Applied sciences

Archives of Civil Engineering

Content

Archives of Civil Engineering | Vol. 66 | No 1

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Abstract

Cracks in concrete are inevitable but fortunately cracking enables the structures to get rid of its bending moment peaks. The reduction is due to the redistribution of the load induced moments and cut of the temperatureimposed moments. However, cracking becomes completely harmless if the crack widths are controlled properly by reinforcement. In this regard a method for crack width prediction is presented in this paper which thanks its reliability is widely accepted in the standards EN 13084, CICIND and DIN 1056.

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Authors and Affiliations

P. Noakowski
A. Harling
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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a dynamic response evaluation of a segmental bridge during two construction stages: before connecting the final segment of the bridge and after connecting the final segment of the bridge but prior to opening the bridge to traffic. The vibration signals obtained from Ambient Vibration Testing (AVT) campaigns were processed in order to obtain the modal parameters of the bridge during the two construction stages. Modal parameters experimentally obtained for the first stage were compared with those obtained from Finite Element (FE) models considering different construction loads scenarios. Finally, modal parameters experimentally obtained for the second stage were used to update its corresponding FE model considering two scenarios, before and after the installation of the asphalt pavement. The results presented in this paper demonstrated that a rigorous construction control is needed in order to effectively calibrate FE models during the construction process of segmental bridges.

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Authors and Affiliations

W. Hernandez
A. Viviescas
C.A. Riveros-Jerez
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Abstract

In this research, nonlinear analysis of composite shear walls (CSWs) with a gap between reinforced concrete wall and steel frame is investigated under cyclic loading by the use of the finite element method (FEM) software ABAQUS. For the purpose of the verification, an experimental test is modelled and comparison of its obtained result with that of the experimental test demonstrates an inconsiderable difference between them; therefore, the reasonable accuracy of the modelling is revealed. Then, effects of different parameters on the behaviour of the CSWs are examined. Gap size between reinforced concrete wall and steel frame, reinforcement percentage, steel sections of beams and columns, and existence of reinforced concrete wall are considered as parameters. It is concluded that change of the parameters affects the ultimate strength, ductility, and energy dissipation of the system. A steel shear wall (SSW) is also modelled and compared with the CSWs. Buckling of the walls is presented as well.

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Authors and Affiliations

Alireza Bahrami
Mojtaba Yavari
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Abstract

The article discusses the technical condition of buildings. An attempt was made to compare the technical condition and the degree of technical wear of two multi-family residential buildings erected at the interval of 25 years. The list of such objects is intended to illustrate that even relatively young buildings may exhibit differing levels of wear and technical condition of building elements.

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Authors and Affiliations

Wojciech Drozd
ORCID: ORCID
Marcin Kowalik
ORCID: ORCID
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Abstract

Reliable evaluation of stress-strain characteristics can be done only in the laboratory where boundary conditions with respect to stress and strain can be controlled. The most popular laboratory equipment is a triaxial apparatus. Unfortunately, standard version of triaxial apparatus can reliable measure strain not smaller than 0.1 %. Such accuracy does not allow to determine stiffness referred to strain range most often mobilized in situ i.e. 10-3 ÷ 10-1%, in which stiffness distribution is highly nonlinear. In order to overcome this problem fundamental modifications of standard triaxial apparatus should be done. The first one concerns construction of the cell. The second refers to method of measurement of vertical and horizontal deformation of a specimen. The paper compares three versions of triaxial equipment i.e. standard cell, the modified one and the cell with system of internal measurement of deformation. The comparison was made with respect to capability of stiffness measurement in strain range relevant for typical geotechnical applications. Examples of some test results are given, which are to illustrate an universal potential of the laboratory triaxial apparatus with proximity transducers capable to trace stress-strain response of soil in a reliable way.

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Authors and Affiliations

Mirosław J. Lipiński
Małgorzata K. Wdowska
Anna Wudzka
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Abstract

Cost estimation in the pre-design phase both for the contractor as well as the investor is an important aspect from the point of view of budget planning for a construction project. Constantly growing commercial market, especially the one of public utility constructions, makes the contractor, at the stage of development the design concept, initially estimate the cost of the facade, e.g. office buildings, commercial buildings, etc., which are most often implemented in the form of aluminum-glass facades or ventilated elevations. The valuation of facade systems is of an individual calculation nature, which makes the process complicated, time-consuming, and requiring a high cost estimation work. The authors suggest using a model for estimating the cost of facade systems with the use of statistical methods based on multiple and stepwise regression. The data base used to form statistical models is the result of quantitative-qualitative research of the design and cost documentation of completed public facilities. Basing on the obtained information, the factors that shape the costs of construction façade systems were identified; which then constitute the input variables to the suggested cost estimation models.

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Authors and Affiliations

Agnieszka Leśniak
ORCID: ORCID
Damian Wieczorek
ORCID: ORCID
Monika Górka
ORCID: ORCID
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Abstract

This study presents an artificial intelligence technique based on ensemble of artificial neural networks for the purposes of analysis and prediction of labour productivity. The study focuses on the development of model that combines several artificial neural networks on the basis of real-life data collected on a construction site for steel reinforcement works. The data includes conditions, characteristics, features of steel reinforcement works and related efficiencies of workers assigned to particular tasks recorded on site. The proposed ensemble based model combines five supervised learning models — five different multilayer perceptron networks, which contribution in the prediction is weighted due to the application of generalised averaging approach. Testing results show that the proposed ensemble based model achieves the satisfactory evaluation criteria for coefficient of correlation (0.989), root-mean-squared error (2.548), mean absolute percentage error (4.65%) and maximum absolute percentage error (8.98%).

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Authors and Affiliations

Michał Juszczyk
ORCID: ORCID
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Abstract

The article concerns modern, flexible adhesive joints, which might be used in timber construction. The article discusses the test results carried out for timber elements joints using polymeric adhesives produced by Sika®. The scope of the tests includes the analysis of strength criteria, tests of polymer adhesion to the timber with a pull-off method, tests of polymer layer shearing between timber elements as well as examination of bending of timber elements joined with polymer. The conclusions indicate the types of these polymers which are recommended for the creation of polymeric joints of timber-polymeric type in timber constructions.

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Authors and Affiliations

Klaudia Śliwa-Wieczorek
Bogusław Zając
Tomasz Kozik
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Abstract

Paper presents the issue related to the selection of slab formwork taking into account the criteria that are currently the most important The in the process of the construction project execution. The analysis included selected, modern system solutions, which significantly accelerate the tempo of reinforced concrete works and, as a consequence, increase the effectiveness of the construction project execution. The innovative system of drop heads, which the analysed slab formwork is equipped with, is offered by various formwork producers. The offered solutions, however, differ not only in the construction of the drophead itself, but also in the arrangement and variety of other system elements, as well as the scheme of their operation, which may ultimately significantly affect the effectiveness of their application. For that reason, the choice of formwork for specific buildings should be made from among carefully analysed several variants of the wide market offer. The paper presents the results of analysis and evaluation of formwork systems with dropheads according to the proposed methodology, including multi-criteria analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

Aleksandra Radziejowska
ORCID: ORCID
Anna Sobotka
ORCID: ORCID
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Abstract

The general standards and guidelines recommendations for PCC suggest alternating conditions of curing: starting with wet conditions for effective hydration of Portland cement followed by air-dry conditions for polymer hardening. The often accepted curing regime of PCC covers 5 days of wet curing and then the air-dry curing but it is not the optimum one. The aim of the investigation was to find the best scenario for PCC with two types of polymer modifiers: two-component epoxy resin and water dispersion of polyacrylates. The following exploitation properties were accepted as the criteria of evaluation of PCC curing effectiveness: compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, surface tensile strength (by pull-off method), wear resistance, water penetration under pressure and resistance to carbonation. The optimum time of PCC wet curing is possibly between 7 and 14 days, however, it have to be verified experimentally for specific PCC composition.

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Authors and Affiliations

P. Woyciechowski
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Abstract

The paper presents the problem of building disturbances, which are usually an inseparable element during the implementation of construction projects. They were classified, their causes and sides of the construction process responsible for their creation were identified on the basis of the analyzed construction investment. In addition, using the Earned Value Management method, the scale of delays arising in construction works and the related effects were determined. The important role of close cooperation and good communication between all participants of the construction process was emphasized, which would reduce the phenomenon of building disturbances, but also mitigate the negative effects of delays that have already occurred.

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Authors and Affiliations

A. Starczyk-Kołbyk
L. Kruszka
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Abstract

The article discusses results of pull-off adhesion strength tests on poly-p- phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) mesh bonded to fir timber beams using epoxy resin. The tests were performed in accordance with the PN-EN 1542 standard. Timber elements reinforced with PBO fibres were subjected to pull-off tests to measure the adhesive strength of the mesh to the beams.The factors occurring during the test were also characterized, which may affect its results such as the method of application of the tearing force, selection of epoxy glue, surface preparation of the tested elements, occurrence of material defects in the wood and types of substrate destruction.The experimental data show that failure of the timber layer was not observed in all the specimens tested.

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Authors and Affiliations

P.K. Sokołowski
P.G. Kossakowski
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Abstract

The article presents a new approach to testing the strength of asphalt interlayer bonding. Two loading methods were used: static load and cyclic load. Before carrying out static shear strength tests, the interlayer bonding was subjected to cyclic loads with a constant number of cycles but with different frequencies. A number of layered samples with and without geosynthetic interlayers were tested at the set temperature. The comparative analyses allowed to determine the functions approximating the impact of the cyclic load frequency on the static strength of bonding at selected interlayer contact conditions. It was also possible to indicate the frequency of cyclic load at which this parameter has the largest and smallest impact on the static strength of the asphalt interlayer bonding.

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Authors and Affiliations

Jarosław Górszczyk
Konrad Malicki
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Abstract

Recently, new materials have been developed in the field of bridge design, one of which is FRP composite. To investigate this topic, the Polish National Centre for Research and Development has founded a research project, whose objectives are to develop, manufacture and test a typical FRP bridge superstructures. Two innovative ideas of FRP composite girder-deck structural systems for small and medium span bridges have been proposed. This paper describes the demonstrative bridges and presents the research results on their development and deployment. The finite element analysis and design procedure, structural evaluation in the laboratory and some results of the proof tests carried out on both bridge systems have been briefly presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

T. Siwowski
M. Kulpa
M. Rajchel
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Abstract

Throughout the world, considerable quantities of water treatment sludge (WTS) and sewage sludge (SS) are produced as waste. This study assessed in the laboratory, the possibility to use both waste products when they are incorporated as filler at 1% with relation to the total mass of a hot mix asphalt - HMA. To this end, both waste products were initially reduced to ash through a calcination process. Resistance tests under monotonic load (Marshall and indirect tension tests), and cyclic load (resilient modulus test) were applied on mixes that contained WTS and SS. Besides, moisture damage (modified Lotmman test), and abrasion (Cantabro) resistance were assessed. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed in order to verify if the results are statically equal or not to those of the control HMA. As a general conclusion, it is reported that both materials show a resistance increase under monotonic load and higher stiffness under cyclic load (cohesion) when they are incorporated into the mix as filler despite the fact that the asphalt content used was less than the control mix. However, some problems are observed associated with moisture damage resistance, and friction wear (adherence).

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Authors and Affiliations

J.G. Bastidas-Martínez
J. Camapum De Carvalho
L.C. Lucena
M.M. Farias
H.A. Rondón-Quintana
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Abstract

The present paper discusses static and dynamic characteristics of various under sleeper pads (USP) that are to be used in the ballasted track systems as resilient vibroacoustic isolators. Four different USP samples were put to fatigue tests and static and dynamic bedding moduli were determined. The purpose of the tests, which were carried out up to 500 thousand load cycles, was to determine which USP have favourable and which unfavourable properties, taking into account their potential application as the elements used for energy dissipation and reduction of noise and vibration. The obtained results allowed the authors to indicate samples with a potential for further analysis and to reject those, which did not satisfy the adopted criteria.

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Authors and Affiliations

C. Kraśkiewicz
A. Zbiciak
A. Al Sabouni-Zawadzka
A. Piotrowski
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Abstract

An analysis of the dynamic load - carrying capacity of rectangular reinforced concrete deep beam considering the physical nonlinearities of structural materials: concrete and reinforcing steel, is the aim of the paper. The model of the elastic/visco-perfectly plastic material including dynamic yield criterion was applied for the reinforcing steel. The non-standard model of dynamic deformation, regarding the dynamic strength criterion and material softening was applied for the concrete. The method for description of deformation parameters of high strength concrete was included in the model. The method of structure effort analysis was developed using the finite element method. The comparative analyses of the obtained results for three different values of high strengths of concrete and one value of high yield stress for reinforcing steel were carried out in relation to the numerical results obtained for ordinary concrete and steel in case of dynamic loading. In these cases, the significant differences in behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams have been observed and described in detail. The effectiveness of the method analysis and computational algorithms for the problems of numerical simulation of reinforced concrete deep beam dynamic behavior was indicated in the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

W. Cichorski
A. Stolarski
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Abstract

The article discusses the dangers arising from construction disasters. This phenomenon is the most serious effect of the risk that may occur in construction. I presented this on the basis of an analysis of all construction disasters that have taken place in Poland in the last twenty years. I made a detailed analysis of the events that occurred during the maintenance of building facilities, taking into account the reasons for their occurrence and the effects they cause. The aim of this analysis is to identify areas of risk in order to eliminate the hazard and, as a consequence, take appropriate actions to counteract this type of events. Unfortunately, one should be aware that despite technical progress building disasters cannot be completely avoided in our surrounding, but one must use the knowledge acquired on this basis to minimize their number.

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Authors and Affiliations

J. Szer
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Abstract

This paper presents a suggested approach for forensic investigation of bridge decks in which Ground penetrating radar (GPR) consisting of two antennas is used to assess the current conditions. The methodology was tested on a bridge deck in central Sicily. The acquired data were analyzed for identifying the asphalt overlay thickness, concrete cover depth and deck thickness and location of the rebar reinforcement. In the proposed approach for assessing bridge deck conditions the GPR survey was complemented with (i) a site investigation on layer thicknesses for calibration/verification purposes of the GPR response and (ii) a Terrestrial Laser Scanning system (TLS) to verify the bridge design slab curvature. The study shows that this methodology has significant merits on accurately assessing such bridge deck components when bridge design records are non-existing, and by using non-invasive methods such as laser scanning and GPR. The great advantage provided by the TLS technique is the possibility to obtain a 3D output model of the scanned element with the accuracy of the best topographic instruments in order to complement GPR data surveys for bridge inspection.

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Authors and Affiliations

S. Cafiso
A. Di Graziano
D. Goulias
M. Mangiameli
G. Mussumeci
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Abstract

The problem of determining displacements of objects is an important and current issue, in particular in terms of operational safety. This is a requirement that covers geodetic, periodic control measurements in order to determine horizontal and vertical displacements. The paper is focused on the analysis of vertical displacements. Geodetic measurements and their interpretation allow to reduce the risk of possible structural catastrophes. The major research topic of the majority of available papers is displacement determination of individual controlled points, in a situation where there are identified as fixed reference points. There are cases making identification of such points difficult or impossible to use in displacement analysis. This paper addresses a rare case of determining vertical displacements in unstable reference systems. Due to the fact that most of the existing and known literature methods do not always bring satisfactory results, the paper propose a new method of vertical displacement determination in the absence of reference points in the local coordinate system. Practical considerations on simulated data show that the presented method performs the task correctly.

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Authors and Affiliations

D. Filipiak-Kowszyk
W. Kamiński
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Abstract

Fatigue properties of orthotropic steel bridge deck of Xinghai Bay Cross-sea Bridge in Dalian were analyzed. The segment model of orthotropic bridge deck was established by using the finite element software Abaqus. The intersection between diaphragm and U-rib was selected to analysis. The fatigue loading model III was adopted which was provided by “Specifications for Design of Highway Steel Bridge”. First, the transverse stress influence line and the transverse severest loading position were determined. Then, five loading regions were selected near the transverse severest position. The stress amplitude of the intersection was ascertained through loading on the longitudinal bridge for each region. Finally, the fatigue checking for the intersection was carried out. The results showed that the maximum fatigue stress amplitude of orthotropic deck in Xinghai Bay Cross-sea Bridge met the requirements of "Specifications for Design of Highway Steel Bridge".

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Authors and Affiliations

Wenwu Li
Huili Wang
Sifeng Qin

Publication Ethics Policy

ETHICS POLICY

”Archives of Civil Engineering” respects and promotes the principles of publishing ethics. Being guided by COPE’s Guidelines ( https://publicationethics.org/resources/guidelines) we ensure that all participants of the publishing process comply with these rules, the journal pays special attention to:

Editor Responsibilities
1. Qualifying individual manuscripts for publication only on the basis of: (a) compliance with the guidelines provided to the authors, (b) substantive value, (c) originality, (d) transparency of presentation
2. Deciding whether the paper fulfills all requirements i.e. formal and scientific and which articles submitted to the journal should be published. In making these decisions, the editor may be guided by the policies of the journal’s editorial board as well as by legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.
3. Evaluating manuscripts for intellectual content without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy of the author(s).
4. Ensuring scientific accuracy and complying with the principle of authorship; making sure that individual authors who contribute to the publication accept its form after the scientific editing
5. Providing a fair and appropriate peer review process.
6. Withdrawing manuscripts from publication, if any information about its unreliability appeared, also as a result of unintentional errors, features of plagiarism or violation of the rules of publishing ethics were identified.
7. Requiring all contributors to disclose relevant competing interests and publish corrections if competing interests are revealed after publication. If needed, other appropriate action should be taken, such as the publication of a retraction or expression of concern.
8. Maintaining the integrity of the academic record, precludes business needs from compromising intellectual and ethical standards, and is always willing to publish corrections, clarifications, retractions, and apologies when needed.
9. Not disclosing any information about a manuscript under consideration to anyone other than the author(s), reviewers and potential reviewers, and in some instances the editorial board members, as appropriate.

Reviewer Responsibilities
1. Cooperating with the scientific editor and / or editorial office and the authors in the field of improving the reviewed material;
2. Being objective and expressing the views clearly with appropriate supporting arguments.
3. Assessing of the entrusted works in a careful and objective manner, if possible with an assessment of their scientific reliability and with appropriate justification of the comments submitted;
4. identifying relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors
5. calling to the editor's attention any substantial similarity or overlap between the manuscript under consideration and any other published data of which they have personal knowledge
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9. Notifying the editor if the invited reviewer feels unqualified to review the manuscript or knows that its timely review will be impossible.
10. identifying relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors
11. Not considering evaluating manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest resulting from competitive, collaborative, or other relationships or connections with any of the authors, companies, or institutions connected to the submission.

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1. Results of original research should present an accurate account of the work performed as well as an objective discussion of its significance. Underlying data should be represented accurately in the manuscript. A paper should contain sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behaviour and are unacceptable.
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In cases of alleged or proven scientific misconduct, fraudulent publication or plagiarism the publisher, in close collaboration with the editors, will take all appropriate measures to clarify the situation and to amend the article in question. This includes the prompt publication of an erratum or, in the most severe cases, the complete retraction of the affected work.

Peer-review Procedure

Manuscript Peer-Review Procedure

”Archives of Civil Engineering” makes sure to provide transparent policies for peer-review, and reviewers have an obligation to conduct reviews in an ethical and accountable manner. There is clear communication between the journal and the reviewers which facilitates consistent, fair, and timely review.

-The model of peer-review is double-blind: the reviewers do not know the names of the authors, and the authors do not know who reviewed their manuscript (but if the research is published reviewers can eventually know the names of the authors). A complete list of reviewers is published in a traditional version of the journal: in-print.
-It is the editor who appoints two reviewers; however, if there are discrepancies in the assessment the third reviewer can be appointed.
-After having accepted to review the manuscript (one-week deadline), the reviewers have approximately 6 weeks to finish the process.
-The paper is published in ACE provided that the reviews are positive. All manuscripts receive grades from 1-5, 5 being positive, 1 negative, the authors receive reviews to read and consider the comments.
-Manuscript evaluations are assigned one of five outcomes: accept without changes, accept after changes suggested by the reviewer, rate manuscript once again after major changes and another review, reject, withdraw.
-Manuscripts requiring minor revision (accept after changes suggested by the reviewer) does not require a second review. All manuscripts receiving a "Rate manuscript once again after major changes and another review " evaluation must be subjected to a second review. Rejected manuscripts are given no further consideration. There are cases when the article can be withdrawn, often upon the request of an author, technical reason (e.g. names of authors are placed in the text, lack of references, or inappropriate structure of the text), or plagiarism.
-The revised version of the manuscript should be uploaded to the Editorial System within six weeks. If the author(s) failed to make satisfactory changes, the manuscript is rejected.
-On acceptance, manuscripts are subject to editorial amendment to suit house style.
-Paper publication requires the author's final approval.
- As soon as the publication appears in print and in electronic forms on the Internet there is no possibility to change the content of the article.

Editor’s responsibilities
-The editor decides whether the paper fulfills all requirements i.e. formal and scientific and which articles submitted to the journal should be published.
-In making these decisions, the editor may be guided by the policies of the journal’s editorial board as well as by legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.
-The editor maintains the integrity of the academic record, precludes business needs from compromising intellectual and ethical standards, and is always willing to publish corrections, clarifications, retractions, and apologies when needed.
-The editor evaluates manuscripts for intellectual content without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy of the author(s).
-The editor does not disclose any information about a manuscript under consideration to anyone other than the author(s), reviewers and potential reviewers, and in some instances the editorial board members, as appropriate.

Reviewers' responsibilities
Any manuscripts received for review are treated as confidential documents. They must not be shown to or discussed with others except if authorized by the editor. Privileged information or ideas obtained through peer review is kept confidential and not used for personal advantage Any invited reviewer who feels unqualified to review the manuscript or knows that its timely review will be impossible should immediately notify the editor so that alternative reviewers can be contacted. Reviewers should identify relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors. Any statement that an observation, derivation, or argument had been previously reported should be accompanied by the relevant citation. A reviewer should also call to the editor's attention any substantial similarity or overlap between the manuscript under consideration and any other published data of which they have personal knowledge. Reviewers should not consider evaluating manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest resulting from competitive, collaborative, or other relationships or connections with any of the authors, companies, or institutions connected to the submission. Reviews should be conducted objectively. Personal criticism of the author is unacceptable. Referees should express their views clearly with appropriate supporting arguments. All reviews must be carried out on a special form available in the Editorial System.

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