bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems in Teaching Physics at Technical Universities
Authors: Banik Ivan , Lukovičová Jozefa , Pavlendová Gabriela , Podoba Rudolf
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with the problem of decreasing level of knowledge of university students due to the changes of the school system in Slovakia. As the commonly repeated words connected with education in 21st.century are key competencies, we tried to look at the problems and challenges in teaching physics from this point of view. The role of classical experiments in our computerized world is also discussed.
Non Contact Vibration Measurements on Parabolic Surface Antenna
Authors: Simoiu Dorin , Bereteu Liviu
Published: May 2018

In this paper it is present a non contact method for 3D measurements on parabolic surface antenna. In order to obtain modal parameters and modal shapes of a parabolic surface antenna a Microflown USP (Ultimate Sound Probe) is used. Microflown sensors are close to antenna and can be used for the non contact measurement of the normal component of the structural velocity.
Distribution Of Two Invasive Goldenrod Species Solidago Canadensis And S. Gigantea In Lithuania
Authors: Karpavičienė Birutė , Radušienė Jolita , Viltrakytė Julija
Published: May 2018

Two North American goldenrods, Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea, are listed among invasive species posing the greatest threat to species and ecosystems in Europe. Distribution of non-native goldenrods in Lithuania was studied during field trips conducted in 2012–2015 with additional usage of herbarium data. To date, S. canadensis occurs frequently, especially in the eastern part of the country, being the most abundant in Vilnius city, Tauragė district, Vilnius district and Pagėgiai municipalities. S. gigantea occurs frequently in the southern part of the country with the highest abundance in Kazlų Rūda municipality. A total area invaded by S. canadensis amounts to 1702 ha, and by S. gigantea – 411.5 ha. Both species occur mostly in abandoned fields and on roadsides, in communities of ruderal plants of the class Artemisietea vulgaris. The current distribution of S. canadensis and S. gigantea in Lithuania and their competitive potential suggest that these two species are likely to become more common and abundant in the future.
Structural Modelling and Deceleration Algorithm for a Follow Aircraft on Performance-Based Navigation Airway Based on Multi-Agent Technique
Authors: Zhaohui Ming , Ming Zhang , Xinmin Tang , Song-Chen Han
Published: May 2018

Considering the operation characteristics of the high-speed PBN airway, we propose an aircraft agent structural model and a basic algorithm flow of decision-making by Multi-agent technique. According to the constraint of safe separation and speed with the aircrafts, making use of the car-following theory, the deceleration constraint model is built for a flight management system. When the front aircraft decelerates, the model can offer a speed adjustment proposal for the following aircraft. The model is built based on the minimal safe separation and speed interval constraint; each variable, influencing the deceleration of the following aircraft can be analyzed. Simulation analysis is carried out for different combinations of aircraft types, initial speed, safe separation and deceleration. The follow aircraft deceleration was calculated under different conditions and the results coincided with reality. It is proved that the model can provide safe separation between the two aircrafts.
Joint Resource Allocation Scheme for Device-To-Device Communication under a Cellular Network
Authors: Feng Chenwei , Chen Pingbo , Zhang Zewang
Published: May 2018

Device-To-Device (D2D) communication is a new technology that allows the mobile terminals to directly communicate with each other by sharing the resources of the cellular network under the control of a cellular system. D2D communication was introduced into the cellular network in order to improve the efficiency of resource utilization and increase the system throughput. However, there exist interferences between D2D links and cellular links due to the resource reuse. In order to efficiently limit the cases of interference, a joint resource allocation scheme for D2D communication under a cellular network is proposed. The scheme, based on the user’s Quality of Service (QoS), defines a new utility function to balance the increasing system throughput and the interference in the cellular users D2D communication. The optimal D2D transmitting power is obtained through optimizing the utility function by using the convex optimization theory. The simulation shows that the scheme can fulfill the user’s QoS requirements efficiently, improve the system throughput and the reliability of the resources as well.
Granular Computing Based Ontology Learning Model and Its Applications
Authors: Yan Hongcan , Zhang Feng , Liu Baoxiang
Published: May 2018

The cores of granular computing are the granule, the granule layer and the granule structure. In this paper the concepts “Ontology granule” and “Compatible granule” were defined, applying the granular computing ideas and an ontology model, an Ontology granular set; and thus ontology tree generation algorithms were proposed. These algorithms produce an initial ontology granular set with a compatible class, and extend the other ontology granules by the vector of intension IG, building a lattice hierarchy and a conception tree model of ontology with the vector of relation RG. The empirical research of the traditional Chinese medicine ontology shows that these algorithms are correct and efficient, and provide a good technical way for ontology learning.
An Heuristic Order Promising Method Based on Short-Term Production Capacity Balancing Planning
Authors: Lv Z. , Li T. , Zhang J.
Published: May 2018

In the MTO (Make-To-Order) and MTS (Make-To-Stock) mixed production environment, it is important to make an accurate delivery promise on the ordering stage because the customer’s demand with unmatched production capacity is not always satisfied. A quick order promising method for an iron and steel enterprise, based on short-term production capacity balancing planning is proposed in this paper. With the help of this method, ATP (Available-To-Promise) concept is extended to RATP (Resource-Available-To-Promise) and DTP (Delivery-To-Promise) is given while making the resource promise. A heuristic method is developed to match the available resources with the order demand and the actual data testing results have shown that the method proposed can meet the demand of online order promising in a relatively short time.
Low Complexity H.265/HEVC Coding Unit Size Decision for a Videoconferencing System
Authors: Pan Zhaoqing , Chen Liming , Yan Wenjie
Published: May 2018

With the development of Internet and video capture techniques, videoconferencing becomes still more popular. However, with the increased size of the video resolution, the volume of the raw videoconferencing video data increases dramatically. The H.265/HEVC video compression standard can efficiently compresses the videoconferencing video, while the high compression rate is at the cost of heavy encoding complexity. Hence, reducing the complexity is vital to be used for the H.265/HEVC encoder in videoconferencing systems. In this paper we proposed a low complexity H.265/HEVC coding unit size decision algorithm for a videoconferencing system, by considering the coding content property of the coding unit, in which the coding unit size decision process is terminated if the prediction residuals of the coding unit are all transformed and quantized to zeroes. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves 62.79% on average in encoding time saving, while the rate distortion degradation is acceptable.
Simulation on Stern-Rudder Independent Control for Submarine Motion in a Vertical Plane
Authors: Ying Xiong , Jie Hu Jun
Published: May 2018

To independently control the depth and trim of the submarine, a fuzzy control method on stern-rudder is proposed, and the advantage of a single stern-rudder in low noise control is elaborated. Taking into account the character of the single stern-rudder, a fuzzy controller is designed. The simulation results have shown that the algorithm has very good control precision, which decreases the rudder and radiated noise greatly.
Mining Similar Traces of Entities on Web
Authors: Huang Xinyan , Wang Xinjun , Li Hui
Published: May 2018

Events about entities have been widely collected on Web, allowing us to analyze how peer entities interact and learn the relationships that exist among the entities. In this paper we investigate similar traces that have not been adequately studied so far. Intuitively, peer entities tend to have similar traces. The challenges in mining similar traces are: (1) the occurring time lags of traces are usually unknown and varying; (2) the existence of large-scale events of entities and complexity of the model representing all the events. In this paper we propose a simple, but practical method that addresses all these challenges. Firstly, sliding windows are adopted to filter out the significant events and then find the candidate topic sequences. Secondly, dynamic programming is employed to mine similar candidate topic sequences of entities. Finally, an efficient method is proposed to mine all the similar traces of entities. It is able to mine similar traces of peer entities with high accuracy. We conduct comprehensive experiments on synthetic datasets to demonstrate the efficiency of the method proposed.
Numerical Analysis of Bridge Girder with Composite Dowel Shear Connection
Authors: Lacki Piotr , Nawrot Jacek
Published: May 2018

The work presents a brief description of VFT-WIB® steel-concrete composite beams, examples of composite dowel shear connection shapes are presented. A steel-concrete bridge girder construction solution for the new shape of composite dowel shear connection was proposed. The geometric parameters of the steel section web cutting line are given. For the assumed cross-section dimensions, a numerical model of the girder was made. Numerical analysis was performed, the results of which were compared with the results of the analytical calculations. A program of actions aimed at further optimization of the model is presented.
Investigation of Redistribution of Pile Foundation Forces Under Successive Loading of Its Elements
Authors: Sedin Vladimir , Bikus Kateryna , Kovba Vladislav
Published: May 2018

Redistribution of pile foundation forces under successive loading of its elements was investigated under laboratory conditions. A segment of pile foundation model was taken for use in the case study. Load tests on the pile foundation model segment, without joining its elements (pile and plate, which turns into grillage) and based on different combinations of static loadings were conducted. This proved that the loading of a plate causes skin friction on some length of the pile side surface as well as providing additional loading and settlement. Test results have shown that application of successive elements enables the foundation to carry loads up to 13% higher than in the case of a standard pile foundation loading with the same settlement rates.
Impact Of Aerobic Biostabilisation And Biodrying Process Of Municipal Solid Waste On Minimisation Of Waste Deposited In Landfills
Authors: Dziedzic Krzysztof , Łapczyńska-Kordon Bogusława , Malinowski Mateusz , Niemiec Marcin , Sikora Jakub
Published: May 2018

The article discusses an innovative system used for aerobic biostabilisation and biological drying of solid municipal waste. A mechanical–biological process (MBT) of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment were carried out and monitored in 5 bioreactors. A two-stage biological treatment process has been used in the investigation. In the first step an undersize fraction was subjected to the biological stabilisation for a period of 14 days as a result of which there was a decrease of loss on ignition, but not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of MBT technology. In the second stage of a biological treatment has been applied 7-days intensive bio-drying of MSW using sustained high temperatures in bioreactor. The article presents the results of the chemical composition analysis of the undersize fraction and waste after biological drying, and also the results of temperature changes, pH ratio, loss on ignition, moisture content, combustible and volatile matter content, heat of combustion and calorific value of wastes. The mass balance of the MBT of MSW with using the innovative aeration system showed that only 14.5% of waste need to be landfilled, 61.5% could be used for thermal treatment, and nearly 19% being lost in the process as CO2 and H2O.
Errors Associated With Excess Air Multipoint Measurement Systems
Authors: Ramsunkar Charlene , van Tonder Chris , Schmitz Walter
Published: May 2018

Boiler combustion air is generally controlled by the excess air content measured at the boiler economiser outlet using oxygen (O2) analysers. Due to duct geometry and dimensions, areas of high and low O2 concentrations in the flue gas duct occur, which poses a problem in obtaining a representative measurement of O2 in the flue gas stream. Multipoint systems as opposed to single point systems are more favourable to achieve representative readings. However, ash blockages and air leakages influence the accuracy of O2 measurement. The design of multipoint system varies across ESKOMs’ Power Stations. This research was aimed at evaluating the accuracy of the multipoint oxygen measurement system installed at Power Station A and to determine the systematic errors associated with different multipoint systems designs installed at Power Stations' A and B. Using flow simulation software, FloEFDTM and Flownex®, studies were conducted on two types of multipoint system designs This study established that significantly large errors, as high as 50%, were noted between the actual and measured flue gas O2. The design of the multipoint system extraction pipes also introduces significant errors, as high as 23%, in the O2 measured. The results indicated that the sampling errors introduced with Power Station A’s system can be significantly reduced by adopting the sampling pipe design installed at Power Station B.
Probable historical record of the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) in the Czech Republic on the Moravian-Silesian territory
Authors: Hudeček Jiří J.
Published: May 2018

The Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) is a worldwide endangered bird species on the brink of extintion. For the last time it nested in Siberia, Russia. It flew trought Europe regulary in the 19th century. Because its records are unrepeatable, each date has a high scientific value. This article describes the historical record probably of the Czech Republic, probably in north-eastern Moravia in the environment of Místek in Lachia, probably between the years 1884 and 1897. This record might come from the collection of J. Bednař from the school in Místek (now Frýdek-Místek). These indirect data are provable and it is not possible to agree with the conclusion of the Czech Faunistic Committee which considers the location and date as unknown.
Free Will and Open Alternatives
Authors: Moya Carlos J.
Published: May 2018

In her recent book Causation and Free Will, Carolina Sartorio develops a distinctive version of an actual-sequence account of free will, according to which, when agents choose and act freely, their freedom is exclusively grounded in, and supervenes on, the actual causal history of such choices or actions. Against this proposal, I argue for an alternative- possibilities account, according to which agents’ freedom is partly grounded in their ability to choose or act otherwise. Actual-sequence accounts of freedom (and moral responsibility) are motivated by a reflection on so-called Frankfurt cases. Instead, other cases, such as two pairs of examples originally designed by van Inwagen, threaten actual-sequence accounts, including Sartorio’s. On the basis of her (rather complex) view of causation, Sartorio contends, however, that the two members of each pair have different causal histories, so that her view is not undermined by those cases after all. I discuss these test cases further and defend my alternative-possibilities account of freedom.
Ethnological Analysis of the Process of the Post-War Migration of Slovaks from Hungary to Czechoslovakia in the Years 1946-1948
Authors: Paríková Magdaléna
Published: May 2018

The article focuses on the application of the possibilities of collecting narratives and their analysis in the reconstruction process of migration of people to the new country - in Slovakia. The analysis of the particular data gained by fieldwork research using the oral history method comparative with the historical and statistic dates. These facts offer not only relevant information documenting the real process of the migration, but also create the network of microprobes (case study) on the basis of specific experienced events of the direct participants of migration, as well as the reflection in memory of the resettled. Fieldwork research was in the region of South Slovakia - around Nové Zámky and Komárno cities. The aim of this approach is to interpret individually experience “small history” of the context of “big history”, specifically, one post-war phase of migration, which occurred in this area of Central Europe in the period from 1946 to 1948.
Ultras in Trnava: History, Activities and Ideology
Authors: Kušnierová Daniela
Published: May 2018

The environment of football fans is unknown phenomenon for the rest of the public. This article offers basic view on formation and functioning of the most numerous and the most active ultras group in Slovakia, Trnava fans. First part of the text encompasses a history overview of ultras movement, as well as an overview of basic activities of ultras fans during a football match and also outside of it. The second part of this text deals with the most debated activity of football fans, which is violence during a football match.
Analysis of Huncokars’ Dialect
Authors: Fedič Dušan
Published: May 2018

The study is an attempt to present the background and the first results of the current research, documentation of the language of German woodcutters known as Huncokars. We introduce the characteristic Huncokars’ dialect. Based on the record comparison of Huncokars’ dialect with dialects in Tyrol, Styria and Bavaria we have identified possible area from which Huncokars came to Slovakia. Huncokars have developed a languagespecific enclosed settlement, which lives either through several individual memories of their descendants or as a part of the collective memory of today's local communities living near the former settlements.
Hygienization of Surplus Activated Sludge By Dry Ice
Authors: Nowicka Ewelina , Machnicka Alicja
Published: May 2018

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in sewage sludge is one of the crucial factors affecting their use in agriculture and in nature. An appropriate method of sludge hygienization can contribute to the reduction of the presence of pathogenic microbes in the sludge or to their complete elimination. This study presents the possibility of using dry ice in the hygienization of surplus activated sludge. The scope of survey covered microbiological as well as physiochemical analyses of the sludge. The microbiological analyses conducted show the hygienization effect of dry ice on surplus activated sludge such as the reduction of the total number of bacteria as well as of pathogenic bacteria. In the case of sludge to dry ice 1:1 voluminal ratio, the total number of bacteria has been reduced by 76%, the number of Salmonella sp. rods by 90%, and Clostridium perfringens by 85%. The results of physiochemical analyses confirmed the destructive effect that dry ice has over microorganisms. The disintegration of microbes by means of dry ice contributed to the increase of supernatant liquid turbidity and to the release of organic matter. For the sludge to dry ice 1:1 voluminal ratio, an increase in turbidity of supernatant liquid by 320 mg SiO2 dm-3 has been proven, as well as an increase in the value of CODCr by 549 mg O2 dm-3, which indicates the release of organic matter into the liquid phase.
Assessment, prevention and mitigation of landslide hazard in the Lesser Himalaya of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Patra Punyatoya , Devi Roshani
Published: May 2018

Landslides are destructive geological processes that have globally caused deaths and destruction to property worth billion dollars. Landslide occurrences are widespread and prolific in India covering more than 15 per cent of the total area. These are mostly concentrated in the Himalayan belt, parts of Meghalaya Plateau, Nilgiri Hills, Western and Eastern Ghats. The slope failure in the hilly terrain is due to geological processes and events. The frequency and magnitude of slope failure also increased due to anthropogenic activities such as road construction, deforestation and urban expansion. Keeping all these problems in mind research focuses on the Lesser Himalaya of Himachal Himalaya as it falls under very high risk zone in case of landslides and comprise of three objectives. They are: a) to analyse the spatial pattern of landslides in the Lesser Himalaya, b) to assess the causes of landslides vulnerability in the study region and c) to suggests some preventive measures to mitigate landslides. In this work an attempt has been made to collect data on landslides incidences and damage from the secondary sources like Geological Survey of India, Building Material and Technology Promotion council from Ministry of Urban Affairs. The methodologies adopted for data analysis are simple tabulations, bar diagrams, statistical and mapping techniques to represent the Landslide vulnerability of the Lesser Himalaya. The analysis of the study reveals that there is increase in the number of landslides. The spatial pattern of landslide shows linear patterns, viz. along roads, rivers or lineaments/ faults. Besides, heavy rainfall, floods and earthquakes enhance the vulnerability condition. The landslides may be part and parcel of the Himalayan landscape, but they can be mitigated by some suitable measures. Few methods of landslide prevention in the study region have been suggested.
Social-economic aspects of development of Lviv Region in conditions of modern processes of Eurointegration
Authors: Tomczewska-Popowycz Natalia
Published: May 2018

Eurointegration is an important direction for Ukraine, especially in present political situation. Social-economic condition is very important for entering into European organizations. In this article social-economic aspects of Lviv Region, which is a border region, in conditions of modern Eurointegration are studied. On the basis of the statistic report of social-economic condition of Lviv Region of Main Department of Statistics in Lviv Region an analysis was done, which allowed making conclusions of actual condition of the region. The task of the study is to determine basic directions of regional socialeconomic development. Main methodological approaches are systemic, chorological and chronological and also such approaches as synergetic and informational. Demographic situation of the region is being analyzed in the article, in particular indicators of natural and mechanic movement of the population, and gender-age structure of the population is also described. Peculiarities of economic development of the region are revealed, indicators of gross regional product and index of competitiveness are analyzed. The condition and tendencies of research and innovation activity of the region are presented, and also a situation in small and medium business is depicted. The studies have demonstrated, that Lviv Region, in comparison with other regions of Ukraine, is characterized by high enough social-economic development. Non-productive branch, the part of which is a scientific potential (research and project-design establishments, higher educational institutions), financial organizations, trade enterprises and food industry, which totally can satisfy the needs of the region, are relatively well developed. At the same time there are also unfavorable demographic tendencies in the region, in particular depopulation of the population is the result of negative natural growth. Perspectives of the development of the region are proposed in the article, in particular the direction of regional strategy and cross-border cooperation.
Foreign Language Teaching in a Sexed Classroom
Authors: Monteiro Luísa Sá
Published: May 2018

Recent scientific studies have demonstrated the clear existence of brain sexual dimorphism, with distinct structural, chemical, genetic, hormonal and functional differences between the two sexes. In spite of the complexity of this theme and even though science acknowledges that many questions are still not answered, it is a fact today that the brain is a sexed organ. The differences between girls and boys regarding cognitive and emotional processing naturally have consequences in teaching-learning situations. Nevertheless, most teachers are not aware of these differences and their effects. Each group of students is not a selection of androgynous individuals, therefore differentiated strategies according to sex are an optimisation tool in teaching-learning situations, both in single-sex and co-ed contexts.
The Economics Of Housing Finance In Serbia
Authors: Ljumović Isidora , Marinković Srđan
Published: May 2018

The paper presents analysis of the achieved development level of the housing market in Serbia. Various factors that have shaped demand and supply are systematized and their impact over the last decade was analysed and monitored. As important ones demographic, macroeconomic and financial factors are singled out and a special importance is given to the analysis of specific historical and socio-political circumstances that have influenced the development of the housing market during the period of analysis.
Legal Regulation of Direct Payments in EU and Slovak Republic in Programming Period 2014-2020 / Právna Úprava Priamych Platieb V Eú A Slovenskej Republike V Programovom Období 2014-2020
Authors: Palšová Lucia , Schwarcz Pavol
Published: May 2018

Direct payments belong to one of the main supporting instruments of EU agricultural sector representing the support of farmers´ income. In the new programming period (2014-2020) there is a transition from full decoupling to targeting of direct payments. Strong emphasis will be given especially on environmental aspects representing by „greening“. The aim of the paper is to describe and review the Legal regulation of direct payments at both EU and Slovak republic level. Comparison of the amount of direct payments in 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 is also being presented. Finally selected problems in direct payments implementation are introduced and discussed
Forest stands volume estimation by using Finnish Multi-Source National Forest Inventory in Stołowe Mountains National Park
Authors: Pachana Przemko
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the present study was to convey to the reader the method and application of the Finnish Multi-Source National Forest Inventory (MS-NFI) that was devised in the Finnish Forest Research Institute. The study area concerned is Stołowe Mountains National Park, which is located in the south-western Poland, near the border with the Czech Republic. To accomplish the above mentioned aim, the following data have been applied: timber volume derived from field sample plots, satellite image, digital map data and digital elevation model. The Pearson correlation coefficient between independent and dependent variables has been verified. Furthermore, the non-parametric k-nearest neighbours (k-NN) technique and genetic algorithm have been used in order to estimate forest stands biomass at the pixel level. The error estimates have been obtained by leave-one-out cross-validation method. The main computed forest stands features were total and mean timber volume as well as maximum and minimum biomass occurring in the examined area. In the final step, timber volume map of the growing stock has been created.
Effect of postharvest treatments on the longevity of cut inflorescences of ‘Rialto’ oriental lily
Authors: Rabiza-Świder Julita , Skutnik Ewa , Jędrzejuk Agata , Ratuszek Marlena
Published: May 2018

Cut lily flowers are very popular but their longevity is not satisfactory. The quality of cut lily flowers is determined by two factors: the longevity of the flowers and the general appearance of the entire cut stem during its vase life. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3), standard preservative (8HQC and 2% sucrose) and commercial preservatives Chrysal Professional 2 and Chrysal sachet as well as Floralife 200 and Floralife 300 on the quality of ‘Rialto’ cut oriental lily, a white blooming cultivar very popular on the Polish market. The contents of reducing sugars, soluble proteins, free amino acids and free proline were also determined in the senescing flowers. As a major problem in the postharvest handling of lilies is leaf yellowing, the effects of postharvest treatments on the quality of leaves and their chlorophyll contents were also studied. Conditioning (24 h) with GA3 (500 mg d.m.−3) immediately after harvest delayed chlorophyll loss in leaves. When combined with the standard preservative and commercial preparations Chrysal Professional 2 and Chrysal sachet as well as Floralife 200 and Floralife 300, GA3 prolonged flower vase life. The most effective method was using GA3 and Floralife products, which prolonged the vase life of flowers to 23 days, 43% longer relative to the untreated flowers, and maintained the decorative value of the leaves (53 days). During the senescence of flowers held in water, the contents of reducing sugars, free amino acids and proline increased. However, the holding solutions modified changes in these parameters relative to the control.
The effect of cycloheximide and growth regulators on the senescence of cut leaves in Hosta sp. and Zantedeschia aethiopica
Authors: Skutnik Ewa , Rabiza-Świder Julita , Jędrzejuk Agata , Musiał Diana
Published: May 2018

The leaves of Zantedeschia and Hosta are used as florist greens in different floral arrangements. The most efficient postharvest treatment for cut foliage is the use of growth regulators, which prolong their vase life by delaying degradative changes occurring in leaves, especially proteolysis. Cycloheximide (CHI) is one of the protein synthesis inhibitors, blocking the enzymes responsible for decreasing membrane integrity, a phenomenon hastening senescence. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of CHI and benzyladenine (BA) or gibberellic acid (GA3) on the longevity of cut foliage in hosta (Hosta sp.) cultivars and Ethiopian calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and to follow the changes in certain proteolytic processes occurring during senescence. Generally, 24 h conditioning with cycloheximide shortened the longevity of cut calla leaves while having no effect on hosta vase life. In ageing leaves of ‘Minima Glauca’ hosta and calla, the total proteolytic activity increased, including that of cysteine protease. Due to the application of BA or GA3 in hosta and calla, respectively, this activity was limited. On the contrary, the use of CHI either did not affect the activity of cysteine protease or increased it several-fold relative to the control, in hosta and calla, respectively. Leaves treated with growth regulators had many more soluble proteins and fewer free amino acids, including free proline, than leaves from other treatments. The highest free proline level was determined in calla leaves conditioned with CHI, where it increased 18-fold relative to the initial level.
Tax incentives as an instrument attracting investors to Special Economic Zones
Authors: Jasiniak Magdalena , Koziński Jakub
Published: May 2018

Special Economic Zones have been operating in Poland since 1994 and are still growing. Tax incentives being offered in these Zones, as good infrastructure and administration support, are supposed to be attractions for newly established companies. The purpose of this article is to investigate whether tax incentives have an impact on the decision process of locating the investments in Special Economic Zones in Poland. The article presents a preliminary study, based on results of a questionnaire survey conducted among companies located in SEZ in Poland and presents subjective opinions of the investors about tax policy in SEZs. Results show that tax incentives are an important instrument attracting investors to Special Economic Zones. As the following analysis presents, tax reliefs seem to be an important investment incentive, however, the importance of income taxes is greater than the local costs to doing business. There are also some differences in evaluating tax support depending on a company’s size and the level of support in a particular region.
Evaluation of the Fourth Millennium Development Goal Realisation using Robust and Nonparametric Tools offered by a Data Depth Concept
Authors: Kosiorowska Ewa , Kosiorowski Daniel , Zawadzki Zygmunt
Published: May 2018

We briefly communicate the results of nonparametric and robust evaluation of the effects of the Fourth Millennium Development Goal of the United Nations. The main aim of the goal was reducing by two thirds, from 1990-2015, under five month’s child mortality. Our novel analysis was conducted by means of very powerful and user friendly tools offered by the Data Depth Concept being a collection of multivariate techniques basing on multivariate generalizations of quintiles, ranges and order statistics. The results of our analysis are more convincing than the results obtained using classical statistical tools.
Duration Models in Loan Management
Authors: Vasilev Julian A.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to estimate the future duration of a loan contract on the basis of several factors. The main methodology consists of a brief explanation of a survival analysis and a thorough application of a survival analysis in loan management. A real dataset from a credit institution (situated in Varna) is used. All contracts were signed for 30 days but some contracts were ended earlier, others - later. The main research question concerns the following statement. We may try to predict future loan duration by making an econometric model describing the dependency between the loan duration (as a dependent variable) and several independent variables. The dataset is analysed by calculating life tables, applying the Kaplan-Maier method and using Cox regression within SPSS. It is has been proved that the main covariates affecting loan duration are the variables: born in the region, month of birth and age. The formulated conclusions are valid for the analysed credit institution. This work provides a methodology for adapting duration models in credit institutions. The presented methodology (in this paper) may be applied over the dataset of other credit institutions (including banks) for loan duration prediction.
Radioactive contamination of dietary components of the roe deer in the forests of Zhytomirske Polesie of Ukraine
Authors: Krasnov Volodymyr , Shelest Zoia , Boiko Sergii , Gulik Igor , Sieniawski Waldemar
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a study on radioactive contamination of dietary components of the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Zhytomirske Polesie (Ukraine). Studies were conducted on two research plots in forests with similar levels of radioactive contamination, 29 ± 8 kBq/m2 - 55 ± 17 kBq/m2, in mixed coniferous forests and mixed broadleaved forests, which are the dominant forest types of the area. The highest level of radionuclide accumulation was observed in young oak seedlings.

The dynamics for oak sprouts indicate that the accumulation coefficient reaches a maximum in September and August in the mixed coniferous and mixed broadleaved forests respectively. A comparison of mean values of the 137Cs accumulation coefficients in the shoots of undergrowth plants confirms that an increase in soil fertility leads to a reduction of radionuclides in plant phytomass. In the mixed broadleaved forests, average values of the coefficient of 137Cs accumulation in phytomass of blackberry was 26% and of raspberries 58% lower compared to mixed coniferous forests. The maximum contamination of phytomass was observed in August for oak, in October for aspen, and in July for birch. The highest specific activity of 137Cs in raspberry shoots occurs during the three summer months, whereas the peak in blackberry occurs from August to September. The dynamics of the specific activity of 137Cs in blueberry, cranberry and heather show an increase in radioactive contamination of phytomass towards the end of the growth period. The maximum concentration of 137Cs in shoots of heather and bilberry was recorded in October and for blueberry in August. Mushrooms in mixed coniferous forests can be ranked as follows according to the degree of 137Cs contamination: Cantharellus < Boletus edulis < Russula < Leccinum < Xerocomus badius < Paxillus involutus. In mixed broadleaved forests the ranking is Cantharellus < Boletus edulis < Russula < Xerocomus badius < Leccinum < Paxillus involutus. Within one habitat type, we observed fairly significant variations in 137Cs accumulation in fruit bodies of fungi species.
Are we narrowing genetic variability in seed orchards? An attempt to answer, based on the analysis of microsatellite DNA of grafts growing in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seed orchard in the Forest District Susz
Authors: Przybylski Paweł
Published: May 2018

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most common species in Poland’s forest stands. The mode of pine stands renovation requires that silviculture practitioners have continuous access to seed banks. Orchard-grown seeds are predicted to constitute an increasingly larger part of the average demand for pine seeds in Poland. Seed orchards, due to a limited number of maternal trees as well as the irregularity of their blooming and pollination, enhance the risk of genetic diversity reduction in planted forest stands. This is of particular importance in the context of dynamic climate change. Markers based on microsatellite DNA fragments are effective tools for monitoring genetic variability. In the present study, three different microsatellite DNA fragments were used: SPAC 12.5, SPAG 7.14 and SPAC 11.4. The main objective of this research was to study genetic variability in one of the biggest seed orchards in Poland, located in the Forest District Susz. The obtained results indicated heterozygosity loss within the orchard, proving the existence of specimen selection effects on genetic variability. Hence, it seems quite important to take account of molecular genetic variability of maternal trees in future breeding strategies.
Forest communities with Hacquetia epipactis (Scop.) DC. in the Cieszyńskie Foothills
Authors: Mijal Magdalena
Published: May 2018

The strictly protected Hacquetia epipactis, which natural range has its north-eastern limit in the area of the Cieszyńskie Foothills, is one of the most interesting rarities of Polish flora. For one and a half centuries H. epipactis was popular with scientists resulting in a relatively high number of papers addressing this plant. Usually, however, the characteristics of sites where H. epipactis occurs have been overlooked by the researchers. The aim of this work was to fill this gap, at least partly, by determining plant associations that are preferred by this species. Based on previous phytosociological records and by implementing numerical classification methods, it was found that the Hacquetio-Fraxinetum excelsioris Marinček 1990, which is divided into two subassociations (typicum and allietosum with other variants), is the main association in which this plant species occurs. In isolated sites, mostly outside the Cieszyńskie Foothills, it also appears in fragments of Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum betuli Oberd. 1957 and Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli Tracz. 1962 associations.
Genetic variation of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) preserved in the Katowice Forest District
Authors: Masternak Katarzyna , Niebrzydowska Barbara , Głębocka Katarzyna
Published: May 2018

Environmental pollution greatly decreases a tree’s health and results in dieback of forest stands. Owing to increasing industrial activity in the 20th century, silver fir became almost totally extinct in the Katowice Forest District. Only 19 individuals have survived to this day. The aim of the present study is to analyse growth characteristics and polymorphisms of 25 inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) of the preserved trees.

The mean height of the inventoried silver firs was 19 m with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 29 cm. Flowers were observed on few trees only. However, all trees were of high vitality without signs of fungal pathogen infections or insect outbreaks. Parameters of genetic variability, including mean effective number of alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity, were higher than that described in the literature so far and they amounted to 1.659 and 0.396, respectively.
Wettability and interception in relationship with the seasonal changes on the Fagus sylvatica leaf surface
Authors: Anna Klamerus-Iwan , Wojciech Kraj
Published: May 2018

Interception is the amount of water held on the canopy at the end of a rainfall event. Rainfall interception and contact angle of raindrops on the surface of plants has a significant meaning in ecohydrology. Leaves are the plant organs in which during development, changes in the composition of the epicuticular wax can be observed. These differences can be explained by phenological changes.

In the present study, there was a hypothesis that seasonal phenological changes of leaf surface can highly affect the amount of rainwater retained by plants (interception) and the angle of contact between the droplets and leaf’s surface.

This above-mentioned hypothesis was assessed based on the designed measurement series, combining:

1) direct leaves spraying in various stages of growth with water at a constant temperature

2) images obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyse changes in the structure of the epicuticular wax

3) photographic methods, images acquired in the light box

4) measurement and analysis of the angle of contact by using simulated raindrops.

The leaves of Fagus sylvatica L. were analysed. Samples were taken in the Niepołomice Forest District (southern Poland) from well-developed crown trees.

The result of the experiments conducted makes a database of changes in wettability of raindrops on beech leaves throughout the whole vegetative season. The internal slope of drops ranged from 110°–150° in April up to 20°–40° at the beginning of November.

Based on the obtained results, we can classify the degrees of leaf wettability and interception under the influence of morphological changes occurring during the vegetative season.
Bibliometric analysis in the evaluation of journals published by the Forest Research Institute: Forest Research Papers and Folia Forestalia Polonica Series A – Forestry
Authors: Szewczykiewicz Joanna , Skrzecz Iwona , Materska Katarzyna
Published: May 2018

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in publishing articles in journals recorded by global databases, in particular the Web of Science ™ Core Collection, which indexes journals found in the Journal Citation Reports. The publication of results in these journals has a significant impact on the assessment of the achievements of researchers and scientific institutions.

Our study focused on the bibliometric analysis of two journals published by the Forest Research Institute: Forest Research Papers (Leśne Prace Badawcze) and Folia Forestalia Polonica Series A – Forestry. The results of these analyses were used to develop theoretical indices for the editorial boards of these journals in terms of requirements for including both periodicals in the Journal Citation Reports.

The analysis covered the volumes published in 2000–2015 and the publication activity of the journals was evaluated on the basis of the numbers of articles, references, authors and journal citations. Bibliometric indicators such as the predicted Impact Factor, the Hirsch index, the Scimago Journal Rank and the Index Copernicus Value were used to evaluate the rank of the journals within the databases.

In the examined period, 65 volumes of Forest Research Papers were published, with an average of 31 articles per year containing about 14,000 references and almost 900 contributing authors. During the same time frame, 30 volumes of Folia Forestalia Polonica Series A – Forestry were published, with an average of 14 articles per year. These articles included approximately 5,000 references and 600 authors. An increase in the bibliometric indicators for both journals was observed with the Impact Factor predicted to rise to 0.192 (Forest Research Papers) and 0.178 (Folia Forestalia Polonica Series A – Forestry).

In order for the two examined journals to be included in the Journal Citation Reports the following requirements need to be met: (1) an increased number of articles published by authors with significant international authority in their field, (2) a greater number of researchers, especially from developed countries, in advisory boards, (3) more articles published in individual volumes to reach higher citation numbers in databases, and (4) promotion of the most cited articles.
Species composition, elevation, and former management type affect browsing pressure on forest regeneration in the Tatra National Park
Authors: Bodziarczyk Jan , Zwijacz-Kozica Tomasz , Gazda Anna , Szewczyk Janusz , Frączek Magdalena , Zięba Antoni , Szwagrzyk Jerzy
Published: May 2018

Effects of ungulate pressure on the development of young generation of trees is one of the most important issues in ecology and forestry. Ungulate pressure influence on the development of natural regeneration has been also reported from several national parks. Our study on the effects of ungulate browsing on the young generation of trees was conducted on more than 500 sample plots controlled during one growing season.

The overall browsing pressure ranged from 7.6% in seedlings to 20.3% in low saplings. The pressure of ungulates on the regeneration of Picea abies, the dominant species in the Tatra National Park, was by and large below 1%. Broadleaved species were browsed more frequently. The relationship between the plot altitudes and browsing intensity was statistically significant for seedlings and low saplings; at the higher altitudes, the browsing pressure was greater. There was also observed a statistically significant relationship between the type of former management and the browsing degree in seedlings; in the areas subjected to “landscape protection”, the intensity of browsing was higher when compared to strictly protected areas. Pressure exerted by ungulates on tree regeneration was very unevenly distributed, i.e. some plots were heavily browsed and many others - not browsed at all. The most affected tree species were Salix caprea and Sorbus aucuparia, although the percentage of browsed individuals rarely exceeded 50%. Other species favored by ungulates was Acer pseudoplatanus; despite the high browsing pressure, this species was present among seedlings and tall saplings, suggesting that it would be able to recruit to the tree layer. Abies alba was browsed less frequently than the deciduous trees; however, among the tall saplings it was the third most browsed species.