bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tensile Test For Arboform Samples
Authors: Plavanescu (Mazurchevici) Simona , Quadrini Fabrizio , Nedelcu Dumitru 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Petroleum-based plastic materials constitute a major environmental problem due to their low biodegradability and accumulation in various environments. Therefore, searching for novel biodegradable plastics is received particular attention. Our studied material, “Liquid wood” produced from lignin, natural fibres and natural additives, is completely biodegradable in natural environment, in normal conditions. This paper presents the behaviour of Arboform and Arboform reinforced with Aramidic Fibers tensile test analysis. Experimental data show that the tensile strength reached an average value of 15.8 MPa, the modulus of elasticity after tests is 3513.3MPA for Arboform and for the reinforcement the tensile strength is 23.625MPa, the modulus of elasticity after tests is 3411.5MPA, the materials present a brittle behaviour. The high mechanical properties of newly developed material, better than of other ordinary plastics, recommend it as a potential environment-friendly substituent for synthetic plastics, which are present in all fields of activity.
Neural Networks Used In The Evaluation Of Power Quality
Authors: Volosciuc Sorin Dan , Dragosin Monica 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Monitoring the quality indicators at the interface nodes between the distribution operator and the industrial users is extremely important in order to provide the electric power quality standard level. The power quality has a significant effect on the economic indicators of the distribution network and represents an essential parameter in order to evaluate the performances of the network. The first part of the paper aims to identify some disruptive consumers in the system and the simultaneous measurement of the consumers in order to highlight the effects of the disturbances on the network and on the other consumers of the powers in the system. In the second part of this paper, a program for classifying the data recorded, as result of the monitoring of the power quality is developed. Final part contains conclusion a proposal for some measures in order to align all the quality indicators within the permissible values.
Aspects Of Multicriterial Mathematical Modeling And Of The Fuzzy Formalism For The Hierarchization Of Study Programs Based On Several Quality Characteristics
Authors: Bucur Amelia 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present aspects of mathematical modeling for the hierarchization of study programs from universities, based on several quality characteristics. The tools used pertain to multicriterial optimization, to the different methods of assessing importance coefficients, to the utility theory, the fuzzy formalism, and to the fuzzy simple additive weighting method. The conclusion is that multicriterial decision-making methods can be efficiently used in assessing the quality of study programs, noting that, just like other methods from the decision theory, the multicriterial decision-making methods highlight aspects of problems differently, therefore, there can be no comparison or competitiveness between them, and choosing one over the other is up to the decision-maker.
Results Regard Productivity Of Some Quince Varieties Cultivated In Northern Oltenia Area Depending Of The Arhitectural Elements Of The Trees Crown
Authors: Croitoru Dorin Cătălin , Baciu Aurelian Adrian , Pătraşcu Bianca Ionela 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Experimental area is located on the third terrace of the Jiu River at the altitude of 383 m in the northern part of Targu-Jiu City on the experimental plantations established in 1987 at Targu-Jiu Fruit-Growing Research and Production Station. Considering the favourable area of the quince culture in Northern Oltenia an experience was placed under the conditions for intensive plantations for zoned varieties. The variety and crown shape are important factors in the intensive cultivation of quince. The experience was placed after the subdivided parcels method with two factors being the type 4 × 5 in three repetitions. The studied factors:- Factor - shaped crown with four graduations - late flat bowl, simple palm, shapeless hedge, bush trunk - Factor B - 5 varieties of quince graduations Aurii, Aromate, Moldoveneşti, De Constantinopol, De Portugalia Results obtained in the three years of study 2012 - 2014 emphasize the superiority of crown shape and variety Moldoveneşti vessel flattened late in terms of quantity and quality of fruit.
A Fuzzy Aproach For Facial Emotion Recognition
Authors: Gîlcă Gheorghe , Bîzdoacă Nicu-George 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This article deals with an emotion recognition system based on the fuzzy sets. Human faces are detected in images with the Viola - Jones algorithm and for its tracking in video sequences we used the Camshift algorithm. The detected human faces are transferred to the decisional fuzzy system, which is based on the variable fuzzyfication measurements of the face: eyebrow, eyelid and mouth. The system can easily determine the emotional state of a person.
Yarn-Dyed Fabric Defect Detection Based On Autocorrelation Function And GLCM
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Pan Ruru , Gao Weidong , Zhang Jie 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
In this study, a new detection algorithm for yarn-dyed fabric defect based on autocorrelation function and grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) is put forward. First, autocorrelation function is used to determine the pattern period of yarn-dyed fabric and according to this, the size of detection window can be obtained. Second, GLCMs are calculated with the specified parameters to characterise the original image. Third, Euclidean distances of GLCMs between being detected images and template image, which is selected from the defect-free fabric, are computed and then the threshold value is given to realise the defect detection. Experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this study can achieve accurate detection of common defects of yarn-dyed fabric, such as the wrong weft, weft crackiness, stretched warp, oil stain and holes.
Prediction of Drape Coefficient by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ghith Adel , Hamdi Thouraya , Fayala Faten 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the drape coefficient (DC). Hanging weight, Sample diameter and the bending rigidities in warp, weft and skew directions are selected as inputs of the ANN model. The ANN developed is a multilayer perceptron using a back-propagation algorithm with one hidden layer. The drape coefficient is measured by a Cusick drape meter. Bending rigidities in different directions were calculated according to the Cantilever method. The DC obtained results show a good correlation between the experimental and the estimated ANN values. The results prove a significant relationship between the ANN inputs and the drape coefficient. The algorithm developed can easily predict the drape coefficient of fabrics at different diameters.
Gender Differences in Competitiveness: Evidence from Educational Admission Reforms
Authors: Hopland Arnt O. , Nyhus Ole Henning 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This paper studies whether increased competition has adverse consequences for students’ intrinsic motivation by studying an upper secondary admission reform in Norway. While earlier students were enrolled into their neighboring school, the new system introduces school choice, where admission is based on performance in lower secondary school. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that whereas the motivation for boys seems to be unaffected by the increased competition, there are adverse consequences on the motivation for girls.
Composition and herbicidal effect of Heracleum
sosnowskyi essential oil
Authors: Synowiec A. , Kalemba D. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Plants of Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. are
rich in essential oil which might be of herbicidal potential.
In this study, we examined 1) the content and chemical
composition of H. sosnowskyi essential oil (EO) distilled
from seeds and 2) the herbicidal effect of EO in a bioassay
against germination of maize and five weed species. As
a result, a 5.1% EO yield was obtained from the seeds of
H. sosnowskyi. We identified sixty-two compounds of EO
that constituted 96% of the total oil. Aliphatic esters were
the main constituents of the EO, followed by aliphatic
alcohols. The tested seeds showed different susceptibilities
to the tested concentrations of EO (0.2 – 7.2 g L-1). The most
susceptible were Bromus secalinus and Avena fatua, and
the most resistant were Echinochloa crus-galli and maize.
Kernels of maize germinated normally up to a 0.6 g L-1 dose
of EO, and 20% of the seedlings were still germinating in
the presence of 7.2 g L-1 of EO. These findings suggest that
the EO of H. sosnowskyi and its main compounds should
be studied further in soil conditions for its herbicidal
properties against A. fatua and weeds in maize.
Use of the finite element method for parameter estimation of the circuit model of a high power synchronous generator
Authors: Berhausen S. , Paszek S. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The paper presents the two-dimensional, field-circuit model of a high power synchronous generator verified by measurements. The model enables determining the waveforms of electromagnetic quantities in steady and transient states. Verification of the model was based on comparison of the measured and calculated waveforms after a disturbance in the voltage regulation system of a TWW-200-2 generator operating in Połaniec Power Plant. There are also presented the field methods for determining electromagnetic parameters (synchronous reactances and time constants) when using the distributions of static and quasi-static, magnetic and electromagnetic fields calculated by the finite element method (FEM). The set of these parameters was used as the starting parameters of the optimization algorithm for estimation of electromagnetic parameters of the synchronous generator circuit model. The dynamic waveforms under the generator load conditions calculated by the finite element method are the basis of parameter estimation. The parameter estimation of the generator model was performed with the use of the least squares method.
An analytical method for solving the two-phase inverse Stefan problem
Authors: Hetmaniok E. , Słota D. , Wituła R. , Zielonka A. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
In the paper we present an application of the homotopy analysis method for solving the two-phase inverse Stefan problem. In the proposed approach a series is created, having elements which satisfy some differential equation following from the investigated problem. We reveal, in the paper, that if this series is convergent then its sum determines the solution of the original equation. A sufficient condition for this convergence is formulated. Moreover, the estimation of the error of the approximate solution, obtained by taking the partial sum of the considered series, is given. Additionally, we present an example illustrating an application of the described method.
A problem of optimal cylindricity profile matching
Authors: Janecki D. , Zwierzchowski J. , Cedro L. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The bird-cage strategy used for measuring cylindricity is reported to be the most effective, as it provides the most detailed information about an analyzed object. The average values of profiles measured with the cross-section and the generatrix strategies may differ slightly, yet this may result from some design imperfections of the measurement instruments used. In this study, the problem of optimal profile matching is formulated and solved. As a result, the differences between the values of the registered profiles at the points of intersection of the scanning trajectories can be minimized.
Handling fuzzy systems’ accuracy-interpretability trade-off by means of multi-objective evolutionary optimization methods – selected problems
Authors: Gorzałczany M.B. , Rudziński F. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The paper addresses several open problems regarding the automatic design of fuzzy rule-based systems (FRBSs) from data using multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithms (MOEOAs). In particular, we propose: a) new complexity-related interpretability measure, b) efficient strong-fuzzy-partition implementation for improving semantics-related interpretability, c) special-coding-free implementation of rule base and original genetic operators for its processing, and d) implementation of our ideas in the context of well-known MOEOAs such as SPEA2 and NSGA-II. The experiments demonstrate that our approach is an effective tool for handling FRBSs’ accuracy-interpretability trade-off, i.e, designing FRBSs characterized by various levels of such a trade-off (in particular, for designing highly interpretability-oriented systems of still competitive accuracy).
Who Graduates From Irish Distance University Education?
Authors: Delaney Lorraine 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This paper outlines results from an online survey of recent distance graduates. The study, based in Dublin City University (DCU) addresses a gap in the research on this cohort of graduates. Findings indicate that distance graduates are primarily from lower socio economic backgrounds, a group largely under-represented in full-time university education. Significantly, 30% of survey respondents came from a skilled manual background. A large percentage (39% N = 61) of graduates had never accessed any form of higher education before. An equally large percentage (N = 62) had accessed full-time higher education previously, but at a lower level than the honours primary degree they obtained through distance learning. Implications regarding the role of distance education in improving access to university education and social mobility are discussed. Finally, this paper seeks to establish relevance between knowledge of distance graduates and doing things better for first time distance learners.
Transactional Distance And Autonomy In A Distance Learning Environment
Authors: Vasiloudis G. , Koutsouba M. , Giossos Y. , Mavroidis I. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This paper studies the transactional distance between the students and the tutor as well as the autonomy of students in a postgraduate course of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). The aim of the paper is to examine how the relation between autonomy and transactional distance evolves during an academic year and how this relation is affected by demographic parameters, such as gender, age group and student experience (year of studies). For this purpose an empirical research was conducted and a sample of postgraduate students responded to a questionnaire (which included a scale for transactional distance, a scale for autonomy and demographic questions) during two different time periods within an academic (2012-2013). The results of the statistical analysis showed that during the evolution of the learning process there was a small change in transactional distance, especially for the dimension of co-understanding, while there was also a change in one of the dimensions of autonomy, namely sensitivity to others. However, no relation was observed between transactional distance and autonomy, ether in the first or the second measurement during the academic year. This finding is also regarded in the overall framework of the different critiques and interpretations of Moore’s theory.
On the K-theory of certain extensions of free groups
Authors: Metaftsis Vassilis , Prassidis Stratos 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Since

Hol
⁡

(

F
n

)

$\operatorname*{Hol}(F_{n})$

embeds into

Aut
⁡

(

F

n
+
1

)

$\operatorname*{Aut}(F_{n+1})$

, one can construct inductively the subgroups

ℋ

(
n
)

${\mathcal{H}}_{(n)}$

of

Aut
⁡

(

F

n
+
1

)

$\operatorname*{Aut}(F_{n+1})$

by setting

ℋ

(
1
)

=

Hol
⁡

(

F
2

)

${{\mathcal{H}}_{(1)}=\operatorname*{Hol}(F_{2})}$

and

ℋ

(
n
)

=

F

n
+
1

⋊

ℋ

(

n
-
1

)

${{\mathcal{H}}_{(n)}=F_{n+1}\rtimes{\mathcal{H}}_{(n-1)}}$

. We show that the FJCw holds for

ℋ

(
n
)

${\mathcal{H}}_{(n)}$

. Moreover, we calculate the lower K-theory for the groups

ℋ

(
n
)

${\mathcal{H}}_{(n)}$

.
5′-Norcarbocyclic analogues of furano[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleosides
Authors: Matyugina Elena S. , Logashenko Evgeniya B. , Zenkova Marina A. , Kochetkov Sergey N. , Khandazhinskaya Anastasia L. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
5′-Norcarbocyclic analogues of furano[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleosides as well as 5-bromo and 5-iodouracil derivatives were synthesized to evaluate their potential antitumor activity. The halogenated derivatives display no cytotoxicity with respect to all tested cells: KB-3-1 (human epidermoid carcinoma), HeLa (human cervical epithelioid carcinoma), HuTu-80 (human duodenal cancer), B16 (mouse melanoma), and MDCK (normal epithelial). The cytotoxicity of the non-halogenated furano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives increases with the lengthening of the alkyl chain of the substituent from 45 to 60 μm for octyl to from 3 to 10 μm for dodecyl.
Effect of gibberellic acid, stratification and salinity on seed germination of Echinacea purpurea cv. Magnus
Authors: Zadeh Shamila Yadolahi , Ramin Ali Akbar , Baninasab Bahram 
Published: September 2015

Summary
This study was conducted in order to determine the appropriate treatment for breaking dormancy and the effect of salinity on seed germination of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea cv. Magnus), in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, five levels of gibberellic acid (GA3) (0, 250, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg×L−1) with four levels of cold moist stratification period of seeds at 5°C (0, 5, 10 and 15 days) were launched. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications. The statistical analysis showed that concentration of 250 mg×L−1 GA3 with 10 days of cold moist chilling significantly increased the percentage of germination of normal seedlings and reduced the mean time of germination. In the second experiment, the seeds were chilled for 10 days at 5°C and half of them treated with 250 mg×L−1 GA3 for 24 hours. The seeds treated with GA3, and those non-treated were subjected to NaCl for salinity stress. The experiment was conducted using five salinity levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mM NaCl) in four replications in a completely randomized design. The results showed that purple coneflower is highly sensitive to salinity in the germination stage. The results also showed that by increasing salinity levels, the percentage of germination and normal seedlings significantly decreased and the mean time to germination increased, compared to the control treatment. But the seeds treated with GA3 showed higher viability and better performance under salinity stress condition.
Intraspecific variability of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s.l.) in respect of developmental and chemical traits
Authors: Bączek Katarzyna , Kosakowska Olga , Przybył Jarosław L. , Kuźma Paula , Ejdys Marcin , Obiedziński Mieczysław , Węglarz Zenon 
Published: September 2015

Summary
The aim of study was to determine the variability of 20 yarrow populations introduced into ex situ conditions, in respect of selected developmental traits as well as content and composition of biologically active compounds (essential oil, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic acids). Field experiment was established at the Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable and Medicinal Plants. Morphological observations and harvest of raw material were carried out in the second year of plant vegetation, at the beginning of blooming. Investigated populations differed significantly in respect of developmental features as well as content and composition of identified compounds. The highest differences among the populations concerned fresh mass of herb (0.46–1.79 kg per plant), number of shoots per m2 (64–243) and length of the longest internode (42–158 mm). Total content of essential oil ranged from 0.10 to 1.00%. Among 24 identified compounds β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, terpinene-4-ol, nerolidol and chamazulene were the dominants. According to content of these compounds, three chemotypes were distinguished within investigated populations, i.e.: β-pinene, β-pinene + chamazulene and 1,8-cineole type. Content of tannins ranged from 0.38 to 0.90%. Four flavonoids were identified and apigenin 7-glucoside was present in the highest amount (from 9.87 to 475.21 mg × 100 g−1), while the highest differences between populations concerned the content of luteolin-3',7-diglucoside. Within phenolic acids, three compounds (caffeic acid derivatives) were identified. Rosmarinic acid was the dominant one (75.64–660.54 mg × 100 g−1), while cichoric acid differentiated investigated populations the most.
Extraction and amplification of DNA from aged and archaeological Populus euphratica wood for species identification
Authors: Jiao Lichao , Liu Xiaoli , Jiang Xiaomei , Yin Yafang 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The wood samples of Populus euphratica Oliv. (Salicaceae) are common archaeological plant remains in the hot and arid regions of western China. However, it is difficult to identify P. euphratica wood based on traditional wood anatomical methods alone. DNA barcoding might provide a higher security for species identification. In this study, aged wood specimens stored for approximately 30, 60, and 80 years and archaeological wood up to 3600 years old were in focus to explore the potential of DNA extraction and PCR amplification for different-sized fragments, ranging between 100 and 800 bp, taken from wood stored for different periods. The results indicated that DNA fragments of more than 100 bp could be successfully retrieved from a wood specimen stored for about 80 years based on a modified Qiagen kit protocol. However, it was impossible to obtain DNA segments from the 3600-year-old wood according to the current extraction protocol. Moreover, it was deduced that two-stage PCR amplification could play a significant role in the analysis of DNA retrieved from aged wood materials. With the aid of phylogenetic analysis, based on the short DNA barcode rbcL-2 of 202 bp in length, it was possible to differentiate P. euphratica from the other species of the Populus genus.
Mill Scale Corrosion and Prevention in Carbon Steel Heat Exchanger
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Roy Himadri 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe cause of material degradation of an ASTM A-124 grade carbon steel tube belonging to a heat exchanger has been investigated. Visual examination, followed by an in-depth microstructural characterization using optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and scanning electron microscopy, was carried out for understanding the primary cause of material degradation. Based on the results of an extensive examination as well as the background information provided on the heat exchanger, it was determined that the steel tubes were predominantly damaged by the mechanism of crevice corrosion facilitated by the presence of mill scale. It is concluded that the heat exchanger tubes were not properly investigated for defects after their fabrication. Based on the situation, the proper cleaning method was selected for preventing further corrosion in the system. A chemical cleaning process was designed using acid pickling along with an inhibitor and a surfactant.