bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ratings of Investment Appeal of Regions of Russia as a Tool of Assessment of Region Management Efficiency
Authors: Bondarenko Irina
Published: July 2016

One of a determinant of region management efficiency is sustainable economic development that is based on active attraction of investments and business development in the region. Thus, appeal of the region for investments can used as an indicator of authorities’ efficiency in the region. The article considers possibility of application of independent ratings of regions for an assessment of region management efficiency.
Tourist Destination Strenghts and Opportunities: Is Montenegro Ready for Chinese Tourists?
Authors: Stranjančević Ana , Bulatović Iva , Lacmanović Darko , Raspor Andrej
Published: July 2016

Since Chinese outbound tourism currently represents the largest outbound tourist market, the opportunities for tourism of Montenegro in the Chinese tourist market should be certainly examined.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relevant data about Chinese tourists who are visiting Montenegro: their specific demographic characteristics, travel habits and main motivation, but also to identify the possible ways to increase the number of Chinese tourists in Montenegro in future.

For the purpose of this paper, two years long empirical research was conducted among Chinese tourists in Montenegro with the help of questionnaire. Several interviews with representatives of tourism sector in Montenegro were carried out as well.

The authors have concluded that only after the total adjustment of Montenegro tourist offer to the Chinese tourists’ preferences, Montenegro could be completely ready for intensive acceptance of Chinese tourists. What’s more, in order to attract larger number of Chinese tourists, the effective marketing policy of Montenegro as a tourist destination should be created in that direction and as well the specialized tourism promotion at the Chinese market should be carried out.
Banking Sector of the Republic of Serbian in Terms of Transition
Authors: Ćurić Predrag , Topić Rodoljub , Vilendečić Bojana
Published: July 2016

Privatisation of the banking sector is an inseparable part of development strategies used by the countries in transition. The process of transition and building a financial and market-oriented system is a complex and long-term task which, in addition to a variety of legal arrangements, involves also several institutional options, such as the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Banking Agency of the Republic of Srpska and Banja Luka Stock Exchange of Securities. The transition process of the banking sector in the Republic of Srpska was not implemented by rehabilitation of existing domestic banks, but by opening the banking system for the entry of foreign, more efficient banks. The level of trust in the banking sector grew in parallel with the process of bank privatisation and the arrival of foreign banks. Throughout the previous period, all the banks in the Republic of Srpska recorded a significant increase in the amount of deposits and loans placed, which implies the growth of investment and economic activities, therefore indicating the increase of the Republic of Srpska’s GDP in general. These are positive trends that demonstrate a decrease in the current lagging behind the European Union.
Labour Relations of Members of Cooperatives in the Slovak Republic / Pracovné Vzťahy Členov Družstiev Na Slovensku
Authors: Seilerová Monika
Published: July 2016

The issue of labour relations between a cooperative and its members is a quite few frequent subject of interest in the area of scientific public. Specificities of previous legislation of the position of members of cooperatives whose members’ relations are determined by the labour - law relations are also reflected in the current regulation. There absent rational reason of different approach. In the paper we deal with a short consideration of coherence between the Labour Code and the Commercial Code of the Slovak republic, highlighting the importance of the statutes of the cooperative. We also deal with the theoretical and practical issues resulting from analyzed acts with the effort to appeal to the necessity of unification the legislation of labour relations of nonmembers of cooperative with relations of members of cooperative. The basic consideration de lege ferenda is to constitute the conformity of current regulation to prevent the application uncertainty.
Fungi colonising oak seedlings (Quercus robur L.) in forest plantations in north-eastern Poland
Authors: Gorzkowska Alicja , Pszczółkowska Agnieszka , Okorski Adam , Nowakowska Justyna A. , Oszako Tomasz
Published: July 2016

Fungi colonising oak seedlings in forest plantations in north-eastern Poland were identified in 2014-2015. The evaluated 4- to 6-year bare root oaks originated from the Olsztynek Forest District (Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Olsztyn). In total, 744 fungal isolates belonging to 11 different species, and 11 genera, were identified in tested plants. Amongst them, 186 cultures (25%) were classified as plant pathogens. The most commonly isolated pathogenic fungi belonged to the Fusarium and Cylindrocarpon genera.
On Legal Positivism’s Word and our ‘Form-of-(non-)Living’
Authors: Siliquini-Cinelli Luca
Published: July 2016

This paper is about two stories. The more reassuring one states that by establishing that a norm is valid because of its source, not its merit, legal positivism is, in its various forms, perhaps one of the greatest achievements in Western legal theory and practice. From constitutionalism to human rights policies, from criminal to international law and free trade agreements, from contracts to torts and e-commerce, legal validity, predictability, and coherence have found their most powerful ally in positivist thought. This contribution argues that it is time for a different, neorealist story: the metaphysical, ontological and biopolitical essence of its language demonstrates that legal positivism has in fact played a fundamental role in the substitution of action with behaviour, and consequently, in the normalisation of humankind’s self-annihilating animality as post-historical and post-political ‘form-of-(non-)living.’
Diversified occupation and communication program versions for persons with acquired neurological damage and multiple disabilities
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , D’Amico Fiora , Buonocunto Francesca , Navarro Jorge , Lanzilotti Crocifissa , Alberti Gloria
Published: July 2016

Background:

Persons with acquired neurological damage and multiple disabilities can be largely dependent on their caregivers, unless technology-aided programs are available to support them.

Objective:

This study extended the assessment of a technology-aided program recently developed to help these persons achieve independent occupations and communicate effectively.

Subjects:

Seven participants were involved in the study.

Method:

The program relied on: (a) a computer for presenting the occupation and communication options (e.g. songs, television, and text messaging); and (b) microswitches for helping the participants access those options with small responses. The program was diversified (in terms of options available and responses/microswitches used) according to the participants’ characteristics and interests, and thus multiple program versions were set up and assessed.

Results:

The participants successfully used the individualized versions of the program and, accordingly, managed independent occupation and communication (i.e. remaining engaged for means of about 60%–90% of the session times).

Conclusion:

A technology-aided program can be adapted to persons with acquired neurological damage and multiple disabilities to support their independent occupations and communication engagements.
The Asymmetric Implementation of the European Banking Union (EBU): Consequences for Financial Stability
Authors: Vollmer Uwe
Published: July 2016

EU Member States outside the Eurozone are hesitating to enter the European Banking Union (EBU) and to establish “close cooperation” in bank supervision with the ECB. This paper analyzes the consequences of such asymmetric integration for financial stability in Europe. It argues that the main obstacles against establishing close cooperation are a lack of voting rights and insufficient access to the fiscal backstop provided by the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The paper presents arguments as to why international cooperation in bank supervision could be welfare improving, if multinational banks are dominant. It also discusses suitable reform options for making it more attractive for EU Member States to begin a close cooperation with the ECB.
Biobanks and Public Health: A New Challenge for Public Engagement and Trust
Authors: Caenazzo Luciana , Tozzo Pamela
Published: July 2016

Modem biobanks should be considered as important structural platforms for sharing samples and data, providing benefits that go beyond those of a single study. To increase the impact of biobanking on feasible strategies to protect and improve peoples’ health, it could be useful to increase awareness about biobank research potential in the scientific community, as well as to promote collaboration among different fields of expertise. The basis for involvement of biobanks in public health has already been partly built up, emphasising the synergy in organising efforts and the openness to infrastructure collaboration, to ensure reliable long-term funding and resource sharing to the benefit of all. To obtain the maximum benefits possible from biobanks, which currently constitute a set of heterogeneous structures, a strategy of coordinated governance is needed, based on harmonisation of different aspects, built on the consensus of all stakeholders involved and society in general. It is important that researchers strive to understand public attitudes in this biobanking involvement so that the relationships between public trust in biobanking, donors’ behaviours and support for public-health involvement in the health-care system can be better understood.
Sperm DNA Integrity Test and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Art) Outcome
Authors: Rilcheva Violeta S. , Ayvazova Nina P. , Ilieva Lyubomira O. , Ivanova Svetlana P. , Konova Emiliana I.
Published: July 2016

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by DNA integrity test on pregnancy outcome and pregnancy loss after assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure: autologous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), donation eggs ICSI, and intrauterine insemination (IUI). We investigated men from 531 couples undergoing autologous ICSI procedure (n=416), from couples undergoing donation eggs procedure (n=39) and IUI (n=76). We performed the following interventions: semen analysis, DNA integrity test, embryo scoring by Gardner and Schoolcraft grading system (1999). The study showed no statistically significant differences between the group regarding pregnancy rate (χ2=0.55; p>0.05; OR=1.25, 95% Cl 1.23-1.46; p>0.05). However, with increased levels of DFI, the number of pregnancy losses became higher (including biochemical pregnancies and spontaneous abortions) at OR=5.65 (95% Cl 4.32-7.11; p=0.05). We examined the percentage of grade I blastocysts (by Gardner and Schoolcraft, 1999) before donation eggs embryo transfer and found a statistically significant correlation with both the DFI (χ2=7.80; p<0.05) and sperm morphology (χ2=6.14; p<0.05). Analysis of the relationship between DFI and IUI output (clinical pregnancy, miscarriage) revealed significant correlations in both directions: between DFI and pregnancy rate after IUI (χ2=6.29; p<0.05) and between the DFI and pregnancy development after IUI (χ2=6.87; p<0.05). The three group categories (autologous, heterologous ICSI procedures and IUI) studied showed that sperm samples with DFI>27% were associated with increased riskofearlypregnancyloss. Men with infertility should undergo DNA fragmentation assay in addition to the standard semen analysis. When DFI exceeds 27%, ICSI should be a method of choice, even in cases where the conventional parameters of semen analysis tests are normal.
Risk Cluster Associated with Social Drinking in Adolescence
Authors: Chamova Galya D. , Sarov Georgi M.
Published: July 2016

Recent scientific evidence has shown that risk behaviors tend to form a risk cluster, but less attention is paid to clustering ability of light forms of risky behavior like social drinking. The objective of the study was to analyze the risk clustering potential of social drinking. We conducted a survey using a self-completed questionnaire. Of 903 students (aged 15-19), 279 (30.9%) were found to be abstainers (NDA), and 455 (50.39%) were social drinkers (SDA). These two groups were compared statistically, concerning smoking and drugs use among them and their significant others. SDAs were more likely to smoke (OR=3.29; 95% Cl 2.35-4.59) than NDAs but not more likely to use soft drugs. Their fathers (OR=1.4; 95% Cl 1.04-1.89), friends (OR=1.78; 95% Cl 1.31-2.42) and lovers (OR=2.01; 95% Cl 1.39-2.89) were also significantly more likely to smoke, but only friends were more likely to use soft drugs (OR=1.75; 95% Cl 1.19- 2.58). SDAs were also more likely to start smoking in order to be closer to their peers (OR=l .84; 95% Cl 1.01- 3.37) and to smoke when communicate with peers (OR=2.12; 95% Cl 1.40-3.21). Risk clustering in social drinking adolescents is limited to smoking and does not expand to drug use, irrespective of provocation by friends. Heavy smoking among SDAs’ significant others might contribute for SDA smoking. So SDAs seem to be resistant to the psycho-social mechanisms adding drug use to drinking but sensitive to psycho-social mechanisms adding smoking to drinking.
Tensile Split Hopkinson Bar Technique: Numerical Analysis of the Problem of Wave Disturbance and Specimen Geometry Selection
Authors: Panowicz Robert , Janiszewski Jacek
Published: July 2016

A method of tensile testing of materials in dynamic conditions based on a slightly modified compressive split Hopkinson bar system using a shoulder is described in this paper. The main goal was to solve, with the use of numerical modelling, the problem of wave disturbance resulting from application of a shoulder, as well as the problem of selecting a specimen geometry that enables to study the phenomenon of high strain-rate failure in tension. It is shown that, in order to prevent any interference of disturbance with the required strain signals at a given recording moment, the positions of the strain gages on the bars have to be correctly chosen for a given experimental setup. Besides, it is demonstrated that - on the basis of simplified numerical analysis - an appropriate gage length and diameter of a material specimen for failure testing in tension can be estimated.
Voltage Dependence of Supercapacitor Capacitance
Authors: Szewczyk Arkadiusz , Sikula Josef , Sedlakova Vlasta , Majzner Jiri , Sedlak Petr , Kuparowitz Tomas
Published: July 2016

Electronic Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC), called Supercapacitors (SC), are electronic devices that are capable to store a relatively high amount of energy in a small volume comparing to other types of capacitors. They are composed of an activated carbon layer and electrolyte solution. The charge is stored on electrodes, forming the Helmholtz layer, and in electrolyte. The capacitance of supercapacitor is voltage- dependent. We propose an experimental method, based on monitoring of charging and discharging a supercapacitor, which enables to evaluate the charge in an SC structure as well as the Capacitance-Voltage (C-V) dependence. The measurement setup, method and experimental results of charging/discharging commercially available supercapacitors in various voltage and current conditions are presented. The total charge stored in an SC structure is proportional to the square of voltage at SC electrodes while the charge on electrodes increases linearly with the voltage on SC electrodes. The Helmholtz capacitance increases linearly with the voltage bias while a sublinear increase of total capacitance was found. The voltage on SC increases after the discharge of electrodes due to diffusion of charges from the electrolyte to the electrodes. We have found that the recovery voltage value is linearly proportional to the initial bias voltage value.
Examinations of Selected Thermal Properties of Packages of SiC Schottky Diodes
Authors: Bisewski Damian , Myśliwiec Marcin , Górecki Krzysztof , Kisiel Ryszard , Zarębski Janusz
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the study of thermal properties of packages of silicon carbide Schottky diodes. In the paper the packaging process of Schottky diodes, the measuring method of thermal parameters, as well as the results of measurements are presented. The measured waveforms of transient thermal impedance of the examined diodes are compared with the waveforms of this parameter measured for commercially available Schottky diodes.
Estimation of Flight Path Deviations for SAR Radar Installed on UAV
Authors: Łabowski Michał , Kaniewski Piotr , Konatowski Stanisław
Published: July 2016

The paper presents a method of calculation of position deviations from a theoretical, nominally rectilinear trajectory for a SAR imaging system installed on board of UAV. The UAV on-board system consists of a radar sensor, an antenna system, a SAR processor and a navigation system. The main task of the navigation part is to determine the vector of differences between the theoretical and the measured trajectories of UAV center of gravity. The paper includes chosen results of experiments obtained during ground and flight tests.
Introducing Idioms in the Galician WordNet:
Methods, Problems and Results
Authors: Álvarez de la Granja María , Gómez Clemente Xosé María , Gómez Guinovart Xavier
Published: July 2016

This study describes the introduction of verbal idioms in the Galician language version (Galnet) of
the semantic network WordNet; a network that does not traditionally include many phraseological units. To
enhance Galnet, a list of 803 Galician verbal idioms was developed to then review each of them individually
and assess whether they could be introduced in an existing WordNet synset (a group of synonyms expressing
the same concept) or not. Of those 803 idioms, 490 (61%) could be included in this network. Besides, Galnet
was enlarged with 750 extra verbal idioms, most of them synonyms or variants of the former. In this study,
we present the working methodology for the experiment and an analysis of the results, to help understand
the most important problems found when trying to introduce idioms in Galnet. We also discuss the reasons
preventing the inclusion of some expressions, and the criteria used to introduce the idioms that finally
made it into the network.
Migration routes and stopover sites of the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) between the Carpathian Basin and wintering areas
Authors: Pigniczki Csaba , Kralj Jelena , Volponi Stefano , Žuljević Antun , Dakhli Mohamed-Ali , Mikuska Tibor , Azafzaf Hichem , Végvári Zsolt
Published: July 2016

Understanding the migration routes of the Central European Spoonbill population is important for their conservation. Here we analysed movements of 3186 individuals of Eurasian Spoonbills marked with colour rings in the Carpathian Basin (Hungary, Croatia and Serbia) between 2003 and 2015, and a satellite tagged individual, which was equipped in Italy in 2013, and later moved to the Carpathian Basin. Migration routes of these Spoonbills predominantly followed the Adriatic Flyway, however, some birds were also found to both east and west from this flyway. We identified 59 stopover sites, 55 of which were located along the Adriatic Flyway. Colourringed juveniles (1cy), on average, spent 4.0±0.9 (SE) days on the stopover sites along the Adriatic Flyway during autumn migration, while non-juveniles (> 1cy) spent 2.6±1.0 (SE) days during autumn and 2.1±0.4 (SE) days during spring migration there. These durations were not significantly different. Duration of stops of the satellite tracked individual was between 7 and 15 days during autumn and between 1 and 12 days during spring migration. Our results indicate the existence of two alternative routes of the Adriatic Flyway between the Carpathian Basin and the wintering areas in southern Italy and the central part of coastal North-Africa. The North-Adriatic Flyway includes stopover sites in north-eastern Italy at the river mouth of River Isonzo, Lagunes of Venice and wetlands around River Po. The South Adriatic Flyway leads through the Balkan Peninsula, with stopover sites at the karst lakes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, mouth of the river Neretva (Croatia), Ulcinj Salinas (Montenegro) and wetlands in Gulf of Manfredonia (Italy). This hypothesis was also supported by the migration of the satellite tagged individual, the paths of which was described here in detail. The average coordinates of spring and autumn stopover sites were located at different parts of the flyway: it was in south-western Italy during autumn migration, while it was close to the western coast of the Balkan Peninsula during spring migration. We found examples for Spoonbills using the same migration paths along the same route year by year on both spring and autumn migration, but also noticed shifts between routes. Some observations indicate that individuals may show site fidelity to stopover sites between years, although the sample size was low for statistical significance.
Differences in the Clinical Course of Acute Appendicitis in the Elderly in Comparison to Younger Population
Authors: Zbierska Katarzyna , Kenig Jakub , Lasek Anna , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Wałęga Piotr
Published: July 2016

Acute appendicitis (AA) still remains the most common acute surgical abdominal emergency. Although 90% of cases occur in children and young adults, the incidence in the elderly amounts up to 10% and is constantly rising.

The aim of the study was to assess the differences between clinical presentation in the elderly patients with AA compared to the younger patients. Additional aim was to assess the correlation between in-hospital time delays and patients’ outcomes.

Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical data of 274 patients admitted to 3rd Department of General Surgery in Cracow between January 2011 and December 2013 due to AA. The elderly group comprised 23 patients aged 65 and above and the non-elderly group consisted of 251 patients.

Results. The groups did not differ in symptoms and their duration, type of surgery and its duration. However, time from admission to ED to the beginning of the procedure was significantly lower in the elderly group (575.56 vs 858.9 min; p=0.03). The elderly had longer hospital stay (6.08 vs 4.69 days; p=0.004). In the elderly group the perforation rate was close to reaching statistical significance (26.1% vs 12.4%; p=0.06). No mortality was noted in both groups and morbidity was slightly higher in elderly group (17.4% vs 10%; p=0.26).

Conclusions. There was no difference in the clinical presentation between elderly and non-elderly patients group. However, elderly patients presented with a more progressed inflammation of the appendix. The hospital stay was longer in the elderly group, without any mortality and with higher rate of morbidity in this group. The length of the preoperative phase was significantly shorter, confirming the awareness of importance of time in the elderly patients with acute abdomen.
SoK: Making Sense of Censorship Resistance Systems
Authors: Khattak Sheharbano , Elahi Tariq , Simon Laurent , Swanson Colleen M. , Murdoch Steven J. , Goldberg Ian
Published: July 2016

An increasing number of countries implement Internet censorship at different scales and for a variety of reasons. Several censorship resistance systems (CRSs) have emerged to help bypass such blocks. The diversity of the censor’s attack landscape has led to an arms race, leading to a dramatic speed of evolution of CRSs. The inherent complexity of CRSs and the breadth of work in this area makes it hard to contextualize the censor’s capabilities and censorship resistance strategies. To address these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive survey of CRSs-deployed tools as well as those discussed in academic literature-to systematize censorship resistance systems by their threat model and corresponding defenses. To this end, we first sketch a comprehensive attack model to set out the censor’s capabilities, coupled with discussion on the scope of censorship, and the dynamics that influence the censor’s decision. Next, we present an evaluation framework to systematize censorship resistance systems by their security, privacy, performance and deployability properties, and show how these systems map to the attack model. We do this for each of the functional phases that we identify for censorship resistance systems: communication establishment, which involves distribution and retrieval of information necessary for a client to join the censorship resistance system; and conversation, where actual exchange of information takes place. Our evaluation leads us to identify gaps in the literature, question the assumptions at play, and explore possible mitigations.
A Framework for the Game-theoretic Analysis of Censorship Resistance
Authors: Elahi Tariq , Doucette John A. , Hosseini Hadi , Murdoch Steven J. , Goldberg Ian
Published: July 2016

We present a game-theoretic analysis of optimal solutions for interactions between censors and censorship resistance systems (CRSs) by focusing on the data channel used by the CRS to smuggle clients’ data past the censors. This analysis leverages the inherent errors (false positives and negatives) made by the censor when trying to classify traffic as either non-circumvention traffic or as CRS traffic, as well as the underlying rate of CRS traffic. We identify Nash equilibrium solutions for several simple censorship scenarios and then extend those findings to more complex scenarios where we find that the deployment of a censorship apparatus does not qualitatively change the equilibrium solutions, but rather only affects the amount of traffic a CRS can support before being blocked. By leveraging these findings, we describe a general framework for exploring and identifying optimal strategies for the censorship circumventor, in order to maximize the amount of CRS traffic not blocked by the censor. We use this framework to analyze several scenarios with multiple data-channel protocols used as cover for the CRS. We show that it is possible to gain insights through this framework even without perfect knowledge of the censor’s (secret) values for the parameters in their utility function.
Individual versus Organizational Computer Security and Privacy Concerns in Journalism
Authors: McGregor Susan E. , Roesner Franziska , Caine Kelly
Published: July 2016

A free and open press is a critical piece of the civil-society infrastructure that supports both established and emerging democracies. However, as the professional activities of reporting and publishing are increasingly conducted by digital means, computer security and privacy risks threaten free and independent journalism around the globe. Through interviews with 15 practicing journalists and 14 organizational stakeholders (supervising editors and technologists), we reveal the distinct - and sometimes conflicting-computer security concerns and priorities of different stakeholder groups within journalistic institutions, as well as unique issues in journalism compared to other types of organizations. As these concerns have not been deeply studied by those designing computer security practices or technologies that may benefit journalism, this research offers insight into some of the practical and cultural constraints that can limit the computer security and privacy practices of the journalism community as a whole. Based on these findings, we suggest paths for future research and development that can bridge these gaps through new tools and practices.
Illustrative presentation of some basic concepts of network internal reliability with comments as regards engineering surveys
Authors: Prószyński Witold
Published: July 2016

The paper integrates some earlier and the recent findings of the author in the area of network internal reliability and presents a consistent system of concepts in this respect. The concepts of outlier detection and outlier identification linked directly with the global model test and the outlier tests respectively, are shown as a basis for the concepts such as outlier detectability and outlier identifiability. Also, a four level classification of gross errors expressed in a form of a tree-diagram is presented including perceptible and imperceptible errors, detectable and undetectable errors and identifiable and unidentifiable errors. Their properties are given mainly in a descriptive way, deliberately limiting rigorous mathematical formulas to a necessary minimum. Understanding of different types of gross errors is useful in analyzing the results of the outlier detection and identification procedures as well as in designing the networks to make them duly robust to observation gross errors. It is of special importance for engineering surveys where quite often low-redundancy networks are used. Main objective of the paper is to demonstrate a clear and consistent system of basic concepts related to network internal reliability.
Influence of the interface conditions on flexible pavement structures life
Authors: Lazăr Ştefan Marian , Diaconu Elena
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to establish the interface conditions influence on the flexible pavement structures life. The methodology consists in using the interface constitutive model available in the Alizé calculation program to calculate the stresses and strains in the flexible pavement structures.

The design criteria related to limiting fatigue cracking of asphalt layers and permanent deformations at the subgrade level from the road bed are used to estimate the flexible pavement structures lifetime.

When calculating the critical stresses and strains, most mechanical design methods of the flexible pavement structures considers that the road layers at interfaces are perfect bonded or total unbonded.

Proper modeling of the interface binding condition is an important aspect in understanding the real behaviour of in-service flexible pavement structures.
Inclinometer monitoring system for stability analysis: the western slope of the Bełchatów field case study
Authors: Cała Marek , Jakóbczyk Joanna , Cyran Katarzyna
Published: July 2016

The geological structure of the Bełchatów area is very complicated as a result of tectonic and sedimentation processes. The long-term exploitation of the Bełchatów field influenced the development of horizontal displacements. The variety of factors that have impact on the Bełchatów western slope stability conditions, forced the necessity of complex geotechnical monitoring. The geotechnical monitoring of the western slope was carried out with the use of slope inclinometers. From 2005 to 2013 fourteen slope inclinometers were installed, however, currently seven of them are in operation. The present analysis depicts inclinometers situated in the north part of the western slope, for which the largest deformations were registered. The results revealed that the horizontal displacements and formation of slip surfaces are related to complicated geological structure and intensive tectonic deformations in the area. Therefore, the influence of exploitation marked by changes in slope geometry was also noticeable.
Shape optimization of road tunnel cross-section by simulated annealing
Authors: Sobótka Maciej , Pachnicz Michał
Published: July 2016

The paper concerns shape optimization of a tunnel excavation cross-section. The study incorporates optimization procedure of the simulated annealing (SA). The form of a cost function derives from the energetic optimality condition, formulated in the authors’ previous papers. The utilized algorithm takes advantage of the optimization procedure already published by the authors. Unlike other approaches presented in literature, the one introduced in this paper takes into consideration a practical requirement of preserving fixed clearance gauge. Itasca Flac software is utilized in numerical examples. The optimal excavation shapes are determined for five different in situ stress ratios. This factor significantly affects the optimal topology of excavation. The resulting shapes are elongated in the direction of a principal stress greater value. Moreover, the obtained optimal shapes have smooth contours circumscribing the gauge.
Numerical model of heat transfer in three phases of the poroelastic medium
Authors: Uciechowska-Grakowicz Anna , Strzelecki Tomasz
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the results of numerical analysis of the thermal consolidation of a two phase medium, under the assumption of independent heat transfer in fluid and the solid phase of the medium, are presented. Three cases of pore fluid were considered: liquid, represented by water, and gas, represented by air and carbon dioxide. The mathematical model was derived from irreversible thermodynamics, with the assumption of a constant heat transfer between the phases. In the case of the accepted geometry of the classical dimensions of the soil sample and boundary conditions, the process leads to equalization of temperatures of the skeleton on the pore fluid. Heat transfer is associated with the fluid flow in the pores of the medium. In the case of gas as the pore fluid, a non-linear mathematical model of gas filtration through the pores of the medium was accepted. For the computing process, relationships between viscosity or density and temperature proposed by other authors were taken into account. Despite accepting mechanical constants of the solid phase that do not depend on temperature, the obtained model is nonlinear and develops the classical Biot–Darcy model.
Polish electoral system to self local government – changes and effects
Authors: Słobodzian Beata
Published: July 2016

Poland as a young democracy is supported by extensive experience of mature democratic systems. Poland is still seeking reasonable and effective solutions regarding its electoral system. The right for electing the representatives of authority bodies is one of the fundamentals of democracy. This right entitles citizens for active public participation through expressing their support (votes) for candidates, which will respectively represent their voters in certain institutions. Polish electoral law, which regulates the local self-government elections is very controversial. The existing legal rules have been changed many times since 2011. Among the subjects being discussed are electoral campaigns, and candidate registration rules and organization of elections. Frequent changes in the electoral law result in misunderstandings and an unwillingness to participate in elections. Their effect is low voter turnout and a large number of invalid votes. Regardless of the above, it is worth to consider, why the Electoral Code was prepared so chaotically and without any further discussion? Why before the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament and municipalities planned for 2014 it was not possible to be assured about the electoral regulations, which were the subject of numerous changes?
Semantic Relations between Legal Terms. A Case Study of the Intralingual Relation of Synonymy
Authors: Matulewska Aleksandra
Published: July 2016

The author intends to present a possibility of parametrising legal terminology in order to reveal semantic and systemic relations at the intralingual and interlingual levels. The scope of the research comprises selected legal terminology from the following legal systems: Polish, British, American and European Union. The research methods used include: (i) the analysis of comparable texts, (ii) the method of parametrisation of the legal linguistic reality, (iii) the concept of adjusting translation to the communicative needs and requirements of the recipient community. The research hypothesis is that parametrisation of legal terminology in respect of semantic and systemic relations may be a useful tool in organising and comparing terminology for the purpose of legal translation. First the relation of synonymy binding terms at the intralingual and interlingual levels in the light of systemic and genre-related relations is discussed. The proposal is illustrated with examples of legal terms and the networks of relations binding them in English and Polish. The conclusions are that such an approach is systematic and provides a translator with information necessary to render communicatively efficient translations.
The Romanian Pension System Reforms: Evidences from Legislative Roll Call Analysis
Authors: Barbu Claudiu
Published: July 2016

There are important differences between all Eastern European countries regarding the implementation of pension system privatization. The differences regarding the political configuration between the countries from Eastern Europe might be a possible explanation for the amount of diversity in this area. The ideology of political parties that form or sustain the government that implements the reform can also be an explanation, but this influence must be studied beyond the cliché that stipulates that the right-wing parties will support the public pension system reform and the left-wing parties will oppose it. Armeanu (2010a) showed that there are countries where privatization was supported by the centre-left coalitions that needed to overpass a strong opposition made by the right-wing parties. Using the Ideal Point Estimation technique within the voting sessions related to pension reform during the last three Romanian legislatures, we will explain the formation of pro and against coalitions regarding the pension reform from Romania during the privatization process of public pension system. We also test the hypotheses of the model presented by Armeanu (2010a, 2010b), model that predicts the behaviour of political parties based on the position they have on a two-dimensional space related to the costs of pension reform.
Observed Effectiveness of Palivizumab for 29–36-Week Gestation Infants
Authors: Farber Harold J. , Buckwold Frederick J. , Lachman Barry , Simpson J. Scott , Buck Ernest , Arun Matha , Valadez Adolfo M. , Ruiz Teresa , Alonzo Joy , Henry Andrea , Cos-Okpalla Nneka , Nguyen Kelsey , Brendel William , Small James , Glomb William Brendle
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common reason for hospitalization of infants. In clinical trials, palivizumab reduced RSV hospitalization rates for premature infants. The 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline advised against use of palivizumab for otherwise healthy infants ≥29 weeks’ gestation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of palivizumab administration on hospitalization rates for RSV and bronchiolitis without RSV diagnosis among infants 29 to 36 weeks’ gestation who do not have chronic illness.

METHODS:

Claims data were extracted from databases of 9 Texas Medicaid managed care programs. Eligible infants were 29 to 36 weeks’ gestation, without claims suggesting chronic illness, and who were born between April 1 and December 31 of 2012, 2013, and 2014.

RESULTS:

A total of 2031 eligible infants of 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation and 12 066 infants of 33 to 36 weeks’ gestation were identified; 41.5% of the infants 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation and 3.7% of the infants 33 to 36 weeks’ gestation had paid claims for dispensing of ≥1 palivizumab doses. Among the infants of 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation, palivizumab dispensing was associated with reduced RSV hospitalization rates (3.1% vs 5.0%, P = .04) but increased hospitalizations for bronchiolitis without RSV diagnosis (3.3% vs 1.9%, P = .05). There were no significant differences by palivizumab administration status for the infants of 33 to 36 weeks’ gestation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among infants 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation without chronic illness, palivizumab use was associated with reduced RSV hospitalizations but increased hospitalizations for bronchiolitis without RSV diagnosis.
Oportunidades en la planificación del espacio periurbano
Authors: Rodríguez Alonso Raquel , Simón Tenorio Susana
Published: July 2016

Los espacios agrarios periurbanos, sometidos al avance del frente urbano, se han visto especialmente afectados por el proceso de expansión de las ciudades desarrollado en España en los últimos años. Las políticas de urbanísticas y territoriales, y los instrumentos que las desarrollan, han tenido, y tienen, un papel clave dentro de este proceso. En muchas ocasiones las herramientas de ordenación y gestión del territorio se han diseñado ignorando la función productiva, ecológica y cultural de dichos suelos. El estudio de los instrumentos actualmente vigentes en Ciudad Real y Aranjuez, dos ciudades medias del interior español de tradición agraria, permitirán evaluar su validez y sus carencias, así como las oportunidades para la protección y puesta en valor de los espacios agrarios periurbanos.
Manejo de bordes de crecimiento urbano en Uruguay
Authors: Ligrone Fernández Pablo Alfredo
Published: July 2016

Confrontado a los procesos universales de crecimiento urbano, la pregunta-desafío para el urbanista no debería ser si la expansión ocurrirá sino cómo conducirla, domesticarla, darle forma, calidad, estructura y timing.Con la transformación de la ciudad grande en área metropolitana, el concepto de borde urbano-rural y sus problemáticas se complejizó. Territorios de intersticios periurbanos necesitan de su propia reflexión y generación de prácticas urbanísticas, aplicando herramientas innovadoras para integrar, completar y diseñar con calidad los "parches", bordes, islas y vacíos del tejido urbano heredado, y organizar nuevas expansiones caracterizadas por modalidades insospechadas de hibridación de territorios escasamente regulados.Sobre la base de las singularidades del caso uruguayo, el artículo plantea alternativas al manejo de procesos de borde bien diferenciados: fajas de interfase urbano-rural altamente mixturadas y fragmentadas, territorios desregulados, bordes urbanizados como partes formalmente completas, periferias que necesitan fortalecer su gobernanza y periurbanos ramificados.En el sistema de ordenamiento territorial y desarrollo sostenible se encuentran las herramientas para lidiar con conflictos y paradojas: planes parciales, programas de actuación integrada, estrategias para la complejidad y la incertidumbre, la aplicación obstinada de los principios legales y doctrinales en procura de la calidad, el manejo combinado de instrumentos y de escalas...
Espacios libres del Movimiento Moderno: debates y nuevos instrumentos para el mejoramiento urbano. Huerta del Rey como laboratorio
Authors: Castrillo Romón María A. , Fernández-Maroto Miguel , Jiménez Jiménez Marina
Published: July 2016

Las diversas corrientes de revisión del urbanismo funcionalista interpretan los espacios libres de uso público a pie de inmueble, característicos de la morfología urbana del Movimiento Moderno, de formas contradictorias. Este artículo parte de una crítica de las posiciones más enfrentadas y defiende la necesidad de dotarse de técnicas y métodos que contribuyan a que la práctica urbanística contemporánea sobre este tipo de tejidos pueda superar efectivamente los estereotipos hoy dominantes.En este sentido, el artículo propone el “plano espeso del suelo” como una técnica específica para el análisis de este tipo de tejidos urbanos y de su evolución física. Su aplicación al barrio de Huerta del Rey —Valladolid, España— evidencia tanto la invalidez del argumento “securitario”, hoy dominante en la acción pública sobre los barrios funcionalistas, como el comportamiento crítico de los habitantes frente a algunos de los principios de la Carta de Atenas. De hecho, revela ciertos factores espaciales que pueden influir sobre las apropiaciones de esos espacios libres hechas por sus habitantes y contribuye —junto con otros instrumentos— a definir un horizonte proyectual de mejora de estos espacios.
Construcción de espacios comunes y colectivos: aportes conceptuales al territorio urbano
Authors: Catumba Carolina
Published: July 2016

La transformación de la ciudad es un proceso complejo atravesado por variables de orden administrativo, económico, técnico, social, político o ideológico. De esta manera, el documento de investigación que se presenta aquí busca hacer una primera aproximación a la revisión de la noción de espacio público desde la interpretación del concepto de espacio común, la jurisprudencia colombiana y la identificación de experiencias comunitarias en la ciudad de Bogotá, teniendo como punto de partida una perspectiva crítica que promueva el ejercicio de la construcción de la ciudad desde los actores que la intervienen, limitando la homogenización en el análisis y propendiendo por propuestas y transformaciones sobre el entorno urbano, particularmente del espacio público, que contribuyan a la materialización de espacios colectivos comunes. Palabras clave: configuración urbana, espacio público, espacio común, espacio urbano, apropiación social, modelo de ciudad
ADAPTACION DE UNA ESCALA DE DISTORSIONES COGNITIVAS SOBRE LOS JUEGOS DE AZAR EN UNA MUESTRA NACIONAL DE ESTUDIANTES COLOMBIANOS
Authors: Ruiz José Ignacio , López Pina José Antonio
Published: July 2016

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron a) adaptar el Inventario de Pensamientos sobre el Juego (IPJ, Echeburúa, Fernández-Montalvo y Báez, 1997) a una muestra no aleatoria de estudiantes colombianos (n=4300) de todas las regiones del país, b) estudiar la prevalencia de las distorsiones cognitivas sobre los juegos de azar y c) analizar los puntajes en el instrumento de acuerdo al género, el nivel socioeconómico y la edad. En los resultados, la escala mostró una buena fiabilidad interna y una estructura unidimensional. Alrededor del 50% de los sujetos presentaban de 2 a7 distorsiones cognitivas, y los puntajes más altos en el IPJ se dieron en los hombres, las personas de clases sociales bajas, en las más jóvenes y en quienes pensaban que si les tocaría mucha plata se resolverían todos sus problemas.
Enfoques de Aprendizaje según el R-SPQ-2F: Análisis de sus propiedades psicométricas en estudiantes universitarios de Buenos Aires
Authors: Freiberg Hoffmann Agustín , Fernández Liporace María Mercedes
Published: July 2016

Se analizan las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario Revisado de Procesos de Estudio, Dos Factores R-SPQ-2F (Biggs, Kember & Leung, 2001), como parte del proceso de adaptación del instrumento a población de estudiantes universitarios de Buenos Aires. Primeramente se adecuaron ligústicamente ítems y consigna a modismos locales, analizándose luego evidencias de validez de contenido y aparente. Se examinaron evidencias de validez de constructo -análisis de componentes principales y análisis factorial confirmatorio- y aspectos referidos a la confiabilidad de las puntuaciones –consistencia interna, test-retest-. Las propiedades psicométricas resultantes fueron adecuadas, discutiéndose los hallazgos a la luz de la teoría y de implicaciones prácticas.
Editorial
Authors: Corredor Aristizábal Javier Alejandro
Published: July 2016

Editorial.