Hallmark professionalism in probabilistic analysis is to quantify the uncertainties involved in construction materials subject to intrinsic randomness in its physical and mechanical properties and is now gaining popularity in civil engineering arena. As well, knowledge of behaviour of materials is continuously evolving and its statistical descriptors are also changing when more and more data collected or even data updated and hence reliability analysis has to be carried out with the updated data as a continuous process. As per the committee report ACI 544.2R, it is found that there is no attempt made for probabilistic relation between cube compressive strength and cylinder compressive strength for fiber reinforced concrete. In consequence of this report, a robust relation between cube and cylinder of experimentally conducted compressive strength was established by Monte-Carlo simulation technique for different types of fibrous concrete like steel, alkali resistant glass and polyester fibrous concrete before and after thermoshock considering various uncertainties. Nevertheless simulated probabilistic modals, characteristic modals, optimized factor of safety and allowable designed cylinder compressive strength have been developed from the drawn probability of failure graph, which exhibits robust performance in realistic Civil Engineering materials and structures.

The paper presents a classification of the healthy skin and the skin lesions (basal cell carcinoma) basing on a statistics of the envelope of ultrasonic echoes. The echoes envelopes distributions were modeled using Rayleigh and K-distribution. The distributions were compared with empirical data to find which of them better models the statistics of the echo-signal obtained from the human skin. The results indicated that the K-distribution provides a better fit.

Also, a characteristic parameter of the K-distribution, the effective number of scatterers (M), was investigated. The values of the M parameter, obtained for the skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), were lower as compared to those obtained for the healthy skin. The results indicate that the statistical quantitative ultrasound parameters have a potential for extracting information useful for characterization of the skin condition.

The paper aimed to get the analysis of spatial horizontal distribution of summer phyto-plankton in a small and shallow lake (Głębokie, Western Polesie, CE Poland) in relation to wind conditions occurring during the research period. The study was conducted in 2011 from 5th of July to 5th of September with eight sampling dates between. Water was sampled in the littoral zone from the depth of 0.5 m in four sites situated in different and opposite to one another lake shores. We analyzed the phytoplankton abundance by the way of chlorophyll a determination as well as the community taxonomic structure. Our research revealed that: a) the direction of the wind, which occurred during sampling might have an important role in the horizontal distribution of planktonic algal biomass within the lake; b) the geomorphology of lake surroundings probably mitigated the influence of wind on phytoplankton distribution; c) even weak or mild wind may influence phytoplankton horizontal differentiation.

The probability density functions were used to forecast the air quality in several monitoring sites located in Worek Żytawski region. Prediction of percentile 99.8 value (the maximum allowable 30-minute pollutant concentration) was made on the basis of the frequency function, which represented the annual distribution of SO2. Analysing the historical SO2 concentration data sets identified the form of distribution. The parameters of the distribution were estimated basing upon the annual average concentration prognosis. Then, the preliminary predicted distribution of S02 was verified every month by taking into account successively upcoming concentrations values recorded during the analysed period. The results proved that the air quality estimation obtained with the presented method of verification at the end of September and the ones typically calculated at the end of the year were similarly accurate.

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of distilled water flowrate in two different porousmembrane modules on the size of generated nitrogen nanobubbles. Modules had different diameter and number of membrane tubes inside the module. As bubbles are cut off from the membrane surface by a shear stress induced by the liquid flow, the change in the linear liquid velocity should result in a change of the generated bubble diameter. For both modules, higher flowrate of liquid induced generation of smaller bubbles, which was consistent with our expectations. This effect can help us in generation of bubbles of desired size.

Pulse electrochemical machining (PECM) provides an economical and e.ective method for machining high strength, heat-resistantmaterials into complex shapes such as turbine blades, die, molds and micro cavities. Pulse Electrochemical Machining involves the application of a voltage pulse at high current density in the anodic dissolution process. Small interelectrode gap, low electrolyte .ow rate, gap state recovery during the pulse o.-times lead to improved machining accuracy and surface .nish when compared with ECM using continuous current. This paper presents a mathematical model for PECM and employs this model in a computer simulation of the PECM process for determination of the thermal limitation and energy consumption in PECM. The experimental results and discussion of the characteristics PECM are presented.

The green logistics item as a part of distribution processes represents an innovative perspective in many views. This perspective is current from an offer and demand point of view. Many authors examine only the businesses aspect, while labour market acceptance is important. The aim of this article is to create and verify a green distribution model and this examines the green distribution perception from the consumer’s point of view in a context of chosen demographic characteristics. The creation of a green distribution model is supported by secondary research at which consists of four parts – input, transport, production and sale. Model verification was taken with primary research which base was created of 409 respondents. In the study, we use many statistical and mathematical, as well as scientific and philosophical methods. Among the most significant belong Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. We used to verify and estimate model reliability, correlation analysis for relation research, one-way ANOVA test for research hypotheses verification and cluster analysis for identification of possible hidden clusters. The model can be considered a reliable one. Results indicate a low influence of distribution ecological factor in a consumer’s perspective, as well, it can be stated, the age, contrary to sex, represents a significant factor in a green distribution perception. Results can be used in both the academic and commercial spheres in various fields and disciplines. The primary survey was conducted in Slovakia, but it would be appropriate to examine the model in other countries, as well as to identify factors that may affect the model of green distribution in the future.

Blockchain technology currently receives a lot of public attention with its disruptive potential to rebuild a currently state of economy. While blockchain technology is treated potentially disruptive in socio-economic environment, there is a lack of understanding where and how blockchain technology is effectively applicable and where it has mentionable practical effects. The use of this technology inside many businesses caused a need to create a system of tools and methods allow properly description to generate valuable information for governments, management, customers etc. Due to a lack of information related to blockchain technology it is a must to explore potential of blockchain in the context of risk. This paper examinees a problem of implementation blockchain technology within finance industry. The main aim of the article was to outline how important is to understand potential of blockchain technology and its limitations, therefore the author prepared a model which can be used to classify blockchain technology implementations in finance industry. This study describes existing issues in the financial aspect.

New information about presence and features of some Lecanora species as well as their ecology and distribution in Antarctica are provided. Lecanora dispersa (Pers.) Sommerf. is confirmed to occur in the Antarctic region; L. sverdrupiana Řvst. is recorded for the first time from maritime Antarctica; L. torrida Vain. is reported as new for that Antarctic area and for the southern hemisphere. An attempt to summarize the present state of knowledge for the genus Lecanora in the Antarctic region is made. Several species, which require more in depth studies, are briefly discussed and an up-to-date list of species occurring in Antarctica is included.

On the basis of measurements of the depth of occurrence of 11000 krill aggregations and the biological analyses of these animals and measurements of some environmental factors the diurnal vertical distribution of aggregations is presented against the background of various environmental conditions. Vertical distribution of aggregations is closely related to the feeding rhythm of krill. Active vertical migrations have been recorded at civil twilight. The increasing and decreasing rate of aggregations in those periods is described.

The distribution of planktonic Ostracoda (Halocyprididae) was studied based on vertically-stratified zooplankton samples collected by hauling 200 p.m - mesh net by day and by night during two austral seasons: summer 1985/1986 and winter 1989, from the 1200 m deep Croker Passage off the Antarctic Peninsula. Seven species of Ostracoda were recorded: Alacia belgicae, Alacia hettacra, Melaconchoecia isocheira, Metaconchoecia skogsbergi, Boroecia antipoda, Disconchoecia aff. elegans and Proceroecia brachyaskos. The first three species, endemic to Antarctic waters, were predominant (about 90%). Generally Ostracoda were most numerous in 600-200 m layer in summer and in 1000-400 m layer in winter. In the investigated area there was a clear contrast between the abundance of Ostracoda during austral summer and scarcity during austral winter.

Maximum values of the settling volume and dry weight of suspended particulate matter, were found in the open waters of the southern Drake Passage (between 60°8' S and 62° 11' S), and west of the Anvers Island. Minimum respective values were observed in the Bransfield Strait. The distribution of phytoplankton cell numbers and of algal biomass expressed as total cell volumes closely followed the distribution of particulate matter. Diatoms were the major algae of the plankton. Several species of the genera Chaetoceros, Nitzschia and Corethron were dominant and characteristic of the phytoplankton assemblages in different parts of the study area.

Numbers of saprophytic bacteria were determined by the plate count in samples obtained at 45 oceanographic stations, from six standard depths between 10 and 150 m. Depending on the sampling place, the numbers of bacteria fluctuated between 0.8 x 102 to 4.3 x l 04 x 1-1 and 1.2 x l07 to 1.3 x 108, in a water column under 1 m2 sea surface. Most of saprophytic bacteria were observed at stations located south and south-east of the King George Island, and also north and north-west of the Anvers Island. Fewer numbers were found in areas of large krill swarms in the Bransfield Strait, between 58°30' and 62°30' W, and in the north-western part of the research area, far away from the South Shetland Islands.

Between December 1978 and March 1979 studies on the ichthyofauna distribution in the regions of the Scotia Sea and Antarctic Peninsula were carried out on board of the r/v "Profesor Siedlecki" during the Fourth Polish Marine Antarctic Expedition. Fisheries were carried out using bottom and pelagic trawls. The presence of about 60 species of 15 families, including among others 17 species of Nototheniidae, 9 species of Chaenichthyidae and 7 species of Bathydraconidae was recorded. Iti the waters of the west regions of the Antarctic such species as Trematomus centronotus and Austrolycichtys botriocephalus were found.

In the region under investigations 30 species of seabirds were observed. In the southern part of Drake Passage Daption capense. and Oceanites oceanicus predominated quantitatively, Macronectes giganteus, M. halli and Pachyptila spp. were subdominant. The vessel was often accompanied by Diomedea exulans. In the Bransfield Strait Fulmarus glacialoides, D. capense and O. oceanicus were predominant. M. giganteus was subdominant. The estimated value of the biomass of seabirds was the highest in the region to the west of Elephant Island, slightly lower in the region of Anvers Island, Smith Island and Livingston Island, and the lowest in the south-eastern part of Bransfield Strait and the middle part of the investigated region of Drake Passage.

During SIBEX the acoustically evaluated amount of krill in the Bransfield Strait and Drake Passage was very low with the mean density 3.24 individuals/m2 and 4.29 individuals/m2 accordingly. Any substantial quantities of krill were found North-West from the Elephant Island and North from the King George Island, where the density of krill exceeded 1000 individuals/m2 (about 100 t/nM2]). The total biomass was estimated at 70590 ton in the Bransfield Strait and at 122470 ton in the Drake Passage, which was many times less than during FIBEX 81, especially in the Bransfield Strait.

In the plankton samples collected with a Bongo net besides Euphausia superba the following species of the Euphausiacea were found:. £. frigida, crystallorophias, E. triacantha and T. macrura. The most aboundant and most frequently caught species was T. macrura equally distributed throughout the research area. The species E. frigida also occurred regularly though in much smaller numbers. E. triacantha occurred sporadically, mainly in the western part of the research region, and E. crystallorophias only at two stations in the Bransfield Strait. Some aspects of the biology and ecology of the mentioned above species are presented in this study.

Distribution and numbers of Lobodon carcinophagus and Leptonychotes weddelli were evaluated. Lobodon carcinophagus dominated on ice floes in offshore zone of Mirnyj Station and in regions of open pack ice close to the northern edge of ice fields. Leptonychotes weddelli dominated only on the shore-ice close to Leningradskaja Station in March 1979. A thesis of the lowered daily activity of Leptonychotes weddelli was confirmed by observations.

Natural water reservoirs in Europe are very valuable floristic sites. Among them, springs are very important for the preservation of the biodiversity of flora in Poland. The present paper presents a community of water plants that is new to limnocren karst springs in Poland – Potame-tum pectinati Carstensen 1955 from Potametea class. In Europe this community in limnocren karst springs has not been found so far. The paper presents the floristic composition and the ecological requirements of this association.

Microzonation of testate amoebae and ciliates in relation to physical and chemical parameters in different species of mosses in peatland were studied. Regardless of the species of mosses, similar micro-vertical differentiation of these protozoa was ascertained. A similar number of species, like the abundance, significantly increased in the deepest sampling depth. The upper-most sampling of the mosses (0–5 cm) was dominated by mixotrophic taxons, whereas the deepest sampling level (5–10 cm) shown the increase of the proportion of bacterivore species. In peatlands the factors limiting the occurrence of ciliates and testate amoebae are physio-chemical suitablilty – mainly the total organic carbon content and water table depth, but with somewhat lower levels of pH and species of mosses.

The flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in small gaps hydraulic devices and devices based on the hop boundary changes in viscosity. For the distribution model adopted dynamic viscosity was integrate the equations of fluid motion, whereby expressions are obtained for the velocity of the liquid height of the gap. The expressions for calculation of the fall capacity flow section are determined. Examples of the calculation of distributions velocity and falling bandwidth to a narrow gap are given.The estimation of the limits of applicability of classical approach to the calculation of viscous flow in micro gap is executed.

Clinker burning process has a decisive influence on energy consumption and the cost of cement production. A new problem is to use the process of decarbonization of alternative fuels from waste. These issues are particularly important in the introduction of a two-stage combustion of fuel in a rotary kiln without the typical reactor-decarbonizator. This work presents results of numerical studies on thermal-hydraulic phenomena in the riser chamber, which will be designed to burn fuel in the system where combustion air is supplied separately from the clinker cooler. The mathematical model is based on a combination of two methods of motion description: Euler description for the gas phase and Lagrange description for particles. Heat transfer between particles of raw material and gas was added to the numerical calculations. The main aim of the research was finding the correct fractional distribution of particles. For assumed particle distribution on the first stage of work, authors noted that all particles were carried away by the upper outlet to the preheater tower, what is not corresponding to the results of experimental studies. The obtained results of calculations can be the basis for further optimization of the design and operating conditions in the riser chamber with the implementation of the system.

The paper considers the application of statistical properties of backscattered ultrasonic signal for assessment of the trabecular bone status.

Computer simulations were conducted to investigate the properties of the ultrasound pulse-echo signal, as it is received on the transducer surface after scattering in trabecular bone. The micro-architecture of trabecular bone was modeled by a random distribution of long and thin cylindrical scatterers of randomly varying diameters and mechanical properties, oriented perpendicular to the ultrasound beam axis. The received echo signal was calculated as a superposition of echoes from all the scatterers present in the scattering volume.

The simulated signal envelope was used for statistical processing to compute various parameters like the mean amplitude, the amplitude MSR defined as the ratio of the mean to the standard deviation and the amplitude histogram.

Results indicated that while for the well-defined trabeculae properties within the simulated bone structure the signal envelope values are Rayleigh distributed the significant departures from Rayleigh statistics may be expected as the thickness of trabeculae become random. The influence of the variation of mechanical properties of the bone tissue building the trabeculae on the bone backscattered signal parameters was not observed.