bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and selected properties of boronized layers produced on C45 and CT90 steels after modification by diode laser
Authors: Bartkowska Aneta , Bartkowski Dariusz , Przestacki Damian , Talarczyk Małgorzata
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the study results of macro- and microstructure, microhardness and corrosion resistance of C45 medium carbon steel and CT90 high carbon steel after diffusion boriding and laser modification by diode laser. It was found that the increase of carbon content reduced the thickness of boronized layer and caused change in their morphology. Diffusion boronized layers were composed of FeB and Fe2B iron borides. As a result of laser surface modification of these layers, the microstructure composed of three areas: remelted zone, heat affected zone (HAZ) and the substrate was obtained. Microhardness of laser remelting boronized layer in comparison with diffusion boronized layer was lower. The presence of HAZ was advantageous, because mild microhardness gradient between the layer and the substrate was assured. The specimens with laser boronized layers were characterized by better corrosion resistance than specimens without modified layer.
Shape optimization of the modular press body
Authors: Pabiszczak Stanisław
Published: January 2017

A paper contains an optimization algorithm of cross-sectional dimensions of a modular press body for the minimum mass criterion. Parameters of the wall thickness and the angle of their inclination relative to the base of section are assumed as the decision variables. The overall dimensions are treated as a constant. The optimal values of parameters were calculated using numerical method of the tool Solver in the program Microsoft Excel. The results of the optimization procedure helped reduce body weight by 27% while maintaining the required rigidity of the body.
Stabilisation problem in biaxial platform
Authors: Lindner Tymoteusz , Rybarczyk Dominik , Wyrwał Daniel
Published: January 2017

The article describes investigation of rolling ball stabilization problem on a biaxial platform. The aim of the control system proposed here is to stabilize ball moving on a plane in equilibrium point. The authors proposed a control algorithm based on cascade PID and they compared it with another control method. The article shows the results of the accuracy of ball stabilization and influence of applied filter on the signal waveform. The application used to detect the ball position measured by digital camera has been written using a cross platform .Net wrapper to the OpenCV image processing library - EmguCV. The authors used the bipolar stepper motor with dedicated electronic controller. The data between the computer and the designed controller are sent with use of the RS232 standard. The control stand is based on ATmega series microcontroller.
Generalized variational-like inclusion involving relaxed monotone operators
Authors: Irfan Syed Shakaib , Khan Mohammad F. , Farajzadeh Ali P. , Shafie Allahkaram
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we introduce a new class of resolvent operator, the η-proximal operator, and discuss some of its properties. We consider a new generalized variational-like inclusion problem involving relaxed monotone operators in Hilbert space and construct a new iterative algorithm for proving the existence of the solutions of our problem. Our results improve and generalize many corresponding results in the recent literature.
Reconstruction methods of the middle facial region after skin tumor removal
Authors: Aftenie C. , Bordeianu I.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this paper is highlighting the treatment used for patients with skin tumours in the middle third of the face. Fear of a malign skin disease have been rising public awareness of the danger of exposure to sunlight. The probability of developing a skin tumours increases with age. Non melanocytic skin cancers are currently the most common types of cancers in Caucasians; their incidence has steadily increased worldwide in recent decades in the context of actinic aggression and increased exposure to other carcinogens, with geographic variations depending on climate, sun exposure and skin phototype. Knowing the most common forms of benign and malignant skin tumours is crucial for a proper evaluation and therapeutic management. To restore the defects resulting from excision of different types of skin tumour, were used various surgical procedures. The choice of reconstruction method was done according to the need of each patient, considering the location, size and defect results as well as medical history and level of cooperation with each patient.
Late results after a new therapeutic protocol for soft tissue management in the treatment of tibial pylon fractures
Authors: Serban Al. O. , Obada B. , Radu Georgiana , Zekra M.
Published: January 2017

The prospective study targets the tibial pylon fractures admitted in our clinic, to which a new treatment protocol was applied, consisting of two surgical steps, assessing in the end the results achieved at the discharge of the patient and later follows up. The study group consist of 196 patients (198 fractures), in the period 2012-2015.

The average evaluation time was of 16 months. The average age of the patients was 46.5 years (19-83 years), this type of fracture especially affecting active people. The etiology was dominated by high falls (109 cases), most of them being work related accidents. The most frequently applied osteosynthesis principle was staged osteosynthesis which consisted of first stage fibula semitubular plate osteosynthesis and external fixator tibia pylon, followed by minimally invasive or limited approach locked plate tibia pylon fixation. (64.14%) Olerud and Molander clinical score at more than one year after the last surgical intervention highlights good results: excellent results in the amount of 37% to 15% in the first lot, good results 52% to 29%, moderate success 7% to 39% and poor 4% to 17%.

Two stage surgery protocol with external fixation in emergency and minimally invasive internal fixation with locked plate performed after the dissappearance of the local edema, as the second surgical step, allows anatomically correct articular reconstruction without skin complications, with decrease of arthitic late complications.
Particularities Regarding the Evolution of Trichinosis in Constanta County
Authors: Severin Beatrice , Moldoveanu Anca-Maria , Broasca V. , Adumitresi Cecilia , Ilasca Olguta
Published: January 2017

Meat is a staple food for a large part of the population and excessive consumption is often done, with serious repercussions on health. But there are situations where even the occasional meat intake can affect the health of the population, if the products have not been verified for sanitary standards. Trichinosis is an example for this situation. Romania has a significant number of cases compared to other European countries. In Constanta County trichinosis incidence is increasing continuously in 2009-2013. Considering these data we can say that prevention and control measures are not sufficient for this pathology.
Atypical presentations of celiac disease
Authors: Balasa Adriana Luminita , Mihai Cristina Maria , Chisnoiu Tatiana , Frecus Corina Elena
Published: January 2017

In this study we evaluated the association of celiac disease in 81 children with autoimmune disease and genetic syndromes over a two years periods (January 2014 to July 2016) in Pediatric Clinic in Constanta. Because the extraintestinal symptoms are an atypical presentation of celiac disease we determined in these children the presence of celiac disease antibodies: Anti-tissue Transglutaminase Antibody IgA and IgA total serum level as a screening method followeds in selective cases by Anti-tissue Transglutaminase Antibody IgG, anti-endomysial antibodies, deamidated gliadin antibodies IgA and IgG and intestinal biopsia. In our study 8 patients had been diagnosed with celiac disease with extraintestinal symptoms, of which 4 with type 1 diabetes, 1 patient with ataxia, 2 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and 1 patient with Down syndrome that associate also autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, enamel hypoplasia.
The descending thoracic aorta morphological characteristics
Authors: Malik S. , Bordei P. , Rusali A. , Iliescu D. M.
Published: January 2017

Our study was conducted by consulting angioCT sites made on a CT GE LightSpeed VCT64 Slice CT and a CT GE LightSpeed 16 Slice CT, following the path and relationships of the descending thoracic aorta against the vertebral column, outside diameters thereof at the thoracic vertebrae T4, T7, T12 and posterior intercostal arteries characteristics. The origin of of the descending thoracic aorta we found most commonly on the left flank of the lower edge of the vertebral body T4, but I have encountered cases where it had come above the lower edge of T4 on level of intervertebral disc T4-T5 or even at the upper edge of T5 vertebral body. At thoracic vertebra T4, on a total of 30 cases, the descending thoracic aorta present a diameter of 20.0 to 32.6 mm, values that correspond to male gender and to females diameter ranging from 25.5 to 27, 4 mm. At level of T7 thoracic vertebra, thoracic aorta present a diameter of 19.6 to 29.5 mm, values found in men, in women the diameter being from 21.9 to 25.2 mm. At thoracic vertebra T12, on a total of 27 cases, the descending thoracic aorta present a diameter of 17.6 to 27.7 mm, in males the diameter was from 17.6 to 27.7 mm and females diameter ranging from 21.1 to 25.2. The length of the descending thoracic aorta was from 18.40 to 19.41 cm.
Monocular indoor localization techniques for smartphones
Authors: Hollósi Gergely , Lukovszki Csaba , Moldován István , Plósz Sándor , Harasztos Frigyes
Published: January 2017

In the last decade huge research work has been put to the indoor visual localization of personal smartphones. Considering the available sensor capabilities monocular odometry provides promising solution, even reecting requirements of augmented reality applications. This paper is aimed to give an overview of state-of-the-art results regarding monocular visual localization. For this purpose essential basics of computer vision are presented and the most promising solutions are reviewed.
Internal quality evolution of a large test system – an industrial study
Authors: Kovács Attila , Szabados Kristóf
Published: January 2017

This paper presents our empirical observations related to the evolution of a large automated test system. The system observed is used in the industry as a test tool for complex telecommunication systems, itself consisting of more than one million lines of source code. This study evaluates how different changes during the development have changed the number of observed Code Smells in the test system. We have monitored the development of the test scripts and measured the code quality characteristics over a five years period.

The observations show that the introduction of continuous integration, the existence of tool support for quality improvements in itself, changing the development methodologies (from waterfall to agile), changing technical and line management structure and personnel caused no measurable change in the trends of the observed Code Smells. Internal quality improvements were achieved mainly by individuals intrinsic motivation. Our measurements show similarities with earlier results on software systems evolutions presented by Lehman.
Relationship Between Hyper MV -algebras and Hyperlattices
Authors: Borzooei R. A. , Radfar Akefe , Niazian Sogol
Published: January 2017

Sh. Ghorbani, et al. [9], generalized the concept of MV -algebras and defined the notion of hyper MV -algebras. Now, in this paper, we try to prove that any hyper MV -algebra is a hyperlattice. First we prove that any hyper MV -algebra that satisfies the semi negation property is a hyperlattice. Then with a computer program, we show that any hyper MV -algebra of order less than 6, is a hyperlattice. Finally, we claim that this result is correct for any hyper MV -algebra.
Characterization of Dini Lipschitz Functions in Terms of Their Helgason Transform
Authors: Ouadih Salah El , Daher Radouan
Published: January 2017

In this paper, using a generalized translation operator, we obtain an analog of Younis Theorem 5.2 in [6] for the Helgason Fourier transform of a set of functions satisfying the Dini Lipschitz condition in the space L2 for functions on noncompact rank one Riemannian symmetric spaces.
Dualities in Nonholonomic Optimization
Authors: Udrişte Constantin , Constantinescu Mădălina , Ţevy Ionel , Dogaru Oltin
Published: January 2017

This article deals with optimizing problems whose restrictions are nonholonomic. The central issue relates to dual nonholonomic programs (what they mean and how they are solved?) when the nonholonomic constraints are given by Pfaff equations. We emphasize that nonholonomic critical points are not the classical ones and that the nonholonomic Lagrange multipliers are not the classical (holonomic) Lagrange multipliers. Topological significance of Lagrange multipliers and dual function theory introduced by EDO and EDP are key results. Also new Riemannian geometries attached to a given nonholonomic constrained optimization problem are introduced. The original results are surprising and include: (i) aspects derived from the Vranceanu theory of nonholonomic manifolds, and from the geometric distributions theory, (ii) optimal problems in Darboux canonical coordinates.
Process and Product Innovation and the Role of the Preference Function
Authors: Hoefele Andreas
Published: January 2017

In this paper I investigate the relationship between firms’ investment in product and process innovation, in particular how this relationship is affected by the consumer’s valuation for variety. Depending on the strength of the consumer’s value of variety, the aggregate demand increases with a higher degree of product innovation, which I call the market-expansion effect. I show that the two types of investment are positively related if the market expansion effect is strong.
Antifungal potential of thyme essential oil as a preservative for storage of wheat seeds
Authors: Anžlovar Sabina , Likar Matevž , Koce Jasna Dolenc
Published: January 2017

Plant essential oils are potential food preservatives due to their inhibitory effects on bacterial and fungal growth. Antifungal activities of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil were tested against endophytic fungi grown from wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain, molecularly identified as Alternaria alternata, Alternaria infectoria, Aspergillus flavus, Epicoccum nigrum and Fusarium poae. Their susceptibility to thyme essential oil was tested in vitro, and ranged from fungicidal to fungistatic. Treatment combinations of prior grain surface sterilization with hypochlorite and direct/indirect treatment with the essential oil were used, which showed strong effects on infection incidence and germination. Direct soaking of the wheat grain in the essential oil was particularly effective, but inhibited both fungal growth and seed germination. In contrast, indirect treatment of the grain with the essential oil (i.e., fumigation) inhibited fungal growth without negative effects on seed germination. In combination with grain surface sterilization with hypochlorite, indirect treatment with thyme essential oil reduced these fungal infections even more. Since thyme essential oil is safe for plants and consumers, in the form of fumigation it could be used as a protectant of storage containers for wheat grain intended for sowing and for food production.
Hieracium pollinense (Asteraceae), an endemic species to the Pollino National Park (Southern Italy) rediscovered
Authors: Gottschlich Günter , Scafidi Filippo , Di Gristina Emilio
Published: January 2017

The presence of Hieracium pollinense Zahn in Italy is confirmed here after 132 years since its first description based on a single collection made in 1877 in the Mt. Pollino. It is a calcicolous species, so far represented by one population, belongs to the H. sect. Villosa. In line with the IUCN criteria its conservation status assessment is “endangered”.
High Accuracy Compact Operator Methods for Two-Dimensional Fourth Order Nonlinear Parabolic Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Mohanty Ranjan Kumar , Kaur Deepti
Published: January 2017

In this study, we develop and implement numerical schemes to solve classes of two-dimensional fourth-order partial differential equations. These methods are fourth-order accurate in space and second-order accurate in time and require only nine spatial grid points of a single compact cell. The proposed discretizations allow the use of Dirichlet boundary conditions only without the need to discretize the derivative boundary conditions and thus avoids the use of ghost points. No transformation or linearization technique is used to handle nonlinearity and the obtained block tri-diagonal nonlinear system has been solved by Newton’s block iteration method. It is discussed how our formulation is able to tackle linear singular problems and it is ensured that the methods retain their orders and accuracy everywhere in the solution region. The proposed two-level method is shown to be unconditionally stable for a class of two-dimensional fourth-order linear parabolic equation. We also discuss the alternating direction implicit (ADI) method for solving two-dimensional fourth-order linear parabolic equation. The proposed difference methods has been successfully tested on the two-dimensional vibration problem, Boussinesq equation, extended Fisher–Kolmogorov equation and
Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation. Numerical results demonstrate that the schemes are highly accurate in solving a large class of physical problems.
Estimation of the firm‘s balance sheet channel effects during the economic crisis: Case of Croatia
Authors: Šagovac Mislav , Šikić Luka
Published: January 2017

Economic theory recognizes the importance of the firm’s balance sheet channel. This stands in stark contrast to the neoclassical theory of investment. This paper analyses the response of firms to the economic crisis in the sample of Croatian firms. Our main variables of interest are investment and employment. We estimated the OLS model that accounts for a heterogeneous response to the crisis shock of differently leveraged firms. The empirical model is augmented so that it accounts for industry and county effects. The robustness checks are performed for different dependent as well as control variables and interactions. The results strongly and robustly confirm the importance of the firm’s balance sheet channel.
Is there a housing wealth effect in European countries?
Authors: Časni Anita Čeh
Published: January 2017

In this study, a housing wealth effect on personal consumption is assumed and tested on 16 selected European countries using an estimator developed for dynamic heterogeneous panel data analysis. Empirical estimates have shown that there is a long-run and a short-run housing wealth effect in analysed countries. The elasticity of real private consumption to changes in real disposable income has shown to be positive and statistically significant as well as the elasticity of consumption to changes in real housing wealth. Therefore, the research hypothesis of this paper of a statistically significant and positive long-term relationship between housing wealth and private consumption in the analysed countries was confirmed.
ABA pretreatment can alter the distribution of polysomes in salt-stressed barley sprouts
Authors: Szypulska Ewa , Weidner Stanisław
Published: January 2017

The study analyzed caryopses of barley (Hordeum vulgare) cv. Stratus. Caryopses were germinated in darkness at 20°C in three experimental setups: (a) in distilled water for 24 hours, followed by 100 mM NaCl for another 24 hours (salinity stress, SS), (b) in 100 μM of abscisic acid for the first 24 hours, followed by rinsing with distilled water to remove residual ABA, and in 100 mM NaCl for another 24 hours (ABA pretreatment + salinity stress, ABAS), (c) in distilled water only (control, C). Changes in the content of free polysomes (FP), membrane-bound polysomes (MBP), cytoskeleton-bound polysomes (CBP) and cytomatrix-bound polysomes (CMBP) were examined in barley sprouts germinated in SS and ABAS treatments for 48 hours. In salt-stressed barley sprouts, the concentrations of membrane-bound and cytoskeleton-bound polysomes (MBP, CBP and CMBP) decreased significantly, whereas an increase was noted only in the free polysome (FP) fraction. ABA pretreatment altered the distribution of polysomes in stressed plants. The content of cytoskeletonbound polysomes (CBP and CMBP) increased, FP levels decreased, whereas no changes in MBP content were observed in response to ABA treatment. Our results suggest that plants respond to salt stress by increasing the concentrations of free polysomes that are probably released from damaged cell structures, mainly membranes. Our present and previous findings indicate that ABA could inhibit the release of FP in stressed plants by enhancing polysome binding to the cytoskeleton.
Osphya brusteli sp. nov. from the Balkan Peninsula (Coleoptera: Melandryidae)
Authors: Konvička Ondřej
Published: January 2017

A melandryid beetle, Osphya brusteli sp. nov. from the Balkan Peninsula (Greece and Macedonia) is described and illustrated.
Algorithm of Energy Efficiency Improvement for Intelligent Devices in Railway Transport
Authors: Beinaroviča Anna , Gorobecs Mihails , Ļevčenkovs Anatolijs
Published: January 2017

The present paper deals with the use of systems and devices with artificial intelligence in the motor vehicle driving. The main objective of transport operations is a transportation planning with minimum energy consumption. There are various methods for energy saving, and the paper discusses one of them – proper planning of transport operations. To gain proper planning it is necessary to involve the system and devices with artificial intelligence. They will display possible developments in the choice of one or another transport plan. Consequently, it can be supposed how much the plan is effective against the spent energy. The intelligent device considered in this paper consists of an algorithm, a database, and the internet for the connection to other intelligent devices. The main task of the target function is to minimize the total downtime at intermediate stations. A specific unique PHP-based computer model was created. It uses the MySQL database for simulation data storage and processing. Conclusions based on the experiments were made. The experiments showed that after optimization, a train can pass intermediate stations without making multiple stops breaking and accelerating, which leads to decreased energy consumption.
The Way of Reducing Current Values in Optical Ground Wires at Asymmetrical Faults on Overhead Transmission Lines
Authors: Egamnazarov Georgiy
Published: January 2017

Given the fact that the installing costs of an optical ground wire on overhead lines directly depend on its cross-section, which in turn depends on the level of fault current it should withstand, in order to reduce these current values in the optical ground wire, I suggested performing its isolated descents from the end towers of the line with its transition to an optical cable. The research was carried out on the example of a 500 kV overhead line in the National Electric Power Grid. The Method of Symmetrical Components for calculating asymmetrical fault currents was not used; therefore, calculations were carried out on the base of presenting the line as a multi-wire system for the considered case as a five-wire system (optical ground wire, steel ground wire, and three phase wires). Such approach allows taking into account the initial asymmetry of the line parameters and modeling any kind of asymmetrical faults. The analyses of calculated results were performed. The conclusive evidence that the optical ground wire isolated descents from the end towers of the line give the possibility of reducing the level of maximal fault current distribution values in it and therefore its cross section, is presented.
Alternative Energetics DC Microgrid With Hydrogen Energy Storage System
Authors: Zaļeskis Genadijs , Steiks Ingars
Published: January 2017

This paper is related to an alternative energetics microgrid with a wind generator and a hydrogen energy storage system. The main aim of this research is the development of solutions for effective use of the wind generators in alternative energetics devices, at the same time providing uninterrupted power supply of the critical loads. In this research, it was accepted that the alternative energetics microgrid operates in an autonomous mode and the connection to the conventional power grid is not used. In the case when wind speed is low, the necessary power is provided by the energy storage system, which includes a fuel cell and a tank with stored hydrogen. The theoretical analysis of the storage system operation is made. The possible usage time of the stored hydrogen depends on the available amount of hydrogen and the consumption of the hydrogen by the fuel cell. The consumption, in turn, depends on used fuel cell power. The experimental results suggest that if the wind generator can provide only a part of the needed power, the abiding power can be provided by the fuel cell. In this case, a load filter is necessary to decrease the fuel cell current pulsations.
Importance of Various Service Types in Hotels - Empirical Analysis
Authors: Đorđević Aleksandar , Zečević Bojan , Hristov Stančić Branislava
Published: January 2017

Hotels offer different types of services which have different impacts on the users’ satisfaction and have an influence in various extents on decision making, when it comes to the selection of hotels. As a part of research, empirical analysis based on the importance of different services which hotels provide, was conducted. The idea of research is to determine the importance of different types of services for users. The survey was conducted on a sample of 850 respondents in Serbia. The study used AHP methodology which is used in the decisionmaking process analysis and is suitable for studies defining the rank of relevance of individual elements. The obtained results presented in the study provide information such as, what services offered by hotels have the greatest importance for users. Based on the obtained results in empirical research, and by applying cluster analysis, two different segments of hotel guests are identified based on the preferred services. Segments are statistically different and can represent various targets in the hotel business policy.
Accounting Regulation of Financial Reporting By Small and Medium-Sized Entities with No Public Accountability
Authors: Škobić Tanja
Published: January 2017

The establishement of uniform rules and principles for the recognition and evaluation, requirements for presentation and disclosure of elements of the financial statements provides global comparability, harmonisation and high quality financial reporting. Taking into account the simpler requirements of small and mediumsized entities in relation to large entities, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has created a financial reporting standard to meet the needs and capabilities of small and medium-sized entities with no public accountability, which, although the reduced volume and simplified requirements, does not diminish the quality or transparency of financial reporting. The author aims to point to the justification of the need to establish a standard for medium and small entities, analyzes its basic characteristics and examines the relations with full standards and EU regulations. Mandatory application of the standard for small and medium entities in the Republic of Serbia is justified, but other conditions are also required for its successful implementation, which are not provided due to the alternative use of national legislation that is incomplete and vague, and inconsistent with the standards, concludes the author.
The Dynamics Of Small Towns In France
Authors: Jousseaume Valérie , Talandier Magali
Published: January 2017

This article is based on a renewed, unified functional definition of France’s urban hierarchy. Our ranking defines small towns exclusively in terms of their commercial and service functions, not according to size (population or jobs). Accordingly small towns are characterized by their function both in terms of education (presence of a high school), healthcare (a hospital with an operating theatre) and trade (a supermarket with floorspace exceeding 2,500 square metres). The population of small French towns identified using these criteria ranges from 6,200 to 35,500, with 3,500 to 19,000 jobs, depending on their regional context. Large hub-bourgs, defined as places hosting a secondary school, supermarket and nursing home, emerge as the lower limit of the urban world, interfacing with the countryside. In several ways they might count as ‘very small towns’, with a population ranging from 2,400 to 13,500, and 1,000 to 4,700 jobs. The article then analyses the population dynamic of small towns in mainland France over the past 50 years. This period has witnessed far-reaching changes: an urban then metropolitan model has gradually taken shape and gathered strength. In recent years this process has gone hand-in-hand with the demographic renewal of rural areas.
Significance of Small Towns in the Process of Urbanisation of the Wielkopolska Region (Poland)
Authors: Konecka-Szydłowska Barbara
Published: January 2017

A study is made of the significance of small towns in the process of urbanisation of Wielkopolska, a region situated in the western part of Poland. The analysis is conducted in both, a dynamic and a static approach, and covers two aspects of urbanisation: demographic and spatial. The basic period examined embraces the years 2000-2015. What is visible in the set of Wielkopolska towns is the depopulation of its core city, Poznań, accompanied by an increase in the population of small units located in its suburban zone. There is an upward tendency in the population number also in selected size classes of small Wielkopolska towns, which demonstrates that in this case we cannot speak of a crisis of small towns since they play an important role in the process of urbanisation of the region. In the recent years, increasingly important in this process, especially at the local level, has been the appearance of new towns set up as a result of the restitution of municipal rights.
Going glocal: The impact of CLIL on English Language Learners’ multilingual Identities and Attitudes in the Balearic Islands
Authors: López-Deflory Estefania , Juan-Garau Maria
Published: January 2017

Languages are a defining identity component, intrinsic to all individuals and societies. Identities are not fixed but ever fluctuating, hence the process of learning a second or foreign language may entail a negotiation of shifting identities, modifying positioning, attitudes and beliefs. Departing from this premise, in multilingual contexts the potential of education in shaping multilingual identities should be addressed.

This study contrasts the attitudes of two groups of secondary education students (n=73), partaking in two different language learning programmes in the Balearic Islands (formal instruction in English as a Foreign Language –EFL, and Content and Language Integrated Learning –CLIL), where the introduction of English as a medium of instruction may be perceived as a threat to the unbalanced coexistence of Spanish and Catalan as the majority and minority languages, respectively. A 31-item questionnaire quantified the values ascribed to multilingualism, Spanish, Catalan, and English, the internationalisation of the latter, and the perception of the classroom as a genuine community of language practice. Qualitative data were collected through an essay eliciting students’ metalinguistic reflection on the position of different languages in their future imagined communities.

The results shed light on the relevance of teaching methodologies in the development of identities, ascertaining the positive impact of integrative approaches such as CLIL on the construction of summative multilingualism.
Index of Fossiliferous Localities of the Mílina Formation (Lower Ordovician of the Prague Basin, Czech Republic)
Authors: Kraft Jaroslav , Mergl Michal , Hroch Tomáš , Kraft Petr
Published: January 2017

Twenty-two fossiliferous localities of the Mílina Formation described herein represent all fossil sites of this unit we have found mentioned in publications. Fossil taxa from relevant papers are summarized and historic names used for the localities are listed. Updated lists of fauna are compiled for each locality; based on these an overall list for the formation is concluded.
Some weighted integral inequalities for differentiable h-preinvex functions
Authors: Latif Muhammad Amer , Dragomir Sever Silvestru , Momoniat Ebrahim
Published: January 2017

In this paper, by using a weighted identity for functions defined on an open
invex subset of the set of real numbers, by using the Hölder integral
inequality and by using the notion of h-preinvexity, we present weighted
integral inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard-type for functions whose derivatives
in absolute value raised to certain powers are h-preinvex functions. Some
new Hermite–Hadamard-type integral inequalities are obtained when h is
super-additive. Inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard-type for s-preinvex
functions are given as well as a special case of our results.
Unbounded solutions for differential equations with p-Laplacian and mixed nonlinearities
Authors: Bartušek Miroslav , Došlá Zuzana , Marini Mauro
Published: January 2017

The existence of unbounded solutions with
different asymptotic behavior for a second order nonlinear differential
equation with p-Laplacian is considered. The oscillation of all solutions
is investigated. Some discrepancies and similarities between
equations of Emden–Fowler-type and equations with mixed nonlinearities are
pointed out.
Phenomenological Models to Predict the Flow Stress up to the Peak of as-Extruded 7050 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Xia Yu-Feng , Zhao Jia , Jiang Lai , Long Shuai , Wang Tian-yu
Published: January 2017

In order to improve the understanding of the hot flow behaviors of as-extruded 7050 aluminum alloy, a series of isothermal compression tests with a fixed height reduction of 60 % were performed at the temperatures of 573 K, 623 K, 673 K and 723 K, and the strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 1 s−1 and 10 s−1 on a Gleeble-1500 thermo-mechanical simulator. Based on both nonlinear and linear estimations of work hardening rate versus strain curves, two phenomenological models have been developed to predict the flow stress values under different hot forming conditions up to the peak stress. The suitability levels of these two models were evaluated by comparing both the correlation coefficient (R) and the average absolute relative error (AARE). R-value and AARE-value for the linear phenomenological model are 0.9995 and 2.18 %, respectively, while the R-value and AARE-value for the nonlinear model are 0.9901 and 10.60 %, respectively. The results showed that the predictions of these two models were in good agreement with the experimental data for 7050 aluminum alloy. Fewer materials constants were involved in the linear model, and the predicting ability of the linear model is stronger than the nonlinear model.
Power Quality Improvement of Single Phase Grid Connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Sahoo Pradipta Kumar , Ray Pravat Kumar , Das Pranati
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic power system with the capability of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of photovoltaic (PV) array and reactive power compensation. The non linear characteristics of the proposed modified p-q theory have been improved with the help of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. MPPT controller helps to feed the inverter with maximum power from the solar grid, for switching pattern generation hysteresis controller is used. The simulation results developed in MATLAB/Simulink software, verify the performance and advantages of the proposed system used to integrate the single phase grid to photovoltaic for enhancing the power quality. Also the proposed scheme has been verified in laboratory setup for its real time implementation.
Deflection of Plates by Using Principle of Quasi Work
Authors: Singh A. Mahavir , Pandita B. I.K. , Kheer C. S.K.
Published: January 2017

A new methodology based on Principle of Quasi Work is used for calculating the deflections in plates. The basis of this methodology is concept of topologically similar systems. Present method uses a priory known solution for deflection of a simply supported plate for arriving at the deflection of any other topologically similar plate with different loading and boundary conditions. This priory known solution is herein referred to as reference equation. Present methodology is easy as deflections are obtained mostly by elementary mathematics for point loads and for other loads by integration that’s integrant is reference equation multiplied by the equation of load. In the present methodology solution of fourth order partial differential equation in two independent variables as used in lengthy and not so easy conventional method is bypassed.
Legal Aspects of the Implementation of European Union’s Common Commercial Policy: Lithuanian Experience and Practice
Authors: Valantiejus Gediminas
Published: January 2017

The Common Commercial Policy is the essential basis of the European Union (hereinafter - the EU), which, in particular, is a free trade area between the 28 Member States with a common external customs tariff and a common foreign trade policy as well as common trade rules with the third countries. Implementation of this policy is characterized by the fact that it is based on an exclusive competence of the EU, which after the Treaty of Lisbon (2009) became even more apparent. Therefore the countries of the EU should follow the same legal principles and rules in the regulation of their foreign trade, that is to apply the uniform EU rules on the calculation of customs duties and determination of the customs origin of goods, customs valuation and tariff classification of goods (Common Customs Tariff). However, implementation of these provisions is always experiencing stress due to the different interests of the EU Member States and the different national practices, especially when the administration of customs duties is actually implemented only at the level of individual EU Member States. Therefore the aim of the article is to assess the implementation of the EU’s CCP from the perspective of the EU Member State (Lithuania) and to describe existing discrepancies which may serve as an obstacle for the development of common regulatory regime for import customs duties in the EU or hinder its main economic goals in international trade. Analysis of relevant scientific problems is mainly based on the comparative method (comparison of the practice of the national courts in the Republic of Lithuania and the Court of Justice of the European Union in disputes related to the functioning of the EU's customs union) and generalization of professional experience (national and EU judicial practice). The research leads to the conclusion that a uniform implementation of Common Commercial Policy and the Common Customs Tariff, as its main element, is not fully ensured on the practical level from the perspective of certain Member States (i.e. Lithuania).
Fuel Prices as a Factor of Shaping Profitability of Road Transport in Poland
Authors: Marzantowicz Łukasz
Published: January 2017

The goal of this article is to determine the relation between the price of fuel and the profitability of the company. For this purpose, the article defines the profitability of transport enterprises and points the source of the impact of changes in fuel prices on the profitability of companies in the road transport sector. The case of the ABC transport company shows the relationship between the costs incurred for the purchase of fuel and the cost of transport activities. To test the theoretical assumptions, case study method was used.
Pedagogy of Financial Education among College Students
Authors: Jacob Michael Ben
Published: January 2017

The level of economic thinking and financial culture of population should be considered one of the most important components of society’s economic life quality. Here, a key factor is economic and financial socialization of an individual, which can be achieved mainly by modelling appropriate training process technology to promote and ensure financial awareness at the early stages of training in high school and later on in colleges and universities. This paper focuses on one of the options of a unique subject matter (course) in Financial Education, for which testing started in 2008 and is successfully continuing in the Department of Business Management of Neri Bloomfield School of Design and Education (Haifa, Israel) against the backdrop of a multicultural environment. The study shows the dynamics of the formation of the main teaching methods of the new course. In parallel, we analysed the results of the final examinations of students to further adjust the content and pedagogy of the educational process. The results once again confirmed the urgent need to improve the financial literacy of students in accordance with the challenges of economics and culture in the twenty-first century.
The Impact of E-Commerce Development on the Warehouse Space Market in Poland
Authors: Dembińska Izabela
Published: January 2017

The subject of discussion in the article is the impact of e-commerce sector on the warehouse space market. On the basis of available reports, the development of e-commerce has been characterized in Poland, showing the dynamics and the type of change. The needs of e-commerce sector in the field of logistics, in particular in the area of storage, have been presented in the paper. These needs have been characterized and at the same time, how representatives of the warehouse space market are prepared to support companies in the e-commerce sector is also discussed. The considerations are illustrated by the changes that occur as a result of the development of e-commerce on the warehouse space market in Poland.
Discourses on gender in early childhood education and care (ECEC) setting: Equally discriminated against
Authors: Breneselović Dragana Pavlović , Krnjaja Živka
Published: January 2017

The paper addresses gender issues in the practice of ECEC through research with children. The research examines children’s perspectives of kindergarten practice, acknowledging the importance of the child’s perspective in critical investigations of this nature. In total, fifty children from thirty kindergartens across Serbia participated in the research involving the Mosaic method. Qualitative analysis through three iterative phases helped identify emergent themes. The themes were not imposed by the researchers but emerged from the children’s narratives generated around photographs and drawings they had produced, map-making and kindergarten tours. One of the emergent themes captured in the children’s narratives related to gender issues and helped us map the three pathways of data synthesis: gender segregation and stereotyping, gender discrimination, and close friendships. The examples of children narratives indicate that no particular gender discourse informed the teachers’ practices nor did they critically re-examine gender issues. This consequently led to the perpetuation of gender segregation and stereotyping, as well as gender discrimination against boys and girls. Thus, we argue that ECEC practices should be further re-examined to with a view to improving gender equity.
Agents pedagogical: Bootstrapping reflexive practice through the psychological resources of self-agency
Authors: Maclellan Effie
Published: January 2017

Two different strands of evidence coalesce to give rise to the issue of concern in this paper. Firstly, proposals for educational reform assert that teacher- -agency is necessary for effective reform. Indeed it is argued that it is agency which drives the construction/reconstruction of professional knowledge, to influence and transform work practices. Secondly, the emphasis on teacher cognition marks a departure from teaching being characterised in terms of observable behaviours and gives way to teaching being construed as thoughtful behaviour. Nowadays, teachers are understood not merely as mechanical implementers of external prescription but as active decision-makers who interpret what they read/are told through their own conceptual lenses. Given the importance of teachers in their own professional learning, and the centrality of teacher cognition as the conduit through which they plan and enact pedagogical activities, it is a non-trivial matter to understand the dynamics at play in being an agentic teacher. Using a lens of psychological literature, this conceptual analysis explores how the tools of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and self-determination interact with reflexive practice.
The Latins and Their Legal Status in the Context of the Cultural and Political Integration of Pre- and Early Roman Italy
Authors: Coşkun Altay
Published: January 2017

Traditional concepts of ‚Romanization‘ prior to the Social War are currently meeting with growing criticism. Converging developments in Italy are no longer uniformly explained with deliberate Roman agency or an inescapably attractive Roman model. This context offers an intriguing framework for a renewed discussion of the ‚Latin Rights‘: while previously viewed as a major catalyst for legal and political integration, a recent study has argued that the Latins were barely ‚privileged‘ prior to ca. 125 BC, when the Romans radically changed their attitude to them, and the legal conditions accordingly. Responding to various criticisms, this article corroborates the paradigm shift and seeks to highlight further ramifications.
Trade, Development and Industrial Policy in Africa: The Case for a Pragmatic Approach to Optimizing Policy Coherence Between Industrial Policy and the WTO Policy Space
Authors: van der Ven Colette M. A.
Published: January 2017

Industrial policy has become a new development priority for many African countries. In this context, many scholars point to the WTO and argue that a key impediment towards Africa’s successful industrialization is the narrowing of the WTO policy space. This paper challenges that argument through examining the extent to which African countries actually take into account the WTO policy space when implementing their industrial policy objectives. Through an empirical analysis of industrial policy priorities and key trade and investment laws and regulations in Kenya, Ghana and Namibia, this paper concludes that a significant policy constraint to effective industrialization in Africa is not the WTO policy space per se, but rather a lack of alignment between a country’s industrial policy objectives, trade and investment laws, and the WTO policy space.
Impact of Lake Gopło on low-flow regime of the upper Noteć river
Authors: Tomaszewski Edmund
Published: January 2017

The main aim of this study is to make an assessment of the impact of Lake Gopło on a river low-flow regime. Two water gauges were selected, located in an upstream and downstream position to the lake on the River Noteć. On the basis of the daily discharge series from the period 1965–1990, a group of low-flow regime estimators was computed. Analyses involved various aspects of minimum flows and drought streamflow deficits. Comparison of the data between both gauging stations showed the extent of the influence of water management on Lake Gopło on low-flow regime transformation in the River Noteć.