bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rating System For Gaelic Football Teams: Factors That Influence Success
Authors: Mangan S. , Collins K.
Published: December 2016

AIM: The current investigation aimed to create an objective rating of Gaelic football teams and to examine factors relating to a team's rating. METHOD: A modified version of the Elo Ratings formula (Elo, 1978) was used to rate Gaelic football teams. A total of 1101 competitive senior Inter County matches from 2010-2015 were incorporated into calculations. Factors examined between teams included population, registered player numbers, previous success at adult and underage levels, financial income from the GAA, team expenses and number of clubs in a county. RESULTS: The Elo Ratings formula for Gaelic football was found to have a strong predictive ability, correctly predicting the result in 72.90% of 642 matches over a 6 year period. Strong positive correlations were observed between previous success at senior level, Under 21 level, Under 18 level and current Elo points. Moderate correlations exist between population figures and current Elo points. Moderate correlations are also evident between the number of registered players in a county and the county’s Elo rating points. CONCLUSION: Gaelic football teams can be objectively rated using a modified Elo Ratings formula. In order to develop a successful senior team, counties should focus on the development of underage players, particularly up to U18 and U21 level.
Predicting Win-Loss outcomes in MLB regular season games – A comparative study using data mining methods
Authors: Soto Valero C.
Published: December 2016

Baseball is a statistically filled sport, and predicting the winner of a particular Major League Baseball (MLB) game is an interesting and challenging task. Up to now, there is no definitive formula for determining what factors will conduct a team to victory, but through the analysis of many years of historical records many trends could emerge. Recent studies concentrated on using and generating new statistics called sabermetrics in order to rank teams and players according to their perceived strengths and consequently applying these rankings to forecast specific games. In this paper, we employ sabermetrics statistics with the purpose of assessing the predictive capabilities of four data mining methods (classification and regression based) for predicting outcomes (win or loss) in MLB regular season games. Our model approach uses only past data when making a prediction, corresponding to ten years of publicly available data. We create a dataset with accumulative sabermetrics statistics for each MLB team during this period for which data contamination is not possible. The inherent difficulties of attempting this specific sports prediction are confirmed using two geometry or topology based measures of data complexity. Results reveal that the classification predictive scheme forecasts game outcomes better than regression scheme, and of the four data mining methods used, SVMs produce the best predictive results with a mean of nearly 60% prediction accuracy for each team. The evaluation of our model is performed using stratified 10-fold cross-validation.
On the relation between the sociology of language and sociolinguistics: Fishman’s legacy in Brazil
Authors: Severo Cristine G. , Görski Edair
Published: December 2016

Taking Fishman’s concepts of macro- and micro-sociolinguistics, this article explores the relation between the sociology of language and sociolinguistics in the Brazilian context. We analyze the relation between both fields in American and Brazilian academic contexts and problematize Brazilian sociolinguistics’ bias towards the use of quantitative approaches. Sociological interpretation to Brazilian sociolinguistic analysis on race, class and nation is given in light of Fishman’s concerns on the sociology of language. We argue that sociolinguistic data production in Brazil, aiming at quantifying linguistic variation by using simplified social categories, ends up producing robust knowledge that is used politically to legitimate, in a postcolonial context, Brazilian Portuguese as being different from European Portuguese.
Status of “women’s language” in a multilingual jurisdiction: power and ethics in legal monolingualism
Authors: Makoni Busi
Published: December 2016

Drawing from Fishman’s ideas on language planning and multilingualism, the aim of this article is to explore
Shh, hushed multilingualism! Accounting for the discreet genre of translanguaged siding in lecture halls at a South African university
Authors: Antia Bassey E.
Published: December 2016

Translanguaged siding is the term used here for the relatively under-researched phenomenon of student-to-student communication occurring in parallel to the teacher-talk, but using language and other semiotic resources that differ from the teacher’s in order to shape understanding of the teacher’s meanings or to make other meanings. This article draws on Fishman’s reflections on his now famous 1965 question “Who speaks What language to Whom and When?”, and on Bakhtin’s work on dialogicity to examine the dynamics of semiotic choice in translanguaged siding as well as its functions in the experience of multilingual students at a South African University. Data obtained from recorded interviews, a questionnaire survey and documentary evidence allow for establishing that (1) there are complex chains of correlation involving subsets of identified siding variables, and (2) translanguaged siding can be supportive of learning, contrary to associations of siding with Malinowskian small talk.
Anti-hyperglycemic activity of Aegle marmelos (L.) corr. is partly mediated by increased insulin secretion, α-amylase inhibition, and retardation of glucose absorption
Authors: Ansari Prawej , Afroz Nadia , Jalil Shahnaz , Azad Sohel Bin , Mustakim Md. Gazi , Anwar Sabbir , Haque S.M. Nazmul , Hossain Saad Mosharraf , Tony Ramisha Rifat , Hannan J.M.A.
Published: December 2016

Background:

(commonly known as Bael, golden apple) was formerly described to have anti-hyperglycemic activity. The present study aimed to explore the possible effects, in depth, of

Methods:

This research begins with fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to evaluate the primary anti-hyperglycemic effect in chemically induced type 2 diabetic rats. Furthermore, the plasma insulin concentration and serum glucose level were studied, which include measuring the sucrose content in six different segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the rats following oral sucrose feeding. An in situ, perfused, intestinal model in rats and glucose-fiber binding assay were conducted to find the effects of

Results:

Treatment of extracts suppressed blood glucose elevation after oral sucrose (2.5 g/kg) administration and significantly (p<0.05) improved oral glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetic rats.

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate that anti-hyperglycemic activity of
Optimization of the Conditions of Convective Drying of Thermosensitive Materials
Authors: Alyzhanov M.K. , Sikhimbayev M.R. , Kuzembayev S.B. , Sherov K.T. , Sikhimbayeva D.R. , Khanov T.A. , Kurmangaliyev T.B. , Elemes D.E. , Donenbayev B.S. , Musaev M.M. , Buzauova T.M.
Published: December 2016

The article proposes the solution of the problem with the application of thermal vibrations of heat-carrier flow in processes of convective drying, for the purpose of theoretical determination of optimum conditions of short-term excess of handling temperature, that do not influence the decrease of technological characteristics of the thermosensitive materials.
Effect of a Convective Boundary Condition on Boundary Layer Slip Flow and Heat Transfer Over a Stretching Sheet in View of the Exact Solution
Authors: Aljoufi Mona D. , Ebaid Abdelhalim
Published: December 2016

The exact solutions of a nonlinear differential equations system, describing the boundary layer flow over a stretching sheet with a convective boundary condition and a slip effect have been obtained in this paper. This problem has been numerically solved by using the shooting method in literature. The aim of the current paper is to check the accuracy of these published numerical results. This goal has been achieved via first obtaining the exact solutions of the governing nonlinear differential equations and then, by comparing them with the approximate numerical results reported in literature. The effects of the physical parameters on the flow field and the temperature distribution have been re-investigated through the new exact solutions. The main advantage of the current paper is the simple computational approach that has been introduced to analyze exactly the present physical problem. This simple analytical approach can be further applied to investigate similar problems. Although no remarkable differences have been detected between the current figures and those obtained in literature, the authors believe that if some numerical calculations were available for the fluid velocity and the temperature in literature then the convergence criteria and the accuracy of the shooting method used in Ref. [15] can be validated in view of the current exact expressions.
Screening of the Cervidae family in Poland for Mycoplasma species
Authors: Dudek Katarzyna , Bednarek Dariusz , Szacawa Ewelina , Ayling Roger D.
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Several Mycoplasma species can cause severe diseases in ruminant hosts, some of which are the diseases listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The role of the Cervidae family in carrying and transmitting ruminant mycoplasma infections in Poland is unknown. Material and Methods: Antibody and antigen detection tests for the main mycoplasma species that can affect wild ruminants were performed on 237 samples (serum, nasal swab, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung) collected from 161 animals during 2011-2014. The samples were obtained from a cull of healthy population of deer which included: 96 red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus), 19 fallow deer (Dama dama), and 46 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Results: Serological screening tests revealed positive reactions to Mycoplasma bovis in one sample and to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae in three samples; however, these three samples were negative by immunoblotting. Other antibody and antigen detection tests demonstrated negative results. Conclusion: Currently wild cervids in Poland do not play a significant role in transmitting mycoplasma infections to domestic animals, but they remain a potential risk.
Comparison of two multiplex PCR assays for the detection of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in biological samples
Authors: Budniak Sylwia , Kędrak-Jabłońska Agnieszka , Szczawińska Anna , Reksa Monika , Krupa Marek , Szulowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to optimise and compare two multiplex PCR assays for the detection of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in biological samples including the liver, brain, and blood. Material and Methods: Three strains of L. monocytogenes and single strains of each of the species: L. ivanovii, L. innocua, L. grayi, L. welshimeri, and L. seeligeri were used. Additionally, five other species of bacterium were used to evaluate the specificity of the tests. Results: Specific amplification products were obtained for both multiplex PCR assays, which confirmed the tested strains as Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes, respectively. Isolates of other species did not yield PCR products. Conclusion: Both multiplex PCR assays proved to be significantly sensitive and highly-specific methods for the detection of Listeria strains.
Characteristics of selected bioaccumulative substances and their impact on fish health
Authors: Walczak Marek , Reichert Michał
Published: December 2016

The aim of this article was to evaluate the influence and effects of chosen bioaccumulative substances i.e. heavy metals, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on fish, as well as provide information on time trends and potential threat to human health. Chemical substances which pollute water may affect living organisms in two ways. First of all, large amounts of chemical substances may cause sudden death of a significant part of the population of farmed fish, without symptoms (i.e. during breakdown of factories or industrial sewage leaks). However, more frequently, chemical substances accumulate in tissues of living organisms affecting them chronically. Heavy metals, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls are persistent substances with a long-lasting biodegradation process. In a water environment they usually accumulate in sediments, which makes them resistant to biodegradation processes induced by, e.g., the UV light. These substances enter the fish through direct consumption of contaminated water or by contact with skin and gills. Symptoms of intoxication with heavy metals, pesticides, and PCBs may vary and depend on the concentration and bioavailability of these substances, physicochemical parameters of water, and the fish itself.
Application of native agarose gel electrophoresis of serum proteins in veterinary diagnostics
Authors: Jania Bartosz , Andraszek Katarzyna
Published: December 2016

Electrophoretic techniques, used to separate mixtures of electrically charged particles, are widely used in science. One of these techniques, native protein electrophoresis in an agarose gel, is applied in human and veterinary medicine. Changes in the proportions of individual protein fractions correspond to significant changes in the physiology of the body. Although the pattern obtained by electrophoretic separation rarely indicates a specific disease, it provides valuable information for the differential diagnosis. Decades of research on the types of patterns obtained in the case of particular diseases have led to the accumulation of substantial knowledge. The paper presents the available information on this topic. Serum protein electrophoresis is recommended in cases of increased levels of total protein in order to reveal the nature of the process. The basic information which can be obtained from electrophoretic separation includes the immune status of the organism. Both increased antigenic stimulation and immunodeficiency are clearly visible in electropherograms. Moreover, the level of heterogeneity of the corresponding protein fractions can help to distinguish between infectious diseases and cancer - multiple myeloma - the latter producing a homogeneous immunoglobulin fraction. Analysis of other protein fractions helps to detect or confirm an ongoing inflammatory process and provides information regarding liver function. Even when the concentration of total protein is within the reference range, this analysis can be recommended as a basic laboratory test.
Kants Begriff einer intellektuellen Anschauung und die rationalistische Rechtfertigung philosophischen Wissens
Authors: Klingner Stefan
Published: December 2016

In his critical works, Kant specifies the concept of “intellectual intuition” in three different ways. First, he identifies intellectual intuition with God’s original intuition. Second, he describes intellectual intuition as non-sensible intuition that can apprehend noumenal objects. And third, he characterizes a kind of non-discursive but intellectual perception as intuitive understanding. The paper points out that this ambiguity is coherent by considering the polemical context in which Kant criticizes rationalistic metaphysics and epistemology, especially the views of Spinoza and Leibniz. In addition, it is shown that “moderate” rationalism in contemporary epistemology ignores Kant’s decisive criticism of the view that non-sensible intuition can justify philosophical knowledge.
Kant’s Theoretical Reasons for Belief in Things in Themselves
Authors: Pickering Mark
Published: December 2016

I argue that Kant’s commitment to the existence of things in themselves takes the form of a commitment short of knowledge that does not violate the limitations on knowledge which he lays down. I will argue that Kant’s commitment fits his description of what he calls “doctrinal belief”: acceptance of the existence of things in themselves which is subjectively sufficient but not objectively sufficient. I outline two ways in which we accept the existence of things in themselves which are subjectively sufficient. First, we must accept the existence of appearances, which requires us to accept the existence of things in themselves. Second, we must accept the existence of an unconditioned ground of appearances.
Kants Systeme
Authors: Brandt Reinhard
Published: December 2016

Kant uses the concept ‘system’ in three ways: It is applied to all natural and cultural combinations of elements, it designates the final structure of his own philosophy, and it is applied to cultural structures with four elements in the pattern 1, 2, 3 / 4. There are many occurrences of this last use in the critical writings that have not been acknowledged until now.
Imovation in shaping dynamic capabilities of organisations
Authors: Krzakiewicz Kazimierz , Cyfert Szymon
Published: December 2016

The underlying assumption of the article is that imitation is as important as innovation when creating a long-term competitive advantage, and that a systematic, strategic approach to imitation is necessary to ensure efficient and effective innovation. Viewed in this light, imitation is a rare and complex dynamic capability which organisations should properly develop and skillfully use. Imitators provide customers with products that are both better and cheaper. This article contributes to a discussion of innovative processes and their role in shaping dynamic capabilities of organisations. It attempts to portray the essence and nature of imitation and identifies benefits which copying what other organisations do can bring in terms of dynamic capabilities.
Implementation competences as an attribute of executive employees of the flexible organisation – an attempt of their assessment among manufacturers of the agricultural machinery sector
Authors: Nogalski Bogdan , Niewiadomski Przemysław
Published: December 2016

Based on theoretical knowledge, own professional experience and conducted research, according to the authors, the paper’s objective is to develop and empirically verify the theoretical model of implementation competences of the executive employees of manufacturing companies of the agricultural machinery sector. The main objective achievement required to formulate and reach partial objectives, which include: a) discussion and organisation of terminological issues in terms of understanding the term of implementation competences, b) development of a general model of the executive employees’ implementation competences, which is a sign of knowledge, skills, personality features, attitudes and values, c) empirical verification of the theoretical model; prioritisation of individual implementation competences in the assessment of executive employees or owners of selected companies and determination of competence weaknesses, which are characteristic of the executive personnel of these companies.
Resources and their impact on the effectiveness of processes which shape dynamic capabilities of Polish enterprises
Authors: Cyfert Szymon , Krzakiewicz Kazimierz
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this article is to discuss the results of our research into how different resources impact the effectiveness of dynamic capabilities processes in Polish businesses. As a starting point, the article characterises the nature and character of dynamic capabilities in Polish firms as well as highlighting the significance of different resources in developing those capabilities. On that basis conclusions are offered regarding the relationship between those resources and the effectiveness of capabilities-shaping processes.
Trust and controlling
Authors: Bieńkowska Agnieszka , Zabłocka-Kluczka Anna
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study is to discuss the trust within and towards an organisation in the context of implementation of controlling therein. In this context the essence of trust and its importance in organisation management was presented, as well as trust in the contemporary management methods and concepts. Controlling as a trust-building factor inside an organisation was pointed out. Especially controlling and control were described. Moreover management by considering deviations in controlling and the teamwork in controlling were described. The role of controlling in process of trust-building to an organisation was presented. Establishing relations with the environment and systems of measurement of organisation’s achievements were presented, too.
Maximizing the quality of education by measuring the educational added value in secondary school technical type on the basis of exam results
Authors: Polcyn Jan , Czyżewski Bazyli
Published: December 2016

The rationale for this study is the search for ways to optimize expenditures on secondary vocational education. Optimization activities should lead to the creation of high quality human capital in the society.

The purpose of this study is to verify the view indicating that schools with fewer students achieve higher learning outcomes.

Nine classes were selected from a group of all secondary technical schools in Poland (N = 1683). Each class consisted of twenty schools selected by the average annual number of graduates in 2013-2015. A univariate analysis ANOVA was then carried out. The dependent variables were educational added values for matriculation exams in Polish language, the humanities, mathematics and natural sciences. The quality predictor in this study was classes determined by the average number of graduates.

The study has led to the conclusion that higher learning outcomes expressed by the average educational added value are achieved in schools with more students. The highest average learning outcomes were achieved in schools with the number of students ranging from 564 to 640. It has also been shown that the average educational added value increases with the number of students in school. It may be supposed that certain numbers of students in school should not be exceeded; however, due to the lack of schools with the number of students far exceeding those in schools covered in this study, it was not possible to determine the maximum number of students in secondary technical schools that would allow them to obtain the expected learning outcomes.
A Socio-Economic Portrait of Foreign Students in Poland – as Exemplified by Students from Former CIS Studying at WSB University in Wroclaw
Authors: Majkut Robert , Pluta Jacek , Rybczyński Radosław
Published: December 2016

A noticeably increased intensity of migration becomes a very important issue with regard to economic, socio-cultural and political matters. Broader flow of people results in the occurrence of numerous threats, but also provides opportunities and benefits for both the participants of migration flows, and the areas to which the flow is directed. An important role in this process is played by the students, who con stitute a special category of immigrants. The article contains a socio-economic characteristics of foreign students from countries of the former CIS, with the emphasis on their reasons for immigration, organizing their new life abroad, life plans and in particular their economic activity. The core purpose of the article is to identify the mechanisms of adaptation of foreign students as a specific category of immigrants to functioning in the new socioeconomic environment. The article, in addition to its cognitive merit, also has a practical purpose. The problems and obstacles faced by foreign students in Poland form a basis for general recommendations for actions aimed at improving the conditions of functioning of foreign students in the new realities.
Measurement Accuracy Investigation of Touch Trigger Probe with Five-Axis Machine Tools
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Mayer J.R.R.
Published: December 2016

The touch trigger probe plays an important role in modern metrology because of its robust and compact design with crash protection, long life and excellent repeatability. Aside from coordinate measuring machines (CMM), touch trigger probes are used for workpiece location on a machine tool and for the accuracy assessment of the machine tools. As a result, the accuracy of the measurement is a matter of interest to the users. The touch trigger probe itself as well as the measuring surface, the machine tool, measuring environment etc. contribute to measurement inaccuracies. The paper presents the effect of surface irregularities, surface wetness due to cutting fluid and probing direction on probing accuracy on a machine tool.
Design and Optimisation of Fuel Tanks for BWB Configurations
Authors: Goraj Zdobyslaw
Published: December 2016

This paper describes assumptions, goals, methods, results and conclusions related to fuel tank arrangement of a flying wing passenger airplane configuration. A short overview of various fuel tank systems in use today of different types of aircraft is treated as a starting point for designing a fuel tank system to be used on very large passenger airplanes. These systems may be used to move fuel around the aircraft to keep the centre of gravity within acceptable limits, to maintain pitch and lateral balance and stability. With increasing aircraft speed, the centre of lift moves aft, and for trimming the elevator or trimmer must be used thereby increasing aircraft drag. To avoid this, the centre of gravity can be shifted by pumping fuel from forward to aft tanks. The lesson learnt from this is applied to minimise trim drag by moving the fuel along the airplane. Such a task can be done within coming days if we know the minimum drag versus CG position and weight value. The main part of the paper is devoted to wing bending moment distribution. A number of arrangements of fuel in airplane tanks are investigated and a scenario of refuelling - minimising the root bending moments - is presented. These results were obtained under the assumption that aircraft is in long range flight (14 hours), CL is constant and equal to 0.279, Specific Fuel Consumption is also constant and that overall fuel consumption is equal to 20 tons per 1 hour. It was found that the average stress level in wing structure is lower if refuelling starts from fuel tanks located closer to longitudinal plane of symmetry. It can influence the rate of fatigue.
Friction Stir Welds of Al Alloy-Cu: An Investigation on Effect of Plunge Depth
Authors: Wahid Mohd Atif , Siddiquee Arshad Noor , Khan Zahid Akhtar , Asjad Mohammad
Published: December 2016

In the present study, butt joints of aluminum (Al) 8011-H18 and pure copper (Cu) were produced by friction stir welding (FSW) and the effect of plunge depth on surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The welds were produced by varying the plunge depth in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm. The defect-free joints were obtained when the Cu plate was fixed at the advancing side. It was found that less plunging depth gives better tensile properties compare to higher plunging depth because at higher plunging depth local thinning occurs at the welded region. Good tensile properties were achieved at plunge depth of 0.2 mm and the tensile strength was found to be higher than the strength of the Al (weaker of the two base metals). Microstructure study revealed that the metal close to copper side in the Nugget Zone (NZ) possessed lamellar alternating structure. However, mixed structure of Cu and Al existed in the aluminum side of NZ. Higher microhardness values were witnessed at the joint interfaces resulting from plastic deformation and the presence of intermetallics.
Measurement of Transient Permeability of Sp2/0 Myeloma Cells: Flow Cytometric Study
Authors: Novickij Vitalij , Girkontaitė Irutė , Grainys Audrius , Zinkevičienė Auksė , Lastauskienė Eglė , Švedienė Jurgita , Paškevičius Algimantas , Markovskaja Svetlana , Novickij Jurij
Published: December 2016

Electroporation is an electric field induced phenomenon occurring when the permeability of the cell membrane is increased due to the excess of critical transmembrane potential. Fluorescent dye assays are frequently used for evaluation of the permeabilization rate, however, the protocols vary, which negatively affects the repeatability of the results. In this work we have designed experiments to investigate the protocols and threshold concentrations of the Propidium Iodide (PI) and YO-PRO-1 (YP) fluorescent dyes for evaluation of mammalian cell permeabilization induced by electroporation. The Sp2/0 mouse myeloma cells were used and the bursts of 100 μs × 8 electrical pulses of 0.8-2 kV/cm were applied. It has been shown that the dye concentration has an influence on the detectable permeabilization, and the concentrations below 30 μM for PI and 1 μM for YP should be avoided for measurement of electropermeabilization efficacy due to unreliable fluorescence signals. Further, based on the experimental data, the permeabilization curve for the Sp2/0 myeloma cells in the 0.8-2 kV/cm range has been presented.
RFID Tag as a Sensor - A Review on the Innovative Designs and Applications
Authors: Meng Zhaozong , Li Zhen
Published: December 2016

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has gained interests in both academia and industry since its invention. In addition to the applications in access control and supply chain, RFID is also a cost-efficient solution for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and pervasive monitoring. The battery free RFID tags are used as independent electromagnetic sensors or energy harvesting and data transmission interface of sensor modules for different measurement purposes. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the innovative designs and applications of RFID sensor technology with new insights, identify the technical challenges, and outline the future perspectives. With a brief introduction to the fundamentals of RFID measurement, the enabling technologies and recent technical progress are illustrated, followed by an extensive discussion of the novel designs and applications. Then, based on an in-depth analysis, the potential constraints are identified and the envisaged future directions are suggested, including printable/wearable RFID, System-on-Chip (SoC), ultra-low power, etc. The comprehensive discussion of RFID sensor technology will be inspirational and useful for academic and industrial communities in investigating, developing, and applying RFID for various measurement applications.
Crystal structure of (Z)-1-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxyprop-2-en-1-one, C16H18N2O3
Authors: Radi Smaail , Tighadouini Said , Eddike Driss , Tillard Monique , Mabkhot Yahia N.
Published: December 2016

C16H18N2O3, orthorhombic , Pca21 (no. 29), a = 14.3074(1) Å, b = 8.5321(1)Å, c = 12.2534(2)Å, V = 1495.8(4)Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = = 0.071, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1266, T = 302 K.
Physical Activity and Compensation of Body Posture Disorders in Children Aged Seven
Authors: Hricková Katarína , Junger Ján
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Physical activity is an indelible part of human life, but the impact of industrial changes on society has led to a hypokinetic lifestyle not only in adults but also in children and youth. This paper aims to present the results of a study of the body posture of 7-year-olds, which is an essential part of their physical development evaluation. The aim of our study was to expand our knowledge of the occurrence of body posture disorders in 7-year-olds, as well as to develop an appropriate movement programme which would help improve the current situation. Material and methods. The research sample consisted of 393 first-graders from 4 grammar schools in Kosice. We used muscle testing according to Janda and Tichy to obtain data on individual muscle weaknesses and postural deviations. Results. Our research confirmed the findings of several other researchers who had pointed out that muscle weaknesses and postural deviations can be observed already in preschoolers. Due to a lack of physical activity and movement, muscle weakness in preschool children results in more serious health issues at school age and later in adulthood. Conclusions. We managed to stabilise and even to correct the weaknesses we observed by implementing a movement programme focusing on the diagnosed muscle weakness.
Use of Mobile Fitness-Related Applications and Active Video Games in High-School Youth
Authors: Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof , Szopa Sylwia , Kowalczyk Agnieszka
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Not many studies have been performed in Poland on using mobile applications from the sport and fitness category and exergames. The main purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent such technologies are used by youth. Material and methods. A total of 435 pupils (including 263 females) aged 17.78 ± 1.19 years took part in the study. A diagnostic survey was carried out; the data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the authors and a scale assessing the stage of exercise change developed by Marcus, Rakowski, and Rossi (1992). Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) were used to describe the data and to test differences between groups; a chi2 test was used with Cramér’s V statistic as a measure of effect size in contingency tables larger than 2 × 2. Results. Of the 435 participants, approximately a third (30.8%) had used some type of fitness application. The most frequently downloaded applications were exercise plans, such as Weider’s Aerobic Six and applications for physical activity monitoring (steps, distance), such as Endomondo. Exergames were less popular. Only 5.29% of the respondents claimed they used exergames regularly, although about every third person used them regularly, especially males. Conclusions. Eight of ten respondents held the view that such applications are useful but are something that they could do without; only one in ten could not imagine exercising without such applications. Most of the latter category of users were persons at the action stage, next - persons at the preparation stage, but - what is interesting - none at the maintenance stage. It seems, then, that such applications may be - and in the light of the data obtained really are - an indispensable aid for people at the early stages of developing a habit of regular physical activity.
Characterization of human body odor and identification of aldehydes using chemical sensor
Authors: Jha Sunil Kr.
Published: December 2016

Human body odor is a unique identity feature of individual as well as an established composite of numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to significant chemical classes. Several analytical methods have been used in the characterization of human body odor in order to recognize the chemical composition of VOCs in medical, forensic, and biometric applications. Besides, real-time sensing systems (based on the chemical sensors) are being researched and developed for qualitative and quantitative recognition of VOCs in body odor. The present review focuses the state-of-the-art research outcomes related to the characterization of human body odor with the objective to identify the VOCs belonging to aldehyde class. Furthermore, the application of chemical sensors in past studies for the detection of aldehydes besides other chemical compounds in body odor is summarized and the significance of aldehydes detection in different applications is discussed.
GDP growth and convergence determinants in the European Union: a crisp-set analysis
Authors: Ferreira Paulo , Dionísio Andreia
Published: December 2016

Economic growth and convergence remains a topical issue. This study uses a crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis of data from European Union countries in order to establish which conditions could be considered necessary and sufficient to make these countries converge. Based on six different conditions (GDP, secondary education, life expectancy, fertility rate, government consumption and inflation rate), this study finds that the main conditions affecting convergence are government consumption ratio (lower levels will increase convergence), education levels and life expectancy (both with a positive influence on convergence). The first two conditions show quite interesting results: in fact, reduction of government expenditure and budget constraints are an open debate; and the European Union’s aim to become a more competitive economy can only be attained with higher levels of education.
Gender Disparities, Labor Force Participation and Transfer Payment: What Do Macro Data Say?
Authors: Akbulut Hale
Published: December 2016

This paper analyzes the relationship between government transfer payments and labor force participation rates for a sample of 34 countries over the period of 1995- 2012. We benefit from two step system Generalized Method of Moments as a methodology and thereby eliminate the biases that may arise from endogenous variables. Our econometric results also confirm the employment of the dynamic methodology. First, we estimate the coefficients for overall population and then we re-estimate the coefficients for different genders. As a result of our estimations we observe that the significances and the values of coefficients increase when we employ labor force participation rates of females as dependent variable. Therefore, our findings suggest that transfer payments are more effective in working decisions of females.
Estimation of measurement uncertainty for determination of sulphate content in cement by an alternative approach
Authors: Završnik Lina , Kramar Sabina
Published: December 2016

The precise and accurate determination of sulphate levels in cement is of utmost importance due to the potential occurrence of internal sulphate attack in concrete, which affects the latter’s durability, and thus, also the safety of concrete constructions. The estimated measurement uncertainty provides a level of confidence in the experimental results, and enables the comparison of data, both between different laboratories and between different methods. This paper presents an alternative approach to the estimation of measurement uncertainty in the determination of sulphate in cement, based on the use of proficiency testing data. The calculations used in this procedure refer to the estimation of reproducibility within-laboratory component of the analysis of control samples, as well as of the bias component of sulphate content data for different types of Portland cement derived from several proficiency testing trials.
Integrating knowledge-based multi-criteria evaluation techniques with GIS for landfill site selection: A case study using AHP
Authors: Fagbohun B.J. , Aladejana O.O.
Published: December 2016

A major challenge in most growing urban areas of developing countries, without a pre-existing land use plan is the sustainable and efficient management of solid wastes. Siting a landfill is a complicated task because of several environmental regulations. This challenge gives birth to the need to develop efficient strategies for the selection of proper waste disposal sites in accordance with all existing environmental regulations. This paper presents a knowledge-based multi-criteria decision analysis using GIS for the selection of suitable landfill site in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. In order to identify suitable sites for landfill, seven factors - land use/cover, geology, river, soil, slope, lineament and roads - were taken into consideration. Each factor was classified and ranked based on prior knowledge about the area and existing guidelines. Weights for each factor were determined through pair-wise comparison using Saaty’s 9 point scale and AHP. The integration of factors according to their weights using weighted index overlay analysis revealed that 39.23 km2 within the area was suitable to site a landfill. The resulting suitable area was classified as high suitability covering 6.47 km2 (16.49%), moderate suitability 25.48 km2 (64.95%) and low suitability 7.28 km2 (18.56%) based on their overall weights.
The Proportions and Rates of Economic Activities as a Factor of Gross Value Added Maximization in Transition Economy
Authors: Vyklyuk Yaroslav I. , Yevdokymenko Valeriy K. , Yaskal Ihor V.
Published: December 2016

Sustain growth of value added is one of the most important problem in many countries with transition economy. The article provides new evidence about determining the future dynamics of the economic activities with increasing value added. In this paper, we have used Hopfield’s neural network to clarify the strategies of social and economic development of country. Three types of strategies have been created with using mathematical models and quantitative assessment of their efficiency has been made. From the simulation results, it is observed that state regulation based on this methodology can build the basis for further improvements in economic policy.
Corporate Governance for A.S.E. Listed Firms
Authors: Tellidou Theognosia , Grose Chris , Polychronidou Persefoni , Kargidis Theodore , Anatolitis Stergios
Published: December 2016

The present paper focuses on the level of compliance and application of corporate governance from the corporations listed in the Athens Stock Exchange (A.S.E.) and attempts to highlight improvements from the adoption of best practices suggested by corporate governance recent trends worldwide. In order for the research to be conducted, a series of qualitative and quantitative variables were used, as derived from the financial statements of 162 public companies. A more extensive analysis regarding the level of compliance with corporate governance was conducted in 25 companies with the highest and 25 corporations with the lowest score, whose classification in these positions was the result of a rating system that was created for this purpose.
City Centres as Places for Strategic Cooperation through Active City Management – The Significance of Trade Entities
Authors: Brańka Sebastian , Coca-Stefaniak Andres , Plichta Jarosław
Published: December 2016

This paper posits that the contemporary city should be viewed as a common space that needs the effort of many various stakeholders in order to satisfy the diverse (and changing) needs of its stakeholders. Yet, achieving this effectively requires active management and coordination of a range of activities. This paper discusses three examples of recent activities in Cracow (Poland) that reflect strategic approach. The first of these case studies focuses on identifying the factors encouraging students to remain in Cracow after completing their studies. The second case study corresponds to a shopping centre opened in 2006 and the last case study shows the recent application of the cultural park legal framework to the city centre of Cracow. This study also makes reference to recent research funded by the European Commission’s Life Long Learning programme on the professional competences of city managers across 6 countries.
The Sustainability of Public Finances in Republic of Moldova Under EU Fiscal Rules
Authors: Covalschi Tatiana , Lazăr Sebastian
Published: December 2016

This paper analyses public finances sustainability in the Republic of Moldova under the European Union fiscal rules, by estimating the structural budget balance indicator using a three steps methodology. We concluded that, except for 2009, the Republic of Moldova complies with the Maastricht numerical fiscal rule; however it does not comply with the new fiscal rules regarding the structural deficit and public expenditures growth that had been set by the Fiscal Compact. The fact that budget deficits and public debt had been sustainable was mainly because of the concessions made by the external creditors in restructuring the public debt and was not a merit of national government. Moreover, since the regular budget deficit and the structural one tell different stories, we strongly advocate for using the latter in order to complement the existing data with a medium-term budgetary view.
Trade Facilitation Indicators and their Potential Impact on Trade Between the Countries of South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Toševska-Trpčevska Katerina , Tevdovski Dragan
Published: December 2016

In this paper we base our analysis on previous OECD findings and analysis of trade facilitation indicators for assessing relative economic and trade impact of specific trade facilitation measures for the countries of South-Eastern Europe. In the analysis we plan to include all CEFTA-2006 members, except Moldova, and other countries which are part of this region: Bulgaria, Romania and Greece. We plan to construct twelve trade facilitation indicators (TFIs) that correspond to the main policy areas under negotiations at the WTO. The indicators are composed from seventy-eight variables, whose values are drawn from publicly available data. We plan to use these indicators in gravity model in order to estimate the impact of those policy areas on trade volumes between the countries of the region. The use of individual trade facilitation indicators should also enable countries to better assess which trade facilitation measures deserve priority.
Economic and Financial Viability Plan for the Enterpreneurship of a Lyric Theatre Low-Cost Company: The Case of Zarzuela in Spain
Authors: de Sancha Navarro Jesús Manuel , Palma Martos Luis , Oliver-Alfonso María Dolores
Published: December 2016

Taking into account that one of the major handicaps when undertaken in the cultural sector is the problem of cost and demand volatility, this paper aims to implement a viability plan for the entrepreneurship of a lyric theatre low-cost company, dedicated to Zarzuela performance, a type of Spanish music like Opera. Firstly, the cultural sector data are analysed in terms of supply and demand and secondly a viability plan is carried out for three years. According to the results it is concluded that this type of venture is very risky if you do not have grant or other financial resources, due to the variability of demand and the increase in unit costs as the artistic performance has a fixed production technology that cannot absorb the technical progress of the rest of the economy.
Emotional or Rational? The Determination of the Influence of Advertising Appeal on Advertising Effectiveness
Authors: Grigaliunaite Viktorija , Pileliene Lina
Published: December 2016

In prevailing competition-based market economy, organizations have to search factors influencing advertising effectiveness. This research aims at developing the model of the influence of advertising appeal on advertising effectiveness. While achieving the aim of the article, the analysis and synthesis of scientific literature is provided. Furthermore, traditional marketing research methods as well as neuromarketing research methods are applied in order to determine the influences of different advertising appeals on advertising effectiveness. As a research result, the model of the influence of advertising appeal on advertising effectiveness is elaborated. Accordingly, this research fills the gap in scientific literature by determining the influences of emotional and rational appeals on print / outdoor advertising effectiveness in the context of convenience product category. Moreover, by answering the research question, the contribution to the field emerges in integrating both marketing theory and neuroscience in order to analyze and evaluate consumer behavior.
Full Field Evaluation of the Stress Tensor Components in 2D Photoelasticity Via Computer Software
Authors: Paška Zbyněk , Fojtík František , Ferfecki Petr
Published: December 2016

The aim of this work is to find out the components of stress tensor in plane specimens. For this purpose the photoelasticity methodology is used. In order to make this technique more comfortable for use, there was developed an algorithm in MATLAB program. The results are compared with numerical solution. The main advantages of the developed algorithm are the speed and the capabilities to extend to analyze the plastic deformation and strain conditions in the material during forming processes.