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Stability of roof trusses stiffened by trapezoidal sheeting and purlins
PublicationIn the article linear buckling analysis of a set of steel trusses braced by purlins and trapezoidal sheeting are conducted. The buckling load factor due to the height of a corrugated sheeting profile is investigated in parametric studies. The minimal height of trapezoidal sheeting required for preventing the sheeting and chords of the trusses against the buckling is obtained. Two groups of models are considered: “axial” model as...
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Detection of debonding in reinforced concrete beams using ultrasonic transmission tomography and hybrid ray tracing technique
PublicationThis paper concerns inspection of reinforced concrete elements, with particular emphasis on assessing the quality of the adhesive connection between steel and concrete. A novel theoretical model was developed to determine the paths of transmitted, refracted and reflected elastic waves as well as a creeping wave propagated along the inclusion surface. Imaging the internal structure of tested beams was based on wave propagation measurements...
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Monitoring the fracture process of concrete during splitting using integrated ultrasonic coda wave interferometry, digital image correlation and X-ray micro-computed tomography
PublicationThe paper deals with the continuous-time monitoring of mechanical degradation in concrete cubes under splitting. A series of experiments performed with integrated coda wave interferometry (CWI) and digital image correlation (DIC), supported with X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is reported. DIC and micro-CT techniques were used to characterize the fracture process in detail. CWI method was proved to be effective in the...
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HEALTH MONITORING OF A COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINE FED WITH DIFFERENT LOW-SULPHUR MARINE FUELS BY ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
PublicationThis article characterises the methodology for the endoscopic testing of a laboratory diesel engine used for testing marine fuels. The ‘Shadow’ measurement method used in the XLG3 type EVEREST digital endoscope, for quantitative and qualitative identification of detected surface defects, was approximated. Representative endoscopic images of the elements limiting the working space of the research engine are demonstrated, having...
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Bioactive and bioavailability of minerals in rats loaded with cholesterol and kiwi fruit
PublicationThe aim of this study was to compare the content of polyphenols (TP), minerals, ascorbic acid (AA) and total antioxidant capacities (TAC) of conventional and organic kiwifruit ‘Hayward’ treated with ethylene after harvest and to determine their influence on plasma TAC, mineral content in the liver and bioavailability (RBV — relative bioavailability value) in rats fed diet containing cholesterol. Organic and conventionally grown...
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Reducing Monitoring Costs in Industrially Contaminated Rivers: Cluster and Regression Analysis Approach
PublicationMonitoring contamination in river water is an expensive procedure, particularly for developing countries where pollution is a significant problem. This study was conducted to provide a pollution monitoring strategy that reduces the cost of laboratory analysis. The new monitoring strategy was designed as a result of cluster and regression analysis on field data collected from an industrially influenced river. Pollution sources in...
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Museums of Gdansk - Tourism Products or Signs of Remembrance?
PublicationMuseum buildings constitute a significant element in the composition and functionality of contemporary cities. They are both their attractions and landmarks. The article presents a case study illustrating the relation between museum buildings and their location, as well as the showcased exhibition. The article aims at demonstrating the way in which those elements form a harmonious whole - a cultural tourism product affecting the...
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Knowledge management in the IPv6 migration process
PublicationThere are many reasons to deploy IPv6 protocol with IPv4 address space depletion being the most obvious. Unfortunately, migration to IPv6 protocol seems slower than anticipated. To improve pace of the IPv6 deployment, authors of the article developed an application that supports the migration process. Its main purpose is to help less experienced network administrators to facilitate the migration process with a particular target...
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Historical carpentry corner log joints—Numerical analysis within stochastic framework
PublicationThe paper presents the results of numerical analysis performed on historical, traditional carpentry corner logjoints of two basic topologies: the short-corner dovetail connection and the saddle notch connection. These types of carpentry joints are commonly used in currently preserved objects of wooden architecture. All connections have been modelled in pinewood, which has been defined in the Finite Element software MSC.Marc/Mentat...
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Olfactory receptor-based biosensors as potential future tools in medical diagnosis
PublicationThe detection of biomarkers is the future of non-invasive medical diagnosis and screening. Discovery and identification of reliable disease specific volatile organic compounds is dependent on repeatable, accurate analysis of trace level gaseous analytes mainly in breath samples. Natural variety of the olfactory systems and the compounds capable of gas molecules binding creates wide possibilities of acquisition and implementation...
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Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Polyurethane Flexible Adhesive in Reduction of Structural Vibrations
PublicationThe aim of the present study is to consider the idea of using polyurethane flexible adhesive in to reduce the vibrations in structures exposed to dynamic loads and evaluate their damping properties in relation to large deformations. Firstly, two aluminium cantilever beams, simulating structural elements (without and with polyurethane layer in the form of tape), were analysed, in order to check the damping of the unconstrained polymer...
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Dynamic analysis of temporary steel grandstand subjected to human-induced excitations due to jumping
PublicationSteel grandstands are structures that are frequently used during sport games and many other non-sporting events, such as festivals, music concerts, or even politicians rallies, with participation of a large number of attendees. Unfortunately, the presence of unexpected excessive dynamic loads due to unpredictable behaviour of spectators (e.g. synchronized harmonic jumping or swaying) may lead to...
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Seasonal and spatial differences in metal and metalloid concentrations in the snow cover of Hansbreen, Svalbard
PublicationMetals and metalloids in snow on glaciers, depending on the season of deposition, may come from various sources: local rock dust (erosion of the geological substratum), marine aerosol, local human activity (e.g. fuel combustion, waste incineration) and long-range atmospheric transport. Hansbreen glacier, located close to the Polish Polar Station in Svalbard, is a perfect site to study metals and metalloids: it has complex geological...
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A New Adaptive Method for the Extraction of Steel Design Structures from an Integrated Point Cloud
PublicationThe continuous and intensive development of measurement technologies for reality modelling with appropriate data processing algorithms is currently being observed. The most popular methods include remote sensing techniques based on reflected-light digital cameras, and on active methods in which the device emits a beam. This research paper presents the process of data integration from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and image data...
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Point cloud unification with optimization algorithm
PublicationTerrestrial laser scanning is a technology that enables to obtain three-dimensional data – an accurate representation of reality. During scanning not only desired objects are measured, but also a lot of additional elements. Therefore, unnecessary data is being removed, what has an impact on efficiency of point cloud processing. It can happen while single point clouds are displayed – user decides what he wants...
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Frequency Selective Surface Based MIMO Antenna Array for 5G Millimeter-Wave Applications
PublicationAbstract: In this paper a radiating element consisting of a modified circular patch is proposed for MIMO arrays for 5G millimeter-wave applications. The radiating elements in the proposed 2×2 MIMO antenna array are orthogonally configured relative to each other to mitigate mutual coupling that would otherwise degrade the performance of the MIMO system. The MIMO array was fabri-cated on Rogers RT/Duroid high frequency substrate...
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The speciation of organotin compounds in sediment and water samples from the port of Gdynia
PublicationOrganotin compounds (OTC) are toxic towards all living organisms. The application of organitin-based antifouling systems is becoming the main source of OTC in the ocean. Harbor sediments and water contain large deposits of organotin compounds due to application of antifouling systems in the shipping industry. OTC contamination presents a potential risk to the marine environment. Sediment and water samples were collected in 2009...
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Economic crisis in Croatia
PublicationCroatia is becoming the 28th member of the European Union on July 1st, 2013. Croatia has gone a long way from a socialistic republic to an independent country recognized as one of the economic tigers of the Western Balkans in the first decade of the 21st century. Croatia has been hit by a global crisis which turned out to be a huge external shock for the region of the Western Balkans. Although it does not enter the economy through...
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Toxicity and chemical analyses of airport runoff waters in Poland
PublicationThe aim of this study was to assess the ecotoxicological effects of various compounds in complex airport effluents using a chemical and ecotoxicological integrated strategy. The present work deals with the determination of sum of PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, cations, anions, phenols, anionic, cationic, non-ionic detergents, formaldehyde and metals – as well as TOC and conductivity – in runoff water samples collected from 2009 to 2011...
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Analytical progress on emerging pollutants in the environment: An overview of the topics
PublicationThis overview discusses the ideas behind a collection of articles by invited authors on a diverse range of complex chemical mixtures and analytical methods which represent some of the most relevant and interesting issues on emerging contaminants of environmental health concerns. These chemicals, including those in high volume production, are released on an ongoing basis as a result of various human activities. Moreover, these emerging contaminants...
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Sample preparation techniques for determination of pesticide residues in food samples
PublicationPesticides are very important in increasing the efficiency and quality of agricultural production. They are applied in many spheres of life, not only in agriculture, and their applications are expanding. Despite their numerous merits, pesticides are some of the most toxic substances contaminating our environment and have a negative impact on the human health. Properties of pesticides such as stability, ability to bioaccumulation...
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How do sterols determine the antufungal activitiy of amphotericin B? Free energy of binding between the drug and its membrane targets.
PublicationAmphotericin B (AmB) is a well-known polyene antibiotic used to treat systemic fungal infections. It is commonly accepted that the presence of sterols in the membrane is essential for the AmB biological activity, that is, for the formation of transmembrane ion channels. The selective toxicity of AmB for fungal cells is attributed to the fact that it is more potent against fungal cell membranes containing ergosterol than against...
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How pesticides affect neonates? - Exposure, health implications and determination of metabolites
PublicationThis review covers key information related to the effects of pesticides on fetal and child health. All humans are exposed to environmental toxicants, however child's health, due to their high vulnerability, should be of special concern. They are continuously exposed to environmental xenobiotics including a wide variety of pesticides, and other pollutants. These compounds can enter the child's body through various routes, both during...
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Deep eutectic solvents – based green absorbents for effective volatile organochlorine compounds removal from biogas
PublicationVolatile organochlorine compounds (VOXs) presented in biogas can cause many technological and environmental problems. During the combustion of biogas containing VOXs, the corrosion of installation, as well as the formation of toxic by-products (polyhalogenated dioxins and furans) and further emission to the atmosphere, may occur. Therefore, in this study, a new procedure based on physical absorption was developed. In order to meet...
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Recent advances on the removal of phosphorus in aquatic plant-based systems
PublicationPhosphorus (P) is a vital nutrient for the ecosystems and its excess in wastewater streams leads to some environmental issues such as extensive algae growth (eutrophication). Phytoremediation is a green technology that is based on the combined actions of plants and their associated microbial groups to remove and transfer the toxic compounds in surface water, groundwater and soil. Aquatic plants are widely used for the remediation...
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The effect of PEDOT morphology on hexavalent chromium reduction over 2D TiO2/PEDOT photocatalyst under UV–vis light
PublicationThe present study represents an approach to apply organic-inorganic hybrid materials for photocatalytic removal of heavy metals from the aqueous environment. The photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor modified with the conjugated polymer may depends on the conjugated polymer type, its amount and morphology. Therefore, in the present study the effect of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) morphology on adsorption and photoreduction...
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Diamine derivatives of dimerized fatty acids and bio-based polyether polyol as sustainable platforms for the synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethanes
PublicationA series of environmentally friendly non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) were successfully prepared via the polyaddition reaction of bio-based polyether polyol-based cyclic carbonate with diamine derivative of dimerized fatty acids. The syntheses of NIPUs were realized by the three-step method in the absence of toxic solvents and, importantly, the process of carbonation did not require the use of elevated pressure. The effect...
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Novel N-(aryl/heteroaryl)-2-chlorobenzenesulfonamide derivatives: synthesis and anticancer activity evaluation
PublicationA new series of N-(aryl/heteroaryl)-2-chlorobenzenesulfonamide derivatives 4-21 have been synthesized, and evaluated at the National Cancer Institute (USA) for their in vitro activities against a panel of 60 different human cancer cell lines. Among them, compounds 16, 20 and 21 exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activity against numerous human cancer cell lines. We found that sulfonamide derivative 21 appeared to be more selective...
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Self-assembly, stability and conductance of amphotericin B channels: bridging the gap between structure and function
PublicationAmphotericin B (AmB), one of the most powerful but also toxic drugs used to treat systemic mycoses, is believed to selectively permeabilize fungal cell membranes to ions in a sterol-dependent manner. Unfortunately, the structure of the biologically active AmB channels has long eluded researchers, obstructing the design of safer alternatives. Here, we investigate the structural and thermodynamic aspects of channel formation, stability,...
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Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents in microextraction techniques–A review
PublicationOver the past decade, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been widely studied and applied in sample preparation techniques. Until recently, most of the synthesized DES were hydrophilic, which prevented their use in the extraction of aqueous samples. However, after 2015 studies on the synthesis and application of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) has rapidly expanded. Due to unique properties of HDES i.e. density, viscosity,...
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Te use of acoustic emission for assessment of the oil lubricity in a four-ball tester
Publicationin view of the increased dynamic and temperature load in the compression-ignition engine tribological systems, particular attention is drawn to the problem of such lubrication of the friction nodes that after breaking the boundary layer it could be restored without any wear occurring. therefore, an idea has been devised of introducing to friction nodes, with the lubrication oils, of new substances (operational preparations) modifying...
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Application of wireless communication to small WECS with induction generator
PublicationWind energy conversion systems (WECS) seem to be self-evident elements of the future smart grids. Among many generator types the squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) characterizes robustness and low cost. A full-scale power converter can perform smooth grid connection over wide speed range of multiple-stage geared SCIG. Increasing number of sensors can improve the WECS control and diagnostics but increasing number of thin wires...
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Application of Maximum-Length Sequences to impulse response measurement of hydroacoustic communications systems
PublicationThere is a growing interest in digital transmission of telemetry data on ultrasonic waves. The dependence of signal attenuation on squared frequency, specific to the hy-droacoustic systems, induces problems that do not exist in monochromatic, narrowband radio communications systems. For adapting the transmission parameters to current propagation conditions, a precise knowledge of instantaneous changes of channel performances is...
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Non-linear circuit model of a single doubly-fed induction machine formulated in natural axes for drive systems simulation purposes
PublicationMathematical modelling and a circuit model formulated in natural axes of a single doubly-fed induction machine, with the account of magnetic circuit nonlinearity are presented in the paper. Derivation of the model differential equations was based on Lagrange's energy method. State functions of magnetic elements in the model are non-linear and depend on all currents flowing in the machine windings and on the angle of rotor position....
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Lithuania inland waterways links to Western Europe inland waterways network
PublicationLithuania Inland waterways now mainly are used for transportation and tourism within Lithuania tertitory. In the same time difficulties crossing Kaliningrad region and direct Lithuania inland Waterways Buks with Western Europe inland waterway system nowadays are impossible, depending on Russia inland Waterways regulation. New ideas and possibilities of linking Lithuania inland Waterways witki Western Europe inland waterways system...
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The response of three colliding models of steel towers to seismic excitation
PublicationA number of past and recent observations have confirmed that collisions between adjacent, insufficiently-separated structures occurring as a result of seismic excitation (structural pounding) may result in serious damage to structural elements and can even lead to their total destruction. This paper summarises the results obtained from a shaking table experimental study which investigated structural pounding between three adjacent...
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Module architecture as alternative approach to traditional construction processes
PublicationModule architecture today is a special type of building construction process that combines repetitive design, low-cost production based on prefabricated elements and fast erection. Module does not mean the same as modular. In general, module architecture today refers to the design of any system composed of separate components, manufactured before in factory, that can be connected together at the building site much faster than normally....
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Sensitivity analysis of a composite footbridge
PublicationThis work include an example of sensitivity analysis for the design of a composite footbridge. A sandwich structure is used, consisting two high-strength skins separated by a core material. The analysis was conducted for two numerical models. The first one is a simple, single-span beam of a composite cross-section (laminate and foam), with different Young’s modulus for each material. Calculations were made by means of a MATLAB-based...
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Application of the Boundary Element Method for the Simulation of Two-dimensional Viscous Incompressible Flow
PublicationThe paper presents the application of an indirect variant of the boundary element method (BEM) to solve the two-dimensional steady flow of a Stokes liquid. In the BEM, a system of differential equations is transformed into integral equations. Thi smakes it possible to limit discretization to the border of the solution. Numerical discretization of the computational domain was performed with linear boundary elements, for which a...
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Ultrasound monitoring for evaluation of damage in reinforced concrete
PublicationThe paper deals with automated monitoring of damage evolution in concrete elements subjected to three-point bending tests. The monitoring is based on the nonlinear interactions of traveling ultrasonic waves with micro-crack zones inside the concrete specimens and surface-breaking cracks. The developed procedure assumes semi-continuous ultrasonic testing during the element full loading cycle and generation of the power spectral...
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Methods of estimating the cost of traffic safety equipment’s life cycle
Publicationn the article, the authors discuss the preliminary information necessary to determine the scope and direction of further research conducted within the project called “The influence of time and operating conditions on the durability and functionality of road safety elements”. The main objective of the project is to develop the concept of a method for optimizing the life cycle costs of road safety devices. The authors draw attention...
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3D Printing of Metallic Implants
PublicationThe fabrication of various elements, solid and open porous structures of stainless steel and Ti alloy is described. The process was started with the design of 3D models in CAD/CAM system. The 3D models were transformed into *.stl files and then the manufacturing process of the real structures by means of the selective laser melting with the SLM Realizer 100 3D printer was made. The paper shows the porous specimens made for possible...
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Centralized and Distributed Structures of Intelligent Systems for Aided Design of Ship Automation
PublicationA design process and accepted solutions made during this process, often base on non-formalized knowledge, obtained from designer (expert) intuition and practice. There are no formalized rules assuring the correctness of design solutions. The analysis of design process of ship automation, including ship power system, shows that this process can be supported by application of the artificial intelligence elements. The article presents...
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Squares in Gdansk as a City Value = Skwery, jako wartościowe przestrzenie publiczne Gdańska
PublicationThe article emphasizes potential of public urban squares. The attention is focused on squares of the city of Gdansk which constitute the potential for enhancing the image of the city. Presentation of three examples of small scale intervention in the Montreal's public spaces is depicting such a potential and is underlining different roles the public space can perform in the city structure. Revitalization of urban squares is influencing...
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A prototype femtosecond laser system for MEMS fabrication
Publicationn this article, the concept of a prototype femtosecond laser micromachining system and a femtosecond solid-state Yb:KYW laser is presented. Ultrashort laser pulses have many advantages over the long pulses in laser micromachining, due to their unique ability to interact with different materials without transferring heat to them. This allows very precise and pure laser-processing, clean cuts and sharp edges. A femtosecond laser...
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Periodic Properties of 1D FE Discrete Models in High Frequency Dynamics
PublicationFinite element discrete models of various engineering 1D structures may be considered as structures of certain periodic characteristics. The source of this periodicity comes from the discontinuity of stress/strain field between the elements. This behaviour remains unnoticeable, when low frequency dynamics of these structures is investigated. At high frequency regimes, however, its influence may be strong enough to dominate calculated...
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Multi-Stage Video Analysis Framework
PublicationThe chapter is organized as follows. Section 2 presents the general structure of the proposed framework and a method of data exchange between system elements. Section 3 is describing the low-level analysis modules for detection and tracking of moving objects. In Section 4 we present the object classification module. Sections 5 and 6 describe specialized modules for detection and recognition of faces and license plates, respectively....
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A two dimensional approach for modelling of pennate muscle behaviour
PublicationThe purpose of this study was to elaborate a two-dimensional approach for unipennate and bipennate striated skeletal muscle modelling. Behavior of chosen flat pennate muscle is modelled as a rheological system composed of serially linked passive and active fragments having different mechanical properties. Each fragment is composed of three elements: mass element, elastic element and viscous element. Each active fragment furthermore...
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The System of the Supervision and the Visualization of Multimedia Data for BG
PublicationMonitoring of country maritime border is an important task of the Border Guard. This task can be facilitated with the use of the technology enabling gathering information from distributed sources and its supervision and visualization. The system presented in the paper is an extension and enhancement of the previously developed distributed system map data exchange system. The added functionalities allow supplementation of map data...
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Evolutionary music composition system with statistically modeled criteria
PublicationThe paper concerns an original evolutionary music composition system. On the basis of available solutions, we have selected a finite set of music features which appear to have a key impact on the quality of composed musical phrases. Evaluation criteria have been divided into rule-based and statistical sub-sets. Elements of the cost function are modeled using a Gaussian distribution defined by the expected value and variance obtained...