bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatigue durability of asphalt-cement mixtures
Authors: Kuźniewski J. , Skotnicki Ł. , Szydło A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper focuses on examinations of asphalt-cement mixtures (ACM). This is a recycled material which can be used in road pavement layers. In the article stiffness modulus tests and fatigue tests of asphalt-cement mixtures were shown. The authors decided to lead research on fatigue durability of asphalt-cement mixtures to set fatigue characteristics of these materials. So far in research or other works any adequate fatigue criterion for ACM mixtures has not been developed. As a result of the examinations a level of fatigue damage was suggested. For new fatigue damage a strain level in one million load cycle was estimated. Based on that a fatigue design criterion for asphalt-cement mixtures was estimated.
Stability and bearing capacity of arch-shaped corrugated shell elements: experimental and numerical study
Authors: Piekarczuk A. , Malowany K. , Więch P. , Kujawińska M. , Sulik P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper presents problems related to the numerical modeling of profiled steel sheets used as self-supporting arch structures for roof covering. The rules of preparing and full analysis of a set of numerical models of these elements with a different level of complexity are given. The models are evaluated by comparing numerical results with the results of extended experimental tests performed by 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method. For each model the comparison of numerical and experimental results has been made for samples of a single-wave trapezoidal profile with corrugated web and lower flanges subjected to compression and bending. The full-field analysis allows to determine the allowed simplification of numerical models which do not affect in significant way the reliability of the results. The proposed methodology is the first step in the development of full assessment methodology for different types of self-supporting arch structures produced by ABM technology.
Model of fire spread out on outer building surface
Authors: Kolbrecki A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The spread of fire through the façades is one of the quickest routes of spreading flames in buildings.
There are three situations that can lead to the spread of fire though the façades:
a) Fire from outside through hot coals, initialized/set either by a fire in a nearby building or a wooden area in flames,
b) Fire started/set by an element that burns in the front of the façade (garbage container, furniture, etc.),
c) Fire originated in a compartment of the building, which spreads outwards through the windows.
In this paper, I focus only at the last case, which is considered to be the most dangerous and statistically the most frequently occurring.
Fire spread of some type of façades were discussed:
• Glazed façade,
• Double-skin façade,
• Façade with structural barriers,
• Façade with side walls at the opening,
• Façades covered by ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System).
Also information of influence of radiation from compartment fires to adjacent buildings was added.
Application of laser and electrochemical interaction in sequential and hybrid micromachining processes
Authors: Skoczypiec S. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
One of the research and development trends in nowadays manufacturing technology is integration of different manufacturing techniques into single machine tool. In the first part of the paper possibilities, goals, reasons and advantages of thermal and electrochemical interaction have been characterized. As literature review indicates such a connection can be realized as sequential or hybrid machining. The second part of the paper focuses on detailed analysis of laser assisted electrochemical process. For this purpose, the mathematical model of workpiece heating has been developed. Based on obtained results and literature review possibilities of technical realization and potential application have been discussed.
Assigning NMR spectra of irregular RNAs by heuristic algorithms
Authors: Szachniuk M. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Computer-aided analysis and preprocessing of spectral data is a prerequisite for any study of molecular structures by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The data processing stage usually involves a considerable dedication of time and expert knowledge to cope with peak picking, resonance signal assignment and calculation of structure parameters. A significant part of the latter step is performed in an automated way. However, in peak picking and resonance assignment a multistage manual assistance is still essential. The work presented here is focused on the theoretical modeling and analyzing the assignment problem by applying heuristic approaches to the NMR spectra recorded for RNA structures containing irregular regions.
Quantitative Comparison of Deformable Models in Range Segmentation
Authors: Amine Khaldi , Hayet Farida Merouani 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper we segment range images by applying three deformable models (the classical Active Contour, the adaptive active contour and the Level Set method). These three methods are used to segment images with planar and curved surface scenes. Then the numerical results obtained are compared in order to find the best technique of deformable models adapted to segmentation of range images. Despite of the good experimental results on simple objects, we have noted that the adaptive and classical snake methods have a few limitations and cannot detect discontinuities in curvatures and some items do not always converge. However, the level set method is very efficient for segmenting range images with curvature and complex forms.
From Gamification to Gameful Design and Gameful Experience in Learning
Authors: Dichev Christo , Dicheva Darina , Angelova Galia , Agre Gennady 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Learning is a goal driven social activity determined by motivational factors. To be able to efficiently gamify learning for improved student motivation and engagement, the educators have to understand the related aspects studied in games, motivational psychology and pedagogy. This will help them to identify the factors that drive and explain desired learning behaviors. This paper presents a survey of the main approaches employed in gamification and the emerging new directions in the context of the relevant motivational psychology and pedagogy. The focus is on the motivational factors that impact learning and understanding of behavior change. The purpose of the paper is two-fold: on one side, to provide analysis and guide to relevant works related to gamification along with outlining the emerging trends, and on the other, to provide foundation for evaluation and identification of the areas of possible improvements.
Designing an Efficient and Extensible Robustness Benchmark of a Real-Time Operating System
Authors: Zhou Zheng-Mao , Zhu Zhou-Rong , Cai Ming 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
An important step in the development of a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) is the validation of its tolerance properties. An abnormal input (fault injection) has become one of the most efficient ways to test the software robustness. In this paper we have designed a comprehensive robustness benchmark to evaluate the current popular RTOSs by faults injection. Firstly, we provide a set of uniform application program interfaces to ensure that the benchmark can be easily ported to a new RTOS. Then a package testing method has been used to improve the testing efficiency. Finally, a comprehensive robustness evaluation model is provided for the quantitative evaluation of RTOS robustness. Three popular RTOSs (Ucos2.62, Vxworks5.4 and Rtems4.10) have been evaluated with the help of our benchmark and we have found that Rtems performs best in robust evaluation, while Vxworks performs worst.
The Main Controversies Over the Modernisation Process of the Ukrainian Higher Education System from the Perspective of Globalization / Główne Kontrowersje Procesu Modernizacji Systemu Szkolnictwa Wyższego Na Ukrainie W Aspekcie Globalizacji
Authors: Bąk Mirosław 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The most significant process of the modern civilization advancement is globalization. The crucial tendencies of the world educational system development aim at strengthening the main role of knowledge as a component of employee workshop, often much more precious than the material part, originating from the employer. In 1991, due to globalization processes, Ukraine abandoned the Soviet higher education model, following the international scenario of the higher education development. In the last few years some propositions for reforms of the above system have appeared. The Draft Law on Higher Education approved in December 2012 has made the situation less clear. Currently, the provisional Government of Ukraine declares an intention to tackle the situation properly. It seems necessary to conduct further work on the basis of certain fundamental assumptions and the experiences of countries trying to achieve the mentioned objectives in similar conditions, like Poland or the Czech Republic, etc. In all these countries there is a need for change in order to abandon huge hierarchic and administrative structures by organizing small, self-controlling as well as adaptive structures, and to rethink not only teaching methods but the whole legal environment and organizational principles.
Escherichia Coli in Sewage Sludge - Detection Method / Escherichia Coli W Osadach Ściekowych - Metoda Wykrywania
Authors: Machnicka Alicja 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Escherichia coli is Gram-negative optionally anaerobic roads which belongs to Enterobacteriaceae family. Includes in a physiological bacterial flora of human and warm-blooded animals large intestine. Escherichia coli is being met in abiotic elements of the environment so as waters, wastewater, sewage sludge, soil and the food. This bacterium is showing the pathogenicity in named terms for the peoples, triggering diseases mainly: gastrointestinal tract and urinary.
Quality and quantitative proposed detections method of the bacteria E. coli contains five/six steps:
- appointment dry suspended solid,
- preparation averaged, test of sample and resuscitation of bacteria,
- making dilutions,
- enrichment and differentiation in chromogenic-selective medium,
- enumerating the amount of cfu E. coli in 1 g of a dry weight,
- optionally, the biochemical identification
Changes in the Structure of Activated Sludge Protozoa Community at the Different Oxygen Condition / Zmiany W Strukturze Zbiorowiska Pierwotniaków Osadu Czynnego W Zróżnicowanych Warunkach Tlenowych
Authors: Babko Roman , Kuzmina Tatyana , Łagód Grzegorz , Jaromin-Gleń Katarzyna 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Several experiments were performed in the laboratory condition using an SBR bioreactor modelling the expected conditions, created by malfunction of certain bioreactor elements, thus the different oxygen condition. In the course of the experiments, the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, nitrates(III), nitrates(V), TOC, and TC were systematically measured. Besides physico-chemical parameters, the structure of activated sludge community was analyzed. In the samples, the number and species composition of protozoa (ciliates) were determined. Each of the three measuring series conducted for various types of process conditions was repeated three times. The activated sludge used for inoculation of the bioreactor was sampled at Hajdow WWTP in Lublin. The results obtained are the average of three repetitions of every experimental series. On this ground, we may conclude that the number of ciliates shows a high correlation with the O2 concentration, pH and TOC.
The Effect of Hydro-Priming on Germination Characteristics, Seedling Growth and Antioxidant Activity of Accelerated Aging Wheat Seeds
Authors: Ghasemi E. , Ghahfarokhi M. Goodarzian , Darvishi B. , Kazafi Z. Heidari 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Seed aging is an important problem in developing countries which seeds stored in inappropriate condition. Delayed germination, reduced normal seedling percentage and changed antioxidant enzymes activity are some indications of aged seeds. Priming is a technique applied before planting and can improve seed characteristics especially under abiotic stress conditions. The main objective of the study was to evaluate aging effect on seed quality and to study the interaction between seed aging and seed priming. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replicates was conducted. The experimental treatments included cultivar, priming and aging. Results showed that seed aging reduced germination percentage, germination index, seedling length, normal seedling percentage, seedling dry weight, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity and increased the germination mean time and electrical conductivity of seeds. The highest germination percentage, germination index, seedling length, normal seedling percentage, seedling dry weight, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity and the minimum germination mean time and electrical conductivity of seeds were attained from hydro-priming treatment under non aged condition. Hydro-priming improved aged seeds quality and increased enzymes activity. Therefore, priming is a technique can be applied to improve aged seeds germination and seedling characteristics.
Early Sowing Reduces Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Occurrence and Improves Cotton Productivity
Authors: Ali H. , Hussain G.S. , Hussain S. , Shahzad A.N. , Ahmad S. , Javeed H.M.R , Sarwar N. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Cotton productivity is severely hampering by various diseases and insect pests especially cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) worldwide. Losses caused by CLCV are far more than any other factor affecting cotton productivity. Growing of early and resistant genotypes is of vital significance in alleviating the adversities of these pests in crop plants. The current field trial was conducted at Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan, Pakistan, to investigate the role of varying sowing dates in managing the CLCV infestation on different elite cotton genotypes. The crop was sown on five different dates i.e. D1= 15th April, D2 = 1st May, D3 = 15th May, D4 = 1st June and D5 = 15th June and three different elite cotton genotypes, i.e. V1= CIM-612, V2 = CIM-591 and V3 = CIM-573 to optimize a suitable sowing date and to screen out high productive and tolerant genotype against the CLCV. Seeds were drilled manually on finely crafted seedbed by using single row hand drill keeping seeding density of 20 kg ha-1 and inter row spacing of 75cm. CLCV severely hampered the crop performance by delayed planting of cotton from 15th April, while increased the chances of disease incidence. It is concluded that early sowing of all tested genotypes especially CIM-592 reduces the problem of CLCV and enhanced cotton productivity.
Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Serum Amylase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activities in Rats Exposed to Cadmium or Lead
Authors: Şlencu B.G. , Ciobanu C. , Solcan Carmen , Anton Alina , Ciobanu St. , Solcan Gh. , Cuciureanu Rodica 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of selenium supplementation on serum amylase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in rats, during subacute exposure to toxic doses of cadmium or lead through the drinking water. The experimental groups (n=6) were: Control, Se (Se+4: 0,2 mg/l), Cd (Cd+2: 150 mg/l), Pb (Pb+2: 300 mg/l), Cd+Se (Cd+2: 150 mg/l; Se+4: 0,2 mg/l) and Pb+Se (Pb+2: 300 mg/l; Se+4: 0,2 mg/l). The animals were sacrificed after 56 days. Amylase, LDH and ALP activities were determined from serum. Se and Pb treatments caused an increase in amylase and LDH activities, when compared to Control group while Cd caused an increase in amylase activity and a decrease in LDH and ALP activities. Cd+Se caused a decrease in amylase activity and an increase in LDH activity, when compared to Cd. Pb+Se caused a decrease in amylase activity in comparison to lead. Selenium supplementation alleviated cadmium or lead induced changes in serum amylase activity. Selenium, coadministered with cadmium, caused a marked increase in serum LDH activity, when compared to cadmium alone or Control group while practically it had no effect on lead induced changes in LDH activity. Cadmium and lead induced disturbances in serum ALP activity were not influenced by selenium supplementation.
Putrescine Improve Low Temperature Tolerance of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill.) Seeds
Authors: Mustafavi S.H. , Shekari F. , Abbasi A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The effects of polyamine priming on the germination behaviour of fennel at low temperatures were investigated. For preparing the putrescine pretreatments, seeds were divided into four parts. Two samples primed into putrescine (10 or 20 ppm) for 24 h, other samples were as controls. In order to eliminate the effect of water from test results, seeds were soaked in water only. After the priming, seeds were dried and used for germination test at 10 and 20 ºC. Except for seedling dry weight, all of the priming treatments improved germination performance and seedling growth of fennel seeds. Maximum germination percentage was achieved by 10 ppm Put application and lower value was observed in control seeds. About the energy of germination and mean germination time, polyamine treatments had better effect than hydropriming, but similar results was observed from seeds treated by 10 ppm Put and hydroprime on root and shoot length. Results showed that adequate presence of Put in the priming media had better than priming with water only. However, high concentrations of Put had not significant effect as well as 10 ppm Put. These results indicated that 10 ppm Put priming could be as an effective method to improve low temperature tolerance of fennel seeds.
The Number and Geographical Scope of the EU Foreign Policy Initiatives of Small Member States: Does „smallness“ matter?
Authors: Luša Đana , Kurečić Petar 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Due to the complex voting and decision-making mechanisms of the EU, the size-factor has long been present within EU studies as a relevant and significant variable in explaining member states’ activism. Despite the aim of small states to achieve equal representation, there is a huge discrepancy between the power of big and small states within the EU. Therefore, the expected behavior of small states is different from that of the big ones. However, there are also significant differences in foreign policy activism within the group of small EU states and those are analysed in this article. In order to differentiate small states’ activism within EU foreign policy, the article explores the correlation between the scope and number of small states’ leadership initiatives in EU foreign policy and different quantitative criteria used to define these small states (population, total GDP, GDP per capita)
Project Management in Development Aid Industry – Public vs. Private
Authors: Simović Dragana 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This article examines the relationship between the type of a development aid implementing organisation (public or private) and the quality of project management in development aid. The author begins with main public administration considerations - how public aid administration is different from private and furthermore, how particular sectoral characteristics of organisations influence the quality of the management process. The article combines empirical findings on the differences between the public and private sector with a complex setting of development aid and main success factors in development aid activity, in order to determine whether for-profit or public companies are more likely to achieve better project management processes. The article identifies some indices that favorise private companies, and outlines further necessary steps that should be taken in order to broaden the argumentation and confirm or reject this assertion
A two dimensions modeling of non-collocated
piezoelectric patches bonded on thin structure
Authors: Hariri H. , Bernard Y. , Razek A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The system studied in this paper consists of thin
structure with several piezoelectric patches bonded on its
surface. The patches are used as actuators and sensors.
Based on Kirchhoff-Love hypothesis, linear constitutive
relations, plane stress formulation and Hamilton principle,
we have developed a 2D model for this system using
the finite element method. It is not a standard 2D model,
since the calculation is performed on a structure that does
not have symmetries that allow such easy assumptions.
The originality of the work consists in the use of the concept
of neutral plane to model this asymmetric system in
2D. This technique, beside good precision, saves computational
time. An experimental device has been also built
and tested to validate the model. The structural damping
is included in the model to match the damping behavior
of the real system. Optimizations of the thickness of piezoelectric
patches and materials used in the thin structures
are also presented in the paper.
Vibration analysis of multi-stepped and
multi-damaged parabolic arches using GDQ
Authors: Viola Erasmo , Miniaci Marco , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Marzani Alessandro 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper investigates the in-plane free vibrations
of multi-stepped and multi-damaged parabolic
arches, for various boundary conditions. The axial extension,
transverse shear deformation and rotatory inertia effects
are taken into account. The constitutive equations relating
the stress resultants to the corresponding deformation
components refer to an isotropic and linear elastic material.
Starting from the kinematic hypothesis for the in-plane
displacement of the shear-deformable arch, the equations
of motion are deduced by using Hamilton’s principle. Natural
frequencies and mode shapes are computed using
the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method.
The variable radius of curvature along the axis of the
parabolic arch requires, compared to the circular arch, a
more complex formulation and numerical implementation
of the motion equations as well as the external and internal
boundary conditions. Each damage is modelled as a
combination of one rotational and two translational elastic
springs.
A parametric study is performed to illustrate the influence
of the damage parameters on the natural frequencies
of parabolic arches for different boundary conditions and
cross-sections with localizeddamage.Results for the circular
arch, derived from the proposed parabolic model with
the derivatives of some parameters set to zero, agree well
with those published over the past years.
The Cell Method: An Overview on the Main Features
Authors: Ferretti Elena 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The Cell Method (CM) is a computational tool that maintains critical multi-dimensional attributes of physical phenomena in analysis. This information is neglected in the differential formulations of the classical approaches of finite element, boundary element, finite volume, and finite difference analysis, often leading to numerical instabilities and spurious results. This paper highlights the central theoretical concepts of the CM that preserve a more accurate and precise representation of the geometric and topological features of variables for practical problem solving. Important applications occur in fields such as electromagnetics, electrodynamics, solid mechanics and fluids. CM addresses non-locality in continuum mechanics, an especially important circumstance in modelling heterogeneous materials.