bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking CSR to Strategy: A Practical View
Authors: Swiatkiewicz Olgierd
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this paper is to present a basic compendium of how companies can integrate social responsibility into their strategies. The paper analyzes and synthesizes ideas and proposals based on the literature review from different fields. It proposes a practical approach that does not highlight the differences but the positive and mutual synergy of social responsibility with firm’s strategy. There are many practical proposals in the literature and a lot of successful examples from business practice that show how organizations can or have made the implementation of social responsibility into their strategy to work efficiently, but their strategic, social, and environmental importance differs and is limited by many factors. The paper presents different means of connecting social responsibility with organizational strategy to make it work, which can be useful for practitioners, students, and wider public. The paper adds the praxiological or practical perspective to deal with a small but persisting organizational problem and a great social expectation, how to link efficiently social responsibility with organizational strategy into one coherent stream of purposes.
Variability of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) cones – variability structure of scale surface area
Authors: Aniszewska Monika , Gendek Arkadiusz , Śliwińska Joanna
Published: November 2017

This study was conducted on a batch of closed silver fir cones from Jawor Forest District and a mixture of scales from the seed extraction facility Grotniki. The scales were divided into three size classes corresponding to the bottom, middle and upper part of the cones and their area was measured with the Multi Scan Base v.18.03 software. Based on the sum of the inner and outer surface area of all scales, we then determined the total area of evaporation from the cones. In addition, the area of protruding scales was measured for differently sized scales from different parts of the cones. Previous studies have shown that the average outer surface of a closed cone, calculated as the sum of protruding scales, accounts for 10% of the outer surface of an open cone. Pictures of both scale surfaces with the internal seed bed and the external protrusions were taken using a scanning electron microscope. We noticed significant differences in dimension and shape of the channels and trichomes on the scale surface. On the inner side of the scales, we found a high diversity of trichomes of different lengths, whilst the outer side contained channels. Presumably, these characteristics affect the rate of water loss from the cones during desiccation and separation of the seed. In-depth knowledge on the evaporative surfaces of fir cones and scale structure will be helpful for optimizing the industrial processes of seed extraction.
Is it possible and necessary to control European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) outbreak in the Białowieża Forest?
Authors: Hilszczański Jacek , Starzyk Jerzy R.
Published: November 2017

In response to the information published in ‘Forest Research Papers’ (vol. 77(4), 2016), regarding the problem of the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in the Białowieża Forest, we present our viewpoint on this issue. The role of the European spruce bark beetle in the Białowieża Forest is discussed based on the experience gained in Europe’s forests. We present the effects of I. typographus outbreaks on forest biodiversity as well as outbreak mitigation in the context of the processes taking place in semi-natural forests.
SOME SOLUTIONS TO RESPOND CLIMATE CHANGE FOR THE MEKONG DELTA, VIET NAM
Authors: Chi Nguyen Thuy Lan , Dao Phan , Kyncl Microslav
Published: November 2017

In the recent decades, the Mekong River Delta has suffered quite significant impacts of climate change. Fluctuations of weather elements and sea level rises have caused adverse changes, namely: the appearance of unusual high and low levels of annual floods, more and more intense storms, more severe droughts, forest fires, river erosion, cyclones, and tidal surges appear increasingly more dangerous. Traditional adaptation measures to the environmental conditions may be unsuitable in the context of climate change in the Mekong River Delta. This paper summarizes some of the new adaptation measures that scientists and policy planners have proposed for the area to cope with the negative impacts of climate change.
Novel 2H-1,3-benzoxazine ring formation by intramolecular heterocyclization of N-(α-aryloxyalkyl)imidoyl chlorides
Authors: Onys’ko Petro P. , Zamulko Kateryna A. , Kyselyova Olena I. , Syzonenko Yaroslav A.
Published: November 2017

A convenient synthetic approach to derivatives of 2-trichloromethyl and 2-dichlorometylene-2H-1,3-benzoxazines, based on intramolecular heterocyclization of readily accessible N-(α-aryloxytrichloroethyl)imidoyl chlorides, was developed. Base induced dehydrochlorination of 4-phenyl- or 4-trifluoromethyl-2-trichloromethylbenzoxazines allows preparation of 2-dichloromethylene-1,3-benzoxazines, whereas dehydrochlorination of 4-fluoromethyl analogs under similar conditions is accompanied by formal 1,5-H-shift to afford respective 2-dichloromethyl-4-fluoromethylene-1,3-benzoxazines.
Characterization of high-molar-mass fractions in a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) knotwood ethanol extract
Authors: Smeds Annika I. , Eklund Patrik C. , Willför Stefan M.
Published: November 2017

The identification of compounds in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) knotwood (KnW), obtained by extracting with hydrophilic organic solvents, has been performed previously almost exclusively by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS) equipped with long GC columns (≥25 m). That means that the molar mass (MM) of the majority of the identified compounds was below 500–600 Da, and the analytical data accounted for only about half of the dry extract weight. In the present work, high-molar-mass (HMM) fractions in a Scots pine KnW-EtOH extract were isolated and chemically characterized by means of several advanced analytical techniques, such as high performance size-exclusion chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPSEC-ELSD), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization-ion trap-mass spectrometry [(HPLC)ESI-IT-MS], ESI-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (THM-GC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and GC-MS. The results indicate that the MM maxima of the HMM fractions ranged from approximately 500 to 2200 Da, and that the compounds consist mainly of oligomers of hydroxylated resin acids (RAs), especially dehydroabietic acid, but also of fatty acids (FAs), stilbenes and sterols. A large number of RA dimers were tentatively identified in the HMM fractions. However, it remains unknown how the monomer units are linked together, as it was not possible to isolate a RA dimer fraction pure enough for NMR characterization. RA dimers in native KnW have not been identified previously.
Tumor-linked HER2 expression: association with obesity and lipid-related microenvironment
Authors: Ray Amitabha
Published: November 2017

Obesity is associated with the risk of several health disorders including certain cancers. Among obesity-related cancers, postmenopausal breast carcinoma is a well-studied one. Apart from an increase in certain types of lipids in obesity, excess adipose tissue releases many hormone-like cytokines/adipokines, which are usually pro-inflammatory in nature. Leptin is one of such adipokines and significantly linked with the intracellular signaling pathways of other growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In general, HER2 is overexpressed in roughly 30% of breast carcinomas; its presence indicates aggressive tumor behavior. Conversely, HER2 has certain effects in normal conditions such as differentiation of preadipocytes, cardiovascular health and vitamin D metabolism. HER2 has no known endogenous ligand, but it may form dimers with other three members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family and can activate downstream signaling pathways. Furthermore, HER2 is intimately connected with several enzymes, e.g. fatty acid synthase (FASN), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), all of which play significant regulatory roles in lipogenic pathways or lipid metabolism. In obesity-related carcinogenesis, characteristics like insulin resistance and elevated IGF-1 are commonly observed. Both IGF-1 and leptin can modulate EGFR and HER2 signaling pathways. Although clinical studies have shown mixed results, the behavior of HER2+ tumor cells including HER2 levels can be altered by several factors such as obesity, leptin and fatty acids. A precise knowledge is useful in new therapeutic approaches against HER+ tumors.
Self-appropriation vs. self-constitution: Social philosophical reflections on the self-relation
Authors: Mertel Kurt C. M.
Published: November 2017

It is widely held that reflexivity is the defining feature of selfhood: the ability of the self to stand in a certain relation to itself. The question of how exactly to theorize this self-relation, however, has been the source of ongoing debate. In recent years, Kantian and post-Kantian approaches such as Christine Korsgaard’s constitutivism and Richard Moran’s commitment view, have attempted to establish the priority of the agential over the epistemic self-relation, thereby re-orientating the debate away from metaphysics and epistemology towards ethics and moral psychology. Despite the important progress they make towards a de-alienated and reified understanding of the self-relation, however, I argue that the Kantian paradigm is ultimately inadequate because its methodological individualism makes it incapable of accounting for the irreducibly social dimension of the self-relation and, therefore, of successfully making the transition from ethics to social and political philosophy. In other words, an adequate ontology of the self-relation is possible only as a social ontology. In order to motivate this thesis, I appeal to two examples that expose the “social deficit” of the Kantian approach: Frantz Fanon’s phenomenology of race/racism in “The Lived Experience of the Black” and the phenomenon of cultural collapse in Jonathan Lear’sRadical Hope. I then go on to provide a sketch of an alternative approach based on the notion of “self-appropriation”, distinguishing it from Rahel Jaeggi’s use of the term in her recent critique of alienation, in the process.
Multi-objective Design Method for Hybrid Active Power Filter
Authors: Yu Jingrong , Deng Limin , Liu Maoyun , Qiu Zhifeng
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a multi-objective optimal design for transformerless hybrid active power filter (HAPF) is proposed. The interactions between the active and passive circuits is analyzed, and by taking the interactions into consideration, a three-dimensional objective problem comprising of performance, efficiency and cost of HAPF system is formulated. To deal with the multiple constraints and the strong coupling characteristics of the optimization model, a novel constraint processing mechanism based on distance measurement and adaptive penalty function is presented. In order to improve the diversity of optimal solution and the local searching ability of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, a chaotic mutation operator based on multistage neighborhood is proposed. The simulation results show that the optimums near the ordinate origin of the three-dimension space make better tradeoff among the performance, efficiency and cost of HAPF, and the experimental results of transformerless HAPF verify the effectiveness of the method for multi-objective optimization and design.
Stimulatory effect of indole-3-acetic acid and continuous illumination on the growth of Parachlorella kessleri
Authors: Magierek Edyta , Krzemińska Izabela , Tys Jerzy
Published: November 2017

The effects of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid and various conditions of illumination on the growth of Parachlorella kessleri were investigated. Two variants of illumination: continuous and photoperiod 16/8 h (light/dark) and two concentrations of the phytohormone – 10−4 M and 10−5 M of indole-3-acetic acid were used in the experiment. The results of this study show that the addition of the higher concentration of indole-3-acetic acid stimulated the growth of P. kessleri more efficiently than the addition of the lower concentration of indole-3-acetic acid. This dependence can be observed in both variants of illumination. Increased biomass productivity was observed in the photo-period conditions. Both the addition of the phytohormone and the conditions of the illumination had an impact on the number of P. kessleri cells. An increased number of cells was observed under the conditions of continuous illumination. This result has shown that the continuous illumination and the higher concentration of the phytohormone stimulated the growth of P. kessleri more effectively than the shorter duration of light (16/8 h (light/dark)).
Imbibition of wheat seeds: Application of image analysis
Authors: Lev Jakub , Blahovec Jiří
Published: November 2017

Image analysis is widely used for monitoring seeds during germination, and it is often the final phase of germination that is subjected to the greatest attention. However, the initial phase of germination (the so-called imbibition) also exhibits interesting behaviour. This work shows that image analysis has significant potential in the imbibition. Herein, a total of 120 seeds were analysed during germination tests, and information about seed size and shape was stored and analysed. It was found that the imbibition can be divided into two newly defined parts. The first one (‘abrupt imbibition’) consists mainly of the swelling of the seed embryo part and lasts approximately one hour. The second one, referred to as ‘main imbibition’, consists mainly of spatial expansion caused by imbibition in the other parts of the seed. The results presented are supported by the development of seed cross area and shape parameters, and by direct observation.
Algorithms for detecting cherry pits on the basis of transmittance mode hyperspectral data
Authors: Siedliska Anna , Zubik Monika , Baranowski Piotr , Mazurek Wojciech
Published: November 2017

The suitability of the hyperspectral transmittance imaging technique was assessed in terms of detecting the internal intrusions (pits and their fragments) in cherries. Herein, hyperspectral transmission images were acquired in the visible and near-infrared range (450-1000 nm) from pitted and intact cherries of three popular cultivars: ‘Łutówka’, ‘Pandy 103’, and ‘Groniasta’, differing by soluble solid content. The hyperspectral transmittance data of fresh cherries were used to determine the influence of differing soluble solid content in fruit tissues on pit detection effectiveness. Models for predicting the soluble solid content of cherries were also developed. The principal component analysis and the second derivative pre-treatment of the hyperspectral data were used to construct the supervised classification models. In this study, five classifiers were tested for pit detection. From all the classifiers studied, the best prediction accuracies for the whole pit or pit fragment detection were obtained via the backpropagation neural networks model (87.6% of correctly classified instances for the training/test set and 81.4% for the validation set). The accuracy of distinguishing between drilled and intact cherries was close to 96%. These results showed that the hyperspectral transmittance imaging technique is feasible and useful for the non-destructive detection of pits in cherries.
Effect of starch binder on charcoal briquette properties
Authors: Borowski Gabriel , Stępniewski Witold , Wójcik-Oliveira Katarzyna
Published: November 2017

The paper shows the results of a study on the effect of starch binder on the mechanical, physical and burning properties of charcoal briquettes. Two types of binders were repeatedly used to make briquettes of native wheat starch and modified wheat starch, at 8% of the whole. Briquetting was performed in a roller press unit, and pillow-shaped briquettes were made. The moisture of the mixed material ranged from 28 to 32%. The product, whether the former or the latter, was characterized by very good mechanical properties and satisfactory physical properties. Moreover, the type of starch binder had no effect on toughness, calorific heating value, volatiles, fixed carbon content and ash content. However, the combustion test showed quite different burning properties. As briquettes should have short firing up time and lower smokiness, as well as high maximum temperature and long burning time, we have concluded that briquettes with native wheat starch as a binder are more appropriate for burning in the grill.
Calibration of ultrasonic power output in water, ethanol and sodium polytungstate
Authors: Mentler Axel , Schomakers Jasmin , Kloss Stefanie , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Schuller Reinhard , Mayer Herwig
Published: November 2017

Ultrasonic power is the main variable that forms the basis for many soil disaggregation experiments. Thus, a procedure for the rapid determination of this variable has been developed and is described in this article. Calorimetric experiments serve to measure specific heat capacity and ultrasonic power. Ultrasonic power is determined experimentally for deionised water, 30% ethanol and sodium polytungstate with a density of 1.6 g cm−3 and 1.8 g cm−3. All experiments are performed with a pre-selected ultrasonic probe vibration amplitude. Under these conditions, it was found that the emitted ultrasonic power was comparable in the four fluids. It is suggested, however, to perform calibration experiments prior to dispersion experiments, since the used fluid, as well as the employed ultrasonic equipment, may influence the power output.
Impact of chlortetracycline and sulfapyridine antibiotics on soil enzyme activities
Authors: Molaei Ali , Lakzian Amir , Datta Rahul , Haghnia Gholamhosain , Astaraei Alireza , Rasouli-Sadaghiani MirHassan , Ceccherini Maria T.
Published: November 2017

Pharmaceutical antibiotics are frequently used in the livestock and poultry industries to control infectious diseases. Due to the lack of proper guidance for use, the majority of administrated antibiotics and their metabolites are excreted to the soil environment through urine and feces. In the present study, we used chlortetracycline and sulfapyridine antibiotics to screen out their effects on dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and urease activity. Factorial experiments were conducted with different concentrations of antibiotic (0, 10, 25 and 100 mg kg−1 of soil) mixed with soil samples, and the enzyme activity was measured at intervals of 1, 4 and 21 days. The results show that the chlortetracycline and sulfapyridine antibiotics negatively affect the dehydrogenase activity, but the effect of sulfapyridine decreases with time of incubation. Indeed, sulfapyridine antibiotic significantly affect the alkaline phosphatase activity for the entire three-time interval, while chlortetracycline seems to inhibit its activity within 1 and 4 days of incubation. The effects of chlortetracycline and sulfapyridine antibiotics on urease activity appear similar, as they both significantly affect the urease activity on day 1 of incubation. The present study concludes that chlortetracycline and sulfapyridine antibiotics have harmful effects on soil microbes, with the extent of effects varying with the duration of incubation and the type of antibiotics used.
Biomass valorisation of Arundo donax L., Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita for biofuel production
Authors: Krička Tajana , Matin Ana , Bilandžija Nikola , Jurišić Vanja , Antonović Alan , Voća Neven , Grubor Mateja
Published: November 2017

In the context of the growing demand for biomass, which is being encouraged by the EU directives on the promotion of the use of renewable energy, recent investigations have been increasingly focused on fast-growing energy crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the energy properties of three types of agricultural energy crops: Arundo donax L., Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita. This investigation looked into the content of non-combustible and combustible matter, higher and lower heating values, lignocellulose content, and biomass macro-elements. The results indicate that the energy values of these crops are comparable, while their lignocellulose content shows significant variations. Thus, Arundo donax L. can best be utilised as solid biofuel due to its highest lignin content, while Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita L. can be used for both liquid and solid biofuels production. As far as Arundo donax L. is concerned, a higher ash level should be taken into consideration.
Observations of a Medieval Quantitative Historian?
Authors: Romanov Maxim
Published: November 2017

A comparison of the results of the computational analysis of the
Nonlinear Convergence Algorithm: Structural Properties with Doubly Stochastic Quadratic Operators for Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Abdulghafor Rawad , Turaev Sherzod , Zeki Akram , Abubaker Adamu
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes nonlinear operator of extreme doubly stochastic quadratic operator (EDSQO) for convergence algorithm aimed at solving consensus problem (CP) of discrete-time for multi-agent systems (MAS) on n-dimensional simplex. The first part undertakes systematic review of consensus problems. Convergence was generated via extreme doubly stochastic quadratic operators (EDSQOs) in the other part. However, this work was able to formulate convergence algorithms from doubly stochastic matrices, majorization theory, graph theory and stochastic analysis. We develop two algorithms: 1) the nonlinear algorithm of extreme doubly stochastic quadratic operator (NLAEDSQO) to generate all the convergent EDSQOs and 2) the nonlinear convergence algorithm (NLCA) of EDSQOs to investigate the optimal consensus for MAS. Experimental evaluation on convergent of EDSQOs yielded an optimal consensus for MAS. Comparative analysis with the convergence of EDSQOs and DeGroot model were carried out. The comparison was based on the complexity of operators, number of iterations to converge and the time required for convergences. This research proposed algorithm on convergence which is faster than the DeGroot linear model.
n-Valued Refined Neutrosophic Soft Sets and their Applications in Decision Making Problems and Medical Diagnosis
Authors: Alkhazaleh Shawkat , Hazaymeh Ayman A.
Published: November 2017

In this work we use the concept of a ‘n’-valued refined neutrosophic soft sets and its properties to solve decision making problems, Also a similarity measure between two ‘n’-valued refined neutrosophic soft sets are proposed. A medical diagnosis (MD) method is established for ‘n’-valued refined neutrosophic soft set setting using similarity measures. Lastly a numerical example is given to demonstrate the possible application of similarity measures in medical diagnosis (MD).
An ARMA Type Pi-Sigma Artificial Neural Network for Nonlinear Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Akdeniz Esra , Egrioglu Erol , Bas Eren , Yolcu Ufuk
Published: November 2017

Real-life time series have complex and non-linear structures. Artificial Neural Networks have been frequently used in the literature to analyze non-linear time series. High order artificial neural networks, in view of other artificial neural network types, are more adaptable to the data because of their expandable model order. In this paper, a new recurrent architecture for Pi-Sigma artificial neural networks is proposed. A learning algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is also used as a tool for the training of the proposed neural network. The proposed new high order artificial neural network is applied to three real life time series data and also a simulation study is performed for Istanbul Stock Exchange data set.
Learning Structures of Conceptual Models from Observed Dynamics Using Evolutionary Echo State Networks
Authors: Abdelbari Hassan , Shafi Kamran
Published: November 2017

Conceptual or explanatory models are a key element in the process of complex system modelling. They not only provide an intuitive way for modellers to comprehend and scope the complex phenomena under investigation through an abstract representation but also pave the way for the later development of detailed and higher-resolution simulation models. An evolutionary echo state network-based method for supporting the development of such models, which can help to expedite the generation of alternative models for explaining the underlying phenomena and potentially reduce the manual effort required, is proposed. It relies on a customised echo state neural network for learning sparse conceptual model representations from the observed data. In this paper, three evolutionary algorithms, a genetic algorithm, differential evolution and particle swarm optimisation are applied to optimize the network design in order to improve model learning. The proposed methodology is tested on four examples of problems that represent complex system models in the economic, ecological and physical domains. The empirical analysis shows that the proposed technique can learn models which are both sparse and effective for generating the output that matches the observed behaviour.
Original Research. Diagnosis of the Aortic Coarctation in the Neonatal Period — a Critical Condition in the Emergency Room
Authors: Rusu Simina-Elena , Toma Daniela , Blesneac Cristina , Matei Laura , Ghiragosian Claudiu , Togănel Rodica
Published: November 2017

Background: Critical coarctation of the aorta is the most common congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent systemic circulation. In severe forms, this disease represents a critical condition, which can become life-threatening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of different echocardiographic parameters in the prediction of aortic coarctation in newborns. Material and method: This is a retrospective study performed by reviewing echocardiographic images of both pre-term and full-term newborns presented with aortic coarctation to the emergency room of a clinic of pediatric cardiology. Based on echocardiographic measurements, both the common carotid artery-subclavian artery index (CSAi) and the aortic isthmus-descending aorta index (I/D) were calculated. Results: Fifty-two newborns presented in acute settings with aortic coarctation and were included in the study, divided into: subgroup 1 (n = 26) - ductal-dependent aortic coarctation; subgroup 2 (n = 2) - non-ductaldependent aortic coarctation; and subgroup 3 (n = 24) - unconfirmed aortic coarctation. ROC analysis identified a cutoff value of 1.37 for the CSAi index and a cutoff value of 0.46 for the I/D index as being associated with the highest predictive power for the diagnosis of aortic coarctation. Conclusions: The CSAi and I/D indices are simple and accessible echocardiographic parameters that can provide supplemental information for the pediatric cardiologist in acute cases of newborns with suspicion of aortic coarctation. These new indices can contribute to the decision-making process in case of pre-term and full-term newborns with suspicion of coarctation of the aorta, independent of the presence of persistent ductus arteriosus.
Detecting Confounding in Multivariate Linear Models via Spectral Analysis
Authors: Janzing Dominik , Schölkopf Bernhard
Published: November 2017

We study a model where one target variableY$Y$is correlated with a vectorX:=(X1,…,Xd)$\textbf{X}:=(X_1,\dots,X_d)$of predictor variables being potential causes ofY$Y$. We describe a method that infers to what extent the statistical dependences betweenX$\textbf{X}$andY$Y$are due to the influence ofX$\textbf{X}$onY$Y$and to what extent due to a hidden common cause (confounder) ofX$\textbf{X}$andY$Y$. The method relies on concentration of measure results for large dimensionsd$d$and an independence assumption stating that, in the absence of confounding, the vector of regression coefficients describing the influence of eachX$\textbf{X}$onY$Y$typically has ‘generic orientation’ relative to the eigenspaces of the covariance matrix ofX$\textbf{X}$. For the special case of a scalar confounder we show that confounding typically spoils this generic orientation in a characteristic way that can be used to quantitatively estimate the amount of confounding (subject to our idealized model assumptions).
Interfacial characteristics of hybrid nanocomposite under thermomechanical loading
Authors: Choyal Vijay , Kundalwal Shailesh I.
Published: November 2017

In this work, an improved shear lag model was developed to investigate the interfacial characteristics of three-phase hybrid nanocomposite which is reinforced with microscale fibers augmented with carbon nanotubes on their circumferential surfaces. The shear lag model accounts for (i) radial and axial deformations of different transversely isotropic constituents, (ii) thermomechanical loads on the representative volume element (RVE), and (iii) staggering effect of adjacent RVEs. The results from the current newly developed shear lag model are validated with the finite element simulations and found to be in good agreement. This study reveals that the reduction in the maximum value of the axial stress in the fiber and the interfacial shear stress along its length become more pronounced in the presence of applied thermomechanical loads on the staggered RVEs. The existence of shear tractions along the RVE length plays a significant role in the interfacial characteristics and cannot be ignored.
A Novel Architecture of N × N Bidirectional Reconfigurable Multiwavelength Optical Cross Connect
Authors: Singh Manpreet
Published: November 2017

A novel architecture of N×N bidirectional-reconfigurable multiwavelength optical cross connect (B-RMOXC) based on tunable Fiber Bragg grating and optical circulator is proposed. B-RMOXC network is one of crucial network element for wavelength routing in dense wavelength division multiplexing system. This paper presents a high speed, power compensated bidirectional optical cross connect and verified the performance of bidirectionality with 0.8-nm channel spacing having bit rate of 10 Gbps at different transmission distances. Optical signal-to-noise ratio of 36.62 dB and 35.55 dB is achieved with acceptable Quality factor of 6.26 and 6.99 respectively for upstream and downstream at 60 km having input transmission power of −12 dBm. It is found that the data can be communicated bidirectionally to a distance of 60 km in the presence of fiber nonlinearities without optical amplifier.
Analysis of aeronautical information potential incompatibility – case study
Authors: Dudek Ewa , Kozłowski Michał
Published: November 2017

This article is a continuation of the authors’ study on the ways to ensure the quality and safety of aeronautical data and information. In its content the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package was presented and its fundamental part AIP Poland was described. In addition, the docking guidance system A-VDGS, being an example of implementation of telematics system in air transport, was discussed as well as its requirements and schematic representation were attached. In the following part of the publication an analysis of AIP Poland in terms of the mentioned aircrafts’ docking systems was performed and a discrepancy between the requirements published in ICAO Annex 14 and published information for aerodrome EPWA was noticed. The indicated case of published incompatibility confirms the necessity to develop and implement a complex method of aeronautical data and information quality assurance at all stages of aeronautical data and information chain, which will be the subject of authors’ further study.
Security management of water supply
Authors: Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara
Published: November 2017

The main aim of this work is to present operational problems concerning the safety of the water supply and the procedures for risk management systems functioning public water supply (CWSS) and including methods of hazard identification and risk assessment. Developed a problem analysis and risk assessment, including procedures called. WSP, which is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a tool for comprehensive security management of water supply from source to consumer. Water safety plan is a key element of the strategy for prevention of adverse events in CWSS.
Investigating the trends of average costs of corrective maintenance of public transport vehicles
Authors: Andrzejczak Karol , Selech Jarosław
Published: November 2017

This paper presents the results of the investigations of the trends of average costs incurred by manufacturers of public transport vehicles following the elimination of unplanned malfunctions under warranty. The developed research methodology utilizes a method of analysis of variance for validation of the following two hypotheses. The first hypothesis relates to the examination of the significance of differences between average costs of the elimination of a malfunction and the other relates to the examination of the significance of differences in the average number of malfunctions per single vehicle in the highlighted periods of operation. The hypotheses were conducted based on the operation data relating to the malfunctions of a fleet of trams used by a city transport operator.
Effect of sublethal doses of abamectin on demographic traits of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Zibaee Idin , Esmaeily Mojtaba
Published: November 2017

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta is a serious pest of tomato crops worldwide. In this study the effect of sublethal concentrations of abamectin (at 10 and 30% lethal concentrations, LC10 and LC30) was investigated on developmental and reproduction parameters of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta. Lethal concentrations were estimated by leaf dip bioassay on the fourth instar larvae of the T. absoluta that, LC50, LC30 and LC10 were 0.23, 0.15 and 0.12 mg · l−1, respectively. The sublethal concentrations led to significant decreases in adult emergence, the percentage of pupation of the parent generation, fecundity and adult longevity compared to the control. Sublethal concentrations significantly decreased the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and gross reproduction rate (GRR). There was a significant decrease in the time to egg developmental and doubling time (DT) of T. absoluta. However, sublethal concentrations of abamectin had no significant effects on the percentage of pupation, larva, prepupa and pupa developmental periods, hatchability and sex ratio of offspring. The results of this study indicated that sublethal concentrations of abamectin could influence some biological parameters of T. absoluta. The results could also be helpful for making better management decisions for controlling the tomato leafminer.
Effects of wheat-canola intercropping on Phelipanche aegyptiaca parasitism
Authors: Razavifar Zeynab , Karimmojeni Hassan , Sini Fatemeh Ghorbani
Published: November 2017

Parasitic weeds especiallyPhelipanche aegyptiacadecrease severely the production of canola. This study evaluated the effect of intercropping different wheat genotypes with canola onPhelipanche aegyptiacagrowth. Ten wild wheat genotypes with different ploidy levels including TRI11712, TRI19322, TRI18664, TRI19652, TRI565, TRI15593, TRI12911, TRI11554, TRI17606, TRI7259P and seven cultivated bread wheats, namely: Falat, Chamran, Alamut, Baiat, Kavir, Sepahan, Alvand in addition to a canola cultivar called Zarfam were studied. The results revealed that intercropping of canola with wheat could significantly reduce broomrape growth depending on the type of wheat genotype. A significant genetic variation of allelopathic activity in wheat was observed, indicating the contribution of multiple genes conferring the allelopathic trait. TRI565 and TRI12911, TRI15593, TRI18664, TRI19652, TRI17606, TRI19322, and TRI7259 genotypes showed strong inhibitory effects and can be considered as potential allelopathic genotypes to suppress broomrape. The inhibitory potential of wild wheat genotypes was stronger than cultivated wheat genotypes. Alamut, Baiat, Alvand, Sepahan, and TRI11712 possessed strong stimulatory effects on broomrape germination. Such genotypes may be valuable as trap crops for depleting the Egyptian broomrape seed bank.
Field evaluation of centre pivot sprinkler irrigation system in the North-East of Iran
Authors: Abedinpour Meysam
Published: November 2017

A field evaluation of the technical performance of centre pivot sprinkler irrigation system was carried out during the maize crop growing season and when operating with different working speeds: S1 - 40%, S2 - 60% and S3 - 80%. For this goal, four uniformity measurements are to be considered in the evaluation; coefficient of uniformity (CU), distribution uniformity (DU), potential efficiency of low quarter application (PELQ) and actual efficiency of low quarter application (AELQ). The first step of evaluation of the sprinkler irrigation system is to compare the measured uniformity values with the standard values, DU ≥ 75%, CU ≥ 85%, AELQ and PELQ ≥ 90%. Effect of variation of speed produced CU values of 80.3, 82.7 and 86% for S1, S2, and S3 speed, respectively. Furthermore, DU standard value was obtained at S3 speed of 82%. Moreover, AELQ and PELQ were below the acceptable standard level of 90% for all speeds. Non-uniform water application leads to over or under irrigation in various parts of the field which can result in wasted water and energy. Therefore, regular evaluation of the irrigation equipments is needed to efficiently and effectively manage irrigation.
Influence of a season on hourly and daily variations in water demand patterns in a rural water supply line – case study
Authors: Bergel Tomasz , Szeląg Bartosz , Woyciechowska Olga
Published: November 2017

This article presents the results of a study on hourly and daily variations in water demand patterns, depending on a season. The study was conducted in the years 2014-2015 on a selected rural water supply line. The analysis was based on values of hourly water demand as measured by a water meter coupled with a recording device. The research showed that both the volume and fluctuations in daily water demand were higher in the spring and the summer, versus the autumn and the winter. This was most probably caused by water consumption for additional purposes, specific for rural areas. Individual water demand was the highest in the summer, and the lowest in the winter. Two peaks for hourly water demand were determined for the analyzed seasons. The morning peak always occurred at 7 a.m. on working days, while on days off work it fell at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., depending on the season. The evening peak always fell at 8 p.m., regardless of a season or a day of a week. On working days, the evening peak was always higher than the morning one, while on days off work the morning peak was higher than the evening one in the autumn and in the winter, and both peaks were the same in the spring and in the summer.
Acute toxicity of experimental fertilizers made of blood meal, spent coffee ground and biomass ash
Authors: Ciesielczuk Tomasz , Rosik-Dulewska Czesława , Poluszyńska Joanna , Sławińska Irena
Published: November 2017

The study presents the results of research on the acute toxicity of a fertilizer formulas made of spent coffee ground (SCG) with addition of ash from low-temperature combustion of biomass or ash with an admixture of magnesium sulphate and blood meal. The experimental fertilizer formulas included also rape oil used as a plasticizer for controlling the nutrients release from the fertiliser. Mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oats (Avena sativa sp. L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and cress (Lepidium sativum L.) were used as test plants species in the experiment. The toxicity tests were performed using a standard procedure of 72 h with the use of Phytotoxkit microbiotest and fertilizer application of 2.5; 5 and 10% (v/v). The obtained results indicated an increase of acute toxicity for all tested plant species, proportionally to the applied doses of the fertilizer. During the 72 h period, the strongest inhibition of seedling growth was recorded in samples consisting of 10% of the tested fertilizers, particularly when they showed considerable level of salinity or low pH values. From the tested plant species, cress (Lepidium sativum L.) turned out to be the most sensitive to the applied fertilizers, the least was cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for which only a small inhibition of root system growth was observed. The inhibited growth of roots could be attributed to a reduced oxygen access and excessive salinity of the substratum caused by the applied additives.
German support systems for onshore wind farms in the context of Polish acts limiting wind energy development
Authors: Dawid Leszek
Published: November 2017

European energy system is undergoing a deep transition to low-emission energy sources, mainly wind farms. This transition is caused mostly by energy politics of European Union (EU) and its goals in the topic of renewable energy. European wind energy is dominated by Germany that produces half of total wind energy in EU. The aim of this article is to present support systems for wind farms existing in Germany in the context of introducing in Poland the Act of 20 May 2016 on Wind Energy Investments limiting onshore wind farms localization and Act of 22 June 2016 introducing changes to the Act on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and some other acts. It is postulated to make amendments of acts regulating RES while considering German solutions.
An effect of liming on magnesium content in meadow vegetation and leachate water
Authors: Kacorzyk Piotr A. , Kasperczyk Mirosław
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate an effect of liming on chemical properties of the soil, magnesium content in the meadow vegetation and leachate water moving through the soil profile. The study was conducted in the growing seasons in the years 2012-2014. The study included three plots in two series: with lime and without lime. The plant material was subjected to dry digestion and ash was dissolved in HNO3 (1:3). The soil was mineralized in a muffle furnace and the ashes were dissolved in a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4 (3:1 v/v). In the obtained samples and in leaching water, estimated the content of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sodium by induction plasma emission spectrophotometer. In the soil content of assimilable phosphorus and potassium was determined by the Egner-Riehm method. The content of assimilable magnesium was determined by the Schachtschabel method and the pH of the soil by potentiometric method in water and in mol KC1·dm-3. Liming positively affected on soil pH and magnesium content in plants increasing its amount of about 15- 21% of dry matter with respect to not limed plots. In turn, lime fertilization negatively affected the content of magnesium in leachate water and the load eluted per unit area. Magnesium content in leachate water and the amount of loads eluted from limed plots were lower on average by 16-23% with respect to not limed plots.
Influence of Sitkówka sewage treatment plant on the Bobrza River water quality
Authors: Kanownik Włodzimierz , Policht-Latawiec Agnieszka , Gajda Anna
Published: November 2017

The paper presents an analysis of 20 physicochemical elements in the Bobrza River water sampled above and below the treated sewage discharge point. Sitkówka mechanical and biological sewage treatment plant with a value of 289 000 People Equivalent discharges on average 51 000 m3 of treated sewage daily, which makes up 29% of mean daily flow in the Bobrza River. On the basis of hydrochemical analyses it was stated that the discharge of treated sewage led to worsening of 18 out of 20 studied water quality indices in the Bobrza River. In the river water below the sewage discharge statistically significantly higher values of electrolytic conductivity, dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium were registered. A decrease in dissolved oxygen content in the water and increase in its electrolytic conductivity caused a change of water quality class in the Bobrza River from the maximum potential to potential below good. On the other hand, increase in concentrations of dissolved solids and sulphates caused a change of the water class from the maximum potential to good potential. Statistical factor analysis (FA) made possible a reduction of a set of 20 physicochemical elements to four mutually orthogonal factors explaining 95% (above the treatment plant) and 96% (below the treatment plant) of the internal structure of primary data. The first factor is connected with point source pollution (sewage discharge), the second describes oxygen conditions in water, the third results from seasonality and is responsible for the pollutants from natural sources, whereas the fourth factor has not been unanimously defined yet.
Comparison between different models for rheological characterization of sludge from settling tank
Authors: Malczewska Beata , Biczyński Adrian
Published: November 2017

The municipal sludge characterized non-Newtonian behaviour, therefore the viscosity of the sewage sludge is not a constant value. The laboratory investigation was made using coaxial cylinder with rotating torque and gravimetric concentration of the investigated sludge ranged from 4.40% to 2.09%. This paper presents the investigation on the effect of concentration of rheological sludge behaviour. The three different rheological models: Bingham (plastic model), Ostwald-de Waele (power-law), Hershel-Bulkley’s were calculated by fitting the experimental data of shear stress as a function of shear rate to these models. In this study, the 3-parameter Herschel- Bulkley’s model fits the experimental data best.
Dynamic simulation for wastewater treatment plants management: Case of Souk-Ahras region, north-eastern Algeria
Authors: Sabri Dairi , Yassine Djebbar , Yahia Hammar , Dounia Mrad
Published: November 2017

Treatment performances of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), located in North-Eastern Algeria (Souk-Ahras and Sedrata) were tested using ASM1 model. The model, to be considered as a decision tool for the appropriate management of activated sludge systems, served for the prediction of both WWTP behaviours under different operating conditions. In Sedrata WWTP the first management scenarios is based on an increase of inflow rate, taking into account a new transfer volume from a nearby zone. In a second scenerio, the ultimate flow of 40 000 m3·d-1 is estimated. Regarding Souk-Ahras WWTP, three scenarios were tested. The first tested the impact of an increase of the extraction flow rate and yielded a reduction by 37% of sludge production. The second dealt with the management of the mass budget of substrata and biomass. Finally, the third application was devoted to the estimation of the plant ultimate capacity, estimated to be 60 000 m3·d-1.