Abstract: Macro invertebrates have been used to monitor
organic pollution in rivers and streams. Several biotic indices based
on macro invertebrates have been developed over the years including
the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP). A new biotic
index, the Gammarus:Asellus ratio has been recently proposed as an
index of organic pollution. This study tested the validity of the
Gammarus:Asellus ratio as an index of organic pollution, by
examining the relationship between the Gammarus:Asellus ratio and
physical chemical parameters, and other biotic indices such as
BMWP and, Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) from lakes and
streams at Markeaton Park, Allestree Park and Kedleston Hall,
Derbyshire. Macro invertebrates were sampled using the standard
five minute kick sampling techniques physical and chemical
environmental variables were obtained based on standard sampling
techniques. Eighteen sites were sampled, six sites from Markeaton
Park (three sites across the stream and three sites across the lake). Six
sites each were also sampled from Allestree Park and Kedleston Hall
lakes. The Gammarus:Asellus ratio showed an opposite significant
positive correlations with parameters indicative of organic pollution
such as the level of nitrates, phosphates, and calcium and also
revealed a negatively significant correlations with other biotic indices
(BMWP/ASPT). The BMWP score correlated positively significantly
with some water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen and
flow rate, but revealed no correlations with other chemical
environmental variables. The BMWP score was significantly higher
in the stream than the lake in Markeaton Park, also The ASPT scores
appear to be significantly higher in the upper Lakes than the middle
and lower lakes. This study has further strengthened the use of
BMWP/ASPT score as an index of organic pollution. But additional
application is required to validate the use of Gammarus:Asellus as a
rapid bio monitoring tool.
Abstract: To achieve reliable welds with minimum distortion for
the fabrication of components in aerospace industry laser beam
welding is attempted. Laser welding can provide a significant benefit
for the welding of Titanium and Aluminium thin sheet alloys of its
precision and rapid processing capability. For laser welding, pulse
shape, energy, duration, repetition rate and peak power are the most
important parameters that influence directly the quality of welds. In
this experimental work for joining 1mm thick TI6AL4V and AA2024
alloy and JK600 Nd:YAG pulsed laser units used. The distortions at
different welding power and speed of titanium and aluminium thin
sheet alloys are investigated. Test results reveal that increase in
welding speed increases distortion in weldment
Abstract: Speech Segmentation is the measure of the change
point detection for partitioning an input speech signal into regions
each of which accords to only one speaker. In this paper, we apply
two features based on multi-scale product (MP) of the clean speech,
namely the spectral centroid of MP, and the zero crossings rate of
MP. We focus on multi-scale product analysis as an important tool
for segmentation extraction. The MP is based on making the product
of the speech wavelet transform coefficients (WTC). We have
estimated our method on the Keele database. The results show the
effectiveness of our method. It indicates that the two features can find
word boundaries, and extracted the segments of the clean speech.
Abstract: Arising problems of countries’ public finances, social
and demographic changes motivate scientific and policy debates on
public spending size, structure and efficiency in order to meet the
changing needs of society and business. The concept of sustainable
development poses new challenges for scientists and policy-makers
in the field of public finance. This paper focuses on the investigation
of the relationship between government expenditure and country’s
economic development in the context of sustainable development.
Empirical analysis focuses on the data of the European Union (except
Croatia and Luxemburg) countries. The study covers 2003 – 2012
years, using annual cross-sectional data. Summarizing the research
results, it can be stated that governments should pay more attention to
the needs that ensure sustainable development in the long-run when
formulating public expenditure policy, particularly in the field of
environment protection.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the
laser and partial vibration stimulation on the mice tibia with
morphological characteristics. Twenty female C57BL/6 mice (12
weeks old) were used for the experiment. The study was carried out on
four groups of animals each consisting of five mice. Four groups of
mice were ovariectomized. Animals were scanned at 0 and 2 weeks
after ovariectomy by using micro computed tomography to estimate
morphological characteristics of tibial trabecular bone. Morphological
analysis showed that structural parameters of multi-stimuli group
appear significantly better phase in BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th, Tb.N,
Tb.Sp, and Tb.pf than single stimulation groups. However, single
stimulation groups didn’t show significant effect on tibia with Sham
group. This study suggests that multi-stimuli may restrain the change
as the degenerate phase on osteoporosis in the mice tibia.
Abstract: Geometric and mechanical properties all influence the
resistance of RC structures and may, in certain combination of
property values, increase the risk of a brittle failure of the whole
system.
This paper presents a statistical and probabilistic investigation on
the resistance of RC beams designed according to Eurocodes 2 and 8,
and subjected to multiple failure modes, under both the natural
variation of material properties and the uncertainty associated with
cross-section and transverse reinforcement geometry. A full
probabilistic model based on JCSS Probabilistic Model Code is
derived. Different beams are studied through material nonlinear
analysis via Monte Carlo simulations. The resistance model is
consistent with Eurocode 2. Both a multivariate statistical evaluation
and the data clustering analysis of outcomes are then performed.
Results show that the ultimate load behaviour of RC beams
subjected to flexural and shear failure modes seems to be mainly
influenced by the combination of the mechanical properties of both
longitudinal reinforcement and stirrups, and the tensile strength of
concrete, of which the latter appears to affect the overall response of
the system in a nonlinear way. The model uncertainty of the
resistance model used in the analysis plays undoubtedly an important
role in interpreting results.
Abstract: The main aim of this article is to present a balance of the decade of Polish air transport market in the European Union having taking into account selected entities of the aviation market. This article analyzes the functioning of the Polish air transport market after the Polish accession to the European Union. During the study two main areas were pointed: shipping activity and activity of the airports. The most important benefits of integration and the benefits of introducing of the open sky policy were indicated. The last part of the article presents the perspectives of development of air traffic.
Abstract: In this study was monitored the population of the
European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the area
of Narta Lagoon, Vlora Bay (Albania), from August to October 2014.
A total of 54 individuals of E. orbicularis were studied using
different methodologies. Curved Carapace Length (CCL), Plastron
Length (PL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured for
each individual of E. orbicularis and were statistically analyzed. All
captured turtles were separated in seven different size – classes based
on their carapace length (CCL). Each individual of E. orbicularis was
marked by notching the carapace (marginal scutes). Form all
individuals captured resulted that 37 were females (68.5%), 14 males
(25.9%), 3 juveniles (5.5%), while 18 individuals of E. orbicularis
were recaptured for the first and some for the second time.
Abstract: The research presented in this paper has been focused
on analysing the impact of traffic on the sustainable development of
tourism in Croatia's Dubrovacko-Neretvanska County by the year
2020, based on the figures and trends reported in 2014 and using the
relevant variables that characterise the synergy of traffic and tourism
in, speaking from the geographic viewpoint, the most problematic
county in the Republic of Croatia. The basic hypothesis has been
confirmed through scientifically obtained research results, through
the quantification of the model's variables and the direct growth rates
of the designed model. On the basis of scientific insights into the
sustainable development of traffic and tourism in Dubrovacko-
Neretvanska County, it is possible to propose a new information
model for traffic at the service of the sustainable development of
tourism in the County for the period 2014-2020.
Abstract: A Motzkin shift is a mathematical model for constraints
on genetic sequences. In terms of the theory of symbolic dynamics,
the Motzkin shift is nonsofic, and therefore, we cannot use the Perron-
Frobenius theory to calculate its topological entropy. The Motzkin
shift M(M,N) which comes from language theory, is defined to be the
shift system over an alphabet A that consists of N negative symbols,
N positive symbols and M neutral symbols. For an x in the full shift,
x will be in the Motzkin subshift M(M,N) if and only if every finite
block appearing in x has a non-zero reduced form. Therefore, the
constraint for x cannot be bounded in length. K. Inoue has shown that
the entropy of the Motzkin shift M(M,N) is log(M + N + 1). In this
paper, a new direct method of calculating the topological entropy of
the Motzkin shift is given without any measure theoretical discussion.
Abstract: High Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) of the
transmitted signal is a serious problem in multicarrier systems (MC),
such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), or in
Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) systems,
due to large number of subcarriers. This effect is possible reduce with
some PAPR reduction techniques. Spreading sequences at the
presence of Saleh and Rapp models of high power amplifier (HPA)
have big influence on the behavior of system. In this paper we
investigate the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of MC-CDMA
systems. Basically we can see from simulations that the MC-CDMA
system with Iterative algorithm can be providing significantly better
results than the MC-CDMA system. The results of our analyses are
verified via simulation.
Abstract: In orthopedic surgery there are various situations in
which the surgeon needs to implement methods of cutting and
drilling the bone. With this type of procedure the generated friction
leads to a localized increase in temperature, which may lead to the
bone necrosis. Recognizing the importance of studying this
phenomenon, an experimental evaluation of the temperatures
developed during the procedure of drilling bone has been done.
Additionally the influence of the use of the procedure with / without
additional lubrication during drilling of bone has also been done. The
obtained results are presented and discussed and suggests an
advantage in using additional lubrication as a way to minimize the
appearance of bone tissue necrosis during bone drilling procedures.
Abstract: Universal modeling method well proven for industrial
compressors was applied for design of the high flow rate supersonic
stage. Results were checked by ANSYS CFX and NUMECA Fine
Turbo calculations. The impeller appeared to be very effective at
transonic flow velocities. Stator elements efficiency is acceptable at
design Mach numbers too. Their loss coefficient versus inlet flow
angle performances correlates well with Universal modeling
prediction. The impeller demonstrates ability of satisfactory operation
at design flow rate. Supersonic flow behavior in the impeller inducer
at the shroud blade to blade surface Φ des deserves additional study.
Abstract: There is an evident trend to elevate pressure ratio of a
single stage of a turbo compressors - axial compressors in particular.
Whilst there was an opinion recently that a pressure ratio 1,9 was a
reasonable limit, later appeared information on successful modeling
tested of stages with pressure ratio up to 2,8. The authors recon that
lack of information on high pressure stages makes actual a study of
rational choice of design parameters before high supersonic flow
problems solving. The computer program of an engineering type was
developed. Below is presented a sample of its application to study
possible parameters of the impeller of the stage with pressure ratio
3,0. Influence of two main design parameters on expected efficiency,
periphery blade speed and flow structure is demonstrated. The results
had lead to choose a variant for further analysis and improvement by
CFD methods.
Abstract: Many issues about the relationship between auditors in
auditing practices with its stakeholders often heard. It appears in
perspectives of bringing out the variety of phenomena affecting from
the audit practice of greed and not appreciating from the
independency of the audit profession and professional code of ethics.
It becomes a logical consequence in practicing of capitalism in
accounting. The main purpose of this article would like to uncover
the existing auditing practices in Indonesia, especially in Java that
associated with a strong influence of Javanese culture with reluctant
/”shy", politely, "legowo (gratefully accepted)", "ngemong"
(friendly), "not mentholo" (lenient), "tepo seliro" (tolerance),
"ngajeni" (respectful), "acquiescent" and also reveals its relationships
with Non Javanese culture in facing the conflict of interest in
practical of auditing world. The method used by interpretive
approach that emphasizes the role of language, interpret and
understand and see social reality as something other than a label,
name or concept. Global practices in auditing of each country have
particular cultures that affect the standard set by those regulatory
standards results the adaptation of IAS. The majority of parties in
Indonesia is dominated by Javanese racial regulators, so Java culture
is embedded in every audit practices and those conditions in Java
leads auditors in having similar behaviour, sometimes interfere with
standard Java code of conduct must be executed by an auditor.
Auditors who live in Java have the characters of Javanese culture that
is hard to avoid in the audit practice. However, practically, the
auditors still are relevant in their profession.
Abstract: Member States shall establish zones and
agglomerations throughout their territory to assess and manage air
quality in order to comply with European directives.
In Italy decree 155/2010, transposing Directive 2008/50/EC on
ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, merged into a single
act the previous provisions on ambient air quality assessment and
management, including those resulting from the implementation of
Directive 2004/107/EC relating to arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air.
Decree 155/2010 introduced stricter rules for identifying zones on
the basis of the characteristics of the territory in spite of considering
pollution levels, as it was in the past. The implementation of such
new criteria has reduced the great variability of the previous zoning,
leading to a significant reduction of the total number of zones and to
a complete and uniform ambient air quality assessment and
management throughout the Country.
The present document is related to the new zones definition in
Italy according to Decree 155/2010. In particular the paper contains
the description and the analysis of the outcome of zoning and
classification.
Abstract: Building loss estimation methodologies which have
been advanced considerably in recent decades are usually used to
estimate socio and economic impacts resulting from seismic structural
damage. In accordance with these methods, this paper presents the
evaluation of an annual loss probability of a reinforced concrete
moment resisting frame designed according to Korean Building Code.
The annual loss probability is defined by (1) a fragility curve obtained
from a capacity spectrum method which is similar to a method adopted
from HAZUS, and (2) a seismic hazard curve derived from annual
frequencies of exceedance per peak ground acceleration. Seismic
fragilities are computed to calculate the annual loss probability of a
certain structure using functions depending on structural capacity,
seismic demand, structural response and the probability of exceeding
damage state thresholds. This study carried out a nonlinear static
analysis to obtain the capacity of a RC moment resisting frame
selected as a prototype building. The analysis results show that the
probability of being extensive structural damage in the prototype
building is expected to 0.01% in a year.
Abstract: The number of Ground Motion Prediction Equations
(GMPEs) used for predicting peak ground acceleration (PGA) and
the number of earthquake recordings that have been used for fitting
these equations has increased in the past decades. The current PF-L
database contains 3550 recordings. Since the GMPEs frequently
model the peak ground acceleration the goal of the present study was
to refit a selection of 44 of the existing equation models for PGA in
light of the latest data. The algorithm Levenberg-Marquardt was used
for fitting the coefficients of the equations and the results are
evaluated both quantitatively by presenting the root mean squared
error (RMSE) and qualitatively by drawing graphs of the five best
fitted equations. The RMSE was found to be as low as 0.08 for the
best equation models. The newly estimated coefficients vary from the
values published in the original works.
Abstract: Background and aim: It has not been well studied
whether fentanyl-thiopental (FT) is effective and safe for PSA in
orthopedic procedures in Emergency Department (ED). The aim of
this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous FT versus
fentanyl-midazolam (FM) in patients who suffered from shoulder
dislocation or distal radial fracture-dislocation.
Methods: In this randomized double-blinded study, Seventy-six
eligible patients were entered the study and randomly received
intravenous FT or FM. The success rate, onset of action and recovery
time, pain score, physicians’ satisfaction and adverse events were
assessed and recorded by treating emergency physicians. The
statistical analysis was intention to treat.
Results: The success rate after administrating loading dose in FT
group was significantly higher than FM group (71.7% vs. 48.9%,
p=0.04); however, the ultimate unsuccessful rate after 3 doses of
drugs in the FT group was higher than the FM group (3 to 1) but it
did not reach to significant level (p=0.61). Despite near equal onset
of action time in two study group (P=0.464), the recovery period in
patients receiving FT was markedly shorter than FM group
(P
Abstract: The aim of this study was to design and simulate a
particular type of Asynchronous State Machine (ASM), namely a
‘traffic light controller’ (TLC), operated at a frequency of 0.5 Hz.
The design task involved two main stages: firstly, designing a 4-bit
binary counter using J-K flip flops as the timing signal and,
subsequently, attaining the digital logic by deploying ASM design
process. The TLC was designed such that it showed a sequence of
three different colours, i.e. red, yellow and green, corresponding to
set thresholds by deploying the least number of AND, OR and NOT
gates possible. The software Multisim was deployed to design such
circuit and simulate it for circuit troubleshooting in order for it to
display the output sequence of the three different colours on the
traffic light in the correct order. A clock signal, an asynchronous 4-
bit binary counter that was designed through the use of J-K flip flops
along with an ASM were used to complete this sequence, which was
programmed to be repeated indefinitely. Eventually, the circuit was
debugged and optimized, thus displaying the correct waveforms of
the three outputs through the logic analyser. However, hazards
occurred when the frequency was increased to 10 MHz. This was
attributed to delays in the feedback being too high.