bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formation and justification of the parameters of the comb for laying the drip irrigation hose and sowing seeds
Authors: Shaymardanov B P , Berdimuratov P T , Ruziev D M , Rakhimov A G 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The article presents the results of a study on the formation and justification of the parameters of a comb for laying a drip irrigation hose and sowing seeds. The features of the agrometeorological conditions of Uzbekistan during spring sowing are studied. Based on the variability of weather - precipitation, atmospheric air temperature and soil, the parameters of the ridge size are justified. The design of the machine for pre-sowing strip milling of the soil, the formation of the ridge, the laying of the drip irrigation hose, soil compaction, providing physical and mechanical soil of the ridge and the possibility of sowing seeds, is proposed. The design of a milling machine for strip processing with the formation of a ridge of a given shape, composition and parameters, a ridge sealer according to the required soil density has been developed. The main parameters of the comb shaper are substantiated.
Drainage of road bridges
Authors: Nikolov Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
When designing bridges, the main focus is usually on the design of structural elements. However, some important issues related to the safe operation and maintenance of these facilities are sometimes ignored. One such issue is related to the drainage of bridge roadways. In some countries with a well-working system of inspection and maintenance of road networks and of bridges in particular, there are clear rules for the design of bridge drainage. Unlike the common practice in Bulgaria, the goal of bridge drainage design in these countries is to minimize the number of scuppers and to look for appropriate ways to minimize the amount of water in the bridge area. In this paper, the available requirements of Bulgarian design documents and regulations related to drainage systems are studied and a comparison with the bridge design manuals of some US transportation administrations is made
Study of Problems Related to Pedestrian Bridges in Bulgaria
Authors: Georgiev Lazar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pedestrian bridges due to specific features of the traffic on them have different parameters of structural behaviour and proportions in comparison with road and railway bridges. The lower traffic intensity leads to the possibility of realisation of slender structures with complex geometry. In accordance with Bulgarian national regulations the importance category of the bridge structures is related only with the road passing or under the structure. In Bulgaria there are large number of pedestrian bridges with relatively large spans up to 260m on small village roads and forest roads. Due to their low category in accordance with national regulations the process of control in their design, execution and maintenance is realised by the relevant municipalities. In the case of large spans suspension and cable-stayed superstructures are often used but the technical staff in the municipalities is frequently with no enough expert level in the complex behaviour of such type of structures. In the paper some common structural deficiencies, illustrated on analysis of particular pedestrian bridges in exploitation are discussed.
Advanced technologies for landslide monitoring
Authors: Milev N. , Totsev A. , Angelova M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The article reviews modern landslide monitoring methods. The purpose of the observation method in the design and control of the behavior of geotechnical structures and its role in creating chances for cost savings or pre-emptively averting construction risks is a driving force in the context of landslides. This approach is established within Eurocode 7 as a fundamental tenet of geotechnical design, serving as a valid validation method for limit states. Monitoring of large areas is common in everyday engineering practice which makes the installation of transducers in multiple points very difficult. Due to this reason the use of so-called contactless approaches is widely accepted. A distinguishable representor of that method is DInSAR – technique for successful displacements measurement by means of SAR data which is economically feasible and capable of detecting classic failure modes. The article presents and compares methods such as: LiDAR, Infrared sensors, Fiber oprics, Shape array accelerometers, In-place inclinometers, and others. Despite the development of technologies, the application of monitoring in Bulgaria is not enough used.
Experiences and practices from application of rockfall remedial works at MKD national road network
Authors: Jovanovski Milorad , Peševski Igor , Papić Jovan Br. , Abazi Sead 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Rockfalls, landslides and floods continue to have a growing share in the overall damages and losses, influencing considerably the national budget. Recent experiences and practices related to application of stabilisation measures and remediation of rockfall zones along MKD national road network are presented in the article. Analyses are based on case histories where the prognosis of geotechnical conditions is a key element in definition of remedial measures for rock slopes. Some issues related with Consequence Class, as suggested in Eurocode 7 202x, and the concepts of Acceptable Level of Risk are presented. Proposals in definition of Acceptable Level of Risk, through combining Probability of Failure, Reliability Index and Consequence Classes, are given in the article. These findings can help in development and/or improvement of rockfall, landslide and flood risk management strategies.
Evaluating the Long-Term Plastic Strain Accumulation in Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Application for Road Subbase Construction: A Cyclic Triaxial Loading Study
Authors: Gluchowski A , Zając K , Sas W 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has gained significant attention in recent years as an environmentally sustainable solution for road construction. However, the main concerns are regarding its long-term performance and the potential impact on the road subbase. This study aims to investigate the behavior of RAP under cyclic triaxial loading conditions, specifically focusing on the accumulation of plastic strain over time. The research methodology involved laboratory testing using a cyclic triaxial apparatus to simulate the stress conditions experienced by RAP in road subbase applications in reference to AASHTO code. Several RAP specimens with varying degrees of compaction were subjected to repeated cyclic loading while monitoring the associated plastic strain accumulation. To provide a comparative analysis, conventional subbase materials were also tested under the same conditions. The findings indicate that RAP exhibits a notable disadvantage in terms of long-term plastic strain accumulation when compared to conventional subbase materials. The cyclic triaxial loading tests revealed a substantial increase in plastic strain accumulation over extended periods, suggesting the potential for long-term deformations and compromised performance of the road structure. This accumulation of plastic strain could lead to increased maintenance requirements and decreased service life of the road. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended that careful consideration be given to the utilization of RAP in road subbase construction in areas subjected to heavy cyclic loading conditions. Additional research and development efforts are necessary to explore potential mitigation strategies and optimize the use of RAP, ensuring sustainable and resilient road infrastructure.
Analysis of the impact of rail head wear on railway superstructure stability
Authors: Mirchev K , Lepoev M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Continuous welded rail track (CWR) is a superstructure construction of the railway that withstands significant compressive forces from the longitudinal extension of the rails due to temperature changes, ensuring the safe railway operation. The applicable for the Bulgarian railway system methodology for determining the critical compressive force at which the CWR loses stability has been examined. Different types of rails with their respective design parameters, important for the force calculation, have been taken into consideration. The considered design parameters, as moment of inertia and sectional modulus of the rails, change during operation due to the rail head wear. The aim of the article is to examine specific examples of railway tracks on curves, analyzing the impact of the changed operational design parameters of the rail on the stability of the track. The operational and geometric parameters of the railway track have been considered.
Study of the interaction of a modified rim profile with rail profiles used in the tram track of the city of Sofia
Authors: Lepoev M , Zhekov V 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The report examines the interaction of a modified rim profile with the rail profiles used for a tram track in the city of Sofia. The contact points, rolling radii difference and equivalent conicity were examined, graphs were drawn and the obtained values were analysed. Based on the obtained results, an analysis was made for the possibility of integrating the modified profile as the default tire profile in the city of Sofia.
Strategic development of the national road network
Authors: Paunova Desislava , Tzonevska Dina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Strategically developed transport infrastructure is a basic prerequisite for efficient, effective, and sustainable transport. The transport infrastructure is essential for economic growth, for the mobility of labor resources, for the supply of transport services and for the competitiveness of the bulgarian economy. A major problem identified in relation to the characteristics and qualities of the infrastructure along the main routes is the lack of continuous, consistent, and permanent transport networks to ensure fast and safe movement over longer distances. The development of the national road network must follow the principles of continuity and synergy with the national and European strategic documents. The main strategic priorities in the development of transport are effective maintenance and modernization of the transport infrastructure, as well as increasing the security and safety of the transport system.
The Economic Factor as a Key in Planning Activities of the National Road Network
Authors: Tzonevska Phd Dina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Transport has a key role in economic and social development. It generates economic growth by increasing access to health, education, and other national and regional public services. On one hand, investment in the transport sector boosts economic growth by increasing the return on private investment. On the other hand, the improvement of the transport service helps to reduce the prices of resources and thus - to reduce the production costs, to increase the possibilities of access to different markets. An important problem in defining the need for the construction of transport infrastructure objects is consideration of the economic factor of the projects. It is necessary for making decisions on the implementation of transport policy at the national and international level. Bringing out the economic factor as a key factor in the planning of activities on the national road network has a wide public significance, this necessitates the improvement of coordination in terms of its implementation.
Possibilities for the construction of a parallel route of the European transport corridor No 9 through Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece
Authors: Tsonkov Nikolay , Petrov Kamen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Bulgarian state is significantly behind in the development of its strategic road infrastructure. This circumstance is complemented by the deteriorated state of the already-built infrastructure in the Bulgarian state. There is a need to change the policy philosophy for managing and maintaining the strategic infrastructure in Bulgaria. It is necessary to strongly link this policy with the regional development policy, due to the similar objectives they must achieve. They are aimed at bringing Bulgarian regions closer together, and their economic and regional development based on improved connectivity between them. Achieving all this, however, is hampered by a significant deficit in the system. There is a lack of connectivity and development of the transport axes in the North-South direction. In this regard, the authors set as their main objective to analyze and assess the possibilities for the construction of a parallel route of the European transport corridor No. 9 through Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, which includes the construction of a tunnel between the town of Troyan and the village of Karnare in the central part of the Balkan Mountains. The implementation of this project will bring economic, social, transport, and financial benefits to the Bulgarian state. The construction of the project ensures connectivity between the Balkan countries, the formation of a single European market, stimulating the development of Northern Bulgaria, and a targeted impact on the North and South-Central planning regions.
Road safety impact assessment practices and recommendations
Authors: Popova Vanina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article reviews the practices for conducting Road Safety Impact Assessment (RIA). An overview of current research and methodologies related to this field is presented, and various aspects of the preparation of RSIA are analysed.
The DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on road infrastructure safety management (RISM Directive) defines the procedure “road safety impact assessment” as a strategic comparative analysis of the impact of a new road or a substantial modification to the existing network on the safety performance of the road network”; The RISM Directive provides only the basic framework for conducting such analysis by just pointing out its basic elements without providing specific methodology for it. Some countries have developed their own methodologies, others not.
Although the RIA is a procedure, that was included in the initial RISM Directive (2008), Bulgaria has not yet had much experience with it, nor has a developed methodology or recommendations for it.
The main aim of this article is to review and analyse international experience in conducting road safety impact assessment and to present some recommendations about it for such procedures from national teams.
The article draws attention to the methods and tools used in the preparation of the RIA. This includes the collection and analysis of road infrastructure and traffic data, the study of previous safety analyses, modelling and simulations of the proposed measures, and the assessment of social and economic aspects.
One of the main aspects discussed in the article is the possibility of using computer models and artificial intelligence (AI) in the preparation of the RIA. AI can be applied to process large volumes of data and perform complex risk and scenario analyses. This allows practitioners to obtain more accurate and predictable results to serve as a basis for making informed road safety decisions.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of preparing Road safety impact assessment and presents different practices and methodologies that can be used in this process. The use of computer models and AI can improve the efficiency and accuracy of RSIA and contribute to achieving higher standards of road safety.
Purpose of acceleration and deceleration lanes. Comparison of the regulatory framework for the design acceleration and deceleration lanes in Bulgaria, Austria, Germany and the USA (California).
Authors: Zhelev Marin , Nikolov Valentin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The report examines and analyzes the purpose of acceleration and deceleration lanes at two-level road interchanges. For the preparation of the current report are used the regulatory framework for the design of acceleration and deceleration lanes from Bulgaria, Austria, Germany and USA – California. The design elements of the acceleration and deceleration lanes are compared in detail. Widths and lengths of lanes, merging zones, angles and slopes. The conclusions of the report are given as guidelines for good practice in the design of road interchanges at one and two levels.
Comment on “Reproducibility study of Monte Carlo simulations for nanoparticle dose enhancement and biological modeling of cell survival curves” by Velten et al [Biomed Phys Eng Express 2023;9:045004]
Authors: Rabus Hans 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This comment highlights two methodological issues with the recent article by Velten et al [Biomed Phys Eng Express 2023;9:045004]: First, the approach taken in this work with a local effect model (LEM) in 2D leads to a significant overstimation of the number of radiation-induced lesions. This results in order of magnitude smaller predicted survival rates compared to the conventional LEM. Second, the dose without nanoparticles is used as the ‘macroscopic dose’ against which cell survival is plotted. However, for the considered gold concentrations, the average absorbed dose under secondary particle equilibrium is between 2 and 20 times higher with nanoparticles than without.
A fully printed sensor with optical readout for real-time flow monitoring
Authors: Barmpakos Dimitris , Apostolakis Apostolos , Pilatis Aggelos , Pagonis Dimitrios-Nikolaos , Kaltsas Grigoris 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of flexible thermal flow sensing devices due to their wide-ranging applications. In this study, we present the fabrication of a screen-printed flow sensor with optical readout on a 125 μm polyethylene terephthalate substrate in a three-layer configuration. The device comprises electrodes made from a commercial silver (Ag) ink, a heating area using a commercial carbon ink, and a thermochromic (TC) layer employing a commercial ink with a standard activation temperature of 31 °C. We designed a specialized experimental setup to evaluate the performance of the optical flow sensor under static and dynamic conditions. To analyze the device’s thermal response and performance across various flow conditions, we utilized a combination of electrical measurements and infrared (IR)-optical imaging techniques. The all-printed device operates on the basis of a thermodynamic cycle frequency, which activates the TC ink, causing it to blink at a frequency related to the flow passing over the sensor. The results of our preliminary testing are highly promising, as the sensor successfully demonstrated a clear relationship between flow and optical duty cycle. This innovative device offers a contactless, low-cost, easy-to-use flow detection method and holds significant potential for various practical applications.
Drug–drug interaction prediction: databases, web servers and computational models
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yin Jun , Zhang Li , Zhang Yong , Chen Xing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In clinical treatment, two or more drugs (i.e. drug combination) are simultaneously or successively used for therapy with the purpose of primarily enhancing the therapeutic efficacy or reducing drug side effects. However, inappropriate drug combination may not only fail to improve efficacy, but even lead to adverse reactions. Therefore, according to the basic principle of improving the efficacy and/or reducing adverse reactions, we should study drug–drug interactions (DDIs) comprehensively and thoroughly so as to reasonably use drug combination. In this review, we first introduced the basic conception and classification of DDIs. Further, some important publicly available databases and web servers about experimentally verified or predicted DDIs were briefly described. As an effective auxiliary tool, computational models for predicting DDIs can not only save the cost of biological experiments, but also provide relevant guidance for combination therapy to some extent. Therefore, we summarized three types of prediction models (including traditional machine learning-based models, deep learning-based models and score function-based models) proposed during recent years and discussed the advantages as well as limitations of them. Besides, we pointed out the problems that need to be solved in the future research of DDIs prediction and provided corresponding suggestions.
Coracle—a machine learning framework to identify bacteria associated with continuous variables
Authors: Staab Sebastian , Cardénas Anny , Peixoto Raquel S , Schreiber Falk , Voolstra Christian R 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSummaryWe present Coracle, an artificial intelligence (AI) framework that can identify associations between bacterial communities and continuous variables. Coracle uses an ensemble approach of prominent feature selection methods and machine learning (ML) models to identify features, i.e. bacteria, associated with a continuous variable, e.g. host thermal tolerance. The results are aggregated into a score that incorporates the performances of the different ML models and the respective feature importance, while also considering the robustness of feature selection. Additionally, regression coefficients provide first insights into the direction of the association. We show the utility of Coracle by analyzing associations between bacterial composition data (i.e. 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequence Variants, ASVs) and coral thermal tolerance (i.e. standardized short-term heat stress-derived diagnostics). This analysis identified high-scoring bacterial taxa that were previously found associated with coral thermal tolerance. Coracle scales with feature number and performs well with hundreds to thousands of features, corresponding to the typical size of current datasets. Coracle performs best if run at a higher taxonomic level first (e.g. order or family) to identify groups of interest that can subsequently be run at the ASV level.Availability and implementationCoracle can be accessed via a dedicated web server that allows free and simple access: http://www.micportal.org/coracle/index. The underlying code is open-source and available via GitHub https://github.com/SebastianStaab/coracle.git.
Cross-frequency and inter-regional phase synchronization in explicit transitive inference
Authors: Heldmann Marcus , Rohde Lisa Suzanna , Münte Thomas F , Ye Zheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExplicit logical reasoning, like transitive inference, is a hallmark of human intelligence. This study investigated cortical oscillations and their interactions in transitive inference with EEG. Participants viewed premises describing abstract relations among items. They accurately recalled the relationship between old pairs of items, effectively inferred the relationship between new pairs of items, and discriminated between true and false relationships for new pairs. First, theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha oscillations (8–15 Hz) had distinct functional roles. Frontal theta oscillations distinguished between new and old pairs, reflecting the inference of new information. Parietal alpha oscillations changed with serial position and symbolic distance of the pairs, representing the underlying relational structure. Frontal alpha oscillations distinguished between true and false pairs, linking the new information with the underlying relational structure. Second, theta and alpha oscillations interacted through cross-frequency and inter-regional phase synchronization. Frontal theta-alpha 1:2 phase locking appeared to coordinate spectrally diverse neural activity, enhanced for new versus old pairs and true versus false pairs. Alpha-band frontal-parietal phase coherence appeared to coordinate anatomically distributed neural activity, enhanced for new versus old pairs and false versus true pairs. It suggests that cross-frequency and inter-regional phase synchronization among theta and alpha oscillations supports human transitive inference.