bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desafios para uma nova governação na Zona Euro
Authors: Caetano José , Ferreira Paulo
Published: April 2017

O avolumar de impactos negativos da crise económico-financeira nos países mais frágeis da Zona Euro tem despoletado aceso debate sobre a viabilidade da arquitetura da União Monetária Europeia (UME), cuja imperfeição pode pôr em causa os objetivos últimos do processo de integração europeia. Com efeito, esta crise tem mostrado de forma eloquente que a UME teve lacunas graves no seu desenho e no quadro operacional que a suporta, o que não evitou efeitos penalizadores para alguns Estados-membros e alimentou a exigência de alterações estruturais no paradigma de governação da moeda única. Assim, foram surgindo diferentes iniciativas das instituições comunitárias, ancoradas em posições de autores bastante críticos sobre o processo de integração monetária europeia, e que paulatinamente têm vindo a transformar o modelo de governação da Zona Euro. Neste contexto, este artigo prossegue dois objetivos: por um lado, identificar e discutir a racionalidade e os fundamentos das principais mudanças que têm ocorrido na Zona Euro nos últimos anos; por outro, refletir sobre os dilemas que em variadas ocasiões têm oposto a necessidade de maior legitimidade das decisões de cariz intergovernamental e a eficiência requerida pelo complexo processo de construção europeia. Finalmente, abordaremos as condições políticas e técnicas para uma governação eficaz que permita melhorar a resiliência da Zona Euro no seu todo e aumentar a sua eficácia.
A integração regional nos discursos de FHC e Lula: um estudo comparativo
Authors: Wenzel Fernanda , Haffner Jacqueline A.
Published: April 2017

Tanto o governo Fernando Henrique como o governo Lula tiveram a integração regional como prioridade de sua política externa. Sabe-se, no entanto, que cada presidente assumiu o poder em contextos internacionais bastante específicos, além de terem posturas diferentes em relação ao sistema internacional. Através da análise dos discursos de cada mandatário nas reuniões de Cúpula das Américas, será possível identificar as diferenças entre as políticas externas dos dois governos na busca do mesmo objetivo: a integração regional.
Das Alte Testament in christlicher Perspektive
Authors: Oberdorfer Bernd
Published: April 2017

According to Notker Slenczka, Jesus redefined the early Jewish understanding of God so radically that the Old Testament could not remain an adequate expression of the Christian idea of God. Moreover, in the light of historical criticism, the messianic promises of the OT could no longer be read as prophetic references to Jesus, either. The OT could hence only be seen as revelation to Jews; for Christians, however, it is valuable as paradigmatic expression of human reality and their necessity of salvation only, and to them authentic information about redemption is provided only by the New Testament. The essay discusses this position and defines a possible Christian view on the relation between Old and New Testament based on the insight that Jesus’ redefinition of the image of God can only be understood in the light of the history of God’s self-revelation to Israel, of which Jesus is a part; from a Christian perspective, the words, actions and fate of Jesus then also shed new light on the history of God’s self-revelation to Israel.
Die Kirche und das Alte Testament oder: Die Hebräische Bibel zwischen Lust, Last und Leidenschaft
Authors: Deeg Alexander
Published: April 2017

This contribution starts with the peculiar ambivalence of how modern German Protestantism deals with the so-called ›Old Testament‹: Delight in Old Testament reading and preaching as seen in the present revision of the lectionary is contrasted by a certain skepticism of scholarly theology against the Old Testament as a part of the Christian canon. The essay assesses both positions critically and demonstrates how reading the Old Testament permanently questions Christian identity vis-à-vis Israel. For sermons on the Old Testament, the point is to preach in a self-evident and at once Israel-sensitive way.
Factors influence abroad or home post graduates training among medical students: experience from Sudan
Authors: Gismalla Mohamed , Abdallah Ahmed , Mohammed Mohammed Alnoor , Mahjoub Taha Sami
Published: April 2017

Backgrounds:Â Commonly, doctors migrate for postgraduate study in African and Middle-east countries to western countries. In this study, we would like to know the percentage of graduates who intended to study abroad and determine the factors of their traveling.Material and methods: This is cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Medical students were asked about their future specialty preference, reasons, and site of training. Also, some demographic data were collected. The data was analyzed by SPSS. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.Â Result and Discussion: 197 students responded to our survey and filled the questionnaire properly. Participants knew about future specialty from the teacher, the internet, senior college and advice from a family member with rate 83 (42.1%), 42 (22.8%), 41 (21.3%), and 27(13.7%) respectively. One hundred five (53.3%) of the responders preferred to get their specialty training outside Sudan while the remainder 92(46.7%) preferred local training.The commonest specialty selected among both group are medicine and surgery respectively. Obstetrics and gynecology are selected mainly among students who prefer local training 14 out of 15 totally, with statistically significant (p-value = 0.0001). Residency has significant related to the site of training with (P value 0.03). International recognition and advanced facilities are the commonest cause of traveling abroad among the students. While freeÂ hands onÂ training and social reasons are the most common causes of home postgraduates training.Conclusion:Â More than fifty percent of the participant prefers abroad post-graduates training. The factors which influents site training can be defined as "Pull and Push" factors.
Sensorlose Positionsregelung eines hydraulischen Proportional-Wegeventils mittels Signalinjektion
Authors: Braun Tristan , Reuter Johannes , Rudolph Joachim
Published: April 2017

Es wird eine Methode zur sensorlosen Positionsbestimmung bei elektromagnetisch betätigten Aktoren vorgestellt. Dabei
werden basierend auf einer Signalinjektion die positionsabhängigen Parameter bei der injizierten Frequenz bestimmt und
daraus über ein geeignetes Modell die Position des Magnetankers ermittelt. Die Eignung des Verfahrens zur sensorlosen
Positionsregelung wird an einem bidirektionalen Proportionalventil anhand praktischer Versuche demonstriert.
Establishing consensus-based, assay-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits to facilitate proper utilization of cardiac troponin measurements
Authors: Greene Dina N. , Tate Jillian R.
Published: April 2017

Implementation of the 99th percentile as the upper reference limit for cardiac troponin (cTn) assays is a seemingly lucid recommendation, but, in reality, is incredibly complex. Lack of harmonization between cTn assays diminishes the ability to have a single medical decision point across manufacturer assay/instruments. Moreover, even within a single cTn assay there are several published values corresponding to the “99th percentile”. Variability in the determined value is primarily a function of population selection including: sample size, age, sex, exclusion criteria, and statistical methods. Given the complexities associated with this value, some countries have taken an expert consensus approach to endorsing harmonized, assay-specific, cTn 99th percentile values. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the intricacies associated with selecting a cTn 99th percentile and to review the approach that Australia used to endorse a nationwide upper reference limit for the Architect STAT hs-cTnI assay.
The effectiveness of biodrying waste treatment in full scale reactor
Authors: Dębicka Marlena , Żygadło Maria , Latosińska Jolanta
Published: April 2017

The differences between the composting, stabilization and drying processes were discussed. The law criteria for mechanical-biological treatment plant were presented. The purpose of the article was to assess the effectiveness of biodrying MSW (municipal solid waste) in a full scale reactor taking into account the degree of biological decomposition of organic matter and its suitability for RDF (refuse derived fuel). Therefore the microbial activity was measured as the O2/96 h uptake. CO2/96 h production and the respiration activity AT4 for untreated and biodried waste were compared. The decomposition of organic matter was measured by loss on ignition (LOI) and total organic carbon (TOC). The product after the biodrying process was assessed according to the EURITS and PN-EN 15359 criteria for the quality of RDF (residual derived fuel). The result 8.48 MJ/kg of calorific value shows that bio- dried waste is ranked below the EURITS minimum level and can be classified as fifth class by PN-EN 15359 requirements. The amount of chlorine, mercury and lead fulfil the EURITS criteria. The microbial activity after processing in the biodrying reactor expressed as oxygen uptake exceeded the permissible level of 10 mg O2/g d.m. in the time range ten months. The regulatory parameters TOC < 20% d.m. and LOI < 35% d.m. criteria were not met.
A Berezin-type map and a class of weighted composition operators
Authors: Das Namita
Published: April 2017

In this paper we consider the map L defined on the Bergman space

$L_a^2({{\rm\mathbb{C}}_{\rm{ + }}})$

of the right half plane ℂ+ by

$(Lf)(w) = \pi M'(w)\int\limits_{{{\rm\mathbb{C}}_{\rm{ + }}}} {\left( {{f \over {M'}}} \right)} (s){\left| {{b_w}(s)} \right|^2}d\tilde A(s)$

where

${b_{\bar w}}(s) = {1 \over {\sqrt \pi }}{{1 + w} \over {1 + w}}{{2{\mathop{Re}\nolimits} w} \over {{{(s + w)}^2}}}$

, s ∈ ℂ+ and

$Ms = {{1 - s} \over {1 + s}}$

. We show that L commutes with the weighted composition operators Wa, a ∈ 𝔻 defined on

$L_a^2({{\rm\mathbb{C}}_{\rm{ + }}})$

, as

${W_a}f = (f \circ {t_a}){{M'} \over {M' \circ {t_a}}}$

,

$f \in L_a^2(\mathbb{C_ + })$

. Here

$${t_a}(s) = {{ - ids + (1 - c)} \over {(1 + c)s + id}}

, if a = c + id ∈ 𝔻 c, d ∈ ℝ. For a ∈ 𝔻, define

${V_a}:L_a^2({{\mathbb{C}}_{\rm{ + }}}) \to L_a^2({{\mathbb{C}}_{\rm{ + }}})$

by (Vag)(s) = (g∘ta)(s)la(s) where

$la(s) = {{1 - {{\left| a \right|}^2}} \over {{{((1 + c)s + id)}^2}}}$

.We look at the action of the class of unitary operators Va, a ∈ 𝔻 on the linear operator L. We establish that Lˆ = L where

$\mathord{\buildrel{\lower3pt\hbox{$\scriptscriptstyle\frown$}}\over L} = \int\limits_{\mathbb{D}} {{V_a}L{V_a}dA(a)}$

and dA is the area measure on 𝔻. In fact the map L satisfies the averaging condition

$$\tilde L({w_1}) = \int\limits_{\mathbb{D}} {\tilde L({t_{\bar a}}({w_1}))dA(a),{\rm{for all }}{w_1} \in {{\rm{C}}_{\rm{ + }}}}$$

where

$\tilde L({w_1}) = \left\langle {L{b_{{{\bar w}_1}}},{b_{{{\bar w}_1}}}} \right\rangle$.
Prediction of Experimental Measurement Data for High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene Solubility in Organic Solvents
Authors: Hadi Arkan J. , Hadi Ghassan J. , Yusoh Kamal Bin , Najmuldeen Ghazi Faisal , Hasany Syed F.
Published: April 2017

High density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) solubility in several pure and blend non-polar organic solvents was measured at 365–430 K temperature at atmospheric pressure, with polymer concentration of 0.5–25 g in 100 ml of solvent. The activity coefficients were estimated depending on the experimental solubility results for all the polymer-solvent systems. A non-ideal equation combined with activity coefficient was developed based on the crystallinity. A new correlation equation was attained, which is based on the melting temperature and heat of fusion using SSPS software. These two equations were used to predict the solid-liquid experimental data for the binary system polymer-solvent. The distinction between the experimental and model data was assessed by using mean absolute deviation percentage (MAD %). The non-ideal equation based on crystallinity and the new correlations showed low MAD %, displaying a close match with the experimental data.
Hermitian metrics, (n-1,n-1) forms and Monge–Ampère equations
Authors: Tosatti Valentino , Weinkove Ben
Published: April 2017

We show existence of unique smooth solutions to the Monge–Ampère equation for

(

n
-
1

)

(n-1)

-plurisubharmonic functions on Hermitian manifolds, generalizing previous work of the authors. As a consequence we obtain Calabi–Yau theorems for Gauduchon and strongly Gauduchon metrics on a class of non-Kähler manifolds: those satisfying the Jost–Yau condition known as Astheno–Kähler. Gauduchon conjectured in 1984 that a Calabi–Yau theorem for Gauduchon metrics holds on all compact complex manifolds. We discuss another Monge–Ampère equation, recently introduced by Popovici, and show that the full Gauduchon conjecture can be reduced to a second-order estimate of Hou–Ma–Wu type.
Tax Policy Assessment in Slovenia – Case of Interest Tax Shield
Authors: Jovanovic Tatjana , Klun Maja
Published: April 2017

The tax policy assessment is an indispensable strategy within any modern country’s system of governance. There are several types of “impact assessments”, with RIA as one of the most commonly used. This tool is used to measure and analyse the benefits, costs and effects of a new or existing legal regime, which can be carried out by collecting and analysing empirical data in the context of a broader decision-making framework. The main objective of the paper is to analyse which stage the Slovenian regulatory impact assessment is in, and whether this stage is sophisticated enough to provide for the essential verification of tax policy and specific instruments, focusing mainly on the case of interest tax shield issues. Methodologically, the paper is based on a systematic literature review, a survey for public consultations and statistical tools for calculating the differences in internal indebtedness in different observed periods. The results show that the Slovenian RIA is not sophisticated enough to evaluate complex tax instruments and policy. Nevertheless, tax policy decision-makers should reconsider the implementation of a thin capitalization rule (but also future tax policy instruments) focusing also on other, non-tax revenue, factors.
Some of the Theoretical Basis of Local Self-Government in the Czech Republic
Authors: Pospíšil Petr , Lebiedzik Marian
Published: April 2017

In the valid legislation of the Czech Republic, we do not find a clear and completely unambiguous definition of the concept of “self-government”. Nonetheless, it is an institute traditionally used and with content defined in a particular way by the theory of administrative law or administrative science in the context of the division of public administration into state administration and self-government. Self-government usually refers to public administration (i.e. administration of public affairs) carried out by public law bodies other than the state. These public law bodies are most often public corporations, which perform specific tasks within territorial self-government, professional self-government and interest group self-government. The aim of the paper is to provide an interpretation of the theoretical and legislative definition of the concept of self-government and specifically to focus on territorial self-government. In processing the paper and fulfilling the set goal, the authors will primarily use scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, description, explanation and comparison. Based on the presentation and analysis of theoretical opinions on the issue, the applicable legislation of territorial self-government and insights from public law-related practice, the authors conclude that it is appropriate to consider a more detailed (yet open) definition of self-governing tasks of municipalities and regions in the future.
On Weil homomorphism in locally free sheaves over structured spaces
Authors: Falkiewicz Ewa , Sasin Wiesław
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the work of Heller and Sasin [1], we construct in this paper Weil homomorphism in a locally free sheaf W of ϕ-fields [2] over a structured space. We introduce the notion of G-consistent, linear connection on this sheaf, what allows us to clearly define Chern, Pontrjagin and Euler characteristic classes. We also show proper equalities between those classes.
Mussel Farming and Its Potential in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Ozoliņa Zaiga
Published: April 2017

The paper covers research findings on mussel farming and the analysis of current situation in mussel farming in the Baltic Sea. The mussel farming has a development potential in the Baltic Sea region. Some developers have chosen progressive activities to achieve the aim. For example, in Sweden the development of mussel farming is suggested as one of the instruments for reducing eutrophication. Several countries in the Baltic Sea region are in the beginning phase of the mariculture development. The following research methods were used in the research: studies of scientific publications, case studies and document studies on some important factors impeding the development of mussel farming in the Baltic Sea.
ECB Monetary Policy Actions and the Economic Conditions of a Non-Euro Member: The Case of Croatia
Authors: Berisha Edmond
Published: April 2017

This paper analyses the importance of ECB monetary policy shocks in the domestic activities of a non-EMU member, Croatia, with the main focus on the inflation rate. Using a Vector Autoregressive Model with an exogenous variable specification, it is found that the contraction of foreign monetary shocks have a significant positive impact on the local inflation rate and output. Interestingly, the interest rate gap exerts a statistically significant effect on the economic activities of Croatia, suggesting that targeting exchange rate stability does not eliminate the significance of ECB’s monetary policy changes.
Quantitative observation of the foraging tunnels in Sitka spruce and Japanese cypress caused by the drywood termite Incisitermes minor (Hagen) by 2D and 3D X-ray computer tomography (CT)
Authors: Choi BaekYong , Himmi S. Khoirul , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2017

The cryptic lifestyle of drywood termites makes it difficult to study their foraging behaviour and to detect infestations in hidden regions. In the present research, computer tomography (CT) scanning images were collected over a 1-year observation period of drywood termite Incisitermes minor (Hagen) in order to understand its foraging behaviour and, perhaps, to be able to detect the infestation as early as possible. Sitka spruce and Japanese cypress woods were the test objects. As CT scanning results show, foragers caused distinguished tunnelling patterns based on the physical properties of wood during gallery construction. The foragers primarily excavate along the earlywood in radial direction towards the outer surface of the wood to establish the primary and satellite chambers, followed by mainly superficial (0.3–3.0 cm under the surface) longitudinal expansion with occasional lateral deviations. The development of tunnelling is affected by the physical constraints of knots with their high density, high extractive and lignin contents, reaction wood (compression wood) and wood damage caused by wind.
PHC, Id-Iq and p-q Control Strategies for Mitigation of Current Harmonics in Three-Phase Three-Wire Shunt Active Filter with PI Controller
Authors: Mikkili Suresh , Padamati Adinarayana
Published: April 2017

In this research paper, the shunt active filter (SHAF) is used to improve the power quality of electrical network by mitigating the harmonics with the help of different control strategies (p-q control strategy, Id-Iqcontrol strategy, PHC control strategy) for three phase three wire system. It is quite difficult to optimize the performance of power system networks using conventional methods, because of complex nature of the systems that are highly non-linear and non-stationary. Three phase reference current waveforms generated by the proposed schemes are tracked by three phase voltage source converter in a hysteresis band control scheme. The performance of proposed control strategies has been evaluated in terms of harmonic mitigation and DC link voltage regulation under various source voltage conditions. The proposed SHAF with different control strategies is able to eliminate uncertainty in the system and SHAF gains outstanding compensation abilities. The detailed simulation results using MATLAB/Simulink software are presented to support the feasibility of the proposed control strategy.
Ergonomic assessment of the da Vinci console in robot-assisted surgery
Authors: van’t Hullenaar Cas D.P. , Hermans Ben , Broeders Ivo A.M.J.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Robot-assisted surgery is considered to improve ergonomics over standard endoscopic surgery. Nevertheless, previous research demonstrated ergonomic deficits in the current console set-up.

Aim:

This study was designed to objectively assess body posture in the da Vinci console during robot-assisted endoscopic surgery.

Methods:

Multiple sagittal photographs from six physicians were taken during robot-assisted procedures. Trunk, neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee angles were calculated and compared to ergonomic preferable joint angles. A 2D geometric model was developed using individual anthropometrics. Optimal seat height, armrest height, and viewer height were calculated. These results were compared to the findings of the sagittal photographs.

Results:

Mean joint angles show potentially harmful neck angles for all participants. Trunk angles vary between surgeons, from inadequate to correct. In short and very tall individuals, optimal armrest height is outside the adjustment range of the console.

Conclusion:

The da Vinci Surgical System console seating position results in a nonergonomic neck and trunk angle. The developed geometric model revealed that armrest height has a limited adjustment range. Adjustments to the console and optimization of preoperative settings are goals to further improve ergonomics in robot-assisted surgery.
Early detection of liver damage in Mexican patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Torres-Valadez Rafael , Roman Sonia , Jose-Abrego Alexis , Sepulveda-Villegas Maricruz , Ojeda-Granados Claudia , Rivera-Iñiguez Ingrid , Panduro Arturo
Published: April 2017

Background and Objective

Liver cirrhosis is usually detected at the later stages of disease. This study is aimed to detect liver damage in patients with chronic liver disease using transitional elastography (TE) and to assess the biochemical parameters associated with liver damage.

Methods

In 578 patients, chronic liver disease based on etiology was diagnosed by clinical and laboratory tests. Liver damage was evaluated with TE (FibroScan®), while its association with biochemical parameters was performed using the logistic regression tests.

Results

Overall, the main etiologies of liver damage were hepatitis C virus (HCV) (37%), alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (33%) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (26%). Patients were 40 to 50 years of age. ALD and hepatitis B prevailed in men, whereas HCV and NASH in women. The stages of fibrosis were F0 (n = 121, 21%), F1 (n = 122, 21%), F2 (n = 58, 10%), F3 (n = 46, 8%) and F4 (n = 87, 15%). In patients with liver cirrhosis, ALD (n = 96/217, 45%), HCV (n = 94/217, 43%) and NASH (n = 21/217, 10%) were the leading etiologies. Platelets count (OR=3.31, 95%CI 1.61-6.78), glucose (OR=3.07, 95%CI 1.50-6.26), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (OR=3.60, 95%CI 1.79-7.25), albumin (OR=3.89, 95%CI 1.61-9.36), and total bilirubin (OR=3.93, 95%CI 1.41-10.91) were associated to advanced stages of fibrosis (F3-F4) regardless of etiology. The concordance and positive predictive values of these parameters were higher as compared to other scores.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic liver disease due to HCV, ALD and NASH prevailed in young adults. Advanced liver damage assessed by TE was associated with five biochemical parameters. In conjunction, both methodologies may be useful for the early detection of fibrosis and cirrhosis in Latin America.
Protracted inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling improves survival in metastatic colorectal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Montagnani Francesco , Di Leonardo Greta , Pino Mariasimona , Perboni Simona , Ribecco Angela , Fioretto Luisa
Published: April 2017

Clinical data suggest that beyond-progression, the blockade of angiogenesis is associated with improved survivals in colorectal cancer. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the therapeutic effects of antiangiogenic drugs administered as later lines of treatment in patients already progressed to a previous anti-VEGF based treatment. An extensive literature search was conducted. Hazard ratios (HR) for progression (PFS) and death (OS) were extracted. An inverse-variance meta-analysis model was implemented. 6 randomized controlled trials were retrieved, including 3407 patients, treated with different antiangiogenic drugs. All of them had progressed during or after a previous line of treatment with bevacizumab. Overall, both PFS (HR=0.63, P <0.001) and OS (HR=0.81, P < 0.001) were significantly increased with the use of antiangiogenic drug. No heterogeneity was observed despite different drugs. Protracted inhibition of the VEGF pathway is associated with a significant improvement of both PFS and OS, independently from the antiangiogenic agent used.
The concept of sustainable tourism development in rural areas – A case study of Zbąszyń commune
Authors: Lisiak Marta , Borowiak Klaudia , Muńko Ewelina
Published: April 2017

Tourism in rural areas has been defined as all tourist activities conducted in rural areas. The development of tourism in rural areas is dependent on external factors (e.g. landscape attractiveness), as well as internal factors (e.g. involvement of local authorities and society). Hence, it is important to increase the tourism potential for further increase of local tourism, and in turn to intensify the social-economic development according to a sustainable policy and multifunctional rural development. The main aim of the present study was to indicate possibilities to improve tourism management of the Zbąszyń urban-rural commune. For this purpose the following detailed aims were set: to evaluate local society satisfaction with tourism development in Zbąszyń commune, to evaluate the natural-landscape state of the analyzed area, to designate a new tourist trail or to revise the existing trails, and to propose modernization of existing tourism infrastructure. The obtained results revealed that in the opinion of local society there is still not sufficient tourism development despite some natural-landscape values. Hence, activities connected with tourism enrichment should be mainly connected with designation of two new cycling trails and supplementation of tourist information signs and tables. All proposed activities leading to an increase of tourism potential should bear in mind social aspects as well as natural values and would have a positive effect on economic income of the area.
Assessment of the relation between atmospheric precipitation and rainwater runoff for various urban surfaces
Authors: Romaniak Alicja
Published: April 2017

The relation between the diurnal sum of atmospheric precipitation and the diurnal volume of rainwater runoff from four experimental hardened surfaces was the subject of a pilot study conducted within the area of the Departmental Agro- and Hydrometeorology Observatory in Wrocław. The selection and the structure of the experimental surfaces were preceded with an inventory-taking of the coverage of hardened surfaces within a Wrocław housing estate with high-rise multifamily buildings. That estate was the second location, next to the area of the Observatory, at which the study presented here was conducted. The surfaces included in the experiment were roof surfaces P1 and P2 covered with heat-sealable roll roofing, surface APB made of gravel-filled openwork concrete plates, and tarmac surface AS. The pilot study was conducted during the period from April to November, 2014. During that period, depending on the type of experimental surface, from 81 to 87 days with atmospheric precipitation were analysed. The mean values of the rainwater runoff coefficients for the eightmonth period were 0.77, 0.77, 0.33 and 0.67 for surfaces P1, P2, APB and AS, respectively. The range of variability of mean values of the coefficients of rainwater runoff from the experimental surfaces in a month is presented by the following relation: APB > P1 > AS > P2. The study did not reveal any direct effect of the number of rainfall days in a month on the value of the coefficient of determination describing the correlation between the diurnal sums of precipitation and the diurnal volumes of rainwater runoff.
Assessing the suitability of extreme learning machines (ELM) for groundwater level prediction
Authors: Yadav Basant , Ch Sudheer , Mathur Shashi , Adamowski Jan
Published: April 2017

Fluctuation of groundwater levels around the world is an important theme in hydrological research. Rising water demand, faulty irrigation practices, mismanagement of soil and uncontrolled exploitation of aquifers are some of the reasons why groundwater levels are fluctuating. In order to effectively manage groundwater resources, it is important to have accurate readings and forecasts of groundwater levels. Due to the uncertain and complex nature of groundwater systems, the development of soft computing techniques (data-driven models) in the field of hydrology has significant potential. This study employs two soft computing techniques, namely, extreme learning machine (ELM) and support vector machine (SVM) to forecast groundwater levels at two observation wells located in Canada. A monthly data set of eight years from 2006 to 2014 consisting of both hydrological and meteorological parameters (rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration and groundwater level) was used for the comparative study of the models. These variables were used in various combinations for univariate and multivariate analysis of the models. The study demonstrates that the proposed ELM model has better forecasting ability compared to the SVM model for monthly groundwater level forecasting.
Investigating the Relationship between Vocabulary Knowledge and Academic Success of Arabic Undergraduate Learners in Swansea University
Authors: Alsager Reem , Milton James
Published: April 2017

The number of Arabic learners studying abroad has increased significantly over the last decade, and continues to increase. To test such students’ proficiency with English in an academic setting, most universities use standardised exams, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test System (IELTS). Although these tools are considered valid entry tests (Taylor and Falvey, 2007) they don’t appear to be useful predictors of academic success (e.g. Cotton and Conrow, 1998). We have therefore tried to find alternative measures to help refine our ability to predict academic performance. These include vocabulary knowledge using the XK_Lex test (Milton & Al- Masrai, 2009); intelligence test (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, WASI) and a foreign language aptitude test (Modern Language Aptitude Test, MLAT; Carroll & Sapon, 1959).

36 Arabic undergraduate students in Swansea University participated in this study. The results of the measures were correlated with participants’ Grade Point Average (GPA) as a measure of academic achievement. The findings suggest that a vocabulary knowledge threshold of 5000 and above is necessary for L2 learners to undertake international education; below this volume of vocabulary, they risk failure or academic hardship during their studies. No correlation was found between intelligence or aptitude test scores and learners’ academic achievement, but a significant relationship was noted between intelligence and vocabulary knowledge, confirming the trend that learners with high intelligence scores are more likely to possess an extensive vocabulary than learners with low intelligence scores.
Use of remote cameras to evaluate ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) population parameters in seasonal tropical dry forests of central-western Mexico
Authors: Monterrubio-Rico Tiberio C. , Charre-Medellín Juan F. , Pérez-Martínez Marco Z. , Mendoza Eduardo
Published: April 2017

The ocelot is one of the most studied felid species in the neotropics yet most of our current knowledge comes from tropical rain forests and protected areas. Therefore, we lack a comprehensive understanding on how the species abundance varies in terms of ecological parameters across its full distribution range. This is particularly true for the species population in the Northern Hemisphere, as data of ocelot populations occurring in tropical dry forests are scarce. In this study, we focused on: a) generating population data (density and sex ratios), based on camera-trapping, for ocelot occurring in the vast and understudied tropical dry forest of the western Pacific of Mexico. b) Comparing the variation in species abundance and density across its distribution range, including a larger set of studies from the Northern Hemisphere, contrasting parameters between rain forests and tropical seasonal ecosystems and re-examining the assumed relationship between precipitation and ocelot abundance. Overall, we identified 17 ocelots in our study sites and estimated an average density of 23.7 individuals (ind) per 100 km2 with a female to male ratio >1. No significant differences in ocelot density was found between seasonal tropical forests and rain forests studies (Wilcoxon test, W=71, p=0.7675). Moreover, we found no support for the relation between ocelot density and precipitation (only when restricting our analysis to rain forest data the fit of the regression model was close to be significant, R2=0.2463, p=0.07107). Our results indicate that tropical seasonal ecosystems and dry forest in particular, may present ocelot population with similar levels of abundance than tropical rain forests. We observed that precipitation is a poor predictor of ocelot abundance. In our study, we observed that overall local ecological factors (e.g. prey abundance and interspecific interactions) influenced the spatial and temporal abundance of ocelots.
Uniform topology on EQ-algebras
Authors: Yang Jiang , Long Xin Xiao , He Peng Fei
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we use filters of an EQ-algebra E to induce a uniform structure (E, 𝓚), and then the part 𝓚 induce a uniform topology 𝒯 in E. We prove that the pair (E, 𝒯) is a topological EQ-algebra, and some properties of (E, 𝒯) are investigated. In particular, we show that (E, 𝒯) is a first-countable, zero-dimensional, disconnected and completely regular space. Finally, by using convergence of nets, the convergence of topological EQ-algebras is obtained.
The quasilinear parabolic kirchhoff equation
Authors: Dawidowski Łukasz
Published: April 2017

In this paper the existence of solution of a quasilinear generalized Kirchhoff equation with initial – boundary conditions of Dirichlet type will be studied using the Leray – Schauder principle.
Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of 3-O- (β-d-glycopyranosyl)-sn-glycerols and their evaluation as preservative in cosmetics
Authors: Guillotin Laure , Cancellieri Perrine , Lafite Pierre , Landemarre Ludovic , Daniellou Richard
Published: April 2017

d-Glycopyranosyl glycerols are common natural products and exhibit strong biological properties, notably as moisturizing agents in cosmetics. Their chemical synthesis remains tedious thus decreasing their potential industrial and economic development, as well as the study of their structure-function relationships. In this work, the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of three enantiopure 3-O-(β-d-glycopyranosyl)-sn-glycerols was efficiently performed using an original glycosidase from Dictyoglomus thermophilum and their preservatives properties were assessed using a challenge test method. Amongst them, the 3-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-sn-glycerol exhibited a specific anti-fungus activity.
Mechanical and rheological properties of polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene copolymer reinforced with carbon nanotubes: effect of processing conditions
Authors: Arrigo Rossella , Teresi Rosalia , Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova
Published: April 2017

Styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene (SBS)-based nanocomposites filled with unmodified and –COOH functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been formulated at different processing conditions in order to provide an understanding of the influence of the processing temperature and mixing speed on the nanofillers dispersion and on the overall properties of the nanocomposites. The evaluation of the nanocomposites’ mechanical and rheological behavior reveals that the effect of the processing speed on the final properties is almost negligible. Differently, the processing temperature influences strongly the mechanical and rheological properties of SBS-based nanocomposites. Indeed, for the nanocomposites formulated at high temperatures a significant enhancement of the overall properties with respect to the neat matrix has been achieved. Moreover, morphological analyses show that the state of dispersion of both unmodified and functionalized CNTs progressively improves as the processing temperature increases. Particularly, at low processing temperatures a segregated morphology in which the nanofillers are selectively confined in the domains of the SBS matrix has been obtained, while the nanocomposites formulated at 180°C show a homogeneous and uniform CNTs dispersion throughout the matrix and a strong level of interfacial adhesion between the copolymer chains and the dispersed nanofillers.
Bulkhead Door – Critical Evacuation States
Authors: Flizikowski Józef , Kruszelnicka Weronika , Michałowski Mirosław , Szala Grzegorz , Tomporowski Andrzej
Published: April 2017

The article is a preliminary to a modification concept of the sliding watertight bulkhead door used on ships and vessels. Hydraulic or electro-hydraulic drives used to move these doors require complicated and extended pressure installations with large amounts of hydraulic fluid. Well-known operational drawbacks of these installations include high level of noise and possibility of various leaks in the hydraulic system. Being the first in a series, the present article describes and analyses critical states which can take place during evacuation of people through openings in the watertight bulkhead doors on seagoing ships and vessels.
Calculation of Boil-Off Gas (BOG) Generation of KC-1 Membrane LNG Tank with High Density Rigid Polyurethane Foam by Numerical Analysis
Authors: Jeong Hyeonwon , Shim W. Jaewoo
Published: April 2017

Recently, a new type of LNG tank named “KC-1 membrane LNG tank” has been developed by Korean Gas Corporation (KOGAS), and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) is currently building KC-1 membrane type LNG carriers. Unlike other LNG tanks, the KC-1 membrane LNG tank has a single-insulation structure rather than a double-insulation structure. For a given tank’s boundary condition, heat transfer analysis is performed from the external to the internal environment of the LNG tank by numerical simulation for three tanks. In each tank, the main thermally resistant layer of insulation is assembled with a High density rigid Polyurethane Foam (H-PUF), which is blown with one of three different types of hydrofluorocarbons-namely-HFC-365mfc, 245fa, and 245fa-e (enhanced). Advantage of such blowing agents is that it has a lower Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) than HCFC-141b or carbon dioxide (CO2) that has been used in the past as well as having low thermal conductivity. A Reduced Order Model is utilized to a 3-dimensional section of the insulation to calculate equivalent thermal conductivity. The equivalent thermal conductivity of the insulation is then applied to the rest of LNG tank, reducing the size of tank simulation domain as well as computation time. Tank’s two external and internal boundary conditions used are those defined by the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conditions. Boil-off Rate (BOR) of the tank that has the insulation with H-PUF blown with HFC-245fa resulted in 0.0927 %/day and 0.0745 %/day for IGC and USCG conditions, respectively.
Possibilities for the Growth of Social Housing with the Participation of Developers in Poland
Authors: Antczak-Stępniak Agata
Published: April 2017

Development activity, understood as an economic activity consisting of transforming a property so as to induce an increase in value, has been expanding in Poland since the early nineties of the twentieth century. However, in this country, it is an activity associated mainly with the profit which a developer can make from the sale or rental of the transformed property. In the West, however, non-profit development activity, providing mainly housing for rent for people with limited financial resources, has become increasingly popular. Under the current institutional conditions, the growth of this type of activity in Poland seems impossible. In this situation, Social Housing Associations could play a similar role, subject to the extension of the scope of their activities and funding opportunities. Therefore, it is reasonable to put forward the thesis that, in order to make the growth of social housing in Poland more dynamic, it is necessary to expand for the range of SHA activities as well as to initiate non - profit development activity based on the model of Western countries. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate the legitimacy of the presented thesis by analyzing the available literature, statistical data and case studies.
Land Administration System for Sustainable Development – Case Study of Poland
Authors: Dawidowicz Agnieszka , Źróbek Ryszard
Published: April 2017

The global idea of building state Land Administration Systems was to determine the infrastructures for the implementation of land policies and land management strategies in support of sustainable development. This new paradigm in science has directed many studies towards the development of concepts for the integration of various spatial information systems in the framework of interoperable infrastructures. Each infrastructure includes institutional arrangements, a legal framework, processes, standards, land information, management and dissemination systems, and technologies required to support allocation, land markets, valuation, control of use, and development of interests in land.

Many countries are in the process of developing Land Administration Systems (LAS). Databases of Land Information Systems (LIS), including cadastres, land registries, tax registries and land-use plans, are integrated to improve Land Information System functions and provide effective support for other systems and economic processes.

This article analyzes the LAS construction process in Poland with particular emphasis on the functionality of the infrastructure supporting the widely understood sustainable development of land, the economy and society. The presented solution may be an important model (template) for other national infrastructures.
Topography of Spoil Heaps and Its Role in Plant Succession and Soil Fauna Presence
Authors: Walmsley A. , Vachová Pavla , Vach M.
Published: April 2017

The spoil heaps from brown coal mining without technical reclamation are interesting specific sites for ecological relationships observation. This research was aimed at investigating whether topographic features, which determine soil nutrient and moisture distribution, in combination with soil fauna (wireworm and earthworm) presence, affect plant community composition at a spontaneously revegetated post mining area with an undulating surface. Two sites of different age with three types of topographic features were selected, soil moisture and nutrient contents were measured, and plant community composition and soil macrofauna community were sampled at each position. Wireworms were present at all positions and were most abundant at the bottoms of waves at the younger site; their presence was correlated with the presence of several plant species with high palatability for wireworms, but the direction of the interaction is not clear. Earthworms were only present at the older site and had the highest abundance at flat sections. Earthworm presence affected the amount of nitrogen in soil - the highest nitrogen content was at the site with the highest earthworm density and was followed by a higher diversity of plant community. The plant community composition was generally correlated with plant available nutrient content - especially P and N. We infer that topographic features affect nutrient and soil fauna distribution, which consequently influences the plant community composition.
Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, and Short Chain Fatty Acids of Vegetarians and Omnivores
Authors: Bunešová Věra , Joch M. , Musilová S. , Rada V.
Published: April 2017

The intestinal microbiota represents the largest and the most complex microbial community inhabiting the human body. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli represent important commensal bacteria with the ability to utilize complex carbohydrates. The main fermentation products from the breakdown of complex dietary carbohydrates are short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We examined faecal samples of vegetarians (n = 10) and conventional omnivores (n = 10) to evaluate the counts and occurrence of cultivable bacteria, especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, using cultivation on selective media, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight. Moreover, concentrations and molar proportion of SCFAs in faecal samples were measured. Total counts of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in vegetarian faecal samples, while others (total anaerobic bacteria, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Escherichia coli, and presumptive coliforms) were not. Neither total concentrations nor molar proportions of SCFAs in faecal samples differed (P > 0.05) between the diet groups. In total, six Bifidobacterium spp. and thirteen Lactobacillus spp. were detected via culture-dependent methods. Bifidobacteria counts and species composition in faecal samples of both groups were found to be relatively similar, regardless of the diet. Lactobacillus species varied more by individual diet.
Missing value imputation for gene expression data by tailored nearest neighbors
Authors: Faisal Shahla , Tutz Gerhard
Published: April 2017

High dimensional data like gene expression and RNA-sequences often contain missing values. The subsequent analysis and results based on these incomplete data can suffer strongly from the presence of these missing values. Several approaches to imputation of missing values in gene expression data have been developed but the task is difficult due to the high dimensionality (number of genes) of the data. Here an imputation procedure is proposed that uses weighted nearest neighbors. Instead of using nearest neighbors defined by a distance that includes all genes the distance is computed for genes that are apt to contribute to the accuracy of imputed values. The method aims at avoiding the curse of dimensionality, which typically occurs if local methods as nearest neighbors are applied in high dimensional settings. The proposed weighted nearest neighbors algorithm is compared to existing missing value imputation techniques like mean imputation, KNNimpute and the recently proposed imputation by random forests. We use RNA-sequence and microarray data from studies on human cancer to compare the performance of the methods. The results from simulations as well as real studies show that the weighted distance procedure can successfully handle missing values for high dimensional data structures where the number of predictors is larger than the number of samples. The method typically outperforms the considered competitors.