bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On-Site Thermal Diagnostics Of Heating And Dhw Installations
Authors: SpecjaŁ Aleksandra , Ciuman Halina 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The requirements for the inspection of heating systems have been introduced in the Energy Performance Act. Thermal diagnostics of the system is an evaluation of the technical conditions of the heating and hot water installations, due to their energy efficiency and reliability of obtaining the required internal temperature in the building and delivery of the right amount of domestic hot water at the proper temperature. Data obtained from the diagnostics are useful for proper energy-efficient operation of the installation, for determining the energy performance of the building and executing the energy audit of the building for thermomodernization purposes. The paper describes the methodology of comprehensive inspection and diagnostics of heating and DHW systems and outlines the scope of basic activities that should be performed. The practical application of such diagnostics in several buildings is also presented.
THE USEFULNESS OF MENTAL MAPS FOR SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF THE CITY
Authors: NAWROCKI Tomasz 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The paper attempts to demonstrate the potential applications of mental maps in sociological research of the city. The author presents the method and its modification. Beginning with the classical work by Kevin Lynch, he proceeds to show the elaboration of this method in the research of psychologists, social geographers and urbanists. The subsequent part of the paper discusses the possibilities of applying the method in sociological research of the city. The author demonstrates the wide range of possibilities offered by the use of mental maps. The final chapter includes a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF MILITARY ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES IN POZNAŃ
Authors: PIKLIKIEWICZ-KĘSICKA Izabela 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
This paper aims to present architectural and educational features of historic military architectural structures in Poznań. The issues treated herein include the preservation of forts today and the resulting opportunities as well as difficulties in the use thereof for new functions reflecting the contemporary needs of a city. The paper provides three detailed examples of Polish and international military architecture refurbishments. The Graf Kirchbach Fort III in Poznań was chosen for the needs of the paper. The research material was developed on the basis of literature research, fort III survey and information obtained from Poznańskie Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Fortyfikacji [Poznań Friends of Fortifications Association]. The knowledge and research contained herein demonstrate the potential of post-fortification architecture, its cultural value as well as conversion opportunities in accordance with sustainable design objectives.
VALIDATION OF THE FIB 2010 AND RILEM B4 MODELS FOR PREDICTING CREEP IN CONCRETE
Authors: FANOURAKIS George C. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Creep strain, a requirement of the concrete design process, is a complex phenomenon that has proven difficult to model. Although laboratory tests may be undertaken to determine the creep, these are generally expensive and not a practical option. Hence, empirical code-type prediction models are used to predict creep strain.
This paper considers the accuracy of both the relatively new international fib Model Code 2010 and RILEM Model B4, when compared with the actual strains measured on a range of concretes under laboratory-controlled conditions. Both models investigated under-estimated the creep strain. In addition, the MC 2010 Model, which yielded an overall coefficient of variation (ωall) of 50.4%, was found to be more accurate than the RILEM B4 Model (with a ωall of 102.3%).
AN INVESTIGATION TO THE COMPARATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF URBAN FACADES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF RESIDENTS IN NEW AND OLD HOUSING AREAS; THE CASE OF JOLFA STREET IN ISFAHAN
Authors: RAZZAGHI-ASL Sina , ARIAEI Afrooz Rahimi , GHAHFAROKHICI Sama Barati 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Visual pollution in the urban facade is one of the causes of distress and anxiety in today’s cities. The purpose of this research is to achieve disruption and tranquility causing factors in new and old facades in Jolfa district of Isfahan and finally preparing design tips of a safe, relaxing and without visual pollution facade. Therefore, archival and field work documentation has been analyzed and according to the statistical with SPSS 20 software investigated correlation between variables. The results show that almost certainly there is a direct and significant relationship between the urban facade and citizens spirit; Questionnaire results suggest dissatisfaction of citizens and the existence of negative effects such as stress, lack of vitality and sadness toward a part of the contemporary constructions and in front of it the sense of happiness, calmness and liveliness toward the historical body or harmony with it. The physical reasons for dissatisfactions are often lack of coordination between adjacent facades.
INNOVATIVE STEEL FIBERS AND THEIR EFFECT ON FIBER DISTRIBUTION IN BEAMS – EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS
Authors: HUSS Michael , TUE Nguyen Viet 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
This contribution presents experimental investigations on fiber reinforced concrete (FRC). A new type of straight steel fibers (company Feel Fiber) with a length of 60 mm was used. 12 beams with a length of 6 m, a height of 0.4 m and a width of 0.5 m were produced, in order to determine the fiber distribution along them. The beams differ in the manufacturing method (cast in layers or from one side), the fiber content and the way of fiber addition. After concretes hardening, slices were cut of the beams to determine the number of fibers in the cross section. The results showed that the number of fibers per unit area scatters about 10%, independent of manufacturing method and type of fiber addition. Finally, the results are discussed and a proposal to modify certain factors in the German and Austrian guideline for fiber reinforced concrete is made, to take the advantages of this new fiber type into account.
EFFECT OF PAC ON MBR PERFORMANCE DURING THE TREATMENT OF SYNTHETIC WASTEWATER CONTAINING ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Authors: MARSZAŁEK Anna , BOHDZIEWICZ Jolanta , PUSZCZAŁO Ewa 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of powdered activated carbon on fouling intensity of capillary membranes working in the submerged membrane bioreactor during the treatment of synthetic municipal wastewater loaded with organic compounds. The research were carried out in a membrane bioreactor including a capillary ultrafiltration module made of polyethersulfone. The feed used in the presented study was synthetic municipal wastewater which was prepared in order to include high organic content. Moreover, the volumetric flux of the treated wastewater and the percentage of reversible and irreversible fouling were determined. It was found that activated carbon addition to a membrane bioreactor (MBR) treating wastewater reduced irreversible fouling. The volumetric flux of the treated wastewater for PAC-assisted MBRs was higher by approximately 40% as compared to the volumetric flux of the treated wastewater without any sorbents.
COLLABORATIVE HOUSING PERSPECTIVES IN POLAND. POTENTIAL, BARRIERS AND LEGAL POSSIBILITIES
Authors: TWARDOCH Agata 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
This paper is a continuation of the paper entitled “Collaborative Housing Perspectives in Poland. Definition, Historical Overview and Examples” and it describes the possibilities of implementation of collaborative housing in Polish conditions. In the paper, apart from legal constraints, the author also describes the benefits of collaborative housing, because as far as benefits of building homes in the construction group system, co-operative or co-housing seem to be quite well diagnosed for the inhabitants, the benefits for the city – which, based on the author’s studies, are huge – are not described well enough.
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF APPLICATION OF PRETREATMENT SYSTEMS BEFORE GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON FILTRATION
Authors: GUMIŃSKI Adam , KŁOS Marcin , GUMIŃSKA Jolanta 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Granular activated carbon (GAC) is used for removing an excessive amount of organic contaminants causing undesirable taste, odour or colour of water, and refractive micropollutants, such as heavy metals or toxic organic compounds. However, adsorption is one of the most expensive unit processes used in treatment and renewal of water. This is due to the high cost of granular active carbon and the necessity of its frequent exchange or regeneration. In the paper the authors present the results of the technological and economic analysis of preliminary water treatment systems before GAC filters. The analysis enabled to determine the profitability of these investments taking into account raw water quality and the life of carbon between regenerations. The simulation results showed that it is economically profitable to apply preliminary water treatment independently of analysed pretreatment systems.
OPTIMIZATION OF WINDOW SIZE DESIGN FOR DETACHED HOUSE USING TRNSYS SIMULATIONS AND GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: FERDYN-GRYGIEREK Joanna , GRYGIEREK Krzysztof 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Heat gains from the sun affect the heat balance of building by reducing the energy demand at certain periods of the year and increasing it at others. Windows, especially the type of glazing, are a determining factor in the successful use of solar gains. The aim of the research presented in the paper is to analyse the effects of the type and size of windows on annual heating and cooling energy consumption considering the energy costs in Polish climate conditions. Additionally the influence of building orientation has been analysed. Optimal selection of these parameters for reduction of the energy consumption has been carried out. Genetic algorithms were used for the optimization, while TRNSYS program was used for energy analysis. The analyses were performed on an exemplary single family detached house. Self-adaptive genetic algorithm connected with energy building simulation successfully identifies the lowest energy costs. Optimal window type and size design and window orientation reduce the energy costs. The developed comprehensive energy simulation environment can also be used to optimize other building’s parameters.
A Context-aware Smart Classroom for Enhanced Learning Environment
Authors: Miraoui Moeiz 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Research on smart spaces represents one of the most innovative work being done recently. One of the interesting applications of smart spaces is the smart classroom. It aims at using new technologies and tools to provide adaptive, comfortable and personalized learning which supports and facilitates the learning operation. Often instructors waste a precious time of theirs courses on tasks not directly related to the course content especially adjusting several times both the light system of the classroom which consists of the light bulbs system and window blinds as well as the heating/cooling system and learning tools such as data show, moving board desktop computer. These systems should be adjusted according to the current context which has a high dynamic change. These activities prevent them from focusing on their main tasks and directly affect the proper functioning of the educational process. In some cases, after the end of the lesson and the leaving of the audience, devices of the classroom remain operating which causes an unjustified energy consumption. The aim of this paper is to propose a context-aware automation of classrooms which contributes to improving the quality of the educational process by automating tasks that are not directly related to the content of the courses and consume time and effort that would affect the smooth running of the educational process. The proposed smart classroom will provide a comfortable learning environment that ensures more emphasis on course content by instructor and students.
Broad Prebiotic Potential of Non-starch Polysaccharides from Oats (Avena sativa L.): an in vitro Study
Authors: SARGAUTIENE VANDA , NAKURTE ILVA , NIKOLAJEVA VIZMA 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Prebiotics inducing the growth or activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria – probiotics producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) have lately received wide recognition for their beneficial influence on host intestinal microbiota and metabolic health. Some non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are defined as prebiotics and oats being one of richest sources of NSP in grains are considered as potentially having prebiotic effect. However, information on fermentation of specific NSP of oats is limited. Moreover, bacterial cross-feeding interactions in which fermentation of prebiotics is involved is poorly characterized. Here, we report the exploration of new candidates for the syntrophic bacterial interactions and fermentability of oat non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). The results obtained by differentiating composition, viscosity and concentration of oats NSP in fermentation medium showed that Bacillus licheniformis pre-digests oat NSP, degrades high viscosity of oat β-glucan and makes hemicellulose easier to access for other bacteria. Because of fermentation, B. licheniformis produces lactic and succinic acids, which further can be used by other bacteria for cross-feeding and SCFA production.
The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Listeria monocytogenes PCM2191 Peptidoglycan Metabolism and Cell Permeability
Authors: MARKOWSKA KATARZYNA , GRUDNIAK ANNA MARIA , MILCZAREK BARBARA , WOLSKA KRYSTYNA IZABELLA 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is Gram-positive bacterial pathogen, a causative agent of food poisoning and systemic disease – listeriosis. This species is still susceptible to several conventionally used antibiotics but an increase in its resistance has been reported. For this reason the search for new, alternative therapies is an urgent task. Silver nanoparticles seem to be the promising antibacterial agent. Minimal inhibitory concentration of silver nanoparticles was determined. Sublethal concentrations were used in study of nanosilver effect on cells lysis by estimation of the number of cells surviving the treatment with 0.25 or 0.5 of minimal inhibitory concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Autolysis of isolated peptidoglycan was studied by measuring the absorbance of preparation subjected to nanosilver treatment. Silver nanoparticles effect on L. monocytogenes envelopes permeability was determined by measuring the efflux of cF, DNA and proteins. It was demonstrated that nanosilver enhanced the lysis of L. monocytogenes cells and, to the lesser extent, autolysis of isolated peptidoglycan. The increase in the efflux of carboxyfluoresceine, DNA and proteins was also noted. The obtained results allow to postulate that L. monocytogenes peptidoglycan, constituting the main component of cell wall, is the target of silver nanoparticles activity against this pathogen.
Isolation of Bacterial Endophytes from Phalaris arundinacea and their Potential in Diclofenac and Sulfamethoxazole Degradation
Authors: WĘGRZYN ANNA , FELIS EWA 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), an antimicrobial agent, are in common use and can be often detected in the environment. The constructed wetland systems (CWs) are one of the technologies to remove them from the aquatic environment. The final effect of the treatment processes depends on many factors, including the interaction between plants and the plant-associated microorganisms present in the system. Bacteria living inside the plant as endophytes are exposed to secondary metabolites in the tissues. Therefore, they can possess the potential to degrade aromatic structures, including residues of pharmaceuticals. The endophytic strain MG7 identified as Microbacterium sp., obtained from root tissues of Phalaris arundinacea exposed to DCF and SMX was tested for the ability to remove 2 mg/l of SMX and DCF in monosubstrate cultures and in the presence of phenol as an additional carbon source. The MG7 strain was able to remove approximately 15% of DCF and 9% of SMX after 20 days of monosubstrate culture. However, a decrease in the optical density of the MG7 strain cultures was observed, caused by an insufficient carbon source for bacterial growth and proliferation. The adsorption of pharmaceuticals onto autoclaved cells was negligible, which confirmed that the tested strain was directly involved in the removal of DCF and SMX. In the presence of phenol as the additional carbon source, the MG7 strain was able to remove approximately 35% of DCF and 61% of SMX, while an increase in the optical density of the cultures was noted. The higher removal efficiency can be explained by adaptive mechanisms in microorganisms exposed to phenol (i.e. changes in the composition of membrane lipids) and by a co-metabolic mechanism, where non-growth substrates can be transformed by non-specific enzymes. The presence of both DCF and SMX and the influence of the supply frequency of CWs with the contaminated wastewater on the diversity of whole endophytic bacterial communities were demonstrated. The results of this study suggest the capability of the MG7 strain to degrade DCF and SMX. This finding deserves further investigations to improve wastewater treatment in CWs with the possible use of pharmaceuticals-degrading endophytes.
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from Air and Patients of Intensive Care Units
Authors: JIANG MEIJIE , MU YUNQING , LI NING , ZHANG ZHIJUN , HAN SHULIN 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
To understand the molecular epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of air and clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, the intensive care unit settings of a hospital in Northern China were surveyed in 2014. Twenty non-duplicate A. baumannii isolates were obtained from patients and five isolates of airborne A. baumannii were obtained from the wards’ corridors. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were used to analyze the homology relationships of isolates. Resistance and resistance genes were detected by drug susceptibility test and PCR. The results demonstrated that all isolates can be classified into eight PFGE types and four sequence types (ST208, ST195, ST369 and ST530). A pair of isolates from patients (TAaba004) and from the air (TAaba012) that share 100% similarity in PFGE was identified, indicating that air might be a potential and important transmission route for A. baumannii. More than 80% of the isolates were resistant to carbapenems and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Twenty-four isolates, which were resistant to carbapenems, carried the bla
OXA-23-like gene. The data indicated that air might be an alternative way for the transmission of A. baumannii. Hospitals should pay more attention to this route, and design new measures accordingly.
RNA Quality Control Using External Standard RNA
Authors: HASEGAWA TAKEMA , TAKAHASHI JUNKO , IWAHASHI HITOSHI 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a new evaluation method using external standard RNA for quality control of the extracted RNA. RNA Integrity Number and UV absorption are generally used as a basis for RNA quality control; however, these methods do not always reflect the quality of mRNA. While standard RNA is supposedly designed on the basis of mRNA, it has the potential to be used to evaluate the quality of the mRNA. In this study, we took into consideration the three essential factors, viz., yield of mRNA, inhibition to DNA polymerase, and degradation of mRNA for determining the RNA quality using standard RNA. It would be possible to know yield of mRNA and inhibition of the enzyme reaction by adding standard RNA before RNA extraction and looking at standard RNA loss. Degradation was evaluated by comparing the differences in the 3’ and 5’ regions of the RNA. In our study, it was demonstrated that in the crude extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, degradation was comparatively higher at the 3’ end of RNA than at the 5’ end. Hence, the degree of RNA degradation can be evaluated by comparing the ratio of degradation from the 3’ and 5’ end.
The Emergence of Different Functionally Equivalent PAH Degrading Microbial Communities from a Single Soil in Liquid PAH Enrichment Cultures and Soil Microcosms Receiving PAHs with and without Bioaugmentation
Authors: PIUBELI FRANCINE AMARAL , DOS SANTOS LIGIA GIBBI , FERNÁNDEZ EMILIA NARANJO , DA SILVA FLÁVIO HENRIQUE , DURRANT LUCIA REGINA , GROSSMAN MATTHEW JAMES 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) are common soil contaminants of concern due to their toxicity toward plants, animals and microorganisms. The use of indigenous or added microbes (bioaugmentation) is commonly used for bioremediation of PAHs. In this work, the biodegradation rates and changes in the bacterial community structure were evaluated. The enrichment culture was useful for unambiguously identifying members of the soil bacterial community associated with PAH degradation and yielded a low diversity community. No significant difference in the rate of PAH degradation was observed between the microcosm receiving only PAHs or PAHs and bioaugmentation. Moreover, identical matches to the bioaugmentation inoculum were only observed at the initial stages of PAH degradation on day 8. After 22 days of incubation, the substantial degradation of all PAHs had occurred in both microcosms and the PAH contaminated soil had statistically significant increases in Alphaproteobacteria. There were also increases in Betaproteobacteria. In contrast, the PAH contaminated and bioaugmented soil was not enriched in PAH degrading Proteobacteria genera and, instead, an increase from 1.6% to 8% of the population occurred in the phylum Bacteroidetes class Flavobacteria, with Flavobacterium being the only identified genus. In addition, the newly discovered genus Ohtaekwangia increased from 0% to 3.2% of the total clones. These results indicate that the same soil microbial community can give rise to different PAH degrading consortia that are equally effective in PAH degradation efficiency. Moreover, these results suggest that the lack of efficacy of bioaugmentation in soils can be attributed to a lack of persistence of the introduced microbes, yet nonetheless may alter the microbial community that arises in response to PAH contamination in unexpected ways.
Case comment: Judgment of the Court of 15 September 2016 PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna SA v Energy Regulatory Office
Authors: Maziarz Aleksander 
Published: September 2018

The case deals with the problem of the division of powers as well as state aid law in relation to the issue of compensation schemes for the termination of long-term contracts in the electricity sector. Moreover, the case faces the problem of interpretation of the scope of the adjustment of state aid.