrical gutter casts are observed. The overall trace fossil assemblage indicates the presence of upper shoreface to lower shoreface Cruziana ichnofacies of an open shelf.
Ruled surfaces generated by elliptic cylindrical curves in the isotropic space
Authors: Aydin Muhittin Evren , Mihai Adela
Published: November 2017

In this paper we study the ruled surfaces generated by
elliptic cylindrical curves in the isotropic 3-space

𝕀
3

{\mathbb{I}^{3}}

.
We classify such surfaces in

𝕀
3

{\mathbb{I}^{3}}

with constant curvature and
satisfying an equation in terms of the components of the position vector
field and the Laplacian operator. Several examples are given and illustrated by figures.
Big Data for Biomedical Research and Personalised Medicine: an Epistemological and Ethical Cross-Analysis
Authors: Guillermin Mathieu , Magnin Thierry
Published: November 2017

Big data techniques, data-driven science and their technological applications raise many serious ethical questions, notably about privacy protection. In this paper, we highlight an entanglement between epistemology and ethics of big data. Discussing the mobilisation of big data in the fields of biomedical research and health care, we show how an overestimation of big data epistemic power – of their objectivity or rationality understood through the lens of neutrality – can become ethically threatening. Highlighting the irreducible non-neutrality at play in big data tools, we insist upon the ethical importance of a critical epistemological approach in which big data are understood as possibly valuable only when coupled with human intelligence and evaluative rationality.
Albert Camus’ Mediterranean: An Answer to “Murderous Identities”
Authors: Voisin Patrick
Published: November 2017

Identities were “murderous” in Algeria, to borrow an expression from Amin Maalouf. However, through this process, Algeria won its independence. Albert Camus, a son of France and a child of Algeria, caught between his two mothers’ identities, was torn apart and sometimes had to make choices; he was blamed for his Franco-French vision of Algeria and, above all, in the crucial hours, for preferring his biological mother to his cultural one. In other words, Camus had a poor record in Algeria. And yet, there is something like a tuning fork vibrating in unison at the sound of “Camus” and “Algeria”: it is Camus’ Mediterranean, with its timeless and universal present, which takes its sense and essence from the “Algerian Mediterraneanness”. It is a fact: Algeria allows us to understand Camus, but Camus also allows us to know Algeria. Questionable dark areas lie within either of them, but would not it be better if we imagined that Camus and Algeria could find together a world beyond the absurd and revolt, on a quest for universality that would not abolish identities which are still asserted but played down today?
“We Have Poetry / So We Do Nor Die of History” On the Interplay Between Poetry, Science, and Ideology
Authors: Hili Ikram
Published: November 2017

Important as they are in people’s mental and intellectual development and in their appreciation of the things around them, the Humanities remain a field that is, more often than not, frowned upon among people who firmly believe that the STEM fields are much more important, practical, and lucrative in a rapidly growing and competitive workplace. Besides, when scientific and technological breakthroughs have invaded every nook and cranny of our lives, the incessant comparison between science and the arts does not, and actually should not strike us as new or even shocking. The present paper seeks to revisit the status of the Humanities nowadays, by shedding light on the crisis befalling this field (inter)nationally. The paper also aims at providing a reappraisal of the moment of poetry—one that substantiates Poet Meena Alexander’s famous line, “We have poetry / So we do not die of history.” This is achieved through readings of Sylvia Plath’s so-called hospital poems that highlight the deft interplay between poetry, science and ideology.
Reflexivity and globalization: Conditions and capabilities for a dialogical cosmopolitanism
Authors: Kögler Hans-Herbert
Published: November 2017

This essay develops the core intuition that we need to transform the objective condition of globalization into a reflexive consciousness of a cosmopolitan connectedness. We require a cosmopolitan self-understanding that allows us to respond in a normatively guided way to objective processes that undermine the usual venues of political will formation. Since our global connectedness in terms of economic and political integration is ongoing and seemingly inevitable, we need a similarly inclusive and global approach to critically respond to the challenge of these unconstrained forces. The proposal is to develop a dialogical cosmopolitanism which is not based on a new meta-level of abstract universal norms, but grounded in agentive capabilities. Hermeneutic capabilities which comprise contextual perspective-taking are introduced, developing shared yet fallible norms, and critically reflecting on the power relations involved. These agent-based capabilities would allow the situated agents themselves to understand the objective forces that define current globalization and provide normative resources for a different, cosmopolitan globalization.
Careful becomings: Foucault, Deleuze, and Bergson
Authors: Bearn Gordon C.F.
Published: November 2017

This essay argues for a convergence between, on the one side, Foucault’s characterization of the care of the self as a way of overcoming the traps of anthropological sleep, and on the other side, Deleuze’s characterization of initiating becomings as a way of fleeing the traps of organization, a line of flight, becoming becoming. This convergence is defended on the basis of a Bergsonian ontology of becoming, and in particular, Bergson’s opposition to what he calls the retrograde motion of truth. One result of this convergence is that a Wittgensteinian approach to the sense of life floats to the surface. A kind of mysticism.
Postural instability in subjects with Parkinson’s disease undergoing different sensory pitfalls
Authors: Silva Thaís Cardoso Da , Felippe Lilian Assunção , Carregaro Rodrigo Luiz , Christofoletti Gustavo
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Previous research has reported postural instability in subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there are still doubts about the effect of sensory stimuli on one’s balance. In this study, we further investigated the stabilometric measures of individuals with PD, analysing the impact of different sensory stimuli on the outcomes.

Methods

The total of 26 participants (13 with PD and 13 matched control peers) were submitted to 8 sensorimotor dynamics differing in relation to support base (30 cm vs. 10 cm, feet in parallel vs. feet in semi-tandem position), contact surface (foam vs. no foam), and visual conditions (eyes open vs. eyes closed). The measures used to assess one’s balance were body position in space, area of support base, and velocity of postural control. The variables involved the anterior-posterior and the mediolateral axes. Participants with PD were evaluated during the off medication state. Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman’s test were applied to carry out inter- and intra-group comparisons. Significance was set at 5%.

Results

Cross-sectional analyses illustrated that tasks with sensory pitfalls impacted postural stability to a larger extent in PD subjects. The differences were found in anterior-posterior body position, area of support base, anterior-posterior velocity, and mediolateral velocity. Complementary analyses confirmed considerable instability on balance when support bases were small and visual information was absent (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current results confirm worse postural stability response in subjects with PD and highlight that the interference of the sensory pitfalls is notable when individuals are off medication.
The Reducibility and Cluster Size of Vanadium Oxide as Potential Descriptors of Its Catalytic Activity in the Partial Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Nguyen Van D. N , Yun Dongmin , Sakulchaicharoen Nataphan , Herrera José E
Published: November 2017

A series of vanadium oxide (VOx) catalysts prepared using three different supports were tested for the partial oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. Optical absorption spectroscopy and Temperature Programmed reductions experiments indicate that the reducibility and average domain size of the vanadia clusters anchored on the supports are very sensitive to vanadia loading. The catalytic activity results were modeled using a pseudo steady state approximation using the ethanol hydrogen abstraction step as rate limiting. The results obtained strongly suggest that catalytic activity can be correlated to both average vanadia cluster size and the ability of vanadia to uptake hydrogen during TPR experiments.
A Study on Effect of Concrete Foundations on Resistance and Surface Potentials of Gas Insulated Substation Grounding Systems
Authors: Rao Mandava Mohana
Published: November 2017

Ground resistance of high voltage substations must be as low as possible for safe grounding of their equipment both during normal and fault conditions. However, in gas insulated substations (GIS), even though resistance is low, it does not ensure the step and touch potentials of the grounding system within permissible levels. In the present study, an analytical model has been developed to calculate ground resistance, step and touch potentials of a grounding system used for GIS. Different models have been proposed for the evaluation of number of grounding rods to be inserted in to the ground. The effect of concrete foundations on above performance parameters has been analyzed by considering various fault currents, soil/earth resistivities and number of grounding rods. Finally, design optimization of GIS grounding system has been reported for fault currents in the order of 63 kA located in earth resistivity of 100Ω-m and above.
Two-stage agglomeration of fine-grained herbal nettle waste
Authors: Obidziński Sławomir , Joka Magdalena , Fijoł Olga
Published: November 2017

This paper compares the densification work necessary for the pressure agglomeration of fine-grained dusty nettle waste, with the densification work involved in two-stage agglomeration of the same material. In the first stage, the material was pre-densified through coating with a binder material in the form of a 5% potato starch solution, and then subjected to pressure agglomeration. A number of tests were conducted to determine the effect of the moisture content in the nettle waste (15, 18 and 21%), as well as the process temperature (50, 70, 90°C) on the values of densification work and the density of the obtained pellets. For pre-densified pellets from a mixture of nettle waste and a starch solution, the conducted tests determined the effect of pellet particle size (1, 2, and 3 mm) and the process temperature (50, 70, 90°C) on the same values. On the basis of the tests, we concluded that the introduction of a binder material and the use of two-stage agglomeration in nettle waste densification resulted in increased densification work (as compared to the densification of nettle waste alone) and increased pellet density.
Mechanical properties of sugar beet root during storage
Authors: Nedomová Šárka , Kumbár Vojtěch , Pytel Roman , Buchar Jaroslav
Published: November 2017

This paper is an investigation via two experimental methods, of the textural properties of sugar beet roots during the storage period. In the work, sugar beet roots mechanical properties were evaluated during the post-harvest period – 1, 8, 22, 43, and 71 days after crop. Both experimental methods, i.e. compression test and puncture test, suggest that the failure strength of the sugar beet root increases with the storage time. The parameters obtained using the puncture test, are more sensitive to the storage duration than those obtained by way of the compression test. We also found that such mechanical properties served as a reliable tool for monitoring the progress of sugar beet roots storage. The described methods could also be used to highlight important information on sugar beet evolution during storage.
The Monotheistic Cousins of Muḥammad’s Wife Khadīja
Authors: Lecker Michael
Published: November 2017

Muḥammad’s first wife Khadīja bint Khuwaylid belonged to a clan of the Quraysh tribe called Asad ibn ʿAbd al-ʿUzzā. This biographical detail is crucial in the analysis of the literary evidence about her and her family. Khadīja had a well-known paternal cousin who was Christian, namely Waraqa ibn Nawfal. Another paternal cousin of hers who was Christian, ʿUthmān ibn al-Ḥuwayrith, attempted on the eve of the
Classifiers Accuracy Improvement Based on Missing Data Imputation
Authors: Jordanov Ivan , Petrov Nedyalko , Petrozziello Alessio
Published: November 2017

In this paper we investigate further and extend our previous work on radar signal identification and classification based on a data set which comprises continuous, discrete and categorical data that represent radar pulse train characteristics such as signal frequencies, pulse repetition, type of modulation, intervals, scan period, scanning type, etc. As the most of the real world datasets, it also contains high percentage of missing values and to deal with this problem we investigate three imputation techniques: Multiple Imputation (MI); K-Nearest Neighbour Imputation (KNNI); and Bagged Tree Imputation (BTI). We apply these methods to data samples with up to 60% missingness, this way doubling the number of instances with complete values in the resulting dataset. The imputation models performance is assessed with Wilcoxon’s test for statistical significance and Cohen’s effect size metrics. To solve the classification task, we employ three intelligent approaches: Neural Networks (NN); Support Vector Machines (SVM); and Random Forests (RF). Subsequently, we critically analyse which imputation method influences most the classifiers’ performance, using a multiclass classification accuracy metric, based on the area under the ROC curves. We consider two superclasses (‘military’ and ‘civil’), each containing several ‘subclasses’, and introduce and propose two new metrics: inner class accuracy (IA); and outer class accuracy (OA), in addition to the overall classification accuracy (OCA) metric. We conclude that they can be used as complementary to the OCA when choosing the best classifier for the problem at hand.
Review. Regional Networks in Acute Cardiac Care
Authors: Marton-Popovici Monica
Published: November 2017

In acute cardiac care, the timely initiation of life-saving measures proved to be life-saving and requires many organizational and logistic measures. One of such measures is represented by the development and implementation of a regional network dedicated for the treatment of major cardiovascular emergencies, a strategy that proved to significantly reduce mortality rates on short and long term. This review aims to describe the current status in the development of regional networks in three of the main cardiovascular emergencies: acute myocardial infarction, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and acute stroke. The concepts demonstrating the utility of such networks, together with their results in reducing cardiac events, are presented in this paper.
Memorial Trees in The Czech Landscape
Authors: Dreslerová Jaromíra
Published: November 2017

The aim of the article is to assess the extensive database of memorial trees operated by AOPK CR (Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic) and to determine the occurrence and abundance of the most monumental trees in chosen biogeographical units, (altitudinal vegetation zone, altitude, ecological series (Buček & Lacina, 2002), province, subprovince, bioregion (Culek et. al., 1996)) and the maximum size and age they can reach in these units.

This assessment of monumental trees at a national level was made possible based on the provision of two extensive databases containing the information about the trees (AOPK CR Database of Memorial Trees) and about the biogeographical units of the Czech Republic (Biogeographical Registry of the Czech Republic). Basic unit of both databases is cadastral area and the fact allowed to link the data and to evaluate them. The occurrence rate of memorial trees and species in individual cadastral areas and in biogeographical regions is presented in the map outputs.
Investigations with All-Optical Binary to Gray Code Converter at 50 Gbps Data Rate
Authors: Tripathi Devendra Kr.
Published: November 2017

This article proposed an all-digital code converter schematic. It converts input binary code into gray code output with an operating data rate of 50 Gbps. The design is based on exploiting nonlinear attributes with semiconductor optical amplifier, which is otherwise contemplated as cons if utilized as an amplifier. It is realized with a semiconductor optical amplifier placed symmetrically with both arms of Mach–Zehnder interferometer, and phase modulation occurs amid wings of the Mach–Zehnder structure. Accordingly, numerical simulations have been executed for the applied data inputs. Consequent gray code output patterns have been verified that resemble with theoretical digital logical outcome. Evaluations with design have illustrated impressive optical performance metric extinction factor beyond 10 dB for the imperative constituents and constraints, with semiconductor optical amplifier confine factor beyond 0.3, pump current of 0.4 A, active length of 0.05 mm, and with modulator chirp factor and on–off ratio beyond 0.5 and 10 dB, respectively. Accordingly, this investigation could be an assist for the impending optical computing complex networks for the contemporary digital globe, requiring code conversion as one of the imperative practices.
Computer recognition of data structures using cluster analysis and the theory of mathematical records
Authors: Mariusz Topolski , Katarzyna Topolska
Published: November 2017

The paper proposes a new approach to the agglomeration of data in cluster analysis. The new approach assumes that sets of similar events are attributed to the cumulative probability of their occurrence at the same time. Such approaches will not be found in probability. Thanks to the mathematical theory of records fairly accurate classification of the object can be provided. This is the method which can be used in the cluster analysis by agglomeration. Figure 1 has been drawn for the purposes of better illustration of the problem. It shows the problem of classifying an object to one of the two classes: suitable or unsuitable for further use. Thanks to the merger of two classifiers: KNN algorithm (k nearest neighbours) and belief function a model was created, which is pretty strong as it seems to discriminate against space objects. It therefore seems reasonable to discriminate space of objects. The paper also shows a possibility of applying the proposed model to classification and the correlation between cytokines and features related to the occurrence of lymphocytic leukaemia. It therefore seems justified to carry out tests on this new method as regards various scientific problems.
Analysis and assessment of water treatment plant reliability
Authors: Szpak Dawid , Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara
Published: November 2017

The subject of the publication is the analysis and assessment of the reliability of the surface water treatment plant (WTP). In the study the one parameter method of reliability assessment was used. Based on the flow sheet derived from the water company the reliability scheme of the analysed WTP was prepared. On the basis of the daily WTP work report the availability index Kg for the individual elements included in the WTP, was determined. Then, based on the developed reliability scheme showing the interrelationships between elements, the availability index Kg for the whole WTP was determined. The obtained value of the availability index Kg was compared with the criteria values.
Wireless control process technical exploitation facility
Authors: Paś Jacek
Published: November 2017

In the article presents issues related to the control for which wireless is utilized in object technology. During the tests performed the technical parameters were determined the quality of control the object of the mobile cellular telephone system. It also analyzes the impact of the delay time of signal transmission control on the technical parameters of the object.
Problems of reliability assessment of impact excitation systems of hydraulic hammers
Authors: Sokolski Marek
Published: November 2017

The topological structures of impact excitation systems in hydraulic hammers were characterized. Basic problems of reliability prediction of elements of these systems are defined. The main factors determining the reliability of working systems were identified. As an application example, the research results of small-sized hydraulic hammers are presented for which the statistical distributions of the maximum values of stresses generated in systems “beater - tool” are estimated. On this basis, the reliability prediction of impact excitation systems of these hammers was made.
Corrosion of ammunition dumped in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Jurczak Wojciech , Fabisiak Jacek
Published: November 2017

The article presents the preliminary results of a research aimed at preparation for the extraction of chemical ammunition immersed after the Second World War(WWII) in the waters of the Baltic Sea (BS). It has been 70 years since the first steps aiming at elimination of mainly German chemical weapons were taken, while the expected durability (tightness) of metal barrels construction or other containers was estimated at 50-60 years. Consequently there is a serious risk of contamination of the Baltic Sea waters, not only with toxic warfare agents but also with the products of their decomposition. The evaluation of barrels’ and containers’ with TWA corrosion processes progress will determine the possibility of these munitions extraction to the surface in order to perform their classic utilization.
Potential of chitosan alone and in combination with agricultural wastes against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infesting eggplant
Authors: Asif Mohd , Ahmad Faheem , Tariq Moh , Khan Amir , Ansari Taruba , Khan Faryad , Siddiqui Ahmad M.
Published: November 2017

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the potential of chitosan alone and in combination with various agricultural wastes for the management of rootknot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on eggplant cv. ‘BR-112’ under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that chitosan as a single or joint treatment with agricultural wastes significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced root-knot indices, and the nematode population in soil. As a result, of this, the growth and growth yielding attributes of eggplant were remarkably augmented. Chitosan as an elicitor induced plant mediated systemic resistance against M. incognita in eggplant. The results of the study demonstrated that maximum reduction in eggmass/root, eggs/eggmasses, nematode population and root-knot indices, was acquired by the treatments: chitosan + onion and chitosan + mentha. It was followed by chitosan + Brassica, chitosan + urad and chitosan + coconut whereas, chitosan combined with corn cob waste was found to be the least effective when compared to the control. The application of chitosan alone was effective but not very satisfactory. Compared to the control applications of all the treatments significantly increased plant growth in terms of length, fresh and dry weights, pollen fertility, yield and biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoid content and antioxidant enzymes. This may have been due to the eliciting activity of chitosan, causing systemic resistance in the plant and the release of various toxic chemical compounds during decomposition which have lethal effects against the second stage juveniles of M. incognita and nematode multiplication.
The quality of surface waters of the dam reservoir Mexa, Northeast of Algeria
Authors: Bahroun Sofia , Chaib Warda
Published: November 2017

In this work, we have conducted a physicochemical study that assesses the impact of agricultural activities and urban domestic wastewater on the surface water quality of the dam reservoir Mexa in the area of El-Taref, which is located in the eastern coastal basin of Constantine. 36 samplings have been conducted for three years (2010, 2011 and 2012), at the rate of one sampling per month on the dam reservoir water; 36 samples have been analysed. The samples taken have been subjected to an in situ measurement of physicochemical parameters (temperature, hydrogen potential, electric conductivity and dissolved oxygen) and laboratory analysis (anions, cations, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, organic matter, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite and ammonium). Concentrations of various organic and inorganic pollutants varied from one month to another and from one year to another. From a temporal point of view, the contamination of water of the dam reservoir Mexa varies according to climatic conditions, being generally low during the winter period and high during the low-flow periods. The results obtained reveal that water of the dam reservoir Mexa is fairly contaminated. It is certain that the dam reservoir is subject to pollution of agricultural and urban origin.
Increase in the number of submitted maps for design purposes as a determinant of proper spatial planning policy
Authors: Bieda Agnieszka
Published: November 2017

Spatial planning policy is to set objectives and means through which public administrative authorities intend to shape the development of a specific area. This policy is to lead to the most rational use of the human environment. It is supported by spatial planning which, using local land use plans, helps clarify the concept of spatial planning policy, and it is also actively involved in its implementation. Spatial planning may not, however, exist independently. It is clearly related to other areas, without which the implementation of the spatial planning policy would be impossible. Surveying and construction are those sectors which are undoubtedly related to spatial planning. Surveying studies determine the location of future objects defined in the planning processes, whereas these structures are implemented in investment processes. The above correlation suggests a conclusion regarding the possibility to use building processes, as well as the preceding surveying work, as the indicator of the correct implementation of the spatial planing policy. In order to verify whether the number and location of investments may be in fact associated with the general concept contained in the spatial planning policy, the analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of surveying works initiating the construction processes was performed, i.e. maps for design purposes for the town of Niepołomice. The resulting cartographic studies were compared with graphic enclosures to the planning documents prepared for the area within the administrative boundaries of the town. The studies were performed for the years 2003-2015.
Effects of precipitation on the amount and quality of raw sewage entering a sewage treatment plant in Wodzisław Śląski
Authors: Chmielowski Krzysztof , Bugajski Piotr M. , Kaczor Grzegorz
Published: November 2017

The study presents the effects of precipitation on the amount and quality of raw sewage entering a sewage treatment plant in Wodzisław Śląski. It covers a six-year period between January 2010 and December 2015. The research period was divided into seven classes of precipitation intensity. The classes were characterized for their basic descriptive statistics of the raw sewage entering the investigated sewage treatment plant (STP). Data obtained from the collected material and derived from an analysis indicated a considerable influence of precipitation on the amount of sewage entering the investigated facility. Mean amount of sewage entering the STP was by 10.5% (884.9 m3·d-1) greater in B class and by 69.6% (6,153.9 m3·d-1) greater in G class than during dry weather. Individual classes of precipitation intensity were compared for their mean values of raw sewage contamination. Precipitation intensity was found to significantly affect concentrations of the investigated parameters of raw sewage contamination. Basic parameters of sewage contamination (BOD5, CODCr, total suspended solids) were determined and their basic descriptive statistics, such as median, mean, minimum and maximum value, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated.
The use of view analyses in shaping a forest landscape in the vicinity of water reservoirs
Authors: Janeczko Emilia , Kargul-Plewa Dorota , Kwaśny Łukasz , Budnicka-Kosior Joanna
Published: November 2017

An increasing importance of the social functions of the forest entails the necessity to modify forestry management in a way which would ensure its social acceptance. This mainly concerns those parts of the forest that are “most visible”, in the surroundings of roads, tourist trails, as well as water bodies. The article discusses the importance of view analyses in forest landscaping. On the basis of the adopted methodological assumptions, the assessment of landscape resources of the forest in the vicinity of a water reservoir in the Kielce Forest District (Radom Regional Forest Directorate) has been made. Available ortophotomaps and aerial photographs taken by UAVs were used for view analyses together with elevation data collected through airborne laser scanning. The results obtained allow to make recommendations for the protection of the reservoir exposure as well as engineering forest management and silviculture. Consequently, the inclusion of visual analyses into the planning stage enables verification of the quality of forest management plans.
Reliability based rehabilitation of water distribution networks by means of Bayesian networks
Authors: Lakehal Abdelaziz , Laouacheria Fares
Published: November 2017

Water plays an essential role in the everyday lives of the people. To supply subscribers with good quality of water and to ensure continuity of service, the operators use water distribution networks (WDN). The main elements of water distribution network (WDN) are: pipes and valves. The work developed in this paper focuses on a water distribution network rehabilitation in the short and long term. Priorities for rehabilitation actions were defined and the information system consolidated, as well as decision-making. The reliability data were conjugated in decision making tools on water distribution network rehabilitation in a forecasting context. As the pipes are static elements and the valves are dynamic elements, a Bayesian network (static-dynamic) has been developed, which can help to predict the failure scenario regarding water distribution. A relationship between reliability and prioritization of rehabilitation actions has been investigated. Modelling based on a Static Bayesian Network (SBN) is implemented to analyse qualitatively and quantitatively the availability of water in the different segments of the network. Dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) are then used to assess the valves reliability as function of time, which allows management of water distribution based on water availability assessment in different segments. Before finishing the paper by giving some conclusions, a case study of a network supplying a city was presented. The results show the importance and effectiveness of the proposed Bayesian approach in the anticipatory management and for prioritizing rehabilitation of water distribution networks.
Studying the effect of a variation in the main parameters on stability of homogeneous earth dams using design experiment
Authors: Lakehal Rida , Djemili Lakhdar
Published: November 2017

Deterministic approaches such as the limit equilibrium method (LEM) especially Bishop modified method has been traditionally used to evaluate the stability of embankment dams. However, the uncertainty associated with the material properties necessitates the use of the probabilistic method to account the sensitivity of this uncertainty on the response of the deterministic approaches. In this study, the authors propose the application of design experiment, especially central composite design (CCD) to determine the effects of independent uncertain parameters on the response of stability. A second-order polynomial model with cross terms is used to create an approximating function referred to as response surface for the implicit limit state surface, for which the input data were provided by stability analyses of different heights of homogeneous earth dams (10 m, 20 m, and 30 m) with a depth ratio of DH = 1.5 and a circular slip surface using the Bishop modified limit equilibrium method. The proposed models obtained from this application represent higher prediction accuracy. The study of the effect of geotechnical parameters (material properties of embankment) on safety factor show the importance of individual factors in level of linear effect with a positive effect of c’ or φ’ and a negative effect of H, γd, γsat and significant influence of two-factors interaction, the effect of c’ highly dependent on H, β, γd and φ’. Moreover, the effect of φ’ is dependent on the values of H and β. Lastly, the optimization of safety factor with respect to the range of values of material properties was made, and two failures modes are discussed which are (φ’, c’ reduction and γd increase).
Impact of meteorological drought on crop water deficit and crop yield reduction in Polish agriculture
Authors: Łabędzki Leszek Ł , Bąk Bogdan
Published: November 2017

The study presents the quantification of the effect of meteorological drought on crop water deficit and crop yield reduction in different agro-climatic regions of Poland. The regression equations describing the relationship between the standardized precipitation index SPI (meteorological drought) and the crop drought index CDI (evapotranspiration reduction) were used in a first step. Then the FAO equation describing the relationship between CDI and yield reduction was used. Crop water deficit measured by CDI is spatially differentiated and depends on the intensity of meteorological drought and soil water availability. The greatest evapotranspiration reduction is found for late potato growing in the central-west Poland (30-60%). The smallest reduction of evapotranspiration was stated for winter rape (12-16%) in the same region on soils with small water retention and no reduction can be on soils with large water retention. A good correlation between estimated and observed yield reduction was found. Potential yield reduction of late potato can reach more than 50% in central Poland. Least yield reduction is for winter wheat and winter rape. The main advantage of the method used in the study is the combination of meteorological drought, soil water retention capacity, evapotranspiration, soil water balance and crop yield, and so help provide more accurate assessments.
Specific features of development of selected agricultural problematic areas in the land consolidation process
Authors: Wójcik-Leń Justyna , Sobolewska-Mikulska Katarzyna
Published: November 2017

Development of the Polish agriculture and its production abilities are spatially diversified. At present, in Poland agricultural areas may be distinguished which may successfully compete with the agriculture in the European Union countries. However, areas where private farms run their businesses on the verge of profitability or below also exist in Poland. Those areas are called agricultural problematic areas (OPR), depression areas, areas not useful for agricultural purposes, marginal lands etc. It is estimated that OPR covers over 60-70% of our country. Land consolidation is the process which improves the spatial structure of rural areas, including problematic areas. When this geodetic process is performed it is possible to interpret specific features of selected agricultural problematic areas and to propose alternative and the most effective ways of development of the discussed areas. As a result of those agricultural-and-development operations rural areas are becoming competitive and improve the living conditions. However, they are performed on a very small scale, in recent years this area is about 5900 hectares per year.
Cesnola Collection at the Turin University Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography
Authors: Cannavò Anna , Bombardieri Luca
Published: November 2017

A previously unpublished marble fragment from the Cesnola collection at the Turin University Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography bears an incomplete Phoenician inscription, a dedication to Eshmun-Melqart considered lost since 1869 (CIS I 26). The inscription allows to interpret the object bearing the dedication as a votive stone bowl from the late Classical Phoenician sanctuary of Kition-Batsalos in Cyprus, and it provides the opportunity to retrace the history of the Cesnola collection of Cypriote antiquities at the University Museum of Turin.
Hermes a-re-ja (PY Tn 316): a new interpretation
Authors: Macedo José Marcos
Published: November 2017

A long-standing consensus among Mycenaean scholars is that a-reja, an epithet of Hermes in the Pylos tablet Tn 316, must be somehow related to Ares, the war god. Hermes Areiās would be either a derivative in *-ās of Ares or, according to a recent suggestion, an abbreviated compound in the first member of which Ares would figure. The present paper argues for a different solution, taking a-re-ja (dat.) /aleii̯āi/ as an apposed noun epithet of the root *h2leu̯- ‘to ward off’. Nouns in apposition to divine names are not uncommon in 1st millennium Greek (type Artemis Εὐλοχία ‘Good Delivery’), and Hermes Aleia ‘(active) Protection’ or ‘Defense’ fits neatly with Hermes’ character as a helping deity and a god of boundaries, as shown both in the myths related to him and in several of his epicleses in alphabetic Greek. Aleiă is best taken as a feminine verbal derivative in *-ih2: this type is the source of other action nouns that are either personified or have a religious background, such as αἶσα ‘destiny’ and μοῖρα ‘fate’. Furthermore, Aleia can be viewed as an independent testimony of the *-u̯i̯- > *-i̯i̯- development in Mycenaean (type i-je-re-ja ‘priestess’).
Evolution of microstructure and electrochemical corrosion characteristics of cold compacted magnesium
Authors: Březina M. , Doležal P. , Krystýnová M. , Minda J. , Zapletal J. , Fintová S. , Wasserbauer J.
Published: November 2017

The main advantage of magnesium and its alloys is high specific strength and biocompatibility. A modern approach to magnesium-based materials preparation is powder metallurgy. This technique allows preparation of new materials with a unique structure, chemical composition, and controlled porosity. In this study, cold compaction of magnesium powder was studied. Magnesium powder of average particle size of 30 μm was compacted applying pressures of 100 MPa, 200 MPa, 300 MPa, 400 MPa and 500 MPa at laboratory temperature. Influence of compacting pressure was studied with microstructural and electrochemical corrosion characteristics analysis. The resulting microstructure was studied in terms of light and electron microscopy. Obtained electrochemical characteristics were compared with those of wrought magnesium. Compacting pressure had a significant influence on microstructure and electrochemical characteristics of prepared bulk magnesium. With the increase in compaction pressure, the porosity decreased. Compacting pressures of 300 MPa, 400 MPa and 500 MPa led to the similar microstructure of the prepared material. Polarization resistance of compacted magnesium was much lower and samples degraded faster when compared to wrought magnesium. Also, the corrosion degradation mechanism changed due to the microstructural differences between the material states.
Study of damage extent to glass fibre in glass-fibre fabric reinforcement during exposure simulating concrete pore solution
Authors: Pokorný P. , Bouška P. , Bittner T. , Kolísko J. , Vokáč M. , Mandlík T. , Müllerová J.
Published: November 2017

The paper evaluates extent of corrosion damage to composite glass-fibre fabric reinforcement in environment simulating concrete pore solutions (pH 12.6, 13.0, 13.5) and carbonated concrete contaminated with chlorides (pH 8.1 + Cl-) using the FT-IR and SEM/EDS techniques. Also, the effect of corrosion damage on tensile strength of segmented glass fibre as well as the presence of specific protective organic coating on glass fibre were studied. The results demonstrate local corrosion damage of samples at pH 13.5 and on the other hand high stability in environment simulating carbonated concrete and carbonated concrete contaminated with chlorides. The study also suggests unevenness of organic coating with occurrence of localized porosity which is related to aforementioned corrosion damage. Corrosion damage in FT-IR spectra manifests by changes in peaks signalling hydrolysis of protective organic coating and occurrence of peaks suggesting presence of Ca2+ rich corrosion products.
Materials for use in calcium looping technology for CCS – corrosion processes in high-temperature CO2
Authors: Poláčková J. , Petrů J. , Janák M. , Berka J. , Krausová A.
Published: November 2017

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies are a perspective solution to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions. One of promising methods is Ca-looping, which is based on carbonation and calcination reactions. During both of these processes, especially calcination, high temperatures (650-950°C) are required. This means high demands on the corrosion resistance of equipment materials. Therefore, we carried out a study to suggest materials with suitable properties for calciner construction, which have to be particularly heat resistant: stainless steels (AISI 304, AISI 316L and AISI 316Ti) and nickel alloys (Inconel 713, Inconel 738, Incoloy 800H). A special device simulating calciner environment was built for this purpose. Chosen materials were tested in temperature 900°C, atmospheric pressure and gaseous environment with composition that can be possible in a calciner. The surfaces of materials were evaluated to determine composition and properties of formed oxide layers. High temperature oxidation was observed on all tested materials and oxide exfoliation occurred on some of tested materials (304, 316L).
Frugivory and potential seed dispersal by the exotic-invasive marmoset Callithrix jacchus (Primates, Callitrichidae) in an urban Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Silva Marco Aurélio F. , Verona Carlos Eduardo , Conde Marilena , Pires Alexandra S.
Published: November 2017

The common marmoset, originally from Northeastern Brazil, has been introduced into several Brazilian states as a result of illegal traffic. Despite the long history of introduction, few studies have described the diet of this primate in regions where it is exotic and none have evaluated its role as a seed disperser. The importance of fruits in the diet of Callithrix jacchus and its potential as a seed disperser were investigated in the Tijuca National Park (TNP, 3.593 ha), southeastern Brazil, where the species is exotic. Data were collected from September 2013 to January 2015, through focal observations. A sampling effort of 361 h of observation resulted in 60 independent feeding records. Fruits were the most often consumed item, comprising 48.3% of the observed feeding records, followed by gum (30%), invertebrates (18.3%) and lichens (3.3%). Seeds from four out of 13 species were swallowed and seeds from seven additional species were found intact in collected feces. These results show C. jacchus’ potential to act as a seed disperser for some plant species, and that should be considered for managing this primate in TNP, where other callitrichids are absent.
The Role of Music in City Audio Guides in Italian and in English
Authors: Fina Maria Elisa
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate city audio guides in Italian and in English from a multimodal perspective, focusing on the use of music. The audio guide genre is here described as a ‘soundscape’ (Van Leeuwen, T. (1999).
Effects of consumer-producer interactions in alternative food networks on consumers’ learning about food and agriculture
Authors: Opitz Ina , Specht Kathrin , Piorr Annette , Siebert Rosemarie , Zasada Ingo
Published: November 2017

In the recent literature, Alternative Food Networks (AFN) are discussed as a promising approach, at the urban-rural interface, to meeting the challenges of the current agri-food system. Consumer-producer collaboration is seen as a characteristic feature in this context. What is lacking, however, are general concepts for describing the topics of consumer-producer interactions (CPI). The present study aims (1) to develop an analytical framework relying on six CPI domains and (2) to apply it to investigate CPI effects on consumers’ learning about and appreciation of agriculture. We conducted 26 guided interviews with consumers and producers of the three most frequent AFN types in Germany: community-supported agriculture (CSA), food coops, and self-harvest gardens. The results show that AFN participation enhances consumers’ learning about food (seasonality, cooking/nutrition, housekeeping aspects) and agricultural production (farmers’ perspectives, cultivation). Our results show that consumer’s learning is influenced by certain CPI domains, and each AFN type can be described by distinctive CPI domains. This led to the conclusion that specific AFN types open up specific learning channels and contents, with consumers learning from producers. AFNs at the urban-rural interface exploit knowledge of rurality.