bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Performance of the Pier Considering Structural-Fluid Interaction with ANSYS Software
Authors: Falahati M. , Askar M. Behdarvandi
Published: January 2018

In the present study, as the calculation of forces on the cylindrical structures of the sea has a special complexity, Morrison's mathematical model was used in the software. In addition, the kinematics of water particles is estimated to calculate their acceleration from the fifth-order non-static wave theory (Fenton method). In this paper, the analysis of the pier performance considering structural-fluid interaction using ANSYS soft is presented. Five models with the same period were considered and different wave heights and two different earthquake records of Tabas and Northwich were studied. Finally, node displacement, acceleration and reciprocal interaction forces were extracted and compared with the numerical values. The results indicated that the values of the studied parameters and the type of nodes were similar in the models without a record of earthquakes, but with the estimation of the earthquake, these values would be significant.
Integration Issues for Using Innovative Daylighting Strategies in Light Wells
Authors: Gashniani M. Gholipour , Saradj Fatemeh Mehdizadeh , Faizi M.
Published: January 2018

“Light well” as one of the most common means of daylight tolls in building, experiences severe limitations and deserve special attention. The question is which strategy is the best for increasing the daylight penetration to the depth of buildings. One of the main challenges in deep plan is to guide daylight into the building core and this can be performed through daylighting strategies, but the choice of the proper innovative daylighting system (IDS) with several parameters is the problem. This paper aims to find elements for optimal choice and selecting context-compatible tools for light well. The result shows that four macro factors were found at the interaction of building and IDS. Identifying the integration components can play an effective role in decision-making or design a new tolls consistent with the physical conditions of light well and building to overcome the daylight crisis.
Seismic Behavior of RCC Dams Including the Effect of Foundation
Authors: Heirany Z.
Published: January 2018

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams are actually a combination of concrete dams' safety and procedure of earth dam while accelerating construction and reducing administrative costs, have high safety. And why in the world and Iran, constructing this type of dam has growing trend. The first roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam of Iran (Jegin dam) has come into operation in 2006. In terms of expressed statistics and given that, none of these dams has not been subject to severe earthquake, roller concrete dam operations is not specified in facing with severe earthquake and its merits and faults. Therefore, the need for seismic analysis of these dams in the design, implementation and operation is obvious. In the meantime, the lack of studies on how modeling of roller compacted concrete (RCC) dams using finite element software, especially on how to foundation modeling (dimensions, material properties, interaction of foundation and dam), modeling dam lake (the length of lake, the water level, the interaction between the lake and the dam body) felt. In this study, dynamic analysis of roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam using ABAQUS finite element software and modeling one of the roller compacted concrete (RCC) dams of Malaysia with the change approach of foundation boundary conditions will be considered.
Elements in the Market of the Real Estate Property in Oradea
Authors: Mancia M.S. , Mancia A.
Published: January 2018

The location of Oradea in western Romania, in a constant development area, correlates with the existing human potential; the area becomes attractive for citizens from other geographic regions who have moved to Oradea. The real estate market of apartments is experiencing an increase reaching new highs in the trim. II 2017. The city of Oradea is part of the cities with economic potential, with the demand for housing. The prices upward trend must be corelated with economic growth and strength in order not to produce a new “crisis” effect.
Separation of Fresh and Saline Water Using by Interpretation of Geoelectric Data (A Case Study of Eshtehard in North of Iran)
Authors: Pazoki A. , Saket A. , Hariri D.
Published: January 2018

Groundwater study through the operation of geoelectric, considered one of the best known way in the field. Consideration and accuracy in accurate extraction of water and using the proper equipment and interpret detailed data can reveal high potential of these methods in the best way for underground exploration. This study was conducted to investigate the separation of fresh and saline water, using the analysis and interpretation of geoelectric data collected by the array Schlumberger. Because human needs for fresh water for drinking water, agriculture, animal husbandry and industry, and difficulties in the initial identification layer of saline water in these important activities, find a way to solve these problem is very important. The purpose of case study conducted in southwestern of plains Eshtehard is recognition of border of saltwater and freshwater for wells to provide water for the construction of water wells to water supply for greenhouses exist in the region. In this study, by obtaining data geoelectric and their interpretation, was observed that by increasing the amount of EC (electrical conductivity) due to presence of the solute salts in certain depth of groundwater, sudden drop in specific resistivity be seen in specific range of Probing taken, and according to studies carried out in different regions of the world, these sudden change is known as the boundary separating fresh and saline water, that study and comparison of geophysical data with log obtained from drilled wells in these area, also is a confirmation of these fact.
Effects of DEM Generating Algorithms on Water Retention Calculations in Polders – A Case Study
Authors: Suba N. Sz. , Nistor S. , Suba Șt.
Published: January 2018

Digital Elevation Models have been an important topic in the last decades in order to accurately describe one’s surroundings for various purposes. The most wide-spread applications of Digital Elevation Modelling are related to volumetric calculations over large areas, as well as to hydrographic simulations. This paper will analyse the impact of various data interpolation models on the result of volumetric calculations in a longitudinal shaped polder. In order to achieve general conclusions instead of case specific solutions, the raw parametric Digital Elevation Models have been used, rather than the specific parameters suiting the actual scenario. In order to achieve this, data smoothing has also been neglected. The result of the conducted study presents the impact of the digital elevation modelling methods over the volumetric calculations. When applied to the same dataset, the methods yielded different results, partially confirming the predicted usefulness of the algorithms.
Professional Roles as the Structural Component of Professional Identity of Higher Education Teachers in Samples of Riga and Smolensk
Authors: Jermolajeva Jelena , Silchenkova Svetlana
Published: January 2018

The strengthening of professional identity (PI) of teachers of higher education institutions (HEI) is one of the ways to improve the quality of educational process. Performance of professional role(s) can be identified as the key component of PI. The contemporary university teacher performs many professional roles: she/he is a lecturer, researcher, supervisor of students’ research works, expert, and so on. Multi-role activity of a teacher is considered as a characteristic feature of the profession by the colleagues in Latvia, Russia and other countries. This research is based on the data obtained during the implementation of the Project ‘Professional Identity of Contemporary Pedagogue’ in 2014–2016 by the researchers from Riga (Latvia) and Smolensk (Russia). In the realization of the project, the six-component structural model of the content of HEI teacher’s PI was created and the survey was carried out using the questionnaire ‘HEI Teachers’ Professional Identity’ developed by the project participants. Overall, a total of 198 teachers were surveyed in Riga and Smolensk. The aim of this article was to analyze and compare the data obtained for the PI component ‘Professional Roles’ in the samples of HEI teachers of both the countries. The data were analysed using statistical methods. The results showed that teachers of both the countries perform their professional roles at a high level. Overall, the answers of teachers of the two countries were well agreed. However, some peculiarities in the data of Riga and Smolensk were observed, and some problems of PI of HEI teachers were identified, which require attention of executives of the education reform and teachers.
Professional Development of School Principals in the Pilot Program of ‘Pedagogical Flexibility’: The Israeli Case
Authors: Nets Mali
Published: January 2018

The past decade constitutes a significant turning point in the orientation of policy makers in the Israeli educational system. This period is characterized by comprehensive structural and pedagogical reforms intended for the promotion of the system’s achievements. ‘Pedagogical Flexibility’, a reform in the professional development of teaching staff implemented in 2015, constitutes a significant breakthrough in the perception of development and learning in Israel. The school principals play a main role in leading the reform and in the development of a new organizational culture in the staff as well. This led to the creation of focused learning frameworks for school principals who sought to improve their knowledge and skill in the leadership of the reform. The article presents the main points of the first pilot program implemented in the North District for the training of 20 school principals in the reform and the main findings from the evaluation of the program, data from a questionnaire, and a focus group. In addition, the article proposes a critical look at the program effectiveness and indicates further focuses for future learning. The article presents a view of the role of the school principal in the leadership of the professional development in Israel and reviews theoretical aspects that arise from the research regarding this issue.
Compensation for Those Indirectly Affected by the Death of a Household Member
Authors: Jędrzychowska Anna
Published: January 2018

This article demonstrates the size of the budget gap that arises in a household after the death of that member who was the breadwinner of the family. It also describes how this gap can be covered by motor vehicle liability insurance. One source of funding for this gap could be, for example, an annuity for indirect victims. In many EU countries, people who are members of the household of the deceased are considered to be affected as a result of his death. Those indirectly affected will include the family members and relatives of the deceased (spouse, parent, child, sibling, and cohabitant). The person responsible for the death should pay compensation to the family members of the deceased. One of the elements determining this compensation should be the loss of income to the family of the deceased. The second element is compensation for the lost personal contribution. This paper presents the study of literature as an introduction to the relevant issues. The problem of compensation for lost income will be illustrated by legal regulations and calculations based on the account actuarial-term annuity. The study focuses on the selected EU countries. This article is part of a broader study by the author on the material consequences of personal injury and sources of their financing.
By Disobedience to Success: When Brand Value should be Measured in a Different Way than how the Theory Recommends
Authors: Kliestikova Jana , Kovacova Maria
Published: January 2018

Brand value building and managing is an interdisciplinary issue with serious impact on company's effective market performance. Knowing this, more and more companies try to extract the competitive advantage of a valuable brand. But there are a lot of practical restrictions that result from universal application of formulated theory without respecting national specifics and which often lead to company's activities in scope of branding and brand value measuring not being successful. This is the reason for scepticism towards the implementation of brand management activities, especially in former socialistic countries where the tradition of brand is not so developed due to the long-term application of principles of planned economy. So, the undesirable spiral mechanism is evident – domestic companies apply inconvenient methods of branding and brand value evaluation – brand value decreases – companies rather do not build and manage theirs brands – brands lose their competitive potential in comparison with foreign competitors and the market deforms – only strong foreign brands applying their national branding mechanisms survive – the impression of the so called ‘good practice’ is created – the domestic companies apply inconvenient methods of branding and the circle starts again. According to this, the aim of this paper is to critically discuss the applicability of selected brand valuation methods in the specific conditions of Slovak republic and to verify its applicability in the context of framework conditions of their applicability. To achieve this aim, after the application of selected criteria, we applied the following methods of brand value measurement: royalty savings and brand value added.
Cultural Adaptation of Erasmus Students in Latvia and Host University Responsibility
Authors: Vevere Velga , Resentini Consuelo , Alfaya Marcos Garcia , Mejuto Angel Muniz
Published: January 2018

Internationalisation of education and student mobility (incoming and outgoing) has become a significant factor in the sphere of higher education. These processes lead to interaction between local students and exchange students, as well as between exchange students and host universities. Being in the foreign country for a certain period (one or two semesters) requires some cultural and social adaptation that could or could not be problematic for various reasons. In order to maximise benefits for the exchange students and host universities, it is important to identify existing problems and to offer possible solutions. The aim of the current paper is to research the critical aspects of cultural adaptation process of ERASMUS students in Latvia. The international group that consists of a professor of the University College of Economics and Culture and three exchange students from Italy and Spain carried out the research. The empirical methods used were the following: a survey of ERASMUS students (non-probability purposive sampling) and semi-structured interviews with the host university ERASMUS coordinators. The data processing methods were the descriptive statistics as well as the thematic content analysis. On the basis of critical issues identified during the research process, the authors worked a set of practical solutions aimed at the host institutions.
Determination of the Value of Intangible Assets in the Companies of Lithuania
Authors: Bužinskienė Rita
Published: January 2018

In accordance with generally accepted accounting standards, most intangibles are not accounted for and not reflected in the traditional financial accounting. For this reason, most companies account intangible assets (IAs) as expenses. In the research, 57 sub-elements of IAs were applied, which are grouped into eight main elements of IAs. The classification of IAs consists in two parts of assets: accounting and non-accounting. This classification can be successfully applied in different branches of enterprises, to expand and supplement the theoretical and practical concepts of the company's financial management. The article proposes to evaluate not only the value of financial information for IAs (accounted) but also the value of non-financial information for IAs (non-accounted), thus revealing the true value of IAs that is available to the companies of Lithuania. It names a value of general IAs. The results of the research confirmed the IA valuation methodology, which allows companies to calculate the fair value of an IA. The obtained extended IAs valuation information may be valuable to both the owners of the company and investors, as this value plays an important practical role in assessing the impact of IAs on the market value of companies.
Factors Influencing Customer Trust in Mobile Banking: Case of Latvia
Authors: Skvarciany Viktorija , Jureviciene Daiva
Published: January 2018

The banking sector has developed and extended the use of its services in the past decade. In fact, nowadays mobile banking (M-banking) is the most developing service offered by a bank. In order to encourage customers to use m-banking services, it is extremely important to get clients to trust the M-banking services provided by the bank. This article discusses private clients’ trust in mobile banking in Latvia. Hence, the goal of the research is to identify the key factors driving individual customer’s confidence in mobile banking. In order to determine the weight of each factor, expert evaluation method based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used. The results showed that the most vital factor affecting private clients’ trust in mobile banking is customer characteristics, especially customers’ computer literacy. However, after summarizing all the subfactors, it became clear that the most powerful in the trust-building process is convenience/practicality of using a mobile application. However, there is a limitation – the survey was conducted by interviewing experts, which means that the results may differ from the responses of the clients themselves.
Influence of substrate material on spectral properties and thermal quenching of photoluminescence of silicon vacancy colour centres in diamond thin films
Authors: Dragounová Kateřina , Ižák Tibor , Kromka Alexander , Potůček Zdeněk , Bryknar Zdeněk , Potocký Štěpán
Published: January 2018

Nanocrystalline diamond films with bright photoluminescence of silicon-vacancy colour centres have been grown using a microwave plasma enhanced CVD technique. The influence of substrate material (quartz, Al2O3, Mo and Si) on a reproducible fabrication of diamond thin films with Si-V optical centres is presented. Film quality and morphology are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and SEM technique. SEM shows well faceted diamond grains with sizes from 170 to 300 nm. The diamond peak is confirmed in Raman spectra for all samples. In the case of the quartz substrate, a redshift of the diamond peak is observed (≈3.5 cm−1) due to tension in the diamond film. The steady-state photoluminescence intensity was measured in the temperature range from 11 K to 300 K. All spectra consist of a broad emission band with a maximum near 600 nm and of a sharp zero phonon line in the vicinity of 738 nm corresponding to Si-V centres that is accompanied with a phonon sideband peaking at 757 nm. Activation energies for the thermal quenching of Si-V centre photoluminescence were determined and the effect of the substrate on photoluminescence properties is discussed too.
Optical properties of zinc titanate perovskite prepared by reactive RF sputtering
Authors: Müllerová Jarmila , Šutta Pavol , Medlín Rostislav , Netrvalová Marie , Novák Petr
Published: January 2018

In this paper we report results from optical transmittance spectroscopy complemented with data on structure from XRD measurements to determine optical properties of a series of ZnTiO3 perovskite thin films deposited on glass by reactive magnetron co-sputtering. The members of the series differ by the titanium content that was revealed as an origin of the changes not only in structure but also in dispersive optical properties. Low porosity has been discovered and calculated using the Bruggeman effective medium approximation. An apparent blue-shift of the optical band gap energies with increasing titanium content was observed. The observed band gap engineering is a good prospective for eg optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications of ZnTiO3.
Fabrication of Si nanopowder and application to hydrogen generation and photoluminescent material
Authors: Kobayashi Yuki , Imamura Kentaro , Matsumoto Taketoshi , Kobayashi Hikaru
Published: January 2018

Si nanopowder is fabricated using the simple beads milling method. Fabricated Si nanopowder reacts with water in the neutral pH region between 7 and 9 to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generation rate greatly increases with pH, while pH does not change after the hydrogen generation reaction. In the case of the reactions of Si nanopowder with strong alkaline solutions (eg pH13.9), 1600 mL hydrogen is generated from 1 g Si nanopowder in a short time (eg 15 min). When Si nanopowder is etched with HF solutions and immersed in ethanol, green photoluminescence (PL) is observed, and it is attributed to band-to-band transition of Si nanopowder. The Si nanopowder without HF etching in hexane shows blue PL. The PL spectra possess peaked structure, and it is attributed to vibronic bands of 9,10-dimethylantracene (DMA) in hexane solutions. The PL intensity is increased by more than 3,000 times by adsorption of DMA on Si nanopowder.
Nanocrystalline proprieties of TiO2 thin film deposited by ultrasonic spray pulverization as an anti-reflection coating for solar cells applications
Authors: Sali Samira , Kermadi Salim , Zougar Lyes , Benzaoui Bouthina , Saoula Nadia , Mahdid Khadija , Aitameur Fatiha , Boumaour Messaoud
Published: January 2018

Titanium oxide (TiO2) films have been synthesized on quartz, silicon and textured silicon substrates by chemical ultrasonic spray deposition. The textured silicon substrate was carried out using Na2CO3 solution. The sample surface exhibits uniform pyramids with an average height of 5 µm. In this paper, particular attention is given to the TiO2 films prepared by spray ultrasonic system using Tetra iso-Propoxide Orthotitanate Titanium (TPOT) as a precursor. The solutions were sprayed onto substrates heated at various temperatures 350 - 550 °C. The properties of films as a function of temperature parameter were investigated using structural and optical analysis. According to XRD, FTIR and Micro-Raman spectroscopies, the anatase phase was found and exhibits nanograins of 9 to 15 nm in size. The indirect and direct bad gap were found to increase by increasing substrate temperature due to the decreasing of nanograins size and were estimated to be around 3.28 and 3.38 eV. A transmittance higher than 80% was found. This paper reports on anti-reflection coating application of TiO2 layers due to its good transparency and appropriate refractive index varies between 2.19 - 2.40 at λ = 632.8 nm as a function of temperature determined by UVVisNIR spectrophotometer and Ellipsometry. To achieve optimum anti-reflection characteristics different anti-reflection designs were experimentally examined with polished and textured substrates. The average reflectance of the polished silicon used in this study is 39%, with TiO2 it decreases to 9%. The textured surface reduces the average reflectance of silicon to be around 14% and it decreases dramatically to 5% after deposition of a single layer of TiO2 as an anti-reflection coating. The gain in density of the short-circuit photocurrent assigned to the reduction of reflection losses up to 44% and 58% were predicted with TiO2 single-coating in polished and textured silicon substrates respectively.
Characterization of TiO2 films obtained by a wet chemical process
Authors: Sedik Asma , Ferraria Ana M. , Carapeto Ana P. , Bellal Bouzid , Trari Mohamed , Outemzabet Ratiba
Published: January 2018

TiO2 has an easily tunable bandgap and a great absorption dye ability being widely used in many fields and in a number of fascinating applications. In this study, a wet chemical route, particularly a sol gel method using spin-coating is adopted to deposit TiO2 thin films onto soda lime glass and silicon substrates. TiO2 films were prepared by using an alcoholic solution of analytical reagent grade TiCl4 as titanium precursor at various experimental conditions. The accent was put on the conditions of preparation (spin time, spin speed, precursor concentration, number of coating layers etc), doping and on the post-deposit treatment namely the drying and the crystallization. The results showed a strong dependence on the drying temperature and on the temperature and duration of the crystallization. We found that the solution preparation and its color are important for getting a reproducible final product. The Raman spectra recorded at room temperature, showed the characteristic peaks of anatase which appear at 143 and around 396 cm−1. These peaks confirm the presence of TiO2.

The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the crystalline characteristic of TiO2 while the chemical states and relative amounts of the main elements existing in the samples were investigated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the samples was visualized by AFM. We show by this work the feasibility to obtain different nanostructured TiO2 by changing the concentration of the solution. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films was evaluated. Rhodamine B is a recalcitrant dye and TiO2 was successfully tested for its oxidation. An abatement of 60% was obtained under sunlight for an initial concentration of 10 mg/l.
High conversion efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells using black − Si fabricated by SSCT method
Authors: Imamura Kentaro , Onitsuka Yuya , Sakae Yuya , Kobayashi Hikaru
Published: January 2018

We have developed a technology for fabrication of black − Si by use of the surface structure chemical transfer (SSCT) method. The ultralow reflectance below 3% results from formation of a graded porosity structure of a nanocrystalline Si layer formed by the SSCT method. The nanocrystalline Si layer with an extremely large surface area is effectively passivated by deposition of phosphosilicate glass (PSG) followed by heat treatment at 925 ◦C. After PSG passivation, the minority carrier lifetime greatly increases, and the internal quantum efficiency in the short wavelength region is also greatly increased. Using the SSCT method and the PSG passivation method, the high conversion efficiency of 19.7% is achieved.
Investigation of deep defects in nanocrystalline-Si/Si interfaces using acoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Bury Peter , Hardoň Štefan , Kobayashi Hikaru , Imamura Kento
Published: January 2018

A set of structures with nanocrystalline-Si/Si interfaces formed on p-type Si substrate appropriated for photovoltaic application was prepared. The Acoustic DLTS technique based on the acoustoelectric response signal produced by the structure when a longitudinal acoustic wave propagates through the structure was used together with electric characterization to determine deep defects and the role of both individual layers. Several kinds of interface deep centers with activation energies typical for dangling bonds, oxygen participated Si or point defects were observed as well as a particular influence of individual layers on the interface states. The obtained results are analyzed, discussed and subsequently compared.
Fabrication and characterization of Si/SiO2/TiO2/ZnO heterostructures from sputtered and oxidized Ti-film
Authors: Kováč Jaroslav , Florovič Martin , Vincze Andrej , Dobročka Edmund , Novotný Ivan , Mikolášek Miroslav , Škriniarová Jaroslava
Published: January 2018

The present work reports the fabrication of p-Si/SiO2 /TiO2 and p-Si/SiO2 /TiO2 /ZnO heterostructures deposited by RF sputtering on p-Si substrate. The structural properties of the heterostructures were characterized by X-ray reflectivity and SIMS depth profiling. The electrical and optical properties of the heterostructures were investigated by I − V, C-V measurements and VIS spectroscopy, respectively. The measurements reveal that I − V characteristics in dark show semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor (SIS) structure properties. The I − V characteristics under illumination exhibit changes with significant increase of photocurrent due to photoassisted tunnelling and injection through SiO2 /TiO2 interlayer.
Positron and nanoindentation study of helium implanted high chromium ODS steels
Authors: Veternikova Jana Simeg , Fides Martin , Degmova Jarmila , Sojak Stanislav , Petriska Martin , Slugen Vladimir
Published: January 2018

Three oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels with different chromium content (MA 956, MA 957 and ODM 751) were studied as candidate materials for new nuclear reactors in term of their radiation stability. The radiation damage was experimentally simulated by helium ion implantation with energy of ions up to 500 keV. The study was focused on surface and sub-surface structural change due to the ion implantation observed by mostly non-destructive techniques: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The applied techniques demonstrated the best radiation stability of the steel ODM 751. Blistering effect occurred due to high implantation dose (mostly in MA 956) was studied in details.
Production of zinc oxide nanowires power with precisely defined morphology
Authors: Mičová Júlia , Remeš Zdeněk , Chan Yu-Ying
Published: January 2018

The interest about zinc oxide is increasing thanks to its unique chemical and physical properties. Our attention has focused on preparation powder of 1D nanostructures of ZnO nanowires with precisely defined morphology include characterization size (length and diameter) and shape controlled in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have compared results of SEM with dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. We have found out that SEM method gives more accurate results. We have proposed transformation process from ZnO nanowires on substrates to ZnO nanowires powder by ultrasound peeling to colloid followed by lyophilization. This method of the mass production of the ZnO nanowires powder has some advantages: simplicity, cost effective, large-scale and environment friendly.
Temperature dependence of photoluminescence peaks of porous silicon structures
Authors: Brunner Róbert , Pinčík Emil , Kučera Michal , Greguš Ján , Vojtek Pavel , Zábudlá Zuzana
Published: January 2018

Evaluation of photoluminescence spectra of porous silicon (PS) samples prepared by electrochemical etching is presented. The samples were measured at temperatures 30, 70 and 150 K. Peak parameters (energy, intensity and width) were calculated. The PL spectrum was approximated by a set of Gaussian peaks. Their parameters were fixed using fitting a procedure in which the optimal number of peeks included into the model was estimated using the residuum of the approximation. The weak thermal dependence of the spectra indicates the strong influence of active defects.
Expansion of Islamic Finance in Europe
Authors: Masiukiewicz Piotr
Published: January 2018

The development of Islamic finance, their crisis-resistance and possibilities for using experience of this sector in conventional banking industry are being subject of studies in many countries, also non-Muslim ones. In this paper the author presented the analysis of Islamic finance development and its determinants basing on examples from Europe. Such banks and investment funds have a growing share in European markets, which is confirmed by the latest EY’s data. Main obstacles to Islamic finance development include, among others: incompatibility of legal regulations in non-Muslim countries, low demand among Islamic diaspora in Europe, shortage of qualified Sharia scholars, unsatisfactory standardization of Islamic financial products and accounting policies. International Islamic finance institutions (incl. AAOIFI and IFSB) play a significant part in overcoming them. Particularly beneficial legislative changes were introduced in Luxembourg, Germany, Russia and in the United Kingdom. Emerging of other Islamic banks, increase in number of Islamic windows in traditional banks and further development of Islamic investment funds in Europe are to be expected.
Case Study about Germans and Thais: Impact of Locus of Control and Organization-Based Self-Esteem on Affective Organizational Commitment & Job Performance
Authors: Rank Susanne , Puapradit Teeradej
Published: January 2018

Individual self-evaluations like internal locus of control (ILOC) and organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) are discussed as personality traits relevant for positive work behavior of employees. Our case study focuses on the influence of these individual self-evaluations (ILOC & OBSE) on affective commitment and job performance in the contrary cultural settings of Germans and Thais. To test these assumptions, a case study was conducted with 196 German and Thai students with experience in workplaces. As independent variables ILOC and OBSE were assessed, three relevant cultural dimensions were chosen as independent variables: In comparison to Germans, high power distance, femininity and collectivism should be predicted as cultural values of Thais. AOC and self-reported job performance were assessed as dependent variables. Germans and Thais show different levels of three cultural values. Further findings revealed that Germans and Thais have identical levels of OBSE and job performance, but differ in ILOC and AOC. Regression analyses were employed to validate the relationships between the variables. Overall, nationality and masculinity impacted ILOC, whereas OBSE was influenced by masculinity and collectivism. In line with previous research, ILOC and OBSE predict AOC, surprisingly no cultural values impact AOC, but nationality does. Based on our hypothesis, job performance was impacted by ILOC, OBSE, AOC, and, however, also by masculinity. The influence of nationality vs. cultural values is not consistent on both dependent variables. Regardless of their German vs. Thai nationality our participants, i.e. highly qualified people, share masculinity as a common value. Confirming previous studies, self-esteem like ILOC and OBSE are valid predictors for commitment and job performance. Limitations and outlook for further research are discussed.
Characteristics of Slovak Culture in the Context of Bilateral Austrian-Slovak Relations
Authors: Čiefová Michaela
Published: January 2018

Objective: The main intention of the present paper is, on the one hand, to provide a summary of the characteristics of Slovak culture by applying chosen theories and models. On the other hand, we attempt to underline the significance of bilateral Austro-Slovak relations in relation to the economy or migration tendencies. We assume that, based on geographical proximity and the above stated bilateral relations, intercultural encounters are relatively frequent as well. Therefore, certain perception of Slovaks from the Austrian point of view is likely to exist.

Methodology: Our work is based on relevant scientific sources, as well as on our own empirical research reposing in the analysis of an online questionnaire.

Findings: Overall, findings of our empirical research may be considered rather positive, as no negative or hostile responses concerning Slovak culture were reported. Furthermore, none of the participants experienced a conflict with a Slovak counterpart that could clearly be ascribed to cultural differences.

Value Added: We believe that the conclusions presented in this paper might be helpful not only for managers operating on the international level or businessmen intending to do business with their Slovak partners, for scholars engaged in similar topics but also for anyone interested in intercultural communication and cultural differences.
Novel compound heterozygous variants in the LHCGR gene identified in a subject with Leydig cell hypoplasia type 1
Authors: Xu Yufei , Chen Yulin , Li Niu , Hu Xuyun , Li Guoqiang , Ding Yu , Li Juan , Shen Yiping , Wang Xiumin , Wang Jian
Published: January 2018

Background:

Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) is a rare disease and one of the causes of male disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD). Inactivating mutations in the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) gene account for the underlying LCH pathogenicity. This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentation and diagnosis as well as highlight the molecular characteristics of a subject with LCH type 1.

Case presentation:

Clinical data were collected from the subject and analyzed. Next generation sequencing of the immediate family pedigree using peripheral blood genomic DNA was performed, and the relevant mutations were verified with Sanger sequencing. We describe the case of a 5-year-old patient with DSD, presenting with a lateral inguinal hernia accompanied by abnormal hormone tests. The genetic analysis revealed novel compound heterozygous variants in the LHCGR gene, including a splice site mutation (c.681-1 G>A) and a frameshift variant (c.1582_1585del ATAT, p.Ile528*).

Conclusions:

We identified novel compound heterozygous variants in the LHCGR gene, and expanded the genotype-phenotype correlation spectrum of LHCGR variants.
Emergence of insulin resistance following empirical glibenclamide therapy: a case report of neonatal diabetes with a recessive INS gene mutation
Authors: Yildiz Melek , Akcay Teoman , Aydin Banu , Akgun Abdurrahman , Dogan Beyza Belde , De Franco Elisa , Ellard Sian , Onal Hasan
Published: January 2018

Background:

As KATP channel mutations are the most common cause of neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and patients with these mutations can be treated with oral sulfonylureas, empiric therapy is a common practice for NDM patients.

Case presentation:

A non-syndromic, small for gestational age baby born to first-degree consanguineous parents was diagnosed with NDM. Because of hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes and variability in insulin requirement, we initiated a trial of glibenclamide, with a presumptive diagnosis of NDM caused by a KATP channel mutation. However, this empiric sulfonylurea trial did not improve the patient’s glycemic control and resulted in resistance to exogenous insulin. Genetic testing identified a previously reported homozygous INS promoter mutation (c.-331C>G), which was not responsive to sulfonylurea therapy.

Conclusions:

In light of our results, we recommend to confirm the genetic diagnosis as soon as possible and decide on sulfonylurea treatment after a genetic diagnosis is confirmed.
If Embryos and Fetuses Have Rights
Authors: GoodwIn Michele
Published: January 2018

What exactly does it mean to be human or for that matter a
“non-human”? This essay unpacks questions regarding the personhood
of embryos and fetuses. It takes as its lead the escalating political demand for
embryos to attain rights and the status of children. The essay argues that such
political demands are not in isolation physically, medically, or legally of
women’s health and rights. It makes the case that embryos and fetuses
cannot be granted rights without impermissibly implicating pregnant women. Thus,
the essay argues against the extension of criminal and tort law to punish
pregnant women under fetal protection laws by drawing an analogy to the duty to
rescue jurisprudence.
CRISPR Creations and Human Rights
Authors: Riley Margaret Foster
Published: January 2018

When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948, the
definition of human was uncontroversial. It included all
members of homo sapiens regardless of gender, ethnicity, race
or religion and it did not include animals. In the decades since then,
who—or what—should be included in that definition has become less
clear. Recently some scholars have argued that some animals should be accorded
human rights of liberty and equality. This paper considers what characteristics
and qualities should be required for a bearer of human rights. To do that, the
paper examines beings who might occupy the space between animals and
homo sapiens—a de-extincted Neanderthal or a
“humanzee,”—both of which are at least theoretically
possible with new technology. It concludes that the cognitive and moral
abilities to be both a beneficiary and a contributor to a human polity is a
central part of being a bearer of human rights in this context. It determines
that a humanzee, and possibly a de-extincted Neanderthal, might have those
capabilities. The best way to respect such human rights in those beings would be
not to create them.
The Rights of Non-Humans: From Animals to Silent Nature
Authors: Ezra Ovadia
Published: January 2018

During the last few decades, there have emerged organizations, as well as
theorists, that demand our respect for and acknowledgement of animal rights. The
comprehensive meaning of such a claim is virtually a demand to extend the
boundaries of morality, its range of applicability, and its validity, beyond
human beings alone. This Article intends to continue this tendency and suggests
another breakthrough in mankind’s moral attitude, this time towards
silent nature. I argue that in the same manner that we make non-anthropocentric
moral considerations with regard to animals as living creatures, we should
expand our concern toward silent nature, too.
Beyond Natural Potentiality: Brain-Death Pregnancy, Viable Fetuses, and Pre-implanted Embryos
Authors: Lavi Shai J.
Published: January 2018

Potentiality plays an important role in bioethical debates concerning embryos and
fetuses. In these debates, “conservatives” tend to attribute
ethical significance to an organism’s potential for human life, whereas
“liberals” are likely to deny both the logical coherence of the
concept and its ethical significance. Whether favorable or critical, both sides
of the debate have had in mind a very specific sense of potentiality, namely,
natural potentiality, a pre-given telos awaiting to unfold.
This Article argues that an equally important and novel sense of potentiality is
at play in these cases, namely, techno-potentiality, a power that medical
technology extracts from the organism and holds in-reserve for future use.
Examining three bioethical debates, brain-death pregnancy, fetus viability, and
pre-implanted embryos, the Article demonstrates the importance of
techno-potentiality for understanding how these debates have come about.
Understanding the emergence of a new kind of potentiality is as ethically
significance as is resolving the bioethical dilemmas to which it gives rise.
Qualitative study of disaster preparedness in an Indonesian village: Interviews with survivors of flash flooding near Bandung
Authors: Tejakusuma Iwan Gunawan , Sittadewi Euthalia Hanggari
Published: January 2018

Debris flows and flash floods pose a continuing hazard to Nyalindung, a village in a mountainous part of West Java. On 16 December 2013, three days of heavy rain and a partial breaching of a succession of landslide dams triggered a debris flow and flash flood. One person died, nine homes were damaged, and 53 residents were evacuated. We asked villagers who were directly affected by that disaster about their knowledge of the hazard, in the hope of developing adaptation strategies. The survey showed that the majority of the villagers first became aware of the hazard during the 2013 disaster. Practical solutions exclude relocation because the village has stood in flow paths for the past 70 years or more, and because the families residing there are attached to the land and each other. We recommend combining public education about existing hazards with early warning technology.
Extreme Climate Events, Household Decision-Making and Transitions in the Immediate Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Solecki William , Leichenko Robin , Eisenhauer David
Published: January 2018

It is five years since Hurricane Sandy heavily damaged the New York- New Jersey Metropolitan region, and the fuller character of the long-term response can be better understood. The long-term response to Hurricane Sandy and the flooding risks it illustrated are set in myriad of individual and collective decisions taken during the time following the event. While the physical vulnerability of this region to storm surge flooding and climate change risks including sea level rise has been well-documented within the scholarly literature, Sandy’s impact placed decision-makingpost extreme events into the forefront of public and private discussions about the appropriate response. Some of the most fundamental choices were made by individual homeowners who houses were damaged and in some cases made uninhabitable following the storm. These individuals were forced to make decisions regarding where they would live and whether Sandy’s impact would result in their moving. In the disaster recovery and rebuilding context, these early household struggles about whether to leave or stay are often lost in the wider and longer narrative of recovery. To examine this early phase, this paper presents results of a research study that documented the ephemeral evidence of the initial phase of recovery in coastal communities that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Sandy’s storm surge and flooding. Hurricane Sandy and the immediate response to the storm created conditions for a potential large-scale transformation with respect to settlement of the coastal zone. In the paper, we examine and analyze survey and interview results of sixty-one residents and two dozen local stakeholders and practitioners to understand the stresses and transitions experienced by flooded households and the implications for the longer term resiliency of the communities in which they are located.
Extracting rents through foreclosures: The rescue of Catalunya Banc as a new urban strategy following the burst of the Spanish bubble
Authors: Vives-Miró Sònia , Gutiérrez Aaron
Published: January 2018

Using the paradigmatic example of Catalunya Banc, this paper analyses the Spanish varieties of the new financial engineering used to appropriate urban rent by home dispossession. It aims to contribute to the study of the new forms of financialization that have appeared since 2008. Particular attention is given to the role of the state, the emergence of private equity funds as global real estate owners and how this has translated into a wave of evictions due to mortgage foreclosures. In short, this article highlights the implications of the uneven development resulting from the exhaustion of the so-called Spanish model of accumulation during the real estate boom years.
Anomalous Bessel vortex beam: modulating orbital angular momentum with propagation
Authors: Yang Yuanjie , Zhu Xinlei , Zeng Jun , Lu Xingyuan , Zhao Chengliang , Cai Yangjian
Published: January 2018

Zero-order and higher-order Bessel beams are well-known nondiffracting beams. Namely, they propagate with invariant profile (intensity) and carry a fixed orbital angular momentum. Here, we propose and experimentally study an anomalous Bessel vortex beam. Unlike the traditional Bessel beams, the anomalous Bessel vortex beam carries decreasing orbital angular momentum along the propagation axis in free space. In other words, the local topological charge is inversely proportional to the propagation distance. Both the intensity and phase patterns of the generated beams are measured experimentally, and the experimental results agree well with the simulations. We demonstrate an easy way to modulate the beam’s topological charge to be an arbitrary value, both integer and fractional, within a continuous range. The simplicity of this geometry encourages its applications in optical trapping and quantum information, and the like.