bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empty Table and an Empty Boat: Empathic Encounters with Refugee Experiences in Intermedial Installation Art
Authors: Houwen Janna
Published: December 2016

This essay is an inquiry into two intermedial installations that address the experiences of people on the run from war or poverty, yet overtly hinder and problematize the viewer’s identification with the depicted refugees. By doing so, Friday Table (2013) by art collective Foundland, and Isaac Julien’s video installation Ten Thousand Waves (2010) differ from the many contemporary discourses dealing with the so-called refugee crisis that suggest a blind assumption of empathy’s benevolence. Taking theoretical texts concerning the relation between empathy, politics and the (lens-based) representation of refugees by, for instance, Slavoj Zizek (2016) and Jill Bennett (2005) as a starting point, I read Friday Table and Ten Thousand Waves as reflections on the pitfalls as well as the critical political possibilities of empathy in contemporary debates on refugees. Moreover, I argue that the two lens-based installations in question are able to examine the limits of empathy and identification with refugees through their common denominator: intermediality. Both Friday Table and Ten Thousand Waves combine lens-based media (photography, video and film) with non-lens-based medial forms such as drawings, graphs and calligraphy. As I will demonstrate, the interplay between different media is decisive when it comes to the way in which the three works of art produce, manage and reflect on the relation between spectators and depicted refugees.
Creative Pluralism in Indian and Romanian Accounts of Transnational Migration
Authors: Stoican Adriana Elena
Published: December 2016

The paper offers a comparative perspective on transmigrant cultural identities as illustrated in the works of two contemporary South Asian American and Romanian American authors, Jhumpa Lahiri and Aura Imbăruș. The comparison involves Gogol, a South Asian American character, and Aura, the author of the memoir Out of the Transylvania Night. Although Gogol is a fictional character and Aura is an actual transmigrant, their comparative assessment relies on the assumption that both narratives are inspired by the authors’ background of relocation. Despite their different cultural origins, both authors share thematic aspects related to the dynamics of cultural identity in the context of migration. This paper aims to provide a starting point for an enlarged framework of comparative analysis, in order to foreground intersections between different experiences of cultural negotiation in the context of displacement. Born and raised in America, Gogol is challenged by his cultural multiplicity and strives to suppress elements of his Indian identity. After years of rebelling against his parents’ norms, Gogol shifts to the Bengali model, when his father dies. Once he accepts the relevance of his cultural roots, Gogol is able to plunge into a dimension situated beyond his Bengali and American selves. His transcendent strategy is illustrated by his decision to plunge into a third space of redefinition, suggested by the Russian literature which is appreciated by Gogol’s father. Aura Imbăruș offers the example of a first generation Romanian transmigrant who undergoes voluntary relocation to the United States. Fascinated by the American world, Aura is eager to take over norms of material success and consumerism, overlooking the relevance of her cultural roots. When she undergoes a personal family crisis, Aura eventually reassesses the value of her Romanian background, aiming to reconcile her source culture with her Americanised self. In a manner similar to Gogol’s, Aura manages to integrate American norms of success, while forging enduring bonds with the Romanian American community in California.
If nature were a Commons would the homo economicus be a rational agent dropped in an evolutionary trap or an ignorant pedantic? A Note on Ecology of Law. Toward a Legal System in Tune with Nature and Community, by F. Capra and U. Mattei, 2015.
Authors: Gallegati Mauro
Published: December 2016

If nature were a commons would the homo economicus be a rational agent dropped in an evolutionary trap or an ignorant pedantic? Capra and Mattei wrote a subversive book. It points to the same revolution that the holistic, complex approach suggests by decoupling the economic process to integrating the web of life of the nature in law and economics.
Parametric Analyses on Compressive Strength of Furan No Bake Mould System Using ANN
Authors: Acharya S.G. , Vadher J.A.
Published: December 2016

Casting is the most widely used manufacturing technique. Furan No-bake mould system is very widely accepted in competitive foundry industries due to its excellent characteristics of producing heavy and extremely difficult castings. These castings have excellent surface finish and high dimensional stability. Self setting and high dimensional stability are the key characteristics of FNB mould system which leads to reduce production cycle time for foundry industries which will ultimately save machining cost, labour cost and energy. Compressive strength is the main aspect of furan no bake mould, which can be improved by analyzing the effect of various parameters on it. ANN is a useful technique for determining the relation of various parameters like Grain Fineness Number, Loss on Ignition, pH, % resin and temperature of sand with compressive strength of the FNB mould. Matlab version: R2015a version 8.3 software with ANN tool box can be used to gain output of relation. This paper deals with the representation of relationship of various parameters affecting on the compressive strength of FNB mould.
Thermal Stresses in the Wall Connections of Cast Grate Structures
Authors: Bajwoluk A. , Gutowski P.
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to establish a relationship between the type of wall connection used in the cast grates, which are part of the equipment operating in furnaces for heat treatment and thermal-chemical treatment, and stresses generated in these grates during the process of rapid cooling. The places where the grate walls are connected to each other are usually characterized by the thickness larger than the remaining parts of walls. Temperature variations in those places are responsible for the formation of hot spots, and in the hot spots temperature changes much more slowly. The type of wall connection shapes the temperature gradient in the joint cross-section, and hence also the value of thermal stresses generated during cooling. In this study, five different designs of the grates were compared; the difference in them was the type of the designed wall connection. The following design variants were adopted in the studies: X connections with and without holes, T connections with and without technological recesses, and R (ring) connection. Numerical analysis was performed to examine how the distribution of temperature changes in the initial phases of the cooling process. The obtained results served next as a tool in studies of the stress distribution in individual structures. The analysis were carried out by FEM in Midas NFX 2014 software. Based on the results obtained, the conclusions were drawn about the impact of different types of wall connections on the formation of thermal stresses in cast grates.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Gray Cast Iron Using Electrical Resistivity Measurement
Authors: Bieroński M. , Krasa O. , Koza M. , Ksiąźek D. , Kuś R.
Published: December 2016

In this paper an attempt to determine the relationship between the electrical resistivity and the tensile strength and hardness of cast iron of carbon equivalent in the range from 3.93% to 4.48%. Tests were performed on the gray cast iron for 12 different melts with different chemical composition. From one melt poured 6 samples. Based on the study of mechanical and electro-resistive determined variation characteristics of tensile strength, hardness and resistivity as a function of the carbon equivalent. Then, regression equations were developed as power functions describing the relationship between the resistivity of castings and their tensile strength and hardness. It was found a high level of regression equations to measuring points, particularly with regard to the relationship Rm=f(ρ). The obtained preliminary results indicate the possibility of application of the method of the resistance to rapid diagnostic casts on the production line, when we are dealing with repeatable production, in this case non variable geometry of the product for which it has been determinated before a regression equation.
Properties of Sinters Produced from Commercially Available Powder Mixtures
Authors: Borowiecka-Jamrozek J. , Lachowski J.
Published: December 2016

This paper discusses the mechanical properties of a material fabricated from commercially available metal powder mixtures designed for use as a metal matrix of diamond impregnated composites. The mixtures with the catalogue numbers CSA and CSA800 provided by a Chinese producer are suitable for experimental laboratory testing. The specimens were fabricated in a graphite mould using hot pressing. The material was tested for density, porosity, hardness, and tensile strength under static loading. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the microstructure and cleavage fracture of broken specimens. It was essential to determine how the chemical composition and the fabrication process affected the microstructure and properties of the material. The properties of the sinters were compared with those of hot pressed specimens fabricated from sub-micron size cobalt powder (Cobalt SMS). Although the as-consolidated material is inferior to cobalt, it displays a favourable combination of hardness, yield strength and ductility, and seems to have a great potential for moderate and general purpose applications.
The Althoff-Radtke Test Adapted for High Chromium Cast Iron
Authors: Kopyciński D. , Siekaniec D. , Szczęsny A. , Sokolnicki M. , Nowak A.
Published: December 2016

The paper presents results of the possibility of adapting the Althoff-Radtke test for High Chromium Cast Iron. The Althoff-Radtke test is a clump attempt used for steel. The Althoff-Radtke test has four different lengths of clamp which qualifies it as a test to quantitatively take into account different kinds of shrinkage ΔL. The length of the slot of the cracked corner and the length of each staple (50 - 350 mm) are the parameters tendency to cast cracks. Castings of white cast iron have a high tendency to hot cracking due to the large range of solidification temperatures, unfavorable kinetics parameters of shrinkage, and especially a lack of expansion before shrinkage. Shrinkage of high chromium white cast iron is similar to the shrinkage of cast steel, and is approximately 2%. Therefore it is important to test susceptibility to hot cracks. Research was carried out under industrial conditions. Four melts were performed, one of the initial chemical composition and the other three modified by different amounts of Fe-Ti, respectively, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% Fe-Ti. The propensity for hot cracking was based on the observation of the dark surface in the corner of the sample. The study shows that the Althoff-Radtke test can be adapted to determine the tendency for hot cracking of high chromium cast iron. It should however be noted that the test results cannot be compared with those for other alloys.
Kinetics of Gas Emission from Heated Moulding Sands Together with the On-line Assessment of H2 and O2 Fractions - New Investigation Method
Authors: Mocek J. , Zych J.
Published: December 2016

The new investigation method of the kinetics of the gas emission from moulding sands used for moulds and cores is presented in this paper. The gas evolution rate is presented not only as a function of heating time but also as a function of instantaneous temperatures. In relation to the time and heating temperature the oxygen and hydrogen contents in evolving gases was also measured. This method was developed in the Laboratory of Foundry Moulds Technology, Faculty of Foundry Engineering, AGH. Gas amounts which are emitted from the moulding sand at the given temperature recalculated to the time unit (kinetics) are obtained in investigations. Results of investigations of moulding sand with furan resin are presented - as an example - in the paper.
Dual Phase Lag Model of Melting Process in Domain of Metal Film Subjected to an External Heat Flux
Authors: Mochnacki B. , Ciesielski M.
Published: December 2016

Heating process in the domain of thin metal film subjected to a strong laser pulse are discussed. The mathematical model of the process considered is based on the dual-phase-lag equation (DPLE) which results from the generalized form of the Fourier law. This approach is, first of all, used in the case of micro-scale heat transfer problems (the extremely short duration, extreme temperature gradients and very small geometrical dimensions of the domain considered). The external heating (a laser action) is substituted by the introduction of internal heat source to the DPLE. To model the melting process in domain of pure metal (chromium) the approach basing on the artificial mushy zone introduction is used and the main goal of investigation is the verification of influence of the artificial mushy zone ‘width’ on the results of melting modeling. At the stage of numerical modeling the author’s version of the Control Volume Method is used. In the final part of the paper the examples of computations and conclusions are presented.
Methodology of Fault Diagnosis in Ductile Iron Melting Process
Authors: Perzyk M. , Kozlowski J.
Published: December 2016

Statistical Process Control (SPC) based on the Shewhart’s type control charts, is widely used in contemporary manufacturing industry, including many foundries. The main steps include process monitoring, detection the out-of-control signals, identification and removal of their causes. Finding the root causes of the process faults is often a difficult task and can be supported by various tools, including data-driven mathematical models. In the present paper a novel approach to statistical control of ductile iron melting process is proposed. It is aimed at development of methodologies suitable for effective finding the causes of the out-of-control signals in the process outputs, defined as ultimate tensile strength (Rm) and elongation (A5), based mainly on chemical composition of the alloy. The methodologies are tested and presented using several real foundry data sets. First, correlations between standard abnormal output patterns (i.e. out-of-control signals) and corresponding inputs patterns are found, basing on the detection of similar patterns and similar shapes of the run charts of the chemical elements contents. It was found that in a significant number of cases there was no clear indication of the correlation, which can be attributed either to the complex, simultaneous action of several chemical elements or to the causes related to other process variables, including melting, inoculation, spheroidization and pouring parameters as well as the human errors. A conception of the methodology based on simulation of the process using advanced input - output regression modelling is presented. The preliminary tests have showed that it can be a useful tool in the process control and is worth further development. The results obtained in the present study may not only be applied to the ductile iron process but they can be also utilized in statistical quality control of a wide range of different discrete processes.
Analysis of the Causes of Cracks in a Thick-Walled Bush Made of Die-Cast Aluminum Bronze
Authors: Pisarek B.P. , Kołakowski D. , Pacyniak T.
Published: December 2016

For the die casting conditions of aluminium bronzes assumed based on the literature data, a thick-walled bush was cast, made of complex aluminium bronze (Cu-Al-Fe-Ni-Cr). After the cast was removed from the mould, cracks were observed inside it. In order to identify the stage in the technological production process at which, potentially, the formation of stresses damaging the continuity of the microstructure created in the cast was possible (hot cracking and/or cold cracking), a computer simulation was performed. The article presents the results of the computer simulation of the process of casting the material into the gravity die as well as solidifying and cooling of the cast in the shape of a thick-walled bush. The simulation was performed with the use of the MAGMA5 program and by application of the CuAl10Ni5,5Fe4,5 alloy from the MAGMA5 program database. The results were compared with the location of the defects identified in the actual cast. As a result of the simulation of the die-casting process of this bush, potential regions were identified where significant principal stresses accumulate, which can cause local hot and cold cracking. Until now, no research has been made of die-cast aluminium bronzes with a Cr addition. Correlating the results of the computer simulation validated by the analysis of the actual cast made it possible to clearly determine the critical regions in the cast exposed to cracking and point to the causes of its occurrence. Proposals of changes in the bush die casting process were elaborated, in order to avoid hot tearing and cold cracking. The article discusses the results of preliminary tests being a prologue to the optimization of the die-casting process parameters of complex aluminium bronze thick-walled bushs.
Effect of Temperature on Chromite-Based Moulding Sands Bonded with Sodium Silicate
Authors: Stachowicz M. , Kamiński M. , Granat K. , Pałyga Ł.
Published: December 2016

In the paper, a research on effects of baking temperature on chromite sand base of moulding sands bonded with sodium silicate is presented. Pure chromite sand and its chromite-based moulding sand prepared with use of sodium silicate were subjected to heating within 100 to 1200 °C. After cooling-down, changes of base grains under thermal action were determined. Chromite moulding sand was prepared with use of 0.5 wt% of domestic made, unmodified sodium silicate (water-glass) grade 145. After baking at elevated temperatures, creation of rough layer was observed on grain surfaces, of both pure chromite sand and that used as base of a moulding sand. Changes of sand grains were evaluated by scanning microscopy and EDS analyses. It was found that changes on grain surfaces are of laminar nature. The observed layer is composed of iron oxide (II) that is one of main structural components of chromite sand. In order to identify changes in internal structure of chromite sand grains, polished sections were prepared of moulding sand hardened with microwaves and baked at elevated temperatures. Microscopic observations revealed changes in grains structure in form of characteristically crystallised acicular particles with limited magnesium content, intersecting at various angles. EDS analysis showed that these particles are composed mostly of chromium oxide (III) and iron oxide (II). The temperature above that the a.m. changes are observed in both chromite-based moulding sand and in pure chromite sand. The observed phenomena were linked with hardness values and mass of this sand.
XRD and EBSD Measurements of Directional Solidification Fe-C Eutectic Alloy
Authors: Trepczyńska-Łent M.
Published: December 2016

In a vacuum Bridgman-type furnace, under an argon atmosphere, directionally solidified sample of Fe - C alloy was produced. The pulling rate was v = 83 μm/s (300 mm/h) and constant temperature gradient G = 33,5 K/mm. The microstructure of the sample was examined on the longitudinal section using an Optical Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. The X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction technique (EBSD) have been used for the crystallographic analysis of carbide particles in carbide eutectic. The X-ray diffraction was made parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the goniometer. The EBSD shows the existence of iron carbide Fe3C with orthorhombic and hexagonal structure. Rapid solidification may cause a deformation of the lattice plane which is indicated by different values of the lattice parameters. Such deformation could also be the result of directional solidification. Not all of the peaks in X–ray diffractograms were identified. They may come from other iron carbides. These unrecognized peaks may also be a result of the residual impurity of alloy.
Effect of Casting Die Cooling on Solidification Process and Microstructure of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloy
Authors: Władysiak R. , Kozuń A. , Pacyniak T.
Published: December 2016

The work is a continuation of research concerning the influence of intensive cooling of permanent mold in order to increase the casting efficiency of aluminium alloys using the multipoint water mist cooling system. The paper presents results of investigation of crystallization process and microstructure of synthetic hypereutectic alloys: AlSi15 and AlSi19. Casts were made in permanent mold cooled with water mist stream. The study was conducted for unmodified silumins on the research station allowing the cooling of the special permanent probe using a program of computer control. Furthermore the study used a thermal imaging camera to analyze the solidification process of hypereutectic silumins. The study demonstrated that the use of mold cooled with water mist stream allows in wide range the formation of the microstructure of hypereutectic silumins. It leads to higher homogeneity of microstructure and refinement of crystallizing phases and also it increases subsequently the mechanical properties of casting.
Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys Produced by the Heated Mold Continuous Casting Process
Authors: Okayasu M. , Wu S. , Tanimoto T. , Takeuchi S.
Published: December 2016

Investigation of the tensile and fatigue properties of cast magnesium alloys, created by the heated mold continuous casting process (HMC), was conducted. The mechanical properties of the Mg-HMC alloys were overall higher than those for the Mg alloys, made by the conventional gravity casting process (GC), and especially excellent mechanical properties were obtained for the Mg97Y2Zn1-HMC alloy. This was because of the fine-grained structure composed of the α-Mg phases with the interdendritic LPSO phase. Such mechanical properties were similar levels to those for conventional cast aluminum alloy (Al84.7Si10.5Cu2.5Fe1.3Zn1 alloys: ADC12), made by the GC process. Moreover, the tensile properties (σUTS and εf) and fatigue properties of the Mg97Y2Zn1-HMC alloy were about 1.5 times higher than that for the commercial Mg90Al9Zn1-GC alloy (AZ91). The high correlation rate between tensile properties and fatigue strength (endurance limit: σl) was obtained. With newly proposed etching technique, the residual stress in the Mg97Y2Zn1 alloy could be revealed, and it appeared that the high internal stress was severely accumulated in and around the long-period stacking-order phases (LPSO). This was made during the solidification process due to the different shrinkage rate between α-Mg and LPSO. In this etching technique, micro-cracks were observed on the sample surface, and amount of micro-cracks (density) could be a parameter to determine the severity of the internal stress, i.e., a large amount to micro-cracks is caused by the high internal stress.
The Influence of Laser Surface Remelting on the Microstructure of EN AC-48000 Cast Alloy
Authors: Piątkowski J. , Grabowski A. , Czerepak M.
Published: December 2016

Paper present a thermal analysis of laser heating and remelting of EN AC-48000 (EN AC-AlSi12CuNiMg) cast alloy used mainly for casting pistons of internal combustion engines. Laser optics were arranged such that the impingement spot size on the material was a circular with beam radius rb changes from 7 to 1500 μm. The laser surface remelting was performed under argon flow. The resulting temperature distribution, cooling rate distribution, temperature gradients and the depth of remelting are related to the laser power density and scanning velocity. The formation of microstructure during solidification after laser surface remelting of tested alloy was explained. Laser treatment of alloy tests were perform by changing the three parameters: the power of the laser beam, radius and crystallization rate. The laser surface remelting needs the selection such selection of the parameters, which leads to a significant disintegration of the structure. This method is able to increase surface hardness, for example in layered castings used for pistons in automotive engines.
The Longevity of Crop Seeds Stored Under Long-term Condition in the National Gene Bank of Bulgaria
Authors: Desheva Gergana
Published: December 2016

Seed accessions from 7 plant families and 28 species stored for above 20 years in the National gene bank of Bulgaria were evaluated. All seed accessions were maintained as base collection under long-term storage conditions with low moisture contents (5±2%) in hermetically closed containers at −18°C. On the basis of experimental data, the seed storage characters σ (standard deviation of seed death in storage), P50% (the time for viability to fall to 50%) and P10% (the time for viability reduction of 10%) were determined allowing the prediction of seed storage life and the regeneration needs. The results showed significant differences in loss of seed viability among species and within the species. After 20–24 years of storage, eleven crops showed minimal viability decline under 5% as compared to the initial viability (oats, barley, maize, bread wheat, durum wheat, smooth brome grass, faba bean, chickpea, sunflower, cucumber and pepper). For the same storage time, another group of crops (sorghum, triticale, orchard grass, tall fescue, common vetch, grass pea, lentil, common bean, rapeseed, tobacco, flax, cabbage and tomatoes) presented 5–10% reduction of seed viability. More significant changes in seed viability – above 10% – were detected for peanuts, lettuce, soybean and rye. The σ values varied from 20.41 years (Arachis hypogaea L.) to 500 years (for Avena sativa L. and Triticum aestivum L). There was wide variation across species, both in time taken for the viability to fall to 50% and in time taken for the seed viability reduction of 10%. The study illustrates the positive effect of both seed storability early monitoring and prediction of regeneration needs as a tool for limiting undesired losses.
Increasing Antioxidant Content of Broccoli Sprouts Using Essential Oils During Cold Storage
Authors: El-Awady Aml A. , Saber Wesam I. A. , Abdel Hamid Nabil M. , Hassan Hanaa A.
Published: December 2016

Broccoli sprouts are natural functional foods for cancer prevention because of their high content of glucosinolate and antioxidant. Sprouts and mature broccoli are of potential importance in devising chemoprotective strategies in humans. The aim of the investigation was to study the effect of essential oils on broccoli seed germination, increase their antioxidant content and determine the glucosinolate concentration and other phytochemical parameters in 3-day-old sprouts during cold storage at 4°C and 95% RH for 15 days. The results showed that all treatments of essential oils increased germination index, seed germination percentage, seedling length, seedling vigour index, yield and the antioxidant content of broccoli sprout and reduced the microbial load compared to the control. Fortunately, the coliform bacteria was not detected in all treatments. Different essential oils of fennel, caraway, basil, thyme and sage were tested. The thyme oil was the best treatment, which increased the accumulation of the phenolic compounds and glucosinolate compared to the control at different storage periods. In the sprouts treated with thyme oil treatment and the control, at the end of cold storage, 1.98% and 28.06% of total phenolic content, 1.90% and 20.28% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, 1.39% and 58.33% of flavonoids, 1.93% and 36.25% of vitamin C, 2.95% and 22.02% of anthocyanin and 2.18% and 49.12% of glucosinolate were lost, respectively. A slight reduction differences in all detected compound concentrations occurred between the initial content and the end of storage period because of the application of thyme oil compared to the control. Therefore, the total glucosinolate level in the sprout (27.02 μg/g F.W.) was higher than that in the florets (7.37 μg/g F.W.). Glucoraphanin was the most abundant aliphatic glucosinolate present in the sprout and reached the highest value (16.24 μg/g F.W.) followed by glucoerucin (5.9 μg/g F.W.) and glucoiberm(1.2 μg/g F.W.).
Loudness Scaling Test Based on Categorical Perception
Authors: Kostek Bożena , Odya Piotr , Suchomski Piotr
Published: December 2016

The main goal of this research study is focused on creating a method for loudness scaling based on categorical perception. Its main features, such as: way of testing, calibration procedure for securing reliable results, employing natural test stimuli, etc., are described in the paper and assessed against a procedure that uses 1/2-octave bands of noise (LGOB) for the loudness growth estimation. The Mann-Whitney U-test is employed to check whether the proposed method is statistically equivalent to LGOB. It is shown that loudness functions obtained in both methods are similar in the statistical context. Moreover, the band-filtered musical instrument signals are experienced as more pleasant than the narrow-band noise stimuli and the proposed test is performed in a shorter time. The method proposed may be incorporated into fitting hearing strategies or used for checking individual loudness growth functions and adapting them to the comfort level settings while listening to music.
Numerical Analysis of Sensitivity of SAW Structure to the Effect of Toxic Gases
Authors: Hejczyk Tomasz , Pustelny Tadeusz , Wszołek Bartłomiej , Jakubik Wiesław , Maciak Erwin
Published: December 2016

The paper presents the results of numerical analysis of the SAW gas sensor in the steady and non-steady states. The effect of SAW velocity changes vs surface electrical conductivity of the sensing layer is predicted. The conductivity of the porous sensing layer above the piezoelectric waveguide depends on the profile of the diffused gas molecule concentration inside the layer. The Knudsen’s model of gas diffusion was used.

Numerical results for the effect of gas CH4on layers: WO3, TiO2, NiO, SnO2in the steady state and CH4in the non-steady state in recovery step in the WO3sensing layer have been shown. The main aim of the investigation was to study thin film interaction with target gases in the SAW sensor configuration based on simple reaction-diffusion equation.

The results of the numerical analysis allow to select the sensor design conditions, including the morphology of the sensor layer, its thickness, operating temperature, and layer type. The numerical results basing on the code elaborated numerical system (written in Python language), were analysed. The theoretical results were verified and confirmed experimentally.
Efficiency Increase of Wet Gas Cleaning from Dispersed Admixtures by the Application of Ultrasonic Fields
Authors: Khmelev Vladimir N. , Shalunov Andrey V. , Golykh Roman N. , Dorovskikh Roman S. , Nesterov Viktor A. , Khmelev Sergey S. , Shalunova Ksenija V.
Published: December 2016

The article presents the results of research aimed at increase of the efficiency of gas cleaning equipment based on the Venturi tube using high-intensity ultrasound. The model based on known laws of hydrodynamics of multiphase mediums of dust-extraction in Venturi scrubbers was proposed. Modification of this model taking into account ultrasonic field allows evaluating optimum modes (sound pressure level) and conditions (direction of ultrasonic field, square and number of ultrasonic sources) of ultrasonic influence. It is evaluated that optimum for efficient gas cleaning is the mode of ultrasonic action at the frequency of 22 kHz with sound pressure level of 145. . . 155 dB at the installation of two radiators with area of 0.14 m2, four radiators with area of 0.11 m2 or six radiators with area of 0.08 m2 at the angle of 45 degrees to the axis of Venturi tube. Numerical calculations showed that realization of ultrasonic action is the most efficient for the reduction (up to 15 times) of the content of fine-dispersed fraction (2 μm and less), which is impossible to extract without ultrasonic action. The received theoretical results were confirmed by industrial testing by typical dust-extraction plant and used as foundations of development of apparatuses with the radiators of various sizes.
Research and Medical Transcranial Doppler System
Authors: Lewandowski Marcin , Walczak Mateusz , Karwat Piotr , Witek Beata , Karłowicz Paweł
Published: December 2016

A new ultrasound digital transcranial Doppler system (digiTDS) is introduced. The digiTDS enables diagnosis of intracranial vessels which are rather difficult to penetrate for standard systems. The device can display a color map of flow velocities (in time-depth domain) and a spectrogram of a Doppler signal obtained at particular depth. The system offers a multigate processing which allows to display a number of spectrograms simultaneously and to reconstruct a flow velocity profile.

The digital signal processing in digiTDS is partitioned between hardware and software parts. The hardware part (based on FPGA) executes a signal demodulation and reduces data stream. The software part (PC) performs the Doppler processing and display tasks. The hardware-software partitioning allowed to build a flexible Doppler platform at a relatively low cost.

The digiTDS design fulfills all necessary medical standards being a new useful tool in the transcranial field as well as in heart velocimetry research.
Ultrasonic Measurement of Temperature Rise in Breast Cyst and in Neighbouring Tissues as a Method of Tissue Differentiation
Authors: Gambin Barbara , Byra Michał , Kruglenko Eleonora , Doubrovina Olga , Nowicki Andrzej
Published: December 2016

Texture of ultrasound images contain information about the properties of examined tissues. The analysis of statistical properties of backscattered ultrasonic echoes has been recently successfully applied to differentiate healthy breast tissue from the benign and malignant lesions. We propose a novel procedure of tissue characterization based on acquiring backscattered echoes from the heated breast. We have proved that the temperature increase inside the breast modifies the intensity, spectrum of the backscattered signals and the probability density function of envelope samples. We discuss the differences in probability density functions in two types of tissue regions, e.g. cysts and the surrounding glandular tissue regions. Independently, Pennes bioheat equation in heterogeneous breast tissue was used to describe the heating process. We applied the finite element method to solve this equation. Results have been compared with the ultrasonic predictions of the temperature distribution. The results confirm the possibility of distinguishing the differences in thermal and acoustical properties of breast cyst and surrounding glandular tissues.
Optimal Estimation of a Subset of Integers with Application to GNSS
Authors: Brack A.
Published: December 2016

The problem of integer or mixed integer/real valued parameter estimation in linear models is considered. It is a well-known result that for zero-mean additive Gaussian measurement noise the integer least-squares estimator is optimal in the sense of maximizing the probability of correctly estimating the full vector of integer parameters. In applications such as global navigation satellite system ambiguity resolution, it can be beneficial to resolve only a subset of all integer parameters. We derive the estimator that leads to the highest possible success rate for a given integer subset and compare its performance to suboptimal integer mappings via numerical studies. Implementation aspects of the optimal estimator as well as subset selection criteria are discussed.
Study the Space Debris Impact in the Early Stages of the Nano-Satellite Design
Authors: Mahdi Mohammed Chessab
Published: December 2016

The probability of KufaSat collisions with different sizes of orbital debris and with other satellites which operating in the same orbit during orbital lifetime was determined. Apogee/Perigee Altitude History was used to graph apogee and perigee altitudes over KufaSat lifetime. The required change in velocity for maneuvers necessary to reentry atmospheric within 25 years was calculated. The prediction of orbital lifetime of KufaSat using orbital parameters and engineering specifications as inputs to the Debris Assessment Software (DAS) was done, it has been verified that the orbital lifetime will not be more than 25 years after end of mission which is compatible with recommendation of Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC).
Biomonitoring of coastal marine waters subject to anthropogenic use: development and application of the biosensor Mosselmonitor®
Authors: Barile Nadia B. , Scopa Mariaspina , Recchi Sara , Nerone Eliana
Published: December 2016

The overall objective of this study was to develop a biological early warning system (Mosselmonitor®) on offshore platform to detect critical environmental situations. The experiment was conducted on oil off-shore platform called Rospo Mare B. This structure is located in the area in front of Molise coast line (Italy, Adriatic Sea), characterized by a depth of about 77 m and a bathymetry between 65 and 80 m. The Mosselmonitor® works with eight mussels connected via specific sensors to PC for recording opening values of valves. A probe was installed inside the instrument to daily control of water pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature. Water samples are weekly analyzed for heavy metals, organochlorine pesticide and suspended matter. During the entire observation period, closure alarms were predominantly detected (99.9%) and a decrease of 65% in alarms maximum duration was recorded from the fifth week. During the first month, none changes in water physico-chemical parameters were observed so that affect the bivalves behavior. The only chemical parameter steadily detected in water was copper; its average concentrations were of 10 ppb. Detected alarms were not comparable to those recorded in the first month: this observation could be explained considering that mussels will be adapted to copper constant presence.
Influence of Kind of Weft Yarn on Properties of the Seersucker Woven Fabrics
Authors: Matusiak Małgorzata , Frącczak Łukasz
Published: December 2016

Seersucker woven fabrics create a unique 3D woven structure. Such 3D structure is usually received on loom by an application of two warps of different tension. However, a kind of the weft yarn also significantly influences the structure and properties of the seersucker woven fabric. The paper presents an investigation of the seersucker fabrics made of the same set of warps and different weft yarns. The mechanical properties of the investigated fabrics were measured by means of the standardized testing methods. The structure of the fabric was assessed using the 3D laser scanning.
Nonstandard Constructional Solutions in Contemporary Clothing Design
Authors: Owczarek Magdalena , Nawrot Andrzej , Łukawska Małgorzata , Wereszka Aleksandra , Grzejszczak Łukasz , Mastalerz Piotr
Published: December 2016

The paper presents the influence of the design process on making the nonstandard patterns—constructional solutions in contemporary clothing design. A few examples of design processes have been presented, differing because of the source of inspiration and individuality of the designer in his or her strive to create original clothing forms. The influence of various factors connected with the development of new constructional solutions in clothing (including social, ideological, resulting from fashion trends, and the impact of the environment) has also been presented.
Fabric Selection for the Reference Clothing Destined for Ergonomics Test of Protective Clothing: Physiological Comfort Point of View
Authors: Bartkowiak Grażyna , Frydrych Iwona , Greszta Agnieszka
Published: December 2016

The currently used methods of ergonomic assessment of protective clothing depend on the subjective feeling of research participants and don’t take into consideration all aspects of its use. Therefore, more amount of work is undertaken toward the development of new research tools for the ergonomic assessment of protective clothing. Research was carried out at the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute in Lodz. A new methodology will take into consideration a variant of reference clothing, which is related to the results of ergonomics research of protective clothing. Preparation of the reference clothing initiated by picking the appropriate fabric is based on the results of parameters influencing the physiological comfort and sensorial comfort. In the current part, results of different fabric parameters are presented, which are related to physiological comfort, i.e., the thermal resistance, water vapor resistance, hygroscopicity, and air permeability. In the next part of research, we will focus on the parameters related to objective sensorial feelings, i.e., total hand value and its components. Seven fabrics, including six cotton/polyester fabrics, diverse in terms of constituent fiber content and structure parameters (weave, thread density per 1 dm, thread linear density, mass per square meter, thickness), and Tencel/polyester fabric were tested. The best in terms of thermal resistance, water vapor resistance, and air permeability was the cotton/polyester fabric (35% cotton/65% PES) with the smallest mass per square meter. This fabric also exhibits the high hygroscopicity of 7.5%, which puts it into the fourth position.
How Lobbying Affects Representation: Results for Majority-Elected Politicians
Authors: Stadelmann David , Portmann Marco , Eichenberger Reiner
Published: December 2016

While most observers feel that interest groups influence parliamentary decisions, direct evidence on this topic is scarce. Matching parliamentary votes with referendum results helps to bridge this gap. Existing research for politicians of the Swiss Lower House of Parliament suggests that the number of sectional and cause interest groups affect the quality of political representation. We extend this analysis to majority-elected politicians of the Upper House and by more than 50 referendum decisions for the Lower House. Our results show that the pure number of sectional or cause groups does not affect defection of politicians from their constituents which suggests that the generalizability of the results may be limited.
Scientific basis and rules of thumb in civil engineering: conflict or harmony?
Authors: Czarnecki L. , Van Gemert D.
Published: December 2016

Science and engineering intermingle in the area of construction. Engineering works, often of great dimensions and design life cycle of many decades, have to be designed on a scientific basis since the safety of hundreds of users depends on their design. The task of scientific institutions is to define the construction performance within categories that correspond to the contemporary level of knowledge and technology. A construction appraiser who speaks out in a way that ensures unquestionable competence about the performance of elements and buildings (existing and under construction), should be convinced of the scientific basis of his opinions. A comparison of construction sections vs. basic requirements presents an archetype of the science of construction. A matrix of the science of construction reveals its multi-faceted nature; if related to time – the issue of durability has to be considered, and if related to the scale – the complexity. Defining the construction performance in terms of technical features is a constant search for a relationship between the material model and the usability model of a building. The construction industry uses a lot of “rules of thumb”, more than any other sector of technology. In the era of computer-aided design, CAD, and building information modelling (BIM), those rules of thumb remain invaluable verification tools.
Energy-related conditions and envelope properties for sustainable buildings
Authors: Geryło R.
Published: December 2016

The assessment methodology for the sustainability of buildings is based on the analysis of environmental, social and economic performance. The main purpose of the paper is the presentation of energy-related conditions and envelope properties as well as methodology aspects. The first part of the paper presents the literature review on sustainability and zero-energy buildings. The second part is devoted to describe different energy indicators for the evaluation of primary energy requirements and energy characteristic. The last section describes the general methodology for characterization of energetic properties of the building envelope and gives examples from literature of the effect of applications in a building’s envelope an aerogel based thermal insulation for higher thermal transmittance and a PCM for higher latent heat capacity with general description of results obtained by other authors. The crucial measure is the use of high thermal performance components for the building’s envelopes combined with the heat storage potential. In the context of sustainability, energy related conditions constitute a new set of indicators for identifying the usefulness and the efficiency of new technologies.
Combustability of building products versus fire safety
Authors: Fangrat J.
Published: December 2016

The combustion process is described and analysed based on the experimental results in the context of building fire safety. Data are obtained by means of five standard methods: ISO 5657 ignitability test, ISO 5657 cone calorimeter, ISO 9705 room corner test, EN ISO 1716 small calorimeter, and EN ISO 1182 small furnace. Various categories of building products were tested: cellulose based products (particle boards, plywoods), solid wood, floor coverings, concrete, ceramics, insulations (thermal and/or acoustic), boards (wall/ceiling), mortars, adhesives, and thin coatings. The studied products exhibited very different fire properties from non-combustible to easily combustible. In order to more effectively differentiate non-combustibles and combustibles within building products, the modified heat of combustion was calculated using all test results according to EN ISO 1716 and EN ISO 1182. The revision of criteria for Euro class A1 and A2 is proposed to obtain more realistic reaction-to-fire evaluation. In conclusion, it is advised to use single limit for heat of combustion for A1 and A2 Euro class. The proposed approach for modified heat of combustion is a convenient tool for the fast and cost-effective initial test method for non-combustibility evaluation and seems to be the proper method for distinguishing between non-combustibles and combustibles within building products. It is a better reflection of the real physical process of combustion than the current one. The third A1 criterion is questionable, regarding time to auto-ignition in EN ISO 1182 cylindrical furnace. The measurement for gross heat of combustion by EN ISO 1716 method is proposed for all Euro classes of building products with different limit values.