Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, 2011 (vol. 13), issue 2
Articles
Nanomaterials: Pros and Contras
Karel Klouda, Hana Kubatova, Eva Zemanova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):6-13 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.6-13 
In its first part the contribution presents basic characteristics of nanoparticles, their history, reason of their different behavior, classification of nanoparticles into natural, man-made and engineered nanoparticles. The article highlights potential risks of nanoparticles and the observation of the precautionary principle in contact with them. There is a special risk present in nanoparticles in the form of aerosols. Inhalation of aerosols consisting of nanoparticles leads to their deposition in the respiratory tract and due to their size they are expected to be further transported in the organism.The contribution presents and discusses results of...
Partial Update Algorithms and Echo Delay Estimation
Kirill Sakhnov, Ekaterina Verteletskaya, Boris Simak
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):14-19 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.14-19
In this paper, we introduce methods for extracting an echo delay between speech signals using adaptive filtering algorithms. Time delay estimation is an initial step for many speech processing applications. Conventional techniques that estimate a time difference of arrival between two signals are based on the peak determination of the generalized cross-correlation between the signals. To achieve a good precision and stability in estimation, the input sequences have to be multiplied by an appropriate weighting function. Regularly, the weighting functions are dependent on the signals power spectra. The spectra are generally unknown and have to be estimated...
Development of Alternative Projectile to Deactivate an Improvised Explosive Device - Pipe Bomb
Stanislav Lichorobiec
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):20-25 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.20-25
The article describes a possibility of dealing with the problem represented by an improvised explosive device in the form of a pipe bomb so that the problem may be solved quickly and reliably, i.e. so that the pipe bomb may be deactivated without explosion. The article describes the development of an alternative projectile that will replace the water content in the water gun; thus it will make it possible to remove metallic end caps closing pipe bombs so that the bombs can be disassembled without explosion, and subsequently to subject the dismantled parts to forensic examination to detect a designer of the improvised pipe bomb.
Analysis of Forest Fire Behaviour by Advanced Computer Fire Simulators
Jan Glasa, Peter Weisenpacher, Ladislav Halada
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):26-31 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.26-31
Computer modelling of dangerous phenomena related to fire in forest or in wildland-urban interface is an important tool to support emergency planning for such complicated events. In this paper, the use of FARSITE (Fire ARea SImulaTor), adapted for real conditions in Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovakia), and WFDS (Wildland-urban interface Fire Dynamics Simulator) for simulation of forest fires and fires in wildland-urban interface is demonstrated. Computer reconstruction of an especially tragic destructive forest fire happened in 2000 as well as simple examples of automobile fire in wildland-urban interface are illustrated.
Case Study on the Spatial Development Impact Assessment Tool Applied in the Spatial Development Environmental Security Assessment
David Rehak, Pavel Hrdina, Michail Senovsky, Jiri Dvorak
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):32-36 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.32-36
The paper deals with the spatial development environmental security assessment employing the Spatial Development Impact Assessment tool and the geographical information systems. The first part includes a more detailed description of the Spatial Development Impact Assessment tool and ESRI - ArcInfo, which were the basis for elaborating the case study. The case study is presented in the second part of the paper, which includes the spatial development environmental security assessment for a fictitious hazardous waste incineration plant located in the zone of Moravian-Silesian region of the Czech Republic. The acquired outcomes are presented in the final...
Numerical Simulation of Heavy and Light Pollutants Motion as a Tool of Experimental Data Verification
Ondrej Zavila, Lenka Herecova, Dalibor Micek, Tomas Hejzlar
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):37-43 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.37-43
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes including software ANSYS Fluent represent worldwide accomplished group of tools for fluid mechanics phenomena numerical simulations. These codes are based on numerical solution of partial differential equations that are not to be solved analytically. The only way of numerical data verification is to execute comparison with experimental data respecting the same boundary conditions. This article deals with experimental data verification by using CFD code ANSYS Fluent 12.1.4 as a tool for numerical simulations. Comparison of pollutant's plume and its scattering considering different density of each pollutant is...
Economic Security - A Principal Component of Multilevel Security Concept in Global Economy
Alexander Kelisek, Jozef Klucka, Milos Ondrusek, Stanislava Strelcova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):44-48 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.44-48
This paper is focused on the problem of the economic security as the principal component of a multilevel security concept in the present global economy. The authors characterize various theoretical and practical notions of security as the complex phenomenon. The economic security as an integral component of the mentioned security concept is also characterized. The further text is concentrated on the global aspects of economic security, which are depicted in the examples in economies of China, the U.S.A. and the EU.
Human Factor Position in Rise and Demonstration of Accidents
Katarina Zanicka Holla, Valeria Moricova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):49-52 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.49-52
This article deals with the human being - the human factor and its participation in the rise of industrial disasters (hazard - human error), in preventing their rise (hero - intrepid recoveries) and the way how the accidents affect the people in the form of impacts (victim - accident impact). It is necessary to emphasize also another role of the human factor in the rise of accidents - the solver who takes a share in coping with and managing the disaster, the so called crisis manager who will not be the object of this article. A common feature of all three groups is the psyche of the human factor (personality) and the specific is represented by the...
Passive Protection Elements Breach Resistance Modeling
Ladislav Kittel, Tomas Lovecek
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):53-58 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.53-58
This article originated in response to requirement for creation of quantitative evaluation system of passive protection elements resistance, which could be implemented into complex process of technical effectiveness evaluation of property protection systems. It deals with design of model, which could be a basis for estimation of breach resistance time and which would use attributes of material of chosen homogeneous passive protection element - building construction. The article analyses possibilities of mathematical modeling of attack on homogeneous passive protection element on the basis of specifically chosen tool and attack method. The model used...
Information Systems for Crisis Management - Current Applications and Future Directions
Jozef Ristvej, Adam Zagorecki
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):59-63 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.59-63
The management of crisis situations is undergoing rapid changes due to advances of Information Technology. We discuss the role of information systems in supporting decision making processes in crisis management. The crisis management poses particular challenges for information systems - it is characterized by dynamic, complex environments involving many actors in often very unique and extreme situations. We review the roles, benefits and challenges of information systems' application to different phases of the crisis management. We argue that for the different phases of the crisis management, the different types of information systems varying in the...
Comparison on National Security Strategy 2002 and 2006: To What Extent Did Neoconservatives Influence Perception of the Us Foreign and Security Policy of the Second Presidential Administration of George W. Bush?
Pavel Necas, Miroslav Kelemen, Blazej Lippay
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):64-68 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.64-68
The purpose of this article is to identify differences in the perception of the US foreign and security policy by the first and the second Bush presidency. Due to the fact that both presidencies of George W. Bush were strongly influenced by neoconservative view on the US role in the World, the first chapter is dedicated to the impact of neoconservativism on foreign and security policy of President George W. Bush. Finally, it introduces reader to basic principles of President's Bush foreign and security policy implemented after September 11 terrorist attacks.The second chapter is the core chapter. It compares two major documents of Bush Administrations,...
Computer Simulation of Automobile Fires
Ladislav Halada, Peter Weisenpacher, Gabriel Oksa, Jan Glasa, Martin Becka
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):69-73 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.69-73
Using CFD (Computer Fluid Dynamics) theory and its practical knowledge has become widespread in such academic disciplines as aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, combustion engineering and other fields. However, in disciplines, which examine the ongoing processes in larger sizes, CFD was applied during the last decade only. One of such discipline is a spread of fire. Fire processes are a very complicated and complex phenomenon consisting of combustion, radiation, turbulence, fluid dynamics, pressure and other physical and chemical processes. In the paper, we describe the use of FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) for the simulation of automobile/vehicle fires in...
Constructing Knowledge Database in Decision Making
Djordje N. Dihovicni
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):74-77 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.74-77
The paper describes solving problem of constructing knowledge database of a decision making in process safety. It provides analyses of the requirements as well the analyses of the system incidents caused by specification, design and the implementation of the project. Main focus of this scientific paper is highlighted on practical stability problem and conditions for optimal performance of safe fault-tolerant controllers, I/O, engineering and pressure transmitters. Algorithm of decision making in process safety is developed and the system has been realized taking into account C# approach in Windows environment.
Assessment and Management of Level Crossing Risks
Iva Zitnikova, Lenka Malerova, Rene Pribyl, Michal Schwarz, Ales Bernatik, Lenka Kopecka
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):78-82 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.78-82
The goal of the project "Assessment and Management of Level Crossing Risks" was to make a comprehensive analysis of safety of level crossings in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The project is divided into several phases including technical and legislative aspects as well as issues of human factor affecting the occurrence of incidents related to level crossings. In individual chapters, results of questionnaire survey concerning the given problems are processed, the analysis of level crossing risks is made and measures to reduce the risks associated with level crossing traffic are proposed.
Determination of Temperature Conditions for a Design of Engineering Constructions during a Fire
Petr Kucera, Jiri Pokorny
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):83-87 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.83-87
The problem of an engineering constructions design for effects of fire results from contemporary knowledge and procedures used in technical practice, however, is not limited only to norm recommendations, but looks also for other suitable methods of design. To examine fire endurance of engineering constructions by computation it is necessary to perform the determination of temperature in the area through models for follow-up thermal analysis. This article therefore presents principles of choice of appropriate design fire scenario by determination of the whole conception of safety and then presents a valiant solution of determination of the thermal action...
Foundations of Implementation of Risk Management Process within Project Management
Katarina Kampova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):88-91 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.88-91
Nowadays, most organisations are experiencing unprecedented levels of change. Change has become a way of life for organisations that need to remain effective and competitive in order to thrive. It is essential to manage the inherent risk associated with change and innovation. Project brings together resources, skills, technology and ideas to deliver business benefits or to achieve business objectives. Good project management helps to ensure that these benefits or objectives are achieved within budget, within time and to the required quality.Project management must control and contain risks if a project is to stand a chance of being successful and ensure...
Individual and Social Risk during Transportation of Dangerous Substances
Zdenek Dvorak, Pavel Fuchs, Jan Novak, Radovan Sousek
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):92-98 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.92-98
This article aims to present new views on risk assessment, primarily individual and social risks during transportation of dangerous substance. Included are modelling procedures and methods applied to calculate dangerous substance exposure to the biodiversity of the environment, solved in project BIOTRA. New procedures and methods applied for calculation of environmental exposure by dangerous substance outflows in road transport are also presented.
Theoretical-Methodological Aspects of Integrated Risk Management Standardization
Milan Majernik, Jana Pankova Jurikova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):99-103 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.99-103
The authors are submitting a system model for integrated risk management. Results and conclusions of the paper are based on analysis of development, current status and progressive trends in standardization and risk management aspects of quality, safety, environment etc. Originality of the solution lies "in an enclosure" of quality management systems, safety management system and environmental management system according to standards, under the ISO standard ISO 31000 in the Slovak version of the upcoming STN. Solution is based on the philosophy of a single audit of compliance for the accreditation of certification bodies - they will certify risk management...
Environmental Risk Regulation in the Environmental Protection Law of the Republic of Slovenia
Bojan Ticar
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):104-108 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.104-108
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the regulation of environmental protection in force in administrative law in the Republic of Slovenia. The author analyses basic environmental protection principles which are contained in the EU regulation. These principles are: (1) the precautionary principle (le principe de précaution, der Grundsatz der Vorsorge), (2) the principle of preventive action (le principe d'action préventive, der Grundsatz der Vorbeugung), (3) the principle of correction at source (le principe de correction à la source, der Grundsatz, Umweltbeeinträchtigungen mit Vorrang an ihrem Ursprung zu bekämpfen), and (4)...
Emergency Reporting Procedure in a Multi-National Environment
Frantisek Salenka, Dusana Salenka, Marian Furi
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):109-113 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.109-113
This article is aimed on reporting procedure in emergency situation used in multi-national environment. It is based on real procedures, documents and instructions, which are usually used in all kinds of emergency assets, especially during the activities of multi-national joint forces. The first impulse for creating this procedure started in armed task forces and due to the great effect fluently increased to the civilian sector. The article is a basic instruction how to simply ensure information flowchart among all the elements and secure quick reaction on developing crisis situation.
Utilizing Knowledge of Physics in Safety Engineering
Jiri Svec, Radomir Scurek, Pavel Svec
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):114-117 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.114-117
Any technician working in safety engineering needs certain knowledge of physics. This knowledge includes physical quantities and units of measurement, physical properties of substances, various formulae and equations, etc. It is also very important to possess knowledge enabling general - and often highly complex - processes to be simplified. This paper discusses two such possibilities for simplification.
Control and Navigation of Mobile Robots in Safety and Fire Protection
Juraj Uricek, Viera Poppeova, Vladimir Bulej, Jan Matik
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):118-122 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.118-122
This paper presents the actual situation of mobile robots (MRs) application in the field of safety and fire protection. At the beginning are described the basic structures and subsystems of each MR, reasons for their applications and some design examples of mobile robots applied for safety and fire protection. The second part of this paper presents several different conceptions of MR control systems with respect to dangerous applications. The last part of this paper is oriented on the methods of MR navigation and path planning. This part is related with maps and localization problem and describes why it is necessary to have a map in MR control system....
Applied Ergonomic Methodology for Current Engineering Practice
Svetla Fiserova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2011, 13(2):123-128 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2011.2.123-128
A human factor is part and parcel of each work system. The current ergonomic methodology enables applications related to the evaluation and design of work systems that take into account both basic aspects of each work system, namely the technical and human aspects. The contribution focuses on the hierarchical classification of methods intended for the use in work systems under the conditions of current engineering practice.