bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alternating Hybridisation of Fibres on the Physico - Mechanical Behaviour of Composite Materials
Authors: Harb Noura , Dilmi Hamid , Bezzazi Boudjema , Hamitouche Kahina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The performance/weight ratio of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites makes them the material of choice for structural applications in many fields such as aerospace, aeronautics, automotive and civil engineering...etc. In polymer matrix composites, the fibers used as reinforcement are mainly synthetic fibers such as carbon and/or glass fibers. To ensure the low cost of using fiber-reinforced materials in motor vehicles, it is proposed to selectively incorporate carbon fibers to enhance glass fiber composites along the roadway, and to enhance glass fiber composites along the main load path. For this purpose, we conducted a behavioral study of hybrid epoxy thermoset polymer matrix laminates to highlight the influence of alternate hybridization of glass and carbon fibers on the physical-mechanical behavior of the materials.The results obtained show that the alternated hybridation of the fibers has a significant influence on the tensile properties; and it affected the density, hardness and flexural properties significantly.
FBG Monitoring of a Communication Paths and Roadways with a Geosynthetic Systems on Mining Heaps
Authors: Juraszek Janusz , Gwozdz-Lason Monika , Gago Filip , Bulko Roman 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In civil engineering geosynthetics play the role of reinforcing the ground and strengthening the foundation structures of engineering facilities. This paper shows the possibility of using a geotextile, a geonet and a geogrid for the design of walking, cycle and quad-bike paths in the investigated mine waste dump sites. The functions of the solutions designed for linear investments in areas affected by mining activity and rehabilitated into a sports and recreation area must be monitored. The paper discusses the scope and the method of FBG monitoring, the data of which illustrate the behaviour of structures with embedded geosynthetic materials with regard to variables such as the structure service life and durability and the need to meet all limit states. The impact of the choice of designs with geosynthetics in sustainable development can be quantified in terms of the carbon footprint. A site-rehabilitation working design can also be analysed economically by estimating the market, investment and replacement values of a construction investment. In addition to key technical aspects, the discussed solutions in anthropogenic areas also ensure significant sustainable development of the Benefits system.
Analysis of the association between anxiety, depression and obesity in individuals with metabolic syndrome
Authors: das Virgens Silva Jamile , Coutinho-Lima Claubert Radames O. , Brandao Najara Amaral , dos Santos Luama Araujo , Dias Vanessa Cristina , Correa Aiala Brito , de Almeida Daniela Oliveira , Conceicao Gildasio , Florence Thais Costa Machado , de Almeida Amanda Galvao , Araujo Edilene Maria Queiroz 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to verify the association between anxiety, depression, and obesity in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients.

Methods. It is a retrospective study with 142 volunteers with MetS of both genders and age ≥20 years. Every subject responded to the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Data are shown as absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables and a Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to verify the association between anxiety or depression and body mass index (BMI). The value of p≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results. The frequency of anxiety and depression was 18.3% (n=26) and 12% (n=17), respectively. There was no significant association between anxiety or depression and BMI (p=0.481 and 0.079, respectively) in individuals with MetS.

Conclusions. Although no association among anxiety, depression and obesity was found, the psychological factors should be added to the MetS treatment contributing to a more effective health care in order to find answers to manage and adhere to the conducts carried out from a more humanized and transdisciplinary perspective. The data also indicate that large sample and case-control methodology are required to obtain a more specific evaluation of this association.
Functional transposition of TILL and UNTIL from a diachronic perspective
Authors: Kovbasko Yurii 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The research traces the development of functional transposition of TILL and UNTIL in English. The study covers 16 historical periods and is based on 1,243 examples extracted from the writings from 850 to 1710, which are analyzed without resorting to any corpus software; 2,225 examples from 1710 to 1920, which are automatically tagged utilizing the corpus toolbox Lancsbox; and the statistical data on 127,544 examples over the period of 1920–2020. It is hypothesized that despite being synonyms and representatives of the same grammatical categories of prepositions and conjunctions in modern English, the lexical units TILL and UNTIL were initially formed as prepositions and later, following their own transpositional patterns, they were transposed into conjunctions.
Numerical Analysis of Turbulent Flow over a Backward-facing Step in an Open Channel
Authors: Saleem Bala Kawa M. , Mustafa Andam , Kareem Dalshad Ahmed , Yuce Mehmet Ishak , Szydłowski Michał , Al-Ansari Nadhir 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Computational examinations of the flow field in an open channel having a single Backward--Facing Step (BFS) with a constant water depth of 1.5 m were performed. The e ects of the expansion ratio, and the flow velocity along the reattachment length, were investigated by employing two di erent expansion ratios of 1.5 and 2, and eight various flow velocities of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5 and 10 m/sec in the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations. Commercially available CFD software, ANSYS FLUENT, was used for calculations. The simulation outcomes were verified using experimental results. Moreover, analyses were performed by using two equation turbulence closure models, K-ɛ family (standard, RNG and realizable), and K-ω family (Wilcox’s and SST K-ω). The analyses have revealed that the reattachment length increases with an increase in the expansion ratio, the flow velocity and the Reynolds number. The results obtained for two expansion rates and eight di erent flow velocities have shown insignificant di erences between one turbulence closure model and the others. Furthermore, it was observed that both velocity and expansion ratios have an e ect on the reattachment zone size.
Seismic Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Frame Using Shake Table Test
Authors: Arastu M. , Moin K. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Recently, the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) frame has been one of the most commonly used structural systems for buildings in the high seismic region due to its inherent earthquake-resistant property. However, there is still a deficiency in understanding the RCC building structural system dynamic behaviour during significant earthquakes. A 1/4th scaled RCC framed building structure has been tested on the shake table in the present study. The response in terms of engineering parameters like natural time period, damping, story acceleration, and damage pattern have been reported. The 1940 EL-Centro (NS component) time history has been used for the study. The failure patterns were observed within the column-beam joints. The difference between the input signal and the output signal has been noted and found to be in good agreement with each other.
Problems of as-Built Inventories of Commercial Service Facilities
Authors: Gębka Bernarda , Buda A. S. , Maciuk K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Paper concerns problems of as-built geodetic inventory of a commercial-service facility with connections (water, sanitary, rainwater drainage, electricity and telecommunications). The facility has a built-up area of more than 3,700 m2 and is located on two registered lands. The inventory was carried out using a GNSS receiver, tacheometer and leveller, and using methods: indentation, orthogonal and geometric levelling. The paper also compares the inventory of the selected building with that of a single-family house. The main differences include, first and foremost, the timing of the survey, the technique, the equipment used and the labour costs.
Oradea’s 1900s Industrial Structures Behaviour
Authors: Prada Hanga-Fărcaş Ioana-Francesca , Bungău C. C. , Scurt Adriana Aurelia , Durgheu Anca , Pescaru A.H. , Prada Marcela-Florina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The paper brings to attention the industrial buildings from the 1900s through two case studies of high-rise buildings for the period in which they were built. The study is done by analyzing the resistance structure of two buildings built around the 1880s and their behavior over time. The destiny of these very valuable buildings from a historical, architectural and structural point of view is regarded as a motivation for the authors for the elaboration of the present paper. One of the studied buildings has been dismantled, while for the second one, the owners are allocating funding for structural rehabilitation in order to maintain it, in parallel with the re-conversion, modernization and expansion of the building. For valuable buildings and historic monument buildings, maintenance activity is particularly important in order to prevent structural degradation. It is especially important to pass on the historical legacy to future generations, therefore its structural strengthening and rehabilitation must take precedence over financial implications.
Leaf wettability and plant surface water storage for common wetland species of the Biebrza peatlands (northeast Poland)
Authors: Papierowska Ewa , Sikorska Daria , Szporak-Wasilewska Sylwia , Kleniewska Małgorzata , Berezowski Tomasz , Chormański Jarosław , Debaene Guillaume , Szatyłowicz Jan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Wetlands play a crucial role in buffering the effects of climate change. At the same time, they are one of the most endangered ecosystems on the globe. The knowledge of the water cycle and energy exchange is crucial for the practical preservation and exploiting their capabilities. Leaf wettability is an important parameter characterising the plant's ability to retain water on its surface, and is linked to the ecosystems' hydrological and ecological functioning. This research investigates the relationship between leaves' wettability based on contact angle measurements and water storage capacity (interception) for wetland vegetation. We performed the study for ten common plant species collected from Biebrza peatlands (Poland). We used CAM100 goniometer for the wetting contact angle measurements on the leaves' surface, and the weighing method for the plant surface water storage determination. The wetland plants' initial contact angle values ranged from 64.7° to 139.5° and 62.4° to 134.0° for the leaves' adaxial and abaxial parts, respectively. The average plant surface water storage was equal to 0.31 g·g−1, and values ranged from 0.09 to 0.76 g·g−1. The leaf hydrophobicity contributes to the amount of retained water. With increasing average contact angle, the amount of water retained on the plant decreased.
Alterations in aggregate characteristics of thermally heated water-repellent soil aggregates under laboratory conditions
Authors: Perera H. T. M. , Leelamanie D. A. L. , Maeda Morihiro , Mori Yasushi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The heat generated during wildfires modifies soil characteristics, including soil water repellency (SWR) and the water stability of aggregates, which are known to be interrelated. SWR lowers the rate of water entry into aggregates, minimizing aggregate disruption and subsequent erosion. This study aimed to examine these aggregate characteristics (SWR, water stability of aggregates) of thermally heated water-repellent soil aggregates under laboratory conditions. Water-repellent aggregates were collected from Eucalyptus grandis forest soil separately from four soil depths (0–5, 5–10, 10–15, and 15–20 cm) with varying initial repellency levels. Using an automated programmable muffle furnace, aggregates were separately exposed to three heating temperatures, T
H (150, 200, 250 °C), three rates of heating (speed of rising temperature to reach relevant T
H), R
H (200, 400, 800 °C h−1), and three durations of exposure to relevant T
H, E
D (30, 60, 120 min). The molarity of an ethanol droplet test was used to measure the contact angle (contact angle>90°). The water drop penetration time (WDPT) was also measured. The SWR of aggregates declined with the increasing T
H and E
D. All aggregates were wettable once exposed to 250 °C. At the lowest T
H and E
D (150 °C, 30 min), the contact angle was <90° only in the least repellent aggregates collected from 10–15 and 15–20 cm depths. Although R
H indicated the least influence on the measured parameters, the slowest R
H (200 °C h−1) caused a comparatively greater decline in SWR. Water stability of aggregates increased with heating irrespective of decreasing SWR. Further investigations on heat-induced changes in organic compounds at molecular levels would be necessary to understand the theories for the behavior of aggregates.
Influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on water storage capacity of two lichens species
Authors: Klamerus-Iwan Anna , Kozłowski Rafał , Sadowska-Rociek Anna , Słowik-Opoka Ewa , Kupka Dawid , Giordani Paolo , Porada Philipp , Van Stan John T. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The wide variability in functional traits that enable the cosmopolitan distribution of lichens often includes the water storage capacity, S, of their thallus. Lichen S in forest canopies can be large enough to intercept and evaporate significant amounts of rainwater, contributing to the runoff-reduction ecosystem services provided by urban forests; however, S is likely influenced by the presence of air pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) in urban areas. PAHs, being both chemically hydrophobic and damaging to lichen thalli, are expected to reduce lichens’ S and, thereby, limit their contribution to hydrologic ecoservices of urban forests. Hence, the relationship between PAH accumulation and rainwater uptake was examined for two lichen species, common in urban forests around the world – Platismatia glauca and Pseudevernia furfuracea. Samples were collected from an area of low air pollution and another area in a highly urbanized city centre with high air pollution exposure (Kraków, Poland). Lichen S was determined using laboratory-simulated rainfall. PAH bioaccumulation differed between species and among the samples from clean and polluted environments. After exposure to polluted air, the concentration of PAHs was higher in P. glauca than P. furfuracea. Samples from the non-urban setting, however, showed no differences between the two species. In the case of P. glauca, S decreased from 35.8% in samples from clean environment to 8.3% after six months of exposure in the urban setting. The respective S values for P. furfuracea were 25.4% and 12.4%. Results strongly suggest that PAH exposure reduces S in both lichen species.
The obtained results are important both in ecohydrology and microclimatology and are part of the research on the condition of urban forests.
Profiling the Management of Organised Crime: Evidence of a Qualitative Research
Authors: David Costin-Dan , Dumitraşcu Dănuț-Dumitru 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The current paper deals with a rarely studied subject in the Romanian academic field, that of developing a profile of organized crime entities. The aim of the paper is to present the findings of a qualitative indepth-interview based research that was designed (using 11 specific objectives and 15 interviews) to identify how criminal entities are organized in the sense of structure, communication, hierarchy levels, member recruitment etc. The qualitative research was applied to law enforcement employees, prosecutors (former and active ones) and active and former members of organized crime that can help achieve the research objectives. Being structured in several sections (literature review, research methodology, research findings, conclusions and discussions) the current article represents the first step in understanding the way criminal entities are being organized and if the organizational method and management style mach that of economic (legal organized) entities. The results of the research and using as backround the literature review, have generated several interesting future hypothesis regarding the organization of criminal entities that can and are being tested with the help of a quantitative research method in an attempt to identify the best methods and strategies that the law enforcement entities can use to combat illegal activities.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Insurance Companies’ Financial Stability: The Case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Palečková Iveta , Přečková Lenka 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The study assesses the determinants of the financial stability of the Czech commercial insurance companies within the period 2004-2019. The eight macroeconomic determinants of the financial stability of insurance are analysed for both insurers, i.e., with predominated life and non-life insurance. The generalized method of moments is used for empirical analysis. The results show four macroeconomic variables were statistically significant determinants of financial stability in the case of non-life insurers and three determinants influenced the financial stability of life insurers. The study concludes that the determinants of the financial stability of non-life insurers were different that in the case of life insurers. Moreover, the impact of several determinants is also different in case life and non-life insurers in the Czech Republic.
Evaluation of the prospects for using artificial intelligence technologies to analyze CT scans of the chest organs in order to identify signs of malignant neoplasms in the lungs
Authors: Pilius P. S. , Drokin I. S. , Bazhenova D. A. , Makovskaya L. A. , Sinitsyn V. E. 
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the study. To analyze the possibility of using artificial intelligence as a decision support system for radiologists for pulmonary nodules detection on Chest CT before and during the COVID-19 pandemic on the example of the system Botkin.AI.Materials and methods. Two groups of Chest CT studies were identified: those performed before (group 1) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (group 2). Each group contains anonymized CT data of 150 patients. Chest CT scans for group 2 were selected based on the percentage of coronavirus lung damage from 0 to 25%. The research was analyzed by the artificial intelligence system Botkin. AI for the presence of peripheral pulmonary nodes up to 6 mm, followed by a “blind” check of the analysis results by three radiologists.Results. In group 1, the sensitivity of the method was 1.0; specificity – 0.88 and AUC – 0.94. In the 2nd group 0.93; 0.81 and 0.86, respectively.In group 2, a slight decrease in specificity is mainly associated with an increase in false positive results in the pulmonary opcities, as manifestations of coronavirus lung damage, taken by the AI model for pulmonary nodes.Conclusion. The platform has a high accuracy of detecting pulmonary nodules on computed tomography of the chest both in studies conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be useful to prevent possible omissions of important findings in conditions of increased workload for radiologists.
Application of perfusion computed tomography in renal diseases (review of literature)
Authors: Lomonosova E. V. , Golbits A. B. , Rubtsova N. A. , Alekseev B. Ya. , Kaprin A. D. 
Published: May 2023

Purpose. To analyze the literature data on the use of CT perfusion in kidney diseases and to assess the future prospects of using the technique in clinical practice.Materials and methods. In electronic databases (PubMed, E-library, Web of Science, Google Scholar), a search was conducted for published studies evaluating the possibilities of using CT perfusion in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic kidney diseases. The article analyzes the results of 40 most relevant works of Russian and foreign researchers devoted to this topic.Results. According to the analysis of the data obtained, perfusion CT is an effective diagnostic tool in oncology: the technique allows noninvasively assessing the nature of the tumour, including differentiating benign nodes (fat-poor angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma) from renal cell carcinoma; to establish the histological variant of renal cell carcinoma and Fuhrman grade, to characterize the effectiveness of ablative techniques and systemic treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Based on the correlation of CT kidney perfusion data and the results of various methods for determining organ function, the possibility of using perfusion CT as one of the prognostic factors for determining the tactics of treatment of patients with obstructive uropathies, aortomesenteric compression, and also shows the potential of using the technique in transplantology both in patients after surgery and during the examination of donors.Conclusions. Despite the fact that the role of CT kidney perfusion in various fields of urology and nephrology has been sufficiently studied, some important aspects of the likely application of this technique remain underestimated. Taking into account the high incidence rates and a significant percentage of localized forms of tumors, the study of the role of CT perfusion in planning and evaluating the results of nephron-sparing treatment of renal cell carcinoma may open up new prospects in optimizing surgical tactics.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in deep gray matter as a neurodegeneration marker in relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Matrosova M. S. , Bryukhov V. V. , Popova E. V. , Belskaya G. N. , Krotenkova M. V. 
Published: May 2023

Purpose. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in iron distribution in the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique – quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) – in comparison with clinical data.Materials and methods. Three groups of patients were included in this prospective study: 47 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 20 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and 39 healthy controls. For all patients we collected clinical data, including history of present illness (H&P) and disability degree, and performed brain MRI followed by QSM maps obtaining and assessing relative magnetic susceptibility in subcortical structures.Results. We found an increase in magnetic susceptibility in the heads of the caudate nuclei and in putamen in patients with SPMS as compared to RRMS. At the same time, a decrease in magnetic susceptibility in the thalamic pulvinar was detected in patients with MS in the long term, but a sharp hyperintensity in conjunction with decreasing volume was observed in some patients.Conclusion. Increased magnetic susceptibility on the QSM in subcortical structures of the brain, reflecting iron content, is more typical for patients with SPMS, which may indicate the prognostic value of these changes.