The Simulation Model for Predicting the Productivity of the Reinforced Concrete Slabs Concreting Process

This paper presents an approach to predicting the productivity of the concreting process based on a conducted quantitative research involving the recording of concreting at building construction sites in the city of Nis, Serbia. In the period of 20 months, 81 recordings of reinforced slabs on eight construction sites of buildings were observed and recorded. The total amount of poured concrete was 11951 m3 and the total consumed time was 503 work hours. The factors that could impact productivity have been identified and a simulation model for predicting the productivity of the concreting process has been developed using Discrete Event Simulation and Agent Based Modelling. AnyLogic software package was used to develop the simulation model. Experiments were carried out and based on the obtained parameters the models are estimated. The proposed models can be useful in the planning stage and allow for more precise prediction of concreting productivity, thus benefiting the decision making and work flow prediction and improving the concreting process management in order to increase productivity, shorten the delays, and reduce costs

INPUT SPLITS DESIGN TECHNIQUES FOR NETWORK INTRUSION DETECTION ON HADOOP CLUSTER

Intrusion detection system (IDS) is one of the most important components being used to monitor network for possible cyber-attacks. However, the amount of data that should be inspected imposes a great challenge to IDSs. With recent emerge of variousbig data technologies, there are ways for overcoming the problem of the increased amount of data. Nevertheless, some of this technologies inherit data distribution techniques that can be a problem when splitting a sensitive data such as network data frames across a cluster nodes. The goal of this paper is design and implementation of Hadoop based IDS. In this paper we propose different input split techniques suitable for network data distribution across cloud nodes and test the performances of their Apache Hadoop implementation. Four different data split techniques will be proposed and analysed. The techniques will be described in detail. The system will be evaluated on Apache Hadoop cluster with 17 slave nodes. We will show that processing speed can differ for more than 30% depending on chosen input split design strategy. Additionally, we’ll show that malicious level of network traffic can slow down the processing time, in our case, for nearly 20%. The scalability of the system will al so be discussed

The effect of heat input on the fracture behaviour of surface weld metal of rail steel

Surface welding of rail steel with self-shielded wire was conducted with different heat inputs, and the influence of welding heat input on the total impact energy and its components, crack growth rate and fracture mechanism was systematically investigated. It is shown that toughness decreases as heat input increases, but, with a temperature decrease, these differences are not so marked. An increase of heat input leads to increasing the share of transgranular brittle fracture, what is in complete accordance with the obtained energy values. It is established that fatigue life increases when increasing the welding heat input, while resistance to crack growth decreases in the final deposit layer up to the HAZ at all heat inputs. Based on obtained results, the optimal value of heat input is defined for the selected welding procedure

The effect of heat input on the fracture behaviour of surface weld metal of rail steel

Surface welding of rail steel with self-shielded wire was conducted with different heat inputs, and the influence of welding heat input on the total impact energy and its components, crack growth rate and fracture mechanism was systematically investigated. It is shown that toughness decreases as heat input increases, but, with a temperature decrease, these differences are not so marked. An increase of heat input leads to increasing the share of transgranular brittle fracture, what is in complete accordance with the obtained energy values. It is established that fatigue life increases when increasing the welding heat input, while resistance to crack growth decreases in the final deposit layer up to the HAZ at all heat inputs. Based on obtained results, the optimal value of heat input is defined for the selected welding procedure

INTELLIGENT COMPUTER VISION SYSTEM FOR SCORE DETECTION IN BASKETBALL

Development of an intelligent computer vision system for Smart IoT basketball training and entertainment includes the development of a range of various subsystems, where score detection subsystem is playing a crucial role. This paper proposes the architecture of such a score detection subsystem to improve reliability and accuracy of the RFID technology used primarily for verification purposes. Challenges encompass both hardware-software interdependencies, optimal camera selection, and cost-effectiveness considerations. Leveraging machine learning algorithms, the vision-based subsystem aims not only to detect scores but also to facilitate online video streaming. Although the use of multiple cameras offers expanded field coverage and heightened precision, it concurrently introduces technical intricacies and increased costs due to image fusion and escalated processing requirements. This research navigates the intricate balance between achieving precise score detection and pragmatic system development. Through precise camera configuration optimization, the proposed system harmonizes hardware and software components

Endovascular aortic repair: First twenty years

Endovascular aortic/aneurysm repair (EVAR) was introduced into clinical practice at the beginning of the nineties. Its fast development had a great influence on clinicians, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists, educational curriculums, patients, industry and medical insurance. The aim of this paper is to present the contribution of clinicians and industry to the development and advancement of endovascular aortic repair over the last 20 years. This review article presents the development of EVAR by focusing on the contribution of physicians, surgeons and interventional radiologists in the creation of the new field of vascular surgery termed hybrid vascular surgery, and also the contribution of technological advancement by a significant help of industrial representatives – engineers and their counselors. This article also analyzes studies conducted in order to compare the successfulness of EVAR with up-to-now applied open surgical repair of aortic aneurysms, and some treatment techniques of other aortic diseases. During the first two decades of its development the EVAR method was rapidly progressing and was adopted concurrently with the expansion of technology. Owing to large randomized studies, early and long-term results indicate specific complications of this method, thus influencing further technological improvement and defining risk patients groups in whom the use of the technique should be avoided. Good results are insured only in centers, specialized in vascular surgery, which have on their disposal adequate conditions for solving all complications associated with this method

EFFECTS OF A 12 WEEK RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL AND HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING ON PHYSICAL FITNESS IN OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week recreational football and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical fitness in overweight children. Forty-two overweight and obese boys aged 11-13 were randomly divided into three groups: HIIT group (n = 14), recreational football (n = 14) and a control group that attended regular physical education classes (n = 14). Physical fitness components were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of training at the same time of the day and under similar conditions, including: countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint over 10 and 30 m, flexibility and biochemical parameters (leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides). HIIT group increased explosive power of lower extremities by 7.16% (small ES), while the recreational football group recorded slightly less increase of 6.57% (small ES). HIIT led to a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the number of erythrocytes in the blood (8.90%). The recreational football program influenced the improvement of results in variables spreading lying on the back (6.21%) and the number of erythrocytes (↑ 9.11%). Twelve-weeks of recreational football and HIIT can lead to positive changes in muscle fitness, flexibility and biochemical parameters in overweight and obese children. Compared to the experimental groups, the control group noted minor changes in the aforementioned variables, which indicates the lack of intensity of exercise programs in regular classes of physical education

Cinnamon essential oil and its emulsion as efficient antibiofilm agents to combat Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging nosocomial pathogen resistant to a wide spectrum of antibiotics, with great potential to form a biofilm, which further aggravates treatment of infections caused by it. Therefore, searching for new potent agents that are efficient against A. baumannii seems to be a necessity. One of them, which has already been proven to possess a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial effect, is cinnamon essential oil. Still, further increase of antibacterial efficacy and improvement of bioavailability of cinnamon oil is possible by emulsification process. The aim of this study was comparative analysis of cinnamon essential oil and its emulsion against biofilm forming A. baumannii clinical isolates. Furthermore, the investigation of toxicological aspects of possible applications of essential oil and emulsion was done as well. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of essential oil indicated trans-cinnamaldehyde as the most abundant component. The cinnamon emulsion was synthesized from cinnamon essential oil by combining modified low- and high- energy methods. Synthesized emulsion was characterized with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. Both substances exhibited significant antibacterial (minimal inhibitory concentrations in the range 0.125–0.5 mg/ml) and antibiofilm effects (inhibitions of formation and reduction of pre-formed biofilm were 47–81 and 30–62%, respectively). Compared to essential oil, the efficacy of emulsion was even stronger considering the small share of pure oil (20%) in the emulsion. The result of biofilm eradication assay was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Even though the cytotoxicity was high especially for the emulsion, genotoxicity was not determined. In conclusion, strong antibacterial/antibiofilm effect against A. baumannii of the cinnamon essential oil and the fact that emulsification even potentiated the activity, seems to be of great significance. Observed cytotoxicity implicated that further analysis is needed in order to clearly determine active principles being responsible for obtained antibacterial/antibiofilm and cytotoxic properties. Copyright © 2022 Ganić, Vuletić, Nikolić, Stevanović, Kuzmanović, Kekić, Đurović, Cvetković and Mitić-Ćulafić

Model za predviđanje bioloških efekata zračenja mobilnih telefona: numerički rezultati apsorbirane energije povezani s realnom strukturom dobivenom metodom MRI

The nature of an electromagnetic field is not the same outside and inside a biological subject. Numerical bioelectromagnetic simulation methods for penetrating electromagnetic fields facilitate the calculation of field components in biological entities. Calculating energy absorbed from known sources, such as mobile phones when placed near the head, is a prerequisite for studying the biological influence of an electromagnetic field. Such research requires approximate anatomical models which are used to calculate the field components and absorbed energy. In order to explore the biological effects in organs and tissues, it is necessary to establish a relationship between an analogous anatomical model and the real structure. We propose a new approach in exploring biological effects through combining two different techniques: 1) numerical electromagnetic simulation, which is used to calculate the field components in a similar anatomical model and 2) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which is used to accurately locate sites with increased absorption. By overlapping images obtained by both methods, we can precisely locate the spots with maximum absorption effects. This way, we can detect the site where the most pronounced biological effects are to be expected. This novel approach successfully overcomes the standard limitations of working with analogous anatomical models.Numeričke bioelektromagnetne simulacijske metode prodrlih elektromagnetnih polja koriste se za izračunavanje komponenata polja u biološkim jedinkama. Elektromagnetno polje nije jednako izvan i unutar biološkog subjekta. Izračunavanje energije apsorbirane iz poznatog izvora, kao što su mobilni telefoni u području glave, preduvjet je za ispitivanje biološkog utjecaja elektromagnetnog polja. Pri ovim istraživanjima koriste se približni anatomski modeli i na osnovi njih se izračunavaju komponente polja i apsorbirana energija. Nužno je uspostaviti vezu između odgovarajućih približnih anatomskih modela s realnom strukturom, kako bi se mogli istraživati biološki efekti u dijelovima organa i tkiva. Zbog toga se u ovom radu predlaže novi pristup istraživanju bioloških efekata. U osnovi metode je kombinacija dviju različitih tehnika: 1) numeričke elektromagnetne simulacije kojom se izračunavaju komponente polja u približnom anatomskom modelu i 2) MRI metoda (Magnetic resonance imaging) kojom se precizno lociraju mjesta s povišenom apsorpcijom. Kombiniranje se postiže preklapanjem slika dobivenih jednom i drugom metodom, čime se utvrđuje precizna lokacija mjesta s maksimalnim efektima apsorpcije. Na taj način mogu se pronaći mjesta na kojima bi trebao biti najizraženiji biološki učinak. Novi pristup uspješno prevladava ograničenja koja su postojala pri radu s približnim anatomskim modelima

Cinnamon essential oil and nanoemulsion: antibiofiIm activity on Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates

Objective: Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogenic species which presents a danger to healthcare facilities due to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance. Plants are currently being explored as a potential source of bioactive compounds that could be used to combat infectious diseases. Cinnamon is used as a food spice, but essential oil has been proven for antimicrobial activity. Due to reduced stability and solubility of essential oil, nanoemulsion (NE) synthesis could provide stronger antimicrobial effects. Investigation and comparison of antimicrobial activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.) bark essential oil (EO) and NE on the A. baumannii ATCC19606 and clinical isolates. Effect of EO and NE on biofilm formation and biofilm eradication. Methods: GC/MS was performed in order to determine chemical composition of commercially purchased EO (P0125285, Frey + Lau, GmbH, Henstedt-Ulzburg, Germany). Droplet/particle size and polydispersity index of NE was determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Minimal inhibitory concentration of EO and NE were defined using MIC assay. Effects of EO and NE were also examined on biofilm formation and eradication. Crystal violet staining was used for biofilm biomass quantification. Results: GC/MS analysis determined that the most common compound was trans-Cinnamaldehyde (61.9%). NE droplet/particles had multimodal distribution, shown by PCS. MIC values for EO were in range 0.25mg/mL — 0.5mg/mL, and for NE 0.125mg/mL — 0.25mg/mL. Both tested substances showed good effect on biofilm eradication, and destroyed biofilm biomass up to 64%, whilst the inhibition of biofilm formation was up to 70%. Conclusion: Taking all the results into account, it is a good start for further investigations of both EO and NE as a potential antimicrobial agent. Deeper knowledge about the mechanisms of actions of both of these tested substances could help us to understand the best and the most effective way to use them, in order to combat against Acinetobacter baumannii