bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contamination of Detained Sediment in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
Authors: Allen Deonie , Haynes Heather , Arthur Scott
Published: May 2017

Adsorption is a key water pollution remediation measure used to achieve stormwater quality improvement in Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). The level of contamination of detained sediment within SuDS assets is not well documented, with published investigations limited to specific contaminant occurrence in ponds, wetlands or infiltration devices (bioretention cells) and generally focused on solute or suspended sediment. Guidance on contamination threshold levels and potential deposited sediment contamination information is not included in current UK SuDS design or maintenance guidance, primarily due to a lack of evidence and understanding. There is a need to understand possible deposited sediment contamination levels in SuDS, specifically in relation to sediment removal maintenance activities and potential impact on receiving waterways of conveyed sediment. Thus, the objective of the research presented herein was to identify what major elements and trace metals were observable in (the investigated) SuDS assets detained sediment, the concentration of these major elements and trace metals and whether they met/surpassed ecotoxicity or contaminated land thresholds. The research presented here provides evidence of investigated SuDS sediment major element and trace metal levels to help inform guidance and maintenance needs, and presents a new methodology to identify the general cause (anthropocentric land use) and extent of detained SuDS fine urban sediment contamination through use of a contamination matrix.
Shoreline Changes on the Wave-Influenced Senegal River Delta, West Africa: The Roles of Natural Processes and Human Interventions
Authors: Sadio Mamadou , Anthony Edward , Diaw Amadou , Dussouillez Philippe , Fleury Jules , Kane Alioune , Almar Rafael , Kestenare Elodie
Published: May 2017

The Senegal River delta in West Africa, one of the finest examples of “wave-influenced” deltas, is bounded by a spit periodically breached by waves, each breach then acting as a shifting mouth of the Senegal River. Using European Re-Analysis (ERA) hindcast wave data from 1984 to 2015 generated by the Wave Atmospheric Model (WAM) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), we calculated longshore sediment transport rates along the spit. We also analysed spit width, spit migration rates, and changes in the position and width of the river mouth from aerial photographs and satellite images between 1954 and 2015. In 2003, an artificial breach was cut through the spit to prevent river flooding of the historic city of St. Louis. Analysis of past spit growth rates and of the breaching length scale associated with maximum spit elongation, and a reported increase in the frequency of high flood water levels between 1994 and 2003, suggest, together, that an impending natural breach was likely to have occurred close to the time frame of the artificial 2003 breach. Following this breach, the new river mouth was widened rapidly by flood discharge evacuation, but stabilised to its usual hydraulic width of <2 km. In 2012, severe erosion of the residual spit downdrift of the mouth may have been due to a significant drop (~15%) in the longshore sand transport volume and to a lower sediment bypassing fraction across the river mouth. This wave erosion of the residual spit led to rapid exceptional widening of the mouth to ~5 km that has not been compensated by updrift spit elongation. This wider mouth may now be acting as a large depocentre for sand transported alongshore from updrift, and has contributed to an increase in the tidal influence affecting the lower delta. Wave erosion of the residual spit has led to the destruction of villages, tourist facilities and infrastructure. This erosion of the spit has also exposed part of the delta plain directly to waves, and reinforced the saline intrusion within the Senegal delta. Understanding the mechanisms and processes behind these changes is important in planning of future shoreline management and decision-making regarding the articulations between coastal protection offered by the wave-built spit and flooding of the lower delta plain of the Senegal River.
Beliefs about prescribed medication among older patients with polypharmacy: a mixed methods study in primary care
Authors: Clyne Barbara , Cooper Janine A , Boland Fiona , Hughes Carmel M , Fahey Tom , Smith Susan M
Published: May 2017

Background

Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) is common in older patients and is associated with adverse outcomes. Patients’ beliefs about medication can influence their expectations for medication, adherence, and willingness to deprescribe. Few studies have examined beliefs about prescribed medication among older patients with polypharmacy in primary care.

Aim

To explore medication-related beliefs in older patients with polypharmacy and factors that might influence beliefs.

Design and setting

A mixed methods study utilising data from a randomised controlled trial aiming to decrease potentially inappropriate prescribing in older patients (≥70 years) in Ireland.

Method

Beliefs were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Participants completed the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire by indicating their degree of agreement with individual statements about medicines on a 5-point Likert scale. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately and triangulated during the interpretation stage.

Results

In total, 196 patients were included (mean age 76.7 years, SD 4.9, 54% male), with a mean of 9.5 (SD 4.1) medications per patient. The majority (96.3%) believed strongly in the necessity of their medication, while 33.9% reported strong concerns. Qualitative data confirmed these coexisting positive and negative attitudes to medications and suggested the importance of patients’ trust in GPs in establishing positive beliefs and potential willingness to deprescribe.

Conclusion

Participants reported strong beliefs in medications with coexisting positive and negative attitudes. The doctor–patient relationship may have influenced beliefs and attitudes towards medicines, highlighting the importance of strong doctor–patient relationships, which need to be considered in the context of deprescribing.
Clinical relevance of thrombocytosis in primary care: a prospective cohort study of cancer incidence using English electronic medical records and cancer registry data
Authors: Bailey Sarah ER , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Shephard Elizabeth A , Hamilton Willie
Published: May 2017

Background

Thrombocytosis (raised platelet count) is an emerging risk marker of cancer, but the association has not been fully explored in a primary care context.

Aim

To examine the incidence of cancer in a cohort of patients with thrombocytosis, to determine how clinically useful this risk marker could be in predicting an underlying malignancy.

Design and setting

A prospective cohort study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink data from 2000 to 2013.

Method

The 1-year incidence of cancer was compared between two cohorts: 40 000 patients aged ≥40 years with a platelet count of >400 × 109/L (thrombocytosis) and 10 000 matched patients with a normal platelet count. Sub-analyses examined the risk with change in platelet count, sex, age, and different cancer sites.

Results

A total of 1098 out of 9435 males with thrombocytosis were diagnosed with cancer (11.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.0 to 12.3), compared with 106 of 2599 males without thrombocytosis (4.1%; 95% CI = 3.4 to 4.9). A total of 1355 out of 21 826 females with thrombocytosis developed cancer (6.2%; 95% CI = 5.9 to 6.5), compared with 119 of 5370 females without (2.2%; 95% CI = 1.8 to 2.6). The risk of cancer increased to 18.1% (95% CI = 15.9 to 20.5) for males and 10.1% (95% CI = 9.0 to 11.3) for females, when a second raised platelet count was recorded within 6 months. Lung and colorectal cancer were more commonly diagnosed with thrombocytosis. One-third of patients with thrombocytosis and lung or colorectal cancer had no other symptoms indicative of malignancy.

Conclusion

Thrombocytosis is a risk marker of cancer in adults; 11.6% and 6.2% cancer incidence in males and females, respectively, is worthy of further investigation for underlying malignancy. These figures well exceed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-mandated risk threshold of 3% risk to warrant referral for suspected cancer.
Les tombes néolithiques de Changis-sur-Marne Les Pétreaux (Seine-et-Marne) dans le contexte régional du Bassin parisien / The neolithic burials of Changis-sur-Marne Les Pétreaux (Seine-et-Marne) in their regional context in the Paris Basin
Authors: Pariat Jean-Gabriel , Maigrot Yolaine , Lafage Françoise
Published: May 2017

Un site de plaine alluviale de la basse vallée de la Marne a pu être suivi de façon exceptionnelle sur soixante-dix hectares entre 1995 et 2004 dans la carrière Cemex, qui exploite des granulats dans le double méandre d’Armentières en amont de Meaux. Cette fouille extensive préventive a révélé une multitude de traces d’occupations discontinues depuis le Ve millénaire av. J.-C. jusqu’au IVe siècle ap. J.-C. Parmi elles, dix tombes furent fouillées et attribuées au Néolithique moyen II. Ce type de vestige, encore rare dans la moitié nord de la France, fait ici l’objet d’une présentation détaillée suivie d’une synthèse replaçant le site de Changis dans le contexte du Néolithique moyen régional.
Note préliminaire sur le site protohistorique de Punta di Casteddu (Sartène, Corse-du-Sud) / The protohistoric site of Punta di Casteddu (Sartène, Southern Corsica): a preliminary note
Authors: Peche-Quilichini Kewin , Soula Florian , Châteauneuf Florent
Published: May 2017

The protohistoric site of Punta di Casteddu is located in south-western Corsica, in the Sartenais region. It was discovered some twenty years ago and has recently been reassessed as part of an archaeological fieldwalking survey carried out within the research project “ Cauria, the megalithic site of Stazzona – I Stantari” directed by André D’Anna. The site was occupied and used from the middle of the Late Bronze Age to the middle of the Early Iron Age, i. e. the pre-and protohistoric periods by far the best represented in this micro-region. The site contains evidence of domestic activity including one or two houses and several clusters of rock cavities or shelters. Among the latter, the western group appears to have been extensively used, as shown by large quantities of material recovered from the surface, especially pottery. This pottery is typologically and technologically typical of the Bronze Age-Iron Age transition in this part of the island that probably saw a significant level of demographic growth and a remarkable degree of cultural unity from the end of the 2 nd millennium BC onwards. As a working hypothesis we interpret most rock cavities as having had a funerary use, suggesting for the first time that cremation may have taken place there, introduced to the island from north-western Italy at the beginning of the Late Bronze Age if not earlier. This would partly explain the absence of funerary contexts in this phase of Corsican protohistory.
After collapse: Continuity and Disruption in the settlement by Kura-Araxes-linked pastoral groups at Arslantepe-Malatya (Turkey). New data
Authors: Frangipane Marcella
Published: May 2017

The paper presents the main results obtained in the recent excavation of the early 3rd millennium levels at Arslantepe-Malatya, which reveal substantial changes following the collapse of the Late Chalcolithic centralised system in connection with the establishment of new groups linked to the Kura-Araxes culture. The new data show that these early 3rd millennium settlements, besides marking a break with respect to the earlier Chalcolithic period and a radically new organisation, interestingly also show more elements of continuity than previously thought in the maintenance of a central role for Arslantepe in the Malatya region and in the continuation of some traditions such as those related to metallurgy. Rather than a momentary intrusion of pastoral communities of Transcaucasian origin, the new picture suggests the temporary appropriation of the site by mobile, probably transhumant groups moving in a wide area around the plain and already well-rooted in the region ; after the destruction of the 4th millennium palace, they used Arslantepe as their power centre and landmark, probably competing with the local rural population for the control of the site and the region.
An overview of Kura-Araxes funerary practices in the Southern Caucasus
Authors: Poulmarc'h Modwene , Pecqueur Laure , Jalilov Bakhtiyar
Published: May 2017

Malgré le grand nombre de fouilles menées sur des sites de la culture Kura-Araxe (3500-2400 av. J.-C.) dans le Sud Caucase depuis 1940, aucune synthèse n’a été réalisée sur les pratiques funéraires des populations. Cet article présente donc un essai de synthèse en intégrant les données des fouilles anciennes et récentes avec un nouveau regard, celui de l’archéothanatologie. Sur l’ensemble du Sud Caucase, 111 sites où la présence de sépultures est attestée ont été recensés. Les sépultures ont pu être réparties en six catégories : les cistes, les tombes construites de formes variables, les tombes en fer à cheval, les tombes en fosse sans signalement, les tombes signalées en surface par des petits amas de pierres et les kourganes. Des cartes de répartition des sites ont été établies en fonction des différents types de tombes identifiés et des modes de dépôt des défunts. Les méthodes de l’archéothanatologie ont permis de mieux appréhender les modes de dépôt et de mettre en évidence des gestes insoupçonnés.
Adsorption characteristics of Er3N@C80on W(110) and Au(111) studied via scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy
Authors: Schimmel Sebastian , Sun Zhixiang , Baumann Danny , Krylov Denis , Samoylova Nataliya , Popov Alexey , Büchner Bernd , Hess Christian
Published: May 2017

We performed a study on the fundamental adsorption characteristics of Er3N@C80 deposited on W(110) and Au(111) via room temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Adsorbed on W(110), a comparatively strong bond to the endohedral fullerenes inhibited the formation of ordered monolayer islands. In contrast, the Au(111)-surface provides a sufficiently high mobility for the molecules to arrange in monolayer islands after annealing. Interestingly, the fullerenes modify the herringbone reconstruction indicating that the molecule–substrate interaction is of considerable extent. Investigations concerning the electronic structure of Er3N@C80/Au(111) reveals spatial variations dependent on the termination of the Au(111) at the interface.
LNG Terminal Development Facilities in Latvia Basing
on the Experience of Other States
Authors: Rijkure Astrida
Published: May 2017

Liquefaction of natural gas provides great opportunities for its trade and transportation, making it cost-effective
and accessible to places where installing pipelines is impossible or economically unjustified. Liquefied natural gas
also opens opportunities for market diversification, if the region is tied to one supplier, as it is in Latvia, with potential
positive effects on both the market price and the region's energy security. In view of the growing LNG trade and transport
industry, the article studies the possibility to import natural gas in liquefied form. Neither Latvia or Estonia has largescale
facilities to import natural gas in liquefied form. The only natural gas sources are natural gas imported from Russia
through piping. Latvia and Estonia can import and store liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is the drained by-product
of natural gas extraction and liquefaction process, ethane and butane. Lithuania has the only LNG import terminal in
the Baltic countries. The aim of the study is to understand the feasibility and validity of constructing a LNG terminal in
Latvian territory based on the Lithuanian experience
Online Grocery Shopping: a Boom, Hype, or Black Ice?
Authors: Bongard Stefan
Published: May 2017

Buying groceries online is no longer a novel phenomenon: recent studies (2016) show that in Germany, approximately 30 percent of potential buyers have already purchased groceries online. Together with the latest grocery shopping services from the online giant Amazon (e.g. Amazon Fresh and Amazon go), this growing sector of online food and drink retail comprises an attractive field for economic research. General research objectives in this field investigate sustainable business models, planning of logistics structures, and changes in buyer behaviour. The purpose of this present study was to analyze buyer behavior in the field of online food retail based on a process design derived from principles of Quality Management. A convenience sample of 822 valid data records was collected from November– December 2016 using a sophisticated online survey tool. The data set contains responses from 256 individuals who had already bought groceries online, while the rest of the respondents had not previously purchased groceries online. The study strongly underscores the great potential of online retail grocery industry, while also detailing the potential risks associated with this business model, such as low profit margins and packaging issues.
Classifying Residential Real Estate Based on Their Exposure to Crime: a Research Agenda
Authors: Marques Sara C. R. , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė Ieva
Published: May 2017

Criminality and sense of security in residential areas are always present in the mind of citizens, and directly affect the work of police authorities, real estate agents and society at large. This study proposes the development of a multiple criteria model for the classification of residential areas based on their exposure to crime. By combining cognitive mapping with the Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH), we also aim to increase transparency in the classification process of residential real estate, allowing improvement initiatives to be applied and crime rates to be reduced. The major difference between our proposal and the extant literature is the fact that the information collected from criminal, urbanism and real estate experts, who deal with crime adversities on a daily basis, will be analyzed and discussed during presential group meetings, allowing realism to be incorporated into the evaluation mechanism. The current proposal is a research agenda, and results will not yet be presented.
If Clustering Impacts Energy Security:
Case of Service Sector in Selected Countries
Authors: Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: May 2017

In the presented paper specific aspects of clusters’ role in energy security enhancement are being discussed.
An assumption of role of clusters as driving force of smart growth with respective effect on service sector development
is being raised and discussed. It is claimed, that smart growth will contribute to expansion of service sector; i.e. will
accelerate the processes observed now. The analitical part of the paper is devoted to long range forecasting (until year
2050) of energy intensity of service sector in selected countries of different development. The aim of such forecasting
is to reveal if energy intensities in service sector will diminish and converge as result of innovative processes affected
by clustering of stakeholders, wich are business companies, universities, state and society. We claim that clustering of
listed stakeholders through technology and consumption culture transfer affect energy intensity change trends in service
sector and push it down. We argue that interrelationships among clusters, smart growth and energy security (through
diminishing energy intensity in service sectors of differently developed countries) could be traced. We assume that
indicated interrelationship does not depend on level of countries’ development; anyway less developed European countries
benefit mire from clustering phenomenon.
CBME 2017 Gender Equalities on the Czech Labor Market in Comparison with EU
Authors: Legnerova Katerina
Published: May 2017

The paper deals with the equality of women and men in the labor market in the Czech Republic compared with the European Union in connection with the strategy for the period 2010–2015. The aim of the research was based on analysis of available statistical data to describe and assess the evolution of the situation in this area in the last five years, assess the benefits of the Strategy and to assess the achievement of the objectives that the European Commission has identified. Data is processed and analysed from the perspective of the whole of the European Union, with a focus on the Czech Republic. Based on the analysis of available statistical data, and through selected indicators described the current situation in selected areas of the issue of the achievement of the equality between women and men in the Czech labor market. The obtained data are compared to the data from 2009 and by the method of induction is evaluated the achievement of the rate of equality between women and men in the labor market and also the contribution and the rate of implementation of the strategy, the primary objective is mentioned in all areas to achieve this equality.
Creative Industries in the Context of Globalization: Development Processes and Strategic Solutions
Authors: Kontrimienė Valerija , Melnikas Borisas
Published: May 2017

The object of this paper is related to the sector of creative industries and its development under conditions of globalization. The article analyses a concept of the creative industries thus emphasizing the importance of the sector in the contemporary society and economic development. Particular attention is shifted on the growth of exports and imports of creative industries considering the current challenges of globalization. The main aim of the research is to mark the role and the place of the sector of creative industries in the economy of the modern world, including the tendencies indicating changes in the export and imports of the products created in this sector. The methods of comparative and structural analyses of exports and imports of creative industries have been applied for the research presented in this paper. The research also reveals the impact of the development of the sector of creative industries on employment and economic growth in general, reflecting a need for elaboration of specific strategic solutions in the field of creative industries. The interferences presented in this paper prove that research on the development processes of the creative industry sector, particularly in the context of globalization challenges, is a highly promising trend of scientific knowledge and further research.
The Born-Global Phenomenon in Creative Industries: the Case of Lithuanian Animation Industry
Authors: Mitkus Tomas , Maditinos Dimitrios I.
Published: May 2017

The born-global phenomenon has been studied for over a two decades, but theory and practice are still evolving, therefore understanding how the phenomenon operates in different countries and industries is crucial. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the born-global phenomenon in context of creative industries. A literature review was conducted in order to identify the nature of creative profile enterprises and international process characteristics in creative industries. Authors conducted a quantitative questionnaire with seventeen enterprises from Lithuanian animation industry. Drawing from empirical evidence, it was found that the born-globals perceive internationalization primary as a means to increase the scope of creative projects, and only then as a way to increase income. Findings as well have shown that most of Lithuanian animation studios are born-global as they started international operations within three years from enterprises’ establishment.
Consumption of Renewable Energy and Economic Growth
Authors: Šimelytė Agnė , Dudzevičiūtė Gitana
Published: May 2017

The significance of renewable energy is highly recognized all over the world. However, the impact of consuming renewable energy on the economy is very often disputable and contravercial. The paper explores links between consumption of renewable energy, economic growth, trade, capital and labour. The study covers 28 European Union countries for the period from 1990 to 2012. Energy has been considered as one of production factors, which has a great impact on output. Thus, the neo-classical Cobb-Douglas function has been employed to reach the aim of the article. Following the relevant state-of-art, economic growth, consumption of renewable energy, trade, capital and labour are considered as separate factors. The analysis indicates that consumption of renewable energy boots economy in 12 countries out of 28. The neutrality hypothesis has been confirmed in 2 countries, while the conservation hypothesis has been proved in 6 cases. The weakest links between the consumption of renewable energy and other factors has been noticed in Luxembourgh’s case.
Sustainable Development of Rural Communities in Poland – an Attempt to Apply Genetic Algorithms and Expert Systems in Decision Making Process
Authors: Bułat Radosław , Popławski Łukasz
Published: May 2017

All scientific projects have the need of operating on large matrices of data. This article has the aim to establish if there is a correct and useful scientific method of data management by utilizing genetic computations and/or artificial intelligence expert systems in the sustainable development of selected rural areas in Poland, using a cross-field project of economic development and IT. It discusses the methods of preparing of the data from their most basic form, data manipulation, database operations in the form of genetic operators, custom scripting and working algorithms, getting the answers from the multi-criterion analysis. There are also further case studies, achievable with the methodology, as a successful example of the right set of methodologically correct tools. Also a consideration if there is a potential for its possible usage on economic and social analysis in the aspect of sustainable development.
Analysis of Economic and Environmental Welfare in the Context of
Circular Economy
Authors: Stankevičienė Jelena , Nikanorova Marta
Published: May 2017

The concept of circular economy is alternative to linear economy, which places sustainability in the center of
the interest. The circular economy focuses on environmental, resource efficiency, “no waste” approach, social factors
and promotes the co-existing of healthy economy together with environmental health. The purpose of the article is to
propose a concept of economic and environmental welfare in the context of circular economy, apply and provide
empirical evidence based on economic data of Baltic Sea Region countries. The article includes the observation of
environmental aspect and resource efficiency in Baltic Sea Region including green energy, renewable resources, waste
management, economic indicators, as well as literature analysis and quantitative analysis. A multi-criteria decision
analysis method TOPSIS was used to compare the set of indicators by identifying weights for each criterion. TOPSIS
is quite useful method to rank and make selection of a number of indicators. By the result, the Baltic Sea Region
countries are scored by the economic and environmental welfare in the context of circular economy.
Research on Impact of Listed Companies Sustainable Development on
Company’s Value
Authors: Lapinskaite Indre , Miecinskiene Algita , Michejeva Ausra
Published: May 2017

In the paper, based on theoretical sources and empirical research data analysis, was studied sustainable development and its impact on the value created of listed companies. It is likely that the companies involved in sustainable development will increase the company's value by improving operating efficiency, competing in both Lithuanian and international markets and contributing to improving people’s quality of life. Main purpose of this paper is to evaluate what impact sustainable development has to the value of listed companies. Thesis theoretical part analyses listed companies’ sustainable development impact for enterprises value theoretic aspects, investigates sustainable development and value-creating relations. According to analysis results, hypotheses were raised. Methodological paper part analyses EVA, company value and EBITDA ratio, market capitalization and ROE rate theoretical aspects. The practical part of this paper evaluates sustainable development companies which are in listed NASDAQ OMX BALTIC stock exchange and joined UN Global Compact organization. Analysis covers what impact sustainable development has to the value of listed companies in 2011-2015 period. The results are interpreted, summarized and conclusions with recommendations are presented.
Theoretical Approach to Taxpayers’ Segmentation
Authors: Stankevicius Evaldas , Kundeliene Kristina
Published: May 2017

Current taxpayers’ segmentation is relatively limited and static. The existing segmentation problem, which is
related to the taxpayers ‘behaviour, requires modern segmentation-analysis methods and models, which would evaluate
the change of economic and psychographic taxpayers‘indicators. Purpose of the study: to provide conceptual taxpayers’
segmentation model, which allows to classify and analyse them according to the taxpayers’ behaviour and known legal
facts. Research is based on analytical approach, there were invoked a systemic, logical and comparative analysis of
scientific literature. Findings: the knowledge about the specific behaviour of the taxpayers‘ segment groups (tax compliance/
enforced tax obligations) would enable us to determine the main impacting factors. Better comprehension of the
taxpayers‘ and their executives (decision-makers) behaviour would allow to enhance administrative institutions' abilities
in analytics and to determine the unknown yet connections and phenomenons between separate taxpayers in the context
of effectual law basis. Clearer taxpayers‘ identification by segment groups and behaviour risk factors, which are specific
to separate groups, will enable faster determination of outliers as well as newly forming potential risks. Dynamic changes
between separate groups or in them will form preconditions for timely implemention of taxpayers‘ monitoring and
control tools for reaching a positive change in the behaviour of taxpayers.
Performance Evaluation of Stock Markets
Authors: Kvietkauskienė Alina , Martinkutė-Kaulienė Raimonda
Published: May 2017

The authors concentrate their attention on the performance evaluation of stock markets. The markets evaluation
and selection is the important part of investment decision making. In order to develop a conceptual framework for
investment decisions in financial markets, it is important to establish a logical model for market selection. The main
purpose of the article – to propose the scheme of stock market evaluation and selection for investment portfolio formation.
The authors propose the scheme, according to that, it is possible to analyse the issue of the market value and to
select markets that may potentially generate a sustainable investment return for investor, taking into account that sustainable
investment return is the stable investment return for a long period. According to the analysis of selected stock
markets and their evaluation using three-dimension utility function, the authors identified the most stable markets to
investors for investment portfolio formation.
Contemporary Role of SMEs in Employment in Manufacturing
and Service Industries
Authors: Mavlutova Inese , Lesinskis Kristaps , Olevskis Grigorijs
Published: May 2017

Analysis made in the article allows to conclude that the SME sector of high-tech manufacturing industries
plays growing role in solving the problems of employment in developed countries. However, the major problem is that
it is capable for only partial compensation of the loss of jobs in labour intensive sectors of the economy. Accumulation
of knowledge of the population in industrialized countries together with high levels of computer literacy contributes to
the revitalization of business services sellers that are mainly small sized businesses. In the era of fast growing technology
industries, in particular related to IT sector, the role of SMEs in economy is increasing as they are main players in start
-up communities and IT industries in general. Thus they can growingly contribute to the employment and labour market.
The authors proceed from the assumption that service sector, and business services in particular, to a certain extent are
capable of absorbing of workforce. This article argues that employment in the service sector in the developed economies
is still largely focused on traditional sectors of activity. The purpose of the paper is to investigate latest trends of SMEs
role in employment in the developed countries and the role of service sector in stabilizing labour market. Theoretical
approaches, statistical data and policy analysis are used to research contemporary labour market trends. Knowledge -
intensive services that are important from the point of view of economic dynamics, only start to concur positions in the
developed countries.
Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions Factors in Joining
the European Union Countries
Authors: Burksaitiene Daiva , Garskaite-Milvydiene Kristina
Published: May 2017

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are increasingly being used in the business world, and this process plays
an important role in economic theory and lays the foundations for sustainable business development. The global recovery
in foreign direct investment (FDI) was strong in 2015, with global FDI flows jumping by 38%, their highest
level since the global economic and financial crisis of 2008–2009. A surge in cross-border M&As to $721 billion,
from $432 billion in 2014, was the principal factor behind the global rebound. These M&As were partly driven by
very large corporate reconfigurations by multinational enterprises (MNEs), i.e. changes in legal or ownership structures,
including shifting their headquarters for strategic reasons and tax inversions. This paper examines the key
M&As stimulating strategic objectives and causes, and ways of this process, as well as the cross-border M&As market
activity. The objective of this paper is to identify ways, purposes and reasons of M&As transactions, and to present the
factors influencing this process and market activity. The object of this research is the M&As transactions market. Research
methodology of this paper is based on scientific literature and statistical information systematic, comparative,
logical and econometric analysis.
Solution Modeling in System Coordination of Objectives and
Resourcing Linear Business Processes
Authors: Kanev Valeriy
Published: May 2017

The paper deals with the analytical approach to reaching compromises in coordinating objectives and resourcing
business processes, algorithms and software for generating strategies – compromises for situational analysis. Unlike
traditional schemes it is suggested using a vector-mode display to analytically manage both resources in a risk-tolerant
way and signaling event occurrence dates in a technologically practicable schedule of a net model. Model-methodical
support of linear business processes realization programs can be used for the algorithmic control of objectives coordination
and resourcing when controlling program realization of linear engineering, e.g. highway and oil-and-gas pipeline
engineering, railway and power lines engineering, etc., i.e. engineering of technologically one-type objects linearly
allocated in space. The experimental calculations based on actual construction programs confirmed the model construction
adequacy, practical usefulness of the modeling results and modeling solutions in the system coordination of objectives
and resourcing linear business processes.
The Influence of Sensory Marketing: a Study of Atmospheric Factors
and Consumer Response
Authors: Sliburytė Laimona , Le Ny Jérémy
Published: May 2017

This paper focuses on the sensory marketing that wants to be a marketing tool which influences the mood
and consumer behavior. The consumer is not looking only for buying a product or a service alone, but he is seeking an
emotional and unique experience around what he buys. In line with previous studies, our survey study reveals how
consumers evaluated the atmosphere of restaurants through the cognitive and emotional reactions. A synergy makes
the internal response (cognitive and/or emotional) of the customer-facing the stimuli of the atmosphere, superposition
of the four senses (sound, sight, touch, smell). According to our survey results, this research highlights the importance
of recognizing that the stimuli of the atmosphere of the point of sales influence to emotional (feel more pleasure) and
cognitive (perceive a better quality) responses of the customer through the experience of the sensory marketing.
Municipal Thematical and Territorial Indicator Systems for Sustainable
Socio-Ecological Coastal Governance
Authors: Kaulins Janis , Ernsteins Raimonds , Kudrenickis Ivars , Lontone Anita , Zilniece Ilga
Published: May 2017

There are recognized in Latvia the lack of locally based coastal socio-ecological research knowledge and its
interpretation into municipal safety and development planning from one side as well as also only land-side oriented and separate
sectorial development interests based coastal municipalities’ governance/planning practice from other side. Coastal governance
practice development problems solution at the local level are to be seen at both ends of governance cycle – coastal situation
evaluation (e.g. science) and policy design and implementation. Overall objective is to create, apply/test and use applicable
interface system for integrated coastal science transfer into integrated coastal management (ICM), and so altogether developing
whole and flexible integrated coastal governance (ICG) cycle, esp. at the local municipal level, but also coping with vertical
integration with other national and international governance levels, as well as horizontal integration with other municipal
development sectors.
ICG complex interface system has been started to develop step-wise during realization of various research and development
projects and particularly by designing and testing both complementary thematical and territorial approaches based municipal
indicator systems (IS). Approaches were applied as different cross-sectorial municipal IS (coastal, climate change governance,
coastal risk etc.) and, interrelatedly, eventual whole municipal development IS. There was designed and implemented Sustainable
development governance IS proposal for Saulkrasti municipality, being used now for supervision of mandatory municipal long
term planning document – Sustainable Development Strategy. Further proposals for coastal indicators observatory system for sealand
border area administrative territories has to be developed, respecting all types of coastal components as for highly specific
socio-ecological systems in the Baltic Sea region area.
ORO PARUOŠIMO ĮRENGINIO SU DVIEM PRIEŠPRIEŠINIŲ SRAUTŲ ŠILUMOGRĄŽIAIS EFEKTYVUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Berneckaitė Gerda , Martinaitis Vytautas
Published: May 2017

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas oro paruošimo įrenginys (OPĮ), su dviem priešpriešinių srautų šilumogrąžiais (PSŠ), esantis Vil-niaus Gedimino technikos universiteto (VGTU) 8 aukšte Pastato energetinių ir mikroklimato sistemų (PEMS) laboratorijos patalpose. Tyrimo metu buvo išmatuotos efektyvumui nustatyti reikalingos į PSŠ įtekančio bei ištekančio oro temperatūros bei tiekiamo ir šalinamo oro srautai. Eksperimento metu išmatuoti duomenys buvo naudojami nustatant PSŠ1, PSŠ2 bei bendrą abiejų šilumokaičių temperatūros efektyvumą PSŠ. Priklausomai nuo į pirmąjį PSŠ įtekančios oro temperatūros (t1) sudarytas temperatūros efektyvumo kitimo grafikas. Įvertinus išmatuotas t1 temperatūros trukmes, sudaryta kumuliacinė kreivė bei PSŠ efektyvumo kitimo nuo t1 temperatūrų trukmės grafikas. Gauti duomenys parodė, jog PSŠ1 (85,8 – 94,4 %) temperatūrinis efektyvumas viso tyrimo metu buvo didesnis už PSŠ2 (73,7 – 86,0 %). Bendras abiejų šilumogrąžių efektyvumas kito nuo 93,8 iki 97,8 %.
MAŽAENERGIO PASTATO ŠILUMOS POREIKIŲ PROGNOZIŲ NEAPIBRĖŽTUMO VEIKSNIŲ NUSTATYMAS
Authors: Dauskurdas Tomas , Januševičius Karolis , Valančius Kęstutis
Published: May 2017

Vykdant vieną iš strateginių Europos Sąjungos (ES) tikslų sumažinti anglies dvideginio emisijas, šalys narės įsipareigojo nuo 2020 metų statyti nulinės energijos pastatus. Nuolat augant vis daugiau energijos taupančių pastatų skaičiui Lietuvoje ir kitose ES narėse susiduriama su problema, kad faktinės energijos sąnaudos patalpoms šildyti ir vėdinti neatitinka projekti-nių. Pastebima žymi sąnaudų neatitiktis, siekianti 2 ir daugiau kartų. Pateiktame tyrime atliekama parametrinė jautrumo analizė, nustatomas įvesties duomenų jautrumo indeksas, pasitelkiant Monte-Karlo metodą pateikiama tikimybinė energijos sąnaudų prognozė. Apskaičiuoti duomenys yra lyginami su faktinėmis, normalizuotomis pastato energijos sąnaudomis. Skaičiavimo procedūros atliekamos LST EN 13790 standarto metodikos pagrindu. Nustatyti didžiausią poveikį neatitikčiai turintys parametrai. Atlikti skaičiavimai leidžia konstatuoti, faktinės energijos sąnaudos yra iki 2,7 karto didesnės nei prog-nozuota. Esant nepalankiausiam rodiklių rinkiniui energijos sąnaudų prognozė nesiekia faktinio suvartojimo.
ORGANINIŲ MEDŽIAGŲ ŠALINIMAS IŠ VANDENS NAUDOJANT GELEŽIES PRISOTINTAS PAPLAVAS
Authors: Karaliūnas Karolis , Albrektienė Ramunė
Published: May 2017

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama, ar galima sumažinti organinių medžiagų koncentraciją tiriamajame vandenyje įterpus į tiriamąjį van-denį geležies (III) hidroksido prisotintas paplavas. Rusvos spalvos trivalentės geležies (III) hidroksido prisotintos paplavos gaunamas oksiduojant dvivalentę geležį – toks procesas taikomas vandenvietėse, vandens gerinimo įrenginiuose, šalinant ge-ležies junginius iš požeminio vandens. Tiriamasis vanduo tyrimui atlikti buvo paimtas iš Neries upės. Nuspręsta naudoti Neries upės vandenį, nes jame didelė organinių medžiagų koncentracija. Geležies (III) hidroksido prisotintos supresuotos pap-lavos paimtos iš Antavilių vandens gerinimo įrenginių po presavimo. Atlikus eksperimentą buvo nustatyta, kokia organinių medžiagų, turinčių skirtingas organinių medžiagų koncentracijas, dalis yra pašalinama iš tiriamojo vandens, įterpus skirtingą supresuotų ir išdžiovintų geležies paplavų ir sieros rūgšties kiekį. Efektyviausia koagulianto dozė, kai permanganato indek-sas yra nuo 10,99 mgO2/l iki 5,57 mgO2/l, spalva – nuo 56,76 mg/l Pt iki 30 mg/l Pt pagal tyrimo rezultatus yra 0,3 g/l gele-žies nuosėdų su 8 ml 0,95 H2SO4 tirpalu ir 0,5 g/l geležies nuosėdų su 8 ml 0,95 % H2SO4 tirpalu. Šie koagulianto kiekiai sėkmingai pašalina organines medžiagas iš vandens iki HN 24:2003 „Geriamojo vandens saugos ir kokybės reikalavimai“ normos.
PASTATO DINAMINIO ENERGINIO MODELIAVIMO ĮRANKIŲ
LYGINAMOJI ANALIZĖ
Authors: Pajaujis Vytautas , Motuzienė Violeta
Published: May 2017

Straipsnyje analizuojami pastato dinaminio energinio modeliavimo įrankiai. Praktika rodo, kad realaus eksploatuojamo pastato energijos poreikiai neatitinka modeliavimo metu gautų prognozinių pastato energinių poreikių. Pastato hipotetinio modelio sukūrimui naudojamos DesignBuilder ir IES-VE modeliavimo priemonės, taip pat palyginama, kaip jos modeliuoja pastatą ir pastato energijos poreikius. Įrankiuose palyginamos modeliavimo metu gaunamos pastato šildymo, vėsinimo galios, energijos sąnaudos pastatui šildyti bei vėsinti. Atlikus pastato dinaminį energinį modeliavimą gauta, kad tarp dviejomis priemonėmis gaunamų rezultatų susidaro paklaidos, kurios vėdinimo sąnaudoms neviršija 10 %, vėsinimo sąnaudoms neviršija – 9 %, o šildymo sąnaudoms sudaro 4 %.
DAUGIABUČIŲ NAMŲ KVARTALO APRŪPINIMO ŠILUMA ALTERNATYVŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Stasiulionis Tomas , Biekša Darius
Published: May 2017

Mažai energijos vartojančiuose pastatuose keičiasi įprastas šilumos energijos balansas – mažėja šilumos dalis patalpoms šildyti ir didėja šilumos poreikis karštam vandeniui ruošti. Norint parinkti šilumos šaltinių galias, reikia atlikti šilumos poreikių analizę ir nustatyti įrangos darbo grafikus. Šiame darbe nagrinėjamos mažai energijos vartojančių daugiabučių namų kvartalo aprūpinimo šiluma alternatyvos. Nustatomas kvartalo šilumos poreikis, parenkami elektrinių katilų, centralizuoto šilumos tiekimo, dujinių katilų, šilumos siurblių, granulinių katilų, kogeneracinių katilų ir jų kombinacijų su saulės kolektoriais įrangos galingumai bei akumuliacinių talpų tūriai, taip pat sudaromi šios įrangos veikimo grafikai. Modeliavimas atliekamas DesignBuilder ir EnergyPRO programomis.
IŠLYGINAMOSIOS TALPOS ĮTAKA PAUKŠČIŲ SKERDYKLOS NUOTEKŲ KOAGULIACIJOS / FLOKULIACIJOS PROCESUI
Authors: Vaičiūtė Gintarė , Kirjanova Ala
Published: May 2017

Paukščių skerdyklų nuotekų, kaip ir daugumos gamybinių nuotekų, sudėtis ir srautas per parą labai netolygūs, dėl šios priežasties prieš flotatorius paprastai įrengiamos išlyginamosios talpos. Pasak įmonės „EKOTON“ specialistų, rekomenduojama nuotekų išbuvimo išlyginamosiose talpose, kur jos nuolat maišomos maišykle, trukmė – 2–4 valandos. Tačiau realiai pasitaiko atvejų, kai į flotatorių tiekiamos nuotekos, neišbuvusios išlyginamojoje talpoje net minimalaus rekomenduojamo laiko, dėl to pastebimai suprastėja nuotekų išvalymo efektyvumas flotatoriuje. Eksperimentų metu tam tikrais laiko intervalais imti nuotekų mėginiai iš dviejų reaktorių, imituojančių maišomą ir aeruojamą išlyginamąsias talpas. Mėginiai buvo koaguliuojami / flokuliuojami, taip imituojant pirmąjį flotacijos proceso etapą, ir po to analizuojami pagal ChDS, BDS7, NH4-N, NO2-N, NO3-N ir PO4-P koncentracijas. Organinių medžiagų koncentracijos po koaguliacijos / flokuliacijos mažėjo ilgėjant nuotekų išbuvimo reaktoriuose trukmei: po pirmos valandos ChDS koncentracija abiejuose reaktoriuose sumažėjo 75 %, o po 8 valandų pradinė ChDS koncentracija maišomame reaktoriuje sumažėjo 83 %, aeruojamame – 88 %. Azoto ir fosforo junginių atveju išbuvimo trukmė reaktoriuje ir reaktoriaus tipas neturėjo įtakos šių junginių koaguliacijos / flokuliacijos efektyvumui.
Global Crustal Dynamics of Magnetars in Relation to Their Bright X-Ray Outbursts
Authors: Thompson Christopher , Yang Huan , Ortiz Néstor
Published: May 2017

This paper considers the yielding response of a neutron star crust to smooth, unbalanced Maxwell stresses imposed at the core–crust boundary, and the coupling of the dynamic crust to the external magnetic field. Stress buildup and yielding in a magnetar crust are global phenomena: an elastic distortion radiating from one plastically deforming zone is shown to dramatically increase the creep rate in distant zones. Runaway creep to dynamical rates is shown to be possible, being enhanced by in situ heating and suppressed by thermal conduction and shearing of an embedded magnetic field. A global and time-dependent model of elastic, plastic, magnetic, and thermal evolution is developed. Fault-like structures develop naturally, and a range of outburst timescales is observed. Transient events with time profiles similar to giant magnetar flares (millisecond rise, ∼0.1 s duration, and decaying power-law tails) result from runaway creep that starts in localized sub-kilometer-sized patches and spreads across the crust. A one-dimensional model of stress relaxation in the vertically stratified crust shows that a modest increase in applied stress allows embedded magnetic shear to escape the star over ∼3–10 ms, dissipating greater energy if the exterior field is already sheared. Several such zones coupled to each other naturally yield a burst of duration ∼0.1 s, as is observed over a wide range of burst energies. The collective interaction of many plastic zones forces an overstability of global elastic modes of the crust, consistent with quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) activity extending over ∼100 s. Giant flares probably involve sudden meltdown in localized zones, with high-frequency (≫100 Hz) QPOs corresponding to standing Alfvén waves within these zones.