bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bi-Level Optimization in a Transport Network
Authors: Stoilov Todor , Stoilova Krasimira , Papageorgiou Markos , Papamichail Ioannis 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper applies a bi-level formalism for the optimal control of an urban transportation network. The well known store-and-forward model in traffic control is utilized in order to increase the control space of the optimization problem. Mainly, the store-and-forward models apply the split as a control argument, assuming the traffic light cycle as a constant parameter. The paper shows that by using a bi-level formalism the control problem can be defined within increased control space comprising both the split and the cycle. Both are found as optimal solutions of a bi-level optimization problem.
Ramp Metering Control Based on the Q-Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ivanjko Edouard , Koltovska Nečoska Daniela , Gregurić Martin , Vujić Miroslav , Jurković Goran , Mandžuka Sadko 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Modern urban highways are under the influence of increased traffic demand and cannot fulfill the desired level of service anymore. In most of the cases there is no space available for any infrastructure building. Solutions from the domain of intelligent transport systems are used, such as ramp metering. To cope with the significant daily changes of the traffic demand, various approaches with autonomic properties like self-learning are applied for ramp metering. One of these approaches is reinforced learning. In this paper the Q-Learning algorithm is applied to learn the local ramp metering control law in a simulation environment, implemented in a VISSIM microscopic simulator. The approach proposed is tested in simulations with emphasis on the mainstream speed and travel time, using a typical on-ramp configuration.
Traffic Flow Control in the Class of Distributed Parameters Systems
Authors: Nikolov Emil K. , Nikolova Nina G. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper a new structure and a method are suggested for the design of a control system with a distributed parameters plant. The discussed system with distributed spatial dimensions substantially differs from the control systems with concentrated parameters plants, because in it the task of the plant spatial transition of the controlled distributed variables is structurally solved. The solution of this task is based on the usage of models and filters, included in its structure and an algorithm, through which the system has real capability for distributed plants control with the desired quality. In the paper a fractal predictive system with approximated dimensions of the spatial distribution for control of the transport traffic density in highways is designed for a particular numerical example. The system model is simulated. The characteristics of the designed system are illustrated and analyzed.
Smart Travel Planner for Urban Sustainability
Authors: Malasek Jacek 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The Smart Travel Planner concept for an optimal travel choice, supported by a Personalized Internet Portal, has to promote the sustainable urban mobility. STP is an important tool for Sustainable Urban Transport Decalogue’s implementation that is intended to result in lower emissions, better health and lower investment costs in the road infrastructure. The questionnaires included are for checking its public acceptance in the city and at end users’ level.
An Object-Oriented HLA Simulation Study
Authors: Kirov Georgi 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The study is dedicated to High Level Architecture (HLA) standard for software architecture of interoperable distributed simulations. The paper discusses the differences between object-oriented programming and HLA. It presents an extended simulation architecture providing a mechanism for HLA data exchange through Object-Oriented (OO) objects. This eliminates the complex network programming for HLA distributed simulations. The paper shows a sample code that implements the architecture for OO HLA/RTI simulation.
A new procedure for the synthesis of 2-[(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)sulfonyl]butanoic acid
Authors: Shi Yun-Long , Wang Ling , Qian Chao , Tao Ming , Liao Zu-Tai , Chen Xin-Zhi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA new, practical and cost-effective route for scalable synthesis of 2-[(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)sulfonyl] butanoic acid, a key intermediate of a new cyan dye-forming coupler containing a sulfone group, was developed by adopting phenol as the starting material. The synthesis was accomplished in five steps with etherification, chlorosulfonation, reduction, nucleophilic reaction by C-S coupling and hydrolyzation. An important objective of the new synthetic route was the synthesis of 2-[4- (dodecyloxyphenyl)sulfonyl]butanoate. Overall yield obtained at optimized conditions increased to 66 %. The synthetic strategy was proven to be a process enabling rapid delivery of the target product with high purity.
Commingled composites of polypropylene/coir-sisal yarn: effect of chemical treatments on thermal and tensile properties
Authors: Arya Anil , Tomlal Jose E. , Gejo George , Kuruvilla Joseph 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEco-friendly bio-composite of polypropylene (PP)/coir-sisal blended yarn was prepared using commingling technique, in which both the fibers are wound onto a metal plate and then compression molded. Various chemical treatments have been done in order to improve the interfacial adhesion between the matrix and reinforcement, thereby to increase the properties of the composite. Thermal stability study was done using thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting thermogram reveals that chemical treatments increase the thermal stability of the commingled composite to a considerable extent. A significant increase is observed in the tensile properties of the treated composite especially maleic anhydride modified PP (MAPP) treated composite as compared to the untreated one. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of MAPP treated composite was found to be 29.24 MPa and 1330 MPa, respectively, which was found to be 7.5% and 6.4% greater than that of untreated composite. The experimentally observed tensile properties of the composites were compared with the existing models of reinforced composites. The surface morphology and fiber surface treatments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Biodegradation of chemically modified lignocellulosic sisal fibers: study of the mechanism for enzymatic degradation of cellulose
Authors: Saha Prosenjit , Roy Debasis , Manna Suvendu , Chowdhury Sukanya , Banik Sruti , Sen Ramkrishna , Jo Jae-Ok , Kim Jin Kuk , Adhiikari Basudam 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe susceptibility and characteristics of biological degradation of lignocellulosic fibers, such as sisal fibers, are presented in this study using a modified soil burial test (SBT) protocol. The biodegradation profile of untreated sisal fibers as well as of fibers treated with an alkaline emulsion of neem oil and phenolic resin was evaluated by estimating the enzymatic activities during the exposure of fibers to a soil/compost mix. Observation of the results indicated that biodegradation of the fibers was predominated by enzymatic hydrolysis of amorphous materials followed by degradation of crystalline cellulose. It was also evident that “oil-resin” treatment makes the fibers more resistant to biodegradation owing to the removal of amorphous materials, enhanced hydrophobicity, and possible chemical alteration of the surface hydroxyl groups of the fiber surface. This research aims to establish a systematic knowledge on the biodegradation profile of fiber components using a state-of-the-art protocol for SBT.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of carbon spheres using citric-acid-catalyzed carbonization of starch
Authors: Supriya B.S. , Nagaraja P. , Byrappa K. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe synthesis of well-dispersed carbon spheres using starch as a carbon source, citric acid as a catalyst, and distilled water as a medium without involving any organic solvent at 120–150°C for 16 h under hydrothermal treatment is presented. The use of citric acid promoted starch dehydration and allowed the use of a lower hydrolysis temperature. Under similar conditions the formation of carbon spheres was not possible in the absence of citric acid. We noticed the significant effect of temperature on the particle size and shape. The particle size increased with the increase in temperature. The synthesized carbon spheres were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy.
Disinfection procedures for in vitro propagation of Anthurium
Authors: Silva Jaime A. Teixeira da , Winarto Budi , Dobránszki Judit , Zeng Songjun 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Disinfection of plant material is the most important step of the tissue culture protocol. In this process, an attempt is made to eliminate microbial contaminants from the surface and interior of plant material, thus giving the explant a fighting chance at survival in vitro. Initial cultures of Anthurium species and cultivars, which are usually established from ex vitro material grown in a greenhouse, pots or in the field, easily contaminate the in vitro milieu. This review highlights the differences in disinfection protocols that exist for different species or cultivars of Anthurium. The protocol needs to be adjusted based on the material used: spadices, spathes, seeds, leaves, or roots. Regrettably, most of the currently published protocols, derived from a literature that spans over 100 published papers, have numerous weaknesses and flaws in the information provided pertaining to disinfection and infection levels. Advice for future Anthurium researchers should thus be followed cautiously.
Vineyard performance and fruit quality of some interspecific grapevine cultivars in cool climate conditions
Authors: Gąstoł Maciej 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A study of 13 grapevine cultivars was carried out in a vineyard located near Krakow (Poland) in order to identify the most suitable grapevine cultivars for cool climate regions. The vines’ vigour, yield and the yield efficiency index were studied in the years 2010-2013. The grapes were analysed to determine soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, total polyphenol content (TPC) as well as fruit antioxidant activity (FRAP). Moreover, organic acid concentrations (tartaric, malic, citric and ascorbic) were ascertained. Significant fluctuations in yield and quality were caused by variable climatic conditions during the vegetation period, especially before the vintage. SSC varied from 15.7°Brix (‘Swenson Red’) to 20.8°Brix (‘Frontenac’). The highest sugar:acid ratio was measured for ‘Regent’ as well as for ‘Hibernal’ and ‘Muskat Odesskij’ among white grapes. The lowest concentration of tartaric acid was measured for ‘Frontenac’ (1.03 g L-1) as well as ‘Jutrzenka’ (1.76 g L-1). The latter cultivar tended to accumulate one of the highest amounts of malic and citric acid. The highest total polyphenol content along with outstanding antioxidant activity was measured for the following red cultivars: ‘Frontenac’, ‘Leon Millot’ and ‘Marechal Foch’. The most promising cultivars were ‘Seyval Blanc’, ‘Aurora’ and ‘Regent’, which performed well in terms of their moderate vigour, increased fruitfulness and consistently higher yields.
Traditional versus modern apple cultivars – a comparison of juice composition
Authors: Dobrowolska-Iwanek Justyna , Gąstoł Maciej , Adamska Agnieszka , Krośniak Mirosław , Zagrodzki Paweł 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Apples are rich in components that are important for human health, such as polyphenols, organic acids and microelements, but their chemical composition varies with different apple cultivars. We aimed to find out if there is any superiority in traditionally grown apple cultivars in terms of their fruits’ bioactive components content. Juice from two traditionally grown apple cultivars, ‘Mutsu’ and ‘Reinette Simirenko’, was compared to eight popular apple cultivars, ‘Jonagold’, ‘Jonagold Decosta’, ‘Jonica’, ‘Šampion’, ‘Gloster’, ‘Elise’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Rubin’, and the results are presented. In the study we determined several major and minor nutrient elements, organic acids, phenolic content as well as the antioxidant activity of apple juice made from different cultivars, both modern and traditionally grown. Antioxidant activity determined as FRAP varied from 1.12 (‘Elise’) to 12.10 (‘Jonagold’) mmol Fe dm-3. The concentration of polyphenols fell between 0.16 (‘Elise’) and 1.30 (‘Jonagold’) mg ml-1 gallic acid equivalent. Malic acid concentration was highest in ‘Reinette Simirenko’ and ‘Mutsu’ (6.58 and 5.84 g dm-3, respectively) and lowest for ‘Jonagold’ (3.73 g dm-3). The microelement concentrations for the apple cultivar juices were as follows: 8-24 mg dm-3 for Na, 567-1022 mg dm-3 for K, 26.9-59.4 mg dm-3 for Mg and 0.105-0.201 mg dm-3 for Zn. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly positive correlation between total polyphenols and antioxidant activity (r = 0.98, p = 0.001).
The study revealed that modern apples had the same or higher value of bioactive compounds in comparison to the older varieties. The highest pro-health activity among the investigated apple cultivars was found in the ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Rubin’ cultivars. Other studied cultivars - with the exception of the older ones, ‘Reinette Simirenko’ and ‘Mutsu’ - had much smaller pro-health activity. Therefore, ‘Reinette Simirenko’ and ‘Mutsu’ can be a worthwhile alternative for consumers in the future.
Estimation of the macro- and micronutrient status of raspberries grown in the Lublin region
Authors: Dresler Sławomir , Bednarek Wiesław , Tkaczyk Przemysław , Hawrylak-Nowak Barbara 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Environmental monitoring was conducted in the Lublin region in 2009-2012 aimed at the assessment of the supply of several macro- and micronutrients in raspberries plants. The plantations studied were located in eight main regions for the growing of raspberries (Bełżyce, Chodel, Godziszów, Kraśnik, Lublin, Międzyrzec Podlaski, Opole Lubelskie and Urzędów). The contents of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and boron (B) were determined in raspberry leaves. Furthermore, the impact of select soil properties on the content of essential elements in the leaves was assessed. The results obtained revealed the suitable N, P, K, Mg, B, Zn and Cu supplies in the plants. However, the mean content of Mn greatly exceeded the optimal level recommended for this species. Also, the content of Fe in some regions was above the optimal value. The calculated correlation coefficients between soil properties and the content of the elements in raspberry leaves suggest that these variables were interdependent in only a few cases.
Influence of biological products on the growth and development of large-fruited cranberry under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Derkowska Edyta , Paszt Lidia Sas , Szwonek Eugeniusz 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of various biological fertilizers on the growth and development of plants of the large-fruited cranberry and the degree of mycorrhizal association in their roots under controlled conditions. Plants of the ‘Pilgrim’, ‘Stevens’ and ‘Ben Lear’ cranberry cultivars were planted in rhizoboxes filled with soils collected from the areas of Krojczyn and Motoga. The following experimental treatments with fertilizers were applied: control plants, plants fertilized with NPK, a bacterial-mycorrhizal consortium, Vinassa, lignite + Vinassa, Florovit Natura and the fertilizer Crop-UP. The study has shown that there was a tendency to stimulate the vegetative growth and development of cranberry plants through the use of bio-fertilizers and beneficial fungi obtained from the rhizosphere of these plants. There was a tendency for the fresh and dry weight of cranberry shoots to increase, especially in ‘Ben Lear’, under the influence of the bio-fertilizer Florovit Natura when compared with the control plants fertilized with NPK. Compared with the NPK control, all of the bio-fertilizers significantly increased mycorrhizal frequency in the roots of the tested plants of the large-fruited cranberry, with the exception of Crop-UP and lignite compost used in conjunction with Vinassa in ‘Stevens’. No statistically significant differences were obtained for plant size and root colonisation by ericoid fungi in the plants grown in the soil from the areas of Motoga and Krojczyn.
Space-Time-Coded Adaptive Spatial Modulation in Wireless MIMO Communication Systems
Authors: Wang Shilian , Wang Fanggang , Li Zhao 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a wireless multi-antenna system using a promising technique, i.e., spatial modulation, and propose an adaptive spatial modulation (ASM) scheme embedded Alamouti space-time block coding (STBC). Instead of selecting one active antenna in each transmission in conventional ASM, we activate two antennas as one antenna group simultaneously to encode the information bits into Alamouti code blocks, each of which needs two channels used. Two detection schemes are presented in different channel conditions, i.e., the maximum likelihood (ML) detection and an adaptive modulation-order selection algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme improves the error performance and provides larger diversity gain compared to conventional spatial modulation and adaptive spatial modulation.
Bit Stream Recognition and Analysis in Cognitive Radio
Authors: Jondral Friedrich K. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Cognitive radios (CRs) observe their environment, learn from it and take their findings into account when dealing with signal reception or transmission. Until now, essentially spectral observations are under discussion in the CR context. Smart spectrum sensing may allow secondary or opportunistic use of spectrum and lead to dynamic spectrum access. In this paper we investigate a CR that also employs spectrum sensing but additionally may take results of modulation recognition as well as bit stream recognition into account when tuning its receiver. Bit stream analysis as an essential prerequisite to bit stream recognition is introduced as well. In data communications, bit streams play a prominent role in burst and frame structures, scrambling, synchronization, error correction coding or ciphering. Since modulation recognition found reasonable attention in recent publications, we here concentrate on bit stream recognition and analysis in a CR.
Role of sea-level change in deep water deposition along a carbonate shelf margin, Early and Middle Permian, Delaware Basin: implications for reservoir characterization
Authors: Li Shunli , Yu Xinghe , Li Shengli , Giles Katherine A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The architecture and sedimentary characteristics of deep water deposition can reflect influences of sea-level change on depositional processes on the shelf edge, slope, and basin floor. Outcrops of the northern slope and basin floor of the Delaware Basin in west Texas are progressively exposed due to canyon incision and road cutting. The outcrops in the Delaware Basin were measured to characterize gravity flow deposits in deep water of the basin. Subsurface data from the East Ford and Red Tank fields in the central and northeastern Delaware Basin were used to study reservoir architectures and properties. Depositional models of deep water gravity flows at different stages of sea-level change were constructed on the basis of outcrop and subsurface data. In the falling-stage system tracts, sandy debris with collapses of reef carbonates are deposited on the slope, and high-density turbidites on the slope toe and basin floor. In the low-stand system tracts, deep water fans that consist of mixed sand/mud facies on the basin floor are comprised of high- to low-density turbidites. In the transgression and high-stand system tracts, channel-levee systems and elongate lobes of mud-rich calciturbidite deposits formed as a result of sea level rise and scarcity of sandy sediment supply. For the reservoir architecture, the fan-like debris and high-density turbidites show high net-to-gross ratio of 62 %, which indicates the sandiest reservoirs for hydrocarbon accumulation. Lobe-like deep water fans with net-to-gross ratio of 57 % facilitate the formation of high quality sandy reservoirs. The channel-levee systems with muddy calciturbidites have low net-to-gross ratio of 30 %.
New predatory cockroaches (Insecta: Blattaria: Manipulatoridae fam.n.) from the Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber
Authors: Vršanský Peter , Bechly Günter 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
We describe a new extinct lineage Manipulatoridae (new family) of cockroaches from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar. Manipulator modificaputis gen. et sp. n. is a morphologically unique extinct cockroach that represents the first (of a total of 29 known worldwide) cockroach family reported exclusively from the Myanmar amber. This family represents an early side branch of the stem group of Mantodea (most probably a sister group of Eadiidae within Blattaria/Corydioidea) because it has some synapomorphies with the Mantodea (including the stem group and Eadiidae). This family also retains symplesiomorphies that exclude a position in the crown group, and furthermore has unique autapomorphies that exclude a position as a direct ancestor of Mantodea. The unique adaptations such as strongly elongated extremities and freely movable head on a long neck suggest that these animals were pursuit predators. Five additional specimens (including two immatures) reported from the Myanmar amber suggest that this group was relatively rare but belonged to the indigenous and autochthonous inhabitants of the ancient amber forest of the Myanmar region.
Upper Miocene endemic lacustrine gastropod fauna of the Turiec Basin: addressing taxonomic, paleobiogeographic and stratigraphic issues
Authors: Neubauer Thomas A. , Harzhauser Mathias , Pipík Radovan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The present work displays the first detailed taxonomic study on the freshwater gastropod fauna of the Upper Miocene Lake Turiec. Apart from several mentions of species and genus names in the literature, the mollusc fauna has been poorly studied up to now. Some of the cited genera implied peculiar paleobiogeographic relationships, urging a taxonomic investigation to either prove or revise such arising claims. Variable degrees of preservation, however, limited the possibility to identify all the fossils at species level. The fauna includes at least ten species, of which five turned out to be new to science. Four of those were sufficiently well preserved to be described as new species, namely Viviparus pipiki Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp., Melanopsis glaubrechti Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp., Tournouerina turiecensis Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp., and Radix kovaci Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. sp. Additionally, the new genus Popovicia Neubauer & Harzhauser nov. gen. is introduced for the primary homonym Metohia Popović, 1964 non Absolon, 1927. Most importantly, this taxonomic study revises many of the names cited in the literature and proves most of the alleged paleobiogeographic relationships wrong. The only biogeographic and stratigraphic surprise is the record of Popovicia cf. compressa, a species described from lower Pliocene deposits of the Metohia Basin in Kosovo. The majority of the fauna, however, has only been documented for the Turiec Basin, once more confirming the high degree of its endemicity. The faunal relationships indicate a latest Middle to early Late Pannonian (Middle to Late Tortonian) age, which is in agreement with available age models.