bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Between Sacralization and Festivalization of Public Spaces: a Case Study of the Cavalcade of the Three Kings in Poland
Authors: Przybylska Lucyna 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The purpose of the paper is the identification and interpretation of the dynamically developing contemporary mass event called the Cavalcade of the Three Kings (Orszak Trzech Króli). It was organised for the first time in 2009 in Warsaw. On the 6th of January 2014, about 630, 000 inhabitants of 177 towns and villages, singing Christmas carols and wearing colourful crowns on their heads, publically celebrated the religious feast of Epiphany. In the author's opinion, the cavalcades can be perceived as a new phenomenon in public spaces placed between sacralization and festivalization because they have some components of religious events and festivals but they are neither. They seem to be a new hybrid event, with religious and festive elements.
Heat tolerance indicators in Pakistani wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
Authors: Khan Sami U. , Din Jalal U. , Qayyum Abdul , Jan Noor E. , Jenks Matthew A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The effect of high temperature stress on six wheat cultivars exposed to 35-40 °C for 3 h each day for five consecutive days was examined. High temperature significantly affected total proline, soluble protein content, membrane stability index (MSI), yield, and various yield components, and had a direct effect on growth and other physiological attributes of wheat at anthesis and the milky seed stages. The wheat cultivar AS- 2002 achieved better osmotic adjustment by accumulating more leaf proline. Higher MSI was also observed in AS-2002, as well as Inqalab-91. The anthesis growth stage was found to be more sensitive to heat stress than seed development at the milky stage. Overall heat stress reduced yield 75% at anthesis and 40% at the milky stage. AS-2002 performed better on the basis of yield and yield components. Seed weight per spike was highest in AS- 2002, and lowest in SH-2002. The cumulative response of AS-2002 was better on the basis of physiological and yield attributes. In addition to yield, plant breeders should also include proline and MSI as selection parameter in the breeding program for development of heat tolerant wheat cultivars. Most of the evaluated wheat cultivars/lines were developed for cultivation in the rainfed areas of Pakistan.
Morphological and anatomical features of seeds of Turkish Romulea taxa (Iridaceae) and their taxonomic significance
Authors: Karaismailoğlu Mehmet Cengiz 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper reports on the assessment of morphological (macro and micro) and anatomical characters of seeds of Romulea taxa distributed in Turkey with the use of oneway analysis of variance, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Morphological characteristics such as size, shape, color and surface of seeds were examined with the use of light and scanning electron microscopes. Thicknesses of testa and phytomelan layer, sizes of embryo in seeds were studied anatomically. The outcomes revealed that taxa were similar in some aspects such as color and shape of seeds. However, seed size, thickness of testa and phytomelan layer, shape of the epidermal cells in testa and sizes of embryo were different among taxa, and have taxonomic value in the distinction of these taxa from each other. In addition, the seed surfaces were more or less different for the examined taxa on an interspecific level. Consequently, seed morphology and anatomy with a few exceptions demonstrated diversity and they had taxonomic importance in terms of distinguishing among species.
Carbon gain optimization in five broadleaf deciduous trees in response to light variation within the crown: correlations among morphological, anatomical and physiological leaf traits
Authors: Catoni Rosangela , Gratani Loretta , Sartori Francesco , Varone Laura , Granata Mirko U. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractLeaf trait variations in five deciduous species (Quercus robur, Corylus avellana, Populus alba, Acer campestre, Robinia pseudoacacia) growing in an old broadleaf deciduous forest in response to light variation within the tree crown was analyzed. Net photosynthetic rate (PN), leaf respiration rate (R) and the photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency were, on average, more than 100% higher in sun than in shade leaves. A. campestre and C. avellana sun leaves had the highest specific leaf area (SLA, 156.0 ± 17.9 cm2 g-1) and the lowest total leaf thickness (L, 101.9 ± 8.8 μm) underlining their shade-tolerance. Among the shade-intolerant species (Q. robur, P. alba and R. pseudoacacia), Q. robur had the lowest SLA and the highest L in sun leaves (130.6 ± 10.0 cm2 g-1 and 160.8 ± 9.6 μm, respectively) since shade-intolerant species typically have thicker leaves. The higher PN decrease in respect to R decrease from sun to shade leaves attested the higher sensitivity of PN than R to light variations within the crown. This determined a 69% lower R/PN in sun than in shade leaves. This result is further attested by the significant correlation between PN and the relative photosynthetic photon flux density. The shade-tolerant species have a 76% higher R/PN ratio than the shade-intolerant ones. The measured leaf phenotypic plasticity (PI = 0.35) was in the range of broadleaf deciduous species. Plasticity is a key trait useful to quantify plant response to environmental stimuli. It is defined as the ability of a genotype to produce different phenotypes depending on the environment. Among the considered species, Q. robur showed the highest PI (0.39) and P. alba the lowest (0.29). Knowledge on phenotypic plasticity is important in making hypotheses about the dynamics of the studied forest in consideration of environmental stress factors, including invasive species competition and global climate change.
Echinochloa colona (L.) Link (Poaceae), a new species in the flora of Croatia
Authors: Hruševar Dario , Mitić Božena , Sandev Dubravka , Alegro Antun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDuring floristic research into the eastern parts of Mt Medvednica (NW Croatia), in the period from 2007 to 2010, the neophyte taxon Echinochloa colona (L.) Link was found. Since E. colona is not included in plant identification handbooks, a new determination key for the two closely related taxa of genus Echinochloa, presented in Croatia, has been prepared, and the biology of this new alien plant is briefly discussed.
Small-flowered bittercress, Cardamine parviflora L. (Brassicaceae), a new species of the Croatian flora
Authors: Prlić Dragan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Cardamine parviflora L. was discovered in April 2014 during the study of vascular flora and habitats in the area of Slatina (Slavonia region). It was found in a flooded forest of narrow-leaved ash, in the vicinity of the villages Medinci and Novi Senkovac. The species here grows in wet soil but partially submerged populations were also observed. It presents a new species of the Croatian flora and expands the floristic inventory of Slatina and its surroundings. Other valuable taxa have also been recorded in the area, such as Carex riparia Curtis and Ophioglossum vulgatum L.
Is drought altering plant populations in the mountainous region of Northeastern Mexico?
Authors: García Jaime F. , Jurado Enrique 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMortality in six plant species was examined in the vegetation of a mountain region in Northeastern Mexico and hypotheses of survival pathways within populations in the ecosystem were tested. Significant differences in the general mortality pattern were found among species indicating species-specific responses to stress gradients. Average mortality differed among species: Yucca carnerosana, 33.8%; Pinus cembroides, 29.9%; Larrea tridentata, 25.9%; Hechtia podantha, 13.7%; Agave lechuguilla, 13.0%; and Thelocactus santaclarensis, 9.0%. Within populations, mortality increased with water stress and survivorship increased with less stressful environments. Results from this study may be useful for the development of a management plan to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest vegetation in this mountain community.
Volumetric strains of cement-based mortars caused by ice formation in terms of frost resistance diagnostics
Authors: Rusin Z. , Świercz P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper presents the volumetric strain test results of differently composed cement mortar samples during the phase transformation of water into ice, and juxtaposes the results with other relevant indicators, such as the water absorption and the degree of filling pores with water. It also presents the possibility of using these observations in terms of frost resistance diagnostics. The investigation covered non-airentrained mortars, which were also subjected to the vacuum treatment and vibration to reduce the air content. It was found experimentally that the volumetric strain of mortar samples soaked in water under vacuum at ΔV/V < 2‰ means the mortar of high frost resistance. ΔV/V > 4‰ indicates that the mortar requires air-entraining regardless of the microstructure and kind of cement.
Modelling of concrete carbonation; is it a process unlimited in time and restricted in space?
Authors: Czarnecki L. , Woyciechowski P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The aim of the article is mathematical modelling of the carbonation process that has been based on results of research conducted both in accelerated and natural conditions. The article covers short characteristic of carbonation, its processes and effects. Also critical review of articles that concern carbonation mathematical models was included in the paper. Assuming the self-terminating nature of carbonation the hyperbolic model of carbonation was formulated. Such a model describes the carbonation progress as the process unlimited in time but with the restricted range in concrete depth that is limited by the value of a model asymptote. Presented results cover research on carbonation of concrete with a different water-cement ratio and different types of binders and duration times of early curing. Investigations have been conducted as accelerated (1% concentration of CO2) as well as in long-term exposures in natural conditions. The obtained results confirmed statistically that hyperbolic model is a well-founded approach when the modelling concrete carbonation process is concerned
Fatigue assessment of existing riveted truss bridges: case study
Authors: Siwowski T. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Many steel riveted bridges have been built in Poland since 1950 and they have not reached their design working lives yet. Nevertheless, a number of fatigue damages are found, especially with structural joints. Moreover, in the past 25 years the traffic on the Polish road network has increased significantly leading to the increasing number of heavy vehicles in the traffic flows. This may affect the safety, serviceability and durability of existing bridges. The road administration is therefore interested in reliable and agreed methods to assess the safety and durability of existing bridges. The special procedure has been prepared to provide technical insight on the way in which existing steel structures could be assessed and the remaining fatigue life could be estimated. This approach follows the principles and application rules in the Eurocodes and provides a scheme with various levels of analysis: a basic level with general methods and further levels, more complex and sophisticated and requiring specific experience and knowledge. This procedure has been used for the fatigue assessment of the 60-year-old riveted truss bridge. The applied procedure as well as the main results of the assessment have been presented in the paper.
Air curtain as a barrier for smoke in case of fire: Numerical modelling
Authors: Krajewski G. , Węgrzyński W. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper presents the basic information about the use of air curtains in fire safety, as a barrier for heat and smoke. The mathematical model of an air curtain presented allows to estimate the velocity of air in various points of space, including the velocity of air from an angled air curtain. Presented equations show how various parameters influence the performance of an air curtain, thus allowing for better understanding of its principle of operation. Further, authors present results of their previous studies on air curtain performance and validation studies on various turbulence models used in CFD analysis. Results of new studies are presented with regards to the performance of an air curtain in case of fire, and final remarks on its design are given.
Fabrication and characterization of composite materials based on porous ceramic preform infiltrated by elastomer
Authors: Chabera P. , Boczkowska A. , Witek A. , Oziębło A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper presents the experimental results of fabrication and characterization of ceramic- elastomer composites. They were obtained using pressure infiltration of porous ceramics by elastomer As a result the composites in which two phases are interpenetrating three-dimensionally and topologically throughout the microstructure were obtained. In order to enhance mechanical properties of preforms a high isostatic pressure method was utilized. The obtained ceramic preforms with porosity gradient within the range of 20-40% as well as composites were characterized by X-ray tomography. The effect of volume fraction of pores on residual porosity of composites was examined. These results are in accordance with SEM images which show the microstructure of composites without any delaminations and voids. Such composites exhibit a high initial strength with the ability to sustain large deformations due to combining the ceramic stiffness and rubbery elasticity of elastomer. Static compression tests for the obtained composites were carried out and the energy dissipated during compression was calculated as the area under the stress-strain curve. The dynamic behavior of the composite was investigated using the split Hopkinson pressure bar technique. It was found that ceramic-elastomer composites effectively dissipate the energy. Moreover, a ballistic test was carried out using armor piercing bullets.
Estimation of filter order for prescribed, reduced group delay FIR filter design
Authors: Konopacki J. , Mościńska K. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
FIR filters are often applied, as they possess many advantages, including linear-phase response and well elaborated design methods. However, group delay introduced by FIR filters is usually large. The reduction of group delay can be obtained by restriction of the linear phase requirement only to the passband. One of the problems that appear while designing FIR filters with a prescribed value of group delay is the choice of the filter order. In the paper a formula for filter order calculation for the given filter parameters and dedicated for equiripple or quasi-equiripple approximation of the magnitude response has been derived based on experiments. Numerous examples that explain how to use the derived formula have been included.
Azimuth ambiguity suppression in SAR images using Doppler-sensitive signals
Authors: Leśnik Cz. , Serafin P. , Kawalec A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In the article the problem of the azimuth ambiguity in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and its genesis are presented. A method of suppressing the ambiguities by utilization of Doppler-sensitive signals is proposed, and the necessary modifications to the SAR synthesis algorithm are discussed. The SAR system parameters required for an optimal performance of the method are discussed and simulation results are presented.
Theoretical and experimental research of supersonic missile ballistics
Authors: Zygmunt B. , Motyl K. , Machowski B. , Makowski M. , Olejniczak E. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A mathematical-physical model of a supersonic missile was built, taking into account the mass and inertia properties. The model was implemented in the MathCAD14 simulation program. A numerical analysis of the missile ballistics was conducted and basic parameters were determined: range, altitude, velocity and acceleration, which enabled a test range program for manufactured missile models to be drawn up. Initial flight tests of missiles were carried out at the test range. Satisfactory accordance of experimental and theoretical dynamic parameters of the missile under study was obtained.
Thresholding techniques for segmentation of atherosclerotic plaque and lumen areas in vascular arteries
Authors: Markiewicz T. , Dziekiewicz M. , Osowski S. , Maruszynski M. , Kozlowski W. , Boguslawska-Walecka R. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper develops the automatic methods of segmentation of the blood vessel area in the images of the multi-slice computed tomography, allowing to separate the lumen from the atherosclerotic plaque areas. The solution is based on the application of different implementations of thresholding, including between class variance in a bimodal mode, Gaussian mixture modeling, clustering technique, polynomial and multilayer perceptron approximations. These methods are compared with many examples of arteries of different percentage of the plaque occupancy in the iliac and femoral arteries. The numerical results of segmentation have been verified by the medical experts and prove its usefulness in medical practice. The presented system can find application in an automatic evaluation of the atherosclerosis progression/regression of patients on the basis of sequence of Computed Tomography slice images.
Best Suitable Cogeneration Power for Factories from Multi-Objective Data Analysis
Authors: Al Asmar Joseph , Kouta Raed , Laghrouche Salah , El Assad Joseph , Wack Maxime 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The cogeneration systems in the industrial sector have become an essential part due to their global efficiency and reduced pollution. These systems may operate from conventional fuel sources, as well as from renewable energy sources (biomass, solar, fuel cell).
Cogeneration systems could be installed as a distributed generation and on-site generation source in order to take advantage from the produced heat. The utility can motivate factories to install such systems by permitting them to link and sell their residual production capacity to the electrical grid. This work presents a new technique to find the best solution from multi-objective optimization results, using a sensitivity and data analysis method. Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization method is used with the data analysis method: Multiple Linear Regression (MLR).
α-Nearness Ant Colony System with Adaptive Strategies and Performance Analysis
Authors: Lv Jinqiu , You Xiaoming , Liu Sheng 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper proposes an improved ant colony system with adaptive strategies, called α
-AACS and considers its performance. First of all, we introduce α-nearness based on the minimum 1-tree for the disadvantage of the Ant Colony System (ACS), which better reflects the chances of a given link, being a member of an optimal tour. Next, we utilize the adaptive operator to balance the population diversity and the convergence speed and propose other optimizations for ACS. Finally, we present an account of the experiments and the statistic-based analysis, which clearly shows that α-AACS has a better global searching ability in finding the best solutions and better performance in solution variation.
Adaptive Fuzzy H∞ Robust Tracking Control for Nonlinear MIMO Systems
Authors: Wang Sanxiu , Xing Kexin , Wang Zhengchu 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper an adaptive fuzzy H∞ robust tracking control scheme is developed for a class of uncertain nonlinear Multi-Input and Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. Firstly, fuzzy logic systems are introduced to approximate the unknown nonlinear function of the system by an adaptive algorithm. Next, a H∞ robust compensator controller is employed to eliminate the effect of the approximation error and external disturbances. Consequently, a fuzzy adaptive robust controller is proposed, such that the tracking error of the resulting closed-loop system converges to zero and the tracking robustness performance can be guaranteed. The simulation results performed on a two-link robotic manipulator demonstrate the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Public Opinion Evolution Based on Complex Networks
Authors: Zhao Yeqing 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The Sznajd model of sociophysics can describe the mechanism of making a decision in a closed community. The Complex Agent Networks (CAN) model is studied, based on the adaptability, autonomy and activity of the individuals, as well as the complex interactions of individuals in an open community for probing into evolution of the public opinion. With the help of the theory of complex adaptive systems and the methods of complex networks, the structure of agents, the dynamic networks scenarios and the evolutionary process of the agents are described. The simulation results of CAN model show that all individuals cannot reach a final consensus through mutual consultations when the small world networks rewiring probability p is less than a specified threshold. But when the rewiring probability p is larger than the given threshold, all individuals will eventually come to a finial consensus, and that the rewiring probability p increases, whereas the time of emergence of the public opinion will be significantly reduced. It is quite obvious that in real community the mass media and many other mechanisms have an effect on the evolutionary process of the public opinion.
Image Fusion Algorithm Based on Contourlet Transform and PCNN for Detecting Obstacles in Forests
Authors: Yu Zheng , Yan Lei , Han Ning , Liu Jinhao 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper the image fusion algorithm based on Contourlet transform and Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) was proposed to improve the performance of the image fusion in the detection accuracy of obstacles in forests. At the same time, the wavelet transform and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were simulated for comparison with the proposed algorithm. Then visible and infrared thermal images were collected in a forest. The experimental results have shown that the fused images using the method proposed provided a better understanding of the reality, enhanced images’ clarity and eliminated factors which provided shelters for targets.
A Comparative Analysis of Depth Computation of Leukaemia Images using a Refined Bit Plane and Uncertainty Based Clustering Techniques
Authors: Purushotham Swarnalatha , Tripathy B. K. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Several image segmentation techniques have been developed over the years to analyze the characteristics of images. Among these, the uncertainty based approaches and their hybrids have been found to be more efficient than the conventional and individual ones. Very recently, a hybrid clustering algorithm, called Rough Intuitionistic Fuzzy C-Means (RIFCM) was proposed by the authors and proved to be more efficient than the conventional and other algorithms applied in this direction, using various datasets. Besides, in order to remove noise from the images, a Refined Bit Plane (RBP) algorithm was introduced by us. In this paper we use a combination of the RBP and RIFCM to propose an approach and apply it to leukemia images. The aim of the paper is twofold. First, it establishes the superiority of our approach in medical diagnosis in comparison to most of the conventional, as well as uncertainty based approaches. The other objective is to provide a computer-aided diagnosis system that will assist the doctors in evaluating medical images in general, and also in easy and better assessment of the disease in leukaemia patients. We have applied several measures like DB-index, D-index, RMSE, PSNR, time estimation in depth computation and histogram analysis to support our conclusions.