bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Hyperglycemia and Glucose Variability in Gynecologic Laparotomies
Authors: Polderman Jorinde A. W. , Hollmann Markus W. , DeVries J. Hans , Preckel Benedikt , Hermanides Jeroen
Published: July 2015

Background:

The glycemic response and its relation to postoperative complications following gynecologic laparotomies is unknown, although these surgeries carry a substantial risk for postoperative morbidity. Therefore, our objective was to assess the prevalence of perioperative hyperglycemia and glucose variability in women undergoing a gynecologic laparotomy.

Methods:

In this prospective cohort study, capillary glucose was measured every hour during the perioperative period. The primary outcome measures were the proportion of patients with postoperative hyperglycemia (glucose >180 mg d l-1) and the glucose variability in the intra- and postoperative period. Postoperative complications were assessed as secondary outcome measure.

Results:

We included 150 women undergoing a gynecologic laparotomy. Perioperative hyperglycemia occurred in 33 patients without diabetes (23.4%) and in 8 patients with diabetes (89%). Glucose variability was significantly higher (mean absolute glucose change [MAG] 11 mg dl-1 hr-1 [IQR 8-18]) in the intraoperative compared to the postoperative period (MAG 10 mg dl-1 hr-1 [IQR 3-16], P = .03). Neither hyperglycemia nor glucose variability was associated with postoperative complications.

Conclusions:

Hyperglycemia and glucose variability seem to be a minor problem during gynecologic laparotomy. Based on the current data, we would not advocate standardized glucose measurements in every patient without diabetes undergoing gynecologic laparotomy.
Formation of porous hydrophobic stainless steel surfaces by maskless electrochemical machining
Authors: Wei H. , Wang G. , Liu G. , Guo Z.
Published: July 2015

Surface topography is an important feature, which directly affects the friction, corrosion and flow characteristics of a workpiece. In this study, a new approach was explored to produce a microporous structure by maskless electrochemical machining (ECM). A rough surface with a microporous structure was created on a stainless steel substrate, and the principle of the micropore formation was investigated. It was found that the microporosity could form, grow and interconnect when the potential of the anodic surface was higher than the pitting potential of the material. The electric field is an important factor, and the surface topography can be altered by changing the electrical parameters. The porous microstructure was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The rough and porous surface, modified with 1-dodecanethiol, exhibits hydrophobic characteristics, with a static contact angle of 137° for water droplets. This is a significant improvement in the wetting properties for stainless steels.
Comparative assessment of methods for the computational inference of transcript isoform abundance from RNA-seq data
Authors: Kanitz Alexander , Gypas Foivos , Gruber Andreas J. , Gruber Andreas R. , Martin Georges , Zavolan Mihaela
Published: July 2015

Background

Understanding the regulation of gene expression, including transcription start site usage, alternative splicing, and polyadenylation, requires accurate quantification of expression levels down to the level of individual transcript isoforms. To comparatively evaluate the accuracy of the many methods that have been proposed for estimating transcript isoform abundance from RNA sequencing data, we have used both synthetic data as well as an independent experimental method for quantifying the abundance of transcript ends at the genome-wide level.

Results

We found that many tools have good accuracy and yield better estimates of gene-level expression compared to commonly used count-based approaches, but they vary widely in memory and runtime requirements. Nucleotide composition and intron/exon structure have comparatively little influence on the accuracy of expression estimates, which correlates most strongly with transcript/gene expression levels. To facilitate the reproduction and further extension of our study, we provide datasets, source code, and an online analysis tool on a companion website, where developers can upload expression estimates obtained with their own tool to compare them to those inferred by the methods assessed here.

Conclusions

As many methods for quantifying isoform abundance with comparable accuracy are available, a user’s choice will likely be determined by factors such as the memory and runtime requirements, as well as the availability of methods for downstream analyses. Sequencing-based methods to quantify the abundance of specific transcript regions could complement validation schemes based on synthetic data and quantitative PCR in future or ongoing assessments of RNA-seq analysis methods.
Ethnic Differences in Effects of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy and Pregnancy Adiposity on Offspring Size and Adiposity
Authors: Lin Xinyi , Aris Izzuddin M. , Tint Mya Thway , Soh Shu E. , Godfrey Keith M. , Yeo George Seow-Heong , Kwek Kenneth , Chan Jerry Kok-Yen , Gluckman Peter D. , Chong Yap Seng , Yap Fabian , Holbrook Joanna D. , Lee Yung Seng
Published: July 2015

Context:

Maternal adiposity and overnutrition, both before and during pregnancy, plays a key role in the subsequent development of obesity and metabolic outcomes in offspring.

Objective:

We explored the hypothesis that maternal adiposity (pre-pregnancy and at 26–28 weeks' gestation) and mid-pregnancy gestational weight gain (GWG) are independently associated with offspring size and adiposity in early childhood, and determined whether these effects are ethnicity dependent.

Design:

In a prospective mother-offspring cohort study (N = 976, 56% Chinese, 26% Malay, and 18% Indian), we assessed the associations of offspring size (weight, length) and adiposity (subscapular and triceps skinfolds), measured at birth and age 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo, with maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (ppBMI), mid-pregnancy GWG, and mid-pregnancy four-site skinfold thicknesses (triceps, biceps, subscapular, suprailiac).

Results:

ppBMI and mid-pregnancy GWG were independently associated with postnatal weight up to 2 y and skinfold thickness at birth. Weight and subscapular and triceps skinfolds at birth increased by 2.56% (95% confidence interval, 1.68–3.45%), 3.85% (2.16–5.57%), and 2.14% (0.54–3.75%), respectively for every SD increase in ppBMI. Similarly, a one-SD increase in GWG increased weight and subscapular and triceps skinfolds at birth by 2.44% (1.66–3.23%), 3.28% (1.75–4.84%), and 3.23% (1.65–4.84%), respectively. ppBMI and mid-pregnancy suprailiac skinfold independently predicted postnatal skinfold adiposity up to 2 years of age, whereas only GWG predicted postnatal length. The associations of GWG with postnatal weight and length were present only among Chinese and Indians, but not Malays (P < .05 for interaction).

Conclusions:

ppBMI and GWG are independent modifiable factors for child size and adiposity up to 2 years of age. The associations are ethnic-dependent, and underscore the importance of ethnic specific studies before generalizing the applicability of risk factors reported in other populations.
RASopathies: unraveling mechanisms with animal models
Authors: Jindal Granton A. , Goyal Yogesh , Burdine Rebecca D. , Rauen Katherine A. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y.
Published: July 2015

RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities. The high incidence of these disorders (∼1/1000 births) motivates the development of systematic approaches for their efficient diagnosis and potential treatment. Recent advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the genotyping and discovery of mutations in affected individuals, but establishing the causal relationships between molecules and disease phenotypes is non-trivial and presents both technical and conceptual challenges. Here, we discuss how these challenges could be addressed using genetically modified model organisms that have been instrumental in delineating the Ras-MAPK pathway and its roles during development. Focusing on studies in mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, we provide an up-to-date review of animal models of RASopathies at the molecular and functional level. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques of genetic engineering can be used to rigorously connect changes in specific components of the Ras-MAPK pathway with observed functional and morphological phenotypes. Establishing these connections is essential for advancing our understanding of RASopathies and for devising rational strategies for their management and treatment.
Substituent Electron Push–Pull Interaction in Intermolecular Resonance-Assisted Hydrogen Bonds: Thymine/Adenine Base Pair and Their Complexes with Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Tabayashi Kiyohiko , Takahashi Osamu
Published: July 2015

Theoretical studies of substituent R-effects on intermolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bonds (RAHBs) of R-thymine/R-COOH, R-adenine/R-COOH complexes, and R-thymine/R-adenine base pairs have been made via Taft–Topsom treatment and natural bond orbital analysis, using density functional theory at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Dimerization energy arising from constituent double H-bonds is essentially dependent on the nature of π-resonance of a substituent, i.e. π-electron-donating and -accepting properties. For monosubstituted base complexes with reference formic acid, π-donor (−R) substitution enhances π-delocalization of conjugated amide/amidine frames and activates the corresponding electron-donor site whereas π-acceptor (+R) substitution quenches the system via the same site, depending on their potentialities |σR+| and |σR−| of π-resonance effect. When both π-donor and π-acceptor substituents coexist in the complexes and base-pairs, they are activated under the support of mutual π-potentialities from counter molecules. Accordingly, one H-bond is significantly enhanced through cooperative electron push–pull interaction by substituents whereas the other being quenched due to the π-resonance effects in the opposite direction. Since bare thymine and adenine bases are actually found π-donating in nature against the amide/amidine frames of RAHBs, π-acceptor substitution of the counter molecule causes cooperative electron push–pull interaction on the corresponding H-bond and actually influences the dimerization energy depending on relative contribution of the constituent H-bonds.
Two Case Studies of the Transfer of near Infrared Methods for the Analysis of Pharmaceutical Solid Dosage Forms
Authors: Terrell Mark
Published: July 2015

The ability to transfer calibration methods from a primary Fourier transform near infrared instrument to a target instrument is assessed using two sets of tablets with varying physical characteristics.
A Critical Analysis of Reductions from Environmental Taxes in the New Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy, 2014–2020
Authors: Nicolaides Phedon
Published: July 2015

The new guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy also allow aid in the form of reduction from green levies. The aid may be granted retroactively when green levies harm the competitiveness of heavy electricity users. This paper argues that the harmful impact of green levies may be exaggerated by the use of gross value added, while the necessity of aid and its proportionality are presumed rather than proven. The fact that a company or sector may suffer loss of competitiveness from bearing the full levy does not necessarily show that it needs a reduction up to the limit allowed by the guidelines. The actual reduction which is granted may be unnecessary and, therefore, it would constitute disproportional state aid.
On the Dynamics of Generating Electricity from Diversified Sources: Evidence from Portugal
Authors: Marques António Cardoso , Fuinhas José Alberto , Pereira Agostinho
Published: July 2015

By studying the interaction among wind power, traditional sources including large-hydro (ordinary regime), electricity consumption and electricity exports, the dynamics of generating electricity from diversified sources is the focus of this paper. Data for Portugal with daily frequency, for the time span from July 2007 until December 2012, are used. On the whole, the results confirm that the variables interact with each other (endogeneity). Wind power drives its own path, which is largely the outcome of political decisions. The analysis also suggests that the impact on economic activity is greater from the ordinary regime than from wind power.
Stochastic Creep and Shrinkage Effect of Steel-Concrete Composite Beam
Authors: Xiang Tianyu , Yang Cheng , Zhao Gangyun
Published: July 2015

Creep and shrinkage of concrete may induce time-variant structural responses of steel-concrete composite beam. Since the creep and shrinkage are the most uncertain material properties of concrete, stochastic analysis is performed to obtain the long-term random responses of steel-concrete composite beam. MC90 model is chosen to describe the creep and shrinkage of concrete, and age-adjusted effective modulus method is adopted for creep analysis. The randomness about creep and shrinkage model, mean compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete, ambient humidity, magnitude of sustained load, stiffness of shear connector, and so on are concerned. Two random analysis methods, i.e., Latin hypercube sampling and a hybrid approach combining with Monte Carlo sampling and response surface method, are adopted. The stochastic responses of deflection and stress of steel girder and concrete slab are studied. Meanwhile, with sensitivity analysis, the statistical influences of random variables on long-term responses are investigated.
Concrete Shear-Friction Material Properties: Derivation from Actively Confined Compression Cylinder Tests
Authors: Chen Y. , Visintin P. , Oehlers D.J.
Published: July 2015

A commonly used material property of concrete is the compressive stress-strain relationship obtained from both unconfined and actively confined cylinder tests. In this paper, it is shown how these relatively readily available and inexpensive compression tests can be used to quantify the shear-friction material properties across potential sliding planes, that is the relationship between the shear stress, normal stress, crack widening and interface slip across an initially uncracked concrete sliding plane. The importance and application of shear-friction properties is illustrated in a companion paper where it is then shown how these shear-friction material properties for initially uncracked sliding planes can be used to quantify the shear-sliding capacity of reinforced concrete and consequently the shear capacity of RC beams of all sizes.
Concrete Shear-Friction Material Properties: Application to Shear Capacity of RC Beams of All Sizes
Authors: Chen Y. , Zhang T. , Visintin P. , Oehlers D.J.
Published: July 2015

Concrete shear-friction properties are a fundamental material property of concrete which is known to govern not only the shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams and columns but also the flexural ductility that is the ability to rotate and form hinges. In a companion paper, it has been shown how the shear-friction material properties can be extracted from simple confined cylinder tests which will allow these properties to be extracted for a wide range of concrete without undue expense. Also in the companion paper, the shear-friction material properties were derived for normal strength concrete and presented in a generic form suitable for application. In this paper, it will be shown how these generic shear-friction material properties can be used to simulate and quantify the shear-sliding behaviour of initially uncracked concrete generally obtained directly from relatively expensive tests. Furthermore, how these shear-sliding capacities can then be used to quantify the shear capacity of RC beams without stirrups and without the need for size factors as the mechanics based approach automatically, through mechanics, allows for member size.
Effects of Reinforcement Corrosion and Repeated Loads on Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beam
Authors: Yang S. , Fang C.Q. , Yuan Z.J. , Yi M.Y.
Published: July 2015

The effects of both steel corrosion and repeated loading on performance of reinforced concrete beam were investigated. Repeated loads were applied to corroded reinforced concrete specimens with corrosion levels ranging from 0% to 5%. The experiments were conducted for the deflection, cracking, stiffness, bearing capacity and failure type of the corroded beams. For corrosion levels less than 5%, the residual deflection was about 3% of the maximum value of failure deflection. The deflection of beams of high corrosion levels were generally greater than those of low corrosion levels, while the flexural rigidity of the high corrosion levels decreased more in value than those of low corrosion levels. The failure modes of beams changed from plastic type to brittle type with the increase of corrosion level.
Experimental Study of Bleed Countermeasures for Post-Tensioning
Authors: Zhou Yongzheng , Zhu Eryu
Published: July 2015

During the grouting of post-tensioned structures, voids left by bleed water creates the risk of corrosion by aggressive agents on the prestressing steel. In this paper, the development of and countermeasures for bleed water are discussed. To improve the bleed performance of conduits, a combined rubber rod is proposed to form a compound-cross-sectional prestressing conduit. This conduit presents a unique approach to addressing bleed water, and its effectiveness at preventing bleed water was studied. A full-scale grouting comparative test was conducted based on the prototype of a Chinese high-speed railway 32 m simply-supported box girder. Based on these test results, the characteristics of the generation, transmission and distribution of bleed water in conduits were investigated, and the relationship between the bend-up height and grouting compactness percentage (GCP) was analyzed. The test results showed that compound-cross-sectional conduits can separate the voids created by bleed water from prestressing steel to protect the tendons from corrosion. For horizontal and bend-up conduits in post-tensioned structures, the compound-cross-sectional prestressing conduits had much better bleed performance than circular conduits.
Weibull distribution for determination of wind analysis and energy production
Authors: Oral Faruk , Ekmekçi İsmail , Onat Nevzat
Published: July 2015

In recent years, decreasing reserves and environmental problems related with fossil fuels have increased the demand for clean and renewable energy sources, as with all over the world and also in Turkey. Wind energy is the one of the most rapidly growing among the renewable energy sources in terms of technological and utilization. Turkey is one of the rich countries in Europe in respect to wind energy potential. Productive and effective use of this potential is very important for Turkey that is depended on foreign countries especially in respect to fossil energy sources. Wind speed values are the most important data in calculation of electrical energy from wind turbines. In this study, latest developments and energy-power equations related to wind turbines are investigated. Using of the data obtained from the wind measurement station installed in Sakarya-Esentepe region, annual electrical energy production of an example wind plant is predicted.
The characteristics of air pollution episodes in autumn over the southern Hebei, China
Authors: Zhang Fenfen , Wang Litao , Yang Jing , Chen Mingzhang , Wei Zhe , Su Jie
Published: July 2015

In this study, the Models-3/Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) coupled with the Mesoscale Modeling System Generation 5 (MM5) was employed to simulate the air pollution episodes over East Asia, northern China Plain (NCP), and southern Hebei (SHB), at a grid resolution of 36, 12, and 4 km, respectively in Oct. 2012. The PM10 concentrations over SHB at 12-km are overpredicted with NMBs of 34.6% to 45.7% and also overestimated with that of 72.1% to 97.5% at 4-km which applied such a fine grid resolution over the SHB for the first time. It indicated that the simulation at 12-km performs better than the 4-km which may be related to the spatial allocation of the emissions, the lack of dust emissions and the limitations of model treatments. Five heavy episodes show the characteristics of sawtooth-shaped cycles over the NCP in fall (i.e. the maximum of PM10 was up to 885.1 µg m−3 and PM2.5 was up to 438.4 µg m−3 in Handan city) which resulting in the deterioration of visibility and periodically haze days. The concentrations of OC, EC, SO42−, NO3− and NH4+ were significantly higher in heavy episodes than non-heavy pollution episodes. In comparison with other cities ([NO3−]/[SO42−] > 1) at 12-km, the monthly-mean mass ratio of [NO3−]/[SO42−] at Taiyuan (0.17−0.73), Shijiazhuang (0.28−2.34) was 0.43, 0.84 respectively, which means the stationary sources emissions were more important than the vehicle emission in the source areas. The influence of the regional transportation for pollutants compared with local emission was also an important factor for heavy pollution episodes. The regional joint framework should be established along with controlling the local emission over the SHB in China to improve the air quality.
A hybrid intelligent algorithm for optimum forecasting of CO2 emission in complex environments: the cases of Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, India, UK and US
Authors: Azadeh A. , Sheikhalishahi M. , Hasumi M.
Published: July 2015

This study presents a hybrid meta-modeling algorithm for optimum carbon dioxide (CO2) emission estimation. It is composed of artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy linear regression (FLR), and conventional regression (CR). Different FLR models are considered to cover the latest algorithms and viewpoints. ANN with different training algorithms and transfer functions is also applied to data sets. The proposed hybrid algorithms uses analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to select between ANN, FLR or conventional regression for future CO2 emission estimation. The intelligent algorithm of this study is then applied to estimate CO2 emission in seven countries including India, Canada, Brazil, France, Japan, United Kingdom and United States. Different models are selected as preferred model for annual CO2 emission estimation in these countries. The preferred model for India, Brazil, United Kingdom and United States is selected as FLR whereas the preferred model for CO2 emission estimation in Japan, Canada and France is ANN. This shows how adopting the proposed hybrid algorithm could help in selecting the preferred model between FLR, ANN and CR in order to cover possible noise, complexity and ambiguity. This is the first study that utilizes a hybrid algorithm based on ANN, FLR and CR for accurate and optimum long term CO2 emission estimation.
Research on recognition of coal and gangue based on image processing
Authors: Li Lihong , Wang Haijiang , An Lei
Published: July 2015

In order to avoid the waste of water resources and environmental pollution caused by separating coal and gangue in the traditional methods, a novel method based on image processing is proposed in this paper. Firstly the image of coal or gangue is preprocessed. Then the mean value of gray histogram is extracted which serves as the statistical feature value to initially recognize coal and gangue. Then the textural feature is extracted from the image which is based on an adaptive window of texture analysis. The adaptive window size is determined by the contrast texture feature parameter. The adaptive window of texture analysis can improve the discriminability of coal and gangue. This method not only considers the image’s gray feature but also utilizes the image’s spatial information, so the recognition precision is improved. This method provides new ideas for dry separation technology.
Study on paste pumping characteristics based on double pumps in parallel
Authors: Wang Guimei , Jin Shaohua , Zhang Buqin , Yang Fugui , Ji Xiaoli
Published: July 2015

The coal reserves overlain by buildings, water bodies and railways are estimated to be about 14 billion tons in China. Based on the concept of green mining, in order to save the unit energy, Double pumps in parallel forms of pumping are adopted in 0the paste filling of the pumping system. The optimal solution of the objective function could be obtained by taking the unit flow power of the pumping system as the objective function, using the quadratic polynomial by the least square method curve fitting and by the application of MATLAB. Thereby it is possible to reduce power consumption and increase the efficiency of the operating economy in the paste filling station.
Design experiments for voice commands using neural networks
Authors: Zaatri Abdelouahab , Azzizi Norelhouda , Rahmani Fouad Lazhar
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the use of a Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Nets (MLP-NN) for voice recognition dedicated to generating robot commands. Our main goal concerns the estimation of the minimal number of elements required for the learning process in order to ensure an acceptable success of the neural nets recognition. As the MLP requires references for the spoken words, we have provided these references by means of a supervised classifier based on the mean square error.

An experimental approach has been followed for the design of experiments enabling to determine the minimal elements in the sample for each voice command. Satisfactory results have been obtained leading to a better understanding of variability of the system functioning. Finally, we have noticed that the success rate of the MLP and the minimal number of elements used for the learning process depend on the spoken word structure and of the variability of the actual work situation (word length, noise, speaker, etc).
Determining the best model for estimation the monthly mean daily global solar radiation on a horizontal surface – A case study in Nigde, Turkey
Authors: Gungor Afsin , Gokcek Murat , Yalcin Fusun , Kocer Abdulkadir , Yaka Ismet Faruk , Sardogan Gozde Tugce
Published: July 2015

Knowledge of the local solar radiation is important for many applications of solar energy systems. The global solar radiation on horizontal surface at the location of interest is the most critical input parameter employed in the design and prediction of the performance of solar energy systems. In this study, 3 empirical sunshine based models are compared correlating the monthly mean daily global solar radiation on a horizontal surface with monthly mean sunshine records for Nigde, Turkey. Models are compared using coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean bias error (MBE) and the t-statistic. According to our results, all the models fitted the data adequately and can be used to estimate the specific monthly global solar radiation. The t-statistic was used as the best indicator; this indicator depends on both, and is more effective for determining the model performance. The agreement between the estimated and the measured data were remarkable and the method was recommended for use in Nigde, Turkey.
Research of negative impact on a state of environment in the Russian Federation
Authors: Бабенко Оксана , Babenko Oksana
Published: July 2015

The article deals with the problems of ecology and managing natural resources. The author investigated the main sources influencing on the environment and identified the processes that don’t allow the environment to be clean.

The author shows the distribution of harmful substances emissions as a result of the impact of automobile transport, the dependence of the concentration of harmful substances in the different categories of vehicles is presented, the predominant pollutant chemical compounds from automobile transport are revealed, also the most dangerous factors of transport pollution, affecting on the health of the population are identified, the norms of harmful substances emissions into the atmosphere (the maximum allowable levels), actual data and comparative analysis of emissions into the atmosphere by 2005, 2010 2013 are given.

The article presents the results of analysis of the influence of thermal power plants on the ecological state of the environment and their impact on health of population, and particularly highlighted the results of the ash and slag dumps TPP environmental impact, the analysis of which allowed to reveal extent of exerted environmental damage, that defined by composition of ash, preserving type, physiographic and climatic characteristics of the area. In addition to the negative impact of thermal power plants on the environment, there is considered the significant harm caused by wastewater discharges of TPP into water bodies, the sources of which are petroleum products, chlorides, sulfates, salts of heavy metals and other.

The author carried out the monitoring of pollutants emissions into the atmosphere and water bodies and offered the ways to solve this problem for improving the state of the environment and water.
Algorithms of search of effective logistic chains of a network of process for the sphere of service
Authors: Лавренченко Сергей , Lavrenchenko Sergey , Дуборкина Ирина , Duborkina Irina
Published: July 2015

Logistics network arise when a transmission of material substance, material objects or energy, information and finance by links (channels) exist (for example, checked baggage on flights). The article proposes and substantiates the general concept of a logistics network for modeling any kind of service delivered by links between network nodes.

The efficiency of each link of the network is defined as ratio of the volume of useful services at the outlet link to the volume of service, which has been spent at the input (for a certain period of time).

The effectiveness of chain in the network is determined the same – as ratio of the volume of service at the output of chain to the volume of service at its input.

The overall efficiency of the chain is calculated as the product of the efficiencies of its links and the efficiency of chain better, than less in it losses.

The author introduces the concept of unprofitableness of service in such way that the total unprofitableness is equal to the sum of unprofitability chain of unprofitable parts of it, i.e., efficiency of links are multiplied, and their loss added. Thus, the antagonistic couple (efficiency unprofitability) turns out analogous to the pair (reliability, entropy) from communication theory and coding.

The article presents the possible interpretations by the offered logistic model: energy, material, information and financial network. The algorithms for information support of logistics networks are offered: two algorithms for finding the most effective chain from a specified mentioned one node to another, and two algorithms for finding in the network guaranteed a minimum level of service (between any pair of unspecified nodes).

The authors demonstrated an example of the application of the algorithm for finding the most efficient energy chain from the substation to the specified customer in the specific energy network.
Development of a technique and the organization of classes in training of skiers of younger categories at a "basic" aestivo-autumnal stage of trainings
Authors: Линтарёва Валентина , Lintareva Valentina , Иванова Лариса , Ivanova Larisa , Стеценко Елена , Stetsenko Elena
Published: July 2015

Performances of Russian skiers at the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi acknowledged as ambiguous: highly successful in men and less successful in women. Unsuccessful performances in women motivated the ski community in Russia, including and the authors of this article, to search negative reasons why so many women´s teams have failed in performances. Some of them, in our opinion, consist in the lack of regular and systematic training sessions of skiers 16-19 years old in the mode of a one-year training cycle, especially in the summer-autumn stages of training and the insufficiency of instructional materials and methodical recommendations on issues educational and training activities on these stages of preparation.

There are tendencies to reduce the number of training sessions skiing in universities, colleges and schools under the program approved by RF Ministry of Education. But in some regions of the Russian Federation is noted the complete absence of such training.

Organization and methods of educational and training sessions of skiers of least significant digit on the "basic" summer-autumn stage of preparation, taking into account the favorable climatic conditions and increased light day allow to widely use of variety of general and specialized tools and exercises used in the training process and more comfortable to deal with training load in the future, especially during the main "snow" preparation phase.

Proposed by authors training and methodical recommendations for the organization of the training process of skiers of least significant digit on the "basic" summer-autumn stage of a one-year training cycle with using mostly means and exercise of general physical preparing, with taking into account the discharge qualifications of boys and girls permit to carry out the training load in the specified volumes and time parameters. The offered by authors training load, in our opinion, can serve as an indicator of the functional state of athletes.
Game innovative techniques in professional orientation work of the teacher
Authors: Паудяль Надежда , Paudyal Nadezhda , Филиндаш Лариса , Filindash Larisa
Published: July 2015

The article is devoted to innovative game methods of teaching the in career-oriented work of the teacher. The methods developed in the form of game technology has communicative and at the same time professionally oriented on the content of tasks focus, and aimed at improving the professional skills of employees of educational institutions.Different in content games allow to create elements of situationality, update team skills, reveal leadership and performing qualities, discover the creative potential, promote social adaptation of students. The apparent advantage of innovative game methods of teaching is also its upbringing potential. Such forms as brain-ring and training are considered the most detail. Brain-ring belongs to the not imitation gaming methods and is the most attractive to young people due to the dynamic, competitive nature. The training, consisting of business and role-playing games, numerous exercises and specific tasks, aims to the development of knowledge and skills, and formation of social attitudes. These interactive methods make it possible to adjust and improve communication, general cultural and professional competence. Innovative technologies with communicative orientation focused on the development of verbal and non-verbal components of communicative competence, extension of possibilities for dia-and polylogic communication, systematization of knowledge about the kinds and means of business communication, improving the skills of business presentations and negotiations. The interdisciplinary nature of the game tasks can solve not only specific professional task to motivate the choice of working specialty, but also expand the humanitarian horizon. Tasks historical and linguistic and cultural character helping revive the ideas and knowledge about traditional national culture and moral values and features of Russian cultural world, stimulate the interest to Russian language, cultivate patriotic feelings.
Современные проблемы защиты прав российских туристов
Authors: Романова Маргарита , Romanova Margarita
Published: July 2015

The problem of ensuring the rights of Russian tourists - one of the most acute and unsolved. Multiple cases of death Russian citizens and infliction injury to their health during foreign tours, theft of property, improper fulfillment of contract terms in transport and accommodation, lack of high culture of service - the most typical range of violations of the rights of compatriots, considered by the author. The most important normative legal acts in tourism are considered in the article and conclude about the need to improve the mechanism of protection of the tourist’s rights is made. The most promising ways to protect the rights of tourists are revealed by the author. These include: maintaining the register of tourist companies with their compulsory registration, increased contributions to the funds of tourism associations cooperating with tourist companies, in the interests of tourists. The official publication of comments about tourist companies as a preventive measure for protecting the rights of tourists from the activities of unscrupulous tourist agencies is offered. Author offers the organizational ways of protection the rights of tourists: providing for tourists together with a voucher, ticket and contract for rendering of tourist services and other necessary information - a guide, a map of the state of stay, the appropriate dictionary, telephone handbook of destination in their native language, annex to the contract which would revealed the full range of services included in the tour ticket. The article concludes that need to create the appropriate legal, financial, social, cultural, and other conditions for the safe and favorable recreation of Russian tourists abroad, which largely depends on the coordinated interaction of public and social sectors.
The Impact of the Subprime Crisis on the Course
Authors: Gorczyńska Alina
Published: July 2015

The subprime crisis limited the investment activities of economic entities. The manifestation of the crisis was the decrease in the quantity and value of cross-border consolidation processes. These trends were especially visible in the developed countries. The main reasons for the reduction of mergers and acquisitions were the restrictions of access to external capital due to the collapse of stock markets, banks crash, the decline of private equity activity and decrease of the financial health of businesses as well as market pessimism. In addition to reduction and therefore cancellation of several mergers and acquisitions, these factors forced certain actions upon the consolidating companies. Among other things, they led to restructuring activities aimed at reducing costs. They also contributed to a number of divestments. Since the second half of 2009, there has been a noticeable improvement of the financial situation of enterprises, as well as of general economic indicators (GDP). However, these phenomena are still accompanied by unregulated financial markets situation, inter alia, concerning the regulation limiting the emergence of financial crises, including relation to the activities of private equity funds. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the period of crisis in relation to transactions of consolidation is over, and if we can talk about recovery in the course of these processes.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises on the Public
Authors: Kornecki Janusz
Published: July 2015

Small and medium-sized enterprises are believed to be a key driving force of economic vitality, innovation and new job creation. For a few years the European Union has been monitoring SME performance and the quality of public procurement procedures to make access of SMEs to the public procurement market easier and provide for their greater participation in this market. These activities have their origin in the assumption that having in mind the size of the public procurement market and public resources involved, suitable shaping of this area may improve effectiveness of selected policies at the EU level and in particular member countries. The directives concerning public procurement should ensure opening the market of public procurement for all enterprises irrespectively of their size. Recently the public procurement market in Poland has been continuously growing which doubtlessly resulted from Poland’s accession to the European Union. The aim of this paper is to give evidence of SME position on the public procurement market and to attempt to answer two basic research questions. Firstly, is the market potential fully used as far as applying for awarding public contracts by SMEs is concerned? And secondly, what are the main obstacles determining the access of SMEs to the public procurement market? This is done by reference to available statistical data and two studies that were carried out by the author.
Possibilities of Improving the Efficiency of Mining Companies
Authors: Jonek-Kowalska Izabela , Turek Marian
Published: July 2015

Polish hard coal mining has been struggling with numerous problems for many years. Currently, the main challenge for the industry is the need to improve efficiency. It is the prerequisite for survival of mining industry. Considering the importance and topicality of the issue there are threats and opportunities regarding efficiency improvement in Polish mining enterprises in terms of production costs presented in the article. Main thesis states that the analysis and evaluation of production costs connected with monitoring the branch and economic environment allows to specify procedures aimed at improving the efficiency in mining companies. In the first stage of the research the costs of coal production in 2006-2009 are analyzed and evaluated. Then, based on the results of the previous stage and review of internal and external conditions of mining enterprises performance, a catalogue of opportunities and threats for efficiency improvement is established. In the first stage of the research following methods are used: analysis of financial records, analysis of the structure and dynamics of the unit cost of production, comparative analysis and case study. In the second part of the research the SWOT analysis is adapted for the purpose of verifying the potential area of efficiency.
Effect of Provisions on the Valuation of a Company
Authors: Gadawska Jolanta
Published: July 2015

Provisioning means the evaluation of future costs and losses, the estimation of future liabilities towards one’s surroundings, an increase in equity, as well as the real value of assets. During asset valuation, the reserve balance may cause a reduction of the company's value - net assets. This could be a change of a few percentage points. Non-balance provisions cause a decrease in the value of assets, from which liabilities and reserves will be deducted. The value of the enterprise – through asset evaluation – will be lower by a few percentage points. However, it is supplementary capital (capital protection) which has the greatest importance in the methods a company uses in the valuation of assets. As research indicates, retained earnings and additional capital make up 30 -59% of owners equity. When using the multiplier method, reserves have a small indirect effect on the amount of dividends, net income decrease, etc. – due to the reducing of the financial result and taxes. The mixed method takes up an important position in the valuation of a company’s goodwill. Therefore, the relevance of provisions in this valuation, will be lower than the during the valuation of assets. When valuating income reserves do not play a significant role. They are taken into consideration during the adjustment of the financial result, directing it towards cash flow, and for determining the financial outflows in the form of income tax. Provisions may also have a slight influence on the cost of the capital of the enterprise, i.e. a factor discounting cash flow. Provisions are not cash outflows and therefore, in the most popular income methods, they do not play a significant role. Reserves that are tax-deductible costs may affect the amount of tax burdens and thus indirectly affect the cash flow. The biggest and most direct effect of provisions on the valuation of a company can be observed in the asset methods as well as in the mixed methods. However, in the reserve multiplier methods affect the value of the multiplier element of a listed company and the value of the company measured the base element.
State Aid in the European Union Competition Policy in the Context of the Financial Crisis
Authors: Rutkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2015

The main subject of the paper is the issue of granting state aid discussed from the point of view of the most important changes in the European Union competition policy as a result of the global financial crisis. The author makes a review of state aid related to the financial crisis in the European Community. The article includes a detailed description of reasons for the economic interventions which has been designed and taken by the Member States in the form of various schemes, plans and objectives. The directions of the main changes in the structure of state aid granted to the financial institutions in absolute and relative terms are shown. It was essential to notice the significant European Commission’s role ensuring that large support schemes for the financial sector will be implemented in compliance with the state aid rules and do not create undue distortions of competition. The paper contains numerous legal materials, including primary and secondary legislation, as well as European case law. The author also relied on the literature and articles on the notified state aid connected with the financial services sector and banking crisis.
Economic Crisis and Education. Case Study: the Romanian Educational System
Authors: Badea Liana
Published: July 2015

Over the years scholars, politicians, economists and others have recognized that no country could achieve economic growth and development without an efficient educational system. Functional education plays a central role in preparing individuals to become the labour force and in the same time to respect the environment in order to use efficiently the resources. It is said that from immemorial times, education was the one who offered solutions to various problems, but also generated a lot of controversies in the evolution of the world. Thus, in the case of a crisis, the education must be studied from at least two points of view. When speaking about crisis, first we must pose a question whether education is only a victim of the crisis or it may be a cause or a part of the solution needed to exit from the crisis. Starting from such a question, this paper aims to emphasize the existing connection between economic crisis and the contemporary education. The paper starts by using a retrospective and contrastive analysis, based on methodological pillars such as: filiations of ideas, genesis, and statistics. Using quantitative and also qualitative methods, the paper focuses on the way of functioning of the Romanian educational system and offers suggestions how to improve it.
The Impact of Economic Crises on Changes in Corporate Governance
Authors: Rudolf Stanisław
Published: July 2015

Over the last 10 - 15 years significant changes took place in principal systems of corporate governance i.e. in the Anglo-Saxon and German systems. These changes were of similar or the same character. This was an effect of economic crises, mainly crises of 1997 – 1998 and 2007 – 2009. The crises have influenced the changes either directly through amendments in the so-called hard law of national systems of supervision or indirectly through recommendations on corporate governance issued by international institutions and organizations. The OECD and the European Commission played the most important part in this respect. These organizations had a big impact on the formation and shape of the so-called codes of good practice, whose principles are generally implemented by companies, mainly listed companies. The principles happen to be of the so-called soft law character and after some encouraging experience with their use take on the form of legislation.